Living Elevated: Home Buying in the Upstate

The aftermath of covid and national turmoil has left many US residents searching for a place to call home. Space and tranquility have replaced the urban penthouse as the commodity of choice. This change in mentality has led tens of thousands of Americans to settle their roots in the beautiful Upstate of South Carolina. With affordable housing, tax breaks, scenic views at every turn, and an unlimited selection of activities, the Upstate has become one of the most embraced areas in the country.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS:

South Carolina has one of the lowest effective tax rates in the country, coming in at a meager 0.57%. Senior residents of at least one year can also benefit from the Homestead Exemption which exempts them from paying taxes on the first $50,000 of their home’s value. Additionally, South Carolina implements one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the country. Small business owners have access to additional tax breaks and even grants to catalyze their endeavors. The combined economic benefits have brought droves of new residents seeking South Carolina’s ever proliferating job market and economic opportunities.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION:

Greenville has become a hub due to its proximity to major transits. Both Charlotte and Atlanta are within a 2-hour drive, great for weekend adventures or for the nomadic business professional. In addition, Greenville residents can be in the mountains in minutes and walking on the beach in mere hours.

HIGHER EDUCATION:

The region is home to several top-ranked universities and colleges, including Clemson University, Furman University and North Greenville University. These top tier universities attract students from all over the country. This strong education system provides opportunities for students of all ages and attracts a highly skilled and educated workforce to the area. For businesses, this means that they can find the talent they need to succeed, and for families, this means that their children will have access to top-notch educational opportunities.

HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE:

Situated in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has an abundance of activities available for the outdoor enthusiast. The associated roads and trails attract bikers and hikers from all over. A wide selection of lakes and WMA’s (Wildlife Management Areas) cater to hunters and fishermen alike, and with some of the highest species diversity in the country, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a must-go-to destination for birders and other wildlife enthusiasts. Scenic views are in no short supply either. Table Rock, Lake Jocassee, and Clemson’s Botanical Gardens are a few of the scenic vistas the Upstate provides. Accessibility, low crime rate, thriving businesses, and a flourishing cultural scene found in the Upstate provides the perfect conditions for exciting community leisure. Families can expect a safe environment that offers an unlimited opportunity for fun and excitement. Business owners and industries set up shop knowing that their employees will benefit from all the amenities South Carolina has to offer. Not to mention college football! Tailgating is one of the Upstate’s cultural traditions and should be experienced by every South Carolinian. And a game at Clemson’s Death Valley is described as a cathartic experience for any sports fan; Tiger fan, or not.

4 Simple Ways to Spice Up Your Cooking Game with Tech & the Internet

Rawpixel

By: Michael Longsdon

Looking to boost your baking skills? Or maybe your family is tired of the typical Tuesday taco scene. When you are looking to make cooking more interesting or fun, the answers might be right at your fingertips. These days, you can find just about any tip, trick, or tutorial you need online. Presented by The Southern Edge, below are some exciting ways that you can use technology to up your cooking game and spice up your meals.

Stream Recipe Tutorials and Cooking Shows

When you want helpful tips for livening up your cooking experience, online videos are a safe bet. The Kitchn suggests checking out some top cooking channels, where you can find step-by-step recipes for everything from fried ice cream to Korean street food. These cooking channels are updated regularly, which means there is always something new to explore.

If you need further inspiration, you can also check out fan-favorite cooking shows via streaming services and put together a menu inspired by top chefs and competitions. Whether it’s through your phone, tablet or a plug-and-play streaming device, these cooking programs can open whole new worlds of cuisine. Got a device that can’t keep up? Consider an upgrade so you can easily stream or use cooking apps without any glitching. Also, if you’re using your smartphone as a cooking aid, be sure to shield it from damage with a protective case.  

Use Social Media to Connect With Local Chefs

Do you have some local faves for food and drink? Well if so, reach out to those top chefs and cocktail masters for a few specialty cooking tips! Since social media has become such an essential marketing tool, most local and small businesses have profiles on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, making it easy to connect with your local favorites. Just keep in mind that you may not get the exact recipes you are looking for since chefs and bartenders often guard their secrets to protect their profits.

Even if you can’t snag recipes for your favorite menu items, you can look for similar recipes online to guide your kitchen adventures. These copycat recipes can also be a great way to recreate popular food, snack, and beverage items from national chains, and Cooking Light points out you can even tweak recipes to make them much healthier.

Create Family Fun With Kid-Friendly Recipes

The internet is also full of helpful resources and tips for getting kids into cooking. Little ones will love “playing with” kitchen tools like potato mashers and salad spinners, and you can even add a few tools tailored to their ages and skills. Some knives and measuring tools made just for them can make them that much more excited about cooking up a storm! Many parents like to cook their kids’ favorite foods (e.g., french fries) in an air fryer. Cooking with an air fryer is healthier because while the food stays crispy, it doesn’t have all the excess oil.

Speaking of storms, save yourself some stress by planning out recipes to avoid giant messes, which reduces the headache of cooking with your kids so that you can enjoy more time together as a family. You can also check out kid-friendly recipes online, for dishes that children of all ages will enjoy making and eating. Many of these recipes are so simple that your kids can make them on their own, so long as you are nearby to supervise. There are also easy dishes you can prepare using items in your pantry, including wild rice soup and chicken alfredo baked ziti.

Find Promo Codes to Save on Kitchen Essentials

There are so many ways to make cooking fun for yourself and any little ones who may be running around in your home, but you’ll need some kitchen tools and equipment to take the hassle out of all of that food prep. If you’re starting from scratch and need to purchase things like pots, pans, knives, and appliances, the costs of your new hobby can really add up fast.

NerdWallet notes it’s helpful to download discount apps, like Coupon Cabin and Shop Savvy, so that you can find promo codes and special offers on all of your kitchen purchases. As an added bonus these apps can also come in handy for stocking your pantry and fridge full of ingredients.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun! In fact, keeping things simple by using online videos and tech tips can keep you motivated to stick to your new kitchen hobby. Before you know it, you will be wowing your friends and family with all of your new cooking skills!

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread Recipe

---

INGREDIENTS:

2 cans Pillsbury Grands!® Cinnamon Rolls

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

---

INSTRUCTIONS:

Spray a 12-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Open each can of cinnamon rolls. Reserve the icing for later. Cut each roll into 4 pieces.

Place the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice in a gallon size resealable bag. Add the cut up cinnamon rolls (the pieces will fall apart a little) to the bag. Seal and shake to coat the pieces.

Stir together the brown sugar and melted butter.

Place rolls in the pan and drizzle with the melted butter mixture.

Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until the top is a dark golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.

Cool for 5 minutes then invert the monkey bread onto your serving place. Do this carefully - the pan is hot!

Stir remaining 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice into the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. Drizzle icing over the top of the monkey bread and serve warm.

