December 2019 by VIP Magazine

magazine Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers

Contributing Photographers Nancy Devon Carsten Erin Daniel Bradley Lail Rebecca Giese Fred Salley Contributing Writers Sallie Bachman Mark W. Buyck, III Kent Daniels Ashley Elvington Rebecca Giese Zach Hughes Ben McLaughlin Allie Roark Doug Smith Donna Tracy

Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

For advertising rates, call 843-687-4236.

COVER CONCEPT

Bradley Lail and Visit Lake City, SC shared this wonderful image taken of Santa walking down the railroad tracks in Lake City last year. In celebration of all things merry and bright, this issue tells you all about upcoming Christmas events (pg. 42), delicious family recipes (beginning on pg. 34), and local businesses where you can shop to find the perfect gift!

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 49

DECEMBER 2019 HOME 10 Rebecca Giese: A Picture Perfect Christmas 12 Doug Smith: A Simple Holiday Season 14 Kent Daniels: The Propst Theatre 16 Bucket List: Fred W. Symmes Chapel

BUSINESS 18 WebsterRogers: Stephen Fowler & Robert Tilton 20 Carolina Moving Solutions: Bringing Joy 22 Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA: 100 Years of Rotary 24 Minnie's Giftique: Shopping for the Perfect Gift 26 Florence Chamber: El Agave & Mi Tierra 28 HopeHealth: A Personal Mission 30 Circle Park: Keep It Safe This Holiday Season 32 December 2019 Calendar

ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GUIDE 34 Pam Baxley: Baked Country Ham 36 Mark Palmer: Oven-baked Cheeseburger Sliders 38 Gillespie's Peanuts Snacks 40 Jason Houser: Chocolate Creme Brulee

42 Holiday Hometown Events Page 44 Gift Guide: Gifts for Her 46 Gift Guide: Gifts for Him 48 Gift Guide: Gifts for Kids 50 Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

LIFESTYLE 52 Around Town: Cocktails & Cuisine 54 Ben McLaughlin: The Perfect Gift 56 Shimmer & Shine For The New Year 58 Allie Roark: The Anticipation of Christmas

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60 Drink of the Month: Holiday Happy

LIFESTYLE

Have Yourself A Picture Perfect Christmas story and photos by Rebecca Giese

What's On My Radar Christmas on Carolina extended shopping hours in downtown Hartsville! Remember to shop local this holiday season and check out the event calendars on pages 42-43 to see what is going on in your town! 10

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photo by Erin Daniel

Christmasthing and every th i that comes worite! it is my fav (especially the decorating!)

I love finding the perfect place for every ornament and seeing the lights sparkle. After years of helping my mom deck the halls, I have a couple tricks up my sleeve to make your home look straight out of a magazine, or "Pinterest" approved. The first tip and the most important tip, you should never rush decorating or be a bah humbug about it either. Blast some Christmas music, and dance as you untangle those lights. If you enjoy the process, it will show in the final product no matter how grand your hall or how tiny your apartment. (Side note I had a six foot Christmas tree in my dorm room all four years of college, my holiday cheer knows no limits.) The most impressive designs have a cohesive theme and color pallet. Maybe you like natural decorations and a timeless feel; I suggest a black and white color pallet with natural elements like cotton and dried okra, see an excellent example of this in the holiday display Laura Giese designed at The Midnight Rooster. The key is to stick to one overall theme throughout the space from tree to garland, as shown in the photos of my mom, Laura Giese's magical living room with her red and white theme decor. Another design tip that works well past the holiday season is always work in odd numbers, 3, 5, or 7 when arranging pieces. For example, on her mantel, there are five candleholders at varying heights. Odd numbers create balance; it may be some type of magic but trust the rule. Also, branch out from major box retail stores for your holiday decorations. You can find unique ornaments, garland, and pieces by shopping local. For instance, Fleur De Lis on Bobo Newsome Highway is full of vendors selling handmade ornaments, unique garlands, and holiday wreaths. Plus, our shop Southerns'pirations is located in Fleur De Lis. We have jam-packed our 10x10 booth with five different themed trees, and everything on the trees is $10 or less, bringing the holiday spirit to any budget. As while as other specialty gifts and items, I especially love our limited-edition Thomas E. Hart and Kalmia Gardens ornaments, made in South Carolina and illustrated by me, this unique piece can't be found anywhere else. At the end of the day, having the perfect decorations are not important. If your Charlie Brown tree brings you joy, then enjoy it! Focus this year on spreading joy, spending time with the ones you love, and create memories to remember for Christmas seasons to come. Currently residing in Hartsville, Rebecca Giese enjoys exploring the Pee Dee area, shopping local artisans, trying new restaurants, and finding inspiration from the history and culture surrounding her. When not out on an adventure, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s telling stories on her blog, November 2019 VIPMagSC.com 11 Southernâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;spirations.

HOME

A Simple

Holiday Season story and recipe by Doug Smith

The most wonderful time of the year! Christmas music, sparkling lights, decorations, Christmas parties and let’s not forget Santa will be making his appearance. Christmas can be very hectic. Some would even say overwhelming for many reasons. I for one LOVE this time of year, not just for the list above but many other traditions as well. How can we enjoy the season and keep our stress levels low? Let’s talk about keeping it simple. Be thankful for the invitations to celebrate over the next few weeks. Hopefully, you will receive lots. You can’t do everything, so don’t overload an already busy calendar. Learn to say, “Thank you, but I can’t make it this time.” Believe it or not, most people will understand. You may also decide to host a party of your own. Pick the day and time that works best for you and your family. I always say, “Pick the time, put it on the calendar, and then send out the invitations.” I recommend breaking the process down into small bite-size steps. Once you have the date and the guest list taken care of, plan the menu. How many will be coming? Are there any special diets? Gluten-free, vegetarian, etc? We always try to plan the menu so everyone will have a great time and enjoy themselves. I like to select a few items made “from scratch” like my Tomato Bisque. Wassail made from fresh apple cider and a spice pack is also always a hit. Purchasing ready to serve items can help to round out the menu. Start a list of all the different dishes you plan to serve with the estimated preparation and cook time so you can plan which items should be tackled first. The goal would be for everything to be ready at least a half-hour before guests are scheduled to arrive. We label each dish and organize the table to observe the best display pattern. I like to do this the night before the party. As the food preparation is completed, delegate someone to help put the food in the serving dishes. It’s time to get this party started. Remember to have fun and enjoy the fellowship with your friends and family. Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas. With these tidings, may we all be reminded of the reason for the season. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Luke 2: 11-14

Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy".

