I started the ArtFoodHome.com daily (now 4 times/week) blog 1/1/11 (easy to remember, right?) and have kept it going since then. Come back each day - I share with you:
ART: featured artists, art events, workshops, etc.
FOOD: recipes, restaurants, and good finds along the way
HOME: house plans, home design, places here in Charleston...
On year 14 of artfoodhome.com - share this site with anyone who you think might enjoy it!
I’ve been putting something off and I need to stop… Well actually I don’t need to STOP I need to START… start what? Painting… Not painting a wall, shoot, if that’s all I had to do THAT kind of painting would get done in a hurry! It’s the other kind, the kind that requires skill and creativity… Oil painting… You know when you have something you should be doing, but for some (sometimes unexplained) reason you just don’t get to it? Well, that’s me. I was on a good roll several years ago… then I think a series of paintings I wasn’t happy with just got to me… What am I doing? Do I even know? Then it was too hot… now it’s too cold… hmmm, actually TODAY is a perfect day, but I’ve got other things to get done. See what I mean? But I have it back on my mind daily.
I need to start painting again… SOON! Or else I’m going to turn the sunroom/studio back into a nice sunroom/reading area! When I look back at some of my paintings I’m thrilled, I actually am HAPPY with them… so what was my problem then? My guess is that I was comparing myself to “good” experienced artists, and in my mind I just wasn’t measuring up. Well this is the year to turn things around. Wish me luck… I’ll need it, ha!
BRAVERY… That’s the WordPress topic of the day. Are you brave? What constitutes being brave to you? Is it the firemen (& women!) who run into burning buildings to save people? Is it the police officers who go into buildings possible inhabited with an armed person? Is it the men and women serving our country as well as their families who are doing without their loved ones? Possibly the doctors and nurses who “make things better”… OR the patients who are going through trying times? To all of you brave people… BLESS YOU!
Now, on another note… if you need to brave the cold, especially the wind, here’s the jacket for you! The Patagonia Retro-X. My husband bought me one for Christmas last year (mine is brown) and I LOVE IT, it’s so warm, you don’t feel the wind blowing… yay! It’s made by Patagonia… check it out!
I love seeing before and after pictures of rooms that have been given new life! The before pictures always seem cluttered and dark, full of unnecessary things everywhere. The after pictures seem crisp and clean, no extra stuff sitting around taking up space and collecting dust… Here are a few great before and after pics from www.coastallivng.com! If you have a room that might resembe one of these before pictures… just know there IS HOPE! Paint is probably the cheapest transformer of a room and it can have such an impact! See if you agree… of course their view sure doesn’t hurt, wouldn’t you love to look out at that each day?
Once upon a time there was a neat little design store in Charleston, SC. They sold funky cool things but at a higher price point than most. It was fun to go in and get good ideas… and then… we spotted this cotton canvas throw. I’m not talking about a rough stiff canvas I’m talking about a nice worn cotton canvas… but ohhhh the price tag… I went back to buy it for my husband for his birthday, hee hee. After spending too much time inside the store fighting with myself (not out loud, no worries!) I just couldn’t part with $185 for a COTTON throw… So I didn’t get it… not sure what he ended up with that year… hmmm, hope it was good! Fast forward a few years. We’re in Maine, in this small fishing village with a cool shop full of neat things. We walked in and spotted TWO. The owner said it was the end of the season so she gave us a discount if we bought both… IT WAS MEANT. TO. BE. Woohoo… we packed up those throws, along with a few other goodies she had and went on our merry way. We bought BOTH throws for less than ONE at the little shop in Charleston. The company didn’t used to have a website or sell online, but they do now. We have acquired a few more as well as a coverlet and some pillows that we absolutely love! So if you’re ever in the market for a wonderful, worn, soft-to-the-touch throw, this is the one for you! It’s delightful! Check it out at www.utilitycanvas.com. They now have patterned throws as well as solids (click on the symbol of the house to get to the home type goods). Another plus… you just toss it in the washer and dryer and it only gets better!
SPLURGE… It’s the weekend! I think the wackiest advice anyone could receive would be to eat diet food… Go on a diet… Boo… No fun! I DO think moderation is key. We all need to move more and eat less. When you use that philosophy you have the option to splurge on occasion… Just eat a little less at other times… Maybe I’m just trying to justify eating my Bruegger’s bagel right now, hee hee… Hope you enjoy your splurge today! Until tomorrow…
2015 update: This October my husband and I were at Panera, it was a cool day, perfect for soup, so I thought I would give it another try, I think they’ve been through many variations since I last posted… it was good! It was nothing like what is pictured above. It was delicious!!
