“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night” — Luke 2:8

My favorite Christmas carol is, without doubt, Silent Night.  There is a quality to the song that has always soothed me and brought the true meaning of Christmas to mind.

The song, written in 1816 by Josef Mohr, resulted from inspiration the writer of the lyrics received after listening to the Christmas story as written in the Bible books of Luke and Matthew.  Mohr took the longer route as he walked home after the Christmas play that evening.  He came to a place, overlooking the quiet village he called home, the words of a poem he wrote came back into his mind making him set them down on paper.  Mohr realized this might make a beautiful carol and approached his church’s organist, Franz Xaver Gruber, to complete the task.  The church organ, broken and unusable, led Gruber to use his guitar to compose the music we now know and love.  The carol was presented to the congregation that evening, loved by all.

Today, the carol is sung in over 300 languages around the world at this time of year.   A simple poem, inspired the tune that continues to bring a special sense of peace to us each year as it is played.

Here is a rendition I found that I particularly like.  It is purely instrumental, acoustic guitar, by artist Martin Tallstrom.  I like to think this is how the piece sounded when Gruber first composed it.

Enjoy this season with all of the possibilities it provides to give and share the magic we all experience through the eyes of a child.  That childlike wonder and anticipation is infectious…..let it shine in your life and be blessed.

Melissa | Out&About | 12 11th, 2014 | 5 Comments »

Continuing my journey through the marshes and barrier islands of Coastal Georgia.  Today I’m going to share the beautiful lodge on Eagle Island with you.

crab trap planters

This is the perfect place for a quiet getaway.  You can design your stay in whatever way you would like.  If you want complete peace and quiet, bringing your own food and libations on island with you and another person or family or if you want an all out girls’ weekend with all the bells and whistles you can have it on Eagle Island.

Capt. Andy will arrange for one of his crew to prepare a low country boil and five moon oysters for a meal.   Upon arrival you’ll be greeted with a whole ham, or smoked turkey, a bushel of fresh raw oysters and other special items to liven up your stay.

You can arrange to bring your own boat and have Capt. Andy guide you through the waterways taking you to such beautiful places as Sapelo Island where he keeps a couple of vehicles parked for guests to use.  Go shelling for an afternoon or visit the historic Reynolds Estate.

Spend an evening in front of the outdoor fireplace, soaking in the oversized hot tub.

Prepare a fabulous seafood feast in the outdoor kitchen.

Or end your evening around a roaring fire in the pit that has been prepared just a short walk from the lodge.

Perhaps a soothing experience in the exotic five moon shower before bedtime?  There’s plenty of room for two!

Anyway you book it, you’ll be in for an exprerience you will never, ever forget.

I, for one, could spend an entire afternoon on the 1,500 square foot, screened porch, reading, napping in the hanging bed that gently sways to you sleep or writing, I’m always writing.

For more information on the Lodge at Eagle Island go here:  www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com.

Melissa | people | 12 10th, 2014 | No Comments »

It’s time to celebrate and make merry!  That always calls for a visit to my favorite wine guy, Mark Gagliano, at our local Harris Teeter market.  Mark is always my “go to” guy when making wine selections and he never lets me down!  I’ve got three great wines to share with you today that you’ll want to have on hand for holiday entertaining!  We’re going to begin with a red and go from there!

This Spanish wine is not always available.  In fact, this time of year is the only time you’ll find it in our area.  Here’s the “tasting note” from the winery:  “Red fruit intensity is apparent throughout the aromas and flavors of this wine; sawdust and toast reflect its barrel character, at least some of which derives from American oak. The exuberant fruit is more than matched by the spicy barrel notes with long vanilla, black raspberries, and plums to the finish. A bit of raisin also suggests some slight overripeness, but nothing is out of balance. Drink now or in the next several years.”

This is a great, full bodied win that pairs beautifully with prime rib, filet or any red meat you may feature as a main course! 

 This is a classic wine from Napa Valley.  100% Chardonnay with ripe pear, fresh peach and autumn quince along with the warmth of hazelnut and toasted almond make this a great choice of white wine for holiday entertaining.  This delicious Chardonnay has a long, clean, lingering finish.

Perfect to accompany poultry, fish or shellfish and any cheese platter!

And. last, but certainly not least, we cannot forget a bit of the bubbly!  This wonderful Brut champagne from Francois Montand is perfect for celebration!  Just the right dryness….this is a delicious choice to accompany smoked salmon with a bit of chopped shallot and a dab of caviar…elegant!  I love champagne with raw or chargrilled oysters….with brie encroute…..with shrimp….let’s face it, I just love champagne!

