Northside Woman, November 2014 by Appen Media Group

NOVEMBER 2014

Savor the Flavors of Fall Easy, healthy recipes

Great Gifts For the Fashionista

We’re Thankful For… Women & Men in Uniform

Taste the Good Life

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november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 3

staff

Katie VanBrackle

Candy Waylock

katie@northsidewoman.com

candy@northsidewoman.com

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Devon Morgan

EDITOR

DEVON MORGAN, PHOTOSYNTHESIS ATLANTA

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

SENIOR WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

suzanne@northsidewoman.com devon@photosynthesisatlanta.com

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4 | northsidewoman.com | november2014 november2014

northside women { 6 }

THE INTERVIEW Alpharetta family honors WWII vet

{ 9 }

GETTING TO KNOW… Master Police Officer Erin Johnson

the cover

This month, we are thankful for men and women in uniform, such as Master Police Officers Erin Johnson and Zac Frommer of the Roswell Police Department, who work hard every day to ensure local citizens are safe and protected. Erin especially enjoys being a role model to young girls who are often surprised to meet a “lady policeman.” Learn more on page 9.

{ 10 } UNSUNG ‘SHE’RO One mother’s fight against domestic abuse

{ 32 } ASK THE VET

{ 42 } WOMEN IN BUSINESS NoteWorthy’s personalized stationery

{ 36 } HER STYLE Great gifts for the fashionista

northside lifestyle { 12 } GOOD BOOKS Women Alone Together book club { 16 } GOOD EATS Delicious fall recipes { 22 } WOMEN WHO WALK THE WALK Highlights from Alpharetta event

{ 40 } FALL GETAWAY Fort Mountain State Park { 44 } PET OF THE MONTH { 46 } NOVEMBER CALENDAR

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theinterview

MONICA GOMEZ

Living Legacies Scott Smith with his son Roger Smith, daughter Rosalie Scott Smith Masters, granddaughter Monica Masters Gomez, great-granddaughter Celia Gomez and great-grandson Chris Gomez.

Alpharetta family honors great-grandfather’s service as WWII bomber pilot By KIMBERLY BROCK

6 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

Celia and Monica Gomez in the cockpit of the Yankee Lady.

onto a log book and his handgun,” she said. “Years later, the family had a replica of the jacket made with a rendition of the B-17 he’d recently helped refurbish, airbrushed onto the back.” In his retirement, Smith volunteered his time alongside other veterans at Yankee Air Museum, an aviation museum located at Willow Run Airport in Michigan, to restore the “Yankee Lady.” The plane is one of just a few B-17s that is restored to flying status and visits airports around the U.S. for tours and rides. A few years ago, Peachtree DeKalb Airport hosted the “Yankee Lady,” and Smith was there helping give tours of the plane. “My husband George and I had the chance to go up in the plane for a short flight,” Monica said. “Imagining what

Monica Gomez

my grandfather went through was intense and after riding in the B-17, it gave me a greater appreciation for what he experienced.” In 1996, Smith had the honor of flying in the “Yankee Lady” with a crew of other veterans from Michigan to Georgia to pass over crowds at the opening of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, located just outside of Savannah in Pooler, Georgia. It was an experience he treasures. Now it seems that honor has come full circle with the publication of the calendar, connecting generations of Smith’s family to his legacy. “These opportunities to share the incredible memories of his time in the service have meant so much to our family and to my grandfather,” Monica said. “Celia is old enough to understand the meaning behind the jacket. My kids realize they’re lucky to hear their greatgrandfather’s stories. They know what he did to fight for freedom in this country and around the world.” Like the jackets, the daughters and granddaughters in

► See THE INTERVIEW, Page 8

MONICA GOMEZ

n January of 1942, young Scott Russell Smith was living at home on the family farm when he bravely volunteered for service in the United States Air Force. Over the course of the war, Maj. Smith flew 17 bombing missions and earned an Air Medal and two Oak Clusters before returning home to his young wife and first child. As we remember our servicemen this Veterans Day and celebrate the 70th anniversary of D-Day, Smith’s granddaughter, Alpharetta mom Monica Gomez, and her daughter, Celia, are celebrating his service in a meaningful way. “The idea of a unique calendar featuring ‘Bomber Girls’ is the brainchild of Atlanta resident Harriet Adams,” Monica explained. “Last February, a call went out in the Atlanta Journal Constitution for daughters and granddaughters of veteran fliers to be photographed wearing the flight jackets of WWII veterans.” No one anticipated the response from over 60 applicants wishing to honor their relatives from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and soon the project became a 24-month calendar. “I sent in an application since my grandfather who is now 94 and lives in Michigan was a B-17 pilot during WWII,” said Monica. “When the application was accepted, I told them I had a daughter I could bring along for the shoot. Celia had the honor of being featured on the back cover of the calendar.” It turns out the leather jackets are not only valuable for their nostalgia, but also because of their rarity. Soldiers were asked to turn in all of their flight gear after the war, and Monica’s grandfather was no exception. “My grandfather wanted to keep his original bomber jacket but apparently, escape plans were hidden within the lining and so he relinquished the jacket; although he held

My kids realize they’re lucky to hear their greatgrandfather’s stories. They know what he did to fight for freedom in this country and around the world.”

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theinterview ▼ THE INTERVIEW, Continued from Page 6

MONICA GOMEZ

1 MONICA GOMEZ

the calendar tell a story of each veteran’s life. Monica feels the calendar is also a tribute to the women who loved these men. “It was common for marriages and pregnancies to happen in a hurry during war time in order for the soldier’s family name to be carried on,” she said. “My grandparents fell in love and married this way, and my mother was born in May of 1945, a girl who was then given her father’s name – Scott – for her middle name. It’s true those jackets got the men through tough times of life and death and in some ways, brought them home. The jackets represent so much about the courage and sacrifices of the veteran fliers we love. And now we’re their living legacies.” While Maj. Scott Russell Smith’s story is not included in the pages of the calendar, Monica is hopeful there will be other opportunities. “I was told that Harriet Adams hopes to come out with a book featuring more stories, including ours, sometime later this year,” she said. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed.” The Buckhead Bomber Girls calendars are available for purchase through www.mightyeighth. org. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. You can also check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ BuckheadBomberGirls. ■

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J KING IMAGES

1. Celia Gomez presents her great-grandfather, Scott Russell Smith, with a copy of the Buckhead Bomber Girls calendar. 2. Second Lt. Scott Russell Smith, USAF 1943, age 23. He later became a major and B-17 combat pilot in the 388th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. 3. Monica Gomez and her daughter, Celia Gomez. 4. Celia Gomez waits to be photographed with her great-grandfather’s flight jacket.

getting to know...

getting to know her

DEVON MORGAN/PHOTOSYNTHESIS ATLANTA

Officer Erin Johnson, 31, of the Roswell Police Department, grew up in metro Atlanta and is passionate about helping people in her local community, especially children, feel safe and protected.

Erin Johnson,

By KATIE VANBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com When did you decide to pursue law enforcement as a career? My initial plan was to obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, then attend law school to practice criminal law. As part of my degree requirements, I chose to intern with a local police department, thinking it would be more entertaining than a law firm. It was definitely entertaining, and it made me realize that I would rather be out in the community as a police officer than in an office as an attorney. How long have you been with the Roswell Police Department? For almost seven years now. I started my career on patrol, assigned to morning watch from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and I loved it! I have been in the Community Relations Unit for the past several years, and I love that, too. What I do now is extremely different from patrolling, but it is rewarding in a different way. What are your primary duties? I go to schools, businesses, neighborhood and community meetings to explain how the police department works and how we can work together to prevent or solve crimes. I also teach S.A.F.E. women’s self-defense classes and am a certified radKIDS instructor, which teaches kids how to be safe in a variety of situations – everything from bullying to safety around water. It’s a 10-hour, all-encompassing program with hands-on practice drills. It’s fantastic and we’ve had great feedback from the community on it. What do you enjoy the most? Working with kids is my favorite part of my position. They are so brutally honest and innocent, and I think we can make the biggest difference with them. It breaks my heart to see children who are afraid of police officers because I want them to understand that we are their

with her youn

g son.

the bulletproof vest I wear under my shirt to help keep me safe. Without missing a beat, a little girl raised her hand and asked what I wore under my pants. I busted out laughing – just when you think you’ve heard it all!

g kids to not

aches youn in Johnson te

Er officers.

lice

be afraid of po

friends and here to help them if they need it. I recently went to an elementary school and met a little girl who was terrified to speak with me because police officers had been to her house in the past and it had frightened her. She eventually warmed up to me and by the end of my visit, she was sitting in the backseat of my patrol car, talking on the PA system with a big smile on her face.

