2024 January February Issue

NW GEORGIA

Complimentary JAN/FEB 2024 Volume 15 | Issue 1

Inspiring, Informing, Enriching

Cocktails Without the Kick Dive into the art of alcohol-free mixology.

Love in Bloom

The 2024 wedding guide is here.

A Celebration of Friendship Cheers to Galentine’s Day!

Residential Remodeling | General Contracting

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My clients were extremely happy with the work when it was finalized.”

— James Robbins, Realtor / Full Basement Remodel

Health Coverage with Heart .

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J A N UA R Y/ F E B R UA R Y 2 024 | VO LU M E 1 5 | I S S U E 1

contents cover story

Megan Kuhn Photography

20

Hold the Booze, Please Explore a world of flavor with these mocktail creations.

features 2024 Wedding Special Section

24 Personalizing Your Wedding

Infusing your love story into every detail.

27 Wrapped in Love

What’s new in the world of wedding bands and engagement rings.

30 Setting the Stage for Forever

A practical guide to wedding venue selection.

34 Resilience: The Superpower You Already Have

How adversity makes us stronger.

36 Be My Galentine

Celebrate the fabulous friends in your life on this special day and beyond.

departments 4

Letter From the Publisher

For the First Time

6

Calendar for Living

30 Foxhall Resort

10

12

14

16

Comedians share their stories, plus the ins and outs of life in the spotlight.

7 Strategies for mastering your finances in 2024.

Getting to know Jamie Baker, co-founder of Trendy Teachers in Downtown Rome.

Food, fun, and more food highlight a trip to New Orleans.

Dog Eared

Dollars & Sense

Happenings in our ’hood.

2 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Community

Wanderlust

38

40

After the holidays, healthy comfort foods keep taste buds joyful (and your conscience clear).

HGTV should be a controlled substance.

Get Cookin’

Robert’s World

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Harvest Moon Cafe, nestled in the charming town of Rome, Georgia, offers a delightful variety of event venues, delicious cuisine, rustic elegance and warm hospitality. Selecting one of their event spaces is sure to be the perfect choice for either your business or social event. With multiple venues, each brimming with their own unique character and style, Harvest Moon Cafe promises a delightful experience. Whether you're planning an intimate business meeting or a large social event, Harvest Moonʼs versatile spaces can be tailored to your needs. Indulge in mouth-watering, locally-sourced cuisine, and let the expert team of certified event planners handle every detail, ensuring your event is as seamless as it is memorable. With Harvest Moon, every gathering becomes a celebration of great food and great service in a setting that exudes the charm of Rome, Georgia.

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706-291-4224

d LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

For the First Time

Y

ou always remember when you tried something new that made an impression on you: the first time you rode a bike, the first time you went off to summer camp, your first high school dance, and your first car. Reflecting on these particular experiences, I have to laugh. I didn’t know how to stop a bike and crashed. At camp, I got a terrible poison oak rash on my butt. I was a scared wallflower at my ninth-grade homecoming, and no one asked me to dance. And the worst, at a rodeo, my parents presented me with my first car, a burnt orange AMC Hornet they bought there for $500. I thought I would die of embarrassment driving it!

Not all firsts are great, but I’ve found that you must keep trying new things. You never know how one event can make an unforgettable impact, like when I went tandem skydiving with a good-looking instructor. When he said, “Let’s have some fun!” I must have been mesmerized by his charm. We rolled out of the plane doing somersaults, and I had a blast! Later, I played the jump video for my mother, who was in total disbelief. This was a bold, new version of me, and I liked it.

As many of us do in the new year, we pledge to embrace new lifestyle changes — exercise more and lose weight, the usual resolutions.

Then, about a week later, we’re scarfing down our favorite pizza while binge-watching TV for hours. But last year, I did commit for a month to follow the Optavia plan under the guidance of my friend and personal coach, Gay Brownlee.

It’s a comprehensive program with a structured eating plan: one lean and green meal daily with five choices of bars, shakes, or other selections. The biggest challenge: no alcohol. What? I can’t have my wine?

A huge box arrived with all my goodies, and one of Jerry’s friends joked that it looked like I was living like an astronaut eating space food because of all the little packets. Tang wasn’t included! To me, it looked like I’d be eating all day long. Oh, I had no idea what was to come.

On day one, I couldn’t wait to eat my next snack. By the third day, I was like, “I’ve got this.”

It helped that I had a dessert nightly. The real transformation focused on changing habits, like making sure I ate every three hours to regulate my metabolism. And I stuck to the plan no matter what. We had tickets to a concert, and Jerry loved that I was the designated driver.

I watched less TV and read two books. I accomplished more and was encouraged by Gay and my weekly progress.

At the end of my journey, I had not only achieved my weight loss goal but also felt great, and my skin glowed. It was right before my two-week trip to England with Jerry, where we ate enormous English breakfasts and fish and chips in pubs almost daily. It was our first trip abroad in two years, and I enjoyed every minute. I did gain a couple of pounds, but just as I stuck to my Optavia plan, I was just as committed to having fun!

For the past few years, Dry January has grown in popularity, and this year, I’m giving it a try.

How things have changed, but it’s now cool to enjoy alcohol-free cocktails and beer. Reading the marvelous mocktail recipes in this issue has piqued my interest even more. So, consider taking the challenge with me. It can be our first!

4 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

JAN/FEB 2024 Volume 15 | Issue 1

Publisher and Founder Editor-in-Chief Laura Wood Erickson Editor Alexandra McCray editor@nwgeorgialiving.com Creative Director Andi Counts Designer Mackenzie Kuhn Copy Editor Elin Woods Contributing Writers Christy Avis Jill Becker Paula Davis Jan Ferguson Ande Frazier Melissa Ippensen Alexandra McCray Kathy Patrick Robert Smyth Rachel Turner Christine Wayne Elin Woods Web Master Tracy Slack & Associates Sales Laura Wood Erickson wood.laura@yahoo.com Contact us at: (706) 346-9858 wood.laura@yahoo.com NW Georgia Living P.O. Box 72546 Marietta, GA 30007 We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

NW Georgia Living is published bimonthly by L. Wood LLC. Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be copied, scanned, or reproduced in any manner without prior written consent from the publisher.

Business Consulting Marketing Consulting Brand Management Business Development Design

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nwgeorgialiving.com | 5

JAN

d CALENDAR FOR LIVING

Discover Boating® Atlanta Boat Show®

January 11-14 Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C, Atlanta From power boats, pontoons, and personal watercrafts to fishing gear, boating accessories, marine electronics, and educational experiences, there’s plenty to see and shop at this boating extravaganza. atlantaboatshow.com

Trivia Night

January 17, 7:30pm River Remedy Brewing Co., Rome Show off your smarts and enjoy a nice cold brew during this weekly trivia event. romegeorgia.org

Ice Skating at Ridge Ferry Park

January 1-15 Rome Keep the holiday season fun going with ice skating at the park. There’s even room for parents to watch their kiddos skate. rfpra.com/iceskating

Winter Exhibition Opening

January 20, 4-6pm Downtown Gallery, Cartersville Get an exclusive look at the latest juried artwork from the Booth Photography and Art Guilds. Guests can also mingle with artists and learn more about the creation process behind their pieces. boothmuseum.org/ downtowngallery

Zoran Karapancev / Shutterstock.com

6 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Murder on Maui Mystery Dinner Theater

January 26-27, 7pm Harris Arts Center, Calhoun While enjoying a three-course catered meal help get to the bottom of a thrilling mystery involving a fundraising event that’s turned deadly. harrisartscenter.com

Legion of Comedy: Saturday Shortform Spectacular

January 27, 8pm Historic Legion Theatre, Cartersville See comedians put through the classic, zany, wacky, and unpredictable, improv games attendees have come to know and love. pumphouseplayers.com

Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza

January 28, 1-5pm Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Get inspiration for every aspect of your big day at this fête featuring food samples from top caterers and cake designers, live music perfect for ceremonies and receptions, and the chance to see stunning florals, tablescapes, and décor, plus bridal party fashion. atlantaweddingconnection.com

Indigenous Concert: Fawn Wood

January 28, 1:30-4:30pm Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville Cree and Salish musician Fawn Wood, hailing from St. Paul, Alberta, Canada, renowned for her Juno Award-winning album Kakike, will grace the Booth with a performance and discussion, offering insights into her unique musical style that reflects her deep connections with her people, family, and community.

