Featured Artist: James Richards!

UNE PROMENADE EN SOIRÉE by James Richards 12″x16″ Oil//Panel

James Richards. One of the best artists I know. Not “just” an award winning artist but a person who cares, who makes it his mission to share his passion for painting with others. I met James many years ago during an art walk. He was set up to do a demo and it was awe-inspiring. He explained what he was doing and why, he worked quickly, efficiently – and everyone was blown away with the result. I swear, he has this “understanding” with paint – he steps up to the easel and is like a paint whisperer. Quickly, calmly laying down brush strokes until a masterpiece has been created. And… he knows when to stop. Every time.

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Drink up, so you don’t melt!

Some of us thrive in the hot weather and some of us thrive in cooler weather. I definitely fall into the latter category. Much of the country will see hot/humid conditions (just look at the windows, ugh). This week Michigan has higher temps than Charleston, SC and it’s not cool here by any means. It’s tough when you’re not used to these temps (for extended periods of time especially)…

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Kevin Beers Exhibit at Gleason Fine Art: On My Own

Lobster Boats Off Monhegan by Kevin Beers | 36″ x 36″ | Oil on Canvas

We haven’t been to Maine in a number of years, but my husband and I visited for many years. Made some great friends who we would meet on the island each year. Kevin was one of those friends, he was always on the island painting away. You might know him as the artist that carried large canvases and set his easel up at the same time each day to capture everything he needed to complete his masterpiece. Monhegan Island is a special place with special people.

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The Perfect Meal for a Hot Summer Day!

The flowers sure made everything look extra special! The hot days of summer are upon us. I don’t use the oven much, if ever, in the hot months. I rely on the grill (my husband), cold salads, quick meals that will keep us cool while taking advantage of the most amazing produce available at the time. This was a favorite, bonus is you can make it ahead (except the corn) and *poof*: Dinner. Is. Served!

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Guess the Artist (Detroit Institute of Arts) #34!

Exquisite details in this painting. So many tiny strokes of perfection. Today is Guess the Artist day… I can narrow it down for you some. I took this photo at the Detroit Institute of Artist (DIA) in Detroit, MI last year. Can you guess who the artist is? Bonus if you know the title as well… Comment on this post or via social media. Good luck!

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Make what you can with what you’ve got…

A good saying to live by, right? Make what you can with what you’ve got. I do this all the time when cooking, substituting ingredients I have on hand to skip yet another trip to the store. The other day I made a fabulous fresh peach🍑, goat cheese 🐐, dill 🪴salad 🥗. Three trips to the store (the last one being for the LETTUCE!) – ugh, the frustration. We live nearby so it’s not a big deal, but would have rather spent time prepping and putting it together!

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Little Surprises Everywhere!

To those of you with dogs (or humans or any other animal) – sometimes a situation that seems problematic – in time turns out to be the most wonderful gift. No matter how trivial it may seem. Cherish these gifts! (And it doesn’t hurt to have the wherewithal to recognize these irritations as what they will be in the future… a gift!)

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It’s Green Smoothie Weather!

The weather is beginning to heat up in Charleston, SC – which makes the perfect weather for enjoying a nice smoothie. We’ve visited a few areas and have tasted their green smoothies which were surprisingly good, so… This is a change from our favorite banana smoothies that we love so much (and have drank for years). Now we’re on a new kick and loving it!

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A nice way to light up your life!

Well, can you believe it’s already JUNE? Hurricane season is upon us (woohoo), it’s heating up outside – a perfect time for grilling, smoothies and cold salads! I’ve got a few good recipes on the radar not to mention this amazing little lamp that we bought. Notice there is no cord. It’s rechargeable and so nice for certain spaces (like this table pulled out away from the wall).

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