Kemper Residence House Plan by Lake and Land Studio

This is the Kemper Residence house plan by Lake and Land Studio. They have such amazing plans – and if you need something tweaked, they are there to work with you! This plan has so much appeal – great porch (front and back!) and just great looking! Click HERE for more info! There is also a stunning boathouse (pictured above on the right) – a future feature!

The main floor is pretty fabulous. It has an open great room/kitchen area with a fireplace, and the master bedroom is down. There is another bedroom that could be used as an office or as a guest room, maybe for someone who prefers not to use the stairs…  A vaulted ceiling in the great room makes it even greater, doesn’t it?

This plan is 2,240 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (as well as that wonderful loft space!)

Upstairs is another bedroom, bathroom and a loft area that’s almost 17′ x 21′ – if you wanted to use this as a bunk room it seems like you could fit a gaggle of kids up there, don’t you think? The rest of this space is open to the great room/kitchen. There is some dedicated attic space, which is nice for storage!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via LakeAndLandStudio.com, used with permission…
Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the design firm.

Featured Artist: Lauren Sansaricq!

Le Lever De La Lune by Lauren Sansaricq 16×20″ Oil

Lauren Sansaricq. Wow. Brilliant paintings. Don’t miss the links given below, especially the art videos! What a treat it is to watch a painting be created – I could watch these videos all day long! Lauren definitely knows what she’s doing!

Lauren’s paintings have a timeless quality to them. Similar to paintings from long ago – she captures that feeling so well. It’s quite remarkable really.

In addition to fabulous paintings and wicked good skill she has an amazing website. Whew! Lots to keep up with and she does it beautifully!

See more of Lauren’s work via these links:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Art Videos

Read a bit about Lauren, from her website:

Lauren Sansaricq (b. 1990) grew up in Columbia County, New York, where from an early age she was exposed to both the beauties of the Hudson Valley and, under the teaching of Thomas Locker, a traditional approach to landscape painting. Taking Mr. Locker’s advice Miss Sansaricq received academic training in drawing and painting at the Grand Central Academy of Art in NYC.  In 2011, at just 21 years old, she was taken under the representation of Hawthorne Fine Art, a prestigious New York gallery specializing in 19th century Hudson River School Painting. Miss Sansaricq was also honored with a solo show in New York at Hawthorne Fine Art that same year. Sansaricq’s work has been exhibited in Manhattan at historic venues like the Salmagundi Club, the National Arts Club and the Union League Club. In 2012 she had a solo show at Saint Anselm College, and had her work featured at the Boston International Fine Arts Show. One of Sansaricq’s paintings was also featured in the New York Times, surrounding the show she was apart of, “The Great Hudson River Exhibition”. Today Sansaricq’s artwork is in collections throughout the country, and is hung beside some of the best American painters of the past. She also teaches every summer on the Hudson River Fellowship and occasionally at Grand Central Atelier in NYC. Sansaricq now resides in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Click HERE to continue reading about Lauren… Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via LaurenSansaricq.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Greek Salad with White Beans and Pita

Greek Salad with Cannellini Beans and Pita

Just in the nick of time! After Thanksgiving and maybe being a little overly thankful for all the delicious food – it’s time to take a food holiday – a break… and this recipe puts you back in sync – no meat, tastes great – leaves you feeling like you haven’t stuffed yourself and you still aren’t looking for anything to eat at night – it’s that satisfying.

This is another fabulous recipe from Cooking Light Magazine, what would I do without them? Their recipes are always out of this world good without tasting too healthy! This recipe replaces meat with cannellini beans, it’s tasty and it keeps you full!

Click HERE to print the original recipe from Cooking Light magazine!

What I did differently (for 2 dinner size servings):

I didn’t use red bell pepper. When I mixed up the vinaigrette instead of using garlic powder I took a fresh piece of garlic and made a cut and rubbed it in the small bowl – this gave enough garlic flavor. The only other thing I didn’t do is grill the pita – I don’t have a grill pan, and the first time I made this I heated with a little olive oil in a regular skillet and it really didn’t need all that. Just a quick heat (microwave or in a dry pan for just a minute) worked fine – we used Whole Wheat Pita’s from Trader Joe’s, they have excellent taste.

If you like salad, give this recipe a try, it’s a keeper! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Original recipe via Cooking Light Magazine – Recipe by Adam Dolge

Featured Artist: Zachery Elletson!

Painting by Zachery Elletson via Instagram

Zachery Elletson. STUNNING work! Zachery was featured in Southwest Art Magazine back in 2015 as one of 21 Artists Under 31 to Watch. No kidding! His work is stellar, and he comes with quite a story! An inspiration for sure!

Isn’t this a stunning painting? Photographed at an angle to lessen the glare when wet – check out his Instagram page, it shows a few close ups. The lit candle, all these wonderful colors, the abstract background – the rich, fall like colors – all make this painting a winner. Every one of Zachery’s paintings is a stunner!

