Over the years, the laptop has evolved from a semi-portable, heavy computer to a mobile, lightweight, super thin status statement. It is estimated that 187 million laptops will be sold in 2014, worldwide. So, how do you find your perfect laptop for you?

If there are cynical souls who doubt that a magical world inhabited by fairies—old and young, wise and devious, industrious and mischievous—actually exists, they haven’t crossed the portal into the Christmas cosmos of Sandra Caglayan.

Usually, when the topic of people suffering from hunger comes up, visions of starving children in Africa, Ethiopia, Haiti or some other far off places are imagined. While these areas of the world have citizens, both young and old, experiencing severe hunger, surprisingly so does our own Beaufort County, along with neighboring Jasper and Hampton counties. It’s true; hunger is a real problem right in our own backyard. Fortunately, there are organized efforts to help those in need. Second Helpings is one such organization that is making a huge difference between many having food on the table or not.

Operation Christmas Child is an organization built to support and have an impact on children around the world who are less fortunate.  Under the umbrella of the Samaritan’s Purse organization, they do many other missions, too, such as the world medical mission, child ministries and feeding programs. To be apart of such an amazing organization is such a blessing because to impact even one child in another country, can be a true, life changing experience. This program not only provides grace for children, it also is a deep blessing to all who give by teaching us how to be grateful for all the things we have and offer compassion for those children who have very little.

Check out these Spooktacular crafts!

Check out these Spooktacular crafts!

As each of us has moved into the digital age, whether we embrace it, medicine and so many other areas of our lives have undergone dramatic changes. Many of these changes are improving our lives. In the world of medical imaging, the invention of 3-D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis) is the most significant advancement in breast imaging to occur in the last 25 years. The use of digital mammography in the ‘90s was a step forward but it mostly improved the lives of the people who worked in the medical industry. However, digital mammography paved the way for 3-D mammography (3-Dm), which is a giant leap forward for the patient, not just their care providers.

As you drive onto the fields of Rose Hill Plantation, you notice the crowds gathering in their fancy hats as they scurry to set up the perfect “spread.” Once you hop out of the car, you’re hit by a fresh Lowcountry breeze, the smell of grass and delicious food, the sun on your face and the laughter of friends of all ages. It is game day for an age-old sport steeped in tradition.

Say goodbye to flip flops and floaties and hello to hoodies and hayrides. Start thinking about falling into a new season headfirst with a to-do list that puts you in the mood to renew your fashion spirit. Here’s a list to get you started on a new season:

Say goodbye to flip flops and floaties and hello to hoodies and hayrides. Start thinking about falling into a new season headfirst with a to-do list that puts you in the mood to renew your fashion spirit. Here’s a list to get you started on a new season:

Going on vacation this fall? You'd better! But let me warn you, it's a jungle out there, even if you're headed to the beach, the mountains or the museums.

Temptation is everywhere, usually fried or coated in chocolate. Without an action plan in place, even the strongest of us will wind up with Pop-Tarts and margaritas for breakfast.

Going on vacation this fall? You'd better! But let me warn you, it's a jungle out there, even if you're headed to the beach, the mountains or the museums.

Temptation is everywhere, usually fried or coated in chocolate. Without an action plan in place, even the strongest of us will wind up with Pop-Tarts and margaritas for breakfast.

Many women spend hours clipping coupons, going to multiple grocery stores or making sure they get the best price per gallon of gas. They would never fill up the tank of their car not knowing if they were spending $3 or $30 for a gallon of gas. Yet these same conscientious consumers have no idea what they are spending when one of their family members has a medical procedure, imaging test or surgery—even though the stakes are much higher!

We are grad students renting a nondescript little house for a year, which means we can’t paint the walls—they’re all white—or do much else that’s decorative. I’ve always loved decorating, but my artsy hands are tied. Maybe you have some suggestions that won’t compromise our security deposit?

Follow these steps to change a flat tire on your car:

When you first slide into the seat of the vehicle you’re thinking of buying, you might fall in love with the gleaming new dashboard, the high-tech navigation system that wasn’t even on your wish list and that new-car smell (if you’re test driving a new car and not a used car). At least that’s what the car salesperson would love.

When you're looking at the price of the car you'd like to buy, you're actually looking at a variety of additional fees blended into that price. While most of these fees are required by state law and by the manufacturer, some—like creative dealership fees—can be questioned, challenged and perhaps removed from the total amount you owe on signing. When you learn about the fees often attached to a car’s purchase price, you become a smarter consumer. Learn to ask the right questions and use your depth of knowledge of the car purchasing process for negotiations to go more smoothly, possibly saving you significant money.

It never fails. As soon as you get your car cleaned, waxed and looking like new, a bird from overhead delivers an unwelcome splatter right on your hood. And that unwelcome splatter needs to be removed immediately. Otherwise it can eat into your vehicle's paint and cause damage, reducing your car's value.

Juli Klie sold her car for the asking price. The secret behind this car-for-sale-by-owner success? “Besides having been realistic about the price, I think the key was that the car was very, very clean,” she says, noting two would-be buyers commented on the car’s cleanliness.

You know that when you’re getting chased by a tiger, you’re almost in a car accident, your “to do” list is overflowing, and you’re burning the candle at both ends, your body’s “fight-or-flight” stress responses are going to get triggered. But you might not know what else will trigger stress responses in your body, and it’s important that you do!

There are more ways to get tied up this year than anything you’ll find in “Fifty Shades of Grey.” And since I consider myself the Imelda Marcos of the scarf world (I have a whole wall full of scarves hanging in my closet), I try to keep up with the latest ways to indulge in this timeless accessory that can be worn dozens of ways and can instantly transform a basic wardrobe. Plus, scarves are one of the most inexpensive ways to experiment with new fashion trends. Here are a few tips on wrapping it up this year with scarf style:

There's one fashion trend that's always a classic every season—denim. Most of us have at least one, if not many pieces of these tried-and-true blue favorites in our wardrobes. But every year, these denim designs are updated and given a new twist. Let's face it: We all need a little jean therapy every now and then. So check out these latest trends:

Are you passionate about your work? Do you look forward to each day and accomplishing a multitude of tasks in your job? Many people are happy in their chosen field, while others search endlessly for a job in which they can excel and feel fulfillment. If there is doubt in your present situation, there are answers!

You know me. I'm a tiger when it comes to persuading, cajoling and begging you to play outside, especially in the summertime. Jump on your bike, mow the lawn, paddle a canoe, do anything outdoors you like that gets your juices flowing and doesn't involve a cell phone.

But exercising hard in extreme heat is a no-no. Heat illness kills hundreds, maybe thousands of people every year. And even if it doesn't kill you, exercising in the heat can make you very sick.
I've long known that intellectually, but I'd never seen it up close and personal until a few weeks ago. It happened very quickly, and it scared the sunlight out of me.

When ads for Black Friday deals start hitting your inbox in 95-degree temperatures, you know the summer sales are on. It’s time to take advantage of the bargains, whether it’s for back to school or back to the gym. Stock up on these fashion basics so you can buy now and wear later:

A recent column brought a flood of messages to my inbox, most of them with the same message that goes something like this: I want to save. I need to save. But I don’t have any money to save! How can I even get started when I am so close to the edge?