Category: HOME

ADDICTED… to the Black Bean Company, Charleston, SC…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, HOME1 Comment

Image: Black Bean Company 

OK, so I’m a little late getting in the swing of things… a friend sent me an email asking if we’ve been to Black Bean Co… a neat little restaurant on James Island (and another location on Spring Street). We’ve heard of it, but had never been. Had heard it was good, but that was coming from healthy food loving people, ha ha… I was assured that the food was good and the yogurt was to die for… we went, we saw, we tasted… we fell in love… went back the next day, and the next day, and the next day… and hopefully today!! It’s FRESH, HEALTHY food that tastes out of this world good. It’s not the healthy food that you have to try to choke down, no my friends, this is pure delight… from the very first to the very last bite… when you leave you can’t help thinking about when you’ll be back, what you’ll be ordering… it’s just all so good!

One of their sides is yogurt… It is a dream come true. My guess is that it’s vanilla bean infused honey added to Greek yogurt. You can definitely see the vanilla beans and you can taste honey, but the combination is to die for, then it comes with a little granola that changes each day, it’s not that overly sweet processed kind, it’s REAL granola… but SHHH! Don’t give the secret away, would hate to know they were out of stock!

We’re working our way down the menu… I only managed to get photos the second day, ha ha… but here they are, just so that you can see how delectable these wraps are. They have more… but this is out of this world!

The wrap above is the SOUTH WEST CHICKEN (Roasted chicken, black beans and jasmine rice, fresh local sweet corn, roasted tomatoes, spicy southwest chipotle sauce, shredded carrots, parmesan cheese, mixed greens) – did you read that description? Oh heavens… To. Die. For. Good. Spicy and perfect in every way!

This one is the BLACK AND BLUE (Chicken, (turkey or tofu), blue cheese, mixed greens, avocado, fig balsamic vinaigrette, black beans and jasmine rice) – oooooh!

The last one we got was the SPRING STREET (sorry no pic, was hungry!) it has chicken, turkey or tofu, hummus, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh homemade tzatziki, mixed greens and sprouts! I think this one was my favorite, but I have a great passion for tzatziki, ha ha… so that may have sealed the deal! They have many vegetarian options (almost everything can be made without meat, with tofu substituted)… and don’t forget about the yogurt, but remember, don’t tell anyone!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Microplane, the wood working tool that crossed over to the kitchen!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

The Microplane Classic Series Zester/Grater

This is one awesome tool. Made by Microplane, this is the Classic Series Zester/Grater. It makes a molehill out of a mountain, so to speak… It takes the toughest job and makes it a snap. Did you know that the smaller garlic is chopped the higher the health benefits? I use my Microplane zester mainly to make a wonderful paste out of garlic and/or ginger. Therefore no big hunks of garlic, just nice and flavorful, AND it only takes a few minutes! I originally bought it years ago to use with Parmesan cheese, but these days it’s all about the ginger and garlic… if you don’t have one, give it a whirl, I’m sure you’ll wonder how you did without it for so long! As they say at Microplane, it’s the woodworking tool that crossed over to the kitchen, and boy am I ever glad someone thought of it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charlie (Jack Russell Terrier) visits Shem Creek Park in Mount Pleasant, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME1 Comment

Charlie loves to go for a visit to Shem Creek Park in Mt. Pleasant, SC. It’s a nice long dock/walkway with plenty to see and smell… a great place to go to watch the boats, people fishing or just to enjoy a beautiful sunset. If you haven’t made your way there yet, it’s worth it! Near Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant Seafood, etc.) you can’t miss it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

PHOTO: Homes on Charleston Navy Base maintained for the TV show Army Wives

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS9 Comments

General and Claudia Joy Holden’s House (characters) on the set of Army Wives, Charleston, SC

This is one of the homes maintained for the television show ARMY WIVES. See the wisteria (I’m guessing that’s what it’s supposed to be?) on the porch? It’s not real… it’s fascinating to see sets up close, what you see on TV is so far from what it really looks like! I remember one year Fred and I were in Mount Pleasant, SC in an area they call the “Old Village”, this little shop that we really liked was painted a different color, on second look, all the shops were different, as were the nearby homes, it was like being on the Twilight Zone (anyone remember that show??), then we saw men on ladders HANGING GREEN LEAVES ON A BIG OAK TREE, we asked what was going on… they were getting ready to shoot a scene for a Nicholas Sparks movie (I believe it was The Notebook), so intriguing! The season of Army Wives starts on March 4! I like the show, Fred likes it because he’s figuring out where they’re at for each scene! I’m not sure how it works, who maintains these homes, etc. but they do a great job… Catch you back here tomorrow!

