Category: Lifestyle

story by Rebecca Giese

    One of my favorite things about spring is the blooms and how everything feels alive after several gray frosty months. Now is the time to plan and prepare for that colorful cutting garden or bountiful berry patch. I love reaping the reward of having a garden whether that means sweet cherry tomatoes on a tossed salad or a bright bouquet of cutting flora. But preparation and planning are critical to have a plentiful garden. With just a little preparation your garden could be the envy of the neighborhood.

    No matter the size of your garden, whether it is a couple of pots on a balcony or an acre, you need to take time to observe the sunlight on the plot. Do you have direct sun, partial sun, morning or afternoon? Check by following the plotted space at different times of the day and take note of any partial shade or any notable difference in lighting. Different plants have varying sunlight requirements so make sure the planned location’s lightening correlates with those requirements. Also before planting, review the hydration needs and take note of any special watering necessary for proper growth and survival.

    One of the biggest things overlooked when planning out a garden space is the soil itself. Different plants have different mineral and pH requirements to flourish. To make sure you give your plants the best chance of success you need to test your soil and get an understanding of its make up. And this isn’t as big of a project that you may think, and you do not need a degree in agricultural science or chemistry to figure it out. All you need is to take samples from every plot then send them to be tested.

    One of the best places to send your soil for testing is right here in South Carolina at Clemson University. Head to Clemson.edu to purchase a Soil Sampler Mailer for $15. This comes with sample bags, information and all the instructions you need to simplify the soil testing process. You can also submit your soil sample through your county extension. Once tested, you will get a report of the minerals in the soil, and what is lacking. From here you can adjust your soil with amendments like lime or fertilizer blends before you start the planting process.

    If you are interested in learning more about gardening, I would suggest heading to your local library or bookstore. My favorite gardening book right now is Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein. Most of my garden education has come from books, Google and by killing a lot of plants. You don’t have to be an expert to have a garden, but planning and preparing will definitely fool your neighbors into thinking you are.

Sample kit was purchased at a local hardware store and does not represent Clemson Soil Sample Kit*

 

What’s on My Radar?

• Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day on March 15th and The Lucky Shamrock Festival in downtown Florence!
• More lunching at The Midnight Rooster in Hartsville, my favorite is the Wayfare Cobb salad, heading into Hartsville on a Saturday for some shopping and strolling? Try their brunch menu.
• Skirmish At Gamble’s Hotel Civil War Reenactment March 9th -10th in Florence at The Columns. This annual event has been on my calendar since moving here. I can’t wait to see this Florence tradition!

 

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, she’s telling stories on her blog, Southern’spirations.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

story by Ashley Elvington

    If you’re looking for a place that offers children the opportunity to learn basic dance steps, practice proper etiquette, and socialize with peers in a structured environment, look no further than Carolina Cotillion. This establishment has been teaching children the art of manners, etiquette, and ballroom dancing for over 25 years throughout the Carolinas. Specialized for children grades 5th-8th, Cotillion classes are held in four to five-week sessions in the springtime. When it comes to creating memorable experiences, Carolina Cotillion scores a perfect 10!

    Owner and instructor Niki Sansbury shares, “We believe in the importance of each child and seek to promote positive feelings towards one another. Children are most at ease when they know what is expected of them and when they are familiar with the proper way to act in various social situations. The mastering of some basic ballroom and shag dance steps can pave the way for future socialization and acceptance, as well as prove to be great fun!” Niki has been teaching the Florence Junior Cotillion for over 10 years, and her love for the program grows with each passing year. “It’s an exciting new beginning every spring with children who are eager, attentive, and ready to put their best foot forward. I absolutely love working with so many children in our community, but it wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized the true importance of instilling kindness in the hearts of young people. It’s imperative to their success that they learn proper and polite behaviors from a young age and continue practicing these behaviors, although it’s never too late to begin!”

    When it comes to proper etiquette, many assume Cotillion solely involves knowing which piece of silverware to use. It’s so much more than that, however, as the main subjects taught are kindness, how to properly treat one another, listening when being spoken to, being aware of surroundings, showing respect, and exhibiting an attitude of gratitude. “It’s most rewarding when a child comes in and they are a bit nervous or apprehensive about what is expected of them…then within a few short weeks, their self-confidence has increased by leaps and bounds. There have been times when students come to me after class and tell me how much they love learning manners, etiquette, and ballroom dancing…they never want Cotillion to end! I enjoy helping my students feel comfortable in their own skin and being the best version of themselves that they can be.”

