March 2016 - Lady Lowcountry Magazine by Lady Lowcountry Magazine

MARCH 2016

The

PEACE ISSUE

March 2016

LADYLOWCOUNTRY.COM

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IN THE NEW YEAR

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Arum Spa is on-site and is among the newest spas in Hilton Head. Located in the Shipyard Plantation, Arum is also theinisland’s top sanctuary for Arum is is among theSpa newest spas Hilton Head. Located ArumSpa Spaisison-site on-siteand and among the newest spas in Hilton Head. Located intoxicating treatments that engage the the senses, calm mind and lift the spirits. inin the Arum Spa is is also island’s topthe sanctuary for for theShipyard ShipyardPlantation, Plantation, Arum Spa also the island’s top sanctuary intoxicating treatments that engage thenewest senses,spas calm mind andand lift thethe spirits. Arum Spa isyou on-site among inthe Hilton Head. Located intoxicating treatments that engage calm the mind lift spirits. Whether haveand an is hour or a the fullthe day,senses, it’s always the right amount of time to in the Shipyard Plantation, Arum Spa is also the island’s top sanctuary for relax and rejuvenate at the Arum Spa. Whether you have hour oror awelcoming full day, it’sit’s always thethe right amount of time to to Whether you haveanan hour a full day, always right amount of time intoxicating treatments that engage the senses, calm the mind and lift the spirits. relax the welcoming Arum Spa. relaxand andrejuvenate rejuvenateatat the welcoming Arum Spa. Whether you have an hour or a full day, it’s always the right amount of time to and rejuvenate BOOKED at the welcoming Arum Spa. RECEIVE 20% OFF ANYrelax TREATMENT NOW THROUGH MARCH 31, 2016! RECEIVE 20% OFF ANY TREATMENT BOOKED NOW THROUGH MARCH 31, 2016! RECEIVE 20% OFF ANY TREATMENT BOOKED NOW THROUGH MARCH 31, 2016! If health and wellness are included in your top priorities this year, Arum Spa can get you started! If health and wellness included LADY in yourMAGAZINE top priorities year, Arum Spa canOFF! get you started! MUSTare MENTION TOthis RECEIVE 20% If health and wellness are included in your top priorities this year, YOUR Arum Spa can get you started!

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If health and wellness are included in your top priorities this year, Arum Spa can get you started! MUST MENTION LADY MAGAZINE TO RECEIVE YOUR 20% OFF! 130 SHIPYARD DRIVE | HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC

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March 2016

130 SHIPYARD DRIVE | HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC

Time to Relax

Bring more focus, more productivity into your life with regular spa treatments

Make a list with every excuse you can think of that will keep you away from the spa. List them all, read each and every one and then crumble it up and throw it away. When did it become taboo to take care of ourselves? I encourage you to throw away every ridiculous excuse you can think of, not to take care of that one amazing body you have been given. We should have a million reasons to treat ourselves better, and these are the things we should consider first and foremost! Let me tell you why it’s not only important but necessary for your health and well-being. Studies have recently shown that the brain of an individual that meditates and uses other techniques of relaxation has the power to change the bodies DNA sequence. Our minds can heal our bodies but only if we are able to access those areas of our brains responsible for that change. Stress is the main obstacle that prevents us from being able to do so! I am reminded of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz when she realized she possessed the power to go home all along. We have all been blessed with the power to heal from within; it’s just a matter of determining how to accomplish it. I have committed to a massage or facial

monthly and I am not ashamed! I’m sure you must think that it’s easy for me as someone who works in a spa, but it isn’t. I have to make time outside of my work schedule and other responsibilities just like anyone else for spa. The payoff has been incredible! I look and feel better and as a result find that I am more focused for daily life and more productive in my professional environment. Life is good but it only improves when you are actively taking care of your one and only amazing body! Commit to really taking care of your body and allowing yourself the rejuvenation that life demands. The reward will greatly outweigh the cost and there will never be a moment when you look back and regret allowing yourself an hour. Life is not a race- there is no reward for finishing before everyone else. Arum Spa is among the newest spas in Hilton Head. We offer an array of treatments enveloped in an ambiance that engages the senses, calms the mind, and lifts the spirit. Whether you have an hour or a full day, it’s always the right amount of time to relax and rejuvenate at Arum.

S P E C I A L

P R O M O T I O N A L

HOPE GREEN

Arum Spa and Leisure Activities Director, Sonesta Resort HHI

Arum Spa is located in the newly remodeled Sonesta Resort inside Shipyard Plantation. Open 7 days a week – Seasonal Hours Visit us online at www.sonesta.com/ hiltonheadisland or call 843-341-ARUM for more information

E D I T O R I A L

March 2016

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Okatie Youth Ballet in Ridgeland, SC is a fun, friendly, dance studio with a child centered approach. We offer developmentally appropriate classes for ages 2 and up and performances based on the child’s needs and age. We strive to provide a loving learning and disciplined environment that makes each child special and encourages self respect and self esteem.

51 Riverwalk Blvd. 3 Suite C • Ridgeland, SC 29946 (Behind Livingoods) 843-540-5491 • petedelt@hargray.com

www.OkatieYouthBallet.com

S P E C I A L

P R O M O T I O N A L

E D I T O R I A L

Maui Whitening Redefines Teeth Whitening in the Lowcountry! Lady Lowcountry is thrilled to get to know our new neighbors at Maui Whitening Hilton Head, a Teeth Whitening Salon here on the Island! We spent some time with the owner of Maui Whitening, Beth Clough, so that we could learn all about Maui Whitening and share it with our readers. Lady Lowcountry: A Teeth Whitening Salon? Wow! What a great business! Can you tell us about it? Maui Whitening: Yes, we’re thrilled to be offering such a wonderful service to our friends here in the Lowcountry! We understand today’s fast-paced lifestyle, and our mission at Maui Whitening is to make teeth whitening services accessible to everyone - fast, affordable, safe and effective. As a result, our friends on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and the surrounding areas can take advantage of our teeth whitening services in our Salon, here BEFORE on the Island. We promise to transform your smile 6-10 shades whiter in no more than an hour. If you have half an hour to an hour, you can walk out with a whiter smile! Lady Lowcountry: Is there any pain or sensitivity? Maui Whitening: It’s so simple and easy for our clients, but we take the teeth whitening process very seriously to ensure our clients safety and best possible results! The Maui Whitening method is a non-dental, self-administered process – no trays and no pain, and no problems with sensitivity! An average session is just 20-60 minutes and can deliver results up to 10 shades of brightness. Our teeth whitening sessions are offered at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay to have your teeth whitened at other locations and we use the same grade equipment and products used in dental offices across the country, which are manufactured in the U.S. in an FDA-approved facility. Maui Whitening is approved by the South Carolina Dental Board, and we’re the only Maui Whitening location in South Carolina!

Our clients really do say it best! From Christina Dzendzel, who scheduled a teeth whitening session, and she gave us such a kind testimonial: “I never wanted to commit to the high prices of teeth whitening, not to mention the multiple sessions and trays. Maui Teeth Whitening Salon is affordable and you can transform your smile with ease and comfort. I was so happy with my results I had in just 20 minutes!“ Lady Lowcountry: Why did you choose to open in this area? My husband and I made our dream a reality when we relocated to HHI from the Atlanta area in July, 2015, and we knew that we wanted to have a business of our own here. We explored a number of options, and when we found the Maui Whitening Dealership, we knew it was the right opportunity for us. And, we wanted to really become part of our new home and AFTER community and opening a business to serve our new neighbors and friends here in the Lowcountry seemed like a great way to do that, and helping people through our service was icing on the cake! Lady Lowcountry: Who is your clientele? Maui Whitening: Anyone who is interested in a whiter smile, but we naturally appeal to Brides, high school seniors for senior portraits and students attending prom; professionals who meet with clients regularly, those who just got braces removed, fitness enthusiasts and more. We can even do Fundraisers and Group sessions! In fact, we have a special program for Brides…if she brings in 6 or more members from her wedding party, her session is FREE! Our prices range from $99 to $179. We’re located at 37 New Orleans Rd., in Orleans Plaza, Suite B. We take walk-ins or appointments. Call us to schedule an appointment at 843-715-3038. You can visit our website at mauiwhiteninghhi.com. Find us on Facebook at Maui Whitening Hilton Head.

Call today for $20 off your 1st visit! GOOD THROUGH MARCH 31, 2016

Prom, Bridal, Celebrations 37 New Orleans Road, Suite B | Hilton Head Island, SC

843-715-3038 March 2016

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From the Publisher

TERRI BILOTTA Publisher 843-290-5093 terri@ladylowcountry.com ladylowcountry.com

Where to Find Lady Lowcountry AUNT LAURIE’S, 11 Barton’s Run in Bluffton at Studio B BLUFFTON CHAMBER 217 Gothe Road, Bluffton BLUFFTON SELF HELP 39 Sheridan Park Circle in Bluffton COASTAL BLISS 38 Shelter Cove Lane #126 on Hilton Head COLIGNY PLAZA North Forest Beach Drive on Hilton Head COMFORT SUITES 23 Towne Dr., Bluffton CROSS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 110 Calhoun Street in Bluffton CURVES OF BLUFFTON, 365 Red Cedar St #302, Bluffton HEALTH SMART 67 Towne Dr, Bluffton HILTON HEAD LAKES 356 Lakeside Blvd, Hardeeville LOWCOUNTRY ACCOUNTING 11 Palmetto Parkway, Suite 105 on Hilton Head LE COOKERY The Village at Wexford on Hilton Head LOW COUNTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH OFFICE 801 Buckwalter Pkwy. in Bluffton LYNDA’S ON CALHOUN 45 Calhoun St., Bluffton MERLE NORMAN Sheridan Park, Suite 21, Bluffton MAMEEM AND MAUDIE 7 Lawton St, Bluffton MAUI TEETH WHITENING, 37 New Orleans Rd. Suite B Orleans Plaza on Hilton Head NEXX FAZE HAIR SALON, 103 Okatie Center Blvd N #103, Okatie OKATIE YOUTH BALLET 51 Riverwalk Blvd., Ridgeland PAULS OPTICAL The Village at Wexford on Hilton Head POWERHOUSE GYM PREFERRED AIRE 374 Spanish Wells Rd, Hilton Head Island VAN DER MEER TENNIS 19 De Allyon Ave, Hilton Head Island SONESTA AND ARUM SPA 130 Shipyard Dr., Hilton Head Island STOKES BROWN TOYOTA, 100 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton BLUFFTON JASPER VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE 1 Burnt Church Road, Bluffton WE CARE DENTAL 247 Mead Road, Hardeeville

LADYLOWCOUNTRY.COM

March 2016

Welcome to Lady Lowcountry! WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE of Lady Lowcountry, the faith based magazine for ladies of all ages and stages of life. I want bore you by telling you all kinds of things about me because this magazine isn’t about me. It is about local ladies in the Lowcountry telling their stories of faith trials and joys. Lady Lowcountry is about the daily reads keeping us turning the pages each day of the month to work out , be inspired, to plan our meals, or to catch the specials that our advertisers are offering on the Lady Lowcountry social calendar page. So please repay the advertisers by seeking them out for a visit, because without them your Lady Lowcountry magazine would not exist. So enjoy your Lady Lowcountry Peace issue, and know that you are reading the first of something that is sure to change lives.