 

PHOTO: Can this gorgeous home be saved? Charleston, SC Officer’s home, it’s been vacant since 1995…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME5 Comments

I truly cannot believe the homes on the navy base have been allowed to sit vacant since the base closed in 1995. They are literally falling down. When you go to this area (some of the homes are maintained, the ones that are used for the television show ARMY WIVES) you will see that there is no more beautiful place in the world. The large looming oak trees, you can FEEL the history here… the water is near, you can just imagine all the important and fancy dinners that have been part of these homes. You would think they could at least sell to an individual who could renovate and either live there or sell? There are many homes, this one is just the most heartbreaking… There was a good article in the Post & Courier back in October regarding these homes, check it out if you get a chance! (I know with a MAC you can double click on the image to enlarge… try it!). Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured artist… Rick Reinert!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, HOMELeave a comment

“Second Sunday In December” by Rick Reinert

Across from the Reinert LePrince Gallery is a neat little antique store, John Pope Antiques. I think Rick did a fabulous job of capturing this colorful storefront! In his traditional loose style, he depicted this perfectly, from the brushstrokes and color to the thickness of the paint. It all made for an interesting painting!

The Reinert LePrince Gallery is located on King Street in downtown Charleston. Last time we were there both artists were painting away. So it’s a great place to visit if you want to see artists actually painting… If you’re in the area, check him out, also check out Kevin LePrince‘s work, very nice! Otherwise, their website is very informative!

A blip about Rick from his website:

Nature and sunlight have provided me with the ultimate reference library. I believe that it is possible to study painting for a lifetime and never have to venture more that one square mile for constant challenges and a wealth of subject matter. Every day offers unique and exciting opportunities for the artist who follows the light.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), Charleston, SC February 17-19, 2012!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVEL2 Comments

Image: Google

Mark it on your calendars… make your reservations… book those plane tickets! Southeaster Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is February 17-19, 2012 in Charleston, SC! This marks the 30th year! Come see why there is such a huge draw. The city will see over 40,000 people fill the streets, auditoriums and many other venues in those three days. That’s the nice thing about this expo, it’s spread out, you can pick and choose what interests you! Did I mention the shopping district in Charleston, SC? Pretty darn exquisite… So there is something to do for everyone!

Here is an interesting fact from SEWE’s website that gives you an idea of how popular it is in Charleston:

What does SEWE do for the community?
SEWE has an economic impact of $63.8 million annually to the state, bringing life to the area at a traditionally slow time for the Lowcountry tourist industry. In addition, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition provides the public with affordable access to cultural and educational opportunities as they relate to wildlife and nature conservation and preservation.

Whoa! 63.8 million! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Here’s a blip from the SEWE website:

Now in its 30th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. A 3-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education. 

Established in 1982, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Its goal was, and is, to produce an event which contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts. 

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort that began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.

Here is some info from their website in regards to purchasing tickets:

How much are tickets?
General admission tickets for Friday or Saturday are $20; Sunday: $10, and 3-Day: $40.

How much are children’s tickets?
Children 10 and under are admitted free of charge.

How can I buy tickets in advance?
Advance tickets may be purchased online, by phone (843/723-1748), at the Gaillard Auditorium, and at the Charleston Area Visitor Centers. 

• Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting Street (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily)
• Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun Street (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri)
• Mount Pleasant Visitor Center/Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily)
• Kiawah Visitor Center/Town Hall, 200 Beachwalker Drive (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri)
• North Charleston Visitor Center/American LaFrance Fire Museum, 4975-B Centre Point Drive (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun)

Can I buy tickets at the event?
Tickets may be purchased during show hours at Charleston Visitor Center, Charleston Place Hotel, Francis Marion Hotel, Mills House Hotel, Gaillard Auditorium, Marion Square, and Brittlebank Park.

Will tickets sell out?
SEWE will not run out of General Admission tickets.  Please be advised that GA seating for events in the Gaillard Auditorium is first come, first served and is not guaranteed.  The same is true for viewing space near the ring for Retreiver and Center for Birds of Prey demos, and near the tank for DockDogs competitions.

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!