I usually do not repeat a post, but in this case I have made an exception.  I participated in an on-line link party that was an international event last week.  I also posted this story about Marian on Monday of that week.  I didn’t feel that her story got to be up long enough due to the event so I am reposting today.  This is a great product and Marian is an outstanding entrepreneur.  I hope you’ll enjoy her story and try her product!

There is NOTHING I love more than a success story in the making.    I think I came into this world hard wired with an entrepreneurial spirit.  I appreciate anyone who has the ideas, drive and ambition to make something work.  I am sharing this post with you once again since Marian’s interview got mixed into a week long International Link Party I was asked to participate.  Marian’s story and her product are so good, I feel they need the undivided attention of my readers!

When I met Marian Aiksnora last week I was not disappointed.  I tasted her “Bloody Amazing Bloody Mari ‘n’ Marinade Island Seasoning” at Vivan’s AccentMarketplace when a pitcher of Bloody Mary’s was there for tasting on a rainy Saturday afternoon.  I’m always looking for delicious mixes for drinks.  At first taste I felt a slight pucker from the tartness, then, as the flavors grew in my mouth I thought, “Wow!”, this is really great!  I, personally, do not like a bland Bloody Mary.

I picked up a flyer for the product and realized that this is not JUST Bloody Mary Mix.  Marian has taken her product a step further and created all sorts of recipes that use her mix with awesome results!

Marian Aiksonra is a winner.  After years of working in the high tech world as a graphic designer, she found herself in financial straights after the now famous crash of 2008.  Raising two children on one’s own is always a challenge and with no job, even more so.  Marian accepted a position as bartender at a golf club in Connecticut.  Customers would order Bloody Marys, but they were not happy with the club’s recipe.  After putting together a list of ingredients suggested by her clientele, Marian came up with this delicious blend of spicy tomato goodness that adds a kick to the ever popular brunch drink as well as cocktail dipping sauce, steak marinade and many other recipes she has come up with.  “All I wanted to do was make a good Bloody Mary mix.”, Marian told me, this product has gone far beyond that!

“Bloody Amazing” is available on-line or you can find a store near you by visiting the website, http://www.bloodyamazingseasoning.com/shop.html .  It doesn’t take much, so a bottle goes a long way.  Cheers Marian!  I wish you a huge success and I believe that wish will come true!

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 05 29th, 2013 | 3 Comments »

On this holiday we remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.  For over two hundred years America has been a beacon to the rest of the world.  A beacon for freedom, bravery and individuality unlike any other country on Earth.

Today, take a moment and quietly say a prayer and a thank you for all of the men and women who died while fighting to protect our rights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUsYfeua1gs

Melissa | people | 05 27th, 2013 | No Comments »

Zach Dismer makes his debut with a weekly Saturday post on what’s happening in Coastal Georgia. Welcome Zach!

Saint Simons is well-known for its picturesque beaches, its wild, wondrous oaks, and overall scenic allure; however, it will soon be acknowledged for another feature- as the birthplace of Solid Gold Thunder. A sextet producing catchy, radio-friendly songs, Solid Gold Thunder’s eclectic sound came to local attention in 2011. The group’s musical style encompasses many genres, including pop, indie, and rock, but also includes elements of hip-hop and funk. The collaborative effort, as bassist Jet Turner states, “is a revival of rock and roll. It’s a movement that promotes letting loose and feeling good.” It is this wide-ranging sound that has escalated Thunder’s recognition beyond just fans. The group was selected from a field of 2,000 entrants to participate in Sony Record’s Sound and Image Showcase in the Winter of 2012 and went on to perform in New York City before corporate producers of Will Smith and Biz Markie. The band was also invited to perform at the Big Ticket Event this past December in Jacksonville, Florida with bands such as Fun, Of Monsters and Men, and Silversun Pickups. Needless to say, the group’s efforts have not gone unrecognized and a golden future awaits these young musicians.

Solid Gold Thunder at the  Sound and Image Showcase

Listed left to right, Solid Gold Thunder consists of bassist Jet Turner, keyboardist and background vocalist Levi Hamilton, lead vocalist Kyle Davis, drummer Steuart Wainright, and rhythm guitarist and background vocalist Randall Dowling.

Solid Gold Thunder’s latest release The Hot Weather Sessions EP is currently available on iTunes and Spotify.

The group will also be performing at the First Coast Music Festival on June 1, 2013 in Jacksonville, FL. For more details, please visit http://www.firstcoastmusicfestival.com

For more information on Solid Gold Thunder, please visit:

http://www.solidgoldthunder.com

http://www.purevolume.com/solidgoldthunder

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 05 25th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Fashion…..French Women…….Fabulous!

