Apple (petal) doesn’t fall far from the tree (flower) – Happy Father’s Day!

You’ve heard the old adage, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” right? The modern version of said adage is the petal doesn’t fall far from the flower. Ok, so I needed to make a Father’s Day post work with an image and when I saw this image it immediately came to mind… Today is Father’s Day.

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The First Fish Fly… #ifyouknowyouknow

In Michigan, this is a Fish Fly – in other parts of the country they’re known as Mayflies. We were visiting family in Michigan and saw the first fish fly of the season (yay!) a few days before we departed. Living near the water you’re sure to be surrounded by them, especially if there is a bright light (streetlight for example). Oh the stories I have about fish flies!

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Spring to Summer in Charleston, SC!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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…

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.

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…

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!

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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