pointe! magazine - winter 2012 - summerville/north charleston

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2 } pointe! winter 2012

pointe! magazine asked 300 women questions

relating to Our Favorite Th ings. Look

for these diamonds throughout our

magazine to see their responses!

CO

NT

ENT

SW

INT

ER 2

012Pointe!ing th e way

Ask Meg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

It’s the Little Th ings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

How Do I Love You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Pointe! East, West, North , South Charleston Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

North Charleston Community Events . . . . . . . .10

Summerville Main Street to Your Street . . . . . . .11

The Main Pointe!All of My Favorite Th ings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Untangled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Design Pointe!rsFavorite Winter Wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Th e Consigning Fashionista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

A Designing Woman’s Favorite Th ings . . . . . . . .22

Photography Hints & Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Welcome to the World of Pinterest . . . . . . . . . . .40

Connecting Pointe!sFor the Love of Coff ee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

I’m a MOP, I’m a GMOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

My Kids’ Favorite Th ings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Oh, She’s My Favorite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Th e Great Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Pointe! YummyComfort Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Health Simplifi ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

EDITORS LAYOUT & DESIGNLori Stephanoff Sherie LaPrade

Wanda Litchenberg Chris Duckett

Cindy Van Horn Jennifer Harvey

ADVERTISINGCara Adams

Madeleine Th omas

pointe! magazine | cathedral of praise | 3790 ashley phosphate roadcharleston, south carolina | 843.760.2626 | www.pointemag.com

growing rootsMajor changes are taking place outdoors as trees and shrubs

prepare for winter. Soon, most will be able to withstand

temperatures well below zero. Scientists have found that short

days and cold temperatures trigger the development of cold

hardiness. During winter dormancy, usually no above ground

growth happens, but the plant continues basic metabolic

functions and minimal growth/repair below ground.

Do you feel the nudging as well this winter season to put

down deeper roots and do some reparative work? Do you

hear the chilled breezes of winter whisper your name?

“Come deeper. Th ere is more for you.”

Suggestions for going deeper this winter:

1. Assess your family system. What has served you well

and what has not? Pick just one area for improvement

and focus on it. Remember, the truth sets you free. You

cannot grow deeper without being honest with yourself.

2. Read. One of the greatest resources for growth and

repair is the Bible. Th e intake of new information

supports growth.

3. Find a friend who listens well. If you’re feeling really

gutsy, pick someone who’ll tell you the truth. You

cannot grow deeper without sharing your thoughts

and feelings – good or bad!

4. Do not isolate. You cannot grow deeper alone! It’s fi ne

to sit by the fi replace and read a book but too much time

alone, particularly if you’re emotionally isolating, is not

good. Inner isolation produces frigid conditions that

stifl e growth. Your soul cannot survive prolonged chills.

5. Forgive. Unforgiveness in relationships, be it with

dad, mom, sister, brother, friend, co-worker or even an

ex-spouse, will stifl e any deepening of your inner root

system. Choose to release and let it go. No forgiveness

means no growth.

Winter can be the best season of the year. As you refl ect,

correct and put your roots down deeper, you will emerge a

stronger and more fruitful person in the spring because of

the growth and reparative work you did this winter.

In great expectation,

Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Praise

g p ,

pointe! magazine brings together the best of whatwomen want and need – body, soul, and spirit.

We are able to off er pointe! as a free publication because of our advertisers. Please support these businesses!

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to be taken directly to the pointe!magazine website.

6 } pointe! winter 20126 } pointe! winter 2012

charleston

RACES(From charlestonrunningclub.com)

Jan 7: Bulldog Breakaway 5KThe Citadel, CITADELSPORTS.COM

Jan 15: Charleston Marathon Marathon & 5K, N. CharlestonCHARLESTONMARATHON.COM

Jan 28: Charlie Post Classic 15K/5K, Sullivans Island

Feb 4: Nativity School Flapjack 5KJames Island County Park

Feb 4: Ashley Ridge Fox Trot 5KRun/Walk, Summerville

Feb 11: Go Red Heart 5K Run/WalkMount PleasantMUSCHEALTH.COM/GOREDRUN

Feb 25: LifePoint Gift of Life5K/2K Run & Walk, James IslandLIFEPOINT-SC.ORG

Feb 25: MESSA 8K for H2OFolly Beach PierSPINNER.COFC.EDU/~MESSA

Mar 10: Flowertown Festival Run 10K/5K, SummervilleSUMMERVILLEYMCA.ORG

Mar 15: Catch the Leprechaun 5K, Mt. PleasantCATCHTHELEPRECHAUN5K.BLOGSPOT.COM

Mar 31: Cooper River Bridge Run 10K, Mt. Pleasant/CharlestonBRIDGERUN.COM

RACE DISTANCES5k = 3.1 miles, 10k = 6.2 miles,

Half Marathon = 13.1 milesMarathon = 26.2 miles


“My one year old is whining all the time and seems constantly frustrated. I'm not sure what to do or how to help. Do you have any advice?” — Desperate Mother

Th ree Words! Baby Sign Language. It will change your life. With

a little positive reinforcement, babies learn quickly. Th ey can pick

up sign language as early as six to seven months. Recently, my one

year old kept waking up several nights in a row. Finally, the other

night she did the sign for “eat, eat” and I realized that she must be

going through a growth spurt and getting hungry in the middle of

the night. I gave her a snack and she went right back to sleep.

Trust me, being able to communicate with your child will alleviate

so much frustration. Th ere are free online resources that will help

you teach your little bundle of joy. Start with the basics (hurt, help,

more, eat, drink, and please) and build from there. You’ll love it

when they are able to express their needs and wants. Good Luck!

“I really like this girl and have tried to do everything I can to get her to notice me. Why is she not interested in me?” — Boy Looking for Love

Every girl ultimately wants to end up with a sweet, perfect Romeo

and have the princess, fairy tale story. And there has to be some

intrigue! What do I mean by this? Well, women are hunters, too!

Imagine you’re planning to go on an amazing hunt. You took time

to get all the right gear and make sure your clothes were scent-free,

went to bed early, and got up before sunrise to be in the woods at

the best time. After all that work, you fi nd the deer tied up in the

woods, standing right in front of you. No nervous waiting, no

chase, no mystery, and no chance to use your new scope — just

there and available. Let’s be honest, it would not be fun, because the

heart-racing anticipation of the hunt is a huge part of the adventure.

Likewise, in courting a girl, the hunt is a big part of the fun for

her. Now I am NOT saying to always be playing games. What I

AM advocating is spending time to make yourself intriguing to

her. Don’t always come on super strong. Show confi dence when

you’re around her. Let her know you are aware of her; but, at the

same time, spend time with your friends and talk to other girls.

Who knows? You might just catch yourself a doe!

“I have been married for eleven years and it still seems that my husband and I are sometimes on a diff erent page. I love him but we fi ght over the small things. I am just getting tired of it and don’t want to spend the next eleven years having the same petty arguments. How can we move past this?” — Tired Sarah

Here’s the number one advice that changed my marriage: assume the best. Th is is such a foreign concept. Th e average person you

meet does not have your best as their focus. Our experiences

growing up often reinforce that message. However, God means

for marriage to be diff erent. He intended it to be a safe place

where you both feel prized, cherished, valued, and honored. Th is

can be diffi cult in the beginning and does take practice, but the

payoff is priceless.

Let’s try it. You call and he says, “Sorry, I’m working late.” What

you should not assume is…He always works too much. He doesn’t

want to spend time with me. Work is more important than the family.

What he should not assume is…She is such a nag, always checking

on me. She has no appreciation for the hard work I do and money I

bring home.

What if you both ASSUMED THE BEST? And you thought…He

works hard to provide for us because he cares so much. I know he wishes

he could be here. We will make the most of it when he gets home. And he

thought…She really misses me; that’s why she keeps calling and texting.

She is such a dependable mother; I know when I am gone she takes great

care of the kids! Th en, when he walks in the door, instead of tension

and a cold night, you’re both waiting with passionate anticipation

to see each other; and as soon as the kids are in bed, then the sparks

fl y…just how God intended married life to be!

Have questions? [email protected]

MEGAN TURNERAS A WIFE AND WORKING MOM WITH 3 GIRLS, MEGAN UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGES OF BALANCING HOME, FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIPS. ENERGETIC AND PASSIONATE, SHE LIVES LIFE WITH CONTAGIOUS JOY AND FREEDOM.

