The holiday is a time of gathering with friends and family. It’s a joyous season marked by laughter, good spirits and time-honored traditions. But for those missing a spouse, parent, child or loved one, the holiday season can be challenging. Whether the loss is recent or several years old, this time of year is a stark reminder of the people who are missing from the dinner table or whose stocking … Read More
It’s a difficult process to leave behind the comforts of home for a professional care facility. But finding a nursing home that offers the highest quality of care, professional staff and needed medical services can lead to significant peace of mind.
If you’ve ever watched children at play, you know they are doing real work. Whether it’s building with blocks, making up the rules of a game or inventing an intricate story, children are engaging in real cognitive, social and emotional work through play. This is particularly true of STEM or STEAM activities. STEM (short for science, technology, engineering and math) and STEAM (which adds art into the mix) play enable … Read More
Those who have served in the U.S. military are celebrated in life as heroes protecting freedom and democracy. In death, their service is also honored with a military funeral and can include in burial in a national cemetery. Family members may not realize all the options and services available as they plan a service for their loved one. Pre-planning is always a good idea, so decisions can be made with … Read More
The Park Circle area of North Charleston has emerged as one of the area’s most sought-after places to live. With affordable home prices and easy access to all the amenities of Charleston, homebuyers are eager to grab a little piece of this trendy neighborhood. Mixson is perfect for families, couples or individuals who want to live and play in the same space. Forget driving across town for dinner out or … Read More
Visitors to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum are encouraged to Walk in the Steps of Heroes. But what’s even more meaningful for visitors is the chance to walk alongside real live heroes – the veteran volunteers who share their personal stories of wartime heroics. Veteran Bill Watkinson is one of just four World War II veterans who volunteer aboard the USS Yorktown. He sits on his own personal bench … Read More
There’s never an easy way to break the news about the loss of a loved one, a family friend or even a beloved pet. When it’s time to talk to kids about death, the conversation can be even more challenging. But death is unavoidable, so having an honest and age-appropriate conversation with your child about loss is important. It may be tempting to gloss over what’s happened, especially with smaller … Read More
It’s not often families have a weekend free of soccer games, swim meets, homework or birthday parties. Those rare occasions when the calendar is clear are the perfect times to load up the family and go exploring in your own backyard. Whether your family loves to learn about history, discover the creatures that live in the ocean or spend time in nature, Charleston has something to satisfy even the most … Read More
In 2016, more than 171 million Americans celebrated Halloween, and they spent a lot of money to do so – $8.4 billion, in fact. Individually, people spent $82 on average, an increase from $74 in 2015 according to the National Retail Federation. With Thanksgiving and the holiday shopping season just around the corner, you don’t want to bust the budget on Halloween, why not get creative with your costume and … Read More
Welcome to a one-of-a-kind community. The Ponds, in Summerville, has something to appeal to all ages and all walks of life. Nowhere else in the Charleston area can you live in a community that offers so many things to do within such a naturally beautiful setting. One of the most unique things about the community is its access to nature. With more than 1,100 acres of moss-draped oaks, ponds, lakes … Read More
Stonoview’s Model Home featuring the family room over the garage. There’s so much to love about living in Charleston – natural beauty, rich history, proximity to white sand beaches, local waterways, shopping and award-winning dining, art, theater, and live music – and so much more. With so much to love and so many great choices, finding the community that’s right for you can be challenging. To make choosing a little … Read More
CHARLESTON, S.C. – In anticipation of a Sept. 30 grand opening, CalAtlantic Homes is putting the finishing touches on Saint John’s Lake, its newest coastal community with a peaceful, laid back lifestyle just minutes from historic downtown Charleston. Located at 3348 Great Egret Drive on Johns Island, Saint John’s Lake is a unique community situated on a 63-acre recreational lake, with boat dock and designated launching areas, that residents can … Read More
Sponsored by: Lowcountry Freedom Reigns Festival Reading the Sunday newspaper after worshipping at the church of your choice. Voting for your favorite political candidate or peacefully protesting an injustice. Sharing your views on Facebook or simply reading the comments from others with an opposing opinion. These activities are commonplace for Americans who enjoy freedoms other countries can barely imagine. It’s that spirit of freedom that inspired a group of Charleston … Read More
Sponsored by: Patriots Point One of the Charleston area’s most diverse and successful attractions is Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Whether guests enjoy military history, want to pay their respects to those who have served or are eager to explore some two dozen aircraft, Patriots Point is the place to visit. Covering World War II, the Vietnam War and Cold War history, Patriots Point offers a full day of … Read More
