Thoughts on Hurricane Melissa and the islands…

blue sky, orange flowers, butterflies

Sending prayers for Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Eastern Cuba over the next several days as Hurricane Melissa wrecks havoc on their vulnerable islands. This is one frightening storm that could lead to flooding and landslides. I sincerely hope everyone has heeded the warnings and are able to get to a safe place… please, keep them in your thoughts.

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Oak Island Retreat House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

House by Allison Ramsey Architects
Oak Island Retreat House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

I love scrolling through the house plans on Allison Ramsey’s website. (Allison Ramsey is a company name and not a person, in case you’re wondering who Allison Ramsey is, hehe). If you visit Beaufort, SC (as well as just about anywhere in the south) you will see so many Allison Ramsey homes. You may not KNOW they’re one of theirs because their homes seem to blend so well with the existing architecture which is classic and stunning.

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The Best Oat Bran Muffin Recipe!

Muffins on a pretty blue and white plate

Oat bran muffins that you’ll look forward to (I kid you not!) – these are quick to throw together, smell delicious in the oven and the taste is divine! The recipe makes 12, but after a few days of rainy weather (misery to get a food shot) this was the best I could do. The deserved a better photo, ha ha. Give them a whirl, I think you’ll love them!

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Book Suggestion: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune!

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune, book on a wicker stool on a rug.

I am fairly new to Carley’s books. I’ve read one and loved it and this is the second (third has been purchased) – Once I find an author I like, it’s nice to have a book or two going forward in my To Be Read (TBR) stack. It’s a comfort thing I believe. A world without books (or art, design, music, color, etc.) would be stifling. Books are a big part of my world, always have been, and I never want that to end. The joy of reading, visiting faraway places, learning different points of view – I think can make us all a bit more level headed and tolerant of others, not to mention being the best escape. #youdontevenhavetopackabag!

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Stormy Skies and Rain For Days!

high tide as seen on a rainy day through a car window

Let me start by saying the past few days (and the next week) have been sunny and beautiful. Today we will experience the coolest temps IN SIX MONTHS! That’s a long time to wait for cooler weather! I doubt it’ll stay this way for too long. It’s not too chilly, highs are still in the 70’s. I’m doing a happy dance regardless.

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Book Review: The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham…

Book, The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

A book review is akin to an art review. Each of us is different and our likes and dislike vary (extremely), so what one of us loves another will dislike just as much.

Elin wrote this book with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham. Which is quite a cool thing to do. I’ve read several articles where Elin says this is not a young adult book. And while this book wasn’t my typical cup of tea, it was well written and kept my interest. So if you’re unsure, borrow it from a friend or the library and see how you like it. And if you like it… there is a sequel THE THOROUGHBREADS coming September of 2026!

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A Quick HONEY MUSTARD Sauce and What To Use It For!

honey mustard sauce in glass jar with ingredients mayonnaise, white vinegar, dijon mustard and honey

WHO KNEW? Who knew honey mustard sauce could be so delicious and be so versatile? While coming up with a plan for some chicken tenders (baked) without as much flavor as fried, I thought how can I perk this up? Honey mustard sauce to the rescue and it only takes 4 ingredients! #readyinaminute

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You Made It! #happyhumpday

Vase with magenta color flowers on a table in the window.

Well, you made it to mid-week! So happy hump day (Wednesday) – woohoo! This is an older photo (last September) – it looks like a bouquet of flowers I bought at Whole Foods. I’ll pick up the $5.99 bouquet if they’re fresh and ready to bloom soon (sometimes two). This was a pretty explosion of color…

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A Butterfly Magnet!

Skimming through my photos and I ran across this beauty – the epitome of fall. And, WHO doesn’t love fall? It’s my absolute favorite season because it means I’ve gotten through a very hot, humid summer. Although summer was very warm, we had a slight cooling after July. The weather wasn’t cool, it was still humid but not quite as hot (or at least to me), what a joy! #rejoiceinthelittlethings

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Sometimes Life Throws in A Few Mountains…

Hemp Hill Bald, sunrise hike
Hemp Hill Bald, North Carolina Photo Credit: STEVEN REINHOLD

We all have something that comes up in life that stops us in our tracks. Without naming names, let me just say someone who I love with all my heart is preparing to battle. I will be right by their side every step of the way because I know they would do the same for me without hesitation. That’s what love is. We have experienced so much kindness that I get teary eyed just thinking about it. Life (and people) can surprise you that way and it’s a warm and wonderful feeling.

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Where Was I?

Mural

Happy October 1 y’all! 🍁 Thrilled that fall is in the air. I know you’re all looking forward to more comfortable weather, pulling out sweaters and cooking more meals at home. I know I am! On to today’s post… Many of you will know of this iconic scene set in a fabulous place in a cool city in the US. What state? What city? Where was I when I took this photo? Who’s the artist? Do you know?

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Book Suggestion: Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand!

Book by Elin Hilderbrand, "Swan Song". Partial picture of sailboat with woman diving into water with red bathing suit on.

Swan Song (Nantucket #4) by Elin Hilderbrand. This is the perfect “Calgon, take me away” (for those of you who remember that commercial) escape through reading. Most of you are probably familiar with Elin Hilderbrand. She’s without a doubt, one of the queens of beach reads, right? She’s got it down pat, story after story, always different, always intriguing, almost always Nantucket.

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It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!

dirt road with scattered autumn leaves in yellows and reds

Fall officially began Monday (9/22) and I couldn’t be more hopeful for cooler weather to come our way soon. As I write this the weather forecasters are showing possible storms headed this way soon. We continue to monitor and have a plan for food, water, etc. so we can stay in.

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