Fabulous food at Marine City Fish Company… (Michigan)!

On July 13, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

: Image: MarineCityFishCompany.com

While visiting in Michigan recently we popped in our favorite local restaurant, Marine City Fish Company located in… guess… Marine City, MI! It’s an eclectic restaurant, not too small and not too big, it’s just right. The service was spectacular, the food was delicous and we had a great time! There is much to look at while in this restaurant (other than the river which offers gorgeous views), they have lots of neat old vintage type posters, all have to do with fishing… very fun place to have a nice lunch or dinner. If you find yourself in the area, pop in… they’re also on Facebook, check them out. I had the Panko Shrimp (ohmy!), Fred had the perch sandwich… I had homemade potato chips with mine, Fred had the long skinny french fries that are to die for (probably literally, ha ha)… it’s not health food, but it’s GOOD food! Click HERE to see their menu! OH! Did I mention the dessert???? Baked Bing Cherries with Puff Pastry Ala Mode… Heaven help me! This is big enough for a family of four, but we ate (almost) the entire thing…

Catch you back here tomorrow…!

Artist to watch… George Pate!

On July 12, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

: Image: WellsGallery.com

George Pate has the most unique style. His paintings have caught my eye for a number of years now… love the little beach birds that he paints. I like how he paints Charleston scenes… not typical, it’s a style all his own. After reading about George, I see that he’s originally from Detroit, (Yay, George! Me too!) although now resides in Santa Fe… a place that is on our list to visit one day! The Wells Gallery in town carries his work, as does the Wells Gallery on Kiawah at the Sanctuary. If you get a chance stop in, if you’re out of town visit their website!

Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance visit my photo blog… http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Super Simple Salad… Tomatoes, basil and olive oil…

On July 11, 2011December 13, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

I saw some pretty little grape tomatoes in the fridge and a pot of basil that was begging to be used. I whipped my mom up a small super simple tomato salad… It took no time and it was delicious to boot!

Tomatoes are so good for you because they contain lycopene, an antioxidant. To get the most nutrition when you eat a tomato pair it with a little olive oil. The good lycopene found in tomatoes is fat soluble, so if you add a little good fat, like olive oil it helps your body absorb lycopene more easily. Here’s the recipe… no need to even write it down… cut up the tomato into bite sized pieces (whatever kind of tomato you like, the darker the tomato the more antioxidants), drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle a little salt and pepper then top with fresh basil. If you happen to have a little fresh mozarella (MUST be FRESH, that’s my opinion) chop up a bit and toss it in, that’s delightful! Quick and easy!Added tip… cooked tomatoes are more concentrated, therefore have more lycopene… Enjoy!

Edward Hopper, art quote weekend…

On July 10, 2011July 7, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

EdwardHopper NewYorkMovie1939 071011 — New York Movie, Edward Hopper, 1939

In general it can be said that a nation’s art is greatest when it most reflects the character of its people.
Edward Hopper

Check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com ! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: ibiblio.org Quote: Brainyquote.com

Edward Hopper’s Maine…

On July 9, 2011July 7, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

: Image: ArtFixDaily.com

Ooooh how I love Edward Hopper’s work! His Maine paintings especially… love his version of Blackhead on Monhegan Island, ME… This painting is entitled “The Dories, Ogunquit” painted in 1914.

Oh how I would love to be going to this…

Brunswick, Maine- The Bowdoin College Museum of Art has organized the first comprehensive exhibition of Edward Hopper’s artistic production in Mainefrom 1914 to 1929. On view from July 15 through October 16, 2011, Edward Hopper’s Maine will showcase nearly 90 rarely exhibited paintings, watercolors, drawings, and prints that provide an exhaustive look at Hopper’s work during this period. Hopper’sMaine paintings span two critical decades of the artist’s career, yet have never been studied as a unified body of work and are often overlooked in favor of his better-known paintings from the 1930s forward. This long-overdue exhibition will present Hopper’sMaine oeuvre together for the first time, reexamining and demonstrating its significance to his later production. The Bowdoin College Museum of Art will be the exhibition’s sole venue. Click here to get the rest of the story: http://www.artfixdaily.com/artwire/release/8089-bowdoin-college-museum-of-art-presents-edward-hoppers-maine

Enjoy your weekend! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Scott Mattlin!

