Charleston Place (Charleston, S.C.): Situated in Charleston's historic downtown, Charleston Place offers spas, the award-winning Charleston Grill and, of course, the charm and excitement of one of the nation's most preserved cities at your disposal. Hotel packages abound, from the Breakfast Inclusive, featuring daily a la carte meals in the Palmetto Café, to the Perfect Golf Excursion, where one round for two at the famed Links Course is included in addition to your luxury accommodations (the weather rarely dips below golf-playing temperatures). Time your visit around the holidays and enjoy the city's Holiday Festival of Lights.

DETAILS: Rates vary for deluxe and executive suites. Call (888) 635-2350 or visit Charlestonplace.com for details. 

The Sea Pines Resort (Hilton Head Island, S.C.): During the winter months, this award-winning, 5,000-acre oceanfront retreat still has plenty to offer the most discerning traveler, including tennis, golf and fireside chats with your special someone. It is the only hotel on the island to be listed on Condè Nast Traveler's 2009 "The World's Best Places to Stay, Gold List" and to receive a Mobil four-star award. This winter, if you reserve three to six nights, you will receive 20 percent off nightly rates for select villas and homes, complimentary bicycles, unlimited use of the fitness center and two hours of complimentary tennis daily.

DETAILS: Call (866) 561-8802 or visit Seapines.com to plan your stay.  

DB9: The DBS is far from the only noteworthy beast in Aston Martin's elegant menagerie; the V-12-engined, 470 horsepower DB9 ($186,400 - $199,950) and V8 Vantage, with a 420 horsepower V-8 ($123,500 - $136,500), also are offered in Coupe and Volante versions. These are now established as the most successful Aston Martins of all time, both models having sold more than 10,000 cars globally. For 2009, both underwent a series of technical updates to increase power and performance and further enhance the driving experience.

Preparing to join the family in the coming year is a new sibling, the four-door Rapide. The Rapide is a high performance coupé with a look so taut and poised it gives the appearance of motion even while standing still. Features include a 480 horsepower V-12 engine, clear plolycarbonate roof and rear-seat DVD screens. "A sports car is not simply characterized by the number of doors," says Dr. Ulrich Bez, chairman and chief executive officer of Aston Martin. "And the Rapide is certainly true to its name."  

One-77: With a carbon-fiber chassis, 650 horsepower, 7.0-liter, V-12 engine under the hood, top speed of 220 mph and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds, there is no debate about the performance pedigree of the Aston Martin One-77 supercar. So named because only 77 examples of the car will be built, with a price estimated at $2.3 million each, the One-77 also has the distinction of dethroning the Bugatti Veryon as the most expensive production car in the world.

Carolina designer offers international sophistication

Alena Fede, who launched her U.S. line in Charleston, is engaged by modern eclecticism. After launching herself in Russia, with the line Fede Grada, Fede came to the United States intending to settle in New York, but instead was drawn to Charleston's smaller, more welcoming fashion community. "It's easier to get known here," she says. "It's a good place to try to translate some of my Russian ideas."

Fede has clearly made the most of the opportunities presented by Charleston's growing fashion scene. Her self-named line earned her a spot as one of three finalists in Charleston Fashion Week's 2009 Emerging Designers competition.

The driving principle in her design is contrast. Her clothes combine different fabrics and textures in unexpected ways. A high tulle collar on a ruffled blouse paired with satin shorts takes on the edginess of a punk rocker's spiked leather. Elsewhere, a cocktail dress offers an unexpected twist on the bubble skirt with a skirt constructed of black tulle stuffed with white tulle. The ethereal effect lends a feminine innocence to the dress that offsets the more overt sexuality of the black lace bodice.

Throughout the collection, ruffles, tulle, and lace combine with softly draped dresses and tops to create a softer, more romantic silhouette punctuated by harder edges.  She tries, in her work, to create clothes that project a modern sexuality and confidence.

