The HGTV Dream Home, opens to the public… SOON!

On January 29, 2013January 29, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

The 2013 HGTV Dream Home located on Kiawah Island, SC

Hey, it’s fun to dream… and this home is a beauty… check out their website for some great photos!

AND if you’re fortunate enough to make it to the dream home tour… look for Christina Hewso n’s dog portraits… They are amazing! They add such character and interest! You may remember reading about her on one of my past posts…

Ahhhh, love this!

As well as local Beaufort artist, Cassandra Gillens who was also in a past post!

Beginning February 14, 2013 the HGTV Dream Home will be open to the public… here are some details from the HGTV blog website…

Dying to step inside HGTV Dream Home 2013 for an up-close-and-personal tour? Now’s your chance! Public tours of our Kiawah Island vacation home begin in mid February. Tickets are $20 per person; proceeds will benefit Communities in Schools of the Charleston Area, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides a nationally acclaimed dropout prevention program that empowers and inspires students.

Tour Dates:
Thursday, February 14 through Monday, February 18
Friday, February 22 through Sunday, February 24
Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3
Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10

Tour Times:
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour starts at 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. (last tour starts at 4 p.m.)

To order tickets and learn more about HGTV Dream Home 2013 public tours, visit hgtvdreamhometours.org.

Mary is a contributor to HGTV Dreams Happen: Sweepstakes Blog.

Images of Christina Hewson’s pet portraits via HGTV.com

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Paula Frizbe!

On January 28, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“At the Lake House” by Paula Frizbe

Paula has such a great style. I especially like this painting, called “At the Lake House” – what a dream, eh? Oh, the color of the water, the lake house, and that TREE with it’s quirky whimsical branches. This is a wonderful painting!

Paula has many more, be sure to stop by her website if you get a chance! I see that Paula is a member of Plein Air Painters of the Southeast. They also have a great Facebook page if you’re interested!

Here’s a blip about Paula from the Leiper’s Creek Gallery, located in Franklin, TN:

Paula Frizbe has been a professional oil painter for over a decade. Her career in the arts spans almost 30 years. Her professional career has afforded her painting opportunities throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. She is a signature member of The Cumberland Society of Painters, Alla Prima International and Plein-Air Painter’s of the Southeast. Her work is owned by numerous private and corporate collectors. She is currently represented by several galleries in five states in the south and southeast.
“To me, the whole idea of painting is to respond to and then convey to others my view of the world around me. I find no pleasure in reinventing the world, nor seek a self-fulfilling inward gaze. My joy comes from the pure thrill of adventure.
The world is infinitely complex. The continual hunt for and then surprise finding of her mysteries is my sole motivation.”
Paula Frizbe — Artist statement

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Lobsters… SET THEM FREE… oh, wait a minute…!

On January 27, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This is a photo I shot while in Maine. When I used to see this (as you do all over) I used to dream about setting them free, ha ha… Then one day I was watch Alton Brown on the Food Network, he was talking about the similarities of lobsters and… one of my biggest fears… la coockaracha’s as I like to call them, it doesn’t sound so greasy, so downright creepy (oh I just know I’m going to have a nightmare tonight!)… cockroaches. Lobsters and cockroaches are in the same family.

Set them free?

Nope… Maybe don’t squish ’em, but hey, definitely don’t set them free!

Maybe, toss them in a macaroni and cheese… like this recipe from Ina Garten?! Hee, hee.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bless the lobstermen and women! Hard work for sure!

On January 26, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL2 Comments

I love snapping photos of everyday things… this photo was taken in Camden, Maine. One of the workers left his gloves on the wheel. It struck me how these men and women are such hard workers. Lobstering is hard work. I’m not expert, but I’ve watched Lobster Wars (ha ha, loved that show!) so I see what it takes. I’ve read stories, and I’ve heard from people who do this for a living, who’s families have done it for generation after generation.

Hard. Work.

