The time has come to walk on the beach in lighter, more skin revealing clothes.  We all like the look of a golden tan, but we also know of the damage that can be done to our skin while basking in those summer rays.  I have been on the lookout for a self tanning product that REALLY works for longer than I can tell you.  I finally stumbled upon the solution by accident while doing research on-line about two months ago.  I think the product popped up in a sidebar add on Google.

Not one to simply order something without a bit of research, I delved into the information available and then ordered “Tan Physics”.  This all natural, citrus based product really delivers!  A little bit goes a long way to providing a lovely shade of tan that doesn’t streak or turn orange.  Once a week application has done the trick for me.  For more information go here:  www.tanphysics.com

Another product I’m loving is from Suzanne Somer’s organic line of skin care products.  I love her entire line, but the healthy glow body lotion keeps the tan going, deepening a bit each day when I apply it after showering.  Suzanne’s line of anti-aging products is excellent as well.  This lady has done her research and her products deliver at very reasonable prices.  Find the body lotion here:http://www.suzannesomers.com/products/suzanne-organics-healthy-glow-body-lotion

Summer is here…..look your best in a healthy way!  Let me know if you try either of these products and what you think of them!

Melissa | Shop! | 06 18th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I have to share my secret for relieving the pain that comes along with the type of arthritis I have.  Had it not been for a friend bringing me a couple of these magical little strips, I’m not sure how I could have made it from the onset of all of this in March to now.  I’m not one to promote products on my blog unless I think they are outstanding…..this on fills the bill!

The PowerStrips reduced the pain and swelling so dramatically I was out of a wheelchair and not even needing a cane for weeks.  All natural, no side effects….what makes them work?  PowerStrips cause an increase in heat in the tissues of the body (causing vessel dilation) which leads to temporary relief of pain.  A proprietary blend of herbs in a base of minerals and Marine Phytoplankton – responsible for cellular energy and health – helps rebuild, renew, revitalize regenerate and rejuvenate the muscles, tissues and cells at the deepest level. AND it comes from the Marine Phytoplankton from on Vancouver Island – amazing!

I can’t explain why they work, but I know that they are the best topical product I have found for managing pain.  If you’re interested in knowing more about this product please leave me a comment, with your e-mail address, and I’ll get information sent to you as well as a sample strip if you’d like to try one.  The FDA has approved these as well

If you already know about PowerStrips and are interested in ordering, go here:  www.proudtobepainfree.com and click on enroll.  Unlike many direct sales companies, the enrollment fee is a mere $12.00….that’s it, that’s all.  Autoship is available so you never run out…I know I never will.

I think what attracted me to this product, other than the fact that it really works, is the strips themselves.  All over the surface of each strip is the word “Love” in fifteen different languages.  I believe in the power of prayer and love to heal so this makes great sense to me!    

Melissa | Shop! | 06 17th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

Tis the season!  I’m featuring local shops and markets over the next couple of weeks.  Christmas giving becomes so unique when you move away from the big chain stores and get a bit creative!  Today, we’re shopping at 1610 Antiques and Uncle Don’s.  Right next door to each other, this is the place if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary.

1610 Antiques is a treasure trove of goodies, an antique mall of sorts….all under one roof.

You’ll find fanciful Christmas items….

Dreaming of a white Christmas?  You can select decorative accents to create just the right atmosphere in your home.

And right next door Uncle Don’s has food items….Christmas chips, dips, sauces and savories!  Ask about holiday gift baskets too.

Baubles, bangles and soft sculpture ornaments to please the most discerning person on your list.

You won’t see your gifts coming and going when you shop locally!

Melissa | Shop! | 12 9th, 2013 | No Comments »

I’m on a media trip in St. Augustine, Florida.  This is our country’s oldest city and one of our favorite destinations!

The history….

The architecture…..

The shopping…..

Our accommodations at the lovely St. Francis Inn, right in the heart of the historic, downtown district.

What a wonderful time, what great fellow journalists and our hostess, publicist Leigh Cort….simply the best!

Melissa | people, Shop! | 10 28th, 2013 | No Comments »

Nothing says the Christmas season is here more than poinsettia plants.  Their rich reds, pinks, creamy whites and variegated varieties add something special to any home when it comes to decorating for the season.

The Live Oaks Garden Club is offering beautiful poinsettia plants for sale in their annual fundraiser.  This forty member group is dedicated to island beautification.  All proceeds from this sale go to further their programs.

