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!

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!

Hawk Alert for pets under 12 pounds.

On November 29, 2015November 17, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS6 Comments

Recently one of the veterinarians in the area posted a warning on their Facebook page. If you have small animals (under 12 pounds typically), to be aware of the hawks.

WHAT????!!!!

I read that post and then saw a hawk swoop into the azaleas, grab some poor soul and take off. It happened so fast I couldn’t believe it. The next day I let Charlie out the back door, Fred saw the hawk in the tree right there. It was eyeing Charlie (trying to figure the weight?? ha), and then it flew off. We went outside with him.

Can you imagine? This hawk looked young, I’m no expert, but it didn’t look as big as the one I think we saw the other day…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Tis the Season…

On November 28, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Tis the Season! Charleston is decorated and ready. So many of the storefronts are just beautiful. Every time we come downtown I swear there is a new restaurant, store or other cool place that we have yet to see! So many wonderful things happening in one city. People playing music. Outdoor lounges with heaters and beautiful furniture. Rooftop dining and drinks. This little city is something else!

It’s all dressed up for the Christmas and holiday season. A wonderful way to spend the day!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Quiet Reflections…

On November 27, 2015November 17, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Maine, PhotographLeave a comment

Look at this sky! This photo from the coast of Maine is very fitting for this time of year. Short daylight hours, the wild clouds in the sky. That wonderful light, however fleeting.

I think spending time after Thanksgiving reflecting on all you have to be grateful for is the perfect way to fast forward you into the upcoming year. Time flies so quickly!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All in a days work… Whoa!

On November 22, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Yesterday, Fred, Charlie and I headed downtown to walk around and stop in a few stores. As we drove down Broad Street we passed Saint Michael’s Church and saw it being painted.

No. Easy. Task!

It looked like they were using rollers. Can you imagine?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The walk after the rain…

On November 21, 2015November 17, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Much of the country has seen a lot of rain and wild weather for November. This was a photo taken after another batch of rain that caused flooding in areas here in Charleston. The marsh looks swollen. I love those moody, gray, cloudy skies with the dark outline of the trees that line the marsh up close and in the distance. Beautiful light reflections in the water. It’s amazing how much the marsh can change. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Looking up!

On November 15, 2015November 9, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Just look at these clouds! What a wonderful blue sky, the dark trees and the puffy rows of clouds…

I took this photo one day on our morning walk…

If it’s not a sunrise or sunset it’s a cloud that I’m snapping a photo of. This reminds me of being a kid…

Did you plop down in the grass and just look up at the sky? It’s like nature TV!

Don’t lose sight of the little things in life. Be grateful for what you have WHEN YOU HAVE IT. None of us will live forever, so make every day count.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo from the archives: Nothing like a river sunset!

On November 14, 2015November 6, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph, TRAVEL1 Comment

Is there anything better than watching a sunset or sunrise? I absolutely love it. It makes you realize there is something out there greater than yourself. This is sunset from my parents front porch. I love this river. But the river with a sunset… WOW!

I have many photos of a stunning sunrise or sunset. There is something so magical about them. Have you noticed how quickly the sun sets? Once it starts going down, towards the end you can basically watch it drop behind the horizon. It’s amazing.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: John Rutledge House Inn B&B!

On November 13, 2015November 6, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, HOME, PhotographLeave a comment

What a wonderful bed & breakfast! The John Rutledge House Inn B&B located here in Charleston, SC. It’s got history, charm, class and the most wonderful breakfasts ever!

If you ever get a chance to stay, I highly recommend!! Click HERE to check out the history (and see fabulous photos). This is one wonderful place!

Catch you back here tomorrow!