When you realize what it takes to bring the lobsters back to land so that we can enjoy them it makes you never want to eek out a peep about the price. Ever. It’s worth every penny! Oh, those scrambled eggs with cheese and lobster at the Island Inn on Monhegan are sounding pretty tasty about now!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Logan Hagege!

On January 25, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Cloud Shadows on the Wall by Logan Hagege

I know what you’re thinking… STUNNING! Right? Those dramatic colors and shadows, the fabulous texture makes for one helluva painting! I’m not the only one that thinks so… this painting won the Artist’s Choice Award at the Coors Western Art Show! Great job Logan… it seems that he completes one masterpiece after another.

Here’s a blip about Logan from his website:

Logan Maxwell Hagege is a talented artist who excels in depicting the figure and landscapes. Serious study in art started for Logan when early interest in animation sent him to a local art school, Associates in Art. His interest quickly moved from animation to fine art while attending life drawing classes, and later the Academy`s Advanced Masters Program, which was modeled after the old time French Art Schools where students spent more than six hours per day studying from live models. Logan also studied privately under Steve Huston and Joseph Mendez. This artist has drawn inspiration for his subjects from his native Southern California as well as by traveling extensively to view various landscapes in the American Southwest and the Northeast Coast of the U.S.

Logan finds encouragement and guidance in masters of the past such as Gustav Klimt, N.C. Wyeth, T.W. Dewing and Maynard Dixon. One idea that drives Logan`s work is that evolution in art is never ending. He is constantly challenging himself with new ideas and new ways of looking at the same subject.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bird Wallpaper by Schumacher, some of the classiest I’ve ever seen!

On January 24, 2013January 22, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME4 Comments

Is this not the most gorgeous powder room you’ve ever seen? I LOVE this wallpaper. Sarah Richardson used it on her latest season of Sarah’s House, a design show on HGTV. I have to say she has impeccable taste. You’re seeing birds everywhere right now! On clothes, lamps, bedding, pillows and wallpaper. This wallpaper is by Schumacher, it’s called A-TWEET, Summer. It also comes in A-TWEET, Winter, a more subdued version. Gorgeous! Makes me want to tear apart the bathroom and start fresh, hee hee…

I’ll leave you with a swatch… I think I’ll at least go clean out the linen cupboard and bathroom cabinet… using the decluttering/organizing techniques used on the closet and the kitchen utensil drawer (and I’m STILL so happy every time I open that drawer and it doesn’t get stuck!)!

Image: Schumacher

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Powder room image via HGTV.ca (found here)

Featured Artist (and SEWE artist!)… Mark Horton!

On January 23, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

On The Road by Mark Horton

Part of the Southeastern Wildlife Expo

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Mark has one cool style. Known mainly for his landscapes they draw you in and capture you. His marsh scenes are an exquisite view of what the Charleston area is really all about. Look at this painting… don’t you feel like you’re about to embark on a hiking adventure in the woods? Whew, I do… I think I burned a few extra calories just thinking about it, ha ha…

On occasion Mark gives workshops, so be sure to check out the gallery website to see when one is coming up. If you’re an artist, I’m sure it’ll be one that you will find both informative AND lots of fun!

The Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) will be sweeping into town soon. Very soon. Come February 15-17 Charleston will be hopping… even more than normal! People come from all over the world to attend. Read a little more about SEWE from their website… check it out, great photos and information!

Now in its 30th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. A 3-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.

Established in 1982, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Its goal was, and is, to produce an event which contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort that began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.

View the 2013 Southeastern Wildlife Expo brochure

Here’s a blip about Mark from the gallery website, I think you’ll have to agree with me that Mark is one accomplished dude… and on top of being exquisite at what he does, he’s a super nice guy. Someone that you really enjoy talking to. Now for the blip…

Mark Kelvin Horton was born and raised in rural North Carolina. After graduating from East Carolina University School of Art in 1983, Horton moved to New York City to begin a career in advertising and design. He carried with him the dream of someday becoming a painter.