So there you have it!  Three wines to consider for your holiday parties!  They are all reasonably priced at less than $20.00 a bottle!  

Melissa | food & entertaining | 12 9th, 2014 | No Comments »

Brunswick Manor is a turn of the century mansion, owned by Stacy Bass and Jay Anderson of Straton Hall Events.  The property is kept as a lovely bed and breakfast year round as well as the site for specialty theme dinners and weddings.  But at Christmas it is a magical wonderland!  Full of decorations to feast the eye on!

You’ll see ornaments from Christopher Radko everywhere you look.  Trees laden from top to bottom with pure holiday fantasy.

A bit of whimsy is always in order!

Loving the arrangement that goes down the middle of the elegant dining table…set and ready to go!

Every guest room has a bit of Christmas to share as well.

Look through the back door and you’ll find this lovely orchid nursery, the smell, the feel….heavenly!

Stacy and Jay always add something splendid to any setting.  Their catered events are unforgettable as anyone who has attended one will tell you!  Visit Brunswick Manor here:  http://www.brunswickmanor.com/

Happy Christmas to all as the season continues!

Melissa | people | 12 8th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

What a weekend it has been!  So many exciting things going on here on St. Simons Island.  I never cease to be amazed at the positive energy of the people who live here.  I found today’s video while cruising through YouTube.  Mattia Cupelli is a talented, young Italian pianist, composer.  Many of his works have been used as soundtrack for movies, such as Winter’s Tale.  The simplicity with which he plays is a bit haunting, but also soothing.  This is a longer video called “Life”.  Perfect background music for a quiet morning of introspection and peace.

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 12 7th, 2014 | No Comments »

Bud Hearn and I enjoyed talking on the show this week.  His wit is always sharp, laced with a dry sense of humor!  I think you’ll enjoy this show!

Melissa | On The Radio | 12 6th, 2014 | No Comments »

The energy in these three words…Imagine…Inspire…Create….is positive and exciting!  Just like the project they represent at Glynn Visual Arts!

GVA is in the midst of renovating their new space at 106 Island Drive here on St. Simons.  This is the first time Glynn Visual Arts has put a capital campaign together.  In the plans are state of the art classrooms, an expanded pottery studio and fabulous new gallery where local artists and artisans can display their work.  Nothing opens the heart and feeds the soul like art can.  This multi-faceted arts center will provide the space and opportunity for all to share, experience and enjoy!

The current location on Beachview Drive will become the home of the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau but will still contain the shops filled with lovely creations by local artisans for all to see as well as a small gallery for exhibits of local artist’s.

John Bauser, Executive Director, of Glynn Visual Arts states :

“When the Island Drive facility opens, Glynn Visual Arts will – for the first time in its 61 year history – occupy

facilities specifically designed for the visual arts. And, as a result of GVA’s partnership with the Golden Isles

Convention and Visitors Bureau, we will be able to operate in two locations with expanded facilities at

significantly reduced annual facilities-related expense.”

A project like this does not happen without the support of the community.  The first phase of  The Campaign for 106 Island Drive calls for $250,000 in contributions in order to make this dream come true.

What a great idea for a unique Christmas gift….a donation in the name of a family member or friend whose passion is supporting the local arts of Glynn County!  To read more about the campaign and how to donate please visit here:  http://www.glynnart.org/capital-campaign-2014.html,

The arts are the heartbeat of our wonderful community…giving to make this campaign a success is something I hope you’ll consider!

Melissa | Out&About | 12 4th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

Savannah is one of my favorite Southern cities.  The history and architecture is enchanting.  When I heard that my friend, Dayna Caldwell, planned to leave Left Bank Art Gallery here on St. Simons to accept the position of curator at the Grand Bohemian Gallery I knew I would miss her, but I also felt she was making a move that would be perfect for her.  My recent visit to the Mansion on Forsyth Park, part of the Kessler Collection in which the gallery is housed, opened up a whole new world for me!  Dayna has found the perfect place in which to grow her vast knowledge of art as well as offer her ever present spark of happiness in life that is absolutely infectious!

Just walking through the front doors into the elegant lobby is a treat!  The property has kept its historic character on the outside yet has been transformed into a chic, upscale boutique setting in the lobby and public areas.  This chair is a Versace that stands alone in the lobby….why would it need company…it is magnificent!  And the smell of freshly cut lilies from a huge bouquet…so intoxicating!