The Perfect Tomato Pie

The Perfect Tomato Pie

By: Darlene Greene

Recipe for baking casserole in 8 x 8-inch casserole dish.  Amounts can be doubled for a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

For the crust:

1 cup plain flour

½ tablespoon of baking powder

¼ teaspoon of baking soda

¼ teaspoon of salt (recommend pink or sea salt)

½ stick of butter (or 4 tablespoons)

1 to 1 ½ cup of milk (buttermilk or kefir are recommended but plain milk or half ‘n half will work too)

Spray dish with non-stick cooking spray and then melt butter in bottom of casserole dish in microwave for 30 seconds.

In separate bowl, whisk together all the other dry ingredients.  Slowly add milk to dry ingredients until you get a smooth batter.  Pour batter into casserole dish over melted butter.  Do not mix.  Set aside.

For Pie filling:

1 small onion, chopped

1 to 1 ½ cups of chopped tomatoes

8-12 fresh basil leaves chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 to 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese (I prefer sharp cheddar, but you can use whatever you like)

Lightly brown onion in pan on stove in a little olive oil.  Gently layer on top of crust mixture in casserole dish.  Layer on chopped tomatoes over onion.  Sprinkle basil over tomatoes.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle on shredded cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.  Enjoy!

---

Want a Natural Immune Booster that Tastes Great?

Words by Darlene Greene

Whenever you feel you might be coming down with a cold, the flu or other pesky virus, you would benefit from the warm, rich goodness of Four Lily Soup.  I first enjoyed this wonderful concoction at Wild Thyme in Highlands, NC.  It is a great restaurant that I recommend highly should you have the opportunity to visit.

 Four Lily Soup is like being wrapped in a warm blanket when you come in from the cold.  Made from onions, shallots, garlic, chicken bone broth, seasoned with fresh thyme, it is delicious.  Like a shot of penicillin in a bowl, it boosts your immune system too.  The health benefits of Four Lily Soup include antioxidants, antibacterial properties, improved blood sugar, improved digestion, lower cholesterol, and improved blood pressure.

 The ingredients are inexpensive and readily available at most supermarkets.  Elegant enough to serve guests for lunch or dinner.  The recipe below is from Gourmet Magazine, March 2003, but you can find a number of recipes and variations online:

½ large sweet onion like Vidalia, coarsely chopped

1 small red onion, coarsely chopped

10 oz shallots, coarsely chopped

1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled

¼ cup olive oil

2 ½ cup of chicken bone broth

1 cup heavy cream

½ tea salt

¼ tea fresh ground pepper

 Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Toss onions, shallots and garlic with oil and spread evenly on large shallow baking pan (about 1 inch deep). Roast in middle of oven stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 45 mins to 1 hour.  Transfer the onion garlic mixture to 4-6 quart heavy pot and add broth and thyme, simmer covered stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, about 20 minutes.  Puree soup in batches in blender until smooth, about a minute per batch.  Transfer to a saucepan, stir in cream, salt and pepper, simmer over moderately low heat, stirring, until heated through.

• This recipe will serve 8 as a first course to lunch or dinner.

• Soup is very rich and should be served in small bowls.

• It is good served with a few freshly made garlic croutons floated on top. 

• Soup can be made with only ½ cup cream.  The result will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Additional Note:  This soup is delicious but rich and filling.  Do follow the recommendations in the recipe and serve in cup or small bowl.  No more than 5-7 ounces per serving as more will leave you feeling too full.

The Summer of COVID-19

Our special summer digital issue is available now! Click the image below to view the full issue. Happy Reading!

LIVING WITH INTENTION

Ever wake up in the morning and set your intention for the day?  Kind of like a vision board for how the next 18 hours look in your head?  This morning, I woke to cloudy skies and the sound of rain outside.  Perfect day to relax...stretch...and feed my inner soul with some calm.  It’s been a busy week in the home office and the weekend is within sight!  Yes, today’s mood will be as seamless and cool as the expanse of blue stratus clouds outside of my window.

Five minutes into my plans for all things zen and namaste, I noticed a palmetto bug twitching its way slowly across my husband’s nightstand.  (Side note - I am not afraid of a thing in this world except for these little creatures of the underworld).  I quickly glance around and locate a bottle of glass cleaner.  From a safe distance, I drown the demonic reptile insect until he falls onto the floor, and then I proceed to smash him with my husband’s running shoe repeatedly until there is no sign of life.  All the while, my three-year old is crying hysterically, “No, Mommy!  Don’t kill the spider!  Don’t kill him, please!”  After disposing of the body and cleaning the crime scene, I proceed to explain to my daughter why these bugs are disease-carrying disgusting critters that MUST be exterminated.  She only stared at me, likely marking my resemblance to fiery Te Fiti from “Moana”.

Things continued their slippery slope downward as my dog had an incontinent episode narrowly missing being spread all over the house via the robot vacuum.  Email notifications frantically sounding off.  The dishwasher was full of dishes needing put away.  Both washer and dryer were full of laundry.  AND WHERE IS MY FAVORITE BLANKET.

Time out.  I gave myself a literal time out.  This day would match my vision board and I was determined to make it happen!  I dropped my daughter off at my in-laws and returned home, extra tall coffee in hand.  In my practice of expressing gratitude during this quarantine, I found few simple steps for creating a space for calm amidst the chaos. 

The Bible Recap Podcast provided the perfect background as I handled the laundry and dishes.  Sitting still and listening to a podcast or someone read the Old Testament just does not work for my squirrely brain.  But toss in a chore and I am laser-focused on getting my mind right.

An ocean scented candle and a hawaiian screensaver on the big-screen TV set the perfect scene for this chilly spring morning.  I may not physically be on the coast but it’s amazing how the sense of smell and sight can convince me I’m there.  Instant mood-lifter.

A quick mop (after the robot vacuum did it’s thing with zero doggy mishaps) instantly calmed my nerves.  It’s crazy how a clean house makes my anxiety go down ten levels.  Something about shiny floors and uncluttered spaces embraces my very being.

A lunchtime yoga session was just what I needed to ground myself.  Since I cannot attend my favorite local yoga center in person, the free classes being offered online during this time helps ease all of the instability in my mind and my world right now.

Every day still looks different during this season, every day still uncertain.  I cannot control the day’s events or what the future holds, but I am confident I can (better) control my perspective.   Life is so much sweeter when I seek love and light; even if there is a little bit of poo in my path.

Living with Intention

It’s Monday morning and my alarm wakes me from a coastal vacation.  After coming to the realization I am not suntanning in a hammock, which is actually somewhat illegal at the moment, I make my way down the hall toward my new morning routine.  By new, I mean there is no rush to get three girls to three different schools and pray I make it to work by 8.  No need to apply makeup or brush my hair.  Instead, I brew my coffee, read my morning devotion and scripture, and sit on the porch to listen to the birds sing.  Then, I return to my desk and fire up the laptop and prepare to work remotely.