Their work can be seen in various places on the island as well as other locations in Glynn County.

The oak trees recently planted along Demere Road, near the airport, is one of their projects.  Members have adopted a tree to care for and nurture as they grow.

Another is the lovely butterfly garden near the skate park, also on Demere, where you will find all sorts of local plants that attract all types of butterflies.

The garden was planted about a year ago and thrives under the care and upkeep of club members.

To read more about the club visit their website here:  http://www.liveoaksgardenclubinc.com/

Unleash your holiday spirit and order some of these gorgeous plants for your holiday decorating!  They are large, healthy and available in several colors, costing $18.00 each.  Call now to place your order:  912-577-4596 or 478-232-7425.  Orders must be received no later than November 22nd and home delivery will be on December 6th.

Live Oaks Garden Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization

Melissa | people, Shop! | 10 23rd, 2013 | 5 Comments »

If you love up to the minute fashion, lively colors and wonderful service, you’ll love Wild & Personal.  It’s a boutique, located in Redfern Village, that has something for every woman in any age group!

Christine Proffitt, the lovely owner, has put together a one of a kind shop that reminds me of neighborhood boutiques in New York City.  You can create a wardrobe that is up to the minute, unique, fun and very affordable.

We’re seeing animal prints everywhere in fall fashion.  Wild & Personal has a wide variety of clothing, accessories and even shoes to help you create your own personal style.

I  love the “Clara Sun Woo” line of comfortable, colorful separates, just right for island casual or more dressy occasions.

Exotic jewelry that makes a statement.

 Potions and lotions for your beauty care and so much more.

Wild & Personal is just the place to find fashion, accessories and gifts for that special someone, even if that someone is you.

Wild & Personal Boutique – 214 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-634-4563 – www.wildandpersonal.com

Melissa | people, Shop! | 10 15th, 2013 | No Comments »

I have known Chris Paleschic for over thirteen years.  Our girls went to pre-school together.  They wore rhinestone tiaras at birthday parties and pinned on Daisy Scout patches to their little blue pinafores as they reached each new level of accomplishment.  We have cried over passing’s and celebrated new beginnings.   Chris is a true blue, best friend.

“I’m Charmed” is the jewelry and gift company that Chris founded several years ago.  I love her designs and have many, many different pieces of her handmade jewelry.

We live in the South and along with that comes the dedication of supporting ones selected college football team.  When I lived in Florida I supported the Gators.  Now that I live in Georgia and I’m married to a UGA fan I have to teeter on the edge a bit.  The only time I have real issues with this is when the powerful Georgia/Florida game weekend arrives, and I just have to say, “Let the best team win.”!

I’m sharing some of Chris’ college football designs with readers today.  TAKE NOTE that she can put these together with basically any college or professional football team’s mascot and logo.  She can also do most of these pieces for any military service branch you want to support!

They are great looking pieces that will help you show your team or patriotic spirit in a big way.

Here’s to you dear Chris!  Not only are you my friend, you are now a sponsor for my blog site and I thank you for that!  To read more about “I’m Charmed”, or to communicate with Chris about an order go here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/150307798779/, or call her at 352-538-1527.  You’ll also see many other lovely pieces Chris has designed as well as information on custom pieces she will happily make for you.

Melissa | people, Shop! | 10 2nd, 2013 | 1 Comment »

I wrote a post on Uncle Don’s Local Market, here on St. Simons Island, several months ago.  Since that time I have gotten to know Don and his lovely wife, Hollie.  It is exciting to see their business grow as more and more people find out about it!

This summer Uncle Don has brought us the most delicious local, organic corn on the cob.

Tomatoes and peaches….so delicious and juicy!  Not to mention the homemade tomato pies and other goodies you’ll find in their refrigerated case.

Gazpacho and Buttermilk Cucumber soup….cold and so yummy on a hot summer day.

A multitude of organic bell peppers in every size, shape and color.

And flowers!

Lots and lots of gorgeous flowers.

The best melons to be found in the area.

As the summer growing season comes to an end Uncle Don’s is beginning to get the first of many starters for your fresh herb gardens.

I love supporting our local businesses and am so grateful to have Don and Hollie as sponsors and dear friends!  You just never know what you’ll find when you visit their charming little market!  Two Worlds just may be there with his beautiful handmade dream catchers!  It’s all great fun…Uncle Don’s provides so many wonderful things to the community!

