Category: THOUGHTS

No mountains in Charleston…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTS2 Comments

A quick snap of my phone the other day. The sun, some dark clouds, and blue sky. Quite the mix. It was as if nature didn’t know if it should be summer/winter – dry or rain! I love that dark cloud line that looks like low mountains on the horizon – no mountains here, just a swath of dark clouds!

I love weather and appreciate whatever it is outside (well, I may whine if it’s hot and humid – hee).

Enjoy your Saturday!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Thoughts on Gift Giving…

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, THOUGHTS4 Comments

🎁 Gift Giving Thoughts

I try to listen throughout the year for gift giving ideas. Hints that are given without meaning to be a hint for a gift. Something someone wishes they had, or needs, or has recently lost/broke, etc. It’s amazing the ideas you can pick up if you listen!

There is nothing better than buying just the right gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive. So many of us have enough “things” – so I look for gifts that are useful, practical and don’t take up a lot of space. Something that the person can use like a gift card for spa services (a nice treat), movie pass, restaurant gift card, coffee shop gift card, homemade (or store bought) bakery treat. Sensible gifts like socks, underwear, while not terribly exciting (although with all the bright patterns out there now they sure can be!) are very practical and if you know the right brand/size could be very much appreciated. Some nice socks like SmartWool (warmth), Feetures (running/walking socks) or just some gorgeous socks (men: Ted Baker) or even some gorgeous (yes, gorgeous!) Sockwell compression socks for that special someone who is always on their feet!

Those are just a few ideas- there are oh, so many! Have fun in your quest for just the right gift! Make it special (not necessarily expensive, just with thought behind it).

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A good gift idea: Sheepskin seat covers!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: ShearComfort.com

Now, this is a good gift idea! Especially for those who are in their vehicle any length of time! Real sheepskin keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and importantly doesn’t give you that electric ZAAAP that you get when it’s dry outside! I’ve been zapped so badly I was sure I was going to end up with curly hair!

ShearComfort.com is one of the companies that you can order from, you order based on the year/make/model of your vehicle. That way you KNOW it will fit properly.

For those of you with heated seats (not in need of a seat cover), if you get cold hands while driving there is also a cover for your steering wheel 😉

Do you know someone who this would make a good gift for?

Check out their website: ShearComfort.com!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Newly A Nonagenarian – Special Wishes!

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, THOUGHTS10 Comments
Happy Birthday Penny!

Today is our friend’s birthday, she turns 90! Her name is Penny and she’s an amazing individual. She has a vivid memory and can recount stories from years ago with the sharpest detail! Penny shares her life stories – you know, those very special stories that you can learn by… You’ll see what I mean when you check out her blog. YES! Her blog…

Penny writes an incredible blog about the “Recollections & Ruminations of a Quirky Old Dame”. She has a gift with her sharp wit and love of storytelling. Her posts will put a smile on your face. Penny is cool and “with it” – she keeps up to date on what’s happening, and she makes me laugh. This is a woman who loves life. She dives in, unafraid to try new and challenging things, such as starting a blog at age 89. I started out posting it to WordPress for her (posting, not writing), and now she does it all. Penny is an inspiration, a sweet friend and the one special person who told me about Effie’s Oat Cakes!

Penny and I originally met via email – CC’d from another friend. Fred and I have had the opportunity to meet Penny in person – What a treat! Since the time of emailing we have met on Monhegan Island a few times – and what a good time we have!

Penny – What is your secret? I’m guessing it’s a wonderful attitude, a love of reading and writing – a close family and many, many friends (and quite possibly two Effie’s Oat Cakes each morning – I’m hoping that’s the true secret!)

Your gift of sharp wit and love of storytelling makes your blog, Nearly Ninety the absolute treasure that it is!

🎉HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY PENNY!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Paying it forward…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, THOUGHTS3 Comments

The coolest thing happened to us the other day. We were having lunch at Five Loaves Cafe in Charleston, SC – and as the woman walked up to our table (we thought to give us our bill), she explained that the restaurant chooses a few tables each day to surprise and take care of their meal. So there was no bill, it was on the house – they just ask that you pay it forward through random acts of kindness – give back however you can.

