My Simplified Holiday Season

I am determined to enjoy the holidays without all of the typical stress.  Last year I was still recovering from my first Achilles repair and I just wanted to get through the holidays.  This year has been full of interesting change and I'm so excited about the holidays and the new year...I feel it is important to celebrate.  So I am trying something different, as I was discussing my thoughts with a customer she suggested that I post it and then let everyone know how it goes!

Instead of trying to have a big holiday party I'm opting to have more casual impromptu gatherings with just a few folks at a time.  I think this will be better because I'll really get to visit with and enjoy my friends. 

Here's my plan and how I'm going to do it: 

This past week I finished my holiday decorating (definitely scaled back from previous years!) But I felt this was as important for me as it is for guests.  I did a very small vintage looking, gold tinsel tree in my in my bedroom.  It’s all new and a little over the top but I’m enjoying it.  In my living room I put up a small pencil tree, I wasn’t going to do it but I have some very special “Chloe” ornaments that I really wanted to display. Outside I went all natural, I used live garland and wreaths, and stuffed the window boxes with various evergreens from my property.



My Bedroom Tinsel Tree



Pencil Tree and Mantle

I ran errands one night after work so that I could stock my bar and wine cooler including a couple bottles of Champagne.   I also purchased some other treats including great cheeses, cured meats, Marcona almonds, delicious olives, a few kinds of crackers, as well as some sweets like a new favorite Panettone raisin cake, French truffles, peppermint bark, and some of my special “Holiday Snack Mix” (my recipe is below). I feel like these items along with some great Gatewood Hall provisions (Yes, this a shameless plug) like our Sansaba Peach Pecan Amaretto preserves to pour over cream cheese or pound cake, blood orange curd by Bella Cucina to put in their tiny butter crusts or even some GH black bean salsa will give me plenty of options for some quick and tasty snacks or appetizers.  These items have a long shelf life and besides, who wouldn't love a nice Chartecurie board and a glass of wine?

Wonderful Provisions

I have my iPod loaded with a special holiday mix.  I neatly put all of my holiday magazines, catalogs and Christmas cards in a nice basket complete with pens and stamps, I keep it beside my bed so if I want some holiday inspiration or feel like writing out a few cards I can do it easily.
 

My Magazine and Holiday Card Basket

I’m burning holiday candles (Available at GH J) and I am even listening to holiday music in my car. 

I’m having a few small, casual and intimate dinners, a few friends for a traditional afternoon high tea, and possibly a nice brunch.  I am also taking advantage of our great restaurants in Blue Ridge.  For our GH team celebration we are going to Cucina Rustica. Or what could be better than meeting a few friends for sliders, Pat’s great brews and some wonderful soup by Polina at Blue Ridge Brewery?  

So here’s how my plan is going so far…The other night I had friends over. We sat in front of the fire (I confess I had the AC on because Mother Nature didn’t cooperate and it was really too warm for a fire!) drank wine, ate Spanish cheese, olives, almonds, pate and French bread.  Then we had a very simple salad, along with a shrimp and pasta dish (more wine!) and then a sampling of fantastic cupcakes and truffles from my girls at the Sweet Shoppe of Blue Ridge.  I have to tell you it was a wonderful and stress-free evening with lots of conversation and laughs.  Exactly what I was hoping for that evening!
 

Tablescape for Small Dinner Party

I’ll keep you posted on how the rest of the season goes. Wish me luck and most importantly I hope you and your loved ones have a very special holiday season with many, many wonderful memories.

Corky's Holiday Snack Mix

1-  Can (1 LB 2.75 OZ)  Planters Winter Spiced Mixed Nuts
1-  Bag (12 OZ) White Chocolate Chips
2-  Bag (8 OZ or more if you like) Dried Cranberries
1-  Bag (5 OZ) Emerald Brand Glazed Pecan Pie Pecans (Optional but delicious!)

Mix together and store in an air-tight tin or jar!  Enjoy!!