This year’s classes will be held at the Florence Country Club on Tuesday evenings beginning on February 19th and will conclude on March 19th. If your child is interested in joining Cotillion, please send your name, your child’s full name, their age and grade, your address and phone number, and the name of your child’s school to danceflorence@gmail.com with the subject Florence Junior Cotillion. The cost of classes is $125 and can be made payable to Carolina Cotillion, Inc., P.O. Box 3616, Florence, South Carolina, 29502. To learn more, please call (843) 665-0606.

Class schedule:  5th grade – 5:15PM| 6th grade – 6:30PM | 7th-8th grade – 7:45PM

Visit Lake City and Baker’s Sweet provide lunch for TSA employees at Florence Regional Airport

    On Friday, January 11th, Visit Lake City SC provided lunch to more than 25 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees that work at the Florence Regional Airport. With the recent government shutdowns causing TSA employees to not receive paychecks, Visit Lake City SC and Baker’s Sweet took the initiative to do something great for our local government employees. “We wanted to do something to make their day a little easier,” says Seth Kines, executive director of Visit Lake City SC.

    TSA is an important entity for our tourism industry. Their continued efforts despite the lack of a paycheck is greatly appreciated. “With ArtFields approaching, it’s crucial artists and attendees can continue flying into Florence Regional Airport,” explains Seth. Something that couldn’t happen without TSA employees.

 

Tie One On Florence hang bags in Timrod Park

    On Sunday, January 13th, volunteers met and hung more than 50 bags at Timrod Park in Florence. Through items collected, each bag was filled with one to four items which included scarves, gloves, socks, and toboggans. The bags are hung in trees for homeless individuals in the community.

    Follow Tie One On of Florence on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events and needs. If you’d like to donate items, drop off locations are Apple Annies, Dolce Vita, First Reliance, Ole South Yarnworks, and Southern Hops.

story by Jordan Pupa

    On February 14th, every year people all across the United States and beyond exchange stuffed animals, cards, flowers, candy, and other gifts with their loved ones. Valentine’s Day has experienced a transition into pop culture that has shaped the way it is celebrated. In fact, according to Statista, U.S. sales generated from Valentine’s Day gift purchases made up about 19.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2017. Surprisingly, tastes vary by state and the traditional conversation hearts are the number one Valentine’s Day candy sold in South Carolina. However, there is so much more history to Valentine’s Day than gift giving. Do you know how Valentine’s Day came to be?

    While there are conflicting stories, the roots of Valentine’s Day are cited by some sources to lie in the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, a fertility celebration, largely because it took place each year on February 15 and included a matchmaking lottery. But it was also ancient Rome that saw the famous execution of a St. Valentine on February 14, around 278 A.D. According to legend, he wrote a letter on the night before his execution to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended, and signed it, “From Your Valentine.” Over two centuries later, Pope Gelasius ordered that Lupercalia be replaced with the February 14 observation of St. Valentine’s Day. Some believe this set the tone for the day’s forthcoming tradition of exchanging love messages. As the years went on, Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticized the holiday in their work, and it gained popularity throughout Britain and the rest of Europe.

    By the 1700s, Valentine’s Day made its way from Europe to the United States. It was common in Europe for friends and lovers to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. One American woman, Esther Howland, was so intrigued when she received her first English valentine greeting in 1847, that she became infatuated with the idea of manufacturing them in the U.S. After procuring materials like high-quality paper and lace from her father, a stationer, she created what many credit as the earliest American Valentine’s Day greeting cards. Howland is still honored with the nickname “Mother of the American Valentine.”

    Today, the holiday has become a booming commercial success.

 

Check out the timeline of events from HubSpot.com that have helped shape Valentine’s Day into what it is today.

1714 – Charles II of Sweden begins communicating with flowers and assigning a different message to each type. This tradition allegedly assigned love and romance to the red rose.

1822 – The Cadbury chocolate company sells the first heart-shaped box of chocolates in England.