Registration is required. boothmuseum.org/calendar

FEB

NOEoutdoors Fishing Expo

Mr. Bennet’s Bride

February 2-4, 9-11 Pumphouse Players, Cartersville This delightful comedy, inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, delves into the unconventional courtship of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet 25 years before the novel’s events, along with navigating the societal pressures of 18th-century marriage. pumphouseplayers.com

Corey Smith: Suburban Drawl Tour

February 3, 7pm Forum River Center, Rome The country singer returns to Rome with special guest Jeb Gipson for an all-ages concert. forumrivercenter.com

February 16-18 Clarence Brown Conference Center, Cartersville Fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to shop lures, rods, reels, bait, and beyond at Georgia’s biggest fishing show. You’ll also have the chance to see expert demonstrations. noeoutdoors.com

Three Rivers Bull Riding

February 16-17, 6pm Forum River Center, Rome Grab your boots and cowboy hats for this fun event! forumrivercenter.com

Karen Mills

February 17, 7:30pm The GEM Theatre, Calhoun The Chattanooga native has been touring nationally for 25 years and is known for her straight-forward approach to the realities of life that keeps audiences laughing. calhoungemtheatre.org

Lunch & Learn: Mary Joseph on the Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network

February 21, 12-1pm Bartow History Museum, Cartersville Learn about the history and objectives of the Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network with Mary Joseph, African American Programs Coordinator at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, during this captivating lecture. bartowhistorymuseum.org

way through the downtown area. A post-parade pop-up shop with speakers and entertainment will also be available. facebook.com/ blackbartowevents

Acoustic Café

February 29, 7pm Harris Arts Center, Calhoun Hear four singer/songwriters perform in an intimate setting. harrisartscenter.com

Black Bartow Events’ Black History Parade

February 24, 1:30pm Tabernacle Baptist Church parking lot, Cartersville Celebrate Black History Month by seeing floats decorated by businesses, Greek organizations, churches, nonprofits, and other groups make their

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d DOG EARED

Laugh Til You Cry Comedians tell their stories.

BY ELIN WOODS

F

un fact: I’ve never been to a proper stand-up show.

I love them. I laugh a ton when I see clips on social media or stream a special somewhere, but I’ve actually never been to a show. I have, however, read plenty of books written by comedians, and some have been really good. (Celebrity writers are always hit-and-miss, but because comedians write their own jokes and maybe aren’t leaning into a ghostwriter as hard as others, that might be the magic dust behind their books.) If it counts, I’ve seen Steve Martin on tour playing his banjo — there were some comedic moments — and if you ever get the chance, take it.

Let’s move on to what we came here for: books. This issue, I’m pairing books with stand-up specials, a show, or a movie that highlights the author doing what they do best: making us laugh.

Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life

By Steve Martin

Let’s begin with the one person I’ve seen in some capacity and one of my inspirations behind starting to play the banjo. What I didn’t know before reading this book is that at nearly the height of his successful career, Martin stepped away from stand-up. This book is littered with moments and highlights from his days on Saturday Night Live and the work he did before leaving and never reads as silly as his comedy could be. My biggest takeaway from the book is having the courage to know when you must put yourself and your health, especially your mental health, first. It’s an excellent audio read, too.

Recommended watching: Only Murders in the Building (I’m probably the only person who hasn’t watched this yet, but like fine wine and whiskey, Martin is proof that things do get better with age.)

“Celebrity writers are always hit-and-miss, but because comedians write their own jokes and maybe aren’t leaning into a ghostwriter as hard as others, that might be the magic dust behind their books.”

10 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets and Advice for Living Your Best Life

By Ali Wong

Written as a series of letters to her daughters for when they’re old enough to read them (at least 21, per the author), Wong shares life lessons about her experiences as an Asian-American woman, a working mom, and a stand-up comedian. If you’re familiar with her special Baby Cobra on Netflix, expect similar experiences here, but somehow even more personal. The personal extends to so many stories about food, especially those she had while in Vietnam. (Her mother is Vietnamese.) I love Vietnamese food, so I found myself laughing and being hungry all at the same time.

Recommended watching: Always Be My Maybe (This watches like an Emily Henry novel reads; it’s cute but not overly so and shows off Wong doing all the things she does best, and also has Keanu Reeves!)

American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot

By Craig Ferguson

I miss Craig Ferguson on TV. So much. I grew up on British humor, so his dry wit, coupled with his love of all things nerdy and, frankly, his accent, immediately drew me to him. As someone who studies history, his passion for becoming an American citizen and wanting to learn all he could about his new home

was equally fascinating. You learn about his past and journey to the comedy world and what ultimately made him decide to become an American. He gets a little sentimental at times for my tastes but believes in and hopes for the United States, something I think we can all agree on.

Recommended watching: Then Came You (which is not a stand-up special but rather a well-done rom-com with his unexpected friend Kathie Lee Gifford, where he and his pals are plenty funny)

The Last Black Unicorn

By Tiffany Haddish

I find this woman to be incredibly inspiring. She hasn’t had an easy life but somehow finds a way to seek the humor in it, a good reminder for us all. A review I read of this book said something like, “This book will bring you to tears from how funny it is in parts but also how hard her life must have been and all she did to survive.” From the little I know about her (I’m not one to stay up on celebrity life), Haddish now seeks to help make the lives of foster kids, like she was, a bit easier through her charitable foundation. Totally someone worth paying more attention to.

Recommended watching: Here Today (It’s a sweeter movie than Girls

Trip but one that’s also well worth a watch. Fans of comedy get a bonus with Billy Crystal as her co-star.)

If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won’t)

By Betty White

In the rankings of the Golden Girls, Rose enters my list at the bottom. I love Dorothy, and I often find myself just as exasperated as she is with Rose. But Betty White, in real life, was no Rose. The woman was whip-smart, compassionate (well, that’s a quality that she and Rose share), and far ahead of her time. This is one of a few books she wrote detailing her life’s work and her life off-screen. It reads like you’re having a conversation with her, and she dishes on her more than seven decades-long career in Hollywood, celebrity crushes, of course, and her dedication to animal rescue.

Recommended watching: All of it! Rewatch Golden Girls, see some of her excellent later work in Hot in Cleveland, and catch her in reruns on one of my favorite game shows, Match Game.

Elin Woods is a librarian from the mountains of western Pennsylvania, now living in the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. When she’s not busy reading, she enjoys baking historical treats and exploring the East Coast. She balances her mostly nonfiction history reading with the occasional modern romance novel and plenty of cookbooks. nwgeorgialiving.com | 11

d DOLLARS & SENSE

Mastering Your Finances in 2 24

BY ANDE FRAZIER

7 Strategies for financial success

“By taking a few minutes now, you can set the stage for a financially successful year and beyond.”

Attend Financial Workshops

“Utilize reputable financial resources, attend workshops, and consider seeking advice from professionals to enhance your financial acumen.”

T

he first quarter of the new year is an opportune time to take control of your financial future and set the stage for a prosperous 2024. Getting your finances in order requires strategic planning, discipline, and informed decisionmaking. Here are seven must-do things to ensure financial stability and success in the coming year.

1. Get your documents and statements organized. So many people I meet find that getting organized is one of the most challenging parts of the financial planning process. Whether it’s downloading statements from online accounts or collecting paper statements, many people aren’t as clear about what they have and don’t have. You should make a list of all your important financial items. Start with protection, such as car, homeowners, umbrella, disability, health, and life insurance documents. Then, move on to savings and growth, such as retirement plans, savings accounts, investments, or real estate. Download quarterly statements for the current year and keep all previous years’ annual statements. Make sure you always maintain at least seven years of tax returns. If you prefer to stick with having everything online, then, at minimum, know where to go on these platforms to download a statement if you need to. Consider filing these in easily accessible folders, whether physical or digital. Most importantly, you should know what you have and don’t have and how to access it at a moment’s notice.

2. Update your beneficiaries. All too often, I see people who still have their ex-spouse, parents, or deceased loved one listed as the beneficiary on

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12 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

their life insurance or retirement plan accounts. It’s essential that you update these so your wishes are carried out in the event of your death. For retirement accounts, consider not having your estate listed as the beneficiary. There are different tax rules for an estate inheriting a retirement plan than an individual. Estates inheriting an IRA can be more punitive, which is why you should consider listing a real person, if possible. And don’t forget to list contingent beneficiaries in case your primary is no longer living.

Often, spouses pass within a close time frame before they can update beneficiaries. This can slow down the process of getting the money to your heirs.

3. Prioritize debt repayment. One of the most impactful steps toward financial freedom is actively addressing and reducing debt. Start by creating a list of all outstanding debts, including credit cards, loans, and any other liabilities. Prioritize high-interest debts while making minimum payments on others. Develop a debt repayment plan that aligns with your cash flow plan, allocating a specific portion of your income toward debt reduction each month. Consider consolidating high-interest debts or negotiating with creditors to explore options for lower interest rates. In 2024, focus on disciplined debt repayment, freeing up financial resources for other essential goals like liberty funds and investments.

4. Build and maintain a liberty fund.

Notice, I didn’t say emergency fund. An emergency fund implies this money should only be used for emergencies. A liberty fund is money you have set aside, not just

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for emergencies but also to take advantage of opportunities that might come your way. Strive to save six months’ worth of living expenses.

Six months gives you time to plan thoughtfully, whereas three months is rarely enough time to figure things out if a job loss or relationship ending occurs.

