Northside Woman May 2012

MAY MAY 2012 2012

SafeSweets

Gluten-free bakery opens in Roswell page 8

SHOW–STOPPING

Hats Bring out the true you! page 20

foster HERO

Rising up from tragic childhood page 10

2 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

Still the #1 place to celebrate a birthday A birthday. It’s a day we celebrate our entire lives. Northside would be proud to be part of your baby’s special day.

No one is more prepared or has more experience. We’ll make the big day a celebration from day one.

Visit us online at www.northside.com.

may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 3

main office 770.442.3278 | 770.475.1216 (fax) 319 north main street, alpharetta, ga 30009

STAFF

Candy Waylock began working for Appen Newspapers in 1997, primarily as a reporter covering education issues for the weekly publications. She earned her degree in Journalism from Bradley University in 1987 and has been a member of the media ever since. In 2007, Candy helped launch Northside Woman magazine and continues to be a part of each monthly publication. She lives in Alpharetta with her husband, three children and a houseful of rescued pets!

thecover Vernell

Washington,

self-proclaimed

“Grand Diva of Roswell,” travels the world looking for unique, stylish fashions and accessories. As the global representative for Grace’s Hats, she often takes to the catwalk to showcase outrageously fabulous ensembles handmade by Grace Marks, a

Katie VanBrackle editorial katie@northsidewoman.com

talented milliner from Lagos, Nigeria. See more of Marks’ colorful creations modeled

Katie VanBrackle inherited a strong creative itch from her artist mother. Too impatient to paint, she chooses instead to capture the human spirit on the page with words. Using her journalism degree from UGA, she enjoys exploring the amazing, brave, funny, generous things people do.

Katie lives in Milton with her husband and two sons. She dashes between schools, church and sports fields as a volunteer and depends on her sense of humor and girls’ nights out to stay sane.

by the fun-loving Grand Diva on pages 20-21.

DEVON MORGAN/PH OTOSYNTHESIS STUDIO

Candy Waylock editorial candy@northsidewoman.com

Northside Woman Wins National Awards!

Since we first published Northside Woman more than four

Raised in New Jersey and Tennessee, the product of a Northern mother and a Southern father, Kelly Brooks can’t help but explore every side of the story. In 2006, she earned a bachelor ’s degree in telecommunication arts from the University of Georgia. After working as a reporter, she attended the University of Maryland, where she earned a master ’s in multimedia journalism and took a liking to graphic design. She has been a production artist for Appen since 2010.

years

ago,

we

have

kept to our commitment to use

only

local

women

as

our cover models. On more than 50 covers, we’ve held to

that

promise,

featuring

a collection of women you likely see everyday…in your The Northside Woman staff received three AFCP "Best of the Best" neighborhood,

the

awards at a convention held in Atlanta last month. From left,

grocery publisher Christina Appen, production manager Kelly Brooks and store, the carpool lane, the co-editors Candy Waylock and Katie VanBrackle. sports event…and everywhere around the Northside.

So you can imagine our excitement when our December cover was named the BEST

Devon Morgan cover photographer devon@photosynthesisatlanta.com

cover during the national Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) convention, held in Atlanta last month. The annual AFCP Best of the Best awards are given to outstanding

Devon Morgan opened PhotoSynthesis Studio in 2004 after graduating with a photojournalism degree from the University of Georgia. To complement the documentary style she learned in school, Morgan studied with local photographers to master the subtle nuances of fine art portraiture, giving her clients a cohesive blend of natural emotion and beautiful lighting. See her work at www.

PhotoSynthesisAtlanta.com.

community publications from all over the United States. The stunning cover of a local dancer was always one of our favorites – and to receive first place was truly an honor. Northside Woman also placed second for most improved publication and received an honorable mention for overall excellence. It was a wonderful weekend, and even better when we returned bearing awards.

We thank our readers, and especially our advertisers, for allowing us to continue to publish a product each month that is so well received. This is a difficult time for many

publisher

Christina Appen christina@northsidewoman.com

associate publisher

Ray Appen ray@northsidewoman.com

sales executives

Cynthia@northsidewoman.com, Edye@northsidewoman.com, Hans@northsidewoman.com, Helen@northsidewoman.com, June@northsidewoman.com, Linda@northsidewoman.com, Lynn@northsidewoman.com, Mike@northsidewoman.com, Wendy@northsidewoman.com

sales assistant

advertising@northsidewoman.com

production

David Brown, Kellie Jureka, Geoffrey Thurow production@northsidewoman.com Northside Woman is published monthly and distributed free throughout north metro Atlanta. ©2012 Appen Newspapers Inc. All rights reserved.

No portion of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher.

4 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

publications, but we are thriving with the support we receive from the community.

And we are already thinking about next year’s competition. The cover of this month’s magazine will certainly draw attention. The striking photo of Vernell Washington of Roswell clearly shows how comfortable she is in front of the camera – and how much fun we all had at the photo shoot!

Q: A:

I love Northside Woman, but it's not delivered to my neighborhood.

Where can I get it?

You might be able to find a copy at your local grocery store or library.

Copies are always available in the news box on the front porch of the Appen

Newspapers, Inc. office at 319 North Main Street in downtown Alpharetta.

But the easiest way to read Northside Woman is online! Go to www.northsidewoman. com to find all of the content from our monthly magazine. Under "follow us" you can sign up to receive an email reminding you when the latest issue is ready to be viewed online. You can also follow us on Facebook (northsidewoman) and Twitter (nsidewoman)!

DAVID NORBERY

Kelly Brooks production manager kelly@northsidewoman.com

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unsung‘she’ro Warrior Moms fight a silent battle Cumming mom creates award-winning blog to help women suffering from postpartum depression

By KATIE VANBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com Two months after giving birth to her first child, Cumming resident Katherine Stone’s life fell apart.

She began feeling hysterical, had trouble eating and sleeping and, to her horror, began having increasingly violent thoughts about harm coming She and

had

was no

terrified idea

what

and

desperate

was

happening.

▼ JENNA HATFIELD

to her precious baby boy.

“If there was a place lower than Hell, darker than a black hole, I was there,” she recalled.

Stone worked for the Coca-Cola Company,

In 2004, Stone created an online blog called

which offered a short-term counseling service for

Postpartum Progress as a way to reach out to other

employees dealing with personal issues. Hands

women to share information, answer questions and

shaking, she dialed the number.

offer support and encouragement in “plain Mama

“I’ve just had a baby and I’ve gone crazy,” she

English.”

said.

“I know you want to know that you are not the

Through working with a therapist and a

only one,” Stone wrote in her blog. “I’ve gathered

psychiatrist, Stone learned that she was suffering

some of the evidence for you so that you can

from postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder

easily find stories, symptoms, struggles and feelings

(OCD), part of a wide spectrum of perinatal and

that are similar to yours. I hope this helps you to see

postpartum mental disorders that affect nearly one

that you are not alone and that there are a lot of

million women each year in the United States.

people who understand.”

and today, Postpartum Progress is the most

character flaw,” Stone said.

widely read blog on postpartum depression

But the road to recovery was a long one and it

and

all

other

mental

illnesses

related

to

was a full year before Stone fully believed she would

pregnancy and childbirth. Stone’s information

be able to return to the happy, active woman she

and encouragement now reach more than

had once been.

one million readers and she has received

Even after her own recovery, Stone couldn’t

several prestigious national honors for her work,

stop thinking of other women out there suffering on

including being named among the top 10 most

their own.

influential mom bloggers by Babble.com in

“It kept gnawing at me,” she said. “I vividly

2011.

remembered how alone I felt. How scared and

Stone is passionate about changing the

ashamed. How I needed to talk to other moms who

negative way women with PPD are often

were suffering from PPD. I felt that I simply had to do something to help, so I began to write.”

6 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

See BLOG, Page 22

N LMA

Slowly and steadily, Stone’s readership grew

it and you realize that it’s not your fault, it’s not a

SPEL

“There is a huge relief when a name is put to

ETTITON

”

—Katherine Stone, one of Babble.com’s 10 most influential mom bloggers, 2011

IFER

Being a woman in the age of social media is amazing.

We need nothing more than basic tools and a passionate voice to make a difference in the world. If you have something positive to say, then girl, get out there! Someone will hear you.

It’s important for women to support and encourage each other.

JENN

“

Above: Katherine Stone with children Madden Callis and Jackson Callis.