Life on St. Simons Island doesn’t get any better than this!

Uncle Don’s Local Market – 1610 Frederica Road – St. Simons Island, GA

Melissa | food & entertaining, people, Shop! | 08 21st, 2013 | No Comments »

I received a box of goodies to sample from a company in New York City.  In it were all sorts of skin care products for the summer, for anti-aging (gotta love that) and for the hair.  I’ve been using these products for the past few weeks with wonderful results!  I’m sharing them with all of you today.

I’m loving these little golden “capsules” filled with Ceramide, an anti-aging elixir from Elizabeth Arden.  Pop one of these little treasures open and out comes a lovely, golden concoction of anti-aging goodies that even skin tone, perfect the appearance of the skin and actually reduce lines around the mouth, eyes….wherever you’re seeing the signs of aging.

Pur Cellin Oil – “Bio-Oil” is a hypoallergenic formula that blends plant oils as well as vitamins to improve the tone and moisture levels of the skin.  I’ve been using it as a moisturizer on my dry skin.  It is said to decrease the appearance of scars and stretch marks as well.  It is particularly soothing after spending time in the sun.  This affordable product has become a staple in my bathroom cabinet!  Try it and you’ll see why.

Prevage, triple defense shield from Elizabeth Arden, is a fabulous sunscreen product.  I love the tube with its brush for application.  Turn the top, give the tube a gentle squeeze and brush the product on you face, neck and upper chest.  Don’t forget the back of your neck.  I know I wear my hair up most of the summer and the back of my neck has to have attention with sunscreen and moisturizer as it gets plenty of sun when I’m at the beach or in my garden.  This product has served me well in filtering the harmful, burning rays of the sun out and leaving me with just a hint of color.  Bronzing powder can do the rest!

And then there are the effects of the summer sun and surf on hair.  Having naturally curly hair is always a huge challenge for me.  This product from Alterna – Caviar CC Cream is a ten in one corrective, leave-in conditioner for hair.  The smell is intoxicating and the results nothing short of miraculous.

And, last but certainly not least, a little sample of Davines Oil arrived in my June Birchbox.  Just a dab of this worked into the ends of dry hair has rejuvenating results that leave the hair moist and shiny.

The Elizabeth Arden products are available at Belk.  You’ll find “Bio-Oil” at most pharmacy’s like CVS and Walgreen’s.  Alterna’s Caviar CC Cream is available through Sephora http://www.sephora.com.  Find Davines Oil via Birchbox – http://www.birchbox.com/, you may want to subscribe for $10.00 a month and receive your own box of goodies each month!  For subscriptions go here:  http://birch.ly/11lkIfH.  If you live in an area where you cannot find these products go here:  www.beauty.com

Enjoy the summer sun and use products, no matter what your choice, that will protect, enhance and keep your skin healthy!  

Melissa | Shop! | 06 27th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

On June 15th families across America will spend the day celebrating fathers everywhere!  I always have a difficult time deciding what to get my Dad.  And I know I’m not alone!  Here are some ideas from shops on St. Simons Island that might strike your fancy!

At Two Friends in Redfern Village there are ties and more ties….brightly colored or in summer pastels.  Bird Dog Bay and Marti’s newest line of ties “Collared Greens”…love the name!

You’ll also find this fun Mason Jar cocktail shaker….what a great idea!

Love this cocktail bag!

AND, for the Dad who has everything….this innovative gift that allows him to freeze the “stopper”, place it in a bottle of his favorite brew, sip through the top and never have to drink warm beer again!

At Wine Body & Soul I found several gifts for the Dad who loves to tend bar….love the mini stainless bartop trash can and cocktail shaker.  And the Flask Tie….that’s a new one for me, but certainly unique!  You’ll find a great selection of wines, barware and other gifts as well.

If you’re looking for a wonderful scent to give AccentsMarketplace just across Frederica from Redfern Village has this line of men’s toiletry items.

And…last but certainly not least this fabulous leather chair for Dad to relax in….what more could he want?  AccentsMarketplace is the where you’ll find it!

Most of all tell your Dad you love and appreciate him.  I think that really has to be the greatest gift of all, don’t you!  Cheers to a fabulous Father’s Day weekend!

Melissa | Shop! | 06 13th, 2013 | 1 Comment »