1849 – Howland produces a dozen sample Valentine’s Day cards and sends them off with her brother to distribute during a sales trip for their father’s company hoping to earn $200. Instead, he returns with 25X that amount, indicating a much higher-than-expected demand.

1866 – Conversation candies are developed, when Daniel Chase — brother of New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) founder Oliver Chase — uses vegetable dye to print words onto confections.

1870 – Howland incorporates her booming card business as the New England Valentine Company, operating out of her home via an assembly line that was largely comprised of her friends.

1880-1888 – Howland sells the New England Valentine Company to the George C. Whitney Company. Whitney has acquired at least 10 competitors, including Berlin and Jones, which had become New York City’s “largest manufacturer of Valentines.”

1894 – The Hershey Chocolate Company is founded, bringing what was previously “a European luxury product” to the U.S.

1902 – Conversation candies become heart-shaped.

1907 – The Hershey Chocolate Company introduces Kisses candy.

1913 – Hallmark produces its first Valentine’s Day card.

1948 – The De Beers diamond company launches its “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, sending the message that gifting high-end jewelry can be used as an expression of love.

2005 – Valentine’s Day begins to go digital. On February 14, 2005, YouTube — which originated as an online dating site — makes its debut.

2013 – Ride-sharing company Uber rolls out “Romance On Demand,” allowing users to send flowers on Valentine’s Day via the app.

2016 – NetBase, a social media analytics platform, releases a Valentine’s Day Sentiment Analysis, measuring how people engage with and discuss the holiday on social media. In total, it measured nine million mentions of Valentine’s Day, with the vast majority of them mentioning a specific brand — Netflix. The top hashtag was #happyvalentinesday.

The Table From Which the Great Spirit Ate His Meals

story by Zach Hughes

    If you have ever spent time in South Carolina’s Upstate, you know that it is easy to feel at home within its rolling hills. You breath easier within the foothills, and it has a very outdoorsy charm. Many who have traveled there know that there are innumerable places to explore and spend some much needed time in nature. Additionally, this region is blessed to have its own sliver carved out of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just enough to sink your teeth into without having to cross the border into North Carolina.

    One of the most awe-inspiring places just on the edge of this section, and should be a must on your South Carolina Bucket List, is a magnificent rock face that overlooks these hills named Table Rock. Just north of Greenville, It’s about a three and a half hour drive from Florence. If you decide to make a day trip to explore this Carolina wonder, make sure to plan accordingly. There are two main ways to enjoy Table Rock; either you take in its magnificent beauty from within the area around it, or you decide to hike to the top. I highly recommend the latter if you are able.

    On your drive, as you near the mountain, you will turn onto the beautiful Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. From this road, you will immediately find yourself gazing upon a cascading rock face protruding from the sky that looks like it belongs in Wyoming. You are looking at Table Rock right above the country store at the intersection. A little further down the road you will enter the State Park and find yourself nestled between the trees on a tight winding road. Make sure to roll your windows down and breath in the crisp mountain air filled with the relaxing smell of the trees. As you turn a corner, you will find a small overlook area. From here you will get a closer look at the eastern rock face. You will also be able to see an adjacent mountain to the right named Stools Knob. The significance of these two mountains for the region can be found in the folklore of the Cherokee Native Americans. They believed that the Great Spirit sat on the Stool Knob and ate his meals from a table shaped rock.

   If you do decide to scale the mountain, which I would recommend to get the best experience, there are a few things that you will need to do to prepare. Make sure to plan ahead, start early, and check the weather for the day. It is not as difficult as some other trails I have done, but it is not for the faint of heart. The trail to the top of the rock face stretches a little over three miles and is marked as moderately strenuous. Round trip can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on your experience hiking. I would definitely recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes, and athletic clothing. Bring a comfortable and light backpack with water, snacks, and lunch. An easy way to make sure to have a good time is to prepare and be smart. Oh, and last but not least, don’t forget to check in with the rangers station at the trailhead, verify your plans, check trail conditions, and pick up a map if you do not have one.

    The first few steps are some of the most intriguing. Your senses are enveloped in the sights and sounds of the mountains as you transition to a different state of mind. Don’t forget, your goal is to get to the top of the mountain, but make sure to soak in the journey. You will immediately hike past a babbling stream with small waterfalls. There is no shame in stopping to take in this sight only after a few steps. Then you can move onto your journey. Make sure to follow the red trail markers, be careful and enjoy the natural serenity.

