Decatur Living - Winter 2023

S E R V I N G AT L A N TA I N TO W N N E I G H B O R H O O D S

WINTER 2023

Holiday Tradition A historic home in Druid Hills is honored for this season and beyond

Shop Local

This Season

Winter

Skin Care Tips

Warm Weather Retreat

Design ∙ Installation ∙ Maintenance 627 Valley Brook Road Scottdale, GA 30079 ∙ (404) 373-0023

CONTENTS Winter 2023

Holiday Tradition

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A historic home in Druid Hills is honored for this season and beyond

4 2 Publisher’s Letter Peace on Earth

4 A Southern Winter Wonderland

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Avondale Estates Christmas Tour of Homes and Holiday Market

16 Winter Skin Woes?

Decatur skin care experts offer top tips to get your glow back

18 Tips to Stay Financially Secure 24 Decatur Holiday Shopping Guide Shop local for your loved ones

28 Looking for a Winter Escape?

Welcome to Miami

30 Calendar of Events

Winter 2023

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Welcome / PUBLISHER’S LETTER

DECATUR LIVING, LLC P.O. BOX 2589 DECATUR, GA 30031

PUBLISHER

Peace on Earth HAPPY HOLIDAYS! We’ve made it to the end of 2023. We’re ready to celebrate, and this issue of Decatur Living shows it, in more ways than one. Our entire magazine staff had no problem getting into the holiday spirit, and we hope this edition inspires you to feel the same way. Whether you’re decorating your home, shopping local, attending a seasonal event or simply savoring the joy of where we live, let this issue be your guide.

Decking the halls? Flip to our cover story, and read our editor Denise K. James’ feature on a historic home in Druid Hills.

Less is more this season, and this 110-year home’s character is enhanced, rather than overpowered, by holiday elegance. Or get ready to go out and buy local gifts with writer Vanessa Pascale’s guide to great Decatur shopping destinations – there’s something for everyone on this list, trust us! Elsewhere in the issue, you’ll find advice for taking better care of your skin this season, reasons to explore the hot

city of Miami and more. We’re thrilled to work with our new writer, Nikki Wisher, a medical and beauty expert.

Of course, what makes this time of year so special is sharing your happiness with others. Why not invite friends and family to join you on this year’s Avondale Tour of Homes, or check out another great holiday event on our calendar? There’s no better way to close out the year than with loved ones.

Winter 2023

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR PHOTOGRAPHY WRITERS

Denise K. James Bri Kids Brent Cashman Josh Vensel, Venvisio Photography Vanessa Pascale Nikki Wisher

Decatur Living

Telephone: 404-373-0076 sales@decaturliving.com

Decatur Living is published quarterly by Natalie Gregory.

Distribution is a minimum of 14,000 with up to 11,000 being mailed to households in Decatur, Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, Candler Park, Lake Claire and Oak Grove. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. The publisher does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in Decatur Living Magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance, and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors.

Natalie Gregory Publisher, Decatur Living

CHECK OUT THIS ISSUE ONLINE @ WWW.DECATURLIVING.COM

DECATUR LIVING

EDITOR

Bri Kids

On behalf of everyone at Decatur Living, we hope you and your family have a memorable holiday season and cozy start to 2024. However you plan to celebrate, we’re sharing the sentiment.

Decatur Living is now on Facebook and Instagram.

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MARKETING MANAGER

Natalie Gregory

On the cover The story behind 1308 Fairview in historic Druid Hills.

COMMUNITY

A Southern Winter Wonderland Avondale Estates Christmas Tour of Homes and Holiday Market

By Margaret Lunsford, Tour of Homes Committee

THE 31ST ANNUAL Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market will be held on Sunday, December 10 from 3 until 8 p.m. with the Holiday Market from noon-6 p.m..

Six homes representing the various styles of architecture in the city will be featured on the tour.

Johnny Garcia and Patrick Gregware have known about Avondale Estates while living nearby for years. After finding a home on Clarendon Place, Johnny presented the property to Patrick as a Christmas gift in 2020.

Before moving in, they completely remodeled their 1931 English cottage, which features four working fireplaces, one made from Stone Mountain granite. Christmas decorations feature a large collection of ornaments by Christopher Radko, where Patrick was once the visual director of the company.

After Edwin and Kathleen Link’s children got into the Museum School, they moved to their completely renovated home in 2015.

Originally a one-story ranch built in 1950, Brickmont Homes Builders opened up the main floor and added a second floor. Purchasing a frasier fir from Christmas Corner in Pineola, North Carolina every Thanksgiving is a cherished family tradition. The tree will showcase Kathleen’s Santa collection, which began with a gift of a Possible Dreams Santa from her grandmother 30 years ago.