What is your favorite thing about being a police officer? Knowing that I have made a difference in people’s lives. Police officers see people at their lowest lows sometimes, so it can easily make you jaded if you don’t keep some perspective. Every once in a while, I will run into someone I really helped, often I didn’t even know I really helped them at the time, and it makes all the hard work worth it. ■

Are the kids surprised to see a female officer? Yes, almost always! They say, “Hey, you’re a lady policeman!” I also get a lot of moms and grandmas who tell me how happy they are to see a woman in a traditionally male position. At an event a few weeks ago at Home Depot, two little girls came running up to meet me, asking a million questions. Their grandma said they saw me across the parking lot and were so excited to see a lady police officer. They gave me big hugs and we took a picture together after they crawled through the back of my police car to see what it was all about. I try to be a positive role model for all kids, but I think I make the biggest impression on some of the little girls. What do the kids want to know about your job? I get a lot of traditional questions about guns and bad guys, but sometimes they can be pretty funny. I remember speaking to an elementary class about my equipment and everything I have on my duty belt, and I showed them

Erin Johnson tea ches radKIDS stu dents how to de themselves. fend

november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 9

♥ unsung‘she’ro

Shannon’s legacy Mother fights to strengthen laws protecting women from domestic abuse

Shannon Lawrence, left, with mother Diana Macksey.

By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com She was loved. Three simple words come to Diana Macksey when remembering her daughter, Shannon, who lost her life three years ago at the hands of an abusive ex-boyfriend in his final act of rage against her. “How do you describe your beautiful, precious child in a paragraph? It is actually cruel to have to do so,” said Diana, reflecting the pain it takes to refer to her daughter in past tense. “My Shannon was an amazing person,” she said. “She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. I could go on and on about her, but I will keep it simple. She was loved.” On a warm spring day in June, in the parking lot of a bank in Milton, 25-yearold Shannon Lawrence was shot to death in front of her two young children during a custody exchange with their father. Diana knows in her final moments Shannon was protecting her children from Chris Erdman, whom she had a restraining order against. When the gun appeared, Diana knows her daughter’s maternal instincts took over. “She loved being a mother most of all and cherished her children,” said Diana, who lives in Cherokee County and works in North Fulton. “The greatest sacrifice a mother can make is [her life for her children]. We all say we would do that for our children, but she did.” Shannon’s death, while tragic, was unfortunately not unique. Every 24 minutes, women in the U.S. are assaulted by their domestic partner; and each day, three of them lose their life.

While everyone decries the acts, few with the power to change the laws do anything substantive. In 2012, the U.S. Congress failed to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the first time since it passed in 1994. After a protracted fight, the law was reauthorized in 2013. Perhaps it took an event in an Atlantic City elevator – NFL star Ray Rice knocking his wife out cold – to focus the attention of the entire country on the epidemic of domestic abuse. But it’s a focus Diana has had since the day she buried her daughter, amidst a funeral service that drew more than 1,000 mourners who came to say goodbye to the 2004 Sequoyah High School graduate. Diana recognized broad sweeping laws full of “should and shall” do little tangibly to protect a woman in the crosshairs of a man intent on harm and revenge. “Our current system [to protect abused women] is a joke,” said Diana, who moved to Georgia in 1990. “Shannon did everything right…restraining orders, police reports, documented emails, text messages, recordings of violent outrages on the phone. There was no reason for her to die. She should still be here.” Erdman, who lived in Cumming, had a concealed weapons license and owned several guns. That information was provided to judges in both Forsyth and Cherokee when Shannon obtained restraining orders. “Shannon filed seven police reports for stalking, violent public outbursts and fear for her life, [but] the guns

Shannon did everything right…restraining orders, police reports, documented emails, text messages, recordings of violent outrages on the phone. There was no reason for her to die. She should still be here.” Diana Macksey

10 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

were never addressed,” said Diana, who believes Erdman should not have been allowed to carry a weapon while a restraining order was in place – especially during custody exchanges. The current laws also bind the hands of police officers who can do little when shown only threatening texts or emails, without an actual act of violence to investigate. This past June marked three years since her daughter’s death. In April, after a protracted legal fight that drained her physically and emotionally, Shannon’s

► See UNSUNG‘SHE’RO, Page 26

november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 11

goodbooks

GARY W. MEEK PHOTOGRAPHY

TAMARA REYNOLDS

Author and founder of Women Alone Together, Carolyn Newton Curry.

Author Cassandra King Conroy.

A Heart f ♥r Women

Inspiring courage and advocating for the timeless power of story

BY KIMBERLY BROCK

arolyn Newton Curry is a woman with a heart for women and their stories. She’s an advocate for the long-reaching power of story to connect us and inspire courage and has devoted herself to that belief not only in her life as an academic, but through philanthropic service. The author of “Suffer and Grow Strong, The Life of Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas (1834-1907),” Curry has devoted more than 30 years to the study of Thomas’s 41-year diary of 450,000 words, 15 scrapbooks and legal documents. Curry’s celebrated work is the first fulllength biography of Thomas’ incredible life. “When I was in graduate school, I was looking for a woman – hopefully a Georgia woman – that would keep my interest for several years,” said Curry. “I was passionate about finding the women who had been left out of the history books. “I was fortunate that my advisor John Matthews at Georgia State knew about the diary [Thomas] kept, and he suggested that I go to Duke University to look at it,” she said. “I was immediately caught up in her life. Her story is one of survival against all odds – death of children and other loved-ones during the war, loss of wealth and the necessity to form a new identity after the war. She became president of Georgia Woman Suffrage Association in 1899, the first time they met in convention.” Curry speaks of Thomas with great admiration. “It took enormous courage to take on that task at a time in our history when that was thought radical,” she said. “She was just so interesting and compelling. She was an intelligent woman, a good writer and wanted to have a meaningful life.” This compelling description is befitting of Curry, herself. Her passion for the well-being of women, past and present, was awakened during her years at Agnes Scott College and was further inspired by Thomas’ life. In

fall 2002, with support from Agnes Scott, Curry formed Women Alone Together (WAT), a group for women who find themselves faced with the challenges of a solitary life. WAT welcomes women of all ages who are widows, divorcees, single by choice or women who are married but feel alone because of a chronically ill spouse or because they are physically, mentally or spiritually separated from their mates. Not surprising to Curry, a book group formed almost immediately. “From the beginning, we have had a book group so that the women have a nice night out, but also have something substantive to do,” she said. “Reading a good book and talking about it along with a delicious meal and interesting company cannot be beat. We have been doing it for over 12 years, and it is very popular. I get so much from it, and so do the other women.” The book group meets once a month in the evening at The Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge Road in Atlanta, and runs through the school year. Many distinguished writers visit with the WAT group, including Natasha Tretheway, who just finished her term as U.S. Poet Laureate 2012-2014 and spoke at the WAT May meeting last year. It seems a natural fit that this November brings bestselling author Cassandra King, a longtime friend of Curry, to discuss her novel, “Moonrise.” Curry and King’s friendship was born out of their mutual love of writing, but extends well beyond their work. Their husbands are also friends. Carolyn is the wife of former National Football League player, college coach and ESPN analyst Bill Curry. Cassandra is married to renowned Southern author Pat Conroy. King’s work is notably centered on the struggles and triumphs of women in the South, and she shares Curry’s belief that books are an avenue for women to discuss the tough stuff in their lives, the times they’ve struggled or felt

Curry is the founder and chair of Women Alone Together, a nonprofit foundation created to meet the needs of women who are alone in our culture. The well-being of women past and present has been her lifelong passion.

