Category: Daily Blog

The 78 Biloxi Street House Plan by Our Town Plans!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

This is the 78 Biloxi Street House Plan by Our Town Plans. This plan is 2,473 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Two stories of front porch, can you imagine? This plan can also be situated on a lot in a few ways – which makes it quite a gem! I love a screened porch upstairs – when the mosquitoes come out you can head up to your very own sanctuary – what’s not to love about this?

Another nice feature with this plan is the carport that attaches to the house. It’s a sharp look! This plan has an open Living/Dining/Kitchen – it also has a pantry/laundry (woohoo!) as well as a downstairs Study/Den – which is so convenient, a great place to read, or as a separate Den or guest room. It’s also nice to have a little nook to set up your computer, perfect for pulling up recipes while cooking! Click HERE to see some real life photos, from the OurTownPlans.com website!

There are three bedrooms upstairs, each with their own bathrooms. Two of these bedrooms have a private screen porch. Heavenly! You can always count on Our Town Plans to deliver top notch plans with so many quality details.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the design firm.

Featured Artist: Mary Byrom!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

River Light by Mary Byrom  10×20″  Oil

Mary Byrom. A Maine painter with such a cool style. There are so many things I like about her paintings – the trees I just love – they have personality! The light – that cool green and then sun on the island, lovely! Mary catches those subtle details that make her paintings really stand out.

View more of Mary’s work via these links:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |   Blog

Read a bit about Mary, from her website:

Sometimes the best times are the quiet moments. An evening walk on a late fall day, watching  rain turn spring sidewalks into soft, blurry mirrors or low afternoon light in early winter making everything turn golden.

I paint these moments so I have them forever. Painting moments of beauty is the best way I know of recording the days and hours as they flow by in this big river of life.

Come along on the blog adventure!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via MaryByrom.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Recipe Favorites For Hot Weather!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

Hot weather. Hmmm. Sometimes it’s just hard to turn the oven on or stand over the stove when it’s sweltering outside. Pair any of these with a refreshing cold drink, lately cucumber water has been a hit – lime water is also nice – great thirst quenchers!

Here are a few of our favorites – from the archives…

Submarine Salad

Cold and refreshing – the little bit of thyme gives it the “submarine” taste without the carbs. Tasty and fresh! Click HERE for recipe…

Summer Med Pasta Salad with Arugula and Feta

Pasta salads are a big hit in the summer months. They can be made ahead and are great for lunch or dinner. To cut back on the pasta I add half arugula or spinach to my bowl and then mix it together. This keeps the greens fresh and allows each person to choose how much they would like. Click HERE for recipe…

Roasted Shrimp and Tomato Orzo with Feta

I have GOT to update this photo, why did I use such a tiny bowl? Anyway, trust me, this is an excellent recipe full of flavor. The feta makes it come alive. I like the grape tomatoes and shrimp best when they’re roasted, but you can always just cut up the tomatoes and give the shrimp a quick boil and then into a bowl of ice water for a few minutes before draining and adding to salad. Good with a slice or two of crusty bread. Click HERE for recipe…

Pasta with Italian Sausage, Tomato, Basil and Spinach

Another cold pasta salad, much like a caprese salad (oh! don’t you just love!) but with the addition of pasta (seeing this photo, I’m going to use bowtie next time). I put half a bowl of spinach, top with this salad and oh boy, fabulous!! Click HERE for recipe…

Roasted Corn Salad

Those are a few of our favorites, along with anything grilled (chicken, corn and veggies mostly) – yesterday I made a fabulous roasted corn salad that we will have for a few meals. (Click HERE for recipe) – I cannot wait! Although you do use the oven for a short time with this recipe, it makes enough to have a few meals (for two), so it’s the ticket! I try to make it earlier when it’s not quite so hot outside.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

 

Featured Artist: Felicity House!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Two English Plums by Felicity House – Pastel

Felicity House. A wonderful artist from Dorset (UK) – Fabulous paintings! So different. Felicity uses pastel in most of her paintings and she has a way of giving these paintings so much life! Each one is fresh and different. She has amazing drawing skills, which is so necessary to a good painting. There is an innate classiness to her paintings. They are airy and not heavy.  They make you smile.