Check Out The Sweet Shoppe Blue Ridge

Have we got something fabulous to tell you about. We have a new Sweet Shoppe in Blue Ridge and it is WONDERFUL!!! Susan Catron and Nikki Gribble opened this great place a little while back and shame on us, we just now got a chance to visit. You probably know both of these ladies as they have been very involved in our community for awhile but lucky for us they have decided to share this side of their talents with us in their new Sweet Shoppe! The space itself has never looked better, it reminds you of a little French Patisserie, so quaint and cozy! Filled with beautiful confections including home-made cookies, hand-made artisan truffles, premium dipped north Georgia apples, berries and cherries UNBELIEVABLE!! They also have some very, very special gourmet cupcakes. In fact they have so many flavors you can visit their website (www.sweetshoppeblueridge.com) for their entire menu or friend them on FaceBook (facebook.com/sweetshoppeblueridge) for the daily menu. Today we had Tres Leche (my favorite!!), Chocolate Cream Pie (Shawn's favorite), Key Lime Pie & Blond Bombshell (my second favorite)!! They are as beautiful as they are delicious. We can't wait to try Banana's Foster, Mississippi Mud, Orange Dreamsicle...oh who are we kidding...we want to try all of them. We hear that their new fall menu is coming out soon.... Heaven help us! Wonder how many Weight Watchers Points are in these babies??? Oh who cares, they are worth it!

Above a skewer of blueberries, hand-dipped in luscious, premium chocolate! Susan told me that Nikki is the "Chocolatier" and I am telling you each treat is like a beautiful, ittle work of art!

Above handmade artisan truffles, in flavors like Thin Mint, Oreo Cheesecake, Orange Melt, Coconut Cherry, and Irish Cream! What a beautiful gift these would make!

The Sweet Shoppe Blue Ridge is located in the courtyard below Harvest across from Christy Lee's (576 East Main Street, Suite D Blue Ridge, Georgia) and get this they are open late on Friday and Saturday so you can stop in after dinner for a little dessert treat. Also great to know they will ship their speciality items!! Treat yourself, go in today...Tell them Corky & Shawn sent you...you will probably see us there. ENJOY you are gonna love it!!

Our Field Trip To The Cashiers Designer Showhouse

Yesterday Shawn and I took our annual field trip to check out the 14th Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse sponsored by the Historical Society in Cashiers, North Carolina. We love to visit the Highlands and Cashiers area, visit some of our favorite shops and we usually grab a delicious southern family style feast at the Dillard House.

This years showhouse called "Reflections" is an older log home built in 1967 from logs reclaimed from Tennessee Valley Authority construction sites, a second wing was added later in 1971. (I love it when they choose to decorate an older home, that is always a little more of a challenge and often requires a lot of creativity.) The forty-two acres that the property sits on is absolutely beautiful!! This years designers did a wonderful job and we would encourage you to treat yourself and make a road trip to check it out.

The stone terrace entrance was designed by James Farmer, it was lovely. In the photo above I love the color story cleverly tied together with the large bowl of heirloom tomatoes. (We also love James' beautiful new book "A Time To Plant" check it out next time you are in the store)

This was one of my favorite rooms, the Writers Retreat designed by Barbara Heath of The Mercantile in Atlanta it was such wonderful, calm room. (If you've never been to The Mercantile you should go, Barbara is the owner and her store is really fabulous!)

This is a view of the Shawn's favorite room the Lounging Porch designed by Francie Hargrove. It was so inviting, you actually felt like lounging here. The tall, stone fireplace and long drapery panels were so dramatic!

The dining table on the lounging porch was stunning, Hargove used beautiful, horn handled cutlery, and some gorgeous Jan Barboligio candelabras.

The library designed by Lynn Monday was such a cozy space, I love that she used such beautiful contemporary pieces to incorporate in a very rustic setting to create such a beautiful design. I also love the symmetry of this room.

Notice the unusual bookshelves, everyone can use some of these techniques like hanging art or even stag horns, and groups of books along with special objects to create visual interest on their own built-ins.