    Along the way, you will find many beautiful views, steep trail sections, and covered tree canopies. As you find yourself meeting the ridge of the mountain range you will stumble upon beautiful cliffs and steep shale with steps carved into them. After climbing further and as the trees begin to thin, you will find an opening.

    As you walk through the clearing, the trees will part to show a panoramic drop off that will leave you speechless. You feel like you are on top of the world and time stands still. From here you will be able to see for as far as your eyes will take you. Stools Knob is visible to the right of the drop off with Table Rock Reservoir below it to the left. Beyond there the ridge tapers as the mountains come to an end and roll into the hills of the upstate.

    Now that you have reached the top, make sure to take a seat like many other adventurists and strike up a conversation. Soak in the breathtaking view, have a snack or eat your lunch. Feel the energizing breeze and crisp air that you only find in the clouds. My wife and I will often bring a hammock and read a good book in the trees off to the side. After you have gotten your fill, it’s time to make your way back down the mountain.

    Don’t forget to soak in the trail on your way down and take some mental snapshots. You also need to be just as careful not to get complacent on your way down. As you near the end of your journey, wish the mountain goodbye and take the natural high you’ve gotten with you for days to follow.

    There is something about spending time in nature that refreshes your soul, and it stays with you through the rest of your week. You walk away feeling more accomplished, and can’t wait to make plans to get lost in it again. I am thankful that South Carolina has blessed us with this natural wonder for our own exploration.

Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis. The couple is expecting their first child in February. By day, Zach has built his career around the car industry, having owned his own shop, and now working at the local automotive auction Manheim Darlington. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism.

Bird Box: What’s All the Hype About?

Bird Box (A Netflix Film) Description:    Five years after an ominous unseen presence drives most of society to suicide, a survivor and her two children make a desperate bid to reach safety. Sandra Bullock stars in this gripping thriller based on the novel by Josh Malerman. Oscar winner Susanne Bier directs. (Rated R)

Bird Box Viewer Review:    “For thrill-seekers who love a good storyline—something hard to come by in many horror films—Bird Box is the one for you. The Netflix original featuring one of Hollywood’s hottest, Sandra Bullock, has created a cult following, and for good reason. Bird Box keeps suspense high, posing a storyline that mimics the apocalyptic nature of other recent films (i.e. A Quiet Place), all while throwing curveballs that make it uniquely eerie. So grab your bravest friends, close the blinds, and jump on the Bird Box bandwagon for an at-home movie experience that will not disappoint!” -Hunter Frazer

 

Karen White’s Dreams of Falling!

    Rebecca Wells’ Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood meets Elin Hilderbrand in Karen White’s immersive new work of historical fiction. Highlighting a transitional decade in American history, DREAMS OF FALLING tells the story of three young women battling small-town expectations as they come of age in the 1950s. Bound by the dictates of the time and their Southern upbringings, the girls decide to keep a terrible secret that will tie them and their families together for the next five decades.

    White is known for evocative novels that span generations and move fluidly between decades. DREAMS OF FALLING delivers, lifting the curtain on a seemingly idyllic South Carolina town to chart its secrets both past and present.

   Karen White is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels, including the Tradd Street series, The Night the Lights Went Out, Flight Patterns, The Sound of Glass, A Long Time Gone, and The Time Between. She is the coauthor of The Forgotten Room with New York Times bestselling authors Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig. She grew up in London but now lives with her husband and two children near Atlanta, Georgia.

Recommended by Burry Bookstore Wall of Books • 130 W Carolina Ave • Hartsville • 843.332.2511

    The Angel Oak Tree located on Johns Island just outside of Charleston is estimated to be more than 1,500 years old and is known today as an impressive landmark in the Lowcountry of SC. Live oaks are typically known to only grow out rather than upwards, but the Angel Oak’s long history has allowed it to uniquely grow both out and up. The live oak has a height of more than 65 feet, a circumference of 25 feet, a diameter spread of 160 feet, and covers about 17,100 square feet of ground. Some of its large and heavy limbs even drop to the ground, something which is only universal among the oldest living oaks. The majestic spread, strength, and beauty of the tree make it a must-see for anyone visiting the Charleston, SC area!

