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By Robin Gibson  Did you know that April is Financial Capability Month? We didn't either. But the good folks at FEMA saw fit to make sure we did and to send us these tips to prep for a financial disaster. April showers bring May... bankruptcies? No, but it never hurts to be prepared just in case. And, Lord knows, if the Lowcountry knows anything, it's how to prep for storms. Ok, so maybe you're more familiar with hurricane names, storm kits and evacuation routes and that's good. But what's also good is checking the barometer of your finances, too. “Disasters can be overwhelming and chaotic — don’t let financial uncertainty worsen the situation,” said James K. Joseph, regional administrator for FEMA Region V in Chicago. “Take the time now to ensure important documents are safely stored, your insurance coverage is adequate, and you have enough money on-hand to meet your family’s immediate, emergency needs if something unexpected occurs.” In keeping with that note of monetary caution, FEMA offers these three tips to prepare for the worst while keeping your nose and wallet above water.
An easy way to start preparing your finances for an emergency is by completing an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit. This important document offers guidance on organizing and securing important documents, provides important advice on managing finances, and describes what to expect should a disaster strike your community. For even more information on how to financially prepare for an unexpected emergency or disaster, visit www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness. Life in the Lowcountry is beautiful but let's be honest. It's also full of storms. Don't be caught in one unexpectedly, financially or otherwise.
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By Robin Gibson   Town Mountain L-R: Jessie Lanlgais, Bobby Britt, Robert Greer, Zach Smith, Phil Barker Asheville-based, self-described "Carolina Hard Drivin' String Band" Town Mountain brings their unique blend of homegrown, soulful, honky-tonk style bluegrass to fans at the Charleston Pour House tonight for a one-night engagement, Saturday, July 14th. Tickets can be purchased at the door but save time and money grabbing them here. The band counts among its many influences Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia and lyricist, Robert Hunter, to iconic, vintage country stars like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard. Guitarist and lead singer Robert Greer is joined by Jesse Langlais on banjo, Phil Barker on mandolin, Bobby Britt who plays the fiddle, and Zach Smith on bass. Not familiar? Don't miss another second of getting to know these talented musicians as they discuss the making of their fifth album released in 2016, Southern Crescent, below. Opening up for them tonight is City Hotel, a bluegrass quartet out of Savannah, Georgia, primed and ready to give fans exactly what they want.  City Hotel L-R: Cory Chambers: Mandolin, Anthony Teixeira: Upright Bass, Jay Rudd: Banjo, Aaron Zimmer: Guitar Doors open open at 8 p.m. and show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are general admission; no reserved seating. The venue is standing room only, however, arrangements can be made for special needs patrons in advance by emailing Kim@charlestonpourhouse.com.  Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway, Charleston, SC 29142. (843) 571-4343. www.charlestonpourhouse.com Can't make it? Check out the rest of Town Mountain's tour dates for other opportunities to see them live. The band comes off the road in time for the release of their sixth studio album , New Freedom Blues, recorded at the legendary Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, NC, on October 5, 2018. By: Deborah Salazar Shapiro, MSW, author of The Magical Mindful Day  Shapiro has written a children’s book for people of all ages, intended to inspire the practice of mindfulness, to raise awareness of our interconnection with all living beings, and to remind children that the Earth is their friend. “The earth laughs in flowers,” said the American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. I believe the earth not only laughs in flowers but also in trees, animals, fruits, and vegetables! Her generosity toward all of us is beyond compare. But can you remember the last time you connected with the joy, compassion, and abundance our planet gives us? Or the last time you invited your children to show appreciation as well? If the answer is no, you are not alone. Most of us are so consumed by our work, family life, and our never-ending to-do lists that there is very little room for anything else.
Luckily, once a year, on April 22nd, we have an opportunity to show our love and appreciation for our planet. A good way to start is by setting an intention with your children to take positive actions on that day that can contribute to the benefit of all living beings. An intention is a powerful guide to remind us what we want to achieve. Here are five ways to celebrate Earth Day with your children: Spend the Day Outdoors! This sounds like a no-brainer, right? Okay, but what can you do differently on this special day? Consider taking a break from your electronics and social media for one day and invite the rest of your family to do the same. Discuss in advance that this will be a day to connect as a family and with the natural world and its beauty. Make a plan with your children to explore a place that you have never seen before. Perhaps a natural reserve, a lake, a different beach, a hiking trail, or a new park. Make it fun! If you’re excited, your children will be excited too. Eat the Colors of the Rainbow: The food we consume can have a big impact on the health of our planet. For one day, if possible, avoid consuming processed foods and other items that have artificial flavors and colorings. Try a new vegetable or legume—ask your children to pick a food in every color of the rainbow. Or play a guessing game of how many colors of fruits and vegetables are available where you live. How many do you like and why? After eating “colorfully,” see if you and your children can notice how your body feels. Express Your Gratitude to the Earth: This may feel awkward, because you’re probably not used to communicating with inanimate objects such as the food you eat or a beautiful flower or tree. That’s completely normal. Expressing our gratitude not only makes us feel joyful but also has the potential to help us develop respect and care toward animals or other living beings in nature. On Earth Day, you might encourage your children to take a brief pause and say “thank you” to the fruit or veggie they are going to eat, “thank you” to a tree, or even bow to show respect and appreciation for simply existing. How about hugging that tree? Some might think it’s too earthy-crunchy, but it feels so good!” By: Robin Gibson Editor's Note: Author is media partner of Charleston Wine + Food & Le Creuset. Sales will result in commission at no cost to you. In terms of pots and pans, I just use the basics. -Aerin Lauder American billionaire heiress, Aerin Lauder, is certainly humble in her approach to cooking, and, I, for one, appreciate her sensibility and how relatable she is to the average person. I would be lying, however, if I didn't admit to a sudden urge to splurge on fancy cookware following this year's Charleston Wine + Food festival. Are you similarly inspired in the kitchen or wanting to engage in a little culinary creative snobbery, yourself? Well, you're in luck. Now through the end of March we have teamed up with Le Creuset, the famed and pricey french cast-iron cookware coveted for its vast selection of brightly-colored enamel finishes, to offer deep discounts on their products to our readers. From bakeware to stainless steal, to cooking tools and utensils, we have everything you need to look like a snob without the price tag that comes with being one. Shop away! Shop our deals and inspire others with your colorful collection: Up to 50% off Stainless Steel 30% off Select Tools and Utensils 20% off Non-stick Cookware Bundle Pricing on Cookware Sets Plus Free Shipping $99+ Bundle Pricing on Bakeware Sets Plus Free Shipping $99+
 Did you know? Le Creuset maintains its U.S. presence right here in the Lowcountry. The company's U.S. corporate waterfront headquarters overlooks the Charleston Harbor on the banks of the Ashley River in the West Ashley district of the City of Charleston.
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Life Out Loud media founder Robin Gibson is a HuffPost Contributor.
Look for Life Out Loud on Charleston Grit. A division of Charleston Magazine. Charleston Grit is a registered trademark of GulfStream Communications.
Guest Contributor at Pink Verbena. Charleston Chic. Home. Inspiration.
Member Since 2015
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