TERRI BILOTTA

terri@ladylowcountry.com

YOU’RE INVITED

Magazine Launch Party 6-8 p.m. March 14th at Comfort Inn and Suites in Bluffton Bring the entire family to Lady Lowcountry Magazine’s launch party. There will be refreshments, an Easter egg hunt and live music. Our advertisers will have booths with more information about their services. The Okatie Youth Ballet will perform. Help us kick off the first issue of our magazine in style and with a little fun.

BEHIND THE SCENES

ALLIE FLOYD

TISHA CHAFER

HEIDI FINGAR

JENN SCHMIDT

Allie Floyd is a local photographer in South Carolina. She specializes in families on the beach, one-of-a-kind seniors, babies and children and teens.

Tisha Chafer is a local real estate agent and Certiﬁed Holistic Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

Heidi has worked in the health and ﬁtness ﬁeld for 15 years as a personal trainer, exercise class instructor and behavior change consultant.

Jenn works as a personal trainer with Joey Watkins at Powerhouse Gym on Hilton Head Island.

Table of Contents

MARCH 2016

31 Faithful Features

Meaningful Mainstays 9 Social Calendar:

Find out what’s happening in the Lowcountry this Easter season.

10 The Secret to a Happy Life:

The owner of Aunt Laurie’s discusses her life passion

17 Lady’s Quiet Time:

12 Time for a New You:

23 Workout Calendar:

25 Love is In the air:

Help prepare for trials big or small while finding peace in all things. Easy-to-do exercises and in the convenience of your own home.

Sticking with your New Year’s Resolutions doesn’t have to be tough One couple’s journey to I Do couldn’t be any more romantic

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 1

Find Lady Lowcountry on Facebook & Twitter © COPYRIGHT 2016 All rights reserved by copyright. Lady Lowcountry Magazine is published monthly. While we have made every effort to ensure information contained herein is accurate, no warranty implied or otherwise is made. This magazine or parts thereof must not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher does not make any representations as to opinions and facts.

Seek peace and pursue it. ~ PROVERBS 34:14

Jocelyn’s Nexx FSalonaz&e Day Spa THE Curley Hair Experience for Cutting & Coloring

LOOKING FOR TALENTED, FUN STYLIST OF ALL COLORS

843.705.2050 • Hwy 170 • Next Door to Ashley Home Furniture March 2016

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You Are Invited Magazine Launch Party Live Music Bring the Entire Family Refreshments Easter Egg Hunt Performance by Okatie Youth Ballet Business Expo

Meet our Advertisers!

6-8 p.m. March 14th at Comfort Suites in Bluffton

Lad’s SOCIAL CALENDAR

EXCLUSIVELY FOR LADY LOWCOUNTRY READERS

Delightful, Delectable DEALS & DISCOVERIES

MAUI TEETH WHITENING Your teeth can go 3 to 10 shades whiter in 20 minutes with the Friends and Family Gift. Enjoy $20 off your first visit or a 20-minute session for $79. (Regular price $99-$179) Good through March 21.

ARTISTS SPRING SOIRÉE Eight artists are gathering at the Westin Hilton Head Island Hotel March 12 and 13 to share their artistic talents — including Beautiful Jewels, who represent 10 designer jewelry artists and estate jewelry will also be present.

MERLE NORMAN Free steam facials for new or existing clients for the entire month of March. Choose from: Hydrating, retexturizing, pour cleansing, soothing or brightening facials. Limit 1 per person. Call 843-815-5412 for an appointment.

AUNT LAURIE’S

SUMMER DANCE CAMPS

WWW.AUNTLAURIES.COM

WWW.OKATIEYOUTHBALLET.COM

Free shipping for a limited time only on Easter baskets — a $6.99 value. Use promo code: BLESSED16. Expires March 18th.

Okatie Youth Ballet is offering several summer camps that include learning ballet, creative movement, drama, as well as crafts and healthy snacks. Call 843-540-5491 for more information.

CURVES OF BLUFFTON Receive $0 enrollment fee with a donation to the Food Drive, from March 7-18. Bring a bag of non-perishable food or $30 for Bluffton Self Help. For more information, call 843-706-2844.

COMFORT SUITES Newly renovated. Special rates for locals. Meeting facilities available. Located by Kroger in Belfair Towne Village. Call 843-815-1700.

HEALTH SMART WWW.HEALTHSMARTBL.COM

Enjoy 10% off grass fed beef at Health Smart, located next to Steinmart in Bluffton. You must present this offer at the time of purchase. May not be combined with other offers.

MAMEEM AND MAUDIE The next time you’re in Old Town Bluffton, visit Mameem and Maudie. They have a little bit of everything. Leave prayer requests, which will be prayed over each morning.

March 2016

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The

SECRET to a Happy Life

PHOTO BY ALLIE FLOYD

by LAURIE BROWN MY PASSION FOR HELPING PEOPLE along with my love of animals both contribute to what makes me happy and fulfilled. I really have a passion for helping the less fortunate, as I am blessed with good health, a loving family, strong faith, and living my dream in South Carolina. Having a long time goal of passing the Therapy Dog International Certification with one of my dogs was toward the top of my bucket list. I finally had the time, and yes, I am one of those list people. It keeps me focused. Trapper and I trained, but I must admit he was a natural. We went to a clinic and practiced for the couple hour test.

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March 2016

As we worked as a team and we were tested for obedience, control, and reaction to special circumstances that we may encounter, he actually did better than I did! Trapper loves me as much as I love him, so we make a good team. Our certification allows us to visit the lonely, young, old, or sick. A perfect fit for me, as I can help people and enjoy time with Trapper the Wonder Dog! Occasionally, Trapper and I visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities. One Saturday afternoon I decided to surprise one of his elderly lady friends on Hilton Head Island. I brushed him up and put on his TDI bandana and

off we went. We tapped gently on the cracked open door and peeked in. When she saw us, she couldn’t believe that we came back to make a visit. I sat on the edge of the bed and we talked. While I could have been doing a hundred other things the sunny Saturday afternoon, that hour with Trapper and his lady friend warmed my heart and made my day. It was the best use of my time. Some of our more interesting visits are when we go to the library or YMCA and we visit with children. For kids, reading aloud to the dogs is a form of therapy. Trapper is really tired when we’re done, as he gets several different little people reading to him and hugging him. On our first visit to the YMCA, I talked to the kids and introduced Trapper. While Trapper and I sat on the floor, I probed the kids with questions: How much did Trapper weigh? How old is Trapper? Where was he born? When they learned Trapper’s parents were from Russia, their eyes lit up. It was fun making these kids laugh, and an awesome way to spend an hour. I now make the time, as I know it helps me as much as I hope I am helping them. As we walked along the Beaufort Christmas parade route in

December, Trapper gently nudged the young kids for a pet. He instinctively knows to be calm and still for those who seem a little apprehensive. Seeing a little boy’s face light while petting Trapper made me smile inside and out. Sitting up on the sidewalk, I took Trapper off the street to make a quick visit with an elderly woman in a wheelchair. As she reached down with her thin hands to cup Trapper’s head and talk to him, her daughter quietly thanked me. It doesn’t get any better than that. I laid in bed that night, saying my nightly prayers and feeling blessed. I hope Trapper and I made some complete strangers a little bit happier, if only for a brief moment. It is really not about me and Trapper, it’s all about helping others. So, I ask. What are you passionate about? What can you do this year to feel good inside and out? What will make you healthy, fit and fabulous deep in your soul, mind, and body? Take some time and really think about it. Pray about it. Write it down. Make it happen and see how good you’ll feel.

What are you passionate about? What can you do this year to feel good inside and out?

www.AuntLauries.com 843-940-7116

Made with Love ...

Gifts that give back. Gifts That Make a Difference. Gifts for all Occasions. March 2016

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Time for a

NEW YOU

Spring is in the air, and if the past few months have been a struggle to stick with your New Year Resolution, now is the time to reset and refocus on your goals. by TISHA CHAFER AS WOMEN, OUR RESOLUTIONS are often focused on weight loss versus an overall self-care routine. When we focus just on the weight issue, and not all the components which make us healthy individuals, we often end up failing. Many people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand why the results do not come, or if they do, why they are short lived. The answer usually is because we are focusing on only one component of health versus the whole picture. In health coaching we break down these components into two categories called primary and secondary foods. The food we eat is what we consider a secondary food because the primary foods of relationships, spirituality, physical activity, and career are really what feeds our souls, and when these are all in sync true well-being is achieved. We can eat healthy daily, but if you are stuck in a career that is not fulfilling, if your relationships are filled with toxicity, if you are holding onto anger and un-forgiveness, if you are not moving your body through exercise on a regular basis, if you are not spending regular time in prayer and stillness, all the healthy meals are not going to make a lasting difference in the overall wellness of an individual. They may, for a short time, but in the long run focusing on the non-food sources that feed us daily is what will have the greatest impact on our well-being. Since Spring is a time of renewal take some to time to reflect on the following questions:

LADYLOWCOUNTRY.COM

March 2016

Do I love what I do and do what I love? Career wise. Why or why not? Do I cultivate loving relationships? With family, friends and my spouse? Why or why not? Do I give my body the exercise it needs? Why or why not? Do I feel a spiritual connection? With myself and with God? Why or why not? The more space we create for primary food, the less we depend on secondary food. On the contrary, the more we fill ourselves with secondary food, the less space we leave for primary food â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our true source of nourishment. Begin to explore your own personal balance between primary and secondary foods and which areas need attention. Utilizing a professional health coach to help you navigate through these ideas may be helpful. We are blessed to have many certified coaches right here in the Lowcountry that can assist you with learning how to balance primary and secondary foods and assisting you on your path to optimal health and wellness. If you would like to be referred to a health coach please feel free to email me at tishachafer@gmail.com and I can refer you to one that will best suit your particular personality and goals. Your first session is always complimentary, and it may change your life!

