Which came first? The chicken or the egg? Often, I debate whether a dog makes a person kinder or whether it’s kind folks who care for dogs? Or cats? Or horses? Or, well, any animal that needs tending to and love. When I was a young gal, I always thought I’d be a mom someday and when that maternal feeling set in, I wanted a baby. When you have a child, your life is no longer yours alone. You share not only your body with a baby but your wants, hopes, fears, food, house, car, friends, and kin. Even your pets. To me, having a child made me into a more caring person than I had been before. Ha ..read more

Q: Why should locals and visitors explore your shop this summer? “Our shop is a treasured gem that has evolved into an integral part of the Island. Overflowing with local quality brands, it is such a fun boutique to explore. We provide shopping for the whole family and pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of clothing, shoes, and accessories as well as an extensive selection of premium eyewear. For folks who like vacay t-shirts, all of ours are locally designed and screen printed, so all are truly unique to us!” Q: Do you have a favorite travel memory? “We travel extensively so we have ..read more

“Goodbye, girls. Sayonara, sistas.” It was the morning of what would be an eleven-hour bilateral mastectomy, hysterectomy, and reconstruction surgery. It was the start of the biggest fight with myself. A battle of vanity and dependency, I prematurely assumed I lost. I turned toward the mirror to say my goodbyes to the ‘ladies’ talking to them as if they were my bosom buddies. “We were a great team. You’ve done me well. But you’re starting to hang, and new breasts are one of the best perks I get with this cancer fight.” It was the Mourning of the Breasts. As I mourned the battle of the breasts ..read more

Since 2002, Sasee has been entertaining, informing, and inspiring readers as well as sharing dynamic experiences. The sister duo of Delores Blount (publisher) and Susan Bryant (sales and marketing director) created this local women’s magazine for a purpose; to be an inviting platform to reach other women by showcasing sophisticated, well-written editorials focused on personal interviews, lifestyle perspectives, fashion, home décor, food, art, and culture. After twenty-plus years, Sasee has evolved, just as all women do, and she’s not done growing yet. As females, it is our privilege to acknowl ..read more

Sitting, waiting at the Toyota dealership for three hours for a routine maintenance and annual inspection of my husband’s SUV, before we can pay the taxes on it, I saw a woman approach me. She stopped directly in front of me and stared at me as I read Run Rose Run. “Honey, you must have some real good legs.” “Huh?” I replied, confused, as I looked up from Dolly Parton’s novel. “To sit like that.” I had one leg tucked under me. I’ve sat this folded way since childhood. She continued, “Dat chair over der…” She signaled to a straight-back chair across the waiting room. “Dat chair’s talkin’ t ..read more

“Do not let cancer define you but let it inspire you to help others.” – Michelle Apple RD, LD – As a registered dietitian who has made a career in helping with nutrition and wellness, Michelle Apple’s battle began in 2018 when she was diagnosed with metastatic stage 3 breast cancer. Everywhere she turned, kind words, offers to help, and sharing of success stories fueled her fight. Energized by the outpouring of encouragement, she created a nonprofit to share knowledge, give back, and inspire the warriors of the world. The Apple Breast Cancer Warrior Foundation (ABC Warrior) is a leading local ..read more

My niece had invited me to join her and her mother at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. For a country girl, a trip to downtown St. Louis with its snarled traffic and large crowds held no appeal. I declined. After hanging up, I became overwhelmed with thoughts about breast cancer’s grip on my family. A routine mammogram in my forties revealed I had fallen prey to the dreaded disease. Several years later, my youngest sister followed in my footsteps. We shared turbans and tears and rejoiced when she joined the survivor club. But shortly before celebrating her five-year cancer-free milestone ..read more

Natalia Vasilyeva is a talented portraitist and artist from Moscow, Russia. As a lover of all things pink and fashionable, she loves creating art that depicts the beauty of diverse women. Her works show off how trendy and stylish women can be as she incorporates vibrant flowers, delicious foods, cozy beverages, glamorous make-up, and well-known name brands. The uniqueness of her work is easily spotted from her bright, bold, and colorful creations. To see more of her fabulous work, please visit: Website: en.navasyart.com IG: www.instagram.com/navasy ..read more

They say, “All Dogs Go to Heaven” but I’m starting to have my doubts. The reason for this is my 10-month-old puppy that we ironically named Gracie. As empty nesters, we thought it would be a good idea to add a furry family member! We might have been wrong! Grace is a Border Collie-Aussie Shepherd mix with bits of Tasmanian Devil, Shark, and Billy Goat thrown in. The day we brought Gracie home, she was shy, scared, and docile… it was the most peaceful 24 hours we’ve spent with her. Since that time she has turned into a whirlwind terror. In the span of a few months, she has broken into a bottle ..read more

Taking care of pets offers countless benefits – just as humans care for their animals, animals care for their humans too. Committing to a consistent caretaking routine teaches responsibility and gives a person purpose. From walking and playing, the physical activity aspects improve lifestyle changes. The mental health advantages are life-altering. While reducing loneliness and lowering blood pressure, a pet’s company also increases feelings of comfort and support. Spending time with animals can naturally boost happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine which provide calming and relaxing prope ..read more