Last Weekend of Summer!

Just a few more days!  Here are a few more things to do before the Big Day next week:

• If you already have your school supplies list, go over it again and make sure you have everything your child needs. Get it all together, pack it up and it is ready to go.
• Talk to your kids about school starting. Are they excited? Worried? Apprehensive? No matter if they are starting a new school in a new area, or moving up to the next level (from elementary to... middle or middle to high school), they may be a little nervous. Reassure them and help them keep a positive attitude. Remind them they will be seeing old friends they may not have seen over the summer and/or making new ones. 
• Have a special dinner with their favorite foods. Talk about what they are most looking forward to on the first day of school.
• Be sure to lay out clothes, backpacks, do non-perishable lunch prep and make sure you have a healthy breakfast planned to get them off to a great start!
• Most importantly, don't forget to set alarm clocks!

Lovin' Life in the Lowcountry,

Janie

My website: http://www.janiepughsellshomes.com
Low Country Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCLifeintheLowcountry
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Read Them Fairy Tales!

How did it go yesterday?  Everyone excited about getting up a little earlier?  (I didn't think so....)

Here are more tips for today:

• Prepare everyone and discuss getting back to a busy, more structured schedule. 
• Discuss what extracurricular activities your kids will be participating in over the school year. Make sure to discuss time management and balance to ensure enough time for the activities as well as homework and family. For high school students, you can discuss whether or not they can h...ave an after-school job and what the opportunities are available.
• Every school needs parent volunteers in one way or another. Determine how much time you have available to give, and how you want to volunteer that time. Teachers will likely have sign-up sheets for various opportunities when you attend "Meet and Greets" and Open Houses. 
• Have a family calendar posted in the kitchen, and make sure each family member writes down all activities, events and appointments as they are scheduled.

Lovin' Life in the Lowcountry,

Janie

My website: http://www.janiepughsellshomes.com
Low Country Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCLifeintheLowcountry
Real Estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniePughofCarolinaOne
My blog:  http://www.janiepughsellshomes.blogspot.com
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It's Back-to-School Time!

Time to get back to a normal routine! Watch for tips over the next few days for tips to a smooth transition back to the classroom.

• Start waking the kids up as if they are going to school and have them go through a typical morning routine.
• Get them in the habit of laying clothes out for the next day, the night before.
• Create a schedule for doing homework, watching TV, taking a bath or shower and going to bed. If you stick to this schedule, it will be easier for your kids to be organized and successful students. Together, decide where they will do their homework, making sure is well-lit and free of distractions. 
• Take some time to relax and have some fun together as a family. Grill out, sit down and eat dinner together. Rent a movie and make popcorn. Or have a game night and play your family's favorite board games without any TV or computer distractions.

Lovin' Life in the Lowcountry,

Janie

My website: http://www.janiepughsellshomes.com
Low Country Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCLifeintheLowcountry
Real Estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniePughofCarolinaOne
My blog:  http://www.janiepughsellshomes.blogspot.com
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/janiepugh
LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/janiepugh
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You Got the Wrought Stuff, Baby!

Throughout downtown Charleston, you will see detailed iron ornamentation everywhere you look.  Since the 1730's, wrought iron has been used for decoration, as in gates, grilles, shutter guards.  

Wrought iron also has a functional side to it, in, for example foot scrapes and iron spikes. 

The iron spike actually had a more functional dimension in 1822, as a measure of protection to prevent home intrusion.  These sharp iron spikes were added to gates, piazzas and the exterior walls of downtown residences to discourage cavalry charges. These spikes are most prominently displayed at the Miles Brewton House on 27 King Street, which reportedly has never suffered a break-in since.  (However, this particular photo was taken at a house on Meeting Street.) 


Enjoy a walk through the city and notice the endless creative uses for wrought iron!

Lovin' Life in the Lowcountry,

Janie

Be sure to visit me on my other social websites!

