Category: HOME

What does 80,000 pounds of oysters look like? Come see at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: CharlestonRestaurantAssociation.com

Aren’t you curious what 80,000 pounds of oysters looks like?? Come out to Boonehall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, SC on January 29th to see… It will be a big time AND all for a good cause, as you’ll see below the money goes to several local charities!

Here’s a blip from Charleston Restaurant Association’s website:

 

29TH ANNUAL LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL – JANUARY 29, 2012

Get directions.

Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 80,000 pounds of oysters sound?

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music from the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area complete with pony rides and jump castles and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste.

Buy tickets online now or buy them at any area Southcoast Community Bank

Sunday, January 29th, 2012   10:30am – 5pm

Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant

Kids 10 and under are free with an adult; Bring your own knives and gloves or purchase them on site; No Coolers; No Pets; No Tailgating; Rain or Shine; Free Parking

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a charity fundraiser benefiting: The Ronald McDonald House, Hospitality Heroes, Hollings Cancer Center and Charleston County Schools Science Materials Resource Center

Catch you back here tomorrow!

You won’t believe your eyes… Charleston, SC sunset…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

My sister was in town visiting from Michigan and we headed to the new Shem Creek Park in Mt. Pleasant, SC. We got some amazing photos, when it didn’t seem like anything else was going to happen we headed home… going over the bridges (Mt P and Ashley River) we saw the most stunning sunset. EVER. This photo was taken with my phone going over the Ashley River Bridge…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Have you been? Check out the Footlight Players in downtown Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment

The Footlight Players is the most delightful place to spend an evening! You can expect to sit back and be completely entertained. I haven’t been in a while but am looking forward to going soon! It’s located in an old cotton warehouse in downtown Charleston, SC.

Click to see the upcoming schedule… THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST by Oscar Wilde is the next production. They also have a LATE NIGHT series that is less expensive!

Here is a blip from the Footlight Players website regarding the history… interesting! Hope to see you there soon!

The Footlight Players were ceremoniously launched in 1931 with a series of one-act plays directed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Russell Price at the Charleston Navy yard. The series was such a success and drew such a following that The Footlight Players formally organized and incorporated in the fall of 1932.

In 1934, the Players purchased an old cotton warehouse (circa 1850) with the idea of eventually converting it into a finished playhouse. Yet until 1938, all productions were presented in a variety of spaces around the Holy City—the Academy of Music (corner of King and Market Streets), the Victory Theatre (85 Society Street), Hampton Park, The Citadel, and The Dock Street Theatre. During this time, the cotton warehouse was used for storage and scenery construction. In 1941 a shortage of performance space caused the Players to again turn to their warehouse.

Just a roof and four walls, sixty dedicated volunteers remodeled and renovated the old warehouse and converted it into an informal playhouse and workshop. For the following 45 years, the Footlight Players continued to annually produce a number of regular season productions, both at The Dock Street Theatre and at Footlight. In 1986, after another dramatic renovation, The Footlight Players moved into the old cotton warehouse at 20 Queen Street, where they have remained ever since. What began as a small group has become for Charleston a theatrical tradition, built and strengthened over many years by hundreds of willing hands, the priceless gifts of time and toil, and by faith, enthusiasm and talent.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Vintage image from Footlight Players website…

Man slippers so sharp you could wear them out! Spend that gift card now!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS1 Comment
Image: UggAustralia.com

Aren’t these the sharpest men’s slippers you’ve ever seen? These are classy with a capital C! I bought them for my husband for Christmas and he LOVES THEM. I swear when he has khakis or jeans on I would swear he could wear them out. They’re warm, comfortable and the ultimate in style. I ordered them from Nordstrom (free shipping and free returns!)… If you have a gift card to spend and you don’t know what to do with it… here’s an idea! Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Monthly/Weekly planner to die for… big squares to write in, all from Blue Sky!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment
Image from BlueSkyImg.com

