Each month something very special happens thanks to Straton Hall Events.  Stacy and Jay put fabulous wine pairing dinners together that are held either at their location on Newcastle in downtown Brunswick or at the charming Brunswick Manor.

Mark Gagliano, Margo and Straton Hall

This month’s dinner was no disappointment!  Mark Gagliano, famed wine specialist, from our local Harris Teeter Market came to share his knowledge and expertise on the pairings for three different wines.

The first, a Simi Chardonnay, was the perfect choice to taste with both the fresh crab cake appetizer and the delicious Cobb salad that began the meal.

The salmon, topped with a luscious combination of tomato, capers, fresh herbs and other goodies teamed with an Acrobat Pinot Noir, just the right pairing.

Dessert, a decadent chocolate chip cookie “sundae”, and Ruffino’s  Moscato D’Asti ended a perfect evening.

The upstairs loft at Straton Hall is the perfect place for an intimate evening of dining, tasting and celebrating good food and drink.  Contact Straton Hall to reserve your place at next month’s tasting!

Straton Hall Events – 1423 Newcastle – Brunswick, GA – 912-275-8294

Melissa | food & entertaining | 05 20th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

Donna MacPherson is a master photographer.  Her images of nature all around Coastal Georgia are clearly stunning making them an excellent addition to any art collection.

She captures the dimension and energy of the subjects she photographs…..

Be it a photo of sea birds skimming the ocean waves…..

Or an in depth look at the beauty of sea shells swirling with color and texture.

Donna is passionate about what she does.  She has taken her work into a new dimension using mannequin forms that are then decoupaged with her photographs.  She creates a dimensional piece of art with this technique that tells a story in a very unique way.

Inspired by her life here on St. Simons Island, Donna is constantly surrounded by subject matter in and around her home that is situated right on the beach.

You’ll be able to view her work at Goodyear Cottage on Jekyll Island throughout the month of June with an opening celebration on Sunday, June 8th from 1 – 3:00 in the afternoon.   Another show follows when Donna will be showing her photography at the Glynn Art Association during the Coastal Photographers Show.  To read more about Donna, her photography and her life visit her site:  www.donnamacpherson.com.  All of her images are available in various sizes.  These are wonderful pieces to collect for yourself or to give as a gift.  Donna’s work captures Coastal Georgia to perfection.

Melissa | people | 05 19th, 2014 | No Comments »

I think one of my all time favorite movies is Forrest Gump.  The simplicity of Tom Hank’s character always touches me as he talks about life being like a box chocolates.  We never really do know what we’ll get when it comes to our lives.  Maintaining a positive attitude and saying I CAN DO THAT, with no hesitation, is so important.  The compassion of this story is timeless.  It’s about loving, accepting and sharing.  I thought it appropriate for the beginning of a new week and as a gentle way to listen as you start your day.  Have a wonderful Sunday!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 05 18th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

Listen in as I talk with Sharon Flores and Susan Garrett as we discuss the upcoming Coastal Symphony performance this coming Monday night!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 05 17th, 2014 | No Comments »

It’s been quite a week!  All in all, I’d have to say it’s been a good week as well….whew~!  I’m sharing the post from last year….not from laziness, but because I’ve been in an Asian state of mind where food is concerned and this is one of my favorite menus.  Next week I’m beginning a once a month presentation of menus and recipes from one of our fabulous local chefs!  Not saying who the first post is by…..that gives you something to ponder over the next few days!  Enjoy…relax….celebrate life!

WonTon Crisps with Sweet & Sour Sauce

Cashew Chicken over Jasmine Rice

Stir-fried String Beans

Blood Orange Gelato

Tsing-Tao Beer….icy cold

WonTon Crisps with Sweet & Sour Sauce

1 package wonton wrappers

1 1/2 cups peanut oil

Cut the wrappers into 1/2 inch wide strips.  Heat the oil in a wok until sizzling.  Fry the strips in batches and drain on paper toweling.

Sweet & Sour Sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon corn starch

1 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon grated, fresh ginger root

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 scallion, finely diced

Stir the brown sugar and corn starch together, place in a small pan, add remaining ingredients and simmer until thick and just bubbling.  Remove from heat and serve at room temperature.

Cashew Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (if you prefer, you can use chicken thighs) cut into 1 inch cubes

1 egg white

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 cup finely chopped scallion, green ends included

1/2 cup finely diced sweet red pepper

1/2 cup raw cashew nuts (You may substitute almonds or peanuts if you desire)

1 cup peanut oil

Cut the chicken and place in a bowl, set aside.  Beat the egg white with the cornstarch, pour over the chicken and toss to coat well.  Let sit for 20 minutes.

