What a weekend!  We enjoyed the 2014 Daddy’s Girls’ Weekend surrounded by talented writer’s.  When you gather a group of creative, thinking people together, you’re bound to have fun!  You may wonder where the name of the event comes from.  Carolyn Haines , fearless planner of the event and talented author, came up with the idea several years back as a way to bring writer’s together for four days of fun.  Her “Good Fortune Farm Refuge” sponsors the event with proceeds from the weekend going to fund this valuable place that cares for these special fur people.  The term Big Daddy is related to her popular series “Sarah Booth Delaney” mystery series.  Read more about Carolyn here: http://www.carolynhaines.com/

We discovered some great spots for night time enjoyment…..

The daily panels of published authors’ shared their wisdom with the group…..

We became pirates on Friday evening……

We wandered through the streets of downtown Mobile discovering the beauty of this little city….

Ron O’Gorman (right) 2014 Big Daddy

And when all was said and done….Ron O’Gorman was honored as this year’s “Big Daddy”!  Here’s a link that will tell you more!  http://www.daddysgirlsweekend.com/bigdaddy.html

This is a fantastic annual event that Carolyn hosts!   I’m hoping to be invited back in 2015!  For more information on “Good Fortune Farm Refuge”:  http://goodfortunefarmrefuge.org/

Melissa | Out&About | 04 8th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

I’m attending the annual “Daddy’s Girls’ Weekend” writer’s conference in Mobile, Alabama.  Until this weekend, Mobile has always been a small city we pass through on our trips to New Orleans or parts beyond.  Getting off of I-10 to find our way to this charming little sleeper of a Southern jewel has been a wonderful adventure!

Our accommodations at The Battle House Renaissance Hotel, deep in the heart of the downtown area have been such a treat!

Entering into the grand rotunda one is instantly embraced by the feeling of Southern hospitality.  A delicious mint julep has to be on the schedule as you relax and take in the gracious atmosphere.

Our room in the newer “Tower”  was spacious and beautifully appointed…..

The spa and fitness center offers a full menu of pampering you won’t want to miss……

This is a place to rest and renew……complete with the warm welcome of the South.

At the end of the weekend, I’m asking myself…..do I have to return home?  But when home is St. Simons Island, Georgia, the answer is a resounding YES!  I’ll always know that this lovely little secret of a hideaway waits for my return when the drive gets a bit too long and we need to take a break.

Melissa | Out&About | 04 7th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

One of the beauties of blogging is that you can write posts ahead of time and schedule them for the date you’d like them to appear.  Since I’m in Mobile, Alabama this weekend at the annual “Daddy’s Girls’ Weekend” writer’s conference speaking about the art of blogging, it was necessary for me to get this post ready prior to leaving so I had no worries while away on the trip.  I’m sure I’m having a great time….lol!  I love where this work takes me, how it’s growing and all of the possibilities for being creative, sharing and helping others make their dreams come true!

Here’s some lovely, relaxing music for you to enjoy today!  I’m on the road heading back to St. Simons and my family.  Have a glorious Sunday!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 04 6th, 2014 | No Comments »

My guests this week, Bonnie Raibert and Sue Molnar discussed the upcoming Glynn Artist’s Guild show and Art In The Park.  Both of these events are things you won’t want to miss.  Listen in to hear all about these wonderful shows and plan to attend!

Melissa | On The Radio | 04 5th, 2014 | No Comments »

As you know I always feature a yummy recipe or menu on Friday’s.  Until now, I’ve depended on my own culinary skills for these posts.  This post is a bit different since I stumbled over this recipe first from the fabulous blog, Providence, Ltd., http://providenceltddesign.com/, which then led to another site, Closet Cooking, http://www.closetcooking.com/.  This just looked too yummy not to share it with my readers.  So here goes!  With the wild Georgia shrimp available in our area, this should be a super wonderful dish to prepare and share with friends and family!

Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Yum! We are definitely excited about these yummy tacos!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16-20) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup jerk marinade
• 2 cups cabbage, sliced
• 1/2 cup pina colada crema (see below)
• 12 small corn tortillas, warmed
• 2 cups grilled pineapple salsa (I added 1/2 red pepper, diced this time.)

Directions

1. Marinate the shrimp in the the jerk marinade for at least 20 minutes and up to over night.
2. Skewer the shrimp and grill over medium-high heat until cooked, about 1-3 minutes per side.
3. Toss the cabbage in half of the crema.
4. Assemble tacos by placing the slaw on the tortillas, followed by the pineapple salsa and shrimp finally topping with a drizzle of crema.

How about some cool and creamy pina colada crema for the top?

Pina Colada Crema

All of the flavours of pina colada in a crema that is perfect for jerk tacos and other Caribbean inspired dishes!
Servings: 1 cup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 3 tablespoons pineapple
• 2 tablespoons coconut cream
• 1 tablespoon rum (or 1 teaspoon rum extract) (optional)

Directions

1. Puree everything in a food processor and enjoy!

Tip: If you cannot find coconut cream, open a can of coconut milk without shaking it and use the thick white part on the top which is coconut cream.

Thanks so much Closet Cooking for such a great recipe!

Melissa | Finally Friday! | 04 4th, 2014 | No Comments »

I love a good old movie!  I think one of my all time favorites is “The African Queen” where Humphrey Bogart plays a heavy drinking curmudgeon next to Katharine Hepburn’s prim and proper missionary.

Cinema Gourmet is featuring this wonderful classic at the Ritz Theater on April 10th!

The show will begin at 6:30 with Jim Jinkins discussing why this is a “must-see” film.  Did you know that this 1951 classic is #17 on AFI’s list of Greatest American Movies of All Time.

After the film you’ll be delighted to enjoy a delicious array of foods prepared by Chef Kate of Indigo Shanty…….yum!

Tickets are available here:  www.goldenislesarts.org.  The price for admission and all of the evening’s festivities is a mere $15.00!  Find out more on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/254403891397765/?ref=notif&notif_t=plan_user_invited, and r.s.v.p. if you will!

An evening of great entertainment, hosted by Heather Heath, the wonderful director of Arts & Humanities in Glynn County!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 3rd, 2014 | 3 Comments »

Spring fever is officially in full swing here on the island!  The weather is just warm enough for a day at the beach….an afternoon at least.  I joined a friend to sit, watch the waves and talk for a while.

The beach was full of people enjoying the great weather.

Building wonderful sandcastles….

Taking a long walk on the sparkling sand…..

Or simply relaxing and sharing some time with friends.

It’s great to live in Coastal Georgia, but the coming of Spring is always cause for celebration!

Make a picnic, grab the sunscreen and make your way to the ocean!  There is nothing like it to give you a new lease on life!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 2nd, 2014 | 2 Comments »

The annual A Taste Of Glynn event took place this past Sunday evening at the King & Prince Resort here on St. Simon Island.  We all enjoyed delicious food, great music and wonderful silent auction items throughout the lively evening.

As one of ten judges for the event I sampled food from sixteen different restaurants, caterers and other food experts throughout the area.  The little pulled sliders with the sweet potato buns from Straton Hall Events were so yummy, as were the mini soft tacos from Nachos.  Desserts we delicious….so many to choose from!

Tablescapes, silent auction and wine raffles were fun and drew the crowd together.

In the end the awards were delivered to the winners and a good time was had by all.  Nachos made a great showing winning 1st place for an International Main Course.

It’s safe to say that Straton Hall Events stole the show with a bit of glitz and glamour Las Vegas style….awards to this talented group came from the secret panel of judges as well as the People’s Choice!

Spring is here and the events continue.  Stay with me as I share more with you over the coming weeks!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 04 1st, 2014 | No Comments »