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The Lowcountry Lookbook

As women, we have all had a hair emergency. Usually, it’s based on a bad hair moment, like a home dye job “gone wrong” or a huge event coming up where we have to look absolutely perfect. But what if your bad hair day was turning into a bad hair life? This is exactly where 29-year-old Michelle Ortega found herself. Though she has a long, beautiful head of dark hair, it has been falling out since her late teens, becoming a source of increasing worry and embarrassment.

What would you do if you had all the “business’’ of your life in order? What if all of your estate matters were planned and your wishes were all set? What if you had your financial plan in place, where you knew exactly what your retirement entailed, including checking some things off your bucket list. Imagine the sense of peace your family and loved ones would feel knowing you have made it easy for them. More importantly, imagine the assuredness and tranquility you will feel knowing your life is in order and your wishes will be respected.

When you turn 64 years old, your ultimate benefit as an American is just around the corner—Medicare! While it doesn’t take a year of research to figure out what you need to do, navigating your way into the world of Medicare can be daunting. Not to mention there are don’t-miss, unforgiving deadlines! There are also decisions to make that can affect the remainder of your healthcare life. This is why it is so important to find a Medicare insurance agent who can thoroughly explain the options and how they will affect you as you age and as your health care needs evolve.

Lawyers are sometimes derisively referred to as “hired guns”, implying they will fight for whoever pays them without regard to “right” or “wrong” of the underlying conflict. The truth is, excellent lawyers fight for their clients and wage war, if required. Lawyers fight to protect their clients, especially women, from the other side’s unscrupulous conduct in litigation.

It is surprising how many people believe they can take advantage of females in litigation. Insurance companies may discount a woman’s injuries because perhaps “she’s just a stay-at-home mom.” Or, insurance defense lawyers often think “a woman won’t have the endurance to see this trial all the way to the end.”

In all your roles as a woman, your time is valuable and your life is often filled with complexity—whether it's expanding a business, running the household, welcoming new family members, or preparing for retirement. Amid all of life’s demands, it's easy to forget about one of the most critical pieces of your financial and personal strategy: your estate plan.

Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” task. Just as your life evolves, so should your estate documents. An outdated plan can lead to unintended consequences, such as probate complications, unnecessary taxes, or even disinheriting loved ones. So, when is the right time to update your estate plan?

Did you know your home may be the smartest purchase you will ever make in your lifetime? More than just having a place to call home, homeownership has been proven to provide families and individuals with financial stability, as well as the opportunity to build wealth for themselves and their future generations. In addition, owning a home is something to be proud of and gives families the wonderful experience of being part of a community.

Living on Hilton Head Island or in the South Carolina Lowcountry may just be one of the best places on earth. Take into account the sheer quantity of visitors who aspire to own property on or near the Island. We are the lucky ones who are able to live here.

Life is messy. Let’s plan anyway.

Between juggling careers, caregiving, and carving out a sliver of “me time,” it’s no wonder that so many women put off the business of estate planning. It’s one of those things we all know we should do—but often delay until a life event forces the issue.

Here’s the truth: the best time to get your ducks in a row is when life isn’t in crisis. Estate planning is your opportunity to take control, protect what matters most, and make sure your wishes are honored.

And no—estate planning is not just for retirees or millionaires.

Sometimes, the smallest tweaks can have the biggest impact. Take your favorite go-to outfit—maybe it’s jeans and a white top, or a simple black dress you swear by. Now imagine pairing it with a wide-brimmed straw hat. Suddenly, you look boho-chic and effortlessly cool. Swap that for a baseball cap, and the look shifts into sporty, laid-back territory. Change it again to a colorful, chic, floppy brim, and now there’s a subtle nod to elegance. It’s all the same base, but each hat tells a completely different story and hits a home run.

Along a stretch of Route 17 in Yemassee, SC, is a historic home with a picturesque 300-year-old live oaks standing proudly in the front yard.
The house, built in 1868, has periodically been restored over the years, mostly to bring it in line with today’s contemporary codes and expectations.

Today, this historic residence, known as Frampton Plantation House, is home to the South Carolina Lowcountry Tourism Commission.