Ask MEG

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charleston favorites

When our pointe! editor requested an article for this issue, I immediately knew I would have to write on our favorite things about Charleston. This area of South Carolina, called “The Lowcountry” by locals, is an eclectic mix of cultures, religions, and opinions. Newbies will discover that there are some things on which lifelong residents agree.

Charleston, historically known as “Th e Holy City” due to the

number of churches established here, was founded by those

seeking freedom to worship God in their own way. So it’s not

unusual that lifelong residents count God and freedom as two of

their most cherished rights. Steeples dot the low skyline in the

City of Charleston and throughout the Lowcountry. Th e variety

of architectural styles represent a broad range of denominations all

living harmoniously together. Whether old or new, the messages

spoken in these sanctuaries are the same: to love one another and

be kind to our neighbors.

Charleston residents also proudly support our military (Navy, Air

Force, and Coast Guard bases are located here). We value people,

smiling, and hospitality. And on the list of personal food favorites:

we love boiled peanuts and pork barbeque.

I have taken the liberty of altering the lyrics of Julie Andrews’s

popular song, “My Favorite Th ings” to fi t Charleston’s way of life.

So please, take a moment, join me in being goofy and be glad that

my voice isn’t in your heard! When you get a moment, play the

original…it’ll make you smile.

The smell of MagnoliasAnd warm sandy beaches

A day of fi shingAnd believing in Jesus

Bouncing kids fl ying high on swingsThese are a few of our favorite things

Juicy, rich melonsAnd home-grown peanuts

Iced tea that’s sweetAnd a few jalapeños

Chefs who are masters at cooking hot wingsThese are a few of our favorite things

Horses and carriages strolling the streetsSaying hello to new people we meet

Mild winters, hot summers, azaleas in springThese are a few of our favorite things

Dodging hurricanesKeeping cool over 90 degrees

When we could be sadWe simply remember our favorite things

And then we don’t feel so bad

charleston favoritesestont

— Stacy E. Domingo

charleston


Th rough day trips and overnight stays, our family has visited quite a

number of the local attractions, restaurants and hotels. We started by

spending a day in the downtown area just walking and enjoying the

architecture, history and little gems we found “off the beaten path.”

Whether we travel the city in a carriage, on a trolley or by plain old

“fl at-footing it,” discoveries abound!

When you’re ready to take a break from shopping or touring the

historical buildings and homes, you’ll fi nd some amazing restaurants.

If you’re in town to celebrate a special occasion or looking for an

exceptional dinner, there’s no better place than Th e Library at Vendue

Inn. Located just a few steps from Waterfront Park and well within

walking distance of many Charleston landmarks, Vendue Inn is a

well-appointed boutique hotel with excellent service, breathtaking

views and a stellar restaurant.

Th e Library is a small, sophisticated restaurant which exudes comfort

and luxury, without being stuff y. Th e atmosphere and service, combined

with an award-winning chef, makes Th e Library a favorite of both

residents and visitors. While the focus is “Lowcountry” cuisine, the

menu includes updated classics like Shrimp and Grits and slightly

more unusual fare like Antelope Shepherd’s Pie. Th e restaurant

highlights local farms, markets and artisans, as evidenced by the

nightly fresh seafood specials.

No trip to Charleston is complete without an exceptional dining

experience and Th e Library at Vendue Inn is just that. While you’re there,

check out the unparalleled view of Charleston from their rooftop! Enjoy!

exceptional diningexceptional diningThe picturesque streets of downtown Charleston, South Carolina beckon all to explore. Visitors and residents alike agree there’s nothing like a stroll along the historic streets and around the beautiful parks. With a bit of intentional planning, even busy locals can fi nd time to enjoy all the city has to off er.

— Cindy Van Horn

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North Charleston is a vital and growing community with many new and established residential neighborhoods. Not only does it off er great housing opportunities, North Charleston is also the largest retail center in South Carolina!

With the opening of the convention center complex in 1999,

North Charleston is a center of entertainment. In addition to

convention center/exhibition halls, the complex boasts a 14,000

seat coliseum and 2,300 seat performing arts center. Most recently,

a versatile event venue, Montague Terrace, has been added.

Th e historic district of North Charleston, known as the Olde

Village, has been revitalized in the last few years. Th is area located

on East Montague, brings residents and visitors together with its

small family owned businesses, shops and restaurants. Whether

you’re hungry for some great barbecue, pizza or down home

cooking, the Olde Village is a great place to frequent. And, just a

short distance away, you’ll fi nd a beautiful waterfront park with a

wonderful restaurant with a Jamaican twist and gorgeous views.

Here are just a few of North Charleston’s cultural off erings in this

fi rst quarter of 2012:

CITY GALLERY EXHIBIT9am-5pm daily, Convention Center, Free1/2/2012-1/31/2012 - The City of North Charleston’s 2011/12 Artist-in-Residence, Lori Starnes Isom, presents realist portraits in various mediums. Free reception hosted by the artist on Thursday, January 5, from 5-7pm.2/1/2012-2/29/2012 - Members of the Goose Creek Artists Guild present works in a variety of mediums and subjects as part of their annual judged show. Free reception hosted by members of the guild on Thursday, February 2, from 5:00-7:00pm.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION CONCERT Royal Missionary Baptist ChurchSaturday, 1/14/2012, 7pm, Free with advance ticketThe Charleston Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir and Spiritual Ensemble present His Light Still Shines, an inspirational tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Request tickets (limit 4) by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope with request to Tickets/City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department/PO Box 190016, North Charleston, SC 29419-9016 OR pick up in person at the North Charleston City Hall (Cultural Arts Department office) or Royal Missionary Baptist Church.

OPEN STUDIO WORKSHOP The Meeting Place, pre-registration required, $15Tuesday, 1/31/2012, 10am-12:30pmAdult workshop featuring Monologue Masks with Karole Turner Campbell. Create a collaged mask using music as inspiration and incorporating two of your own personal objects.Tuesday, 2/28/2012, 10am-12:30pmAdult workshop featuring a Jewelry Repair Clinic with Michelle Rose. Discover techniques to spruce up old jewelry. Participants are asked to bring old pieces of jewelry to be redesigned for a modern look.

KID’S ART CLASS: BE CREATIVE, ARTISTIC & COLORFUL! Saturdays, 1/21-3/3/2012 (except 2/18), 10am-11:30amThe Meeting Place, pre-registration required, $95Children ages 8-12 will explore different media inspired by the works of famous artists. Lessons in color theory and techniques will include various forms: watercolors, acrylics, oils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils and mixed medias. Materials are included in fee. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.

DINNER THEATREFriday, 2/10/2012, 7pm, Tickets $37 (group discount avail.)Charleston Area Convention Center BallroomLowcountry Delights presented by Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina. Featuring wit, wisdom and romantic songs from the Lowcountry. Love and laughter abound! Menu catered by Embassy Suites.

CHILDREN’S THEATRESterett Hall Auditorium, Children $2, Adults FreeFriday, 2/3/2012, 10am-11amBright Star Touring Theatre presents Struggle for Freedom, celebrating the work and life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Experience heroic work of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington and more. Featuring songs from the era. For Grades 3 – Adult. Friday, 3/30/20122 Performances: 10am-11am & 11:15am-12:15pmPorkchop Productions presents Sticks and Stones. Using its signature whimsical style, this performance addresses the major steps to implement when confronted with a bully. Performance designed to inspire, educate and entertain. For Grades K-8.

For more information, contact the Cultural Arts Department of the City of North Charleston at (843) 740-5854 or visit www.northcharleston.org/residents/Departments/Arts

North Charleston COMMUNITY EVENTS

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My husband and I have lived near Summerville for over 20 years. Along with our children and our extended family, we’ve eaten at almost every local restaurant, from Eva’s on Main Street to Firewater Grille near I-26. I can say the same for shopping, Third Thursdays and the Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings.

Over the years I’ve noticed subtle changes: improvements in

business property, landscaping, and even parking. However, I was

not aware of the tremendous amount of work behind the scenes by

Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement

and Management) and its members.

In a recent visit with Susan Morris, Executive Director of

Summerville D.R.E.A.M., I discovered the revitalization of

Summerville started with the formation of this organization over

19 years ago. Th rough countless meetings, extensive research and

the relentless dedication of Summerville business leaders and

citizens, the non-profi t organization was formed and the hard

work began.

As a member of both state and national Main Street Programs

of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Summerville

D.R.E.A.M. has followed the “Main Street Approach” to

downtown development and promotion. Th is approach joins

historic preservation and economic development to market

Historic Downtown Summerville to residents and guests.