I mentioned to you on an earlier post about Panera changing their chicken noodle soup recipe… ugh, disappointing. I’m all for change, but only for the better. Let me know what you think! Do you like the new soup? If so I will be quiet, hee hee. Actually, I don’t want to appear crazed, so this is the last Panera Post, but wanted to get the word out!
If you are disappointed that the “good” chicken noodle soup (that was also low fat and only 80 calories) is now gone, please contact Panera at: contactus@panerabread.com
My letter to Panera… (and their response below)…
I am a fan of your chicken noodle soup with the noodles that taste so homemade! Today I ordered my usual chicken noodle soup and received a cup as well as a small serving in a to-go container. I opened it up and tasted it because it looked different. IT WAS AWFUL. It had a horrible aftertaste. PLEASE tell me that you aren’t changing the recipe to what I had sampled today… I know I won’t be the only one who isn’t pleased… I had my husband taste it and he said it tasted like a cheap version of Campbell’s. Truly, it wasn’t even that good. Sincerely, a big fan of your chicken noodle with the homemade noodles!
THE RESPONSE
Dear Barbara,
Thank you for taking the time to contact Panera Bread.
We are always trying to improve our menu and to keep it fresh and inviting. Our new All-Natural Low Fat Chicken Noodle Soup is a more contemporary and wholesome recipe. It’s an all-natural soup made with chunks of all-white chicken, firm fresh vegetables and traditional egg noodles in a light and flavorful broth.
Although we are disappointed to hear that you do not enjoy this new addition to our menu, we certainly appreciate the feedback. I will be sure to note your comments for review by our Product Development Department.
Again, thank you for contacting us. We appreciate your business and value your comments.
What made me start writing a blog? Hmmm, first i believe I challenged myself to see if I could figure it out. I had time on my hands and a new puppy (Charlie) that would sleep if I was sitting at the desk, so that was a motivating factor! Ha ha! I created a blog LIFE WITH CHARLIE http://lifewithcharlie-barbara.blogspot.com/, it chronicled his first year and at times was hilarious. It received great support which amazed me, I really couldn’t believe anyone would read anything that I had written, I mean really, who cares that my dog just pulled all the toilet paper off the roll and had it spread from one end of the house to another, ha ha… But people did, other people with dogs I would imagine. I stopped that blog once Charlie turned one year old… I had plans… I wanted to figure out how to create a WordPress blog, another challenge, yay! I had no idea that I would keep it up, I wanted to see if I could set it up, but then I was hooked. In hindsight I wish I would have picked a better name for that blog… Http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com – I thought what better way to share some of my photos than a photo blog? As the year went on I had other ideas, sometimes I want to share a great recipe or design element, travel tip or just a thought without having one of my photos to back it up. I launched https://barbarastroud.wordpress.com blog on 1/1/2011 and I am trying to keep it up daily. I hope you find something challenging (in a good way) in your everyday life… it keeps you young! Glad you stopped by for a vist! Have a great weekend! Until tomorrow…
What are you looking forward to this year? Infinite possibilities fill my brain… I’m looking forward to doing something different this year. After many years of big money vacations, packing for a few weeks, lugging everything on a plane and heading out… I think our plans are to have several “staycations”. I mean we do live in CHARLESTON! People love to spend their vacations here! So I’m thinking we will do the same! How nice it will be to not have to cram ourselves onto a plane, board the dog, and all the other “stuff” that goes along with taking a nice relaxing vacation, ha ha… Maybe a trip or two to Kiawah, Hilton Head, the beaches (I mean they ARE so close!) and just hanging out by the pool in our own backyard! Now we’ll have to remember that we are on staycation, no cleaning and all that business… It can wait a few days! I’m looking forward to spending some time with Fred without him thinking about work and everything that needs to get done! Hear that Charlie? THE BEACH!! Woohoo!
