Well, it’s almost 2024 – hard to believe, I know! So I’m looking back at photos from this year (note to self for 2024: GO THROUGH YOUR PHOTOS!) – I ran across this image, taken at breakfast at our favorite place in North Carolina. The best breakfast’s in the world! Stunning coffee, a chef’s special that will make you run home and try to figure out how they did it. What are some of your special memories of 2023?
Continue reading “What I loved about 2023, the best is yet to be!”
Is there anything better than a good loaf of sourdough bread? Yes, there is! One you bake yourself! I took a short workshop recently, we were given some of the sourdough starter “Mother”, and directions to continue on. After I baked my first loaf, I thought, WOW, this is easy. Then I baked my second…
Continue reading “Sourdough Bread – Figuring it out…”
Some things are priceless, right? Especially mementos that elicit memories of good times. Like this wooden bowl (made by my dad – THANK YOU, DAD!) filled with wooden Christmas ornaments (also, made by my dad!). I love to pull them out of the Christmas box and fill the bowl with happiness. So every time I walk by this I think of Christmas as a kid, and my parents and how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family, husband and in-laws.
Continue reading “Merry Christmas To All…”
Christmas is a magical time in the eyes of a child. But even as adults, Christmas can be pretty magical. Reliving some of our happiest times through well worn traditions, familiar scents of cookies that our grandparents baked, sounds of laughter, seeing old handwritten recipes – all these little things make our hearts full.
Continue reading “The magic of Christmas Eve!”
BUSY. Everyone is soooo busy right now. Make a plan (it’ll help), make a list (or two or three in my case), then chill. As Bob Marley sang, “Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right!” I think sometimes we all want everything to be so perfect (think weddings, etc.) so if the tiniest glitch occurs (i.e. sourdough not turning out as it should) people tend to overreact. In the scheme of what could go wrong in the world, chances are the worry over what you’re making for Christmas, what you’re giving as a gift, how you’re going to have time to throw together a party, etc. etc. are small worries compared to life and death, global, health care, starvation, lack of housing, etc. our problems are slight. So it helps to put it in perspective.
Continue reading ““Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right!””
I had to laugh… I ran into a friend (who I had just taken a sourdough workshop with) in the bread aisle at Whole Foods. Imagine hearing this while you’re shopping: “Mother isn’t doing well – I don’t know if she’s cold or hungry. I keep trying to make her happy, at this point, she’s just going to have to toughen up”. I noticed an odd look. Ok, I wasn’t talking about a person, it was the “Mother” for the sourdough bread, ha ha… Pictured above is Try #1…
Continue reading “My foray into sourdough bread baking: “Momma’s going to have to toughen up””
Just look at the vibrant color in this ornamental (vs. edible) cabbage! Stunning, isn’t it? Perfect in the ground or a planter. The link (above) shows the different types, their care, etc. It can really liven up the landscape! It almost looks like a flower. Stunning!
Continue reading “Unexpected (& colorful!) beauty…”
Trees. They are spectacular and can really make a neighborhood special. On the way back from a walk this scene struck me. This was November – the ground was so dry. The sun was coming in strong and a sprinkler was on which looked similar to the sun shining through the trees, wondering if this was a humid day? These live oak trees have been here for a long time, and they’re magnificent. In a way it takes you back in time. Especially when the Spanish moss is blowing in the wind. It’s gorgeous!
Continue reading “Fall Beauty in South Carolina…”
Whoa! This (gorgeous, stunning, delicious, aromatic) red lentil soup defies logic. This is a simple recipe that just gets better and better. There is no one ingredient has a strong taste, it’s just a fabulous culmination of ingredients that tastes so fresh and delightful. It is literally a gorgeous soup!
Continue reading “Red Lentil Soup Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Do you have someone on your list who loves to cook (or perhaps a gift to yourself)? For those who make soups and a variety of other recipes they can be elevated to another level with the use of one simple tool? Do I have an idea for you! It feels #fancy to blend soup so that it looks (and tastes!) like a restaurant soup you may love. This is the one I purchased…
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Beautiful, isn’t it? We were on a hike in North Carolina – Purchase Knob to be exact. Always a good time, I love the views, they’re beyond breathtaking. For those of you who have been on this trail, this photo was taken on the fairly short strip of grassy area (my favorite) – I’m not sure what the vegetation is, but it was so sculptural against the sky and the mountains. Breathtaking!
Continue reading “A View From the Purchase Knob Hike…”
Who loves a bookstore? I do. I grew up reading and LOVING books. Once I really started reading, my parents would always be sure I had a book. I loved mysteries like the Nancy Drew series. My first “real book” was my mom’s Nancy Drew book that she read as a kid. Pretty cool. I was hooked. Sucked in and transformed into a different city/state/country all the while picturing it as I read. #nothingbetter
Continue reading “Gift Ideas from Buxton Books – Charleston, SC!”
I have an amazing recipe for you – but… Oh y’all, my late fall images are suffering with these early dark evenings coming so early. You would laugh if you saw me make a recipe, early enough that there should still be light SOMEWHERE in this house as I run from spot to spot. I usually can find a little glimmer of light, nothing outstanding, but as I run from spot to spot, I’m sloshing and the image isn’t quite what I want it to be. End result is still the same. A recipe (usually someone else’s) that i’ve tried and loved enough to share with you. So on these chilly days I have the perfect Hot Chocolate Recipe… You aren’t going to believe it, I am thrilled to have found it!
Continue reading “The BEST Hot Chocolate In All the Land!”
I love a framed view of a cool place. This is Charleston, SC as seen from a parking garage. I was headed to the Apple store and was hightailing it when I saw this image. I had to backtrack to get a photo. I love the building framed in this shot. It was a pretty day, nice weather, cool air. Does anyone else get excited about parking garage photos? Haha.
Continue reading “Charleston, SC as seen from a parking garage.”
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