Something very special happens the second Saturday of every month.  I wrote about The Market at Sea Island last week and now I’m sharing the wonderful monthly Farmer’s Market that is held in the parking lot in front of the Market.

Yes, you’ll find plenty of wonderful fresh, locally grown, organic vegetables from Uncle Don’s, Broadfield and Going Green.

Along with delectable baked goods straight from the bakers on Sea Island.

You can even grab a delicious Southern Soul bbq sandwich for lunch or order a fresh deli sandwich in The Market.  Find a table outdoors and enjoy people watching and the music!

Artisans are there to show you all of the beautiful things they create!

Live music makes for a festive atmosphere.

And you’ll find Amelia Bath and Body products, one of my favorite local product lines! And there is so much more!

This is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning.  Open from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm it’s a great way to start your holiday shopping and run into friends, old and new!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 10th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

The loss of a loved one is always sad and difficult.  This past week my life was touched by news of two special people who passed on.  One, the 28 year old son of a dear niece from my previous marriage and the second, the father-in-law of a close friend.  I always attempt to focus on the fact that I truly believe there is a marvelous afterlife when this news comes to me.  I am also reminded of the wonderful song recorded by Josh Groban, “To Where You Are”.  I’m sharing the video of that beautiful piece today in honor of these two special souls who are now watching over us from above.  AND….it’s Sunday, celebrate the goodness of life today.  Express your love to your family and friends.  We just never know what may happen at any moment.  Living each day fully is essential!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 11 9th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

This week on the radio I talked with Sue Molnar and Deborah Wright.  Both of these lovely ladies are involved with the upcoming annual Mistletoe Market.  Listen as we discuss the upcoming market, its new venue and all of the excitement you’ll get to enjoy November 21 – 23 when this fabulous event hosted by Glynn Visual Arts takes place!

Melissa | On The Radio | 11 8th, 2014 | No Comments »

I’m sharing a menu of pure comfort food today!  I think you’ll enjoy this as much as my family did.  The salad dressing is made with delicious flavored balsamic vinegar and olive oil from Golden Isles Olive Oil in Redfern Village.  If you’re not in the area you can mail order here:  www.GoldenIslesOliveOil.com.  This is the perfect fall meal for a family, especially on a Sunday evening.  It’s easy to put together and so delicious.  The recipe for Potato Boats comes from the old “Fit For Life” book by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond.  I cannot tell you how many times I have prepared these.  My daughter could eat two or three and still want more.  They’re healthy too, which is always a dividend!

Cajun Barbecue Meatloaf

Potato Boats

Arugula Salad with Honey Crisp Apples, Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Apple/Walnut Vinaigrette

Cajun Barbecue Meatloaf

1 package meatloaf mix (you can substitute a pound and a half of ground turkey if you wish)

2 tablespoons dried onion

1 tablespoon good quality Cajun seasoning

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 cup ketchup

1 egg

3/4 cup organic rolled oats

1/4 cup Jack Daniels Original No. 7 Barbecue Sauce

Preheat the oven to 425.  Mix the meat with all ingredients up to the barbecue sauce.  Place in a greased loaf pan.  Spread the barbecue sauce over the top.  Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.  Reduce the heat to 350 and continue baking for 30 minutes.  Slice and serve.  This makes a delicious sandwich.  I always slice the meatloaf in 1/2 inch thick slices.  I brown them in a saute pan that I first spray with olive oil spray.  Serve on a roll or whole grain bread…delicious!

Potato Boats

4 servings

2 large Idaho potatoes

3/4 cup cubed butternut squash (I buy this already cubed at our local Harris Teeter and save the leftovers for soup)

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon cumin

sea salt and pepper to taste

Ground Sweet Paprika

2 teaspoons butter, melted

Bake the potatoes in a 425 degree oven for about an hour.  Remove and allow to cool slightly.  Steam the butternut squash for about 15 minutes.  Scoop the meat out of the potatoes and add the drained, steamed squash.  Mash with 1/4 cup of butter, cumin and salt and pepper.  Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells.  Spoon the remaining 2 teaspoons of butter over the top of each potato boat and sprinkle with paprika.  Place under a preheated broiler for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Arugula Salad with Honey Crisp Apples, Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Apple/Walnut Vinaigrette

1 pound organic arugula

1 honey crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced

1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces

1/2 cup crumbled buttermilk bleu cheese

Dressing:

1/4 cup walnut olive oil

2 tablespoons red apple balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon local honey

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon pink salt

cracked black pepper

Toss the salad ingredients in a wooden bowl.  In a small glass bowl whisk the dressing ingredients together.  Drizzle over the salad and serve.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 11 7th, 2014 | No Comments »

Lest you think I’m going to write a post today about a very special elephant living at the Taj Mahal in India…..well, you’ll be disappointed!  But you will be delighted to learn that The Golden Elephant is about to begin here on St. Simons Island!  All proceeds from this fantastic marketplace go to Coastal Symphony of Georgia.  This is the sixth annual Golden Elephant planned and executed by the wonderful people involved with the Symphony Society, headed up by this year’s chair, Meg Barton.  The venue has changed, but the event is going to be better than ever!  You’ll arrive at the wonderfully large and light Greenhouse just to the side of Taylor House Interiors on the corner if Sea Island Road and Frederica.  From the moment you enter you’ll be able to feast your eyes on……

Lovely jewelry and vignettes with all sorts of classic, eclectic and contemporary furniture.  There will even be a crew from Island Drapes & Upholstery to help you turn that wonderful chair you admire into the piece you’ve always dreamed of, simply by changing the fabric!  And artisans who can turn any piece of furniture into a literal work of art!  This year’s event focuses on Reused….Refurbished….Recycled items that will fit into your home and become pieces to treasure!

