Hey there! Hope this newsletter finds you well. It’s time for another hearty helping of the Low, complete with all the info you need to know to own your week like a pro. Just FYI, you still have time to enter for a chance to win a free set of AirPods, but the sweepstakes will end soon. Remember, all you have to do is subscribe to the Low, and you get an extra chance to win for every friend you refer using your personalized link.

Also, have you followed us on FB and IG yet? You’ll definitely want to for more awesome content. That being said, let’s move on to the meat of this newsletter. Here’s what you can look forward to this week:

This Savannah restaurant is one of Bon Appetit’s Top 50 Best New Restaurants. 

After a covid hiatus, United Way of the Coastal Empire is back with its Campaign Kick-off.

You just might need cannabis products for one of these reasons.

Hispanic Heritage Month is here! Celebrate by supporting local Latin-owned businesses. 

Fall fashion alert. Update your look with the latest trends. 

As always, more details are down below. And TYSM for reading the Low!

Having opened at the beginning of 2021, Common Thread is a relative newcomer to Savannah’s food scene. Nonetheless the elegant eatery has been making waves both in town and throughout the country. On Sept. 8, Bon Appètit Magazine announced their picks for the 50 Best New Restaurants in America, and Common Thread made the list, representing the South and further establishing Savannah as a premier destination for fantastic food.

Common Thread makes use of the freshest locally-sourced ingredients and elevates them in contemporary combinations that are flavorful and inspired. Bon Appètit lauded Common Thread, describing the dishes there as “farm-to-table cooking at its finest — fun, flexible and fascinating.” 

The team at Common Thread is elated to be recognized as one of the nation’s best new restaurants. Executive Chef and owner Brandon Carter had this to say:

“Being able to showcase the Savannah culinary scene on a national scale is truly an honor. Chef de Cuisine Joseph Harrison, Executive Sous Chef Victor Solano, General Manager/Wine Director Libby Burk and an amazing support staff are truly the reason we are able to do what we do. We are honored and humbled to be recognized by such a respected organization as Bon Appètit.”

If you haven’t tried Common Thread yet, this is one more reason to do so. They have a diverse menu featuring dinner, vegetarian and dessert options, so there’s something to satiate every palate. And they boast a wide array of craft cocktails, beers and wines as well. Put Common Thread on your must-try list and make your reservation soon. 

On Thursday, Sept. 8, United Way of the Coastal Empire held its first in-person campaign kick-off since the onset of the pandemic in 2019. The kick-off took place at the Savannah Convention Center, and it was truly a joyous gathering. The theme for this year’s event was a Team United Tailgate Party, complete with cheerleaders, a marching band and truck beds stocked with snacks. Even Uga, the University of Georgia’s live mascot, was in attendance. 

Cheerleaders from Georgia Southern and Savannah State kept the sizable crowd energized. And GSU’s Southern Pride Pep Band played throughout the event, further conveying the tailgate vibes. Local politicians, clergy, nonprofit directors, business leaders and other community members came out to support United Way. 

The event began with networking in the River Concourse, and then everyone headed upstairs to the Chatham Ballroom for lunch. The kick-off was MC’d by local radio personality and community leader Mia Mance. And there were several notable speakers who addressed the audience as well. 

United Way of the Coastal Empire Board Chair Mark Bennett opened by thanking everyone in the room for their continued support. 

“Being a part of United Way for so long I’ve had the opportunity to witness the incredible work of this organization firsthand. . . The United Way is our organization, mine and yours. It’s an asset our community leaders created in 1938. It’s an asset we own, and we are all responsible to continue. The United Way mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities. And we are the caring power in United Way.”

Bennett also shared some statistics, noting that in 2021, the United Way of the Coastal Empire helped more than 206,000 individuals throughout Bryan, Effingham, Chatham and Liberty counties. 

Other speakers included former NFL player Matt Stinchcomb, who gave the keynote address; campaign chair Cindy Robinett; campaign vice-chair Jay Wilson; and local business leader Kevin ‘Catfish’ Jackson. 

The event culminated with a viewing of the 2022 campaign video, which featured personal stories of individuals helped by the United Way. If you have a desire and passion to help those in the community, consider volunteering with or making a donation to the United Way of the Coastal Empire. To learn more about United Way and how you can get involved, visit uwce.org/.

People turn to cannabis products for all sorts of reasons. It’s not just about getting high and goofing off. For many people, cannabis products help them in a variety of impactful ways, allowing them to live healthy, happy and well-balanced lives. Growing evidence suggests that cannabis products are beneficial for quite a few ailments and conditions, and you might one day find yourself in need of the herb. Let’s remove some of the stigma surrounding cannabis products and cover some of the reasons you might need them. 

Lots of people deal with chronic pain, and some studies have shown that CBD and THC may be useful for pain management. Cannabis products have been used to treat pain for centuries, and they have helped provide relief to people struggling with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis and other painful conditions. 

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition, and there are ever-present stressors in modern life that make people anxious. Fortunately, there is some evidence to suggest that cannabis products, particularly CBD, can be effective in reducing anxiety levels. There’s also evidence in favor of using CBD for other mental health conditions like depression, PTSD and more. 