For Fede, the "now" element is color. She sees fashion developing in the direction of a minimalist aesthetic, combining more somber colors with bright details and little jolts of color.

This winter is all about classic lines, elegant simplicity, and that "touch of avant garde." Tailored pieces that evoke the enduring style of Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe or Grace Kelly combine with modern touches to create an undeniably contemporary, but enduring, style.

The essential pieces for this season are classic stand-bys. Fede insists on the absolute necessity of, as Fede puts it, a "great" coat.

Where to Buy" Alena Fede is available by custom order or at Boutique nV in Charleston. Details:  http://www.alenafede.com/ or info@alenafede.com 
(843)270-7158

Boutique nV 
328A King Street 
Charleston, SC  
http://www.boutiquenv.com/index-5.html 
(843)793-4713

Although much has been said about Colleton River Plantation, it is difficult to be prepared for the elegance and stature that awaits as you drive up to 5l Hawthorne. From the first minute it comes into view, it is stately and majestic in its delightful setting on the marshes of the Colleton River. With an enclave of buildings, it is reminiscent of an era gone by when genteel plantations were the norm of the prosperous South.

The brick courtyard provides a welcoming approach and more than adequate parking for family and friends. The walk up the stairway may be the determining moment when a purchaser will begin to envision him- or herself in this beautiful home.

Inside the entry, the unusually widened interior walls add to the detail in reproducing the old style plantation. Antique Heart Pine flooring throughout adds warmth and age to the entire first floor visible from here. High ceilings and just the right amount of crown detailing enhance the entire home. From the entry, you have the first glimpse of the unending vistas in the distance.

The spacious formal dining room is off to the right to provide the perfect location for entertaining family and friends. It is truly conducive to social gatherings that create those long lasting memories.

Beyond the entry is an elegant but very inviting living room overlooking the large covered porch to the river views. The large fireplace adds warmth both to the setting and to the typical seasonal cool evenings. It is apparent that there is a southern graciousness felt by being in this unique setting.

To the right of the living room is the enormous kitchen that can be enjoyed by the resident chef or a delight to the presenters of a catered event. All appliances are top of the line, including the largest commercial Viking range, and Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezers including separate drawers for maximum usage. A large butler pantry has a farm sink, refrigerator, glass display cabinetry, and an additional dishwasher to facilitate entertaining large groups. The morning room features another fireplace and corner windows to capture the breathtaking views. Power blinds have been added to the windows to provide occasional privacy and temporary protection from the afternoon sun.

To the left of the entry is a private library. The shutters at the front windows fold back into the sides as craftsmen built them more than a century ago. Beyond the library is a delightful sunroom. This room features windows on three sides and provides a cheerful setting even on cloudy days.

The large French doors open onto a spacious covered porch. There is enough room to entertain a significant number of guests, to enjoy outdoor dining, and to create a perfect hideaway for a gas grill that is convenient to the kitchen and morning room. From the main entry is an elegant gracious stairway that leads to the second floor. For those who prefer, there is also a 4 station elevator that will transfer them to all of the levels in the home. The upstairs foyer is open and elegant as well. From there many rooms and alcoves are visible that lead to the master suite and numerous guest rooms.

The master suite, once again, features an attractive fireplace and overlooks long vistas all the way down the Colleton River and to the Chechessee River beyond. The master bath also enjoys this wonderful view with incredible privacy, so the owners can truly enjoy the light and scenery on a daily basis.

This plantation style home would not be complete without another remarkably wide porch off the master suite. Wide French doors provide an opportunity to let in fresh air on those perfect spring and fall evenings. Large rocking chairs add to the simple elegance of this outdoor space and create the setting to enjoy watching the amazing wildlife that thrives in the marshes edging the river.

