Hi good people! You know what time it is. It’s go time, or better yet, Low time. I have an announcement to make soon so be sure to check back next week. In the meantime, please enjoy what I’ve put together for you this week. There are a lot of exciting things coming up in Savannah, and I’m clueing you into a few fun festivities. So without further ado, here’s what we’ve got:

1. Readers rejoice! The Savannah Book Festival 2023 is coming soon.

2. Experience art in new ways at the PULSE Art + Technology Festival. 

3. “Menopause the Musical” is making its way to the Hostess City

4. Enjoy a table for two at one of these romantic restaurants this Valentine’s Day.5. Healthy skin starts within.

Get ready for the return of the Savannah Book Festival, taking place February 16-19 at venues across the city! Now in its 16th year, this annual Festival is one of the most highly regarded book festivals in the Country. The Festival presents an exciting opportunity to engage in civil conversation; interact with local, regional and national authors; and discover your next great read.

During the four-day weekend, attendees can look forward to addresses from wildly acclaimed headlining authors such as New York Times bestseller and former Navy Seal Sniper, Jack Carr, thriller writers Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, and Pulitzer Prize winner and biographer, David Maraniss.

Festival Saturday on February 18th from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM takes place in Telfair, Wright and Chippewa squares and is free and open to the public. Booklovers and aspiring authors alike  can explore author presentations in seven different venues around the three squares. The diverse lineup covers a vast variety of genres and topics. The day is replete with author discussions featuring Q&A sessions and book signings with over 40 gifted authors, some of whom are local celebrities such as Johnathan Scott Barrett, a seventh-generation Georgian who penned a new book on Southern culinary traditions, and Stacy Willingham, author of “All the Dangerous Things”, is UGA and SCAD graduate.

History buffs won’t want to miss Stacy Schiff’s Saturday talk on her latest book “The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams.” Festival Saturday also includes a scheduled conversation with Shelby Van Pelt, whose debut novel “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” is one of 2022’s biggest debut success stories. It is on many Best of Lists including Amazon’s Best Books of the Year.

The Savannah Book Festival has something for everyone, so if you’re a lover of literature, make a plan to attend the Festival this year. Books will be on sale, and patrons can have books purchased at the Festival signed. Tickets for the headlining authors are currently on sale online at the Savannah Box Office. For more information, visit savannahbookfestival.org/.

Do you dream of STEAM? If so, find everything you’re looking for and more at the PULSE Art + Technology Festival. Brought to you by Telfair Museums, this annual festival is all about innovation and the intersection between art and technology. PULSE will take place January 26 – 28 at the Jepson Center. Attendees will be able to see and interact with exciting exhibitions, hear lectures from featured artists, and enjoy STEAM programs for students. 

The festivities kick off on Jan. 26 with engaging educational programs for local students. The opening reception will happen that day at 5:30 p.m. followed by a lecture from local artist Will Penny along with Scenocosme, an immersive art duo from France who will be joining virtually. 

On the 27th, festival goers can look forward to a curator-led walking tour of the PULSE exhibitions along with continued programming for students. In the evening at 6 p.m., there will be a riveting performance from Tybee Ballet Theatre, exploring sound and vibrations through movement. 

The festival will wrap on the 28th with a free family day from 1 to 4 p.m. complete with art demos, game demos and hands-on art making activities for children. If you want to experience art in an interactive environment, you won’t want to miss PULSE 2023. For more information, visit telfair.org/event/pulse-2023//.

The historic Savannah Theatre presents “Menopause the Musical”, a hilarious show centered on four women who meet in a department store and share their experiences about ‘the change.’ 

Featuring classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, this spirited celebration of women and the myriad trials of menopause is sure to get you up and out of your seat. 

The Savannah Theatre will host 10 electrifying performances over two weekends between Jan. 26 and Feb. 5. 

“Menopause the Musical” is the perfect show for a girls’ night out to remember. So, grab your gal pals and get your tickets for this side-splitting show! 