Eighteen years of living in New York were spent working as a creative director in various advertising agencies and eventually founding his own design company. Those years also provided an invaluable opportunity for Horton to view and study firsthand the seemingly endless number of masterworks of art in the city’s museums and galleries. Horton became particularly fascinated with the works of George Inness, Herman Herzog, Frederick Church and the tonalist photographer, Edward Steichen. He was also captivated by the realism of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer as well as the romantic landscapes of the Hudson River School painters. The experience had a profound effect on his artistic development.

During his years working as an artistic director and designer, Horton continued to nurture his “fine art side”, drawing, sketching and painting whenever he had the opportunity. In early 2001 Horton made the decision to devote himself full-time to painting. He left New York City and returned to his Southern roots, moving to Charleston, South Carolina.

Horton is particularly fascinated with the effects of light and weather upon the landscape. He paints beyond a literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and sensibilities while capturing the spirit, color and changing light of a place.

If you can’t make it to the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, check out the Horton Hayes Gallery website, and if you’re ever in Charleston, SC that is one gallery that you must pop in to. You won’t be disappointed!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

I found a treasure… you may like it too!

On January 22, 2013January 22, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Drying Mat

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I don’t have lots of extra room near the sink in my kitchen to put a regular dish drainer. For the past few years I’ve been using a kitchen towel. You don’t have to wash very many dishes (I use the dishwasher mainly, but do wash pots/pans/knives as well as items I know we’ll be using soon) to make the towel sopping wet. Time for a change. I was at Target, looking to see if I could maybe fit a small dish drainer, problem with that was that I didn’t want to leave it out on the counter all the time… then I saw this! WOOHOO! OXO comes up with the coolest gadgets. This being one of them. This mat is made of silicone, it dries quickly (it can also be hung). Problem solved!

So… if you’re in the same predicament I encourage you to try this… I bought it at Target. They also make a smaller size. Note, this is called the “large” it’s not big, it’s just right (16.9″ x 12.5″), you want to be able to hang it or fit it in a drawer when you’re done.

Here’s a product description from Amazon:

Efficiently dry large and delicate items with the OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Drying Mat. The Drying Mat’s unique ribbed design maximizes aeration and elevates items, keeping them clean and sanitary. The large rectangular shape can accommodate a variety of dishes and cookware. Once items are dry, the easy-to-clean Mat can be rolled up or hung for storage. The heat resistant silicone material allows the Mat to double as a trivet.

And if you’re wondering… YES! I am experimenting with themes again. Feel free to drop me a line via The LEAVE A REPLY feature Located directly above the image. If no one has commented yet, you’ll see LEAVE A REPLY, otherwise you’ll see for example “2 REPLIES”, click on that to leave a comment… Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Cassandra Gillens!

On January 21, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist4 Comments

A Good Day To Let Go by Cassandra Gillens

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What wonderful style Cassandra Gillens has. She’s been featured in Southern Living magazine. Her paintings are in the 2013 HGTV Dream Home on Kiawah Island… she has made quite a name for herself! Fabulous southern style!

Let me say… thanks mom! For mentioning this artist… good work, keep it up! That’s right, I have help. Do you really think I can come up with all these fabulous artists on my own? Fred is a big help, and now with my moms help I can say “I have people”, ha ha…

Here’s a blip about Cassandra from her website:

Cassandra Gillens is a self-taught artist, residing in the Low Country of South Carolina, an area she cherishes. Born and educated in Boston, Massachusetts, her earliest memories are drawing with colored chalks on the sidewalks of Roxbury; Massachusetts. The memories remain a part of her when she began to paint images depicting her early childhood years in South Carolina. Upon her return, she was moved to paint her visions of the Low Country’s comforting southern culture.

Cassandra is closely connected with the people and culture in this beautiful and historic land; her paintings depict some of her fondest memories as a child, and also of good old southern living and images of various life styles found on the Sea Islands. Her paintings show that love with vivid saturated color and simplification of forms keeping her true to style of fauvism.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Broad Street’s Golden Light

On January 20, 2013January 19, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

LOVE THIS GOLDEN LIGHT! This is the light that makes everything so beautiful! This is a popular painting spot… on Broad Street looking towards St. Michael’s Church. The gorgeous light and the shadows make this an interesting photo (or painting)… Reminder to self… pick up a brush. It’s on my list ;) of things to do!