Of course Shawn enjoyed the many gardens and sitting areas. We thought the Adirondack wood furniture here was wonderful!

You really should go and check out this beautiful showhouse! For more info visit their website at www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org/about/cashiers-designer-showhouse/hile We so enjoy visiting the beautiful North Carolina Highlands area...But when we arrived home last night we took some friends out on our boat on Lake Blue Ridge and there is something really special about a Blue Ridge, Georgia sunset!!

The Fannin County Chamber is AWESOME!!

Our Fannin County Chamber ROCKS! We were asked to participate in an event that was held this past Thursday night to host several travel writers from across the US and Canada. The media marketplace event was called "A Little Taste of the Georgia Mountains", and we were honored to be asked to participate! We were paired with a restaurant and ours happened to be one of our favorite's Blue Ridge Brewery (Woo Hoo!)

Shawn, Brenda, Becky and Chrissy had the store all spruced up for our guests! I have to say I think our little town looked awesome! All of the merchants had really stepped up and put in some hard work to get camera ready for our guests.

One off our favorite artists and friends Lynn Kemp came to hang out with us show off her fabulous "Made It!" jewelry line with our visitors. They raved about her wonderful collection, we even sold a few pieces that night!

Oh man- you would not believe the spread that Blue Ridge Brewery put out! Lamb chop lollipops with herbed couscous, spinach pizzas, hummus triangles, Polina's famous open face egg salad with pepperoncini, charcuterie samplers (one of my ultimate favorites), their outrageous chocolate pie and of course some of Pat's very special beers! Without question team BRB BROUGHT IT!! Our guests were blown away...I saw one of them taking a photo of the lamb chop plate!! Shawn, Becky and I were very polite until all of the visitors had been through but let's just say when the last guest left our store "we helped clean up!!" and it was pure heaven!! Pat, Polina, Sandy and Beverly we are proud to have been teamed up with you, thanks for all of the hard work, and fun time!

We also sampled Girl & Fig Mostarda and our newest gourmet goodie from Atlanta, Georgia Hot Squeeze...our guests loved them!! (If you haven't tried them yet you are missing out!)

We had these stickers made up! Because we love our town, and we love our Chamber! Great job Jan, Elaine, Jode, Donna and the volunteers that made this special event happen! You all did a great job shining a light on our corner of the world, the event was so professional yet casual and gracious! THANK YOU, we appreciate all that you do!

Cookin Chicks Comes to Blue Ridge!

We have a new business here Blue Ridge that has a concept that we just love! Let us introduce you to "Cookin' Chicks", they offer wonderful homemade meals without the hassle. Two self-described "Soccer Moms" said to themselves...just how many times can you go to the drive thru? They recognized that nearly everyone wants to be able to offer their family a nice homecooked meal, but the reality for many is that our busy, hectic and real world lives makes that goal nearly impossible.

The Cookin Chicks (pictured above) Nicole Hamilton Honeycutt and Kathryn Learn Harris have opened at 2460 East First Street Space C-6 Blue Ridge, (behind Taste of Amish).

Let Kathryn and Nicole do the shopping, chopping and cooking for you. Their meals make great gifts for a new neighbor, a friend with a new baby, or even a pot luck supper. They make a homemade meal ready to pop in the oven. The dinners include a main dish, a side dish and dessert that comes packaged (see above...how cute is that) and ready for you to pick up!

An example of one of their delicious meals above, creamy chicken and wild rice, fresh salad with poppy seed dressing, and classic chocolate brownies...YUM! Currently their hours are Tuesday and Thursday 3:3o to 6:00PM, you can check out their FaceBook page for upcoming menus http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cookin-Chicks/188819031145143 , you can call (706-455-0235) or email (cookinchicks@yahoo.com) them to pre-order your supper!! Dinners are available for two, four or six people with prices from $15 to $35. We can't wait to try their meals out and hope you will also, tell them Corky & Shawn sent you!

