I first discovered “Pho 1” back in 2010 when my friend, Rita, took me there for lunch.  I have been a regular customer ever since!  So much so that the owners always ask where my mom and daughter are if I go in without them.  The food is made to order, everything is fresh, clean and so delicious!

Pho 1 is not a fancy place, but you can count on authentic Vietnamese food that is sure to please any palate when Asian food is called for.  Lemongrass Chicken served over a bed of fresh vegetables or in a noodle bowl…Spring Rolls filled with crunchy veggies and fresh local shrimp…..pork stir fried to spicy perfection.  There is something for everyone here!

Vegetarian dishes are always available and the staff is very willing to substitute tofu for any of the meat dishes.  I love the little dumplings and that sauce that comes with them…yum!

Pho 1 is located in Brunswick, Georgia at 5437 Altama Avenue.  It’s not fancy, but it is my favorite!  I always feel like I’ve eaten a very healthy meal when I have lunch at Pho 1!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 04 30th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

I met Janet Brown at the recent Art In The Park event that brought so many wonderful artists and artisans together for a weekend of fun.

Her booth, set up with all sorts of lotions and potions, attracted me instantly.  It’s a day neither of us will ever forget since recent knee issues had me in a wheelchair….totally not my style!  Janet is full of sparkle and high energy, two traits I love in a new friend!  Southern charm and a good head for the mixing of just the right ingredients to make these wonderful products serves her well!  Janet has combined her love for chemistry, biology and caring for others in this business and it shows.

Passion for her work radiates from her very being.  She loves working with essential oils, various butters and other healthy components that make up her line of soaps, lotions and creams for a healthy mind, body and spirit.  Fragrance has always played a role in Janet’s life as her mother filled her home with lovely aromas.  Janet shared with me the fact that her mother was very hard of hearing, relied on reading lips and heightened her sense of smell as a result of her hearing challenges.  It is not unusual for one of our senses to become stronger as another weakens.

Janet began this work after attending a class that ignited her interest in exploring and creating her own line of products.  Amelia Bath & Body is the result!  Janet has created a fabulous line of hand made soaps that are preservative, gluten, detergent and additive free.  Her soaps are also Vegan, no animal fat is used in her formulas.  This is a product line of pure skin care that is healthy as well as luxurious.  I love her “Eye Dots” and have been dabbing them on twice a day on the fragile skin underneath my eyes….love this product!  I’m working my way through the line and will be trying lotions, creams, balms and scrubs next.  Pure luxury and affordable too!  Ohhhhh….what lovely Mother’s Day gifts these products would make!  Put an assortment together and indulge yourself or your Mom in something wonderful!

Visit Janet’s on-line shop at Etsy…..www.ameliabathandbody.com for more information.  And if you happen to be at a local festival where Janet is displaying her creations, stop by and say hello!  You’ll be met with her winning smile and gift for making you feel instantly at ease!

Melissa | people | 04 29th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

An artist working in any medium knows the value of working with light.  Shadows, highlights…..light provides excitement in any work of art.  It is what makes the piece come to life, to inspire and attract us with its beauty.

Jennifer Broadus and Hank Wysocki are artists who work in different mediums but both are keenly aware of the substance and importance of light in their work.  Jennifer, a well known oil painter, lives and paints fantastic landscapes that portray Coastal Georgia as well as works of historic landmarks.  She uses light to ignite the canvas, masterfully creating lifelike visions of the beautiful marshes, rivers and other sites we see all around us.  Hank is a stained glass artist, also an area resident.  Light is inherent in his work as it brings the colors of the different glasses he uses to life.

During the entire month of May you can view the work of these two talented artists on Jekyll Island at the Goodyear Cottage, located in the historic area leading up to the Jekyll Island Club.  The venue i the perfec placet to showcase the work of both artists as high ceilings and plenty of natural light create the backdrop for the show that will debut on Sunday, May 4th.  A champagne celebration will take place from 1-3 that afternoon.  Over fifty of Wysocki’s stained glass works will be on display in the gallery windows and more than forty of Ms. Broadus’ pieces will be displayed as well.

Plan to attend this coming Sunday to celebrate and support these talented artists and their work!  These shows inspire and communicate the beauty of Coastal Georgia in a way nothing else can.  As I have long said, art is the core of a community, it is what brings people together.  It is the heartbeat that unites us!

Melissa | people | 04 28th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

This is completely new for me, but I love this song.  I watched Oprah’s new show “Prime” on here OWN network with Mr. T the other night and we both became enchanted with Pharrell Williams, his intellect, wisdom and his insight, not to mention his talent.  AND, we love his top selling song “Happy”.  I’ve gotten to where I’ll listen to this in the morning’s and it lifts my spirits.  So….I’m sharing it with you this morning!  I hope you love it and find the Oprah interview on YouTube!  It’s good to be happy!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 04 27th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

My guests on the radio show this week, Don and Linda Brewer, shared their stories with me.  We had a great time talking about Don’s survival of cancer and his writing.  We talked about their life here on St. Simons Island as well as in Colorado, where they spend the summer with two Peruvian horses.  I think you’ll enjoy the conversation!  I had a great time!

