I usually present my readers with a menu for entertaining on Friday.  Today, I’m sharing a product line.  AND, I’m sharing something new to The Permanent Tourist!  Kathi Williams’ www.imwiththebandonssi.blogspot.com  Readers may recognize Kathi’s name from her time with Coastal Illustrated and her current position with Elegant Island Living.  Kathi has the most up to the minute news on what’s happening musically on any given weekend.  Scroll to the bottom of this post for the connection!

Tom Carroll, President

Sunset Farm Foods has been doing business since 1918.  What began as a small business, Flasher’s Meat Market, located in Valdosta, Georgia,  has evolved and become the thriving company it is today.  Still family owned, Sunset Farm has made their mark and now offers their product line for sale nationwide via their website, http://sunsetfarmfoods.com.

The people at Sunset Farm sent me some sausage to sample.  We grilled them for our Memorial Day get together this past Monday and everyone raved about them!  You can taste the fresh ingredients and juicy goodness with the perfect “snap” when you take your first bite.  I especially liked the smoked sausage with black peppercorns……just the right amount of spice!

I put some barbecued chicken on the grill alongside the sausages and it was still on the platter at the end of the party……..so much for chicken!

You’ll find the complete line of sausages and other fine products on the website.  These people know what they’re doing and the product line is full of good things….there are a few “fan” products like this cute apron.

Paired with a bun, some sauerkraut and my beloved Zatarain’s Creole Mustard…..it was soooooo yummy!  As they say at Sunset Farm….”Taste The Goodness Of The South!”  You’ll love ’em ya’ll!

Sunset Farm Foods, Inc. 1201 Madison Hwy, Valdosta, GA 31603, (800) 882-1121, www.sunsetfarmfoods.com

There’s so much going on all over the Golden Isle’s on any given weekend!  Go here:  http://imwiththebandonssi.blogspot.com to read all about what’s happening this weekend!   Get to know Kathi and enjoy!

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining, people | 05 31st, 2013 | No Comments »

Moncrief’s….a name known on St. Simons Island for fashion excellence for more than 25 years.

I met with Lisa Crumbley, owner, along with her lovely husband, Josh.  They’ve been calling the Moncrief name theirs for close to a decade.

Lisa’s passion for this business is evident the moment you enter the doors of her shop in Redfern Village.

Colorful vignettes line the walls, artfully designed and crying “BUY ME!”

This is true shopping therapy!

A complete summer wardrobe can be found within these walls.   Lisa is the perfect person to consult with as you put it all together.

You’ll find  labels like Tribal, Lotus, Softworks, Pleats and Miracle Body just to name a few.

And then there’s Buster Brown, the Crumbley’s precious poodle.  Love!

Visit Moncrief’s and mention The Permanent Tourist for a 10% discount on your purchase!

Moncrief’s – 261 Redfern Vilage – St. Simons Island, GA – 912-634-1234 – Monday – Saturday 10-6

Melissa | people, Shop! | 05 30th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

I dream of visiting Spain, the island of Ibiza, in particular.  My “Spanish” daughter lives there with her beautiful little boy and I have not seen them in years.  She spent her junior year of high school with me.  The stories she told, the recipes she shared, her style, wit and exotic beauty are all things I miss!  Today, as you relax and renew, sit back and listen to this beautiful music and imagine the faraway places you dream of going!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPP0RwAvLG0&list=PLF91B627FB6443D6F,

(Kiss The Earth by Johannes Linstead)

Melissa | Out&About | 05 29th, 2013 | No Comments »

I usually do not repeat a post, but in this case I have made an exception.  I participated in an on-line link party that was an international event last week.  I also posted this story about Marian on Monday of that week.  I didn’t feel that her story got to be up long enough due to the event so I am reposting today.  This is a great product and Marian is an outstanding entrepreneur.  I hope you’ll enjoy her story and try her product!

There is NOTHING I love more than a success story in the making.    I think I came into this world hard wired with an entrepreneurial spirit.  I appreciate anyone who has the ideas, drive and ambition to make something work.  I am sharing this post with you once again since Marian’s interview got mixed into a week long International Link Party I was asked to participate.  Marian’s story and her product are so good, I feel they need the undivided attention of my readers!

When I met Marian Aiksnora last week I was not disappointed.  I tasted her “Bloody Amazing Bloody Mari ‘n’ Marinade Island Seasoning” at Vivan’s AccentMarketplace when a pitcher of Bloody Mary’s was there for tasting on a rainy Saturday afternoon.  I’m always looking for delicious mixes for drinks.  At first taste I felt a slight pucker from the tartness, then, as the flavors grew in my mouth I thought, “Wow!”, this is really great!  I, personally, do not like a bland Bloody Mary.

I picked up a flyer for the product and realized that this is not JUST Bloody Mary Mix.  Marian has taken her product a step further and created all sorts of recipes that use her mix with awesome results!

Marian Aiksonra is a winner.  After years of working in the high tech world as a graphic designer, she found herself in financial straights after the now famous crash of 2008.  Raising two children on one’s own is always a challenge and with no job, even more so.  Marian accepted a position as bartender at a golf club in Connecticut.  Customers would order Bloody Marys, but they were not happy with the club’s recipe.  After putting together a list of ingredients suggested by her clientele, Marian came up with this delicious blend of spicy tomato goodness that adds a kick to the ever popular brunch drink as well as cocktail dipping sauce, steak marinade and many other recipes she has come up with.  “All I wanted to do was make a good Bloody Mary mix.”, Marian told me, this product has gone far beyond that!

