Aiken Horse House (C0517)by Allison Ramsey!

On January 19, 2017January 19, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House Plans, LifestyleLeave a comment

Aiken Horse House (C0517) By Allison Ramsey

This is the Aiken Horse House (C0517) – this plan is 1,150 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms of elegant living space. You read that right, elegant living in a horse house – Wow! This house is beyond spectacular! I love how Allison Ramsey shows real life photos of a plan built, the images are stunning – be sure to CHECK THEM OUT!

The first floor of this horse house are (obviously) the stalls, storage and tack area. However, if you aren’t into horses, this plan could still be tremendous! The possibilities are endless – what a great artists studio this would make! There would be room for painting (walls could be reconfigured), there could be an office space, a storage area for supplies, ample walls to hang paintings. How nice would this be to walk downstairs and into your studio, whether it’s painting, wood working, etc. Of course, this is also a FABULOUS plan if you have horses.

Aiken Horse House (C0517) By Allison Ramsey

The second floor features a master bedroom/bathroom with walk in closet. A second bedroom and bathroom, a kitchen with a PANTRY, breakfast area and living room. Then the pièce de résistance… the SCREENED PORCH that is the width of the house. I am in love! If you haven’t checked out the real life photos of this elegant horse house, click on that link above. Wow…

Absolute perfection.

All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com, used with permission…

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

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!

Now that Charlie’s bandage is off, we are able to walk and enjoy the Wobbler – Life is good!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Daylight Savings Time Begins – Time to Spring Forward!

On March 12, 2016March 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Lifestyle, THOUGHTS2 Comments

A good trick I use to remind myself to set the clocks back before we go to bed… Set the clock on the stove forward an hour this morning… then you will notice the time is wrong when you see it later in the day, and that prompts you to change the rest of the clocks. I know the entire country doesn’t participate in Daylight Savings Time, but for those of you who do… you know what to do (Ex: If it’s 8AM, set your clock to 9AM, ahead one hour)!

Daylight Savings Time begins at 2AM (Sunday), but not many of us wait up for it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Flashback: Best Christmas Cookies in the World!

On December 15, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Lifestyle, Photograph, Recipe, THOUGHTS4 Comments

Decorate however you like, neat, messy, in whatever colors you create!

This is a Christmas Cookie recipe that our family has made since I was a little kid. It’s become a tradition. It’s fun because everyone can partake in the festivities. Especially if you bake the cookies ahead and then have a decorating party! We just put the frosting into zip-top baggies and cut a hole. Some years we have more colors than others. As you can see, this particular year, I was only loving my Christmas Tree cookie cutter, so that’s the only one I used. Recipe below as well as a link to print recipe only.

Enjoy!

Click here for a recipe to print (minus all the words and blah, blah, blah)!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Out shopping and need a quick bite?

On December 13, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, LifestyleLeave a comment

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

Don’t shop until you drop – stop at Panera and get a quick and healthy lunch. You have the power to control how healthy since they list the calorie content for everything. This particular day I was famished… so, I got a cup of Broccoli Cheddar soup (HEAVENS!), a sprouted grain roll and a half of Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado, dressing on the side. This is called a PICK TWO. Pick two of whatever combination of soups, salads and sandwiches.

I do like that Panera lists the calories, it helps you say NO a lot easier, also that they use clean ingredients and are transitioning to have even more very soon! All of this AND you can earn rewards when you eat there by signing up for a free Panera card.

So… don’t shop till ya drop! Stop and get a quick bite!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Holidays in Charleston!

On December 12, 2015December 5, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

On a recent trip downtown (Charleston, SC) Fred, Charlie and I perused the local stores, one being Anthropologie. They have such a unique selection of both clothes and home goods. I love this place! Look at this tree, how brilliant! They used what I would call “O” Rings into the floor (I’m not sure if that was what was in the ceiling as well?), then they strung this cool stuff to make a unique Christmas tree.

I love seeing the stores downtown all dressed up for the holidays!

Info about Anthropologie from their website:

Founded in Wayne, Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1992, Anthropologie remains a destination for women wanting a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor that reflects their personal style and fuels their lives’ passions, from fashion to art to entertaining. We are committed, as always, to offering our customers signature products and unmatched service, both in our more than 185 stores throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom, and on anthropologie.com.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Magnifilous Toy Emporium – Charleston, SC!