Three additional guest suites on this level offer welcoming space to family and friends. Each room has its own detail and styling similar to that found in an 18^th- or 19^th-century inn. A second floor laundry is convenient and accessible from all areas. A back stairway adjacent to the master bath area leads both down to the kitchen and up to the third floor. Here, an additional surprise unfolds as there is another guest area and a media room that any visitor is sure to enjoy. A finished attic provides an ideal storage area for Christmas items and possibly off-season clothing.

From the third floor foyer, a permanent ladder stairway leads to a four-sided Widow's Walk with absolutely amazing views from all sides. I is worth the trip up to enjoy star gazing on a cloudless evening or as a reminder to enjoy best views of the South Carolina Low Country. The lower level of the property has brick floors and is ready to be finished to the owner's wish. This could make an unbelievable wine cellar complete with tasting room for the wine connoisseur. Or it could provide additional storage for a collector or possibly an extra game area. A caretaker's suite over the garage has a separate entry and also serves as an overflow guest suite, complete with its own laundry. A small gardener's shop is perfectly sized for golf cart storage.

For the discriminating purchaser who can appreciate exquisite detailing and design, this home is worlds apart from other homes available in the market place. No other property more adequately describes the phrase, "When only the best will do."

DETAILS:  

Community: Colleton River Plantation 
Address: 51 Hawthorne Road 
City: Bluffton 
State: SC 
Zip: 29910

Property View: Marsh, River 
MLS #: 238198 
Year Built: 1997 
POA Fees: $14,300 
Price: $3,500,000 
Bedrooms: 6 
Full Baths: 6 
Half Baths: 2

Beneteau USA debuts its Beneteau 58 

The new Beneteau 58 is a top-of-the-line model, with prices starting at $800,000 and reaching $1 million, depending upon amenities. The sailboat's length is 59 feet, 10 inches, while the hull's length measures 58 feet, 3 inches. The sails' area is about 2,000 square feet. Typically, new models premiere in the United States in the spring, following a fall debut in Europe, as occurred with the Beneteau 58.  
Beneteau USA has been building sailboats in South Carolina since 1986, drawing upon its advantages as a division of its 150-year-old French parent company, Groupe Beneteau. "We're always trying to use the latest and most innovative material on our models," Gay says of the Beneteau 58. "There's a great deal of research and development that takes place in France.  
The USA division may have downsized its production due to the economic impact on demand, but it's continued to produce some 200 sailboats annually. And it's also continued to pursue innovation, investing in a new woodshop with CNC machinery that uses programs to execute a series of machining operations, and an overhaul of its production areas. When completed, the 250,000-square-foot facility will be the most advanced production plant of its type in the United States, and the only one to build boats ranging from 30-footers to 50-footers using this streamlined process.  
Wayne Burdick, president of Beneteau USA, credits innovative teamwork at the plant for the implementation of its ongoing upgrade. "This should give Beneteau a strategic advantage to quickly provide the best value in exactly the model our customer wishes to buy," he says. "When the plant reconfiguration work is complete, and we are able to turn on the new lean, mean production machine, no one else in the United States will be able to make cruising sailboats with as much efficiency and flexibility of product mix."  
The company's research and development has led to improvements that have also nearly doubled the average speed reached by yachts. At one of the company's production sites in France, about 300 cabinet workers supply all the other sites, providing lavish molded wood via a process used in yacht making that's similar to the process used to make fiddles. 
Besides the sailboats crafted in South Carolina, Beneteau's North American dealer, St. Barts Yachts, can provide customers with a range of Beneteau's motorboat yachts and sailing yachts, as well as custom boats. The dealer has locations in Oriental, N.C., Charleston, S.C., and Jacksonville, Fla.  

When the earth shook under Mystery Masiello's feet, she wanted to go somewhere still. The steadfast rounded mountains of the aged Appalachians called.  And within their very core, she found her future.

In a life that has spanned many incarnations, Masiello witnessed the 9/11 terror attacks first-hand four and a half months pregnant and working for a venture capital firm in New York City. Now an emerging Asheville-based jewelry designer she's watching her son grow up and makes gemstone necklaces wrought from the rocky mountain soil held in a tender clutch of silver.