12 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

uncertain or isolated or maybe even consider how uncertainty can be an opportunity for adventure. “Each of my books is about the transformative power of friendship,” King said. “What we’ll give up for someone we love, bonds between family members who aren’t blood-related and in the case of ‘Moonrise,’ betrayal in friendship.” King explains that “Moonrise” was inspired by a classic gothic romance and a trip to a shadowy summer house in Highlands, North Carolina. “By happy accident, I had brought one of my favorite books with me that summer, Daphne du Maurier’s ‘Rebecca.’ It might not have been the best choice when I found myself alone in the isolated old house for a few weeks,” said King. “While wandering through the overgrown gardens, I stumbled upon a stone circle marking the final resting place of the previous owner, the woman who had created the wildly beautiful but neglected gardens.” King said. “In my mind, and in that secret place writers go to weave our stories, I became the woman who had come into her house, her gardens, her life.” King’s “Moonrise” will intrigue and most definitely spark lots of conversation for the WAT book group and for women far and wide, just as “Suffer and Grow” provides further proof that Curry is right about the empowering stories of women and the timeless bonds between them. Our stories assure us and provide solidarity in our experiences. For better or worse, they tell us who we are, where we’ve been and how far we can reach. Most importantly, they remind us we are never alone.

To Learn More: www.womenalonetogether.org/ www.carolyncurry.net/ www.cassandrakingconroy.com/

► See GOOD BOOKS, Page 14

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goodbooks

▼ GOOD BOOKS, Continued from Page 12

Suffer and Grow STRONG: The Life of Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas (1834-1907) By Carolyn Newton Curry

lla Gertrude Clanton Thomas was an intelligent, spirited woman born in 1834 to one of the wealthiest families in Georgia. For 41 years, beginning at age 14, she kept a diary. In the early years, she described her life of leisure and experiences at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia. But the Civil War and its aftermath changed her life forever. Thomas experienced bankruptcy, the death of loved ones, serious illness and devastating family strife. She left Augusta and moved to Atlanta where she found comfort in her work with temperance and suffrage movements. In 1899, she was elected president of the Georgia Woman Suffrage Association. Thomas was sensitive to the well-being of other women, she said, because she herself had “suffered and grown strong.” Her life is an amazing story of survival and transformation that speaks to women in our own time.

Moonrise

By Cassandra King Conroy

new wife arrives at Moonrise, a forbidding old Victorian house in an eerily beautiful setting, hoping to be embraced by the family and friends of her new husband, a charismatic journalist whose previous wife died under mysterious circumstances. Instead, she finds herself rejected and reviled, unable to forge an identity apart from the lingering presence of her predecessor. Her arrival unexpectedly sets forces in motion, ultimately leading to the uncovering of long-hidden desires and the tragic consequences of betrayal. She soon she wonders if she can trust anyone, even the man she loves. Set in the cloudshrouded mountains of western North Carolina, at a summer vacation spot that attracts many of the wealthy from Atlanta and elsewhere, Moonrise combines du Maurier’s command of suspense, intrigue and foreboding with King’s light approach to human foible. ■ Milton mom Kimberly Brock is an award-winning author, founder of Tinderbox Writer’s Workshop and owner of Kimberly Brock Pilates. kimberlybrockbooks.com

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Savor the Flavorsof Fall By KATIE VANBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

avor the flavors of fall with these delicious recipes from Olivia White, Cooking Specialist for the new Whole Foods Market in Alpharetta’s Avalon development. White gives live demonstrations in the store weekly. “It’s a

Butternut Risotto with Sage and Parmesan Ingredients: 1 small butternut squash 6 cups chicken stock 4 TBS butter ½ onion, finely diced 2 TBS fresh sage, chopped 2 cups Arborio rice Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional) Preparation: In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil, reduce heat and keep at a simmer. Trim ends of the squash and remove the skin with a vegetable peeler. Slice the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cube the squash into half inch pieces. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add the cubed squash, onion and sage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just golden – about 5 minutes. Add half a cup of the hot stock and cook until the squash is tender, about 10 minutes. Gently smash the squash against the pan as you stir.

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Captiva Island rests in quiet privacy in the Gulf of Mexico. It has become the preferred vacation destination (as well as permanent residence) for well-informed travelers. For Captiva Island offers what few other Florida beaches can: luxurious accommodations in the midst of unspoiled, natural beauty. This is also a favorite spot for Family Reunions, and Captiva was the #1 rated “Romantic Beaches in the U.S. and Nearby” by Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s Editor-at-Large*. We invite you to log on to www.captiva-island.com to check out our December special events and view thousands of photographs of Captiva and its vacation homes, from quaint to awesome. We provide advance travel info for our new and returning visitors to help them plan and arrange their trip: accommodations, leisure activities, ecotours, satellite images of Captiva, history of the islands, local points of interest. Tell us how we can help you at 800-547-0127. We want all our guests to be happy here, which is why we match your needs to our various houses and price ranges. We’ll see that you get the best value and so enjoy your best vacation. And be the first of your friends to “like” us on Facebook.

See you at the beach!

16 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

fun, laid-back environment where customers can learn simple cooking techniques, recipes and how to incorporate more of our bulk foods into their diet, such as beans, rice, lentils, nuts and seeds,” she said. Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/ avalon for a monthly calendar including days and times of the demonstrations.

Stir in the rice and season with a little salt and pepper. Add one ladleful of hot stock to the rice and cook, stirring until stock is absorbed. Continue adding stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more - the cooking process will take about 20 minutes. If you have used all of your chicken stock and the rice is still too firm for your liking, you can heat a few cups of additional water and add one ladleful at a time until rice is to your liking. When you can drag a spoon through the center of the rice and make a clean line, your risotto is done. Stir through the fresh grated parmesan and garnish with parsley and fresh cracked pepper if desired. Serves 4-6.

► See GOOD EATS, Page 18

Color Experts

Roswell

Roswell Crossing 625 West Crossville Road Suite 124 770.993.3710 salon124.com

november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 17

goodeats

▼ GOOD EATS, Continued from Page 16

Sausage and Quinoa One-Pot Supper

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

A quick and easy weeknight dinner, filled with wholesome foods and holiday flavor.

Pumpkin pie in a breakfast bowl—perfect for a chilly morning!

Ingredients: 12 oz. fresh or smoked sausage, cut into (1/2 inch) cubes 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 TBS fresh sage, chopped 1 cup apple or pear hard cider 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained ½ cup dried cranberries 1 tsp fine sea salt 2 cups chopped kale or spinach leaves, lightly packed ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk ½ cup pumpkin puree ¼ cup brown sugar 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch sea salt 1 ½ cups organic quick oats ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

Preparation: In a large pot, cook sausage, onions and sage over medium-high heat until just browned, about 10 minutes. Add cider, quinoa, cranberries, salt and 3/4 cup water and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is just absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in kale, cover again and set aside off of the heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork and serve. Top with sliced almond for garnish. Serves 4.

Preparation: In a medium sized saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin, sugar, spice, vanilla and salt and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the oats and stir for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cover for 2 minutes. In a medium sized skillet, toast the pecans on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Serve oatmeal warm garnished with toasted pecans. Note: The whole milk can easily be substituted for unsweetened almond or coconut milk for a dairy free alternative. Serves 4.

Caramelized Apples with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Toasted Pecans Ingredients: 1 TBS salted butter 2 honey crisp apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 tsp cinnamon

1 TBS brown sugar 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped 1 cup vanilla bean ice cream Preparation: In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, cinnamon, brown sugar and lemon zest and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are just tender and golden - about 5 minutes. In a medium sized skillet, toast the pecans on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, tossing regularly to prevent burning. Divide the apples evenly between two serving bowls. Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to each and sprinkle generously with the toasted pecans. Serves 2.