What are you looking forward to this year? Until tomorrow…
Something to think about… (thanks to WordPress for the topic) WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD ONE HOUR TO LIVE? Hmmmm. Not something I like to think about… I would want to spend time with my husband, I would want to talk to my family (after all I only have an hour, not enough time to jump in a car and get to Summerville OR on a plane and get to Michigan!) and I would want to take a few minutes to write a letter to those who have made my world a much better place. I would want them to have something that shows them how much I truly loved them and how deeply I felt about them. Then I would just want to be close to Fred and say goodbye to Charlie… I. WOULD. PRAY. Oh, and if I was so lucky as to have a box of See’s dark chocolate caramels in the house I would go ahead and eat them, well, I would save Fred a few, but what the heck… might as well. I would still want to quick brush my teeth at least. Then I think I would set the house up for Fred, make things exactly as he likes them. Personally I’m hoping when we’re very very old, once we’re no longer healthy, that we fall asleep in each others arms and wake up in Heaven. If that happens, no one needs to be sad for me I will be thrilled! What would you do with your final hour? By the way, Eat Pray Love was a good movie if you need something to rent! Until tomorrow…
We all want to be remembered for something when we’re gone… I would like to be remembered as a great artist. Wait. I need to paint A LOT more before that can happen. OK… I would like to think that people will remember me for being a nice person, caring about others and that I was always willing to help. (People don’t always ask for help, so keep an eye out for a neighbor that looks like they may need assistance. It never hurts to ask. Sometimes people get frustrated because they want to do it themselves, but you never know, so just ask)! However, it wouldn’t be so bad to be remembered as a great cook, hee hee… I’m including a recipe that will KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF! This is my version of Ina Garten’s (Barefoot Contessa) Mexican Chicken soup. I’ve added a few things and slightly altered it. A recipe is merely a guide, add more of what you like and less of what you don’t (unless you’re baking, then it’s more of an exact science)… Enjoy! Until tomorrow…
Mexican Chicken Soup (adapted from Ina Garten)
2-4 chicken breasts (with bone and skin, more or less depending on how much chicken you like, I use 2-3 large)
olive oil
salt and pepper
2 medium onions
2-3 stalks celery
1 bunch carrots with greens (cut off greens)
2 cloves garlic
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock (I like Kitchen Basics if not homemade)
1-28 oz can diced tomatoes
1-2 jalapeno peppers, minced, no seeds (unless you like HOT)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. I put foil down on a baking sheet to make clean up easy. Place chicken on baking sheet skin side up. Drizzle with olive oil, rub it in. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 35-50 minutes or until done. Once cooled, pull off the skin and shred the meat. Set aside.
Heat 2-3 Tablespoons of olive oil in large pot or dutch oven. Add the onions, celery and carrots. Cook over medium low heat for 10 minutes or until onions just begin to brown. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chicken stock (start with 2 qts, then when it cooks down some, add more stock). Add tomatoes, jalapenos, cumin, black beans, salt and pepper. Cut the tortillas in half and then cut then into 1/2 inch strips, add to the soup. They will dissolve in the soup giving it a wonderful taste and aroma!. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer at least 25 minutes. About 20-25 minutes before you are going to serve this soup add the frozen corn. About 5 – 10 minutes later add the shredded chicken and season to taste. Serve the hot soup with grated cheddar, a dallop of sour cream and a handful of crushed tortilla chips. This makes a big pot of soup and is great frozen and reheated!
I grew up in Michigan. I know about cold, or at least I USED TO KNOW about cold… I’ve been in South Carolina for the past 22 years so I know less about the cold than I used to! I remember vivid details of one ice storm when I was young. I remember it being SO EXCITING! How nice to be that age with no worries, everything is an adventure! I remember how we didn’t have power, but we had a fireplace and had that puppy going strong! I remember tree limbs breaking and big hunks of ice jamming the river. I remember neighbors coming over to use our stove/oven because ours was gas and theirs was electric. It was SO. MUCH. FUN. I remember moving the furniture in the living room which is fairly large against the walls and bunches of us spread out our sleeping bags to be in the room with the fire. We had a radio that was tuned to a station that told scary stories, ohmygosh, I will never forget that! Fast forward to today… As I type this sleet is hitting the window and Charlie (Jack Russell) is barking at it, he’s not sure what this stuff is! Why does it make noise? Ha ha… When cold weather and rain strikes we usually go to the store to gather supplies, ha ha… Get food to cook/bake as well as treats, because anytime bad weather strikes, you must have a ‘Storm Party’ (per our nephew, Maxwell). So we usually get a fire going in the fireplace (ha, I say ‘we’, but it’s Fred that does all that, and an awesome job of it I have to say… wish he was home now!), pour a glass of wine, read, talk, and if I get my way we’ll play cards, play with Charlie and generally just have a big time. We love a good storm party, how about you?
When it’s time to hit the hay we crawl into our bed that has a Pacific Coast down (www.pacificcoast.com) comforter (lightweight). You wouldn’t believe how warm it gets QUICKLY! A wise investment indeed (we bought ours on sale at Macy’s last year, also available at Amazon, etc. etc.). We turn our heat almost all the way down at night, it rarely comes on. We both like sleeping with it pretty chilly (high 50’s/low 60’s), ahhhh, I’m already looking forward to crawling back into that bed tonight! Until tomorrow…
Describe a recent Aha! moment… hmmmm. I guess it would be several years ago, leaving Charleston and vacationing on Monhegan Island in Maine. We stayed at the Island Inn (http://islandinnmonhegan.com) which is the larger building that you see in the photo (from their website). There are no shopping malls, no taxi’s, no telephones in your room, no TV or radio or any other distractions, including limited cell phone coverage and wi-fi in the inn’s common room when it’s available. Everything is centered around the weather. If conditions aren’t right the boat doesn’t run to get you to the island, bring groceries, mail, etc. If the wind is strong the phone may be out… It’s a different way of life that is SO MUCH BETTER even without all the STUFF. Stuff is precisely that… stuff. When you are in a place that is so beautiful and when everything around you is so peaceful THAT is what becomes so important. I encourage anyone who isn’t used to not having some of the modern-day pleasantries to try a vacation that relaxes your mind and recharges your soul. It’s amazing what you can do without and you don’t even notice! Until tomorrow…
I know yesterday I said I might take the weekend off, but since WordPress is offering a topic a day to blog about I hate to not participate… Today’s topic: How do you stay focused?
