I love the tudor style peaks in this plan, the high pitched roof and the use of brick. The dormers are a nice touch with windows that open out (would remind me of a Maine cottage we stayed at) – absolutely a delight! On the right side of the house is the garage – I love that you enter from the side vs. looking straight at garage doors. Nothing wrong with garage doors, but if I had my choice… this would be a preference.
Continue reading “Allendale House Plan by John Tee for Southern Living (SL-1318)”Green Chicken Chili – Reminder of a good thing!

We had an extremely hot and humid summer here in Charleston, SC this year (as did much of the country). So after Tropical Storm Lee blew through the area we were left with nicer temps and less humidity. After avoiding the stove/oven for months on end, we’re putting it to good use while we can. Time for this (quick) Green Chicken Chili. It will quickly become a favorite. One night we have baked chicken (and bake extra) and then in the next day or so we make the Green Chicken Chili. Tasty!
Continue reading “Green Chicken Chili – Reminder of a good thing!”Guess the Artist (Detroit Institute of Arts) #11!
Whimsy. This painting is packed with it. Joyful colors, people floating, a heart, an arrow about to pierce the heart, random people – what does this all mean? Oh, I just noticed something else that’s very cool! But try to guess the artist first. Answer is below. #giveitatry
Continue reading “Guess the Artist (Detroit Institute of Arts) #11!”View on a Weekend Drive – Charleston, SC

Last month we headed out for a nice lunch and a drive. We haven’t done that in a while and it was a beautiful (but very hot) day. The clouds in the sky were MAGNIFICENT! I love the big, billowy clouds and their reflection in the water – stunning! We heard about a great place for lunch too, it was fabulous!!
Continue reading “View on a Weekend Drive – Charleston, SC”Kadair E House Plan by C3 Studio!
This home has such nice lines and exudes elegance. This isn’t a large home, but it’s feels like it is. I love the details that make it appear as if it was built long ago. I happen to adore a porch without spindles. It’s not always possible if you’re several steps up – but this is a great height for no railings! Take a peek below at the Kadair E plan, with links to C3’s website and social media.
Continue reading “Kadair E House Plan by C3 Studio!”What recipes are you looking forward to making once it cools off? #cantwait

This spectacular sight is coming soon… and we cannot wait! In the next month or so the temps will drop a bit as will the humidity 🤞 This gorgeous scene is a short walk away, and we can catch some fabulous sunrises if we get out early enough to walk! In addition to stunning scenery a change in produce is coming – new recipes to be tried! Cooler temps = more cooking! 🙌
Continue reading “What recipes are you looking forward to making once it cools off? #cantwait”9/11/2001 – Do you remember where you were?

Most of us who are old enough remember the 9/11 attacks remember exactly where we were, what we were doing, even where we were standing the day of the attacks. It’s hard to believe it was 22 years ago. Like many of you, I will never forget that day.
Continue reading “9/11/2001 – Do you remember where you were?”Sunshine & Flowers – Happy Weekend!
I like to post something uplifting for the weekend. Sunflowers are like big rays of sunshine, they’re happy and they last. My husband bought me flowers for our anniversary, and they lasted a good two weeks! Sadly, they’re now departed – but we enjoyed every second of them while they were here! While there is no sunshine in Charleston at the moment (much needed rain! 🙌), these will suffice!
Continue reading “Sunshine & Flowers – Happy Weekend!”The Dogwood Acres House Plan (SL-2098) by Lake and Land Studios for Southern Living!

Who doesn’t love an Idea House? We went to one years ago and had the best time ever. This plan is built by Lake and Land Studio as the 2023 Southern Living Idea House in Leipers Fork, Tennessee. (Yes! You can visit this house and see the real deal!) – It’s so helpful to see the interior images – they’re stunning! So if you haven’t seen this issue, it’s a treat – run out and pick one up now!
Continue reading “The Dogwood Acres House Plan (SL-2098) by Lake and Land Studios for Southern Living!”Turkey Tacos – QUICK, Fun & Oh So Good!

Sometimes we all get weary from trying to think up what to make for dinner. Something different, something fun – something quick! Well, this hits all those marks and then some and with a special ingredient it goes #overthetop These are so easy to prepare, if you have the toppings prepped you’ll be eating in no time! #winwin #ahealthysplurge
Continue reading “Turkey Tacos – QUICK, Fun & Oh So Good!”Guess the Artist (Detroit Institute of Arts) #10!

I find the slight tilt of the head interesting. Almost like he’s listening to someone tell an interesting story. This guy is a listener – it’s in the body language! Fabulous painting, love the bold brush strokes and dark background – it adds the the air of mystery. Is he dressed and at a formal event, or is he undercover on a mission seeking the truth, is this a self-portrait or did a woman paint this painting? Questions. I love paintings that produce questions and keep the mind wandering.
Can you guess who this week’s artist is? Answer below…
Continue reading “Guess the Artist (Detroit Institute of Arts) #10!”Portrait of a Daylily!

The couple who originally owned our home many, many years ago, had our house and a lot of both sides. We had heard (and have seen evidence) that she loved to garden. After her husband had passed away, she moved – and sold the lots on either side of her. New homes were built and her gardens were no longer. But every once in a while we’ll see a sign of her handiwork. This daylily comes back year after year, decade after decade. I hear about daylilies spreading, but ours has not. I think it’s staying just as Mrs. H. had intended it to. Every year it’s a nice (and striking) surprise.
Continue reading “Portrait of a Daylily!”Randolph Cottage Porch Alternative by Bill Ingram for Southern Living!
House plans are a favorite for many of you who visit this site. For the serious lookers – those of you planning to build in the near future, to the dreamers who think about moving, building, and what type of house plan would best suit them. Considerable time should be spent finding just the right plan for you, you’ll know when you find it, and if one is close, check with the architect/designer, most will make changes that can work for you. I know good house plans when I see them. This, of course, is a good one! I love the steep roof, the front porch, the scale of this home is nice – just wait until you “step inside”, it feels much larger than it’s square footage!
Continue reading “Randolph Cottage Porch Alternative by Bill Ingram for Southern Living!”Tropical Storm Idalia…

I’m writing this post on Tuesday, the day before the storm (Hurricane for Florida, Tropical storm for SC). I’m thinking about those in Florida who are having to leave their homes – those who are flooding or going through any number of things we go through with these tropical storms. You can’t totally predict Mother Nature. So it’s good to be prepared. What are some of the things you do…
Continue reading “Tropical Storm Idalia…”Blueberry Cobbler Recipe {Updated!}

Who doesn’t love blueberry cobbler? This dessert is so fabulous (and full of antioxidants, right?!) – you can make it in one bowl (win win) and it makes the house smell fabulous! Another bonus is that you can use fresh or frozen fruit (I used all blueberries) – they were frozen, and with a few tips it can turn out beautifully. With tropical storm Idalia on its way – I had some nervous energy to burn off, so I thought I would perfect what I thought was a pretty perfect recipe. This is better! Quick too!
Continue reading “Blueberry Cobbler Recipe {Updated!}”