View more of Felicity’s work via these links:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Read a bit about Felicity, from the Bio on her website:

As a young child, paper was in short supply and there was never sufficient for my prolific graphite output. I clearly recall making pencil drawings on the insides of unfolded food cartons, the plain end papers of books and surreptitiously behind curtains on the wonderful surface of painted wall.

I was fortunate to benefit from a post-war education that gave time and status to Art and this encouraged and developed my visual skills.

Following a career school teaching I worked as an illustrator and as a tutor of life drawing and short art courses. Such flexibility gave me the opportunity to travel and fill numerous sketchbooks.

I discovered the versatility and immediacy of pastels and was elected a Member of the Pastel Society in 2003. As Archivist for the Society I regularly research the archives for information in response to requests from the public.

Active member and Former Chairman Bournemouth Arts Club, a meeting point for Artists in the region which regularly holds selected Exhibitions. Continue reading HERE…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via Felicityhouse.eu, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Stunning Sunset at Crosby’s Seafood – Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SC2 Comments

Beautiful right? I waited for those birds to glide into this photo, and they made it amazing! That and the rays from the sun. This was taken at Crosby’s Seafood (Folly Road) – Charleston, SC several years ago. Check out their Facebook page – gorgeous photos!

🇺🇸 Holiday week 🇺🇸 – Back to normal posting – TOMORROW!

Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Monhegan (Maine) Sky!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Maine, Photograph1 Comment

Pretty cool clouds, hmmm?  I love a sky full of cool clouds. These had wonderful movement and the scene changed quickly. Are you a sky gazer? Do you love looking up to the sky and taking it all in? It’s so relaxing!

🇺🇸 Holiday week 🇺🇸 – posting photos daily for the many of you who are away from the computer. Not a bad idea, enjoy yourselves! Back to normal posting next week…

Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Rockland, Maine – Looks like a painting!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Maine, Photograph2 Comments

Rockland, Maine. This is another throwback photo from the archives. I love the lights on the buildings, the pinkness of the sky and the overall coolness of this very spot. Lots of good art, food & people right here in Rockland. Have you been? If not, it’s  a place to add to your bucket list if you have one!

The building with the cool white awnings is the Farnsworth Museum – READ about it if you aren’t familiar. You will want to get there and check it out – and DO NOT miss the gift shop! I can spend a day perusing!

🇺🇸 Holiday week 🇺🇸 – posting photos daily for the many of you who are away from the computer. Not a bad idea, enjoy yourselves! Back to normal posting next week…

Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

A House in Port Clyde, Maine…

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog1 Comment

An image of just one of the beautiful homes in Port Clyde – I love the roof lines on this one! This is from the archives, taken several years ago. I love the trim around the windows – goes perfectly with this style and the shingles. Love it!

🇺🇸 Holiday week 🇺🇸 – posting photos daily for the many of you who are away from the computer. Not a bad idea, enjoy yourselves! Back to normal posting next week…

Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Beautiful lines…

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Maine, Photograph2 Comments

This is a photo from the archives…  – wow is it a beauty! The lines of this boat are stunning, sleek & downright classy. I took this photo while in Maine, back in 2010 – how time flies!

🇺🇸 Holiday week 🇺🇸 – posting photos daily for the many of you who are away from the computer. Not a bad idea, enjoy yourselves! Back to normal posting next week…

Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Happy 4th of July!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

I always keep my eye out for cool flag photos for the various holidays that call for them. Today is the 4th of July (as if you didn’t know!) – Enjoy your time off (if you have it)! Happy 4th! 