Crystal….China….Silver and more!  You’ll find a fabulous selection at prices you’ll love!

More vignettes and more furniture at amazing prices!  Don’t you just love the French styled arm chairs in the top photo!  I’m drooling over those, trying to figure out how to fit them into my already full home!

This is the perfect place to find Christmas gifts and decorative items for your holiday home!  Collectibles….vintage items……you’ll find it all at the Golden Elephant!

The preview is tonight from 5:30 – 7:30.  Tickets are $25.00 and will be available at the door.  Live music provided by Brother’s From Another Mother will create a lively atmosphere, topped off by wine, soft drinks and appetizers.  Enjoy a wonderful evening for such a great cause!  Support Coastal Symphony of Georgia and find incredible bargains at this year’s Golden Elephant!

Melissa | Out&About | 11 6th, 2014 | No Comments »

Dave Olender joined me as my guest on the radio show last week.  Dave is the Council Chair of the Veteran’s Council of the Golden Isles.  We talked about the upcoming celebration of our countries veteran’s this coming Tuesday, November 11th.  This year’s parade and official ceremony to honor veteran’s begins at the Mallory Ball Fields where participants will gather to begin the parade which will make its way to Casino Band Stand near Neptune Park in the village.

Keynote speaker for the event is Navy Rear Admiral Charles A. Richard, Commander, Submarine Group 10.  The actual ceremonies begin at 11:00.  The “Veteran of the Year” will be awarded to Air Force Veteran Jack Donald Campbell this year,  Music for the ceremonies will be provided by Mickey Wnedel and his Community Concert Band, offering patriotic melodies for all to enjoy.

Bring your lawn chairs join in this celebration of those who have served our country so well.  If you are a veteran and need information about participation or you need transportation please contact Matt Joyner at 912-261-4504. he’ll be happy to assist!

No matter what day of the week the 11th falls on in November we always celebrate our veteran’s.  This holiday originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.

Please plan to attend this important celebration of our nation’s service people!

Melissa | people | 11 5th, 2014 | No Comments »

Well, the big weekend has come and gone.  I think everyone who follows college football and cheers for the Georgia Bulldogs was disappointed.  There is an actual feeling of let down either team’s fans must certainly experience when there is loss, not a win.  It’s a lesson in going with the flow…..taking life as it comes…..being okay with how things are just because.  And there is always next year.  We watched the game from start to finish…excited about the strong beginning, then slowly settling into the sofa, realizing what the outcome was sure to be.  But it is, after all, a game.  Of course, it is also a game that involves money and position, we all know that as well.  A coach who is not producing a winning team is in danger of losing his or her job.  Gotta win…Gotta go….Gotta fight, fight, fight.

I did brave the crowds of our local Harris Teeter last Friday afternoon, just as I said.  They had grouper in the seafood case and I was hell bent on having that for dinner.  It was a daunting experience.  If you know me, you know I am a “diminutive” person, for lack of a better term.  Okay, to be perfectly honest….I’M SHORT!  My daughter refers to me as “fun sized”, God bless her little soul.  She stands, towering over me as she tells me these things.  What is a parent to do?

So I find myself going up and down the aisles of the supermarket, mind you, I know that store like the back of my hand.  It took me several months to get used to the redo, but I did.  At every turn there were throngs of six foot plus college buddies walking three abreast down the aisles filling their baskets with all sorts of food and libation…beer, beer and MORE beer.  Upon checking out I became even more aware of their youth as the checker asked if they had a Harris Teeter card.  Fumbling, mumbling and a final , “My mom and dad do”, not realizing that giving the local phone number would suffice for the lack of a card in hand.  I grinned to myself.  They may be in college, but they are still relying on mom and dad.

These young adults are special.  They bring an energy to the island that is palpable when they arrive with their coolers and enthusiasm, thronging to Frat Beach for a day and  night of outrageous celebration in preparation for the coming game.  I think this year must have been better on the clean up end.  Crews of volunteers and county employees arrived early the next day to see to the safety of our beaches, delittering before the tide could take it out to sea where it then becomes a real danger to sea life.