Once a contemplative music major specializing in concert piano at music school in Florida, Mystery Masiello had every intention of following the rest of her family into the arts. It just took longer to get there. Realized now after a rather circuitous route, Masiello first found her young self bouncing between Miami, New York and London working in music management and the entertainment industry.

A following incarnation would lead her to the Big Apple more permanently as executive assistant to editors at Vanity Fair and Conde Nast Traveler. 

"To be twentysomething and at the front lines of politics and entertainment...,"muses Masiello, trailing off over the memory some twenty years later.  "But when you are working in an entertainment lifestyle, it's a difficult way to set down roots or anchor yourself," she confesses. "It's tough being in the service of others."

To further complicate matters, after she went to work for a venture capital firm in 1999 in search of yet a new adventure, not only was she pregnant when her city was attacked, but she was also separating from her son's father, and lost her job only hours after giving birth.

"Everything started unraveling then. It was such a pivotal time during that period," she says, noting that in retrospect with all the bad, came something good.

"It was one of those things that was probably the best thing that ever happened to me," she now explains. "I was a single mom with an infant son in my hands and needed to recreate myself very quickly."

On a trip to visit her parents and sister, who had since migrated up to North Carolina - enveloped in the comforting downtown of Asheville, it's wholesome music scene, cozy outdoor cafes, inspiring art galleries, and what she felt as a nurturing community - Masiello gained the realization this would be her new home.

Real estate in the mountains was burgeoning, it was a good time to be in the market, and typical to form, Masiello mastered this as well. But a true calling came when her son Max introduced her to gem minding on a school field trip.

"I was fascinated watching him discover for the first time colors and textures with a keen interest in knowing where they came from," she reflects. "I wanted to know too! That was the single moment that inspired a new direction for my artistry."

A visit to Emerald Village, a gem mine near Spruce Pine, presented an opportunity to dig through buckets of rocky dirt. Max pulled out an amethyst, brushed the dust off and presented it to his mother.

"He told me 'this is the most beautiful rock I've ever seen, you should make jewelry out of this'," says Masiello. Her partner Bill agreed that she needed to fully exercise this newest adventure that seemed to drive her.

Taking a silver smithing class with local artist Bill Churlik, the budding artist was already half-way there. Says Churlik, who teaches several hundred students a year out of his River Arts District studio near downtown Asheville, "Silver smithing takes years to develop, you don't get this overnight. 

"Her work is coming along and developing nicely," he says. "She's doing bold and big pieces that I encourage." 

Chunky, with their natural form the most predominant feature, Masiello's gems direct each piece she creates.

"Their journey is so interesting," she says. "These are some of the oldest mountain ranges every recorded in history...the gems here go back so far, the crystals and their healing powers attract light and offer energy. They communicate messages of healing and wholeness to the body."

"I love every unique piece I create. The delicate balance between the hard geometric lines in every stone I hand select with flowing organic shapes with the metals that surround them."

Entertainment industry contacts that Masiello has kept in touch with have garnered her a list of celebrity clients. Collector Corelle Kelley from South Florida touts the designer's artistry and marketing finesse.

"She has always been incredibly good with people, and she knows how to make the most out of her contacts," says Kelley.

But, says Kelley, the pieces speak for themselves. "For me she designed an "S" curved omega to wear on a celestite faceted stone that is boldly large. Brilliant! It really stands out as a unique and gorgeous stone."

Local fans are already wearing them, including encaustic artist Constance Williams. She also owns the Constance Williams Fine Art Studio and Gallery in the River Arts District and invited Masiello to join her art space.

"Mystery has a very earthy sensibility," says Williams. "That's very Asheville in some ways. There's a simplicity to her work and it is not contrived." 

"The work has a contemporary nod and has a great clarity - that's what's appealing," she notes. "That's the conversation the jewelry has." 