Melissa | On The Radio | 04 26th, 2014 | No Comments »

I think my favorite thing about writing this blog is connecting with people of great character with stories to share.  Artists, authors, business owners….people who are passionate about what they do and what they believe.  I met Don and Linda Brewer through a mutual friend and we have gotten to know each other as we have met to plan their time with me on the radio show and also to discuss Don’s work as an author.

You’ll hear more on Saturday when the radio show will be in my post.  Don is a survivor of esophageal cancer, leaving with him with vocal chords and a high tech mechanism he speaks through.  His story is inspiring and one I know you’ll enjoy hearing.  Read more about Don and his story at:  www.donaldbrewer.com

Don’s book, “Worthy of Trust and Confidence” is an adventure involving time travel and the way it affects the lives of three children. I don’t want to give the story away!  It’s a great read that will hold your interest, perfect for taking to the beach this summer!  By the time summer rolls around, Don and Linda will be at their home in Cotopaxi, Colorado enjoying cooler weather.  They live a life that includes the best of both worlds.  Winter and spring here on the island…summer and autumn in the Rocky Mountains.  It doesn’t get any better than that!  I hope you’ll listen in to hear the story of this great man!  If you live in Coastal Georgia, tune in tonight at 7:05 EST to WWEZ 94.7 fm or live stream from www.wwezradio.com.

In the next couple of weeks they’ll be loading up their two beautiful Peruvian horses and heading West!  I’ll be looking for their return…it’s good to have wonderful friends!

Melissa | people | 04 24th, 2014 | No Comments »

I first met Julie Singleton Willis during a trunk showing of beautiful jewelry by Atlanta designer, Molly Jane.  I love the feeling of her wonderful design shop, Petite Maison, on the corner of Redfern Village  and Frederica Road here on the island.

When entering the shop you instantly feel welcomed by the comfortable seating arrangement that greets you.  Whether you’re starting from scratch, adding to, downsizing or you simply want a fresh look for what you already have, Julie is a wizard at making it happen.  You’ll find all of the elements you need whether you love classic, modern or eclectic design.

Julie loves finding special vintage pieces to work into settings with contemporary designs…pieces that say WOW when you see them….things that are unexpected!

You’ll find books to whet your desire to redecorate….cook….or simply sit down with a good read.

Jewelry?  Julie has an eye for the unusual.  The pieces on display in her shop are unique, many made with organic elements to complete a look that will always make a special fashion statement.

Petite Maison has been in business for five years, but moved into its current location last year.  You’ll find treasures from Atlanta, Palm Beach, New York City and High Point, just to name a few.  Visit the shop and meet Julie and her lovely assistant Alli, they’ll help you put warmth, comfort and style into your life effortlessly.

Petite Maison – 100 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-638-0130

Melissa | people | 04 23rd, 2014 | No Comments »

After a week of endless showers, some heavier than others, and cooler than normal temperatures, we finally have some sun!!!

I’ve never been so happy to see the sun shining in through the bedroom windows!

Friends and family brought Easter lilies yesterday to brighten the dreary day.  I placed them outside with other plants this morning so they could bask in the morning light.  They symbolize rebirth and new beginnings to me.

All of the rain has brought the beautiful spring green leaves out on the trees to filter the sunshine, creating a dappled effect.

Even St. Francis seems to be smiling today as he stands on the banks of our lagoon.

It’s such a gorgeous time of year with everything blooming and thriving!  Get out and enjoy Mother Nature’s show, breath in the air that finally seems free from pollen and LIVE!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 22nd, 2014 | No Comments »

I featured Judith Paixao and her fabulous creations in a post a couple of months ago.  At the time, I did not know Judith personally, but I did sense that she must be a very lovely lady!  I met Judith last week as she worked with clients at a very special event she refers to as a “Salon”.  This lady has a welcoming smile that lights up the room, making you feel as though you’ve known her forever.

The Salon is being held at Petite Maison in Redfern Village.   You can pick from a full array of colors, textures and found objects.  Everything is neatly organized and arranged in color families.

Judith and her husband, Kev, live on their boat and split their time between Coastal Georgia and Bermuda, where they dive for the sea glass used to create these beautiful works of art.

Everywhere I looked I saw trays of colorful sea glass……beads…..metals and more!

The Salon continues today and tomorrow!  Stop by and see what you can put together…..let your creativity loose and your imagination fly!  You’ll have a precious heirloom to treasure forever when Judith works her magic!

Melissa | people | 04 21st, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I found this lovely recording of Celtic music for Spring that seems perfect for Easter Sunday to me!  I’ll be entertaining family and friends in our home, enjoying the time together.  I wish you all a peaceful day for relaxing and doing whatever brings you joy!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 20th, 2014 | No Comments »