On December 11, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

I’m pretty sure Santa has this wonderful store help with his gift list! If you’re in the area be sure to check them out. I love that they offer unique toys, not the usual that are found in every store. They know about their products as well, which really makes it nice! What a window display!

Read about the Magnifilous Experience, from their website:

You may be lured in the door by the sound of our 1840’s nickelodeon playing nostalgic tunes or by the sight of the spinning carousel as young children enjoy a ride. Entering the door you will be greeted by an enthusiastic staff with only one mission, to ensure that each guest has a Magnifilous experience.

You are welcome to browse at your leisure but one of our toy specialists will be close by to answer questions, demonstrate a toy or help choose the perfect gift.

We strive to keep our inventory unique and ever changing so there is always something new to see whether you are a first time visitor or a loyal friend.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Decorations at Belmond Charleston Place Hotel…

On December 9, 2015June 16, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, PhotographLeave a comment

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

This photo is from an outing with Fred & Charlie a little over a week ago. Beautiful decorations everywhere. Belmond Charleston Place is beautiful, full of wonderful shops, it’s a treat to visit! There are also a few restaurants, Palmetto Cafe, which we have only been to for brunch (highly suggest) and Charleston Grill. If you’re in Charleston, you definitely want to walk through the hotel.

Update, this hotel is no longer owned by Belmond, but it remains beautiful (links have been removed).

Afternoon Tea at the Thoroughbred Club. Afternoon tea at this hotel is exquisite. It’s been many years since we have splurged, but what a treat it is! Not to be forgotten!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charlie in his happy place!

On December 8, 2015December 8, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTS8 Comments

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

A little over a week ago all was right with the world. Fred, Charlie and I headed downtown, to see the Christmas decorations and visit a few stores. Charlie has a big time and so do we. It’s an adventure from start to finish.

Then… a jump off the bed tore his CCL (ACL in humans), so today, after much research and consultation, he is having surgery. Please keep him in your thoughts, prayers, good vibes or anything else you’ve got. He’s a sweet beast.

Do you have a suggestion for how to keep a Jack Russell calm for an extended period of time without being able to walk him? If so, let me know! For now, George Winston keeps him calm… unless a dog, cat, squirrel, bird, person, car, bike or anything else that moves goes by…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A special day! Hearts and Crosses by artist Barbara Biel…

On September 5, 2015September 1, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, Lifestyle, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Barbara Biel creates these amazing hearts and crosses and they are stunning! ESD (Elizabeth Stuart Design) in Mount Pleasant, SC has carried them for quite a while.

Both are perfect for this day… friends are getting married today, woot! Woot!

Kate & Hamp…

Congratulations you two, may God bless you both today and for the rest of your lives!

Happy Day!

xoxo, barbara, fred & charlie!

To roast, saute, bake and PHOTOGRAPH!

On August 18, 2015August 6, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, Lifestyle, Photograph, Recipe, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Produce Aisle – Whole Foods, Mount Pleasant, SC

What a stunning display of color, don’t you agree? Just look at these beets. I always thought beets tasted like dirt, I was so wrong. If you roast them, they have a sweetness to them that you will not believe! Give it a whirl!

You can roast them whole (scrub them good, cut off any leaves, but don’t peel). Then preheat oven to 375 F. Coat them with olive oil, then wrap in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast 45-60 minutes (or until done). Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes. Peel and slice into 1/4″-inch thick slices. Recipe: Bobbie Flay/Food Network

Ina Garten she peels, slices and roasts and then tops with orange juice, GOOGLE it! You won’t believe the wonderful combinations!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

It’s so nice to have help in the kitchen!

On June 27, 2015June 16, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, Lifestyle, Photograph3 Comments

Charlie. My faithful companion… well, at least when I’m cutting up veggies. He never misses a beat. He can be in a deep sleep, and when I reach for the cutting board his head lifts… when I open the drawer to pick a knife *BAM* there he is, right by my side.

I know I have mentioned that Charlie can’t have regular dog treats (or regular food). He had pancreatitis (a few years ago) and we almost lost him. So the beast (I say that lovingly) is on special (ultra low fat) food, and no more treats… well, the old fashioned ones (I used to bake him peanut butter oatmeal cookies which he loved), now days instead of “making cookies”, we “make carrots” – I cut the baby carrots in half and he is thrilled. Frozen green beans are another daily treat with cucumber, tiny bit of broccoli, kale, loves lettuce, the crunchier the better, so there are options and he is thrilled.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy Father’s Day… from Charlie (woof)!