“Bloody Amazing” is available on-line or you can find a store near you by visiting the website, http://www.bloodyamazingseasoning.com/shop.html .  It doesn’t take much, so a bottle goes a long way.  Cheers Marian!  I wish you a huge success and I believe that wish will come true!

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 05 29th, 2013 | 3 Comments »

Memorial Day…..the beginning of summer and the memory of those who gave their lives to keep our freedom.

There’s no place like an island on a holiday.

Crowds gather at the pier.

Shops have sales and open their doors earlier, staying open a bit later than normal, while restaurants have live music to entertain both guests ad passersby.

Shrimp boats lazily make their way through the sound.

A gazebo awaits, offering shade from the warm, early summer sun.

Neptune Park is full of people celebrating, barbecuing and playing on the swings.

Seats are in place, ready for the playing of taps later as the sun sets on a beautiful day.

I gaze above and see a cloud formation that looks to be half a heart……an omen of a beautiful day?

St. Simons Island…..welcome to summer, island time and the good life!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 28th, 2013 | No Comments »

On this holiday we remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.  For over two hundred years America has been a beacon to the rest of the world.  A beacon for freedom, bravery and individuality unlike any other country on Earth.

Today, take a moment and quietly say a prayer and a thank you for all of the men and women who died while fighting to protect our rights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUsYfeua1gs

Melissa | people | 05 27th, 2013 | No Comments »

Zach Dismer makes his debut with a weekly Saturday post on what’s happening in Coastal Georgia. Welcome Zach!

Saint Simons is well-known for its picturesque beaches, its wild, wondrous oaks, and overall scenic allure; however, it will soon be acknowledged for another feature- as the birthplace of Solid Gold Thunder. A sextet producing catchy, radio-friendly songs, Solid Gold Thunder’s eclectic sound came to local attention in 2011. The group’s musical style encompasses many genres, including pop, indie, and rock, but also includes elements of hip-hop and funk. The collaborative effort, as bassist Jet Turner states, “is a revival of rock and roll. It’s a movement that promotes letting loose and feeling good.” It is this wide-ranging sound that has escalated Thunder’s recognition beyond just fans. The group was selected from a field of 2,000 entrants to participate in Sony Record’s Sound and Image Showcase in the Winter of 2012 and went on to perform in New York City before corporate producers of Will Smith and Biz Markie. The band was also invited to perform at the Big Ticket Event this past December in Jacksonville, Florida with bands such as Fun, Of Monsters and Men, and Silversun Pickups. Needless to say, the group’s efforts have not gone unrecognized and a golden future awaits these young musicians.

Solid Gold Thunder at the  Sound and Image Showcase

Listed left to right, Solid Gold Thunder consists of bassist Jet Turner, keyboardist and background vocalist Levi Hamilton, lead vocalist Kyle Davis, drummer Steuart Wainright, and rhythm guitarist and background vocalist Randall Dowling.

Solid Gold Thunder’s latest release The Hot Weather Sessions EP is currently available on iTunes and Spotify.

The group will also be performing at the First Coast Music Festival on June 1, 2013 in Jacksonville, FL. For more details, please visit http://www.firstcoastmusicfestival.com

For more information on Solid Gold Thunder, please visit:

http://www.solidgoldthunder.com

http://www.purevolume.com/solidgoldthunder

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 05 25th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

It’s Finally Friday and the link party is ending!

I had to share an authentic French recipe with my readers.

Just hearing the word “Souffle” brings a cold chill to the heart of most cooks.  But this one is so very easy….please give it a try.  My recipe is based on one that originated in Suzanne Somers first weight loss book “Eat Great, Lose Weight”.  It is delicious and the perfect lunch or rainy night supper dish.  Paired with a crisp green salad dressed with classic French vinaigrette….perfection!

Simple Cheese Souffle

1 tablespoon butter, softened

6 large eggs, separated

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

gray salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 shredded Swiss Cheese

3/4 shredded Gruyere Cheese

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Coat a six cup souffle pan with the butter.  In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, cayenne, nutmeg and other seasoning.  Using a wire whisk, combine the egg mixture with the grated and softened cheese until smooth.  In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff.  Fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture and carefully spoon into the buttered pan.  Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees, then lower the oven to 400 degrees for 20 minutes longer, or until a knife slipped into the center of the souffle comes out clean.  Voila!

So, I bid my new friends adieu, for the time being.  This week has been a break from my usual blogging routine!  Thanks to my readers for your patience and interest!

Have a wonderful weekend…..till we meet again…..Au Revoir.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 05 24th, 2013 | 15 Comments »

Our link party is drawing to a close……what fun it has been!  I’ve enjoyed venturing into the French world with everyone so much.

What would a week of all things French be without featuring French Country design.

You feel it beckoning to you as you arrive.

It pulls you into its warmth.

Into a fabulous kitchen….the heart of the home.

An outdoor space to entertain and relax.

A place to rest and renew….peaceful, tranquil.

Or….perhaps a romantic hideaway deep in the garden……bliss!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 23rd, 2013 | 5 Comments »

Fashion…..French Women…….Fabulous!

CoCo Chanel, she has to be my all time favorite!  The designs that continue to come from her house of fashion in Paris are always classic, always calling my name.

There is a mystique about French women one feels the moment one of these lovely creatures walks into a room.

Their beautiful language makes me think anything sounds  better in French!

They wear their clothes with a casual laissez faire…..even if it is elegant attire….it seems easy for them.

But I wonder, is it true that French women never get fat?  With so many fabulously delicious things to eat….

The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air….

The cheese, the wine….how do they stay so thin?

The style, the food…..this link party is making me long to return……now, more than ever!  Here’s to my trip to France!

Melissa | people | 05 22nd, 2013 | 3 Comments »