The Honeysuckle House Plan by C3 Studio for Southern Living!

The Honeysuckle House Plan by C3 Studio for Southern Living!

Isn’t this the most charming plan? Can’t you see yourself spending time on this wonderful porch? I sure can! What you don’t see is a fabulous side porch. This is so delightful. It fits in with exisiting architecture in most older neighborhoods – it’s one of those house plan “gems” that truly hit the mark! Read on for more information…

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It’s almost spring in Charleston!

White blooming azaleas…

Spring has almost sprung. – can you believe in less than a week it will be spring. It feels as if winter just began. Spring in Charleston, SC is very close to summer. The upside? The stunning array of blooms – and soon the unbeatable scent of everything from shrubs (ligustrums!) and wisteria… not to mention gardenias and everything else that will be blooming at once. #bestofthebest

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Featured Artist: Marc Anderson!

Dapple Dumpling Gang by Marc Anderson | 30″ x 40″ | Oil on Board

Marc Anderson. An artist who can create the most stunning work! For example, in this painting, Dapple Dumpling Gang, just look at the light on the rocks in the foreground and throughout. Absolutely brilliant. Marc captures every detail without making it look too “tight”. The subtle nuances in the color of water from near to far – the movement in the water, texture and of course LIGHT.

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Live Oak Trees & Azaleas Blooming in Charleston, SC

Winter in Charleston, SC

It’s been a hard winter. Hee hee. Yes, this is winter in Charleston, SC. It seems as if spring (and pollen) come earlier and earlier every year. It is beautiful with so many flowers blooming. Soon come the scented plants – the ligustrums, wisteria, gardenias, jasmine, etc. It can sometimes be like the strongest candle – and it’s just the outdoors. I do miss when it’s gone.

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A One Egg Omelet – Easy Peasy!

A one egg omelet with fresh spinach, cheddar and pickled red onion…

Most omelets in restaurants seem to be 3 eggs. I’ve always made them with two eggs, but thought, hmmm… I like just one, so let me give it a whirl. Wow! It was kind of like a crepe – the thinness was awesome and it had the best flavor and texture. A one egg omelette and 1/2 of an orange was utter perfection!

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Featured Artist: Sue Fawthrop!

Garden Cafe by Sue Fawthrop | 20×20 cm | Gouache

Sue Fawthrop. An artist located in the UK with the most fabulous paintings. She paints with oil, acrylic and gouache (and probably everything else!) – this particular painting is gouache. I love the way gouache shows such nice details with light. A cool tree – love the umbrella – this makes you want to be wherever this is located. A garden cafe on a beautiful day. Perfect!

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An Unexpected Burst of Color | Charleston, SC!

I love unexpected pairings of plants in containers. Something I wouldn’t have thought of, to mix strawberries and pansies, yet look! It’s beautiful. It helps to visit different design shops/nurseries to get ideas for spring plantings. I know everyone is chomping at the bit to get out and play in their yards. Right now the azaleas are in full bloom and they are stunning! I woke to 67 degrees as I write this and it’s going to heat up to the 80’s. It’s. Still. February. Also as I write this the northeast is expecting their biggest snow storm of the season.

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Grand Live Oak | Not what you expect!

Magnificent, right? The power and strength this tree shows is amazing. The massive circumference is mind blowing. It looks like the Angel Oak, but it’s not – and it’s in a location you wouldn’t expect. Not at all. I’m so thankful when historic trees are preserved. Their importance is incredible. I cannot imagine how long this tree has stood proudly in this location. Oh, the stories it must have heard…

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{Recipe} J.L. Hudson’s Spinach Salad – My Absolute FAVORITE!

I grew up shopping at J.L. Hudson’s – my very favorite store in the world. I loved everything about it, especially their restaurant, Lakeshore Grill. Almost thirty years after I moved to South Carolina, when I would stop in the restaurant, so many of the waitress were there when I was in HIGH SCHOOL. It’s so wonderful to walk in and see people that you remember as a kid! This salad was my very favorite. It’s beyond simple, but the taste will have you coming back for more (and more and more!) – there are so many reasons to up your green intake – and this salad makes that easy to accomplish!

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(RE-) Featured Artist: Jessica Fields!

At the Window by Jessica Fields 24″ x 24″ Oil on Canvas

Jessica Fields. Don’t you just love the color? Jessica is know for her not-afraid-of-color paintings. I LOVE paintings with color. As much as we love the monochromatic look in a house, my husband and I both adore color. I think it livens up a space and gives it great energy. I especially love little blips of orange – It’s like the sun at sunset – magnificent!

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Queen’s Cottage Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

Queen’s Cottage Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

I think this garage plan/living space has a cool vibe to it. Love all the windows and the outside porch area. This plan looks like a building that you would find in a historic district in a cool, cultural city. Picture this plan nestled among older homes with similar outbuildings. I think the size of new construction is important when nestled amongst older homes – so important to keep the natural rhythm of the architecture. In the right neighborhood, this would fit so nicely. The upstairs living area is fabulous and very, very livable!

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Take A Virtual Vacation…

Every once in a while it feels good to get away, doesn’t it? Go somewhere fresh and different. Ideally a place high up on a mountain with the freshest air and water imaginable. A place so fabulous that it sticks in your mind until you’re fortunate enough to visit again. Sometimes a “virtual” vacation is just what you need – until you can get to the real thing at least!

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The Spring Vibe Continues in Charleston, SC

It’s hard to believe our winter is almost over. It definitely looks, sounds and feels like it. The camellia’s are blooming, the birds are chirping and the temps are warming (70’s/80’s). Most days have been nice, breezy – not much humidity, but every once in a while it sneaks in and reminds you of what’s to come…

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