On June 21, 2015June 20, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, Lifestyle, Photograph3 Comments

Charlie - First Meeting - Nov 2013 — Charlie – First Meeting

This portion of the post is written by Charlie the wonder dog!

Dear Dad,

Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for bringing me home all those years ago, even though I had very big feet for a Jack Russell… and the fact that I didn’t like you at first, not just you, any male… I was so scared (just look at my ears) – I can’t talk about it, but you saved me… and you’re my hero!

Even when I may have been a little bit bad, you usually laugh at me first, which fills my heart with joy…

You’re fun! You take me through creepy trails and we have fun getting close to critters that move fast!!

You walk me all the time, and we go on adventures and have a blast!

Thank you for showing me the sprinkler… I am so grateful. Oh, and for driving a kiddie pool all the way from Michigan to South Carolina so I would have my very own place to get cool, you know, for the times, when the sprinkler just doesn’t cut it!

The best part of my dad is when I know you’re almost home! I wait patiently…

You’re a very cool dad, and I think about how lucky I am to have you in my life!!

Love,

Charlie

Back to Barbara here:

Me and my dad…

Fred and his dad…

I would like to say Happy Father’s Day to both of our dads. We are so fortunate to be blessed with the two best dads on Earth. I just wish mine was closer :)

Love you dad(s)!

xoxo,

Catch you back here tomorrow!

One small change makes a big difference!

On June 16, 2015June 16, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, Lifestyle, THOUGHTS5 Comments

See how one small change can make such a difference? This slipcover was made by Cheryl Arnold from The Slipcover Shop, her slipcovers are always beautiful, fit perfectly and she makes the process so convenient!

Just look at what a transformation these slipcovers make! (I’m going backwards here, you’ll see the “before” at the end of this post)… This is the latest slipcover, we wanted no pleats, and just plain white cotton duck fabric. It washes and dries like a dream! Simple too, no loading up your car and dragging a chair (or worse yet, a sofa!) somewhere! In most cases, Cheryl orders the fabric, once it comes in, she comes to your house, cuts out the slipcover (which amazes me!), then takes the fabric home and a week or so later, brings you back a slipcover. So the chair never left the house!

If you have a sofa or chair that is still in good condition, but you think needs an update, check out a slipcover. How can you beat it? Throw it in the washer/dryer – it’s great!

We had this slipcover made years ago (10+), saw one similar in a magazine and showed it to Cheryl. We bought the fabric at ABC Carpet and Home when we were in New York City – what a great place! Cheryl made the slipcover and W O W ! What a difference it made… you’ll see why…

Here is the original chair. The fabric is in good shape, but didn’t go with our furnishings – but all that changed! If you need a slipcover, or pillows, I highly suggest Cheryl. We love it! She has also made us covers for pillows and cushions and even a dog bed! The cotton duck is amazing stuff, and the slipcover truly transformed this chair!

Here’s her card – Highly Recommend!!

UPDATE: Had a question about the weight of the fabric, trying to decide between 9oz or 14oz – I asked Cheryl, and she said that our fabric is 10oz. She said 10-12oz. would be nice. 9 oz. is a little light in her opinion and 14oz is too heavy. She does prewash the fabric. Hope that helps! I love our fabric, it’s perfect!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

What do you listen to?

On March 13, 2015February 27, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Lifestyle, THOUGHTS4 Comments

Well, if you haven’t already realized, it’s Friday the 13th. I try to remain a positive person, so I’m thinking this will be a good luck day, and while I’m not normally a superstitious person, I felt like I should take caution and not spread any bad luck to any artist or architect today, so I’m just going to throw a question out there… I could use some recommendations for some good music!

WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO?

I listen to Pandora quite a bit (and psssst a good gift idea would be a no ad upgrade for anyone you know who listens!) – and I tend to get in a rut. I listen to the same few stations. Mainly, it’s George Winston. I like George, but Charlie (woof) LOVES George. He will actually sleep if George is playing (YAY!) So the beast usually wins. Also if I’m trying to write or read I need to concentrate, so I listen to George. When I need to switch it up I listen to Masako.

When I’m cooking, I listen to Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera (something with a beat!) or Happy Radio (Pherrell Williams song “Happy”). Other favorites are Koop (lounge type cool music), Eklipse radio (more happening)…

Catch you back here tomorrow!