The Commission is one of 11 regional destination marketing organizations in South Carolina. It represents Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties, and its job is to promote economic development and things to see and do in our area. “Savannah and Charleston are very well known, but we want people to know about everything in between,” said Peach Morrison, Executive Director. “Charleston is like our older sister—well-established and sure of herself. Savannah is our younger sister: beautiful and loves to party.” Peach continued, “We are the middle sister who will put her pearls on, get in the boat, and go get shrimp for dinner.” 


Margaritas are officially in season!

And seriously, with one of the first nice days to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine, I decided to task my friends with a margarita mix tasting. I have always been a die-hard fan of the tried-and-true Jose Cuervo margarita mix, but with boutique brands popping up everywhere, I wanted to try some of what I consider “newer ones” to the market.

There’s just something about a man and his chair. If a man’s home is his castle, then the king must have his throne, right? From Archie Bunker’s iconic recliner to Sheldon Cooper’s carefully positioned “spot,” pop culture is filled with men and their chairs. Here at Pink, we usually focus on the women of our community, but each June we give the guys their time in the spotlight. Some of these gentlemen seem to be always on the move, never taking a moment to sit down, but our photographers managed to capture them in their favorite resting spots. They graciously answered our questions and opened up about themselves. We proudly present a few of the Lowcountry's Men and their Chairs:

A spur of the moment trip to Coligny Beach that a Beaufort mom decided to take on Sunday May 4 was a meetup she will never forget. Jennifer Campbell heard about the beached whale that was there, and just as a whim, thought she would take her 32-year-old daughter Caroline to see it. Pink readers may remember Caroline, a high-functioning adult with Down Syndrome, who was featured in June 2014 (itsallpink.com/featured-women/item/caroline-campbell).

Summer's here. Time to kick back, take a deep breath... and focus. Slowly inhale through your nose; hold it for a couple of seconds; then exhale, also through your nose.

Then do it again.

Why? Because whatever your favorite summertime sport—running, swimming, biking or daydreaming on a sun-dappled porch—you'll do it better and spark more joy if you develop this skill, which you already have but may not have the habit of using.

Click below to check out this year's fabulous and furry line up!

“I love it when a plan comes together” was a frequent line from the old A-Team show. And that’s exactly what happened at Beaufort Elementary School when a math coach and members of the Beaufort Shag Club connected. Third and fourth graders got a chance to learn the South Carolina state dance, the Shag, from experienced instructors, and needless to say, everyone had a great time!

Camellias, azaleas and red bud trees…oh my! What a stunning, colorful show spring brings,
beckoning us to grab our gardening gloves, go outside, and play in the dirt. Not only is gardening a healthy hobby, it also offers rewards that can be enjoyed year round. Whether you’re a novice or a master gardener, there is always more to learn about what to plant where and when. That’s why we asked the experts to share some of their best knowledge.

Savor rhymes with favor, and if it’s not in your vocabulary, it should be. Why? Because learning to savor is a wonderfully effective steppingstone to greater happiness, according to the latest research in positive psychology. And yet, these days—when so many of us are feeling chronically rushed and endlessly distracted—who has time for savoring?

Lorna Hollifield is a Southern author with a real twist. “I’m not the Southern author with sweet tea dripping everywhere, I write about dark and ugly things,” Lorna said. Her newest book, Bright Little Girls, is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Don’t have time to travel the world this weekend? No worries.
It’s easy—and close—to find fun and interesting things to do right here in South Carolina. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Airshow
When: April 12-13, 2025 Base Access: 8:30 A.M. Gates Open: 9 A.M.
Where: Hwy. 21/Geiger Blvd., Beaufort, SC
Distance: Approximate 1-hour drive
Tickets: Free general admission, but must get free ticket online
Learn More: www.beaufortairshow.com

Comfortable shoes, once reserved for casual outings
and practicality, are redefining fashion by making
their way into a dressier state of mind.

The days of sacrificing comfort for style are fading as sneakers, loafers, and even chic orthopedic-inspired designs become a staple in pairing with adorable, fun-to-wear dresses. From street style to high fashion runways, the fusion of elegance and ease is setting a new standard, proving that fashion can be both polished, practical…and painless!

