Homemade Pimiento Cheese – EASY!

homemade pimiento cheese in a glass bowl

I think it’s safe to say that I will never be a food blogger – internet sensation – or whatever you want to call it. I cook, I bake, I make delicious food, but we’re waiting to eat and as soon as it’s made *poof* and then I think… PHOTO! 😬 This was so easy and so delicious I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. My only tool was a box grater and a hand mixer (stand mixer is fine, but I didn’t want to drag mine out).

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Book Review: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune!

Book cover, Every Summer After by author Carley Fortune.

I like that I was drawn into this book from page one. There weren’t too many characters. Some were likable, and some (by design) were less likable.. I started this book and ordered her next two. I’m interested to see how the stories unfold. Great summer reading. So grab a book, and an iced tea and immerse yourself in fiction! Reading is so good – like meditation of sorts.

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Guess the Artist #43 | Detroit Institute of Arts!

On our last trip to Michigan we were able to visit the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), one of the most incredible places to visit. I remember visiting as a kid and it held such wonder for me, from the massive murals by Diego Rivera to the fine paintings – not to mention the mummy which was my favorite room. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing and how old it was. Incredible. Ok, time to guess the artist – one hint, it’s a toughie.

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Lafayette Parish House Plan by R.N. Black for Southern Living!

Lafayette Parish House Plan by R.N. Black for Southern Living!

I’m often on a search for homes that would fit within established neighborhoods. A home that would look like it has always been there. Not always, because I do like so many styles from traditional to modern. This plan struck me as a delight with the all encompassing porch that could be a wonderful area to spend time. It’s like a cozy hug to be up on your porch greeting your neighbors. What a delightful place to be!

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Featured Artist: Alan Phillips!

bright blue sky, magnolia tree with blooms and two large pink birds.
Joyful Expressions by Alan Phillips | Oil on Canvas | 48″ x 60″ x 1.5″

Isn’t this painting, Joyful Expressions, a delight? Full of whimsy, beautiful color, nature and all things delightful. This painting is a big one – what a statement it will make! Statement pieces are nice, they can take a room from nice to over the top “WOW” as soon as the painting is hung. This artist is a good one to follow, both for his paintings as well as his love of good food and cooking!

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I Will Never Tire of This View – The St. Clair River!

View from St Clair River, Michigan, freighter, shipping channel, Canada

Well we made it to Michigan a while back, had a quick visit with my family. It’s always so good to see them. Too short no matter how long it is. I’ve been in Charleston over 36 years, wow, time flies! I love Michigan and all it has to offer. So many places to visit and check out. You can literally sit on the porch all day and never tire of the view. It’s constantly changing…

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Taking Myself Back To A Cooler Time…

trees with mountains and fog in the distance

Okay. Extreme heat is insane. But extreme heat mixed with high humidity (and a crazy high dew point) is dangerous. Drink lots of water. Stay in the shade if you have to be outside, and don’t overdo it! Personally, I’m taking myself back to a cooler time in the mountains (even though I am in Charleston) if only via a photo, it will help a little.

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Updated Recipe: Cold Cucumber Soup – A Lifesaver!

Sometimes it really pays to think ahead, especially in this heat. When you know you’ll have a long day and won’t feel like cooking when you come home, make a plan. A while back I knew we were going to be gone for quite a while. The heat is on, and I knew when we got home there would be no oomph to whip something up. So, I whipped this up the day before. HAPPY DANCE! What a lifesaver to have something ready when you arrive home. Just sit down and enjoy. So quick and easy – PERFECT for hot weather!

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Guess the Artist #42 | Detroit Institute of Arts

Painting of a woman in a black dress, engraver, working, art history

After a recent trip to Michigan AND a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, I have a fresh batch of Guess the Artists posts coming up. What a great visit. They are in the midst of a renovation right now but there is still plenty to see. The Contemporary section and a few others were closed, but beginning early August they’ll have several paintings from each of those collections so you won’t miss out.

Do you know who the artist is on this one? If so, comment on this post or on social media – If not, check below for the answer… Good luck!

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My Gomphrena Blooms Are Creating A Spectacular Show!

Bright pink blooms on a flower with thin green stem against dark building

Seriously! Look at these lively pink blooms. What show-offs they are. Every one of them dancing in the window, swaying to the butterflies and the bees that surround them and look so happy. I love the bright pink against the darkness. Stunning. They look at bit like fireworks, don’t they? Peaceful fireworks!

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Butterflies and Bees – It’s what we want to see!

Y’all! Can you believe we are nearly headed into the THIRD WEEK OF JULY? How can time fly by so quickly? To be honest, I am not a lover of hot weather, so when summer passes by I get crazy happy. Well, especially once hurricane season is over, right? This shall prove to be an interesting year.

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Caprese Salad – So Fresh (and so fast!)

Have you tried a Caprese salad? Decades ago we vistited NYC and ate at Carmine’s (I wanted to eat every single meal there!) – we ordered a Caprese salad (among other things) and ohmygosh. I had never tasted such a fabulous salad in all my life. We just had zucchini, Vidalia onions and parmesan on thin pasta and it was heavenly – this was the perfect accompaniment!

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