See more of Zachery’s work via these links:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Blog  | Press

Read a bit about Zachery, from his website:

From an early age Zac had a knack for creativity, always drawing and constructing on paper or building for hours with Legos. His aptitude for drawing blossomed when he started copying Calvin & Hobbes comic strips and drawing them from memory. His curiosity and independent nature grew with age, learning to play drums, guitar, skateboarding, and snowboarding. He didn’t start taking art seriously until his mid twenties.

From 2009 to 2012, he sacrificed all other interests to study intensely with representational painter Jonathan Hardesty in the 19th century Atelier method of drawing & painting. Zac’s approach to painting is grounded in the principles of the late 19th century representational masters, while also being influenced by contemporary artists, techniques, and subjects. He constantly strives for excellence in his work, believing that art reaches its highest form with a combination of high skill, personal vision, and idealized form. Born and raised in Montana, he has always had a deep respect for nature, and seeks to show his appreciation for it through his work. Standing on a firm ground of time-tested techniques has enabled Zac to create proficient work while continuing evolve and grow as an artist.

Zac’s work has been featured in Southwest art Magazine’s “21 under 31” 2015 emerging artist feature. You can also find his work in national group shows for Oil Painters of America and American Impressionist Society. He is currently represented by Meyer Gallery in Park City, UT and Jack Meier Gallery in Houston, TX.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All info/images via ElletsonFineArt.com  and the artist’s social media – used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

 

Beautiful Charleston Architecture – Horton Hayes Gallery

Charleston architecture is beautiful, specifically the older buildings that have such rich patina, texture and such wonderful history!

This is the Horton Hayes Gallery on State Street in Charleston, SC. I have always loved the dark paint on the windows. This is one classy gallery, check it out if you’re in town, if not, check them out online!

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A peaceful photo to start your day…

Thanksgiving. Over. Whew, time flies! Christmas… SOON! Can you believe it? This is a time of year that causes many of us stress. Trying to buy just the right gift for so many people, shopping, eating – remember the reason for the season – we may all have different beliefs, but I’m pretty sure most of us can agree that Christmas isn’t all about shopping.

Take time to be with family and friends, try to not get too stressed between now and Christmas – a tall order indeed!

Remember…

It’s not what you have in life, it’s how you make people feel.

Make someone feel happy, loved and appreciated. Take an extra moment with those who no longer have family. They could certainly use a smile and a quick hello!

Go out. Do good. Patience is a virtue and I’m pretty sure you’re going to need patience today!

May the force be with you 😉

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A few favorite things…

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!

Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice – a FAVORITE!

What a fabulous recipe! I’ve heard about “riced” cauliflower – wasn’t sure how it would taste. Let me tell you… wonderful!! It has a similar look and feel as rice – the taste… very mild. So it goes nicely with what you pair with it. In this case a stir fry with shrimp, green onions and eggs.

What I did differently: To make it a little more substantial for us, and because we like stir fry with peas and carrots I added those as well. I think maybe I let the cauliflower sit 5 minutes as mentioned above (without stirring) and then added the thawed carrots and peas (however many you like – I used two big handfuls). I also cooked the eggs in a separate small skillet. The first time I made this the egg stuck to the bottom of the “nonstick” pan, therefore the cauliflower rice couldn’t get brown. When you scramble the eggs don’t overcook as they are going back in with the shrimp and “rice” for a minute!

You can make “riced” cauliflower by putting it into a food processor and pulsing until it looks like rice, or you can buy it frozen just about everywhere – I used Trader Joe’s brand and it’s fabulous, perfect for two people!

Click HERE to print the recipe above (my version) the link to print the original Cooking Light version is no longer available…!

I added a bit to this Cooking Light (link now goes to Eating Well) recipe via their magazine – I always find treasures there! The inspiration came from the magazine.

I miss Cooking Light and Eating Well (print magazines)…

Links updated 2/5/25

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Lana Ballot!

Breaking Wave by Lana Ballot 17×25″ Pastel   |   The Yang Family Award, 44th Annual Pastel Society of America Juried Exhibition, Enduring Brilliance

Lana Ballot. Whoa! Impressive pastel paintings – I found Lana while perusing Instagram. Wonderful paintings, each and every one. The wave paintings capture the very essence of the sea – and those gorgeous colors – I like how you can see the light coming right through… It’s easy to see why this painting won an award!

