Category: THOUGHTS

Discover Charleston’s Stunning Architecture: Simmons-Edwards House!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, preservation, SC, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Charleston, South Carolina

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!

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The Historic Charm of Charleston’s Older Neighborhoods…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, HOME, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
antique pine table set against windows, outside are live oak trees and blooming azaleas, lamp and plant on table

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.

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Explore the Breathtaking Biltmore Estate: A Must-Visit Destination!

On By Barbara StroudIn Biltmore, North Carolina, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL1 Comment
The oh so grand Biltmore Estate, image taken from front lawn, fountain blowing in the wind

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 & Shadows – Home Sweet Home

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Interior with dining table and chairs fireplace, artwork, small vase of pink flowers and mint, sunlight

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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Sunset & Spanish Moss | Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, HOME, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
live oak trees, spanish moss, sunset, beauty

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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Book Suggestion: The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, Fiction, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Book propped against teak sofa, liriope plant growing in the background, The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin
The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

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!

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Architectural Splendor: 54 Tradd Street – Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Historic home, with flags, hurricane bolts, worn patina, beautiful windows boxes with flower.

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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Book Suggestion: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center – What a delight!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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.

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Dahlias at Abide-A-While Nursery in Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn flowers, garden, Garden Center, gardening, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

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…

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Proven Winners Brand – A Flower You Will Fall In Love With!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, flowers, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
black flower pot on brick steps, pink flowers, green leaves, gomphrena plant, shadows from flowers against brick

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!

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People LOVE To Shop- Rediscover the Joy of Shopping at Fresh Market!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
inside grocery store, produce section, many people, Fresh Market
Grand Opening of Fresh Market in Mount Pleasant, SC

Long ago, when I was growing up – shopping was so much fun. Everyone looked forward to it, whether something was purchased or not, the fun was in the looking. In my high school years to my twenties, we would meet at Hudson’s department store. We would have lunch at Lakeshore Grill within the store. Maurice salad was their specialty, but everything was delicious. We treasured those visits for years.

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Book Suggestion: Night Road by Kristin Hannah!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, Fiction, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Book on marble table, Kristin Hannah Author, Night Road - A Novel, white cover with mountains, trees and clouds

You know that feeling when you finish a book you really didn’t want to end? Characters that are all so wonderful not to mention an idyllic setting (Pacific Northwest). This is a book you’ll never forget. As I mention in my review, this book really should be required reading for everyone in high school.

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Life as a Bird in the Great Smoky Mountains

On By Barbara StroudIn North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment
Bird perched on a railing, looking out over the Great Smoky Mountains, Waynesville, North Carolina

Can you imagine life as a bird in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park? The freedom to fly hither and yon. Life as a bird comes with options. You glide with the wind. Or you take a break at the bird feeder and hang out with your friends. Or, if you preferred, you just take a break and look out over the beautiful vistas. #lifeisgood

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Support Chef Thornton: Buy a Mug for a Cause, Donate or Share…

On By Barbara StroudIn North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Chef Thornton, coffee mug, donation, mug on table overlooking Orchard coffee shop
Quick snapshot while Max was making us an excellent cup of coffee – Orchard Coffee Shop, Waynesville, NC

This is the coolest coffee shop in Waynesville, NC. I started following Orchard Coffee after Hurricane Helene. During the aftermath they did so much to help their community, it truly was jaw-dropping. Everyone who worked here went the extra mile and then the unthinkable happened…

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Book Suggestion: The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, Fiction, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

Sarah Adams is a joy. Her books are delightful and a nice change of pace. They’re light and will definitely make you laugh out loud. The perfect books to read when you need something a little lighter. So enjoyable and entertaining. I love her sense of humor.

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