Enjoy your day, see if you can find some golden light somewhere! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Time for the teeny weeny bikini?

On January 19, 2013January 16, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

First I want to ask a favor… at the end of this post is a poll… would you mind offering me your opinion? It’s confidential, I have no idea who responds or what their answer is… appreciate it!!

Well, with the weather here in Charleston last week in the 70-80 degree range I think it’s almost time to hit the beach! Not so much to lay out in my teeny weeny polka dot bikini (HA!), but to take Charlie out walking… Fred and I like to take him usually in the spring and fall, but we missed the fall this year, and it appears spring has sprung, at least for this week! This photo was taken back in April 2011 when my parents visited. We headed out for a walk on the beach at Sullivan’s Island after a delightful lunch at Poe’s Tavern (best hamburgers!).

Hopefully your weather is warming up, wherever you may be!? Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Christina Hewson!

On January 18, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

Great Dane portrait by Christina Hewson

Our Jack Russell “Charlie” likes to go shopping… we often walk behind the house to the shopping center and swing through Antiques of South Windermere, one of his favorite places to visit and then on to Dolittles dog store… Charlie loves to visit with them! On one of our adventures, a while back, we saw these AH-MAZING dog and horse portraits. Absolutely breathtaking… the black and white just added to their elegance. Artist Christina Hewson can really capture the essence of the animal. Each one is so unique and special! She will be at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo February 15-17, so be sure to look for her there!

Check out her website, it’s fabulous, she also has a blog, so give it a peek!

Here’s a blip about Christina from her website:

I was born in Charleston and raised 20 miles north of Charleston in Awendaw. My personal interests include swimming, drawing, piano, math, and science. I have been creating and selling oil and acrylic portraits since the age of fifteen. It is the only job I have ever known. My first year of college was devoted to the study of piano. But, I missed having time for drawing, math, and science. I enrolled in the College of Charleston where I studied all three. It was at the College of Charleston where I discovered my love for ink and brush. I paint portraits of animals and people in which I strive to capture the soul in as pure and simple a style as possible. I prefer to paint in ink or acrylic. I live in downtown Charleston where I feel privileged to practice my art. I invite you to visit my website and blog where I record my artistic journey.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Battling Clutter… Streamlining your kitchen utensil drawer!

On January 17, 2013January 18, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

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Note: If you haven’t yet taken the poll on the design of this site, please see the end of this post. Only takes a click to select (or type in your own response) then click VOTE. I don’t know who responds, so feel free to answer how you like, you won’t hurt my feelings! Appreciate your help!

You know the feeling… a jammed utensil drawer in the kitchen. Always fun, right? I haven’t organized mine in a year or so and I swear the “stuff” multiplies… I find myself sticking stuff in the drawer “just in case” I need it. If I find a part that fell off of something, I stick it in the back of the drawer in case I ever figure out what it belonged to. Bad idea. I read an article in Real Simple magazine and what it boils down to, is the fact that you don’t need 5 different pancake flipper things (called spatulas)… or 4 wooden spoons (that I never use because I’m freaked out about how bacteria will stick to it, then you can’t put it in the dishwasher). The list goes on and on… I was surprised. I emptied the drawer, washed it out. Pulled out ALL THE STUFF I HAVEN’T USED IN THE PAST YEAR (or ten). I put that “stuff” in a few stacks. One stack to toss, I mean really… I’m saving CORKS in case one goes bad? I had enough for an army… another stack that there was a small chance I could use again (I put this in the garage. If I don’t use it in a year, it will find a new home), and the rest I deemed good enough to put back in the drawer.

I used to despise opening that drawer. It was full, inevitably something would jam it and make it a pill to open. But NO MORE! I am ORG-A-NIZED now! Woohoo, it feels good!

