Category: TRAVEL

Another trip around the sun!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, Photograph, North Carolina, waynesville5 Comments

Apparently I don’t take photos of myself – as I’m the “photographer” in the family there aren’t many photos of me (thankfully). So I’m borrowing a photo from a few years ago when we celebrated my birthday at The Swag in Waynesville, NC (also known as “Heaven on Earth”)! This will be a different birthday for me, SO MUCH going on (moving), so much to do and the non-stop thinking about it all isn’t making for the best sleep, but we’ll get through it, arrive in a different state a few weeks from now, and then we can celebrate my birthday. That’s a much better timeline for sure!

Continue reading “Another trip around the sun!” →

Remember to Marvel! | Sunrise – Michigan

On By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment

Let me start by saying, we’re not in Michigan right now, hopefully one day soon! I looked back at some photos of this stunning sunrise over the river and had to share another! I will hop out of bed and fly out the door to get a few photos of a fabulous sunrise. Time doesn’t matter. Sleep? Oh, no! There’s always time for sleep, but how many stunning sunrises or sunsets will you take the time to see? If I’m awake, I’m out the door! Just look at the opening in the very bright sky. #howcoolisthat

Continue reading “Remember to Marvel! | Sunrise – Michigan” →

Happy Father’s Day to the coolest Dad ever!!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. There are dads of all kinds, the ones with children, the ones who wanted children, and the ones who chose to help mentor young kids of others. Whichever dad you may be, sending wishes for a happy Father’s day to you! I’m thankful to have grown up with such a cool dad, he’s the best and it was a treat to visit him recently.

Continue reading “Happy Father’s Day to the coolest Dad ever!!” →

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!

Continue reading “Michigan Cherry Salad with Chicken, Goat Cheese & Walnuts!” →

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?

Continue reading “My Favorites, Mountains & Water…” →

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?

Continue reading “What does “mise en place” mean to you?” →

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.

Continue reading “It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!” →

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.

Continue reading “Photo: Time Travel – Michigan Edition” →

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…

Continue reading “Guess the Artist #44 | Detroit Institute of Arts!” →

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.

Continue reading “Guess the Artist #43 | Detroit Institute of Arts!” →

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…

Continue reading “I Will Never Tire of This View – The St. Clair River!” →

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.

Continue reading “Taking Myself Back To A Cooler Time…” →