Nelson's Neighborhood

The cold weather in the Lowcountry has really put me into the Christmas spirit. It's such a great time to spend with family and friends. But for all of us who are enjoying warm meals and warm nights, there's plenty in the Lowcountry that aren't so lucky. I know that Crisis Ministries is seeing a huge influx of folks who really just want a warm place to sleep. They even have a cold weather fund to help raise money to feed and keep everyone warm. Sometimes, it's hard to find gifts for those hard to please people and this would be a great gift...donate in their name. We do it every year, for different nonprofits each year. So if you are still scratching your head on gifts, give the gift of warmth and donate to www.charlestonhomeless.org . We can't forget about our furry friends fighting the temperatures too. This is not the time of year to leave Fido outside, I'm a big believer that animals are part of the family, so please bring them in! Local rescues like Dais...

The holidays are here and in full force and it seems like only yesterday, I was on Sullivans Island enjoying Home Team BBQ's Painkiller in the 80-degree heat. (If you have to ask, you haven't had one yet-heavenly!) It's now colder than it's been in Charleston for years and it flurried overnight in town. I feel as if I've been transported back to Denver, but it's really a refreshing change from the blazing heat that we're used to, so I'll take it. As some of you know in the Goldwater household, we celebrate Chanukkah and Christmas. It's been a delight since both Darren and I introduced our faith traditions to each other and like my father always says, "Knowledge is Power." I wish everyone a very Happy Chanukkah (even if I am a little late!). Christmas is a great time for the Nelson family, it's the one holiday my dad jumps in full force. He's known as the "Cookieman" and bakes the best cookies in the world...you can ask Bob...

One of the newest clients at Nelwater Consulting has a childhood twist....and brings a new aspect to our agency..introducing Ripple Effect . Early childhood expert Jessica Shields Flowers, CCDI, founded Ripple Effect in 2008 with the mission to improve the opportunities children have to learn, develop and flourish in a safe and healthy environment guided by a strong team of parents and educators. Since I'm not a parent yet, I enjoy learning all these aspects of parenting from Jessica and seeing how some of my wonderful mom friends are utilizing the ideas. I consider Jessica the "Parent Whisperer" because her teachings/workshops are based on Dr. Becky Bailey's Conscious Discipline® which is a highly effective, evidence-based program for children, parents, and teachers based on the latest in brain research. It was developed by the renowned educational and development psychology expert Dr. Becky Bailey, author of the nationally acclaimed Easy to Love, Difficult to Discip...

It’s a blessing for all wine lovers at Charleston’s only vineyards and winery, Irvin~House Vineyard at the 8th Annual Blessing of the Vine Festival on Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.. The public will get their chance to witness the blessing of muscadine grapevines by a priest, enjoy live music from The Hawkes, food and drink all while admiring the charming setting of Irvin~House Vineyard. The event is open to the public, admission is $5.00 per car. The Blessing ceremony will start promptly at 2 p.m. Located at 6775 Bears Bluff Road on Wadmalaw Island, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to picnic on the expansive lawn. Wine and food will be available for purchase. Burger lovers will enjoy the 2nd annual "Battle of the Burger" Cookoff Contest, where one lucky burger recipe will win $500.00 in cash and prizes. Judges include Father Greg Snyder from St. John’s Episcopal Church, Chef Fred Neuville from Fat Hen and Ryan Nelson. Limited...

Saturday's weather better be delightful because hundreds of our closest Lowcountry friends will descend upon Windwood Farm Home for Children for the first Firefly Distillery Southern Spirit Festival. Just in time for the autumn weather, Windwood Farm Home for Children will open their gates to the public on Saturday, Nov. 6 to celebrate the first Firefly Distillery Southern Spirit Festival, a blues and bluegrass festival to raise awareness and funds for the non-profit, which provides residential support to boys throughout South Carolina that have been abused or neglected. The event begins at noon and concludes at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, children 10 and under are free and can be purchased online at www.windwoodfarm.org. Located at 4857 Windwood Farm Rd. in Awendaw, gates will open at 11 a.m. with local and national performers taking the stages at noon. Musical entertainment includes the 2010 BMA Traditional Blues Album of the year winner, James 'Supe...