Cucina Rustica Is Always A Treat!

This past Saturday night we enjoyed dinner at Cucina Rustica and as always it was OUTSTANDING! Cucina is always consistent, since they opened we have never had anything but excellent meals there. I have tried most of the items on the menu and you can't go wrong with anything. It is always a perfect choice to take your visitors.

Cucina features Italian country cuisine with definite highlights of chef Isabella's northern Italian heritage (her father is a well known chef also). The emphasis is on light, flavorful but not overpowering sauces and fresh ingredients. To add a special touch, a wood-fired oven is used to prepare baked dishes. The main entrees and pastas include favorites such as: Crespelle al Forno, Baked Spinach and Ricotta Crepes (heavenly!), Fillet Mignon with Porcini sauce (Shawn's Favorite), Tortellini All Nonna which is Meat-filled tortellini tossed in a rich cream sauce with prosciutto, peas and parmigiano (my favorite!) or even a traditional Pizza Margherita. They usually have daily specials that are out of this world. The dessert choices include several wonderful delights including the Tiramisu Della Mamma (it is absolutely the best Tiramisu that I've ever had). The separate dining areas allow for seating of private parties. For those who enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer with their dinner, Cucina Rustica is one of the first restaurants in Fannin County to receive a pouring license.

If you haven't been to Cucina Rustica you really are missing out! I promise you will love it. Owners John and Isabella along with their excellent, well-trained team will take great care of you, and you will leave in happy bliss! Located only about five minutes from downtown Blue Ridge at 76 Forge Mill Crossing in Morganton. It is best to make a reservation by calling 706-374-7474. Go treat yourself and tell them we sent you!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Sometimes I forget how much I love Blue Ridge! Years ago when we bought our place up here I told Shawn that I'd never take our beautiful long range mountain view for granted...Well I think I may have to some degree. Recently, we worked on a project in South Georgia, I have also been busy in Atlanta so I really haven't been up here for a few weeks. I have to tell you when I arrived this evening it just felt so good to be here and I took a look at our view and thought to myself, wow I have really missed my mountain home.

I'm also pretty patriotic, and with all of our concerns I still consider myself so fortunate to be be an American, living in this wonderful country of ours. I think Fourth of July in our north Georgia town is a really fun and special time. Americana at it's best.

Get up early Saturday and go downtown to our wonderful Blue Ridge Farmers Market in the park, oh the local goodies that you will find!! Then head over to L&L Beanery Cafe and have their delicious breakfast Casserole! By now it should be close to 10AM and time for the Annual Fourth of July Parade so head over to the park near East Main. This year the bands are awesome so ENJOY!! Go into Love Dogs & Cats Too and see Larry and Ricki and pick up some treats for that lucky cat or dog. Pop into the Little Shop and stock up on those wonderful Hallmark cards. If you haven't been in the new location of The Multitude Gallery just next door, you will be stunned at how beautiful and spacious it is. David has some beautiful new items! Now you need to make your way over to see us at Gatewood Hall. Come in and say hi and check out some of our new arrivals...Now you can go visit Just Judy, Kristina Lee's and the Gnarley Bear. I bet you will be getting hungry so now you can go visit Pat and Polina at the fabulous Blue Ridge Brewery (I am sooo craving their summer gazpacho and house burger!!) for some great lunch and a glass of wine or special beer. When you are finished you will be primed to head over to see Sarah at Out of the Blue...Oh the wonderful things to try and buy...(not just my favorite girl that Sarah, but one of my favorite shops!!) How about some delicious fudge from Three Sisters Fudge, just across the street from Sarah's. You still need to go see Bradley and Candel at Fezziwig's and make your way into ssShiney Baubles for that special piece of "bling". There is still just so much to do in our beautiful downtown Blue Ridge we've only scratched the surface.

Tonight don't miss the fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge! Have a great and safe Fourth of July!! See you downtown!

Below are some photos of our recent model project we completed in South Georgia!

i

Surf's Up Blue Ridge!