It’s not easy finding the perfect monthly/weekly planner, you know, one you’ll stick with all year long. Last year my parents bought me the Barnes and Noble monthly/weekly planner which was VERY nice. I used every little bit of it for this blog, had notes scribbled all over. This year I read the reviews and saw how everyone mentioned that the monthly view that was always spread out on two pages was now squished onto one page, what?!! I went to the store to see for myself. They were right. Whew, crisis averted! Glad I read that review! So I headed to Target, and in 0.3 seconds found the planner of my dreams (ok, I like paper, I like to write AND I like to organize so I get excited about things like this…). It’s made by BLUE SKY IMAGES, and the one I purchased is called the EggPress Heartflower Monthly/Weekly Planner. It’s a great size 8.5″x11″, nice big squares to write in and a lined area in each monthly view for notes specific to that month. After the monthly view is the two page weekly view, which is fantastic. Also there are tabs for the monthly view which is AWESOME… I made tabs for mine last year. So if you’re looking for a fantastic planner it sells online for $16+, I bought it at Target for $9.99.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

MERRY CHRISTMAS Y’ALL!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Bridget, Dad, Mom, Barbara

Today is Christmas, and I wish you the merriest! Good tidings to you…!

The only old Christmas photo that I could find was teeny tiny. That’s the Fidler family when we lived in St. Clair Shores, MI. Christmas was always a magical time!

To my family… I MISS YOU GUYS… MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

To all of you… I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and I thank you for checking in with me! Have a wonderful day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Another Santa trip! 1967!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments
Barbara and Bridget with Santa, 1967!

I can’t believe I remember this photo like I did the one a year earlier! I remember it because I was mad. I dressed up for Santa. We had our little skirts with matching shirts on, but because of the cold Michigan snow, we had to wear our leggings (really mom???? ha ha), then I wanted to take mine off first, but it was my turn to hop up on Santa’s lap, and since Santa “knows when you’ve been good or bad” I decided to go with it. I felt a need to explain “the look”! Can’t you just see the excitement in Bridget’s face? The way she’s got her hands clasped together tightly? PRECIOUS. Santa is awesome!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Gift idea… Mark Roberts Fairy…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments
Spirit of Hope Fairy / Image: markrobertsfairies.net

I’m trying to think up some unique gifts to showcase peppered in amongst my normal posts… Have you seen a Mark Roberts Fairy? They are the most magical little creatures! Every year there are new designs. They come showcased in a nice box. It’s a great gift for that someone on your list that LOVES Christmas and decorating! They have fairies for specials causes (for every purchase of selected Limited Edition Fairies, a portion goes to breast cancer research)…

Support the Troops Fairy / Image: MarkRobertsFairies.net

The Support the Troops Fairy, for every purchase of selected Limited Edition Fairies, a portion goes to The Wounded Warrior Project…

They have fairies for different life events, like a new baby, etc…

New Baby Girl Fairy / Image: MarkRobertsFairies.net

And… of course there are many Christmas fairies to choose from!

Decorating Fairy / Image: MarkRobertsFairies.net

Google MARK ROBERTS FAIRIES  to see more! I received my first one as a gift many years ago, it came from Nordstrom. Locally we have bought them at Finnicky Filly on King Street, to give as gifts… It doesn’t look like any of the online sites are operated BY Mark Roberts, but they do use his name…
Catch you back here tomorrow!

Going to see Santa… 1966 (YES, I was alive then…!)

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS3 Comments
"1966 Taken at Eastland. Bridget wouldn't have her picture taken. Barbara 4 1/2"

Wow, I didn’t think I remembered back when I was four, but hey, I totally remember this! I remember going to see Santa (such excitement), and I remember my sister Bridget wouldn’t have her picture taken with Santa. Afraid of Santa? Geez… that’s gutsy, not me, I hopped up on his lap, and recited my list that I had most likely practiced for quite some time. (Don’t remember what was on the list, ha ha…).

