FEATURE
my
favorite things
Below, Stephanie gives us an inspiring glimpse of the woman behind the business as she shares some of the things, experiences, and people that motivate her, fill her heart, and bring a smile to her face. MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE!
“Seeing the joy in my children’s eyes when we put up Christmas trees in their bedrooms each year makes me smile! I go all out decorating my entire home for Christmas and set up 10 full-size trees. Starting October 22nd, Southern Notions will transform into a holiday wonderland as well with 12 tree displays this year … we look forward to sharing the holidays with you!” ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS …
STEPHANIE HATHAWAY Southern Notions
so what better month to hear from Stephanie Hathaway, owner of Southern Notions in Downtown Mooresville. ‘ T IS TH E S E A S O N FO R G IV IN G ,
Having grown up in the Midwest, Stephanie moved to Charlotte in 2007 from Las Vegas and then to Mooresville in 2019. She has four children and one four-legged family member, Winston the black lab. “The holiday season can get hectic when you have a home décor shop and interior design business,” Stephanie says, “but I love it! I love people and I love sharing my visions … whether it’s helping someone with the design of a particular space or finding that special gift for that special person, it fills my heart with happiness to make a difference in someone’s world and to help beautify their homes.” Stephanie stays abreast of the industry by attending the High Point and Atlanta Markets—the premier wholesale gift, decor, and lifestyle markets featuring more than 8,000 brands across all categories. “A trip to market never fails to get my creative juices flowing,” Stephanie smiles, “especially the January Atlanta market where I plan for and order all of my holiday inventory for the upcoming season.” w Southern Notions is a unique home shopping experience located 178 North Main Street in Mooresville. You’ll find home decor, furniture, gifts, and interior decorating services all inspired by the Southern way of life. Connect with Stephanie at 704.957.5014, on social media, or via email at stephanie@mypersonaldecorator.com.
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A friend started the “25 Books of Christmas” tradition for her kids, and it has been one of their favorites each year. “Ever since they were very little,” Stephanie explains, “we have enjoyed this tradition. Beginning on December 1 through Christmas Day, my kids choose one Christmas book to unwrap each night, and we cozy up together and read that before bed.”
My mother’s White Christmas Pie is so easy and delicious and a real Christmas treat! I hope you enjoy our special family recipe:
IT’S A HOT-CHOCOLATEHALLMARK KINDA DAY.
STEPHANIE AND HER DAUGHTER, AUBREY, LOVE TO PICK A DAY TO SNUGGLE UP WITH A WARM BLANKET AND A CUP OF HOT COCOA AND WATCH CHRISTMAS MOVIES ALL AFTERNOON.
BACK TO NATURE— BACK TO SELF. Spending time outdoors exploring nature with her children, especially in the North Carolina mountains in the fall, is one of Stephanie’s favorite ways to relax and unwind. “We love to be outside immersed in nature,” she shares, “and I always make time to exercise regularly and de-stress with a massage whenever possible.”
½ c. sugar 1 ¾ c. milk ½ sugar ¼ c. flour ¾ tsp. vanilla 3 egg whites ½ tsp. salt 1 c. shredded coconut ¼ tsp. cream of tartar ½ c. whipping cream (whipped) 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
WRITER LESLIE OGLE
Blend ½ c. sugar, flour, gelatin, and salt thoroughly in saucepan. Gradually stir in milk. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils. Boil 1 minute. Place pan in cold water, cool until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from spoon. Blend in flavoring. Carefully fold into meringue made of egg whites and ½ c. sugar and cream of tartar. Gently fold in whipped cream and then coconut. Spoon into a baked 9” homemade pie crust (cooled). Chill until set. Serve cold. PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN