Beef Stew with Turnip Root, Potato and Carrots!

On December 27, 2016December 14, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

Beef Stew… fabulous when the weather turns cooler! This recipe uses one pan, a Dutch oven preferably, and cooks it low and slow. This beef stew was delicious! I made it a day ahead and served the next day so the flavors had time to meld and OH! Was it ever worth the wait! Trust me on that… The meat was so tender you could easily cut it with a fork.

This original recipe is from Once Upon A Chef. The original recipe uses 3 pounds of beef chuck, in the recipe below I changed things a bit, and made it for 2 servings with leftovers… Click HERE to print the original recipe as it or click HERE to print as shown below! Either way, you cannot go wrong. Tweak it to make it how you like it best!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Amanda Lovett!

On December 26, 2016December 9, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Early to Rise by Amanda Lovett 18×24″ Oil

Amanda Lovett. Her paintings are so crisp and clear. What a nice painting, Early to Rise. My favorite time of day… in the wee hours of the morning, when it’s nice and quiet. There is nothing like it. I love the sun highlighting the beautiful flowers and the reflections on the table – also the peek out of the door is so nice, it adds so much depth to this painting, don’t you think?

Vigorous Ride by Amanda Lovett 30×30″ Oil

Another beautiful painting. Just look at this horse – happy and free – and there is that beautiful light once again – WOW! Makes for a stunning painting!

Are you interesting in taking a workshop in 2017? Amanda will be conducted a workshop in Carterville, GA in April 2017 – click HERE for more workshop details!

Read a bit about Amanda, from her website:

“Amanda Lovett’s family recognized there was a creative career in her future when her childhood doodles were actually detailed sketches of her father’s horses.

Amanda attended the Atlanta Portfolio Center where she studied Art Direction, Graphic Design, Photography and Illustration and joined the advertising firm of McDonald and Little as an Art Director at the young age of 19. She thrived in her creative role and gained invaluable experience and education in the position, giving her the confidence to start her own successful agency when McDonald and Little was later purchased and moved to New York.

In 1998, Amanda attended a watercolor landscape class with Frank Broadhurst, who she would later credit for starting her on a path as a painter. In 2004, after recently switching her focus to oils, Amanda made the commitment to become a full time artist.

With a never ending desire for growth, Amanda has studied under some of the country’s top professionals. This love for learning has driven her to continue her education at every opportunity and has translated into the desire to share her knowledge with others. She currently teaches workshops at venues across the southeast with a series of subject matters developed to build the core skills necessary for growth at any level.

Amanda has been accepted into numerous national and regional shows and organizations. She is currently represented in several art galleries across the country.

Through her art, Amanda captures the vibrancy and energy most people miss in the simple moments of life.”

All images via AmandaLovett.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On December 25, 2016December 8, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Charleston, Daily Blog, HOME, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTS2 Comments

This photo is from a past Christmas in Michigan. Fred’s parents drove to MI – It was so beautiful, the snow was falling and so perfect for them to see!

The older you get the more Christmas is about memories much more than what may be under the tree when you wake up on Christmas Day. Most of us have everything we need, and the things that we want cannot be purchased.

Share a smile with someone (and some cookies too!) – it will help make the world a better place!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 🎄

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Christmas Eve… Already!

On December 24, 2016December 16, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments

I know! I know! It’s Christmas Eve already! Where does the time go? This little flash from the past photo was five years ago. Five!

Time passes faster every day, so be good, do good – live well, live happy, help one another – we’re only on this planet for a short time.

Life is too short to live any other way…

Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Be the good…

On December 23, 2016December 7, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTS2 Comments

It always helps to put things into perspective – as I see people rush around and stressed, I think this post may help a little… I hope…

Come sit your weary bones down, sit a spell… relax and calm your thoughts. There is so much going on this time of year, sometimes we need to get in check with things and slow down and realize that if everything doesn’t get done, it’s OK. Always remember that living a good life isn’t about what you have but how you treat others. So lend an ear, listen to a friend, don’t be too quick to judge.

Everyone is going through something (click here to see a great video!) – so if you encounter someone who seems out of sorts, sad, mad, or just not friendly, don’t just assume the worst – pass along a smile or a kind word (or both!!). Help make someone’s day – it’s a tough world and we need to help each other get through it.

Go out and be the GOOD that you want to see in the world! 🙏

🖼 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE, PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

I know everyone is busy this week, so much to do! Posting a week of photos, back to normal posting next week – Catch you back here tomorrow!

Grand Oak – Mebkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, SC

On December 22, 2016December 7, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, SC6 Comments

Grand Oak Tree – Mebkin Abbey – Moncks Corner, South Carolina

Visiting the grounds of Mebkin Abbey is like stepping back in time. The beauty is beyond belief. Check out their website… so much information! If you ever get a chance to visit, please do! You won’t believe what you see. Great gift shop too!