“Th rough the organization of events to promote area businesses

and to bring visitors to our town,” says Morris, “our popularity has

grown! Th e volunteer hours spent in cleaning up the downtown

area, from power-washing sidewalks to landscaping, are part of

why this community is unique.”

Now, as I walk through the Town of Summerville, I’m even more

aware of the hours, days, months and even years of work that have

culminated in a fun, growing, relevant and close-knit community.

Th ank you Summerville D.R.E.A.M. and all business members

for making Summerville one of my favorite things!

On the Th ird Th ursday of every month, the historic

downtown Summerville district throws itself a

party. Hutchinson Square, the park in the center of

downtown, becomes an entertainment venue. Th e pedestrian

mall area, called Short Central, becomes a street fair and Art

Central Gallery sponsors Art Walk with booths of artists and

artisans selling their crafts and artworks.

It’s a perfect chance to get acquainted with the historic downtown

area of Summerville in one lovely evening. Come join us!

Every Th ird Th ursday every month

Center of Downtown Summerville

5:00- 8:00pm

Questions? Contact Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (843) 821-7260

or [email protected] For a full listing of other events

and to locate business members of Summerville D.R.E.A.M.,

go to www.summervilledream.org

pointe! magazine proudly sponsors and is a member of:

FROM MAIN STREET TO YOUR STREET— Cindy Van Horn

SummervilleSummerville


— Jeff King

I had a favorite T-shirt once. It was a birthday gift from a friend and fi t me perfectly. It was the softest tuxedo T-shirt I had ever seen. My wife, however, did not share my love for this T-shirt.

I’m not sure what she did with it, but after I wore it to my cousin’s wedding rehearsal dinner, she made sure I’d never fi nd it again. Actually,

I think she cut it into pieces and sent them to the far corners of the earth. Fortunately, that T-shirt was not my favorite thing.

ALL MY


My favorite football team is the New Orleans Saints. It’s

probably less of a “favorite football team” and more of

an “obsession.” I grew up in New Orleans and being

a Saints’ fan is part of my DNA. I know it’s crazy that the entire

week’s mood rests on the ability of 53 guys that I’ve never met

to score more points than 53 other guys that I’ve never met, who

happen to be wearing a diff erent color outfi t. Th at’s the rational

side of me. Th e more dominant irrational side of me, though, still

forks out $300 per season to make sure I’m able to watch every

game, all while wearing a jersey and screaming at strangers on my

television. And this thirty-something year old man, with a wife

and kids, even got a tattoo of a fl eur-de-lis (the Saints’ logo). Even

still, the Saints are not my favorite thing.

I love exercising and playing all sports. So much so that I wake up

at 4:40 a.m. every morning to make sure I’m able to get to the gym

that day. Th e problem is, however, exercising doesn’t love me. I’ve

dislocated both shoulders and a hip and torn ligaments in both

ankles, both knees, and an elbow. My body cracks so much that

when I get out of bed, it sounds like I was lying on bubble wrap.

Working out is not my favorite thing.

We have four chickens, two cats, and one dog. Reluctantly, I’d have

to say the chickens are my favorite because they’re relatively quiet,

don’t use the restroom in the house, and they give us eggs. Initially,

my wife let them sleep in a modifi ed Tupperware container in our

bedroom. I woke up thinking I lived on “Green Acres,” without

the talking pig. After six weeks and $800, I built a chicken coop

in our backyard. So far, we’ve gotten about four dozen eggs. Th at

comes out to roughly $16 per egg…not dozen…PER EGG! Th e

chickens are not my favorite thing.

So what IS my favorite thing? It’s not something I own, watch, do

or wish I could eat. No, my absolute favorite thing is the feeling I get

during those seemingly tiny moments that happen throughout the

day. It’s the kiss my nine-year-old daughter gives me every morning,

the noise my wife makes when I start to massage her shoulders. It’s

the dry delivery of a joke my 11-year old tells that reveals he has

my sense of humor. It’s staring at my four-year-old in the rearview

mirror as he’s asking me the absolute craziest questions. Th ese are

the moments I live for. Th ese are the moments I will cherish forever.

Because these moments, these beautiful moments, may be the only

time my mind is off how much money I’m spending per egg.

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Favorite go-to accessory?

40% will choosea purse


Nearly everyone has a favorite item in their closet. It may be a go-to black dress, a knit scarf, a hat with sentimental value, or a pair of shoes that just seems to tie any outfi t together. Being a lover of fashion, I can’t settle on just one favorite. Trends and seasons come and go, but some items are worth keeping around from year to year. Of course, if it’s staying in your wardrobe, it’s worth keeping in top shape. Prolong the life of a favorite pair of shoes by using shoe polish or

protectant. You may also take shoes to be professionally repaired

between seasons. I have a beloved pair of riding boots that

desperately need to be resoled in order to make it through the

upcoming fall/winter season. Because these boots were such an

amazing fi nd, I consider them nearly irreplaceable, and therefore

worth the extra maintenance.

Closet pests are no joke. I discovered this fi rsthand upon pulling

a favorite argyle sweater off the shelf, only to discover a large

moth hole in the right sleeve. Protect out-of-season items by

storing them in containers that keep pests away. Additionally, you’ll

gain extra closet space to help you sort through in-season clothes

and accessories.

Proper tailoring can allow you to continue wearing favorite pieces. A

creative tailor or seamstress may also “reinvent” a beloved but tired

article into something fresh.

A word of caution to those who hold on to everything in their closet:

it may be time for a little fashion intervention. If you don’t know the

diff erence between “vintage” and “last season,” ask a trusted friend

or family member to lend their (constructively) critical eye to your

wardrobe. If the item is beyond repair, you may want to consider

letting it go. Decide which pieces will be wearable and which ones are

just taking up closet space.

Certain garments and accessories can always recall great memories or

accentuate your best features. With a little care and a discerning eye,

you can keep a balance between fashion-forward and favorite pieces

to maximize your personal style.

wardrobefavorites revisited

— Brooks Hearn

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The Consigning Fashionista My love for “thrifting” and “consigning” started while I was in college, working part-time, with very little money for clothes. Still wanting to look cute, I hit the local thrift stores and soon fell in love.

I found so many great clothes at incredibly low prices. Imagine a

whole outfi t for under $20! Now college, a husband and three kids

later, my heart still beats strong for consignment shops and thrift

stores. Here are a few things I have learned along the way:

1. Give yourself timeLike the saying goes, “You may have to kiss a few frogs before

you get a prince.” With thrift stores, you may have to look

past the polyester pants and faded jeans before you fi nd a gem.

I’ve found so many name brand clothes sandwiched between

a tacky Christmas sweater and a neon windbreaker. However,

many consignment stores now only accept “in style” clothes

which really saves the shopper a lot of time.

2. Shop for th e futureAt the end of last summer, I found winter gloves for my kids

for $0.25 each. I wasn’t shopping for gloves, but knew my

kids would need them in a few months and I couldn’t beat

the price. Many people donate their old Halloween costumes

which are great for dress-up clothes. Pick up that adorable

sweater, even if it is 100 degrees outside. Come winter, you

will be so happy you did.

3. If you don’t love it ...don’t buy it !I always tell myself, “Somebody gave this away or is selling it

for a reason.” It could be their weight fl uctuated or it may fi t

funny. Be sure to check the item over completely. Just because

something is $2 doesn’t mean you have to buy it!

4. Don’t be specifics crazyIf you need a new pair of jeans, certainly look at the jeans

section, but look throughout the entire store. You may fi nd

a cute scarf or even that cheesecake pan you keep forgetting

to buy. My favorite piece of furniture in my house is an old

wooden dresser purchased for $20 at a thrift store (while I

was actually looking for black pants.)

5. Get free cloth es!Every consignment store works diff erently. But many will

buy your clothes and give you store credit or cash. Why not

organize your closet and make room for new items? Also,

when you donate items, many thrift stores will give you a

discount coupon to use on your next purchase.

6. Shop wit h companyIt’s always more fun to shop with friends and hunt for

treasures together. And if sometimes you question your

fashion taste, a true friend will tell you if you are headed

in the right direction.

Take a break from the mall and outlets. Give your local thrift and consignment stores a chance! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

— Stephanie Gammons

L


Th e answer may lie in the way you think about your sweetheart.