My website: http://www.janiepughsellshomes.com

Lowcountry FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCLifeintheLowcountry
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Mural, Mural---On the Wall

Spotted this amazing mural yesterday on the side of Mira Winery offices on Queen Street, next to Poogan's Porch. Created by artist David Boatwright, it is a Renoir-inspired painting, picturing many of the amazing chefs and culinary minds of Charleston.  

Those who are on the wall are: 
1) GrowFood Carolina general manager Sara Clow
2) Cypress chef and meat maestro, Craig Deihl
3) Gullah Cuisine chef/owner, Charlotte Jenkins
4) Hominy Grill chef, Robert Stehling
5) Chef/writer, Nathalie Dupree
6) Cookbook author, Matt Lee
7) Bowen's Island oyster picker, Victor "Goat" Lafayette
8) Hall's Chophouse chef, Matthew Niessner
9) Hank's Seafood/Brasserie, Gigi chef Frank McMahon
10) Charleston Grill maître d', Mickey Bakst
11) Charleston Grill chef, Michelle Weaver
12) FIG/The Ordinary chef, Mike Lata
13) Slightly North of Broad chef, Frank Lee
14) Restaurateur, Karalee Nielsen Fallert. 

The detail is unbelievable! VERY impressive!

-Lovin' Life in the Lowcountry,

Janie

My website: http://www.janiepughsellshomes.com
Low Country Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCLifeintheLowcountry
Real Estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniePughofCarolinaOne
My blog:  http://www.janiepughsellshomes.blogspot.com
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/janiepugh
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Guess Where?

Did you guess a PRISON?


Located in historic downtown Charleston, The Old City Jail was operational from 1802 until 1939, 
housing some of Charleston's most infamous 
criminals, such as Lavinia Fisher (America's first serial killer), Civil War prisoners of war and High Sea Pirates.  

The jail is said to be haunted by the spirits of the thousands of prisoners who died while incarcerated.  So be sure to keep your eyes open if you choose to go on a Haunted Jail Tour!



Currently, the Old City Jail is an official "Save America's Treasures" project of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the White House Millennium Council. It has served as a laboratory and classroom for all American College of the Building Arts students since the year 2000 when it was acquired from the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston.

Have fun!

Lovin' Life in the Lowcountry,

Janie


My website: http://www.janiepughsellshomes.com
Low Country Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCLifeintheLowcountry
Real Estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniePughofCarolinaOne
My blog:  http://www.janiepughsellshomes.blogspot.com
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Have You Seen George?

If you prefer the charm and ambiance of an overnight stay to be at a B&B rather than a standard hotel, the 1837 Bed and Breakfast is one to consider---but only if you don't mind sharing your space with the friendly resident ghost, George.

126 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC

Guests have reported regular sightings of a little boy playing around the hallways, only to disappear in a flash! According to stories that go way, way back to the early 1800's (the house was built in 1837), the young boy is said to have been the son of a slave family that worked at the house.  The parents were sold to a family in Virginia, and had to leave George behind in Charleston. Overwhelmed with grief upon the devastating departure of his parents, he stole a rowboat and attempted to chase the ship his parents were on, only to tragically drown in the Charleston Harbor after his boat flipped over in the rough waters.  

The house at 126 Wentworth Street in historic Charleston was said to be the last place George was with his parents before they were shipped off to Virginia.  Guests of the inn, as well as employees have experienced being shaken from their beds, slamming doors, and quick sightings of George about the property.  

But don't worry----he is as friendly a ghost as you will ever "meet"!

Lovin' Life in the Lowcountry,

Janie











My website: http://www.janiepughsellshomes.com
Low Country Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCLifeintheLowcountry
Real Estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniePughofCarolinaOne
My blog:  http://www.janiepughsellshomes.blogspot.com
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/janiepugh
LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/janiepugh
Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/janiespugh/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/JaniePughSellsHomes