CoCo Chanel, she has to be my all time favorite!  The designs that continue to come from her house of fashion in Paris are always classic, always calling my name.

There is a mystique about French women one feels the moment one of these lovely creatures walks into a room.

Their beautiful language makes me think anything sounds  better in French!

They wear their clothes with a casual laissez faire…..even if it is elegant attire….it seems easy for them.

But I wonder, is it true that French women never get fat?  With so many fabulously delicious things to eat….

The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air….

The cheese, the wine….how do they stay so thin?

The style, the food…..this link party is making me long to return……now, more than ever!  Here’s to my trip to France!

Melissa | people | 05 22nd, 2013 | 3 Comments »

There’s a new exit off of I-95, exit 22, Horsestamp Church Road, in Camden County.   If you turn right and head west, you’ll find the Horse Stamp Inn just over three miles down on the left.  I had no idea what a treat I was in for when we took a short road trip to visit the new owners, Kris and Tom Hutcheson.

Southern hospitality abounds the minute you turn onto the drive that leads to this elegant home.

The home was built in 2006, and turned into a bed & breakfast by the Hutcheson’s in August 2012.  It has all of the amenities you could want for a romantic getaway, girls weekend or family gathering!

The decorating is charming and tranquil, thanks to Kris and her design talents.  Each of the five bedrooms has its own private bath.

The bridal suite is a romantic dream come true with french doors opening onto a balcony that overlooks the pasture.  The bathroom is elegant, and spacious so any bride will feel comfortable dressing for her big day.

Speaking of weddings.  The Horse Stamp Inn is the perfect place for weddings!  They offer packages that include everything from valet parking for guests to a horse drawn carriage, music and catering.

The state of the art kitchen is manned by Kris and Tom for a gourmet breakfast spread which may include Georgia Peach French Toast or Tom’s famous breakfast casserole.  Champagne mimosa’s, fresh fruit and other side dishes  are served to delight your appetite.

Personal chefs are available for dinners, served in the elegant dining room with a menu that made my mouth water.  The three course dinner offers several choices of entrees with delicious fresh, local vegetables served on the side and a glass of red or white wine.

Topping it all off is a pristine swimming pool, a fire pit for making smores or enjoying a glass of wine on a crisp fall evening and an 18 foot tall swing set that will bring the kid out in anyone!

Luxury, hospitality and the wonderful company of the Hutcheson’s make this a place to put at the top of your list for your next weekend getaway.  For more information visit:  http://www.horsestampinn.com/

Here’s to you, Kris and Tom.  You have created an elegant, peaceful haven…..not far from either Jacksonville or Savannah.

Horse Stamp Inn – 2418 Horsestamp Church Road – Waverly, Georgia 31565

 912-882-6280

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 05 16th, 2013 | 15 Comments »

It’s that time of year again.  Mother’s Day is upon us, graduations are coming and the wedding season follows close behind.

Edward Armstrong is something of a legend on St. Simons.  His lovely new location at 224 Redfern Village is no disappointment!  Joining him in his new shop are owners Chris Triplett and David Lowe.

The delicious smell as you enter the shop is enough to tell you that this is a very place special.

The European method of tightly arranging flowers and mixing natural elements to fit the feeling of Coastal Georgia sets Edward’s floral designs apart from others.

Lovely platters and items for your home abound.

Gifts for the bride and her attendants.

Hostess Gifts….beautiful topiaries, succulents and more arranged in lovely baskets or earthy pottery.

Candles, candles, and more candles….that’s where part of the wonderful aroma that fills the air comes from….the rest you can attribute to the lovely fresh flowers!

Visit or call Edward On St. Simons.  You’ll find everything you need for creating the perfect floral arrangements and bouquets for weddings and other events.  Have no doubt that this team of talent will make something exquisite just for you!

Don’t forget about Mom!  This is the place to call to insure your Mom gets the freshest, most beautifully arranged flowers!

Edward On St. Simons – 224 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, GA – 31522 –

912-638-7323

Melissa | people, Shop! | 05 8th, 2013 | 9 Comments »

I’m trying something a bit different this week.  Here’s a sneak peak at what you’ll be seeing on The Permanent Tourist!

A fabulous menu for entertaining featuring Chateaubriand and all the trimmings!

Something to entice you to take a closer look at the history of our beautiful area!

 The touching story of a beloved little pet and more.

I’m keeping some secrets and having fun as I prepare wonderful reads for all of my dear followers!

There is a Rolls Royce involved and tips for a very special season that approaches.

Subscribe for free and receive daily posts…….look forward to some fun!

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 05 6th, 2013 | 3 Comments »

My Dad is 85 today.

I have always been a “Daddy’s Girl”….always.  I wish we were a family who took more pictures because there would be plenty of the two of us.