In a short matter of time, my 3-year old will come toddling up the hallway with sleepy eyes and mussed hair wanting her milk and Disney.  Shortly thereafter, my third grader and my eighth grader will begrudgingly fire up their own computers for e-Learning.  The next 8 hours will consist of spreadsheets, emails, and Skype meetings with a side of yapping lap dog, constantly asking a tiny human if she needs to potty, four different lunch concoctions, conducting science experiments for third grade virtual homework assignments, and attempting to explain to a teenager that MY way of doing algebraic equations are much more efficient than whatever this current method is.  All of this with some, “Hey Mama, watch my new dance!” or screams from someone throwing down a serious nap defiance.   Maybe even a little bit of a doggy accident in the floor because the neighbors are apparently terrorists and we are being alerted very LOUDLY that something MUST be investigated outside.  My husband comes home from work, seemingly unmoved by my rabid appearance, and we eat a family dinner together at the table followed by an evening game of volleyball in the backyard.  I find myself counting down the hours until bedtime.

This has been my new routine for a month, and I have finally swallowed the uncomfortable pill that every day will not look the same.  Things are happening, locally and globally, and these things are out of my control.  For a Type A, OCD, Enneagram One kinda girl, this realization gives me the twitches.  But it’s not in my nature to fall down the rapids.  I am determined to fight the tide with a few mindset changes.

I will begin every day with gratitude.  I still have a job, I am still receiving a paycheck, and so is my husband.  Thank you, Lord, for your provision.

I will soak in the sunshine every day, if even for a few short moments.  Last week, I did yoga in my backyard under a big oak tree.  It was one of the most peaceful and pleasant moments I’ve had in weeks.  Thank you, Lord, for your creation.

I will relish these long days with my girls.  I have often found myself wistfully yearning for more time with my children and more insight into their daily lives outside our home.  Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity.

I will dig deep and deeper still when the interruptions arise and the noise is thunderous.  This is when faith is stretched; when we are at wit’s end and literally have nowhere else to turn.  Thank you, Lord, for your steadfast love and strength and grace.

One day, I will look back on these days when time stood still - when the world seemed to come to a dead stop - when people donated time and resources to those in need – and, when we were forced to stay at home with our people.  I pray my future self will look back on these days with a warm heart from memories made and a fiery ribbon of strength in my soul for all the ground we gained.  Together.  As a community, as a country, and as a people.  At home.

Sometimes You Gotta Act Queenly

Excerpt from, Bury Me With My Pearls

Jane Jenkins Herlong

Beauty Queendome is still alive in the South. Just the other day a friend from church attended the Catfish Feastival in Ware Shoals. No, that’s not a typo. The event is not a festival; it’s a feastival because so many catfish are consumed. Years ago, I emceed the Miss Catfish Pageant. No, the girls didn’t have to have long whiskers to win.

Events like the Catfish Feastival remind me of the many parades I participated in as queen of the festivals I was fortunate enough to win. In Beaufort, SC, I was Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands. The pageant committee thought it’d be unique for the contestants to be interviewed on a yacht. I think I won that pageant because the heel of my shoe got stuck between two of the planks on the long dock. One of the judges had to rescue my high heel, and my shoe catastrophe was a great icebreaker.

As Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands, I was scheduled to ride in the Railroad Days Festival parade in Branchville, SC. I wore a white jersey dress with rhinestones on the bodice. Like most over-the-top Southern beauty queens, I went to a lot of trouble to make sure my dress matched the float.

I was so excited about my first experience riding on my Water Festival float. It was covered with blue and white plastic discs. A blue, sparkly skirt covered the bottom and hid the float’s wheels. When the driver increased his speed, the skirt rippled in the wind. It was what all beauty queens live for.

Momma and Miss Ada Rast transported me to the festival in our big yellow Buick with the white hard top. We arrived in plenty of time, but my float never showed up. To compensate for the absence of the float, the Branchville people made two signs on white poster paper with magic markers. They were the tackiest things I’d ever seen, but those pathetic signs were nothing compared to what happened next.

“Jane doesn’t care about riding on a float. I’ll drive her in the parade,” said Momma. “Jane,” she directed, “Get on the hood of the car and act queenly.”

I thought I’d die of embarrassment. Ride on the hood of the big yellow Buick with posters taped to the sides?

As I climbed onto that hood, it never occurred to me that my mother had never driven in a parade. Neither had I ever ridden on the hood of a moving car. After the second block, my bottom was cooking like I was sitting on an oven set at 300 degrees. That car hood was hot! Then my mother slammed on the brakes to speak to someone she knew and I slid off the hood.

I climbed back on the hood and said, “Momma, you are way behind the car in front!” 

She gave it the gas. My body was plastered across the windshield. All I could think of was Momma’s instructions, “Jane, act queenly.”  

That sort of thing happens to all of us. We just don’t want to act queenly. We want to have a hissy fit or throw-down—something as inappropriate as slapping a Wal-Mart Greeter . . .

“We raised you to act right, so do it.” My very Southern mother said that many times. I’ve said it to my children. It’s wise advice—whether you’re riding in parade on the hood of a big yellow Buick or just walking down the aisle at the grocery store.

Jane Jenkins Herlong is a southern humorist, professional singer and the best-selling author of four books. Jane is also an inductee into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame and her comedy is featured on SiriusXM, Spotify and Pandora. Contact Jane to add some sweet tea wisdom and southern fried humor to your next event. She can be reached at www.janeherlong.com or checkout her books, Cds and DVDs at https://janeherlong.com/shop/

Celebrating the Blueberry Harvest

Words by Yuka Greer

In May, we honor military personnel on Memorial Day.  In July, we commemorate the Declaration of Independence of the United States. So, what do we celebrate in June in South Carolina? Blueberry harvest! Blueberries in season have a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness and acidity.  The plump purple-blue fruit is the icon of summer, so why not celebrate?

Any good Southern celebration involves a cultural ritual and, most importantly, a festive meal. The celebration of the blueberry harvest is no exception.   

HOW TO CELEBRATE:

Go blueberry picking.

This is the annual event for my family.  Just last year, walking through the fields of blueberry bushes to the designated rows, we started a family quest in search for a bush with the tastiest berries.  While I, on one side of a row and my husband on the other side, debated on whose bush is sweeter, our daughter was short enough to walk under and through the bushes. She reached up to a cluster of ripe blueberries – from adults prospective it’s underneath a bush – and delivered the verdict.  “This one is the sweetest!”  After that, we focused on that bush to fill each basket before moving to another.  Going through this process throughout the years is how both of my daughters learned the art of being gentle while picking.  The rougher they were, the less blueberries they got to eat at home.  Once your baskets are full, don’t forget to add a few dollars at the checkout.  Let’s be honest; a lot of berries end up in our stomachs instead of the baskets.  You can find the tips for blueberry picking in our digital version.

Master one blueberry recipe.

Nothing tastes better than food made from fresh ingredients.  Pick one recipe you like and make it as many times as it takes to master it. You could stick with a traditional blueberry pie or you could try something different like the recipe below from our anti-aging food advisor, Mayumi.  It will become your family’s summer blueberry dish and your family will not be able to get through the month of June without it.  Just make sure to keep aside the amount you are going to use for the recipe IMMEDIATELY after you come back from the blueberry picking.  Otherwise, some family members (like mine) will devour them up.

