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Why It’s Not Too Late to Visit Charleston, SC This Spring

May 9, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Minta Pavliscsak

Sure, life gets busy and things tend to sneak up on us all. And if you are anything like my family was when I was growing up, traditionally vacation was taken during the summer months. I have a few reasons why you should break that tradition and come visit Charleston, South Carolina now while we are still enjoying spring time.

1. Smell the jessamine. This time of year it can be found stretching across gates, fences, and climbing trees all over the downtown area. Yellow jessamine is our state flower, and these fragrant yellow and white blooms add a certain element to the city that makes you want to stay outside a little longer and walk a little farther. *Jessamine is a poisonous flower that can be harmful to the touch and even more harmful if ingested, so please just enjoy the view!

2. What humidity? While some may argue with me on this, those of us who have lived here and know just how bad it gets later in the year, know that this time of year the weather is more than perfect. Of course there is bound to be a day here or there that that the humidity peaks, but for the most part we enjoy days in the mid 70’s and cool evenings. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

3. It’s shrimp season. Buying local is a way of life in Charleston. Our restaurants partner with our local shrimping boats to ensure patrons get the freshest seafood money can buy. We recently watched as a parade of Mt. Pleasant shrimp boats floated under the Ravenel Bridge to get blessed for the 2017 shrimping season. This tradition goes back to 1988 and shows the importance of our shrimping industry in the Lowcountry.

4. Tours galore. While late spring can still be busy, it is not quite as busy as early spring. This means even if you are only spending a day or two with us, you will likely not miss out on your favorite tour(s) of the city. There are more than plenty to choose from. Charleston offers everything from walking tours to bus tours to horse drawn carriage tours to boat tours, and even helicopter tours. These tours are great for anyone interested in the various aspects of the history of our fair city, the culinary, alcohol, ghost, and/or art enthusiast, those who enjoy architecture or taking pictures, or for anyone just looking for something fun and different to do.

5. Perfect plantation time. Do not forget to wander outside of downtown to go see the beautiful plantations around Charleston. There are quite a few options. In West Ashley, you will find Middleton Place, Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation. In Mt. Pleasant you will find Boone Hall Plantation, and in James Island there is McLeod Plantation.

6. The ships are coming in. The Tall Ships Charleston will be docked and ready for you to come aboard May 19th through 21st. It takes place at the Veterans Terminal Docks at the old Charleston Naval Shipyard. There will wooden boat show, family boat building, live music, vendors, and you can even pirate camp. You won’t want to miss this one!

7. Cocktails under the stars. Charleston has many rooftop bars to choose from. Each one has a unique view of the city and great signature cocktails. Enjoy the crisp evening air with good friends and while gazing across the night’s skyline. If you think the bridge looks beautiful during the day, wait until you see it at night.

8. Oh the festivals. This is the 40th year of Spoleto Festival USA. Piccolo Spoleto goes on during the same time. This year these music, arts, theatre, dance, poetry and more festivals run from May 26th through June 11th. Second Sundays on King continue as well as the First Friday Art Walks and multiple farmers markets. There is also the Greek Festival, the Charleston Beer Garden, and an Evening of Jazz Under the Stars to look forward to.

9. Warmer water without the beachy crowds. A day at the beach is relaxing and fun, but can be quickly ruined with long waits in traffic and overcrowding. Right now you can spend a perfect day at one of Charleston’s five beaches just the way it should be, stress free. Grab your sunscreen and a good book, and head out for a little R & R with your toes in the sand.

So why put off what you could be doing now? Look up your favorite hotel, inn, or bed and breakfast and book a stay for Charleston, SC this spring! We are looking forward to seeing you too!

Florence, SC Veterans Park – An Honored and Respected Tribute to our Military

May 8, 2017

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

On a rare occasion, you find a place ordained with honesty, emotion, respect and admiration. A place that pays tribute to those dedicated contributors who put their lives on the line to stand beside the flag of freedom. On this, our Memorial Day Weekend, we had a chance to take a solemn walk through the Florence Veterans Park and pay tribute to the branches of military and their continued dedication to the preservation of freedom.

The following pictures will paint a beautiful picture, but walking through this pristine park, we were honored to say this is a testimony to the commitment South Carolina places on the importance of military service and the honor it deserves.

To the City of Florence and all the people that made this park possible, thank you and for all those that have and continue to wear the uniform proud, we are indebted to you and your service.

