Letter from the Editor
Welcome to the July issue of Augusta City Lifestyle, where we invite you to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery right from the comfort of your home. This month, our theme is "Explore," and we've curated a collection of articles that will inspire you to see the world around you with fresh eyes and a sense of adventure.
As the summer sun blazes, there's no better way to stay cool than with some creative and refreshing ice cubes. Dive into our feature on inventive ice cube recipes, where you'll learn how to make raspberry lemonade cubes, coffee ice cubes, and even beautiful flower-infused ice. These simple yet delightful additions will transform your drinks into a feast for the senses and elevate your summer entertaining.
Next, we turn our attention to the world of real estate with insights from local realtor Susan Salisbury. In her article, Ready, Set, Sell, Susan shares the benefits of home staging and offers practical tips for making your home look its best. Whether you're preparing to sell or just want to create a more inviting space, Susan's expertise will guide you in showcasing your home’s full potential.
Finally, we celebrate the beauty of the natural world with stunning photography by local wildlife photographer Sarah Jane Moore. Sarah Jane's captivating images bring the wonders of nature to life, offering a glimpse into the serene and often hidden moments of the wildlife around us. Her work reminds us of the incredible sights waiting to be discovered in our own backyards.
We hope this issue inspires you to explore new ideas, create beautiful spaces, and appreciate the world’s natural beauty. Happy reading, and may your summer be filled with adventure and discovery!
BAILEY HALL, EDITOR
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Daniel Morris
INTERN
Daria Terry
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bailey Hall, Michelle W. Parnell, Pauli Reep
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Jane Moore Wildlife Photgraphy
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Premier General Contractors Since 1986
Beyond providing quality workmanship and comprehensive design/build services, we strive to build a relationship of mutual trust and confidence with each of our clients’ large and small. We accomplish this by putting your priorities first and conducting ourselves with integrity in every aspect of our business.
2: The Aquinas High School’s Lady Irish soccer team repeated as State Champions!
business monthly
All About Trucks & Autos Celebrates Twenty Years in Business
Happy 20th Anniversary to All About Trucks & Autos! "We are so grateful for the support that the community has shown us over the past 20 years! Our customers are truly amazing and we are looking forward to continuing to serve them and giving them their dream rides," says Daniel Morris, Owner. The Augusta City Lifestyle team wishes you many more years of success!
New Indoor Pickleball Court
The CSRA's first indoor pickleball court is now open! Dink'd Pickleball, located at 500 Furys Ferry Road, Ste 107, has nine indoor courts, a full kitchen with a chef-inspired menu, a bar, and entertainment areas. For more information about Dink'd Pickleball, visit their website dinkdpickleball.com
Roxana Marinoff and Cesar Davalos are coming to Augusta
This acclaimed Argentine Tango couple will be teaching workshops tailored to both new and experienced dancers. A rare chance to learn from the best! Embrace this unique opportunity in July and October and feel the passion that is Argentine Tango. For more information or to register for workshops, call 706.773.2648.
Creative Ice Cubes for Summer
STAY COOL WITH FUN INFUSED ICE RECIPES
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summer in Georgia can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages. Here are three creative and easy ideas to try:
1. COFFEE ICE CUBES FOR ICED COFFEE
Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.
Ingredients
• Freshly brewed coffee
Instructions:
• Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.
• Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
• Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.
2. RASPBERRY LEMONADE ICE
Add a zesty burst of flavor to your water or lemonade with raspberry lemonade ice cubes. These vibrant cubes are perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
• Fresh raspberries
• Lemon slices
• Water Instructions:
• Prep the Ingredients: Place a raspberry and a small lemon slice in each compartment of an ice cube tray.
• Fill and Freeze: Fill the tray with water and freeze until solid.
• Serve: Add the raspberry lemonade ice cubes to your drinks for a refreshing twist.
3. EDIBLE FLOWER ICE
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water Instructions:
• Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
• Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
• Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
• Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
• Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
ICE CUBE RECIPES
Ready, Set, Sell
Real estate agent Susan Salisbury provides insight on home staging for a successful sale
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Selling a home can be a stressful process and Susan Salisbury, top selling agent with Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company, strives to make the experience as seamless as possible for sellers and buyers. For sellers, one vital tip for setting up a successful sale is home staging.
“Home Staging is the process of preparing your home for sale so it appeals to the most buyers and will get the highest sale price with the fewest days on the market,” explains Susan. “It is an important part of preparing the home for sale and the time and money spent to make a home look its most desirable will help you get your house sold quickly.”
According to Susan, there are 10 benefits of home staging:
1. Faster sale
2. Higher sale price
3. Appeal to a wider audience
4. Highlight the home’s best features
5. Minimize flaws
6. Create a positive first impression
7. Increase online appeal
8. Demonstrate the potential of the home
9. Justify the asking price
10. Reduce buyer’s stress
To help clients with staging, Susan relies on the expert advice of Ginger Mahoney of Design Dilemma. “Professional staging can emphasize the best aspects of your home, such as spacious rooms, natural light, and architectural details,” shares Susan. “Small improvements can give the home an attractive updated look. Ginger is very practical and effective in doing this in a cost-efficient way.”
Pulling from her more than twenty years of experience in the real estate industry, Susan presents 10 ways to effectively stage a home:
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“BY STAGING YOUR HOME, YOU CREATEAN INVITING , APPE ENVIRONME N T THAT CAN LEAD TO A FASTER SALE AND A
1. Declutter and depersonalize
Remove all the personal items, family photos, excess belongings, and keep the decor very simple and neutral. This helps the buyers to envision themselves in the space.