---

Blueberry & Lavender Confiture Over Crepe

If you want a modern twist to traditional crepes, try this one from our anti-aging advisor, Mayumi.  Confiture is one way of preserving fruit by cooking it in sugar like jam and preserves, derived from a French word “confire”, meaning to “preserve”. Leftover confiture – or double the amount so that you have leftovers – is perfect on yogurt, waffles, or pancakes.  

MAKE CONFITURE

Ingredients

·       1 6-ounce pack Blueberries

·       Three 3” Lavender Stems (stem part only, use the flower for garnishing)

·       3 Tablespoons Red Wine

·       75 g (6 Tablespoons) Sugar

·       1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

Instructions

-      Put blueberries in a saucepan.  Add sugar.  Let it stand for 30 minutes.

-      Add the remaining ingredients. Cook at a medium low heat for 10 minutes.

-      Serve with the crepes.  Store leftover in a sterilized container.

MAKE CREPES

Ingredients (9-10 crepes)

·       2 Eggs

·       4 Tablespoons Sugar

·       1 Cup Flour, Sifted

·       1 Cup Milk

·       3 Tablespoons Butter, Melted

·       Lavender flowers, optional

Instructions

-      In a bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Whisk the ingredients well.

-      Gradually add milk and then the melted butter.

-      Add the sifted flour and with a whisk mix all the ingredients.

-      Cool the batter in a refrigerator for 30 minutes to two hours.

-      Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over a medium heat.  Pour a ladleful batter into the pan, while tilting and swirling the pan to coat the bottom with the batter.  Cook at a low heat for 1.5 minute on one side and one minute on the other side until lightly brown. 

Mayumi is an anti-aging food advisor from Anti-Aging Food Association based in Tokyo.  She resides in South Carolina with her husband and her daughter.  She spreads the philosophy of healthy eating through her cooking classes.

---

Freeze them…, well if you have leftovers.

If you want to freeze them, you might go ahead and put aside some amount that you would want to enjoy later for the same reason explained earlier.  I found these steps helpful to keep individual berries separate when frozen. (1) Gently wash and drain blueberries. (2) Pat dry with a paper towel. (3) On a rimmed baking sheet, carefully place blueberries in one layer, keeping the berries separate from one to another.  Put the baking sheet in the freezer. (4) Once frozen, transfer to a food storage container and keep it in the freezer. Voila! You could use them for smoothies or grab a small amount as use as a topping on your favorite salad. 

Southern Field Trips - Blowing Rock, NC

Our latest field trip found us in Blowing Rock, NC for the weekend.  First of all, the lower temperature had me longing to be there during the summer. It was cold and windy, and this graceful girl had a boot on her ankle. I don’t mean the cute kind of boot either.  This slowed us down a bit, but the bright side was that my foot was super warm.

 We stayed in a charming little Airbnb condo that was close to everything. We could’ve walked to everything on Main Street, but the boot… We started our day on Friday just checking out the quaint little town.  It reminded us of our trip to Maine and we loved driving around and exploring.

It was almost time for dinner, so we decided to try a place that had been recommended to us by some friends - Storie Street Grille. What a charming restaurant. We were seated quickly and enjoyed cocktails while we perused the menu. Let me tell you, it was a tough decision. Everything on the menu looked amazing. After much discussion with the waitress (if you ever go out with me you know this is a thing I do, and Jeff has learned to embrace it) we made our decisions. I decided on the Fig and Balsamic flatbread featuring roasted red pepper chèvre, smoked provolone, mission figs, crumbled bacon, arugula and a fig balsamic glaze. I’m a sucker for anything with figs. My grandparents used to have a fig tree in their yard, and I loved picking and eating fresh figs. Figs bring back sweet memories for me and I love finding new ways to eat them. I was super excited about my choice. Jeff even knew as soon as he saw that on that on the menu that it would be my choice. He knows me well after 25 years.

 Jeff, however, shocked me with his choice. In 25 years, he has always proclaimed that meatloaf is a vile meal that was not for him. Well, I’ll be damned if he didn’t get the meatloaf!  What?? Who is this man I’m dining with?  I was excited though because I find meatloaf delightful and I couldn’t wait to try it. I cheered on his meatloaf choice to the fullest. Listen to this description and dare your mouth not to water. Local ground beef and pork, signature Cheerwine BBQ sauce, smashed red bliss potatoes, haricot verts. Now, I’m not extremely cultured so I had to google that last one. How about you?  I’m not even gonna lie, I just had to google it again to write this.  Green beans. They are green beans. Both meals were amazingly delicious. The flatbread flavors worked so well together. It was a flavor explosion!  I know you are waiting with bated breath for the meatloaf reaction. He loved it!  The Cheerwine BBQ sauce was outstanding and the blend of beef and pork was delicious. We didn’t have room for dessert, but our meals were excellent, and I would highly recommend Storie Street Grille. The building was as beautiful as the food was delicious.

The next day we hit Main Street to do some shopping. So many cute little shops but I will highlight our favorites. Bolick & Traditions Pottery was one of our favorites. It is owned by a local family who are all potters and each one has a specialty. Have you ever seen bright red handmade pottery?  I had not and it is stunning!  It does contain lead so it can’t be used for food or drinks, but it is gorgeous.

Another fun shop was Windwood Antiques. Who doesn’t love to browse in a cool antique shop? They had a huge collection of copper pots, old crocks, crystal decanters and beautiful furniture pieces. A must if you are an antique lover.

A final favorite was The Brass Exchange. I have the worst brown thumb ever. Like ever, ever. Plus, I’m lazy and taking care of plants isn’t on my hot list of things I enjoy so I love a good fake plant. This cute store did not disappoint. Rows of artificial greenery, flowers, succulents, wreaths filled this shop and I was hooked. The wreaths were gorgeous, and the prices were really incredible. Skip Michael’s and Hobby Lobby and check them out!  Shop local, right? 

For lunch we chose Blowing Rock Brewing Company Ale House and Inn. What??  An inn at a brewery??  Jeff’s dream. We started with an appetizer aptly named the Southerner. Can you guess what it was?  Fried green tomatoes and fried pickles served with ranch and lemon dill aioli. They were very lightly battered and fried so the flavor was still bright and crisp. So, so good. Next up, I got the fish and chips and Jeff chose the Bison burger. The fish was flounder which isn’t the norm for fish and chips, and it was amazing!!  If you haven’t had a bison burger, you haven’t lived. The meat is so tender and flavorful. It was absolutely heavenly. I dare say that next up was a bit of day drinking and our waiter was very gracious about all the wine I consumed. I always explain that big boned girls can drink more. It gets a chuckle every time. 