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Lindsey Grant, who grew up in Druid Hills, found a home around the corner from her sister, and she and Patrick Bowen moved from Switzerland to Avondale in 2020.

Purchasing the midcentury ranch built in 1951 from a builder who had renovated it, Lindsey and Patrick upgraded the kitchen, bathrooms and common spaces in 2022. For Christmas, the home will become a Winter Wonderland, highlighting the natural beauty of Christmas with lights, greenery and an abundance of whimsy.

Living nearby, Katherine and Kirk Benson had always admired Avondale Estates. Purchasing their 1980s Cottage in 2019, they completely remodeled the entire interior while living in their garage apartment during 2022-2023. Adding a screened-in porch and living room, they opened the kitchen, created an ensuite bedroom, and converted the original living room into a mudroom. On display in their front yard are Santa and his reindeer, originally purchased by a grandparent from Sears Roebuck in the 1950s.

Jodi Florence found her Craftsman-style home built in 2008 on Windsor Walk, part of a small John Willis development known as Reynolds Park. This section of Avondale Estates was divided from the city when MARTA was built in the 1970s. Jodi had a lifelong connection to Avondale, visiting her great-grandfather for years at his home in town. At Christmas, Jodi changes out the art in her home for her Christmas art collection and showcases her interesting collection of nativities.

Cathy Moody and Kamile Rasheed moved to their new home in Avondale Estates less than two years ago after living in Druid Hills for 35 years. As the second owners of the Craftsman built in 2019, they added bookcases to their front room, which also showcases their 1960s Yamaha baby grand piano. Featured throughout their home is art created by various Atlanta artists, and their Christmas decorations include collections from many years, now freshly displayed.

The Avondale Holiday Market is Sunday, December 10 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Avondale Lake House. The 2023 market will include beloved vendors selling their handknitted scarves, chocolates, honey, jewelry, photography, bird feeders, smoked salmon, jams and ornaments. Come support the market vendors and finish off your Christmas shopping list with one-of-a-kind gifts. While

you are there, enjoy soup and sandwiches at the Holiday Market Café. In addition to the featured homes, the city will be lit up along every street in the Avondale Estates Business District and in the plazas around town.

Purchase pre-sale tour tickets at Finders Keepers Furnishings, Garage Door Studio or Intown Ace Hardware for $15 or online at

bigtickets.com for $20. On the day of the tour, tickets will be for sale for $20 at the Avondale Lake House. Small buses will be available for the tour from 3 until 5 p.m. or 6 until 8 p.m.

Contact Margaret Lunsford at mplcvl@aol. com to sign up for a spot on a bus. avondaletourofhomes.com

Plan to Attend

3 1 st A n n ua l

Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market

Sunday December 10, 2023 Winter 2023

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Jason Conn Mortgage Loan Officer office: 404-267-7783 cell: 404-210-6663 jason.conn@usbank.com NMLS # 210515

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Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loans amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered

by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2023 U.S. Bank

Holiday Tradition A historic home in Druid Hills is honored for this season and beyond

By Denise K. James

FOR YEARS, WHEN DENISE BAILEY and her running buddies would take a route through the historic neighborhood of Druid Hills, enjoying the stately homes and verdant landscaping, a particular house consistently stood out among the rest. Designed by legendary architect Neel Reid with an expansive porch supported by classic columns, it was hard to miss – and front porches have long captured Denise’s attention.

Like most of us who admire a beautiful home, Denise never suspected she would one day live there. She and her husband, Scott, and their three young children were happily settled in Decatur, and the couple wanted their kids to remain in the city schools through high school. But fast-forward to a suddenly empty nest, and the timing was right to venture outside of the Decatur city limits. The Druid Hills home came up for sale, and, although the Baileys considered Morningside and other in-town neighborhoods, something about Fairview seemed to fit.

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A rich history

The couple’s connections to the home’s history made it an easy decision to purchase it. The house was originally built for Arthur Howell Sr., and Mr. Howell had been a founding partner of one of the firms that merged to form Atlanta’s Alston & Bird.

Interestingly, Scott had been a young associate at Alston & Bird, and his office was next to Arthur Howell, Jr., by then a retired partner. In another happy coincidence, the sellers were both Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians, where Denise had once worked as a fundraiser. It all seemed kismet.

The Baileys had visions of how they could enhance and modernize the property while honoring its past. The distinctive historic features—including a spacious foyer, Reid-style symmetrical fireplaces and a bright solarium— all retain the home’s original design, while renovated touches create a more modern aesthetic.

