Lowcountry SC 6

2023-24 SCHEDULES

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE

JAN 1 - 7

JAN 8 - 14

JAN 15 - 21

The Sentry + Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

Sony Open in Hawaii Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Hawaii

PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club, La Quinta, California

GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

JAN 22 - 27

Farmers Insurance Open Torrey Pines Golf Course, (South Course, North Course) San Diego, California

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

JAN 29 - FEB 4

FEB 5 - 11

FEB 12 - 18

FEB 19 - 25

FEB 26 - MAR 3

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am + Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Pebble Beach, California

WM Phoenix Open

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course), Scottsdale, Arizona

The Genesis Invitational + The Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California

Mexico Open at Vidanta Vidanta Vallarta, Vallarta, México

The Classic in The Palm Beaches

PGA National Resort (The Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 11 - 17

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard + Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida

Puerto Rico Open

Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

THE PLAYERS Championship

TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE

MAR 18 - 24

MAR 25 - 31

APRIL 1 - 7

APRIL 8 - 14

APRIL 15 - 21

Valspar Championship

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida

Texas Children’s Houston Open Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas

Valero Texas Open

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

Masters Tournament #

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

RBC Heritage + Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Corales Puntacana Championship

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 22 - 28

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

AT&T Byron Nelsons TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship + Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

GOLF

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship # Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

JUNE 3 - 9

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

FEDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 2 - 3 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Lowcountry Jazz Festival, South Carolina’s premiere annual Smooth Jazz event, returns to– the Charleston Gaillard Center – with a stellar lineup of numerous worldclass jazz musicians. For more info visit: lowcountryjazzfest.com

SEPT 7 - 17 | RESTAURANT WEEK

The next installment of Charleston Restaurant Week is set for September 9-19, 2021! This culinary dream is one of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area. It is an opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the Low Country as participating restaurants offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. So come explore all the the great food this great city has to offer!

For more info visit:

https://bit.ly/2T9j8RX

OCTOBER

OCT 6 - 7 | SHRIMP FESTIVAL

Beaufort’s Shrimp Festival is an

amazing event that celebrates lowcountry cuisine and incorporates fun activities for all ages. This award-winning Beaufort tradition will feature live entertainment, a morning 5K run/walk, and an interactive and informative educational fair dedicated to highlighting the coastal waterways, unique ecology, shrimping and fishing industries and more! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/34CkI0f

OCT 19 | WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Each year we look forward to welcoming members of our culinary and hospitality community from around the world to connect, share, and grow through wine and food-centric experiences. With Charleston as our backdrop and the region’s unique foodways as our muse, this festival has grown over the past 15 years. Come on by and experience all of this wondrous food and wine!

For more info visit:

charlestonwineandfood.com

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (.

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

NOVEMBER

NOV 4 | PECAN FESTIVAL

The South Carolina Pecan Festival began as a way to bring people to downtown Florence and to bring our community together and give local vendors a place to showcase their talent and goods.Come on by for the live entertainment, food & craft vendors, rides, antique tractor show, car show, competitions, half metric century bike ride and more. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3quVefV

NOV 18 | CATFISH FESTIVAL

The Annual Kingsland Catfish FestIval began in 1983 and continues today with Arts, Crafts, Antique & Food Vendors. Join us at The Annual Kingsland Catfish FestIval for some small town family fun! Enjoy this down-home festival with crispy southern-fried catfish and all the fixings sure to please. Throw in arts & craft booths, a variety of food booths, antiques and collectibles and there will be something to please everyone in the family!

For more info visit: kingslandcatfishfestival.org

NOV18 | ROCKABILLAQUE

An action-packed weekend and fun for all ages the festival will include multiple locations including a return to the E Montague Main Strip for a portion of the events including the Classic Car Show! For more info visit: rockabillaqueflorida.com

DECEMBER

DEC 3 | CHRISTMAS PARADE

The traditional Beaufort Christmas Parade goes through the streets of downtown Beaufort. Floats, bands, groups of walkers and personal cars and trucks are expected to participate.For more info visit: downtownbeaufort.com

JANUARY

JAN 11 - 21 |

RESTAURANT WEEK

For an entire week, restaurants and bistros offer prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner to tempt you