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Tomato Bisque INGREDIENTS 1 large 10 lb. can whole tomatoes, drained of their juices (set aside the tomato juice for adding in later) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

6 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 cups chicken stock

2 shallots, quartered

1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked black pepper

1 stick unsalted butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 tablespoons dry sherry

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/2 cup heavy cream

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained whole tomatoes, olive oil, light brown sugar, carrots, and shallots, and toss to coat. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper. 3. Place the vegetables on a parchmentlined baking sheet and roast until caramelized (about 30 minutes). 4. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the butter and cook until foaming. Add the crushed red pepper and garlic and sautĂŠ for 1 minute. 5. Add the tomato juice that was set aside. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. 6. Add the sherry. Cook until all the alcohol has cooked off (1 to 2 minutes). Add the roasted vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup chicken stock. Bring to a light boil. 7. Season with salt and pepper. Bring it to a simmer. Let simmer for 15 minutes. 8. Add the heavy cream using an immersion blender, puree the soup until uniform in texture. *Note: Add chicken stock to adjust the consistency to how you like it. Also, sour cream can be dizzled on top before serving.

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HOME

Did You Know...

The Propst Theatre 1947 - 1969

THE PROPST THEATRE The Happiest Days of My Youth

Growing up in Lake City in the mid-twentieth century was like growing up in Paradise. Most neighborhoods had tree houses, jungles, secret meeting places, and loads of children roaming at will. Life was full of fun, but by far, everyone’s favorite form of fun was going to the "show" at the Propst Theatre on Saturday afternoons. The photograph shown here shows the main theatre entrance with a marquee to the right and the ticket booth to the left. To the far left was a balcony entrance for black people, but none of us children were aware of it then. However, we were aware of the small round window in the top center because the projectionist sometimes stuck his head out to escape the heat. The bus station was to the theater’s left and open ground. Later A&P and Belk were opened on its right. The cost of admission was 25 cents per child and for an additional 25 cents, you could feel like a king or queen. That extra money could buy a Coca-Cola, popcorn, and candy, which would last the entire time you were there. The movies at 14

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story by Kent Daniels

the Propst started at noon on Saturdays and had either a double feature (two full-length movies) or occasionally a triple feature. You entered a different world when you stepped into the Propst. At movie time, the beautiful art deco side lights went down and the crimson curtain opened. First up were the coming attractions, followed either by a newsreel or serial, then a cartoon or two. Finally, the first feature movie began, immediately followed by the second feature. For that quarter’s admission, you stayed and watched for as long as you liked, or rather until your parents picked you up or you had to walk home before dark. Once Lash LaRue came to the Propst and demonstrated his whip skills from a flatbed trailer parked out front. Another time Bonnie and Clyde’s bullet-riddled car was displayed in the same place and we all knew it was real. The holidays always remind us of the good times. To me, Saturday’s spent at the Propst were some of the happiest days of my youth.

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BUCKET LIST

“I will lift my eyes to the hills...” Psalm 121:1

FRED W. SYMMES CHAPEL Camp Greenville, Cleveland SC

If you have not had the chance to experience this place yet, it's time. You very well may have seen a friend or family member get married here or even have seen picturesque photos. Located on the Eastern edge of Camp Greenville is what I consider one of the most beautiful chapels. Many know it as Pretty Place, but it is formally known as the Fred W. Symmes Chapel. What makes this chapel so majestic is the open-air view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that adorn our South Carolina's northwest corner. The moment you walk up to the entrance you notice the large crossed placed at the rear of the building. It fills the view through the doorway in a perfect way. As soon as you enter, the stairs and pews are almost hard to notice because your eyes are overtaken by the magnificent view from atop the mountain. A cascade of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounds the beautiful drop into the valley below. Each visit will present you with a variety of different colors depending upon how the sky is painted at that time of day.

After your eyes have become used to the breathtaking view, it begins to dawn on you the type of craftsmanship that went into this beautiful place. The beam that holds up the far end of the chapel has the words, “'I will lift my eyes to the hills…' Psalm 121:1" written above the altar. The cross is placed on a pedestal of intricately placed stones. The only barrier between you and the hills is a short wall of the same variety of large stones. Large stacked stone pillars line the edge of the chapel, each holding up the wooden beam roof. The pews are hand made of painted wood and taper down the slanted alter. Each seat gets a breathtaking view. One of my favorite times to visit the chapel is after a nice day hike in Ceasers Head state park. To me, it is a great place to just soak in God's creation and thank him for the chance to hike within his hills. You are always sure to make friends during your visit as well. Anytime you are spending time near the foothills or just passing through, make sure to stop by Pretty Place Chapel and lift your eyes to the hills.

For more information, visit campgreenville.org/pretty-place/. 16

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Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis and their 9 month old son, Christopher. Zach is a local entrepreneur, and has spent most of his time working around the automotive industry. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism.

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BUSINESS BUSINESS

Some businesses may claim to care about their community; however, not many have a heart for the Pee Dee quite like WebsterRogers. Perhaps that’s because some of their team members are born and raised here. The roots of hometown love and pride run deep and have the ability to extend and grow fruitfully throughout the atmosphere that helped it grow. As for Stephen Fowler and Robert Tilton, there’s no place quite like home – something they’ve found in both Lake City and WebsterRogers.

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photo by Nancy Devon Carsten

STEPHEN FOWLER & ROBERT TILTON DISCUSS

Small Town Influences

VIP: Tell us a little bit about yourselves. Fowler: "I work with WebsterRogers Financial Advisors as a Financial Planner

and lead advisor. WRFA is a 'sister company' to WebsterRogers that specializes in investment management, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and financial planning. I have worked with WRFA for almost 3 years. My wife, Whitney, and I have two beautiful children – Marion and Norah Katherine. We are members of the Lake City First Baptist Church. When there’s time, I enjoy playing golf, the outdoors, and spending time with my family and close friends."