Together with Builder Jason Tillery of Domain Custom Homes and Architect Wright Gardner, the Baileys renovated the home to its current glory. A small kitchen and formal dining room were reconfigured, allowing for a more spacious and updated kitchen with custom built-in cabinets, a large pantry and a 10-foot island – plus a still-generous dining area perfect for holiday Winter 2023

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gatherings. Two of the coal-burning fireplaces downstairs were transitioned to gas while maintaining their original character, and a beautiful screened porch with its own fireplace was added just off the dining room.

The home’s original breakfront cabinet was deconstructed and preserved by Jason’s team, then relocated from the breakfast room to the current dining area. Upstairs, the couple expanded the home’s primary suite to allow for more closet space.

All of these renovations, with the exception of the expanded back porch, have honored the home’s original footprint. It is something Scott and Denise both take seriously – they obtained reproductions of the home’s original Neel Reid architectural drawings from the Atlanta History Center to better understand its design.

 The original blueprint plans from 1913 drawn by Neel Reid for Fairview Road provided by the Atlanta History Center.

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Holidays at Fairview

On a brisk day in November, everyone at Fairview was busily decorating for the upcoming holiday festivities. Plans included elegant and understated ornaments obtained from David D’Ambrosio, owner of Redefined Home Boutique, who helped Denise and Scott initially furnish their home. Festive bulbs, greenery on mantles and tabletops, pine accents with a hint of shimmer and decorative trees and wreaths were decking each hall, preparing for the home’s grand debut just in time for the season. The original design drawings for Fairview will also be displayed to honor its 110-year history.

Scott and Denise agree they are happy to continue the legacy of their new home. They consider themselves to be stewards of a property that holds a special place in the history of Druid Hills and the history of Atlanta.

Winter 2023

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WELLNESS

Winter Skin Woes?

Decatur skin care experts offer top tips to get your glow back

By Nikki Wisher

WINTER IS ALL ABOUT glitz and glitter — the shimmer of festive holiday décor, the warm twinkle of a light in the window on a cold night and, if we’re lucky, even the glistening of a fresh blanket of snow. But one thing doesn’t shine in the winter: our skin . . . unless we give it a little help, that is.

The cold months are notorious for making our skin dry to the point of itchiness, a dull complexion, or even cracked hands and lips. But why, and what can we do about it?

Why Is My Skin Dry Every Winter?

Winter is really a perfect storm for drying out your skin. For starters, the air is naturally less humid during the colder months. Because the air is drier than you are, it pulls moisture out of your skin.

Indoor heating will dry out your skin, too. The heating systems we use in our homes and workplaces make the air even drier than it already is, so there goes more of your skin’s hydration.

There’s a third factor that comes into play: hot water. Sure, a hot shower feels amazing after a chilly morning walk, but hot water will dry out your skin in a hurry.

With that combo, it’s no wonder why so many of us wind up feeling like a desert.

What to Do for Your Skin This Winter What can you do about dry winter skin? Fortunately for us all, Decatur has a bevy of stellar med spas and skincare aficionados who know exactly how to give you a luxe winter look. Those pros are weighing in on the best ways to get your glow back and keep it going all winter long.

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Fabu Face Spa 805 Church Street, Decatur fabufacespa.com

Fabu Face Spa was one of Atlanta’s first spas to specialize in facial skincare, and Jessica Kane, the spa’s owner and a licensed esthetician and makeup artist, is sharing her top pearls of wisdom.

According to Jessica, an ultrasonic humidifier on your nightstand can do wonders.

Another favorite tip? “Changing some of your skincare products with the season, such as switching cleansers or adding in a hero product, such as facial nectar, facial recovery oil, stabilizing repair cream or overnight hydration masque.”

If you want to get serious about your winter skin health, head to Fabu Face Spa and hydrate while also giving your skin an antiaging boost with the Hydra Peach treatment.

Another favorite is the Turbo Lift Microcurrent treatment. As Jessica explains, “Turbo Lift Microcurrent is the perfect solution for the person who is concerned about the aged appearance of their face but would like to avoid surgery or invasive procedures.”

If you want a facial-type experience that hydrates while exfoliating, you’ll love the Glazed Donut facial or the Glo2 Facial by Geneo.

AYA Medical Spa 431 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur ayaskincare.com

With several locations across metro Atlanta including Decatur, AYA Med Spa is one of Atlanta’s most popular choices for skincare.

Several of this med spa’s experts took the time to share their top recommendations for winter skin.