Lad OF THE

HOUSE

Perfect Temp, Inc. Your Pool Heater Specialists

SPRING CLEANING: One Day at a Time WHEN SPRING CAME around during my first year of marriage, it was a totally new concept. That’s when my husband suggested a spring cleaning chart. Take it one day at a time: BASE BOARDS Let’s start with those base boards. First dust or sweep off the top. Next a nice bucket of warm soapy water will be needed. Then a soft cloth preferably white so you can see just how much extra dirt you remove. GROUT Cleaning the grout can be so much fun with the right tools and products. You will need an old tooth brush to be thrown away after, vinegar and baking soda, clean cloth and damp cloth. The baking soda can be mixed in with the vinegar to make a thick paste to push into the grout lines that are extremely dirty. The vinegar can be poured on or put in a spray bottle. Push the paste in the grout line. Scrub with the old tooth brush, wipe off with damp cloth then wipe off with dry cloth. CEILING FANS Why in the world do they have to be up so high? Do not reverse the order of the rotation so dust flies all over the room. Put an over-sized sheet on the floor under the fan. Turn the switch off of course. If you have one of those fancy tools made to clean ceiling fans exclusively it’s all good. If not, spray vinegar on an old pillow case. Get out your broom and cover the straw end with the pillow case. Get into a position where your ceiling fan can be conveniently reached, then sweep away. Afterwards throw your pillowcase in the laundry for your next spring cleaning . WINDOWS Grab a bucket of warm soapy water with a nice white wash cloth. Wipe down the window panes, then wipe down the glass, dip the cloth in the water and ring out as needed. Repeat until you have done all of the interior windows in the house like this. Next in clean bucket pour vinegar until about half full. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and ring it out. Go over all of the glass with the cloth followed by a paper towel. STUFF Make sure to put your unwanted stuff in receptacles that are properly marked with their next destination written clearly on the outside of the container. Nobody wants to get a box of mixed up stuff. This is enough to get you started on the path to a cleaner house for the spring. Just writing this has worn me out, so I’m going to pour myself a glass of sweet tea and take a break.

843-422-8109 We provide a specialty service for all brands of pool heat pumps

Aquacal / Built Right / Gulfstream Hayward / Jandy / Pentair Raypak / Rheem / Zodiac • Local - Same Day or Next Day Service • Stocked Service Trucks for Same Day Repairs • Pool Heater Annual Maintenance & Cleaning • Factory Trained Pool Heat Pump Technicians • Authorized Warranty Servicer for Most Brands • Inspections for Real Estate Transactions

Heat or Cool, we’ll keep your Pool the “PERFECT TEMP” All Year Long! perfecttemphhi@gmail.com

www.perfecttemphhi.com March 2016

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MAKE-UP MAKEOVER

Sponsored by

MERLE NORMAN

BEFORE

MARCY’S MAKEOVER BEGAN with super clean skin. Her professional makeover began with Merle Normans Pumpkin Peel made with 30 percent fruit acid complex. A service available at Merle Norman by appointment only. Next the Merle Normans revitalizing eye gel packed with proteins and peptide was used to help calm the appearance of puffiness while locking in moisture. Next we treated Marcy’s skin with Merle Normans wrinkle smoother lift and firm serum, to lift, firm and revitalize her skin. Next we minimized the appearance of lines under the eyes with Merle Normans wrinkle smoother eye cream with cucumber extract to soothe and relax. Wrinkle smoother moisturizer was then applied all over the face and neck. This anti wrinkle moisturizer dramatically reduces the appearance of expression lines. The active ingredient Argireline, is a hexapeptide which helps smooth out existing expression lines and assists in preventing new ones. Merle Normans Perfecting foundation for all skin types has a satin airbrush finish and gave Marcy’s face a beautiful healthy glow. We lightly set the foundation with Ultra buff powder foundation, which can be used alone or with Merle Normans perfecting foundation. In order to make Marcy’s eye shadow look great all day long we 14

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March 2016

prepped Marcy’s eyes with Merle Normans eye shadow primer. The colors we chose for Marcy’s beautiful eyes were; Harvest on the entire eye Oyster under the brow bone for highlighting Buff in the crease to enhance the size of her eyes and Aubergine in the outer corner entering outward and upward for a dramatic effect. The eyeliner we chose was Soft touch waterproof eyeliner in black out on the upper lid, lower lid and inside the waterline. To prepare the lashes we used Merle Normans mascara primer. This keeps the eye lashes healthier by conditioning and moisturizing them. We topped off the lashes with Merle Normans amazing Fatlash mascara. To highlight Marcy’s cheeks we chose Merle Normans new liquid cheek color. The color we chose was Harmony. This non transferable cheek color smooths out easily and gives a natural glow. Marcy’s lips were lined with age defying liner in dark chocolate by Merle Norman. The creamy lip color we chose was Peruvian Bronze and to ad some extra pop we used lip polish in Passionista. For a finished look we used Expert Touch Finishing spray by Merle Norman. Marcy’s hair was styled by Annie Carlin Emison (hairstylist at Merle Norman)

RESIZ A clea

Out with the old makeup, in with a brand new you! Visit us today to update your look with the latest colors and start the year with a fresh new outlook.

BEAUTY

IN BLOOM

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931. ÂŠ 2015 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.

me rle NormAN .com

Studio Name Address Phone Number Business Hours

ÂŠ 2016 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.

70 Pennington Dr Ste 21 Studio Name Village at Sheridan Park Address Bluffton, 29910 Phone SC Number 843-815-5412 Business Hours Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

MERLENORMAN .COM

Z I N G A N D C U S TO M I Z I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S ar zone of 1/2 the height of the logo must be maintained as shown below.

March 2016

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Spring 2016 Makeover Ad Slick 70-86 New Year, New You Ad Slick 15-1

Book your free Spring Makeover today!

SATURDAY, MARCH AT & 4:00 & 5:30PM ATURDAY, MARCH 26TH AT26TH 4:00 5:30PM SUNDAY, MARCH 27TH AT10:00, 8:30, 10:00, & 11:30AM DAY, MARCH 27TH AT 8:30, & 11:30AM *SERVICIO DE LAS 11:30AM TRADUCIDO A ESPAﾃ前L* *SERVICIO DE LAS 11:30AM TRADUCIDO A ESPAﾃ前L*

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PHONE (843) WEB LOWCOUNTRYCC.ORG SOCIAL @LOWCOUNTRYCC 836-1101 WEB836-1101 LOWCOUNTRYCC.ORG SOCIAL @LOWCOUNTRYCC

MARCH

Money troubles, job problems, school issues, relationship conflicts and health issues can steal joy and take away peace. Daily quiet time can help prepare for trials big or small while finding peace in all things. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. PSALMS 46:1

10 When the cares of my heart are

21 The Lord is a refuge for the

So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ISAIAH 41:10

11 Blessed are the peacemakers , for

22 Cast your burden on the Lord and

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation. By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7

13 Mercy Peace and love be yours in

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursuit it. PSALM 34:14 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ROMANS 12:18 The Lord gives strength to His people: the Lord blesses His people with peace. PSALM 29:11 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. PROVERBS 12:20 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:15 Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. JOB 22:21

many, your consolations cheer my soul. PSALMS 94:19 they shall be called the sons of God. MATTHEW 5;9

12 Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.1 PETER 5:7 abundance. JUDE 1:2

14 Those who have no sense deride their neighbors, but those who have understanding hold their tongues. PROVERBS 11:12

15 God is our refuge and strength

an ever present help in trouble. PSALM 46:1

16 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ROMANS 3:23

17 Surely goodness and mercy shall

follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. PSALM 23:6

18 But Jesus looked at them and

said to them with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. MATTHEW 19:26

19 I can do all things through

Christ who strengthens me. PHILIPPIANS 4:13

20 For God has not given us a spirit of

fear but of power and of love and of sound mind. TIMOTHY 1:7

oppressed a stronghold in times of trouble. PSALM 9:9 He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. PSALMS 55:22

23 Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning. PSALMS 30:5

24 One who has unreliable friends

soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. PROVERBS 18:24

25 Walk with the wise and become

wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. PROVERBS 13:20

26 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. PROVERBS 10:12

27 And very early in the morning the first day of the week they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun. MARK 16:2-6

28 If we say we have no sin, we

deceive ourselves , and the truth is not in us. 1JOHN 1:8

29 We love because He first loved us. 1 JOHN 4:19

30 When a mans ways please

the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. PROVERBS 16:7

31 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. Second THESSALONIANS 3:16 March 2016

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For tickets, please visit Lady Lowcountryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page or visit www. auntlauries.com.

IN LIVING COLOR

PHOTO BY ALLIE FLOYD

The Soft Pastel Colors of Easter have Historical and Symbolic Meaning

A NEW PASTEL COLORED dress with shiny white shoes ,and white gloves accented with a tiny pink bow ,and a pretty little white bonnet with a white ribbon hanging from it, and I was ready to go to church for Easter Sunday service. Styles have changed since I was a kid,but new clothes at Easter are still an exciting tradition. In the first few centuries after the resurrection of Jesus new members of the church were baptized in rivers the week before Easter. The people that were baptized wore white robes to symbolize rebirth and new life. That is why today some churches recognize the week before Easter as white week or Holy week. There was actually a Roman emperor that made an official decree stating that people had to wear new clothes at Easter.

The colors of Easter were traditionally soft and pastel. White for purity, purple for royalty, yellow for sunlight, green for nature and eternal life. Today all colors are worn and meaningful. As fashion Easters we know to choose colors that are flattering to our skin tone. We select styles that suit our body types and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scream Easter dress every time we wear them. Easter dresses are now as diverse as we are and follow no rules Easter eggs, Easter flowers and plants, newborn chicks, bunny rabbits, Easter sunrise services all represent the same thing, wonderful rebirth. So celebrate this Easter and all the wonderful blessings we have to enjoy here in the Lowcountry. This festival of hope, an awakening new life and new day and the joy of being alive.

PICTURED ABOVE: THE OWNER OF LYNDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CALHOUN POSES WITH SOME OF THE EASTER-INSPIRED FASHION FROM HER STORE, LOCATED IN OLD TOWN BLUFFTON.

