One of the amazing things that has come as a result of this blog is The Permanent Tourist radio talk show.  I have the opportunity to meet and talk with so many interesting people!  We discuss events, lifestyle, food, wine, the arts and humanities….it’s not work for me, it’s pure fun!

This past week my guest on the show was Barbara Ryan of St. Mary’s, Georgia.  Barbara is an absolute dynamo.  She first arrived in St. Mary’s because of her interest in trains.  I won’t give anymore away.  Listen to the show and you’ll find yourself wanting to take a trip to this little jewel of a town!

Melissa | On The Radio | 01 11th, 2014 | No Comments »

During our severe cold snap this week I could only think of warming “Comfort” foods.  Soup is always one of my favorites.  Since I’m working on a healthier diet in the new year I got started in the kitchen, with my trusty dutch oven, ala Le Crueset, and began to put together what turned out to be a yummy Mediterranean Lentil Soup.  I’m sharing the recipe here today and hope you will make and enjoy it as much as we did!  It’s easy, delicious and right on target for my eating program.   Serve it with some crusty bread, organic whole wheat bread, if possible, a crisp green salad and a hearty red wine.  A Votre Sante!  (Here’s to Health).

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

1 sweet yellow onion, finely diced

5 cloves garlic, peeled and diced

3 organic carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

2 cups French Green lentils

1 cup organic brown rice

3 organic plum tomatoes, diced

Sangre de Cristo Spice Company Mediterranean Blend

Gray Salt & pepper to taste

1 box organic vegetable broth

2-3 cups of water

Saute the veggies in the olive oil until the onion is just transparent.  Add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for an hour, or until the lentils and rice have cooked.

Add additional liquid as needed.  This can get rather thick if you don’t keep an eye on it!  I get my organic spices from: http://sdcspice.com/

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 01 10th, 2014 | No Comments »

When I first began blogging last year I felt hesitant, a bit frightened, challenged yet determined.  I love writing, connecting and sharing thoughts and ideas with others.  An idea buzzed in the back of my mind about other people who might live in places they would like to share with others just as I am doing.  What began as a dream became a reality when I met Tamra Bolton on a media trip hosted by Leigh Cort at Andy and Shannon Hill’s wonderful Eagle Island retreat.

This is one lively lady, funny, independent and definitely original.  Being a native Texan myself, we instantly “clicked” and found many things to discuss.  Tamra is an early riser and made sure coffee was brewing for the rest of the group each day when we were together.  As we discussed our various backgrounds and venues for our writing,  she expressed interest in my blog, loving the name (Note: a friend referred to her as being a “Permanent Tourist” when she left to join this media group).  One thing led to another and we decided to begin the journey of launching another “The Permanent Tourist” from Tamra’s location in East Texas.

Tamra has since become my friend.  She is an excellent writer and photographer.  Her work can be found in several Texas publications like ‘Discover East Texas’, ‘IN’ magazines, Tyler Morning Telegraph and Jacksonville Daily Progress newspapers.  She also has an article on her recent trip to Italy in “Travel Post Monthly” on-line.  Tamra is a professional in every way and I know my readers will enjoy her posts as well!

In her own words Tamra is  crazy about maps, horses, cats, being outdoors, dogs, chocolate, coffee, wine, reading, writing, (of course!) and watching old 60’s TV shows!

Not only is she talented at her work, she is an inspiration with her positive outlook on life.  Our phone conversations always leave me feeling uplifted and recharged.  When you visit Tamra on her blog site you’ll learn about all of her travels, experiences, recipes and her outlook on life in general.

I am very proud to announce that The Permanent Tourist….Living and Loving The Lone Star State is ready for your comments and reading enjoyment at:  www.tpt-jxtx.com.  We’re growing and reaching out to other talented writer/photographers who are passionate about where they live and want to share their life experiences.  Leave me a comment or send me a message at melissa@thepermanenttourist.com if you would like further information!

Melissa | people | 01 9th, 2014 | No Comments »

Our climate on St. Simons Island is close to perfect.  With the exception of a couple of really hot, sticky months in the summer, I’d say we’re pretty blessed with our beautiful weather.  The freeze that we’ve experienced over the past couple of days has been rare.  Always looking for something positive in every situation, Skylar and I were out for a drive yesterday and saw the most exquisite cloud formations!

As we neared the causeway, coming home from Brunswick, we saw wisps and patterns blown into incredible shows of nature.

I’ve never seen anything quite like it!

Skylar took the pictures while I drove, trying to stay focused on the road instead of the amazing site we were treated too.

Even with covering, I can see that some of my plants have taken a beating, but I think they’ll revive.

Stay warm…..make comfort food and know this will not last for long.  This is paradise, after all!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 8th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

It may be cold outside, but there’s something going on tonight at the Glynn Art Association that will warm you up!

Chief Operations Office of Atlanta’s High Museum, Philip Verre, will be at Glynn Art for a very special evening.  His fascinating presentation begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception at 7:00 p.m.

You’ll be able to view artwork by some our areas finest artist’s.  Peggy Everett, Ken Wallin, Janet Powers and Mary O. Smith are showing at this event.