The Grand Bohemian Gallery is off of the bar area.  Full of light and wonderful paintings, hand blown glass, jewelry and other collectibles, Dayna has done an impeccable job of putting it all together and she’s only just begun!

The show on display while we were there by artist, Jean Claude Roy, reminded me of Van Gogh at his finest.  Roy’s bold brush strokes and use of color as he depicts the South of France is unforgettable!  Not only were his pieces in the gallery, they were placed throughout the lobby bar and other hallways.

I loved this fabulous display case filled with hats dating back to the turn of the 20th century.  You may never have considered millinery creations an art, but you’ll change your mind when you feast your eyes on this collection.

What I came away with from my visit is a feeling that this Kessler property is all about fine living, collecting and appreciating the good life.  The 700 Drayton Restaurant is so beautifully decorated with a splash of edgy orange here and there in light fixtures and furnishings.  Love, love the accent of the unexpected in an otherwise tranquil setting.  It says to me….whimsy….excitement….the enjoyment of fun and play!

Dayna continued the grand tour of the property as I marveled over the opulent bar area and private dining rooms on the second floor.

One of the private dining rooms has an expansive table of marble that is lit from within for a dramatic display when the lights are dim!  There is also a private tasting room that evokes the essence of a turn of the century lodge.

Of course, I loved the state of the art kitchen where resident chef, Peter Russo, a James Beard acclaimed chef teaches cooking classes.  What fun!

This is the perfect place to go for a long weekend of holiday shopping.  The next show that debuts this coming Friday is  a photography exhibition of Barbara Marie Kraus’ work…patterns + textures of nature.  You can stay at the Mansion, enjoy fabulous dining….see the gallery AND do some Christmas shopping.  Sounds like heaven to me!  For more information on the Mansion go here:  http://www.mansiononforsythpark.com/

Mansion On Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton Street, Savannah, GA 31401 – 888-711-5114

Melissa | Out&About | 12 3rd, 2014 | 3 Comments »

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love receiving a basket full of goodies during the holidays!  Golden Isles Olive Oil is the place to go for any foodie on your list for gift giving.

You can choose from a basket that is already assembled….

Or customize one and let the staff  help you put it together.

Don’t forget about these wonderful olive oil dispensers with its own stand…..perfect for a kitchen counter!

Love the “Once Upon A Hive” honey “books” from Savannah Bee Company…who wouldn’t?

Paige, owner of this wonderful shop, ships anywhere in the United States for a flat fee of $15.00.  Go to the website here to read more:  www.goldenislesoliveoil.com

Cruets….candies…..and more!  You’re sure to find just the right gift at Golden Isles Olive Oil!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 12 2nd, 2014 | No Comments »

My holiday spirit is in full swing!  Thanksgiving was wonderful with family in New Orleans and now it’s time to start planning Christmas.  The lovely ladies who make up the Cassina Garden Club are helping with that this year in a big way!  This coming Saturday, December 6th, is their annual tour of homes on Sea Island!

They’ve been busy little elves making wreaths and all sorts of gift items for the new Christmas Market that will be held at the historic tabby slave cabins.  You’ll find all sorts of unique gift items at the market which opens to the public at 9:00 a.m.  And don’t forget the annual bake sale that is also open to the public, beginning at the same time.  Get there early, I hear all of the goodies sell quickly!

I’m loving these handmade and embellished items, especially the pots with shells added and the lantern with oyster shells afixed to the top!

There are five gorgeous homes on this year’s tour, each given a theme and lovingly decorated by club members.  Plan to have lunch or dinner at The Cloister…dinner reservations can be made by calling 888-538-6473 and asking for The Georgian Room.  If you’re visiting from out of town Sea Island is offering package deals by calling the same number and asking for details on the Cassina Package.  What a fantastic way to ring in the season!

It promises to be an event you’ll never forget this year!  You can order tickets on-line here:  www.cassinagardenclub.org. for $45.00 each, they will also be available onsite for $50.00.  Bus service to visit the homes on Sea Island is available at the Cassina Garden Club site near Epworth.  The tour runs from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm so you’ll have plenty of time to shop, see the homes, have lunch and make merry!  All proceeds from the tour, market and bake sale go to help raise funds for the restoration of the historic tabby slave cabins.

Melissa | food & entertaining | 12 1st, 2014 | 1 Comment »