Left: Katherine Stone’s Postpartum Progress blog has over one million readers.

Below: Cumming resident and blogger Katherine Stone is herself a survivor of postpartum depression.

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BRITA PHOTOGRAPHY

goodeats

For Savanna Dorsey, eating gluten-free has never been so much fun!

Gluten Free Cutie opens in historic Roswell Bakery treats safe for those with food allergies

By KATIE VANBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com Natalie Dorsey had heard that the “terrible two’s” were a challenging stage for children, but her daughter Savanna’s behavior seemed extreme even for a 2-year-old. Savanna had trouble sleeping, refused to communicate even in simple words, couldn’t climb the steps at the playground and often exploded with frustration.

When it was determined that Savanna was

treatment for children with autism that involves removing all gluten and casein from the diet.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley and casein is a protein found in milk.

After two weeks of dramatic withdrawal

Natalie and James Dorsey recently opened Gluten Free Cutie bakery in Roswell’s Historic Town Square.

Gluten Free Cutie’s customers can relax on a Southern porch swing while enjoying their sweet treats.

symptoms, Savanna became calmer. The obsessive crying stopped. She slept through the night and

began communicating in three-word phrases. To

3 each

Natalie’s delight, Savanna finally said “I love you”

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Now 5 years old, Savanna continues to avoid gluten, dairy and artificial dyes in her food, and Natalie herself has adopted the gluten-free diet due to autoimmune symptoms that appeared after her pregnancy.

For those avoiding gluten, bread and

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8 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

All bakery items are free of gluten, peanuts, soy, eggs & artificial dyes. Most items are also dairy-free & vegan. everyone else was enjoying Princess Cake,” she said.

most baked goods are forbidden, which

Natalie, who loves to bake, started with pre-

Natalie found especially frustrating on

packaged gluten-free cake mixes, but Savanna

special occasions when cakes, pies

was not impressed as the flavors were rather bland

and other sweet treats were served.

and limited to plain chocolate or vanilla.

“I was tired of going to birthday

Natalie began experimenting with her own

parties with my daughter and not having anything fun for her to eat while

See CUTIE, Page 23

KATIE VANBRACKLE

James decided to try the GFCF diet, an alternative

BRITA PHOTOGRAPHY

on the autism spectrum, Natalie and her husband

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may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 9

theinterview Life in foster care system spurs Alpharetta mom to advocate for change Fostering Superstars links foster kids with needed resources

By CANDY WAYLOCK

homes, punctuated by brief returns to

candy@northsidewoman.com

her father, but ultimately separated and returned to foster care time and

To walk in Helen Ramaglia’s

again.

shoes is to have been on a journey of

Ramaglia recalls one incident in

unbelievable despair and heartache,

which Department of Family Services

only to emerge into sunshine.

showed up at her home.

Helen Ramaglia, third from left, is surrounded by her family including, from left, son Adrian, husband John, son Jimmy, daughter Tanya, daughter-in-law Tori Hilton and son Chris Hilton.

trophy from the spelling bee. All you

“I

prefer

to

work

with

Surrendered into the foster care

“Suddenly, you are ripped out

own now is two pairs of pants, a few

organizations that do the same. It’s

system as a young child after the

of the life you know. Strangers from

shirts you grabbed from the laundry

time we focus on the ‘child’ not the

death of her mother, Ramaglia’s early

DFCS storm into your house and give

basket and two-and-a-half pairs of

‘system.’ While others are trying to fix

memories are a swirl of temporary

you three minutes to grab what you

shoes because you couldn’t find the

the system, the child is often being left

can,” she said. “You leave behind

mate quick enough.”

out, unattended and forgotten,” said

your favorite doll, your favorite dress,

good

Ramaglia, who resides in Alpharetta.

the special shoes

memories of her foster years, many

She understands the world of

Grandma got

dark memories carry through to her

foster care from the eyes of a 6-year-

you,

your

Though

there

“

adult years. Today, however, instead of suppressing

John and Helen Ramaglia.

are

memories,

those she

is

embracing them in a positive way.

Two ago,

years

Ramaglia

founded

Fostering

Superstars,

which

seeks to erase the stigma

of

foster

care and to provide foster

children

old. Regardless of

In the blink of an eye you no longer have family, you no longer have friends or your school, your dog is now gone from your life and most of your prized possessions are gone, just like that.

with the resources they need to be

of the foster care network of workers and families, it is a scary place.

“Alone, without your find a

siblings, yourself

strange

you in town

holding

a

black

garbage

”

—Helen Ramiglia, Fostering Superstars founder

successful.

the good intentions

small

bag containing a few of your clothes and

possessions,”

she recalled. “It is all you have. In the

“Fostering Superstars seeks other organizations to partner with who work with foster children so together, we can serve all of the needs children in foster care have that currently go unmet,” said Ramaglia, now the parent of two biological children and two foster children.

blink of an eye you no longer have family, you no longer have friends or your school, your dog is now gone from your life and most of your prized possessions are gone, just like that. In the blink of an eye, everything you knew as life is now gone…your life no longer exists.”

She works with other organizations

The list of services she has been

that support foster children so that

able to provide through Fostering

resources are not being duplicated

Superstars since its founding in 2010 is

or

Fostering

lengthy, and includes sending foster

Superstars is 100 percent volunteer

children to summer camps, providing

potentially

wasted.

run, with all proceeds going to the children.

10 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

See MOM, Page 12

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MOM, Continued from Page 10

discovered

few

resources

were

available to her, aside from a $500 new clothing to the Foster Care

check and a wish of good luck in the

Support Foundation and makeup

future.

from Mary Kay for Prom Palooza,

So she opted to get married at 17

and creating a mentoring program

– a short-lived union that produced

designed just for foster children.

her daughter, Tanya, now 30, and

All this within the space of less than

two

years,

says

which brought her to Atlanta where

Ramaglia,

her husband had a job. A few years

and she looks to a future with even

later, Ramaglia was married a second

more to offer. She continually seeks

time – an equally short marriage in

new mentors to partner with foster

which her son, Christopher, now 25,

children and is now working on a

was born.

book she hopes will inspire others

She was in her early 20s, a

to understand the foster program

single

and to fill in the gaps of support for

failed marriages and a closet full of

children within the system.

unhappiness weighing heavily upon

“[Fostering Superstars is] not big

mother

of

two

with

two

her.

enough yet to fill all of the unmet

“I decided then and there that

needs of children in foster care,” said

something had to change,” said

Ramaglia. “I have not been able to

Ramaglia. “I wasn’t happy with the

partner every foster child with a life

way my life was turning out and for

partner. My heart hurts…because I

the sake of my daughter and son I

can’t do enough.”

had to find a way to change the path

Ramaglia was born in Columbia,

of our tomorrows. So Momma bear

S.C., but never stayed in one place

held tightly to her cubs and plotted

for long as she bounced from her

a path to forge a better tomorrow.”

father’s often unstable home, homes

For the next 17 years, Ramaglia

of relatives, foster settings and other

worked on finding her way in the

temporary

she

world, and realized she had never

had “aged” out of foster care and

learned to set goals or plot a course

locations.

At

17,

Helen and John Ramaglia’s sons, Adrian and Jimmy.

for a future. Growing up, her energy

have truly blessed our lives.”

was spent on getting through each

She and John formally adopted

day with no sense of what lies ahead

Adrian and Jimmy two years ago, and

of that.

they now complete the Ramaglia

“The first thing I had to do was to

family, which includes Tanya, who

push myself out of my comfort zone

recently

and set a goal in my life. I’m sure

and

fear played a part,” she recalled.

degree in occupational therapy,

“Children in foster care don’t often

and Christopher who received his

set goals; it’s all they can do to merely

bachelor’s degree at North Georgia

survive one more day. And then

College and State University and is

comes the fear of failing, the foster

currently the lead technician in the

child is afraid that this one more hurt

Geek Squad at Best Buy in Canton.

just might be the hurt that will finally see them fizzle out.”

is

moved working

own,

Ramaglia

said she was finally able to make a commitment another

to

person

a

master’s

life of exceedingly low lows, coupled with

Fostering Superstars For more information on the organization and Helen Ramaglia’s life in foster care and after, visit her website at www.fosteringsuperstars.org.

again. She met and married John Ramaglia in 2006, and moved to Alpharetta.

12 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

on

Alpharetta

As Ramaglia looks back on her

After nearly two decades on her

to

incredible

highlights, she is at a loss to pinpoint exactly

what

sustained her in the darkest of times.

