Let’s pretend we’re sitting down, face to face, and after some easy chit chat, I put on my reporter’s hat and ask you this one dizzying question: What is the single most crucial factor when it comes to living a happy, healthy life?

Take a breath. Reflect. Have a glass of something.

The número uno most important factor.

Exercising daily? Very good guess. Eating well? Nice try.

But it’s not the answer that can change your life in unexpected and remarkable ways.

As spring fast approaches, the task of cleaning out our closets seems more overwhelming than ever. After all, we’ve still got a few chilly days ahead, right? Well, don’t let your good intentions grow cold. Here’s something to get you inspired: it’s the short list of the clothes and accessories to hold onto, to get rid of and even a few ideas of what to add to your spring shopping list.

Prove it with prints. Keep cold-shouldered tops. The off-the-shoulder looks are here to stay. The cutout sweaters made the transition to winter and the peasant blouse silhouettes will be worn by trendsetters come spring and summer. Get rid of oversized drapey knits and crinkled cottons that make you look like you grabbed them off the bottom of the laundry basket.

Meet Phoebe Jayne Your Heart Coach and Online Dating Consultant:
I’m hoping by now, you have selected at least one online dating site, uploaded your recent photos, written your profile and selected a username you are comfortable with. I suggest a variant of your name, not your real name. Strap in…the fun is about to begin!

Think about online dating as a project. As you have fun looking at the different profiles, you must develop an investigative approach for safety. Think about this as a fantasy. Nothing is real; don’t take anything too personally. You need to be smart to keep yourself safe.

Critically-acclaimed author Kristy Woodson Harvey is releasing Secret to Southern Charm, her second novel in her beloved Peachtree Bluff series, featuring a trio of sisters and their mother who discover a truth which will change not only the way they see themselves, but also how they fit together as a family. Her warmth and wit make this a charming and poignant story of first loves, missed opportunities and second chances.

After finding out her military husband is missing in action in Iraq, middle sister Sloane’s world crumbles. She can barely climb out of bed, much less summon the strength to be the parent her children deserve. Her mother, interior decorator, Ansley Murphy, provides a much-needed respite, putting her personal life on hold to help Sloane and her grandchildren wade through their grief. But, in caring for her own aging mother, daughters and grandchildren, Ansley worries that secrets from her past could appear.

Dear Readers, When was the last time you and your partner talked about money? To me it’s not only a good idea, it’s essential for maintaining a healthy relationship. And it’s also essential that each partner have a certain amount of financial independence. That becomes increasingly clear when you look at recent stats about financial abuse and infidelity in relationships. 

Think it can’t happen to you? A June 2017 survey by CentSai, an online financial wellness community, found that 60 percent of Millennials surveyed said they were victims of financial abuse or financial infidelity. These statistics are alarming—but not inevitable. Here are some preventative steps:

What? You’ve already failed to keep your New Year’s resolutions?

Of course you have. Welcome to human nature. And don’t feel badly. Zillions of your fellow Americans are also failing to give up nachos, sleep seven hours a night, bicycle to work, defend their souls against time-sucking small-screen devices. Great intentions, depressing results.

Why is the new-habit failure rate so high? Because changing behavior—as in developing new habits—is a skill.

Like shoeing a horse. It’s something you need to learn how to do, so when you decide to do it, your chance of success will skyrocket.

Meet Phoebe Jayne, Online Dating Guru:
I was an executive recruiter for almost 20 years, assisting clients in finding the perfect employee and candidates in finding the perfect job. Literally, I was a professional matchmaker, just on a corporate level. With all that experience of good fit and right match, I, Phoebe Jayne, have taken my tried and true career principles and put them to the test of online dating. Voila! Applying my recruiting techniques has proven to be an incredible (and successful) model to follow.

I have been an online dating consultant for two years. Of course I started by using myself as a test candidate; I had to see if my theory was on track. I kept accurate notes, timelines, research and charts. And, even with all that stuff that sounds a lot like work, I had fun in the process!

