Shepherd’s Pie – Great recipe for a cold day!

On January 17, 2017October 20, 2024 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

Shepherd’s Pie = Comfort food with a capital “C”!

I have always seen recipes for Shepherd’s Pie, but have never made one. Meat and potatoes, hmmmm… cold weather prompted me to try this. I used a recipe from Food Network that sounded delicious, I made a few changes, I didn’t have mushrooms, so I omitted. I didn’t use as much oil/butter as it called for, and it wasn’t missed. Finally, I upped the amount of beef broth and changed the order of how I prepared this, based on comments that I had read. One detail I left out, is that when you spread the mashed potatoes, you can make fork marks that give ridges that will end up browning nicely. In the images above, I added parmesan to one half in case Fred didn’t like… Next time, Parmesan on both sides, without a doubt. It also made it brown, and I would probably leave it until it browned a wee bit more, although it was absolutely done and so delicious!

UPDATE: THERE IS NOW AN IMAGE, ha ha… I remembered to take a photo this time. Chilly weather is THE PERFECT TIME to make this dish. It warms your very soul!

We were so anxious to try this that I forgot to take a photo of it plated 😳 – wasn’t the first time that happened and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Might have to try to make this again soon to update the images! Corrected :)

Click HERE to print the recipe as I made it (as shown below), or click HERE for the original recipe (Food Network) to print! Enjoy!

Are you wondering what to do with the leftover tomato paste? I have a solution! Read HERE!

Enjoy, and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Paint color for walls – Something dramatic!

On January 16, 2017January 16, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, Renovation, THOUGHTS5 Comments

Old Navy by Benjamin Moore – Paintings, see below…

We love to change paint colors. It’s a problem. We probably need therapy, but it makes such a difference for a pretty insignificant amount of money. We love the all white look. LOVE IT! The creams and whites. We tried it. Painted the living room, bedroom, bathroom, and it was horrible. Capital H Horrible. The bathroom is fine, but the bedroom and living room, ugh. At first I thought I LOVED it, my eye went straight to the window and grabbed the green from the trees. Beautiful. Then we hung our art, put back our rugs and oh. Hmmm. Not so much. It didn’t flow.

We have had a medium brown(Kuba by Ralph Lauren – no longer made) in a few rooms and a dark grey in the dining room. We bought a sample can of Benjamin Moore paint (I love how they do that). I painted the room I thought we would start with, the dining room. A nice, dark navy. This is the brightest time of day, it usually looks more like the left hand side versus the right hand side.

I thought the brown worked so nicely with all of our paintings, but whoa, I didn’t realize how there is blue in all the paintings. Sweet! We have since decided not to start with the dining room, so the above has since been painted back to Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal. The color above is Old Navy – we may keep it or try it a bit darker (custom color, they’re so good at) – although, living with this blue, I think we want it to read blue and not black, so we may go with Old Navy… It’s good to live with it for a while – I will keep you updated!

Paintings…
Top: Julia Nichols, Bottom two: Ken DeWaard Subject: Monhegan!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Ready to go!

On January 15, 2017January 4, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, PhotographLeave a comment

It’s not easy to capture a photo of Charlie without him moving. He will sit perfectly still until he knows you’re going to take a photo… This was an intense “I’m ready to go for my walk now” stare. He keeps us moving, that’s for sure!

Whew, the weekends fly by don’t they? Enjoy your Sunday! Many of you may be off tomorrow – if you are… ENJOY!

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Coming soon…

On January 14, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

A fresh post for Saturday!

This chair looks rather angelic in the sunshine, ha ha… Here is a look at what’s to come… Benjamin Moore in a Navy color (we think we know which one, but haven’t decided absolutely). It’s currently a Benjamin Moore match to an old Ralph Lauren color KUBA (in the Safari collection). We’ve loved this color, but now… need it to be gone! I’m dying for some navy walls… How sharp will that be?? Bits of navy in the rug, all the paintings have blue (nine paintings in this small room) – I can’t wait! I love the white against the navy. Is it ever sharp! Right now the hot color is SHADOW by Benjamin Moore, but it’s a little too purple for my taste, although I’ve seen it used on doors, etc. and it’s so striking!

Will send an image of the final result once we get to that point!

For those of you who subscribe to this blog, you may think that today’s post looked familiar. It did to me too… well, that’s because I posted it six short days ago. Six. Sigh… I think I was rearranging posts and this image was used twice. Nice… ugh! Please forgive.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Colin Page!