“To be honest, I don’t think I am

really sure about that one,” said Ramaglia, who says her faith in

Her new husband fully supported

God was always present. “When I

her need to make a difference, and

look back, I am amazed I was able

two years later they fostered 2-year-

to overcome [the challenges]. But I

old brothers, Adrian and Jimmy. The

know I didn’t want my children to

brothers are separated by only eight

grow up with the life I grew up with.

months because of premature births

I was determined to create a better

related to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

life for them, and a better life for

Prior to coming into the Ramaglia’s

myself.”

home, the boys had been in six other

She said she lived with the

placements, and Helen Ramaglia

assessment from others who never

suspects there may have been abuse

expected much from her, and failure

or neglect in some of those homes.

would have been the easy path.

“How sad, babies facing the

“I had a choice of whether or

‘unknown’ seven times in two short

not to let my past define me,” said

years,” said Ramaglia. “There were

Ramaglia. “I think I wanted to show

many obstacles to overcome when

[others] that foster children can rise

they entered our home, but these

from their [circumstances]. That it

two amazing little boys have turned

was truly possible to turn foster into

into adorable, loving little boys. They

fabulous.”

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KATIE VANBRACKLE

shereads |

The Falls at Autry Mill’s book club. Front, from left, are Anne Dantzler, Lori Foley, Mary E. Kingsley, Nancy Dilly, Elizabeth Ferree & Robyn Vogel. In back, from left, are Joy Dyer, Diane Borchers, Lynn Foster, Connie Andersen, Mary Ann Stephansson & Marcia Barasia.

Local book club spawns new novelist Mary E. Kingsley presents ‘Angel’ to fellow Johns Creek readers “This journal is a history of our

learn from each other without being

e-book on Amazon.com last fall,

friendship,” explained Dantzler. “We

judgmental. This group has helped

closely followed by a paperback

live in a very transient area. For a

me to become a better person.”

version.

By KATIE VANBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com air

group of ladies to remain closely

It’s easy to see why this closely

recently at the home of Lori Foley

connected after 17 years says a lot.”

knit group is so excited about and

Tennessee,

in The Falls of Autry Mill in Johns

Robyn Vogel agreed that their

proud of their friend’s first novel.

Kingsport

Creek, where final preparations were

group is much more than a book

underway for the monthly meeting of

club.

Anticipation

was

in

the

“It’s a safe place and a support

the neighborhood book club.

Plates of tomato and cucumber

group for all of us,” she said.

“Mary

always

enjoyed

Kingsley was raised in eastern the

daughter

doctor

who

of

a

regularly

deep

drove up into the small mountain

thinking and writing. It’s very exciting

communities of Virginia, Kentucky

to see her work published,” said

and North Carolina to make house

Dantzler.

calls. The Appalachian culture of the

in

surrounding hills shaped Kingsley’s

keeping with the Southern theme

childhood and serves as the setting

of

for “Angel.”

sandwiches the

were

evening’s

presented book

choice,

“I remember the easy freedom

“Angel,” which is set in a small 1970s

of those early days spent outdoors

Appalachian town.

Making this particular book club

running around the ravine or down

meeting such an eagerly awaited

the hill to visit the horses at the

event was the fact that the author of

barn,” mused Kingsley. “It was such

“Angel” is one of their own.

a pleasure to revisit those memories and bring them to life again in the

Mary E. Kingsley, an avid reader

book.”

and writer since childhood, helped

“Angel” is the story of Angel

organize a book club in The Falls

Bishop,

of Autry Mill in 1995, soon after she Former Johns Creek resident Mary E. Kingsley and her book, "Angel," released last fall.

“We have helped each other

and Kingsley, who has since moved to Washington D.C., traveled back

through

to Georgia this spring to present her

teenagers and now grandchildren.”

member Anne Dantzler picked up a

between two generations of her

deaths,

divorces,

raising

Kingsley began writing “Angel”

The book is set in the 1970s,

while living in Johns Creek, but never

allowing Kingsley’s book club friends

really knew what would become of

to relive memories of their own.

The ladies have differing religious

it. After moving to Washington D.C.

and political views, which Dantzler

for her husband’s job, she let the

remember

says adds to the richness of book

book sit for a couple of years. Then a

childhood that I had forgotten,”

discussions.

friend introduced her to Renni Brown,

said Vogel. “Songs, cars, food and

first published novel to her longtime In Foley’s living room, book club

13-year-old

family’s dark and unresolved past.

later, the group is still going strong

friends.

innocent

girl who acts as the unwitting link

and her husband Ted moved into the neighborhood. Seventeen years

an

“Reading

‘Angel’

things

from

made

me

my

own

small journal containing handwritten

“When you relate to a character

an independent book editor who

the expressions people used back

listings of each book the group has

in a book and discuss it with others,

convinced Kingsley to self-publish her

then. I also loved the strength of the

read together as well as notes on

you

novel.

events in the lives of the members.

yourself,” she said. “We continually

reveal

14 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

something

about

“Angel” was released as an

See READ, Page 16

may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 15

ANNE DANTZLER

The first FDA approved non-invasive body contouring procedure to effectively remove excess fat.

Lynn Foley, left, owner of The Red Hound in Johns Creek, held a book signing in March for fellow book club member Mary E. Kingsley’s new novel, “Angel.”

READ, Continued from Page 14

knowledge of the event, but only saw the reactions of those around her,”

female characters. It was like ‘Steel Magnolias.’”

Self-publishing is easier than ever

“I kept hearing Mary’s voice

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while I read it,” said Dantzler.

Kingsley admits her characters

a challenge without the publicity

may contain bits of herself and

resources of a major publishing house.

people she knew growing up, but the

She stays busy traveling throughout

tale is totally fictional.

the Southeast, visiting bookstores,

process was hard on Kingsley.

“You created these characters you upset when the editor wanted to make changes?” she asked.

“There

were

changes I had to

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make

peace

with,”

admitted

Kingsley.

“But

for

the most part, I was just so grateful to have and

the I

help

high school literature classes and, of course, book clubs, beginning with

and lived with them for years. Were

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thanks to digital technology, but Kingsley says marketing the book is

Vogel wondered if the editing

As low as $50 per month*

she said.

the one she helped create in Johns Creek.

For Kingsley, coming back to Georgia to place her finished novel

some

in the hands of longtime

“Angel” book signing with Mary E. Kingsley Saturday, May 12, 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Peerless Book Store 8465 Holcomb Bridge Road Alpharetta, Ga. 30022 770-650-7323

respected

fellow readers was a

dream

come

true.

“It was like my reward,” she said.

“I fantasized about sharing

‘Angel’

with my book club

my editor’s looking at the

friends for so long.”

book from the reader’s point of view.

I remember Renni told me at one point that I needed more conflict

“Angel”

By Mary E. Kingsley

in the story. ‘Everyone in here is too

Thirteen-year-old Angel Bishop

nice!’ she said. And I see now that

is fed up with all the unanswered

she was right.”

questions about her life. Growing up basic

with a distant mother and her Bible-

framework of her story from the start,

thumping grandmother Naomi, Angel

but says the characters kept surprising

is certain that her dream of having a

her as the story unfolded with twists

normal family will come true when her

and turns that Kingsley herself didn’t

long-absent father telephones out

expect.

of the blue that he is coming home

Kingsley

knew

the

“I imagined a particular family

for Thanksgiving. Instead, she finds

circumstance and then wondered

herself at the center of a dangerous

what that would look like through

scenario, threatened by secrets far

the eyes of an innocent who had no

beyond her understanding.

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may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 17

woman'sbestfriend

PET of

the MONTH

UPDATE

on OATMEAL

Gunner is a sweet 3-year-old cat with beautiful gray markings and soft,

Many thanks to our Northside Woman readers! The phone was

medium-length fur. He is very friendly and loving, purrs easily and enjoys being

ringing off the hook with inquiries about Oatmeal, April's Pet of the

petted. Gunner currently resides in a “cat colony� with three other roommates

Month. Oatmeal's sweet face, happy temperament and sad story of

and gets along well with his companions. He has been neutered, micro-chipped

abandonment by his previous owners touched the hearts of many

and is up to date with all of his vaccinations.

readers. Several adoption applications are currently being reviewed and

For information on adopting Gunner or any other furry resident at the shelter, visit the Atlanta Humane Society at 1565 Mansell Road in Alpharetta, or the website at www.atlantahumane.org.

