Kimberly Cordell

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Alfresco is the Way to Go

It is always a temptation to get out of the kitchen on a sunny day. The first time I recall dining outdoors at a restaurant was at a location by the Río de la Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My family had moved there in 1973 so that my dad could manage a project for General Motors. We were wined and dined (yes, even I, at the tender age of sixteen, was served wine) at wonderful places throughout the historic city. The padillas are grills located mainly in the Palermo neighborhood, near the sports arenas. The smoky aroma of barbecued meats wafted along the sidewalks. When we walked into what I remember being called a casita, or little house, there was an open fire

Finding the Perfect Dress | Shopping Local for Generations

The perfect dress was waiting for me in a small boutique in Aiken. Caroline’s should have been the first place I looked, but I live in Charleston. I spent an entire afternoon perusing all the shops on King Street with a friend. Nothing fit. If it did fit, it did not look right for my age or shape. Women in their mid-fifties want to be stylish and classy, which should not be difficult when one is a perfect 10. That is, size 10, so yes, I am curvy with an emphasis on hips. I was looking for a dress to wear for my daughter’s wedding rehearsal and dinner in March.

Gardening is a Lifelong Active Lifestyle

South Carolina Garden Clubs provide education and beautification for their cities. Master Gardeners are artists at work. When they add color and texture to a yard or landscape, the result can evoke emotions of joy and completeness. Landscaping is not only big business — it is also therapy for those who love to be outdoors and have made gardening a hobby. A well tended garden can enhance curb appeal for a home, and on a grander scale, beautify parks and recreation areas. The number of amateur gardeners has grown in the past year while people stayed home and looked for purposeful activities that avoided the risk of the pandemic. The

Animal Conservation, a Million Dollar Business

Aiken Artists support the rescue efforts of endangered animals through art Paul Swart, from Rhino Conservation Botswana, was the featured speaker at the Aiken Center for the Arts on Friday, February 18. He explained that poverty in Botswana is a motivating factor for poaching rhinos. “The horn is believed to have medicinal value and can produce enough powder to earn $65,000 on the black market in Asia,” he said. There are fewer than 30,000 black and white rhinos left in the world. Through efforts to transport, guard, and breed these animals, conservationists strive to keep the species from extinction, but it is a million dollar business. The government provides some

Lots of Luck at the Aiken Trials

The harder we work, the luckier we are. Gamblers and risk takers depend on Lady Luck. She is certainly present at the Aiken Trials in March each year as friendly $1 side bets take place on each of the six horse races. The first race starts at 1 pm, but the gates open at 10 am so that cars can find their parking spots. Creative hosts set up banquet tables with extravagant décor and picnic fare, hoping to capture the first place prize. 10,000 people settle in for a day of outdoor enjoyment with family and friends. Our daughters went to their first Trials with friends from college during their

Love Is All That Matters

Our love stories are a testimony to the best part of our lives. My first boyfriend was in my kindergarten class. He came to my house one day and we sat in the garage on a stack of newspapers that were waiting to be recycled. He said, “Let’s kiss on the count of three.” I puckered up and never forgot the thrill of that first kiss. My dad told me that he had kissed 50 women before our mother appeared in his life. I did not really believe that because he was a quiet and reserved man. Even so, I asked dad, “How did you know when you found true

“Going … Going … Gone” | Animal Preservation Through Fine Art

Robert Campbell, Whitney Kurlan, and Camryn Finnan are the featured artists at the upcoming exhibit at the Aiken Center for the Arts. Each artist is well known for wildlife conservation efforts. These artists depict animals as they are rarely seen — in their natural African habitats. “Going … Going … Gone” is the title of the show as well as a not so subtle reminder that many animals are in danger of extinction. This exhibit is intended to bring awareness to the public and to support the efforts of wildlife conservation organizations. It opens February 4 and extends through March 19, 2021. Artist Robert Campbell has created work for the

Northern Natives Migrate South

Snowbirds are looking for a fresh start in warmer and friendlier climates If you are lucky enough to have been born and raised in the South, or if you relocated south of the Mason-Dixon line to become a permanent resident years ago, you may be slightly annoyed when you see those pesky critters known as snowbirds. Each New Year, they migrate from the North to spend time where it is warm and sunny. They have most likely endured freezing temperatures and snow drifts during the holidays and now seek a place to nestle on a beach or golf course. They don’t realize that they are robbing you of your favorite

Holidays and the Gathering Spirit

Celebrations have social and emotional motivators Grandma Anderson made delicious meatballs with a secret ingredient called Rusk that is no longer found in stores. She taught my brothers and me to play Rook, which may explain why I still get the creeps when black birds soar overhead. Grandma Harper made prize-winning potato pancakes and stuffed cabbage. She taught us how to play pinochle and we would dance around the table if someone got what she called “a thousand aces.” My mamma was the most creative in the kitchen. She ventured away from traditional meat and potatoes and delighted us with recipes from our South American lifestyle. Gold Coast Stew served

Golf is a Family Tradition | Our Favorite Golf Course is the Palmetto

The first time I saw my boyfriend wearing loud plaid pants with a white belt and a clashing shirt, my thoughts were something akin to, “What a dork.” He is now my husband and his golf attire has evolved to become more sedate. We have been married 40 years. I decided 35 years ago that I would not become a “golf widow” who wonders where her husband is after five (or more) hours. My mother and sisters-in-law knew how to play, so I decided I had better learn or else be left babysitting all of the children on weekends. At the time, we lived across the street from a golf