Jen Tota McGivney Jen Tota McGivney is a writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her bylines include Our State Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and SUCCESS Magazine. About Southern Living Southern Living, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, celebrates the food, homes, places, and culture of the South. We reach 7.2 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.