Part of the happiness of Christmas, or the holidays in general are the memories that come with making the meals, decorating the tree (or setting out the Menorah, etc.). It doesn’t matter what nationality you are, each of us, if we’re fortunate, has good memories that we want to replicate year after year. I was so fortunate to have such a great childhood. No worries, just had a great time, all the time (or at least that’s what I remember). Great parents, a sister who was a best friend, even though she did follow me around and repeat everything I said. It was cool to be the “old one” as my dad refers to me now… I always got to be the teacher (sorry Bridget), I got to be the cashier, while Bridget had to push a chair around with canned goods… Christmas was magical. It still is. Pass the magic on. If you know of anyone who is missing the magic, spread the cheer. No one should be lonely any time of year, but especially this time of year… Be an angel, remember… LIFE IS GOOD!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Christmas Surprise… an Eva Carter painting!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME3 Comments
Christmas surprise... Eva Carter painting!

Several years ago on Christmas night my husband and I were riding around downtown Charleston, SC.  Then he covered my eyes and told me he was taking me to my Christmas gift… WHAT???!!! I was trying to pay attention (good luck, I don’t do so well when I can see, HA), but we kept making turns so I had NO idea where we were. He stopped the car. Still unable to see he helped me out of the car and walked me up to the window… I opened my eyes, took in the sight and said…  “ME Barbara, YOU Fred?????!!!!!” Not meaning to sound like Tarzan, I just couldn’t believe that the tag on the painting in the window that everyone can see was TO: Barbara FROM: Fred. Holy Cow! That was so special. Thanks to Eva and to Karin Olah, the gallery manager at the time, for making it so special!  Do I have a cool husband or what? What fun!

Gift idea: Eddie Bauer down and fleece throw – like an electric blanket with no plug!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Eddie Bauer Down and Fleece Throw / Image: Amazon.com

You know how it is when you know about something so wonderful that you just want to get the word out? Last year my parents bought me this Down and Fleece Throw from Eddie Bauer. We were in Michigan, it was cold, I used it immediately. I. COULD. NOT. BELIEVE. IT! This thing radiates heat just like an electric blanket with the added bonus of no plug! It’s filled with 550 Goose Down and let me tell you it could not be warmer. It’s good looking, generously sized, does great in the washing machine/dryer. So if you’re looking to give a wonderful gift, this is a start! It’s $99 OR $49 WITH ANY PURCHASE! Trust me, it’s worth every penny!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

GREAT gift idea: T-shirts from LIFE IS GOOD! Look at this Holiday t…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: LifeIsGood.com

DO WHAT YOU LIKE – LIKE WHAT YOU DO, the motto for Life Is Good. How brilliant for a company to come up with positive messages on high quality t-shirts, a simple but happy design. They have a few Christmas long sleeve t-shirts for women. I happen to love them both (dilemma)…

Life is Good holiday t-shirt / Image: LifeIsGood.com

I like their short sleeve, long sleeve, holiday, regular, yoga, and pssssst, their socks to wear at night… AWESOME!  Enjoy! Oh, did I mention free shipping and free returns? Yep. A great company indeed. Note: Locally they also sell LIFE IS GOOD on Market Street downtown Charleston, SC…!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The beauty of Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments
Magnolia Cemetery

My husband and I took a ride through a few of Charleston’s beautiful cemeteries. Let me just say, you go back in time. They are old, very very old and the photo ops are amazing. YES, it would help to have a camera with you… These were taken with my phone on a cloudy day, but I think you can still see how spectacular the view is. The magnificent grand live oak trees are everywhere, it’s a beautiful place. There were several people out with big cameras taking advantage of the day… NEXT TIME I will bring a camera, sigh…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The most awesome sauté pan… EVER!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment
Image: Amazon.com

Is this one sweet pan or what? We bought it a few years ago at a neat Kitchen Shop in Mount Pleasant, SC (Coastal Cupboard). I was looking at it and a man walked by, said he had it and that it was THE BEST pan… EVER. Well, I have to agree… Made by J.A. Henckel, this is more than just a pan that looks good, its performance is top notch! Everything that I’ve made in it has turned out divine. Today, I’m making a wee little pork sirloin roast. My roasting pan bit the dust, so I’m going to sear in this pan and then put it in the oven… It can handle temps to 500 degrees fahrenheit, so at a temp of 350F I’m set! So if you find yourself needing a great sauté pan that can do more than sauté this is the ticket! For more info on J.A. Henckel cookware, click HERE…

Catch you back here tomorrow!