I love sharing great recipes with  you and even more when my friends share their favorites with me!  Today I’m featuring a yummy soup prepared by my friend, Jan.  This looks like the ticket for a chilly winter’s evening meal.  A crisp green salad is about all you need to accompany this easy recipe for Loaded Potato Soup you’ll find on myrecipes.com.  I’ve found several really good things on this site so I’m excited to try this one.  Let me know if you make it as well!  And don’t forget to add a wonderful glass of wine….cheers!

Loaded Potato Soup

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 01 23rd, 2015 | No Comments »

What is Talica, you ask?  It’s a wonderful organization that is 100 % dedicated to expanding access to information for public schools and others in very rural and isolated areas of Central America.  You can read more about this non-profit group here:  www.talica.org.  The pictures above are just an example of what Talica does with funds raised.  This building, before and after, is now the site of a wonderful community center on the first floor and a library on the second floor.  Representatives from Talica travel to remote areas in Central America to meet with people, see what is needed and then decide how funds will be invested to help.  This particular building is located in Balgue, Ometepe, Nicaragua.  It is the information base for the entire area, serving over 1,000 children and parents.  Literacy is so very important for people all over the world.   Sue Ellen Wortzell, Founding Director of Talica, is an Atlanta educator who works tirelessly to promote Talica and its goal to educate and inspire people in Central America who would not otherwise have this opportunity to learn.  Talica is dedicated to bringing books and information to rural impoverished regions of Central America.   The written word, as presented in books for all ages, is what opens the mind and allows people to grow and experience life at its best.  Their motto:  We find schools that can’t find us!

Talica North/South Dinner 2014

On Saturday, January 31st. a very special event is taking place at one of my favorite restaurants, Coastal Kitchen.  The North/South dinner will be held in the private dining room of the restaurant.  Two amazing chefs will join to provide an elaborate meal that will delight and satisfy the most discerning palate!  My friend, photographer, Donna MacPherson is on the Talica Board of Directors, hence the connection with the North.  Donna was born in Nova Scotia and visits family there regularly.

Chef Alain Bosse

Chef Alain Bosse aka The Kilted Chef, will represent the North, via Donna’s invitation.  He travels to St. Simons Island for the event from Nova Scotia. He brings the most delectable lobster and mussels with which to prepare several of the evening’s dishes.  What fun to watch this talented chef prepare fresh seafood and other yummy treats!

Chef Darin

The South is represented by Chef Darin Sehner from Savannah’s The Mansion On Forsyth Park.  Chef Darin is the talented executive chef at this fabulous property that I featured in a recent post.  He is delightful and uber talented as well!

Both chef’s will work together to create an evening you will never forget!  An event like this doesn’t come around every day!  I highly recommend the dinner as well as supporting the organization, Talica.  More information on this event is on the website, listed above.  Bon Apetit!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 01 22nd, 2015 | 1 Comment »

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You may read the title of this post and think I’m going to discuss the Fifth Amendment.  Or, perhaps, a fifth of scotch whiskey.  No, that is not the subject of today’s post.  The subject is the Fifth Anniversary!  That’s right. Ya’ll probably think I’ve been with Mr. T for years and years….ah that it were so!  When it comes to anniversaries my husband is a traditionalist.  He carefully surfs the internet to find out just what the gift for each year should be.

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The first year was a journal and a book of poetry, for paper.

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The second year was a piece of cotton clothing….the list also says a beach vacation, but we basically live on the beach.  Isn’t this pillow a cute idea?

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I believe the third year was something leather, oops…I can’t remember exactly.

And the fourth flowers.  He always chooses the most romantic cards and writes “Your Loving Husband” before signing his name…so sweet.

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Our fifth anniversary is this coming Friday, the 23rd.  I just went on-line to see what the recommended gift is for the fifth year.  WOOD????  Really???  I am not even going to venture to guess what he may decide upon for a gift!

Here are a few ideas….of what I would not want!

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I am not a person who gravitates toward cute little wooden plaques like this…sweet, but not me.

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And this wooden ring…pretty, but not me.

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Perhaps this?  Noooooooo….

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I will be happy with flowers….or maybe some interesting wooden napkin rings…a walk on Driftwood Beach?  I’m liking this driftwood heart as well!  Whatever he decides I will cherish it just as I do him!  Five years of marriage and our sixth year together.  The other night he made the comment that we’re in this for the long haul.  Yesiree!  This is IT for me.

Melissa | Out&About | 01 21st, 2015 | 7 Comments »

Remember the antique crab trap planters I featured in a post last year?  I’m continuing to have so much fun with them!

Now is the time of year that winter flowers are everywhere!  I’m loving pansies, petunias and snapdragons!

I’m considering filling the planters with these……

Possibly a few of these……

And maybe some of these!

Living in Coastal Georgia gives us so many options!  Give me your opinion and I’ll feature my final decision when all is planted!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 20th, 2015 | No Comments »

What an amazing weekend!  The gray skies finally cleared and energy filled the air!  We joined good friends for dinner on Saturday evening at Skippers in Darien, GA.  Yummy raw oysters and fried shrimp with a delicious house salad.

Then off we went on Sunday afternoon to Velocity Zone.  Our friends there have the most wonderful beach house.  It turns out to be the oldest house on the island.  The food was fantastic and the company even better as we enjoyed time with  my dear friend, Millie Wilcox.   Millie met Donna at the GVA ribbon cutting and, as artistic kindred spirits will, they instantly hit it off!  Sunday was all about getting to know each other and talking about future plans.

