Mt Pleasant December 2016

DECEMBER 2016

Mt. Pleasant MtPleasantLifestylePubs.com

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Happy Holidays

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Lifestyle Letter

Gratitude

T

his year my Christmas present to myself is to be more grateful. Believe it or not (Believe it.), I just turned 30 and I really started to think about the concept of being grateful and how it changes your outlook on life. Most people say thank you and most people are happy when they receive a gift, but I'm not talking about that type of gratitude. What I want for myself (and everyone) is to really appreciate the good things in life and to not be constantly wondering what better things are coming next. When life gets bad, as it sometimes does, I want to be able to remember to be grateful. Grateful that my loved ones are near, grateful that I have a roof over my head, and grateful that there is at least one reason to smile everyday.

If nothing else, let's all just be grateful we live in a world where brunch is a thing, right?

Being grateful used to be an action that I did in order to mind my manners (saying "thank you" to Grandma, sending a card when someone gets you a gift, etc.), but now it has become something more. Gratitude is not for others, it is for ourselves. I have found that actively reminding myself of all the things I am grateful for has helped me to see the world in a more positive light. As insufferable as life can get, there is always a worse situation that we could find ourselves in.

DECEMBER 2016 PUBLISHER

Bill Northrop | Bill.Northrop@LifestylePubs.com Lisabeth Northrop | Lisabeth.Northrop@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Rachel Castejón | Rachel.Castejon@LifestylePubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kathryn Martin | Kathryn.Martin@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sydney Herwig, Deborah Sledziona, Linda Page CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kayla Schaughency

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

I encourage everyone to pick something everyday and repeat to yourself, "I am grateful that this part of my life is going well." It could literally be, "I am grateful that I have all of my fingers and toes today." Try it. If being grateful doesn't turn your day around, you can always try brunch. That will definitely work.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

ART DIRECTOR

| DeLand Shore | Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ADVERTISING MANAGER

| Nicole Sylvester | Janeane Thompson

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour, Chad Jensen, Mathew Elpern-Bennett

AD COORDINATORS

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DESIGN SPEICALIST

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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Rachel Castejón, Editor Rachel.Castejon@LifestylePubs.com

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Mt. Pleasant’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

What will your Holiday Sound Like?

Make sure you enjoy every special moment this holiday season with your family and friends. Share stories, catch up and laugh, confident that you won’t miss a word.

Give yourself a worthwhile gift this year — the gift of hearing at your best!

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December 2016

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Departments 8

Publisher’s Letter

10

Good Times

16

Locally Owned

27

Sold Properties

28

Culinary Creations

32

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

16 The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts for all your loved ones

22 Hanukkah in the Lowcountry

Celebrating Jewish tradition

28 From the Editor’s Kitchen

A Spanish Navidad

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18

Lifestyle Publications Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Minnesota | Missouri Montana | North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma | Tennessee | Texas | Utah

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December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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Publisher’s Letter

Pub Talk C

hristmas is the most fun holiday. Even in the midst of all its commercialism, or maybe because of it, it is a holiday to look forward to and to anticipate even as much as we complain about the preparation, the money spent, and the traffic endured for the big event called Christmas morning.

For children, Christmas is the most wonderful day on the calendar, eclipsing even your birthday. There's no school, everyone's excited, and oodles of toys and fun stuff await. There's enough food to make you sick and extended family is all around. It is a communal and cultural experience so easy to embrace which is why I believe so many countries celebrate it. They see American movies about Christmas and say, "I want that."

A few years ago, my family and I traveled to Israel for Christmas.

At midnight on Christmas Eve we stood in Bethlehem's Shepherds' Field where the angels first proclaimed to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest!" Standing there was a sober reminder to me of Jesus' humble origins of a child born to a single mother with questionable parentage in a tiny village - in a barn no less - in a remote corner of the Roman Empire.

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

Standing in the quietness of that field, I was struck by how distorted Christmas has become. Yet for all its ribbons, tinsel, and bows Christmas is nothing without Jesus. Nothing. Jesus is, and remains, the central figure of world civilization, the spiritual head of a worldwide body with billions of followers and the Son of God who separated BC from AD. So with Christmas fast-approaching and as the world scurries about me hurtling towards Christmas morning, I reflect on my evening in Shepherd's Field, the quietness, the darkness and imagining that one glorious night when the world changed forever and the midnight sky burst forth in light, and the angels and the heavenly hosts appeared proclaiming, "I bring you good news of great joy....For to you this day in Bethlehem, a Savior was born, who is Christ the Lord."