After our day drinking it was back to the condo to nap until our 8:30 dinner reservation that we were lucky to snag.  We dined at the highly acclaimed Bistro Roca. They feature New American comfort foods and pizzas from a wood burning oven. The atmosphere was delightful featuring a bar full of pet portraits that they rotate annually. This was enough for me to fall in love, but the food really was to die for. We started with Roasted Figs (I told you, I’m a sucker). They were wrapped in local prosciutto with manchego cheese and sourwood honey. Shut the front door!!!  A flavor explosion. How could our entrees beat that?  I chose the NC Buffalo Oxtail Ragout with Foggy Mountain pasta, foie gras espuma, grilled broccolini & citrus gremolata. These flavors were like nothing I have ever had. Outstanding. Now, I still don’t know what foie gras espuma is and I’m fine with that. This meal was rich and decadent, and I enjoyed every bite I was able to stuff in. Jeff chose the NC Mountain Trout with fingerling potatoes, grilled broccolini, Benton’s bacon jus, apple relish and candied walnuts.  Another home run. I’m talking out of the ballpark, hitting a windshield home run! This dish was light and delicate and full of flavor. The broccolini had a bit of a smoky taste and was the perfect complement to both entrees. We had a great waitress who tricked me into ordering my favorite dessert of all time. Wait. Did she actually trick me?? I’m sure she did. Bread pudding is my weakness. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. It is comfort dessert for me and this one is one of the best I’ve had. This meal knocked our socks off and we just fell in love with the atmosphere. A MUST if you are in Blowing Rock. Make reservations early so you aren’t eating at bed time like we did. I’m so glad we did though.

After a full day Saturday, we were ready for a good breakfast before we hit the road home. There is the cutest place, Famous Toastery, within walking distance of where we stayed but alas, the boot. We decided to drive and knew it must be great from the lack of empty spaces in the parking lot. It was a gorgeous day, so we decided to dine in the sunshine on the outdoor patio. I started with one of the best Bloody Mary’s I’ve ever had. They prepare their mix in house every day and it was so fresh and delicious. I followed that with Classic Eggs Benedict and breakfast potatoes. Eggs Benedict is a favorite for me and this one was perfection. Jeff enjoyed scramble eggs, breakfast potatoes, toast, country ham and grits. A man-sized breakfast indeed, cooked just the way he likes it. A great way to start our day.

Before hitting the road, I had one last stop to make. I had seen the most adorable tea shop and wanted a tea for the road.  Marmalade Tea Shop is the sweetest shop ever. The owner is so knowledgeable about teas and flavors and just a joy to chat with. They serve both hot and cold teas along with scrumptious baked goods prepared daily. I knew I wanted the Daffodil that I had seen on their Instagram page. It is a French lemon creme rooibos steeped and pulled with sweetened cream. It is topped with almond milk froth and turmeric colored sugar crystals. I did the hot latte and it was so amazing. Like nothing I’ve ever had before. I love that this shop is heavily involved with an Elephant conversation program and focuses on supporting small family tea farms.

If you’re still reading this long-winded blog, kudos to you. Sorry for the length but there is just so much to say about a fabulous weekend in Blowing Rock, NC. I just didn’t feel like I could leave out one detail!  I hope you agree. Our next Southern Field Trips awaits!

Artfields - Lake City, SC

ArtFields is the living, breathing proof of the power of art. Join us April 26th - May 4th, 2019!

Most of us can relate to being moved by art.  Maybe it’s a song on the radio, a play, a novel, or a beautiful painting.  Art can transform us; change us; make us better.  Art can also transform a place and there is no better example of this than in Lake City, South Carolina.

This sleepy, little agrarian town has been transformed into a mini arts mecca.  Once known for being home to the largest bean market in the world, Lake City is now known for being home to a world-class art exhibition.  Artfields is an annual, nine-day art competition and exhibition that awards more than $140,000 in cash prizes to artists from across the Southeast. The event also has infused new energy, creativity, and growth into Lake City and its surrounding communities. ArtFields is the flagship art event in a town where an abundance of high-quality art is on view all year long. Aside from a growing collection of public art, the city has several exhibitions running at all times in professional art spaces such as Jones-Carter Gallery and TRAX Visual Art Center. More new art venues, including a sculpture garden, are on the horizon. 

This years’ event will take place from April 26th – May 4th.  If you love art and enjoy exploring quaint Southern towns, you will not be disappointed in Artfields.  We’ll be there.  Hope you see you there too! 

---

In the weeks following Artfields, dueling exhibits will be featured in two of Lake City’s galleries.  Opening night is May 18th.   

Jerry Siegel, “Stompin' Grounds,” TRAX Visual Arts Center

The contemporary photographer is best known for his work in the black belt landscape of Alabama and recent inclusion in “Southbound”. “Stompin’ Grounds” will feature never-before-seen photography, among recently captured portraits of Lake City. Siegel was previously awarded the Grand Prize of the first Artadia Award in Atlanta in 2009, and was featured in solo exhibitions across museums and galleries in the Southeast including The High Museum of Art and The GA Museum of Art. 

Jenny Fine, “Suspended Disbelief,” Jones-Carter Gallery

Visual artist and professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Fine’s striking work is rooted in photography and explores the impact of her memories about growing up in rural Alabama under the tutelage of her cherished grandmother. Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions both in the US and abroad in Dresden, Germany. 

---

Southern Field Trips - Greer, SC

Our latest field trip took us to downtown Greer, SC. A whole 30 minutes from my front door that I never knew was so, so good!! How have I lived in Spartanburg 25 years and I’ve never been to Greer?? Its embarrassing really. Shameful, to say the least that we’ve never discovered the goodness that is in Greer until now. Let’s dive in!

---

We didn’t arrive until around lunch time because we are real people who have to get other things done, so the morning was spent at the dump. That is a field trip I will not write about. You’re welcome. So, back to our arrival. We were charmed with the downtown area as soon as we pulled up. We quickly found a great parking spot and set out to find a great lunch spot. It didn’t take us long! We decided to try Select and we were not disappointed!! They have a charming little outdoor eating area on the sidewalk, but alas, those tables were full. We were seated inside and found it to be just as cute as the outside. Exposed brick walls, historical tin ceilings, and brightly colored artwork filled the space that is flooded with natural light. We had dinner reservations at 5:30 (we are officially getting old) so we didn’t want to eat too much at lunch. We decided to split a couple of things. Of course we started with drinks. Nothing fancy, just a craft beer and a glass of Rose’. They offer what they call Crafted dinners which is basically like a more sophisticated version of the classic southern meat and two. Since we knew these early birds would be eating dinner in a few hours, we decided to try that on our next trip. We decided to split the Petite Orthodox Salad and the French Dip. The salad was a delicious blend of fresh greens, sliced English cucumbers, diced Roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, pepperoncinis, sliced red onions, and imported feta cheese. The dressing was the perfect compliment to the salad as well. Next we move on to the French Dip. It features freshly shaved Certified Black Angus prime rib covered with Provolone cheese on a delicious NY sub roll. Of course, no French dip would be complete without Au Jus for dipping. We chose the cottage fries which are more like a super thin little waffle chip. We definitely had plenty of food. If you’re a breakfast lover, they even serve all day breakfast that looks great too.

---

With our bellies sufficiently full we set out to explore the downtown area. Our first stop was Carolina Treasures Antiques and Vintage Goods. Man! If you are a picker, this place is for you. They literally have everything you can imagine from furniture to pyrex. You know that pyrex your mama and your nana had? The good stuff! I wanted it all. Gimme all the pyrex. Oh wait, my oven is broken. Ok, I passed on the pyrex but it was good stuff. An old incubator, old medicine bottles, crocks, quilts, glassware, dozens and dozens of chairs are hung on the walls. Truly a fun place to revisit the past. I highly recommend stopping in!!