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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to taste the local cuisine. Discover all the great restaurants that South Carolina has to offer. For more info visit: restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com

JAN 19 - 20 | BILL MURRAY LOOKA-LIKE” CONTEST

We will pay homage to one of Charleston’s funniest residents, Bill Murray! The event will include a costume contest, commemorative t-shirts, and of course, a plunge into the Atlantic! All attendees are encouraged to come in costume, especially as your favorite Bill Murray character, and be ready to ‘freeze your bills off’. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2URJJU0

is something for everyone’s taste and budget. It’s a fact that here you will find unbeatable show-only deals. The Charleston Boat Show is your one-stop shop for all things boating. For more info visit: thecharlestonboatshow.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 4 | OYSTER FESTIVAL

JAN 26 - 28 | BOAT SHOW

The Charleston Boat Show has evolved into an event that kicksoff the Lowcountry’s boating season. Taking place each January, this annual event includes everything from powerboats to small jon boats, skiffs, cruisers, pontoons, yachts and ski boats. There

Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 80,000 pounds of oysters sound? The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival! Highlights include live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3x5bzua

FEB 19 - 25 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Here you can sample restaurants’ fresh catch specials, try fresh oysters, and maybe even learn how to fish yourself. From incredible

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

seafood meals to rustic barbecue and bonfires, world-class talent and southern charm collide on one gorgeous Island setting. For more info visit: hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com

tume, Theater, and Cabaret! For more info visit: gatsbyorchestra.com

APRIL

APRIL 13 |

CAJUN FESTIVAL

MARCH DATES | TITLEHERE

We aren’t just “wingin’ it” anymore. Our keys to success? Invite the best local restaurants, add some handpicked bands, sprinkle in some kids activities, pour a little too much alcohol, and spark some semi-friendly competition. Stop on by for a day full of wings and fun! For more info visit: hiltonheadwingfest.com

MARCH 7 - 10 | GATSBY ORCHESTRA

We’re bringing back the full Gatsby experience with an impressive 12-piece orchestra! Featuring Charleston’s finest musicians, do not miss the authentic and glamorous music of the 1920’s & 1930’s Jazz Orchestra, Dance, Song, Cos-

Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival is a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, kids activities, and all around ragin’ Cajun fun! Savor the tastes of authentic Cajun and Creole fare - jambalaya, alligator, etouffee, andouille sausage, and crawfish. Also enjoy Lowcountry favorites like seafood and Southern barbecue. For those who prefer a tamer menu, we’ll serve up ample portions of festival foods like hot dogs, snow cones, and more. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2GHYxh5

APRIL 27 - 28 | ART MARKET

The Art Market returned with a bang this year! Dozens of accomplished artists from around the country participated in this outdoor fine art and craft sale. Stroll

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

through artists’ booths under historic live oaks to find that perfect piece of original art to take home. Fine art and craft in all shapes, sizes, styles, price ranges, and mediums will be available during this weekend.For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3h4crd2

MAY

MAY

TBA | ARTS FEST

One of South Carolina’s biggest arts festivals, celebrating southern and national artists and performers in the visual and performing arts and literature, in the city of North Charleston. For more info visit: northcharlestonartsfest.com

JUNE

JUNE TBA |

CARIFEST

The fun-packed program features parties for all to enjoy. Yet, the main event is a big carnival street parade, which takes place on Saturday. Mas Bands step off from the Charleston Museum on John’s Street at 4 pm and proceed across the city to Brittlebank Park, where

merriments are aplenty. In the park, the crowds enjoy live entertainment, sample some Caribbean goodies, and explore arts and crafts. For more info visit: charlestoncarifest.com

JULY

JULY 4 |

ARTWALK

Monthly first Friday art walks in downtown Charleston galleries. We are an association of fine art galleries in the Charleston region that supports the recognition of Charleston’s status as a world Art Destination. For more info visit: charlestongalleryassociation.com

JULY 20 | JERK FESTIVAL

The Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates the best in Caribbean food, culture, and music. The focus of this unique festival is to highlight Caribbean food, specifically food using Jamaican jerk seasoning. For more info visit: chsjerkfest.com

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.