On July 8, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

: Image: http://scottmattlin.com

I love this painting… when I was young I remember my dad painted a ballerina… it was an oil painting and I absolutely loved it… I’m thinking he gave it to my grandma (his mother-in-law)… (hmmm, wonder what happened to that painting?) I admired it so much and wanted to be a ballerina when I grew up. Well I grew up… I did take many years of ballet classes, but then, like the piano lessons life got busy and I stopped. Oh how I wish I never stopped! The artist, Scott Mattlin captures his subjects beautifully and in such a loose style which explains all the red dots I suppose. I try to pick one that isn’t sold, however, this one IS sold, but I loved it, so… If you get a chance, check out his website! Judging by his website he’s a cool guy, with a really neat story as to how he became an artist and the path he took. I admire his journey! This guy is from Denver, CO but teaches workshops in different areas… check him out!

Catch you back here tomorrow, if you get a chance check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Die cancer die… here to save the day… Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Shallots, Chives

On July 7, 2011July 6, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, THOUGHTS4 Comments

: Image: http://dirttime.com

Today’s cancer tip is from a great magazine article “Edible Healing: Food Cures for Cancer” by Prevention Magazine! I know what I’m making for dinner tonight… sauteed veggies (zucchini, red pepper, banana pepper, mushrooms, onions, garlic) with pasta and a yogurt pepper jack mixture… sautee the veggies, toss in the cooked angel hair pasta, turn the burner off, add a few spoonfuls of plain yogurt and some shredded pepper jack, put the lid on until cheese melts and ohmygosh… you will end up with something you’ll be addicted to… forever! Here’s the tip of the day…

Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Shallots, Chives

The sulfur compounds found in this group (the alliaceous family) promote the death of colon, breast, lung, and prostate cancer cells. Epidemiological studies also suggest a lower risk of kidney and prostate cancer in people who consume the most garlic.

How to Eat Them: The active compounds in garlic are released when you crush the clove, and they’re much more easily absorbed if they’re combined with a small amount of oil. Sauté chopped garlic and onions in a little olive oil, mix with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, and toss with black pepper and turmeric. They can also be consumed raw, mixed in salads, or layered on sandwiches.

OK mom, this is treatment number 7! “Only” 5 to go! WOOHOO… on the countdown now!

Catch you back here tomorrow! Take a break and check out my daily blog… http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com

I can’t believe I won!! What did I win???

On July 6, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment

A few weeks ago we headed over to Coastal Cupboard in Mount Pleasant (SC), a cool kitchen place full of delightful things… other than the top notch kitchen gadgets they have wonderful cookbooks, cookware, bakeware, cooking lessons, demonstrations, coffee machines that will make your head spin and a variety of other things… if you like to cook then a trip to Coastal Cupboard is a must! We were there to have our knives sharpened… a few times a year they have knife sharpening clinics where you come in, take a number (yes! I’m not the only one with a dull knife!) and have your knife sharpened, money goes to charity. While there they had a raffle you could sign up for, I can’t even remember what the items were, just remembered that they were neat, so I put my name in the overflowing box… then a few days later I got a call, Woohoo!! I WON! !! I was THRILLED! Oh, ugh… what did I win?? A cool knife crock from KUHN RIKON, it’s a small crock with 4 fabulous bright green knives, and these puppies are SHARP! Woohoo, I was too excited! Thank you Coastal Cupboard!

If you get a chance check out Coastal Cupboard, great website, blog, newsletter and information!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Check out my photo blog if you get a chance!

All images from http://thecoastalcupboard.com/

Artist to watch… STAPLETON KEARNS!

On July 5, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

StapletonKearns 070511 — Image: StapletonKearnsGallery.com

Stapleton Kearns, many of you have heard of him. His blog is both entertaining as well as a wealth of inspiration. His paintings are dynamic! I’m featuring a snow scene, frankly because I think we need it… kind of like a Christmas in July type thing. When it’s hot out nice cool snow is so appealing! I’d like to go make a few snow angels myself! This is a neat nocturnal painting… it looks safe, and the warm lights reflecting in the snow make the house seem cozy. Yep, this is the kind of painting I needed to see today! If you get a chance, check out Stapleton’s website!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A drink to beat the heat… Lemonade Iced Tea – Southern Living recipe!

On July 4, 2011August 27, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

SL LemonadeIcedTea 070411 — Image: SouthernLiving.com

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! There are 4th of July parties all around us today. What better time to try something that will cool you off? This is similar to an “Arnold Palmer” (half lemonade, half iced tea)… something refreshing to beat the heat! Give it a shot, something different and fun to bring to a party!