Sweet Sixteen

I have to be satisfied with pictures taken now, mostly that I take and mostly of my Dad with my daughter and my Mom.

I am what I am today because of my Dad.  He has always been a shining light in my life, ready to help out in any way, to make a difference or just to sit and listen.   My Dad is an amazing man who reached the top of his career, traveled all over the world and shared his faith with people of all religions.

Here’s to you Dad!  You are greatly loved!  Happy, Happy Birthday!

Melissa | people | 05 2nd, 2013 | 3 Comments »

I turned off of Kings Way and followed the directions Michele Beveridge provided.  As I pulled up to the Heron Cottage I took a moment to appreciate the architecture of the home.  Charming bungalow style stood before me, a generous front porch leading to a welcoming entrance into this lovely boutique cottage.

Heron is the first of the three cottages offered by the Island Cottage Company.

Owners Michele Beveridge and her builder husband, Scott, have created comfortable spaces for families who want the privacy of an upscale home during their stay on St. Simons Island.  All three of the cottages are within blocks of the beach, the village and other areas of interest.  I also have to tell you that this is a family affair, both of their boys are actively involved in caring for the cottages as well.  No wonder there is such a warm feeling in each of the homes!

Every cottage has its own style.  Michele uses her design skills to create an environment that says “Home” and “Welcome”.  Furthermore, Michele provides a lovely wine and cheese basket to new arrivals and you just never know what baked goodies you may find on the front porch during your stay!  This is the perfect home away from home!

She admits her passion is keeping the rooms fresh with new design items and ideas so that returning guests always come back to something new.

The Piper and Sea Gull cottages are restored homes.  The Heron, largest of the three, was built by Scott, a talented builder whose name is well known throughout the area.

I immediately migrated toward the kitchen in the Heron, a foodies delight!  What fun to stay in a beautifully designed cottage, be able to pick up fresh seafood and produce locally and return to enjoy an evening of cooking and relaxing before the fire on the screen porch.

If you need to get some work done during your visit the Heron has a private work space you’ll find completely outfitted with everything you need to set up shop.

The bedrooms in all of the cottages are pristine, calm and restful.  After a day on the beach or sightseeing you’ll be sure to get a good night’s sleep!

Spacious backyards provide a place for kids to run and play.  Each cottage is equipped with a gas grill and an outdoor dining area.  In the Heron you’ll find a state of the art wine cooler and ice machine.

For more information on renting these charming cottages visit the website:  http://www.islandcottagecompany.com/.

Michele and Scott’s care and attention to the design and comfort of each cottage make them something really special.  Weekly rentals are available during season and three night minimum stays off season.  The Heron and Sea Gull Cottages sleep six and the Piper Cottage sleeps 4 comfortably.

Island Cottage Company – 912-222-4078 – St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 04 24th, 2013 | 4 Comments »

It’s that time of year again!  The shrimp fleet has been blessed in McIntosh County thus marking the beginning of festival season.  Actually, in Coastal Georgia it’s always festival season, but it seems that more of these events begin to occur as the weather warms up and people get outdoors to enjoy it.

The charming Southern town of Woodbine, GA will be rocking and rolling with their 28th annual Crawfish Festival this coming weekend.  This is an event not to be missed if you like festivals, music, parades, arts and crafts and CRAWFISH!  Yum!

Since I was raised on the Gulf Coast of Texas I have to admit that I love some good crawfish when they are in season!  They were not in season when we were in New Orleans at Christmas.  Mr. T suggested that I might get my fill in Woodbine!  Woodbine?  Yes, this festival celebrates one of my favorite sea creatures, mini lobsters in my mind.  Well, maybe not quite, but I do enjoy the sweet, spicy goodness of the tiny piece of meat in the tail.  It’s worth every bit of work!

The parade to launch the festival begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, April 27th.  It is a lively affair with floats, musicians, happy children and even a festival queen.

This is something I love about small towns in America.  They come together for annual events such as this and really enjoy being together.  People come from miles around to join in the fun.  Proceeds from the festival go to help the community in so many worthwhile ways.  Read more about that here:  http://www.woodbinecrawfish.com/.  You’ll also find the full calendar of events featured during the festival at this site.

This year’s entertainment will feature, among others, Atlanta Rhythm Section!  Remember songs like “So Into You”, “Imaginary Lover”, “Spooky” and “Champagne Jam”?  Atlanta Rhythm Section brought these hits to us.  They have been in the biz for more than thirty years now.  I, for one, am really looking forward to hearing them!

Gather up your friends and family!  Support the good folks of Woodbine and experience small town living at its best!  A good time is sure to be had by all.

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 04 23rd, 2013 | No Comments »