March 2016

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NEW 30 minute classes including: Exercises to improve balance, stability and core strength Strength training focusing on arms, core and legs NEW 30 minuteMovements classes including: designed

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Bluffton, SC 29910 Movements designed OUR ENROLLMENT FEE! *to both * Enrollment fee and monthly fees vary by location. Offer expires 12/31/15 and requires joining same day as 8 4 3 . 7 0 6 . 2 8 4 4 first visit for a minimum 12-month recurring billing contract. Valid for new Curves members only. Not valid stretch and strengthen with any other offer or discount. Valid at participating location only. Classes and Jillian Michaels workouts * Enrollment fee and monthly fees vary by location. Offer expires 12/31/15 and requires joining same day as by location and only offered at participating locations. No cash value. firstscheduled visit for a minimum 12-month recurring billing contract. Valid for new Curves members only. Not valid your muscles with any other offer or discount. Valid at participating location only. Classes and Jillian Michaels workouts (

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first visit for a minimum 12-month recurring billing contract. Valid for new Curves members only. Not valid ) © 2015 CURVES INTERNATIONAL, INC. ( 1501 with any other offer or discount. Valid at participating location only. Classes and Jillian Michaels workouts scheduled by location and only offered at participating locations. No cash value. © 2015 CURVES INTERNATIONAL, INC. ( 1501 )

moEvW es

Never Too Late for

CHANGE

PHOTO BY ALLIE FLOYD

by JONI MINIER DON’T EVER LET ANYONE tell you it is too late to reinvent yourself, or that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”! I am a living example that no one is ever too old to gain control of their weight and improve the quality of their life even in their “golden years”! I will forever be grateful for Curves for Woman for my transformation which begun on 11/13/06 when a friend of mine told me about Curves. I started to exercise there regularly and found out that not only did I enjoy the routine, but I was having a great time with the other women trying to get in shape. I was actually lucky enough to be hired at Curves and started to work one morning a week. At age 75 I am still conscientiously there every Saturday morning motivating other ladies letting them know that the program works! My transformation came slowly but gradually I lost over 30 lbs. going from 185 lbs to 150 lbs. Most of my adult life I wore a size 14 or 16. Today I am a size 8! I never thought I would ever see that size in my closet. Ever since childhood I have struggled with being over weight. I even had to shop in stores that sold “Chubette" sizes! I have six brothers and sister and I

was always the heaviest and today I am the thinnest! Not only did the Curves program work with my weight reduction it accomplished so much more for me. It motivated me to make better food choices, drink more water, taught me the benefits of stretching exercises. At 75 years young I play tennis 6 times a week, go for regular bike rides and go dancing regularly! The transformation in my body also improved my self-confidence. I actually feel good about my body. I began to enjoy shopping for clothes, which I never did prior to losing weight. I even participated in a Fashion Show! Lori the owner/manger of Curves has been such an encouragement and support to me. She always comes up with fun and interesting contests to keep us motivated. I actually look forward to going to workout at Curves which I never thought I would ever do. My enthusiasm for the program has now lasted nine years if that is testimony of it being a great program. For all of you like me who have struggled to gain control of your weight I strongly encourage you to try Curves. I promise you won’t be disappointed. March 2016

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*One per person - not valid with any other discount or promotion. VDM may replace with alternate if item not available. Sign up by April 15, 2016.

vandermeertennis.com Hilton Head Island, SC 1.800.845.6138

March 2016

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Up early. A little soreness is normal.

What’s your magic number? Don’t you dare quit.

How many 22 How many 23 did you do was that? yesterday? Don’t get mad at How about a me — How bout repeat, plus 1? one more?

Up early. Big 10 again.

Tell your friends to join you at work for 8 squats!

Up early! Ten easy squats before breakfast.

Up early! Do five squats today!

Celebrate 31 your last day by making these squats a part of your daily routine every!

Come on! Keep going. This is great, right?

Go for it! Ten in the morning. Ten at night.

How about 8 squats in the morning and 8 squats before you dinner?

Up early! This is definitely getting easier! Five squats.

Feeling 25 better. Looking better. What number are you up to?

Think: 18 Strong! Ten in the morning. Ten at night.

26 How many are your friends at work up to now?

Push 19 yourself! How many you can do this morning? Don’t be late for work!

Do it like you mean it! Nine squats this morning please!

Up early! Only six squats. That’s easy.

Up early! Additional squat feels good! Doesn’t it? Come on. 11 Hang in there for two sets of 8 squats. Think: results.

Easter. Rest.

Rest Up!

Remember fitness is a journey and not a destination!

28 Think summer shorts. Add as many as possible today.

21 How many did you do last week? Add two more today

14 Up early! Ten squats go a little deeper if you’re ready.

Up early for your six squats!

The beneﬁts of the squat exercise. Squats are an excellent exercise for training the lower body and core muscles, if done regularly they help with thigh and buttocks toning. Basic squat: stand with feet shoulder width apart. Arms down by your side. Stand tall. Start to lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your weight into your heels. As you lower your body raise your arms in front of you for balance. Never extend your knees over your toes.Your lower body should be parallel with the ﬂoor. Keep your chest lifted. Do not round shoulders. Straighten your knees out to stand back up tall to complete squat. If you are new to squats try not to squat too deep.

March SQUAT MADNESS

Challenge yourself. Add two. That makes 8. Come on!

Up early! Five easy squats before your coffee.

WORKOUT PLAN

Dail

The Comfort Suites Bluffton/Hilton Head Area is a NEWLY RENOVATED, hidden gem waiting to be disThe Comfort Suites Bluffton/Hilton HeadaArea is a NEWLY RENOVATED, hidden covered. All of our rooms are Suites and include microwave, fridge, coffee maker and pull-out sofagem bed.waiting Other The Comfort Suites Bluffton/Hilton Head Area is a NEWLY RENOVATED, hidden gem waiting to be discovered. All of our rooms are SuitesOutdoor and include a microwave, fridge, coffee andsq/ amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, Pool, Fitness Center, Business Centermaker and a 450 to be discovered. All of our rooms are Suites and include a microwave, fridge, coffee maker and pull-out sofa bed. Other amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, Outdoor Pool, Fitness ftpull-out Meetingsofa Room that is perfect for hosting yourcomplimentary business and social We are conveniently located in bed. Other amenities include hotevents. breakfast, Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center, Center andwithin a 450 sq/ft Meeting that is perfect for hosting your the BelfairBusiness Towne Village Plaza, distanceRoom to several shops, restaurants and banks. Webusiness are only 2 Center, Business Center and a 450walking sq/ft Meeting Room that is perfect for hosting your business and social events. miles from the Tanger Outlet Malls, 5 miles to downtown Bluffton, and 12 miles from the beautiful beaches of and social events. We areHead conveniently in the Belfair Towne Village Plaza, within walking distance to several Hilton Island. located We are conveniently located in the Belfair Towne Village Plaza, within walking distance to several shops, restaurants and banks. We are only 2 miles from the Tanger Outlet Malls and 12 miles from shops, restaurants and banks. We are only 2 miles from the Tanger Outlet Malls and 12 miles from the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island. the beautiful beaches ofCOMFORT Hilton HeadSUITES Island. BLUFFTON 23 Towne Drive BLUFFTON COMFORT SUITES COMFORT SUITES BLUFFTON Bluffton, SC 29910

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LOVE is in the

AIR

A Romantic Journey to I Do by ERIN PICKERING

My husband, Dony, and I met through peoOn June 4th, Thursday evening, after a ple who connected us to one another. Our long day of work, and I had walked into my first time meeting was at Church, and the apartment and set my stuff down, there was rest is history. I think I knew he was the one a knock at my door. When I opened the door, during Valentines day last year. We both Dony was there waiting and informed me love the reality show Amazing Race. that we were going on a surprise date. At first, For Valentines day, he had created clues, He wouldn’t tell me where we were going. But and “tasks” like the Amazing Race. And eventually the road signs gave the surprise since we both love the movie Star wars, indestination: Tybee Island. stead of buying me a bear he bought me a When we got to Tybee Island, He pulled mini Chewbecca. That may seem crazy to out all the stops, music, food…. a tent. It was say that’s how I knew, but when someone our little picnic on a quiet evening with a soft goes to great lengths to make an effort, and breeze. The sun was starting to set and He surprise you with these little things that asked me if I wanted a surprise. I was certain make you smile like never before that’s that this moment that he was going to pop the when I knew. His love for the Lord, his kindness, his question. Then he hands me this beach towpersonality are some more reasons why I el that I had made a BIG deal over. The date fell for him. The fact that after meeting, continued, and a little while later he asked 5 weeks later, I came down with a horrime if I wanted another surprise? ble bout of pneumonia and he took me to Again, I was certain that this was the mothe emergency room,and waited with me. PHOTOS BY ALLIE FLOYD ment, and yet, he hands me a love letter that He went home to meet my parents during he had written to me. my dad’s birthday and returned 3 weeks later with me for my The date continued on as the sun began to set behind us, and he mom’s birthday. When you see the selfless act from a guy like said that he had one more surprise for me. He then hands me an that… it was irresistible. And I am extremely blessed that the old book, which just so happened to be the works of William ShakeLord brought us together. speare, my favorite author. Being the book nerd that I am, I became Our dating process was actually pretty natural. After we were inextremely giddy just looking at the table of contents, that’s when I troduced, we starting messaging one another, that progressed into noticed my beautiful ring and the rest is history. texting and then spending time together.

March 2016

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Capturing Life’s Most Precious Moments Family • New Born • Maternity • Kids • Senior • Weddings • Prom

706-817-6195 • www.alliefloydphotography.com • alliefphotography@gmail.com

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Why You Should Consider a Professional Tax Preparer Rather Than Doing It Yourself by

JENNIFER MONTERO

Owner of Lowcountry Accounting Services Hiring a tax professional can be advantageous for many people. I also believe most individuals are capable of preparing their own tax returns. I am going to list several reasons why you should consider a tax professional: An important note to suggest when choosing a tax professional is to make sure they have accredited education and training in the field. • Tax professionals are up to date on all the laws that have changed and know how to give you the best tax advantage. • Your tax professional can direct you to certain deductions and credits that you may have missed. • Also, a tax professional should be able to guide you throughout the year to make sure that you have the greatest tax benefit for future years.

• Also, they become your tax advocate and are there to give you expert advice. • Plus it is always nice to have an extra set off eyes to make sure there are no mistakes. • They know ways to avoid penalties and how to avoid red flags on your tax return. I strongly suggest that if you have started a new business, recently divorced, married, have a child, moved or are unable to handle your money that you consult a professional. My office we will gladly help you with your tax questions without the obligation of filing with us. With all of this said it really is not necessary for everyone to hire a professional. I believe many individuals can handle their own tax return. Many of the tax preparing software programs sold at numerous stores are user friendly and answer most of your questions when filing your return.

Personal Taxes Business Taxes Payroll Taxes Sales Tax Other Monthly/Quarterly Taxes Bookkeeping Payroll Quickbooks Training And Much More!

