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 | odysseys, people | 05 22nd, 2013 | No 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 | Uncategorized | 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 | Uncategorized | 05 20th, 2013 | 11 Comments »

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.

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 | Uncategorized | 05 20th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

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 | Uncategorized | 05 18th, 2013 | 9 Comments »

Since last week’s menu was a cholesterol blow out, I’m simplifying things a bit today.  I love good Asian food, as you can probably tell from past posts.  This menu is quick and easy, yet so yummy!  Enjoy!

WonTon Crisps with Sweet & Sour Sauce

Cashew Chicken over Jasmine Rice

Stir-fried String Beans

Blood Orange Gelato

Tsing-Tao Beer….icy cold

WonTon Crisps with Sweet & Sour Sauce

1 package wonton wrappers

1 1/2 cups peanut oil

Cut the wrappers into 1/2 inch wide strips.  Heat the oil in a wok until sizzling.  Fry the strips in batches and drain on paper toweling.

Sweet & Sour Sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon corn starch

1 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon grated, fresh ginger root

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 scallion, finely diced

Stir the brown sugar and corn starch together, place in a small pan, add remaining ingredients and simmer until thick and just bubbling.  Remove from heat and serve at room temperature.

Cashew Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (if you prefer, you can use chicken thighs) cut into 1 inch cubes

1 egg white

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 cup finely chopped scallion, green ends included

1/2 cup finely diced sweet red pepper

1/2 cup raw cashew nuts (You may substitute almonds or peanuts if you desire)

1 cup peanut oil

Cut the chicken and place in a bowl, set aside.  Beat the egg white with the cornstarch, pour over the chicken and toss to coat well.  Let sit for 20 minutes.

Pour the peanut oil into a wok and heat over medium high heat.  Add the chicken with a slotted spoon and cook until golden brown on all sides.  Remove wok from the heat and drain all but 2 tablespoons of the oil.  Reheat the remaining oil, adding the vegetables and cashew nuts.  Add the following sauce:

1/2 cup good soy sauce

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon hot chili oil

1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 teaspoons cornstarch

Whisk together in a small bowl and pour over cooked vegetables and nuts.  Add the chicken back to the wok and cook through, about five minutes, over medium high heat.

Serve over a scoop of jasmine rice that has been steamed.

Stir-fried String Beans

1 pound fresh string beans, cleaned and snapped

1 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, finely minced

1/4 pound ground pork

1/4 cup peanut oil

soy sauce to taste

Heat the peanut oil in a small wok or saute pan.  Add the garlic, ginger and pork, tossing until the pork is browning.  Add the string beans and toss for about three minutes.  The beans should be crisp.  Season with soy sauce as desired.  Serve with the Cashew Chicken.

Orange Gelato

Your favorite brand will do. I personally choose the Ciao Bella brand.  I like the orange flavor after this meal.  It really cleans the palate after the slight spiciness of the dish.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 05 17th, 2013 | No 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, odysseys, people | 05 16th, 2013 | 2 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 | murphy's world | 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 | Uncategorized | 05 14th, 2013 | No Comments »

Mother’s Day is always special.  Before my daughter, Skylar, was born I used to get a deep case of the blues each year.

This year I’m sailing on top of the world!  Skylar is going on seventeen and has turned into the loveliest young woman!

Our day began with breakfast, beautifully arranged on a tray and served on our deck.  A sunny, cool day with a soft ocean breeze made the experience so perfect! And I thought breakfast was IT!

A cold seafood lunch served al fresco, for Mom and Me…..I think I must have taught Skylar something right!

As the day came to an end, my lovely husband made the toast by saying, “Mr. T. loves Mom too!” The only thing that would have made the day more perfect would have been to have my step daughters present with their children.  Missed them all and wished them a Happy Mother’s Day as well! Life is good here on our island…..very, very good!

Melissa | Uncategorized | 05 13th, 2013 | 1 Comment »