Working from Home: How we do it.

I have been invited to speak at the Center for Women's wildly popular 'Brown Bag Lunch Series' on November 8th. I will be joining with Nandini McCauley and Joan Dehne in discussing the triumphs and pitfalls of working from home. Women are launching new businesses in historically unprecedented numbers. As a rule, women like to have as much information as possible before we make a decision. So I will be sharing my perspective and experiences on the matter for all those women out there who are wondering if it's the right decision for them. It's a free event so please join us!

Specs: November 8th @ 12 - 1 pm. 129 Cannon St. Downtown Charleston.

For directions and parking information go to The Center for Women website.

Announcing 'Second Mondays'

Alterman Studios hosts a lecture series of professional photographers the second Monday of each month. Photographers are given the floor to discuss their work and their process. Alterman Studios are located Downtown Charleston at 654 {Upper} King St. @ 7pm. You can also find out about the Center for Photography at Altermans Studios. If you are looking to brush up on your photography skills or are looking to begin a new career in the field ... look no further. For more information and a calendar of events go the website.

Announcing 'Third Thursdays'

The Richard James Gallery hosts a new and different artist the third Thursday of each month. Artists give talks, demonstrations and answer your questions. Be sure to mark your calendar for your favorite artists. You can view the full calendar at the Richard James Gallery website. And best of all it's free! I'll see you there at 231 King St. downtown. (easiest parking is the garage on Queen St.)

New Homes Tour Fall '07

The 2007 New Homes Tour has grown! This year there are over sixty homes in the tour guide, that's nearly double last year's tour stops. Kudos to the Charleston Home Builders Association for putting this together.

The tour is being held for three weekends in October. You'll need every minute of those three weeks if you plan to take it all in. I suggest that you map your route before you set out, to maximize your trip. The tour guide has directions to each house - very handy. I decided to divide my journey by geographic location - West Quadrant first, which included James Island, John's Island, Kiawah Island and West Ashley. Next weekend - Mt. Pleasant...

A most notable addition to the tour this year is a home by Dolphin Builders on Kiawah Island which snags the honor of being the most expensive house on the tour at a cool $2.5 mil. Don't forget to stop by the Lone Oak home on Hope Plantation on your way to Kiawah it's not as pricey but more than makes up for it in charm. I can't yet name a favorite because I haven't seen them all and as soon as I do I'll let you know.

You may want to only visit homes and builders within a certain price range or geographic area, but I encourage you venture out beyond that. Take this opportunity to be curious. This is a great opportunity to take a leisurely weekend drive and see what's going on and going up in the Charleston housing market (in all areas). It pays to be informed about what each builder is offering. Each company has their own 'personality' when it comes to what they offer and the experience that they will provide for you - the customer. It's good to know which one fits your style as early as possible when home shopping. And don't forget about the benefit of collecting all of those decorating and selections ideas.

New Homes Tour of 2007 is going on the last three weekends of October... don't miss it!