Smyrna Vinings, GA August 2021

AU G U S T 2 02 1

Sweet Dreams, Just for Kids

F I N A N C E + LE G A L S E RV I C E S H EL PI N G YO U R C H I L D REN S AVE EDUCATION WHAT T H E C O O L K I D S ARE RE AD I N G LI F E + C U LTU R E LO CAL K N OWL ED G E: R AISI N G A FA M I LY I N SMY RNA / VI N I N GS

FIND YOUR LUXURY

2853 BERNARD LANE SE, SMYRNA, GEORGIA 30080 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | Double Lot | Williams Park Tuxedo-Style Kitchen | John Willis Home | Finished Basement

A recent study ranked the country’s 50 largest new-home markets based on closings by the end of the year. The Atlanta market tops the list at #3! Virtual sales and tours helped weather the storm of the pandemic, and record-low interest rates. The numbers don't lie - our area is the place to be! Call our Luxury Division for more about this home or current inventory in the area.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

Arthur McCoy | arthur.mccoy@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Spend more time with your children!

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Whitney Maddux

MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS MONTH IS FOR PARENT(S) THAT MAY BE

COPY EDITOR

"TOO BUSY" TO READ A STORY TO THEIR KIDS AT BEDTIME. Maybe you are a

Stacy Conde

dad who is too busy to stop and play catch with your son, or a mom who is too busy to have tea time with her daughter. There are many scenarios that we could mention; just make sure you are not the one who is too busy.

I found myself being too busy and I knew that I had to change. Many of you know that I traded my “country club” position with Mercedes Benz to take on this magazine and spend more time with my family. It means the world to your child to sometimes stop

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Randah O’Doherty CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sean O’Keefe, Jennifer Anderson, Colleen Kelly

everything that we are "too busy" with and just listen to them. They are our largest

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

investment. What legacy are you leaving with your child? They are the future world lead-

Lauren Chambers, Alana Wickham, Rustic White Photography, Rylee Hitchner

ers so make sure you are planting good seeds and a good harvest will always return.

My daughter Nyah just graduated U.S Coast Guard and is back home spending time with the family. We are very proud of her and know that she will do well with her new assignment, education, and career. Remember the kids are the future! Life is precious, spend as much time as you can with them. Never dismiss them, embrace them, love them, and protect them.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

In what area, if any, have you been somewhat dismissive concerning your child? If you

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

have, just fix it and let them know that you are never too busy for them! Watch their

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

eyes and face light up with love and it will melt your heart!

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ON THE COVER We love this perky girl’s bedroom by Whitney Durham,

Art McCoy, Publisher

of Whitney Durham Interiors. She has designed spaces across the southeast–

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ranging from complex home renovations to more intimate small projects. Her love of original art and color, combined with special antique and vintage finds,

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often described as fresh, traditional, and approachable with a modern twist.

WhitneyDurhamInteriors.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN CHAMBERS 4

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

Proverbs 3:5-6 Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Smyrna Vinings area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 16 Finance, by Example Lessons for helping your children manage money.

18 Smyrna/Vinings is for kids Inclusive playgrounds and more make our towns great.

20 Little Book Worms What to read with your kids this month.

34 When Only Dancing Will Do Dance challenge supports EDIN’s work

20 18

offering education and insight on eating disorders and mental illness.

34

16

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

9

Around Town

12

Local Experiences

16

Hometown Hero

22 Artist’s Palette 26 Healthy Lifestyle 31

Realty Report

32 DIY 34 Local Limelight

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1640 Powers Ferry Road, Bldg 20, Ste 300 Marietta, GA

GOOD TIMES

Smyrna Summer Concert Series on the Village Green Banks & Shane will headline the August 7 show with Magno opening. Celebrate the birth of Smyrna with high-energy music, festival foods, birthday festivities and a kids entertainment area and fireworks, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Photography by Alana Wickham from the June concert.

8

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

AROUND TOWN and is 3’ 10” deep with a forty (40) person bather load. The Aline Wolfe Adult Recreation Center and Therapy Pool is open and operating on a limited schedule. We are currently taking RSVPs for water walking, lap swimming, fitness center and fitness classes. You can reserve up to three water walking/ lap swimming times beginning on Wednesday for the next week. Water Walk RSVPs begin at 10:00 am. Lap Swimming RSVPs begin at 11:00 am. Call 678.631.5541 to reserve a spot.

