Category: TRAVEL

Michigan Cherry Salad with Chicken, Goat Cheese & Walnuts!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Michigan, RecipeLeave a comment

We were recently in Michigan on vacation. We stopped by one of my all time favorite place in the world, Nino Salvaggio’s. “Nino’s” as we call it, has the freshest produce, the most stunning flowers, the best meat and prepared food (which I usually avoid in most places) to die for. They have a cafe where you can order (I have a few suggestions!) and sit and enjoy. It’s perfectly lovely. The people who work at Nino’s are so nice. Despite being 40 minutes away, we were regulars most of the days we were in town!

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My Favorites, Mountains & Water…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment

Well, you made it! The weekend is upon us, woohoo. It’s a long weekend for some of you (Memorial Day on Monday) – enjoy it! I took this photo from our hotel room window on our way home from MI. It was bright and early and we were packing up for the final leg home. I pulled back the curtains and WOW. How striking is this?

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What does “mise en place” mean to you?

On By Barbara StroudIn cooking, Favorite Things, FOOD, North Carolina, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Pop up cooking class took place in the bar area with Chef Josh Vilain from The Swag in North Carolina.
Executive Sous Chef Josh Vilain – 2025

This term is one of my favorites. I think about it often. If you aren’t familiar with this term please read on, it’s interesting and could enrich your life in many ways. It’s usually used in reference to cooking, but is an essential life skill that everyone should learn. Your life could be made far easier if so. Sometimes you just NEED things to be in place to facilitate whatever it is your doing to make it efficient with time not wasted looking for things because they aren’t where they belong. So what does mise en place mean?

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It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL4 Comments
dirt road with scattered autumn leaves in yellows and reds

Fall officially began Monday (9/22) and I couldn’t be more hopeful for cooler weather to come our way soon. As I write this the weather forecasters are showing possible storms headed this way soon. We continue to monitor and have a plan for food, water, etc. so we can stay in.

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Photo: Time Travel – Michigan Edition

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment
Nighttime photo, river, street light, mailbox, dark night, moon

I’m “traveling” through my photos and found an image I love so much. Where I grew up. Life on the river was amazing. We lived for summer and were in the river a majority of the time. The water is chilly, especially when you move to SC and then go back to visit and jump in icy water, whoa! I didn’t remember it being quite that cold, ha ha.

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Guess the Artist #44 | Detroit Institute of Arts!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Guess the Artist, MichiganLeave a comment
painting of a mountain

Guess the artist! Do you recognize the work by this popular artist? I took this image at the Detroit Institute of Arts a few years ago. Heavenly place to visit – if you ever get a chance to pop in, I cannot recommend it enough! If you’re wondering where the location of the subject of this painting is, read on for details from DIA.org! Answer below…

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Guess the Artist #43 | Detroit Institute of Arts!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Guess the Artist, MichiganLeave a comment

On our last trip to Michigan we were able to visit the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), one of the most incredible places to visit. I remember visiting as a kid and it held such wonder for me, from the massive murals by Diego Rivera to the fine paintings – not to mention the mummy which was my favorite room. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing and how old it was. Incredible. Ok, time to guess the artist – one hint, it’s a toughie.

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I Will Never Tire of This View – The St. Clair River!

On By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
View from St Clair River, Michigan, freighter, shipping channel, Canada

Well we made it to Michigan a while back, had a quick visit with my family. It’s always so good to see them. Too short no matter how long it is. I’ve been in Charleston over 36 years, wow, time flies! I love Michigan and all it has to offer. So many places to visit and check out. You can literally sit on the porch all day and never tire of the view. It’s constantly changing…

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Taking Myself Back To A Cooler Time…

On By Barbara StroudIn North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS3 Comments
trees with mountains and fog in the distance

Okay. Extreme heat is insane. But extreme heat mixed with high humidity (and a crazy high dew point) is dangerous. Drink lots of water. Stay in the shade if you have to be outside, and don’t overdo it! Personally, I’m taking myself back to a cooler time in the mountains (even though I am in Charleston) if only via a photo, it will help a little.

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Guess the Artist #42 | Detroit Institute of Arts

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Guess the Artist, MichiganLeave a comment
Painting of a woman in a black dress, engraver, working, art history

After a recent trip to Michigan AND a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, I have a fresh batch of Guess the Artists posts coming up. What a great visit. They are in the midst of a renovation right now but there is still plenty to see. The Contemporary section and a few others were closed, but beginning early August they’ll have several paintings from each of those collections so you won’t miss out.

Do you know who the artist is on this one? If so, comment on this post or on social media – If not, check below for the answer… Good luck!

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Guess the Artist #41 | Detroit Institute of Arts

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Guess the Artist, MichiganLeave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve written a “Guess the Artist” post from a visit years ago to the Detroit Institute of Arts. (If you ever get the opportunity to go – please do, you will be THRILLED!) So many fabulous artists, and some from centuries ago. Wow! These paintings are clearly very well taken care of and rightfully so! They are a treasure.

Ok, now… do you know the artist who painted this beauty above? Read on to see the answer and also to read a bit about the painting, which is so interesting!

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The Fascinating World of Gargoyles vs. Grotesques (Biltmore House)!

On By Barbara StroudIn Biltmore, Design Inspiration, Flowers, North Carolina, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image of small section of Biltmore House, Gargoyle, Grotesque, carving

This stately piece of architecture is a cut above the rest (that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting). Dynamic, regal and historic. The amount of intricate detail is mesmerizing. There are a number of (what we would call) gargoyles – they’re everywhere and they’re all different. They are so creative and wonderful, you need to go visit for that reason alone! I’ve heard there is only one true gargoyle… Do you know the difference between gargoyles and grotesques?

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Biltmore House – A View of the Winter Garden!

On By Barbara StroudIn Biltmore, Design Inspiration, Flowers, North Carolina, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Winter Garden at the Biltmore House, Atrium, Glass ceiling with wood, Stunning electric light fixtures hang from the ceiling, tropical plants, statue, arched openings

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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