See more of Lana’s work via these links:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Blog  | Workshops

Read a bit about Lana, from her website:

I majored in Studio Arts at Stony Brook University, NY. After graduation I worked as a web designer, while studying painting further on my own. Always being fascinated by nature, I made landscape my main subject. After I discovered pastels as a perfect plein air medium, I often spent my free time painting outdoors. Although this early plein air work did not result in a lot of finished paintings, it proved to be an invaluable experience in developing the ability to see how color, light and atmosphere affect each other in different times of day or season. With this knowledge and feel for the landscape around me, I am trying to capture the beauty of nature whether it’s a magnificent display of colors in the sunset sky or a quiet winter scene…

I am happy to live on Long Island, NY where I can paint my favorite subjects – ocean, harbors, beaches and anything that provides me with inspiration.

I teach pastel painting in newly opened Atelier in Flowerfield, St James, NY.

I’m a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America.

Click HERE to read more!

Catch you back here tomorrow!
All images via LanaBallot.com, used with permission…

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

Magic everywhere you look…

At risk of repeating myself… it’s the little things in life that can be so magical. The way water droplets cling to a leaf. The light reflecting – it seems as if the water would spread out and not stay in a droplet form. #noticethelittlethings #fortheyarethebigthings #magiceverywhereyoulook

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Best $5 ever…

Early Spring our local Harris Teeter had potted geraniums on sale for $5. FIVE dollars – including the pot! I snapped one up. We had it on our front porch but soon it was too warm and the geranium started to suffer – we then moved it to our backyard where it has been thriving ever since. When I say thriving, I mean this plant has bloomed constantly – it’s remarkable – and I would say very happy where it’s at! It’s added a pretty pop of color since Spring.

Best $5 ever 😉 – happy Saturday, I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!!

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

 

Featured Artist: Steven S. Walker!

Bare Hilltop Property by Steven S Walker   12×24″   Oil

Steven S. Walker. An incredible artist that I featured back in 2014  (a brilliant nocturne that was also the winner of Plein Air Salon’s “Best Nocturne” – I couldn’t agree more). His paintings are so special – just look at this one above – how beautiful he captured the light, that magical light in the trees, grass, shrubs and a hint of it on the fabulous house in the distance.

I AM CRAZY about the trees he is painting, from a unique angle – LOOKING UP! Check out his FB/Instagram to see what I mean. Whoa! Nice guy, fabulous artist –

See more of Steven’s work via these links:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Book!

Read a bit about Steven, from his website:

“I didn’t come from a family of artists, I wasn’t top of my class or win a lot of awards but I’ve always had a strong work ethic and the passion to work on my craft.”

Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and raised in Richmond, Virginia he discovered his love for art at a very early age. With little interest in anything else, Steven took the next big step towards his pursuit of a career in art when he earned his bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. He would later earn his masters in fine arts from Marywood University, where he also met his wife/ fellow artist Evelyn.

Instant success was not in the cards as Steven continued showing at a string of coffee shops, libraries and other businesses. Eventually his hard work paid off with a few local awards that soon caught the attention of two gallery owners. Since his venture into gallery life, his landscapes have been well received by collectors as his paintings are part of several private collections such as Airstream Inc., Hilton Hotels, the Boy Scouts of America, Dominion Resources, Virginia State Department, the National Parks Service, the Columbus Convention Center and the United States Air Force.

Since going full time as an artist in 2008, Steven has been included in several local and national juried competitions including the Richeson 75 Landscape Competition, Plein Air Salon, the International Salon Competition, the Oil Painters of America Salon and the Art Renewal Center. Steven also had the privilege of being a part of a statewide traveling exhibition with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

He has participated in several artist in residency programs in Michigan, Indiana, Iowa and Colorado. In 2014, he was selected to create the Ohio Governor’s Art Awards by the Ohio Arts Council and in 2015 he received honorable mention in the Southwest Art Magazine’s Artistic Excellence Competition.

Steven currently resides in Hahira, Georgia where he continues to work hard on the advancement of his career, with the assistance of his lovely wife Evelyn and studio assistant/daughter Poppy. Currently, his work is represented in Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Oklahoma and Washington, D.C.

“I should have quit years ago but that would have proven so many people right.” – SW

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via StevenWalkerStudios.com, used with permission…
Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

53 Bluffton Trail House Plan by Our Town Plans!

53 Bluffton Trail by Our Town Plans

This is the 53 Bluffton Trail House Plan by Our Town Plans. This plan is 2,149 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The front porch is a nice deep porch perfect for an outdoor living space. The back porch is screened – ahh! How nice is that? Privacy and protection from the bugs!

53 Bluffton Trail by Our Town Plans

The 53 Bluffton Trail plan has an open living, dining, kitchen area and two bedrooms on the main floor (including the master). Our Town Plans are plans that have character. Attention to detail means a lot!

53 Bluffton Trail by Our Town Plans

This unique plan has a bedroom, bunk room and study upstairs along with a lot of storage – which we ALL need! The bunk room has built in bookshelves and window seats – CHARM and a great usable space!

Take a peek at this plan, and at the other plans by Our Town Plans!

See images of a home that was built using this plan – Beautiful!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…
Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the design firm.