Spring to Summer in Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment

The transition from spring to summer in Charleston, SC is full of everything beautiful and tasty! Spring brings all the new blooms, buds and flowers – shortly afterwards come the scents that smell like a fine perfume- so beautiful. As we get closer to summer (June 21st!) the fresh produce is really in abundance. I try to plan meals before I go grocery shopping, but sometimes that gets thrown out the window if I see really good produce. #changeisgood

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Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) – Amazing!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

The Detroit Institute of Arts is an amazing place to visit. Wear comfy shoes because it’s HUGE and you’ll be walking for hours. There are even a few places to eat – because you will get hungry and your feet will get tired. Happily, you won’t notice it until after you leave, ha ha. This place is enthralling – it’s mind blowing how many important works of art are under one roof. What a responsibility!

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A cut flower that LASTS!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Nose in the air – that’s how I used to feel about carnations. They seemed to be cheap “filler” for bouquets – but recently my husband bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers from a place we visited. Included in the bouquet were carnations – most of them closed, they looked like little rosebuds. After other flowers wilted away, I put the carnations in a jar with a little water…

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Time for Strawberries – I have ideas!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Strawberries have been fabulous this year, despite some local crops having a hard time because of the weather we had a while back. Ugh, so much work goes into planting, planning, etc – I have some recipes that I’ve shared in the past for when strawberry season is in full swing. Take advantage of the good ones while you can. If strawberries are grown near you, try to support the locals!

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Cottage House Mini House Plan by Prim Haus!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans2 Comments
Cottage House Mini (House plan by Prim Haus)

We recently took a little trip to the mountains. The weather was spectacular, the mountains gorgeous – the Great Smoky Mountain National Park – is a stunning array of mountains, trails, peaks and valleys. These mountains are called the Smokies because of the morning fog that seems to always be there – which is stunning to watch. While we were there, amidst fresh air, the cleanest water ever, solitude, and beauty galore, we could not help but think how nice it would be to live there. To find a piece of property with a view and build a home that would fit into the landscape and not stand out. Prim Haus immediately came to mind – I think I found the perfect plan…

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Avocado Toast with Greens and a Sunny Side Up Egg!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

I have always admired the creative ability really good chefs have. They can take a mundane meal and make it over the top, WOW! Have you had a meal somewhere special and were completely blown away by it? The taste, look, texture – everything about it was perfection. Now mine doesn’t look anywhere near the version of the Chef at The Swag – but I tried, and let me tell you, this is darn good! I made this three mornings in a row. It really is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The first day took me a little longer, but after I had my swing down, it went much faster. Of course I had enough pans/dishes to have served Thanksgiving Dinner, but that’s another story…

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Celebrating Memorial Day…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Memorial Day – a day to honor those who lost their lives in the ultimate sacrifice. Defending our freedom. So, it’s hard to say “Happy” Memorial Day – this is generally a day of BBQ, gatherings and good times, but while celebrating, please do take a moment to honor those who lost their lives while defending us. I will be thinking of them and their family and friends… 🇺🇸

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Forest Bathing 101: just. breathe.

On By Barbara StroudIn North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS3 Comments
Waynesville, North Carolina

I love a misty/foggy day, especially when it’s relatively cool outside. We recently spent a few days in Waynesville, NC – where we spent some much needed time away from devices and pretty much every other distraction. This photo captures the serene beauty of the day. No sunshine. #woohoo A nice thick fog blanketed pretty much everything. There was mist at times and a short thunderstorm one evening 💛- we fell asleep listening to the rain. #perfection What a treat! There is scientific evidence to prove that forest bathing is good for you… (Click to read the article).

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Rain or Shine, Sleet or Hail…

On By Barbara StroudIn North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
View from Outdoor Porch at The Swag

Rain or shine, sleet or hail (or even snow!!) – some places we visit are so special it really doesn’t matter what the weather is.- each has its own appeal. Our last trip to the mountains had a good bit of fog and it was lovely! I love cool weather (yet live in South Carolina) – the difference in temperatures between Charleston and Waynesville is mind blowing – especially for a 4.5 hour drive. I see why so many people love to visit the mountains. Of course the fog lifted and the mountains were glorious – what a treat!

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Storing Cilantro in the Refrigerator – the easy way!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HOMELeave a comment
Storing cilantro in the refrigerator so it will last!

Storing Cilantro in the refrigerator is no big deal, but if you want it to last – it becomes a deal. I love to use Cilantro in a marinade for grilled chicken (which is even tasty cold the next day!) – but I also love it in a brown rice bowl with homemade guacamole, black beans, homemade pico, a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese. It’s also good in your breakfast wrap (corn tortilla, cooked egg, pepper jack, a spoonful of leftover black beans and a sprinkle of cilantro). #whoanellie!

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Jessica Lee Ives | Light Shapes Life Show at the Lupine Gallery (Monhegan, ME)!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art Event, Featured Artist4 Comments
Light, Water, Magnetism by Jessica Lee Ives, Oil, 40″ x 60″

Jessica Lee Ives. I love how she’s able to portray her subjects in the water. Whether it’s floating, jumping, diving – the view from underwater is magnificent. Jessica captures her subjects well, the ripple of the water, the COLOR of the water, the light reflecting off of the water – all are difficult, yet Jessica masters each so well.

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Happiness continued….

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments

To me flowers = happiness. Imagine my surprise when I stepped out of the dentist’s office to find a bevy of beautiful flowers. Woot, woot! #miniphotoshoot What brings a smile to me will bring a smile to another, so here’s your smile for the day. I don’t know what type of plant it is, but the color (and the combination of plants/flowers) was beautiful. Unexpected for sure. Don’t you love that?

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