For more hydrated skin at home, here’s a tip from Mechlin Eustis, licensed esthetician and board-certified assistant laser practitioner: double up on hydrating products. Mechlin suggests starting with hyaluronic acid and adding a moisturizer like Obagi Hydrate or Hydrate Luxe on top. But Lauren Runnels, CRNA, Aesthetic Nurse Injector, has an important reminder too: “Even when it’s cold and gloomy outside, you still need SPF! It’s critical to your skin’s health that you use sun protection year-round.”

In the way of professional skin treatments, Alorna Maxey, NP-C and aesthetic injector, says, “I personally love chemical peels and Moxi lasers during the winter months. It’s a great time to get sun damage under control from the summer months.”

Natural Body Spa 225 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 150, Decatur naturalbody.com

Natural Body Spa is known for the premium experience it offers every guest, and the foundation of its excellent care is a keen knowledge of skincare. Natural Body’s Tamika Alicea, licensed esthetician, shares some winter tips with us.

Tamika cautions against over-exfoliating dry winter skin: “Less is more with exfoliation.

Each client’s treatment plan will vary, but most people will want to exfoliate once to twice each week. After exfoliating, it’s important to apply a hydrating serum, like the Eminence Firm Skin Serum or Citrus & Kale C+E Serum, and seal it in with a heavy moisturizer.”

As a 17-year esthetics veteran, Tamika also has recommendations for which professional

treatments to spring for this winter: Natural Body’s refreshing oxygen facial, a richly hydrating HydraFacial treatment, or SkinMedica chemical peels to reduce signs of aging.

This winter, you can relish the season without dull, dry skin. With the help of our local skincare geniuses, you can head into the holidays looking youthful, healthy and glistening.

Winter 2023

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FINANCE

Tips to Stay Financially Secure

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WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING for retirement, protecting your assets, or setting money aside for a new adventure, now is the time to start mapping out a plan to reach your goals. Making big changes and hitting major milestones isn’t easy, but smart planning and the right approach can get you there. Here are 12 tips you can use as a guide to start getting your finances into shape. Talk to your financial advisor today about putting together your comprehensive financial plan to achieve your aspirations.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Set aside time to envision your ideal retirement. Aim to save 10% or more of your income for retirement.

Review your investment portfolio to make sure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance levels.

Protect loved ones and your assets.

Review and update your life insurance and property and casualty coverages.

Review and update beneficiary designations as needed for your retirement accounts, life insurance policies and annuities.

8 9 10 11 12

Look for opportunities to reduce expenses. Review your credit card debt and develop a repayment plan.

Examine your credit report for accuracy and explore ways to improve your credit score.

Review your mortgage rate and compare to current rates.

Establish or review your will, power of attorney, and health care directives.

Protect yourself. Update your list of online login/passwords and store in a secure place. To protect against forgery, when dating checks, use four-digit year instead of abbreviating it to 20.

Consider making an IRA contribution before the annual deadline.

Review your salary tax withholding and make adjustments, if appropriate.

Set aside three to six months of living expenses in a cash account for emergencies.

For more information: Tim Martin, LUTCF, Financial Adviser Tim Martin Wealth Strategies (770) 934-7511 • timmartinwealth.com

Timothy H Martin, Financial Adviser with Eagle Strategies LLC A Registered Investment Adviser and a Registered Representative with NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency 1435 Mclendon Drive Suite B Decatur, GA 30033 (770) 934-7511.

Tim Martin Wealth Strategies is not owned and operated by Eagle Strategies LLC and its affiliates.

Winter 2023

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SHOPPING

Decatur Holiday Shopping Guide Shop local for your loved ones

By Vanessa Pascale

SHOPPING FOR PRESENTS during the holidays can be such a joyful experience. The stores, restaurants and plazas are trimmed with twinkling lights and bright holiday décor. The eateries are luring in customers with signage advertising delicious treats.

(Hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies are essential when bouncing from store to store.) And the product displays and deals are the best of the season.

The secret to a successful holiday shopping haul is to know where to shop. We curated a list of local stores that peddle the perfect presents for the folks in your life who made the “nice” list this year. Whether you’re shopping for the kids, art enthusiasts, sneakerheads or fashionistas, we have you covered.

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CLUBHOUSE Kid & Craft 533 A W Howard Avenue, Decatur clubhousekidandcraft.com IG: @ClubHouseKidandCraft

In the market for cute and educational gifts for the littles? Stop by CLUBHOUSE Kid & Craft, owned by Kim and Kristen Bach, the sister shop (but separately owned and operated) to the original Athens store, TREEHOUSE Kid & Craft. “We are a small business run by parents, artists, educators, activists and dreamers — and we’re all totally kids at heart. Our greatest passion is finding time to create and play every day! We hope that our shop inspires families to do the same,” shares Kim. “We find joy in filling our shelves with unique, kindly-made products from all around the world that encourage critical thinking, problem solving and imaginative play. CLUBHOUSE is fueled by a love of design and a focus on quality. Many of the companies that we carry are small and independent just like us; we love to get to know them and the story behind our goods.”

