Woodstock, GA March 2024

Silver

Nurturing Our Sacred Spaces

Our homes are where we feel the safest and most comfortable. It's the place where we yearn to be when we have been gone awhile. It's where some of our most precious memories are made. It's where all of the minutiae of life, the good and the bad, happens.

In this issue, you'll find insight into how you can nurture your home and make it just as beautiful, functional, and cozy as such a place should be.

SARA HAGEN, EDITOR @WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Stephanie Benzee | stephanie.benzee@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

Schowengerdt CHIEF

Thompson

Robinson

AD DESIGNER Laura Williams

Join a community where companionship thrives and connections blossom.

Embark on a journey with the Camellia Companions – your friends in fostering connections and nurturing belonging. Discover a community that thrives on companionship, where every interaction is an invitation to create memories.

city scene

GIBBS GARDENS BLOOMING WITH LAUREN

ROOTSTOCK

WOODSTOCK COFFEE COMPANY

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

REFORMATION BREWERY

ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN AND THOMAS STRATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM AND JERRY’S ROOFING

TOM AND JERRY’S ROOFING

A VETERAN-OWNED AND CUSTOMER-FOCUSED COMPANY PROVIDING ROOFING SERVICES IN NORTH GEORGIA

Tom Stratton and Jerry Jerabek, owners of Tom and Jerry's Roofing, have both been in the roofing industry for over 30 years. They have witnessed the influx of roofers in North Georgia and the shift in the roofing market from high quality and lower quantity to low quality and high quantity. Tom and Jerry saw this change as a disservice to the community and the entire North Georgia region. They were frustrated to see the storm chasers come and milk the community for what they could get by soliciting high-pressure sales and conducting business with questionable ethics.

“We are always grateful for the opportunity and trust homeowners give us in such an overpopulated field.”

The names you know as "local" have not been for years. Small companies have joined in the "door-todoor" hustle, and this paradigm shift in Georgia's entire roofing market spawned a massive influx of roofers. This shifted from the traditional mindset of Tom and Jerry's business beliefs and ethics.

Tom and Jerry's Roofing was born out of wanting to stand out in an industry filled with customers who had lackluster experiences with larger companies. Tom and Jerry’s is backed by documented training and decades of actual hands-on roof expertise.

Tom, a combat veteran, and his lifelong friend Jerry both saw the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) firsthand. Tom suffered a TBI in Iraq's Sunni Triangle during combat operations in Sept 2005. The TBI and complications in Tom's personal life made it one of the biggest challenges he had ever faced.

Jerry, Tom’s faithful friend of 36 years, saw his challenges and helped him move through them. When the chance arose for them to be of assistance to their community, they were well-equipped thanks to their prior experience. Tom and Jerry's Roofing would do what they could to use their success to pay it forward to veterans.

Tom co-founded Mil Vet Community (with co-founder Tim Young) and Jerry regularly volunteers. The company donates money to programs that help veterans with social skills, treatments, and advocacy. Mil Vet Community promotes veteran volunteerism and the coordination of veteran assets in the community. They host events on the first Monday of each month at Reformation Brewery for veteran fellowship. Tom and Jerry’s Roofing sponsors fundraising efforts with the organizations Shepherd’s Men, Mil Vet Community, and Honor and Remember.

Tom Stratton has been proud to represent the local veterans through financial contributions and personal advocacy. Working with Shepherd's Men, the Milvetcommunity has represented veterans who have spoken to Congress, conducted charity and awareness marches, set initiatives with Cherokee County Sheriff Department's Veteran Crisis Prevention Team, and sponsored and hosted Music festivals like Red White and Brews here in Woodstock. They have also developed the “Clean the Greens" program for Cherokee’s public parks, which occur on the second Mondays of every month.

“As a roofing company, we are always grateful for the opportunity and trust homeowners give us in such an overpopulated field." This month Tom will celebrate 31 years in roofing. He plans to use that knowledge to keep his staff knowledgeable and ready for whatever Mother Nature sends toward our roofs. As a veteran and a member of the community, he can only hope to give back the hope it's given him.

