Quick Sketch: Live Oak Tree…

I did a quick sketch using my iPhone the other day – just trying to capture its essence. The way the branches seem to be reaching out – almost as if in a fairytale. I just wanted to sketch the main part of the tree which intrigues me ever single day. I left out the leaves and the Spanish moss, which as I look outside is blowing in the wind (as I write this).

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Azalea Season in Charleston, SC!

Azaleas Blooming | Charleston, SC

I know I’ve posted a lot of azalea/flower images the past few weeks. Charleston is nearing the end of a prolific azalea season – which has been tremendously cheerful and full of color. I love when azaleas are mixed with palms – the perfect combination. Many other plants are budding now and will soon take the spotlight. Can’t wait…

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Featured Artist: Tony Warren!

Tony Warren. Super nice guy and a WOW artist! There is something special about his watercolor paintings. I love them. There is a freeness to them. Years ago my sister attended a demo or workshop and came home with a painting. I can picture it now, such a great little painting – she learned a lot. Isn’t that the best kind of workshop? The low-pressure/learn a lot/have a good time type of workshop. You simply can’t beat it!

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The Honeysuckle House Plan by C3 Studio for Southern Living!

The Honeysuckle House Plan by C3 Studio for Southern Living!

Isn’t this the most charming plan? Can’t you see yourself spending time on this wonderful porch? I sure can! What you don’t see is a fabulous side porch. This is so delightful. It fits in with exisiting architecture in most older neighborhoods – it’s one of those house plan “gems” that truly hit the mark! Read on for more information…

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It’s almost spring in Charleston!

White blooming azaleas…

Spring has almost sprung. – can you believe in less than a week it will be spring. It feels as if winter just began. Spring in Charleston, SC is very close to summer. The upside? The stunning array of blooms – and soon the unbeatable scent of everything from shrubs (ligustrums!) and wisteria… not to mention gardenias and everything else that will be blooming at once. #bestofthebest

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Featured Artist: Marc Anderson!

Dapple Dumpling Gang by Marc Anderson | 30″ x 40″ | Oil on Board

Marc Anderson. An artist who can create the most stunning work! For example, in this painting, Dapple Dumpling Gang, just look at the light on the rocks in the foreground and throughout. Absolutely brilliant. Marc captures every detail without making it look too “tight”. The subtle nuances in the color of water from near to far – the movement in the water, texture and of course LIGHT.

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Live Oak Trees & Azaleas Blooming in Charleston, SC

Winter in Charleston, SC

It’s been a hard winter. Hee hee. Yes, this is winter in Charleston, SC. It seems as if spring (and pollen) come earlier and earlier every year. It is beautiful with so many flowers blooming. Soon come the scented plants – the ligustrums, wisteria, gardenias, jasmine, etc. It can sometimes be like the strongest candle – and it’s just the outdoors. I do miss when it’s gone.

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A One Egg Omelet – Easy Peasy!

A one egg omelet with fresh spinach, cheddar and pickled red onion…

Most omelets in restaurants seem to be 3 eggs. I’ve always made them with two eggs, but thought, hmmm… I like just one, so let me give it a whirl. Wow! It was kind of like a crepe – the thinness was awesome and it had the best flavor and texture. A one egg omelette and 1/2 of an orange was utter perfection!

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Featured Artist: Sue Fawthrop!

Garden Cafe by Sue Fawthrop | 20×20 cm | Gouache

Sue Fawthrop. An artist located in the UK with the most fabulous paintings. She paints with oil, acrylic and gouache (and probably everything else!) – this particular painting is gouache. I love the way gouache shows such nice details with light. A cool tree – love the umbrella – this makes you want to be wherever this is located. A garden cafe on a beautiful day. Perfect!

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An Unexpected Burst of Color | Charleston, SC!

I love unexpected pairings of plants in containers. Something I wouldn’t have thought of, to mix strawberries and pansies, yet look! It’s beautiful. It helps to visit different design shops/nurseries to get ideas for spring plantings. I know everyone is chomping at the bit to get out and play in their yards. Right now the azaleas are in full bloom and they are stunning! I woke to 67 degrees as I write this and it’s going to heat up to the 80’s. It’s. Still. February. Also as I write this the northeast is expecting their biggest snow storm of the season.

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Grand Live Oak | Not what you expect!

Magnificent, right? The power and strength this tree shows is amazing. The massive circumference is mind blowing. It looks like the Angel Oak, but it’s not – and it’s in a location you wouldn’t expect. Not at all. I’m so thankful when historic trees are preserved. Their importance is incredible. I cannot imagine how long this tree has stood proudly in this location. Oh, the stories it must have heard…

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{Recipe} J.L. Hudson’s Spinach Salad – My Absolute FAVORITE!

I grew up shopping at J.L. Hudson’s – my very favorite store in the world. I loved everything about it, especially their restaurant, Lakeshore Grill. Almost thirty years after I moved to South Carolina, when I would stop in the restaurant, so many of the waitress were there when I was in HIGH SCHOOL. It’s so wonderful to walk in and see people that you remember as a kid! This salad was my very favorite. It’s beyond simple, but the taste will have you coming back for more (and more and more!) – there are so many reasons to up your green intake – and this salad makes that easy to accomplish!

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