And in an instant the world changed...and it has never has been the same.

Bill Northrop Bill.Northrop@LifestylePubs.com

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Open Tuesday - Saturday at 4pm Happy Hour til 7pm / Dinner til 10pm December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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Good Times

I'On Club Pumpkin Patch

Everyone had such a good time dressing as their favorite characters and decorating pumpkins in celebration of Halloween this year. The I'On Club Pumpkin Patch was a success- check out all the creativity!

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

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December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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Good Times

Shrimp on the Barbie

It looks like everyone had a great time at the shrimp on the beach party benefiting causes near and dear to local fishermen's hearts! Competition was fierce and there was good food, drink, and weather for everyone to enjoy!

Privileged to help.

Jack Tankersley, Agent 454 W. Coleman Blvd.

Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Bus: 843-881-8888 www.jacktankersley.com

We’re honored to serve this community for 42 years.

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

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Historic Home For The Christmas Holidays

During the Christmas holidays, Boone Hall Plantation comes alive with beautiful decorations and good ole southern holiday hospitality that is only befitting one of the Top Historic Homes For The Holidays as recognized by USA TODAY 10BEST. The plantation mansion inside and out is decorated with beautiful Christmas decorations of every kind. But there’s something special about this historic home’s holiday attire. If you look closely, you will see there’s a variety of very creative ornaments on one tree that are made with local sweetgrass. On another tree are decorations made with cotton and berries grown right on the plantation. There are wreaths made from magnolia tree leaves also grown on these historical grounds. A variety of live poinsettias are spread all around. There are no plastic decorations on this plantation, and of course, all the trees are live, and the fresh smells generated by them, fill the entire house.

It’s holiday decorating at its finest - southern style - an annual affair at Boone Hall Plantation.

Featured in

Christmas decorations will be on display at Boone Hall Plantation

DECEMBER 4, 2016 THRU

JANUARY 1, 2017

Regular admission prices apply during this time.

Regular tour hours Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm Boone Hall Plantation will be closed Christmas Day.

See details at www.boonehallplantation.com 1235 Long Point Rd Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464 (843) 884-4371

Locally Owned

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SOMETHING FOR ALL LOWCOUNTRY TASTES PHOTOGRAPHY KAYLA SCHAUGHENCY NTRY C

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

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f you are looking to forgo the online shopping this year and pick out your loved ones' goodies by hand instead, we have the perfect solution for you! There is everything you need to learn to pick out and shuck an oyster with Out of Hand and don't forget the pups, with dog biscuits from Woof Gang Bakery. Stop by Mode for special gift card pricing. And who doesn't need a new Harley Davidson? To find some really great treasures to wrap up in that special paper, look no further than in and around East of the Cooper River. Stores are posted next to the photo. Happy giving!

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December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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Christmas Commandos Bring Christmas Cheer to Charleston Families Volunteers Deliver Gifts on Christmas Eve

ARTICLE SYDNEY HERWIG | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

wrapping Christmas gifts

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volunteers with Christmas Commandos

If you are interested in volunteering, you can e-mail CommandoHelp@aol.com. For donations, you may choose to offer a monetary donation, donate gift wrap, batteries or one of the angel items off the tree at Gwynn's.

t started out as a random act of kindness—there was never a plan to do it again, much less launch an organization.

Around 20 years ago in Huntsville, AL, Stacy Hamburger, director of Christmas Commandos, had a co-worker whose wife passed away shortly before Christmas. He was completely tapped out and unsure of how he'd pull off Christmas for his four children.

Hamburger and a fellow co-worker took matters into their own hands—buying gifts and secretly hanging them from the family's trees for them to find in the morning.

The next year, a hospice coordinator contacted Hamburger to see if she'd do the same thing for other families. Thus, Christmas Commandos was born. Now, each year on Christmas Eve, stealthy volunteers, clad in all-black, head out on their covert mission: anonymously delivering gifts to children who have lost a parent in the past year.

Christmas Commandos is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization which has been in Charleston since 1998, when Hamburger moved here. Their goal is to make the holidays more joyful for the children and provide emotional support to the families by delivering gifts.

Since its founding, the organization has grown and over 100 CONTINUED > children receive gifts each year.

December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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CHRISTMAS COMMANDOS (CON TI N U ED)

“It takes a couple hundred volunteers from cradle to grave.