On January 13, 2017January 10, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art Event, Daily Blog, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Lobster Blues by Colin Page 48×36″ Oil

Wow! Colin’s still life’s have always amazed me. Well, I guess that’s true of all his work. Colin can literally paint absolutely anything! This lobster dinner looks quite tasty. Just look at the light in that blue glass. The intricacies of the tablecloth. The LOBSTER that looks, well, good enough to eat! I love the addition of the notecard and pen!

Cozy Harbor by Colin Page 36×36″ Oil

This painting just grabs me. I love the stillness of the water and that red outbuilding (oh! that red!) – also love the magnificent white house looking so majestic in height compared to surrounding buildings. Colin can paint a dock with such style. Love it!

Are you interested in taking a workshop in 2017? Colin has several workshops, and good news, some still have openings, but be quick, the spots usually fill up quickly. Everyone loves Colin, has fun and learns a lot from his workshops – His next workshop is a CALIFORNIA PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP in Balboa Island, CA through Debra Huse Gallery FEBRUARY 1 – 4, 2017 (and a solo show that runs from Feb. 3-28)!

Next is a MARYLAND PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP that runs from MARCH 23 – 26, 2017, hosted by Chesapeake Fine Art Studio, Kent Island, MD.

Be sure to check out all of Colin’s Workshops and Upcoming Shows, as well as his new and improved (if possible) website!

All images via ColinPagePaintings.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Muskoka House Plan by Karoleena!

On January 12, 2017January 4, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

Muskoka Plan by Karoleena

This is the Muskoka house plan by Karoleena – this plan is 1,590 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This plan has so many great features! If you like a modern plan (and I do!), there is so much to like about this plan. There are a lot of wonderful windows which is perfect if you’re situated in a private location, lake, ocean, woods, etc. I think it’s a sharp plan!

Module 1 has two bedrooms with a bathroom in between, as well as the foyer, laundry and storage and a mechanical room. I like how you step into the bedroom/bathroom. there is a small corridor that leads you to the bathroom or either bedroom, which also makes room for some nice closets!

Module 2 is the main living area, the living room, kitchen, master bedroom/bathroom – can you imagine living in this house? The views? The sleek style, not to mention that this house can be built in six months!

Karoleena does something wonderful (besides building very cool homes)! They provide you with so much information, every detail you can think of! So when you click to view this plan, scroll down to where it says “DOWNLOAD THE MUSKOKA MODEL GUIDE” – you will not believe the wonderful details. It helps make your dream one step closer to becoming a reality

All images via Karoleena.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the design firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Eric Bowman!

On January 11, 2017January 11, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art Event, Daily Blog, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Trespass by Eric Bowman 29 5/8 x 22″ Oil

Eric Bowman. I love his style. From Eucalyptus trees with so much character to his figure paintings, each evokes such feeling. Eric is brilliant when it comes to marketing as well, he’s got a great sense of humor, and his paintings show that he loves what he does. Eric’s work is stunning, to say the least!

Trespass is a very symbolic painting… it caught my attention when Eric sent out a Christmas/holiday newsletter entitled PEACE. Nice! Very nice! You can feel the passion in this painting – and that light in the distance, wow!

Eric has several shows coming up in 2017 – don’t miss them if you’re in the area! Click HERE to see more of Eric’s upcoming shows.

L A ART SHOW 2017

Event Dates: 1/12/2017 – 1/15/2017
Reception: 1/11/2017 3-5pm
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
Address: 1201 SW Figueroa St West Hall, LA, California

Eric will be showing with the Maxwell Alexander Gallery at this venue- the opening is tomorrow evening, Thursday, Jan 12th 11am – 7pm, 2017, the show runs from 1/12-1/15/2017.

Click HERE for a link to the exhibit!

Night Brings Good Counsel by Eric Bowman 16×20″ Oil

I happen to love Eric’s trees. They make me smile. They have so much character! I always love a road with trees, a stunning sky, especially a nocturne and oh! That moon! I swear it’s real!

Mockingbird Gallery 2017

Event Dates: 2/3/2017 – 3/2/2017
Reception: 2/3/2017 5-9pm
Location: Mockingbird Gallery
Phone Number: (541) 388-2107
Address: 869 NW Wall St, Suite 100, Bend, Oregon 97703

Eric will be showing with the Mockingbird Gallery in a three person show including Julee Hutchison and Bart Walker.