Tilton: "I am a partner in the Firm and currently serve as the Director of Assurance Services. Assurance Services is one of the Firm’s four major service lines and includes audits, reviews, compilations, and all other assurance related services. I have worked with WR for 15 years now. My wife Charlotte and I will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage and we have five wonderful children. We are members of Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Florence, which affords us the opportunity to participate in and give back to our local community." VIP: What influenced your career with WR? Fowler: "I was working in Cheraw with Edward Jones, where I was very happy, when WRFA approached me about a new opportunity. I met with Buzz Rogers and Amy Urquhart and was intrigued. There were many factors about working with WRFA that I found attractive. WRFA is connected with Dimensional Fund Advisors whose investments are based on academia and research made by three different Nobel Prize winners. That’s extremely unique. Working with WRFA would also bring me back home to Lake City and Florence County, where I grew up. What probably

influenced my decision to come to WRFA the most, though, was getting to work with Amy Urquhart. Amy is one of the most talented people and natural leaders that I’ve come across. She sets the bar high and motivates you to make her proud. Having her as a mentor and testing myself with her standards help me continue to grow and improve."

VIP: What are your responsibilities at WR and how have they progressed? Fowler: "I joined the team as a financial advisor to help

clients with their investments and retirement needs. I serve as a lead advisor in client relationships, play a role in business development, and take on various marketingtype projects from time to time. This summer I earned the credential of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Since becoming a CFP, I’ve become heavily involved in the creation of financial plans for our clients."

Tilton: "I joined WR as a senior auditor, but quickly advanced to manager. The volume and type of engagements were conducive to growth and were right in my experience wheelhouse. I was promoted to senior manager and later admitted to partnership with the firm in 2013. In 2018, I was asked to serve as the director of the firm’s Assurance Services Group. In addition to setting policies and procedures to ensure WR’s Assurance Services Group complies with professional standards, in this role I am responsible for guiding a fantastic group of professionals toward the future of auditing. From data mining to artificial intelligence, and even the use of drones to perform audit procedures, our industry is evolving. It is my job to be sure we embrace it and are not left behind." VIP: Tell us about your clients.

Fowler: "I enjoy connecting with and getting to know

people and their families. For me, it’s more about becoming a part of people’s lives and helping guide them when you see the opportunity to do so than it is investing their money and providing an annualized return. That said, I work with people of all ages and backgrounds. My ideal client is someone who recognizes that they need some financial help, wants to do something to improve their situation, values our advice, and is enjoyable to work with. Whether it be those about to enter into retirement and want to rollover their 401(k), a small business owner in need of financial advice for their business, or a young business professional right out of grad/law/med school that wants to set up an IRA to make contributions…as long as they want to improve and will value our advice, I want to work with them. Whoever the client may be."

Tilton: "As auditors, we focus on helping clients stay compliant with various regulatory requirements from a financial reporting perspective. But, that is really just the tip of the iceberg. Because of the nature of auditing – we get to see the nuts and bolts of how an entity

operates – auditors are in a great position to be able to comment on or offer suggestions and advice related to an entity’s operations – from internal control to financial reporting. Our clients include commercial entities such as manufacturers and distributors, nonprofit organizations, private clubs and resorts, homeowners associations, various governmental entities, and even employee benefit plans."

VIP: You are both from Lake City, how has your hometown influenced your career?

Fowler: "Two things that growing up in a small town has instilled in me: love for others and a strong work ethic. Yes, I was raised by my parents and family, but I am also a product of our community. Whether it be through church and civic related functions, like Boy Scouts and sports teams, or through spending large amounts of time at all of my friends’ houses under the watch of their parents, I’ve had so many different adults that have cared for and influenced me as I was growing up. We look out for and care about our neighbors and their families because, in many ways, we are all one big family. Growing up there also taught me that you have to work extremely hard for what you want – nothing is going to be handed to you. The people are what make Lake City and Florence County such an incredible place. You are pushed hard and you are loved. I’m so fortunate that I get to raise my children in the same atmosphere that I grew up in. That’s very comforting. It’s a unique place for sure, and I think it’s why I enjoy helping others as much as I do." Tilton: "Growing up in Lake City during the late 80s taught me not to take anything for granted. My father was a truck driver and my mother worked full time in the retail industry. They both provided for me in the best way they could, but I learned early that going to college was going to be up to me and that it would require lots of hard work. It is that appreciation for hard work and determination that has allowed me to succeed in public accounting." VIP: What do you enjoy most about working for WR? Fowler: "Being a part of our team for sure. Working

together with others and being a part of a team is something I’ve enjoyed ever since I started playing sports as a kid. I’m fortunate to work with very talented people. We have a variety of different personalities and skill-sets. When we work together and blend our skill-sets, it’s pretty powerful. We make each other better."

Tilton: "The variety of our clients is one of the things I enjoy most about WR. Also, the flexibility that WR has offered as I have grown in my career. I believe that the fact that I am able to serve in such an important leadership role with WR while also being an involved father of five and active member in the community is a testament to the flexibility of WR and its commitment to me as a professional." December 2019

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BUSINESS

Bringing Joy&

MOVING FURNITURE John Watkins and Brian Vance

Santa Clause is coming to town, or maybe he is just moving into it... John Watkins spends most of the year as the owner of Carolina Moving Solutions moving offices across town and individuals across the East Coast. But one day a year, he puts on his red velvet suit, a beard of white and tiny spectacles. For years he and his wife have spent Christmas day driving around town to visit those who need some extra holiday cheer. The other 364 days for the last almost 50 years John has been building his knowledge and expertise for the moving industry. At the age of 27, he started his first moving company with two trucks; several years later, he was at seven vehicles before selling the company. And after several

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decades of experience in corporate moving in large cities like Tampa and Charlotte, John has come full circle back to South Carolina. When he retired from a corporate moving company in Charlotte, he decided to move back to the Pee Dee closer to family and get a moving truck. Well, what started as a hobby turned into a full-blown business with several trucks and 18-wheelers. In Charlotte is where he met his business partner Brian Vance. The two of them now work together to grow their business but, more importantly, create custom moving solutions for clients. Carolina Moving Solutions LLC offers interstate moving options for people transplanting to the Pee Dee area or moving away (preferably within 600 miles.) Including custom

story by Rebecca Giese | photos by Erin Daniel

crating options for those hard to move pieces like an antique chandelier or priceless art. Another service that they are known for is office moving. After years of moving large offices, they have developed a system that makes the process faster and in turn, more comfortable on the client. If you are planning a move, make sure you call Carolina Moving Solutions LLC. Who knows, you might get to talk to Santa. As Santa Clause, John brings holiday cheer and sweet treats to the ones that need it the most and brings the magic to anyone, no matter their age. So as you go through the motion this holiday season, remember that Santa is watching.Â