It’s a massive undertaking and is the most chaotic, compassionate program of love you’ve ever seen,” Hamburger says, “You’ll have someone crossing a sea of people rolling a Barbie bike looking for the matching helmet and seven people stop what they’re doing to help find it."

Each year, the group locks down a toy command location, which is donated and can be anything from a warehouse to a church—anywhere with enough space to fit the many gifts it takes to give these kids a full Christmas.

Names then pour in and volunteers reach out to anyone who has ties to the kids to learn everything they can, such as favorite colors and hobbies, so the gifts can be individualized.

Volunteer Janine Deccola is on her 7th Christmas with the group.

“Although you’ve never met the kids, you feel like you know them when shopping for gifts. You’re not picking out something for just any child, but rather for a particular child,” Deccola says.

Leading up to Christmas, there are toy and battery drives, fundraisers and wrapping parties. Gwynn's retailer in Mt. Pleasant has an angel tree each year that customers use to fulfill many of the toy donation wishes for the organization.

Before the big night, Deccola scopes out the houses. Are there security lights? Is there a Great Dane in the front yard?

When asked why the presents are hung from the trees, Hamburger explains they wanted the gifts to be in a secure, dry place.

“In retrospect, it was something we did right for not the reasons we thought,” Hamburger says.

It’s a magical sight to see presents hanging from trees— almost as if they fell from heaven. No note is left, allowing each child to assimilate the information to make it work for them.

“Families dread sitting around the tree, but suddenly they’re outside with hockey sticks trying to get gifts down.

This is what they’ll remember forever,” Hamburger says.

The night of Christmas Eve, there are six to seven delivery groups escorted by police cruisers for security. Although some are indifferent at first, Deccola says by the second house, the officers have a new-found enthusiasm for the mission.

One of Deccola’s most memorable moments was delivering gifts to a family of three children and their grandparents. In some areas, the officer knocks on the door once the volunteers are hidden to ensure the gifts are received.

This night, their grandpa answered the door as the kids took in the packages before them. As the kids ran to their gifts, the grandfather told the officer, “You made our Christmas,” and pointed inside to just three small gifts under the tree—one for each child.

Deccola says these moments are why she does it each year. Around 5 a.m., after her route is finished, she heads to the airport to jet off to Cleveland to be with family.

Just another successful year for the unseen and unheard Christmas Commandos.

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

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December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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Hanukkah IN THE Lowcountry Celebrating Jewish Tradition ARTICLE DEBBIE SLEDZIONA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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lthough Hanukkah is one of the most well known Jewish holidays, there are many misconceptions that surround the meaning of why it is celebrated. If you have ever found yourself thinking of this celebration as an “extended Christmas” or “eight days of Christmas”, think again.

Rabbi Yossi Refson, co-founder of Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry, speaks of the rich culture of Judaism and what Hanukkah means for him and his family. Yossi and wife, Sarah Refson, were inspired to open Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry over seven years ago.

Despite Mt. Pleasant’s close proximity to “The Holy City” that is Charleston, a solid Jewish infrastructure was missing in the area. What began as a home-based operation has since grown to become Mt. Pleasant’s largest Jewish cultural center, offering what Yossi describes as “a buffet of Jewish life and tradition”.

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

Yossi explained that the origin of Hanukkah dates back to ancient times.

When Syrians stormed Jerusalem and desecrated the holiest Jewish temple of their time, Jews were robbed of their religious freedom and forced to worship Greek gods. The Maccabees came together, rose above the persecution, and reclaimed their holy temple. Once reclaimed, there was a need for the temple to be purified by lighting the eternal flame. Imagine the feelings of despair that filled their hearts when they discovered that there was only enough oil to burn for one day.

“The candles weren’t expected to burn for eight days, but they did,” Yossi explained, “Hanukkah commemorates that there wasn’t enough oil to burn for eight days, and it lasted that long.” Yossi made clear the moral of the story teaches us that we don’t control everything in CONTINUED > our own lives.

December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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HANUKKAH (CON TI N U ED)

Rabbi Yossi also touched on the symbolic significance of some traditions that you will find during Hanukkah, describing these holiday traditions as “post it notes”, or reminders, of the true meaning behind the celebration. For example, eight of the arms on the menorah hold place for eight candles as a reminder of the miracle oil that lasted eight days. In addition, many of the traditional holiday foods that you will find, such as latkes and jelly donuts, are prepared in oil, giving these dishes deeper significance.