As far as her own piece that she ordered from Mystery. "Well it resonates," Williams reasons. "I like the stone, but I chose the piece for its artistry." 

A move that was to be a healing experience for Masiello, has obviously become so much more.  The career-driven woman with the hippie name has come full circle, making beautiful objects born of the earth.

Lincoln's all new large crossover model has arrived. 

After years of design lethargy, Lincoln is finally leaving behind its old ways by embracing a bold new styling direction and the cutting-edge technology to go with it.  

Venerable model names such as Continental and the Mark Series are long gone, as are some of the more recent Lincolns including the LS and Aviator. Today's Lincoln marque has largely been transformed, making a solid effort to compete against some of the best European and Asian brands as well as its chief adversary, Cadillac. 

MK Nomenclature 

Lincoln began to signal its new direction when the Zephyr midsize sedan was renamed the MKZ for the 2007 model year while the MKX replaced the Aviator as the brand's midsize crossover model. In 2008, the full-sized MKS sedan was released and this past fall the MKT, a large crossover, made its debut. 

The MKT represents a true game changer for Lincoln - a daringly stylish seven-passenger, three-row crossover that successfully blends performance with opulence.  

On the outside, the toothsome double wing grille advances current Lincoln design logic while the bustle back rear quarter hearkens to a style first popularized in the 1930s and again four decades later. Even the centered crosswise light display is a fitting tribute to yesteryear Lincolns, spanning the full rear length of the MKT. From stem to stern, the MKT defies easy classification, appearing to be both a wagon and extended sedan all at once. 

Cabin Comfort 

Inside, the cabin is cavernous and whisper quiet, making good use of Scottish Bridge of Weir leathering and complemented by walnut swirl, olive ash or woven-metal trim. Tall drivers will savor generous head, shoulder and legroom with 12-way power adjusting seats featuring lumbar support, and a heating/cooling feature. 

The MKT dazzles with innovative technology, offering some of the most sophisticated equipment available including a panoramic roof which spans all three rows. A touch navigation screen doubles as a rear view camera when the Lincoln is shifted into reverse, while the SYNC hands-free control system allows drivers to speak commands that adjust cabin climate, choose songs and convert incoming text messages into speech.  

An intriguing, optional feature is the micro refrigerator situated between the second row bucket seats, a configuration available for customers who choose that arrangement and dispense with the seventh seat. Holding as many as seven cans of soft drink, the unit can either chill or freeze whatever is placed within it. 

For the third row passengers, the cramped confines and restricted headroom means that these last two seats are expressly for children. No matter, the seats fold completely down to create additional storage capacity or can be reversed to face the rear, making tailgating an exciting possibility. 

EcoBoost Power 

The stock engine for the Lincoln MKT is a 3.7L V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, powered by its front wheels. Optionally, a potent 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is matched with the same transmission and is powered by all four wheels. Paddle shifters allow drivers to operate the MKT in manual mode upon command; towing capacity is 4500 lbs. 

But it is EcoBoost technology which truly sets the MKT apart from its principal competitors which Lincoln identifies as the Acura MDX and Audi Q7. The twin turbocharged direct injection V6 engine produces V8 equivalent power, offers V6 fuel economy while emitting fewer emissions. 

Producing 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft of torque, the EcoBoost-equipped model accelerates quickly and hits 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds while still returning 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway. In contrast, the V8 equipped Audi Q7 produces 350 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft of torque, while delivering just 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway. Moreover, the Lincoln MKT reaches its peak torque at lower rpms, allowing it to hit the 60 mph threshold a full second faster than both the Audi and Acura. 

Safety Features 

Lincoln leaves nothing out when it comes to safety features on the MKT. All wheel drive and EcoBoost go hand in hand, with the torque sensing drive system constantly checking the wheels to deliver power when wheel slip has been detected. A safety canopy system and rollover sensors protects passengers in all three rows by launching air bags and side curtain airbags when a side impact accident has been detected.  