By focusing on what’s good and what you like in your mate, your

feelings become more positive and you’re more likely to receive

goodness back. Th is does not mean you ignore problems or deny

they exist. Certain unloving, disrespectful, and sinful behaviors

need to be addressed and dealt with in order to have a happy and

healthy marriage.

It is important and fun to go on a daily treasure hunt of your

favorite things about your honey. Here are some simple ways to

motivate your thinking.

Remember th e reasons you fell in love.What fi rst attracted you to him? What qualities captivated your

heart and soul? Was it his strength and self-confi dence that made

One characteristic of happily married couples is their ability to appreciate each other. They seem to actually like each other. Not only do they touch and look at each other aff ectionately, they say wonderful things to each other. Did they marry a perfect person? What is the secret of all that joy and pleasure?

HOW DO I LOVE YOU?L E T M E C O U N T T H E W A Y S

— Alyce Reeves


you feel secure? Was it his sense of humor that made you laugh

when you were angry? Was he easy to get along with and a good

listener? Or maybe it was his big broad shoulders and the way you

felt when he held you close? He is still that person. Tell him your

favorite memories.

Make a “Love List”Begin a journal of your favorite things about your husband. Write

down two or three things daily for a month, even if you are currently

unhappy with each other. Watch how God works in you and your

husband as you change your focus from the negatives to the positives.

You can discover things to add to your love list when you:

THINK ABOUT HIM. Remember good things he has said

and done for you in the past, and you will fi nd many ways to

admire and appreciate him. Th ink about the intentions of his

heart, the ways he shows his love and commitment to the family,

and the good times you have had together. Add those qualities

to your love list.

OBSERVE HIM. What are the physical things you love about

this man? Note anything you like that is part of his masculinity

— like his large build, his strong muscles, his manly beard, his

deep voice, his amazing athletic abilities, his competitiveness to

win, or even his lovemaking. Maybe you appreciate his work in

the yard, his ability to repair something, or his desire to carry

heavy things for you. Watch him and take notes.

IDENTIFY HIS TRAITS

Emotional What are the things about your husband that touch your

soul? Does he make you feel loved, capable, beautiful, sexy,

smart, secure, or successful? Do you love the way he is with

the children? Does he help with the meals, laundry, chores, or

fi nances? Is he good with people? What are the ways he makes

your life better? Write them down and watch your love grow.

Mental In what areas do you appreciate his ability to think and solve

problems? Th ink of the times he has had a good idea or a plan

that worked for your situation. How does his way of thinking

complement yours? Appreciate the way he thinks and works.

Spirit ualIf your mate seeks to know God, goes to church, desires to

please God, is teachable and growing in the Lord, then you

have many precious blessings to add to your list of favorites.

Don’t take these qualities for granted. What Christ-like

characteristics do you see in your sweetheart – love, joy, peace,

honor, courage, unselfi shness or a desire to protect and provide

for his family?

LISTEN TO HIM. Get him to talk about himself, his work, his

recreational activities, his favorite team, or his politics. Do not

listen only to what he is saying, but to the man who is saying it.

As you really hear him, you will fi nd many wonderful things about

this man you love.

PLACE FRAMED PICTURES IN VIEW. What you look at will

aff ect your thinking, so make sure to have many photos of you two

around the house. Photos from milestone events, routine days, and

good memories will visually remind you of things you love about

your sweetheart.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one fi nal thing. Fix your thoughts

on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and

admirable. Th ink about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

There are tremendous rewards for counting all the ways you love and cherish your husband. Begin today!

DATE NIGHT FAVORITE


I’m going to Seattle for the fi rst time around the time this article goes to print, and I shall make a pilgrimage. Not to a cathedral or a shrine, but to the original

Starbucks™ store in the Pike’s Place Market. It will probably be the high point of my visit. You see, I am a certifi able, committed, happily caff einated, coff ee afi cionado.

For th e Love of CoffeeTh e scent, the fl avor, and the company of a cup of coff ee.

— Dr. Linda Karges-Bone

Starbucks™ began its climb toward fame in 1971; but my

relationship with the java began even earlier, in my grandmother’s

kitchen in Queens, that part of New York City where little Italian

ladies brew some of the richest coff ee this side of Italy. My sisters

and I learned to sip coff ee in colorful china cups, a concoction of

café con leche — much heavier on the sugar and milk than the

coff ee, but the taste still unmistakable. Hence, one of my favorite

things, to this day, is a cup of coff ee.

I like a big mug of coff ee in the morning, early. Setting up my

fancy brewing machine the night before, so that no time is wasted

before the scent and sounds of freshly ground beans permeate the

house, is a nightly ritual.

Th e formula includes the dark roast beans, a tablespoon of

sugar-free vanilla or hazelnut syrup (per pot) and cold water.

Each cup, and I need at least two to participate fully in human


company, will require a packet of sugar-free sweetener and two

squirts of fat-free whipped topping (canned) or a tablespoon

of the tub variety. Years ago, my sisters and I discovered that

whipped topping adds the “lightness” of milk, plus an added, sweet

creaminess.

My grandmother, Anna Peretti LaPorta, would have found the use

of anything other than cream or full-bodied milk to be a sacrilege.

I can still hear her saying, “Where is the cow?,” her name for the

milk. Once, as a new bride, Grandma visited my home. I wanted

the coff ee service to be perfect, so I baked a cake, spent half my

weekly grocery budget on premium coff ee, and found an actual

china “cow” creamer to pour the milk from. She talked about it for

years afterward and I was very pleased.

In addition to the china “cow,” I have collected a number of

artifacts to support my coff ee commitment: tins for the beans,

mugs from workshops and travels, and at least three types of

brewing machines. Details on these would require another article,

but at least one of them makes individual frothy cups of diff erent

coff ee beverages. Amazing!

What goes in these machines? Coff ee from places that I visit is

part of the ritual. Costa Rica provided some of the most robust

fl avor ever and a pound bag cost less than two American dollars in

the “supermercado.” I brought home as much as my luggage and

US Customs would allow. It was gone in a month. Lots of folks

rave about the Kona blends of Hawaii. I brought some back, but

they weren’t as amazing as I had hoped. Th e coff ee in Italy was

fabulous, but I may be prejudiced, since it is the homeland of my

ancestors.

My favorite things…coff ee is certainly one of them, but it isn’t the

brew alone that brings me pleasure. Th e company and memories

attached to so many cups of hot java over the years contribute to

my passion. Long afternoons with my best friends and sisters.

Early mornings with my daughters. Meetings with clients and

colleagues. Each of these scenarios include coff ee and conversation,

a special, signifi cant connection.

Oddly, my husband of three decades doesn’t like coff ee. At all.

In the early years, he would balk at dollars spent on the brew

or grudgingly allot time on trips fi nding coff ee for his bride. I

consider it an authentic sign of his love for me and his ability to

grow and change that he now hunts the coff ee for me, especially

when we travel. “Look,” he’ll say, “they have the kind you like.”

It’s so sweet. Or, maybe he has learned that I am much sweeter

when my coff ee needs are met.

At any rate, when I thank God for the small things that make life

a bit more pleasant and pliable, I thank Him for “Coff ea Arabica”

the scientifi c name for my favorite plant. Clearly, this was part of

the work of Genesis chapter one: “God saw all that He had made

and it was very good.”


Favorite Things

A

— Karie Calhoun

There are several favorite things that I like to keep an arm’s length away in case that decorating mood hits me. You know what I’m talking about…the actual moment when you cannot stand it any longer, and you must re-arrange a room; or that empty spot on the bookcase keeps calling out for an accessory, and you can no longer look at the void.

Most people think they need to run out to the store and purchase

an item for here, there or wherever. Years ago, I started creating my

own in-house store. I would see something on sale or at a yard sale

and pick it up to add to my collection. Now I keep several items

on hand, not only for my own personal clients but for myself, too.


My kids never know when they walk into the house whether or

not I’ve re-arranged or added something new. Th ere is always a

surprise at our house and never a dull moment.

Some of my favorite things include:

• PAINT FAN for selecting colors.

• NOTEBOOK for keeping magazine photos or other ideas that you like.

• TREASURES from a yard sale – think about using someone else’s trash as your treasure even if you have to paint it or add to it.

• FABRICS! FABRICS! FABRICS! Stripes, solids, patterns, I just love fabrics!

• ARTWORK – unusual artwork is fun or create a family photo collage.

• WINDOW TREATMENTS add so much to a room.

• BOOKS – use them to stack on a bookcase. With the spines outwards, you will create color; with the pages turned out, you will create a neutral palette.