► See GOOD EATS, Page 20

One hour of shopping cannot detect colon cancer. One hour in my ofﬁce can.

Don’t Miss a Beat

We specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, th including hepatitis A, B and C—with a focus on colon cancer screening and prevention.

Take control of your hearing and your life Hearing loss and balance disorders are not just age-related. Other medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infection, and primary disorders of the ear can be the cause. If left untreated, people with hearing loss are up to five times more likely to suffer from dementia. Studies have shown that hearing amplification can drastically improve patients’ quality of life.

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18 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

Roy S. Schottenfeld, Raymond L. Schettino, Bryant T. Conger, M.D. M.D., F.A.C.S. M.D.

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november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 19

goodeats

• 30+ Years of experience. 1,000s of satisfied patients • Open Monday - Saturday with flexible hours • Relax – full comfort menu and all levels of sedation available • FREE second opinion We’re not just practicing dentistry, we’re perfecting it.

Learn from the experts about your options with implants at our ar FREE Dental Implant Seminar & Dinner – December 4th Limited seating! Register today att www.JBDentalCare.com

▼ GOOD EATS, Continued from Page 18

What to do with all that leftover turkey?

fter the Thanksgiving feast is over, it’s time to get creative with all those leftovers. Visit www.wholefoodsmarket/recipe for an extensive recipe database. A quick search for “leftover turkey” revealed dozens of healthy ideas such as the following:

Turkey Pot Pie An American Top Dentist 7 yrs in a row

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Would be equally delicious with shredded roasted chicken. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced 2 large carrots, chopped 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced ½ pound button mushrooms, quartered ½ pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1.5 cups turkey or low-sodium chicken broth 2 cups chopped, cooked turkey ½ cup heavy cream, divided 1 teaspoon dried thyme Salt and pepper, to taste 2 (9-inch) frozen whole wheat pie shells (in pie pans) Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large heavy

Some restrictions apply. Offers cannot be combined. Pricing valid through 11/30/14. Call for details

skillet. Add leeks, carrots and celery and cook over medium heat until softened but not browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and set aside. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in skillet. Add mushrooms and cook over medium high heat until they have given off their moisture and are tender, about 10 minutes. Add leek mixture to skillet and toss to combine. Add flour, stir well and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add broth while stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until very thick. Add turkey, all but 1 tablespoon of the cream, thyme, salt and pepper and stir well. Transfer contents of skillet to a large bowl and set aside to let cool. Remove pie crusts from the freezer and set one aside to let thaw. Fill remaining pie crust with cooled turkey mixture and moisten the edges with a bit of water. When remaining pie crust is thawed but still cold, invert pie pan on top of turkey mixture so that pie crust falls over the top of the pie. Press down on top crust gently, then crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush crust all over with remaining tablespoon of cream and bake until golden brown, crust is cooked through and filling is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Set aside to let cool for 15 minutes, then cut into slices and serve. Serves 6-8. ■

Leading Adult Senior Day Care in Johns Creek Since 2006.

Exciting times are just around the corner for SarahCare. We are spreading our wings, to provide more and be more, all for you. Keep an eye on SarahCare in the coming months.

Day Center • Home Care Visit us online at www.sarahcare.com/johnscreek or call (404) 410-1510 for more information. 4265 Johns Creek Pkwy., Ste B • Johns Creek, GA 30024 20 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

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women in business

Kathy Swahn

beyond their comfort zone

n Oct. 15, the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce presented “Women Who Walk the Walk beyond Their Comfort Zone,” an afternoon of networking and inspiration for professional women. Held at the Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta, the event featured an address by Anna Cablik, chief executive officer of Anatek Steel, who shared wisdom for creating strategies for balancing a robust professional life with a meaningful personal life. Love what you do, she advised those dreaming of starting their own business. Stay positive, have a plan and don’t give up. Lee Chadwick, president and owner of the Metropolitan Club, advised professional women to feel good about their choices and not let negative people drag them down. Watch out for stress, she advised, because if you let it get to you, you will feel powerless, and no one operates effectively through fear. In keeping with the event’s theme, guests were invited to bring a new or nearly new pair of shoes to be donated to the Drake House. In total, 72 pairs of shoes were collected. Kathy Swahn, executive director of the Drake House, was very appreciative of the gesture, explaining how such donations can help many women in crisis learn to “Walk the Walk.”

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4205 North Point Pkwy., Bldg. B, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 751-1240 | www.JWJordan.com 22 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

Anna Cablik

Lee Chadwick

To learn more, contact Ciara Montalbo, director of communications for the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce, at Ciara@alpharettachamber.com or visit www.alpharettachamber. com. ■

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Bill’s Holiday Beauty Gift Guide Nobody knows beauty better than celebrity hairstylist BILL MURPHY. Here are his top choices for a beautiful holiday season: RECITALS HAIRCARE Limited Edition Gift Set –

This multi-purpose haircare system includes Recitals’ popular products: Symphony Volumizing Shampoo, Rhapsody Reparative Conditioner, Melody Moisture Miracle Crème, and Bolero Molding Gel – as well as two exciting new products that are being launched this season – Maestro Mud Masque and Ovation Volumizing Spray Oil. Formulated with fine quality natural and organic ingredients for all hair types, these products work seamlessly with each other and are completely free of parabens, silicones and the harsh chemical detergents present in traditional products. The entire set retails for $165 for a limited time at Recitalshaircare.com.

Turbo Industries Twin Turbo 2600 Blowdryer – RECITALS Hair Care Brushes –

The RECITALS hair brushes comes in 4 flavors; small, medium, large round brush, and a paddle brush. The RECITALS round brush is made with natural boar bristles and a ceramic polymer anti-static base. The Paddle brush has an anti-static rubber base and ceramic polymer bristles.

This is a professional grade tool that is user friendly and simple to operate, get salon results at home with ease. Whether you want straight shiny hair or to pump up the volume, this tool is a must.

Anuva Hair Nourishing Complex –

A firm believer in the healthy approach to hair maintenance and care, Bill recommends Anuva for men and women who are facing significant hair loss. It’s anti-aging products for hair. Fortified with natural ingredients this is an excellent line that stimulates the scalp and promotes hair regrowth. 24 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

These fine products can be found at Salon Encore and other fine retailers 1790 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Ga 30041

You Deserve The Best.

Isn’t It Time You Get The Attention You Deserve? Escape the daily grind and surrender to serenity at SALON ENCORE. With the holidays just around the corner, the time to prepare for all those upcoming gatherings and parties is now. So sit back and let celebrity stylist BILL MURPHY and his team of highly trained beauty professionals restore your well being, revitalize your look and rejuvenate your beauty. Whether you’re looking to add volume, straighten those curly locks, add sun kissed highlights, or lengthen your hair with extensions, this is the place to find the finest solutions. From a simple blow out to a stylistic new cut, from getting vibrant color to lavishing your hair with luxurious treatments, this is your one-stop oasis to experience the kind of pampering you deserve. BILL MURPHY opened SALON ENCORE to deliver not only the very latest trends and advances in hair and beauty but also provide everyone with the kind of exceptional personal attention and service that he dedicates to his celebrity clientele. His work on luminaries such as Brook Shields, Pamela Anderson and as well as models gracing the runways globally has made his beauty expertise much sought-after by beauty magazines and websites. Today, he continues to astound the industry with his groundbreaking natural and healthy RECITALS Hair Care products, which he uses at SALON ENCORE along with other fine quality beauty brands. Discover for yourself the beautiful difference SALON ENCORE can make to your holidays. If you’re ready to look amazing, feel fabulous and revel in the results - book an appointment today by phone or online!