You can click HERE to go directly to MyRecipes website where it’s quick and easy to print… or see below:

Lemonade Iced Tea

A Southern Living Recipe from www.myrecipes.com

YIELD: Makes 8 cups
COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
STEEP: 10 MINUTES
COURSE: Beverages, Beverages, Nonalcoholic

Ingredients

3 cups water
2 family-size tea bags
1 (1-oz.) package fresh mint leaves (about 1 cup loosely packed)
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups cold water
1 (6-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
Garnish: fresh citrus slices

Preparation

1. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and stir in fresh mint. Cover and steep 10 minutes.
2. Remove and discard tea bags and mint. Stir in sugar until dissolved.
3. Pour tea into a 3-qt. container, and stir in 4 cups cold water and lemonade concentrate. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

Southern Living
JULY 2009

ENJOY! Drive careful and have a good time today! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sailing in Key Largo…

On July 3, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment

: Image: CoastalLiving.com

As I mentioned yesterday I’ve been using some of Coastal Living’s wonderful photos that they have included in a newsletter with a View of the Day… fabulous idea, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it, just like the magazine! Check them out, and get a subscription! Also makes a great gift! And no, Coastal Living doesn’t pay me to say nice things (I wish), ha ha…

“…in no time he was climbing aboard a trim little boat. He quickly set sail. And the moon sailed along with him.”

–Crockett Johnson

Photo: Cruising off the Coast of Key Largo

Enjoy! Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Oregon coast… riveting!

On July 2, 2011June 14, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment

: Image: CoastalLiving.com

Since many of you are on vacation this weekend, I decided to share with you some of the wonderful images that I received in a newsletter from Coastal Living (sign up you guys… great stuff!). They send out an image a day with an inspirational message… these are beautiful… and meaningful…

“The Moon is distant from the Sea—And yet, with Amber Hands—She leads Him—docile as a Boy—Along appointed Sands…”

–Emily Dickenson

Photo: Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Cotton Coulson – National Geographic Stock

Catch you back here tomorrow… if you’re out and about, drive safe!

Santa Barbara Island… ahhh the beauty!

On July 1, 2011December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

: Image: CoastalLiving.com

Wonderful magazine, COASTAL LIVING, full of great information and photos of places you would really like to be. They have a View of the Day with an inspirational message, and the photos are out of this world… Here is one of them!

“…whatever we lose (like a you or a me); it’s always ourselves we find in the sea”

–E.E. Cummings

Photo: Santa Barbara Island

Catch you back here tomorrow! Remember, http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com if you get a chance!

Vital Veggies in the war against cancer…

On June 30, 2011December 19, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

: Image: Prevention.com

Today’s cancer tip is from a great magazine article “Edible Healing: Food Cures for Cancer” by Prevention Magazine!

Vital Veggies

Brussels sprouts, bok choy, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower all contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinols (I3Cs), two potent anticancer molecules. These molecules help the body detoxify certain carcinogenic substances and can help prevent precancerous cells from developing into malignant tumors. They also promote the suicide of cancer cells and block tumor growth.

How to Prepare Them: Cover and steam briefly or stir-fry rapidly with a little olive oil. Avoid boiling cabbage and broccoli, which destroys their cancer-fighting compounds.

We all have to get used to the thought of more fruits and veggies and less processed foods. It’s a hard thing to give up. Convenience is important, but maybe the more we make things ourself the quicker we’ll get! Here’s hoping!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Great CD… KOOP – Koop Islands

On June 29, 2011June 14, 2011 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

KoopIslandsCD 062911 — Image: Amazon.com

Recently while meandering through ESD, a local design shop near the house, I heard this CD playing and just HAD to know WHO this was… it was interesting music, the kind that you can just sit and listen to for hours on end. The music that was playing was the first song on this CD, and it made me feel like I was in Italy! It was fabulous… the CD cover talks about this as jazz and a combination of 1930’s swing and carribean music… I’m not sure that I would describe it that way, but I know I thoroughly enjoy it! I don’t know much about the group other than it’s a duo from Stockholm… read more about them here and click to listen to some tidbits (from Amazon)… http://www.amazon.com/Koop-Islands/dp/B000VI6T9C – hope this makes you as happy as it did me :)

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com if you have time!