I have to tell you, I’ve read about this happening to other people and I always thought it was such a cool thing to have happen! There is no better feeling than giving. It leaves you smiling the entire day. It’s been fun to think up ways to pay it forward. We always try to be mindful of that, but this is extra special given the time of year…

So… pay it forward however you can, whether you treat someone to lunch, buy them a coffee, or just random acts of kindness – bringing an elderly neighbor dinner or treats – a nice visit. The possibilities are endless!

As I mentioned, Five Loaves Cafe had fabulous food! I love how you can order a half of sandwich, half of a salad or a cup vs. bowl of soup. They also have a soup “flight” that allows you to sample three different soups. We’re looking forward to going back for dinner! We also want to try their other restaurants, Sesame Burgers and Beer and Ember Kitchen (Charleston, SC).

I can tell you this post took me far too long to write – Reason? I got stuck looking at their  menu and couldn’t get out! Oh! Everything sounds so good! Can’t wait to get back…

Bravo to the GlowFisch company – you rock! Your restaurants are fabulous, good food, good people and good beliefs! We will most certainly be back!

Happy Holidays indeed! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Watching Intently

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTS18 Comments

Charlie watching intently out of the back window while perched in a chair. Not a muscle moves. Not even one of the many hairs on his body. He’s watching for any movement, squirrels and birds mostly.

Dogs love to be at the same level we are. He will hop up in a chair and sit back like you or I would. It’s crazy to see and makes me laugh every single time. I think it started when he was a puppy. The only way he would stay calm is to get in my desk chair (with me in it), he would sit up, back against the chair- paws in front and digging into my back. Once he got situated he would fall asleep, which also meant if I wanted a moment of piece I wouldn’t move a muscle. It’s how this blog was born. On 1/1/11 I decided I may as well do something productive, so why not figure out how to create a blog, the writing part was easy, the figuring out took a bit.

It’s been a great adventure. I can’t believe next month begins year EIGHT of a daily blog, which, I have to be honest, at times I have considered stopping just because of the enormous amount of time I spend on it. Even though my posts are rather fluffy and most don’t have a lot of research to be done (house plans and artists are different, those do take time), they still take a lot of time.

I hope you are enjoying this blog. I have received so many wonderful emails throughout the years – it’s what keeps me going. As a friend mentioned… it’s time to monetize – But how? Sounds like I have some research to do! Better get busy!

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog!

Oh! The light!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

We have many old, large, live oak trees where we live – each one is so breathtaking. Their canopy is very large and this time of year when the light hits it’s just stunning!

Some trees have more Spanish moss than others. That’s a pretty sight, especially with the sun filtering through, very dramatic. These trees are like sculptures – stately. This time of year the light seems warmer and lights up the trees differently. Remember, it’s the little things in life!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

CFL Bulb Public Service Announcement: DISPOSAL

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Lifestyle, THOUGHTS1 Comment
CFL Bulbs (I just happened to snap a photo of GE, it’s not to single them out)

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL). Ick. (Well, that was grown up, wasn’t it?) I have to admit I have never been an admirer. But I tried to get in the swing – they save energy, etc. So I bought some to use in closets (I’m trying)… I did manage to purchase the kind that do turn on rather quickly and were the least bright of some that are out there. (Many are obnoxiously bright).

One day I was reading an article about the dangers if you drop a CFL bulb. Seriously? I wrote a post a while back on the steps to take to clean it up (you do not just pick it up) – open windows 5-10 minutes, turn off heat/AC, click HERE for the full directions… There are also health risks associated with them. The bulbs I bought should last 8 years. We had them in a CLOSET where the light was turned on rarely. They lasted 3 years.

CFL Bulbs are NOT recycled with normal recycle material  and you do NOT dispose of them in the trash – for good reason. You can take them to Lowes or Home Depot – or see the link below in orange for recycle center for CFL bulbs near you). I happened to be at Lowes and I brought these little dangerous bulbs with me, each in a styrofoam cup and then securely in a bag. When I got to Lowes there were directions to put each bulb in its own bag and tie it off and then place in the receptacle.

I’m not buying any more CFL bulbs. That may not be green but it’s less risky for sure!

A good source: LampRecycle.org  You can find recycle centers for CFL bulbs near your home!

