Day: June 1, 2021

Click to view February 2021 Stay connected with our top stories delivered every month! A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM   February has long been one of the months I favor most. Deep winter, it’s the time when Mother Nature is at her most still and quiet— unapologetically abstaining from all her usual displays of gracious hospitality. I visualize her message to be rather like knocking on someone’s door and receiving the blunt no-nonsense reply: “Do not disturb. I’m taking time off.” I delight in this nature imposed time-out as it reminds me to tune into my own needs for rest and rejuvenation and opt for more hibernating activities— curling up with tea and a blanket and an enticing book or journal; building a fire; going for a moonlit stroll. And then of course, there’s Valentine’s Day— a holiday I’ve always enjoyed. Pink and red are two of my most favorite colors, and the profusion of their brightness and vitality against the backdrop of winter’s grays couldn’t come at a more fitting time. But aside from the cheery visuals, (and the hedonistic headiness resulting from the profusion of extra cookies, chocolate and flowers) Valentine’s Day has a special place in my heart precisely because it’s the one day that we celebrate matters of the heart. We all have our own personal definitions and experiences of love. But at the core of love’s variegation resides the common theme of relating and the happiness that arises from that connection. Whatever it is we feel affinity for— be it a person, an animal, or a place— when we relate, we connect and feel a sense of happiness because we have the experience of not being alone. Here at the Insider, we always knew that building, supporting, and connecting with our community was important— we’re happiness junkies! And it shows in every page of our publication. This month, we share a few of our area’s most Valentine’s date-worthy restaurants. And Celebrating Our Veterans is a perfect story for the month of love— as it illustrates how passion, commitment and heart really can make a difference in the world we inhabit. This month and Valentine’s Day, we celebrate our community and the love and happiness that it brings. Here’s to the love that we all embody, and all the love that we are capable of. Melissa LaScaleia

The Coastal Insider and Coastal Home Insider From entertainment, leisure and beaches to local businesses and community, we bring it closer to you. Plus advertising with us is in alignment with our mission! * Take a peek at our past editions * Check out our latest Coastal Insider Issue Click to view Coastal Insider * Take a peek at our past editions * Check out our latest Coastal Home Insider Issue Click to view Home Insider Stay connected with our top stories delivered every month! A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM   In the North where I’m from, June is a special month to me. In addition to it being my birthday month, it’s also when warmth finally arrives and stays. In the South, heat has already been around for some time, but I still retain fond memories from my childhood, of when the peonies bloomed just before my birthday, and the last day of school coincided with my birthday parties. This month also marks the five year anniversary of the Coastal Insider as well as my tenure with it. In those early days, I remember the brainstorming sessions and excitement we all felt building something new, and how proud we were when the first edition was published and hit the stands. How far we’ve come since then— with a name change, the expansion of our publication to include a wider geographic area, and a new office, not to mention so many additions to our team. But one thing has remained constant over the years— and that’s the passion and excitement that we put into the compilation of each and every edition. As our team’s senior staff writer and editor, I interview the people who make up this varied, dynamic, and beautiful community. It’s an honor to listen to their stories and hear what they have to share with me: their background, what fuels their ambition, and what they offer. I’m constantly humbled by the heart that motivates them and inspired by my task— that of capturing and putting into words what they share with me with the same essence and passion in which I receive it. As I look back and reflect on the past five years, I’m proud to be such an integral part of a company whose aim and purpose is to share the best of what we all have to offer with the community. This month, we feature the story of Brookgreen Gardens. Their mission is one that is very dear to me, combining, as it does, their commitment to conservation as well as promoting beauty and the arts. Brookgreen has always held a special place in my heart because of this, and I’m delighted it made our front cover for my birthday month. Melissa LaScaleia