Oh, did I mention giving the drawer a good wipe down? Now is your chance to clean one of the busiest drawers in the kitchen (at least my kitchen)… go ahead and clean the organizer that holds your silverware while you’re at it… EEEK! How does dust get INSIDE a drawer? Never mind, I don’t want to know…

It would have been nice to purchase a few things to hold the supplies, but I haven’t yet, so I made do with what I had… I wish I would have taken a “before” shot! I threw out quite a bit of stuff I haven’t used in years, the rest ended up in a shoe box in the garage… If I find I need anything in that box I’ll come back for it, but I’m pretty sure I won’t!

Do these little things… no matter what drawer, the same principles apply and it just FEELS GOOD! Use the same rules as cleaning out your closet, click to read my past post, “The Simple Way To Organize and Clean A Closet”…

Here’s a list from Real Simple, this is what they say you need in your utensil drawer!

All You Need in Your Utensil Drawers

An instant-read thermometer, to take the guesswork out of steaks, chops, and roasts.
A large Microplane grater, for cheese, citrus zests, ginger, chocolate, and garlic.
A straight-edge wooden spoon, for getting in the corners of saucepans.
A classic wooden spoon, for everything else.
A natural-bristle basting brush holds more liquid than silicone versions.
Nesting measuring cups conserve space.
Stainless-steel measuring spoons last longer than plastic ones.
A large slotted spoon, to scoop food out of boiling water.
A low-tech can opener that pops bottles, too.
A metal spatula, for pancakes, burgers, and cookies.
Long tongs, for tossing salads, turning chops, and plucking vegetables from a steamer. The locking kind store most easily.
A standard spoon, for sauces.
A Y-shaped peeler: more control than the standard variety.
A silicone spatula, for mixing and getting the last bits of batter from the bowl.
A palm-size vegetable scrubber offers serious leverage.
A mini offset spatula, to free frittatas, lasagnas, and brownies (and to frost cupcakes).
A whisk, to get air into eggs and batter.
A fish spatula: thin, flexible, and perfect for fragile foods, from flounder to fried eggs.
A ladle, for soups, stews, and sauces.
A potato masher: also great for breaking up canned whole tomatoes for sauce.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Erik Weisenburger!

On January 16, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Night Pursuits” by Erik Weisenburger

(Image via MAINE MAGAZINE)

Maine Magazine is a fabulous magazine full of all kinds of great art and design in Maine. This painting by Erik Weisenburger is so cool and different. I love that big moon peeking through the trees. Erik’s art is very different and so interesting, check it out if you get a chance! This painting reminds me of being a kid, maybe at camp, walking through the woods with night approaching, the spooky story telling coming soon, maybe a bonfire and some marshmallows… great painting!

Here’s a blip from Erik’s website:

My current work is a continuation of my exploration into patterns and community, drama and subtlety while creating an image that will mingle with personal memories, including the anthropomorphization of the natural world I encountered as a youth. I have had a long interest in natural patterns, their mathematical balance, mysteries, and symbolic histories. Memorializing the small dramas and peripheral images from my surroundings and interests has been a long running theme in my work.

A series of memorial gardens that pay homage to mentors and influencers to my education as an artist, and paintings based on the history and inhabitants of Graceland Cemetery in Chicago served as a precursor to the images I am creating as a relative newcomer to Maine. Here, landscape dominates my visions: the movement of the ocean, wind, and visiting animals, while my interest in the history of painting and illustration often becomes it’s own source for re-interpreting these observations and events.

I work in a painting tradition used by the Dutch still life artists. Its luminous qualities and history-rich process best allows me to explore and interpret the mingling of memories, monuments, permanence and impermanence.

I am fascinated by our society’s intense efforts to keep death and change at bay. For those that do consider death and impermanence, there is an instinct to keep a foot in the mortal world through monumental and sentimental remembrance–attempts at permanent connection with others. It is my hope that viewers will find a personal meaning in the work, a moment of calm or a stirring of memory.

If you have a second… please take this poll… THANK YOU!

Catch you back here tomorrow!