$25 OFF Single Service $50 OFF Multiple Services Some restrictions apply. Select stylists only. To be used by new client on initial visit. Please mention code # UIC0814 when you are booking your appointment. Exp. 11/30/14

1790 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041 www.salon-encore.net www.facebook.com/salonencore

678-341-9412 november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 25

unsung‘she’ro

Domestic violence and guns in Georgia

▼ UNSUNG‘SHE’RO, Continued from Page 10

Georgia has no laws restricting access to firearms by domestic abusers.

killer was finally sentenced to life behind bars, with no chance of parole. Diana is indebted to Fulton County prosecutor Paul Howard and the Milton Police Department for providing justice for Shannon. “It took me a while to gain my strength, and this is the first time I am speaking out,” said Diana. “This is the start of a lifelong campaign to support domestic violence victims.” She is now directing her grief and fury to fixing the system that should have protected her daughter. She wants to see “Shannon’s Law” passed, which would dictate how custody exchanges are handled when a restraining order is in place. Custodial parents would meet at a police station or other place of protection for the exchange, or the exchange would be conducted by a court appointed guardian with parents arriving at different times. “This way, the victim never is in the presence of the person whom the restraining order has been assigned. At the same time, the children are protected and the accused is allowed their rights to be with their children,” said Diana. She hopes a local legislator will take up the cause, and work to make Georgia the model for domestic violence prevention. For all the protections – the restraining orders, the police reports, the cameras mounted throughout her home – Diana had a premonition the man Shannon met in 2007 would be a threat to her life after the relationship ended in 2011. “We even discussed it at great lengths because of the abusive and threatening letters he sent to her. There was just no way to protect her. We tried with every inch of our being,” said Diana. Just weeks before she died, Shannon, perhaps with a

Georgia has no law prohibiting those subject to domestic violence protective orders, or who have been convicted of a misdemeanor related to domestic violence, to possess or purchase firearms. Georgia does not require the surrender of firearms owned by a person who becomes prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. Georgia does not bar people convicted of stalking (a misdemeanor) from purchasing or possessing firearms. Georgia does not require a background check for those shopping at gun shows or over the Internet.

Every 24 minutes, women in the U.S. are assaulted by their domestic partner; and each day, three of them lose their life.

similar premonition, asked her mother to keep her children safe and healthy if something ever happened to her. “My grandbabies are my inspiration to go on. I am the one who will keep their mommy alive with her memories when they grow up,” said Diana. She remembers with cruel clarity the phone call to Shannon’s father from the hospital. The first words that came out were, “he finally did it.” No one needed to say who. The hours following were a blur of memories Diana tries hard to forget, but thoughts loop continually in her mind. “It was all so unreal. How does a mother donate her daughter’s organs an hour after she is dead? I did it,” she said. “How does a mother sleep knowing her baby is on an autopsy table at the GBI crime lab? I watched TV. How do you tell a 3-year-old her mommy is in heaven…or have to wean a 1-year-old?” Like many victims of domestic abuse, Shannon refused to uproot her life and flee in fear. She had moved ahead with her life, her children were doing well and she was attending Kennesaw State University with plans to become a nurse. “We all wanted to send [her and the children] to another state to get away, but she wouldn’t do it. She was a

From 2003 through 2012, a total of 283 women were killed by an intimate partner with a gun. A Public Policy Poll in May 2013 showed 71 percent of Georgia voters – and 81 percent of women – supported expanding background checks to keep guns from criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people.

Information provided by the Center for American Progress and the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

fighter,” said Diana. In a picture of the two that Diana treasures, the bond between mother and daughter is as apparent as their likeness to each other. In Shannon’s eyes are brightness and hope. In her mother’s eyes shine pure love. “It is still hard for me to believe she is gone, even three years later,” she said. “To me, she was here yesterday and will be here tomorrow. I don’t think I will ever let go of that. She never leaves me.” Diana pushes past the pain knowing if she can change the laws, she can save other parents living her daily nightmare. She reaches out to others going through similar situations. It is what Shannon would want her to do. “I must keep Shannon’s voice alive. I will not let her murder be in vain,” said Diana. “By the grace of God we survived, and by the grace of God, I will be here to help others survive as well.” ■

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Holiday Gift Guide 2014

An advertising supplement

◄ Looking for a fun gift to enjoy together? Join the company of family, friends or coworkers when you share our energetic Paint and Sip sessions at Art & Beyond Studio. No worries of your artistic ability, you will enjoy an evening of friendship, music and direction as you are led through the steps needed to complete your own masterpiece. We make it fun and easy - ideal for a Date Night, Family time/reunion, Girls’ Night Out, etc. We can plan your private party too! We supply all the painting supplies. You are encouraged to bring your favorite libation and snacks to our studio. Visit us at www.artandbeyondstudio. com to see our weekly Paint & Sip Calendar or contact us directly at 770-954-6102.

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28 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

The perfect gift for you or someone on your list; the perfect haircut just in time for Holiday parties. Use our convenient gift cards to let the special people in your life pick one of our top stylists or barbers to create or enhance your special look.

◄

The Perfect Gift for the Cigar Lover Cutters the premier smoking lounge in Georgia carries a full selection of the worlds finest cigars including Padron, My Father’s Cigars, Don Pepin and more. Special holiday gift boxes, samplers, accessories and gift cards are available.

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► Armistead Armory "Our family, protecting yours" From seasoned veterans to first time lookers, Armistead Armory is the first choice for concealed carry and home defense in Alpharetta. If you're interested in learning more about owning a firearm and would like to talk to someone in a zero pressure environment about which firearm would be best for you and your family, we'd love to talk to you.

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◄ Relax, Be Pampered and Enjoy a Luxurious Facial to help smooth the stress right out of your life. Our beautiful MedSpa is the perfect place for the Total Beauty Experience. Solera Salon & Spa’s worldclass staff is available to cater to all your beauty needs. The perfect gift for you or someone on your list to maintain good skin health and that Special Glow.

C J's TALK OF THE TOWN ► specializes in finding that unique and special something that is irresistible and unforgettable. From fabulous fashions for all figures, one of a kind handcrafted jewelry and scarves, to little books that melt and mend your heart, original art, and experience the ultimate in faux fur luxury and gorgeous handbags! Give the gift of travel – memories you’ll always cherish. Moments and experiences that won’t soon be forgotten. ◄ The Cruise & Vacation Authority 770-952-8300 Located in the Middle of Deerfield Place Shopping Center 13083 Georgia 9 | #710 | Milton, GA 30004 678-242-0500 | cjstalkofthetown.com

◄ GET THAT DAY AT THE BEACH FEEL TO BOMBSHELL HAIR Tousled, touchable waves, and with a sun-kissed shine...without the salty stiffness. Our moisturizing glamour spray uses rich extracts and exotic oils for lush repair and sultry texture. 1790 Peachtree Pkwy. | Suite 204 | Cumming, GA 30041 www.salon-encore.net | 678-341-9412

november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 29

◄ RECITALS HAIRCARE, Limited Edition Gift Set. This multi-purpose haircare system includes Recitals’ popular products: Symphony Volumizing Shampoo, Rhapsody Reparative Conditioner, Melody Moisture Miracle Crème, and Bolero Molding Gel – as well as two exciting new products that are being launched this season – Maestro Mud Masque and Ovation Volumizing Spray Oil. Formulated with fine quality natural and organic ingredients for all hair types, these products work seamlessly with each other and are completely free of parabens, silicones and the harsh chemical detergents present in traditional products. The entire set retails for $165 for a limited time at Recitalshaircare.com 1790 Peachtree Pkwy. | Suite 204 | Cumming, GA 30041 www.salon-encore.net | www.recitalshaircare.com | 678-341-9412

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LaVida Massage No matter who’s on your list, gift cards from LaVida Massage are the perfect gift for everybody! Open 7 days a week, extended hours, GA licensed therapists, therapeutic, convenient and affordable! Shop our Unique Boutique for beautiful gifts, jewelry and fun fashion accessories. Find the perfect gift For someone on your shopping list with one of a kind special finds.