You have probably read about Stand Up Paddling in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal or even this months Southern Living magazine but, you might not have known that this fun and fast-growing activity is available right here in Blue Ridge. Thanks to Chris Tilghman and his company Surf Blue Ridge you can catch this new wave in water sports. This sport provides core strengthening, endurance, balance and oneness with the water and nature. With roots in Hawaii, SUP has expanded into mainstream surfing culture globally.

The sport has flowed inland from the oceans to our beautiful lakes and rivers. No surfing experience is needed. Whether you seek the peaceful enjoyment of nature, power paddling or a downriver rush, we are told that SUP is an activity for everyone of all ages!

Inspired by a lifetime of water sports, Chris Tilghman brings the first stand up paddle company to the North Georgia Mountains. Chris has over twenty years experience surfing some of the world’s best waves in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Cape Hatteras, California and Hawaii. He spent five years living on Kauai’s North Shore with his wife Rhonda and honed his skills on 15-20 feet high waves.

In 2006, our friends Chris and Rhonda made their home in Ellijay (and we are thrilled because they are great people!!). Wanting to provide a unique experience for enjoying the local waters, Chris is excited to introduce Stand Up Paddling with the Hawaiian spirit of aloha and surfing.

Stop by their cool, new store front on East Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge (near the train depot, beside Twigs to Furniture, The Real Estate Connection and Three Sisters Fudge). You can also call them at 706-889-9747 or check out the website at http://www.surfblueridge-sup.com/. You are going to love Chris and Rhonda be sure and tell them that we sent you!

We Love La Pizzeria At Cucina Rustica

Shawn and I had lunch at La Pizzeria at Cucina Rustica if you haven’t been yet you just have to go out and try it. They offer the same classic and comfortable rustic environment as their parent restaurant with high quality food at affordable prices.

In their casual atmosphere you can enjoy one of their multiple high definition flat screens, and free WIFI. Their menu Items Include: New York Style Pizza whole or by the slice, Calzones, gourmet salads, wonderful sandwiches, wings and burgers as well as beer and wine.

I love their Meatball sub and their homemade potato chips with bleu cheese and balsamic glaze!!!! DELICIOUS!!! We had such a nice chat with Isabella and her daughter…we just love these folks! Please go out and see them and tell them we sent you!

They are open for lunch and dinner, call (706) 374-3700 for details. DIRECTIONS: From Atlanta: Just North of Blue Ridge on 515N, ½ mile from Hwy 60 intersection. Turn Right under the Cucina Rusctica sign onto Forge Mill Rd, turning on the first left into their drive.

Blue Ridge Brewery Open

Just in case you haven't heard? There is a new restaurant in town, Blue Ridge Brewery is now open! Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to enjoy a meal there but Shawn has and he raved about it. One of our favorite chefs, Rick Tullis brings his expertise and I hear he has put together a fantastic menu. BRB is open for lunch and they offer soups, sausages, hot sandwiches, salads and small plates. I hear the house burger is delicious! In the evening dinner at the brewery offers seasonal soups and salads, as well as steaks, prosciutto wrapped trout, wiener schnitzel, roasted chicken, pan seared duck breast, and even some vegetarian dishes. Top off your great meal with an assortment of American and European desserts.

I was working in the store this weekend and several of our friends and customers had been to BRB and every single one of them said really, really great things! I just can't wait to go! The enthusiasm was unbelievable. Oh, and word has it that the owner Pat has selected some great and exclusive beers if you are so inclined! (Isn't that exciting? Right here in Blue Ridge, Georgia)

Blue Ridge Brewery is located at 187 Depot Street (former home of Blue Christmas). They are closed on Sunday and Monday. I hear it is best to make reservations so give them a call at 706-632-6611 and be sure to tell them that we sent you!

Have you been to Love Dogs and Cats Too?

Have you been in our neighbor’s store Love Dogs and Cats Too? It is a wonderful shop for dogs, cats and the people who love them. All dogs and cats know when they bring their humans by to see the owner Ricki Smart, everybody will leave happy. That's because there are good things inside for both pets and their people.