2. Deep cleaning
Ensure every part of the home is spotless, paying special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and carpet. A clean home with a light, pleasant fragrance gives the impression of being well maintained.
3. Enhance curb appeal
Mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and flowers, and ensuring the front entrance is welcoming with a fresh doormat and a potted plant creates a great first impression, which is important.
4. Neutralize paint colors
Neutral tones like beige, gray, or soft white create the feeling of a blank canvas while bold colors can be off-putting to some buyers.
5. Rearrange furniture and remove excess furniture
Reduce and rearrange furniture to maximize space and create a flow that highlights the purpose of the room.
6. Add inviting touches
Placing flowers, bowls of fruit, and a stylish book on a coffee table adds to the home's feel of being warm and inviting.
7. Optimized lighting
Ensure all rooms are well lit by opening curtains and blinds to let natural light in and using lamps and overhead lights to brighten dark areas. Use uniform color, style, and high wattage bulbs for continuity.
8. Focus on key rooms
Concentrate staging on the most important rooms which are the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and bathrooms. These are the rooms that can make or break a sale.
9. Create a lifestyle setting
Stage areas to suggest a lifestyle such as the dining table with attractive place settings or create a cozy reading nook with a comfy chair and good book.
10. Make repairs
Address any visible issues such as leaky faucets, cracked tiles, and scuffed floors. These repairs can prevent potential buyers from thinking there are larger hidden problems.
According to Susan, following these staging tips will reduce the buyer’s stress and make the home feel move-in ready. “This can be a significant selling point for many buyers who want an uncomplicated move,” she shares. “By staging your home, you create an inviting, appealing environment that can lead to a faster sale and a better offer.”
For more information on how Susan can assist you with real estate transactions, email SSalisbury@ blanchardandcalhoun.com or call 317-847-7216 or 706-868-1000.
EALING BETTER OFFER . ”
EXPLORING LOCAL WILDLIFE
Sarah Jane Moore, professional wildlife photographer, shares some of her favorite photographs with us
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH
JANE MOORE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?
I’ve been taking pictures since I was young and I’ve always had a deep love for nature and wildlife. I went through countless disposable film cameras growing up because I would take pictures of anything and everything.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY?
I love nature and wildlife photography because it gives me the privilege to be out in God’s stunning creation and the opportunity to capture His handiwork. It can be very challenging and a lot of patience is needed at times, but when you get the shot, the waiting is always worth it. Every time I look back at one of my pictures, it transports me back to the moment in time and brings back amazing memories.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH LOCALLY AND WHY?
Some of my favorite places to photograph locally are Phinizy Swamp and Clarks Hill Dam. I love taking pictures at these locations because they have beautiful scenic views and so much wildlife.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE IMAGE THAT YOU’VE PHOTOGRAPHED?
It’s hard to pick a favorite local image that I’ve taken because each one holds meaningful memories for me, but some of my favorite local pictures would have to be the Raccoon kits and the Barred Owl, both taken in Harlem, GA. I also love the sunbathing American alligator taken in Phinizy Swamp.
Sarah Jane Moore @sarahjaneswildlifephotography
To purchase prints and see more of Sarah Jane’s work, follow her Facebook page Sarah Jane Moore Wildlife Photography, Instagram @sarahjaneswildlifephotography, or visit her website www.sarahjanemoorephotographyllc.com
RO A D CHOW
A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easy-to-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!
DIRECTIONS:
1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/2 cup raisins
2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.
3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)
4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.
JULY 4TH
Boom! In the Park
Evans Towne Center Park
Get ready for the biggest Fourth of July celebration in town! Boom! In the Park will be held at the Evans Towne Center Park on the Fourth of July at 5pm. There will be live music from Whiskey Run and Ryan Trotti, food and beverage vendors, a brand new laser show, and of course, fireworks! Admission is free.
JULY 4TH
4th of July
Happy 4th of July from the Augusta City Lifestyle team! We hope you have a wonderful Independence Day!
JULY 4TH
Yankee Doodle Dash
5k - 10k
Mill Village Trailhead
Kick off your Independence Day celebration on the river! Don your favorite red, white, or blue for this Augusta tradition. This course follows the scenic Savannah River, and you can choose either the 5k or 10k. For more information and to register, visit yankeedoodledash.itsyourrace.com.
JULY 13TH
Miss Memories Matter Pageant 2024
Hardin Auditorium
The second annual Miss Memories Matter Pageant takes place at the Hardin Auditorium on July 13th at 2pm. This pageant aims to increase awareness for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. For more information, visit the Miss Memories Matter Alzheimer's Awareness Pageant Facebook page.
JULY
19TH
Movie on the Green
The Augusta Common
Grab your kids and the lawn chairs or a blanket for the Movies On The Green! Starting at 7:30, there will be fun activities, inflatables, games, and face-painting. The movie, Trolls Band Together, will start at dusk. There will be food and beverage vendors on site and admission is free.
JULY 21ST
Movies at the Miller: Kung Fu Panda
Miller Theater
Bring your family for a free showing of Kung Fu Panda at the Miller Theater! Admission is free but you will need a ticket to enter. Tickets are available at the Miller Theater box office. The movie starts at 4pm.