5. Turn your cash flow model upside down.

Most people think of saving money as a conscious decision. You pay your bills, then whatever is left, you allocate to savings. The challenge with this is that your spending becomes unconscious as a result. While you might be on a tight budget now, when you do get increases, such as a bonus, cost-of-living adjustment in pay or tax refund, the tendency is to spend it without giving it much thought.

If you flip your cash flow model to become a conscious spender and an unconscious saver, you’ll save more money.

6. Invest strategically for long-term growth.

While saving is essential, investing

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allows your money to work for you and grow over time. Develop a clear investment strategy aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Diversify your investment portfolio to spread risk across different asset classes.

Consider consulting with a financial advisor to tailor an investment strategy that suits your individual circumstances. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains in line with your financial objectives. In 2024, take advantage of investment opportunities presented by market fluctuations, keeping a long-term perspective to maximize returns.

7. E ducate yourself and stay informed.

Financial literacy is a powerful tool on the path to financial success.

Commit to expanding your knowledge of personal finance in 2024. Stay informed about changes in tax laws, investment trends, and economic indicators that may impact your financial decisions.

7

Utilize reputable financial resources, attend workshops, and consider seeking advice from professionals to enhance your financial acumen.

By continuously educating yourself, you’ll be better equipped to make informed financial decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.

Mastering your finances in 2024 requires a proactive and disciplined approach. By taking a few minutes now, you can set the stage for a financially successful year and beyond. Remember, financial success is a journey, not a destination, and the choices you make today will shape your financial future.

Ande Frazier, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, RICP, BFA™, ChSNC, CDFA®, is an expert in behavioral finance and the author of Fin(anci)ally Free: 11 Conversations To Have With Yourself About Life, Money, and Worth.

In addition to being a recognized thought leader, author, and speaker, she also serves as a partner at Peachtree Planning Corporation. To learn more, visit andefrazier.com. nwgeorgialiving.com | 13

d COMMUNITY

Getting to Know …

Jamie Baker

Co-owner and Co-founder | Trendy Teachers

BY ALEXANDRA McCRAY

W

alk into Trendy Teachers boutique on North 5th Avenue in Downtown Rome, and at first, you probably won’t realize you’re in a teacher supply store. That’s precisely how co-owner and co-founder Jamie Baker wants you to feel. Colorful and eye-catching displays of bulletin board décor, classroom accessories like cut-outs, name tags, and stickers, plus whimsical earrings and T-shirts for teachers themselves surround you like they would in an adorable bookstore or other charming shop.

A former Rome City Schools teacher herself before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Baker was inspired to open her store four years ago after learning about a void in the local community. As a class mom and substitute teacher, Baker heard teachers lament about the lack of teacher supply stores in the area — the closest being in Atlanta. She and her husband set out to meet the need and provide teachers with supplies they could get excited about.

Since opening, the “unique boutique” for teachers has moved into a larger space and now incorporates a toy store called R.A.D. Toys. Perfect for families and those looking for children’s gifts, the toy store offers educational toys, and this year its staff will become certified ASTRA Play Experts, meaning they’ll deeply understand the science of play and child development. The store will also host a make-n-take craft event for Valentine’s Day, plus Crafts with the Easter Bunny and Crafts for Mommy events in the spring. “It was hard to find things for me to do with my children when they were little, so I enjoy hosting free events to give parents something

to do with their kids that’s both educational and fun,” says Baker.

Today, her two boys are almost all grown up, being 15 and 12 years old. Baker says, “Our 15-year-old works at our store on the weekends. He enjoys talking to customers when he checks them out and showing them the products he personally likes, especially the ant farm.”

When she’s not at the store or finding the best new products, Baker can be found curled up with a good mystery/thriller book or out hiking with her dogs.

“I enjoy hosting free events to give parents something to do with their kids that’s both educational and fun.”

A teacher from my childhood/teen years who had a significant impact on me was…

Betty Lumpkin in Rockmart. She was so gentle and kind. I loved her. I still think of her fondly to this day.

My favorite place in Northwest Georgia is… the gym. It’s my way to decompress and clear my head. I work out four times a week at Rome Strength and Fitness.

The best advice I ever received was…70% of the things you worry about never even happen. So, stop worrying.

My hidden talent is…I can play the

14 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

trumpet! I was in the marching band, and I’m pretty good at it.

I could talk for hours about…business. I love talking shop. If you ever want to talk about your store or business, then let’s meet up!

My go-to vacation spot is…Disney!

If I had one superpower, it would be…to read people’s minds.

My latest obsession is…actually, I don’t become obsessed with things very often.

I’m boring that way.

I’m a terrible…liar. You will know immediately.

I smile every time I…am around my dogs.

You absolutely can’t be in a bad mood around my rescues.

I’ve never had…a broken bone.

To de-stress, I…drink a glass of wine and sit by my fire pit.

I’m known among my friends and family for…being determined and focused.

My mantra is…You bring about what you think about. So, good thoughts and vibes only!

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d WANDERLUST

Jackson Square | Courtesy of New Orleans & Company | Jeff Anding

A Taste of the Crescent City Food, fun, and more food highlight a trip to New Orleans.

O

BY JILL BECKER

n a podcast I was listening to a few years back, actress Holly Hunter described the city of New Orleans as “mystical” and “original,” adding that it had an unexpected draw on her. The comment resonated with me because, having visited the Crescent City myself on multiple occasions, I couldn’t agree more.

On my last trip, I chose as my base of operations the NOPSI Hotel, located in a landmark art deco building that once housed the city’s power and transit bureau. (NOPSI stands for New Orleans Public Service, Inc.) Shuttered and neglected for decades, the space was painstakingly restored, from its 21-foot vaulted ceilings to its gleaming terrazzo floors, and reopened in 2017. My first night in town, I joined a group of locals for cocktails at the lobby bar and then dinner at the hotel’s Public Service

restaurant, where, from our seats near the open kitchen, we could see the chefs whipping up menu standouts like the bacon-wrapped, pastry-encased meatloaf Wellington, barbecue ribs cooked on an open-flame rotisserie, and the slow-roasted, bone-in pork chop with a creamy Calvados sauce. The wine flowed and the meal and the conversation went Mardi Gras World | Courtesy of New Orleans & Company | Rebecca Todd

NOPSI Hotel rooftop sunset | Courtesy of NOPS

I Hotel

16 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

on for hours. I tell you, those Louisianans really know how to enjoy themselves.

The rooms at the NOPSI are a delight, too, and there’s a gym, business center, and in-room spa services, but my favorite amenity was the rooftop pool.

Laptop in hand, I spent an afternoon doing some work at one of the cabana tables and soaking up the view. The rooftop also includes a bar, which is a happening place to be once the sun goes down.

The hotel’s location in the Central Business District makes it easy to get to popular attractions like Jackson Square, the Audubon Aquarium, the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, or one of the old-fashioned paddle-wheelers that cruise up and down the Mighty Mississippi. My explorations included a stroll through the Arts District, where I admired the works at Callan Contemporary, Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, and other spaces, as well as shopping along Magazine Street, where the treasures you can score include everything from voodoo dolls to antique jewelry to Cajun-themed pet toys. A hop on the streetcar led to Mardi Gras World for a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making those elaborate, eye-popping Mardi Gras floats.

Mardi Gras itself is, of course, a top

Creole Queen | Courtesy of New Orleans & Company | Stephen Young

National WWII Museum | Courtesy of New Orleans & Company | Justen Williams

Café Du Monde Courtesy of New Orleans & Company | Paul Broussard

French Quarter nightlife | Courtesy of New Orleans & Company | Richard Nowitz

make it to either because, truth be told, the majority of my trip centered around eating and drinking.

For example, there was breakfast at Willa Jean, a bakery/cafe not far from the NOPSI, where I not only enjoyed a plate of eggs, bacon, and cheesy grits but also bites of the coconut cake, banana pudding, and cookies and milk. (Yes, dessert for Canal Streetcar | Courtesy breakfast — don’t of New Orleans & Company Paul Broussard judge.) Dinner at Coquette, a cute little spot in the Garden District helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Michael Stoltzfus, began with the bread Magazine Street | Courtesy of New Orleans & Company | Chris Granger service of freshly baked ciabatta with butter, and beef marmalade, then progressed to saffron-roasted bass, smoked beef short ribs, and oysters and yellowfin tuna crudo from the raw bar. Feeling obliged to sample the gas station fried chicken I’d heard the city was known for; I even ordered a three-piece mixed

reason to visit New Orleans. A local fixture since the 1850s, the weeks-long event features parades galore, elaborate balls, costumed revelers, endless bead throwing, king cakes with tiny plastic babies hidden inside (finding the baby in your slice is supposed to bring luck and prosperity), and other festive traditions celebrating the season of Carnival. The season always begins on January 6, but Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday, which means it falls on February 13 this year. Savvy visitors arrive the weekend before to attend Bacchus and Endymion, two of the biggest parades of the season. I wasn’t in town for Mardi Gras on this trip, but that wasn’t entirely a bad thing, as my plate was plenty full as it was.