A JONQUIL BY ANY OTHER NAME Why is Smyrna called the Jonquil City? What is a jonquil? It’s a flower. A fragrant short-tubed, yel-

A+ PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY CELEBRATES A DECADE OF SMILES

low flower with long narrow leaves that blooms in great quantities in Smyrna in the Spring. According to the Smyrna Historical Society the jonquils

Dr. Howard and his team at A+ Pediatric

were introduced to Smyrna by Samuel Taylor

Dentistry of Atlanta are celebrating 10 years of

and his wife who moved to Smyrna from Atlanta

successful local pediatric dentistry. The A+ Team

in 1883. The Taylors purchased 80 acres of land

is full of energy and geared up for another decade

on Atlanta Road south of the intersection with

of dental care with excellence and compassion for

Collier Road. The Taylors had a son who lived in

their A+ families and the community. Their unique

Spokane, Washington. He sent his parents a burlap

bunch is full of fun personalities to make any child

sack from Spokane with what are believed to be

excited for their next dental visit.

the area’s first jonquil bulbs. The Taylors shared

ADULT SWIM AT WOLFE THERAPY POOL

the bulbs with friends and neighbors. The flowers quickly multiplied and came back every year with

For adults age 55 and older, the Wolfe Therapy

very little care. Thus began the tradition of planting

Pool is a year-round therapy pool facility that

jonquils in Smyrna. The Taylor home is preserved

offers open swim and water aerobic classes.

as the Taylor-Brawner House and is part of the

The Wolfe Therapy Pool holds 65,000 gallons of

Taylor-Brawner Park property. More on your city’s

water and is 60 ft x 35 ft. The pool has 4 lanes

history at Smyrna.gov.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

9

AROUND TOWN YOU’RE

ONE STEP CLOSER

TO MAKING HEALTHY HAPPEN! Anytime Fitness East Cobb is a 24-hour health club that is convenient, Üi V } v > wÌ iÃÃ iÛi Ã] > ` >vv À`>L i° 7i vviÀ > Û>À iÌÞ v i LiÀÃ « «Ì Ã] «iÀÃ > ÌÀ> } > ` Ã > }À Õ« ÌÀ> } Ì ÃÕ«« ÀÌ Þ ÕÀ wÌ iÃÃ ÕÀ iÞ°

LAST FARMERS MARKET THIS MONTH The Mableton Farmers Market closes its season at the Mable House Complex on August 12, 8:30 am until 12:30 pm. Along with a wide variety of tasty, good-for-you produce grown by local small farmers, there will be fresh-baked items, local honey, eggs, locally hand-made jewelry, blade

E A S T

sharpening service and cooking demonstrations.

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Demonstrations will show visitors quick and easy ways to prepare summertime dishes using fresh produce the Market has to offer. Cobb & Douglas Public Health will join us again also to promote their healthy lifestyles programs for families.

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GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/SmyrnaVinings using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

10

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

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Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No Noclients advice where may be beWickham renderedFinancial

by Wickham Wickham returns.

Investing involves risk and possible loss principal capital. advice may rendered by and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future Financial Group, Inc. Inc. unless unless a client client service service agreement is in in place.

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CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

11

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

KIDS + PETS WHILE IT’S NOT OVER YET, SUMMER IS SOON COMING TO AN END AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO BID ADIEU THAN TO SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND OUR FAVORITE FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS! Embrace the end of the season by gathering the kids, dogs, and adults alike for some indoor and outdoor recreation and exploration, pet-friendly destinations that embrace our furry friends, and our end of summer and return to school summer party ideas!

END-OF-SUMMER HURRAH + The Atlanta Wine Walk presented by Chateau Ste. Michelle on Aug. 21, beginning at 4 p.m. Tastings, live entertainment benefiting the Braves Foundation.

The Atlanta Wine Walk + Battery Farmer’s Market presented by UnitedHealthcare. Shop from a wide variety of local vendors selling prepared foods, farm-fresh produce, artisan bread, essential oils, aromatherapy product.

The Battery Atlanta, 800 Battery Avenue Southeast #130 + Smyrna Handmade Market is a mix of food vendors and artisans. Vendors and products will change throughout the season. Shop local!

1265 W. Spring St. + The Battery Atlanta welcomes families and friends to The Farmers Market presented by United Healthcare. Aug. 15 and 22 from 1-4 p.m. + Join us for Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays through October 12 at TaylorBrawner Park from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Quality mobile gourmet trucks and music.

3180 Atlanta Road 12

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

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KIDS AT PLAY + The Children’s Museum’s Magical forest - catch fish and immerse under the waterfall without getting wet, climb the treehouse. + Celebrate the birth of Smyrna with family and friends. High-energy music, festival foods, birthday festivities, kids entertainment area, fireworks.

200 Village Green Circle + Monster Mini Golf is a stimulating one-of-a-kind mini golf experience!

They boast 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark mini golf, exciting arcade games, and epic party rooms.

2505 Chastain Meadows Pkwy NW, Marietta + Lynn Puzzo is a professional luxury portrait photographer with over 10 years experience, specializing in maternity, newborn, first year and cake smash portraits. LynnPuzzo.com + At Code Ninjas Atlanta (Smyrna Vinings), kids learn to code by building

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their very own video games. Flexible coding programs, drop-in hours on weeknights and weekends.

4691 S Atlanta Rd SE Ste 240

PET-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCES + Barking Dog Bakery and Feed serves healthy food, treats, holistic services, toys and chews.