If you have not visited this park, located just over two hours northwest of Charleston, we urge you to spend time here. This is a park that we would categorize in the level of some of the most cherished tribute parks in Washington, D.C.

Take a virtual walk with us through Florence Veterans Park

Sailor's Creed

To those that have served, we thank you.

Charleston Based Nectar Sunglasses Team Up with The Bee Cause to Help Repopulate Honeybee Hives

May 7, 2017

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

Press Release: Quality eyewear maker, Nectar Sunglasses is partnering with The Bee Cause to help repopulate honeybee hives. This stems from the concern in recent years about the rapid decrease in honeybee population in the United States and the rest of the world. In response, Nectar is donating a portion of each sunglasses order to The Bee Cause.

Quality eyewear maker, Nectar Sunglasses is partnering with The Bee Cause to help repopulate honeybee hives. This stems from the concern in recent years about the rapid decrease in honeybee population in the United States and the rest of the world. In response, Nectar is donating a portion of each sunglasses order to The Bee Cause.

The main aim of the partnership is to build 1,000 observational bee hives in schools around the world. Each new hive will house 10,000 bees and will help educate children on the importance of bees The hives will also allow them to safely investigate thriving bee communities. So far, the partnership has succeeded in repopulating over 430,000 bees.

As part of the campaign, Nectar Sunglasses have set up an ‘initiative’ page within their site, which contains an eye-catching infographic. The infographic specifically highlights the rapid decrease in the number of bee hives living in the United States. In 2015, there were only 2 million hives present in the US, compared to 4 million in 1975.

In addition, the infographic put together by Nectar Sunglasses contains an assortment of fascinating facts on the importance and effects of pollination by bees. These include the value of bee pollination to the U.S. economy, the fact that one third of the world’s food supply are reliant on bees for pollination, and that 75% of flowering plant species need a pollinator to reproduce. The campaign page also underlines the causes of honeybee decline.

What makes Nectar Sunglasses unique from the competition is that they make quality eyewear for less than $50. Founded by two friends in 2012, the company prides itself in breaking all the rules and offer products, which come in unique color combinations and styles made for risk takers, freethinkers, and those who want to experience true freedom.

Moreover, all sunglasses sold through Nectar’s site are made from durable polycarbonate material to make them sturdy and resist impact from any extreme activity. The products also feature Euphoric HD polarized lenses, which not only filters out harmful rays but also prevents the glare, which bounces off water and snow from hitting the eyes.

People can view Nectar’s unique range of sunglasses at www.nectarsunglasses.com

Contact Information:

461 A Fleming Rd

Charleston, SC 29412

(843) 795-0914

Website: http://www.nectarsunglasses.com

Charleston Parks Conservancy Selects First Artist for Art in the Parks Program

May 3, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

LAKE CITY / CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Parks Conservancy has awarded its first ArtFields exhibition prize. Artist Joseph Dreher of Decatur, Georgia, received the award at the conclusion of the event on Saturday in Lake City, S.C. ArtFields is an annual art exhibit and competition showcasing the work of artists around the Southeast.

Dreher’s submission at ArtFields was a 144-foot by 288-foot piece titled “Not a Mural Mural,” portrait stencils carved out of veneer plywood. He will receive a $5,000 cash prize from the Conservancy and will be invited to create a work of art to be displayed at a City of Charleston park later this year.

An architect, photographer and poet, Dreher describes himself as a “social artist.” He says, “My work is about celebrating people and community. I use a number of tools and media to create my work, including photography, murals, street art, wheatpaste, painting, sculpture, architecture, and poetry to name a few. People are my primary interest and it is my appreciation for people that informs so much of my creative work.”

The award is part of the Conservancy’s new Art in the Parks initiative, an effort to install temporary public art displays in Charleston city parks through collaborations with other arts organizations, including Artfields, the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and and the nonprofit Redux Contemporary Art Center. The Art in the Parks program also will offer educational opportunities and artist-led workshops for adults and children.

“As part of our mission to inspire Charlestonians to connect with their parks, we want to make contemporary art that is accessible to all of our citizens and provides another reason to visit the stunning parks that Charleston has to offer,” said Harry Lesesne, executive director.

The exhibition award was made possible by The Speedwell Foundation, Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Co., The Joanna Foundation and the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation.

Founded in 2007 by philanthropist Darla Moore, the Conservancy is celebrating a decade of connecting people to their parks and creating stunning public spaces and strong communities throughout the City of Charleston.