18 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

Oatmeal will soon be welcomed home by a new loving family!

It's a happy ending for Oatmeal, thanks to Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and Northside Woman readers! Angelsrescue.org.

may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 19

herstyle

SHOW-S TOPPING Roswell's Grand Diva models one-of-a-kind hats from Nigeria

By KATIE VANBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

S

pring is the season for hats. From the Kentucky Derby to the Atlanta Steeplechase, ladies all over the South are showing their true colors with bright, whimsical headgear.

When it comes to “wow-ing” a room with

a flamboyant chapeau, nobody does it better than Vernell Washington, the self-proclaimed “Grand Diva” of Roswell.

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Washington travels the globe in search of stylish, unique clothing and accessories as a personal shopper. On a trip to Lagos, Nigeria, she discovered milliner Grace Marks

▲ Each hat designed by Grace Marks is handmade and one-of-a-kind, ranging in price from $80 to $600.

of Grace’s Hats, Ltd. and a beautiful friendship was born.

Marks, who is well-known in Nigeria for designing brilliant, creative hats, was ready to expand into global markets. Under the representation of Washington’s Grand Diva Enterprises, Marks’ fanciful hats have since made the rounds at the Kentucky Derby, the Atlanta Steeplechase, England’s Royal Ascot and fashion shows in the Caribbean.

Closer

to

home,

Washington

showcases Marks’ hats at teas and luncheons,

cultural

events

and

historic venues such as the Smith Plantation in Roswell, where a hat show was held in March as part of the Roots Festival celebrating Black History month.

Each hat designed by Grace Marks is handmade and

one-of-a-kind,

ranging

in price from $80 to $600. The talented Nigerian women who work in Marks’ hat shop also make stylish clothing to coordinate with the hats, which the Grand Diva enjoys modeling in fashion shows.

When it comes to putting together a fashionable ensemble, Washington suggests buying the hat first, then working your way down with coordinating clothes and accessories. “The hat is the first thing people will notice,” she said. “You want it to make a memorable impression.”

20 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

Vernell Washington

Global representative for Grace’s Hats www.granddivaenterprises.com 678-521-7697

G

! s t a

H

TWO ORANGE OUTFITS, BLUE AND YELLOW OUTFIT AND FOUR HATS IN CENTER: PHOTOS BY DEVON MORGAN/PHOTOSYNTHESIS STUDIO. BLACK AND WHITE HAT IN BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER, BLACK AND WHITE OUTFIT ON LEFT AND HAT ROOM ON LEFT: PHOTOS BY KATIE VANBRACKLE.

may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 21

◄ The Warrior Mom logo depicts a woman bravely defending both herself and her baby from an unseen attacker.

BLOG, Continued from Page 6 portrayed in the media. To her,

is the greatest gift they could give themselves and their children.

“The long-term negative impact of untreated

women who battle PPD are fighting to defend and protect not only

How you can help

their own mind, but also the

■ Make a donation http://postpartumprogress.org/

health and well-being of their newborn infants.

■ Spread the word Let pregnant women, new mothers and healthcare providers know about the wealth of information available in Stone’s blog: http://postpartumprogress.com/about

She created a “Warrior Mom” logo, showing a woman holding her baby close as she raises a large

PPD is staggering for both women and their children.

And it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a cure, but women aren’t receiving it,” said Stone.

In addition to writing her blog and organizing her nonprofit, Stone is a regular speaker at Emory Medical School, conducting PPD training seminars for

students,

doctors,

nurses,

midwives

and

psychiatrists.

She made the choice to leave her job with

shield.

Coca-Cola to focus on her volunteerism and

“I wanted women fighting alone suffer from PPD each year, yet it

admits that she misses her salary. Her husband is

positive about themselves and to

does not receive the national recognition

very supportive and the work can be exhausting,

recognize their own bravery,” said

and funding of other illnesses such as

but Stone has the satisfaction of knowing that she

PPD to feel empowered and

Stone.

breast cancer or even lupus,” said Stone.

The Postpartum Progress blog contains a photo

“Women are not screened, doctors don’t know

album of more than 100 Warrior Moms, all of whom

how to help them and there is still the perception

have survived PPD and moved on to form close

that if you just wait it out it will somehow go away.

bonds with their beloved children.

To me, this is completely unacceptable.”

is making a positive difference for those who are often overlooked and misunderstood.

“Being a woman in the age of social media is amazing,” she said.

“We need nothing more than basic tools and

“We created the Warrior Moms photo album

Last fall, Stone created nonprofit Postpartum

a passionate voice to make a difference in the

so that everyone can see the faces of postpartum

Progress, Inc. to help raise funds to improve services

world. People assume that if you are not a celebrity

depression,” said Stone.

and policies related to PPD.

or wealthy that you can’t have a platform. Wrong! I

“We aren’t less than. We aren’t defective. We

“Starting a nonprofit is completely scary and

tell women that we need to support and encourage

aren’t strange or unusual. We are great moms who

overwhelming for me,” admitted Stone. “It’s very

each other. If you have something positive to say,

were waylaid temporarily by a terrible illness.”

hard and I’m just one person with two kids.”

then girl, get out there. Someone will hear you.

blog's

But she keeps going, determined to help

It’s important to do what we can for each other,

success, Stone still feels called to do more.

women who are afraid or ashamed to seek help,

whether nationally or locally. You don’t have to

“Nearly one million women in the United States

trying to make them understand that being treated

have a million readers to make a difference.”

While

delighted

with

her

22 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

CUTIE, Continued from Page 8

to Georgia” cupcakes are big sellers

gluten and casein-free ingredients

featuring chocolate cake with a

such as white rice flour and coconut

chocolate ganache center and rich

milk

chocolate frosting —

and

eventually

developed

a delicious recipe for cake pops:

all allergy free.

chocolate raspberry cake dipped in

“Old South Jam Cake” features

dark Belgian chocolate and covered

layers of vanilla bean cake and

with allergy-free sprinkles.

raspberry

Savanna was delighted with the

preserves

topped

with

powdered sugar.

results and Natalie was inspired to

Cornbread cupcakes with sweet

test them on a broader audience at

blackberry or spicy pepper jelly

a Gluten Free Expo in Norcross last

centers offer a taste of the South,

fall. The response was tremendous.

a s do Mason jars filled

Gluten Free Cutie

“I made 500 cake pops and we were out in less than two hours,” she

recalled.

“People

45 Park Square Court Roswell, Ga. 30075 770-518-7858 www.glutenfreecutie.com

were

with

allergy-free

banana pudding.

Gluten Cutie

Free

opened

in February and business has been brisk ever since.

swarming around our

Customers’ gratitude

booth!”

and excitement at finding delicious

Their success inspired Natalie and her husband James to open Gluten

and decorative baked goods is very touching to Natalie.

Free Cutie, a 100 percent gluten-free

"I remember one customer who

bakery on the Historic Town Square

was in tears watching her daughter

in Roswell. All of the items sold in the

enjoy an allergy-free cupcake. After

bakery are free of gluten, peanuts,

all, people with allergies deserve

soy, eggs and artificial dyes and most

sprinkles and sparkle in their food,

items are also dairy-free and vegan.

too.”

The popular cake pops are

You don’t have to have food

available in addition to cupcakes,

allergies to appreciate treats from

whoopie pies, cutie pies (mini fruit

Gluten Free Cutie. Natalie shared a

pies) and ice box desserts such as

cupcake with a construction worker

banana pudding.

who was repairing the bakery’s roof.

Savanna’s

favorite

cupcake

flavor bears her name, “Savanna’s Strawberrylicious” featuring vanilla bean cake with a fresh strawberry center

KATIE VANBRACKLE

Allergy-free cake pops come in a variety of flavors such as Chocolate Raspberry and Grasshopper (chocolate mint). $2.50 each.

and

strawberry

faux

buttercream frosting.

A little while later, he came down and ordered six more to take home.

“I don’t know what’s in these, but they sure do taste good,” he said.

Gluten Free Cutie is open Tuesday through Saturday and accepts orders

Natalie, an interior designer by

by the dozen with advance notice.

trade, adopted a Southern theme in

Customers touring Roswell’s Historic

her bakery both in the décor and the

Square can stop to enjoy a sweet

baked goods. The “Devil Went Down

treat on the side patio of the bakery.

may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 23

herhealth Local nurse reflects on changes over four decades

N

ational Nurses Week is May 6-12, and in honor of the many nurses who are also Northside Women, we talked with Joyce Flynn, RN, of North Fulton Hospital, who looks back over 40 years of patient care.