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LaVida Massage of Alpharetta 12460 Crabapple Road | Alpharetta, GA 30004 LaVidaMassageAlpharettaGA.com | 770-740-0654 LaVida Massage of Cumming 5485 Bethelview Road (by Castleberry Publix) | Cumming, GA 30040 LaVidaMassageCummingGA.com | 678-947-4642

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LaVida Massage of Johns Creek 10945 State Bridge Road | Johns Creek, GA 30022 LaVidaMassageJohnsCreekGA.com | 678-624-9091

◄ THE GIFT OF BEAUTY Receive a $20 gift card with any purchase of a facial treatment. Redeemable on the next treatment appointment (excludes teen and 30 min facial).

Beautiful Skin Esthetics 1655 Mansell Road, Suite 231-A (Inside Solera Salon and Medspa) Alpharetta, GA 30009 | 404-528-4500 30 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 31

woman's best friend

Ask the vet: The importanceof microchipping your pet QUESTION:

Why should I have my pet microchipped?

very so often we have pet owners that come by our clinic with a picture of their beloved pet. They ask us to have it displayed on our website and our windows. Their lost pet is nowhere to be found, and they are trying to contact as many veterinary clinics/hospitals in the area as possible. Searching for a lost pet is difficult, emotionally and physically. You have probably seen the flyers taped to stop signs and on light posts. Our hearts always go out to the owners of these pets, and we feel helpless as we know that the possibilities of finding them are low. Luckily, each day we are experiencing more success stories. This is mostly due to microchips. Microchips are injectable chips that veterinary clinics can apply at your request. These microchips are read by scanners. Most, if not all veterinary clinics and shelters have these scanners. Once the lost pet has been scanned at a clinic or animal shelter, the microchip is detected. The owners get a call from the clinic/ shelter and a happy reunion ensues. Microchips are very affordable and can be done on an outpatient basis,

meaning that it can be done through a regular appointment at your veterinary clinic. This procedure is similar to administering a vaccination. Once your pet has been microchipped, you have to be sure and register it. Microchips are registered on line through the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. Pets adopted from shelters are automatically chipped as this is part of their protocol, but always double check so that your pet has the best chance of being found again. â&#x2013;

Dr. Beatriz Segarra is the owner and veterinarian at the Village Animal Hospital on Abbotts Bridge Road in Johns Creek. www.thevillageanimalhospital.com 32 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

Eat Fabulous Food. Drink Delicious Drinks. Think Pink. In October, order from our special THINK PINK me enu and we’ll give 50% of the proceeds to the o Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition.

Let’s Beat Breast Cancer Together.

Chef Greg DeMichiel Celebrity Chef. Food Network. Bravo. VH1.

LUNCH DINNER BRUNCH OFF-SITE CATERING

www.siprestaurants.com The Collection at Forsyth Cumming: 678-513-0791 12635 Crabapple Road Milton: 770-475-7121

november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 33

Complimentary

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Throughout the Holidays!

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Tuscany Fine Furnishings Offering Life Sytle Fine Furnishings and Interior Design Services for Every Room in Your Home! Tuscany’s Industry Leading Suppliers – View and shop all collection links from our homepage tuscanyfinefurnishings.com AICO ART Furniture Accessories Abroad Adagio Ambella Home American Bedding American Drew Arteriors Home Artistica Aspen Bailey Street Bassett Mirror Co. Bernhardt Bradington-Young

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herstyle

SPONSORED SECTION

Design

Interiors

orth Atlanta is a hub for trendy-yet-refined interior decor. With plenty of brick and mortar stores to choose from, the difficult part is picking which styles best reflect your personality and taste. Below, experts offer their views on the staples and fads.

It’s That Time Of Year

all fell upon us quickly this year. And, as always, it has inspired us to bring the outdoors inside. Seeing all of the fall colors mixed with natural elements can be inspiring for your decor. You can simply add oranges, golds, greens and other jewel tones of the Fall Season to your existing room (color palette). Or, you can go with the more subtle fall elements of nature, bringing the outdoor in by filling an urn or clear table vases with naked tree branches, twigs and pine cones. Earth tones warm up any home and make it festive without being specific to any particular holiday or season. ■ Cindy McClanahan Lear is an Interior Designer for the full service design center, Tuscany Fine Furnishings 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. in Roswell, tuscanyfinefurnishings.com, 770-993-0640 open Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m.

Bottoms Up - Start With Your Floor

t’s often said that “hardwoods are very Atlanta” and the impressive home designs of Atlanta always include hardwood floors. Tile is great, but costs can far surpass a hardwood floor. Tile shapes can often change in style, but take an old 2 1/4” oak floor plank and, when updated with a new stain and coat of polyurethane, it still looks fabulous in any home in any time. A few facts about engineered and solids: • Solid hardwoods need to be installed over plywood and will shrink and expand based on humidity. The beauty is it can be sanded and restained several times throughout its life. • Engineered woods are processed under heat and pressure and, therefore, will not fluctuate in size because of humidity. They can be installed over any subflooring and are available in tongue and groove, eliminating glue. Not sure what floor is right for you? We are happy to help you out with questions, answers, design or simply confirmation of your plan.

Mary Jo Alton, Owner, SnappyKitchens.com/showroom/snappy-kitchens-atlanta 2612 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Ste 110, Alpharetta, GA 30022 • 470-268-7787

Take Center Stage

hether it is an English Antique Reproduction, a sleek mid-century modern design or a unique twist on traditional a well-appointed “Display Cabinet” will enhance your room décor with a touch of elegant style. Choose your Library to place a beautifully lit display cabinet featuring favorite books and stately decorative figures along with a handsome leather chair to enjoy your favorite novel from. Entertain in your living room showcasing a transitional style display cabinet with gorgeous decorative accessories while adding a pop of color to complement your décor. The master suite bath is a perfect room for a functional display cabinet filled with soft towels; add in some sea shells and artful boxes to complete the look. A display cabinet with classic silhouettes authentic craftsmanship and exquisite finishes in a beautifully appointed room can truly take center stage. Come see us at 793 N. Main Street in Alpharetta, 770-609-4416, HomeFashionInteriors.net ■

Maureen Harvey studied Interior Design at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Her work has appeared in publications including Atlanta Magazine and Better Homes & Gardens. Her most notable project: The 2002 Builders’ Show House; Lakeside at Ansley, winning 9 of 20 awards, including best use of color. In fact, the owner recently hired her to update their master bedroom and bath! november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 35

herstyle

Gifts under $100

for the practical By LORI WYNNE

’m a practical girl by nature and a fashionista in my heart and by trade. I love useful gifts; and when they are well made, look and feel luxurious, I love them even more. Here is a list of holiday gifts under $100 for your fashionista who has everything. Even if you are on a tight budget, you could get her everything on this list and look like a big spender. Appeal to the practical side of her. Help her take care of her clothes, jewelry and smartphone and handle mini-emergencies with these practical and stylish gifts.

Something stylishly practical for her closet Help your fashionista take care of all of her lovely things in style. Give her clothes hangers with character. These sturdy metal hangers shaped like a mustache have a fun quirky side and a practical side. The design holds

fashionista

spaghetti strap tops and sleeveless sundresses better than traditional hangers. A set of four is $13. www.thestache.com

Something stylishly practical for her technology Let’s face it, our lovely oversized bags are great for our biceps, but sometimes a girl just wants to be a little more unencumbered. If you want to give her something European –actually Eastern European – handmade, leather, stylish and practical, consider a custom iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy s5 wallet with a wrist strap. They are handmade in Russia and sold on Etsy. She will love this one because she won’t have to remove the phone from the wallet to answer it. It holds her essentials: ID, credit cards and mad money. These stylish wallets are available in various colors and finishes. Order soon

because it takes two weeks to arrive. I promise you, she will be the first on her tennis team to have one. $43. https://www.etsy. com/shop/leatherpurses

Something for stylish travel Help your fashionista and her jewelry travel in style with a leather jewelry portfolio. The suede interior contains four snaps for necklaces, a ring bar and earring bar and three felt-lined zipper pockets. This wonderful gift can be monogrammed and comes in a variety of colors in fine-pebbled leather. A great gift for employees as well. $95. http:// www.leatherology.com/ ► See HER

STYLE, Page 38

TREAT YOURSELF to A GETAWAY

Fall is the perfect time to discover a relaxing vacation in Gainesville, Florida. Paddle down a spring-fed river. Stroll through downtown for exciting live entertainment and award winning art festivals. Finish your day at a cozy B&B with a cocktail. Awake refreshed and ready for another day of fun. Visit Gainesville, where Nature and Culture meet.