The Fundamentals of An Efficient Landscape

WITH DAVID FROM TAURUS LANDSCAPE

ARTICLE BY DAVID AWTREY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAURUS LANDSCAPE

When people think of what it takes to have a lovely functioning landscape, aesthetics come to mind. The plants are pretty, and the lawn is nice, but only some people realize how to get to that point. So much more happens behind the scenes to create these aesthetics.

PLANNING AND BED PREPARATION

An efficient landscape is a balance of maintenance, water, and nutrients. These three elements working together give us a thriving, efficient landscape. First and foremost, planning and expectations need to be considered.

Look at the landscape as you would a cake. The cake portion would be bed shape and bed prep. Smooth bed lines will help complement and confirm your plant selection. With plant bed preparation, you want to be aware of water flow. It is essential to keep water running away from your home and remove low spots where water will collect. The number one obstacle is downspouts. Concentrated water from downspouts creates damage by washing mulch away. It also causes excessive water to be deposited directly onto plants.

With bed preparation, you want to give plants the best growing environment. Organic materials, fertilizers, and proper planting are essential considerations. Think of a plant like a human being. We do not like to be buried; we require food and a happy home. A good rule is this: if you install a plant even with the soil level and place thick mulch on top of that root ball, it's dead. Get ready for a replacement.

PLANT SELECTION

With your planning, you must establish if the area is full sun, part sun, or shade. Full sun is considered a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight. In the south, 6 hours of sunlight in the summer is different from 6 hours of sunlight in the winter. Base your findings on summer sun positioning. Partial sun could be morning shade, afternoon shade, or filtered sunlight throughout.

Plant selection is one recurring problem we see in today's landscapes. You should make your plant selections based on sun requirements, height and width, and water requirements. An example is planting a plant that will reach 15 feet tall under a 3-foot-tall window and expecting to thrive while it's pruned to death. Know your plant material.

MAINTENANCE

When it comes to maintenance, remember that plants are natural creatures. In my years, I have never encountered plants

in nature that are perfect boxes or circles. So, treat your plants for what they are. Hand pruning to softly shape is better than shearing. Shearing will leave your plants with a woody appearance and foliage only on the outside of the plant. With mowing, know your type of grass. Figure out how short you want to keep it and how often you will mow it. Your warm-season turf can handle shorter heights, but cool-season grass varieties must be kept taller for survival, especially in summer. This is why plant selection is so important.

WATERING

All plants need food and water to survive. 99% percent of plant problems revolve around either too much or too little water. A plant will only take up water when needed, no matter how much you water it. Heavy, infrequent water is best for plants because it makes the roots go deeper for water, which will help in our summer heat. Turfgrass can take frequent watering but benefits from heavy, infrequent watering. Another factor to remember is that excess water on plants and turfgrass creates a breeding ground for fungus and weed growth.

FERTILIZER

If you do it yourself, be aware of what you are using when fertilizing. Time-released fertilizers should be used based on how long it takes to break down. For homeowners, it's usually a 3–4-month feed. With plants, think along the lines of organic fertilizer. There are numerous organic fertilizers based on specific plants and plant groups. Do your research. If you choose to go with a company to care for your landscape with chemicals, also do your due diligence. Remember, you will get precisely what you pay for.

A thriving landscape does take work. If you can do it yourself, it's enjoyable and therapeutic. You get to see firsthand the reward of your hard work.

Here at Taurus Landscape, we pride ourselves on creating and maintaining landscapes the right way. Our experienced staff pride ourselves on taking every property, every plant, and every blade of grass as our own. Our staff's number one goal is the experience of a thriving and efficient landscape for property owners. The nuances of installing and maintaining a proper landscape are what we strive for. Our customers' satisfaction is what we strive for. It can come from a personal "thank you" or even just a smile. It's Taurus Landscape every day, 365 days a year.

“A thriving landscape is a balance of maintenance, water, and nutrients. These three elements working together give us a thriving, efficient landscape.”

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA HAGEN

for Spring Flower Arranging

EXPERT TIPS FROM WOODSTOCK FLOWERS AND GIFTS

Woodstock Flowers and Gifts has been in business for 40 years. Mei Hardjanti Paul and Astuti Bieri are the third owners and bought the shop in 2022 after the previous owner, a friend of Astuti, passed away. Astuti and Mei bought it to continue the shop’s legacy.

