Winter Garden, A Novel by Kristin Hannah. Another winner! This is a great book full of history. It goes back and forth between modern time and “war-torn Leningrad”. It will make you appreciate all you have and really think about things differently. The struggles, the relationships, the difficulties but also the love, compassion and caring. Women coming together, even if it takes years.
Continue reading “Book Suggestion: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah!”
Did you know that South Carolina has the most salt marshes on the East coast? A good bit of those marshes are located right here in Charleston County! It’s true! I love how they change with the seasons – and on days with clouds like this it’s absolutely stunning!
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None of us can predict the future. We know that none of us will be on this earth forever. When we’re young we assume we’ll be here until we’re old right? But day after day on the news you can see there is no guarantee based on age. This is one of life’s challenges that we had hoped would never happen. The loss of a parent (my husband’s dad). A few thoughts…
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I posted a version of this recipe over ten years ago. It’s a hit. I love to whip this up in the morning and sit down to dinner with no cooking. What a dream! Best yet, the next day you have another meal (or the following day!) – no cooking! The tastes, textures, and freshness take it over the top. I love to photograph my husband’s plate because his usually looks prettier. I’m always in a hurry to catch up, snap photos, etc. I love how he added the pickled okra, so pretty! I gave a sneak peak on my Instagram/Facebook movie. Recipe below…
Continue reading “Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives”
Biltmore – Asheville, North Carolina. Wow! Doesn’t even come close to the feeling when you are within the walls of this grand estate. The details, so many details on every single level. As I mentioned in an earlier “Biltmore” post, I snapped almost 800 photos in a two day span. I think I have photos from each of these arched openings. There were people here, I was just waiting to take a photo until the coast was clear.
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Ah, the beauty of Charleston’s exquisite architecture. It simply can’t be beat. You can walk for hours (and hours!) and see so many beautiful sights, one after another. Between the grand homes, stately gardens, handcrafted wrought iron fences and gates – it’s enough to boggle your mind. Look for the little details, the pillar finials, the stone/brick/marble work that has lived on for centuries. What attention to detail!
Continue reading “Discover Charleston’s Stunning Architecture: Simmons-Edwards House!”
We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful area of Charleston, SC. This neighborhood will soon be 100 years old. Amazing the architecture and the quality of building. I love how, back in the day, they had the foresight to plant a live oak tree in front of each house. These magical trees make this area absolutely breathtaking.
Continue reading “The Historic Charm of Charleston’s Older Neighborhoods…”
My husband and I have recently taken a road trip to the Biltmore Estate. We had the absolute best time possible. I’m not sure how we fit so much into a few days but we did. I highly encourage you to make your way to Biltmore. Add it to your list right now, I’m not kidding when I say this is one stunning place. I took almost 800 photos – I couldn’t believe it! Biltmore is so special.
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Morning light is the best, well, that and the golden light at sunset. In the morning sunlight streams into the dining room. I love the light in this room and the brief but stunning bits of light and reflection (details below). Little hints of the past in the form of paintings/sketches adorn the walls. This is a happy place.
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On a few streets in the historic neighborhoods in Charleston, SC (not on the peninsula) there are the most gorgeous live oak trees. Many of them have been here since 1927. The Spanish moss grows thick. It’s how we can quickly see which way or how strong the wind is blowing. It’s graceful and beautiful with the sunlight shining through it.
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The Old Me used to read the back of books before purchasing. The New Me doesn’t want the to ruin the surprise element of the story. So… Instead, I head over to goodreads.com and read the reviews (only the ones with no spoilers). I like to not know what’s coming. This is an especially good book to read WITHOUT reading the back of the book. That way you have a surprise every little bit. Great writing. A perfect summer read!
Continue reading “Book Suggestion: The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin!”
Isn’t this a stunning example of historic Charleston, SC architecture? The level of detail is astounding. The fact that this home remains so gorgeous nearly 285 years later is mind blowing. I love the aged patina, the black shutters, windows and doors and the beautiful window boxes that make this house pop!
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Caution! This book will make you smile. I didn’t know what to expect because I hadn’t read a book by Katherine Center prior to this book. I was thrilled. It sucked you in. You know what a treasure it is to try a new (to you) author? One, who’s books you love and see that they they’ve written quite a few more? Woohoo! It’s the best feeling ever.
Continue reading “Book Suggestion: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center – What a delight!”
Spectacular, right? I think Dahlias demand attention – and they easily receive it. They’re beautiful in a vase or left outside, they are stunning in every way. A starburst of color and perfection. I’ve seen them in Maine (gorgeous) and North Carolina (breathtaking), and have always envied them. I don’t recall seeing them growing in the Charleston, SC area. Charleston can get quite warm and humid, maybe that’s why…
Continue reading “Dahlias at Abide-A-While Nursery in Charleston, SC”
We bought one of these pink flowers a few years ago to try and it was AH-mazing! Planted it in a pot in the spring and it bloomed until winter. I snipped blooms off, a few at a time, and put in small vases. It’s the happiest plant ever. Highly recommend!
Continue reading “Proven Winners Brand – A Flower You Will Fall In Love With!”