2810 Paces Ferry Rd SE + Take a friend, take a dog, take a photo and share it on our social media @SmyrnaViningsLifestyle. Smyrna Dog Park.

3500 Lake Dr SE, Smyrna + Cat Care of Vinings practices a less-is-more, fear-free approach in every effort to earn both you and your fuzzy feline’s trust.

4691 S Atlanta Rd SE #200 + Java Cat Cafe has adoptable cat and exceptional coffee served in a cozy environment, creating a sense of community.

85 Atlanta Street SE Marietta + Best Little Doghouse in Georgia offers Doggie daycare, playdates,

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boarding and senior care. Small groups of socialized dog care, non-socialized dog care for your dog’s personality and needs.

1225 Winchester Pkwy SE, Smyrna CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

13

Keep an

A+ Smile

Voted Best Dentist 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. Suite 405 • Atlanta, GA 30339

(678) 391-7453 • AtlantaKidSmiles.com

DR. JAHA HOWARD, DDS, MS

Dr. Howard’s

TOP 10 THINGS TO KNOW FOR A HEALTHY SMILE 10. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Expensive dental products may help, but proper hygiene techniques and habits are paramount!

9. FOOD CHOICES ARE CRITICAL. Hard or sticky sugary foods are the most common contributors to tooth decay.

8. BIOLOGY MATTERS. Just like any other part of the human body, some of us are genetically more prone to issues like cavities and gum disease.

7. SECRET’S OUT! Plaque is really a mixture of germs, old sugary foods and acidic germ waste.

Yep, germ poo is destroying teeth every day.

6. FLOSS FIRST (AND NOT THE DANCE!).

Nothing can adequately replace actually getting the string between our teeth.

If we floss first, we have a better chance to be more effective in our routine.

5. CONSISTENCY IS KEY. Invest 2 minutes every morning and 2 minutes before bed.

4. PREVENTION IS LESS EXPENSIVE. Like most things in life, allowing for problems to persist makes it harder to restore and repair.

It’s true for home repair, relationships, education and….TEETH!

3. ACCESS AND ANGLES. When brushing your teeth or your children’s teeth, we must create better access by moving our lips and cheeks out of way. Then gently brush with the bristles angled along the gum line. This adjustment in technique can be a real smile saver.

2. YES, PROFESSIONAL DENTAL VISITS ARE NECESSARY. Waiting until something hurts usually ends up being a bigger problem.

If you don’t trust your dental team, it’s ok to get second opinions.

1. IT’S COMPLICATED. Fluoride itself is not harmful but if used incorrectly, it could possibly relate to health problems.

When used properly, in can be a great benefit for your teeth. Please supervise brushing to ensure correct spitting and amount of toothpaste through elementary grade years.

BONUS: WHITER IS NOT BETTER. Kids are increasingly dissatisfied with their natural teeth color and are asking for bleaching products.

This is related to trends in adult dentistry and the manufactured images they see on mass media.

Teeth color has joined weight, height, and hair in a long list of body image insecurities.

HOMETOWN HERO

ARTICLE GRAHAM WICKHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY ALANA WICKHAM

Finance,by example FUNDAMENTALS FOR SAVING

1

Making allowances Allowances are a good way for children to begin learning how to save money and

budget for things they want.

SETTING POSITIVE FINANCIAL HABITS START WITH YOU. Children will learn from you and how you manage

When it comes to giving children allowances, some good rules of thumb are to:

your money. Even before

+ Decide how allowances are earned, such as by doing household chores.

your kids go to school, they

+ Discuss with your children how much of the money can be spent (and for what)

already know a little about

and how much they should save.

money, so the moment

+ Make “allowance day” like a payday by giving the same amount on the same

2 day each week.

your children begin handling money is the time to

+ Consider “raises” for children who manage money well.

begin teaching them how to handle it wisely.

Take it to the bank While piggy banks are a great way to start teaching children about saving money,

opening an online or in-person savings account at the bank will introduce them to the concepts of earning interest.

Go to MariettaCommunitySchool.ce.eleyo.com to sign up for a 2-day Retirement Planning Today class on Tuesdays, August 3 & 10 or Saturdays, August 7 & 14.

16

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

3

Shopping that makes sense TV commercials and peer pressure give children plenty of ideas on how to spend

their money. Teach them how to compare items by price and quality. Most importantly let them fail so they learn from it.

4

Plan for tomorrow, today As children get older, their focus will be on saving for larger goals, such as clothing,

gas, cars or college. This is a great time to introduce them to pre-loaded debit and credit cards for them to manage their spending habits. Also, introduce the principles of investing. Helping older children learn about topics like risk tolerance, market volatility, and asset diversification may prompt them to take charge their financial future.

Wickham Financial & Insurance Services is a Registered Investment Adviser. The

information contained in this article is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Wickham Financial & Insurance Services and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Wickham Financial & Insurance Services unless a client service agreement is in place.