Through a public-private partnership model, the Conservancy works with the city’s Parks Department as well as community leaders, neighborhoods and engaged citizens to transform and activate the city’s parks and green spaces. The Conservancy is currently working in 25 parks, including Colonial Lake, Allan Park, Wragg Square, McMahon Playground at Hampton Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Marion Square, and Medway Park.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, please visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

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Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:

Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks

Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy

Great Moscow Mule Recipes

May 1, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Moscow Mule is becoming a local favorite here in Charleston. There are a number of ways to bring this liquid pleasure to life. We wanted to share some great recipes to help you re-create this magic in the comfort of your own home.

Traditional Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
2 ounces vodka
4-6 ounces ginger beer
Plenty of ice

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together, pour over ice and serve in a copper mug if possible.

Skinny Mule

Ingredients:

1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Lime wedges
2 ounces vodka
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Soda water
Ice

Directions:

Peel and grate the fresh ginger. Muddle with the lime juice and 1-3 wedges of lime.
Stir in the vodka and serve over ice.
Top off with sparkling water. Garnish with lime.

Summer Mule

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Fresh berries (about 4-6 per drink)
2 ounces vodka
3 ounces ginger beer
Soda water
Ice

Directions:

Muddle the berries with the lime juice. (I used blackberries and raspberries, but I’ve also made this with strawberries and blueberries; just use whatever you’ve got on hand or whichever fruits seem the ripest.) The berries should break down quickly as you muddle them creating a syrup-like texture.
Add the ginger beer and vodka.
Pour over ice and top off with sparkling water.

Spicy Mule

Ingredients:

Jalapeño pepper (1 makes about 6 drinks)
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
4 ounces ginger beer
1/2 ounce orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
2 ounces vodka
Ice

Directions:

Thinly slice the jalapeno and muddle a few slices with the lime juice and orange liqueur.
Stir in the vodka and ginger beer. Serve over ice.

Long Island Mule

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
3 ounces ginger beer
1/2 ounce orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce light rum (coconut rum like Malibu is delicious in this drink)
1/2 ounce tequila
Lots of ice

Directions:

Stir together all the ingredients and serve over ice. (I like to use lots of ice to mellow out all the alcohol.)

Cheers

Photography

GALLERY: Waking Up to a Lowcountry Miracle

April 29, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

What were you doing at 6:30 AM this morning?

I imagine most of you were in dream land fast asleep comfortably under your sheets and comforters. While most of the Lowcountry was sleeping, a few of us witnessed another beautiful miracle; a Charleston sunrise. Like a cinematic IMAX in the sky, the minute by minute reel was filled with colors, depth and warmth.

A Lowcountry sunrise is a gift we are blessed with most mornings.

For those that could not witness this remarkable dawn, we were able to capture and share with you all.

Enjoy this morning’s sunrise

Photo Credit: Mark A. Leon

The Blackbaud Institute Uncovers Proven Strategies for Successful Monthly Giving Programs

April 29, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

This new Blackbaud Institute report provides research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program. (PRNewsfoto/Blackbaud)

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklyinc.com

SOURCE Blackbaud

New study provides research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced the availability of a new report, “Sustainers in Focus Part 2: Proven Practices for Success,” featuring research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program. This highly-anticipated second installment of the Sustainers in Focus series released by the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact shares strategies that have been proven to produce significant results for social good organizations based on rigorous research and analysis.

“Until now the sector has only had anecdotal evidence about what might work to make a program successful, but this study explores variances in sustainer program returns across different organizations in different sub-sectors to determine the true research-backed best practices that have worked for real organizations,” said Chuck Longfield, Blackbaud’s chief scientist. “These are proven practices, not just advice that might work, that are shared in a clear, concise way to provide an easy-to-follow roadmap to success. They can be broadly applied and repeated to increase sustainer program performance across the entire sector.”

In Part 1 of the series, “Sustainers in Focus: Uncovering the Value of Retained Revenue,” the Blackbaud Institute concentrated on showing the financial justification for sustainer giving as a strategic approach to building donor base stability and maximizing value. Part 2 documents the best practices for increasing sustainer program performance across the nonprofit sector.

Six Proven Practices Uncovered by Blackbaud’s Sustainers in Focus Part 2 Report

Ask new donors to give on a monthly basis.
Convert multi-year, single donors to sustainers.
Make monthly giving the website default.
Use a credit card updater service and update invalid credit card data.
Encourage donors to use electronic funds transfer.
Steward your sustainers.