As we move into Spring and spruce up our homes for the new season, experts in flower arranging can offer some tips and insight into the art of floristry and flower arranging.

Mei and Astuti have a clear passion for the art of flower arranging. For the beginner, Mei recommends pink, lavender, and blue colors for Spring. The best types of gorgeous, no-fuss flowers are daisies and roses. Avoid lilies as a beginner! Mei says anything with a firm structure works well.

An empty vase can be as daunting as a blank paper when starting a project from scratch. Mei always begins with what florists call “greenery,” or plants like Ivy and Baby’s Breath. From there, the style is determined. Mei says she looks at the American and European styles to see what will work best for the customer and theme. American style is airy, and the European style is more compact.

From there, they curate arrangements based on the customer’s needs and type of event. They provide flowers for all events, but birthdays and weddings are especially popular.

Today’s

Call me to discuss!

Lender

Expires

Meet Sierra and David

ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE ONE PURPOSE GROUP

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?

Sierra: I have owned several businesses, from restaurants to a cookie delivery business. Still, I also managed a golf course for many years before getting into real estate in 2016. My husband and I wanted to start investing in property, and one of us needed our real estate license. I drew the short stick and have loved every minute of it. Now, fast forward eight years. He and I are new owners of Realty One Group Edge in Woodstock, with 100+ agents and growing, and we will soon open another location in Kennesaw. If it is real estate, we can sell it. Specializing in all residential, luxury, commercial, land, and investment properties. God is Good!

David: I first got my license in 1987. After spending a couple of years trying my hand at Real Estate, I decided to continue my career in Construction. I was able to retire on December 2023 as Chief Executive Officer. Re-engaging in real estate a couple of years ago, I came beside Sierra to support her real estate clients and assist in growing our brokerage at Realty ONE Group EDGE.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Sierra: The real estate industry has changed my life. My only regret is that I didn't start my career earlier. With that said, I trust God's timing for it all. I have always been in the customer service business in some way, and helping families, individuals, and business owners realize their dreams by building wealth through real estate is the best job ever.

David:  Helping people realize their dream of home ownership and the ability to realize that next step in their homeownership through selling and buying their next home.

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME "ONE PURPOSE"?

It takes a long while sometimes to figure out who you are and who you want to be; sometimes, it is even harder to figure out WHY. David and I have figured out our WHY. It is to have PURPOSE and live with PURPOSE on PURPOSE. We want to make a difference in our children's lives, grandchildren's lives, friends, neighbors, church, community, clients, agents, and one another. From that, WHY - The One PURPOSE Group was born.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?

Sierra: As I have gotten older, the definition has drastically changed, and I am thankful for that. Where I am today, my personal definition of success is living with peacefulness, a joyful heart, and purposeful relationships. Not necessarily in that order and not usually with perfection, but always with gratitude.

David:  That is an easy answer for both of us. Helping others! If we can help people and families succeed in their endeavors, then we have success.

WHAT WAS A HIGHLIGHT MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER FROM THE PAST FEW YEARS?

Sierra: So many highlights, especially working with firsttime homebuyers, and I cannot tell you the joy you have when you hand someone the keys to their home for the first time. But most recently in my career, I was honored to serve as the 2023 President of the Cobb Association of Realtors and its 2300 members. It was such a rewarding experience to give back to the industry that undoubtedly changed the direction of my life and our families' lives. Another highlight was partnering with my husband on this adventure of becoming brokerage owners and taking on something bigger than ourselves. David is always taking us to bigger and better things.

David: I retired from a 42-year career in the Construction industry. The last ten years of my career were spent as the Chief Executive Officer of a medium-sized construction company.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES (RESTAURANTS, STORES,

SERVICES, ETC.) IN WOODSTOCK, AND WHAT CHARITABLE CAUSES DO YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT?

We are proud sponsors of Woodstock Arts. They do a fabulous job in everything they present to the community. They are the heartbeat of everything Woodstock is.

SIERRA AND DAVID

Owners of Realty One Group Edge in Woodstock

We also have a special place for the Serenade Heights Single Mothers Ministry in Woodstock. They provide housing and support for mothers and their families who have found themselves in situations that keep them from living their best lives. Serenade Heights gives them hope again.