I am happy to be firework free, for both the dogs who have such a hard time as well as the veterans hearing what sounds like bombing. I can only imagine the nightmare that July 4th brings. We are fortunate that Charlie wants to attack the fireworks/lightening/any loud noise…

If you have a dog who is scared of fireworks, have you tried a Thundershirt? Or this unique way to achieve similar results using a scarf or ACE bandage. Maybe some background soft calming music (Pandora Ocean Sounds) or music from RELAX MY DOG– A lot of dogs are so frightened and if left in a yard will find a way out so that they can run. So many dogs are lost on the 4th of July. Ugh…

Be conscious of other people’s feelings regarding fireworks. They can be fun for some and a nightmare for others…

🇺🇸 Holiday week 🇺🇸 – posting photos daily for the many of you who are away from the computer. Not a bad idea, enjoy yourselves! Back to normal posting next week…

Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Water Lily – Charleston

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, PhotographLeave a comment

I snapped this photo with my phone while at Hyams Garden Center. Oh, what a treat this place is! Love the sky reflected in the water! These lilies are absolute perfection!

🇺🇸 Holiday week 🇺🇸 – posting photos daily for the many of you who are away from the computer. Not a bad idea, enjoy yourselves! Back to normal posting next week…

Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Palm Shadows!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SC2 Comments

Bright blue sky, a wonderful historic home and a tall palm leaving graceful shadows. To me, a shadow is sometimes as interesting as the subject giving off the shadow. Especially on sidewalks and entryways – there are intricate gates that give off stunning shadows. Be on the lookout! 👀

Wishing you a happy Saturday!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

 

Emerging Artists: James Suglio, Nancy & Lisa Quatrocchi!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Emerging ArtistLeave a comment

I haven’t written an Emerging Artists post in some time. I receive a lot of submissions and try to fit a group in here and there. Here are three (two are mother and daughter, what fun!) – Enjoy!

JAMES SUGLIO

Laurentians by James Suglio  9×12  Acrylic

What is better than looking at a snowy painting on a warm and humid day (well, at least here in Charleston)? Nice trees, great shadows!

Read a bit about James, from his Facebook page

I am a self taught artist, working exclusively in acrylics. After 30 plus years in the legal profession, I now devote full time to painting, photography and travel. My preferred subjects are seascapes, landscapes and dogs.

LISA QUATROCCHI

Slept In by Lisa Quatrocchi 16×20″

An interesting scene – looks like this person is having a wonderful time!

NANCY QUATROCCHI

Bird In Hand by Nancy Quatrocchi  12×12″

A fun and quirky painting, cool bird cage, which adds a lot to this painting. The dark background makes this painting stand out!

Read a bit about Lisa and Nancy Quatrocchi (mother and daughter), from their website:

Both Mother and Daughter were born and raised in New Jersey. Influenced by the works of George Inness, John Singer Sargent and Degas, they both decided to pursue their passion and enrolled in the Ridgewood Art Institute. Both went on to be mentored by Artist John Phillip Osborne, a Master Painter at the RAI. They also studied with Danielle Wexler and Basil Baylin.  The Artists also took classes with Alex Piccirillo and Gary Godbee at the Yard School of Art located within the Montclair Art Museum.

Working Primarily in oil, both Artists paintings include still lifes, landscapes and portraits.  While the Artists love to travel throughout the Country and Europe some landscapes are painted En Plein Air on location. Colorado, Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont to name a few.  In painting, both Artists strive to express their painterly approach through traditional oil painting techniques.  In 2013, both Mother and Daughters works have been accepted into the prestigious Oil Painters of America. In 2017, both Mother and Daughter were accepted into the American Impressionist Society. 

All images via James Suglio Gallery Facebook and LQNQFineArt.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The 924-3 house plan by Truoba for Houseplans.com!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

924-3 Houseplan for Houseplans.com (Truoba)

This is the 924-3 house plan (Houseplans.com) by Truoba. A sleek modern small space a well thought out floorplan that includes storage. (AHHH! Storage!) They show the exterior with several different finishes, each gives the exterior a very unique look. Small porches on front and back and a nice covered porch along the side of the house.

I like modern design and I think this plan has nice lines to it!

924-3 Houseplan for Houseplans.com (Truoba)924-3

The interior has an open Living/Dining/Kitchen with access to the covered porch. There is also a nice storage room with washer/dryer – a handy location! The master bedroom is off in the back corner and the guestroom is beside the living room, and although small, is perfect for a guest room or an office/studio with a daybed or similar.

Be sure to check out the website for great photos of the interior!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via Houseplans.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the design firm.