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A BOND Not Easily Broken by MICA KIANETSKI WHEN BOBBY AND I MET in Oklahoma on March 30, 2012 our lives changed in an instant. Bobby had been waiting 34 years to meet “the one” and fell ‘head over heels”. Bobby lived in Maryland and I lived in Arkansas. When we met we only had a few days together so we texted and spoke on the phone constantly. We visited each other a few times before Bobby proposed marriage. On June 20, 2012 he proposed. The ring took quite a bit of preparation because Bobby wanted it to be a ring like no other. With much consideration, Bobby chose an oval, totally colorless diamond that was as close to flawless as he could get. Bobby went above and beyond to add purple mica to the inside of the ring. Purple is my favorite color. Mica is a mineral extracted from certain places around the world. I immediately said yes and jumped into his arms! Bobby gave me one more gift that was for our wedding. It was a threefold cord that represented the two of us and God. I braided the cord during our wedding ceremony and it stays braided forever symbolizing this marriage isn’t just the two of us, it’s me, Bobby AND God. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says “a threefold cord is not easily broken.” The story sounds so perfect and beautiful, and it was. However, I had a lot going on inside me. With a past of being hurt by men, at times I felt afraid. I had these thoughts like, was he too good to be true? I don’t deserve all of this. Is he going to hurt me? Although I continued to move forward with the relationship, I was very reserved. I kept waiting on the day when this fairytale would end. Then one day, I received a gift in the mail. I opened the box and pulled out a shiny ceramic figure of Cinderella. The same Cinderella I grew up watching and fantasizing of. The one who was rescued and given a life she never imagined. There was a card inside the box with a note from my mother encouraging me to embrace this man who loved me. I sat down in my closet and cried. It was exactly what I needed to hear. This isn’t too good to be true. This isn’t going to end. This is your life. This love story is real. And, it’s OK to enjoy every moment of it. This is your Cinderella story. Cinderella’s life wasn’t a fairytale. She suffered loss, rejection, humiliation, lack and mistreatment. She may have never dreamed she could go from cleaning the floors to living in a palace, from taking orders to giving orders or from wearing an old maids dress to a beautiful gown. She may have thought that no one would ever love her. But, one day she met her prince. And I had met mine. 28

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March 2016

PHOTO BY ALLIE FLOYD

Lad HISTORY

LESSON

PARTICIUS

The True St. Patrick SAINT PATRICK, bishop and patron saint of Ireland, was born in Britain. He was abducted at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland to be sold as a sheep herder. During his 6 years of captivity he grew close to God through prayer and one night God told him in a dream to escape on a ship. St. Patrick walked nearly 200 miles to the coast and boarded a ship headed back to Britain. Soon after God told him he wanted him to go back to Ireland as a missionary. So, St. Patrick studied religion for 15 years. He became a priest and later a bishop. Then he went back to Ireland to spread the word of God. He used bonfires to celebrate Easter because the Irish had always used fires to honor their gods. He added a sun to the cross, a powerful Irish symbol, to make the people feel more comfortable with the transition. We know this today as the Celtic cross. It is said he used the shamrock (three leaf clover) to make the holy trinity more understandable. Up until 1969 Ireland claimed St Patrick’s day as a religious holiday . In 1970 St Patrick’s day was declared a national holiday. Today we celebrate St Patrick’s day by attending parades. The first recorded St Patrick’s day parade was in Boston in 1737. The first parade in NY was in 1762. A century later Ireland had its first parade in 1931. So this year while we are enjoying our green festivities, which were originally blue, it will be nice to remember how this all got started and the reasons why.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENT INFORMATION Hilton Head Island: Parade is at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13 More info: www.hiltonheadireland.org Savannah: Parade is 10:15 a.m. March 17th in Savannah Greening of Fountain 12 p.m. Friday, March 11 More info: www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com

God wants out of your quiet time APRIL 23, 2016 |

9:30AM – 2PM

Lunch • Inspirational Message Book Signing after Event Are you ready to stop struggling to make time for God and instead live every moment with God? Discover how to live with your heart wide open.

{

Hold the faith, live the example and trust the One all through your day. SHELLIE RUSHING TOMLINSON says that God wants out of your quiet time and into your timeline. Join us at the Spring Fling and let’s learn how to do life with God!

}

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is the Jesus-loving author, speaker and radio host known as The Belle of All Things Southern. Jeff Foxworthy endorsed her last book, Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy, calling it “Laugh Out Loud Funny!” Doors open at 9:30am | Event ends at 2pm Cross Schools Campus | Tickets $15. Purchase online at thechurchofthecross.net or the church office, 82 Calhoun St. Childcare available upon request.

Sponsored By:

Cross Christian Women

www.thechurchofthecross.net/events March 2016

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hargray

Cooking Couture

For the Kitchen 30

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Serving Your Kitchen and Tabletop Needs 843-785-7171

The Village of Wexford 3B, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928 www.lecookeryusa.com Mon-Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm March 2016

Easter Ham? Check.

NOW, WHAT? Four delicious ways to make your leftover ham last by LORENA BEST There are few stronger traditions than ham at Easter. I’m so excited to share my mom’s ham glaze — an Easter must! But then what is one to do with the yummy leftovers? Easy go-to meals, of course.

Mom’s Ham Glaze 1 c. pineapple or orange juice ½ c. brown sugar ½ c. honey ¼ t. ginger ¼ t. ground cloves ¼ t. pepper 2 T. dijon mustard In saucepan, combine all ingredients over high heat for about 10 minutes until boiled down and thickened. Pour over ham making certain glaze goes between spiral cuts. Bake as directed. 15 minutes prior to ham being done, place drained pineapple rings from can on top of ham, speared by tooth picks.

Dail BREAD

I cherish my cast iron skillet. It’s more than 100-yeard-old, passed down from mother to daughter and seasoned with love and memories. I’ve found Le Cookery sells heirloom quality Lodge Cast Iron cookware. Bit if not, no worries! This pizza can be baked in your oven on a cookie sheet.

Hawaiian Pizza Makes Two Pizzas 1 c. chopped onion 2 8 oz. balls of store-bought pizza dough 1 c. pizza sauce 1 8 oz. ball of fresh, thinly sliced mozzarella 1½ c. pineapple chunks 4-5 shredded fresh basil Preheat the oven broiler. Add a little oil to a medium cast iron skillet and fry ham until it’s lightly brown and crispy. Set aside. Roll each pizza dough into circles, the size of cast-iron skillet. Heat the skillet to medium and add 1 T. of oil. Next, add 1 rolled out dough circle. Cook 2-3 minutes, until dough is bubbly on top and brown underneath. Flip, add half sauce, half ham, half cheese and half pineapple. Cook 2 minutes. Slip under broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles and pineapple is slightly caramelized. Top with basil/ Remove the pizza from skillet, and repeat with other dough.

Romans 13:7 “Give to everyone what you owe them.” My friend, Debbie Peeples, game me the inspiration for one of her favorite ham recipes: strata. I thought to myself, “Strata whata?” Turns out, this easy version makes for a simple one dish meal.

Broccoli and Ham Strata 4 sourdough English muffins 2 c. shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend 1 c. diced ham 1½ c. chopped broccoli 8 eggs 2 c. milk 1 T. dijon mustard ¼ t. salt ¼ t. pepper

Preheat oven 375°F. Split and arrange muffin halves. Split side up, evenly over a large baking dish. Top muffins with half of the cheese, bell pepper, ham and broccoli. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour over ingredients in baking dish. Bake uncovered, 35 minutes until set. Remove from oven. Top with remaining cheese. Bake additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

Recently, I had family visit from Ohio. We decided to do a walk about Old Town Bluffton. We happened upon a meat grinder at an antique shop, bringing back memories of family making ham salad. What a forgotten treat! Well a quest was born to ﬁnd the recipe. Similar to chicken or tuna salad, bit I think better. And you don’t need a grinder.

Updated Classic Ham Salad 3 c. Chopped Ham ½ c. mayo ½ c. Drained sweet pickle relish 1 T. dijon mustard 2 T. minced celery 2 T. minced onion 2 T. red bell pepper ¼ t. cayenne 2 T. minced fresh parsley 2 T. minced fresh dill 2 hard boiled chopped eggs, if you like Salt and pepper to taste Using a food processor, pulse the chopped ham until you have very small pieces. If you don’t have a processor, you can dice with a sharp knife. Do not over-process. Transfer ham to a bowl and add rest of ingredients, folding to combine. My mom says don’t forget to add chopped eggs! That’s what she used to do if you like. Serve cold as a sandwich on a plate of greens or with crackers.

March 2016

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How To Tell If You Have a Magnesium Deficiency by

LENORE LYONS KOSTOPOULOS, HHC AADP Health Smart

Are you really getting all the nutrients you need in your diet alone? Could one simple mineral possibly change your life? If I had to nominate just one supplement for the “most likely to have a noticeable positive impact on your life” prize, the winner would have to be magnesium. It’s quite likely that you’re not getting enough magnesium in your diet. Even if you do eat a lot of magnesium rich food (i.e. spinach, squash, almonds, cashews, black beans) it’s quite hard (and some experts think virtually impossible) to get enough from food alone. Do you drink soda? Take medications? Eat processed baked sweets and refined flour? Take calcium supplements alone? Are you under a lot of pressure and feel stressed? All of these deplete your magnesium or bind with it so your body doesn’t have enough. And then add in the fact that the level of magnesium and other nutrients has decreased in our food supply in the last 50 years and you have a veritable magnesium deficient generation. What might it feel like to be in need of magnesium? You may feel anxious or edgy, have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, have less energy, poor memory or just this low level feeling of being “off”, that you don’t really notice because it’s been so constant. One of the most popular supplements we offer at Healthsmart is Natural Calm, an easily absorbable form of magnesium which comes as a tasty powder to stir into hot or cold water or other beverage. Natu-

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March 2016

ral Calm is one of those supplements that you can quickly feel the results from and people really do return after taking it for a week or two and tell us how it has changed their lives. Just last week a woman said she has not slept so well for years as she has after starting on Natural Calm and she has been singing its praises to her family and friends. There’s also the Kids Natural Calm Multivitamin that is excellent. Besides magnesium it has 24 organic fruits and vegetables and the healthy omega 3 fish oils, DHA and EPA. The omega 3 fatty acids are another supplement that most people benefit from, as they are good for brain health, focus, heart health and depression. When you feel good you can do good. The Creator has gifted us with abundant fruits of the earth as well as the knowledge on how to adapt to our present environment. It’s up to us to take action to care well for our bodies. Healthsmart is happy to be part of this first issue of Low Country Lady and we invite everyone to stop by and learn about the products we offer to support your health on all levels. We have essential oils, grass fed meats and the best supplement selection in the area. We’re located on 278 in the Kroger shopping center, between Hargray and Steinmart. I’m the newest member of the Healthsmart team, having recently moved to Bluffton to be with my family and work to promote health and wellbeing for all as a Holistic Health Coach.