---

Our next stop was Smith and James Fine Mens Clothing. Beautiful men’s clothing with a nostalgic shopping experience. The historical building has been beautifully maintained and the personal service experience is such a nice nod to the past. You don’t get that at the mall. Am I right?? It is a family business and it is obvious that they pride themselves on quality items and service! My husband got a couple of things to “step up his game”.

Just on the other side of Smith and James is Chelsea’s Ladies Apparel. Beautiful choices for any age can be found here. Perfect for a little mother daughter day out. All of their pieces made me long for some warm spring days. I will definitely be back to try a few things on!

---

Back to the streets. Just across the street we found The Shoppes on Trade. I loved the variety that we found here! We were even greeted by Big Mama, who is awesome, with candy to sample. There are different vendors featuring hand made jewelry, artwork, home decor and more. There are also some great retail pieces to choose from and hand made candy! A great place to go for that perfect gift!

---

As you can imagine, after all this exploring it was time for a drink. We knew we wanted to head to The Blue Ridge Brewing Company for some liquid refreshment. There is a lot of sidewalk renovation going on downtown but don’t let that stop you. You can still get to everything you need. My husband loves a good craft beer so he had to check out what they had on tap. He wasn’t disappointed.

---

Guess what time it is?? Time for old people to dine. Yep, we are approaching 5:30 so we head to L’Incanto for our reservations. Y’all, its like stepping back in time. The building is incredible. The tin ceiling tiles are original to the building and they are incredibly gorgeous. The atmosphere is upscale but still keeping in touch with the history of the building. The exposed brick walls are painted white for a contemporary feeling. Very elegant. Our waiter was engaging from the minute we were seated and gave us some excellent suggestions from the menu. There were at least 5 or 6 specials from the chef that night as well. So many choices and everything sounded out of this world. His first recommendation was the escargot and we were on board! Um, I can’t even explain to you how delicious it was. Perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They were not swimming in butter, but instead, the most delicious sauce I have ever put in my mouth!! I thought the chef would never beat that. Guess what? He knocked it out of the park. The whole meal was award winning in my opinion. I chose one of the specials which was Sea Bass with roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, prosciutto, fresh figs, pecans, shallots and a sherry wine cream sauce. Shut it down!! It was amazing. I mean, really amazing and not a wimpy portion either. My husband chose the Gamberetto. Yeah, I didn’t know what that was either. Pancetta wrapped Ecuadorian prawns over butter braised leeks, green peppercorns and emulsified porcini mushroom, sherry and shallot sauce with melted Fontina. Holy Moses!! So, so incredibly delicious. The depth of flavor here is like I haven’t experienced many times in my life. Of course we were completely full but how could I turn down one of my favorite desserts. I just had to try the Tiramisu. Bam! They did it again. Light and fluffy and completely perfect ending to a fabulous meal!

---

Our last stop (remember we ate at 5:30) was La Bouteille to check out the selection of wine and beer. It is vast and good people!! You want it, they’ve got it. What a treat for downtown Greer to have such a huge selection in one place and they have daily tastings! We enjoyed visiting with Steve and Maria who were keeping shop that evening and felt like family by the time we left! What a little gem for downtown!

---

That’s it folks. Bottom line: get yourself to Greer. Enjoy the charming downtown area for shopping and the excellent food offerings from casual to elegant. Greer really does have it all! Southern Field Trips will definitely be back for another tour of the town.

Southern Field Trips

Field Trip:   an excursion or journey by a group of people away from their normal environment.

My husband and I are empty nesters. What do you do when your kids are gone, and you find that you are a couple again?  For us, the answer was field trips!!  We love to explore places close to home and usually stick to day trips, but our last field trip was a weekend trip. 

We started our weekend with a trip to River Rat Brewery for an oyster roast.  Our daughter, who is 22 knows how we love field trips, so she gifted us tickets to the event for Christmas. What a fun night!!  The oyster roast was held outside in the brewery “yard”. There were several tables set up with everything we needed to eat as many oysters as we could hold!  Gloves, shucking knives, crackers, cocktail sauce, lemons and paper towels were on each table. It was an oyster lover’s dream!!  For those who weren’t oyster lovers, there was delicious barbecue with all the trimmings.  It was Columbia so, of course, there was mustard based sauce to enjoy.  There were two beers on tap outside along with a red and white wine choice at a cash bar. If those two beers weren’t to your liking there was a bountiful supply of choices inside.  Something for everyone!  We enjoyed meeting new people and would definitely do it again.

River Rat Brewery was a lively place with all of the indoor tables full of people enjoy delicious food and drinks. They have a great menu selection with appetizers, nachos, tacos, wings, sandwiches, and burgers including a black bean burger! I definitely want to try the Brisket Pimento Mac-n-cheese next time!! Man, my mouth is watering as I type!! I would highly recommend checking it out if you are in Columbia. It is very near the football stadium with a rooftop bar that overlooks the area.

Next up, we had two choices for breakfast:   hotel muffin and yogurt or a gourmet breakfast??  Yeah, we chose Le Peep. Sorry Hampton Inn. Can I just say SO MANY CHOICES on their menu? It was Truly tough to make our decisions.  I chose the mini Greek Goddess omelet featuring egg whites, spinach, artichokes kalamata olives and feta cheese.  Let me tell you, I felt like a goddess eating it. The people in the next booth probably wouldn’t agree with that comparison the way I was inhaling my food. It also came with a side of potatoes and an English muffin. Jeff, my husband, chose the Colorado egg white omelet filled with lean smoked turkey, avocado, tomatoes, bacon and mozzarella cheese. We were thrilled that there is a location in Greenville as well.  Next field trip?

On to Charleston. Our daughter graduated from The College of Charleston and still lives there so the field trip wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to see her!  Of course, she is always up for a good meal on our dime and we were happy to oblige. We began with lunch at Beech located on King Street.  They serve a variety of acai bowls, poke bowls, bagels and wraps along with fresh juices. Not gonna lie, I was a little intimidated. I mean, what in the world is an acai bowl?? I reluctantly chose a bowl with acai, granola, almond butter, banana, strawberry, raspberry, hemp seeds and raw honey drizzle. Sounds intriguing right?  Um, I took my first bite and the heavens opened up in song. It was amazing. Jeff wasn’t as adventurous and chose a black bean hummus wrap but it was just as delicious. If you’re on King St and searching for something fresh and different, stop by Beech!

Of course, we did the obligatory stroll down King St before enjoying a wonderful dinner at Hank’s Seafood. Now we were pretty lucky here because it was restaurant week and Clare normally selects the priciest item on the menu (when we are paying). We were able to take advantage of 3 courses for $45. Sweet deal to say the least!!  We feasted on She Crab Soup and raw oysters, swordfish and mahi mahi. For dessert we enjoyed pound cake with fresh berries and key lime pie. The food and service were both impeccable and it was so nice to enjoy a nice dinner and drinks without feeling rushed. I wish we could say that we went for after dinner drinks at a swanky bar but alas, I was sick so we headed to the hotel for a cocktail of Delsym and Mucinex.

