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 »

It’s Finally Friday and the link party is ending!

I had to share an authentic French recipe with my readers.

Just hearing the word “Souffle” brings a cold chill to the heart of most cooks.  But this one is so very easy….please give it a try.  My recipe is based on one that originated in Suzanne Somers first weight loss book “Eat Great, Lose Weight”.  It is delicious and the perfect lunch or rainy night supper dish.  Paired with a crisp green salad dressed with classic French vinaigrette….perfection!

Simple Cheese Souffle

1 tablespoon butter, softened

6 large eggs, separated

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

gray salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 shredded Swiss Cheese

3/4 shredded Gruyere Cheese

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Coat a six cup souffle pan with the butter.  In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, cayenne, nutmeg and other seasoning.  Using a wire whisk, combine the egg mixture with the grated and softened cheese until smooth.  In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff.  Fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture and carefully spoon into the buttered pan.  Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees, then lower the oven to 400 degrees for 20 minutes longer, or until a knife slipped into the center of the souffle comes out clean.  Voila!

So, I bid my new friends adieu, for the time being.  This week has been a break from my usual blogging routine!  Thanks to my readers for your patience and interest!

Have a wonderful weekend…..till we meet again…..Au Revoir.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 05 24th, 2013 | 15 Comments »

Our link party is drawing to a close……what fun it has been!  I’ve enjoyed venturing into the French world with everyone so much.

What would a week of all things French be without featuring French Country design.

You feel it beckoning to you as you arrive.

It pulls you into its warmth.

Into a fabulous kitchen….the heart of the home.

An outdoor space to entertain and relax.

A place to rest and renew….peaceful, tranquil.

Or….perhaps a romantic hideaway deep in the garden……bliss!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 23rd, 2013 | 5 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 »

When I think of France gardens immediately come to mind.  Maybe because they play such an important role in the work of one of my favorite artists from the Impressionist Era….Monet.

The ever present sunflowers as seen in works by van Gogh.

The colors seen on the countryside as you travel through the south of France.

Deep purples, vibrant blues and shades of yellow, reds and gold mix to create a lush palette I am attempting to reproduce in my own garden.

Just as the colors of vegetables served at a table in Provence spark one’s sense of taste, the colors of flowers and vegetation seen throughout the countryside send the sensual feeling of earthiness through my soul.

This is a place of comfort, a place for nurturing the creative spirit.

As I write my posts this week I feel my dream of returning to France taking shape, forming itself into reality…..and it is so.  I can almost smell the lavender!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 21st, 2013 | 8 Comments »

I’m participating in Anita Rivera’s International Blog Party this week, focusing on all things French!

Anita is the lovely woman who creates the blog Castles Crowns and Cottages.  Read more here: http://wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com/., find the other bloggers who are participating and enjoy great reads…all week long!

Since France is probably my most favorite place on this planet, other than New York City, I feel so honored to take part in this special week of posts.

We are also celebrating the publication of another fellow blogger’s book, Vicki Archer, author of “French Essence”.  Both the blog and the book are a simply wonderful read…full of pictures and inspiration…ahhhhhh, France!

Join me as I journey through memories of my time in France as well as the weaving of my plans to return with Mr. T.  There will, of course, be food involved!  How could I do anything French and not include something yummy!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 20th, 2013 | 21 Comments »

I’m taking part in a link party hosted by Anita at Castles Crowns and Cottages.  This is one of the really fun parts of blogging.  Linking with other writers and sharing our dreams and experiences.

I visited France years ago and long to return.  My journal of wishes and plans is being assembled as I recall my journey there.

I stayed at The Carlton in Cannes and it was instant love.

Then a trip to Jean le Pin for Bouillabaisse and more love.

St. Tropez and a fabulous room at Hotel Byblos.  Long walks on the beaches and food so fresh…I still remember the tastes and smells.

We never made it to Paris on that trip, but it’s at the top of my list.  I’ve always dreamed of traveling there with Mr. T.  What a place for romance, exploring and just enjoying life.

And then, there has to be that little side trip to Provence for a month where I can immerse myself in learning more about French cuisine, taking a class or two and renting a country home where other family members can join us.

Dreams do come true and this one will….I do believe, I do believe, I do, I do, I do!!!

Thanks for the chance to share Anita!  Please visit Castles Crowns and Cottages….here:  http://wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogspot.com/

Melissa | Out&About | 05 18th, 2013 | 9 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 »

This little girl is a fighter!

One of the reasons I am posting about her is because we all need to be aware of the danger of ticks, especially as we enter summer.

Even with medication a tick bite caused YumYum to contract an immune system disorder that caused her to gradually become crippled.

No real diagnosis has ever been reached.  Yet Yum Yum gets around, chases her litter mate brother, Nanki Poo, around the house as best she can and has something to say about everything.

Yum Yum’s heart is strong….what a survivor!

In case you’re wondering where the names originated….these pets belong to my Mom, an operatic singer.  In Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta “The Mikado”, two of the characters are named YumYum & NankiPoo.  Mom is a classic and her two beloved Shitz Tzu’s are as well!

The Permanent Tourist is currently accepting Sponsors for the site, contact melissa@thepermanenttourist.com for more information.

Melissa | Out&About | 05 15th, 2013 | No Comments »

I posted last week about the upcoming art opening at the Left Bank Art Gallery.

I met with Jennifer Broadus a couple of weeks ago and saw her paintings that will be presented at the show.

Weaving the past with the present, Jennifer’s paintings are such an interesting contrast to the paintings of Mildred Huie.

Road.to_.Cannons.Point

Where Mrs. Huie captured her impressions of what Cannon’s Point looked like in its hey day, Jennifer Broadus has presented what they are today….the ruins of a bygone era.

The-Cooks-Chimney-CannonsPoint

Cannon’s Point has been purchased by the St. Simons Land Trust and is being renewed as a park that all can enjoy.

The-Ruins-Cannons-Point

Each of the paintings in the upcoming show present a piece of the island’s history, the colorful past when the plantations bustled with energy and the quiet present where they lay in ruins, at rest for eternity.

Under-Weeping-Oaks

The quiet stillness of Jennifer Broadus’ work has a haunting quality only to be equaled by actually visiting Cannon’s Point, seeing the chimney and other ruins standing stark and lonely against the landscape of oak trees.

Old.Dock@-Sunrise-CannonsPoint

All of this and more awaits at the Left Bank Art Gallery when you visit!  I find the work of Mildred Huie beautiful in detail and color.  Another post featuring this great local artist will follow over the next few weeks.

Once again, I am reminded that this is a very special, magical place to call home!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 14th, 2013 | No Comments »