Many valuable lessons can be found in the story of this well-known holiday, and the rise against prosecution to secure religious independence makes Hanukkah the perfect time to celebrate religious freedom. And what better place to celebrate this freedom other than the Holy City? Chanukah in the Square, an open celebration in downtown’s Marion Square, started with the City of Charleston and the College of Charleston ten years ago.

This free event welcomes all with the purpose of bringing together the community to celebrate Hanukkah and religious independence.

Sponsored by Chabad of the Lowcountry and practically every Jewish organization in the county, Chanukah in the Square gives people of all backgrounds the opportunity to come together and experience South Carolina’s largest Hanukkah celebration.

CONTINUED >

Former Charleston mayor Joseph P. Riley speaks at Chanukah in the Square

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

Charleston mayor, John J. Tecklenburg, at Chanukah in the Square

“It represents faith and the need to let go; to let the universe unfold as it will.”

Marion Square for Chanukah in the Square

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HANUKKAH (CON TI N U ED)

There will be games for children, jumping castles, rides, crafts, and traditional Jewish foods for all to experience and enjoy. And the fact that the menorah can be lit in the square to celebrate our country and religious freedom is remarkable.

Regardless of what you are celebrating this holiday season, let us all give thanks that we live in a place where we have the freedom to worship as we choose. “Spirituality and freedom are a part of the fabric of this country,” Yossi spoke, “If we are confident and celebrate our past, it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the future."

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Mt Pleasant Properties NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

DOM*

BDRMS

BATHS

Rivertowne

$1,600,000

$1,550,000

96.9%

3

6

6.5

Belle Hall

$1,469,000

$1,430,000

97.3%

50

5

5.5

Old Mt. Pleasant

$1,150,000

1,150,000

100%

1

5

3.5

Molasses Creek

$1,049,000

$985,000

93.8%

72

5

3.5

The Groves

$950,000

$955,000

100.5%

3

5

4

Hamlin Plantation

$895,000

$895,000

100%

16

4

3.5

Oyster Point

$887,900

$887,900

100%

103

6

5

Snee Farm

$758,000

$749,000

98.8%

16

4

3.5

Park West

$750,000

$746,500

99.5%

5

4

4

Shell Point

$750,000

$740,000

98.6%

43

4

3

I'on

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$727,000

97%

12

3

2.5

Hidden Lakes

$718,750

$696,400

96.9%

1

4

3

Dunes West

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$684,000

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44

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$675,000

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Culinary Creations

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

From the

Editor's Kitchen A SPANISH NAVIDAD ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL CASTEJÓN

E

very year the Castejón household is visited by the Three Wise Men. They visit us on January 6th and bring us brightly wrapped

Christmas presents. Does that story sound a little funny to you? I promise it is true, as true as Santa Claus really does come down my chimney on Christmas Eve. My husband, Alfonso, is from Spain, where instead of looking forward to waking up to gifts from Saint Nick on December 25th, children have to wait all the way until January for a visit from los Reyes Magos (or the Three Wise Men). So, in order to make sure we hold on to all our cultures' traditions, we exchange presents with our friends and family on Christmas Day and we exchange presents with each other on Three Kings Day.

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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Culinary Creations (CON TI N U ED)

Obviously, a day as special as el día de los Reyes Magos deserves it's own namesake cake. Every culture has one: the Italians have panettone, we Americans have fruitcake, and the Spanish have the unbelievably beautiful roscón de reyes. Filled with sweet whipped cream and topped with toasted almonds and dried fruits, the Christmas cake houses a little figurine, baked in the dough, that bestows good luck on the one who finds it.

We like to hide seashells in ours to mix a little Lowcountry charm into the Spanish pastel.

Don't forget to sip a bit of minty espresso

goodness while you bake- it's the Spanish thing to do! Don't forget the Bailey's.

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Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

´ de Reyes (Three Kings Cake) Roscon 4.5 c flour

FOR THE TOPPING:

1 packet active, dry yeast

1 egg

1/2 c whole milk

2 T water

1/2 c warm water

1/2 cup sliced almonds

3/4 c softened butter

1/4 cup dried cranberries

2/3 c powdered sugar

1/4 cup dried, diced dates

2 large eggs

FOR THE FILLING:

1 shot of brandy

2 cups heavy cream

3 oz. orange tea

3/4 cup powdered sugar

zest of 1 limon

For the glaze:

zest of 1 orange

1/2 c powdered sugar

pinch of salt

juice 1/2 orange

Disolve the yeast in warm water (100-110 degrees). Add milk and 3/4 c of the flour and mix. Form a ball with the dough (Add more flour, 1 T at a time, if dough is too sticky.) and keep in a warm place covered with a wet towel until doubled in size.