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herstyle ▼ Continued from Page 36

Something for emergencies She’ll be prepared for any fashion emergency with a Minimergency Kit – a small zippered bag that holds 17 personal care, beauty and style essentials. Fits easily in her handbag or desk drawer. The bag is available in a variety of colors and patterns. Refills available. $16. http://www.pinchprovisions.com/

Something stylishly cozy Every fashionista wants something luxuriously soft to keep them warm. I have fallen in love with the Bordeaux shawl wrap by Noelle. It can be worn five different ways. All of my clients know I adore clothing items that can be used in various ways. This one can be worn as a vest, a shrug, an asymmetric poncho and a cowl wrap. It comes in a variety of colors and is 100 percent acrylic, super soft and super affordable (around $20). It can be found in some local boutiques or on www. amazon.com. A tip for my faithful readers: Clip this article and send it to your Santa Baby this year for easy gift-giving ideas. Consider these gifts for the loved ones in your life who deserve a little stylish practicality. If you need my personalized shopping services this season, you can find me at www.fashionwithflair.com. ■

As a personal wardrobe consultant and owner of Alpharettabased Fashion With Flair, Lori Wynne helps people look their best. Contact her at fashionwithflair.com.

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Referred for a reason.

By KATIE VANBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

very now and then, it’s important to take time to unplug, unwind and get back to basics – reconnecting with each other and with Mother Nature. Fortunately, we live in a state blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, and Georgia’s state parks make it easy to plan a simple, scenic getaway. My family and some friends took advantage of a long weekend recently to plan a quick, overnight stay at Fort Mountain State Park in northwest Georgia, near Chatsworth. From Alpharetta, it only took an hour and a half to reach cool, mountain elevations with beautiful views of early fall color. We chose to drive along Highway 52, making stops at Ellijay apple orchards for fresh cider and fruit pastries. Fort Mountain State Park, located near the Cohutta Wilderness, offers some of the prettiest trails in Georgia for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Guided hikes are offered throughout the fall, featuring spectacular mountain scenery. One popular trail leads to an ancient rock wall which stands on the highest point of the mountain. Theories abound as to its origins. There are 70 campsites, including a first-time camper program complete with borrowed gear and expert advice for the adventurous novice. We opted for a less rustic experience and rented one of the park’s newly renovated cottages – very cozy with modern amenities, trendy décor, a fully stocked kitchen and a wide screened porch with rocking chairs. Similar cabin renovations are in the works for other state parks, including F.D. Roosevelt, Hard Labor Creek, Indian Springs and Crooked River, making the affordable cottages an even better deal. Vivid red, orange and yellow leaves made for pretty waterside scenes at Fort Mountain Lake. The park was fully booked, but the lake area was spacious enough to not feel crowded. Family activities included paddleboat rentals, miniature golf, geocaching or grilling out in picnic pavilions next to a large playground. On the morning of our departure, the high school kids in our bunch went out for an early morning run on the Big Rock Trail, which looped through the misty morning woods near our cabin. No phones, no texting, no pop music, no Starbucks. Just good company, fresh air and beautiful scenery. Back to basics. That’s what it’s all about. ■

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november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 41

women in business

Nancy McMinn believes in the power of a handwritten note

SUZANNE PACEY/STAFF

TheWrite Stuff

By SUZANNE PACEY and KATIE VANBRACKLE

NoteWorthy owner Nancy McMinn.

Alpharetta resident Nancy McMinn turned her passion for personalized stationery into a successful business…and snagged a spot in Alpharetta’s trendy new Avalon development. What drew you to stationery as a business? I love writing notes. I love my favorite old-fashioned Bic pen (medium point, blue ink to be exact), and I love anything with my name or initial on it. This business has grown to mean so much more than just a card or basic stationery for me. It’s all about that personalized touch.

How did you get started? My background is in marketing and business, but I took time off from the corporate world after the birth of my son. During that time, I spent a good amount of money at local stationery stores buying personalized notes for my family and myself. One day, my husband encouraged me to stop spending and start creating. So I did! I came up with the name NoteWorthy, bought myself a printer and had my website built. I do everything in-house – sourcing, design, packaging, even shipping. 42 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

What products do you offer? My product line started with stationery, expanded into vinyl monogramming and then on to fun accessories. I recently added an embroidery service, which allows me to add new monogrammed items in my cash-and-carry assortment including pillows, towels, even comfy pullovers for the fall. If it’s adorable and affordable, I will probably carry it.

With so much of our communication being sent digitally these days, how is the market for stationery? With the power of electronic media, it is true that stationery is engaged in steep competition as a form of communication. The industry as a whole (greeting cards, stationery, gift wrap and party goods) has declined over the past few years because when changes in the economy occur, niche industries are affected. But that doesn’t discourage me at all. I started NoteWorthy Paper six years ago, and my sales have increased each year. For a small company, that’s great.

Why do you feel handwritten notes are important? NoteWorthy’s personalized note cards.

The Internet makes it easy to express how we feel – quickly. But sometimes a quick text, message or email just isn’t enough. It can be very informal. Handwritten notes are important

Nancy McMinn

sets up her new

Avalon merchandis

ing unit.

in two ways: first, there’s something special about receiving a handwritten note in the mail and knowing that someone is thinking about you. Second, for the person who sends the note, it shows you’ve gone the extra mile in a world that no longer requires you to do so.

How did you secure a spot in the Avalon development? I’ve always thought it would be fun to have my own store, but the reality of making it happen with a busy life and kids was hard for me to get my arms around. Then a friend mentioned that Avalon was looking for companies to lease their kiosks. I submitted a presentation and waited. Of course, I was thinking, “Why would they want me – the little guy?” Three weeks later, I received a call from Avalon and I almost dropped to the floor with excitement. Avalon is going to be amazing! I will be exhibiting in one of their outdoor retail merchandising units. I can’t wait to meet new customers, market my name and grow my business. ■

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woman's best friend

Puppy Palooza! G

UPDATE

reat News! Remember the adorable “drainpipe puppies” from last month’s “PuppyPalooza!” Pet of the Month column? We are happy to report that ALL of the puppies were adopted and are safe and sound in their new forever homes. Thanks so much to all the kind souls who opened their hearts and their homes to these little ones. And well done, Angels Among Us Pet Rescue! ■

Pet of the Month F

rost (on the left) and his twin brother, Jax, are snow white kittens looking for a home in time for the holidays. While they are happy and safe in their foster home “nursery” they would much prefer to be part of permanent family. The two were rescued by Angels Among Us Pet Rescue from a high-kill shelter, and now, at 8-weeks old, are ready to be adopted. While these two boys would love to find a home together, they will likely be fine with other siblings— human or fur! Adoption fees include all tests, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, flea prevention and de-worming. If you are interested in giving these sweet kittens their forever home, email catinquiry@angelsrescue.org. ■

ADOPT ME

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Physician • Attorney • CPA • Designer • Financial Planner • Trainer • & More

CONSULTANT: Gail C. Goldberg, EdS The Perfect Holiday Gift for Little Readers: MONTHS AND SEASONS: Poems for Young Readers. Gail’s brother Randy, helped her write this beautiful book and she did all the illustrations. This book is a wonderful companion to Gail’s first book Animals A-Z: Poems for Early Readers. Gail and Randy had a great time going down memory lane and thinking of past holidays and special events throughout a year in their lives and those of their children. This book is dedicated to their dear friend Carol Davis. She shows up the book represented by Red Cardinals. Contact Gail at gigiconsulting@aol.com or Randy at Randy@webtv.com to order your book ($18) plus shipping.