Office: 843-307-9004 â&#x20AC;˘ Cell: 803-235-1244 www.carolinamovingsolutionsllc.com December 2019

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BUSINESS

story by Mark W. Buyck, III On December 16, 1919, in the dining room of the Central Hotel on the 100 block of East Evans Street, sixteen (16) men held an organizational meeting for the formation of the Florence Rotary Club. At the meeting, J. Boone Aiken was elected Chairman and H.A. Smith, Secretary. The Club’s second meeting was held on December 23, 1919, and a Board of Directors was elected. The Club received its official charter on February 1, 1920, and the Club has operated continuously since that first meeting and will celebrate its centennial in February 2020. The Florence Rotary Club became the 605th club to join Rotary International. Those 605 clubs had a membership of 56,000. One hundred years later, there are now over 35,000 rotary clubs worldwide with a membership of 1.2 million. In an address marking the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Florence Rotary Club, J. Boone Aiken recalled Florence in 1920. He noted the town’s population was approximately 7,000 people and there was only one paved street and very few automobiles. Despite the lack of traffic, two of the Charter Members of the club were engaged in the automobile industry: David Alderman was classified as a wholesale auto accessory dealer and Charles Commander as an automobile dealer. Mr. Aiken noted that in 1920, Florence’s bank deposits were approximately $2 Million, and the commerce was dependent on the railroad payroll and cotton. Mr. Aiken noted that although “life was slow, on the

positive side it was a God-fearing, church-going and friendly town…it possessed a group of ambitious young men, many of whom had a sense of humor… desired to cooperate with each other…were willing to pull their limited human and economic resources and generally seemed to have a confidence in each other’s motivation. Rotary seemed a vehicle for the tying of their limited resources and they sought it aggressively and enthusiastically.” Rotarians have been involved in nearly every business and civic organization in the Pee Dee over the last 100 years. At the end of its first official meeting, the Club voted to send a telegram to the Florence County Legislative Delegation urging state approval and funding of a bridge over the Pee Dee River. A view of the minutes of the meetings from the 1920s finds discussions of roads, bridges, hospitals, churches, care of disabled children, farming improvements, and assistance to the YMCA and Boys Scouts among the Club’s concerns. 100 years later and members of the Club have a passion for many of these same civic causes. Members of the Club, men and women, serve as elected public officials, municipal officials, education professionals, non-profit service providers, doctors, lawyers, other professionals, and businessmen. If there is a civic cause gaining traction in this community, you can bet a Rotarian is pushing the wheel.

248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777

Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys 22

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Mark W. Buyck, III

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BUSINESS

Shopping for the Perfect Gift Minnie's Giftique has become a

story and interview by Rebecca Giese / images by Erin Daniel

staple to Hartsville and the Pee Dee area when it comes to finding the perfect gift during the holidays or celebrating milestones throughout the year. When owner Megan Porter-Grant isn't running the store or selecting new pieces on buying trips, she is also a realtor. Since 2018 Megan has been helping people buy not only house warming gifts but also homes as a realtor with Coldwell Banker Deborah Gandy & Associates. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Megan to discuss gift-giving, hot trends, and her rescue cats, of course! 24

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Megan Porter-Grant

Q: "Minnie's Giftique has been a staple of downtown Hartsville for over 25 years, what do you think has lead to the ongoing success?" Megan: "Firstly, our community support and loyal customers. And secondly, but just as important, the city of Hartsville. Hartsville has done a great job of developing downtown and driving growth to the area, which has lead to an increase of tourism and out of town guests. Not to mention the support downtown and Minnie's gets from Coker University, the Governor's School, Sonoco, and Robinson plant, to name a few." Q: "With wedding registries, birthday gifts, and beautiful clothing selection, what is your favorite part about Minnie's Giftique?" Megan: "Honestly, not being locked into one thing! Having such a wide selection of products, it never gets boring. The buying experience and markets of the different items are all so different. And it is fun being able to reach different people needing different things." Q: "What is the best present you have ever received?" Megan: "The best gift I ever received was my two rescue cats, Ginger and Hazel."

Q: "And your favorite gift you have given?" Megan: "Not necessarily one gift but a favorite gifting tradition, every year, I give my daughter a new Christmas ornament, so when she moves out and decorates her tree, she will have a collection of special ornaments." Q: "When picking out a present, are you more sentimental or practical?" Megan: "Practical. I love suggesting and helping someone find and give a practical gift. To me, consumable gifts are considered practical, like a lovely candle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; may be something they don't necessarily need but will use and enjoy."

After learning a little about Megan and her process to building Minnie's, we needed to learn more about the gifts. Here's what she had to say: Q: "What seems to be the 'hot gift' of the year?" Megan: "There are several gifts and gift trends that seem to be hot this year! Firstly, men's gifts, there is such an array of options on the market than ever before. At Minnie's, we now carry the Joules men's clothing line, perfect jackets, collared shirts, and sweaters for the men in your life. And the Mission Mertintile waxed canvas bags perfect traveling, the waxed canvas gun case is particularly hot this year. "Another hot trend is simple upscale costumer jewelry, we are loving ENewton. The bracelets have a non-clasp band, with a strong elastic making them easy to put on and off at any age. And being gold-filled instead of gold plated, they will last longer than a regular piece of costume jewelry. The initial pieces are great for teens but still ageless for any woman on your shopping list. "The other day I saw on The Morning Show the Messlia and Doug Grocery Store playset. We have them available at Minnie's, and they are set to be the kid's gift of the year. The shopping cart is a real mini shopping cart!" Q: "We all have that one person on our list that is a little bit difficult, what gift(s) would you suggest?" Megan: "Scout! Scout products are great for that neighbor or Aunt you have to get something for but don't know what. Their items are practical and high quality but with fun, trendy patterns. Plus, they hit a wide price range to suit any gifting budget. "Another easy gift would be gloves or a scarf. We sell so many scarves and gloves and women's accessories during the holiday season. Or even a sweater! We have a variety of trendy sweaters and timeless pieces available for the women in your life." December 2019

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BUSINESS

José Perez Sr., José Jr. & Brenda Perez FLORENCE CHAMBER MEMBERS OF THE MONTH:

