You won’t want to miss out on all the fun Saturday, October 18th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Yes, there are so many fundraisers going on this time of year that you almost have to pick and choose, but this particular event is one I find to be of particular interest.  It’s a time to support the Golden Isles Career Academy Foundation and also to let your inner child out a bit!  The newly renovated Sea Palms Resort will host this annual event, complete with a wonderful silent auction and all sorts of yummy food and libations!

Last year’s event brought 175 guests together to have an evening of fun and merriment.  Could you throw a frisbee through that slender slot?  I know I could not!

Maiden’s fair will be in assistance as you travel from booth to booth having your turn at the various games and activities that will be provided!  I believe that’s the talented local artist, Ed Hose, I see on the bottom right!

Golden Isles Career Academy Foundation raised close to $25,000 at last year’s event.  This money goes to support the Academy as it provides quality education for bright, local students, providing them with training and employment opportunities they would not have otherwise.  Skilled trade workers are becoming more and more important in today’s world.  At the Academy students are given hands on training they cannot get through a traditional high school.  For more information about the Academy, contact Rick Townsend at 912-506-5347 or by email Rick.townsend@glynn.k12.ga.us

The atmosphere will be totally carnival….right down to the food!  What fun!  Don’t forget your dancing shoes!  Live music will have your toes tapping as you enjoy this great evening!

Get your tickets here:  http://candlelightcarnival.com/

Melissa | people | 10 9th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

It’s that time of year again!  The weather is cooler, the sun is shining and we all want to get outdoors and enjoy this special time of year.  As October gears up and we move toward the holiday season, what better way to spend the weekend than attending this fall’s Art In The Park!

Located in Postell Park just off of Pier Village, you’ll find all sorts of things to interest and delight you and the family!  Vendors set up shop offering paintings, sculpture, woven objects and more!

1st PL. Watercolor by Kathy Crowther – 2013

Perhaps you’re looking for a special piece of artwork as a gift or for your own collection!  You’re sure to find something here.

1st Place Jeweler, Alexis Barbeau – 2013

And jewelry…..no worries!  All sorts of handmade pieces will be on display for you to select from.

Art In The Park is always a fun time here on St. Simons Island!  Don’t miss it….beginning Saturday, October 11th and Sunday the 12th.   Get out and enjoy!!!

Melissa | Out&About | 10 8th, 2014 | No Comments »

Over the last several months I’ve gotten to know Judith Paixao.  She is a delightful, high spirited, incredibly creative and intelligent woman…..and she is my friend.  The fabulous pieces she works with clients to piece together and design from found objects in the sea are second to none!  And, just in time for Christmas, Judith will be holding another of her amazing “Salons” at the Glynn Visual Arts building beginning on October 16th and continuing through October 31st.

Judith creates these pieces after guests make their selections, carefully sorting through the many colors and varieties of sea glass and other objects.  Her workplace is the boat that she and her husband, Kev, call home that now docks at Morningside Marina.  What a way to work!

And more…as Judith finds objects off the coast of Bermuda…then lovingly takes them back on board to her studio.  The organization involved in producing a salon, making sure all of the selections for guests to go through are presented just so, color coordinated and categorized amazes me!  How does she do it?

AND….a salon is NOT just an event for women.  All though there will be several “Girl’s Night Out” events during the salon – October 20, 22, 27 and 29th from 4 – 8 pm.  Gentlemen are welcome to come and select something for that special someone….what a wonderful Christmas gift idea that any woman I know would love!

Speaking of Christmas….Have you ever seen anything as beautiful as these “Trees”, lovingly designed and constructed by Judith?  It’s not too late to order one here:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaGlassJewelryShop, or speak to Judith in person when you attend the salon.

What a treat it will be to see all of the lovely ideas each guest will come up with and how Judith will then orchestrate making the actual piece!  In honor of the upcoming salon we are doing a giveaway!  Comment on this post, “Like” Bermuda Sea Glass Jewelry on Facebook as well as The Permanent Tourist and you may win a lovely silk cord with a coordinating piece of sea glass picked just for you by Judith!  We’re only giving five of these beauties away so don’t delay!

Glynn Art Association – 529 Beachview Drive – 638-8770

Opening Reception – October 16, 2014 4-8 pm

Melissa | people | 10 7th, 2014 | 11 Comments »

To say this year’s Saint Simons Food & Spirits Festival was a total success would be an understatement.  We started with the Pier Crawl on Friday evening and continued on to yesterday’s event at Gascoigne Bluff.  The weather god’s smiled on us and provided a spectacular fall day here on the island…..the first we’ve had thus far.

Let’s start at the beginning in the mixology tent where adult libations flowed with small tastings of all sorts of deliciousness!  Combining St. Germaine Elderflower liqueur  with moonshine and other tasty ingredients started us off.  The tent overflowed with attendee’s toasting a wonderful event!

Onward through the marketplace where I ran into friends who shared their wares with festival goer’s…..

Then we hit the tasting tent where our areas finest restaurants prepared treats for us all to indulge in.  Who knew duck rolls from one of the newest restaurants on the island, Decoy, could be so yummy!  The succotash and fried chicken from the Georgia Room at Sea Island turned my head as did all of the wonderful dishes were got to taste.  Chef Tom of Delaney’s fame offered a delicious plate with buffalo meat, arugula, onion…a secret vinaigrette and bleu cheese…oh yumminess!

Here are three of my favorite chef/restaurants that made a splash no one will soon forget!