So, what’s on Kim’s recommended toy list? Magnatiles, calico critters, assorted Jellycat stuffed animals (how cute is the snowy owling?), STEAM toys and games like Take 4, Beagle or Bagel? and Tenzi Buildzi.

HomeGrown

4212 Church St., Decatur homegrowndecatur.com IG: @HomeGrownDecatur As the “home of Southern art,” HomeGrown Decatur features work by 100+ talented local artisans and craftspeople. This charming art gallery/store sells an assortment of gifts, handcrafted jewelry, pottery and artwork. Owned

by Lori Ronca, aka “top-artist wrangler,” you’ll find one-of-a-kind art by Kandus Johnson (Hello, stickers, magnets, drawings, pins); bold, colorful, oversized jewelry by Karla Benitez; Molly Makes Critters’ planters, mugs, and plates; and Maxx Feist’s bright art prints.

Ronca recommends artwork by R. Land, Methane Studios and James Dean (Pete the Cat). “We are the Decatur home of Pete the Cat, featuring print work, toys and games of Pete — all inspired by a little black cat in Oakhurst.” Non-art goods that are very popular here are the salts by Beautiful Briny Sea (Atlanta); bath products by Rinse Bath and Body (Monroe, Georgia); Zorro Pecans (Leesburg, Georgia); and Southern Straws Cheese Straws (Columbus, Georgia).

“When you shop at HomeGrown, you support a tiny independent retailer, which keeps the dollars you spend in our local economy. Plus, it feels good to give unique and totally unexpected gifts to friends and family. We’ve been described as ‘where the irreverent meets the sublime.’

That’s absolutely right!” adds Ronca.

While there, don’t forget to sign your name on their 1950s graffiti refrigerator and take a picture with the shrine to Mr. T. Winter 2023

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Jenette Bras

Olive Branch Wellness Boutique

For pretty and lacy intimate apparel, pop by Jenette Bras. Jenette Bras touts high-quality lingerie in a range of colors, styles and sizes, including beautiful bras, nighties and silk robes. Their expert sales associates are trained to help customers find the best possible fit when it comes to brassieres.

Jenette Bras’ CEO Jenette Goldstein co-founded this chic store (which now has several locations in California, as well as Decatur and Buckhead) so that ladies were guided in finding their correct bra size. When you’re comfortable and fully supported, you look and feel better.

“We’re the perfect spot to pick up a silky kimono, buttery robe or lacy French underpinnings. Even better, get your sweetheart a gift certificate so she can indulge herself with a personalized bra fitting and lingerie styling at Jenette Bras’ intimate boutique,” says Goldstein.

At Olive Branch Wellness Boutique, clean beauty is the standard.

Owned by Ty Jenkins, this Decatur shop features organic, all-natural, vegan skin and hair care as well as wellness products (think candles, essential oils) for women and men.

“Shopping at Olive Branch this holiday season means great gifts, complimentary wine and unique gift finds. It’s a win, win, win,” says Jenkins. Elevate your home spa days or treat your loved ones to a truly luxurious bath time experience with their rich body butters, body polish and lotions. There is an array of beauty gift sets, like their Body Party box with products that clean, moisturize and hydrate skin.

Looking for an affordable present? Olive Branch Wellness has gifts for under $30. The store also sells crystals and sage so you can cleanse your energy and space, too. What are a few of Jenkins’ favorite products?

The Euca-mint Shower Steamers, Lotion Lantern (body butter candle), and Soma Silk body melt.

307-A E College Avenue, Decatur jenettebras.com IG: @JenetteBras_atl

123 E. Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur shoptheolive.com @OliveBranchGreenBeauty

Eco Denizen

335 W Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur ilovethegift.com IG: @Ecodenizen “We meet the holiday needs of those looking for unique and special gifts,” says Al Ambrose, a sales associate at Eco Denizen Decatur, a luxe gift shop with two locations including Atlanta. As their website advertises, the shop has “curated selections that are long-lasting and high quality.”

Here, you will find everything from home decor and toys to books and delicious, sweet treats. This is the perfect store to pick up a gift for the holiday hostess (We love their pretty tea towels), a friend (Who can resist a fancy wine decanter set?) or your white elephant gift exchange (I’ll take two Capri Blue candles!). Bath products, candles, Enewton jewelry, Houston Llew artwork and Jellycat plush toys are just a few of the products that make Ambrose’s go-to gift list.