As I mentioned, the photo I took was the GE brand, this post isn’t brand specific and I am not referring to only GE bulbs – it’s ANY CFL bulbs.

Hopping off my soapbox now, just want you to all be aware in case your CFL bulbs break or burn out- Catch you back here tomorrow!

Where is this??

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL4 Comments

Where is this? Do you know? It’s a familiar landmark to many, an indication that you have arrived, but where? 😉

According to Wikipedia.org this was created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair and was used as a Ferris wheel! I’ll add the link after I get a correct answer, hee hee…

Happy First Day of December, can you believe it?

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A few favorite things…

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTS5 Comments

A few favorite things on a table near Fred’s chair – an old table that was a cool find – well used with a rich patina. A gold cross by artist Barbara Biel (purchased locally at Elizabeth Stuart Designs) – and a home fragrance reed diffuser that is perfect for this time of year by Thymes (Frasier Fur) – smells just like Christmas (and refills are available, woohoo)!

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Photos this week – Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Monhegan Flowers in the Dining Room

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

The flowers at the Island Inn (Monhegan, Maine) were stunning this year! These flowers in the dining room caught my eye and I had to sneak over and snap a photo.

Flowers add so much and these were beauties! Enjoy your Saturday – and remember to change the clock tonight before you go to bed!

🍁 FALL BACK 🍁

Set your clock back one hour (for those of you who observe Daylight Savings Time) – woohoo, this is the time of year where we GAIN an hour of sleep.

🔋 This is also the time to change the batteries in your Smoke Detectors/Carbon Monoxide Detectors – if you change them now you won’t have to worry about being woken in the middle of the night with it chirping AND you’ll be sure you are safer.

📸 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Popular Tideland Haven Plan – House For Sale – Charleston, SC Area (sold)

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, HOME, House Plans, SC, THOUGHTS4 Comments
Front View

Tideland Haven house plan – this is a Southern Living plan. One of the most popular on this website. This is a plan available via Our Town Plans – there are now two versions as well as a garage plan that accompanies it nicely. If you have loved this plan and don’t have a lot picked out and aren’t truly fond of building, there is a house for sale in the Charleston, SC area and it’s a beauty. This home is situated on a tidal creek where you will have spectacular views! Great porches (and one with a fireplace!!) makes it quite a dream!

Pretty spectacular, isn’t it? I love this view from outside the kitchen looking through to the dining room on the opposite side with views of that stunning tidal creek. Take note of that beautiful cypress ceiling! And the way the light pours in those windows at the top – How nice!

Back View – Where you will likely live!

This view is of the back of this home – what a fabulous back porch with view of side porch on the left. That’s where the amazing fireplace is! Also a screened porch off the master (on right). Perfection!

Some details on this home: This one story plan is approximately 2,418 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. There is also an office/sitting room space that could easily become another bedroom in my eyes… As you will see in the numerous photos this home boasts fabulous porches – front, side and back. This home is situated on .87 acres along a tidal creek with a dock – (can you imagine sitting on your new porch with THAT view?!!).  This home has heart pine floors and shiplap cypress ceiling. There are two fireplaces (inside and out) – it’s a beauty for sure! The current owners who built the house love to cook, so there is an amazing kitchen.

Update: this house has sold. If you’re thinking of building the Tideland Haven house plan by Southern Living, check out their AMAZING Facebook page full of great info, ideas and images!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy Halloween! A Sea Pumpkin by Jamie Wyeth

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Maine, THOUGHTS3 Comments
A Sea Pumpkin by Jamie Wyeth (print) via Chadds Ford Gallery

Nothing says HAPPY HALLOWEEN like this painting! (Well, this is a print, but someone has the actual painting) – this stunning painting blows me away. The vibrance of the pumpkin with the light and the stem that twists and turns and is quite delicate at the end AS IS THE SHADOW.

I have this thing with shadows. When done perfectly they make a painting so much more dynamic. I love a stark contrast, and this painting shows just that. Vibrant, moving, mysterious, fun, magical. I love it!

Visit the Chadds Ford Gallery website for more work by Jamie Wyeth (as well as his father and grandfather – what a talented family!) – he paints with such passion. Wow. 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via AWyethGallery.com

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.