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

17

Smyrna/Vinings

is for Kids AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT THE ...BEST AUGUST EVER

ARTICLE LEANNE ALLEN AND SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

LEANNE ALLEN IS TEAM LEAD FOR THE SMYRNA TEAM AT

4. Smyrna/Vinings has been progressive

KELLER WILLIAMS CITYSIDE AND LOVES OUR COMMUNITY. We

to appeal to families with disabilities to

asked her to share her favorite activities with kids this month. Enjoy!

create inclusion for all. Recent parks have

1. One of our favorite reasons why we love Smyrna/Vinings is hav-

opened to provide a safe place to play with-

ing the Braves in our backyard! We love to visit the ballpark and watch

out limitations for children with or without

the game in the greenspace while grabbing a pizza from Antico and

disabilities. One example of an inclusion

enjoying a treat ice cream from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. Allowing

playground is at the Windy Hill Community

the kids to run around, dance on stage, while cheering on the Braves

Center that was designed using the play-

lets them act like kids and burn some energy! On non-game days,

ground equipment supplier PlayCore’s

visiting the splash pad always is a hit.

seven principles of inclusiveness to ensure

2. North Cooper Lake Park is such a unique park and a weekly

children can be: fair, included, smart, inde-

stop for us! It’s a real hidden gem within Smyrna neighborhoods.

pendent, safe, active and comfortable. As a

There’s a mountain bike park, with multiple wooded trails, skills area,

parent, I love the idea that my children can

playground, and community garden. Our kiddos love to bring both

play with children of all abilities shaping

bikes and scooters and hit the trails. This park is not only for kids, but

them to accept one another.

for active adults who love mountain biking and trails. Bring along the fur-kids to the bike park for full family fun!

5. West Palisades Trail and Paces Mill Park is our go-to trailhead to the Chattahoochee

3. The City of Smyrna always has a wonderful social calendar that

River trails for a quick afternoon hike. With

keeps our family busy with activities. Our favorite weekly activity

convenient access to the trail on the Vinings

is Food Truck Tuesdays at Taylor Brawner Park. Bring your picnic

hill, tucked between two major Atlanta high-

spread and choose from a selection of 8-12 trucks. We love to pick

ways, it’s an outdoor oasis framed by urban

one item from each truck and share family style. Our kids always

infrastructure. The kids love to find a walking

see a friend from school or a local sports team to play with in the

stick for the dirt trails. Stroll on the paved

greenspace or playground. Finishing off dinner with a King of Pops

path or climb rock-lined trails creating the

popsicle is always a favorite for the kids.

perfect challenge for any age!

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Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

Leanne Allen and family

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

19

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Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

B O O K

W O R M S

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MONTH TO READ! Rebecca Power took time out of her busy day as Youth Services Librarian at Smyrna Public Library to recommend these awesome books for children to dive into. Grab your favorite little

knows he will be miserable . . . and then the doorbell rings.

bookworm and curl up with these reads. All available at the

It’s Molly from the ice cream store. What is she doing here?

Smyrna Public Library, of course!

And she has ice cream! Maybe having a new babysitter isn’t nearly as bad as he thought! Penguin Random House

THE BENCH BY MEGA, THE DUCHESS OF SUSSEX The Bench is a sweet little tale. Dedicated to “the man and the boy who make my heart go pump-pump,” it began

ARU SHAH AND THE CITY OF GOLD BY ROSHANI CHOKSHI

as a poem Meghan wrote on Father’s Day for her husband,

Aru and her sisters–including one who also claims to be

Prince Harry, soon after the birth of their son, Archie. (They

the Sleeper’s daughter–must find their mentors Hanuman

have just had a second child, a daughter named Lilibet

and Urvashi in Lanka, the city of gold, before war breaks

Diana.) It explores the connection between fathers and their

out between the devas and asuras. Aru’s biggest question,

sons. New York Times

though, is why every adult she has loved and trusted so far has failed her. Will she come to peace with what they’ve

THE BRUCE SWAP BY RYAN T. HIGGINS

done before she has to wage the battle of her life?

Bruce is a bear who struggles with fun.When Bruce says no to fun one too many times, Nibbs, Thistle, and Rupert

