If you’ve been reading this blog over the past few months you may recall that I’ve been working on getting the first in a series of children’s books published.  Oghma Creative Media is the wonderful young company that took my manuscript and, with the help of local artist, ED Hose, have made it come to life!  The end product is the most charming, hard cover book complete with a small collection of easy, French inspired, recipes for children to prepare with the help of a parent or other adult!  Here’s the fabulous cover of “Emmeline at Commander’s Palace”!  Pre-sales begin today when you click on the image cover to the right!  This is a book to treasure and you might even learn a French word or two!

What a journey this has been!  Ups and downs….a few delays along the way, but I think the end product is well worth the wait!  I know you’ll love the book and enjoy reading it to your children or grandchildren.  I’m busy scheduling book signings and making up my travel schedule!   Pre-order today and receive 10% off your order.

Melissa | Out&About | 04 15th, 2015 | 3 Comments »

This coming Thursday evening, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Tipsy McSway’s is hosting a very special event.  I’ve written about my friend and songster extraordinaire, Phil King, in past posts, but this event is something a bit different.

Phil will be joined in an evening music by local songwriter’s, Nick Bryant and Jamie Walker.  All of these musicians have beautiful music to share.  Join them as they sing their songs and tell their stories!

Susan Bates, owner of Tipsy McSway’s is always offering a venue for local musicians to share their songs with a full house of listeners.  It’s a great location as well as a wonderful restaurant!  I love the atmosphere in Tipsy’s with the whimsical artwork by ED Hose that defines the character of the restaurant so well!

Put Thursday evening on your calendar!  This is a great way to support a fine Brunswick eating establishment and three talented people who will open their hearts and songs for your listening pleasure!

Tipsy McSway’s – 1414 Newcastle – Brunswick, GA – 912-267-9991

Melissa | people | 04 14th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

In March my birthday came and went.  Each year I like to choose something to work on within myself.  Since this particular birthday might be termed a “milestone” I felt I needed to target something of great importance to me, my health.

Years come and go, we find ourselves in a sort of rut or daily routine that may not serve us as best it could.  I did some research, talked to a few friends and found my path leading me to an appointment at “Ultimate Health & Rejuvenation”, a wonderful practice started by Dr. Eric W. Friedrich, MD.  Dr. Friedrich has been in the Coastal Georgia area for years.  Many of you may have known him as a very successful ENT, Ear, Nose and Throat, specialist.  His journey has taken a turn and he is now board certified in Anti-Aging Medicine.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in some fantasy world where I’m looking for eternal youth.  I am acutely aware of the changes in my body and energy.  But I want to have the ultimate health and vitality my friends who have worked with Dr. Friedrich are experiencing.  Why not be the best we can be at any age.

I’m reading Dr. Christiane Northrup’s new book, “Goddesses Never Age” and finding many helpful and enlightening tips in it as well.

Yes, I am on a journey I have chosen.  A journey that will launch the next phase of my life in a positive direction.  I have begun my work with Dr. Friedrich.  All of the blood has been drawn to discover just what needs attention in my body and the most natural way to address them.  I’m looking forward to increased vitality and to being the best I can possibly be.  This goal serves me and serves my family in so many ways that no value can be put on it…..good health is priceless!  I’ll be reporting on my progress and sharing the work with you as I reach each new level.  Join me!  After all this is the only body we will have in this lifetime and I, for one, intend to make mine the best it can be!  Here’s to Ultimate Health and Rejuvenation!  Go here to visit Dr. Friedrich’s website and read more about his practice:  http://ultimatehealthrejuvenation.com/

Melissa | Out&About | 04 13th, 2015 | 4 Comments »

The past week has been a mixed bag of joy and sorrow.  The sudden loss of a loved one, not mine but a friend’s.  The final galley’s for the Emmeline book going to the printer and other things have caused moments of tears and moments of celebration.  The more I mature the more I clearly see the circle of life.  Sometimes it doesn’t make sense when a life is cut short so unexpectedly, but the circle is clear.  Just as the news of a passing comes more news of a birth is welcomed.  The message is, in my mind, that life does not come with a guarantee.  It is so very important to live each and every moment.  Don’t wait to do the things you dream of….GET OUT AND LIVE!  If you feel yourself feeling a bit of “ennui” or you are bored, jump start your energy and get outside in nature.  Nothing will clear negative energy like taking a long walk or bike ride….or my personal favorite, gardening!  I chose this song to share with you today because I love it and because it reminds us that we are surrounded by angels who watch over and love us.  I believe it to be true and nothing will ever change my mind!  Have a glorious Sunday!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 04 12th, 2015 | No Comments »

You’re in for a treat when you listen in to the latest Chef and the Wine Guy!  We talked about lighter Spring fare and wines.  As always a great time talking and sharing great ideas to ignite your culinary spirit!

Melissa | On The Radio | 04 11th, 2015 | No Comments »

I’ll post my On The Radio segment tomorrow, but in preparation for that I thought it would be fun to feature recipes for a couple of recipes I love to add to a grilled meat, chicken or fish meal.  I usually end up eating just the side dishes since I’m not a big meat eater.  These are easy, very healthy and delicious recipes that I know you’ll enjoy making again and again.  Make it from scratch hummus and my version of tabouli are the two dishes I’m sharing.  Hummus is so easy to make from scratch!  You won’t have to worry about the bacteria that can be found in the store bought varieties and the flavor is so much better!  So enjoy and let me know if you prepare these! AND, you won’t want to miss the radio show if you didn’t get to hear it on the air this week!  Another Chef and Wine Guy segment with Chef Tom Delaney and wine expert, Mark Gagliano….it’s a great show!