In a large mixing bowl add the rest of the flour, sugar, salt, and zest. Mix together. Then add the eggs, butter, brandy, and mix everything together. Combine with the yeast ball, making one large ball and let rest and rise under a dry towel for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Place on a cookie sheet with floured parchment paper underneath and begin pulling the dough in the middle to make a large "doughnut". Add in the small figure (covered in plastic wrap) to the dough in a secret spot. Bake at 100 degrees (or the lowest your oven will go) for 1 hour.

Remove from the oven and brush with an egg wash (the egg and water for the topping mixed together). Then, spread out the cranberries, dates, and almonds over the cake and press slightly into the dough. Return to the oven and bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat the heavy cream and sugar on high until whipped cream has formed. Once the cake is done and cooled, slice it in half and fill with the whipped cream. Mix the powdered sugar and the orange juice to form a glaze and drizzle on top.

December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

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business directory AUTOMOTIVE Vehicles Direct (843) 936-0100 vehiclesdirect.com

BANKING

South Carolina Federal Credit Union (843) 797-8300 scfederal.org

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

Ashley Nicole Events (843) 696-9786 ashevents.com

Boone Hall Plantation (843) 884-4371 boonehallplantation.com

Rivertowne & Snee Farm Country Clubs (843) 849-2400 rivertownecountryclub.com

South of Broadway Theatre Company (843) 745-0317 southofbroadway.com

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Mode (843) 284-8977 shopmodestore.com/mtpleasant

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Geiger Investments (843) 375-8700 geigerinvestments.com

FOOD & BEVERAGE DeClare Wedding Cakes (843) 327-2722 declarecakes.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS Classic Remodeling & Construction (843) 763-3297 classicremodeling.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Budget Blinds - Mt Pleasant (843) 856-9498 budgetblinds.com

32

INSURANCE

State Farm - Jack Tankersley (843) 881-8888 jacktankersley.com

JEWELRY

Rosefire Jewelry (843) 991-3062 rosefirejewelry.com

MISC MEDICAL

Lifestyle Calendar

December DECEMBER 2 - 18 WHITE CHRISTMAS DOCK STREET THEATRE, CHARLESTON, SC This heartwarming musical adaptation, based on the classic film featuring seventeen Irving Berlin hit songs, follows the romantic and hilarious adventures of Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. Tickets on sale at the box office.

Advanced Hearing Care (843) 352-4730 advhearing.com

DECEMBER 3

Mustard Seed Productions LLC (843) 343-7345

Enjoy a breakfast buffet and a visit with Santa with SpiritLine

OTHER

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kayla Sue Photography (724) 622-2018 kaylasue.smugmug.com

REAL ESTATE

Carolina One Debbie Rogers (843) 990-2915 debbierogerssellscharleston.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE On Forty-One (843) 352-9235 onfortyone.com

Pier 41 (843) 388-4433 pier41mtp.com

The Americano (843) 352-2641 theamericanomp.com

The Granary (843) 216-3832 thegranarycharleston.com

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA PATRIOT'S POINT, MT. PLEASANT, SC Cruises! Price of the cruise includes a photo with Saint Nick. Contact 843-722-2628 for more information. Two cruises available.

DECEMBER 3 REINDEER RUN SOUTHEND BREWERY, CHARLESTON, SC Come out to race and party with Southend Brewery with registration running right up to race day! Free beer, music, and food to all those with a race number. Check out www.ReindeerRun.org for more details.

DECEMBER 4 WINE UNDER THE OAKS BOONE HALL PLANTATION, MT. PLEASANT, SC Come enjoy wine, food, and music under Boone Hall Plantation's gorgeous oak trees! Check out BooneHallPlantation.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

Bishop Gadsden (800) 373-2384 bishopgadsden.org

Right At Home-Charleston (843) 580-5120 rahcharleston.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Anna Bella Florals (843) 327-3477 annabellaflorals.com

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

DECEMBER 10 HOLIDAY MARKET & CRAFT SHOW FARMERS MARKET PAVILION, COLEMAN BLVD., MT. PLEASANT, SC The annual Holiday Market provides the perfect opportunity for customers to complete their holiday shopping and purchase original

An Extraordinary Christmas

pieces from talented local artists. As always, admission and parking are free and all residents and visitors are welcome to delight in this unique shopping experience.

