Category: THOUGHTS

Can you believe it’s already New Year’s Eve?

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments
Image: timessquarenyc.org
Image: timessquarenyc.org

Wow has this year ever flown by! This completes year three of my daily blog… tomorrow begins YEAR FOUR! Woohoo! For those of you who are thinking HOW DOES SHE DO IT (ha ha)? I schedule my posts ahead of time. It’s the only possible way for me to fit in 7 posts a week. I have met the coolest people because of this blog. I have become friends with people who I have yet to meet, but feel like I know. I have had some wild, crazy, nice, wonderful in every way things happen (thank you EB, RA, JB, BB, JD and on and on and on)… you have all touched my heart in the most wonderful, positive, surprising, crazy ways. I am super blessed and thankful for all of you who take the time to read my posts. If there is ever anything (G rated, ha ha) that you would like me to cover, just let me know via the CONTACT me link at the top!

Here’s wishing you the best New Year’s Eve ever, the happiest New Year’s Day and a safe, healthy and happy new year all year long!

Do you have a wish you would like to make? Well the people at Times Square Alliance can make that happen. If you’re in NYC then you can visit the wishing wall in person, otherwise you can submit your wish for 2015 and it will be printed on confetti that will drop at midnight! How cool is that? Click HERE to submit your wish!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Gift idea… this is one I would love!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image via: Pandora.com
Image via: Pandora.com

This is a great gift! We listen to Pandora most of the day, and the ads… ahhh, they can get so annoying. But I love the stations (George Winston for Charlie, keeps him calm… Maroon 5/Christina Aguilera while i’m cooking, Masako when I’m reading, Koop when we have company… Peaceful Holidays during this time of year… Sure, there are many more, but those are a few.

To have Pandora sans ads… whoa! What a treat! Definitely worth $4.99/month, and save $5 if you pay yearly. Now to figure out how to get it in my car… What do you listen to?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Charlie puppy photo… precious little beast!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments
When Charlie was a puppy...
When Charlie was a puppy…

Awww, this week Charlie is going to help me out with a few posts – I ran across his photos and thought I would share! I know many of you are busy preparing for Christmas Day. So here is a quick post to get you on your way… Charlie when he was about 4 months old… what a sweetie and his hair isn’t nearly as wild as it is now… that took about a year I think?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

First Day of Winter…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

artfoodhome.com | barbara stroudWell Christmas week is upon us! It seems like summer has just ended and soon we will be celebrating Christmas! It’s crazy how fast time goes by! Why can’t it go by this fast while we wait for water to boil? Hmmm, just wondered (and sometimes I shouldn’t wonder “out loud”, ha ha). Isn’t this a beautiful tree? (My parents house)… it’s so happy, with those wonderful warm lights, the fresh smell of a fraser fir, absolutely beautiful!

Today is the first day of winter. Do you know what that means? Today is the shortest day of the year. Sounds funny… all days are 24 hours, but this day has the least amount of daylight. Each day from now on gets LONGER (stays lighter longer), although it’s a very slow and gradual process!

Wishing you the happiest of holidays! Remember to try to pay it forward… do a good deed for someone, they don’t even have to know it was from you, then in turn maybe they will do something nice and unexpected for someone and so on… The world is a magical place, we have to keep the magic by instilling faith in each other, cheering up those who need cheering, taking that extra step for anyone… and carry it through all year long. Now wouldn’t that make this a wonderful place to live?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Jo Malone… now available in Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

artfoodhome.com | barbara stroud

Jo Malone is such classy cologne. Many can be used by men or women, which is really neat. They can also be blended together which is wildly interesting. I have used Jo Malone since my very first purchase. Once you use it, you tend to not want to use anything else. It’s not as strong as other’s tend to be and it’s just so nice! I snapped a photo, just look how nice their marketing material is. The classy brochure that shows the different combinations that can be layered, the gorgeous gift bag and the snazzy box with the black ribbon. Presentation means a lot!

Thrilling news! (And I JUST REALIZED THIS)… we now have Jo Malone available here in Charleston! Belk at Towne Center in Mount Pleasant, SC has a wonderful section. If you haven’t been… give it a try, try a few to see if you like them. Ask for a sample, it helps when you can use it at home without other scents flying around in the air. Try it, I think you’ll like it ;)

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Support the locals on Broad Street!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, FOOD, HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

IMG-20140110-00805

Ahhh, Broad Street in Charleston, SC. It’s not the highly publicized shopping district on King Street, but what it does have are the kinds of shops that are unique. Less commercial. More small businesses. Many galleries are located on Broad Street, unique shops, some great eating places, not to mention Normandy Farms Bakery – great coffee, pastries, bread, sandwiches, etc.

It’s important to support the locals! They have a lot to offer!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Broad Street…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

barbara stroud

Broad Street in Charleston, SC is just so… historic! These buildings have stories. Can you imagine? Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what went on in each of them? The stories, the different businesses that have come and gone? It’s fascinating to say the least!

Next time you’re in Charleston, check out Broad Street. I think there is a great marketing job mentioning King Street. But the non-commercial places seem to be on Broad Street, so when you’re in the area, check them out! Matter of fact, if you’re downtown today, stop in The Gallery on Broad, check out the great art work on display!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Stunning Shadows & Dancing Light!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS1 Comment

barbarastroud

What stands out the most in this photo? Is it the stunning shadows that play brilliantly against the pretty color of this building? Or is it the light that seems to dance across the building with each gust of wind? Whatever it is, it’s beautiful and its just so Charleston!

Enjoy your day! Relax while you can, Christmas is 25 days away!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

SHOP SMALL SATURDAY!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image via: offerenroll.americanexpress.com
Image via: offerenroll.americanexpress.com

Shop small businesses today and if you use your American Express, you can get a $10 statement credit for each qualifying transaction! That’s right, you could earn up to $30 just for using your registered AMEX card at a small business that has been enrolled in the program in your area!

Win. Win. What a delight to support small businesses! Especially this time of year!

For more details, or to register your card visit the Enrollment Site!

Catch you back here tomorrow!