BEST NERDS FOREVER BY JAMES PATTERSON

secretly wish Bruce was more fun. And the geese secretly

One minute, Finn was biking home from school, and the

wish for sandwiches. The next morning, all their wishes

next, he was run off the road by a maniac in a big van. Now,

come true. Bruce is cheerful. Bruce is adventurous. Bruce

he’s a ghost. He can do lots of fun things, like try every ice

has pizzazz . . . and a basket of sandwiches. Except Bruce

cream flavor in the store, sneak up on people, and play as

is not exactly Bruce. He’s Kevin, Bruce’s fun cousin. Nobody

many video games as he wants. Finn even has a new ghost

knows that Bruce has gone fishing. Nobody knows that Kevin

friend, Isabella, to show him the ropes. But he also has a lot

is coming. Nobody even knows who Kevin is. But, everyone

of BIG questions, like, who wanted him dead? And can he

quickly learns one thing: Kevin LOVES fun. Goodreads

stop the maniac from striking again? Indiebound.org

LLAMA LLAMA AND THE BABYSITTER BY

THE 130-STORY TREEHOUSE BY ANDY GRIFFITHS

ANNA DEWDNEY

Andy and Terry live in a 130-story treehouse. It has a soap

At first, Llama feels okay with this. After all, Mama has

bubble blaster, a time-wasting level, a 13-story igloo, the

gone out before and Gram and Grandpa have stayed with

GRABINATOR (it can grab anything from anywhere at any

him. But this time they can’t. Someone new is coming over,

time), a toilet paper factory, and an extraterrestrial observa-

and the more he thinks about it, the more he worries! He

tion center for observing aliens. Treehouse Book Series

WHAT TO READ WITH YOUR KIDS ARTICLE SMYRNA VININGS LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

21

ARTIST’S PALETTE

KRISTIN e p i c voya g e

KLINGSHIRN'S to motherhood

THE BERT SHOW CO-HOST SHARES HER JOURNEY

ARTICLE SEAN O'KEEFE PHOTOGRAPHY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY RYLEE HITCHNER

22

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

Nap time.

CONTINUED > CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

23

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED) A mother's moment.

WHEN YOU HAVE TO FIGHT FOR SOMETHING YOU

doing IVF,” jokes Kristin about the realization that

REALLY WANT, THAT VICTORY IS THE GREATEST

despite the world shutting down, they were, once

LIFE HAS TO OFFER.

again, focusing on the creation of a new life and

So too was the battle faced by Kristen Klingshirn,

It was not successful. “I had never imagined getting

loving husband Bart as they began their unique journey

this attached to a frozen embryo,” says Kristin, “but, it

to pregnancy. Their dedication to each other, their mar-

wasn’t just an embryo, it was the hopes and dreams for

riage, and to the creation of life kept them on the path to

our future…as a family.”

parenthood. While they were never derailed from their

While devastated, Kristin and Bart were not deterred.

goal of starting a family, they found themselves hanging

The couple began the process all over again, only this

on tight for the roller coaster that was their life.

time, the result would be incredibly different. On July

For Kristin and Bart, who found out in 2018 that they only

4, 2020, another six eggs were harvested and because

had a two to three percent chance of conceiving on their

less than half were viable the doctor on call suggested

own, the next three years were all about a new lifestyle.

a different plan of attack. This time the IVF would not

Their days were full of appointments and medical vis-

occur with a frozen embryo but as a fresh embryo

its for egg retrieval, fertilization, supplements, Lupron

transfer and, since fresh transfers in ovulatory women

and Progesterone injections, and estrogen patches.

had a higher live birth rate, it was established that it was

The mantra that would guide her steadfastly along her pregnancy journey was simply, “Let go of disappointment and make room for baby.”

worth shot. They they went for it!

Kristin and Bart kept to themselves around their Buckhead home as they awaited the pregnancy test and

Kristin and Bart did what was to be their first egg

while they were hopeful for good news, they were realistic

retrieval and while six eggs were harvested, after fer-

about their expectations. They would remain quiet for three

tilization, blastocyst, and genetic testing the couple

months until the couple knew for sure that, after all the

ended up with only one viable embryo. “I was eternally

years of working and waiting, they had a viable pregnancy.

grateful for that one frozen embryo, my, Ice Ice baby,”

Good news travels fast. For Kristin and the cast of

says Kristin. While everything was looking good at the

the Bert Show, with whom she had shared her preg-

moment, life was to throw Kristin a curveball when

nancy journey, the exciting news traveled, well, at the

her father was diagnosed with cancer and placed in

speed of sound! Congratulations and excitement were

hospice. “The next day I flew to Orlando to be by his

offered from friends and family at home and from the

side for six weeks as he died,” says Kristin. “The hard-

millions of daily listeners who had all become stake-

est places in life to be in are the ones that you never

holders in Kristin and Bart’s pregnancy journey. On

saw coming, IVF and the transfer were placed on hold.”

February 22, 2021, the happy couple welcomed James

After her father’s passing Kristin chose to take a year off

Robert Mattingly into their lives. James Robert, named

to deal with the trauma and her grief.

in honor of both of his grandfathers, is a beautiful mira-

“Bart and I did not choose to do IVF during a pandemic, a pandemic chose to happen while we were 24

awaiting their first pregnancy test.

co-host of the nationally syndicated Bert Show, and her

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

cle in their lives and a glimpse of hope to every couple’s own pregnancy journey.

Kristin, Bart, and Jimmy.

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

25

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

ARTICLE JENNIFER ANDERSON MSPH RDN

5 H E A LTH Y LU N C H E S & S N AC K S FOR KIDS

TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO EAT WELL

AS PARENTS, ONE OF OUR BIGGEST PRIORITIES IS ENSURING THAT OUR KIDS ARE GETTING THE NUTRIENTS THEY NEED. But getting them to eat their fruits and vegetables isn’t always easy, especially if your kids are picky eaters like many seem to be.