I believe hurdles in life are meant to be jumped over  are and not obstacles to stop us.
When initial plans to vacation in Cuba were derailed by hurricane Irma, my heart was broken but not my spirit. I had to find another way to get to this island, which sits only 90 miles off the coast of Miami.

Enter Globe Aware, a non-governmental organization (NGO) with volunteer programs in 17 third world countries. They are a “voluntourism” group—a mixture of volunteering and touring. Initially waitlisted, I joined a group of four in December for a week, and had an experience not to be forgotten.

I can recall vividly—and count on one hand—the migraine headaches I’ve had in my life, all of which were before age 10. Once I turned double digits, I outgrew them ... until a couple of months ago.

With no warning at all, there I was back to my 8-year-old self, flat on my back with a raging migraine. Why now, after all these years?

In reading up on the latest findings, I discovered how important magnesium is to our overall health. Turns out that 80 percent of the U.S. population suffers from magnesium deficiency causing all kinds of health issues, one of them being migraine headaches. And here’s the problem with that: Magnesium supplements are not necessarily the answer because it is not easily absorbed through the digestive tract.

Goodbye, millennial pink. Hello to a new passion for purple. It’s a new season and time to celebrate new fashion trends. Get ready to let a few feathers fly, belt on some fanny packs and see a rainbow or two.

Here’s a rundown on the newest trends for 2018:

> Prove it with prints. Just like denim, spring’s traditional florals get the darker treatment with an edgier vibe worthy of wallpaper botanicals. Plaids lighten up in checks and tartans. And whimsical graphic prints take fashion to a whole new level of fun. And after all, isn’t that the best way to dress in for a whole new year? 

Walking through the halls of Hilton Head Island Middle School, I could feel a sense of warmth, a feeling of spirit swaying in the hallway. This school has life to it, and you could tell it wasn’t just the students bringing it to the table.  
 
Meeting with Neodria Brown, the respected and loved principal at the school, was inspiring. She was honorable in showing how much she cares for this school. Neodria started breaking down the stereotypes of Hilton Head Middle when she said, “Middle school is one of the toughest times a person goes through, whether it be puberty, or just trying to transition from elementary school and getting ready for high school. There are pockets of poverty and pockets of wealth on Hilton Head, and here at school, we welcome the diversity of children and make them feel like they are worthy, uniting them as a Stingray family.”

Dear Carrie,
My husband and I own a vacation home. Now that it’s so easy to rent through sites like Airbnb or VRBO, we figure it only makes sense to rent it for part of the year. What does this mean for taxes?
–A Reader

Dear Reader, Great idea—and great question. More and more people are taking advantage of the relative ease of renting through online rental services, whether a vacation home or a part of their own house. I’ve heard it described as “found money.” However, while the extra income can be a real boost, the tax rules can be mind-numbingly complex. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a try. It just means you need to be aware of the rules before you start the process so you know what you’re getting into.

I can give you some basics, but I urge you to talk to your tax advisor so you understand how the rules apply to your situation. You might also want to consult IRS Publication 527, which spells everything out in detail.

As some of you know, I’ve written a book called All is Well: The Art {and Science} of Personal Well-Being. It was published last April, and in August it became an Amazon best-seller. Yippee! I can’t really explain how we earned that status, but there’s a sophisticated algorithm involved, and you can bet I’m expressing gratitude for it.

“Writing a book and getting it published represents about 20 percent of the effort,” my friend, renowned author Michael Gelb, told me after writing seven books. “The rest of it is...” Well, you can imagine. 

Dear Readers, at the beginning of each New Year, I’m filled with a sense of new direction. At the same time, I like to look back at the previous year, evaluate what worked and make a fresh commitment to keep going on whatever path proved most successful.

One of the things that was a real boost to me in 2017 was a 30-day food cleanse that left me feeling stronger and more in control of my physical health. I turned that idea of a physical cleanse into a 30-day financial cleanse with the goal of giving people a way to supercharge their financial health. The response I got was so positive that I decided this is one of those ideas that really should be repeated.

It’s pretty generally acknowledged that financial health and physical health go hand in hand. And, it’s all about stress. In fact, studies have found that financial stress leads to a whole range of serious physical problems from heart attacks to ulcers to migraines to depression.