DECEMBER 10 HOLIDAY PARADE OF BOATS CHARLESTON HARBOR Decorate and enter your boat or just come out to get in the holiday spirit as the brightly lighted boats go by! Food and beverages will be available at the River Watch Cafe on the pier. Other viewing sites are around the harbor but there may be charges.

DECEMBER 10 THE NUTCRACKER GAILLARD CENTER, CHARLESTON, SC Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holidays with an all new production of the Charlotte Ballet Nutcracker from Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. Bonnefoux has collaborated with a world-renowned design team to re-imagine treasured family favorite Nutcracker. Continue the holiday tradition and join the Charlotte Ballet, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and over 100 dancers at Nutcracker.

Warm spiced cider at the festive tree-trimming party.

Choral music by candlelight in the Chapel. Feasting with children and grandchildren at the Grand Christmas Buffet. Delectable holiday desserts.

Bishop Gadsden makes the holidays extraordinary.

DECEMBER 11 CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING COLEMAN BOULEVARD, MOUNT PLEASANT, SC More than 100 floats will march down Coleman Boulevard as the Christmas Light Parade sets sail. The tree lighting and fireworks display begins at approximately 5:30 pm at Moultrie Middle School, followed by the parade beginning at

Live an extraordinary life 800.373.2384 | bishopgadsden.org A Life Plan Retirement Community

around 5:45 pm. The parade starts at the intersection of Coleman Boulevard and Pelzer Drive.

December 2016 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle

33

Parting Thoughts

Have Yourself A Very Tiny Field Mouse ARTICLE LINDA PAGE

I

muse over obtaining the perfectly selected collection of Christmas gifts for my family. Each thoughtfully purchased at a local shop or holiday craft fair, lovingly wrapped, adorned with a beautiful gift card and matching ribbon . . . but more importantly, I eagerly anticipate the gifts that will be purchased for me. Yes, I realize this is the season of giving and I well recall it is far better to give than receive, but I can't abandon my childhood dream of waking up early on Christmas morning to see what was there for me. Whilst everyone else was sleeping off eggnog and holiday ham, I'd tiptoe into the living room to spy the Frasier Fir, laden with matching department store ornaments and a sprinkling of homemade decorations that were lovingly crafted around our kitchen table. There, beneath the boughs of that mighty symbol of all things Christmas, I further daydreamed of finding boxes galore of pretty packages with my name on them, containing the gloves and matching cashmere scarves, the books I'd been talking about, or perhaps a handmade writing journal. But, alas, those are not the realities of Christmas at the Page household. I chuckle at the thought of anything carefully wrapped, laugh out loud at the unrealistic ideals of a handmade anything - except for perhaps the few surviving ornaments that my grown children made in grade school.

Oh, we do usually manage the tree. But last year, the tree we bought from Whole Foods came complete with a very cute, very terrified field mouse that had made the long trip from the North Carolina mountains to the parking lot at Page's Thieves Market, where my brother Mike kindly agreed to help me trim the bottom. The mouse was rescued by 34

Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | December 2016

my kindhearted daughter, Audrey, and all was well with the world. The mouse also made quite a splash on my Facebook page. I felt smug about the whole ordeal until the mouse escaped the lopsided cardboard box we had deemed his new home, then one of the many feral cats that live at Page's decided we had brought him an early Christmas feast.

Sorry. I know this is not an uplifting Christmas story, but I believe there is more to Christmas than gifts, or in this case, the mouse. My daughter was mortified by the untimely death of the very cute and very terrified field mouse, yet instead of letting the events ruin her day - she and our friend, Christian, decided to immortalize the poor mouse by making a chalk outline at the scene of the crime. I'm not sure if any of our customers understood, but it certainly helped lighten the mood.

Christmas at my house is memorable, though not lavish and never matching. My (long since ex) husband decided one year that the perfect gift was a vacuum cleaner. I was a young bride and not very happy with his choice, so I raised my children to make sure than when they selected a gift for someone it should not be utilitarian, but come from the heart. So, my parting thought is this.... regardless of your traditions, regardless of the reality of what this season means to you and yours, remember: Don't just live, create a life.

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