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Sole Play

106 E Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur soleplayatl.com IG: @Soleplayatl Sole Play is a sneakerhead’s dream and has two locations: Decatur and Lawrenceville. The shop sells the most coveted kicks around, including Nike Dunk Low, Men’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High - Royal Reimagined, Adidas, New Balance and more. In addition to footwear, they carry clothing by Homme Femme and Diet Starts Monday, plus graphic tees, sweatshirts and accessories like New Era fitted sports caps.

“People should shop at Sole Play because it’s about the overall experience. Yes, we sell some of the dopest footwear and fashion pieces out there, but when you walk in, you automatically feel like family,” says coowner and CEO TJ Bennett. “If I had to recommend anything, it would definitely be some of our apparel pieces. Sinclair, Paper Planes, Nike and Jordan are just a few brands that we keep in stock.”

Brave & Kind Bookshop 722 West College Avenue, Decatur braveandkindbooks.com IG: @braveandkindbooks

 Bunnie Hilliard

Brave & Kind Bookshop is a lovely little bookshop owned by “Shopgirl” Bunnie Hilliard, carrying an assortment of books for kids and young adults – plus, a few for grown-ups. The “Black-owned and woman-run business has been helping to build beautiful and inclusive home and school libraries since 2018.”

Pick out a couple of books to wrap up for your favorite kiddos, or buy a few books to read with your children that spotlight the true meaning of the holiday season – try The Good Samaritan: A Parable of

Kindness to Strangers by Pia Imperial. The store also sells convenient book bundles and gift cards.

“We are grateful for the dedicated community of readers and book lovers we have created here in Decatur and across the United States.

Check out a favorite gift for the holidays and the whole year through.

Just add any details you’d like to share with us in the notes, and we will put together a delightful bookish bundle, sure to be treasured,” says Hilliard.

Winter 2023

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THE R ENFINGER GROUP 120 W TRINITY PL THE 404-537-1343 THE R R ENFINGER ENFINGER GROUP GROUP DECATUR THE R ENFINGER GROUP 404-537-1343 120 W TRINITY PL 404-537-1343 renfinger@allstate.com 404-537-1343 120 DECATUR 120 W W TRINITY TRINITY PL PL 120 W TRINITY PL DECATUR renfinger@allstate.com DECATUR DECATUR renfinger@allstate.com renfinger@allstate.com renfinger@allstate.com

Creative design for inspired living | trinity-decatur.com | 404.378.0197

TRAVEL

Looking for a Winter Escape?

Welcome to Miami

By Vanessa Pascale

MIAMI IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA. The beautiful beachfront hotels, highend shopping destinations, long list of tantalizing restaurants and energetic vibe are just a few of the reasons visitors flock to South Florida year-round and especially during the winter. Early December always attracts the upper echelon, including celebrities, VIPs, jetsetters and art enthusiasts to the event of the season, Art Basel Miami Beach.

We pulled together an abbreviated dining guide to help you navigate Miami’s outstanding culinary landscape. These three restaurants not only serve the most delicious fare in the city, but they are also stunning spots to see and be seen.

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Winter 2023

Jaya at The Setai Dinner and show

Nikki Beach Miami Beach Alfresco beach appeal

Jaya at The Setai Miami Beach is a super luxurious hotel, consistently awarded Forbes’ Five-Star award, and serves a truly extraordinary dining experience to awaken the senses. Set in a gorgeous alfresco courtyard surrounding a pond flanked by towering palm trees, Jaya’s Asian Night Bazaar is exotic, thrilling and fun. While guests relish hand-crafted cocktails, signature dishes like Peking duck and truffle dumplings, tandoor oven delights and wok-crafted curries, among other Asianinspired bites, they are entertained by aerial acrobats and contortionists as the DJ spins lively music.

I started my night with a lychee martini. For dinner, we ordered the crispy octopus, tuna crudo, Thai chicken salad and tuna tacos – all of which were expertly plated, incredibly tasty and fresh. For our main course, we ordered the signature half roasted Peking duck (an absolute must), Thai beef, Pad Thai, chicken fried rice and wok vegetables. Every bite was savored. Of course, no dinner is complete without dessert, so we ordered their scrumptious vanilla cheesecake and chocolate cherry dome with ice cream. This highly glamorous dining experience is a must while in Miami Beach.

If you’re not dining on the beach, are you even in Miami? Nikki Beach Miami Beach is the quintessential South Beach attraction.