🖼 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE, PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

I know everyone is busy this week, so much to do! Posting a week of photos, back to normal posting next week – Catch you back here tomorrow!

First day of Winter…

On December 21, 2016December 5, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, Michigan, THOUGHTS2 Comments

My calendar says WINTER BEGINS… It depends on where you live from what I’ve read, some places it’s today and others it may be tomorrow, in any case the Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, the day when the sun is up for the shortest amount of time. After this, days will begin to get longer – hard to believe, ha ha… it’s a slow progression no doubt, one that I am thankful for!

This is my desktop image for the month of December, I just love it! This is a tree that my dad has made from the table and umbrella that sits near the river – how clever is that? Just look at that sky! LOVE IT! This image brings good memories of a happy holiday season!

🖼 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE, PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photography | Love | and a Birthday Wish…

On December 20, 2016December 16, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, THOUGHTS4 Comments

This photo was taken on Sullivans Island when we were at the beach while my parents were in town visiting. What a great time we had! Stopped at Kudzu Bakery in Mt. Pleasant for a sandwich, then headed to the beach.

Happy Birthday Dad (AKA Joe)!! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, and many, many, many more! xo me ❤️

I wonder where I get my love of photography from? Snap, snap, snap… thank goodness we don’t have to buy film any longer, ha ha…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Kate Chappell!

On December 19, 2016December 16, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured Artist, MaineLeave a comment

Path to Blackhead by Kate Chappell 9×12″ Watercolor

Kate Chappell, an artist from one of our favorite places, Maine! She has incredible paintings (among other things)! This painting (above) is the Path to Blackhead (Monhegan Island). The path with the shadows is delightful!

The Road Home by Kate Chappell 15×11″ Watercolor (Sold)

This wonderful painting, The Road Home, was at the Lupine Gallery (Monhegan, Maine), but has recently SOLD… What a lovely painting! Just look at those dramatic shadows, I love the bits of dark – This is a wonderful path. Just beautiful!

Kate is quite amazing, her talent doesn’t stop at painting, I swear this woman can do everything! Check out her website and you’ll see what I mean!!

Read a bit about Kate, from her website:

“Kate Cheney Chappell was born Katherine Pope Cheney in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of George Wells Cheney, Jr., an insurance executive, and Mary Frances Pope, a trained artist and champion of the visually impaired. She spent her childhood in Manchester, close to her paternal grandparents, many cousins, and the family business, Cheney Silk. At the age of 12, she and her family moved to Farmington, Connecticut, and she entered the Oxford School for Girls (later Kingswood-Oxford School). With encouragement from Art teacher, Rebecca Jones, she entered and won a Gold Key in Connecticut’s Scholastic Art Competition, and was in her first show at age 14. Kate Cheney Chappell attended Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (now Chatham University), distinguishing herself in Art, Creative Writing and French Literature. Read more …”

Images via KateChappellArtSpace.com and LupineGalleryMonhegan.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

What is Fritz Porter?

On December 18, 2016December 7, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SCLeave a comment

I snapped this photo as we were walking to the car after leaving Fritz Porter. What a cool building, if you’re wondering… YES, this used to be the Cigar Factory! What’s inside is even more wonderful – a great selection of design items. It’s a fabulous place to check out!

If you’re in the Charleston, SC area, stop by and check it out!

From the FritzPorter.com website:

PEOPLE ASK ALL THE TIME, “WHAT IS FRITZ PORTER?”

And the answer is simple: it is many things.

It is a carefully curated antique center, representing 15 different dealers with styles ranging from flea market chic to museum quality classics.

It is an art gallery where one can find original pieces by contemporary artists ranging in style from pastoral impressionism to surreal and abstract.

It is a fabric and furniture showroom that offers a stellar selection of boutique lines that are not found anywhere else in the Southeast.

It is a perfect place to fine those one-of-a-kind gifts be it a bauble, a bottle opener, or a book.

There is something for everyone…. come see for yourself!

🖼 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE, PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Mine is Fall, what is yours?

On December 17, 2016December 17, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall? Which is your favorite season? Fall is my favorite and has always been. I love the cooler, less humid temperatures, the color in the trees (there is some here in SC) and that afternoon light – OH! It’s breathtaking! I can’t complain about our Winter that’s for sure. Temperatures are rather mild here in Charleston, SC – we do see a few cold snaps, but nothing to complain about! Spring is always welcome due to the fact that it seems that EVERYTHING is blooming and so beautiful, even with all the yellow/green pollen! Summer, ah, Summer… you love it or you hate it. Hate is a strong word. Ha ha…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Solved: Lil Frosty by Daniel Corey!

On December 16, 2016December 16, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Guess the Artist6 Comments

guess-the-artist

Lil Frosty by Daniel Corey 12×12″ Oil

SOLVED! Thank you Susan G! 🏆

This painting is by artist Daniel Corey – he’s a wonderful Maine artist who’s work I absolutely love! His subject matter is pretty awesome! Lil Frosty is a favorite!

Be sure to check out his work – great website: DanielCorey.com

Over the next few months (until I run out of paintings), I am posting one of our paintings and then seeing who can GUESS THE ARTIST. I have retouched this photo on the bottom right corner to remove the artist’s signature.

Do you know the name of this artist?

Comment on my Facebook page or on this blog…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The TNH-SC-44A House Plan by Moser Design Group!

On December 15, 2016December 3, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

This is the TNH-SC-44A house plan by Moser Design Group. This plan also has 1,916 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms – it also has a wonderful front porch, which is nice to hang out by yourself, or with some company. It also boasts a dreamy porch off of the master suite as well as a screened porch! I love to have options, and when those darn mosquitoes are out and the weather is nice, having a screened porch is perfect!!

I love the layout, it gives everyone their own space, which is so nice. There are ample areas for gathering. This plan has a nice size living area, open to the dining and kitchen. The location of the utility room, near the master suite is so convenient. What a great plan! I could live in this plan very easily!

The second floor is fabulous too! Two more bedrooms and a bathroom – it’s nice to have a gallery wall, a great spot to sit and read? I look through a lot of plans to find one that I would like to live in. This fits the criteria perfectly!

All images via MoserDesignGroup.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

EMERGING ARTISTS: Elisa Sheehan and Mary Susan Vaughn!

On December 14, 2016December 2, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Emerging ArtistLeave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a few emerging artists, and I think there is no time like the present!! Sit back and enjoy… (and thank you Elisa and Mary for submitting your websites, it’s how I find out about artists I have yet to hear about!)

elisa sheehan

Cool, small paintings by Elisa Sheehan! Whispy, happy colors – I think they look great grouped together, but they are available individually as well. Each is 8×10″. Elisa makes what she loves, and that is evident – be sure to check out her work! I like how Elisa shows these paintings in a few different settings, it really helps to picture if it would work for you.

Read a bit about Elisa, from her website:

“My painting process is a combination of intuitive yet planned mark making and completely unrestrained play. Color, shape, texture and line are what express emotions in my work. Nature’s influence is ever present in as evidenced by shapes of botanical matter – flowers, branches, lichen, leaves, water, pods with accents of pencil drawings. Each is a representation of the present moment – calm, chaotic, energetic, reflective and beautiful.

My works are a collection of my life’s moments. Living with 2 kids, 2 dogs, and one lovely husband, we explore the world together and place a premium on our time together. We prefer to do our exploring outdoors and almost all of my inspiration comes from nature. We home school our 2 children and seeing them learn in their own ways informs my own process and artistic growth. The sky really is the limit and sometimes making a giant mess is the best way forward!

Painting is a way of life for me. I work in various mediums from oil paints to watercolor, rope to silk, Adobe Illustrator to Photoshop, and as of late even a little metal and stone! I make what I love.” Read more about Elisa HERE…

mary susan vaughn

Bessy & Company by Mary Susan Vaugh 30×40″ Oil – SOLD

I love this painting. It’s unexpected… I think Mary captured it so perfectly with the cows all looking at her. This painting has character! Be sure to check out Mary’s work – her cows are wonderful, someone else must have thought so too… these cows are sold.

Read a bit about Mary, from her website:

“Always the creative spirit, Susan was born with a paintbrush in hand and an enthusiasm for color and fine art. As a child, her art hung on everything from refrigerators to walls, from elementary school classrooms to neighbor’s basement walls and beyond. She had one elderly neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, who lived alone and would give Susan a “Mary Jane” candy for every piece of artwork she would bring over to her. Susan stocked up on “Mary Jane’s” and Mrs. Johnson stocked up on Susan’s artwork. Read more about Mary HERE…

All images via ElisaSheehan.com, and MarySusanVaughnFineArt.com used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artists.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Dogs need a mental challenge – BONUS: This will slow down fast eaters!

On December 13, 2016December 1, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, LifestyleLeave a comment

This is a Kong Wobbler. It’s good for dogs who get bored easily and need a mental challenge. They say that mental workouts wear them out far more than a long walk. Hearing that had me rushing to the store to get one of these! At first Charlie was having a time, barking at it, whining, then he quickly figured it out. We now feed him in his Wobbler, it takes him a while to get the food out because it moves so it’s not as easy as it looks. He’s a smart beast and getting it figured out pretty quickly, but it does have another bonus… it slows down their eating! So if you have a fast eater and are looking for a solution, I would think this would do it!