Well, let me start by saying I have a pretty great system that works well for me… on the other hand sometimes I think I’m stuck in the zone, and on paper I am über organized, yet I haven’t actually gotten anything done yet, ha ha… I have a journal that I write notes in basically, what I need to do for the day, what to make for dinner, what I need at the store, who I’ve contacted, medical notes, notes about pretty much anything during the day. IT COMES IN HANDY. I can refer back to it at any time and pull up important details that would otherwise be lost. I also have a monthly day planner like the one in the picture. I prefer the cheap thin ones to the thick ones, I seem to use it more. So between the journal and the monthly planner, oh, and my BlackBerry Calendar I know where I should be and when I should be there… How do you stay focused? Hope your Saturday is a great one! Until tomorrow?
The WordPress topic of the day is to tell a story about your most memorable job interview… hmmm… here goes. Long long ago, when I was young and still lived in Michigan, I applied at UPS to work as a seasonal employee. I remember having to drive to Timbucktoo to get a background check and be finger printed. At least they paid for it! The actual interview I can barely remember, they asked questions, I answered and they must have liked my answers because I was hired. The only way to get a permanent job with UPS was to start as a seasonal employee working during the busy holiday time. I WANTED TO WORK FOR UPS. I wanted to work in the office and wear the brown uniform. Did you know they wash their trucks EVERY SINGLE DAY? I was thrilled to be working even though it was in an open warehouse where people were lined up with packages as far as the eye could see. There were heaters, it wasn’t WARM but I wasn’t going to freeze to death either. One day it was like winning the lottery… I saw Ryba’s Fudge boxes on a cart, hundreds and hundreds of boxes of the most delictable fudge you can even imagine. As luck would have it they came to my line. If you aren’t familiar with Ryba’s Fudge, it’s a wonderful shop on Mackinac Island, Michigan. There are no cars on this island, only horses, bikes and people walking. It’s a magical place (more in a future post!), and when you’re there, you smell two things… horse poop and fudge. It’s heaven, ha ha… Pretty clever how I kind of changed this post to be about fudge rather then a job interview, eh? Ok, I have to thank Fred, my husband for that one… THANKS FRED! If you don’t get a chance to visit Mackinac Island, you can order the fudge online (www.ryba.com) and UPS (well, used to be, not sure now) will gladly bring it to your door! The next year UPS called me again and asked if I would like to work the holidays again! YES, I replied! Then I had to ask… “Is it ok if I work with a broken leg? It doesn’t bother me at all and I can keep up”… NO, it would make me a liability. Ugh, the end of a dream… ha ha. On a brighter note… Did I tell you that Ryba’s left me a BAG OF FUDGE for going through my line because they had so many boxes? WOOHOO… Like I said, I was in heaven!
I’m thinking about taking the weekend off… so if you don’t hear from me tomorrow, see you Monday!! If you get a chance, check out our other blog… http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com – Have a great weekend!
Are you stressed? That’s the WordPress topic of the day… Have you gotten your credit card bill in the mail after the holidays (eek) or is work catching up with you after being out for a while? Well whether you’re stressed or not, here’s something to soothe and relax you… Aveda Comforting Tea. It tastes sweet, I remember the first time I was at an Aveda store and was offered a sample cup of tea, oh my gosh, it was delicious! Wow, I’ve GOT TO get some of that! So I asked her how much tea and how much sugar, because it was just right, not too sweet, not bitter at all, just, well… heavenly!? NO SUGAR! What?? It’s naturally sweet with licorice root and peppermint. Now, I’m not a licorice fan, and had I known there was licorice root in the tea I may not have tried it, but you don’t taste licorice, the organic blend is simply amazing! You can drink it hot or cold. I’ve only had it hot. The bottle is loose tea, it also comes in tea bags (for a pretty hefty price). If you’re near an Aveda store pop in, they always have hot samples of Comforting Tea ready to hand out. I think you may get hooked! Until tomorrow!
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