Sponsored by: Stuhr Funeral Home In today’s world, we live so much of our lives on social media that it only makes sense that death would find its way into our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds. But this is still relatively new territory, so it can difficult to navigate the etiquette of what to do and say about death on social media. When it comes to responding to a death … Read More
In the Lowcountry, those first signs of fall free us from the weight of summer’s heat and humidity. We’re eager to get outside, enjoying the sunny days and cooler temperatures. But for those with allergies, fall can mean a spike in symptoms. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about fall allergies: 1. Pollen isn’t just a springtime nuisance In the spring, yellow pollen is visible everywhere, covering cars … Read More
Sponsored by: Stuhr Funeral Home There’s something about the summer that calls for a little cleaning and organizing. We have kids’ artwork and photos from the school year, family documents and a disheveled filing cabinet filled with “important papers” – but in an emergency situation, would anyone else be able to figure out your filing system? Whether it’s a hurricane, illness or a death, there are key documents that need … Read More
Sponsored by: Chslocals.com Feel like watching the sun rise over the ocean? Need to stick your toes in the sand and recharge after a tough week at work? Want to change up your usual running route to include beach views? When you live in the Charleston area, it’s easy. Most people are 30 minutes or less from getting their feet wet in the Atlantic. You can catch a Saturday sunset … Read More
Sponsored by: Palmetto Goodwill Parents are starting to review those back-to-school supply lists and thinking about the clothing, shoes, backpacks and more their children will need to start a new school year. This year, parents are expected to spend $501 on back-to-school shopping with the majority of that ($284) going to clothing, according to a Deloitte survey. For families who have multiple children, back-to-school shopping can add up quickly. Parents … Read More
Sponsored by: Front Door Communities Some neighborhoods are simply a collection of houses. People come and go without really stopping to soak up their surroundings, make friends with their neighbors, or sit on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea. One Summerville neighborhood has transformed what it means to be a true community. Summers Corner is a place where neighbors sit a spell and children are playing games … Read More
Sponsored by: Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission As a middle schooler, Josh McFadden discovered a love of skateboarding. He was drawn to the freedom of the sport. "If you have your board, you can find somewhere to skate,” he says. “You can be as creative as you want. I fell in love with that and I’ve been hooked ever since." More than a decade ago, McFadden moved from his hometown … Read More
Sponsored by: Stuhr Funeral Home If you spend any time at all on Facebook, you’ll inevitably see a friend post about the passing of a beloved pet. Friends chime in with their condolences and their own stories of dealing with the death of a cat, dog, horse or even a lovable lizard. Pets are such a part of the family – they nap on the couch and sleep on the … Read More
After losing a spouse, child or close family member, it’s hard not to just crawl into bed and ignore the chiming doorbell or ringing phone. Eating a meal or taking a shower can be incredibly challenging, so the idea of carrying on a conversation with others seems like a monumental task. And while some alone time to deal with the initial emotion and shock is part of the grieving process, … Read More
As a Charleston area local, when was the last time you played tourist in your own town? Is it only when family comes to visit that you stroll on the beach, take in a show or dine at one of the area's culinary gems? It's time you remember exactly what drew you to the Lowcountry in the first place. So, block off a weekend or take a couple days off … Read More
There are many options for financing a home purchase, but if you're a veteran, active military or reserve member, a Veterans Administration home loan can be one of the best benefits of a military career.The VA guarantees a portion of the mortgage, allowing private lenders to lend with greater confidence. The requirements and provisions of the VA home loan system are complex, and can confuse borrowers and lenders alike.So here … Read More
Photo provided by: Priscilla Parker Imagine life aboard a Tall Ship - the billowing sails, the creaking of timber, and the slap of the rigging as the magnificent vessel plows through the waves. Imagine the excitement of the crew when the words "Whales!" or "Land ho!" are shouted from the crow's nest by the lookout. Well, you don't have to just imagine. Experience it for yourself at the Tall Ships … Read More
The bees are buzzing and temperatures are rising - have you gotten the urge to start cleaning house yet? If you have the spring cleaning bug, you're not alone. In fact, a 2013 survey for the American Cleaning Institute found more than 70 percent of people engage in some form of spring cleaning each year. The top three rooms to get a spruce up are the bedroom, kitchen and bathrooms. … Read More
After a loved one passes away, everyday life takes on an entirely new tone. In particular, after the loss of a spouse or a child who has been with you day in and day out for years or even decades, simple tasks like morning coffee, grocery shopping and watching television are suddenly different. The loss becomes less profound as the days progress and time begins to ever so slightly heal … Read More
What's the best thing you can give your mom for Mother's Day? Some quality time with her favorite child (shhh, don't tell your siblings). From Bluffton to Savannah, there are plenty of ways to treat your mom to a special day out or a full weekend of activities. Put the 39th annual Bluffton Village Festival - known to locals as Mayfest - on your calendar. This full-day festival on Saturday, … Read More