Pour the peanut oil into a wok and heat over medium high heat.  Add the chicken with a slotted spoon and cook until golden brown on all sides.  Remove wok from the heat and drain all but 2 tablespoons of the oil.  Reheat the remaining oil, adding the vegetables and cashew nuts.  Add the following sauce:

1/2 cup good soy sauce

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon hot chili oil

1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 teaspoons cornstarch

Whisk together in a small bowl and pour over cooked vegetables and nuts.  Add the chicken back to the wok and cook through, about five minutes, over medium high heat.

Serve over a scoop of jasmine rice that has been steamed.

Stir-fried String Beans

1 pound fresh string beans, cleaned and snapped

1 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, finely minced

1/4 pound ground pork

1/4 cup peanut oil

soy sauce to taste

Heat the peanut oil in a small wok or saute pan.  Add the garlic, ginger and pork, tossing until the pork is browning.  Add the string beans and toss for about three minutes.  The beans should be crisp.  Season with soy sauce as desired.  Serve with the Cashew Chicken.

Orange Gelato

Your favorite brand will do. I personally choose the Ciao Bella brand.  I like the orange flavor after this meal.  It really cleans the palate after the slight spiciness of the dish.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 05 16th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

On May 19th the Coastal Symphony of Georgia is offering a very special evening, an evening to pay tribute to local wounded warriors.  Luis Haza, conductor, considers this event “an artistic expression of gratitude” to those who have helped keep our freedoms in tact.  Maestro Haza knows first hand how dear those freedoms are.  You see, Luis Haza began his life in Cuba.  His father was assassinated by Castro’s regime.  He and his mother fled the country and came to America in order to survive.  This concert is a way to say thank you in a huge, musical way.

Glynn Academy Concert Choir

This concert is particularly exciting since it will feature a chorus of 100 local singers from both the CSG Chorus and students from the Glynn Academy Concert Choir.  Vocal selections include music from Verdi’s famous opera, Aida, The Battle Hymn of the Republic and other pieces you’ll know and enjoy.

I have long said that music is the tie that binds us all.  It is an unspoken language that is Universal, it knows no race, color or prejudice of any kind.  Purely written, performed and shared, music has the ability to heal, to bring together and to form the core of a community that feeds the soul.

Wounded Warriors and families

The wounded warriors program is so very important to returning troops.  The work this group performs both locally and nationally is so needed by both our military service people and their families.  What could be more uplifting than an event performed especially for these special people?

The performance begins at 8:00 on Monday evening, May 19th.  Glynn Academy Memorial Auditorium is the site for event.  Tickets are available at Hattie’s Books, St. Simons Drugs and online at www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org.  You may also purchase tickets at the door the evening of the event.

Last but not at least…..you’ll be inspired by the orchestra as it plays The 1812 Overture, a piece that always brings me to my feet!  Come celebrate this wonderful event and help the Maestro say THANK YOU.

Melissa | people | 05 15th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

I remember when Heather Whitestone won the Miss America crown in 1995 as the first person to wear the coveted crown, challenged by a disability.  Heather lost her hearing at the age of 18 months.  Her story is an inspiration to anyone who hears it.

I interviewed Heather on the radio show which aired last week, but technical issues prevented me from embedding the interview  my usual Saturday post.  Because I think Heather is such an outstanding person and such an inspiration, I’m posting today with the interview, in its entirety for you to hear.

Melissa | Out&About | 05 14th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

One of the things I love about writing this blog is the freedom it gives me.  It also gives me a way to share and express my creativity.  Sometimes life is happening and my readers would never guess that I have been writing on my laptop from a hospital room while caring for a family member.  This past week has been particularly difficult since my father has been diagnosed with some form of dementia that has accelerated as it takes over a mind that was once so clear and filled with memories, stories and humor…but most of all vast knowledge.  I am realizing what a huge issue the care of our parents is to my generation.  It is a responsibility I accept, knowing how my parents cared for me whenever I needed anything.  It is my turn.

When dealing with such life situations there comes a time each day when I just need to clear my mind and take a break!  One of my favorite things to indulge myself in are beautiful decorating books.  Filled with pictures and ideas, these books take me away from the problems of the day.  Here’s a bit about each book and what I love about them.  These are great books for whiling away a steamy summer’s day as well!  I’ll be sharing other books over the summer that I think you’ll enjoy!