• AREA RUGS can help anchor a seating area.

• FRESH FLOWERS are an amazing addition for company or especially for your family, just because!

• DISHES or CHINA to set a breakfast room table – colorful or neutral.


As a woman in my early forties, I’m proud to admit I still love a cartoon. Bring on the animated features. We often miss them in the theater, so it was about a year after it’s release that we fi nally saw Tangled.

It’s a captivating story – a lost damsel searching for her true

identity, somehow knowing deep inside that she was meant

for more than the walls of her tower. If you haven’t seen

Tangled, it’s the modernized Disney version of the German fairy

tale about Rapunzel, a beautiful princess with long golden hair,

imprisoned in a tower.

In this animated version, Rapunzel was stolen

from her royal nursery as a small child. Th e evil

captor lies to her, deceiving her into believing that

she is her mother. She really only wants Rapunzel

for the age-defying powers in her golden locks.

On the day Rapunzel was born to the king and

queen of a nearby kingdom, all the residents fi lled

the sky with beautiful, fl oating lanterns. Each year

on her birthday, her brokenhearted parents still

release the lanterns — hoping, longing, wishing,

praying, and dreaming of fi nding their precious daughter. Year

after year, Rapunzel has seen the lanterns from her tower and

dreams of seeing them in person one day.

It’s their daughter’s 18th birthday. Th e king and queen prepare yet

again to launch their one light that will signal thousands to send

up their lanterns. Will the princess see? Will she return? Had they

decided this would be the last year they would try or had they

committed to continue until the princess returned or death snuff ed

out their own lights? Little did they know she was still alive and

had grown into a lovely young lady who would soon prove that

royalty will fi nd a way to express itself, even in obscurity.

Th e expression on the king’s face told more than any dialogue or

narration ever could. A parent’s heart never stops looking. Kingly

countenance clouded with wearying grief. I was struck to the

core. For the fi rst time, I think I glimpsed how God’s face would

look every time He thinks of children of His heart who have

not yet found their way home. Hearts deceived by an evil force

using them to satisfy an insatiable desire for eternal life and glory

reserved only for the true heirs and heiresses.

Just one more time. Let the light shine. Let all inhabitants of

the kingdom join in. Send up the beacons. Seek the lost. Bring

them home.

And fi nally, this year, as in all good fairy tales,

the princess returns and the whole kingdom

celebrates. If that’s what happens in the wonderful

world of Disney, can you imagine the celebration

in heaven when one child of God who has been

lost for so long, escapes the clutches of evil and

comes home?!?! It’s a party of eternally extravagant

proportions. A celebration that outshines all

celebrations.

And isn’t that the true heart of all celebrations? Th e

WHO and not the WHAT. We celebrate the people in our lives

and restored relationships.

Perhaps there are things in your life that need a little untangling:

in your relationship with God or with a parent, loved one or

friend. Go ahead and take the chance. You may well fi nd the light

has been burning and the arms are wide open. Or maybe someone

simply needs to come home to you. Open the door. Perhaps this

is the time the favorite part of all fairy tales will happen to you —

“And they lived happily ever after.”

the joy of a

fairy-tale ending

Th e expression on the king’s face told more than any dialogue or narration ever could.

A parent’s heart never stops looking.

— Anna Micheaux


Whether you’re decorating a room, creating a beautiful centerpiece or getting ready to plant those seasonal fl owers, it’s the little nuances of personal touch that make the diff erence. By paying attention to details, a space becomes a favorite place.

IT’S THE little THINGS— E. Otto Tilley


So what if you took the same principle of personal touch and used it

in your relationships with family, friends and acquaintances?

I don’t think there’s a better New Year’s resolution than deciding

to take time for the people in your life.

So here are my favorite “personal touches”:

1. SMILE AND LAUGH; it’s contagious! It’s a proven fact that

smiling is contagious and changes our mood. Even if we don’t

feel so well, the act of smiling or laughing will change our mood

and the atmosphere around us. You’ve seen it in Charles Dickens’

A Christmas Carol. Even old Scrooge himself would get caught

up in the smiles and laughter of the scenes he watched. A smile

warms the heart and laughter breaks the bitter crust that can

make hearts cold.

2. “LOOK INTO MY EYES.” Th at corny catch phrase of hypnotists

holds tremendous power because eyes are the window to the soul.

Th e simple art of eye contact has been lost in our culture. When

you make direct eye contact with someone, you validate them as a

person and they gain a greater sense of connectedness.

3. “HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR ______ TODAY?” Th ere

really is power in a touch. A fi rm handshake is great; but as the

conversation continues, take the next step. A gentle touch on

the arm or shoulder says, “You have my full attention.” And, if it

seems appropriate, you can even give them a big hug. Bill Keane,

the Family Circus cartoonist said it well, “Th ey invented hugs to

let people know you love them without saying anything.”

4. “IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY...” Words

are incredibly powerful. Th ink of people as paintings and your

words as the brush strokes that bring out the hidden details of

each masterpiece. What can you say to someone that maybe no

one else has noticed? Maybe it’s the way they light up a room

with their smile or the way they make you feel when they’re near?

Take time to speak kind words.

Now let’s put it all together. You have a “get together” and invite your

coworkers, friends, and neighbors. Notice the touches, a pat on the

shoulder, a gentle grasp of the arm. Watch as they look into each

other’s eyes, smile and laugh. Th e laughter becomes contagious and

spreads across the room, warming the hearts of all. Conversations,

fi lled with love, kindness and hope, fi ll the love tanks of those who

were empty and bring life to the atmosphere! Now you’re getting it.

You’re making an investment that will pay

great dividends for years to come.

You’ve discovered the greatest

resource on the face

of the planet...people.

estment that will pay

ars to come.

greatest

What is your favorite gift

that you have ever received?

Almost HALF said a hand-written

note, card, or drawing


Our Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group has been a huge blessing and encouragement to me since joining almost two years ago. It’s always the highlight of my week because it’s an uplifting time spent with friends. I enjoy every minute!

My husband and I moved to Charleston two years ago and didn’t

know a soul. Once we found a church, I started looking for ways

to meet other people. I had previously heard of MOPS but didn’t

know much about it. So, I thought I’d give it a try and I fell in

love with it the fi rst time I went! Here were other women in the

same stage of life with so many things in common. We all had

kids, loved the Lord and wanted to grow through friendships with

one another. God designed us to have relationships and some of

life’s greatest joys can be found in those positive relationships. Th e

women at MOPS genuinely cared and wanted to know about me

and who I am. I felt loved and accepted immediately and knew

this was right where I was supposed to be.

Th is year, I’m serving as a table leader and having a blast! I love

getting to know all the ladies at the table! Th ey each have a unique

and beautiful personality. It’s so much fun watching them open up

and share more as the weeks go on. I love having the opportunity to

pray for each of them and hopefully be an encouragement to them.

We enjoy listening to wonderful speakers and doing fun crafts.

It can be a melting pot of ideas, too. Moms share craft ideas

they’ve done with their kids. At Christmas time we all throw in

ideas on decorations, baking, family traditions or fun things to do

with kids around town. It’s also wonderful seeing ladies encourage

each other through sharing their struggles and victories of

motherhood. MOPS is a safe place where moms feel comfortable

being themselves and enjoy doing life together.

I’d love to see more moms get involved with MOPS. Not only do I

believe all moms need a break at least once a week while someone

else watches the kids, we need and enjoy time with each other.

Th rough our relationships, teaching topics and personal tips/ideas,

we grow in our confi dence of being a godly mom and wife. MOPS

has blessed me tremendously and I know it has done the same for

many others!

— Rachel Scholl

I'M A


When a good friend asked me to be a Mentor Mom for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), even the name appealed to me. I love to mentor. I love being a mom. What could be more fun than getting together with young women who are looking for friendship, parenting tips, or just a well-needed break?

I was amazed at my fi rst meeting with this group. I was told to just

pick a table and whoever sits at the table would be our mentees. As I

begin to meet these young women, I couldn’t help but remember what

it was like at this age when I was a young Air Force wife and mother

of three. I didn’t have a MOPS group, but I am so grateful to have had

some mentor moms to help me through those early years.

Even more special was discovering most of the women sitting at

our table were military wives. Now THAT is one of my favorite

things. Th ey have to deal with everything here at home that life

throws at them while their husbands are gone. And they’re not

gone for just a few weeks; these husbands are overseas, fi ghting for

our freedom. I love being able to tell them that God, not Uncle

Sam, is the Author of their assignments. He always puts us on

a path where our journeys merge with others to do life together.

