I love the music of Loreena McKennitt.  I can trace my family back to a Scotts/Irish heritage, although I really don’t know who arrived in the United States to being our family tree here.  I’ll look into that when I have some spare time….laughing about that!  My life is full to overflowing with goodness at this time.  The first in the “Emmeline” children’s book series is about to be released by my publisher with the most amazing illustrations by local artist, Ed Hose.  Press kits are being put together, book signing’s scheduled and lots of buzz going on about the whole thing.  My dream of being a published author is finally coming true!  I finished the second in the series this past week and off it went to my editor!  This is more fun than I could ever have imagined!

So, without further ado, I’m sharing this beautiful video on this quiet Sunday morning.  The lyrics to this song were first written by W.B. Yeats in 1893.  Haunting and beautiful!  I think you’ll enjoy the music!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 02 8th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Thanks to Chef Tom Delaney and wine expert, Mark Gagliano, for helping me present a wonderful “The Chef and The Wine Guy” segment for you to enjoy!  I always have a great time discussing food and wine with these two friends!  Turn up the volume a bit and listen in!

Melissa | On The Radio | 02 7th, 2015 | No Comments »

Easy recipes are always welcome in my kitchen!  I’m sharing one of my favorite winter soups with you today.  This hearty soup is filling and a meal in itself!  I dreamed this combination up a few years back.  My family has been enjoying it ever since.  I used herbs and spices from the Sangre de Cristo Spice Company, all organic and hand blended…only the best!  I hope you’ll try this recipe.  Add some crusty French bread and a hearty red wine.  I think you’ll love it!

Tortellini and White Bean Soup

¼ cup olive oil

3 Leeks, washed and thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

5 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced

1 bunch escarole, swiss chard or broccoli rapini washed well and chopped

8 cups vegetable broth

½ tsp. SdCSC thyme leaves

1 tsp. SdCSC oregano

1 tsp. SdCSC dry basil

1 tsp. SdCSC sea salt

½ tsp. SdCSC ground white pepper

2 cups small white beans, cooked (canned cannellini beans drained and rinsed will do)

1 package cheese tortellini

Shaved parmesan cheese

Sauté the vegetables in olive in a stock pot.  Add the broth and remaining seasonings , bring to a boil.  Lower the heat to simmer and let cook for ½ hour.  Add cooked beans

and tortellini simmering for 15-20 minutes, until the pasta is just tender.  Ladle the soup into large bowls and garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and ground black pepper.  Serves 4-5

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 02 6th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

I recently received an invitation to join a Facebook group that is sharing some of the most beautiful photography.  I asked permission to feature a of few of the photographs that are so amazing and got the go ahead!  So, without further ado, sit back and enjoy these wonderful pictures of our precious Georgia Coast.  They make me so happy and so thankful to be here!

A spectacular sunrise by Jeff Jones

A darling Tufted Titmouse, again by Jeff Jones

Avenue of the Oaks by Patricia VanCleave

I love the slightly winsome, yet eerie quality of this photograph!  Surrounded by all of the history, this really speaks to me.

David Fisher captures a choppy sea so beautifully in this photograph, don’t you think?

And this wonderful photograph of the recent full moon from Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach…magical! Photographer Tony Mauk is the talented artist who took this.

 Last, but certainly not least, Sherry-Logan Weed took this wonderful photograph of last night’s sunset!

Coastal Georgia is one nature show after another!  If you live here be thankful!  If you want to visit and experience the magic…please do!

For more information on visiting the Golden Isles visit here:  www.goldenisles.com

Melissa | people | 02 5th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

For as long as I can remember both my mother and my grandmother stressed the importance of good skin care.  My first job after leaving college was at the headquarters of Estee Lauder in New York City and then onto the Borghese cosmetic company which was then a division of Revlon.  I am always looking for that next great product, realizing that a good regimen for the skin leads to more graceful aging.  I’ve been out in the sun a lot more than either my mom or her mother, which takes its toll, but that’s a done deal.  Finding a skin care line I can rely on that provides good exfoliation and top quality products is very important to me.  I first heard about Rodan & Fields from my friend, Betsy Loehle Knight.  Betsy is Murphy’s wonderful dog groomer and is always interested in good health and self-care.  I happened to see a before and after picture on Facebook of Betsy that showed a startling before and after picture of her skin.  She has battled rosacea for years and finally found a product line that delivers amazing results.