Somewhere between thirty and sixty percent of the adult population struggles to get adequate sleep. Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder, and sleep aids are a nearly $100 billion dollar industry. When sleeping pills just don’t cut it, some turn to cannabis products. CBD calms the nervous system, which in turn, can help people to get more quality rest. Though research on CBD and sleep is preliminary, the results so far are promising. 

 Cannabis products have been used to treat a range of other conditions for centuries, but now we’re seeing real research on its effectiveness. If you struggle with pain, anxiety or insomnia, you may benefit from using cannabis products. Wondering where to start? Give Lilu Farms a visit. Located on Whitaker St. in the heart of the historic district, Lilu Farms is a local dispensary that sells top-quality cannabis products. They’ve got a wide range of completely legal THC and CBD products available to address all kinds of needs. And their knowledgeable staff can help guide you to the right product. Whether you’re looking for cannabis products for recreational or medicinal uses, you’re sure to find something you’ll love at Lilu Farms.

Since 1988, the U.S. has designated Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a special time to recognize and celebrate the myriad contributions of Hispanic Americans to our society and nation. From color TV to CAPTCHA to contraceptives, Latin innovators are responsible for many of the greatest modern inventions that we enjoy every day. The Hispanic community also brings their delicious food, lively music and vibrant cultures to the melting pot that is America.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by supporting a local Hispanic-owned business. According to the Metropolitan Savannah Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, there are more than 1,500 Hispanic owned-businesses in coastal Georgia. The following list is in no way exhaustive, but here are a few Hispanic-owned businesses that you can support anytime of year, but especially now. 

Chaz Ortiz grew Chazito’s from a humble River St. tent back in 2012 to two food trucks, brick and mortar restaurants in Pooler and downtown Savannah, and another on the way in Statesboro. Chazito’s is a family owned restaurant bringing Puerto Rican cuisine to the Coastal Empire. The food is absolutely delicious and well worth trying during Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Founded by Ruthie Duran Deffley, Healthy Mind/Mente Sana is bilingual mental health practice in Savannah offering talk therapy, trauma-sensitive yoga and other services to help clients manage their mental health. If you’re in need of a therapist, Deffley can provide her services in both English and Spanish. 

Owned by master cosmetologist Roselyn Gonzalez, Spa Bliss Savannah provides massage therapies, facials, body treatments, waxing, nail care and more, all with a personal touch. We all need to treat ourselves from time to time, so why not take your self care to Spa Bliss Savannah this month. 

Mary Ann Padro is a local online retailer vending beautiful, handmade bags, hats, scarves and more. Her designs come in fun, bohemian prints and are great for fashion-lovers on the go. With the holiday season coming soon, consider ordering some of your gifts from Fashion Designs by MAP.  

Owner Iris Sarria and her family operate La Casita, a Peruvian restaurant in Richmond Hill. They offer delicious, authentic Peruvian meals available for dine-in or takeout. If you haven’t tried them yet, find some time to do so during Hispanic Heritage Month. 

The first day of fall is Sept. 22, which means it’s time to break out the boots and slide into some sweaters. Along with cooler weather and fun festivals, fall brings in a number of fashion trends that will keep you looking stylish all season long. Think autumnal colors, thick knits and sleek leather. Certain trends always come back every fall, like plaid for example. But there’s usually a unique spin that makes the trend particularly relevant for today. If you want to know what the latest fall fashion trends are, you’re in for a treat. I’ve included links to local and online boutiques where you can shop the trend. But shop sustainably when you can at secondhand stores. Now, let’s get into these fall fashion trends.

One trend to emerge this fall is the return of the maxi dress/skirt. Mini skirts had their moment during the summer, but for fall, floor-length hemlines are taking over. Get the look with this maxi skirt from Mamie Ruth. 

Whether they’re sneakers, loafers or boots, platform shoes are trending into the fall. There’s power in those chunky soles that will make you step out in confidence. A vintage-inspired pair like these will serve you well this fall. 

Leather is one of those fall fashion trends that just keeps coming back, and with good reason because it’s classic. But this year, it’s back with a grittier, grungy twist. Opt for leathers (or vegan leathers) styled in long, duster jackets and oversized blazers like this one.

As we move further into the 2020s, we’re seeing a resurgence of the Roaring Twenties in fashion. T’was a time when flappers danced around in shining frocks and beaded headpieces. Sequins, rhinestones, and shimmery fabrics in all their forms are back in everything from evening attire to daywear. Check out this set from Broughton St. boutique The Edition Shop for some inspiration. 

Statement outerwear like fuzzy floor-length dusters and extra-soft sweaters have been taking runways by storm as of late. Look for larger-than-life puffers, fabulous faux-fur and textured sweaters made from soft knits. This poncho from Morgan Rae Boutique exemplifies this fall fashion trend. 

Let us know where you’re shopping your fall looks. And if you feel so inclined, tag us on Instagram @getthelow to show us your seasonal style.