The Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival celebrated its 69th anniversary last weekend. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious art events in the United States. Thousands of visitors flock to the quaint downtown of Fairhope to purchase unique items. This year featured artists from Alabama and I was very impressed with the caliber of work.
As you can see, the "boss dog", Jack, thoroughly enjoyed his time at the festival. He was a magnet for people of all sizes including this lovely Azalea Trail Maid! This goodwill ambassador exuded southern charm despite the warm temperatures. In fact, she said she was so grateful that it was a beautiful day. (I think Jack is in love)!
After walking the streets for over an hour, Jack and I ventured into The Waggy Tail where Brandi & Alexis let him take a "test drive" in this sharp looking stroller. Needless to say, we rolled out of this adorable pet supply store with his new ride.
He loved being able to see everything from his new perch and was an instant attraction for kids and adults. There were countless other small dogs "rolling" through the exhibits and we stopped to chat with many fellow dog owners.
If you are a pet owner who travels with your dog then put Fairhope on your agenda as a place to visit. There are countless dog watering bowls outside of businesses. Most, if not all, stores welcome your well behaved dog into their establishment. Jack and I were lovingly greeted into numerous places.
There is plenty of outdoor dining so you don't have to struggle with figuring out where to have lunch or dinner. On Festival days, the wait time was over 2 hours so be aware of that. Typically you can be seated quickly on regular weekdays and weekends.
We stopped in Melt-n-More to say hello to Rona and inquire about candle-making class! This wonderful shop features only Alabama artists and crafters. Definitely put it on your list of places to visit.
The festival exhibitors were in tents on the streets of town and I was amazed at the variety that our state offers! I fell in LOVE with Giulia Sciutto's Happy Bee Jewelry. I gifted myself with a couple of pieces and fully intend to seek her out to add to the collection! Another artist really got my attention. Royal Miree creates beautiful copper and stainless steel sculptures for your home or office. Check out the links for yourself!
There were multiple festivals happening all over the Gulf Coast last weekend. It was wonderful to see so many people out and about enjoying the beautiful weather. I had friends posting pictures on social media from events in Pensacola and New Orleans!
Mark your calendar for Fairhope's 2022 Arts & Crafts Festival. It is scheduled for March 18, 19 & 20th and they will be celebrating 70 years! Now is the time to book your hotel reservations if you are visiting from out of town! Adrienne Tate, travel guru will be happy to help you with your plans!
Happy Mother's Day! Sunday, May 9th!
Happy Mother's Day to all of you super heroes! I adore sharing this photo of my mom, "the queen". She had southern charm and grace and set the bar high for her children. I am eternally grateful for all of the lessons that she taught me even when I did not understand the purpose.
She has been gone from the planet for a number of years. I do feel her presence when I am cooking or doing anything artsy! She had more talent in her pinkie finger than most people ever experience.
In a perfect journey she would have been a well-known fashion designer. That was her passion yet she set aside her aspirations in order to be a mom to her four children. My sisters and I did benefit from her design talent in our attire!
Many times, mothers are the unsung glue of the family. Despite the shift in roles from homemaker to career woman, they tend to be the nurturing force. Many of you will be scrambling around this week to find the perfect gift. Flowers, wine, lunch or some token of your affection are great ways to say you care. I believe that more than anything, time with you is the best gift possible. So pick up the phone or jump in your car and plan to spend some quality time with your mother this year!
In the Spotlight: Michelle Tice
Michelle Tice and I have been friends for a number of years and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with her as an MDB partner. She is a financial representative for Strategic Wealth Specialists and is ready to help you meet your goals.
This mother of 6 (yes 6) is one of the most compassionate entrepreneurs that I have ever met. Once you become her client, it is probable that you will be with her for life. Why you wonder? Because she truly cares about you and your financial health! She is going to listen to your needs and help you develop a plan that will work for you.
Over a year ago, she shifted career gears to become a financial representative. She was inspired by her mentor, Tim Heath, after being a client of his for 18 months. He guided Michelle and her husband, Sammy, to become financially healthy again. She shows others how simple it is to take charge of money in their lives.
You'll be able to read more about this dedicated lady on the website in the near future. Meanwhile you can set up a free consultation by calling her office at 251-472-4400.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret to getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one.” ― Mark Twain
In the Kitchen:
Last week, my friend and MDB partner, Stan Chapman grilled Salmon for us as a treat. I fixed a Caesar salad with homemade croutons & dressing, some asparagus and broccoli. We also had some lime-flavored rice that was incredible.
The show stopper was Stan's Salmon. I thought I knew how to cook this wonderful fish until I took my first bite of his offering. Geez, I have NEVER had salmon that tasted so good!
Here are a couple of hints if you are ready to grill! You'll need some cedar grilling planks and don't forget to soak them for an hour. Let your fish warm up to room temperature while the planks are soaking.
Spray the salmon with oil, he used avocado oil spray, then seasoned. His mixture is a 1:1 ratio of Montreal Seasoning and Brown Sugar. Put on the grill and cover until done. I'm not sure how long he let them cook since I was inside making the salad and veggies. I imagine 15-20 minutes would suffice. Happy Grilling everyone!
My Mother's Day weekend will include a trip to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival at OWA. I attended my first hot air balloon festival when I was living in Greenville, SC. It was such a memorable and beautiful experience! I was able to go up in the clouds in a tethered balloon and have been fascinated with them since then.
I was very happy to learn that this free festival would be held just down the interstate at OWA. Click on the link to get all the details! I have included the schedule of events below from OWA's website! I hope to see some of you in Foley! The balloon glow is truly beautiful, so plan to hang out until 7:30PM and don't forget to bring your camera!
This week, I hope that you stop and smell the gardenias that are blooming all over the South! Be in the moment and really appreciate every day to its fullest. We all have an expiration date on this planet yet we take our daily lives for granted. Live "full blast" this week and have a wonderful one!
~ Charlsie