Yes, the Dawgs lost, but the weekend provided fun and entertainment.  And we do have next year to look forward too.  This past weekend always marks the true beginning of fall to me.  Mother Nature cooperated by serving up true football weather.  Sweaters and jackets could be seen in the stands…along with the normal naked from the waist up bodies painted with garish color, and, in some cases scantily clad from the waist down.  Who were those boys in the Florida stands with the overalls in bright blue and orange?  The passion and energy that goes into cheering on ones team is inspiring.  Another thing I’m realizing, as I continue my adventures in adult renewal of the desire to play, is that we tend to lose that passion as we mature and age.  I’m for cheering, yelling at the top of my lungs for my team.  Bring on the gusto…the excitement!  I’m with ya!  Yes, it was a great weekend!  And now….we venture toward Thanksgiving!  Happy Tuesday, dear readers!

Melissa | Out&About | 11 4th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

Okay….you all know I’m a foodie.  Most of my life has been spent in the culinary world, one way or another.  I am going to go on and on about The Market at Sea Island today!  Get your coffee, sit back and get comfortable!

Just walking up the sidewalk past the beautifully planted flowers and outdoor tables, I knew this would be a special place!  And then I walked through the front doors and was immediately transported to  New York City and the aromas of coffee, condiments and fresh baked goods one experiences when entering places like Zabars and Dean & DeLuca.   If the weather should be less than perfect there is a cheery indoor area with bright green seating and plenty of room for reading the morning paper while enjoying homemade pastry and fabulous coffee or tea!

Did I mention pastry?  Oh my Lord…all homemade and delivered fresh daily from the bakeries on Sea Island.  The croissant and Nutella brioche are nothing short of heaven.  Custom cake orders are always possible for birthdays, weddings and any event that calls for something one of a kind and special.   I am swooning over that gigantic wooden board.  Can’t you just see that as the focal point of an appetizer table, laden with cheeses, fruits and breads?

Manager, Dan Meyers, took me on the grand tour pointing out all of the amazing items to be found in this culinary treasure trove!  The wine selection is fabulous with prices from $7.00 to $250.00.  This is a place for anyone to find something they will be able to take home and enjoy!  I love the new Sea Island wines labeling using the area code 31561 in single digits to delineate which wine to drink first…of course #1 is a bottle of Sea Island Bubbles…we have to put celebrating first on the list!  You’ll find wines here that you won’t find anywhere else in the area and if you don’t find it…they’ll order it for you.

The meats are from Australia, Wagyu, a type of Kobe beef, which provides exquisite flavor with perfect marbling.  Fresh fish and seafood, daily caught and never, ever frozen.  The Market at Sea Island is offering Coastal Georgia living at its best!   The cheese selection is well priced and comprised of choices from around the world as well as Georgia’s own Sweet Grass Creamery.  Cheese and charcuterie platters are available by special order.

Clothing, gift items and plenty of cookbooks can be found….all of the highest quality and guaranteed to last for years to come.  You’ll find the fine designs of Peter Millar  jackets, golf shirts and more.

Le Creusette and All Clad in all shapes, colors and sizes…..what a treat!  All sorts of items for the home and kitchen to make any gathering extra special.

This is becoming a great meeting place for coffee, lunch and don’t forget the fabulous “Take & Heat” dinners you can pick up on the way home when you want to eat in, but don’t want to cook.  Each night has a different meal, freshly prepared using delicious local produce and main courses to please even the most discerning palate.  For lunch you have to try the homemade shrimp salad on a croissant!  That is, without doubt, one of the best things I have ever tasted….ever!  Pick up a sandwich that is already deliciously prepared or order whatever you want.  This place is all about pleasing you, the customer, so don’t be afraid to ask.  And don’t forget to try the Rose Lemonade…..so refreshing!

The Market at Sea Island is growing day by day and becoming such a wonderful place to shop, meet and eat!  If you haven’t been, make plans too! I’ve just begun to touch on all of the amazing products you’ll find there.  More on the Market and their upcoming Farmer’s Market featuring all sorts of local product, produce and artisans.  I’ll be there this coming Saturday!

351 Sea Island Road,. St. Simons Island, GA 31522. United States. Tel: 912-634-3994.

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 3rd, 2014 | No Comments »

Is there anything more beautiful than a violin played to perfection?  Sarah Chang is such a gifted artist, her ability to translate the emotion of a piece through the violin is perfection.  I found this recording of her performance of “Chaconne” by Vitale and knew I had to share it this Sunday morning.  Not only is the music stirring, the accompanying video is simply gorgeous!  Be inspired!  Reach to the heavens for the energy you need and make this a wonderful day.  Take a ride….on your bike….in your car…..get out into nature and the beauty of the day.  And don’t forget……say Thank You.

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 11 2nd, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I talked with Dave Olender, Council Chair, for the local Veteran’s Council of the Golden Isles on the radio this week.  We discussed the upcoming celebration and tribute to veterans coming up November 11th.  We also talked about various programs and upcoming events we all need to know about in order to always say “thank you” to those who have so courageously served our country.  Since our time together Dave sent me notice that local theatres will be showing a special video about the Honor Flight we discuss on the show.  Listen in as we talk about all of these important topics!

Melissa | On The Radio | 11 1st, 2014 | No Comments »