Pinterest

Hummus

2 cups cooked garbanzo beans (make these from the dried beans, they are so much better than canned.  You can also substitute pinto or black beans or even butter beans….any bean you love will work)

2 cloves garlic, peeled

2 tablespoons tahini

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (2 lemons)

1/4 cup fresh, flat leaf parsley

1 teaspoon pink or gray salt

2 dashed of Tabasco sauce

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Put the beans and remaining ingredients, except for the olive oil, in a food processor.  Pulse to chop the beans slightly.  With the motor running add the oil in a steady stream until fully incorporated, about one minute.  If you are making hummus with pinto or black beans you’ll want to add 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin for a Southwestern.  Serve the hummus with pita points, good corn chips or fresh raw vegetables.  I love hummus with raw veggies!

Pinterest

Tabouli

2 cups cooked quinoa (cook one cup dry quinoa in 2 cups water or vegetable broth)

1/2 red onion cut in chunks

1 contained organic grape tomatoes

1/2 of a hot house cucumber, peeled and cut into large chunks

1/2 cup fresh, flat leaf parsley

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (2 lemons)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Cook the quinoa and allow it to cool completely.  Place the cooked grains in a large mixing bowl.  In a food processor place the onion, tomatoes, cucmber, parsley and cilantro.  Pulse until the combination is still chunky.  (This will only take a few seconds, you do NOT want to puree this mixture.)  Pour the mixture into the bowl with the quinoa and gently toss.  Add the salt, lemon juice and olive oil.  Chill before serving.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 04 10th, 2015 | 4 Comments »

I always look forward to art festivals.  My favorite one is coming up this Saturday and Sunday when Art In The Park holds its 22nd annual event!

You’ll find artwork in all mediums…..

Metal and ceramics…..

Fiber, photography, jewelry and more.

Something new to look forward to this year is a demonstration by renowned blacksmiths, John and Lance Ziegler, who will show the craft of hand-forging steel to make decorative and functional items.

There will also be an area just for the young and young at heart for hand crafting oh so many beautiful things.  All located in beautiful Postell Park near Pier village!

For more information contact Susan Fyfe Molnar at 912-638-8330 or go to festivals@glynnart.org.  Let the fun begin!!!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 9th, 2015 | No Comments »

On Sunday afternoon, April 19th, music lovers are in for a real treat.  Maestro Luis Haza and local pianist, Terry Readdick will join violin and key board to thrill guests with a concert of beautiful music!

The concert will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church here on St. Simons Island at 3:00 pm.

I love the program which includes music by Beethoven, Schubert, Vitali and other well known classical composers.  A surprise piece included in the afternoon’s offering is by well known modern day composer, John Williams.

Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to enjoy beautiful music and the setting couldn’t be more lovely!

Order tickets here:  http://www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org/.

Melissa | Out&About | 04 8th, 2015 | No Comments »

Every April golfer’s look forward to the Master’s Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.  The winner wears the historic green jacket and a good time is had by all.

I have never had the opportunity to visit Augusta…that’s on my bucket list!

A couple of years ago my friend, Marion, and her husband invited us for dinner.  She prepared a “Green Jacket” salad, named after the restaurant that called this one of their signature menu items.  The restaurant is closed but this recipe lives on.  I loved it from first bite!

I found this recipe on-line via The Augusta Chronicle.  I’m sharing it today as the tournament prepares to get underway.  You may want to put it on your menu for the weekend festivities if you’re a golfer or you’re married to one!  It’s easy to put together and so delicious!  I bet it is traditionally served with fried chicken, macaroni and cheese or maybe one of my favorites, string beans!  Whatever you decide….enjoy!

AUGUSTA’S BEST TOSSED SALAD

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 Roma tomato, diced
1 teaspoon Lawryís seasoned salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup chopped green onion, about 1 green onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 12-ounce bags prepared iceberg and romaine salad
1 pita bread, split in half, toasted and broken into bite-size pieces
Parmesan cheese, for garnish, optional
Combine vegetable oil, vinegar, tomato, seasoned salt, oregano, green onion and
parsley in a jar or bowl. Shake or blend well. Place salad greens in a large bowl and add the pita chips and dressing. Toss well and serve. Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Makes 8 servings.

Melissa | food & entertaining | 04 7th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

Ever since moving back to the muggy Southern climate I have a love/hate relationship with, I have been challenged with nail issues.  For the first time in my life I have sworn off of going to nail places where it feels so good but the results do not.  I began to research various nail producst in search of lines that do not have formaldehyde and DO have anti-fungal ingredients.

VOILA!  I stumbled over a line on the internet called Dr.’s Remedy.  This company is owned by two board certified podiatrists who, out of concern for patients, developed this wonderful line of nail products.

The colors are fabulous and the quality of the polish incredible.  They have Tea Tree Oil, vitamins and proteins that actually heal the nails and keep them looking their best.  They also help nails from becoming brittle and discolored.  I’m sold!  AND I entered a monthly contest featured on their site to win product and I DID!  Woo Hoo….I consider it more goodies for my new year!

Take a look at Dr.’s Remedy products and read their story here:  http://www.remedynails.com/.  I’m returning to try yet another local nail spa and taking my OWN polish!  Share your favorite place with me and it may be the one I try!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 6th, 2015 | 4 Comments »