As a mom of two little boys, I know how stressful it can be to feed your kids. But it’s important to establish healthy eating habits early in their life, so they establish a taste for a variety of nutritious foods.

Let’s talk about the benefits of introducing healthy food to your kids at an early age. Read on to find helpful information about feeding picky eaters, plus some healthy lunch and snack recipes for kids.

With over 1.3mm Instagram followers and over 250,000 visitors each month, Kids Eat in Color is a VIBRANT, educational, and inspiring national resource for parents to learn the ease and creativity of “what to feed kids” who “love to have fun.”

About the Author

Known for her beautiful and colors-of-the-rainbow photos of flavorful meals, Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietician who has a FUN and playful approach to guiding parents to reduce mealtime stress.

26

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

4 B E N E F I T S O F H E A LT H Y LU N C H E S A N D S N A C K S F O R K I D S TO E AT NUTRITION IS ESSENTIAL TO KIDS’ DEVELOPMENT My first child fell off the growth chart, and I learned how much effort can go into feeding a child. Kids develop quickly in the first few years of life, so incorporating a variety of nutritious foods is essential to their growth and development.

BALANCED NUTRITION LEADS TO HEALTHY KIDS Feeding your child a variety of foods is the key to getting them many different types of nutrients. Each food and group of food helps your child’s body in a different way. For example, foods high in fat such as avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds, fatty fish, and more support your child’s brain development.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help your child fight off illnesses. If your child is struggling to eat veggies, don’t worry about feeding them more fruit while they are learning to eat more veggies. For those kids who won’t eat fruits and veggies, keep having them available at meals so that they can learn to like them.

White and brown foods such as cauliflower and whole grains have plant compounds as well. All the colors count!

HEALTHY EATING AS CHILDREN EQUALS HEALTHY EATING AS ADULTS When little kids learn to eat fruits and vegetables at an early age, they are more likely to continue eating healthy foods as adults. So many of our tastes and eating patterns begin in childhood.

COLORFUL FOOD PROVIDES ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS Different plant compounds have colors that give food their colors. For example, beta carotene is a plant compound that makes carrots orange.

Each plant compound does something different in your body, which is why eating lots of different colors helps keep our bodies healthy.

Sometimes people think of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple as the only “colorful” foods. White and brown foods such as cauliflower and whole grains have plant compounds as well. All the colors count!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

27

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

3 T I P S F O R G E T T I N G YO U R K I D S TO E AT H E A LT H Y F O O D S MAKE SNACKS AND MEALTIME FUN We all know that kids like to play and have fun, so why not make food fun? Whether you’re turning broccoli into a microphone at dinner, or playing tic-tac-toe with edible carrot sticks, kids get into it.

They also love trying new utensils, helping prepare food, and using new kitchen tools. The more fun they have, the more they are willing to try new things and eat more foods.

Kids, especially kids who may be picky or selective, often like a little bit of novelty. There are lots of ways to add a little bit of novelty without spending a lot of time.

My top recommendation is toothpicks. I call it “toothpick magic.”

Whenever your child is ready to use toothpicks, try it with any food that they are hesitant to eat and see what happens. It’s hard for kids and adults to resist eating food off a toothpick.

We also love silicone muffin cups, mini cookie cutters, food picks and fun silverware.

I also love our stainless steel lunch boxes. If you’re trying to decide which one is best for you, I wrote a surprisingly honest review of the 16 most popular stainless steel lunch boxes on the Kids Eat in Color blog.

DON’T GIVE UP Parents often assume that if a child doesn’t eat a food the first or second time it’s served, the child doesn’t like the food. Teaching kids to eat a variety of foods is a long game. Many children may need to see or taste a food 10 or 20 times before they are willing to eat it.

Especially selective kids may need hundreds of exposures before they learn to like a new food. What’s important is that as parents, we don’t give up. A child will never learn to eat a food that isn’t on the table.

If you’re struggling with a picky eater, I highly recommend the Kids Eat in Color® free picky eater guide (at KidsEatInColor.com) that walks parents through how to help a picky child eat more foods.

FORCING HEALTHY FOODS ON KIDS OFTEN BACKFIRES Another assumption is that we have to make kids eat healthy foods.

Often, making a child eat food or eat a certain amount of food backfires.

It may backfire in the short run by making a child more selective and less likely to eat the foods you want them to eat. It can also backfire in the long run and make it hard for a child to tell when they are hungry or full.

If you’ve ever felt a compulsion to finish your plate even after you feel full, that may come from your previous experiences of having to finish your plate.

28

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

Kids, especially kids who may be picky or selective, often like a little bit of novelty.