Look for more from Millie and Donna as they are teaming up to  feature Donna’s amazing photography in several different venues.

I’m beginning to realize that I could do an “out and about” segment on The Permanent Tourist, sharing what’s going on….with who….and all that’s happening with my many wonderful friends here on St. Simons.  What do you think?

We’re all in this together and it’s all so much fun!  Stay tuned for more news and more fun this week.  I’m loving it!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 19th, 2015 | No Comments »

I love this video of Kevin Kern’s, “Fields of Gold”.  One could think of the marshes as fields of gold at certain times of year.  I cherish my surroundings and my life here on St. Simons!  The friends I have made are so precious to me, each bringing a special talent or passion with them.  We all expand our minds and grow as individuals as a result of our friendship.  Enjoy this wonderful day!  I’m planning to hear the beautiful classical guitar concert at Christ Church later this afternoon.  Life is so very good…..live every minute!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 01 18th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

I had so much fun talking with Hernan Stutzer, owner of one of St. Simons Island’s hottest new restaurant’s, DelSur, joine me and wine expert, Mark Gagliano for a lively conversation about food and wine.  You’re going to love this show!  Get a glass of wine, if it’s late in the day or your coffee, if it’s morning, sit back and enjoy!

Melissa | On The Radio | 01 17th, 2015 | No Comments »

French Onion soup!  I made it for dinner Tuesday night and I’m sharing this delicious recipe with you today.  Pair it with a chopped salad of butter lettuce, radicchio and endive spears.  Toss the salad with a light vinaigrette and you’ve got a perfect winter meal!  I hope you’ll love this recipe as much as we do.  It’s easy to double for more servings too.  Get out your soup pots and start cooking!

French Onion Soup

5 tablespoons butter

3 large white onions, peeled and thinly sliced

1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons Madeira wine

1/2 teaspoon dry thyme leaves

1 bay leaf

4 cups beef broth

4 cups chicken broth

sea salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

8 slices French bread (stale or lightly toasted)

1 cup shredded gruyere cheese

Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven.  Add the onions and cook for 15 minutes, until the onions are beginning to brown.  Add 1/2 cup of Madeira, 2 tablespoons at a time, allow to evaporate before adding more.  Cook for 15 more minutes.  Add the thyme, bay leaf and broths.  Reduce to simmer and cook for one hour.  Add sea salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Madeira.  Ladle the soup into four bowls, place two slices of French bread on the top and cover with shredded gruyere.  Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is bubbly and just beginning to brown.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 01 16th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

It’s been gray and a bit dismal here on the island for the past few days.  When this happens I am reminded of the fact that I thrive on sunlight.  I’m not sure how people live in places like Seattle where it can be like this for days on end!  While dreaming of a sunny day I’ve been thinking about gratitude.

In 1995 Sarah Ban Breathnach began a series of books the first of which was entitled “Simple Abundance”.  I devoured this book and those that followed but, at the time, I don’t think I really “got it”.  Life happened at that point like a ride on the world’s biggest roller coaster.  I had yet to discover who Melissa really was.  I was familiar with the word gratitude but not so much how powerful it could be until I began to study this series of books.  I began to question who I was and, with a big gulp, travel within.  There was much hesitation and resistance to be fought at the time.  My journey has continued….

I truly believe that our thoughts are things and that we can create who we want to be, where we want to live and what we want to do deep down in our souls!  It takes a journey within and it takes admitting that we are blessed with our lives, that we have much to be thankful for and that this is a great adventure we can either choose to enjoy or suffer through.

Ms. Ban Breathnach now has a new book entitled “The Best Part Of The Day”.  It is marketed as a children’s book, but I’ve taken a look and it applies to all who read it.  She encourages sharing the best part of your day with your family and friends, having conversation and expressing gratitude.  I’m incorporating this into daily life in our home.  I think it is essential!

My journey has brought me to this island, a place I never even knew existed until 2004.  I dreamed of living here, never knowing how that could possibly happen.  Not a day goes by that I do not say thank you, again and again.  I’m writing, my dream profession, and actually being published…..YIPPEEE!!!  Life is good as my journey continues.  I’m so happy to have readers to share it with.  2015 is off to a very good beginning!  Stay with me….it’s lift off time!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 15th, 2015 | No Comments »

On Thursday, January 15th, Glynn Visual Arts will open its doors in a new location.  The move has been underway for months now.  We’ll finally be able to walk through the beautiful new space and enjoy the work of two talented artists.

80 works of metal point and watercolor by artist, Jeannine Cook, will be on display for all to see.

The whimsical sculpture of David Millman  will also open this first show by Glynn Visual Arts in 2014.

The grand opening, ribbon cutting and overall celebration begins at 4:30 on Thursday.  Guests will be able to walk through the wonderful new home of GVA with its museum quality gallery, elegant gift shop, state-of-the-art classrooms, and professional pottery studio until 7:00 p.m.  An open house will also be held this coming Saturday, January 17th from 9am – 5pm.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the brilliant work of these two artists and to see Glynn Visual Arts in its new home!  For information on this event and GVA go here:  www.glynnart.org.  Hats off to John Bauser, the Board of Directors for GVA and all those who made this amazing dream come true!  See you there!

Glynn Visual Arts –  106 Island Drive – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-638-8770 – info@glynnvisualarts.com

Melissa | Out&About | 01 14th, 2015 | 1 Comment »