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Feed Your FAITH by HEIDI FINGAR

NOW THAT SPRING IS HERE, we scowl at ourselves for the weight we have gained from the holidays. To appease our critical selves we consider joining a gym, starting a new diet or hiring a life coach. We scramble to the Internet for the latest detox tablet, energy drink or super food and hope that somehow, THIS time, our New Year’s resolutions will stick. The Bible says in 1 Peter, “ . . . all that is in the world, . . . is not from the Father and is passing away” and John chapter 17 says we are not of the world even as Jesus is not of the world. Why then do we turn to the world for answers in regard to how we should eat and how we should lose weight? Why are the temporary fixes offered by celebrity advocates and fad books look so attractive to us when we know they are truly passing and without lasting truth? We may lose the weight but we almost always gain it back plus a few more pounds. Our shame then increases and hope declines. But I have good news for you. You do not have to be enslaved to the weight loss/ weight gain cycle anymore. God has all the answers you need to conduct a life of health and wholeness in spirit, soul AND body. I believe that I found part of His answer years ago. I chronicle my journey in my book, “God is in Your Full-Length Mirror; 5 Biblical steps to lifetime weight loss”. For over 20 years, I personally fought with overeating. In my quest for answers addressing binge eating, I scoured the conventional methods offered for change and came up wanting. Attempting to find the solution in countless weight loss programs, I only found myself losing weight then gaining it back again. I ate pre-ordered meals in plastic packaging, cut out the fat, eliminated the carbs and fasted in long intervals. None of these methods offered me answers that lasted. So I surrounded myself with other health enthusiasts. I worked in fitness centers and gyms for twelve years in management, as an exercise class instructor, and as a personal trainer. I gained certifications in every form of exercise that came along, studying books on physiology, nutrition and exercise. I coached, goaded and encouraged thousands of weight loss seekers in swimming pools, toning classes, kickboxing, and step aerobics. While studying for my master’s degree in Public Health, I applied behavior change theories to my work, consulting with overweight people one on one. I started a weight management group that met each week and we experienced some success together. We applied the “textbook” answers to our struggles with food. We found some help in this application, but still, the life changing answers lay undiscovered. In 2001, I began to enter into a season of depression and I became desperate for help. At that point, God responded to my lifetime prayer and began to unveil His steps of freedom from

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bondage to food. Through a miraculous series of events and levels of revelation, in a way only God could author, He broke the weight loss/weight gain cycle over my life. When I started applying God’s truth to my overeating, my life drastically changed. I began to find a peace with food I had never before experienced. My intimacy with God and others increased and I found new joy. The five steps He gave me are simple and they stand upon Biblebased principles that specifically relate to a compulsive relationship with food. Yet you can apply these same steps to any negative behavior with ensuing success. I have shared these five steps with others and together, we have witnessed deep, lasting change. These successes prove the effectiveness of these timeless, biblical truths applied practically to overeating. In this book, I outline these steps in hopes that the healing will continue for anyone that is open to receiving them. If you relate in any way to this sort of struggle, I invite you to read through my process of healing. Along the way, I will share the healing God has given me and testimonies from others that too have experienced lasting change. If you struggle with the role food has held in your life, this may be too hard to believe. You can trust me that it’s true. But if you can’t trust me directly, trust God in me. He loves you. He is in your fulllength mirror.

Now Serving Hilton Head, Beaufort & Savannah Bobby Kianetski 843.802.3623 bkianetski@yahoo.com

March 2016

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LOVE by LISA RICHARDSON

RECENTLY I WENT TO BUY a wedding card for a friend, which was something I hadn’t done in a long time. I’m one to read through the entire rack to choose the one with just the right wording, which keeps me there longer than anyone should devote to one retail aisle at any given time. The beautiful art on the cards was catching and the messages sweet and captivating- “May your days always be happy”; “Wishing you the perfect life you’ve always dreamed of.” I thought wait!- These cards are unrealistic. Yes married life usually begins great and perfect, but the reality is, no matter how great of a marriage or spouse you have, life and its challenges come your way, and every day is not necessarily a rose garden. Not yet seeing the right one to get, I continued navigating the rack of cards for my friend about to step foot on the journey of matrimony. Having been married 16 years now to a wonderful Christian man in a good faith based marriage with a blessed life and the material things that most want to have, and even 3 perfect beautiful girls, at least that’s what they’ve convinced most people of, the reality is that every day is not going to be happy and carefree, nor did the Lord say it would be. John 16:33 tells us this. Most days include stress (just try 3 different car pool lines every day), disagreements, unexpected challenges, and not to mention the endless loads of laundry. Hmmm. So I sought out to talk to some folks whom have reached their Golden Anniversary of 50+ years to get their story on decades

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of successful marriage. Dennis and Margaret Matson have been married since 1951- a whopping 64 years. They have lived and traveled all over the world with Dennis’ career in the Air force. With an early retirement, they have called Hilton Head their home for the last 34 years, and their main focus has been serving the Lord in various ways. Their life together has survived cancer, health issues, job transfers, and Dennis falling from a few trees and roof-tops while lending a hand to help someone. I remember visiting him in the hospital after one of those tumbles. Dennis attributes Margaret’s example of commitment to her faith early in their relationship that finally led him to his own relationship with the Lord. “She as a child of God, spread HIS love and mercy over me.” As a U.S. Naturalization & Immigration Service border patrol officer, Dennis has experienced quite a bit, and been stationed all over the U.S and around the world, but he attributes God being with them everywhere they’ve gone. “No matter where we were assigned, God provided us with brothers and sisters in Christ and a Bible Believing church,” including where they are settled today at First Baptist Hilton Head Island.” Even though they have been retired for 30+ years, there is no retirement in their attitude. Besides Dennis working at the golf course one day a week, (for the fun and free-golf of course)-he and Margaret fill their time serving via the church, and taking

MARRIAGE

PHOTOS BY ALLIE FLOYD

mission trips to places like Ghana, South America, and Europe. Margaret has even created, or I should say baked up, her own cupcake ministry by making the most delicious and perfectly packaged beauties you’ll ever taste, for everyone’s birthday. I’m one of the lucky recipients each September! Through it all, they credit the simple recipe of love, respect, giving each other space and time, and heavy measurements of prayer through the decades. Allan and Jean Morrison, were high school sweethearts and have been married 57 years. They have 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. Living most their life in New Jersey, they now split their time between 2 retirement homes. One in Maine, from April to September, and live on Hilton Head the remaining months. Faith wasn’t always the key for the both of them. In this case, it was Jean’s coming to know the Lord. A point in their lives when they can look back to see how the Lord was working and in their Christian timeline was decades ago when Allan applied for a job, for which he was well qualified and expected he’d get. It even came with a house, “which we sure could have used”, but the job went to someone else. “It soon became obvious why the Lord had a different plan for us.” Instead Allan was given a teaching position in New Jersey be close to family where they’d end up need-

ing to be in order to take care of both of their mothers’ health needs that arose at the same time. Thus in retrospect, “we can see the Lord’s hand in the plan.” Allan ended up with a career in education and coaching for 32 years, and was able to influence many young lives, while Jean was a stay-at-home mom. Jean has always been my “wife, lover, nurse, cheerleader, and above all - friend “ Allan says. “We’ve survived a few home building projects together too,” he jokes. They keep active serving children and youth with the Gospel in many ways. They’ve kept involved with Community Bible Study, Alan serves with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, teaches tennis and leads the most active age 70 and up seniors Sunday School class around. Jean also loves to spend time with unique arts like quilting and handbell choir. So back to my search for that wedding card; I guess who’d buy a card that says, “Every day isn’t going to be peachy” or “Happy long life having to repeat things over and over when your spouse tunes you out watching re-runs he’s seen a hundred times.” Finally I found the right saying “May God and his love be the center of your lives through all seasons.” yeah that’s it. By the way, I wonder how many loads of laundry you do in 50 years and have you seen the price of greeting cards these days?

PICTURED ABOVE LEFT: DENNIS AND MARGARET MATSON HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 64 YEARS. PICTURED ABOVE RIGHT: ALLAN AND JEAN MORRISON HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 57 YEARS.

March 2016

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All

GROWN Up

by KASEY MCGUIRE MY LIFE HAS been amazing. I grew up in New Jersey, then outside Philadelphia and then moved here to Bluffton when I was 12. I am very lucky to live in a home where the Lord stays at the center of everything. I am graduating from Bluffton High School this year and it’s totally scary and exciting all at the same time. After high school, I plan to attend SCAD (Savannah, GA) with a major in film and a minor in graphic design. I love to create images, and videos and capture different angles, that convey visual cues. I love expressing the visual aspect of using what is in front of me to create something that moves people. My favorite Bible verse is Phil 4:13. I have always had a problem with devaluing myself. Believing the lie that I can’t do this, or I am not good enough etc.. This scripture reminds me that I CAN do this. That I can try to do it, I am good enough. God will give me the strength to do it. This always gives me confidence to go and do things to the very best of my ability. One day I want to be able travel the world and experience other cultures. But mostly I want to use my talents and my career to change lives, and glorify God. My mom is the number one spiritual influence on my life. She is the one I can go to, literally about anything in life,and my dad is the best dad the world. Making a difference in the world is important to me. If I could change

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the world I would abolish pre-calculus! — (just kidding)—I would end human trafficking and find a way to eradicate homelessness. Homelessness is something that is always around us. Recently in I was downtown Savannah, just seeing how many people live on the streets breaks my heart. We live in a wealthy country and yet there are still people who don’t have homes. In the third world countries like Belize, there are people who don’t have proper homes, or clean and safe drinking water. Everyone should have something better. In the past couple of years I have realized how much of impact Human Trafficking has the world. Girls my age, grown woman, men, little children are being bought and sold like their an object. When I read a book about it, I felt ill. It is the most awful form of organized crime that exists in the world today. People are sold and traded, for others? Why? Men, women, children… are captives. It really is modern day slavery, and that needs to stop. There are people in this world that believe it is okay to sell others and take away something from others. My sister and I are the prime hunting ground in this area of crime. I think about the potential of “could I be next“ when I visit large cities. Human trafficking is real and it happens right here in our backyards. It’s not over seas, and the danger is very real.