The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry is a place where caregivers can let the kids burn off some energy: where children can zip from activity to activity - crafting a masterpiece in the Art Room or filling their pint-sized shopping carts with pretend fruits and vegetables. But these activities are more than just fun ways to spend the day. Play-based learning is a proven key to early childhood brain development, … Read More
Venus Williams is tennis. Even people who don't play or watch tennis on a regular basis are familiar with Williams' powerhouse performances. She and younger sister Serena Williams have been winning matches and securing titles since their teens. Now in her mid-30s, Venus Williams remains a world-class tennis star with four Olympic gold medals and a host of other top tennis titles. Williams returns to the Volvo Car Open on … Read More
Charleston has so many beautiful places that it's not unusual for people to choose a non-traditional location for a memorial service. It can be a great way to honor someone's love of nature, a favorite local park or simply an opportunity to gather friends and family in a lovely setting where they can share treasured memories. Here are 5 beautiful spots around Charleston that would make a special setting for … Read More
Being asked to speak at someone’s funeral is a great privilege. And with that privilege comes the pressure of writing and delivering a well-written eulogy that honors the memory of the deceased friend or family member.
The holiday season gives us a chance to gather with friends and family for merriment and good cheer. While those gatherings are a reminder of life’s blessings, they can also be a painful reminder of dear friends and family members who are no longer with us.
Family members make a tough decision when they put a loved one in nursing home care. They do their research, visit facilities and select a home where they believe the residents are safe and happy.
Putting a family member in a nursing home is a tough decision. It can be stressful and emotional as well as a significant financial commitment. With so much at stake, you want to know without a doubt your parent or loved one is receiving the very best care.
Young children may not seem as affected by the loss of a family member or family friend, but that’s largely because they don’t fully understand the concept of death. A teenager, on the other hand, can truly grasp the impact of a loss.
Here are 5 ideas for upcycling and transforming LEGO® bricks into innovative and colorful items for the house, the office, or even a fish tank! Build them with your kids or as a creative craft project on your own - LEGO® bricks can truly be enjoyed by people of all ages.
It’s a difficult time when a parent or family member has needs to be placed into a nursing home or other long-term care facility. Selecting a nursing home that provides the highest quality of care can put your mind at ease and help you feel better about the decision.
Today, about 65 percent of U.S. households own a pet, a number that continues to grow each year. Those pets – mostly cats and dogs – have become true members of the family.
Whether it’s the oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, the peaceful sandy beaches or plantation-style resorts, people everywhere are drawn to the South. So it makes sense couples seeking a destination wedding would look to Southern cities and towns as the perfect place to tie the knot.
Any event planner knows that a successful party is a reflection of the hosts. It highlights their unique style and individual tastes. The same goes for funerals and memorial services, which should be a celebration of a person’s life, special contributions and the custom imprint they left on the lives of others.
We all know pre-planning funeral arrangements and creating a detailed will that outlines our final wishes can save our loved ones a lot of stress and worry after we pass. But what about those four-legged family members? When you pass away, what happens to your beloved pets?
An almost automatic response to the death of a loved one or friend is to send flowers. It’s a commonplace ritual today, but it’s certainly not a new concept. Researchers have found evidence of flowers at burial sites dating back thousands upon thousands of years.
It may not be pleasant to think about planning your own funeral but by laying out the details in advance, you can ensure your final wishes are carried out. Plus, by pre-planning your funeral service, you’ve saved your loved ones from the worry of making the arrangements during an already stressful time.
How do you sum up the life of loved ones in a few hundred words? It can be a difficult process to capture their achievements and life goals in one obituary.
Twenty years ago, Stuhr Funeral Home decided it simply couldn’t leave a family at the cemetery or in the church following a funeral. They were clients who had become like family and you just can’t desert your family during their darkest times.
It’s a best practice to have a will that outlines what happens to your possessions after you pass away. But in the 21st century, what happens to your online possessions – your social media accounts, email and personal blog?
As we enter into a season of giving it’s the perfect time to pause and insert a little more gratitude into our daily lives. For families, this is an excellent opportunity to help children grow in their gratitude, developing a lasting spirit of thanksgiving that will carry them into adulthood.
A military funeral is a service filled with honor and tradition, an important act of reverence for the men and women who dedicated themselves to serving their country. Families of veterans and military retirees can request a military funeral to honor a loved one’s sacrifice.