“I have been building monthly giving programs for more than 35 years. Monthly giving programs remain one of the best ways for nonprofits to dramatically increase the lifetime value of their average donor,” said Harvey McKinnon, author of the report’s foreword and best-seller Hidden Gold. “In this report, you’ll see the practical strategies that can actually lead organizations to build a thriving monthly donor program…Its research-backed findings provide a proven recipe for success… If you, like me, are always searching for the most effective and efficient fundraising strategies, you’ll find Sustainers in Focus Parts 1 & 2 are invaluable companions.”

For more information about the Blackbaud Institute, visit www.blackbaudinstitute.com. To read the full findings on research-based best practices for sustained giving programs, download the report at www.blackbaudinstitute.com/sustainers.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community-nonprofits, foundations, corporations, education institutions, and individual change agents-Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through software, services, expertise, and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and relationship management, digital marketing, advocacy, accounting, payments, analytics, school management, grant management, corporate social responsibility, and volunteerism. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

About the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact
The Blackbaud Institute drives research and insight to accelerate the impact of the social good community. It convenes expert partners from across the philanthropic sector to foster diverse perspectives, collective thinking, and collaborative solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. Using the most comprehensive data set in the social good community, the Blackbaud Institute and its partners conduct research, uncover strategic insight, and share results broadly, all in order to drive effective philanthropy at every stage, from fundraising to outcomes. Knowledge is powering the future of social good, and the Blackbaud Institute is an engine of that progress. Learn more, sign up for updates, and check out our latest resources at www.blackbaudinstitute.com.

Media Contact
Nicole McGougan
Public Relations
843-654-3307
media@blackbaud.com

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

Power your passion

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-blackbaud-institute-uncovers-proven-strategies-for-successful-monthly-giving-programs-300448000.html

Local US Army Veteran succumbs to PTSD: loses Life, but leave a legacy of love behind

April 28, 2017

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

By Brian Vosicky

About a year and a half ago, I wrote an article for the Island Packet about my personal experiences with PTSD and how the USCB Sand Sharks Veterans club helped unite fellow servicemembers who may be struggling to cope with civilian life. I spoke about the deepest wounds being unseen and that many people aren’t fully aware of the severity of the problem until it is too late to act.

On March 31st, Nick Becker – US Army combat veteran, USCB student, SSV member, and my friend – tragically succumbed to his hidden wounds and took his own life.

Nick was loved tremendously by all who knew him. Known best for his witty sense of humor and Chesire-cat grin, he was always a bright light in the room. People would naturally gravitate towards his magnetic charm. He was incredibly intelligent, compassionate, fearless and had a true warrior spirit.

Nick was one of the first friends I made at USCB. Despite the style and class I may exude in my writing, I do not always seem as approachable in person – Nick saw right through my grizzled demeanor from the beginning. There’s an old saying that war veterans can recognize the “thousand-yard stare” in the eyes of a fellow vet, so perhaps he saw that I was struggling, too.

We bonded while exchanging a few war stories, often making light of sometimes darker subject matter. It was cathartic for both of us to share our toughest experiences with each other, knowing that we were safe to fully express what we were going through without a fear of social repercussions. It helped me a lot – I wish I could have helped him even more.

While I had no problem committing to SSV community outreach efforts on my own, it was always an added bonus to discover that Nick was going to attend the event as well. There was never a dull moment with him around. Even while picking up trash after festivals in Old Town Bluffton, Becker would always manage to find some cold brews for the group to enjoy. He was always a

people-pleaser who was never afraid to roll up his sleeves.

Above all else, I truly admired his moral character. He was a fellow proponent for the sciences, secular humanism, skepticism, globalism, liberty, and justice. Like me, he despised hypocrisy, so he always made sure to practice what he preached.

He was a friend to all and a protector of the weak. While we shared many similar views on politics, religion, philosophy, business, and ethics, I most enjoyed when we were at odds. His sharp intellect, vast knowledge, and life experiences often challenged my most stringent beliefs. I will truly miss having that challenge.

I urge all of you to keep fighting for the ones who have already fought for all of us. When the troops come home and the media coverage fades, the war isn’t over – not for everyone. Stay vigilant to veteran organizations, donate, volunteer, write to your legislators, and keep reaching out to those you suspect might be suffering in silence. No one should ever have to feel like they are going through this alone.

“My parting words to all of you is to have a sense of humor, the world is a funny place.” -Nick Becker

Brian Vosicky is a Marine Corps veteran who served in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Email him at vosickybrian@gmail.com.