Other sensors detect when a crash is about to occur by issuing a warning that displays on the windshield, engaging the brakes to avoid hitting the car in front. Credit Volvo technology for this feature, a safety benefit Lincoln enjoys thanks to the Swedish brand's relationship with Ford. 

Pricing 

Pricing for the Lincoln MKT begins around $44,000 for the base model and nears $50,000 for EcoBoost. Fully optioned the MKT retails for just under $60,000, putting it squarely between the Audi MDX and Acura Q7, giving new car buyers an excellent reason to consider Lincoln. 

In the financial planning world - and truly most industries impacted by this economic downturn -- 2010 can't come soon enough. The past few years of financial losses have put the break on risk and challenged the financial habits of many once-brazen investors. Many endured the turmoil by trying hard to ignore it. How many decided it was simply safer not to open your quarterly financial statement? And since when did owning real estate become a liability rather than an appreciating asset? For those of you who've taken more than the lion's share of the pain from 2007 onward, take heart. As the economy will right itself in due time, and 2010 promises the beginnings of an economic comeback, it's time to take a look forward. Because when we look back at the last two years, it's the right time to take what we've learned and apply it in ways that will lead us into a more secure financial future.

RESPECT RISK

The first lesson learned from the downturn concerns investment risk. During good times, many were lulled into thinking risk simply involved predicting how fast an investment would appreciate. We saw this in the late '90s when investing in anything with a ".com" meant rapid wealthy. Some did. Many didn't. The nature of recent investments may have changed, but that pervasive attitude of invincibility reared its head once more. Speculation and risky investments permeated the real estate market, the commodities market and, of course, the stock market. As we've all seen in this most recent downturn, not everything goes up in value all of the time. All markets are cyclical in one way or another. This pulls us back into the tried and true investment philosophy of diversifying assets over different markets.

CASH IN

Cash, as they say, truly is king. Many people are led to believe idle cash is a wasted opportunity. Not so. If you had all of your assets invested these last few years, it's highly likely you missed great buying opportunities. This became magnified in the real estate markets. As homeowners tried to get out of their holdings -- usually due to lack of cash -- the banks tightened their lending standards. Banks also demanded more cash down to purchase. Remember that buying opportunities exist in every market. You can't buy something at rock-bottom prices if you don't have the cash to pay for it.

TAKE AN INTEREST

The refinancing landscape for 2010 looks very interesting. Interest rates remain at historic lows. If feasible, there is great value in refinancing your existing mortgages. Free up additional monthly cash flow or reduce the length of your mortgage. In both situations, it's creating a stronger financial position. Low interest rates also are a powerful tool for small businesses. Reducing borrowing costs and debt repayments can often increase profit margins and allow you to expand the business. 

LOSSES

Sometimes a short-term setback can become a long-term advantage. If you've been reluctant to sell off an investment due to a large capital gain, today's economy presents you with an opportunity. Compare the investment's current value to its cost-basis. By selling, you could put yourself in a better position with little or no tax impact. This is always a valuable strategy when your portfolio is over-weighted by one position, such as company stock or an inherited asset.

ROTH IRA

January 2010 will usher in a major change to Roth IRA rules. Funds can be put into a Roth IRA in a variety of ways, with the two most prevalent being either by contribution or conversion. The ability to convert has historically been hampered by an income limit.  In 2010, the income limit has been eliminated. This has opened the door for many people to create tax-free income for use later in life. But before you run out and start converting or selling assets, consult with a qualified financial professional to ensure you're creating an investment strategy that best meets your needs now and in the future.

Financially speaking, we are coming to the end of some historically tough times. And we have learned some solid financial lessons from this downturn that should be applied to our investment strategies moving forward. If we stick to the basics and take advantage of the opportunities in front of us, 2010 may be the beginning of strong economic times.

Ed Taylor, CFP (TM), President of Taylor Financial an independent Fee-Only financial advisory practice.