My itinerary included a visit to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, to admire one of the premier collections of Southern art in the country, and The National WWII Museum, for its moving exhibits and artifacts spanning six acres and multiple buildings, but I didn’t

nwgeorgialiving.com | 17

d WANDERLUST rn Art | Courtesy of New

Ogden Museum of Southe

box with a side of fries at Brother’s Food Mart.

Wanting to, naturally, check out the French Quarter, one night we arranged to have dinner in an upstairs room at Arnaud’s on Bourbon Street. Along with multiple glasses of its signature cocktail, the French 75 (consisting of cognac, lemon juice, and simple syrup), we shared, among other things, orders of the seafood gumbo, stuffed oysters, roasted quail, souffléd potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and crème brûlée and baked Alaska. Between courses, we stood out on the adjoining patio and threw Mardi Gras beads down to the passersby below. (A few guys jokingly lifted their shirts, but the action below never got too crazy.) Afterward, despite still being full of food and drink, we trekked to Café Du Monde for some of its famous beignets, stopping to listen to some of the street musicians along the way and then stuffing our faces with that fried, powdery goodness.

The highlight of the trip by far, though, was the Friday lunch at Galatoire’s. A tradition that dates back

ecca Todd

Orleans & Company | Reb

Above: Magazine Street | Courtesy of New Orleans & Company | Richard Nowitz Left: NOPSI Hotel Public Service Bar Below: NOPSI Hotel rooftop pool night, Courtesy of NOPSI Hotel

decades, the event is so popular that interested diners hire people to stand in line for them to get a table (they don’t take reservations). Among the crowd that day were a large bachelorette party, some rowdy Tulane graduates, a group of well-dressed business types, and three couples celebrating their anniversary.

The atmosphere was electric and celebratory, and I shudder to think how many bottles of Champagne the restaurant goes through during one of these lunches. Our table alone put away at least four! At one point, a jazz trio inched its way between the tables, and later, a conga line broke out. I don’t remember much about the actual food at Galatoire’s, which can probably be blamed on all that bubbly, but I’ll never forget the let’s-get-this-party-started, devil-may-care atmosphere that only a place like New Orleans can bring out in people. I can’t wait to go back.

18 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

For more information to help you plan your own visit to New Orleans, visit neworleans.com.

Jill Becker’s travel writing has appeared in dozens of magazines and websites, including more than 25 stories for CNN.com.

Good Food full of Great ingredients hours: Tues 7-4, Wed 7-2, Thurs & Fri 7-7, Sat 9-3

sunflourcommunitybakery.com 500 Ave. A at N5th Ave. • 706.290.3636

Weddings

The perfect place for your special day!

The Forum River Center is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Rome, Georgia.

• Rome’s largest indoor event venue • Offering modern and elegant event spaces • Outdoor courtyard with riverfront views • Customize each space to fit your unique needs

Let’s Start Planning Today!

706-291-5281 l ForumRiverCenter.com nwgeorgialiving.com | 19

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Hold the Booze, Please Explore a world of flavor with these mocktail creations.

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id you hear the news?! It’s actually cool to be curious. Sober curious. You read that right. There’s no longer the stigma that “sober” is for the boring or the sick. It’s totally cool to take a break and prioritize your health, your professional goals, and your love for life. It’s smart to ask yourself: “Wait, a minute. Is alcohol serving me? Am I living my best life?”

Maybe, as you’ve gotten older, you haven’t added any more drinks to your routine than you used to, but you don’t tolerate them the same way. Maybe the hangovers are worse now or you no longer feel a buzz from two glasses of wine. Well, you’re not alone, friend. And this is why “dry months” like Dry July, Sober October, and Dry January are becoming increasingly popular. With the accountability of the calendar — and hundreds of thousands of people going dry alongside you — you can take a break from alcohol and take notice of how you feel without it.

The sober curious movement is the Western world waking up. It reflects a broader societal shift towards prioritizing wellness, with men and women reevaluating their relationship with alcohol in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. The movement emphasizes the possibility of fostering meaningful social connections without reliance on alcohol.

The beverage industry has recognized the growing demand and responded with an array of sophisticated nonalcoholic options, contributing to the normalization of choosing not to drink in various social settings. You can build an entire home bar of nonalcoholic spirits (tequila, mezcal, rum, gin, whiskey), alcohol-removed wine, and NA beer. You can bring your own ready-to-drink NA beverages and mocktails to parties and proudly proclaim, “I’m drinking! I’m just not drinking alcohol tonight.”

If you want connection or accountability during a dry month, one place you can find it is in supportive online communities. Many carry the mission to destigmatize the decision to moderate alcohol consumption or abstain from it. Inside my On The Mocks Facebook group and Instagram community we share NA recipes and NA beverage finds so that alcohol-free drinking never gets boring.

Here are some of my favorite recipes to kick off your sober/sober curious journey: 20 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Photos below and throughout article by Christine Wayne

WINTER SPICED COOLER

½ cup spiced apple cider ½ cup ginger beer Ice Cinnamon stick, for garnish 2-3 cloves, for garnish Apple slice, for garnish

Warm & Festive Combine with ice in your favorite glass, then add garnishes.

“I’m drinking! I’m just not drinking alcohol tonight.”

SOUTHERN PORCH SIPPER

Comfor ting

Perfect for parties, just multiply the portion size.

1.5 ounces NA whiskey (try Spiritless ice; or simply combine, pour, stir.

Kentucky 74 or Free Spirits: The Garnish with orange slice.

Spirit of Bourbon) * How to make the mix: 3 ounces peach iced tea/lemonade mix* ⅓ cup peach iced tea (like Snapple) Ice ⅔ cup lemonade (like Simply) Dehydrated orange slice, for garnish

Shake together in a cocktail shaker with ice and pour over

Batch (without ice) in pitchers or carafes.

MARGARITA MOCKTAIL 1.5 ounces fresh lime juice 1 ounce fresh orange juice ½ ounce fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons agave nectar Sparkling water (or soda water), to taste Ice Lime wheel, for garnish

Refreshing Shake all ingredients together (except the soda). Strain and pour over ice. Top with soda to taste. Garnish with lime wheel.

Spicy Pineapple-Jalapeño Margarita Mocktail 1.5 ounces fresh lime juice 1 ounce fresh orange juice ½ ounce fresh lemon juice 1 ounce pineapple juice 1 teaspoon agave nectar Sparkling water (or soda water), to taste 3 slices jalapeño Ice Lime or pineapple slice, for garnish

Muddle jalapeño slices in a cocktail shaker with lime juice. Add in the rest of the ingredients (except the soda), plus a few cubes of ice. Shake. Strain and pour into your favorite glass with ice or into a margarita glass without. Top with soda to taste. Garnish with lime or pineapple slice.

Add 1.5 ounces NA tequila alternative (I recommend Ritual Zero Proof Tequila or Free Spirits: The Spirit of Tequila)

Sweet & Spicy nwgeorgialiving.com | 21

Here are two bonus recipes from Georgia native and On the Mocks VIP and Group Expert Chelsea Mitchell (@presentminddrinking on Instagram). Her signature recipes include homemade syrups and shrubs paired with all of the popular NA spirits and mixers. She’s a true visionary and the group wouldn’t be the same without her.

Fruity

Blackberry No-Jito ⅓ cup (approximately, a handful) blackberries* 5-6 mint leaves*, torn ½ lime, quartered, muddled 1 bar spoon simple syrup

Sparkling water (or flavored sparkling water), to taste Ice Blackberries and mint sprig, for garnish

Muddle lime and blackberries in a highball glass or tall glass. Add mint and simple syrup. Muddle and mix some more. Add ice and sparkling water (try Topo Chico). Stir and enjoy! * Other fruit-herb combinations include blueberries and mint, grapefruit and mint, strawberries and mint, or strawberries and basil.

Cucumber Sour Mocktail ⅓ cup (small handful) chopped cucumber, muddled ½ ounce simple syrup 1 ounce fresh lime juice (juice of 1 whole lime) Lime-flavored sparkling water (I used Bubly) Ice 2-3 cucumber slices, for garnish

Muddle cucumber in a highball glass or tall glass with lime juice and simple syrup. Add ice and limeflavored sparkling water. Garnish with cucumber slices.

Note: If you want to add an NA spirit, NA gin goes great here. Try Monday Zero-Alcohol Gin.

Cool & Lite 22 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Paloma Mocktail 1 ounce fresh lime juice 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice ¼ ounce simple syrup 5 ounces Topo Chico or other sparkling water

Zesty

Coarse sea salt Ice Rosemary sprig, for garnish Lime wedge, for garnish

Make a small slice on a lime wedge and run slice along the rim of a tall glass. Dip the rim of the glass into the salt and spin.

Combine the juices, syrup, and sparkling water into the glass. Stir and add ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and rosemary sprig.

NA Chelsea Sidecar

Classic 1.5 ounces dry London-style NA gin (we like Monday Zero-Alcohol Gin and Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Dry London Spirit) ½ ounce orange sec NA alternative (try Lyre’s Orange Sec) ½ ounce lemon juice ½ ounce simple syrup Ice Dehydrated orange slice or twist, for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled.