Sunday morning, we stopped by The Bakehouse on E. Bay St where Clare works to say goodbye. They were bustling with tourists on that cold windy day, so we got our hot drinks, a hot chocolate for Jeff and a London Fog tea for me, said our goodbyes and headed to 82 Queen for brunch. We didn’t tell Clare that part. 82 Queen is one of our Charleston go to restaurants. It is nice and big, so you rarely have to wait and this was no exception. I had shrimp and grits and Jeff had a delicious seafood omelet with grits. Of course, I had the obligatory Bloody Mary while he enjoyed a craft beer from Asheville’s Hi Wire Brewing.

It was a great weekend field trip and we left with our bellies and hearts full!  Now on to the next adventure!

The Charleston Jazz Scene

---

A smoke-filled bar; melodies streaming from a saxophone; the sounds of a piano playing softly in the background; a beautiful lady behind a big microphone belting out an even bigger voice; and, a sophisticated audience drinking in both the sounds and a glass of scotch. These are the images of jazz that came to mind before I began my quest to learn more about this deeply passionate and often complicated genre of music.

So, what is jazz? That was my first question to a group of experts from Charleston Jazz, a non-profit that works to preserve and celebrate the rich jazz tradition of Charleston. I felt a little silly asking such a simplistic question, but after days of research preparing for my interview, I still did not have a full grasp of what makes jazz, jazz. I soon realized it was not a trivial question, but one that sparks much debate, even within the jazz community. Jazz dates back more than 100 years and through the years the sounds have twisted and turned into something much different than those of traditional jazz, yet it’s still jazz.

I listened intently as the group talked about seconds and fifths and scales, about variations of rhythms, and about melody; all the things that you would expect musicians to talk about. But they talked about so much more. They discussed the role of jazz in musical expression and, in a sense, musical freedom. Jazz came of age in “the roaring 20’s” after all. But the breaking of musical tradition is nothing new. Even Beethoven’s music was considered a new and fresh sound from the works of Mozart. And, Elvis; well, he’s a southern music subject for another time. What was different with jazz, however, was the ability of this genre to bring people together like never before. Historians trace the roots of jazz to several different cultures and societal influences. Most notably was the import of enslaved men and women from Africa and the West Indies, along with the refugees from Haiti. Jazz historian, Cameron Lawrence, stated “White musicians, eager to learn the new music, began to seek out black musicians, and jazz started to explode.”

They discussed historical styles such as swing and blues and how jazz is now interwoven with the more modern view of folk and gospel as members of the family. They discussed cultural influences and how post-modern communication has added cultural inspirations from places like Cuba and Hungary to the mix. And, they talked about the styles of jazz: Big Four in New Orleans, Blues in Chicago, and Gullah in Charleston.

And, yes, Charleston holds a sacred spot alongside New Orleans and Chicago in the birth and development of jazz. The presence of recording studios in New Orleans and Chicago during the early years kept those cities in the headlines, but modestly, yet decisively, Charleston etched its place in jazz history.

It all began with the Jenkins Orphanage, an orphanage for African American boys founded in an abandoned marine hospital in 1891 by Baptist minister Reverend Daniel Jenkins. Jenkins was not only a reverend, but a businessman with strong connections in the music industry. Hoping he could train the students and have them perform as a method of supporting the orphanage, he secured donated instruments and hired graduates of the Avery Institute to teach music to the students. Jenkins selected brass instruments for the boys as many suffered from tuberculosis and playing these specific instruments would help strengthen their lungs. Playing donated instruments and wearing discarded Citadel uniforms, the boys became the only black instrumental band organized in South Carolina and they began to play to not only to local Charlestonians, but to people around the world. They played in Paris, Berlin, London and even Rome. The school’s reputation soon led some parents to send their sons there to study music.

The boys were not taught jazz, but simply basic music. It wasn’t long, however, until the cultural elements of jazz trickled in and the band began to perform ragtime and distinctive swing. Gus Aiken, a runaway orphan who returned to the orphanage, brought with him the new art of flutter-tonguing and growling on the trumpet. Gus would go on to play with Louis Armstrong. William “Cat” Anderson, Jabbo Smith and Freddie Green are a few notable professional musicians that were alumni of the Jenkins Orphanage and many students left to play in the bands of Ellington, Lionel Hampton and Count Basie. The Jenkins Orphanage Band also played on Broadway for the play “Porgy”. This story was set in the 1930s in an African-American Charleston neighborhood known as Catfish Row. Later the story was turned into the widely known opera “Porgy and Bess”.

Now, back to the original question; what is jazz? After much debate, the group determined if an answer is required, it must be improvisation. There you have it, folks. Improvisation. From the beginning, jazz was built on the unexpected. A group of musicians playing a tune will sound one way. Take each of those musicians and place them with different musicians playing the same song, and a much different sound will emerge. Jazz, essentially, is a musical language all its own. I’m now hooked and I’m happy to be a part of the conversation.

There is a resurgence of interest in the social history of Charleston’s jazz legacy as well as its musical history, but Charleston’s role in jazz is not simply one for the history books. Live jazz can be heard nightly in concert halls and smaller performing venues. www.charlestonjazz.com has information on the Charleston Jazz Academy, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Festival, and smaller performances around the city.

A special “thank you” to Mary Beth Nataragan, Executive Director of Charleston Jazz; Charlton Singleton, 2018 Director of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra; Robert Lewis, 2019 Director of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra; and, David Carter, Director of Education & Outreach of Charleston Jazz. Their passion and expertise on jazz was equaled only by their hospitality.

---

---

---

A Hike to Heal - One Man's Journey for Change

Suicide has caused more American casualties than the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. On average, 22 veterans die by suicide every day, which is more than double the civilian rate. The battle for many American heroes continues for years after returning home. Too often these burdens cause our returning warriors depression, anxiety, financial struggles and marriage problems.

Exactly one year ago Patrick Elswick was hiking 500 miles across South Carolina along the Palmetto Trail. His 31-day trek led him beside lakes, over mountain peaks, through thick forests and across Lowcountry swamps. Aside from a few veterans who joined him for a day or two, he walked most of the miles alone, accompanied only by the local wildlife and his thoughts. This journey from the mountains to the sea was extremely personal for Patrick; not because of the solitude, because of the mission. Let me explain.

A marine veteran who served multiple tours in Iraq, Patrick was diagnosed like many other combat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Having been an avid outdoorsman all his life, he found healing in the outdoors and has now dedicated his life to helping other veterans find the same solace. He lives daily with the pain of losing brothers on the battlefield but losing them on the Homefront jolted him into action.

Patrick serves as President of WLS Foundation, a national organization made up of veterans who have experienced first-hand the devastating consequences of trauma and they are dedicated to improving the lives of our veterans off the battlefield. The hike was his first major event as President of the organization and his mission was two-fold: raise awareness of the staggering fact that 22 veterans a day die by suicide and showcase the healing power of the outdoors.