    Historical records trace the ownership of the tree and the land on which it stands to 1717 when it was given to Abraham Waight as part of a land grant. Mr. Waight was a wealthy man who owned several plantations. The tree stayed in that family for four generations. Angel Oak acquired its name from the Angel family, descendants of Abraham Waight. In 1991, the tree became the property of the City of Charleston. 

    The Angel Oak Tree is thought to be one of the oldest trees and living things in the country. It has survived rough weather conditions and human interference. If you are taking a trip to Kiawah Island or Seabrook Islands, it is likely you will drive within a few hundred feet of the Angel Oak Tree, making it a worthy detour. Seeing the impressive live oak tree should be at the top of your to-do list, as it costs nothing to visit. Though located on Johns Island, the tree has come to symbolize Charleston. The Angel Oak Tree’s impressive age and natural beauty are sure to leave you in awe!

The Angel Oak Tree is located at Angel Oak Park at 3688 Angel Oak Rd. on Johns Island, just 12 miles from downtown Charleston. 

Did You Know?

Fun Fact about Rainbow Row, an iconic site in Charleston.

After the Civil War and until the early 1900s, Rainbow Row was considered a slum and was a very run-down area of Charleston. A woman named Dorothy Porcher Legge invested in homes 99 through 101. To improve them, she painted them a light shade of pastel pink. Others in the area began following in her footsteps by painting their houses beautiful pastel colors to improve the overall appearance of the neighborhood. There is conflicting reasoning behind the colors, though some believe the light colors helped keep the interior of the houses cooler while some believe that the hues were used to capture the attention of drunk sailors who might not have otherwise been able to find their way home. Another theory is that the hues were the merchants’ way of indicating what types of items they sold there. To date, there are around 36.8K posts tagged with #rainbowrow on Instagram!

story by Karla Stance

    If you haven’t already started on your New Year’s resolution, I’m guessing you have at least already brainstormed a few ideas and accomplishments you have in mind for 2019. According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, the top five New Year’s resolutions for 2017 revolved around losing weight/healthier eating, self-improvement, making better financial decisions, participating in more exciting things, and to quit smoking. However, it can be discouraging to know that only 9.2 percent of us will actually achieve a New Year’s resolution. It is easy to fall off track once we get back into the swing of our daily routine after the holiday season. No matter what your goal may be, it clearly meant something to you, or you wouldn’t have marked the new year by thinking about it. Resolutions are still a symbol of hope and happiness for a new year, no matter when you start!

    If it’s a few days, weeks, or even months after the first of January, know that it’s not too late. The best thing to do is to forget the delay or any related sense of failure and get motivated to start immediately! Wipe the slate clean and make sure your goals are realistic and attainable, setting a mental pathway for success. Usually, the reason many people fail relates back to an internal battle which creates a barrier, so stop overthinking.

    Goals, no matter what they may be, should also be measurable, or else you will never know what you have achieved. Develop a timeline that includes short-term goals, so you can focus on progress versus an overall outcome. Start by taking it slow and easing into new habits, which will eventually lead to a new lifestyle. Know that you may not see immediate rewards, especially right after the stressful holiday season of over eating, spending, and relaxation. If your goals are related to fitness or weight loss, find apps to help you stay on track, document weigh-ins and measurements. If you’re looking to save money, calculate how much you spend, on average, each month eating out. Use Pinterest to find simple and tasty packed lunches as a guide that you can make. If you’re looking for more adventure, research activities and keep a bucket list, adding activities to your calendar in advance as a plan. Research your goal and find resources to help you reach it.

    Lastly, it can be hard to stay motivated and committed, but finding a friend that has similar goals as you can be helpful. If you can hold each other accountable or even just chat about your resolutions, it will help with encouragement to stay on track. The fear of letting someone else down can motivate you to succeed.  

    If you are late getting started, make a mistake, or get off track, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Change doesn’t have to start on January 1st. You have plenty of time left in the year. It is important to develop your New Year’s resolution and achieve goals for yourself to make 2019 the best year yet. Before you start, it is better to understand why you desire the particular change in the first place. There’s usually a bigger, more meaningful purpose behind a New Year’s resolution. Now is the time. So, hit the reset button and get to work!