Strain and pour into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice or orange twist.

Christine Wayne is the creator and founder of On The Mocks. You can find her and On the Mocks on Instagram at @misschristinewayne and @onthemocks.

T H E

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 770-606-5715 | CLIENTEVENTS@GEORGIAMUSEUMS.ORG TELLUSMUSEUM.ORG | BOOTHMUSEUM.ORG | CARTERSVILLE, GEORGIA

Personalizing Your Wedding Infusing your love story into every detail.

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BY MELISSA IPPENSEN

our wedding day is more than just a ceremony; it embodies your unique journey as a couple. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter celebrations; today’s couples are weaving their personalities and narratives into every aspect of their nuptials. During the planning process, every Barnsley Resort wedding couple tells us that creating an event that reflects their personal story is important. Of course, this can serve as inspiration for any location or venue.

Here are some of the favorite ideas we’ve seen come to life at Barnsley or hope to infuse into future weddings.

Before You Walk Down the Aisle Custom Art and Location Tributes Commissioning custom art of your ceremony location adds a unique touch. Use this artwork for save-the-dates or welcome guides. For an extraordinary touch, channel your inner artist, like a bride who painted her wedding garden herself for the save-the-date. As you can imagine, the Manor House Ruins are often incorporated into wedding stationery suites. During the event, you could even have a live artist paint the reception scene of a first dance or other specific moment while serving as a conversation piece.

Personalized Bridal Luncheon Revamp the traditional bridal luncheon to reflect shared hobbies or interests among you and your bridesmaids.

Do activities that honor your friendship, like morning yoga, cooking classes, or group hikes — perfect for pre-wedding bonding.

Welcome Parties and Elevated Drink Bars Consider hosting welcome parties to alleviate the pressure of visiting every guest’s table on the wedding day. Elevate the drink experience with specialty bars, from bourbon and cordial bars to nonalcoholic coffee and hot chocolate stations with an array of toppings.

On the Big Day Unique Attire and Gifts Personalize bridal party attire beyond the conventional.

Consider gifting fun sneakers for the bridesmaids, ensuring comfort while dancing the night away and creating lasting memories.

24 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

One-of-a-Kind Wedding Styles and Parades Explore nontraditional wedding styles like brunch receptions featuring strolling brass bands, enabling extended quality time with loved ones. Infuse cultural or regional elements, such as second lines, drumlines, or bagpipes, to create a captivating entrance or exit experience.

Interactive Entertainment for All Inject fun and engagement by incorporating interactive games into your cocktail reception. Provide guests with ‘game cards’ featuring personalized questions about you both. Encourage mingling and conversation as they search for details, answering questions while keeping score — a delightful way to unite friends and family.

Family Touches in Lounge Areas Lounge spaces should feel like an extension of your home.

Showcase family photos, pet portraits, or heirlooms like your grandmother’s vase. Monogrammed throws, coffee table books filled with travel escapades, and even guest photos as escort cards contribute to the intimate ambiance.

Your wedding is a canvas waiting to be painted with the hues of your love story. By infusing personal touches into every detail, you celebrate your union and create cherished memories that reflect the beauty of your journey together.

A resident of Cartersville, Melissa Ippensen is the Special Events Designer for Barnsley Resort, where she works with wedding couples to personalize and customize the weddings of their dreams, along with orchestrating the property’s signature events and elevated corporate programs. Before joining Barnsley Resort, she established the event design department at Sea Island Resort.

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Dream Weddings Unveiled: Experience Bartow County

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magine your dream wedding unfolding against a backdrop of diverse venues — historical charm at McClure House, trendy vibes at The Carlton Room at Drowned Valley Brewing, timeless grace at Rose Lawn, or upscale luxury at Barnsley Resort. And the joy continues; picture exchanging vows at Magnolia Creek Farms’ rustic elegance, enjoying intimate charm at Pine Acres on Lake Allatoona, or experiencing the modern sophistication of the Clarence Brown Conference Center. Let’s dive into the tales these venues can unfold for your special day.

Magnolia Creek Farms: Where Grand Meets Rustic Elegance Envision your perfect day at Magnolia Creek Farms, a 170-acre haven in the scenic foothills of North Georgia. Multiple enchanting outdoor ceremony locations allow you to exchange vows surrounded by nature. The 10,000-square-foot luxury event space accommodates 300 guests, featuring a full catering kitchen, indoor and outdoor bars, and a stunning vintage stained-glass window backdrop. Conveniently located a short drive from Atlanta and Chattanooga, this venue offers seclusion without travel hassle. Immerse yourself in the grandiosity of Magnolia Creek Farms, where the marriage of rustic beauty and modernity transforms your wedding day into an extraordinary tale.

Pine Acres on Lake Allatoona: Nature’s Retreat for Intimate Gatherings Imagine saying “I do” on the shores of Lake Allatoona at Pine Acres. This hidden gem spans 210 acres of pure enchantment, offering two outdoor ceremony options at Taylor’s Point or The Orchard. After exchanging vows, continue the celebration indoors at Laurel Hall — a reception space capable of accommodating up to 150 guests.

Madeline Bea Photo

The addition of Timberline Glamping in March 2024 brings a unique touch to rehearsal dinners and bridal suites.

Glamping tents combine modern comfort with a desire to be close to nature. Pine Acres also offers on-site cabins, an added convenience for you and your guests. With a lakeside ceremony and glamping adventure, this is a nature-inspired haven for couples seeking affordability and charm.

Clarence Brown Conference Center: A Canvas for Timeless Elegance Step into the extraordinary at the Clarence Brown Conference Center, a versatile venue that can accommodate parties of up to 600 guests or more. Whether your ceremony takes place in Carter Hall, the reception in Etowah Ballroom, or an outdoor celebration in the courtyard or under the pavilion, customization is a breeze. Just steps away, the Courtyard

by Marriott adds to the experience, offering on-campus accommodations for your guests. With a commitment to affordable excellence, impeccable service, and an ideal location, we’re here to make your special day a remarkable and personal celebration.

Your Love, Your Way in Bartow County

Madeline Bea Photo

Hayley Fruh Photo Hayley Fruh Photo

Bartow County invites you to create a celebration as unique as your love story. Whether it’s Magnolia Creek Farms, Pine Acres on Lake Allatoona, the Clarence Brown Conference Center, or any of our other dreamy venues, we’re confident your dream wedding awaits in the gateway to Northwest Georgia. Here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of cherished memories in Bartow County — where your dreams become reality! nwgeorgialiving.com | 25

26 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Love

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What’s new in the world of wedding bands and engagement rings.

Megan Kuhn Photography

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ouples in the market for wedding bands and engagement rings have never had access to a wider array of options than what’s available to them now.

You no longer have to only choose from whatever is in the local jeweler’s showcase. People who are engaged or plan to be are limited only by their imagination. Before letting creativity take flight, however, it’s still a good idea to begin the ring search at a local jewelry store, such as Ford, Gittings & Kane in Downtown Rome. Trying on rings will help you get a feel for what looks best on your hand and allows you to rule out styles that don’t work for you.

Today’s Trends in Wedding Bands To get the most out of your shopping experience, it’s best if the jewelry store you go to has a wide selection (think 100 or more) of wedding bands in stock at all times so you can see them in person. Some may even offer special services such as computer-aided design for a custom ring that’s “uniquely you”. As far as options, a wedding band may be a solid band of platinum, white, yellow, or rose gold, or incorporate diamonds.

We’re seeing many people incorporate diamonds into their bands. Some prefer a few small diamonds while others want an eternity band with diamonds all the way around. Another strong trend is having a band on top of and below the engagement ring.

“It’s worth taking the time to speak with professionals as you begin your happily ever after.” nwgeorgialiving.com | 27

Options for the Guys Grooms have access to the largest range of wedding band options we’ve ever seen in the industry. Gentlemen can choose from classic styles in precious metals including platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, or mix metals together.

Some grooms choose to add a diamond for a handsome look or to have striking gent’s rings with diamonds all the way around.

If fellows don’t want diamonds yet still desire a distinctive ring, there is a myriad of finishes available, including brushed, Florentine, hammered, and satin to mention a few.

Alternative metals offer grooms a lower price point for their band. Designers such as Zeghani have blended zirconium and gold in unique combinations. Zirconium is a strong, lustrous, gray-white metal that resembles titanium. Titanium is another durable, less expensive metal used for wedding bands. For the outdoor enthusiast, there are bands crafted in wood and deer antler encased in metal. While alternative metals and materials for wedding bands provide a lower price range, it's important to remember that most of these less-expensive options can’t be resized if the groom’s finger changes sizes. We’re finding that many grooms want to have a precious metal ring for the wedding and to wear when dressed up and opt to have a “fun” alternative band for work or play. These alternative bands make wonderful birthday, anniversary, and Christmas gifts after the wedding.