And, as in my own journey, you become fast friends for a lifetime.

I love watching their lives connect with each other. I love hearing

one mom tell another about some great tip on potty training. I

love watching their faces as I tell them that not one of my children

graduated high school wearing a diaper. As I look in their faces,

they are just asking the same question we’ve all asked ourselves at

one time. Do I have what it takes to be a mother? Do I have what it

takes to be a wife? Will I make friends? Am I loveable? Do I matter?

Will I be safe here?

Th is is where my heart wants to jump out of my body and exclaim,

“YES, YES, and YES!” Th ere is nothing more fulfi lling than

off ering hope to someone; and MOPS is one of those amazing

places to connect, fi nd a bit of advice, or just get a big hug. And,

much to my delight, I now call myself a GMOP (Grandmother of

a Preschooler)!

I'M A G— Vicki Vincent

30 } pointe! winter 2012300 }} ppoinnttee!! wwwiiinter 2000012222

I have to say, my most favorite thing is my family. I absolutely adore my husband. Even when I get him into all sorts of events and harebrained schemes, he hangs in there with me. Most of my schemes involve something for our fi ve children, so he’s usually not opposed to the silly things in life that make memories. We both understand the value of a strong family heritage for our children.

My favorite memory-maker for our children has always been date

night for me and my husband. You would think a date (I mean a

real “leave-the-house and leave-the-kids-with-a-babysitter” date)

wouldn’t excite them, but it does. We’ve explained to them that

when they’re grown with families of their own, Dad and I want to

still be in love with each other. Th at means we have to spend time

together now. Of course, the fi rst thing we do when we get home

is check on them and kiss them good night.

When the two oldest asked how they could know for sure we had

checked on them, I started leaving a Hershey’s Kiss under their

pillow with a note that said, “You’ve been kissed.” Since chocolate

melts in the heat of summer, I often cut out a Kiss from brown

foam paper and write on it “You’ve been kissed.” In the morning,

they turn it in to me for one real kiss and one chocolate kiss.

It’s very important to our kids, especially the younger ones,

to celebrate half-birthdays. Our fi ve-year-old was having a

particularly hard couple of weeks. When I realized it was close

to his half birthday, we celebrated with his favorite cake and

dinner. We asked as many times as possible, “How old are you?”

so he could say the half year with a big smile! We now celebrate

everyone’s half-birthday, often letting the half-birthday child also

pick the family movie or game. Th is gives us another night on the

calendar to be together.

I have to confess, I’m not a big picture-taker or scrapbooker, but

I wanted a way to record what was happening in our lives. Our

solution: take an hour on one Sunday each month to remember

our favorite things about the previous month. Each child gets a

sketchbook page to record their memories. Last August one son

did a page about his birthday party. Another child did a page on

her new friends and classes; one did a page on his fi rst time knee

boarding and another on his All-Star baseball tournament. Th e

youngest had a page of pictures taken with him and everyone else

on their fi rst day of school. We’ve had such fun encouraging the

children to share their own story.

Our family always enjoys dramatizing stories, commercials or

whatever. Our daughter loves to act and direct and can talk her

brothers into all sorts of roles. We created a new dinnertime game

we call “imitate a person in our family.” One person acts out happy

emotions and events while the others guess. Absolutely hysterical!

We’ve learned a lot about how our kids see us. And it’s brought up

great conversations about how to handle life. Th e best part is my

husband and I have been able to respond to things we didn’t know

were happening in times when the kids were together playing on

the trampoline or walking the dog. It’s been a great insight into

their hearts and ours.

You, too, can make everyday life something to celebrate. Just start

looking for a few small things and make a big deal out of them.

Remember — it’s the silliness that makes it fun!

My Kids’Favorite things — Tracy Perrine

wn

ning,


Sock Snowman (Family Fun Magazine)

1. Take an empty water bottle and fi ll halfway with rice.

2. Pull a child’s sock over the bottle.

3. Take a rectangle piece of fl eece, wrap around the top,

and hold together with a rubber band.

4. Glue on eyes, buttons, and an orange pipe cleaner

for a nose.

5. Tie another piece of fl eece around middle of bottle for

a scarf.

6. Proudly display on your counter, shelf, or mantel!

Bye-Bye Winter BluesCrafts That Cheer!


Stained Glass Candleholder1. Remove label from a baby food jar.2. Cut small pieces of various color tissue papers.3. Apply watered-down Elmer’s glue to jar with sponge brush.

4. Press on tissue paper and apply another layer of glue.5. Let dry.

6. Insert tea light candle and enjoy the ambiance!

Kiddo Classes

one night - your masterpiece

Summerville120 North Main Street

843.419.6077www.bottlesnbrushes.com

Sign-up, show-up, and paint! We offer after school classes, weekend sessions, birthday parties, and camps for kiddos that love art!

Bottles 'n Brushes — Alyssa Maute

If you’re looking for a great time to share with your girlfriends, here’s an idea…paint. Not the inside or outside of the house, but on a canvas, with real artist paint and brushes, at a painting party!

At Bottles ‘n Brushes, professional artists teach you how to paint

step-by-step in a fun and social environment. All it takes is a

desire to have fun; a love of art helps, too! “Bottles ‘n Brushes gives

everyone a chance to be a painter. Even people who are scared of

being creative can go home with their very own painting,” says

artist Danielle Cain.

In addition to adult classes, Bottles ‘n Brushes hosts kiddo art

classes, birthday parties, private parties and art camps. “Often a

parent asks me to help fi x their child’s painting. I’m thinking, ‘Are

you sure? Because that one very small, beady eye and one very

large eye on that panda bear are AWESOME!’ It’s just going to be

great to look back at your fi ve year old’s painting with them when

they are grown and laugh together about that lopsided panda,” says

artist Lyndsey Kemper.

Bottles ‘n Brushes off ers art lovers of all ages the opportunity to be

creative in a very unique environment. In just a couple of hours

one night or day, you can create your masterpiece!


I am the oldest of three girls. From my two sisters, I have been tremendously blessed with four beautiful nieces who range in age from ten-years to fi ve-months old. Because my nieces live in other states, I don’t have the opportunity to see them as often as I would like.

I fi nd myself in frequent conversations with my sisters for

updates on their activities. Not an update goes by without me

being in stitches, laughing at some new adventure, word, or

story shared about one of the girls. Th ere is nothing like hearing

the unedited, uncut, version of how a chain of events really

happened. Like how the letters from the computer keyboard

really came off , how the hair moisturizer really ended up as facial

cream, or how the crayon colorings on the windows in the front

of the house really got there. And with every moment shared, I am

transported into their world, not just in my mind, but also in my

heart.

Recently, during one of those catch-up conversations, my daughter

and I were in the same room. She listened intently to my dialogue

with my sisters and to my frequent outbursts of laughter as I heard

yet another hilarious saga. As my sisters off ered the update on

each one, at the end of the story, I would end my laughter with,

“Oh, she’s my favorite!” While it didn’t matter which niece or how

naughty or nice the story, my response was consistently the same,

“Oh, she’s my favorite!”

When I ended the call with my sisters, my daughter sat and

listened to my recap of the events as I shared a second laugh with

her. We chatted about how smart, mischievous, and precious they

each are. And, then she asked, “But Mom, how can they all be your

favorite?” Without pause, I responded, “It’s easy; I just love them

like that!”

One of the defi nitions in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for

favorite is, “a person who is specially loved.” Isn’t it amazing how

specially loving others causes us to fi nd our “favorite” in them?

Pause for a moment and think about each person in your life

whom you “specially love.” Consider the joy you receive from

their smile, the laughter you receive from their stories, even the

compassion you feel as you walk with them in their challenges.

Each one holds a place in your heart reserved only for them – a

place that is uniquely theirs which no one else can fi ll. A place

created by God with the capacity to accommodate unending

delight, enjoyment, amusement, and so much more.

And I am confi dent that the same place exists in His heart for me

and for you. Each day, in every hour, and within each moment, His

special love comes to each of us wrapped in gifts of blessings, with

an aff ectionate declaration…“Oh, she’s my favorite!”

— Katrina Spigner

Oh, she's my�avorite!

—— KKaKaKatrtrtrinininaa a SSpSpSppiigigignn

When you’re feeling sad or “on empty,” what refuels you?Almost HALF said they callsomeone to talkor hang out.