MIDNIGHT MEDITERRANEAN P A S TA Affordable Flavors

Meal Plan

Yield: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-40 minutes INGREDIENTS

+ 8 ounces whole wheat (or regular) linguine + 3 tablespoons oil + 4 cloves garlic, chopped + 1 cup canned tomato, chopped + 1 (15 ounce) can of chickpeas, drained + 1 teaspoon dried oregano

LU N C H A N D S N A C K R E C I P E S F R O M

+ Salt to taste + ½ teaspoon black pepper

K I D S E AT I N C O LO R M E A L P L A N S

+ ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon paprika + 3-½ cups fresh spinach METHOD

1. In medium-sized pot, bring water to boil. Cook whole wheat linguine according to instructions.

2. In large pan, heat up oil. Once heated, add chopped

D AT E B A L L S Prep Time: 15 minutes

Real Easy Weekdays

garlic. Cook until lightly browned.

Meal Plan

3. Add tomato, chickpeas, oregano, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Bring to simmer.

INGREDIENTS

4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

+ 3⁄4 cup / 180 mL sunflower seed butter

5. Strain linguine and add to pan; stir well to incorporate.

+ 1⁄4 cup / 60 mL pumpkin seeds (called pepitas)

6. Remove from heat and enjoy!

+ 1 and 1⁄3 cup / 220 g pitted dates + 1 teaspoon / 5 mL vanilla + 4 Tablespoons / 60 mL cocoa or cacao powder 1⁄8

G R E E K YO G U R T RANCH DIP This goes great with raw veggies like celery, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, cauliflower, or any veggie your kids might like raw. It also goes

Real Easy

Weekdays Meal Plan

great with whole-grain crackers and pita chips!

teaspoon / 1.25 mL salt + Hemp or chia seeds, optional METHOD 1. Put all ingredients in a food processor (not a blender).

2. Process until smooth (longer than you think).

3. Roll into balls.

4. Roll in hemp seeds or chia seeds if desired.

INGREDIENTS + ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt + ½ to 1 Tablespoon of Trader Joe’s Onion Salt (alternatives include Ranch dressing mix, onion salt, or a combination of onion powder and garlic powder) METHOD 1. Mix Greek yogurt with seasoning. Serve.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

29

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED) METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse and then slice sweet potatoes into fry shapes. Toss sweet potato fries in oil in

PA N - F R I E D TU N A P AT T I E S W I T H B A K E D S W E E T P O TAT O F R I E S Yield: 8 servings

Affordable

Prep Time: 10 minutes

2. Lay fries on baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Roast fries in oven for 25 minutes.

4. While fries cook, in separate medium size bowl, mix all tuna patty ingredients except for butter and oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Form 1 inch thick patties from tuna mixture. In a large skillet,

Flavors

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

large bowl.

add butter and oil on medium heat.

Meal Plan

6. Add 3-4 patties to pan at a time. Fry patties until golden

INGREDIENTS

brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes each side.

For Tuna Patties:

7. Sweet potato fries are done when slightly crispy and fork

+ 2 (12 ounce) cans of tuna (drained)

tender. Enjoy by themselves or with ketchup.

+ ½ onion, finely chopped + ¼ cup celery, diced + 1 cup flour, (or sub with breadcrumbs)

GREEN STR AWB E R RY SMOOTHIE

+ 3 eggs, beaten + 1 tablespoon garlic powder + Salt and pepper + 2 tablespoons butter + 4 tablespoons oil

Prep time: 10 minutes

Real Easy

Cook time: 0 minutes

Weekdays

+ 3 large sweet potatoes

Yield: two 10-oz smoothies

Meal Plan

+ 2-3 tablespoons oil

INGREDIENTS

+ Salt and pepper

+ 2 cups / 235 mL baby spinach, packed

+ Ketchup for serving

+ 1 ripe banana

For Baked Sweet Potato Fries:

+ 1⁄2 cup / 120 mL frozen blueberries + 1⁄2 cup / 120 mL frozen strawberries + 1 cup / 235 mL full-fat milk of choice + 1 Tbs. / 15 mL hemp hearts, optional + 2 Tbs. / 30 mL nut/seed butter of choice Sprinkles, optional METHOD 1. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients. Process until smooth.

2. Transfer smoothie to two glasses. Top with sprinkles, if desired.

DAIRY-FREE: Use alternative milk and ensure sprinkles are dairy-free.

S TA R T H E A LT H Y H A B I T S E A R LY The key takeaway here is to introduce healthy foods to your child at an early age. Be patient with your pickiest of eaters, and re-introduce a food several times. Stick with it; their longterm health habits depend on it!

Children tend to mimic adults, so try to be a good example and eat the foods you want them to eat. Your health will benefit too!

Try to make snacks and mealtime fun for your kids so they will want to participate and develop a healthy relationship with food.