Take the Charleston Pledge

April 23, 2017

by Charleston Daily 12 Comments

We are calling on all Charlestonians, far and wide to stand together in solidarity and take the Charleston pledge with us.

Charleston Pledge

I ______________ take the Charleston pledge today. As part of my commitment to making the City of Charleston healthy, clean, harmonious and warm, I

Pledge to always use my turn signal when I am making a turn in my vehicle
Pledge to never toss a cigarette or ash from my car window while I am driving
Pledge to never take up the entire sidewalk while walking downtown and respecting those other walkers around me
Pledge to not stop driving in the middle of the road to take a picture of a house or carriage
Pledge to never drink and drive, so we can help reduce the number of driving fatalities and keep the roadways safe for everyone
Pledge to not verbally attack someone a social platform because they have an opinion or thought that differs from you
Pledge to accept everyone who lives here for who they are, regardless of where they were born
Pledge to keep our beaches and parks clean by removing everything we came in with and remove trash you may see
Pledge to walk only in the appropriate cross walks and not jaywalk causing potential dangers for drivers
Pledge to share the roads, respecting all bikers, walkers, rickshaws and carriages
Pledge to treat all members of the community with the same respect, whether they live on the East Side, Westside, North, French Quarter or West Ashley
Pledge to remember the small businesses that built this great city who are now fighting for their personal livelihood

If each of us takes this pledge, we can ensure a safe and happy future for ourselves, our children and generations to come.

The Lowcountry Love Dilemma

April 22, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

“Love you” in case I die. A phrase so modern; so true; so filled with the purity of a millennial on the run.

I heard that recently while watching some mindless, yet profound Netflix programming thinking about an earlier conversation about the challenges of relationships. There is a phrase for journalists that sums it all up so nicely, “journalists are just novelists in a hurry.” It got me thinking about why dating is so difficult here in the Lowcountry.

The Dilemma

We date in the sound bite world where immediate affirmation is the normal way of thinking.

After one date, do we:

Sleep together
Become official
Marry
Change our relationship status
Become text friends

It isn’t that simple. Like a great wine, a great relationship must age and be given time to breath.

The Excuses

Often, we blame everything else instead of looking for the core root of the problem when a date goes sour or you just can’t find one.

“Online dating sucks”
“Girls are teases”
“Guys just want to get laid”
“There are so many more girls than guys that it sucks to be a guy in Charleston.”
“I hate putting the effort into a date if it most likely not even workout.”
“After I cyber stalked her, she seems a little crazy.”
“Their picture online is so not them.”
“All he/she wants to do is drink on the date.”

These phrases are like the wind blowing from town to town and finding new meaning with each interaction. The strength of anything worthwhile will never be found in excuses, haste or shortcuts. A great relationship must be treated with respect, nourished and given light to grow.

The Cultural Clash

As the population grows and evolves, Charleston is becoming a melting pot of new cultures, personalities and ways of thinking. This shift is slowly creating an evolutionary shift in traditional Southern behavior.

Historically, women and men with traditional Southern upbringings went into dating with the premise of finding a life mate. This belief system based on respect and conservative values holds significance today, but that shift is changing.

As the melting pot sizzles, the integration of Northerners and Southerners in traditional dating situations is destined to collide.

When the “go out on a few dates and get to know each other” meets the “you are not the right one for me so take care of yourself” passive brush off, the hostility will grow.

When the “I just want to have fun and fuck my way through this city,” meets the Southern belle that wants expensive food and drinks, doors opened for them and a kiss on the cheek at the end of the night, fires will spread.

How often have you heard the phrase, “men and women aren’t so different”? It is built on truth, but there are other variables at play that we must not ignore.

Culture is a beast far more powerful than you and me. West Coast thinking and East Coast thinking get along, but will never find a true happy medium. Northern liberal aggressive behavior vs Southern conservative charms will always be at odds.

Idealistically, when two souls meet that exchange an energy that fuses together for a feeling of yearning and bliss, that union is forever. That true rings true from China to Maine.

Yet, the Lowcountry offers a set of obstacles that must be understood, broken down and pieced back together to paint a picture pure and true.

We live in a day and age where opportunities are more abundant than ever before, where love can be found at every turn over a beer, in a dog park, or in a digital app. Knowing what to do once you find it, is the key to any chance of success.

Go in with a grain of salt, listen to your date and be respectful of their moral fibers.

This will ease the pain if you aren’t the right fit.