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.

Whether you’re looking for the island’s hottest spot for a Girls' Night Out, or the perfect place to relax and embibe, check out Hilton Head Island’s ultimate cigar bar experience, TimBuck2, an extension of Ruby Lee’s South brought to you by Tim Singleton.

Discover this favorite local gathering spot with the sleek and sophisticated atmosphere of a big city and the charm and allure of the South. Equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation systems, you won’t even be bothered by the smoke.

We decided to try it for ourselves and invited some of our advertisers to come along for a photo shoot featuring jewelry for every style and occasion. All they were told was to dress in black, deck out in jewelry and be willing to smile for the camera.

We wanted to see how different jewelry could change the mood of a basic black foundation.
What started out as a staged shoot, turned into an afternoon of fun, laughter and new friendships.

Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself from a few years back and thought, “If I’d only known how good I looked…”? You’d have ditched the swim dress that you’re now convinced you need, only it’s not really long enough to cover all your “problem areas,” so you avoid the beach and torture your no-gap thighs by wearing jeans all summer long. But the truth is, in a few more years, you’re likely to catch a selfie on your Time Hop and think, “If only I’d known…” You’d have traded those jeans for shorts and now you’re stuck in a muumuu trying to hide that tummy roll, but the muumuu does nothing for your double chin or the 11s that suddenly appeared in the middle of your forehead.

Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself from a few years back and thought, “If I’d only known how good I looked…”? You’d have ditched the swim dress that you’re now convinced you need, only it’s not really long enough to cover all your “problem areas,” so you avoid the beach and torture your no-gap thighs by wearing jeans all summer long. But the truth is, in a few more years, you’re likely to catch a selfie on your Time Hop and think, “If only I’d known…” You’d have traded those jeans for shorts and now you’re stuck in a muumuu trying to hide that tummy roll, but the muumuu does nothing for your double chin or the 11s that suddenly appeared in the middle of your forehead.

One of Lee Heyward’s clients had his eye set on being promoted within six months at the engineering firm he worked for. Lee, an Image Stylist and author based in Charleston, SC, worked with him on Friday, and on Monday, his boss called him in to question if he was interviewing with other companies. While the promotion didn’t come that day, this meeting opened the conversation for him to share his career goals and express his desires to climb the ladder with his boss. What changed to get him noticed? His clothing. And he was promoted within six months.

Strategically Suited, Lee’s second book, helps readers discover how to grow simply by changing the way they present themselves. “My business is all about alignment, matching the person to his or her goals. You have to make sure you are in alignment with what you say you want to be doing because people notice if you’re not and don’t hire you,” Lee says.

Disaster distress is all around us, and of course it takes a toll on our personal well-being. You probably escaped the high-water horrors of Hurricane Harvey and the massive monster that was Irma, but there’s no getting away from the images and reports of death and destruction in Texas, in the Caribbean, in Mexico and Florida, devastation on such a crushing scale, it sinks our spirits just thinking about it.

Flattened houses, floating cars, entire communities destroyed, overcrowded shelters turning families away: day after day of horrifying stories about abandoned pets, people trapped, lives lost, everything gone, starting over amidst the rot, the mold, the stink, the suffering.

They may be the last thing you put on, but scarves can instantly transform anything you wear. Take a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, add a silky swath of flowers and tassels and you’ve got a whole new way of greeting the world. Oh, yeah, they can keep you warm, too! So many possibilities, so little time. You’ll want to tie one of these scarves on this fall:

Of all the things America worships—the Tesla, the Google, the sour-cream-and-onion potato chip­—the flat stomach is one of the hardest to achieve. Photoshop is a big help, as are simpler airbrushing techniques, but for most people, looking down, belly fat is as normal as cotton socks on little kids. It’s just how it is.

Maybe not. Let’s review some basic body-fat facts to educate and inspire you to get a handle on belly fat. You can’t wish it away, but once you understand it, you can take action.

What Laurie Brown wasn’t looking for something else to do. As the founder and owner of Aunt Laurie’s, she puts in long hours promoting and managing her growing business. Driven by a passion to help individuals with disabilities, Aunt Laurie’s mission is to inspire others to acknowledge human value in everyone—one gift at a time. Every Aunt Laurie’s gift basket is hand woven and assembled at the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department in Beaufort by clients, who are overcoming disabilities.

Laurie used SC Lowcountry SCORE, which provides free volunteer business advice, to help launch her business. When her SC Lowcountry SCORE mentor asked her for suggestions regarding a proposed women’s event, she quickly dove into the planning of the Thrive Lowcountry Women’s Conference.

Some people dream of big houses, fancy cars or exotic travels. Inés Figueroa dreamed of having a fashion show. Her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother were all seamstresses. Being one of 13 girls in a family with 17 children, Inés and her sisters were destined to learn to sew. As a child, her mother sat all the girls down and taught them, starting with buttons and hems. By the age of 15, Inés had honed her skills so proficiently, her high school home economics teacher enlisted her help in teaching her classmates to sew. Inés has a gift for sewing with meticulous precision and an eye for detail. She is a beautiful seamstress, both inside and out.

What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in communities across the US to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. Our local affiliate is NAMI Lowcountry.

I’m going to skip over the obesity statistics for the moment. Let’s just sum it up by saying that every third person in the country is trying to lose weight. It’s not on everyone’s mind—some folks are joyfully roasting chocolate-covered marshmallows over campfires—but with so many millions of American’s dieting, you get tons of people who lose... lose... and then they plateau. The needle gets stuck.  

In spite of your best behavior—eating real food and smaller portions, exercising more—suddenly, your body simply stops losing weight. It’s a very common problem and also very frustrating. Oh Lordy, what’s happening?