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

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
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!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment
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

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, flowers, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
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!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Favorite Things, flowers, Garden Center, gardening, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

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…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments
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?

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, PhotographLeave a comment
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!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, booksLeave a comment
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!

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL4 Comments
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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Photo: Time Travel – Michigan Edition

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment
Nighttime photo, river, street light, mailbox, dark night, moon

I’m “traveling” through my photos and found an image I love so much. Where I grew up. Life on the river was amazing. We lived for summer and were in the river a majority of the time. The water is chilly, especially when you move to SC and then go back to visit and jump in icy water, whoa! I didn’t remember it being quite that cold, ha ha.

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Hurricane Hugo, Sept. 21/22, 1989 – 36 Years Ago!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, SC, THOUGHTS, weatherLeave a comment
Hurricane Hugo 1989 images, map, bridge askew, sailboats piled up
Hurricane Hugo, September 21/22, 1989 | Images from Rob Fowler Storm Team 2 Facebook

Hurricane Hugo – 36 years ago… I remember watching Leslie Lyles (newscaster in Charleston, SC at the time) saying “GET OUT, GET OUT NOW!” In reality, it was too late. Shortly after she said that the power went out. It was a harrowing night to say the least. My sister and I moved to the hallway, no windows or glass to break. Bedroom doors closed, (and we moved a large piece of furniture in front of a window) yet the sound was like we didn’t even have windows. It was so loud. My hair blew like I was outside from the wind coming from underneath the door. We didn’t drink, but that night we split a small Michelob and both fell asleep, woke at 9AM to the sound of saws. We pulled back the plastic, and looked outside. OHMYGOSH. What we thought were branches snapping one after another were actually large pine trees. The split a few homes, the weight of a soaking wet and extremely large pine tree is enormous. We were so fortunate. So, so thankful.

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These Trees!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Live oak tree, marsh, water

I took this photo several years ago. Just look at this mesmerizing live oak tree. Its limbs reaching as if to borrow a cup of sugar from a neighboring tree. So much history. It’s astounding if you think about it. What has this tree seen and heard in its lifetime? I love the far-reaching branches, the view, and the sunlight dappling the scene nicely…

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Reopened Park: Pitt Street Bridge – Mount Pleasant, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Green marsh grass, long dock in the distance, stormy sky

Isn’t this a lovely view? The color of the grass and sky, the long dock, the horizon in the distance. All so serene. Sometimes you need to get away to a place that is quiet and peaceful and gives off good vibes. This is actually a really cool place to park and walk. Bring your dog if you like. Let me tell you where…

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Early Morning Skyline – Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
sunrise, high-rise view, charleston, sc rooftops

A quick photo of the Charleston, SC skyline taken from quite a spectacular place. Some of you will recognize this view. I kept checking on this view throughout the day. It was ever-changing from early AM through sunset. Absolutely spectacular! Just look at that sky! It’s what dreams are made of!

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