And all of this went to serve a valuable group, Hospice of the Golden Isles.  I suspect this year’s check will outshine last year’s!  What a wonderful event this has become….kudo’s to all involved!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 10 6th, 2014 | No Comments »

Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings has to be one of the most beautiful classical works ever composed.  The crescendo of the violins as the piece builds is so inspiring to me.  I like to use Sunday’s to plan the coming week.  It is a time to rest, relax, attend services and be with family.  Beginning Sunday with music such as this feeds my soul in a way nothing else can.  I hope you’ll love this piece as much as I do.  I turn it up full blast so that the house almost vibrates with the energy of the strings as they glisten with their song.  I find it to be healing, calming and centering.  Listen and please enjoy!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 10 5th, 2014 | No Comments »

I love the movie “Meet Joe Black”.  The character Anthony Hopkins plays is so perfect for him as he realizes his life is coming to an end.  All of his millions of dollars cannot stop his transition from this life.  Brad Pitt’s role of “Death” in the guise of Joe Black is played with such sensitivity.   The music I’m featuring today is by Thomas Newman, “That Next Place”, which is part of the soundtrack to this wonderful film.  If you’ve never seen “Meet Joe Black” or it’s been some time since you have I’d recommend it highly.  I hope you’ll enjoy this beautiful peace as you begin this Sunday!  Savor every moment of each day as the gift that it is!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 10 5th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

My guest this week on the radio was Jovan Sage.  We discussed the Slow Food USA movement, her new position with One Hundred Miles and so much more.  Listen in to my lively discussion with Jovan as she makes her new home here in Coastal Georgia!

Melissa | Out&About | 10 4th, 2014 | No Comments »

There are times when simple is just better.  One of Mr. T’s favorite meals is my choice today.  It’s the perfect little dinner for two, paired with a good Cabernet and soft jazz.  Light the candles, use your best china and silver if you wish….or keep it simple all the way like I chose too.  It’s always good to share a dinner with the one you love!  There isn’t much of a recipe to today’s meal, I’m truly keeping it easy.  Lamb chops are the entree, except instead of the traditional mint jelly, I spooned a bit of rhubarb jam over the top.  The results were delicious!

Pan Seared Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Jam

Cottage Fries

Wilted Baby Spinach

Pan Seared Lamb Chops with Rhubarb Jam

4 small lamb chops

2 teaspoons good olive oil

sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.  Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the lamb chops.  Pan sear the chops for 4 minutes on each side, 5 minutes if you want them to be well done.  Spoon rhubarb jam over the top and place on a bed of wilted baby spinach.

To make the spinach, simply heat a a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a saute pan and heat over medium heat for a couple of minutes.  Pile the spinach into the pan, this really reduces as it cooks so I use a whole box of organic spinach, stems removed.  Gently toss the spinach for about three minutes, it will be barely wilted.  Spoon onto the serving plates and place cottage fries on the side.

Cottage Fries

I rarely indulge in things like this, but Mr. T loves them with lamb chops and I like making him happy.  For two people you only need one potato.

1 large Yukon Gold potato, sliced thin with a mandolin or sharp knife

2 tablespoons good olive oil

sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

Heat the oil over medium high heat for three minutes.  Add the potato slices and cook until golden then turn and repeat.  Remove from the pan and place on paper toweling to absorb excess oil.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 10 3rd, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I know the month is October, but Suptober has a very special meaning here on Saint Simons Island!   Not only is the fifth year of the McGladrey Classic this month, it is time for the 2014 Saint Simons Island SUP Challenge!  This has become the most widely attended open ocean paddleboard race in the state of Georgia.

Hosted by Davis Love III, the dates for this event are October 17th and 18th, with the 17th being “demo” day.  Meet at the beach near the Coast Guard Station to see the lastest in paddleboarding and meet Sup – er’s from all over the country who are participating in this annual event!

The purpose, other than growing the sport and enjoying a great time, is all about charity.  This year’s beneficiary is The First Tee Provider of Southeast Georgia.   The First Tee is “an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people.”  Through after school as well as in school programs, The First Tee helps shape the lives of young people, teaching them values such as integrity, respect and perseverance so well learned through the game of golf.

There are several ways you can participate in this amazing event.  You can enter and learn more here:  http://www.2014ssisupchallenge.com/.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, SUPing is an incredible way to maintain or regain fitness.  All ages can participate and enjoy this wonderful sport that helps center and balance one’s entire being.  Join in the fun, even if you stay on the beach and watch!  You may just get the bug and want to give it a try!

Melissa | Out&About | 10 2nd, 2014 | No Comments »

I posted about local photographer, Donna MacPherson, during the summer.  Since then Donna’s work has become more and more sought after in our area as well as others.  Most recently the Ritz-Carlton has purchased her work which will now be displayed at their prestigious hotel on Amelia Island.

You will have an opportunity to view her wonderful work at The Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick through the month of October.  The show opens during First Friday, this week from 5:00 -8:00 pm.

You can also view Donna’s photography during October at Soglo Gallery in downtown Brunswick on Newcastle Street, just a few blocks south of The Ritz.

Donna’s ability to create a peaceful beach feeling through her photographs is perfection!

And on a more whimsical side…..look at her entry, entitled “Garden Party”, as well as a decoupaged bust she donated to this year’s Artrageous Auction to benefit breast cancer research!

You’ll be hearing much more about Donna from me as the months go by so stay tuned!  It is such a joy to be able to share and promote local artists and events through The Permanent Tourist!  I am truly blessed to call this my home!

Melissa | people | 10 1st, 2014 | 2 Comments »