For years and years, I lived under a dark cloud of worry that I would end up financially destitute, a bag lady.

A study conducted by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America reveals that I’m not the only one. In fact, most of us have felt that way, not because we’re broke but because we don’t have confidence that we know how to hang on to our money. And that makes us timid, worried and financially insecure.

February is American Heart Month and a reminder that we need to take special care to protect our vulnerable hearts. That’s why my 90-minute yoga class last week was dedicated to postures designed to open the heart, support the heart, and nourish the heart. I felt so stress-free after class that I was able to get through an entire night of TV news without a single taco chip.

It is difficult for parents to balance giving financial help to their adult children and allowing them independence, even if independence means hardship. I do not have all the answers. I struggle because I’m a mother and my mom heart wants to protect my children from every possible bump in the road of life.

The members of McIntosh Art Association are onto something good as they connect our community’s future to its past in an artful and unique way. Association president, Ethel Wilson, shared the group’s exciting 2017 event plans:

Q: What drives you crazy about your spouse?

A: SUSAN: The way he looks at me when we are at a social gathering from across the room drives me crazy in a good way. He is so particular about the way his closet is color coordinated, especially his golf shirts, they are hung by color and all facing the same way
TOM: She comes up with so many great ideas and concepts but doesn’t implement them. She thought of Angie’s List first!

Instead of all the “new year, new you” declarations, relax. Think about going rogue. Let’s just hit the reset button and focus on some of the “little” things that will make a difference when living your life in style.

Pink Staff's Favorite Self-Help Books!

Most of us live hectic lives, which includes juggling kids, aging parents, jobs, bills, deadlines, housework, relationships, pets and a million other responsibilities. Add to that illnesses, divorce, hurricanes, heartache, loss, frustration and failure, and it’s easy to find yourself off-balance.

Gilbert proposes that ideas float all around us in the universe just waiting to be plucked away, tended, watered and fed until they bloom inside you. Whether our ideas tend to be writing a book, or creating something artistic, they can be cultivated into existence with perserverance. Big Magic delves into many arenas of your life outside of creativity and inspiration, as well. Gilbert writes about how to deal with paralyzing fear and everyday challenges. Her book is a perfect for anyone who is ready to walk through the world just a little bit braver.

Aches and pains are part of life. You wake up one morning and your back is tight, your knee is pinched, your neck is jammed between two stone pillars. We usually accept these limitations and move on the best we can, with or without an Advil.
But here’s the good news. Many of the aches and pains we live with are caused by muscular imbalance. And muscular imbalance is often curable. By us, no prescription required.

It’s not just the favorite color of the holiday season, it’s the color of the new year. Pantone, the color authority of the fashion and interior design world has just announced the new “it” color of 2017—“Greenery.”

What’s all the buzz about STEM? It’s the initiative in schools to emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics instruction from elementary grades through high school. With the support of the Beaufort Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Laura Burcin submitted a proposal for a daylong workshop to introduce middle school girls to local professionals in the field. The chapter received a Program Development Grant with the Society of Women Engineers through a generous donation from the ExxonMobil Foundation.

The HGTV® Dream Home is marking its 21st anniversary on St. Simons Island, Georgia, where the white sand, moss-draped oaks and laid-back island lifestyle, make it one of America’s favorite beach towns.

1. USE A STAND-UP DESK. You thought I was going to say exercise, right? Later. There are 10,000 studies that show how damaging it is to your health and vital organs to spend long periods of time sitting down. (I love my Varidesk; it’s a cinch to raise and lower.) When you rise repeatedly, your kidneys can breathe and your energy can flow.

The holidays are here and it’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s the season for gatherings of friends and family, tables overflowing with food and glasses filled as we clink a toast of good cheer and make way for the New Year.

Every family has at least one tradition—whether it is where the holiday meal takes place, who says the blessing, or the after dinner festivities. Commonly, traditions seem to be about what we should do, or what has been done for years. Customarily, we follow along with traditions, often forgetting the reason why. The core of a tradition often offers insight to the true meaning that it holds. It is not just about the custom, but about the meaning behind the custom and how it has come to future generations.

Arriving on a 30-acre working farm in Ridgeland, framed by towering pines and moss-laden live oaks, my animal immersion experience began. Chelsey Lancaster, the business manager at Dog Gone Sensational, greeted me with an exuberant smile and a persona bursting with energy. “Let’s get started,” she beamed.  I asked if I could use the potty and Chelsey pointed to a space off the main office. “Sure, you’ll be sharing the room with our recently rescued baby squirrel.” After a fun stare-off with the little guy, Chelsey pointed out they were working on finding homes for several dogs, two ponies and a duck. Janet Rahn, co-owner of DGS and Chelsey’s mom, drove up in her golf cart athletically balancing her cup of coffee.

