Hold Your Loved Ones Tight

arched window, morning rain, fogged window

None of us can predict the future. We know that none of us will be on this earth forever. When we’re young we assume we’ll be here until we’re old right? But day after day on the news you can see there is no guarantee based on age. This is one of life’s challenges that we had hoped would never happen. The loss of a parent (my husband’s dad). A few thoughts…

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Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives

bowl with orzo salad with shrimp, tomatoes, olives and feta, pickled okra

I posted a version of this recipe over ten years ago. It’s a hit. I love to whip this up in the morning and sit down to dinner with no cooking. What a dream! Best yet, the next day you have another meal (or the following day!) – no cooking! The tastes, textures, and freshness take it over the top. I love to photograph my husband’s plate because his usually looks prettier. I’m always in a hurry to catch up, snap photos, etc. I love how he added the pickled okra, so pretty! I gave a sneak peak on my Instagram/Facebook movie. Recipe below…

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Biltmore House – A View of the Winter Garden!

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

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…

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!

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

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

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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The Fairfax II House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

bright and cheery white house, house plan, front and side porch, windows, steps
Fairfax II House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects (Image)

Another beauty by Allison Ramsey Architects. You may notice that this is an unscreened porch in the image, which is stunning. I have a friend with a similar plan, screened side porch and it’s also stunning, not to mention very useful on buggy days, or days you prefer to be tucked away. Either way, this is one beautiful house! Let’s take a peek…

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Quick and Delicious Avocado Toast + a Trick for Serving Hard Boiled Eggs!

This tip will make your morning brighter! Our latest kick… it’s super fast, easy and the taste is out of this world good. Protein and fiber. A short time later we might have a banana smoothie with Greek yogurt and a dash of cinnamon added. This will hold you for a long time. It literally takes a few minutes…

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Book Suggestion: The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin!

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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Saluda, NC Arts Festival TODAY – Celebrating 20 years!

Blue sign on brick wall, reads Saluda Arts Festival 20 yrs, May 17th 10-4, colorful

The Saluda Arts Festival is today, May 17, 2025 from 10AM – 4PM. If you’re in the Saluda, North Carolina area, what a great event to pop in to! I love their colorful signs. I took this photo last time we were in the mountains and saved it to post today. We love Saluda, such a wonderful town! Cute shops, wonderful places to eat and such nice people.

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Architectural Splendor: 54 Tradd Street – Charleston, SC!

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!

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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Featured Artist: Colin Page Show at Anglin Smith Fine Art in Charleston, SC!

oil painting, young girl carrying a chicken through screened door, lush greenery outside, more chickens outside
Backyard Farmer by Colin Page 40″ x 30″ O/C

Colin Page is an artist who has mastered his craft. Who can paint whatever he sets out to. He’s developed his own unique style. It’s not easy to have a style that is noticeably your very own. Colin’s work is more than just painting what he sees, he paints what he feels. This painting screams SUMMER to me. I can hear the screened door slam shut, the chickens cluck, and hear a laugh from the young girl with bare feet. The background of beautiful greens are a delight.

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