Steamy photo taken at 6AM. Summer is steamy as can be here in Charleston, SC – but also areas that aren’t typically steamy. So much heat and humidity spreading across the country. What do you do to beat the heat? One thought, whip up an Orange Julius…
Continue reading “A Steamy Summer and an Orange Julius!”Artist: James Richards!
James Richards. An accomplished artist from Georgia, there is literally nothing this man can’t paint. His ability to capture the very soul of his subject is astounding. No wonder he is such a sought after instructor (workshop information below) – James’s paintings sell like hot cakes – and they reside all over the world and in some of the most distinguished of places.
Continue reading “Artist: James Richards!”The Power of a Flower!

Flowers make people happy. They just do. They’re stunningly beautiful whether they’re all by themselves or mixed with other flowers. There is no ugly flower to me. If we had dandelions I would even cut those and plop them into a cute, small vase. Who says those pretty yellow flowers are weeds, ha ha.
Continue reading “The Power of a Flower!”If You Can’t Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen (Literally)!

Charleston, South Carolina. It’s hot. I love to have dinner ready early so I don’t need to be in the kitchen when it’s at its warmest. This was a wonderful meal, prepared ahead (except for the corn, which took 6 minutes). You could easily substitute a salad or whatever else you like. Everything here literally took minutes and is the freshest of the fresh!
Continue reading “If You Can’t Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen (Literally)!”Featured Artist: Ken DeWaard+ Save the Date
Ken DeWaard – amazing artist and one of the nicest guys ever. Ken has a one person show coming up Friday, July 26 (night of opening reception) – so mark your calendars if you’re going to be in the Tenants Harbor, Maine area – it’ll be worth the stop! Especially if you can pop in and say hello while you peruse his paintings. They’re wonderful, but what else would you expect, right? Details below…
Continue reading “Featured Artist: Ken DeWaard+ Save the Date”ARTIST: Judy Joy Nocifora!

What a wonderful painting, right? How are some artists able to pick up on the little things that make our creatures come alive in a painting? Especially without ever meeting the animal. The funny little sit that he had at times and this look, the “stink eye” look he often gave. It meant “now!” (In terms of carrot treats, cucumber treats, breakfast/lunch/dinner, evening walk, etc.).
Continue reading “ARTIST: Judy Joy Nocifora!”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!
Continue reading “Book Alert for the 4th of July!”The Best Gazpacho (Ever)! | NYT Cooking
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
Continue reading “The Best Gazpacho (Ever)! | NYT Cooking”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.
Continue reading “Featured Artist: Kayla Martell!”Lovely!

Flowers are the best aren’t they? They can bring a smile to my face at any time. When I’m out and about I’m always snapping photos of flowers. Their close-up beauty is always awe inspiring. I believe I was in Mount Pleasant, SC when I snapped a photo of this particular one.
Continue reading “Lovely!”Stunning View from Crosby’s Near Folly Beach!

What a fabulous view, right? I took this photo at Crosby’s Seafood near Folly Beach (SC) when we stopped to pick up some shrimp for the week. It’s not far from the house and the view is out of this world. And… if you’re hungry the food truck is delish!
Continue reading “Stunning View from Crosby’s Near Folly Beach!”The Luxury of Avocado Toast!
Avocado toast can have such an exquisite taste and luxurious feel on the palate. Done right it can be silky, creamy and heavenly. Avocados are a healthy fat (which keeps you full longer) and are just plain delicious! I have a hint on how to keep your ripe avocados staying fresh for longer… #gamechanger
Continue reading “The Luxury of Avocado Toast!”Featured Artist: James Richards!
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.
Continue reading “Featured Artist: James Richards!”VIEW: Crosby’s Seafood Near Folly Beach

Stunning, right? We always stop for shrimp at Crosby’s Seafood right before you get to Folly Beach (Charleston, SC). We run in, pick up our shrimp, then I have to run out and get a photo or two. There is literally ALWAYS something breathtaking to look at.
Continue reading “VIEW: Crosby’s Seafood Near Folly Beach”Happy Summer Solstice!
The Summer Solstice is today, at 4:51 PM to be exact… This is the longest day of the year, from here on out the days get shorter. (Happy dance!) I like shorter days. 20 hours of sunshine is just a little too much for me.
Continue reading “Happy Summer Solstice!”