One of several key programs of the WLS Foundation is non-clinical nature therapy. There is something about nature that is healing to mind and soul. Whether it's the fresh air, the calmness of the forest, the feeling of purpose when learning a new skill, or simply the practice of being present in the moment without real-world distractions, the outdoors can be a powerful place. Of the hundreds of thousands of veterans who are dealing with issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, many have found the outdoors can not only help them survive, but also thrive during their recovery.

WLS Foundation serves veterans of all branches and of all ages. In addition to nature therapy, their Never Forgotten Program sponsors nursing home visits and meal delivery services. From financial planning to legal services and employment counseling, the Navigation Services Program provides a strong network of partners available to service the individual needs of each veteran. WLS helps to navigate through the system to find the partners to best serve the distinct needs of each veteran, thus providing a greater holistic and person-centered approach to care.

Retired Army Sergeant Major, Mitchell Cole, serves as Chairman of the foundation. “South Carolina was the turning point of the American Revolution and the birthplace of the Civil War. Patriotism runs deep in this state”, he explained, “so placing the headquarters of this national organization in South Carolina made perfect sense.” From paddling and fly fishing to hunting and camping, the outdoor opportunities in the Palmetto State also played a strong role in the organization’s decision to locate here.

Patrick considers his hike across the state a success. The governor declared October as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, more people are now aware of the foundation and over $30,000 was raised for veteran programs. The biggest success, however, was a letter Patrick received months after the hike. It was a “thank you” letter from a veteran who, after getting his affairs in order, was planning to take his own life. Thankfully he happened upon a community event for the hike and became involved with WLS programs. He has once again found purpose and is not only surviving, but also thriving.

Please visit whenlifesucks.org to donate to this cause and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date program information.

30 Days of Thankfulness

These ideas for “30 days of thankfulness” are meant to be suggestions that allow you to indulge yourself in the simple things that may be taken for granted in the hurriedness of life. Allow yourself to focus on the principle of the idea or activity and use the awareness to be thankful of the small things in life. Use these suggestions along with the things you’re most thankful for to take full advantage of this thanksgiving season.

1.     Be thankful for small, everyday gestures

2.     Remember special memories

3.     Enjoy your favorite time of the day

4.     Go to your favorite place to relax and get cozy

5.     Savor your favorite rich food

6.     Keep in mind someone that you admire

7.     Remember the love surrounding you, appreciate kindness from strangers

8.     Be thankful for your health and the health of family members

9.     Appreciate humor

10.  Take today to learn something new

11.  Celebrate your freedom

12.  Bring a smile to the face of another

13.  Remember special family traditions

14.  Cheer on others for their achievements

15.  Be sure to notice and appreciate your favorite form of art

16.  Reminisce on former struggles that have made you stronger

17.  Spend the day doing your favorite hobby

18.  Enjoy your favorite place in your home

19.  Focus on replacing complaints with blessings

20.  Be an active listener

21.  Thank an inspirational family member

22.  Think of the ones who are working or away from their families this Holiday

23.  Remember someone who has made a positive difference in your life, tell them how they have affected you

24.  Take a day trip with your closest family/friends

25.  Indulge in one of your favorite luxuries

26.  Allow your actions to show selflessness

27.  Focus on small, everyday items that you often take for granted

28.  Give whole-hearted compliments

29.  Be a good friend to those around you

30.  Reflect on all of the things you’ve paid special attention to this month. What are you most thankful for?

CHANGING IT UP FOR FALL By: Tammy Rhodes

---

Tammy lives in Belton, SC, with her husband and two children. She is a 3rd grade teacher, loves everything about interior design, and decorates in her spare time. Some of her favorite things include spending time with family, reading, and binge watching reality talent shows. Tammy is happiest though, when she is doing something creative.

Get inspired through her Instagram @allrhodesleadhome

---

There’s no denying that the saturated shades of autumn’s colorful leaves make for a beautiful home. But what about trying a neutral pallet for this year’s fall decor?

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who loves to decorate as much as me, especially around the holidays. But I’ll be honest, fall was not my strong suit. Although I love the traditional colors, I’ve always felt like they didn’t mesh with my home, so I never liked the result. That is until a few years ago when I realized how faded and tattered my pumpkins were, and in desperate need of being replaced. I decided it would be the year for change, and I was on a mission to do it with as little money as possible.

Spray Paint and Pumpkins

Spray paint can be your very best friend. I promise it’s like magic in a can and for a few dollars you can transform almost anything and it will feel brand new. So, in my opinion, the easiest way to freshen up your décor is to paint your existing pumpkins, gourds, and even fall leaves, any color you want. If light and bright is what you are going for, use white or cream spray paint + primer-in-one in a flat or satin finish. Cover the pumpkin’s stem with painter’s tape and spray everything else. After two coats, voila, white pumpkins! It’s that easy! You could also take it a step further by using chalk paint to give a more matte and realistic finish, or craft paints to add accent colors. The great thing about neutral pumpkins is that you can add them to your existing decor. And don’t be afraid to try unexpected pops of color. Something as simple as a cute gingham ribbon will make them stand out even more.

Think Thrifty and Shop Nature

You can never have too many pumpkins or gourds. I love to pile and stack mine to make them look as if they’re overflowing. That’s why I shop my local thrift stores; people are always purging their unwanted décor. Dollar stores are another source for inexpensive items. And remember it doesn’t matter what they look like if you plan to give them a makeover.

Pinecones and leaves are two of my favorite accessories for fall. They create texture and can be added to any color scheme. I love them both natural and painted and they can be placed anywhere. The simplicity of fall foliage will add sophistication to your home and, best of all, you can “shop” for free in your own back yard!

Twinkle Lights

Twinkle lights are where it’s at! If I had to choose one of my favorite accessories, these would be at the very top of the list. In fact, I use these year around in every room of my home. Yep, even the bathroom! Fall is about “cozy”, and nothing makes that happen better than ambient lighting. You can find battery operated lights almost anywhere and they are great if you don’t want to deal with outlets or extension cords. Although I have a few of these, the majority of mine are plain white Christmas lights in strands of 20, 50 and 100 depending on the space I use them. I love the warm glow they emit and the price is on point, especially if you can get them on clearance after Christmas.

Layers, Layers, Layers

Last but not least trade out summer fabrics for decorative blankets, pillows, and throws. Try using what you already have, then layering them with different shapes, sizes, patterns, or textures for extra snuggles and a cozy vibe. Get creative and think outside of the box. For example, a large flannel or crochet scarf could serve as a smaller throw and might be the perfect piece to soften up a stool or dining room chair. Layering pillows and throws add dimension and instantly makes any space more appealing.

Changing your décor doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. When I realized that fall could be any color I wanted, it made decorating easier and it finally felt like me. Updating what I already had saved money and built a foundation in transforming my color scheme. Getting my home ready for this time of year is a lot more fun and stress free. So don’t be afraid to get creative and change it up for fall.

---

---

---

---

---