38 shelter cove lane ste 126 hhi. sc 29928

3/31/16

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About THE

COVER

GAYLE MILLER WATERCOLOR MAESTRO

WITH CONFIDENT BRUSH STROKES Gayle Miller tickles our imaginations with her fun and unique take. About Gayle’s paintings one of her admirers points out “Life would be that much more dull for the rest of us without Gayle’s art. There’s so much joy in watching the playful dance with style, color and emotion.” Gayle received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Maryland, but her favorite classes were drawing and graphic arts. As an adult her professional worlds of medicine and insurance took her to Washington DC, Maryland and California where her love of art brought her to Apparel Arts of San Francisco. At AASF, Gayle delved into clothing design and patterning. She found a second creative outlet – watercolor painting. She took watercolor classes in San Mateo, CA and Bloomington, IL, experienced plein air painting with Myna Wacknov in Brugge, Belgium, and worked with many talented teachers in Bloomington where she was involved in two art salons at the Eaton Gallery. She co-founded Inside Out: Accessible Art, a Bloomington, IL co-op gallery. Since relocating to the Lowcountry Gayle has been very involved in the art community, joining All About Art in Sun City, she is the Vice President of All About Art, as well as the Society of Bluffton Artist, SOBA where she is a board member. Her work is also shown the Art League of Hilton Head and the Beaufort Art Association. 40

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Now enrolling 18 months through 8th Grade Christian Values

Each day, students from the youngest to the oldest are involved in activities focused on a commitment to know and serve our Lord. Through Bible study, catechesis class, music, prayer, and chapel, students are establishing a foundation for a life-long relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Academic Excellence

At the core of our mission is academic excellence. The strength of our curriculum and teaching method is readily apparent in our students’ many academic achievements, including national standardized test scores. Our curriculum based preschool program includes SMART board technology in all classes. Spanish instruction is introduced into our accelerated PreK program. Cross Schools students traditionally place two to three grades above their current level on standardized tests. Our advanced curriculum and low student to teacher ratio allow students to progress through units of study with more success and at a faster pace. Cross students consistently place in the top levels in local, state and national academic challenges, and over 60% of our 4th through 7th grade students are Duke TIP scholars.

Community Service

Students and families are involved in various community projects throughout the year. Instilling a sense of support for our community is anchored in our mission statement. Students are heavily involved in community service and are taught that “community” can mean family, school, neighborhood, city, or beyond. Younger students focus on family and school while older students focus on all areas of “community” and are more hands-on with service projects, even devoting part of the school day to serve.

Please join us for an Open House Monday, March 7 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. (K - 8th grade)

For more information, please contact our Directors of Admissions Alison Howard (Preschool) | A.Howard@CrossSchools.org Jen Kronimus (Lower/Middle School) | J.Kronimus@CrossSchools.org

495 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton, SC 29910 • (843) 706-2000 WWW.CROSSSCHOOLS.ORG

BIG THINGS

Come in Little Packages by PAT VAN DER MEER EIGHT YEAR OLD BROOKE WRIGLEY may be small — 4’ 3” and only 61 pounds — but she is the United States’ top ranked 8-year-old female tennis player according to TennisRecruiting.net. The 3rd grader at Bluffton’s May River Montessori also excels in math, science, and geography. She knows every country in the world, and their flags, which is helpful during tennis practice at Van Der Meer. Players from Japan, Italy, Spain, Mongolia, Canada, China, Great Britain, Ethiopia, South Africa, Slovakia, and many other countries regularly train alongside her. The little tennis giant started playing with a tennis ball at age 3. She loved to hit against a wall, which is how so many great champions have started. Her mother, Linda grew up playing tennis as well. (She played at VDM Academy herself!) Brooke started at Van Der Meer at age 4, in the QuickStart Program with Coach Sally Droop. Brooke won her first 10 and under tournament at age 6, her first Little Mo tournament at 7, and has won 5 under 12 tournaments at age 8. Brooke’s incredible focus and ability was the reason she was able to graduate from QuickStart to the full VDM Academy at an early age. Her small stature did not prove a detriment to her progress on the full court with yellow balls. Her academy coach, Christian Ranguelov, continues to build her game and already enviable fitness level, working on her total package with an eye to her future. Her long-term goal is to play professional tennis, like her favorite players, Rafael Nadal and Agnieszka Radwanska. However, this bright star has a back-up plan. She likes University of Pittsburgh and Duke, and if she doesn’t 42

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March 2016

win Wimbledon, her plan is to become an ophthalmologist. Her parents, Linda and Hal, are very supportive and balanced tennis parents, encouraging their daughter’s other interests, like music. Brooke started piano lessons at 5, and has become an accomplished pianist as well. Her favorite piece to play is “Ode to Joy.” She loves to read, and currently reads at a 7t grade level. Brooke also enjoys running- she recently won the Belfair 3K race, running a seven minute mile. She does push-ups and chin-ups, and can climb a 20-foot rope. She started taking gymnastics at age 5, and her favorite apparatus as of now is the Uneven Bars. It’s not unusual to see Brooke walking on her hands across a tennis court. She can also perform splits, back handsprings, and aerials. Brooke reminds Pat Van der Meer of another small player, Amanda Coetzer. The VDM alum reached # 3 in the world, often defeating players nearly a foot taller than herself. At only 5’ 2, Amanda relied on foot speed and great retrieval skills as the base for her game. When she began training full time at Van Der Meer Academy, the great Dennis Van der Meer added swing volleys and other attacking skills to her arsenal, and as her main travel coach, Pat encouraged her to play doubles to get her comfortable as an all-court player. Amanda’s determination and grit are mirrored in young Brooke Wrigley. Hard work always pays off, and Brooke’s well-rounded approach is definitely going to produce big results as she matures. Pat hopes to be watching yet another VDM student in the finals of the Junior US Open in the not too distant future. The sky’s the limit for Brooke.

Spring, Leap, or Jump into the Newly Opened Mameem and Maudie.

7 Lawton Street Old Town Bluffton Next to Eggs ‘N’ Tricities Just off Calhoun across from DuBois Park

(843) 757-0786 www.mameemandmaudie.com

Unique gifts & fashions for women, men, infant and toddlers, as well as nostalgic & artisan candies and chocolates. We’re now serving tea & coffee so stop by and grab a cup while you browse.

Seasonal clearance specials PLUS exciting new arrivals for Spring.

Why You Should Take Your

SKIN SERIOUSLY by HEIDI DALY

DO YOU STARE at the shelves of skincare products wondering which ones are the best for you? The health of your skin is of the utmost importance! Let’s acquaint ourselves with THE largest organ in our body. Skin is the outermost covering which protects all of the delicate body parts lying underneath it. It consists of several tissues including sweat glands and hair follicles as well as protects our internal body parts and gives us our sense of touch. This organ makes up 50% of our immune system! So if our skin isn’t healthy, we aren’t healthy. This is extremely important since 67% of what gore ON the skin is absorbed by our bodies and deposits into our cells and organs. Therefore, if toxic or carcinogenic ingredients from products or makeup are administered onto our skin, our body is absorbing those and accumulating them, creating potentially damaging effects. Skin has three main layers. The outermost is called the epidermis, which is comprised of dead skin cells. Every month (or so), these cells are sloughed off and new cells generate. The second layer is known as the Dermis, which contains the proteins, Collagen and Elastin. The innermost layer is the Subcutaneous fat layer. This is where the fat is stored and allows the “plumpness” in our body, minimizing the affects of fine lines. If you were able to spread your skin out, it would cover more than 20 square feet and weighs approximately 7-9 pounds! 44

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March 2016

Let’s put this information to good use and I’m going to let you all in on a little secret. The general population isn’t privy to the regulations and laws of what is required by our government regarding cosmetics/skincare. Under our current law, these products and ingredients do not require FDA pre market approval except for color and additives. Neither the law nor the FDA regulations require specific tests to demonstrate the safety of individual products or ingredients. The FDA keeps a check on the cosmetic industry and the products they sell under the influence of two laws: Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. Nearly 90% of the 10,500 ingredients the FDA determine safe HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED! 62% are known carcinogens linked to numerous cancers. The United States currently has no system in place to regulate potentially toxic ingredients in cosmetics/skincare. Don’t believe everything you read and hear! Those advertisers that claim “mineral makeup” aren’t necessarily giving you the whole story. The FDA requires that in order to be called a mineral makeup, there only has to be 2% minerals! What are the other 98%? Contemplate this: the average lipstick wearing woman ingests three and a half pounds of lipstick in her lifetime! Translation: Heavy Metals and toxic ingredients directly entering her body’s system. It’s time to take your skin seriously! A reputable skin care professional is your best guide when it comes to a thorough skin analysis and prescribed home regimen.

A Conversation with the Girls from the OKATIE YOUTH BALLET

Monthl MESSAGE

A Story of

PEACE by TERRI BILOTTA

PHOTO BY EMMA CARROL

If you were not at ballet today what would you be doing? Playing, Eating, Watching Movies, Playing on my iPad

What is your favorite part of ballet class? Rehearsing for the Nutcracker, Dancing with the ribbon rings, Skipping and Jumping

How do you feel when you are dancing in ballet? I feel happy and good. Like I am on a whale in the ocean. Like I am on a horse. Like I am ice skating

What do you want to be when you grow up? A teacher, a fairy, a good ballet dancer, a police woman, a ballet performer, a nurse, a mom

What is your favorite ballet? The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Firebird

Which muscles get stronger when you come to ballet? My heart, my tummy, my legs, my feet, my arms, my brain

MORE INFO For more information about the Okatie Youth Ballet, call 843-540-5491 or visit www.okatieyouthballet.com

PEACE IS DEFINED as freedom from disturbance, quiet, and tranquility. I grew up in the country on a farm. Peace and quiet surrounded me constantly. I spent my early mornings feeding chickens and mucking stalls. My days were spent picking cucumbers or cotton out in the field. At the end of the day I was dog tired and found peace sitting under my grandparents oak tree in a lawn chair shelling butterbeans. We all led quiet lives and enjoyed peaceful conversations. I remember on hot summer nights how a gentle breeze would blow through and all twelve of us would stop and breathe in and enjoy the way the air felt and the sound of the summer leaves rustling above our heads. These peaceful days passed way too fast. At the age of 15 we moved away to a neighborhood. No more chores, friends all up and down our busy street. Constant phone conversations, boys, cars, tests at school. I never slowed down. I remember once when a summer breeze blew through I had a flashback from my childhood. Somewhere along the way I had forgotten how to relax and enjoy my life. I had lost my peace. The peace that I sometimes mistook for boredom but now clearly understood as peace. I decided that day at the young age of 17 to find peace again. I remember very clearly because I looked for it in all the wrong places and in all the wrong things, and all the wrong people. I was headed down a very dangerous path. A path that could potentially harm me and others for life. I remember one night I was at an outside party, the music blaring, the laughter and conversation even louder and a soft breeze blew through the crowd. It was tainted by the smells from the party but underneath I knew it was from God. A gentle reminder of His Peace. A quiet reminder of HIs love. I knew at that moment that He had always been there waiting for me, watching over me and waiting to fill my life with the peace that passes understanding. The peace that I lost or thought I grew out of was always there. I just had to let it back in. Psalm 34 verse 14 says Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it. Romans 15 verse 13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” I am an adult now and have known the peace that loving the Lord brings for a very long time , but I haven’t forgotten the struggles I endured to get back on His path so many years ago. I cherish the kindness I received from others who loved me without judging me. I embrace the forgiveness toward the ones that did. I try to live in peace each day by staying in His word. Some days are easy,some not so much. I know now all I had to do was seek peace from the Lord in order to find it. Peace to you my friend as we journey through this world together. March 2016