The colorful masterpieces featured on Pink's cover each month are one of the signature features of our magazine. Created by artists from down the street and across the world, the chosen artwork is carefully procured to set the tone for the monthly theme and bring the issue alive.

In celebration of our 20 year anniversary, we'll be bringing you 20 covers each month to enjoy and reminisce!

Don’t have time to travel the world this weekend? No worries. It’s easy—and close—to find fun and interesting things to do right here in South Carolina. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Race over to the 90th Running of The Carolina Cup
When: Saturday, March 29, 2025 Where: 200 Knights Hill Rd, Camden, SC

What are the chances that a popular United Kingdom screenplay, written by the very talented Tim Firth, who also wrote Calendar Girls, would make its American debut at May River Theatre in Bluffton? Unlikely, but it is happening thanks to Liz MacGinnes, a London native, Bluffton resident, and active May River Theatre volunteer.

Liz is excited to facilitate Sheila’s Island making its way to the States. “I go back to London to visit frequently. Growing up in theater, I still have many friends in the industry. Last summer, my good friend and mentor told me about the play, thought it would be perfect for May River Theatre, and encouraged me to look at the script. Neither of us had any idea it had not been performed on American soil,” Liz said.

March 6 is National Dress Day, designed to celebrate the most versatile, feminine and fun article of clothing—the dress. This day reminds us to pay homage to the art of fashion, style and looking great all month long. This year, color and patterns are making a bold statement, with everything from bright colors to geometric prints to floral designs taking center stage.

The spring solstice is here with a secret and sparking message that everyone on the rocky path to a healthier lifestyle needs to hear: When the seasons change, we can, too.

“Springtime is in the air,” writes Kenneth Cohen, a Qigong master. “A good time for spring cleaning of mind and body through meditation, healing practices, eating spring greens ... and bathing in natural
hot springs.”

Before I shower you with my own suggestions, let me ask: What’s your No. 1 wish when it comes to living a healthier life?

(Think for a minute. These interactive columns are my favorites.)

The truth is we humans can make positive change any day—if we’re really ready, if we’re deeply committed. But in spring, Mother Nature gives us an extra cellular push. Spring is the season of new beginnings, new growth. In spring, when all things made of light turn toward the light, it’s easier for you to do the same.

When it comes to glam, jewels are like a tribute to being a woman.
Big or dainty, bold or understated, you can never go wrong when it comes to wearing jewelry that ignites your heart. This month, when love is celebrated unabashedly, let’s turn our attention to those tiny boxes filled with dazzling surprises that stir your soul and glam up your jewelry game. Everyone knows jewelry is the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit. Oh darling, they say love
is all you need, but seriously, a little–or a lot of–sparkle never hurt anyone. 

The Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s mission is to preserve and protect critical natural habitat and significant historical parcels of land on Hilton Head Island for the enjoyment of future generations. Two lovebirds that are taking full advantage of this noble mission are George and Gracie, the longtime eagle couple who call Hilton Head Island home. This pair of bald eagles have been together for years, and Hilton Head Island Land Trust (HHILT) is thrilled to be able to share them with you through a new Eagle Cam at George and Gracie’s nest.

Wine is the perfect companion for a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration, and these three selections are truly ideal for the occasion. With their vibrant, girly, playful, and flirty vibes, these wines set the perfect tone for a fun and lighthearted evening. Whether you’re toasting to love, friendship, or simply enjoying a good time, these bottles bring a touch of charm and excitement to your Valentine’s Day, making every sip feel like a celebration!

Before I was a walker, I was a runner—a slow, lumbering, back-of-the-pack runner.
When I discovered racewalking, I found my sport. And since then, I’ve become a
ferocious fan of every style of walking: all ages, speeds, styles and sexes.
(If only walking were, somehow, a sexier sport.)

I could fill the rest of this column and several more spelling out all the wonderful things walking will do for your body and your mind. It’s great for your brain, your strength, for every cell in your body, for calming yourself mentally and boosting your energy physically.