App le Pie1 package refrigerated piecrust

¾ cup sugar

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup fl our

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced

3 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine sugars, fl our,

cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together in mixing bowl. Toss in

apple slices; mix well. Pour mixture into unbaked prepared

crust. Dot apples with butter. Place second crust on top of

fruit mixture.

2. Bake 50-55 minutes or until apples are tender.

Banana Pudding⅔ cup sugar

Dash of salt

¼ cup cornstarch

1 cup canned evaporated milk

1 cup water

2 eggs, separated


1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla wafers

Ripe bananas

1. You will need to double this recipe for an 8 x 11" baking dish.

2. Separate eggs, yolks in small dish and egg whites in mixing

bowl for meringue.

3. Put vanilla wafers on bottom of baking dish; add sliced

bananas on top of wafers.

4. In a medium saucepan combine sugar, salt and cornstarch.

Gradually stir in evaporated milk and water, cooking over

medium heat. Add egg yolks one at a time and stir constantly

until mixture thickens. Take off heat; add butter and vanilla.

5. Pour fi lling over bananas and wafers. Add another layer of

wafer, bananas and fi lling. Top with meringue.

Meringue:2 egg whites

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ cup sugar

6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In mixing bowl combine egg

whites, vanilla and cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer

on high speed. When soft peaks form, gradually add sugar

into mixture. Continue beating until mixture forms stiff ,

glossy peaks. Immediately spread meringue over pudding and

bake in oven 10-15 minutes or until meringue browns.

Chocolate Chip Cookies2½ cups all-purpose fl our

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1½ cups brown sugar

½ cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven 375 degrees.

2. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Combine fl our, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl, set aside.

4. In large bowl, beat the butter, slowly add in sugars and blend

until light and fl uff y. Add eggs 1 at a time, mixing well. Stir

in the vanilla. Add the fl our mixture at low speed, then stir in

the chocolate chips. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls, 2 inches

apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake until the cookies

are lightly browned, about 12-15 minutes. Serve warm with a

cold glass of milk!

comfortFOOD........Recipes

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Your favoritecomfort dessert?It's a close call…Chocolate Chip

Cookies won with 30% and Banana

Pudding came ina close second

at 29%.

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Baked Mac 'n Cheese½ pound elbow macaroni


3 tablespoons fl our

1 tablespoon powdered mustard

3 cups milk

½ cup yellow onion, fi nely diced

1 bay leaf

½ teaspoon paprika

1 large egg

12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh black pepper

Topping:3 tablespoons butter

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees and cook the pasta to al dente.

2. While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter.

Blend in the fl our and mustard until free of lumps. Stir in the

milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and

remove the bay leaf.

3. Stir in the egg, then 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and

pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a

2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

4. For the topping, melt the butter in a small pan and toss

the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread

crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for

fi ve minutes before serving.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes3½ pounds russet potatoes

2 tablespoons kosher salt

16 fl uid ounces (2 cups) half-and-half

6 cloves garlic, crushed

6 ounces grated Parmesan

1. Peel and dice potatoes, cover with water. Bring to a boil over

medium-high heat and then reduce heat to maintain a rolling

boil. Cook until potatoes fall apart when poked with a fork.

2. Heat the half-and-half and the garlic in a medium

saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from

heat and set aside.

3. Remove the potatoes from the heat and drain off the water.

Mash and add the garlic-cream mixture and Parmesan; stir to

combine. Let mixture thicken for 5 minutes and then serve.

Chili1 pound ground chuck

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

2 (16 ounce) cans light red kidney beans

1 (16 ounce) or 2 (8 ounce) cans of tomato sauce

2 large cans of diced or chopped tomatoes

1 packet chili seasoning mix

2½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

12 ounces angel hair pasta

1 teaspoon sugar

1. Brown ground beef in 6 or 8-quart stockpot. Add diced

onions and garlic; sauté until translucent. Add remaining

ingredients.

2. Fill each can with water; whisk and pour into pot. Bring to

a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook 2-3 hours

stirring occasionally.

3. Add pasta and cook an additional 10 minutes uncovered.

Black Bean Soup10 slices bacon, fi nely chopped

2 cups onions, chopped

6 garlic cloves, pressed

1 (14½-ounce) can chicken broth

1½ cups canned chopped tomatoes

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon chili powder

4 (15½-ounce) cans black beans, drained but not rinsed

Salt/pepper

1 bunch cilantro (optional)

juice of ½ lime (optional)

Sliced scallions, sour cream, grated cheese for garnish

1. Fry bacon, then chop. In some of bacon grease, saute the

onions and garlic for 1 minute. Add the broth, tomatoes,

ketchup, Worcestershire, and chili powder. Stir in the chopped

bacon and beans, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil.

Adjust the heat so the soup is bubbling gently and cook 10

minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Meanwhile, pick off all the thick stems from the cilantro,

wash and shake dry. Chop the cilantro coarsely and stir into

the soup after it has been simmering 10 minutes. Cook until

the soup is thickened, about 5 more minutes. Stir in the lime

juice. Serve with the garnishes.

ddd

Favoritecomfort food?

1 out of 3 gals want Mac & Cheese!

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Buttermilk Fried Chicken1 (3 pound) fryer chicken

2 cups buttermilk

1 large onion, sliced

¼ teaspoon chopped parsley

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups fl our

½ teaspoon garlic salt

½ teaspoon onion salt

Salt and pepper

2 cups canola or peanut oil

1. Soak chicken overnight (at least 8 hours and up to two days)

in buttermilk with onions, herbs, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

2. Drain in colander, leaving some herbs on chicken.

3. Heat 2 cups oil in a large skillet on medium high heat until a

pinch of fl our starts to sizzle when dropped in the hot oil (but

not so hot that the pan is smoking).

4. In a large paper or plastic (sturdy) bag, mix fl our with

seasonings.

5. Place chicken pieces in bag with fl our and shake until

thoroughly coated. Add chicken to hot pan and fry on 1 side

for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown, and then use tongs to

turn the pieces over and fry for another 10-12 minutes, again

until golden brown.

6. Be careful to keep the oil hot enough to fry the chicken, but

not so high as it burns the chicken.

Chicken and DumplingsCooked chicken, shredded

Chicken broth or stock

5 cups Original Bisquick mix

1½ cups milk

1. Prepare and cook chicken in broth/stock.

2. In bowl, mix Bisquick and milk until soft, add more Bisquick

if needed so not too sticky. Drop by spoonfuls onto boiling

soup. Reduce heat; cook uncovered 10 min. Cover; cook 10

minutes longer.

3. Salt/pepper to taste.

MeatloafMeatloaf:1½ pounds ground beef

1 onion, fi nely chopped

1 green pepper, fi nely chopped

¾ cup bread crumbs

2 eggs, beaten

Sauce:16 ounces tomato sauce

2 tablespoons mustard

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sauce; set aside.

2. In large bowl combine ingredients for meatloaf and mix with

hands. Add ¼ of sauce continue mixing. Mold into loaf in a

rectangular baking pan. Top with ½ cup sauce.

3. Bake 1½ hours.

4. Warm up the ¼ cup remaining sauce to serve with meatloaf.


Lots of people agree on the importance of photos to preserve memories. Sometimes it’s diffi cultto know how, when and where to get the best shots. It’s great to have the quick photos we snap

at life events, but to preserve this moment in time can take a little planning and knowledge. We asked three local photographers for some pointers.

38 } pointe! fall / holiday 2011


LOCATIONTh e Charleston area is fi lled with great locations, whether it’s

a favorite park, the beach or historical sites. Billy Hyer of Hyer Images suggests “Philadelphia Alley, Chalmers Street and the

Queen St. Washington Park area in downtown Charleston. All

these areas provide a variety of options and tons of character.”

Beach scenes are very popular, as well. If you take a short walk

to the lighthouse on Folly Beach, not only will you fi nd great

photographic spots along the way, you’ll fi nd it to be fairly private.

Be sure to include the sand dunes, beach grass, driftwood and even

the dead trees still standing in the sand.

Shannon Buss of Cameron Blake Photography extols the landscape

and beauty of the Charleston area as a perfect backdrop for any

occasion. Currently, her favorite locations are the new Boardwalk

on Shem Creek, Mepkin Abbey and the Rustic Train. “On Shem

Creek, you get the beautiful waterfront, the boats, sunset and, best

of all, you can have the Ravenel Bridge as a back drop!”

