The month of May is packed with special days like Mother's Day and Cinco de Mayo! The Gulf Coast is booming with fun things to do with family and friends. Have you made plans yet?
I love to take time to honor my own mom in May. She was a beautiful human being (as you can see) and she was incredibly talented. I grew up watching this powerful soul creating beautiful art on canvas, clay, wood and almost every other medium. She was fearless when it came to expressing her creative side.
She was a genius in the kitchen! I will share some of her recipes in this blog. I grew up dining on restaurant quality or better meals. Every meal was served on real plates, often china, with beautiful crystal glasses keeping my sweet tea cold. She never, ever served her elegant fare on paper plates. I have carried this habit into my own life. I often think of her when I am placing the silverware properly around our plates. She taught me so well!
She encouraged my love for the outdoors, plants and animals. In fact, she inspired me to purchase my first pet at age 5 with my piggy bank savings. My little poodle cost $25 and I paid the breeder in quarters. The seller was so gracious, realizing that my mother was teaching me so many valuable lessons with this transaction.
Mothering has become much more challenging in today's society. Women are splitting their time between careers, motherhood, being wives, and lastly taking care of themselves. Competing with phones, videos, and other distractions for time with their children has become the norm. I encourage everyone to slow down this Mother's Day and show appreciation for the woman who said yes to being your mom.
I plan to spend time outdoors, cook something from my mom's collection, and perhaps take a ride to one of her favorite places; Dauphin Island!
Things to do in May on the Gulf Coast!
Market in the Park, Saturday, May 4th 7:30AM - noon, 300 Conti Street, Cathedral Square in Mobile. Fresh produce, unique crafts and more!
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, May 2 - 4th, OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, Alabama.
Visit Belligrath Gardens during the month of May because the rose garden is "showing off" beautifully! Click here for ticket information. This is a wonderful outing for moms in the area!
Taste of Ocean Springs Wine & Food Festival, Thursday, May 9 from 6-8PM. Click here for more information.
The Gulf Coast offers numerous options for those looking for something to do! Enjoy the beautiful weather in May and explore your area. Imagine living in a place that you can drive south to Dauphin Island, east to Gulf Shores and west to the Mississippi shoreline! Its a daytrip to New Orleans if you are looking for great music. In fact, May 2-5 is the second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival. No matter what you decide to do, I'm certain you are going to have a great time in May on the coast!
What's New on YouTube?
Do you remember when you could order Steak Gorgonzola at your local Italian "chain"? Well, they pulled it off the menu, so that motivated me to learn how to make it myself. Wow, this is a delicious entree that has so much flavor. Don't panic, it is pretty simple to make. Click here and come cook with me on my channel!
How about a quick dessert that only needs 4 ingredients? Strawberry Crinkle Cookies are a yummy and quick cookie that your family will love. This one was a special request at our house after I made a chocolate version. Try it and let me know what you think. Click here for the recipe.
Say "I do" to this version of Marry Me Chicken based on the original recipe. I can see why it is one of the most popular dishes on the internet. It is so easy to make and your family will love you for it! Click here to watch the video! ( I just realized that the silverware is reversed in this photo)!
Another popular internet sensation is the skillet cookie. I pulled out my mom's old seasoned cast iron skillet and baked this Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart. It was wonderful right out of the oven with a soft, gooey center and crispy edges! The next day it was even better! Click here for the video and please try this scrumptious cookie!
Seafood pasta anyone? This Creamy Herb Shrimp Pasta is a simple dinner option yet it tastes like you "slaved" over the stove for hours. Trust me, it takes less than 30 minutes to put together. The hardest part is assembling all of the ingredients! Click here and let's astonish your family with something tasty.
I find any dessert that finds its origins in Europe is going to be light and flavorful. This French Butter Cookie did not disappoint, in fact I don't think they "survived" 48 hours in our home! Click here and let's bake together.
Here are some links to a few of my mom's classic recipes.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who follows my "hobby" channel. I love to cook and really enjoying sharing some outstanding recipes!
Boss Partners in the News!
Congratulations to Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning for being nominated for this year's Nappie Awards! Click here to begin voting today! In addition to this local honor, we are very excited about this locally owned company moving into their brand new building this week! We can't wait for the grand opening in West Mobile!
Lisa Underwood Harkey, founder of AlaCoast Insurance Agency, was telling me that her team has been busy helping customers find the best coverage for their recreational "toys". Alabama is a sportsman's dream and protecting your assets, like your boat, camper, ATV, motorcycle and motorhome is what Lisa and her staff enjoy doing. Give her a call at 251-661-4410 for more information. Stay tuned for the launch of her newly designed website in May.
I met with David Lindsey of Mobile Marble Company last week and he said they have never been so busy. If you are considering a bathroom remodel, then perhaps you should give these professionals a call at 251-344-6272. Did you know that they have been making bathrooms beautiful for over 50 years on the coast? David Lindsey and Mike Waldo are standing in front of one of the most popular services/products that they offer. The Total Tub Replacement changes the usefulness of your existing bathroom! Are you ready? All products used are made in the USA!
Have a wonderful May and enjoy this lovely weather! Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Enjoy Cinco de Mayo this Sunday! I hope to see some of you on Dauphin Island or at the balloon festival! Special shout out to those who have made today extra special. You know who you are and thank you so much! ~ Charlsie
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