30

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

REALTY REPORT

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

VININGS

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Vinings

$1,799,900

$1,650,000

92%

60

5

7

Bakers Farm

$1,175,000

$1,104,000

94%

5

3

4

Gates At Vinings

$1,175,000

$1,075,000

91%

16

4

6

Stonegate

$1,075,000

$1,032,000

96%

7

5

6

Hayes Walk at Forest Hills

$1,000,109

$1,000,109

100%

67

5

4

Park Place

$950,000

$950,000

100%

14

5

5

Kensington Green

$889,900

$915,000

103%

3

6

6

Abbington at Wildwood

$889,900

$889,900

100%

37

3

4

Abbington at Wildwood

$889,900

$889,900

100%

84

3

4

Abbington at Wildwood

$859,900

$885,084

103%

77

3

4

Stonecrest Manor

$869,900

$855,000

98%

27

5

6

Farmington

$825,000

$851,575

103%

3

4

3

Farmington

$825,000

$825,000

100%

1

3

4

Weaver Place

$824,900

$825,000

100%

4

5

5

One Vinings Mountain

$825,000

$810,000

98%

131

2

3

Farmington

$815,000

$800,000

98%

19

4

5

Lakeside At Covered Bridge

$780,000

$780,000

100%

12

5

5

2000 Paces Ferry

$799,000

$775,000

97%

18

4

4

Paces View

$775,000

$763,000

98%

50

4

4

Tackett Farms

$715,000

$760,000

106%

0

5

4

Cooper Lake Estates

$750,000

$760,000

101%

8

4

4

West Haven

$765,000

$760,000

99%

10

4

4

Cochise

$730,000

$740,000

101%

3

4

4

Tackett Farms

$699,999

$702,500

100%

2

6

5

Information compiled f rom First Multiple Listing Service and Georgia Multiple Listing Service f rom dates of 6/1/21 to 6/30/21.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

31

DIY

H O P P Y+ F R E S H

D I Y H O P - I N F U S E D S H A M P O O ( & C AT S I F Y O U ' R E B R AV E ) PHOTOGRAPHY COLLEEN KELLY

32

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

F O R

P U P S

H O M E M A D E H O P - I N F U S E D D O G S H A M P O O Perfect for a fresh, deep clean scented with hops. + 1 pint gentle natural dish washing soap + 1 pint hop water + 1 pint apple cider vinegar + 3/4 cups hops + 4 oz. glycerin + 1 tablespoon baking soda 01 Infuse water and hops in a jar for at least an hour.

02 Mix all of the ingredients together and put in a bottle.

03 Grab your pup and suds up.

Rinse thoroughly.

V O I L À !

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

33

LOCAL LIMELIGHT DANCE CHALLENGE SUPPORTS EDIN'S WORK OFFERING EDUCATION AND INSIGHT ON EATING DISORDERS AND MENTAL WELLNESS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SEAN O'KEEFE

WHEN ONLY DANCING WILL DO EDIN, A LOCAL, ATLANTA-BASED, NOT-FORPROFIT ORGANIZATION CELEBRATING ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, STRIVES TO OFFER EDUCATION AND INSIGHT ON EATING DISORDERS AND MENTAL WELLNESS. Its mission of education, amplification, and engagement is a much-needed resource for those members of our community seeking help, as well as for those who provide eating disorder treatment and care.

The need for EDIN in our post-pandemic world is greater than ever for people who continue to struggle with self-worth and body positivity.

The author danced his way into the hearts of a global audience in last year's EDIN Celebrity Dance Challenge.

“The pandemic has led to a surge of new cases and relapses as anxiety and isolation are typically very significant components of eating disorders,” says Marci Soran, Executive Director. “EDIN has provided resources to schools and the general community since 1996, and now, our work is more

passionate walkers raise money to fund eating disorders edu-

critical than ever before.”

cation, prevention, and support,” says Soran. “We are excited

It is only through EDIN’s outreach and fundraising programs that this essential work can

emerge from the pandemic.”

continue. The Celebrity Dance Challenge and

Because of the global pandemic, EDIN pivoted the Give

Merrick’s Walk are but two of EDIN’s fun fundrais-

Thanks for EDIN Celebrity Dance Challenge to a broadcast

ers this fall. There are many ways that you can help

fundraising event where dancers picked their favorite Atlanta

to ensure their important mission continues now

backdrops and created their own music videos, streaming live

and in years to come.

with an auction and interviews.

Merrick’s Walk is held in honor of Merrick Ryan

“For EDIN, this event brings together local celebrities, clini-

who passed away in 2000 from complications from

cians, and community members to compete in our premier annual

anorexia. Merrick was an alumna of The Galloway

fundraiser to support body positivity and EDIN’s programming:

School and EDIN partners with Galloway to host a

EDucation and INsight on eating disorders,” says Soran. “This

2.7-mile walk in Merrick’s memory that is attended

year, due to the pandemic, we are seeing the highest rates of new

by more than 350 friends, families, and partner

cases and relapses of eating disorders than ever before. EDIN’s

organizations. “2021 marks the 21st Merrick’s Walk,

work has never been more important.”

an inspirational, community-building event where

34

to be able to resume this important awareness event as we all

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | August 2021

For more information about EDIN please visit MyEdin.org

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