LIGHTINGAnother key to great photos is lighting. Most portraits are taken in

“soft” lighting, which basically means the light doesn’t come from

one source that directly shines on your subject. Rather, it comes

from multiple directions and sources which create refl ected light.

For example, in direct sunlight your shadow is clear but when

you step into the shade, your shadow disappears because you are

in refl ected light. Your best photos will be taken on a cloudy day

and the best times of day can be right at sunrise or an hour or two

before sunset.

PHOTOGRAPHING CHILDREN When you’re working with children, location and timing are

especially important. Secluded, quiet areas tend to be less

distracting for young children. Try to work in a timeframe when

your children are happiest, typically in the morning, well before

naptime. Bring snacks, drinks and a favorite toy to entertain

them between shots. Jessi Stormer of Palmetto Portraits suggests

timeless classic outfi ts that match along with hats, scarves and

other props. She adds, “Th e most important element of a successful

child’s photo shoot…allow them to have a good time.”

If you decide to hire a professional photographer, understand

that the cost covers more than just the actual photo shoot. It also

includes travel time, editing, ordering, shipping and delivery. Th e

editing process alone can be several hours long but is well worth it

for the custom, edited photos you’ll receive.


erhaps you have already been introduced to Pinterest; if so then you have begun to understand what I am talking about. If not, then I am extremely pleased to be the one to tell you about this website that has absolutely changed my life! No woman should go through life without having the opportunity to explore its riches!

A Beginner's Guide to ee

You can discover so many things: do-it-yourself projects,

fashion and beauty, party planning, delicious recipes,

photography ideas, decorating and so much more!

Whatever your mind can think of, you’ll be able to fi nd

something on Pinterest! It is spreading like wildfi re

among the women (and some men) that I know, from

teens to grandmothers. You will not be disappointed! I do

need to throw out a word of caution . . . You may need to

set a timer to avoid being sucked into this world for an

indefi nite amount of time!

Many of my friends, including me, have become, shall

I say, slightly addicted! I do hear from time to time, “I

just don’t have time for it.” Well, the good thing about

Pinterest is that it’s not something that you have to

keep up with. You can just jump on (has a great phone

app, too) when you need ideas to decorate for a party or

something to cook for dinner this week.

I recently decorated my guest bedroom based on

inspiration from Pinterest. I made a “board” and titled

it Guest Bedroom and then searched for blue and white

rooms, and décor, as well. Th en I just “pinned” anything I

liked to that board. When I felt like I had enough material

to go from, I just went back to that “board” and got started.

It was all in one place for me. I didn’t have fi ve folders

of stuff I had saved on my computer or bookmarked to

search through. It was all in one place! And even better,

any DIY project I saved, by just clicking on the picture it

took me directly to the site that told me how to do it! I will

defi nitely be using many of the ideas I have found here on

decorating for the holidays and for good eats, too!

Pinterest can be a little diffi cult to navigate at fi rst, so

to the right are a few tips to get you started. Of course,

if you are having any trouble just stick with it or ask a

girlfriend. I promise it will be worth it!

— Jennifer MalonePINTEREST


3. Check your front page

Your main page will be all the cool stuff that your friends or people you follow are 'pinning.'

6. Don't be afraid to follow

If you end up on a rabbit trail and like the 'pins' of someone you don't know, by all means follow them!

7. Click for more info

For instructions on a 'pinned' DIY project, just click the photo until it takes you to the original site where it was posted.

8. Get the 'Pin It' button

To 'pin' items from other sites, add the 'Pin It' button to your toolbar. Click the 'About' button on the top right of Pinterest and click 'Pin It' button. Follow the simple instructions there.

4. Search and explore

There is a 'search' box at the top left where you can type in anyting you want to explore!

9. Happy Pinning!

I am so excited for you as you begin your adventures in the life-changing world of Pinterest!

5. 'Pin' to your 'Boards'

You will create 'boards' to 'pin' to. Click the 'Add+' button at the top right of the website. Be specifi c; instead of just a 'Decorating' board, create a 'Christmas' board.

1. Create an account

Have someone invite you via email or go to www.pinterest.com and request an invitation. You will be added within a few days.

2. Add your friends

You can fi nd your friends from Facebook or Twitter to follow. You just have to provide Pinterest with your login info.


1234

5

Health Simplifi ed—Amy Brace

Who among us doesn’t want to live a healthy lifestyle? Yet our fast-paced lives often leave little room for the realization of our health goals. Be encouraged! Healthy living starts with basic principles that we can incorporate into each day. Here are ten tips by Dr. Don VerHulst, M.D. from his book 10 Keys That Cure:

LEARN TO RELAX

• A continual adrenaline rush will put your health into a

downhill slide.

• Four-Six It! Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for

nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with

thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

GET TO BED ON TIME

• Rest time is restoration time.

• Studies show that the hours between 10pm and midnight

are four times more restorative than those after midnight.

EXERCISE

• Going for a walk is a great place to start! Endorphins

released during exercise literally make you feel better.

• Exercise prevents illness; statistics show that for every

hour you exercise, you add two hours to your life!

BREATHE FRESH AIR

• Some experts believe that oxygen defi ciency is the single

greatest cause of all disease.

• People who quit smoking can see 80% of the negative

changes in their lungs disappear after only two years and

almost all negative respiratory eff ects gone further down

the road!

SOAK IN THE SUNSHINE

• Sunshine is intimately related to your body’s wake-sleep

cycle (circadian rhythm).

• Sunshine converts cholesterol in the skin into Vitamin

D which strengthens bones; bones are where the body’s

immune cells are formed.


678

910

EAT FRUIT

• Bananas are excellent because they most closely parallel

the mineral content of the human body; two apples a day

will keep the doctor away twice as long!

EAT VEGETABLES

• Th ey fi ght cancer and aging, and they make you feel good!

Raw veggies are the best and they satisfy hunger. Cut them

up and make them available for snacking.

EAT WHOLE GRAINS

• Th e nutrition in white bread has been processed out

and replaced with sugars and preservatives that sap our

strength rather than supply it.

WHITE IF YOU CHOOSE MEAT

• Scientifi c research continues to prove the validity of dietary

guidelines found in the Old Testament of the Bible dealing

with “clean” and “unclean” meats. “Unclean” animals are

scavengers and can accumulate toxins in their tissues; any

meat with antibiotics and hormones should be avoided.

Clean fi sh is the healthiest.

WATER

• Drink what you’re mostly made of; a well-hydrated body is

a healthy body because water is the ultimate detoxifi er. Try

to drink half your body weight in ounces each day.

*Information in this article is used with permission by Dr. Don VerHulst.


The Great Outdoors IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Some families love enjoying the great outdoors by traveling, hiking, backpacking and camping.

Outdoor living simply means relaxing,playing, eating, and having fun in the fresh air.

Today’s trends in outdoor living bring the adventure to your own backyard with outdoor kitchens, patios, living rooms, dining rooms and more. What a great way to enjoy nature with all the creature comforts.

Think about your health and the well being of your family. As you know, breathing fresh air is vital to longevity. Simply taking slow, deep breaths can bring a much-needed sense of calm. Spending time in a natural setting also improves brain function which helps restore your ability to focus and your memory. Your outdoor space will attract friends and family to gather. With that, laughter is sure to be found, and we all know laughter is some of the best exercise (and medicine) you can get!

Economically speaking, outdoor living allows you to invest in your home and, more importantly, in your family. Everyone wants to save money these days. Why throw your hard-earned money away on extra gas and eating out when you can

invest in your own backyard paradise? Many people in the Lowcountry have invested in creating their own outdoor oasis using items such as hot tubs, patio furniture, pools, and more.

Anytime you have the family gathered in one place, opportunities abound for relationships to deepen and better communication to happen. Bring a fi re pit into your

backyard and roast some marshmallows! Add a beautiful deep-seating patio set and enjoy that part of the night where the sun is just going down and the light of the moon is falling upon you. For cooler evenings, simply add an outdoor patio heater and you can stay outside all night!

Being outdoors has something for everyone. Th ere is unlimited space for a child’s imagination to soar and adults can enjoy the beauty of the world after a day of hard work. Whether you are adding to your existing outdoor space or creating a new one, you’ll enjoy

the freedom, beauty, and peacefulness outdoor living can provide for you.

Anytime you have the family gathered in one place, opportunities

abound for relationships to deepen and better

communication to happen.

— Meredith Cunningham

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Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

—Edith Sitwell

pointe! magazine - winter 2012 - summerville/north charleston

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