Simon G. | Bridal Set

All About Engagement Rings Some couples like to shop for engagement rings together or the bride-to-be wants to pick out her ring before the question is popped, so you might not have your engagement ring just yet and are wondering where to start. The first step in designing your perfect ring is deciding on your center stone.

Will it be a natural earth-mined diamond, a lab-created diamond, or a colored gemstone? In many situations, this decision is primarily based on budget, but speaking to a trained professional can help you make the right choice. See if your jewelry store has Certified Gemologist® Appraisers who are members of the American Gem Society (AGS), meaning they’ve gone through a rigorous certification process and are recertified annually. Wherever you choose to make your purchase, you want to be sure the people you buy from are knowledgeable and ethical.

Once you’ve selected your center stone, it’s time to choose the mounting. Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are options to consider. A mounting can have side stones, no side stones, round side stones, baguettes, colored gemstones — the list goes on and on. Some couples want to incorporate their birthstones into their extra-special ring or mounting that’s special to their family. At Ford, Gittings & Kane, once we hear what’s important to you, we often hand sketch a ring to ensure we’re all on the same page. The sketch is sent to one of our designers and a computer-aided design known as a CAD is then created. With a CAD rendering, the couple can see the ring at scale before it’s produced. A CAD ring may be a simple solitaire with a white gold head (the top of the ring that holds the stone) and a brightly polished yellow Simon G. | Fashion and Wedding Bands

Megan Kuhn Photography 28 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Megan Kuhn Photography

gold shank (the band that goes around the finger) or can incorporate multiple stone shapes in various sizes. Through the computer-aided design, the couple can even see what it would look like on a hand. Details like shifting stones in a different direction, adding prongs, widening the shank, etc., can be modified during this process.

Protecting Your Jewelry Once the engagement ring and wedding bands are purchased, it’s wise to carry insurance on them in the event that anything happens to them. Insurance can be purchased through your personal homeowners’ policy and coverage usually requires an “insurance replacement document” sometimes referred to as an appraisal. An accurate and complete insurance replacement document is in your best interest because it will help the insurance company “make you whole” by replacing your rings with the same style and

Zeghani

quality as your original rings. If you don’t have homeowners’ insurance, companies like Jewelers Mutual Group are available for any of your jewelry.

Life can get busy, but keeping your jewelry healthy is important. All of your jewelry should be checked for wear and tear by a professional jeweler at least every six months.

Avoid cleaning methods that are recommended by untrained professionals. If it sounds risky and you’re unsure, don’t subject your rings to unconventional methods of cleaning.

Purchasing an engagement ring and your wedding bands are some of the most exciting times in a couple’s life! With your imagination being the limit, decision fatigue could also set in. Be sure to talk to one another about what you both want in a ring, discuss the budget, and visit a local jeweler you can trust to see designs in person. Ask all the questions you want and make sure you feel comfortable with the people you’re entrusting with this very important decision. It’s worth taking the time to speak with professionals as you begin your happily ever after.

Jan Fergerson is a partner with Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers in downtown Rome. She is Georgia’s first female Certified Gemologist and first female Certified Gemologist Appraisers. She and her husband, Phil, enjoy spending time with their two daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson. nwgeorgialiving.com | 29

Setting the Stage for Forever

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A practical guide to wedding venue selection.

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eddings are such special days. There are several moving pieces that go into a wedding celebration. Each of those items contributes to the energy of your day and your ability to maintain the projected budget. A wedding celebration, whether a one-day soirée or a destination weekend encompassing your nuptials, shouldn’t be a burden. It should be a seamless event that’s a glimpse of the couple and the life they are starting together. Shopping for a venue is a quick way to honor the budget or book a one-way ticket to budget implosion. Venue selection is one of the first decisions a bride makes, and it dictates the entire celebration, from styling and timelines to the imagery produced. It’s critical to select a locale that not only suits your wedding vision but also meets your actual needs for the day — most notably, the budget and functionality of the venue.

All in all, it’s essential to understand that the venue selection process will dictate the outcome of your wedding day experience. The following are just a few simple examples but important factors to consider. I would venture to say that your venue location dictates your guest count, which affects your food and beverage costs. That also affects any travel fees from vendors, as well. It all comes full circle, and while creating a memorable day filled with joy is of the utmost importance, staying within your budget is, too. Some venues roll out the red carpet for the full experience, while other properties are drive-by public locations that anyone can access. Each venue has pros and cons. Some venues may give you five-star treatment, but when it’s time for the nitty-gritty details, the water gets murky. Other venues are relatively inexpensive locales but off the beaten path, which might require some additional styling. While planning, it’s easy to compare your day to another bride in the planning stages or even compare it 30 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Highlands Chapel at Howe Farms | Caitlin Wilcox Photography

to a wedding you recently attended. I caution you against that because each couple curates their day based on their needs, style, and budget. Your day could be drastically different based on those alone.

Start With Your Expectations A simple Google search says you should spend 40% of your budget on venue, food, and alcohol. There’s no way to know what all that encompasses without understanding what costs are typically included in a venue rental and what aren’t. Some venues include tables, chairs, and linens as complimentary as part of their packages. Others have transport services, while some don’t provide any transportation from the parking area to the venue site. It’s important to be mindful of which chairs and linen colors are included as complimentary. Take a feather out of my hat. While at the venue or perusing the webpage of highlight reel imagery, ask the venue salesperson or make a note to yourself to ask, “Is that included or not? Did the bride retain a vendor for that, or is that included?” Some great examples of items to ask about are drapery, cold sparks, photo walls, centerpieces, chairs, and linens. Those five to six items are often upgrades from the basic package. While looking at the highlight reel images, you could also ask to see pictures of weddings at the venue that were in or around your price range.

It’s no fun three to six months into planning to realize you fell

Vows and Views Here are some of my go-to venue recommendations for a variety of wedding aesthetics and needs. &

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Yarborough Mill — Fairmount, GA

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All-Inclusive

Conservatory at Waterstone — Acworth, GA The Grande — Kennesaw, GA

White/Tuscan Blackberry Ridge — Trenton, GA The Woodlands of Five Gables — Georgetown, TN

White Chapel Highlands Chapel — Georgetown, TN

Destination Weekend Foxhall Resort (Legacy Lookout) — Douglasville, GA Clisby Pines — Tunnel Hill, GA Magnolia Creek Farms — Adairsville, GA

Outdoors Lively Acres — Fairmount, GA

Ballroom in love with a venue based on photos that are $30,000 to $50,000 above your budget. I so wish wedding budgets were published on those images!

It’s All in the Details Another option that pops up often while venue shopping is the “all-inclusive” venue.

They are fantastic for certain clients, but

they aren’t one size fits all. For example, I have, unfortunately, encountered brides who booked an all-inclusive package and then broke their contract after three to six months of planning. The bride usually realizes very quickly that what they thought they were booking for “$20,000 all-inclusive” will cost $35,000-plus after determining that the floral, catering, bakery, etc., included

The Read House — Chattanooga, TN

nwgeorgialiving.com | 31

Find a Style Match Pinterest used to dictate a lot of venue selections and styling.

In the last few years, it’s transitioned to other social media news feeds and styled shoots. You should essentially choose a space and design that represents you. A venue might be better suited for a certain style, which may not necessarily be your style for your day, even if you love the location and proximity to home. You want your canvas for the wedding celebration to be cohesive throughout. I would even add another note here that often, the photos on news feeds now aren’t from live wedding days but from heavily styled and themed staged shoots. Those beautiful elements are suitable for a 1-hour shoot for a bride or bride and groom but not for a full reception space.

Additionally, if you’re working with a venue that has in-house catering with a food and beverage minimum, that can contribute to cost as well. Many venues require in-house caterers, but before signing contracts, it’s good to see projected average costs per person based on the menus offered. The budget for food and beverage should also include gratuities.

Venue shopping should be fun and exciting. After all, you’ll have memories tied to that location for many years, and you want those memories to be enjoyable as well. There are great venues out there and some you may not even know about.

The first connection, and often an easy one to make, is by contacting vendors that you may know and asking not only their top picks but the why behind their selections. Cheers to your happily ever after!

Flowers by Nina | Foxhall Resort | Madeline Jane Photography & Design

cost is significantly less than what they need for their day.

Upon booking that type of package, a bride is also paired with a specific vendor and pays the named price of overages without being able to shop around to find a vendor that may cost slightly less and is better suited for their day. This often happens with media services. For example, you may prefer to have a photographer for 8 hours on your day, but the package pricing only includes 5 hours, and you would have to pay the 3-hour difference to the vendor.

While venue shopping, pay attention to the hours of time you actually get at the venue. First, most hair and makeup sessions for five to eight bridesmaids start between 9-10 a.m. for a 5 p.m. ceremony. This means that accessing the venue before the rental time to use the bridal suite before 12 p.m. would incur additional fees. Otherwise, you would have to get ready at a salon or a private residence. Another factor to consider is the end time of the festivities. If the venue must be closed and locked by 11 p.m., your celebration would need to end an hour before that. If you had hoped for a late evening dance-a-thon, you would incur late-night rental fees. With those late-night fees, most venues require end-of-the-night cleanup. If you rent items like lounge seating and chairs or bring DIY projects, you would be expected to clear those out at the end of the evening. Rental companies charge hefty fees for late-night pickup, which is something to consider as well.