El Agave & Mi Tierra story by Ashley Elvington | photos by Erin Daniel

José Perez Sr. is the owner of Mi Tierra San Jose Mexican Restaurant and El Agave Mexican Restaurant, both located in Florence. His children, José Jr., and Brenda assist their father in the family business – José Jr. helps run Mi Tierra while Brenda runs El Agave. This December, they are the Florence Chamber Members of the Month. José Sr. started in the restaurant business back in 1982, working as a dishwasher in an Atlanta Mexican restaurant. He recalls, “We had to work our way up to better positions in the business, so that’s where I started. After proving myself there, I made nachos, then became the second lead cook and later the lead cook. I moved back

to Mexico briefly, then came back to the states in 1988, to Montgomery, Alabama. I moved to Florence in 1992 and I’ve been here since.” Not long after returning, José Sr. along with some friends, and his brother opened their first Mexican restaurant. “I worked alongside my partners for many years before deciding to open my own restaurant, Mi Tierra, in 2005.” In 2008, José Sr. sold his portion of the other restaurants he was a part of to focus on Mi Tierra. After 11 years on the corner of Celebration Boulevard and Palmetto Street, Mi Tierra finally moved into a building of its own, reopening its doors to the public in January 2017. In September 2018, José Sr. and his family opened their next restaurant, El Agave.

From all of us here at VIP Magazine: Congrats, Perez family, for being the Florence Chamber Members of the Month! 26 26

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100 W Evans St, Florence 843.665.0515 flochamber.com

Steak a la Mexicana - Chunks of steak cooked with jalapeño peppers, onions and tomatoes. Served with rice, beans and three tortillas.

Carnitas - Tender chunks of pork served with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeño peppers and three flour or corn tortillas.

Molcojete - A delicious treat! A combination of chicken, beef, Mexican sausage and shrimp cooked to perfection with onions and topped with grated cheese. Served with three flour tortillas.

Growing up in the restaurant business was interesting for José Jr. and Brenda along with their sister Maritza who steps in at Mi Tierra as often as needed. José Jr. explains, “You learn the ins and outs early. I started working at the age of eight with my father. I’d help run the register, hostess, wash dishes, anything to help. And it wasn’t because my dad insisted I go - I would literally cry if they didn’t let me go to work. I loved being at the restaurant!” Brenda adds, “I was in high school before I started to help. I would hostess back then. After finishing high school at West Florence High, I started full-time.” The roles have changed a bit since those days, as José Sr. is now more of a supervisor and maintenance guy. Brenda admits, “We try not to call dad often, but he’s always willing to jump in and help, no matter what the job is.” To which José Sr. adds, “Oh yes, I am not afraid of any job. I will wash dishes, sweep the floors, change the lightbulbs…they call me any time and I’ll be there to help.” Running a restaurant has challenges of its own, but it has proved to be rewarding for the Perez family – that they can all agree with. Something that causes more of a debate, however, is which dish is the best. After deliberating, they chose the Steak a la Mexican, Carnitas, and Molcajete as some of their favorites. I must admit I too agree with Molcajete – something I order every time I go to Mi Tierra! Give it a try if you haven’t already. As for what they enjoy most about owning their restaurants, Brenda enjoys being her own boss, José Jr. also loves being his own boss and making his own decisions. As for José Sr., however, the most rewarding aspect of all is knowing he was able to accomplish so much for his family. His efforts, thankfully, haven’t gone unnoticed. Brenda concludes, “My brother and I didn’t go to college for restaurant operation; however, we learned from the best - our dad. He was our mentor and has never left our side with running the restaurants. He helps us every step of the way.”

Mi Tierra San Jose 1280 Celebration Blvd, Florence, 843.629.9903 El Agave 147 W Evans St, Florence, 843.472.5268 December 2019

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HEALTH + BEAUTY

A PERSONAL MISSION story by Sallie Bachman, Chief of Special Programs, HopeHealth

As we approach the close of the year and the start of a new one, it is a tradition to make New Year's resolutions. However, before you put too much time into thinking about your goals for the coming year, consider the deeper and more rewarding benefits of crafting your personal mission statement. We are all familiar with how businesses utilize a mission statement to convey their identity, intentions, and values. It is usually a quick way to provide a snapshot of what the business is all about. A personal mission statement works similarly: it reflects your values, your passion and the impact you want to have. Your personal mission statement is your brand. It reflects the core of who you are and defines what you will do. It indicates a clear sense of purpose for how you spend your time, develop relationships, and live your best life. It provides you with boundaries for decision making. All of this gets packed into one or two sentences that epitomizes you. It’s a beautiful and dynamic expression of who you want to be and identifies the calling on your life! There is no magic formula for creating your statement. It doesn’t have to be complicated but the statement does have to be as accurate as you can make it. Writing your personal mission statement requires a few things.

360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG

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Sallie Bachman is the Chief of Special Programs at HopeHealth. She is a licensed master social worker with more than 20 years of experience in public and mental health. She has been with HopeHealth since February 2009 and oversees the Behavioral Health Services, Latino Services, and Infectious Diseases departments. Her passion is to assist people in realizing their strengths so that they can walk in their purpose and impact the lives of others.

Here are five suggestions to get you started:

TIME AND PERSONAL REFLECTION: You need to know what’s important to you. Where do you want to go in life? What are your values, goals, and interests? What legacy do you want to leave behind? A question that works for me is, “What am I doing when I feel most alive and purposeful?”

TAKE NOTES AND START CREATING: Track your thoughts and insights. As you reflect on the items above, you’ll begin to see a pattern of interests, abilities, personality traits, dreams, and passions. Begin to use the patterns and keywords to bring form and definition to your statement. You’ll start to see yourself reflected within the statement: it should empower you and energize you! Keep working at it (it may take a few days or weeks) until you feel like it is the epitome of the best version of yourself.

MEMORIZE IT! Honor yourself and your mission statement by keeping it visible and active in your daily life. Use it as a mantra each morning to establish your focus and reset your inspiration. The power of the spoken word is incredible!

SHARE YOUR STATEMENT WITH KEY, TRUSTED INDIVIDUALS IN YOUR LIFE. The accountability that comes with sharing will provide further impact for you and the mission you represent.

LIVE IT! You will find more awareness and reward in what you do and what you accomplish. When hard decisions come your way, your statement will serve as a filter and guide, reminding you of your values and purpose. You will also find that you have greater joy and consistency in how you apply your talents and reach your potential.