Here is Betsy before and after using Rodan & Fields.  What an amazing difference.  She noticed a big improvement after just one month and continues using the Soothe line along with the “Redefine” line for anti-aging.  Rodan & Fields is a product line formulated by the same two female doctors who came up with ProActive, which if you’ve helped your teenager battle acne, you’ll know is pretty miraculous.

There are four different types of care in the line along with a bounty of other items from an AMP MD System, micro-dermabrasion and exfoliators…the list goes on and on.

I’m showing these before and after’s so you can have a good look at the possibilities.  Here is a before and after of a woman who uses the “Redefine” line I mentioned above.  It helps reverse the results of aging and, when begun before the signs really begin, actually slow them down.

Next we have “Reverse”, the line for sun damage.  We’ve all been out in the sun and know the effects that can have.  This line actually improves the appearance of the skin as well as repairing on a cellular level.

And here’s R&F’s line for acne care.  Amazing results!

Finally “Soothe” the line Betsy first began with last April.  You saw her before and after above, here’s another one to have a look at.  I rarely get behind a product line, but I’m truly impressed with what I’m reading and seeing.  If you’d like to learn more you can contact Betsy here:  betsyssi.myrandf.com.  Our skin is the largest organ in our body.  Good, regular skin care is essential for our well-being, our health and our beauty.  I highly recommend checking it out!

Melissa | people | 02 4th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

I’m thinking of what to write about this wonderful new cookbook in Holly Herrick’s series, The French Cook.  The very look of the cover entices me to open the pages and take a look.  This particular book is all about soothing, comforting soups and stews.

Then I look inside the front cover and see that Libbie Summers did the food styling along with her talented photographer, Chia Chong.  What a trio of talent to savor and enjoy as I snuggle down into my desk chair, taking in the beauty of the pictures, the perfection of the recipes….I’m getting hungry!

Holly Herrick is an uber talented, French Cordon Bleu trained chef who makes Charleston, South Carolina her home.  She tirelessly tests each recipe before even thinking of including it in one of her fabulous cookbooks.  The French Cook series includes three other books “Sauces“, “Souffles” and “Cream Puffs and Eclairs“.  Each hard bound book is beautifully presented and filled with recipes you’ll include in your repertoire for entertaining as well as comforting family meals.

You can read more about Holly on her newly redesigned website:  http://www.hollyherrick.com/.  If you live in the Charleston area you’ll want to take a look at the calendar of events Holly features on her site.  Her cooking classes are wonderful.  I especially love the farmer’s market series of classes, hands on and full of information you’ll treasure!

I’m pleased to call Holly my friend!  I know you’ll love these books if cooking is your “thing”.  You’ll find the perfect recipes for a chilly winter evening….Soups & Stews…how delicious!  As for me…I’m in my own little heaven, reading every recipe and feasting on the photographs! I believe I hear the recipe on page 100 for Oyster and Parsnip Bisque calling my name!  Order your copy today!  All of Holly’s books are available on Amazon and in fine bookstores.  Get cooking!

Melissa | people | 02 3rd, 2015 | No Comments »

Another lazy, beautiful Sunday afternoon on our deck offered up the most spectacular show of birds yesterday!  Mr. T and I enjoy sitting out there so much, in good or bad weather, just watching all the different varieties who fly through the air, into the trees and bathe in the bird bath we have set up on the bank of the lagoon.

We  saw Eastern Bluebirds…..

Then a flock of Cardinals, so vibrantly red, the males at least…..

Doves joined in next…

And then the giant white heron or egret that has taken up residence.

I am reminded, yet again, of how very lucky we are to live here!  I try never to take it for granted and always remember to whisper a little “Thank You” when sitting and viewing nature’s splendor.  It’s a wonderful life for which I am so very thankful!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 2nd, 2015 | 1 Comment »

I think my love affair with the state of Georgia began with the comedy series “Designing Women”.  I laughed at Julia Sugarbaker, played by the late Dixie Carter and her spoiled sister, Suzanne, so beautifully acted by Delta Burke.  I still love to see a rerun of the series anytime I find it. The humor is timeless albeit the fashion a bit out of style!  My friend, Ann, sent me a message about the music of Beegie Adair.  I’m sharing this artist’s rendition of “Georgia On My Mind”.  I’m loving the cool, mellow quality of the music and I think you will as well!  Happy Sunday…relax, breathe and enjoy! (Note: From the way this video looks you may be treated to an entire playlist from Beegie Adair….extra happiness!)

Melissa | Out&About | 02 1st, 2015 | 3 Comments »