And you won’t want to miss the raffle for a chance to win your own Night In The Museum.  The winner will be treated to a private tour of the High Museum with Mr. Verre, two tickets to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and a two night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in midtown Atlanta.  Sounds like something I’d LOVE to win!

For further information, or to purchase tickets go here:  www.glynnart.org, or call 912-638-8770.

Melissa | people | 01 7th, 2014 | No Comments »

I’m always up for a great Irish Pub and nothing fits that bill here in our part of the country better than Meehan’s Irish Pub in St. Augustine, FL!

The atmosphere is pure old country, featuring a full bar and outdoor dining so you don’t miss out on people watching and views of the Intracoastal.

Jameson’s?  You bet!  And a good Guinness stout…..not to mention the Irish Cream Meehan’s makes onsite for patrons to enjoy.

The food is delicious with a full range of choices from traditional Irish fare to seafood deliciously prepared.  I’m still dreaming of the salmon, shipped in daily and prepared “en papillote” by the chef.

I’m thinking this needs to go on our list for St. Patrick’s Day celebrating!  It’s an easy drive to St. Augustine and well worth the visit

Melissa | food & entertaining | 01 6th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

Baby…..It’s COLD outside!  We live in a fairly temperate area on our little island.  Not so today or for the next several days.  I’m surrounded by cold blue skies that remind me of the Midwest or other colder climates.  I’m remembering all of my cold weather preparedness education from bygone years.  Planning to cover plants tonight and tomorrow night as we head down into the 20’s, or so the weather channel says.

I think this weather calls for a fire in the fireplace, a pile of good books and magazines, a bottle of nice red wine, popcorn and blankets!  Cheers to winter!!!  We don’t get a long winter here on St. Simons Island, but the bit we get is just enough for me.  Stay warm and listen to some soothing music with me this morning!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 01 5th, 2014 | No Comments »

If you celebrated as much as we did over the past few weeks, you may be ready to scale down a bit and do some healthy cleansing.  I’m going to be getting more into this subject over the next few weeks.

I’ll be working with my friend, Chef MiMi McGee, to present some healthy alternatives that can make a huge difference in your overall well being.

Today, I’m beginning a journey into optimal health.  No, I’m not becoming a vegetarian or a vegan.  What I’m doing is putting more emphasis on plant based foods in my diet.  Years ago I cut out all packaged, processed foods and cook everything from scratch, for the most part. I’m feeling the need to take things a bit further, cleansing and boosting my immune system.   I’m sharing MiMi’s delicious “Shrek Smoothie” with you today.  I’ll be making this with avocado instead of banana.  MiMi’s smoothies are yummy so I hope you’ll give this a try!

Shrek Smoothie

MiMi McGee – Leafy Café

Serves 2 for meal replacement or 4 for snack

Ingredients:

2 c. Fresh or frozen Spinach

2 T. Apple Juice Concentrate (fresh, frozen or canned in its own juice, no sugar or syrup please!)

8 oz. Crushed Pineapple

½ Frozen Banana or ½ avocado for creaminess

2 c. Almond or other Non-dairy milk

Optional (for protein and Omega boosts): Hemp, Chia and/or Flax Seed; Almond butter, cooked Quinoa

Ice

Method:

Blend all together in a high speed blender until smooth. Add more water, ice or non-dairy milk as needed. Feel free to add a couple of pitted dates for extra sweetness or some of the other protein boosting ingredients to taste and consistency!

Here’s a link to MiMi’s website, Leafy Cafe, where you’ll find more on juicing processes and ideas:  leafycafe.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-skinny-on-smoothies-and-juicing.html

You might also be interested to know, if you’re living in the Coastal Georgia area that MiMi is teaching Fit For Life cooking classes at the St. Simons Health and Fitness Center.  MiMi is also offering a plant based meal service where you can order delicious, healthy meals prepared by MiMi to take home.

2014 is off to a great start.  I’m focused on being healthier than I’ve ever been…..want to join me on the journey?

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 01 3rd, 2014 | No Comments »

On this second day of 2014 I’m thinking of new beginnings.  I love having a new year, an opportunity to dream big and bring those dreams into fruition.  I’ve already begun to fill in the pages of this year’s story.

I’m a big believer in positive thinking, visualization and have been accused of being an eternal optimist on more than one ocassion!  I’ll take that title and wear it well!

What will you do with this new year?  Knowing that anything is possible, that you CAN make your dreams a reality….won’t you join me in dreaming BIG?

Next week, I’ll be beginning lots of new posts featuring interesting people, places and events in Coastal Georgia.  When I moved to this area in 2008 I began to work on making my dreams come true.  Looking back I am amazed at what really did come to be and where all of this continues to take me.

Dream big with me this year!  Come on, you know you want to play and experience miracles ocurring!  Let’s have fun, be like children and find ourselves saying “WOW” at the beginning of each new day.

Ready…..Set…..GO!!!!!  Let’s ChaCha!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 2nd, 2014 | No Comments »

I love new beginnings!  The start of a New Year is like an injection of new life for me!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Write down those resolutions…..or not!  I have given up on this and just take one moment at a time.

Eat your black eyed peas with greens and cornbread for good luck….

And say THANK YOU!

Here’s a bit of music to help you celebrate! Enjoy this play list that includes some of my favorites.

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 01 1st, 2014 | No Comments »