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HEALTH + BEAUTY

Keep It Safe

story provided by Circle Park

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The Holiday Season is a busy time for many adults with family gatherings, social events, celebrations, and traditional festivities. According to Dorothy Selmon, MS,LPC-A,CAC(p), a clinical counselor with Circle Park Behavioral Services, it is also a particularly important time to focus on the safety of their teens and even preSelmon teens. “The holidays can be an extremely challenging time as youth are faced with difficult choices in how to safely and legally enjoy the holidays with their friends. They will have more social opportunities and activities during the holidays, many away from the supervision of their parents. It is important during this busy time to take a time out with them and discuss your expectations and boundaries for the choices they make, particularly in regards to underage drinking." Parents can help to avoid underage drinking incidents by utilizing a few of the following tips: • Be clear with your expectations; let your child know that regardless of the situation, underage drinking and/or being at a location where it is taking place is simply illegal and unacceptable. • Teach your children it is not necessary to have alcohol to have a good time. Plan and provide a non-alcoholic kid-friendly holiday party. • Help your children serve and enjoy traditional holiday drinks without alcohol such as cider, eggnog or punch. 30

For parents of underage youth, it is important to monitor all temptations with the social activities that accompany the holiday season. It is important to pay close attention to the age of anyone consuming alcohol. A few tips to assist with this would be: • Never serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. • If you maintain alcohol at home, make sure to keep track of your supply at all times. • Establish a friendly relationship with parents of your children’s friends so that you can call ahead and make sure alcohol will not be involved in the parties or activities your child may be attending and that appropriate supervision will be on hand. • Make sure your child is maintaining healthy friendships and having friends who chose not to make alcohol a part of their holiday season.

Mrs. Selmon added, “Research continues to show that parents have a great deal of influence on the choices their children make. In fact, many teens find it comforting to have parents show enough interest in them to set boundaries and rules in regards to their choices. When parents are clear on their “no alcohol use rules and consequences” their children are less likely to partake in underage drinking during the holiday season.” We encourage all parents to exercise their right to set boundaries and expectations for good choices and join us in ensuring that our community enjoys a safe and incident-free holiday season. Visit www.circlepark.com for more information or call (843) 665-9349.

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Merry Christmas!

DECEMBER CALENDAR

Levon Kirkland Speaks to Youth Dominion Church, Darlington

EVENTS

Merchant’s First Monday Breakfast City Hall, Hartsville

Giving Tuesday, The Waters Building

Advent Hand Bell Concert, First Presbyterian, Florence

12 Blue Suede Christmas, Florence Center

Florence Reindeer Ride First Presbyterian, Florence Legends Holiday Comic Fest City Hall, Hartsville

National Pastry Day

Small Business Professionals Roundtable, Hartsville Chamber

Shadow Day, SC Governor’s School, Hartsville

The Grinch (19th & 20th), Center Theater, Hartsville “Holiday Pops”, FMU PAC, Florence

Hanukkah Begins at Sundown

Reflect on the Goodness of 2019

Breakfast with Santa, CUMC, Florence

Handel’s Messiah, All Saints’, Florence Elf, Jr (14th & 15th) Florence Little Theatre

Palmetto Amputee Support Group, First Presbyterian Church, Florence

Columbia City Ballet and SODA’s Nutcracker, FMU PAC, Florence

Go See Lights 4 Paws 3251 Mears Rd, Florence

National Bacon Day

Yoga for Anxiety, Black Creek Arts Council, Hartsville

Egg Nog Day

Happy New Year!

Swan Lake, FMU PAC, Florence

Merry Christmas!

Pepsi Carolina Classic Tournament (26th-28th) Florence Center

FOR HOMETOWN HOLIDAY EVENTS SEE PAGES 42 & 43

SCDT The Nutcracker Ballet (6th-8th), FMU PAC Festival of Trees (6th-8th) Black Creek Arts, Hartsville Winnie the Pooh (6th-8th) Florence Little Theatre

Finding and Promoting Climate Change, Moore Farms, Lake City SEBGA Concerts, Darlington Music Hall

14Business Etiquette, FCTC, Florence

Wreath Wonderland Class, Moore Farms, Lake City Hartsville SC Baby Shower, Housing Authority, Hartsville

Live Nativity, Lambs Chapel, Florence Cirque Holiday Wishes, Florence Center

BCSD Columbia City Ballet Nutcracker, Center Theater, Hartsville

Polar Express Train Ride, Marion

National Fruitcake Day

Great Night for a Movie

Send in your events to heather@vipmagsc.com!

December 2018

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HOME

Whole country hams are plentiful during the holidays and winter months. Unlike a typical ham, which is tender and juicy, a country ham is dry-cured before smoking, and it’s very salty. It’s unusual to bake a whole country ham in this part of the country. Most people just slice it thin and fry it. I’ve served this recipe for holiday dinners and at parties. This is a very easy recipe, with just three ingredients. Soaking the ham in several changes of water, which removes some of the saltiness, is an essential part of the preparation. This ham is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or cold. Any leftover ham can be very thinly sliced, sealed in an airtight container and refrigerated for two weeks. It can also be frozen and thawed for later use.

Baked Country Ham SUBMISSION FROM PAM BAXLEY

Ingredients: 1 Country Ham (14 to 16 pounds) 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

“The holiday season is my favorite time of the year, and I love decorating, cooking and entertaining. a fir elie er in serving traditional Southern party fare during the holidays. This recipe has been a big hit for me, especially with the men in our circle of family and friends. It is not only delicious, but also makes a beautiful displa for the u et ta le, especiall when served on a silver platter with split, buttered biscuits, honey mustard, and jam. An added bonus is that the ham may be prepared ahead of time." -Pam Baxley, Mullins

Method:

• Place ham in a large pot or cooler and add enough cold water to cover. I also add ice. Leave in refrigerator or a cool place 3 days, changing water every 12 hours. • Preheat oven to 500 degrees with rack in lower third. Drain ham and scrub clean; wrap in parchment lined foil and transfer to a wire rack set in a roasting pan. Add about an inch of hot water to pan and ake ha inutes.Turn o o en keep ha in closed oven 3 hours. Turn oven back on at 500 degrees and ake inutes. Turn o o en let ha sit in closed o en at 34 34

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least 6 hours and up to 10 hours; do not open oven, even once. Then remove ham from oven. • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Trim rind and most of the fat from ham with a sharp knife. Place the ham on a greased, foil lined baking pan. Combine brown sugar and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over the ham, pressing down to coat. Bake 30-45 minutes or until the brown sugar is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven. Allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving thin slices against the grain.

