House Plan: Winward Villa by Flatfish Island Designs!

On January 7, 2016January 4, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

This is the Winward Villa by Flatfish Island Designs. This plan is 2,200 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms (but can be customized to include more/less). You really need to look at the real life images of this one. Stunning design. I love how you see through from the entrance, to the living space and through to the pool behind the house. Breathtaking! See that area on the right? It’s a pergola where you park. See the actual images! Very nice…

This house has plentiful storage, which is ideal! A few of my favorite aspects of this plan is that the guest rooms are secluded away from the master bedroom. I think it’s nicer for guests to be in a different wing of a house than it is right next to the master. I like the openness of the Kitchen/Living and the abundance of open air living with the wonderful courtyard areas accessible both from the living area as well as the Master Bedroom. The only thing I would (personally) change is to eliminate the water closets. I know that’s the style right now, but it’s too much for me, I’ve never been big on that concept. That’s just me…

See actual images of this home, interior and exterior. It really helps you visualize it. Stunning use of space!

All images via FlatFishIslandDesigns.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Quote for the day…

On December 27, 2015December 15, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments

Since the new year is coming upon us (can you believe it?) I think this is sound advice. I saw this downtown Charleston and snapped a photo.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A surprise visit on King Street – Charleston, SC!

On December 26, 2015December 15, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, PhotographLeave a comment

What a great shot! We were walking down King Street last month when Charlie halted and jumped up on a window. The store was closed. Then something moved… a cat! They had a stare down for a bit… then we went on our merry way. Never know what you’ll see in Charleston.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Restaurant: Four Ninety Two (492) – Charleston, SC

On December 19, 2015December 5, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, FOOD, Photograph1 Comment

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

492 is a beautiful restaurant located on King Street in Charleston, SC. What a classy looking building. Kudos to a restaurant that takes an building that sat vacant since Hurricane Hugo in the early 90’s!

Check out their website for the current menu offerings (eyes roll back in head). Cannot wait to try this place!

Read a little about the history of Four Ninety Two, from their website:

During the renovation of 492 King Street, historical significance and attention to detail played a large role in creating the new space. The building dates back to the late 1800s when clothiers such as Reuben’s, Leon’s and Bluestein’s were a large part of the economy in Charleston, especially in the Upper King Street district. The button wall art installation in the main dining room, an interpretation of Chef Whiting’s photograph of sous vide leeks, pays homage to that history. Additionally, the fabric ceiling in the downstairs dining area is a replica of a 1902 city map.

The gates that enclose the courtyard were inspired by 30” x 40” Sanborn street maps of different colors, patterns and scale found while researching the building’s origins. As executed, the red rectangles show the 492 King location in an abstracted version of the 1884 map, noted by the circle. All the other lines represent the surrounding streets.

The building sat abandoned since Hurricane Hugo until it being purchased by the Relish Restaurant Group. During renovations, spearheaded by local architect Reggie Gibson, as much of the original building was left intact as possible. The red color in the dining room, called “eating room red,” and the “piazza blue” on the upstairs hall ceiling are both historic paint colors. The base of the bar is paneled in old tin that served as the ground floor ceiling of the existing building, reflecting a dedication to preserving and restoring this unique piece of Charleston’s history.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Houseplan: Berryville by John Tee!

On December 17, 2015December 11, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans4 Comments

This is the Berryville House Plan by architect John Tee. This plan is 1,269 square feet, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This is a small plan that is so smart. You can live in a smaller footprint when the layout is ideal, and this one is! Charming front porch, isn’t it? It’s so welcoming! This looks like a home with character from years ago. I love that!

Two Bedrooms, each with a Bathroom on one side of the home and Living, Dining, Kitchen with a wonderful Utility room on the other side! The Utility room keeps the house looking neat. You can put shoes there, wash clothes, give the dog a bath, and then step out onto the back porch for a break!

Are you looking for a larger floor plan, look no further! Check out John’s website, he designs house plans of all sizes and types. All are just beautiful!

All images via JohnTee.com, used with permission…

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

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!

A Holiday Window in Charleston…

On December 10, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

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

Charleston is looking beautiful for the holidays! We were visiting some shops on King Street a few weeks ago and I couldn’t help but snap a few photos of store windows! This is a peek inside Anthropologie, love that place. Wonderful everything!

If you’re in the area, take a stroll, support the businesses in the area!

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!

Charleston Window Dressing… brilliant!

On December 7, 2015December 2, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

*Featuring photos this week; will resume regular posts next week!

How is this for a unique holiday window in Charleston? I love how Ooh Ooh Shoes! used the bottom part of the Christmas tree as a “skirt”, topped with a fitted jacket, a clutch bag, and pearls, of course!

I also like the subtle reflections of the stores across the street – get downtown if you haven’t been! It’s beautiful!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A little something to make you smile…

On December 5, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

I have lived here in Charleston since right before hurricane Hugo (1989). I can’t believe it’s been nearly 27 years that I’ve been here.There are so many things I love about Charleston. The architecture is out of this world. The food.. ohmygosh, every possible type of restaurant and cuisine that you can imagine. We are a foodie city for sure. We are big on the arts and entertainment.

Charleston has class without a doubt. When you meander your way through downtown streets, as well as some streets around the outlying areas, you see such beauty.

Then there are the unexpected treasures like this frog. A little something to bring a smile to your day…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: 200 Madison Street by Our Town Plans!

On December 3, 2015December 1, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans2 Comments

This is the 200 Madison Street house plan by Our Town Plans, and it’s a beauty! This plan is roughly 1,719 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Don’t you just love the wrap around porch? The lines of this plan are so nice. I would have a table and a few comfy chairs on the front porch. On the table I would have a lamp that gives off nice warm light. I think that makes a house look so warm and inviting.

When you come up the front steps onto the porch of this plan, you enter into the living rom. The Living, Dining and Kitchen are open and share a wonderful space. There are French doors off of the Dining room giving you the option to screen part of the porch so that bugs don’t get in or leave it unscreened for parties, keeping doors open, there is quite a bit of real estate on those wonderful porches!

The upstairs is kept nice and simple. A great Bedroom, Sitting room and Bathroom. What a luxury to have another Sitting room! This is one classy plan!

Our Town Plans has wonderful house plans, large home, small home, outbuilding, you name it!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…