The BEST Hot Chocolate In All the Land!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment

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!

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Charleston, SC as seen from a parking garage.

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

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.

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Mulligatawny Soup! Out of this world…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe4 Comments

Do you remember the Seinfeld epidsode that made Mulligatawny soup so familiar? Haha, I do, it was one of my favorites! When the weather turns chilly what sounds really good to you? Hot tea, hot chocolate and hot soup come to mind. We’ve had some spectacular soups the past few years. I love to make soup, but I’m not (or rather, I wasn’t) a big soup eater. I am now, especially these blended soups with so much flavor, especially when drizzled with an herb oil and sprinkled with pepitas and other delicious acoutroments! (This first try I didn’t drizzle or sprinkle, I wanted the full flavor to figure out what to drizzle/sprinkle. This recipe is out of this world good…

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Gift Idea for someone with a green thumb (or not!)

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

It’s the holiday season… 🎶 It’s such a festive time of year isn’t it? My “Thanksgiving cactus” is in full bloom, and even though Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas (and other holidays) are on the way – we’re all working feverishly to buy gifts, find recipes, cook, shop, wrap, etc. #blessusall

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Turkeyed Out? Make this for dinner!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

Who among us has been fortunate enough to have their fill of turkey over the past few days? Are you looking for something lighter, healthier but still soooo tasty? This recipe is out of this world good. It’s from a healthy magazine (don’t let that scare you – it’s divine!), and is a recipe I’ve made. Link below along with a few changes I made. This is dinner tonight… #heatswelltoo

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Happy Thanksgiving! #thisisus

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments
Hemphill Bald, NC | Photo Credit: Steven Reinhold

🦃 Sending wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! 🙏

This photo of my husband and I was taken by a friend and Expert-In-Residence at The Swag in Waynesville, NC – This is one of my favorite photos of us, we were climbing up to Hemphill Bald near the Cataloochee Ranch in North Carolina. Best photo ever… It’s a strong reminder of the many things we have in our lives to be thankful for. #friends #family #thegreatoutdoors

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The Best Last Minute Holiday Desserts

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe1 Comment
Image from Day 2 🥴

Ok… so this image gives me a reason to make this pie again this year! I need to take a GOOD photo of it. Last time, I remembered to take the photo on Day 2 right before we were getting ready to take a bite. #goodgrief! I don’t make sweets often, so when I do we’re very excited about it – obviously! A few special desserts, none are difficult but they ARE amazing!

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Tips on how to make a Thanksgiving Dinner…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe1 Comment
A Previous Thanksgiving Dinner (not pictured: Scandinavian Bean Salad)

It’s so hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday! Where has the time gone? We’re having a quiet Thanksgiving at home, but If you’re wondering how to do Thanksgiving, read on for some helpful tips and recipes. You’ll end up with a complete Thanksgiving day meal that will leave everyone with a smile on their face!

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Weekend Drive: Edisto Area in South Carolina

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Every once in a while it’s nice to get out of your own setting – see something different, even though it may be nearby. My husband and I stopped and had a nice lunch and then thought a drive might be nice – get out and see something different. I ended up taking a lot of photos as the conditions were near perfection!

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Nearby View: Charleston is breathtaking, isn’t it?

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

We were out running errands and popped into a few nearby shops. On the way back to the car, I had to stop to take a photo to show you… THIS is the view. (It’s not my personal view, but it’s a short walk away, which is just perfect!) I never take for granted living in such a beautiful area. The serenity, nature, calm atmosphere. Wow, each one is a gift, isn’t it?

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Coconut Pound Cake!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

Good things come in small packages, right? You may think of a pound cake and picture a bundt pan sized cake. This wonderful small cake is baked in an 8″ loaf pan. It slices like a dream, has wonderful texture and flavor. My husband is a cake lover and this made him very happy. What a great dessert to bake for Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you have any leftover, it freezes great!

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Guess the Artist (Detroit Institute of Arts) #18!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Guess the ArtistLeave a comment

Perfection, right? This looks as if were painted just a short time ago. It’s amazing how well the subject was caught in this painting. The frame sets it off nicely. Do you know who this artist is? I took this photo at The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) in Detroit, MI. What a fabulous place. They have a great website, check them out!

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Prentiss Residence House Plan by Lake and Land Studio!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment
Prentiss Residence House Plan by Lake and Land Studio

I love looking for house plans that will fit into established neighborhoods nicely. It’s important, especially if you live in a historic neighborhood. This plan fits the bill for sure, and it works perfectly on a narrow lot to boot! There is a front porch as well as a small screened (side) back porch…

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