Sleep is the new black. It’s trending up, and if you haven’t woken up to how essential it is—for your physical and mental well-being—that’s probably because you’re not getting enough of it.

And what is enough? Aim for eight hours or more a night. WHAT? It was easier before, when humans just naturally rose with the sun and bedded down with the moon, but now we’re living in an electrified, digitized, brain-fried 24/7 world. And for many reasons, it’s getting in the way of our deepest, most restful sleep.

The big game may be one of the highlights of every new year, so why not take some time to celebrate the iconic classics in our wardrobes that have become big winners too? These basic fashion staples are the essentials you will be cheering for year after year. (And if you don’t like football, then take a break from the game and plan a shopping trip instead...and take this list with you!)

Here are the top five fashion favorites that have become MVPs in my own playbook:

The trench. This well-known coat has come a long way since British military officers wore it in World War I. The double-breasted design with epaulets and buckled belt quickly gained star power after Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn introduced it on the movie screens in the 1940s. Today the trench coat has morphed into a seasonless classic in a wide variety of colors far more fun than the original khaki. A shimmering silver trench is a favorite in my own closet; ditto for a zebra print trench, too.

In the run-up to Christmas, I want to remind you that a holiday celebration is what you make it. If you lard it with stress and the need for perfection, you’ll wind up with heartburn even worse than what you get from too much of Aunt Ethel’s fabulous chestnut-and-chicken-sausage stuffing.
You have a choice. You can do the same-old get-together and be happy with the same-old results. Or you can tweak the trimmings a bit so it’s really a celebration of gratitude and grace instead of gluttony and gas pain.
Here are a few suggestions:

Christmas is upon us—silver bells, tinsel, nutcrackers and wreaths. A joyous time when carols fill the air, giving fills our hearts, and stores overflow with people making purchases they most likely would not even consider any other time of the year. To find the best deals, shopping has become a sport with people who are willing to rise early and stay out late. Happy with their bounty, they head home with a sense of satisfaction and shopping bags filled with goodies. The problem is they are not the only ones who have been planning to pick up a few things for the holidays. This is the most wonderful—and easiest—time of the year for criminals to help themselves to your hard-earned purchases.

However, with a little effort and forethought, However, with a little effort and forethought, you can make this a safer season:

If you’ve got a few celebrations coming up this holiday season, but don’t feel like pulling out that little black dress one more time, then it may be time to refresh your wardrobe. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the party started ... here are some inexpensive ways to add some instant pizzazz this holiday season with just one or two accessories. Even your “old” LBD will feel like new.

Start with shoes. Dorothy knew the power of those sparkling red slippers. And it’s true. One new pair of glamorous heels (or flats) can instantly transform an outfit, no matter how many times you’ve worn it. The party shoes this year are ready to click their way into your closet. Pick from crystal-embellished strappy heels, glittering cage sandals, gold lace-ups or sequin stilettos. These statement evening shoes make getting dressed day or night extra special.

According to the US government organ donor website (www.organdonor.gov) there were exactly 33,611 organ transplant surgeries performed in America in 2016. As of August 2017, the registry has a waiting list of approximately 116,000 patients, all in dire need of a miracle, including children, adults, men and women. The website states 20 patients die every day while waiting on this list.

This story is about a young man, Zach Ruhlin, who desperately needed a viable kidney, whose mother, Kelly Ruhlin, gave him hers.

Have you ever heard of a women’s giving circle? Are you aware that there is one on Hilton Head Island, and they are very interested in having you join them? “It’s important to know Women in Philanthropy is not a sorority. It’s women who have a shared vision of what we can do when we pool our resources together,” said Kathleen Bateson, founding member of Women in Philanthropy (WIP) and Vice Chair. This group of givers, open to women of the Lowcountry who pledge to make an annual donation of at least $300 or more, was founded under the leadership of The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which continues to provide oversight, staffing, administrative support and fund management for WIP.

Our customers love: Our fun atmosphere and the way we listen! Clients know that we care.