For starters, they carry only the best pet food and treats. And while you're stocking your pet’s pantry, you'll find other wonderful things. For the pet who takes you they have fun toys, comfy beds, fancy collars, leads, and really cute clothing. For people who tag along there is great art, wonderful books, clothing and cool things for the garden.

Ricki purchased the shop in May 2006 and her philosophy is to provide the best new and unusual products for both humans and their furry children in a fun environment. Ricki says that there’s nothing more enjoyable than the sound of laughter coming from the art gallery upstairs! And it’s not just the people who have fun; their four-legged friends love all the great smells (as well as the treats).

At Love Dogs and Cats Too, they know that people have a choice in where they shop. They feel that more often than not, the service they receive is just as important as finding the right product and they are committed to providing their customers with the best possible service. Ricki says if they don’t have an item in stock, she’ll do her best to find it. “We want our customers to keep coming back.”

Stop in to see Ricki and Paulie (Pictured above!) and tell them that we sent you!

You can also shop online at http://www.lovedogsandcatstoo.com/

Love Dogs & Cats Too
777 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
Telephone: (706) 632-8668

PS- Our beloved dog Chloe is absolutely crazy for their Nathan’s Hot Dog treats…

Fezziwig's Opens This Week

We are so happy to announce that our friends Bradley & Candel (of Otis & Matilda's Marina Grill) are opening their new holiday store this week in downtown Blue Ridge. Their new venture is called Fezziwig's and it is an extravaganza for all seasons! We have had a sneak peak and the store is like a winter wonderland. They have created some of the most beautiful Christmas trees, with some of the most unique ornaments around. Just step inside their shop and you feel transported into another time, it is so cozy and the lighting is so dramatic you feel like you are walking through a Christmas tree farm.
Fezziwig's will offer various seasonal collectibles including Halloween and Easter items. Some of the exclusive lines they have are Department 56, Christopher Radko, Hillhouse Naturals, and Old World. Below are two ornaments that Shawn and I love (they remind us of our beloved dog Chloe).

Be sure to stop in and see Bradley & Candel, and tell them that we sent you! Fezziwig's is located on Main Street just across from the train depot (next door to SSSHiney Baubles) you can't miss their gorgeous display window! In case you don't know who Fezziwig is be sure to get them to tell you the story. Finally and sadly Otis & Matilda's Marina Grill closes for the season after this weekend so you better stop in and get your "fix" before they are gone. Oh how I am going to miss the chicken salad and cupcakes.

Otis & Matilda's Marina Grill

If you haven't heard yet (because we've been telling everyone) there is a new place to grab a quick bite to eat. Two of our customers Bradley and Candel have taken over the marina grill down at Lake Blue Ridge and named it after their beloved dogs Otis and Matilda. We have become some of their biggest fans, we love that we can grab something and take it out on our boat. It is also fun just to go there for breakfast (Shawn loves their biscuits and gravy) or lunch and sit on their patio and watch our beautiful lake that is looking so great at full pool this season.

You will love their delicious food...like the very tasty Chicken Salad with pecans, sun dried cranberries and a touch of tarragon (my favorite and I'm picky about my chicken salad), the Grilled Fish Ruben or their "Dammit Janet's pulled pork sandwich". They have some great coffee drinks, fruit smoothies or how about a virgin strawberry daiquiri or pina colada? YUM! Last but not least they have some outrageous homemade desserts under their "Grandma B's Goodies" section of the menu. I love the cupcakes (the flavors change but the Red Velvet and German Chocolate are divine!) Shawn loves Aunt Mary's Double Chocolate brownies!

Stop by and see Bradley and Candel, tell them we sent you! (Heck...you'll probably see us there!)

Otis & Matilda's Marina Grill is open seven days a week 6:00 AM t0 5:00 PM and you can check out their menu online at http://www.lakeblueridgemarina.com/grill.html.