By CANDY WAYLOCK

role as an educator, imparting her years of wisdom

candy@northsidewoman.com

to her patients, along with medical care.

“I really try to determine what is best for mom,

For nearly 40 years, registered nurse Joyce Flynn

baby and dad, listen to their concerns, and lead

has helped welcome thousands of babies into

them to [decisions], so they can be the best parents

the world, and comforted and assured just as

they can be,” said Flynn, who has been at North

many new moms (and dads).

Fulton Hospital since 1986.

Flynn started working as a nurse in the

The oldest of six children growing up on a farm

1970’s when the stereotype of the starched

in Missouri, Flynn felt an early calling to the nursing

white uniform and the brisk demeanor of Nurse

profession.

Ratched of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”

“I got the ‘Cherry Ames’ books about nursing

were prevalent. To some degree, there was some

when I was nine or 10, and thought it would be cool

truth in the perception, yet that has softened

to be a nurse,” said Flynn, who graduated from the

considerably over the years.

JOYCE FLYNN

“First of all, most nurses wear scrubs now!”

Joyce Flynn, RN, welcomes her first grandchild, Sophia Ann Sheckels, born on April 20 to Flynn’s daughter, Jackie Sheckels, and husband Mike. Flynn has been a nurse at North Fulton Hospital since 1986.

24 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

University of Missouri-Columbia. “I went to college to be a nurse and never changed [my major].”

Flynn laughed. “And today we don’t keep this high

Her first job was in Columbia as a pediatric

professional wall up between us and our patients,

nurse, and though she was certainly qualified to be

which we were encouraged to do so years ago.”

a nurse, there were aspects of the profession not

As a nurse in the maternity ward, and a board

taught in nursing school that she learned on the job.

certified lactation consultant, Flynn also sees her

See NURSE, Page 26

may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 25

NURSE, Continued from Page 24 “I was so young and I didn’t think

and

even

siblings

involved in the birth process.

about the responsibility you have to

Flynn has seen a growing trend

help sick people get healthy and

towards breastfeeding. When she

provide the education they need,”

started her career, the percentage

said Flynn. “It was a bit overwhelming

of moms nursing their babies was

the first couple of years, but I was

around 60-70 percent. That number

lucky enough to have a very good

has now reached nearly 95 percent

mentor.”

as it becomes the cultural norm for

Flynn said prospective nurses

moms to breastfeed.

should volunteer in hospitals so they

“When I was in nursing school

see the reality of the profession, as

there was not even a course on

opposed to the make-believe world

breastfeeding,” said Flynn, who noted

of nursing portrayed on television.

her job as a lactation consultant did

As a registered nurse and certified

not even exist when she started her

lactation consultant, Flynn has seen

career. “Now there is a big emphasis

the changes that have come into the

on breast feeding [basics] for medical

world of maternity care over a career

students and a lot of awareness of

that has spanned four decades.

the health benefits.”

“One of the biggest changes

At the end of the day, Flynn said

I’ve seen over the years is the move

she never would have been happy

towards

care,

in a desk job, and still enjoys the

which focuses on taking care of

profession she gravitated toward as

mother, baby and family,” said Flynn,

a child.

‘family

centered’

a mother of three who recently welcomed her first grandchild.

26 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

grandparents

“Every day is totally different, and there is no such thing as a routine day

Flynn said in the past, maternity

in the hospital,” she says. “I get to use

care was segmented, with the focus

all of my skills every day – science,

on the mother and child. Today, she

anatomy, communication, listening –

noted, it’s not unusual to have dads,

and I’m constantly learning.”

A Southern supper with Georgia-grown produce Chef Rosemary Rutland has created mouthwatering recipes that showcase Georgia-grown peaches, blueberries, watermelons, pecans and Vidalia onions.

Baby Spinach Salad with Pecan-Crusted Goat Cheese, Blueberries and Peach–Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette Yield: 4 servings Salad: • 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely

• • • •

chopped fresh mint 1 8-ounce log goat cheese, chilled 1 bag (6 ounces) raw baby spinach, stems removed 3/4 cup fresh blueberries 1 1/3 cup watermelon cubes, 1/2- to 3/4-inch dice

Dressing (yield: 3/4 cup): • 1 cup fresh peach slices • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar • 5 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

• • •

| goodeats

1 teaspoon sugar, as needed 2 tablespoons finely chopped Vidalia onion Salt and pepper to taste

Combine chopped pecans and mint. Spread pecan mixture on a plate or cutting board, and gently roll cheese to coat evenly.

Place peaches, lemon juice and cider vinegar in blender and puree until smooth.

Add 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Add canola oil, and then puree until smooth and thickened.

Remove from blender, stir in

onion and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate if not using right away.

In large bowl, add spinach and add enough dressing to coat all of the leaves evenly.

Divide dressed spinach on four chilled plates and garnish with blueberries and watermelon. Slice goat cheese into eight equal pieces using tautly held, unflavored dental floss or a knife. Add two slices of goat cheese on top of each salad. Serve immediately.

—Family features

Roswell

770-650-7900

1125 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS, the Fruit Basket Logo Design and Very Lovely Celebration are trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2012 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved. Franchises available; call 1-888-727-4258 or visit eafranchise.com.

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may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 27

KIM CRAIG ALI PHOTOGRAPHY

Leslie Dunn with her nearly 1-year-old son, Luke.

Tech helps stay-at-home moms stay relevant, sane singer named Adele is really

By LESLIE DUNN

www.snarkmom.com

she

I was never one of those girls who wanted to be a mom when I grew up. I didn’t play

still with it even though I spend most of my time

blogs

in yoga pants.

Twitter is also great

send us yours!

with dolls. They creeped

no rth editor@ com sidewoman.

me out. I thought babies were cute, but boring. So I

when

you

want

to

glance at what’s going on

in

the

world

during

a hectic day. I always enjoy

couldn’t imagine actually wanting to

getting tidbits of information and

stay at home with one all day.

wisdom from the personal friends,

Fast-forward a couple decades and here I am, a stay-at-home mom

publications, musicians, politicians and drag queens I follow.

to the cutest little guy in the world. I

Even though your world might

absolutely love it and feel like I am

revolve around nap schedules, meal

truly doing what I was always meant

times and a teething tot, you can

to do with my life – I just never knew

stay plugged in to the rest of society

it until now. I’d be lying, however, if I

through the modern-day marvels of

said there was never a dull moment.

computers, smartphones and social

There are plenty of them when your

media with minimal effort. Staying

constant companion has not yet

at home with children is no longer

mastered the English language and

the isolation chamber it may have

would rather move magnets around

seemed in the past.

on the refrigerator than read and discuss “The Hunger Games.”

That being said, I’d caution you to avoid lurking the Internet’s mommy

That’s why I’m thankful to be

message boards. While they can be

a mom in this Internet age. In my

helpful, I’ve also found they contain

former life, I was a public relations

many horror stories about children

professional who did a lot of writing

seeing ghosts…not comforting when

and editing. Now, thanks to modern

you have to feed a little one at night

technology, I can write and edit from

in a dark, silent house. Or maybe

the comfort of my home, whether it’s

that’s just my experience.

for fun or for a freelance job.

How do you like to stay connected while staying at home with your children?

I can also keep up with critical current events in between diaper changes and renditions of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” I don’t know if you heard, but Kim Kardashian got divorced.

And Snooki is pregnant. And a British

28 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

hot right now. See, I’m

Leslie lives in Roswell with her husband and nearly 1-year-old son.

She blogs at www.snarkmom.com and tweets at twitter.com/leslieie.

may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 29

herhealth

"Ms. Betty" Appling, 80, a North Fulton Hospital environmental services employee.

Older Americans Month: Is May My Month?

By DEBBIE KEEL

CEO of North Fulton Hospital May designated

has as

been Older

officially Americans

Month, very likely by someone who is not an older American. (Actually, it was the federal government’s Administration on Aging.)

