Category: Favorite Things

Book Suggestion: Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, Favorite Things, Rom Com, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Are you looking to go on an adventure – maybe an adventurous hike without leaving your house? Well, have I got the book for you. Also, the movie is on Netflix and it was good. The book was better and I highly suggest reading the book before seeing the movie it will make more sense. Another great, uplifting book with characters that have challenged themselves for different reasons, while causing laughter along the way.

Continue reading “Book Suggestion: Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center!” →

What does “mise en place” mean to you?

On By Barbara StroudIn cooking, Favorite Things, FOOD, North Carolina, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Pop up cooking class took place in the bar area with Chef Josh Vilain from The Swag in North Carolina.
Executive Sous Chef Josh Vilain – 2025

This term is one of my favorites. I think about it often. If you aren’t familiar with this term please read on, it’s interesting and could enrich your life in many ways. It’s usually used in reference to cooking, but is an essential life skill that everyone should learn. Your life could be made far easier if so. Sometimes you just NEED things to be in place to facilitate whatever it is your doing to make it efficient with time not wasted looking for things because they aren’t where they belong. So what does mise en place mean?

Continue reading “What does “mise en place” mean to you?” →

Where is one of the Freshest Meals in Charleston, SC Served? Answer below…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, Salad, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Fabulous and fresh salad with herbs, veggies and shrimp

Fresh, tasty and exploding with flavor. This salad was the perfect combination of silky lettuce leaves (they’re gorgeous and so delicious), the crunch of the peanuts and crispy shallots that adorn the top – ooooh! Truly a delight for the senses. We just recently started going to this restaurant (we like the Mt. Pleasant location for the seating, but takeout is available closer to us). Where is this wonderful restaurant? The food is as tasty as it is beautiful!

Continue reading “Where is one of the Freshest Meals in Charleston, SC Served? Answer below…” →

Charleston Photo: The Patrick O’Donnell House!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Favorite Things, HOME, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
21 King St, Charleston, SC entrance

Charleston, South Carolina. Where history has been preserved for many of the older, grand homes on the peninsula of Charleston. I like to refer to this stunning example of architecture simply as “my house”. This is not my house, I’ve never even been in it, but I’ve admired it for the past many decades that I’ve lived in Charleston. It’s always kept up to perfection. The doors, stained. The exterior always freshly painted. Never even a smudge, just beauty everywhere you look.

Continue reading “Charleston Photo: The Patrick O’Donnell House!” →

Christmas Candle from Charleston Candle Company (Great Gift!)

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Christmas Cactus blooming in hot pink and Charleston Christmas Candle

Are you looking for a lovely gift? A special holiday gift for someone to let them know you’re thinking of them? This is an excellent idea! A friend gave me one last year, and it’s been so special (and every time I see the candle I think of the person who gave it to me). It’s a lovely scent, not overpowering – just right!

Continue reading “Christmas Candle from Charleston Candle Company (Great Gift!)” →

Holiday Shopping in Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Favorite Things, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Selfie in mirror at The Dewberry Hotel in Charleston, SC

I have to say, Charleston, SC is about as festive as can be. We haven’t been downtown in quite a while so it was nice to get out on a cool day, walk the streets, pop in the shops and check things out. Visitors in our own town. What can be better? You’re home in 5 minutes, no packing required!

Continue reading “Holiday Shopping in Charleston, SC!” →

The Sound of Music – SPECTACULAR!!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Charleston, Favorite Things, music, THOUGHTS4 Comments
The Sound of Music

Looking for something to do in Charleston, SC this weekend? Have I got an idea for you! Check to see if there are any tickets remaining to see the Sound of Music and the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Wow! I couldn’t have been more impressed! The show started on 11/4 and runs through 11/9/25! From the very first note I was captivated right until the end. Each and every person on the stage was out of this world fabulous.

Continue reading “The Sound of Music – SPECTACULAR!!” →

A Butterfly Magnet!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Favorite Things, flowers, Garden Center, gardening, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Skimming through my photos and I ran across this beauty – the epitome of fall. And, WHO doesn’t love fall? It’s my absolute favorite season because it means I’ve gotten through a very hot, humid summer. Although summer was very warm, we had a slight cooling after July. The weather wasn’t cool, it was still humid but not quite as hot (or at least to me), what a joy! #rejoiceinthelittlethings

Continue reading “A Butterfly Magnet!” →

It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL4 Comments
dirt road with scattered autumn leaves in yellows and reds

Fall officially began Monday (9/22) and I couldn’t be more hopeful for cooler weather to come our way soon. As I write this the weather forecasters are showing possible storms headed this way soon. We continue to monitor and have a plan for food, water, etc. so we can stay in.

Continue reading “It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!” →

Photo: Time Travel – Michigan Edition

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment
Nighttime photo, river, street light, mailbox, dark night, moon

I’m “traveling” through my photos and found an image I love so much. Where I grew up. Life on the river was amazing. We lived for summer and were in the river a majority of the time. The water is chilly, especially when you move to SC and then go back to visit and jump in icy water, whoa! I didn’t remember it being quite that cold, ha ha.

Continue reading “Photo: Time Travel – Michigan Edition” →

These Trees!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Live oak tree, marsh, water

I took this photo several years ago. Just look at this mesmerizing live oak tree. Its limbs reaching as if to borrow a cup of sugar from a neighboring tree. So much history. It’s astounding if you think about it. What has this tree seen and heard in its lifetime? I love the far-reaching branches, the view, and the sunlight dappling the scene nicely…

Continue reading “These Trees!” →

Salad Showstopper: Southwest Salad with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn and Pepper Jack!

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, FOOD, Recipe, Salad2 Comments
Salad with green lettuce, bits of grilled chicken, white corn, chopped tomato, black beans and pepper jack cheese

We love salads. Especially in the summer when the temperature soars and it’s too hot to turn on the stove. Thankfully, my husband will happily grill chicken on the hottest of days (jumping in the pool to cool off in between checking). At least he can stay cool when the temp is soaring. My go to salad (lately) has been grilled chicken, romaine, hardboiled egg, pickled red onion, cheddar, cucumber, tomato, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. But I wanted something different and this is SPECTACULAR, you’ve got to try it!

Continue reading “Salad Showstopper: Southwest Salad with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn and Pepper Jack!” →

A Wink From A Loved One?

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Bright red cardinal male in shrubs

Cardinals bring hope (and are such fun to watch). We’re thankful to have so many flying around our yard. They love the trees, shrubs, shade and sun. They fly back and forth across the yard busy as can be. Each spring they build a nest (they work so hard, it’s incredible) then wait until the eggs hatch. They tirelessly bring food to the little ones. It’s beautiful to watch.

Continue reading “A Wink From A Loved One?” →

Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, FOOD, Photograph, Recipe, Salad, THOUGHTS2 Comments
bowl with orzo salad with shrimp, tomatoes, olives and feta, pickled okra

I posted a version of this recipe over ten years ago. It’s a hit. I love to whip this up in the morning and sit down to dinner with no cooking. What a dream! Best yet, the next day you have another meal (or the following day!) – no cooking! The tastes, textures, and freshness take it over the top. I love to photograph my husband’s plate because his usually looks prettier. I’m always in a hurry to catch up, snap photos, etc. I love how he added the pickled okra, so pretty! I gave a sneak peak on my Instagram/Facebook movie. Recipe below…

Continue reading “Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives” →