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A LOVE Worth Fighting For by LORI UNDERWOOD I’M ALWAYS A LITTLE SAD when the holidays come to a close as Christmas is my favorite time of year, however, I love the prospect of the New Year and new beginnings. I usually take some time to sit down with my journal and reflect on the happenings of the previous year and wonder what God has in store for me in this upcoming year. This year I smiled a lot when reflecting because my first grandchild was born in June and, oh, what a joy she is! I also had to shed a few tears as this year was also the end of a 3 year breast cancer battle for my beloved sister who was my dearest friend and confidant. They are tears of sadness of losing her and joy because I know she is dancing in Heaven right now with no more pain. No matter what the reflections of the year may be, for the last few years there has been a common denominator on my list and will hopefully always be and that is the thankfulness of new beginnings in my marriage. My husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary in November and I shed many tears of joy now when that day falls each year. We love the downtown area of Savannah so for the last few years we have made great dinner reservations and walked through the parks holding hands like newly dating couples, laughing and talking and enjoying each other’s company. They weren’t always tears of joy though. In fact, there were many anniversaries that came around where I wondered if we would even still be together by the next year. For 16 years I walked a marriage journey that involved me being on the receiving end of eight or more affairs, a severe Internet addiction, abandonment times four, and the loss of our home and every other material object we had, all while raising a teenage daughter, bringing my aging mother to live with us, and dealing with the fact that my sister had cancer. I have walked in shoes that most people would have thrown out with the first or second scuff mark and I was holding mine together with safety pins and duct tape. I don’t say that to get a pat on the back, but to tell you that I serve a big God and, through a choice to be obedient to Him, I realized there really is nothing so far gone that He can’t fix. Early in this journey I knew that God had me in the palm of His hands. I had been a Christian for many years prior to these events, however, I had only been really pursuing Him fervently for about three years when our troubles began. I should also mention that my husband had been saved several years prior to all of these events and he loved God just as much as I do. Thankfully, from the beginning of my walk, I had surrounded myself with seasoned women of God who spoke words of wisdom to me even before I knew that I needed them. My husband was in the military at the time, so we moved around every two years but God always brought us to a good church with more seasoned women to stand by me. Each one brought a different perspective to my situation that was 46

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God ordained, but there came a time in the journey when God took all of those women away and replaced them with solitude. This was probably the lowest point for me because, as a mere human with feelings and emotions that had been trampled on for years now, I was ready to give up the fight. I was home alone one night, just days before my home was taken from me, playing cards on my laptop when I heard God in my spirit say, “Do you believe that I can heal this marriage?” I replied, without hesitation, “Of course, God. You can do anything.” And then I heard, “Then start acting like it.” Within ten minutes of hearing that my phone rang. It was a gentleman from my church whose wife had been a mentor of mine and he said to me, “Lori, do you want to fight for your marriage?” I took a deep breath and said, “I do now.” He then began to try and help me understand where my husband was in his mind, will, and emotions. He and his wife had been through a very similar situation and he wanted me to know how my husband was thinking so I would know how to pray for him. I can’t say that I became obedient overnight, but what I did do was tell God that I was willing to be made willing. I opened up to God with an honesty that right then I didn’t want it to work out because I was tired and weary from fighting the same battle over and over again.

I was angry sometimes because I felt like God was asking me to stand still in a situation that seemed unfair and unbearable for any human being to have to endure. I had days when I wanted to kick and scream and throw things, but God would always remind me, through sometimes very small, insignificant events that He was still there and He still had me, my husband, and our marriage in His hands. Sometimes it would be something like my husband calling me up from wherever he had landed in this time of separation to tell me to stop praying for him because he could feel it and he didn’t want to be prayed for. I always high fived God for a good laugh on those days. Each event that we went through, God would give me new instructions and more insight into what I was truly dealing with. I stand here today and honestly say that none of those instructions were on how to change my husband or his behavior. My instructions were always about what needed to change about myself. The directions were always clear, were never early or late, and He never gave me more than one step at a time. In the next few issues, I would love to take you through each step of my journey and paint a picture of how God truly gave us beauty for ashes. (Isaiah 61:3) My prayer has always been that this journey would be used to help someone else in a similar situation. I’ll give you a hint of step one….close your mouth.

Early in this journey I knew that God had me in the palm of His hands.

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March 2016

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Trusting GOD’S PLAN by LISA RICHARDSON IT’S BEEN 21 YEARS since I moved to Hilton Head Island to escape the cold and grey skies of my hometown of Pittsburgh, and every day of life in the Lowcountry has truly been a blessing. Growing up in PA, I always went to church doing the normal routine. However, I am grateful for the day I stepped into, literally, a local Baptist church about 20 years back now, where I would say I really heard the Word for the 1st time. How did I go to church up to that point and somehow never get the picture? Sadly this happens and people don’t even realize it. That point began a transformation process in faith that led me to where I am today, and the journey is still on, and always will be. Working for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the largest sports ministry in the world, in one of the most beautiful places in the world, I get to make a full time job out of encouraging and equipping others to grow in and take a stand for their faith. FCA uses the platform of athletics with student athletes, coaches, on the school campus and community. I spend my time in the local schools and on athletic fields and the community doing things like praying with teams and giving devotions- how cool is that? At one point of my life, my plan shifted and I began to see that everything that happened up to that point previously was preparing me for my next steps. Even the things that I couldn’t understand why they were so at the time. For 7 years I worked on staff at the same church where I first was exposed to the true gospel message. In this role as Director of Children’s Ministries, working with children and parents, it was so evident that children are growing up in this time of a misguided world, void of moral and Christian charac48

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ter or any practices of faith at all in some cases. Kids are caught in the fallout of marriage, parenting and family dysfunctions. This just grieves my heart. I realize God wants me to use my voice and talents for His purpose in this area. Our society buys into that we need to be politically correct, when we need to be biblically correct. We are too concerned about what the world or our friends think, than what God thinks. These are things that put me on a mission every day to encourage, build, teach and tell what God’s standards for our daily living and life is. It’s surely not always easy, and I am the first to say that I fail and fall short (and not because I’m only 5ft 2in) - But because we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. The good news is that it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.” Ephesians 2:8 I would offer some simple advice not just to women but for all. Make God the priority in your life, marriage, and relationships. These are hard enough, and without a foundation from God’s word, the chances of failing are even greater. Instill a firm foundation in your children, Proverbs 22:6 Don’t be their friends, be their parent and disciplinarian. They don’t need their every requests satisfied. Let them learn some hard lessons and find their own way. Always encourage one another and build them up. Smile and laugh as much as you can and be the friendliest you can be. No grumpy clerk in the retail store gets by without me trying to make them see there is something to smile about. We’ll see what God has in store ahead. As we say in FCA, God’s game plan is the only one you need to follow. It is the same and applicable today as it was then and is today. Charge onward.

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LET’S GET FRESH at the Food Pantry “This nutrition workshop is a great example of how Bluffton Self Help staff and volunteers have a new agencies can collaborate with each other and reach a “battle cry” in 2016…. Let’s Get Fresh. MORE INFO very important audience,” said Nancy Quezada-Rodri“We are making a concerted effort to find ways to For more information about guez, community health worker and nutrition specialeducate and provide healthy choices for our more Bluffton Self Help, contact ist for PASOs. than 1800 clients who come to Bluffton Self Help for Lili Coleman at “Eating Healthy at the Food Pantry” teaches nutrifood,” said Lili Coleman, executive director. Bluffton lili@blufftonselfhelp.org, 843tion following the guidelines established by Centers Self Help provides five free food distributions each 757-8886 or visit for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants week for Bluffton neighbors facing food insecurity. www.blufftonselfhelp.org. in the workshop learn how to read food labels and, The food comes to Bluffton Self Help in two ways. The food distribution hours more importantly, how to incorporate local fresh Donors in the community drop off donations and Secon Monday and Wednesday produce into traditional recipes. The session conond Helpings trucks (an agency based on Hilton Head) are from 5 to 7 pm. Food deliver fresh produce, meats and other products four cludes with a tour of Bluffton Self Help’s food pandistribution is also held try to demonstrate what was learned about making times a week, provided by partnering grocery stores Tuesday,Wednesday and Friday healthy choices. PASOs (meaning “steps” in Spanish) in the area. mornings from 10 am to noon “In the growing season we are fortunate to receive is a community-based organization whose mission is at their location in Sheridan fresh fruit and vegetables from some of the area farma healthy South Carolina with healthy Latino comers,” said Coleman. “But, it is never enough.” In 2016 Park, at 39 Sheridan Park Circle. munities. They focus on education, outreach, training the staff will encourage people to drop off fresh proand advocacy. Bluffton Self Help, founded in 1987, has duce instead of just non-perishables. been providing free food and clothing to Bluffton neighbors since they opened their doors. They also provide short-term emergency financial “Canned goods are important too,” said Coleman. “There are many assistance to neighbors who live in Bluffton. healthy recipes you can make using canned goods.” “We describe our operation as a grocery store on the right and a Recently, Bluffton Self Help began partnering with PASOs to offer clothing retail store on the left,” said Coleman. “We are strong profree workshops on nutrition in their BUILDING STRONG HABITS ponents of client choice and offer what we have with dignity. Clients workshop series. In addition, free weekly workshops are offered shop much like they would at a retail store.” on financial fitness, supported by TD Bank, PNC Bank and WebBluffton Self Help prides itself on staying true to the mission while ster Rogers. Other workshops include information on home reat the same time evolving as the community and needs change. With pairs, home maintenance and renter rights. Computers, provided the help of over 156 program volunteers, Bluffton Self Help is working through a grant with Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, offer access to the Internet. to eradicate food insecurity in the greater Bluffton area. PICTURED ABOVE: THE BEST EXAMPLE OF A HEALTHY CANNED GOOD RECIPE IS BLACK BEAN PUMPKIN SOUP. THIS SOUP CAN BE MADE WITH VEGETABLE OR CHICKEN BROTH BUT THE MAIN INGREDIENTS ARE CANS OF PUMPKIN AND BLACK BEANS. JUST ADD FRESH OR DRY SPICES AND YOU HAVE A DELICIOUS, HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO FEED A FAMILY. 50

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Obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Prices and Plans subject to change without prior notice. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy in jurisdictions where prior qualification is required unless we have met such qualifications.