I love the work of Brooke Giannetti and her husband, Steve.  He’s the architect and she’s the interior designer.  Their style has an old world touch to it.  The “Patina” of the pieces they use in their decor is such a statement of old meets new, antique meets contemporary and anything can be repurposed and used.  Brooke’s fabulous blog, Velvet & Linen, introduced me to their work and I’ve loved it ever since.  Brooke shared the building of the home they designed together for their family in California over the past year or so.  It is fabulous, I could move in tomorrow!  To read more go here:  brookegiannetti.typepad.com  The soft natural tones they use throughout the homes and interiors they design together are quiet and elegant with their very special signature touch.

Another favorite designer is Mrs. Howard, otherwise known as Phoebe.  I first heard of her work when she did the interior design for a friend on Sea Island.  Her clean lines, vibrant use of color and southern flair make Mrs. Howard one of today’s top designers.  Her rooms always make me relax and want to sit in one of the seating arrangements she does so well, sipping on a glass of wine and talking with a friend.  There are also retail stores that bear her name, the closest to us here on the island is in Jacksonville.  Timeless design, a bit of the unexpected and an excellent eye for the composition of a room is all part of the experience Phoebe Howard presents to her very special clients.  For more information go here:  http://www.phoebehoward.net/home.aspx

I have to admit to being a huge Ralph Lauren fan.  When I saw his rare interview with Oprah a couple of years ago I saw a family with exquisite taste, plenty of love to share and a zest for living a very good life.  Classic, inspiring and always one of my go to brands when shopping for home or fashion, the name Lauren is synonymous with timeless style and impeccable attention to detail.  I think most of my readers know that I spent years living in the great city of Manhattan.  One of my favorite places while living there and to this day is The Hamptons.  When I found this book, penned by Ricky Lauren, Ralph’s gorgeous wife, I had to have it.  I can spend a whole afternoon daydreaming over this book, planning menus and savoring the lifestyle it portrays.  For more about Ricky Lauren and her wonderful sense of style, go here:  http://global.ralphlauren.com/en-us/Magazine/Editorial/sum12/Pages/rickylauren.aspx or visit here to view Ricky’s Pinterest boards on The Hamptons:  http://www.pinterest.com/ralphlauren/ricky-lauren-the-hamptons/.

Last, but certainly NOT least, is the talented design diva, Barbra Streisand.  The singer/actress/director shared the renovation and expansion of her property in California with readers several years back.  Talk about attention to detail!  Ms. Streisand left nothing out as she planned the home she shares with actor/husband, James Brolin.   The lady loves color and collections.  Everywhere you look as you flip through the pages of this beautiful book you will see her imprint, her style and her joie de vivre.  To see and read more go here:  http://www.barbrastreisand.com/us/a-passion-for-design-book

So there you have it and now……here is where I’m daydreaming of reading and napping on a warm summer day!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 13th, 2014 | No Comments »

From the moment I laid eyes on the work of Ed Hose I became instantly enchanted by her fabulous artwork!  I finally met with Ed last week and got to know the genius behind the canvas.

Whimsical is an understatement for Ed’s style.  Her colors, swirls and twirls remind me of the great 60’s artist, Peter Maxx.

She loves her work, it’s that simple.  I found Ed sketching away at Tipsy McSway’s in downtown Brunswick, her pencil creating the outline of a  new piece.

Ed produces beautiful invitations, announcements, murals…you name it.  I think one of my favorite things she designs are the adorable life sandwiches, portraits that tell the story of the person she portrays, such a unique gift idea!

Her artwork combines hands on drawing and design and then her expertise with photoshop comes into play to create the colorful finished pieces.  Ed illustrates adorable work for children’s and other books.  She works nationally with clients who seek out her work.

See more of Ed’s work and read about her life here:  www.edhose.com  The blog she writes on this site is always clever and entertaining as Ed shares her life with readers.  Oh….and when I asked her why she is fascinated by mermaids and features them in so many of her posts her surprising answer was…..”I don’t like to draw feet!”.  I love it and I am will continue to be a huge fan!

Melissa | people | 05 12th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

It’s Mother’s Day!  I wish all mother’s a wonderfully happy day filled with family time.  Before your day gets going take the time to pour a cup of coffee or tea, relax and listen to beautiful music.  I found this video and loved it.  I hope you’ll enjoy it as well.

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 05 11th, 2014 | No Comments »