When I was told this by a much

Debbie Keel, right, celebrating the baptism of her newest grandson, Jack Martin Mackey, with, from left, her husband, Patrick, her son-in-law Marty Mackey and her daughter, Corrie Mackey.

younger American the other day, I

(even if they're back). If they have

was quick to think that I would write a

grandchildren,

column about it, paying homage to

special, though not necessarily older.

my 89-year-old mother, among other

I see “young” older Americans all

older Americans that I know and love.

the time. I see them in physicians and

But just now, as I sat down to

nurses and the volunteers that work in

write this, my husband reminded me

our hospital. One of my favorites is Ms.

that we are older Americans, too.

Betty – the wonderful environmental

that

them

Nah, no way, I told him. He

services lady who keeps hospital

just smiled in that all-knowing way

administration neat and clean every

husbands do when you know they

day. She will likely keep working for

are right, but they know they’d better

many more years, as will many other

not argue the point.

older Americans. Some do it because

So, what is an older American and

they must; many do it because if they

how do the people who declared

want to feel “never too old to play,”

May Older Americans Month define

this is the best way they know to stay

them? I went to the website (http://

active and aware of what is going on

olderamericansmonth.org/) – it really

in the world.

didn’t say. But it did talk about the

My hat is off to them (and me,

theme of Older Americans Month this

I guess) for being older Americans.

year: “Never too old to play!”

We should celebrate their lives and

Okay, if I am an older American, I like the theme. But they need to

legacies every day, not just for a month.

change it just a bit to read, “Never too old to play … or keep working” since that defines me more accurately.

All kidding aside, I do honor older Americans. For my purposes, that’s anyone who has raised children and gotten them on their way

30 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

makes

Debbie Keel is the CEO of North Fulton Hospital.

give it a whirl

Latisse — Rx solution for longer, thicker lashes Longtime readers of Northside Woman know

one drop of the solution onto the applicators each

On another note, the package comes with

I’m always searching for THE product for lush,

night, per the directions, and swipe it along my

only 60 applicators, which is a 30-day supply. But

beautiful eyelashes, to make up for the scrawny

upper eyelash line. It feels like nothing going on…

the solution lasts longer than the 30 days. So I’m

set I was born with! For the sake of this column, I’ve

just a little damp, but no reaction.

confused. It says to never re-use the applicators,

been subjected to lash extensions and too many mascaras to count; none of which lived up to their claims.

So this month, I decided to go all in with the “medical miracle” for skimpy lashes.

but I can’t see shelling out another $120 for more

The Results: This is the story of patience.

brushes. So, I just clean the applicators and re-used!

It’s so hard to tell if it’s working since the growth is

I have not gone blind, yet, but I’ll let you know. In

so gradual. It wasn’t until I ran into a friend, whose

looking at the reviews of the product online, it seems

first words were “Are you wearing fake lashes?”

many people use their own brushes and throw out

Bingo. It was about four weeks into the test

The Product: Latisse. 0.3 ml.

the ones that come with the package.

— and the first time I had actually curled

This is not a product for me to use long-term.

my lashes and applied mascara. So

Yes, I think it lives up to its promise of longer lashes,

the change was definitely apparent.

but I can’t justify shelling out more than $1,000 a

But while the length was there, I never

year for a product that doesn’t add tremendous

The Promise: The only FDA-

really experienced the thickening the

value to my life.

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testimonials on the website attest to.

making them noticeably longer, thicker

I think the product would likely work

and darker within four to 16 weeks. www.

best for someone who has a healthy

latisse.com.

number of lashes, but is looking for

$100-120 for 4-6 week supply (depends on pharmacy and product usage).

The Ratings: ◄ Four out of Four stars (for keeping the promise)

more length.

The Test: For the price of a couple

Although the side effects can

of pairs of shoes, Lattise comes in the

be discoloration of skin and a

tiniest bottle. Seriously – it could fall down

darkening of the iris, I did not have

the drain. So I was very careful to load only

any adverse reactions.

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Teresa Hayes, Independent Consultant

678-714-8098

E

W

S

https://teresahayes.myrandf.com may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 31

herbeauty From Mom to Manager: Back to work, beautifully!

By CYNTHIA MORRISON EIKE

pump dispenses just the right amount of lightly

Visage Designs by Cynthia, LLC

foaming cleanser to wash away nightly skin renewal residue without over drying.

more lipcolor.

■ Keep hair neat and professional with a light spray of dry shampoo at the root between

As kids grow up and head off to school, many

■ Prep your skin for makeup with a

shampoos, like Pssssst Instant Dry Shampoo Spray

moms are returning to the workforce. Transitioning

multipurpose moisturizer that serves as a light

($6) and a silicone hair band tied into a low

your beauty routine from “stay-at-home mom” to

coverage foundation while protecting from harmful

ponytail for long hair or a thin head band for shorter

“working mom” can be a snap with these tips.

UV rays. Pur Minerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($34)

hair. Keeping hair neatly off the face gives a fresh,

■ Improve your skin and save time by

can be used alone for a one-step, ultra-natural

professional look and frees you from upkeep to

washing your face every night with multipurpose

complexion, or as a hydrating, broad-spectrum

remain focused on your work.

face cloths. Olay Regenerist Micro-

base for makeup application.

■ Keep your work wardrobe simple by

Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths

■ Keep makeup light and fresh for

choosing different colored tops and interesting

($7) regenerates skin’s surface

daytime work. After foundation, smooth on a

accessories to pair with sharp, well-fitting suits.

at the cellular level as you

cream based, multipurpose face stick like NYX

Wear pieces together or separately to maximize

cleanse. It gently removes dirt, oil

Stick Blush in Hibiscus ($6) over apples of cheeks,

combinations through the week. Try wearing slacks

and makeup -even waterproof

onto lips and lightly into the crease of the eyelid.

from your pant suit with a shell and a contrasting

eye makeup. Just wipe

Follow with a light dusting of translucent powder

cardigan instead of the matching jacket. Change

away the day’s grime

like Almay Nearly Naked Loose Powder in your

up your jacket by draping a color-coordinating

and follow with your

shade ($11), brush on a shimmery champagne

scarf around the collar and keeping it unbuttoned.

nightly skin treatment.

eyeshadow like Maybelline Champagne Fizz ($4),

Simplify your morning

dark brown eyeliner like Maybelline Eye Studio

routine by using a

Master Drama Eyeliner in Bold Brown ($8) on upper

gentle cleanser like

lids and two coats of black mascara like Lancôme

Cetaphil Daily Facial

Definicils in Black ($26). Finish your look with a lip

Cleanser ($7.50) in the

balm that doubles as a lip color like Revlon Color

shower.

Its

convenient

Burst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie ($7.50) if you like

Cynthia has been a makeup artist for over 25 years. She provides consulting and makeup application services through Visage Designs

by Cynthia. Contact her at visagedesigns@gmail.com or at 770-331-9957.

OF BEST EE N A SUW

2011

Kid’s Creek is celebrating its 8th year of helping children reach their potential in North Atlanta.

• Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy • Interactive Metronome • Handwriting Groups • Occupational Therapy

4th

Consecutive Year

• Oral Motor Myofunctional Therapy • P.R.O.M.P.T. Speech Therapy • Feeding Therapy • Social Skills Groups

Feeding Therapy

Are you up a creek about what to feed your picky eater?

Find help at the Food Explorers group! (utilizing SOS therapeutic feeding techniqueswith a licensed nutritionist, ST and OT)

Lindamood Bell Phoneme Sequencing® Program

(phonemic awareness for reading, spelling, and speech and develops cognitive processes related to word attack, and phonological processing)

We invite you to call or visit to learn about immediate therapy openings.

Kids Creek Therapy 3905 Johns Creek Court, Suite 250, Suwanee, GA 30024 Check out our website at: www.kidscreektherapy.com | 770.888.5221 32 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

TA

KE

e id h fi v e n o r t

5

Summer Cocktails 1. Classic Mint Julep

a si d s & t e w ips for o men

5

3

4

1

Summer ushers in poolside parties and lazy nights sitting on the deck. These events are even better with a cocktail in hand! Here are five recipes for summer cocktails and a frozen treat.

• 1 scant ounce minted simple syrup (see recipe below) • 2 cups crushed ice • 2 ounces bourbon (such as Woodford Reserve) • Fresh mint sprig, for garnish In highball glass or silver Julep cup, add minted simple syrup, then 1 cup crushed ice, bourbon and splash of water. Add enough of remaining ice to almost fill glass.

Stir well and garnish with mint sprig.

