Book Alert for the 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to you!

Isn’t this just the absolute best time of year to grab a good book, soak up the sun (or A/C for a good many of us) – sip an iced tea and disappear into another orbit. I’m reading THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND by Elin Hilderbrand and it’s FABULOUS! I’ve stocked up on several books – it is hurricane season after all!

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The Best Gazpacho (Ever)! | NYT Cooking

Gazpacho | NYT Cooking Recipe

I love the recipes from the New York Times (NYT) Cooking site! I’ve run across some amazing recipes – and I always read the comments – they’re full of helpful substitutions, ideas, etc. It’s a hot summer day here in Charleston, SC – so I whipped up this gazpacho which was a welcome dinner – I had to forgo anything warm. I served it with homemade sourdough bread and brie. #wow

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Featured Artist: Kayla Martell!

Kayla Martell. Her paintings stopped me in my tracks as I was zipping through Instagram. Zing, zing – whoa! Back up… WOW! Her paintings are out of this world and she has a sense of humor with her Instagram, which I love. I am drawn to paintings of interiors. Not all interiors, they have to have that magic pop that makes it feel real, more like a story.

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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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