32 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Sam Jones Methodist Church | Madeline Jane Photography & Design Christy Avis (weddingsbychristyavis@gmail.com, 770-598-9673), based in Cartersville, is a passionate wedding coordinator with over a decade of experience. After discovering her love for weddings while planning her own, she became dedicated to ensuring every bride has a reliable and skilled point person on her special day. Christy curates exclusive packages tailored to each bride’s unique needs, drawing from her years of expertise to create truly magical weddings.

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Resilience: The Superpower You Already Have How adversity makes us stronger.

BY PAULA DAVIS

W

hen faced with a crisis, it can be difficult in • Walk me through that… the moment to imagine that the experience • I’m wondering… will eventually lead to some type of growth.

They can trigger post-traumatic growth. Raise your Resilience is a person’s ability to bounce back hand if you’ve heard of post-traumatic stress disorder. from adversity and grow from the challenge, and research Most people have. Keep your hand up if you’ve heard of now shows that past adversity can help you persevere in the post-traumatic growth (PTG). Post-traumatic growth is face of current stress. Mark Seery, Ph.D., a professor in the the experience of positive change after going through a Department of Psychology at the University at Buffalo, and significantly stressful event. Researchers have discovered his colleagues studied more than 2,300 people by asking five common themes that people tend to report after them to report their lifetime exposure to a list of negative experiencing a significantly stressful event4: events grouped into seven categories. They discovered 1. Renewed appreciation for life that people who experienced a moderate 2. Enhanced personal strength level of adversity reported better mental 3. Stronger, more “Resilience health and well-being and higher life meaningful relationships satisfaction over time compared to those 4. Spiritual growth doesn’t always who reported a high history of adversity 5. Recognizing new paths for your life and those with no history of adversity1. look pretty — some It’s important to note that PTG doesn’t Past struggles can help you become more mean people emerge unscathed from the days, it’s just resilient in the following five ways: experience. Many, if not most, strongly They increase empathy. Leading and wish the event hadn’t happened and may about muddling still be in pain. While it’s hard to estimate living with empathy has never been more important in our world than right the prevalence of PTG, it’s far from being through as best now. Empathy is the ability to identify an unusual or rare phenomenon5. with other people’s challenges and see They build self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is you can.” those challenges from their perspective. the belief or confidence in your ability to You can run into an empathy roadblock overcome obstacles and challenges and when you think you must fix another person’s situation or succeed6. I spent almost four years working in a program respond with an answer. Empathy is activated by “humble that taught Army drill sergeants how to teach resilience curiosity2,” which is difficult in our hurry-up-and-get-it- strategies to other soldiers in their units. During my first done-now society. These sentence starters help activate training, I discovered that the training team had to dance “humble curiosity3”: into the plenary room in front of 180 soldiers as a funny • I’m curious about… way to illustrate a block of instruction. Since I dance like • Tell me more/say more about that…

Elaine from Seinfeld, I had a panic attack in the moments • Help me understand… leading up to “the dance” and literally had to hang onto 34 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

my colleague’s arm to make it through.

What was odd was my brain’s reaction to the exercise in the following moments and days. While it was a truly unpleasant experience, I survived, and that triggered my brain to think about what other tough challenges I could conquer.

That is self-efficacy, and it’s developed in three specific ways7. First, pick an area of confidence or a skill/ability you want to develop. The best way to improve that skill or ability is to learn by doing. If you want to improve your public speaking efficacy, then you need to practice speaking in public. The next best way to improve is to learn by observing others.

Back to the public speaking example, you could watch YouTube clips of great speakers and take notes on how they tell stories or use humor. Lastly, you can improve by being coached by a credible and respected source. Identify the people who can give you feedback as you work toward your goals.

They help you find the good. During the pandemic, I did my best to find the silver lining, and I have to admit, most days it was really difficult. A lot of what went on felt outside of my control, but I tried to keep some perspective. The soldiers I mentioned above would often talk about the benefits they gained from their deployments — the friendships, being part of something bigger than themselves, and a renewed appreciation for family. Finding the upside to

adversity changes the way people cope8 — they look for social support, report more hope for the future, and have a healthier physical response to stress9.

They help you reframe stress as a challenge. How you think about stress matters enormously in terms of how you process it. Some people view stress as a threat, while others view it as a challenge. With a challenge response, you get additional energy, your heart rate rises, and your adrenaline goes up, but it differs in a few important ways from the fight-or-flight response: 1. Y ou feel focused instead of fearful; 2. Y ou release a different ratio of stress hormones; and 3. Y ou’re more easily able to access your mental and physical resources.

The result is enhanced concentration, peak performance, and more confidence.

In fact, people who can think about stress more like a challenge and less like a threat report less depression and anxiety and higher levels of energy, work performance, and life satisfaction10.

These questions can help you harness a challenge response: • Where do I have control/influence/ leverage in the situation?

• What’s a specific action I can take?

• What are my strengths?

• What resources do I have?

• What allows me to know that I can handle this?

If your world feels out of control

right now and your stress levels are at an all-time high, know that past struggles, even small ones, have given you some ability to manage this one, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment. Resilience doesn’t always look pretty — some days, it’s just about muddling through as best you can.

Whatever you’re doing now is enough.

Footnotes: 1. Seery, Mark D.; Holman, E. Alison; Silver, Roxane Cohen; Whatever Does Not Kill Us: Cumulative Lifetime Adversity, Vulnerability, and Resilience 2. Moon, Caitlin; Director of Innovation Design, Program on Law & Innovation; Director, PoLI Institute; and Lecturer in Law at Vanderbilt Law School 3. Brown, Brené; Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts 4. Tedeschi, R.; Calhoun, L.; Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence 5., 9. McGonigal, Kelly; The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It 6., 7. Bandura, Albert; Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control 8. Cassidy, Tony; McLaughlin, Marian; Giles, Melanie; Benefit Finding in Response to General Life Stress: Measurement and Correlates 10. Crum, Alia J.; Salovey, Peter; Achor, Shawn; Rethinking Stress: The Role of Mindsets in Determining the Stress Response Paula Davis (stressandresilience.com) is the CEO of the Stress and Resilience Institute and author of Beating Burnout at Work: Why Teams Hold the Secret to Well-Being & Resilience (stressandresilience.com/burnout-book/). nwgeorgialiving.com | 35

Galentine

BE MY

BY RACHEL TURNER

Celebrate the fabulous friends in your life on this special day and beyond.

“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year.”

M

ost holidays have a history that dates back long before we were alive. The histories are rooted in religious and/or historical events or beliefs, and many have morphed into lighthearted seasons of food and festivities. The legends have transformed days into echoes of what the tradition may have been originally, but we dutifully celebrate those days as we understand them.

It’s rare to be able to remember when a holiday started, but where Galentine’s Day is concerned, most of us know where we were and what we were doing when Leslie Knope serenaded her best girlfriends with flattery, homemade gifts, and appreciation. We watched in delight, and it resonated with us.

Though Amy Poehler’s fictional character on the television show Parks and Recreation made it famous in 2010, it was originally the brainchild of the show’s writers in season two to have Leslie bring her friends together for brunch and gifts. Be that as it may, we all prefer to celebrate Knope as the patron saint of this day that honors girlfriends and, for reasons that will one day be as murky as the true history of our other holidays, the idea caught on. It’s clear that many were eager to embrace this new twist on a classic. After all, Valentine’s Day is an exclusive holiday, and Galentine’s Day is for everyone.

When Leslie Knope celebrated it, we all delighted in this

36 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

— Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation endearing and wacky holiday.

Where Valentine’s Day celebrates all things love, Galentine’s Day celebrates all things friendship. It can be a day where you take a break for a coffee and a few belly laughs with a dear friend, or February 13th can be a grander affair with reservations and gifts. You can plan some time with that one true ride-or-die in your life or get your whole group

of friends together for a rowdier spa night complete with mani and pedis.

If everyone is into games, incorporate something hilarious to keep the party going. Find a fun crafting or home décor DIY project and turn your kitchen table into Pinterest-central.

Far Away For our friends that don’t live nearby, you can plan a phone or Zoom hangout.

Spend the weeks prior collecting meaningful items and then send a care package, or simply sit down and pen a letter letting your friend know exactly what they mean to you.

Extravagant If you have the means, then by ALL means, go ALL out! A beach or mountain getaway with your favorite people may be just what the doctor ordered. If you find yourself in a place where you won’t be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, then that’s even more reason to dedicate several days to spending time with your friends. Get a group together, hire a driver, and go wine tasting together, or hire a private chef. The sky is the limit if you have the budget for it.

Budget-Friendly Money should never stand in the way of a good time. With a single friend, you can find many economical ways to celebrate, but even a group event

“We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third.”

— Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation

doesn’t need to cost much. Put some soup on, toast some bread, and host a closet swap at your house. Invite your friends to bring a “Make it or Find it” gift exchange. Give each other compliments and encouragement instead of expensive gifts.

Do Good You can plan a wonderful day of doing good for yourselves or others. Find a beautiful hike and spend the day getting sunshine and playing like a child again, go on a picnic, or participate in a charity walk together. Another great way to honor each other is by finding a charity to donate money, clothes, or time to as a group. Some friends choose to eat out for breakfast and leave larger-thannormal tips to unsuspecting servers or pool extra grocery money to give out scholarships. Channel the power of friendship into something that may have lasting impacts on others.

In our hectic lives, it’s easy to take friendships for granted or even let them sit on the back burner until we have the time to have friends again.

Sometimes, the prospect of propping up one more relationship in our lives feels impossible. I had a dear friend describe lifelong friendships like VCRs (in my day, this was relevant). He said the best friendships can be paused

when needed so we can drift away to take care of the things in our life that are pressing, and when we have our head above water again, we can hit play, and the movie starts right where we left off. No explanations, recaps, apologies, or lead-ins should be needed in real friendships. We love our friends for their immense capacity to understand how busy life can get, but at the same time, we know we must nurture those friendships as best we can. It’s a come-as-you-are safe space where we can exhale and still be cherished.

Galentine’s Day isn’t meant to be the one time of year we reach out and spend time with our friends. It’s the culmination and appreciation of what the people in your life truly mean to you.

I will leave you with the wise words of the lady herself, “We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third.” — Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation Rachel Turner is a freelance-writer specializing in humor. She’s been writing and hosting murder mystery parties for over 20 years with her company, Make It a Mystery. She has a self-published humor book on Amazon and has most recently been on the creation team for a household comedy series set in the South. You can find her humor, portfolio, and upcoming projects at rachelwriteshere.com. nwgeorgialiving.com | 37

ATRI C YP

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry K

BY KATH

d GET COOKIN’

After the holidays, healthy comfort foods keep taste buds joyful (and your conscience clear).

Skillet Shrimp with Salsa, Feta, and Spinach Serves 4 | Shrimp is a low-calorie source of protein that’s quick to prepare. Use large frozen shrimp and thaw in a bowl of water. Substitute brown rice for a more filling meal.

The meals pictured are variations of the recipes featured in this article.

38 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

1 tablespoon olive oil ½ medium onion, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 strips lemon zest, thinly sliced 8 ounces salsa, jarred 8 ounces tomato sauce 20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 cups baby spinach ¼ cup crumbled feta, for serving flatbread (optional), for serving

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat, add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and lemon zest and cook 1 minute more.

Add salsa and tomato sauce; bring to a simmer.

Nestle shrimp in salsa mixture and cook covered about 4 minutes.

Fold in spinach and cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes more until it begins to wilt and the shrimp are opaque. Don’t overcook shrimp!

Sprinkle with feta and serve with flatbread, if using.

Brazilian Black Bean Soup Serves 8 | This meatless, low-calorie, and high-protein meal is also great as leftovers. Use 3 jalapeños for more heat. If not a fan of smokey flavor, substitute Hungarian paprika for the smoked, or combine Hungarian with smoked paprika.

2 jalapeño peppers 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cups chopped onion 1½ cups diced carrot 5 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth Four 15-ounce cans low-sodium black beans, rinsed One 28-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 3 tablespoons molasses 2 tablespoons lime zest 5 tablespoons lime juice 1½ teaspoons ground cumin 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 3 bay leaves 1 teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon ground pepper 4 cups chopped kale Chopped scallions and chopped fresh tomato, for garnishing

Heat medium skillet over high heat. Split jalapeños in half lengthwise, and remove ribs and seeds, then place skin-side down in the

pan. Cover pan and cook jalapeños for 7-10 minutes until skins are blackened. When cool, dice.

Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat.

Add onion and carrot; cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until starting to brown. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes more until soft, stirring often. Add garlic and diced jalapeños; cook, stirring, for about 1 more minute.

Add broth, scraping up any browned bits.

Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn down heat and add beans, tomatoes, molasses, lime zest and juice, cumin, paprika, cayenne, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Re-cover and return to boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes.

Remove bay leaves. Purée 4 cups soup in a blender (use caution when puréeing hot liquids), then stir purée back into pot. Add kale, then stir, cover, and simmer until tender for about 5 minutes. Serve with scallions and tomatoes.

Arugula Salad with Grilled Lemon Dressing Serves 6 | Find this vinegar and oil in a specialty oil/vinegar store. Dress arugula with half the salad dressing, adding more if needed, to avoid a soggy salad. Dressing is great as a marinade, too. ¼ cup grilled lemon-flavored vinegar ¼ cup lemon-flavored olive oil 1 tablespoon water ½-1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 10 ounces arugula

2 ounces Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, coarsely grated 2 tablespoons shelled pistachios

Whisk vinegar and oil for 30 seconds, until opaque. Add water, mustard, salt, and pepper; adjust seasoning to taste. Place arugula in salad bowl and dress frugally. Add cheese and pistachios to serve; pass extra dressing.

Chipotle Chicken Fajitas Serves 4 | A delicious, fast, one-pan dinner that’s kid-friendly and good for everyone!

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder kosher salt pepper 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 small onion, sliced 1 cup mushrooms (white button, cremini, or portobello), sliced 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chiles in adobo 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice 8 flour tortillas, warmed Grated cheddar cheese, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, for serving

Season chicken with cumin, chili powder, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Heat oil in large cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to plate.

To same skillet, add red bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes until soft. Stir in chipotle chiles, lime juice, chicken, and pinches of salt and pepper.

Cook, stirring, until heated through.

Serve chicken and vegetables with tortillas and toppings.

Kathy Patrick is a retired personal chef in Rome, Georgia. She loves cooking, travel, waterskiing, stand-up paddling, and bicycling with her husband, Berry College professor Martin Cipollini. Kathy is a board member of Rome Little Theatre and vice president of the Georgia chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation. nwgeorgialiving.com | 39

d ROBERT’S WORLD

HGTV Should Be a Controlled Substance

BY ROBERT SMYTH

S

I’m banning Chip and Joanna from my house.

ince this is a wedding issue, I thought I Another tidbit of advice is that once you say, “I might warn you future husbands about an do,” no item or space in your home belongs solely epidemic that is a threat to the sanctity of to you ever again. In fact, you have very little say in the American home. This epidemic will a lot that happens from that point on. Case in point: infiltrate your wife’s brain and convince her that she, I recently came home and had been totally moved and you by proxy, can renovate any room in your out of our bedroom closet to two other closets in the house (or your landscaping) in three days with no house. Of course, my first thought was what had I help and all on a budget of just $100. This epidemic done wrong, and was she trying to tell me something, features phrases like “I want a but once again, it was that #*^% really elegant backsplash” or HGTV channel constantly “These bathrooms and appliances showing pictures of spacious “This epidemic will walk-in closets for her. To be fair, will need serious updating” and makes you as a husband feel like did ask me what I thought infiltrate your wife’s she an idiot because you can’t blow about it, and I did say I was open out a wall to open up the space or brain and convince to discussing it, which in her replumb and rewire everything in HGTV-brainwashed-wife mind her that she, and an hour like Chip Gaines. If you meant, “Go ahead. It’s fine.” On haven’t guessed, this epidemic the plus side, I am getting more you by proxy, can is called HGTV, and every show steps in when I want a sweater. should come with a warning label.

So, I’ll leave you with a couple renovate any room in of old-married-guy Recently, I fell victim to the nuggets that epidemic and now have a redone your house (or your will keep you out of hot water family room that, according to my for the most part. First, block landscaping) in three HGTV or any home improvement wife and all her friends, “looks so much bigger and cleaner.” That’s channel and take the code to days with no help another favorite design word, your grave. Second, remember “cleaner.” Everything must look yours is hers, what’s y’all’s and all on a budget of what’s minimalist and clean. Obviously, is hers, what’s hers is hers, and these designers have never had finally, whatever you’re doing just $100.” five whirlwinds known as kids is not as important as what she because that clean-looking white needs you to do that instance furniture wouldn’t last 5 minutes in my house. Oh, even if you’re already doing something she asked and if I had to hazard a guess, those “clean-looking” you to do minutes ago. Those, along with the toilet redesigns never show the alternate bedroom where seat down, no disgusting smells or sounds in her they shoved all the extra stuff that will probably presence, and generally just keeping your opinions come right back out after filming. All I know is that to yourself, will result in a long and happy marriage. if the Property Brothers, aka Jonathan and Drew On a side note, I’ll let you know next time how this Scott, ever pull into my driveway and ask what my article was received and reno budget is, they will be met with a 12-gauge and if I’m looking for a small a strong suggestion to get their tall skinny butts off one-bedroom to rent with my lawn. an amazing backsplash.

40 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

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