44 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

CERTIFIED REFLEXOLOGIST: Nancy Loucks RELAX…REFRESH …RESTORE… balance to body, mind and spirit! Allow me to assist you in being healthy naturally! Stress, foot pain and neuropathy…these symptoms and more CAN BE alleviated through reflexology. Receive care from an EXPERT!

• 8 years as a certified reflexologist • 8 years experience with certified pedorthists • 7 years experience in MATERNITY reflexology Angels at Your Feet • By appointment ONLY 770-634-0353 • www.angelsatyourfeet.com

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todo

Ovarian Cancer Lecture, Book Signing 10:30 - noon. The Polo Women’s Club welcomes Dr. Benedict Benigno, Jr., M.D., a world leader in oncology care for women with cancer of the reproductive tract. Dr. Benigno will speak and sign copies of his book on the topic. $16 for event and lunch. Purchase tickets at door. Polo Club House dining room, 6300 Polo Club Drive, Cumming.

Woodstock Art & Wine Festival 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9. This festival showcases more than 70 of the Southeast’s most talented artists in a fine juried art show, with high end crafts, a wine tasting area, live music and entertainment, an interactive kids’ area and plenty of good food. The Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock. www.woodstockartandwinefestival.com

Chili Cook-Off in Roswell 1 – 3 p.m. For $20 per person, you receive a handmade ceramic bowl by the Roswell Clay Collective and all the chili you care to taste, a voting ballot and $5 worth of tickets to purchase drinks, ice cream, games and clay activities. Live music and hands-on pottery demonstrations will highlight the event. Roswell Arts Center West, 1355 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Visit www.roswellgov.com/chili to register your chili in the competition for free. Prizes will be awarded in both professional and amateur categories. Atlanta Pet Expo at Gwinnett Center 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Bring your four-legged friends to this fun family event, featuring live entertainment, agility demos, free nail trims, discounted vaccinations and microchipping, prizes and giveaways, vendors, trainers, pet care tips and dozens of rescue groups in a mega adoption event. Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Atlanta. Free parking and admission. www.atlantapetexpo.com

Johns Creek Arts Center Art Show and Sale 6 – 8 p.m. Johns Creek Arts Center’s annual fall student show and holiday sale features original, unique, fine art gifts at affordable prices. Choose from handmade 46 | northsidewoman.com | november2014

NOVEMBER jewelry, pottery, paintings and prints by instructors as well as youth and adult students. Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, Johns Creek. www.johnscreekarts.org

Hunter Jumper Horse Show in Alpharetta 8 a.m. Continues through Nov. 16. More than 200 horses and riders from the very young through adult amateurs and pros will compete in the Georgia Hunter Jumpers Association’s Year-End Finals Horse Show at Wills Park. Spectators can watch the action in all three rings all day long. 11915 Wills Road, Alpharetta.

Titan Tidings Christmas Gift Show 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. Shop for holiday gifts from a wide variety of vendors with jewelry, holiday and home décor, accessories, pottery, glassware, monogrammed and children’s items, fine art and more. A bake sale keeps your shopping energy up and running. Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell. www.btcatholic.org/AboutUs-Spirit Store-TitanTidings

the aristocracy, but his ultimate dream is to become a man like any other. North Georgia Live Singing Christmas Tree 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. Join North Georgia communities in “United One for All and All for One” as they rock the evening air waves for a celebration of “Christmas Under the Stars.” Historic Old Milton High School, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta. www.AmericanHeritageSociety ofGeorgia.com

Alpharetta Community Thanksgiving Worship Service 7 p.m. Join several Alpharetta congregations at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., for this unique and inspirational service featuring an allchurch choir and a message from the Rev. Don Stack, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. A Thanksgiving offering will support North Fulton Community Charities. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. All are welcome.

Avalon on Ice Through February 2015. Ice skate at Avalon on their Rockefeller Center-sized ice skating rink in the plaza. Watch for theme nights and enjoy warm tasty treats rink side. Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. www.experienceavalon.com

Christmas Arts & Crafts Festival in Cumming 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. Featuring a wide variety of artisans and craftsmen with handcrafted merchandise, the Sawnee Artists’ Association festival includes photos with Santa and kid-friendly activities. Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3140 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming, behind the Collection at Forsyth. www.sawneeart.org Pictures with Santa in Alpharetta 10 a.m. – noon. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the Alpharetta Welcome Center to take your family’s holiday photo for free! Wearing green is not recommended as a “green screen” will be used for photography purposes. 178 South Main St., Suite 200, Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com “The Elephant Man” by Georgia Ensemble Theatre 7:30 p.m. Shows continue through Nov. 16. This moving and powerhouse drama is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London in the late 1800s. A famous physician’s care slowly transforms the horribly deformed Merrick from a freak show attraction into the witty favorite of

at Cumming Playhouse 8 p.m. Shows continue through Dec. 21. Enjoy the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means. The Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. Tickets available online. www.playhousecumming.com

Tryptophan HalfMarathon in Cumming 7:30 a.m. Before digging into your Thanksgiving feast, work up an appetite by running one of three distances: halfmarathon, 10K or 5K. All distances will start and finish at Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, winding along the Big Creek Greenway. Early registration and carpooling are recommended. No dogs, baby strollers or skates. All proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Sign up at www.runsignup.com/Race/GA/ Cumming/TryptophanHalf Marathon10k5k

“The Nutcracker” presented by Roswell Dance Theatre 7:30 p.m. Performances continue through Dec. 7. This holiday favorite featuring dancing cupcakes, mice, soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy is performed by Roswell Dance Theatre, under the direction of Nancy Tolbert-Yilmaz. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. www.tysod.com “Christmas Carol”

“Dad’s Christmas Miracle” by ACT1 Theater in Alpharetta 8 p.m. Shows continue through Dec. 21. Connor Murphy wants a gokart for Christmas in the worst way, and that’s how he sets out to get it. Hysterical situations abound in this loving memory of yuletide charm back when a dollar was more money than you knew what to do with, an hour of play seemed like forever and the best time in the whole world was Christmas. ACT1 Theater inside Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta. Tickets online at www.act1theater.com

Looking Ahead

DECEMBER

Johns Creek City Hall Tree Lighting 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree and dreidel with traditional holiday music by the Barnwell Elementary School chorus. A Toys for Tots drop-off will be available. Johns Creek City Hall, 12000 Findley Road, Johns Creek. www.johnscreekga.gov

Alpharetta Christmas Tree Lighting 5 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with children all evening in the gazebo during the lighting of the 45-foot live spruce tree with 10,000 white lights in the Corner Park of downtown. Alpharetta Mayor Belle Isle will read “T’was the Night Before Christmas” and North Point Community Church will present entertainment. 2 S. Main St., Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com

Holiday Celebration on the Square in Roswell 5 p.m. This annual fun family event includes carolers from local schools, the lighting of the Town Square, a reading of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” and Santa Claus. Pictures with Santa are available at a nominal fee. Holiday shuttle bus to Santa’s Secret Gift Shop. Historic Roswell Town Square, intersection of Hwy. 9 and Hwy. 120. www.roswellgov.com

november2014 | northsidewoman.com | 47

FEWER LEAKS. BETTER DAYS!

Don’t let leaks or pain keep you from doing all the things you love. Whether you’re having trouble with bladder leaks, suﬀering from pelvic pain, or just seeking a return of the health you enjoyed in younger years, we’re helping women ﬁnd their best pelvic health every day. It’s the little things that matter!

Visit NFultonHospital.com or call (866)734-3627 for a referral to a physician today! 48 | northsidewoman.com | november2014