Located in the affluent South of Fifth neighborhood, this 46,000-square-foot beachfront property boasts a luxury beach club, restaurant, bar, lifestyle boutique and indoor and outdoor private event spaces. Guests amble through a verdant garden lined with palm trees, ferns and bright, exotic flowers as they make their way to the dining area on the white sand. The outdoor patio and daybeds are frequently packed with a fancy clientele coveting an elevated dining experience, bottle service, sushi and live musicians and DJs. The relaxed ambience is cultivated with their signature white décor —umbrellas, daybeds, and seating —and rich touches of wood and bamboo. We popped in on a Saturday for lunch to experience “La Vie en Rosé.”

We booked a daybed and ordered a couple of bottles of rosé (the wine of choice here). Their menu offers a variety of appetizers, entrees, sharing platters, salads, sweets, cocktails and a curated selection of wine and Champagne.

Favorites include the Watermelon & Feta Salad, Sexy Salad (lobster, shrimp and crab meat) and Marbella Shrimp Pil Pil. We came for their famous sushi boat overloaded with 12 pieces of sashimi, tuna poke, salmon poke, Sanit Barth salmon roll, Ibiza rainbow roll, Hamachi roll, Marbella spicy tuna roll, 12 pieces of nigiri and Asian wakame salad.

The exceptional spread was fresh, delicious and sated our sushi cravings. We sipped rosé, savored our sushi, and soaked in the music and sun. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Miami.

2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach thesetaihotel.com IG: @TheSetaiMiamiBeach

MOTEK Cafe Casual yet chic MOTEK Coral Gables is a vibe with their bright white and gold décor punctuated with lush greenery. It’s giving mid-century modern meets the European coast. Established in 2020, MOTEK has become a Miami staple known for their authentic Israeli-Mediterranean cuisine and extensive kosher-style offerings. In addition to this location, they have restaurants in downtown Miami, Aventura and new openings debuting in Brickell City Centre and Miami Beach. Here, they know what they’re doing with their gourmet cuisine, alluring ambience and stellar service.

We started off with refreshing watermelon coolers and a couple of shared plates for the table: tzatziki, hummus mushroom and a Greek salad. These dishes were light, appetizing and full of fresh ingredients. For the main course, we ordered a wonderfully prepared whole branzino and 10-ounce ribeye steak kebab with grilled vegetables. Every morsel was tender and bursting with a symphony of rich flavors. For dessert, we indulged in their decadent chocolate bread pudding and a cappuccino with a foam imprint: “L’Chaim (to life!) MOTEK.” I highly recommend MOTEK for brunch, lunch, or dinner; they whisk you away with their European touches and delicious indulgences.

36 NE 1st St. Miami motekcafe.com IG: @MotekCafe

1 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach miami-beach.nikkibeach.com IG: @NikkiBeachMiami

 (Top photo) JAYA: Lettuce, Tuna Tacos, Panang Curry  JAYA: Peking Duck Winter 2023

DECATUR LIVING

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2

8-9

10

D E C AT U R C H R I S T M A S PA R A D E

D E C A T U R H O L I D AY MA R K E T P LAC E

CHRISTMAS WITH THE AT L A N TA M A S T E R C H O R A L E

Start your holiday season with the 2023 Decatur Christmas Parade!

Visit downtown Decatur on Saturday, December 2 for a holiday staple filled with fun floats, great music, local celebrities, delicious treats and more. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur, and a $500 prize for the best float will be awarded.

Now in its 32nd year, the Decatur Holiday Marketplace will once again take place at Clairemont Elementary. The school will magically transform into an inviting artists’ market accompanied by delicious food and a festive atmosphere.

Returning and new artisans and makers will offer unique handmade items including paintings, jewelry, pottery, gourmet food and more.

This musical event has become a treasured part of holiday tradition and is perfect for family, friends, neighbors, and visitors to share.

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

10

DECEMBER S A N TA C O N

Adults only! SantaCon will be an evening of dancing, games, prizes and a whole lot of cheer.

Begin the evening on the square with a DJ, games and costume contest – reindeer, santas, dreidels and nutcrackers welcome. Then, choose from 10 stops at local pubs and restaurants with plenty of seasonal cocktails, mocktails and savory bites to keep spirits bright.

Shuttle service will start at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

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DECEMBER

15, 16, 17

DECEMBER H O L I D AY A R T I S T S M A R K E T A T T H E C H A P E L O N SYC A M O R E

The Chapel on Sycamore will host a holiday market filled with unique gifts and handcrafted treasures with more than 20 artist tables. Come enjoy holiday-themed beverages while you revel in the holly-jolly atmosphere. Stop by before (or during) the screening of Elf on Saturday at 6 p.m., sponsored by Visit Decatur.