Minted Simple Syrup • 1 1/2 cups packed fresh mint leaves • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup water Chop mint. In a saucepan bring sugar, water and mint to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

Simmer syrup, undisturbed, two minutes. Pour syrup through a fine sieve, pressing hard on solids, and cool. Syrup keeps, covered and chilled, two weeks.

—Courtesy of epicurious.com

recipe makes two popsicles.

Slim Berry Pop • 1 1/2 ounces Voli Lyte (or other vodka) • 1 cup of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) • 2 1/2 ounces Master of Mixers Sweet and Sour Lite • 1 ounce water Combine blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries in a shaker. Add Voli vodka, Sweet and Sour mix and water. Shake well. Pour into popsicle containers and freeze till firm.

Strawberry Vodka Pop • 1 1/2 ounces Voli Lyte vodka • 3 ounces Master of Mixers Sweet and Sour Lite • 3 ounces Master of Mixers Strawberry Mixer • 1 ounce water In a shaker, add all ingredients. Shake well and pour into popsicle containers. Freeze until firm.

2. Voli Vodka Popsicles

3. Skip & Go Naked

What better way to enjoy a cool treat than with a splash of vodka.

And with less than 100 calories, it’s a guilt-free indulgence. Each

2

Reader Debbie Johnson submitted this recipe for the ultimate party drink of the summer.

• 12 ounces Sprite, ginger ale or

club soda • 6 ounces frozen concentrate limeade or lemonade • 6 ounces vodka or whiskey (use the cheap stuff for this!)

Mix ingredients in a pitcher and add ice. Serve and enjoy (preferably on a float somewhere on the water!)

4. Flirtini

Reader Shannon Wright of Alpharetta says this drink is perfect in hot weather…and even better when you make it using half juice and half vodka.

• 2/3 cup pineapple juice • 1/3 cup vodka • Splash champagne Mix ingredients and pour over crushed ice!

5. Dark & Stormy

A favorite of production manager Kelly Brooks, this drink is simply a mixture of dark rum and ginger beer. Use your favorite mixes or try Kelly’s favorites – Gosling’s Bermuda Black Rum and Gosling’s Ginger Beer.

• 60 ml dark rum • 120 ml ginger beer • Lime slice Pour rum into a highball glass over ice. Pour the ginger beer over the rum. Squeeze in the lime wedge and drop into the drink.

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SilkPeel MICRODERMABRASION for ONLY $99 (reg. $125) and receive a $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE toward any of our medical grade skin care products. Offer expires 5/31/2012.

This special cannot be combined with other DCA specials.

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Revive your skin with NeoCutis BIO-SERUM, the most intense PSP ® serum available and receive a 15ml

JOURNEE SPF 30+ Bio-restorative Day Cream FREE! $279 value for ONLY $199!

Leslie C. Gray, M.D. | Kristin H. Magee, M.D. Stephanie S. Gardner, M.D. | Lisa Foreman, NP-C

BONUS GIFT, a set of 6mm

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All physicians are Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology Offer expires 5/31/2012 or while supplies last.

9900 Medlock Bridge Road | Johns Creek, GA 30097 | 770.497.0699 | www.dermatology-atlanta.com may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 33

hertravels

Girlfriend

GETAWAYS

What better way to usher in the summer than a quick weekend away with

the girls? After nine months of carpool, homework and chauffeuring kids from point A to point B, it’s your time to kick back and relax. Here are a few readersubmitted ideas of close-by locations that offer up a perfect weekend away with the girls.

Kristen Grzywacz, Colleen Gilchrist and Kelly Gilchrist, from left, enjoy a night at Scully’s Bar in Asheville, N.C., during a recent girls’ weekend.

The lure of Asheville, N.C., continues to call me back

We begin the weekend with dinner

at

restaurant

Limones, with

a

Mexi-Cali

imaginative

bar

By KRISTEN GRZYWACZ

selections. After dinner, we head to

Cumming, Ga.

Hannah Flanagan’s Irish Pub for a quick drink before heading to popular th

LAB (Lexington Avenue Brewery) —

birthday and we wanted to celebrate

one of my favorite microbrews in

“the twins’” big day in style. But where

Asheville and always packed with

to go? Vegas? Too far. South Beach?

people. We finish our evening with

Too expensive. A return to Asheville,

a nightcap at Scully’s, a low-key bar

N.C., where I got married in 2010?

perfect for winding down the day

Perfect.

with friends.

It was my best friends’ 30

Asheville is an easy three-and-a-

Saturday starts with brunch at

half hour road trip along a beautiful

the Corner Kitchen, a quick trip

scenic route, and I spent many

to the Grove Park Inn (a must-see

summers near there as a child at my

resort in Asheville) to try and get an

grandparents’ home. But, today,

appointment at their spa (no luck!),

Asheville is all grown up. Aside from

then a drive by the historic Biltmore

the world-famous Biltmore House and

castle across the street from our hotel.

the Grove Park Inn, there are now 10

We don’t visit Biltmore this weekend,

microbreweries (no wonder it’s been

but I highly recommend it for a day

named Beer City USA for the third

trip.

year in a row). It has everything for

We spend Saturday browsing

the perfect girls’ getaway – scenery,

(and buying) at the local shops

restaurants, nightlife and shopping.

downtown, dinner at Red Stag and

The four of us (twins Colleen and

end the evening at Sazerac’s, a bar

Kelly Gilchrist and Lindsey Sutphin)

named after the first cocktail ever

left Atlanta for Asheville on a recent

created. Our wonderful weekend

Friday afternoon, and checked into

ends with Sunday morning mimosas

the Grand Bohemian. It’s a beautiful,

on the patio at Posana’s Café, before

historic hotel in downtown with a

heading home to Atlanta. Another

lobby that makes you feel like you’re

perfect weekend in Asheville.

in a fairy tale.

See TRIPS, Page 36

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WE SPECIALIZE IN BEACH FRONT ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF ORANGE BEACH AND GULF SHORES, ALABAMA. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A LADIES WEEKEND AWAY, REUNION OR FAMILY VACATION, SUGAR SANDS IS YOUR BEACH CONNECTION. CALL TODAY OR VISIT US ONLINE TO PLAN YOUR NEXT BEACH TRIP. FIND OUT WHY SUGAR SANDS REALTY HAS BEEN MAKING BEACH DREAMS COME TRUE SINCE 1987.

FREE NIGHTS AND HOT DEALS THIS SUMMER 34 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

251.974.1672 / 800.824.6462 WWW.SUGSANDS.COM • SUGARSANDS@SUGSANDS.COM M E M O R I E S T H AT L A S T A L I F E T I M E N OT J U S T A V A C AT I O N

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THIS IS THE VACATION COMPANY One of the most experienced ‘vacation hosts’ on the Island. We are a small organization that gives personal attention to each of our guests. Our goal is to make your vacation the most pleasant, relaxing and hassle-free experience possible. To insure quality, we inspect every property before we accept it as part of our rental program. We strive to offer the nicest, ideally located properties.

All of our homes are fully and comfortably furnished. Each property is equipped with cable TV, VCR and/or DVD, central air conditioning, and full kitchens with microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Most have swimming pools or even tennis courts.

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LUXURY VACATION RENTALS 42 New Orleans Road • Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928

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may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 35

TRIPS, Continued from Page 34 The recipe for a perfect girls’ weekend – a trip to Savannah

By DEBBIE JOHNSON

Milton, Ga. I love me a good girls’ trip! I’m part of a group of about 15 women who’ve been getting away a few times a year for the last 15 years to celebrate birthdays, special events or just the chance to get together (without husbands and children).

A recent birthday getaway took a group of eight of us to historic Savannah for the weekend.

Our group arrived at the historic Liberty House (reserved by the birthday girl’s husband), and we were greeted with goody bags containing handpainted wine glasses made especially by the birthday girl’s mom! In Savannah, we enjoyed fresh pralines from Savannah Sweets, a horse-drawn

Debbie Johnson of Milton, center front, enjoys Savannah during a recent girls’ weekend with several of her best friends.

carriage/ghost tour, a little bar hopping, shopping on River Street, a delightful meal at Alligator Soul

the birthday girl’s parents.

chance to catch up.

and club dancing at the Bohemian roof top bar

Plans are already in the works for a special

Since I am a seasoned girls’ trip traveler, I

that left a trail of pink boa feathers throughout

50th birthday trip to Montreal later this year. Our

claim expertise in this important part of women’s

Savannah!

getaway group of 15 never has trouble getting

studies. Girlfriends are so important and a good

There’s never a lack of something to do in

our weekend dates nailed down — we even book

girls’ weekend will surely leave you grateful for

Savannah. We enjoyed Bloody Mary cocktails and

family vacations around our girls’ weekends. This

those friends. I have even come up with several

a ghost scare at a local day spa — complete with

group started as a playgroup when our kids were

important roles that will assure a successful girls’

a ghost appearance in one of our photos! The trip

little, and has turned into more of a support group

trip. (Find the detailed list on my blog at www.

ended with a family low country boil at the home of

for what life throws at us. Our weekends give us a

hippiechickschronicles.com.)

