I'm calling this the Southern Edition because the books I have chosen to highlight are uniquely tied to the South. Several are amazing, true to history, tales of conflict in the South. Conflict with key historical players and importance. The other is a work of fiction from an author who used the South as backdrop for so many of his novels and who called Beaufort, SC home.
Read MoreWe are always talking about what to do next. Brainstorming the possibilities and discussing what both you, the reader, and quite honestly us, the authors, want to learn and read about next. Since we moved here now ten years ago we have noticed that our community's art scene has taken off like a wildfire. The Lowcountry certainly offers a beautiful landscape, with so many natural wonders and seasons that lend so much inspirations to artists. There is also so much beauty in the cultural landscapes found here, and the deep rooted history in a place that dates back to pre-Revolutionary times. So we decided that what we really wanted to do was start highlighting some of the amazing local artists that are right here in our backyard.
Read MoreThis post is one of those unique local artisans that has truly mastered his craft. Reed Moore is a master blacksmith who operates his forge outside of Florence, SC. Red Forgeworks specializes in producing carefully engineered, hand-forged kitchen knives, tools, and iron furniture using traditional methods.
Read MoreWhen we come across companies that are actively targeting real-world issues like hunger, our hearts leap for joy. Over Christmas, Elleanor received a beautiful handcrafted doll from her cousins made by the incredible family-owned business Cuddle + Kind. The dolls come in so many adorable varieties for boys and girls and are made by artisans in Peru. As a fair trade company, Cuddle + Kind employs local artisans that hand knit, loom, embroider and crochet vibrant and whimsical dolls. Even more inspirational is that every doll provides 10 meals for children in need!
Read MoreOnce again we find ourselves surrounded by more fantastic locally made products. We introduced you once before to the Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., and here we have another product that we love and that we can't wait to get out there for you check out and sample yourselves. Check out the full post for our Bourbon Sweet Tea Sour recipe featuring one of Jack Rudy's latest offerings!
Read MoreAdvent Guest Post: Christ came in the flesh and dwelt among us. Although the creator of the world is the true King, he came not with pomp and majesty but in the complete humility and helplessness of a baby. He came in a lowly stable. He came that I would have eternal life. In this fact, I can have great joy in preparing for Christmas Day.
Read MoreI remember one Sunday, feeling desperate to hear the Christmas music, I packed up my sick child, paced the floor of the lobby during the service, and left before the service was over. It was a very lonely feeling that year. But the beauty of that year, is that it forced me to realize that I didn’t have to be in a church service in order to prepare my heart for worship. While it’s helpful to have others around you as you worship, God desires to meet us in our solitude as well.
Read MoreAs I step to the Christ candle on the Advent wreath, I light my candle, share the light with the ushers, and watch as the light travels along the rows, and gradually fills the room with light as we sing “Silent Night, Holy Night.” It gives me joy in a way I can hardly describe, to see the faces of dear friends and strangers light up as we sing. There is so much darkness in the world, and I need the reminder, that Jesus, God with us, the light of the world, has come and will come again, and that the darkness will not win.
Read MoreGuest Post by Susie Walrond:
In a world where our attention is jerked around by media, it's crucial for me to be intentional about knowing Jesus and making Him known both in my home and to the world. I want my children, and my grandchildren, to understand that we--all people--are the reason He came. The reason He's here and coming again. Advent.
Read MoreAt Christmastime, it often feels a bit challenging to make our shopping list for others, while at the same time balancing our desire to purchase intentionally. The stress that comes with selecting a perfect gift, yet also knowing it's origin is tough. But there is a dream solution...and Molly Acord, owner and founder of Fair + Simple, is the genius behind it.
Through her love for all things fair trade, Molly developed a simple shopping option that allows customers to purchase gift cards that can be redeemed by their friends or family for any item on their beautifully curated site of ethically sourced products. We loved this concept so much, because it provides a thoughtful and easy gifting option, and creates a fun and meaningful shopping experience for the person receiving the card.
Read MoreIt’s our absolute pleasure to share with you another southern based business that, like us, enjoys some of the same finer things. Enter Jack Rudy Cocktail Company. Jack Rudy is a family affair with roots in both Charleston, SC and Lexington, KY. This dedicated family offers a wide range of cocktail mixers, bitters, finishing touch products, apparel and drink making accessories for anyones needs. Wether you’re an experienced bar back and looking for something new, or an amateur cocktail enthusiast just looking to get started, they have something for you.
Read MoreI have a memory when I was a little girl, running in my Grandma Nomi's backyard barefoot and and chasing fireflies as the sun began to set over her house. It was the last bit of summer heat, and in my sweaty palms I carried an old mayonnaise jar with like holes poked in the aluminum top.
Read More