We’re just three weeks away from Valentine’s Day, which means now’s the time to start planning for this yearly celebration of love. Savannah, with her ubiquitous Southern charm and picturesque beauty, is the perfect place to enjoy a lovely dinner with your paramour. The Hostess City is chocked full of romantic restaurants that would love to host you this Valentine’s Day. So, make your reservation at one of these enticing establishments soon. 

Located inside the opulent Andaz Savannah hotel, 22 Square is an upscale eatery with a simple and sustainable approach to cooking. The seasonal menu features modern takes on Southern-inspired cuisine, made with the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. In addition to the artful dishes, 22 Square has a full service bar, offering craft cocktails to help you relax into romance this Valentine’s Day.

Alligator Soul is an excellent option for adventurous diners, often serving up exotic meats like antelope, ostrich and kangaroo. They offer a seasonal menu, ensuring that each dish is lovingly made farm-to-table. With its low lighting and thoughtful service, Alligator Soul has just the right ambiance for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. 

Specializing in approachable American Southern cuisine, Ardsley Station is another fine choice that is sure to impress your Valentine. They offer intimate indoor seating as well as spacious outdoor seating, should the holiday come with warm weather this year. Enhance your experience with a craft cocktail or wine pairing, and take advantage of their twice-daily happy hour specials. 

Italian is always a great choice for Valentine’s Day, affording you a special opportunity to recreate your own “Lady and the Tramp” scene over a shared plate of spaghetti. Pacci invites you to ‘ciao down’ on their flavorful Italian cuisine. Treat your date to a delicious meal with expertly-matched craft cocktails and wines. It’ll be a night to remember.

Sitting on the southwest corner of City Market, you’ll find Belford’s, a welcoming restaurant known for its seafood and steaks. Their award-winning surf-and-turf menu has something for everyone. And what says love like a juicy filet mignon or some aphrodisiac oysters? You can dine inside or sit on the patio to hear live music from the market. It’s a recipe for romance. 

Save room for dessert and satisfy your sweetie’s sweet tooth at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar. The intimate, low-light interior will set the mood while you enjoy decadent desserts. From time to time, Lulu’s will host live musicians, which further adds to the amorous atmosphere. 

When it comes to skin care, most people use a topical approach. Most routines have serums and moisturizers, lotions and creams, and while these are all good, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t consider your nutrition. We watch what we eat when we want to have a healthy weight, strong bones and a healthy heart among other things. The same applies when it comes to your skin. A nutritious, well-balanced diet contributes to healthy skin in many ways. So, if you want to glow from the inside out, regularly incorporate these foods into your diet. 

Fatty fish like salmon, herring and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that promote heart health, but that’s not all. Omega-3s also promote a strong skin barrier, decreasing damaging inflammation and keeping skin supple and moisturized. Another benefit is that fish is high in selenium, which is a mineral and antioxidant that can reduce and prevent skin damage from UV rays.

Like fish, avocados are also rich in healthy fats that promote soft, springy skin. They’re also great sources of vitamins E and C, which are antioxidants that protect against sun damage and free radicals, which can age the skin. 

Indulging in decadent dark chocolate doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure anymore. Studies confirm that the semi sweet treat can benefit the skin. Dark chocolate is high in flavanols and antioxidants that may slow skin aging. Eating dark chocolate with a high cocoa content and little added sugar can promote softer, more hydrated skin.  

Green tea is another antioxidant-rich option that stabilizes damage-causing free radicals. Green tea extract is commonly used in skincare products for its anti-aging properties. Additionally, studies have shown that drinking green tea reduces redness and roughness while retaining moisture and elasticity. 

Rich in beta carotene, sweet potatoes are another great option for healthy skin. Carotenoids are like a natural sunblock, protecting skin cells from sun exposure. Eating sweet potatoes may help prevent sunburn, dryness and wrinkles. Also, if you consume enough beta carotene, you may notice a warm, orange color to your skin, which can contribute to a healthier appearance.