The skinny on us: We work as a team. We’re also certified life coaches.. We personalize services with a cup of coffee and relaxed conversation, taking time to explore style options with our guests. 

Our customers love: Our customers love the feel of our location. It is cozy, some have told us posh, and we pride ourselves on cleanliness. Our clients never feel rushed, our treatments are high quality and effective, with fast results, and our prices are excellent.

The skinny on us:  La Cherry is a brand new, exciting skin care office, which brings European and West Coast training and products together for the best results. We are family (veteran) owned and specialize in Skincare Aesthetics, Microneedling and Makeup Artistry.

Our customers love: The personal relationship that is developed with the entire Serendipity Medical Spa team. Our clients are treated like family because that is how we truly feel about them!

The skinny on us: Serendipity is locally owned and has been offering state-of-the-art-facial and body rejuvenation to our clients and assisting them in achieving their goal of lifelong beauty, health and wellness for 13 years and counting. Our goal is for our clients to look and feel their best!

Our customers love: That we are fun, relaxed, non-intimidating, and welcoming. We provide a beautiful balance between professional and personable.

The skinny on us: Having been in business over 34 years, we are strong supporters of this wonderful community. We love our locals and consistently have giveaways, events and specials just for them. Get in the know and take advantage by requesting email alerts and following us on social media platforms. Watch for our hashtags: #SpaLocal, #ShopSmall and #SupportSmallBusiness.

Our customers love:  That we listen closely and seek to understand their goals. Our healthcare providers and our entire medical team build authentic relationships with our patients. It is, by far, the most rewarding aspect for us, and our patients appreciate that we genuinely care.

The vibe: At our state-of-the-art practice, we offer the most technologically-advanced treatments available in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. We want our patients to leave feeling rejuvenated and empowered. 

Our customers love: The time we dedicate to each of them! When a customer sits in our chair, we spend time on the consultation, making sure we understand completely what each person is looking for, whether it is their first visit or they have been with us for years. We believe that client education is important. We want to make sure our guests understand how to take care of the styles we have created with them, using the correct products and styling techniques. Education assures their style will continue to satisfy their expectations. 

- Beauty That Lasts -

In 2013, there were more than 2.2 million injectable filler procedures, which makes fillers the second most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure and the fastest growing. And it’s almost 2018! Do you love the more youthful look that dermal fillers provide, but wish the results weren’t so temporary?
Bellafill® lasts through 5 years and is a unique, injectable collagen filler with microspheres that can instantly smooth facial wrinkles for beautiful, natural-looking correction that lasts years instead of months. Read on to find out if Bellafill is right for you!

Q: What are some of the most common questions patients have when they come to LUX?
A: The questions usually depend upon the patient’s age. Women in their 20s ask about lines in forehead and lip augmentation. 30 and 40 year old women become more concerned with 11 lines between the brows and enjoy playing with cheek as well as lip volume to get a desired look. Women in their 50s and 60s are less aware of volume loss than overall sag, particularly upper eye lid, brow and corners of the mouth. They say “I’m tired of people asking am I tired or sad.” Creases in the forehead and between the brow worry men more, but just as with women as they age, volumizing with filler also improves a man’s look. Logically the corrections I make with fillers and Botox or Dysport are directed to restore the patient’s natural volume and lift.

It’s one thing to lose your keys, your phone, a wallet filled with credit cards. It’s wildly upsetting, but it’s all stuff you can get back. But losing your mind? Losing your memory? Your thoughts, in mid-stride, so you have to double back and ask yourself where was I going with that story about the guy I met in yoga class who has the apricot-colored poodle?

It happens to everyone—kids forget stuff, too—but I don’t like it. And one reason is that I know the mind is like a muscle. Use it or lose it. Back in the old days—maybe 40 years ago—neuroscientists thought the brain was fixed, not fluid, and the older you got, the more senile you became.

Not true! (They were also wrong about eating fat making you fat, but I’ll save that for another time.) Your brain has more plasticity than a can of Play-Doh. With luck, and grace, and effort, you can keep it juiced and joyful and learning new things right till the end.