Mark your calendar! Click HERE for a link to the exhibit!

Read a bit about Eric, from his website:

“Eric Bowman was born in Pasadena and grew up in Orange County, CA (back when it actually had orange groves). Essentially a self-taught artist, Eric had a knack for drawing as far back as he can remember, always the class artist throughout his elementary and high school years. Various art-related jobs such as silk screen T-shirt printer or surfboard airbrush technician led to a lengthy and successful career as a commercial artist, eventually transitioning to fine art painting. As a painter, Eric has garnered many awards in national & regional exhibitions in some of the country’s most prestigious galleries and museums. His paintings are in collections around the world, including England, China, Australia, Canada and Mexico.

Eric Bowman is a Signature Member of both the American Impressionist Society and the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and an Out-of-State Member of the California Art Club. When not traveling to various plein air shows or visiting his beloved home state of California, Eric resides in northwest Oregon with his wife and daughter, and their dog, Mucha.” Read more HERE…

All info & images via EricBowman.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Quick Timesaving Freezer Tip

On January 10, 2017December 22, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Pumpkin Dog “Cookies”

Tomato Paste Tablespoons

Cookies ready to bake!

Here are just a few ideas of how to use your freezer to make things very convenient and ready in a snap! (Did I just say Snap, Ugh?)

The key is using your cookie sheet. Whatever you are freezing, place it on a piece of wax paper on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer until solidly frozen (hours or over night) – then you can transfer to a freezer bag!

I make Charlie pumpkin “dog cookies”, by simply putting small spoonfuls of pumpkin (canned) onto the wax paper – then when I want to use, I take one out and hold it while he eats (he loves it!) or place it in his dish until it defrosts, then add his food.

Tomato paste, I’m sure you’ve had those recipes where you just need a tablespoon or two, what are you to do with the rest of the can? Even the tomato paste that comes in a tube has a fairly short expiration date once opened. I freeze in tablespoons and once frozen, pop into a freezer bag (don’t forget to label!) and use in recipes. It is SO HANDY!

Cookies ready to back at a moments notice. Chocolate Chip Cookies are another good recipe to freeze. I bake some, then I freeze some on a cookie sheet, then usually the next day because I forget about them, I toss into a freezer bag and *POOF* it’s like you’ve slaved away all day, ha ha…

Of course those are just a few examples. Also basil freezes well in a little water in an ice cube tray, leftover coffee freezes well in an ice cube tray too, perfect to add to your iced coffee!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Susan Cox!

On January 9, 2017December 22, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Featured Artist2 Comments

The Santa Ana Bus by Susan Cox 20×16″ Oil

Susan Cox. Check out her work if you haven’t already! She has interesting scenes and some great and different perspectives on some paintings. Which makes it nice, adds pizazz and makes it fresh! Pretty cool how an everyday scene can be made into a great painting!

The Alley – San Clemente by Susan Cox 40×48″ Oil

This is one of the “different perspective” paintings I mentioned, by just giving the painting a little tilt it’s so cool! I love the dark shadows and tree in the foreground and that fabulous blue sky!

Read a bit about Susan, from her website:

Susan Cox was educated in Fine Arts at California State University Long Beach and lived in England for 14 years where she painted and exhibited in galleries in the London and Oxfordshire areas. Her work has been featured in the Federation of British Artists, Britain in Watercolours exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London. Continue reading HERE…

All images via SusanCoxArt.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Folly Beach Fishing Pier…

On January 8, 2017December 15, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

A cool shot underneath the Folly Beach fishing pier. I love the design of it, seems like it goes on forever. Enjoy your Sunday!

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Near Bowens Island…

On January 7, 2017January 7, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SC2 Comments

You may have to click to see this image larger. This photo was taken from the road that leads you to Bowens Island Restaurant in Charleston, SC (near Folly Beach). Views?! Oh, yeah! Sunset at Bowens Island is always a treat. They are known for their seafood, but the view, whoa! Don’t miss it if you are in the Charleston area!

🖼 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE, PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

PS… if this looks familiar it mistakenly posted in November along with another post about the need to catch up and focus, ha ha… ugh! You aren’t imaging things, if this seems familiar, you’re right, it is!

Chandelier in Karen Hagen Fine Art Gallery!