December 2019

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HOME

Oven-Baked Cheeseburger Sliders SUBMISSION FROM MARK PALMER

Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp ketchup 1 tbsp yellow mustard 24 slider rolls, dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls 2 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 2 lbs lean ground beef 1 packet dry French onion soup mix 1 tbsp Montreal Steak seasoning 10 slices American Cheese 2 tbsp melted butter 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional) 24 pickle slices (optional)

Mark Palmer is a Clemson University loving foodie who, when not preparing meals for family and friends, works for FW Architects, Inc. in Florence. His side business, SWEETLEIGHS Cakes and Treats, is known for delicious cake jars that you can find at Dolce Vita Cafe and Tomlinson's, both located in Florence.

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Method: • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat two 9×13 baking pans with nonstick spray and set aside. • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Set aside. • Slice the rolls in half and place the bottoms evenly into the prepared pans; set the tops aside. • In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and golden. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until no pink remains, breaking the meat while cooking. • Drain excess fat. Add in the French onion soup mix and the steak seasoning, stirring to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat. • Stir in the mayonnaise mixture and coat the meat evenly. • Spread the meat mixture on top of the rolls. • Top with cheese slices, cutting to fit. Top each with a pickle slice (if desired). • Place the slider roll tops on top. • Brush the melted butter on top of the sliders, and sprinkle with sesame seeds (if desired). • Cover the pans tightly with foil. Place the pan on a large cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted. • Remove from the oven and keep covered for 5-10 minutes before uncovering and serving.

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Gillespie's Peanuts Snacks SUBMISSION FROM LINZIE BATCHELOR, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, GILLESPIE’S PEANUTS

Holidays are for snacking! Whether you’re traveling, hosting a party, visiting with friends, or just curled up on the couch with a Hallmark movie, I think you’ll love these snack mixes. Totally customizable to your taste and crowd size, add as much or little of each ingredient listed, and make it YOURS! Try making a large batch to allow extra for sharing. Find a cute tin or jar and—voila—you have a gift! If you’re trying not to overdo it over the holidays, you can always bag small portions to throw in lunch boxes, your purse, or work bag. (I tend to keep a buffet of snacks in my car….because my family is always on the go. And somebody’s always hungry!) Happy snacking and Merry Christmas!

Cranberry Trail Mix

Chocolate Monkey Mix

Movie Mix

Salted Gillespie’s Peanuts Cranberries

Chocolate Covered Gillespie’s Peanuts

Caramel Crunch Gillespie’s Peanuts

Pumpkin Seeds

Salted Gillespie’s Peanuts

Low Country Kettle Corn

Raisins

Banana Chips

M&M’s

Raisins Dates Directions: Add as much or little of each ingredient listed.

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Linzie Batchelor is the Owner of Outflare Marketing and works as the Marketing Director at Gillespie’s Peanuts. She is married to Dr. Greg Batchelor, Pastor at Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church and is the mother of Natalee and Piper.

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December 2019

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Chocolate Crème Brûlée SUBMISSION FROM JASON HOUSER

Ingredients: 8 ounces of milk chocolate 8 egg yolks 1 quart cream 1/2 cup sugar

Method: Bring cream and sugar to a simmer. Temper into yolks. Strain mixture and temper into chocolate. Portion into dishes. Bake in water bath at 300 degrees until set. (Around 2030 mins). Garnish with raspberries.

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Jason Houser, Crossroads on Main's James Beard nominated Culinary Director

December 2019

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BUSINESS

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR HER

gifts Her FOR

1 CONSIDER THE LILLIES, FLORENCE 3 MAIN STREET MERCANTILE, LAKE CITY 5 PA L M E T T O G I F T S H O P, S C R A N T O N

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2 L I Z A LY N B O U T I Q U E , M A R I O N 4 WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED, FLORENCE 6 LO V E J E W E L R Y, @ LO V E _ J E W E L R Y _

7 8

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7 HEYWARD & HANNA, FLORENCE

8 LILLIE K'S COLLECTION, MULLINS

9 MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE, FLORENCE

10 SEVEN BOUTIQUE, LAKE CITY

1 1 F I S H E R J E W E L E R S & S I LV E R S M I T H , F L O R E N C E

12 MINNIE'S GIFTIQUE, HARTSVILLE

December 2019

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U LT I M AT E C H R I S T M A S G U I D E : G I F T S F O R H I M

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gifts Him FOR

cooler

1 IRBY ST SPORTING GOODS, FLORENCE 3 ALEXANDER'S MEN'S APPAREL, HARTSVILLE 5 BUTLER'S FINE MENS CLOTHING, FLORENCE 7 MINNIE'S GIFTIQUE, HARTSVILLE

2 O L E T I M E Y M E AT S , F LO R E N C E 4 MAIN STREET MERCANTILE, LAKE CITY 6 THE MAILROOM BARBER CO, FLORENCE

8 N AT U R A L LY O U T D O O R S , F L O R E N C E

9 SCHOFIELD'S, FLORENCE 46

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cutting board 4

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR KIDS

gifts Kids FOR

1 SEVEN BOUTIQUE, LAKE CITY 3 SHADE TREE OUTFITTERS, LAKE CITY 5 MINNIE'S GIFTIQUE, HARTSVILLE

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2 T H E T O Y S H O P, F L O R E N C E 4 IRBY ST SPORTING GOODS, FLORENCE

6 BOLD & SASSY BOUTIQUE, LAKE CITY

7 WILD CHILD CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE, HARTSVILLE 8 P H I L' S B I C Y C L E W O R L D , F L O R E N C E 9 PRETTY N BLISS, FLORENCE

1 0 S A LT Y ' S , F L O R E N C E

1 1 C O N S I D E R T H E L I L L I E S , F L O R E N C E 1 2 PA L M E T T O G I F T S H O P, S C R A N T O N July 2019

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: STOCKING STUFFERS

stocking stuffers

they'll love!