We have served as Moto Crew volunteers and sponsors for the Georgia 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk for several years. All the money raised goes to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer, which supports community organizations and their efforts to fight breast cancer.

OUR FAVORITE WOODSTOCK RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES:

• Prime 120 – Our go-to for high-end dining and atmosphere. Our go-to for any reason.

• Rally Point Grill – Our local watering hole! The food and staff are great.

• Ipps – Italian the old-fashioned way. We like our lasagna baked "downtown extra brown!"

• Little River Clothing and Outdoors – men's custom clothing and sports clothing. David spends all his money here.

• Holly Springs Jewelers – all our jewelry needs

ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY FOLLOWILL

The Inside SCOOP

Local Designers Discuss Their Favorite Things Beyond Design in New Podcast

Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, based in Woodstock, have been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Atlanta Magazine, and HGTV Magazine. Their podcast, Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole has over 180 episodes. Their new venture is a podcast called The Inside Scoop.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START PODCASTING?

When we started Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole six years ago, we had already been in business for 13 years. Even though we were swamped with design business, we were looking for a new creative outlet. We were interested in public speaking, coaching, writing a book - all the entrepreneurial things! We had just attended a small business mastermind event and met a Brand Strategist, Phil Pallen, who offered to do a brand audit for our group for a reduced rate. We had nothing to lose and could benefit from a helpful critique. After his audit of our social media platforms, website, portfolio, etc., he declared our unique partnership, energy, and experience were the perfect chemistry for a podcast. We were off and running! We tell even more of the story in the first episode.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE INSIDE SCOOP?

After six years of Inside Design, we got the creative itch again. After all these years of podcasting and testing our social media content, we discovered people were particularly interested in us as people. We hope it's because we pride ourselves on being authentic and approachable. We are transparent, straightforward, and open to all types of conversations. Strangers will stop us on the street to discuss the podcast and ask our opinion. We started getting a lot of questions about our fashion choices, travel tips, book recommendations, product recommendations, etc. Also happening at the same time was the need for more sponsorship opportunities. Our 2024 podcast episodes were 85% sponsored by December 2023, and we knew we would have to start turning down brands who wanted to sponsor us if we didn't develop more episodes. In addition, we wanted to offer a less expensive option to small brands who wanted to dip their toe into podcast advertising but didn't have a large marketing budget. Thus, our 10-minute bonus episode, The Inside Scoop, was born. Consider it a girlfriend chat about all the things we love and want to share the scoop on.

“We look at the world through creative eyes, so fashion, food, music, books, interiors, etc., become art to us. Art is a constant influence if you look for it.”

HOW DO OTHER PARTS OF THE CREATIVE WORLD, SUCH AS FASHION, INFLUENCE YOUR WORK AS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

We look at the world through creative eyes, so fashion, food, music, books, interiors, etc., become art to us. Art is a constant influence if you look for it. Many trends, especially for colors, start with the fashion runways and automotive industries and then trickle down to interiors. We carefully follow the color forecasting and research from companies like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore to inspire us. We probably get the most inspiration from our travels, like our trip to Marrakesh last year.

IN WHAT WAYS DO THE COLORS, STYLES, TEXTURES, OR MATERIALS YOU ENCOUNTER DURING YOUR TRAVELS TRANSLATE INTO YOUR DESIGN CHOICES?

We thoroughly believe travel makes us better designers. We want to be inspired by different cultures - to learn about their histories and stories and how those translate into the creations of rugs, textiles, art, etc. Last year, when we traveled to Marrakesh and Lisbon, we fell in love with colored tiles. Especially in Marrakesh, walls were never plain sheetrock - every surface was tiled! The colors and patterns were something we wanted to replicate when we came home. In Lisbon, the exteriors of buildings were tiled in bright greens and vibrant blues - we were in heaven. You don't know what you don't know, so seeing materials used in ways you're not familiar with, especially up close and personal, was incredibly inspiring!

YOU LOVE A GOOD ART GALLERY WALL. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS AT THE MOMENT?

We are huge lovers of original art and love to support local galleries like DK Gallery, Gregg Irby Gallery, Pryor Fine Art, and Anne Irwin Fine Art. Some of our favorites are Kim Schuessler, Kathryn Gage, Elizabeth Chapman, and Whitney Stoddard, to name a few. However, when we create galleries for our clients, the art might be a special piece painted by a late grandmother, a memory painted by a street vendor in Europe, or a child's hand painting - if it resonates with a person, it's art.