On January 6, 2017January 7, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTS1 Comment

Solved! That’s right! This photo was taken at Karen Hagen Fine Art – click the link to see more of the gallery and see the artists represented!

To take a quick break from “Guess the artist” – A cool photo. I couldn’t pass it by, it caught my attention and I stood in this gallery and snapped photos, ha ha… are you familiar with Charleston, SC and the many galleries that we have here? Do YOU know which gallery this chandelier is in?

I love a challenge… Ha ha…

🖼 IMAGES ARE MY OWN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE, PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED…

37 Rose Hill Court House Plan by Our Town Plans!

On January 5, 2017January 5, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

This is the 37 Rose Hill Court house plan by Our Town Plans, and IS IT EVER CHARMING!!! Be sure to click on the link to see the real life images (inside and out!) – I’m telling you I could move right in and be so happy! The interior images help so much! The exterior of this home is so attractive. It fits right in and looks like it could have been built decades ago. I love the porch, which I would definitely screen!

This compact plan is 775 square feet with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. It’s brilliant to use pocket doors for the bedroom, which is right off the sitting room. The kitchen and sitting room are open which is so nice. There is great storage and a nice size bathroom! What’s not to love about this plan?

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the design firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Dan Knepper!

On January 4, 2017January 3, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Do I Smell Bacon 30×40″ Oil

Dan Knepper. His paintings pack a powerful punch. The light in his landscapes is jaw dropping. I love this sunrise. My favorite time of day, when things are nice and quiet, and the beauty that the sun provides is amazing. Dan captures it so well!

Tuesday – A Study 8×10″ Oil

A small study of Dan’s, and another powerful punch. This study is so fabulous, I just love it! The colors in the sky, the clouds, the horizon… WOW!

I have featured two of Dan’s oil paintings, be sure to check out his watercolors as well!

Read a bit about Dan, from his website:

“Dan Knepper primarily works in oil and watercolor. He uses oils to create landscapes that capture a desire to explore the rural countryside, and uses watercolor for his controlled and detailed portraits, allowing a luminosity difficult to obtain in other media.

Artist’s Statement:
I started painting because I liked faces and the challenge of capturing them…the light in a person’s eye, or the glow as it passes through skin. The human face and figure are amazing. They are the basis of our standard of elegance and proportion. Painting with watercolors allows me to capture that as if using layers of little chips of stained glass.

It’s sounds cliché, but the more I’ve painted in oil or watercolor, the more I realized it was the atmosphere of light I was trying to capture…and so when I paint landscapes, it’s the light, and its effects, the illumination of leaves and grasses, the glowing shadows, the dance of the sunset on the water, and those amazing moments when the air itself has color, that I try to capture and pass on.

I hope you’ll step into the moments. Feel the rocking of the waves, hear the wind through the grass, feel the sunlight, explore the barns, and take the path beyond that next hill.”

All images via DanKnepperArt.Weebly.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A SUBMARINE SALAD – fabulous, fresh and quick salad!

On January 3, 2017January 3, 2017 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, FOOD, Recipe1 Comment

How many of you love eating a submarine sandwich? Well, this salad TASTES like a submarine without the bread – it’s amazing!! We have this for dinner quite often with a small baguette (so much for no bread, but it’s much less bread!) and some olive oil for dipping… What makes this salad taste like a submarine? A few things, the lettuce being chopped, the salami and provolone and THE OREGANO. Don’t leave it out! I put very little compared to the original recipe and it was plenty, if you want just put a few shakes, but to get that oregano flavor in with everything else it’s just fabulous!

I first saw this in an email from Smitten Kitchen – Love her recipes and her blog – highly recommend!

The original recipe (PRINT HERE) makes 6 meal-size salads or 12 side portions. Make it however you like! The first photo shows only iceberg lettuce, the second photo shows both iceberg and radicchio, but no chickpeas. Good any way – the texture is fabulous, the crunch, with bits of salami and provolone. Owie, I needed this after an indulgent New Year…

I make it for just the two of us and there are no leftovers, BUT, my quantities are much smaller and there are a few things that I change, because it’s our preference. Click HERE to print my version (as seen below) – this is a recipe we will be making summer and winter!

Another note… I had a hard time finding a good looking head of Iceberg the other day, and ended up buying shredded lettuce (like for tacos, etc.) it was AWESOME! I always buy organic, but this time bought regular, and having it already shredded was nice!