36 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

Want your Northside Man featured?

Northside Woman wants to hear about your Northside Man. If you know a man involved in weddings, health care or volunteering, send your nomination to editor@northsidewoman.com You just might see him on the pages of the next Northside Woman,

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MAY

todo

2

The Eagles land in Alpharetta May 2 and 4 at 8 p.m. The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. $185 reserved seats; $65 lawn.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. www.vzwamp.com/event/eagles

3

Milton Orchestra spring concert 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. The 110+ players of the Milton High School Orchestra present their final performance of the school year including a combination of classical and modern selections. Milton High School Auditorium, 13025 Birmingham Highway, Milton. www.miltonorchestra.com

4

Outdoor Shakespeare at Barrington Hall Through May 12. 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” by the North Fulton Drama Club on the lawn at Barrington Hall in Roswell. Bring a picnic to enjoy. Admission is free, donations appreciated. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. www.northfultondramaclub.org

5

3rd annual Drake Walk ▲ 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. This rain-orshine family event offers walking routes through historic Roswell followed by the Finish Line Festival with refreshments and fun. Proceeds benefit the Drake House, which provides emergency housing for women and children in North Fulton.

Individual registration: $15; Families: $30; Groups of 10 or more: $10 each. www.thedrakewalk.org Roswell Garden Club plant sale 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Held on the grounds of historic Smith Plantation, the sale will feature heirloom and native species, drought-tolerant species, annuals, perennials, ground covers, seeds and more. Park at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street in Roswell. www.roswellgardenclub.com

program also features works by Mozart, Brahms and Rossini. Tickets are $19 for adults; $17 for seniors; $10 for students (under 22). Fine Arts Center at Alpharetta High School, 3595 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta. www.ludwigsymphony.org The Down Home Derby 5 p.m. In Your Dreams Farm hosts this fundraiser for the Child Development Association featuring live bluegrass music, fabulous food and mint juleps, live and silent auctions and a Blue Ribbon Hat Parade. Run for the Roses post time is 6:04 p.m. Tickets are $150. In Your Dreams Farm, 17875 Birmingham Highway, Milton. www.cdakids.org/get-involved/ down-home-derby.php

12

Downtown Alpharetta Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Open every Saturday through midOctober. Features farmers with fruits and vegetables, gardeners with fresh flowers and plants and makers of all sorts of edible goods from desserts, sauces and jellies to raw honey. ocated in the big parking lot next to City Hall on Main Street. 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta. www.alpharettafarmersmarket.com

17

6

Atlanta Wind Symphony concert 3 p.m. “Great music inspired by great literature” features musical works that have been inspired by treasured authors such as Dante, Henry David Thoreau and Herman Melville.

Admission is free, but donations are requested. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell www.atlantawindsymphony.org

9

Spa Day for Mom 10 – 12 p.m. Indulge yourself!

Create your own line of bath products while relaxing and sipping herbal teas and light refreshments.

Make all-natural personalized massage oils, bath salts, lip balm, aromatherapy room spritzers and homemade herbal soaps and take them all home in a pamper-ready gift basket. $39 for the hands-on class.

Salud! Cooking School at Alpharetta Harry’s Whole Foods Market, 1180 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell. http://wholefoodsmarket.com/ stores/alpharetta/salud-cookingclass-calendar

Taste of Alpharetta in new location ▲ 5 – 10 p.m. The largest “Taste” event in the South celebrates its 22nd year in a new location across from City Hall in Alpharetta. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts with 50,000 families, foodies and festival-goers. The music stage will feature retro-themed bands and a culinary stage will pair top chefs in contests. A fun zone will keep kids busy. Historic Downtown Alpharetta, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta,

38 | northsidewoman.com | may2012

13

Free Historic Tours in Roswell for Moms ▲ 1 – 3 p.m. Treat mom to a tour of Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation during the annual event with free admission.

Food donations accepted at each house for the North Fulton Food Bank. www.roswellgov.com/calendar Alive After 5 in Roswell 5 – 9 p.m. A free trolley carouses Canton Street while folks enjoy merchants, specials, restaurants, galleries and live music. www.aliveafterfiveroswell.com

Georgia Horse Derby Celebration 12:30 – 7 p.m. This family event at Chukkar Farms will benefit Save the Horses, a local nonprofit which rescues abused equines. Enjoy a polo match, silent auction and ladies Derby hat contest. Includes a petting zoo. Gourmet sack lunch available for all ticket holders. Tickets are $50; $125 for VIP seating. Children 12 and under admitted for $5. www.savethehorses.org

10 Ludwig Symphony Orchestra concert ▲ 7:30 p.m. “A Cherry Blossom Mother’s Day Tribute” features young Russian violinist Yevgeny Kutik and Atlanta Opera tenor Wesley Morgan. The

across from City Hall. alpharetta.ga.us/index.php?p=195

19

EJCH Health Festival and Scrub Run 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Free health screenings, kids activities and a 5K Scrub Run at Emory Johns Creek Hospital campus. $25 registration fee in advance ($30 day of race). emoryjohnscreek.com/festival2012 22nd annual Colors Festival of Arts ▲ May 12 – 13 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Enjoy paintings, photography, jewelry, sparkling glass, whimsical sculptures and much more on the Historic Town Square in Roswell. Live entertainment, dance and music will be featured throughout the day with festive food vendors available. A free shuttle will run from Roswell City Hall to the town square. visitroswellga.com/festival-arts.html Mary E. Kingsley book signing 2:30 – 4 p.m. Mary E. Kingsley, author of “Angel” and featured in this month’s She Reads column, will sign copies of her book at Peerless Book Store, 8465 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta. www.peerlessbookstore.com www.maryekingsley.com Water for the World Run 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Raises funds to fight water contamination, the number one cause of death in developing countries. Event features pancake breakfast, bucket run, 5K and 10K runs. Admission is $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per family. Mt. Pisgah North Campus, 2850 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. www.waterfortheworldrun.com A Midsummer Night’s Mayor’s Run and Fun in Alpharetta 6:30 p.m. The Rotary Club and city of Alpharetta partner to host their first night race, complete with block party and movie night. Race checkin begins at 6:30 p.m., Fun Run at 7 p.m. on Milton Avenue, 5K at 7:45 p.m. on the corner of Milton Avenue and Canton Street, movie at 9 p.m. on Milton Avenue. Downtown Alpharetta, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta (across from City Hall). http://alpharetta/ga/us

Riverside Farmers Market in Roswell May 19 and 26 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Buy locally grown vegetables, fruit, fragrant herbs, flowers and plants, compost, cheeses, organic herbal soaps and more. Roswell City Hall parking lot, 38 Hill Street, Roswell.

20

Flavors of Forsyth ▲ 12 – 6 p.m. Enjoy tasty fare from dozens of local restaurants. Featuring local musicians, an artists market and kid zone. Forsyth Conference Center, on the campus of Lanier Technical College, 7745 Majors Road, Cumming. http://unitedwayforsyth.com/ Flavors_2012.php

25

“Friends, Fun and Flowers” Standard Flower Show May 25 from 2 – 4 p.m. and May 26 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Roswell Garden Club presents floral designs that represent the classes offered at the Adult Recreation Center in Roswell. Contact Carolyn Clarke, 770993-0219. Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. www.roswellgardenclub.com

28

Memorial Day Celebration 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. The largest Memorial Day ceremony in Georgia features an Armed Forces tribute, 21-gun salute, music by the Atlanta Wind Symphony and Chattahoochee Celtic Pipes and Drums, and a Banks and Shane concert. Roswell City Hall Faces of War Memorial, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. www.roswellmemorialday.com

may2012 | northsidewoman.com | 39

40 | northsidewoman.com | may2012