WHERE TO FIND KANDRAC & KOLE: kandrac-kole.com @kandrackole on Instagram Phone: 770-514-9699

Emily Followill Photography

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN WOODSTOCK.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from December 2023. Source: IRES MLS system.

“Marco Rossi exemplifies true professionalism and attention to detail. Every step of the way he gave it 110% and made us feel at ease. He took the stress out of a usually stressful situation of getting your home ready to sell and have multiple showings per day. He was able to get our house multiple offers within the first week of it being listed for sale! He knew we were under a time crunch and followed accordingly. Listen to what he says in order to get your house show ready! We trust him with everything! We will definitely use him again if needed. We highly refer Marco to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.”

- Rocio B.

678-469-6138

Koozles CANDLE CO.

A CRAFTY AND NON-TOXIC TWIST ON TRADITIONAL CANDLE-MAKING

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA BAASCH

Chelsea, the creator of Koozles Candle Co., has always been a supporter of the craft beer community. Together with her husband, she has been brewing her own beer as a hobby for several years. When she wanted a hobby of her own, she started learning to make candles, but she wanted to put them in a unique vessel.

Since craft beer is another interest of hers, she combined her two favorite

hobbies and started putting her candles in recycled craft beer cans. Despite working full-time as a Registered Nurse, candle-making has been a way for Chelsea to relax and channel her creativity.

As a healthcare worker, she wanted to make natural, safe, and non-toxic candles. To achieve this, she uses 100% soy wax and fragrance oils free from harmful chemicals. Through her business, Chelsea has found a way to share her love of craft beer and candles with others.

In the future, Chelsea plans to partner with local breweries to have them

available in their taprooms. She has met many unique and inspiring small business owners through this community and always shops with small businesses throughout the year. In addition, Chelsea and her husband donate to Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue, where they adopted their dog, Wally. Wally is Koozles official sniff tester, adding a personal touch to Chelsea’s business.

Koozles Candle Co. candles are available on the company’s website, koozlescandleco.com

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 7TH

Pick Your Vessel, Pour Your Candle

Made Mercantile in Downtown Woodstock | 8:30 PM

Learn the basics of candle making and blending your own scent with Cherokee Rose Candle Co. If you chose a wooden vessel, you can bring it back for a half-price refill.

MARCH 8TH TO 24TH

Miss You Like Hell

Woodstock Arts Theatre at 8534 Main St.

Miss You Like Hell has all the classic elements of an odd-couple parent-child relationship: when a whip-smart, deeply imaginative teenager agrees to take a road trip with her free-spirited Latina mother, neither can imagine where it will take them.

MARCH 14TH

Fifth Annual Cherokee Film Summit

YANMAR EVO//Center 5889 Old Alabama Road Acworth, GA 30102 | 5:00 PM

Whether you're a filmmaker, actor, or simply passionate about the creation of filmed content, this event offers a unique platform to learn, connect, and explore how you can play a role in this exciting industry.

MARCH 20TH

Whiskey Rose Band

MadLife Stage & Studios - 8722 Main Street | 7:30 PM

The Whiskey Rose Band is a group out of North Georgia that is comprised of six talented, fun-loving singers and musicians! This band features three lead vocalists and covers everything from Johnny Cash to Grace Potter to  ZZ Top to Miranda Lambert.The music they cover spans over five decades, so there’s always something for everyone to enjoy!

MARCH 23RD

Sequoyah-Con: LEGO!

Woodstock Public Library | 10 AM to 5:45 PM

Enjoy a full day of lego-themed activities such as a scavenger hunt, building and racing, and a mini-figure poster contest. All ages welcome!

MARCH 29TH

Jazz Night at Woodstock Arts

Reeves House Garden - 734 Reeves Street | 6:00 PM

Come sit under the stars, sway to some live Jazz music, and unwind with a glass of wine. This event will be from 6pm-9pm with a rotating ensemble playing on the back porch. An outdoor bar will be stocked with wine and beer available for purchase. Inside you’ll find a menu of coffee drinks and savory or sweet snacks.