Bringing Holiday Spirit to Every Home

As the holiday season unfolds, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. Just like the joy and care that go into holiday preparations, we bring the same dedication to helping you prepare your home for the market. Let us help you create a home that resonates with the warmth and laughter of this festive season. Wishing you a delightful holiday and a radiant New Year ahead. Together, let’s make every moment at home as special as the holiday season.

BEFORE

AFTER

Featured Properties 131 Clarion Ave. Decatur

ACTIVE

704 Willivee Dr. Decatur

ACTIVE

$699,000 3 BD | 2.5 BA

$585,000 4 BD | 3 BA

331 Gordon Ave. Lake Claire

ACTIVE

862 Artwood Rd. Druid Hills

ACTIVE

$1,350,000 6 BD | 5 BA

$1,075,000 6 BD | 6 BA

DECATUR DECATUR VIRGINIA HIGHLAND 303 Superior VIRGINIA HIGHLAND 1154Sycamore Saint 1154 SaintSt. 303 Superior Ave. UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT 627 722 Clairemont $925,000 | PENDING $925,000 | PENDING $1, 295,000 | PENDING $1, 295,000 | PENDING $995,000 Charles Charles Avenue Avenue $1,750,000 Avenue Avenue Decatur Decatur 3 BDBA| 3.5 BA 3 BD | 3.5 4 BD | 4 4.5BDBA| 4.5 BA 4 BD | 3 BA | 2 HB

HILLS HILLS 1308 Fairview 1308 Fairview DRUID DRUID UNDER CONTRACT SOLD SOLD 1220 Chelsea Circle RoadRoad $709,000

Westside

5 BDBA| 4.5 BA 5 BD | 4.5 3 BD | 3.5 BA

NATALIE GREGORY NATALIE GREGORY 404.373.0076 | 404.668.6621 404.373.0076 | 404.668.6621 natalie.gregory@compass.com natalie.gregory@compass.com nataliegregory.com nataliegregory.com nataliegregoryandco nataliegregoryandco

4 BD | 3 BA

21 High 21 High Gate Gate DECATUR DECATUR BUCKHEAD BUCKHEAD 3675 3675 Peachtree Peachtree SOON $599,000 $599,000 |COMING | |ACTIVE $295,000 ACTIVE $295,000 |ACTIVE ACTIVE 804 Clairemont Ave. Trail, Trail, Unit8Unit 17 Unit8 17 Rd, Unit Rd, $1,195,000 Decatur

32 BD 32 BD BA| | 3.5 BA BD 2 BA BD | | 3.5 BA 4 BD | 3 BA

Compass is a Compass licensed real is aestate licensed broker real and estate abides broker by and Equal abides Housing

by Equal Opportunity Housinglaws.

Opportunity All material laws. All material presented herein presented is intended herein for informational is intended forpurposes informational only. Information purposes only. is compiled Information from is sources compileddeemed from sources deemed reliable but is subject reliable to buterrors, is subject omissions, to errors, changes omissions, in price, changes condition, in price, sale, condition, or withdrawal sale, without or withdrawal notice. without notice.

No statement isNo made statement as to the is made accuracy as toofthe any accuracy description. of any All description. measurements All and measurements square footages and square are footages are approximate. This approximate. is not intended This to is not solicit intended property to already solicit property listed. Nothing alreadyherein listed. shall Nothing be construed herein shallasbe legal, construed as legal, accounting or other accounting professional or other advice professional outside the advice realm outside of realthe estate realmbrokerage. of real estate brokerage.

Plan. Protect. Provide.

They say life doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle.

But that doesn’t mean you have to handle it alone. These days, it’s more important than ever to make sure you have a financial professional by your side; someone who can help evaluate your needs, assess the current economic landscape and recommend a plan of action that will help protect your family’s wealth, lifestyle and dreams for the future. Let’s get started — there’s no better time than now.

TIM MARTIN, LUTCF 1435-B McLendon Drive | Decatur, GA 30033 770.934.7511 | thmartin@timmartinwealth.com @TMAwealthstrategies

@timmartinwealth

T I M M A R T I N W E A LT H .C O M Tim Martin, a Registered Representative, offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC) A Licensed Insurance Agency, 3655 Brookside Pkwy, Suite 400, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Tim Martin is a Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies, a Registered Investment Adviser. Tim Martin Wealth Strategies is not owned or operated by NYLIFE Securities LLC or its affiliates.

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