A Busy Day? Take A Deep Breath…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This was an unexpected surprise as we headed over the bridge to Mount Pleasant, SC. We were out early the other morning while running errands. There was such a beautiful color across the horizon and then *poof* the sun appeared and quickly rose. In the span of the bridge we saw it rise considerably. What an awesome way to put things into perspective. Busy days and times are among many of us – take a moment to absorb the quiet and any peaceful scene you may encounter.

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Guess the Artist #38 | Detroit Institute of Arts

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Guess the Artist1 Comment

Amazing painting isn’t it? The goldfish, so vibrant against the green. The beautiful young girls in their velvet dresses. I loved reading about this painting. It always interests me what the subject is about or what the artist is trying to convey. Little pieces of history that make the painting that much richer. Can you guess this artist? If not, read on to find out – or check it out if not sure – read about this painting!

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Pegasus Taverna – What a treat!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

Funny thing, we were recently in Michigan visiting family. We ran to a cool pottery place (more on that in a future post) and passed this fabulous restaurant on the way home. We love Greek food but some places are far better than others and this is one of those places. We were there early and quickly the restaurant filled up with people. It was a weekday, most all were older, gathering around and having a good time. I loved seeing what they ordered, everything looked fabulous – including the “oompah cheese” as I used to call it, which is SO fun and delicious – I didn’t order it this time, but it was fun to watch.

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Old Oyster House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans1 Comment
Old Oyster Retreat 15363 by Allison Ramsey Architects

Drop dead gorgeous, don’t you think? When I look at this house, it feels as if I’m in an older, very grand neighborhood. You know the kind with the towering oaks, wild palms and HISTORY. It’s hard to believe this plan wasn’t built long, long ago! There is a special grandness to this plan. I love the stunning porches, etc. – they are what dreams are made of.

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Alexandra Stafford’s Carrot Ginger Soup with Coconut Milk!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe4 Comments

This soup is FABULOUS! It warms the house and smells divine. I LOVE soups with coconut milk (especially versus heavy cream!) – the coconut milk adds such a nice, subtle wonderful taste and the spices that go with coconut milk… #ohlala! Once you get all set up (chopping, etc.) this goes fairly quickly… it’s not an all day soup.

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Cottage Revival House Plan by David Ranglack for Southern Living!

On By Barbara StroudIn Closed Floor Plan, HOME, House PlansLeave a comment
Cottage Revival House Plan (SL-1946) by David Ranglack for Southern Living

Now, this is a different sort of front entry. The front door isn’t at the front, but like some of the older homes in downtown Charleston, SC you’ll see the entry, then you walk along the side porch to the entry door. I love how this doorway is framed with shutters which lets you know to “walk this way” to the entrance while looking so charming and like it’s been in existence for a very long time. Beautiful!

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These Views Are Never Taken For Granted

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Out on walk the other morning 🙄 – I’m walking to my “fast walking” station on Spotify. I was zipping along until I stumbled (literally) upon this view. I thought I would let my heart catch up with my head after almost going *splat* so I stopped and did what any sane person would do – I took a photo….

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A Book To Read – MAGIC HOUR by Kristin Hannah!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

RIVETING! Another fabulous book by Kristin Hannah – Wow! I’m the one that hesitated to read this author because she’s not my typical genre. #wellsheisnow! I hate the thought of one day being without a KH book to read. It’s always amazing when you find an author new to you. Whose books you fall in love with and you can’t wait to get to the next book. I’m interspersing other books in between to a) lighten things up after a gripping read and to b) save the books so I don’t run out too quickly!

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Koi Pond in Charleston, SC + a Reminder…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Aren’t these bright orange Koi against the green of the lily pads absolutely stunning? I took this photo at a garden shop in the Charleston area (info below) – gorgeous plants, trees, fountains, outdoor planters, accessories, etc. They also can create a vignette such as this for you. So serene!

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