1 YOUR CBD STORE, FLORENCE 3 PRETTY N BLISS, FLORENCE 5 RAISED DOWN SOUTH, HARTSVILLE HARSTVILLE

2 GOOSIE GANDERS, FLORENCE 4 FLEUR DE LIS, HARTSVILLE

6 PIECES, FLORENCE

8 SEVEN BOUTIQUE, LAKE CITY

7 BLUSH MERLE NORMAN,

9 F I R E I T U P, F L O R E N C E

10 WOODEN PINEAPPLE, HARTSVILLE 50

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AROUND TOWN: LAKE CITY’S COCKTAILS & CUISINE

Lake City’s

Cocktails & Cuisine

On November 16th, Visit Lake City SC hosted its second Cocktails & Cuisine at The Stables at The Inn at the Crossroads. Cocktail hour featured craft cocktails created & served by Ryan Casey, Beverage Director at The Dewberry in Charleston. Culinary Director Jason Houser of Crossroads on Main collaborated with Chef Jacques Larson of Wild Olive (Johns Island) and Obstinate Daughter (Sullivan’s Island) to create a menu that would wow guests. And that’s exactly what it did! The menu included seared scallops with romesco and preserved lemon, sumac rubbed duck breast with Madeira onions, dates and pomegranate, and grilled lamb collar with chickpea stew, green olives, tomatoes, oranges and almonds. The deliciously decadent dessert course was pumpkin cake with dark chocolate mousse, spiced sorghum caramel, and candied apples. Each course was paired with the perfect wine, presented by Sommeliers Femi Oyediran & Miles White of Graft Wine Shop. For upcoming events, including the next Cocktails & Cuisine, go to visitlakecitysc.com.

1 Jamison & Emmett Kerr | 2 T.D. Rykard, Anna Howell, Megan Ray, Roberta Burns & Mike Baker | 3 Julia Mims & Sheri Green | 4 Kim Kamps & Michael Wiegand | 5 Danny Owens & Milton Miles | 6 Woody & Nancy Truluck, Sheri & David Green | 7 Karen & Marion Fowler | 8 Dianne Oliver, Jeanine Tucker, Dianne & Sheri Jewell | 9 Grilled Lamb Collar with Chickpea Stew, green olives, tomatoes, oranges & almonds | 10 Tia Mishoe, Brandy Hardee & KG Smith

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LIFESTYLE

the perfect gift story by Ben McLaughlin

'Tis the Season, and the retailers are busy trying to supply the wants and whims of their seasonal customers. Christmas gift-giving is, by far, the most expensive seasonal tradition that we observe in our culture. As a child, I thought that Christmas would never arrive, and I would be so excited to wake up hours before daylight on Christmas morning to see what gifts I had gotten. There were always some things that I had asked for, and, to be honest, I was looking for them as I rounded the corner into the living room every Christmas morning. However, on many occasions, I would receive gifts that I had not asked for. Sometimes, I didn’t even know what they were until it was explained to me. As I look back on those days, it seems as if those were the best gifts of all – the perfect gift for me, you might say. You see, my parents knew me best. They knew the things that I enjoyed. They had observed how I spent my time, and what got my attention. They put time, thought, and money into supplying me and my two brothers with great Christmas gifts every year. I understand this process now because I’ve been doing it myself for well over a decade for my children. 54

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Here’s the point, we have a Heavenly Father that gave us the Perfect Gift on that first Christmas morning. The story of Christmas is that our Father in Heaven knows us best. He created us; He knows our hearts, our minds, and our motives. He even knows how many strands of hair are on our heads. So, He knew what we needed the most – A Savior. You see, our greatest need is forgiveness from sin. We need to be forgiven by a holy God so that we may be made right with Him. Jesus is God’s gift to us in that He came to give His life for us that we may have life in Him. I pray that you’ve received that gift from God. However, if you haven’t, you can this Christmas season. The bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” You’re part of the world that He loves, and I hope you’re one of the “whoever believes”.

Merry Christmas!

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LIFESTYLE

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LIFESTYLE

as m t Chris

of n o i t a p i c i t n A e Th

story by Allie Roark

Tis' the season to be wrapping presents, decorating Christmas trees, cuddling while watching Christmas Vacation, burning fuel riding around looking at Christmas lights, and hosting tacky sweater Christmas parties. Stores like Hobby Lobby and Target had me preparing for the holidays when they started stocking the shelves in September. I’m not one of those people that declare you cannot decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. That doesn’t give you enough time to experience the joy that the sight of a Christmas tree gives.

Being a December baby, I have always made it clear that my birthday and Christmas were not allowed to be celebrated together. Who doesn’t like their own celebration? When trying to decide on a wedding date in 2020, our venue had just about the entire month of December available but none in the fall, spring, and summer. Hmm, maybe I am not the only one but I couldn’t handle a birthday, anniversary, and Christmas all in one month. The month would for sure fly by.

Here’s the point in all of this - It is easy to get wrapped up in all of the festivities and lose sight of the reason we are celebrating this beloved holiday. Do you recall being a kid at Christmas? It was the most exciting morning. In fact, it’s the only time I have ever considered myself a morning person. The day is filled with excitement until about 3 p.m when you’ve watched The Christmas Story for the third time, and you’ve had your after-lunch nap. If you are anything like me, you start counting the hours, because you dread this day being over. I’m in my late twenties, and I still cry when it’s over. I love the feeling and anticipation of Christmas. It’s crazy to think that the joy could slip away so fast, especially when Santa checked everything off of your Christmas list. The real reason for the season was a gift that was just the beginning of a beautiful story and was immeasurably more than anything we could ever ask for. That kind of joy shouldn’t fade by midnight, because we have access to it every day of the year. My challenge for you this month is to reflect as January 2020 approaches. You know a new year means a new you! I’m kidding, but you get the point. It’s time for each of us to evaluate where we are and where we want to be. Not sure where to get started? Here are some questions to start asking yourself:

1. What are you prioritizing in your life? 2. How often are you having quiet time? 3. Are you wearing yourself thin? Are you overcommitting yourself? 4. What is a financial goal you have? Paying off student loans or a credit card? 5. Do you talk more than you listen? 6. How often do you spend time taking care of yourself?

Trust me, it’s more than just signing up for the gym after the holidays. It’s being intentional as you make lifestyle choices that are not only better for you but are better for the people around you as well. We should strive to end the year and start the new year displaying the joy we were given and are allowed to celebrate every day of the year. Maybe just maybe this will replace that feeling we get on Christmas night. VIPMagSC.com

December 2019

SERVICE DIRECTORY

December 2019

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cocktail of the month

HOLIDAY HAPPY 2 bottles red wine 4 c. ginger ale 3 c. cranberry juice

2/3 c. Fireball 2/3 c. whiskey 2 c. frozen cranberries

1 orange, sliced into rounds 1 apple, cut into thin slices

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl, stir together and serve over ice. Yields 8-10 servings. Time to make: 10 minutes. 60

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