Recently, while packing up files and expense records I came across a file for a business trip that could have been very expensive but was so cheap. I am still amazed.

Fall in...into boots and step out in the footwear fad that's kicking up its heels in high style this year. From sophisticated ankle boots to rugged motorcycle boots to leggy thigh highs, boots have marched right into our wardrobes and they are here to stay. There really is a pair of boots for every day, for every party...even for every rainstorm.

The humble teddy bear is one of the most beloved and treasured toys of all time. I loved my childhood teddy bear even after he lost an eye and most of his fur wore off. When I went off to college, somewhere he got lost. I was devastated to discover that he would no longer be at my side for my next life chapter.

Meet five women of the non-profit, volunteer organization Friends of Sapelo (FOS)—three decorators, a volunteer coordinator and the group’s publicist—all in LOVE with Sapelo Island, Georgia for its treasured past and promising future.

The ladies range from eight to 21 years as organization members and are proud of the many woman-hours they have worked as volunteers. For Linda Daniels, Sapelo Island is where “you take a natural step back in time.” Kaye Traer said, “Sapelo Island must be preserved.” Tonya Lam, agreed. Woodra Clontz said, “Sapelo is where we must preserve and protect our heritage.” Pat Tippins' favorite Sapelo Island site is the RJ Reynolds Mansion where FOS gets to put a beautiful Christmas face on a beautiful mansion each holiday season.

You know your name, your shoe size, and I’ll bet you know this, too: If you want to live a healthier, happier life you have to exercise regularly and eat well.

But what else? Think now: Wear your seat belt? Get a poodle? Buy low, sell high?

Your home should be a place of refuge from the stress of the outside world. It should be your cocoon, your nest, where you can relax and be yourself. But, sometimes who you are changes. That kitchen with the stenciled ivy border and the bedroom with the sponge painted accent wall that used to sing your heart’s song, the one that now sounds more like a dirge, and if it doesn’t, then maybe you just aren’t listening, because those walls are definitely crying, “It’s time for a change.” Even though we all know when we enter a space that makes us feel happy and comfortable, we aren’t all gifted to know how to create that space, but there is help, and where there is help there is hope.

The holidays include many things like décorating, shopping, parties and family meals. After all, a good meal can be the equivalent of saying, "I love you!" And, especially here in the South, what is a good party without good food? No need to fret if you’re already up to your eyeballs with things-to-do or not a natural in the kitchen. With the wide array of delicious epicurean products on the market, it’s easy to be a gourmet-on-the-go. These products can turn simple into stunning and difficult into delightful. Here’s a sampling of what we’re cooking:

There’s a lot of cleaning up to do at the Penn Center on St. Helena’s Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew’s blustery visit. Victoria Smalls, Director of Development and Marketing, says that the staff and volunteers are going all out because there is some awesome decorating and celebrating coming our way. As we transition from fall to winter, the Penn Center is moving forward to celebrate the past in the present. The mission remains steadfast, to promote and preserve the history and culture of the Sea Islands.

In the aftermath of a disaster such as Hurricane Matthew, there is an urge to hold loved ones a little tighter, reach out to friends and celebrate our blessings. As our community begins to pull together their homes with the holidays approaching, joy and decor is sure to flow. With that in mind, the Pink team reached out to the Branches design team for holiday decor inspiration. They took on the challenge, and making the best of circumstances, inspiration struck and they decided to utilize the abundance of wood and debris in creating a woodsy winterland that will have everyone in awe.

Sweater weather is officially here, and it’s time to build your sweater wardrobe. These versatile essentials are the comfort food of our wardrobes. There are the casual V-necks we curl up in at home to eat popcorn and binge watch Gilmore Girls. There are sweater coats we wear to work when we just can’t face that boring black blazer any more. And then there are sequined cardigans we wear to cocktail parties. There is a sweater for every occasion. Here are a few ways to put sweaters on the fashion menu this fall:

When I evacuated, I thought we’d return to life as usual. I had no idea I’d be driving down roads looking at giant trees fallen like soaked scattered matches. The destruction was shocking: neighborhoods underwater, boats sunk, docks destroyed and trees crashed through roofs where rain had fallen for days. Now, weeks later, debris still looms. Sides of roads are now home to the material sum of people’s lives, piled 10-feet high on both sides.