Northside Woman April 2013 by Appen Media Group

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We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care. Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care. Visit us online at www.northside.com

april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 3

staff

Katie VanBrackle

Candy Waylock

katie@northsidewoman.com

candy@northsidewoman.com

Kelly Brooks

Devon Morgan

kelly@northsidewoman.com

devon@photosynthesisatlanta.com

EDITOR

Devon Morgan/Photosynthesis Studio

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Senior WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Christina Appen

associate publisher Kelly Brooks kelly@northsidewoman.com sales manager Lynn Danson lynn@northsidewoman.com sales executives Hans Appen, Helen Bausano, Kaylie Belcik, Linda Cohen, Mike Dorman, Wendy Goddard, June Meltzer, Jade Rodgers sales assistants Susan Hernandez, Phyllis Anderton production David Brown, Kellie Jureka, Geoffrey Thurow

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facebook.com/northsidewoman twitter.com/nsidewoman Northside Woman is published monthly & distributed free throughout north metro Atlanta. © 2013 Appen Newspapers Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher.

4 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

the cover

{ inSiDE }

PUBLISHER

christina@northsidewoman.com

northside women { 8 }

Unsung ‘She’Ro Amanda White Co-founder, Children’s Charities

{ 10 } the interview Women in Business The secrets of success

Ten years ago, Heidi Nel used a collection of family recipes to launch a cookie business from the basement of her Johns Creek home. Today, Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies in their distinctive ribbon-wrapped boxes are shipped all over the country and Nel hopes her sweet success will inspire other women to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. Read more on page 6.

{ 26 } Women in Art Kim “Berlin” Randall, metalsmith

{ 24 } pretty in pastels Spring fashion tips

northside lifestyle

{ 30 } Dishing the dirt with the Milton Garden Club

{ 6 }

Good Eats Heidi Nel of Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies

{ 14 } Daffodil Daytrip Beautiful Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Ga. { 18 } She Reads Riverview Book Club, Roswell

{ 34 } woman's best friend Pet of the month

{ 40 } Her Health Getting bikini-ready { 42 } Take Five Eco-friendly green gifts { 46 } april calendar

NEED

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WANT

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Cancer doesn’t affect everybody the same way. That’s why at Gwinnett Medical Center you’ll have access to a team of more than 20 cancer specialists, including physicians, nurses and technologists. This is how we design individualized plans that can help you beat cancer. Additionally, our nurse navigators are here to walk you through every step of beating this disease—from giving you information about the latest treatments to holding your hand during difﬁcult days to providing follow-up care. Their singular purpose is to make sure your needs and wants are satisﬁed. Gwinnett Medical Center—the only hospital in the region committed to Transforming Healthcare. See Karen’s story and others at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.

Transforming Healthcare

april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 5

goodeats employees, nel, tray, toffee: Devon Morgan/Photosynthesis Studio

Heavenly Success is sweet for Johns Creek mom By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

ometimes we need a little nudge to follow our dreams. Maybe we have a good idea for a small business, but in the midst of our daily routine, our dreams take a back seat. Or perhaps we lack the selfconfidence to plunge into the unknown. Heidi Nel of Johns Creek was no different. Friends told her constantly that her homemade cookies were amazing and that she should sell them, but Nel was a busy stay-at-home mom raising three children. Where would she find the time to start a business? So the idea was shelved until 2001, when the economic downturn resulted in a loss of family income. As Nel says, “out of desperation comes inspiration.” She began rethinking the idea of her own cookie company. Nel’s first step was to educate herself. She talked to anyone she could find in the industry and signed up for a six-week business course at Georgia State University. “It was a crash course on business start-ups,” she recalled. “One week each of marketing, legal issues, bookkeeping, trademarking, etc. There was so much to learn and I was starting at square one.” Nel’s husband Andre convinced her that she didn’t need a storefront as long as she had a strong Internet presence. He used his marketing skills to design a company logo and website, and soon Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies was born. Nel started small with four basic cookie choices such as

6 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

oatmeal raisin and toffee chocolate chip. The baking and shipping were done in the family basement. Her first customers were friends, then friends of friends who were hooked after a single “sinfully delicious” bite. Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies stepped onto the national stage when a friend of a friend, who happened to be a producer for NBC’s “The Today Show,” placed Nel’s cookies in the hands of Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford. Soon after, Nel’s cookies were featured on “Good Morning America” and “Rachel Ray” as well as in Southern Living magazine and People magazine’s Style Watch. Orders started pouring in from all over the country. Ten years later, Nel still doesn’t need to advertise. The cookies are so good, they sell themselves. Packaged in stylish boxes and bows that can be customized, Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies make popular corporate gifts, wedding favors or simply indulgent treats. Nel believes the keys to her success are quality, consistency and good customer service. She uses only the best baking ingredients and never cuts corners. “Some people think butter is butter, but it’s not,” she said. “Even the type of flour can make a huge taste difference.” Nel now sells 12 types of delicious cookies as well as gluten-free English toffee candy. Her personal favorites? The Sea Salt Caramel Bars and Coconut Macaroons dipped in dark chocolate. “In the beginning, we were very excited to

Clockwise from top left: Heidi Nel employs fellow mothers and grandmothers. Nel, owner of Heidi's Heavenly Cookies. Heavenly Oasis mix of premium cookies, $47.50. Rock-amallows and Sea Salt Caramel Bars on small tray, $39.50. Below left: Wedding favor custom cookie, Heavenly Toffee Dust.

have 10 orders in a single day,” recalled Nel. “Today, we can ship up to 1,200 boxes in one afternoon.” Having outgrown the family basement, the operation is now housed in a 5,400-square-foot bakery on Curie Drive in Alpharetta where complimentary samples and special deals are offered to local walk-in customers. Nel employs eight full-time staff members and is proud to hire fellow mothers and grandmothers. “Sometimes older women have a hard time finding work after spending years at home raising their children,” said Nel. “But I find they are the best employees of all with a great work ethic and positive attitude.” Nel, who turned 55 this year, started the business in her early 40s when her youngest child was still 3 years old. She hopes that her success will show other women that it is in fact possible to pursue their dream. She offers consulting services to those who need help in building a grassroots business, believing that women should support and encourage each other. It’s her way of giving others that gentle nudge. ■

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unsung‘she’ro

Milton mom strives to improve kids' health care access

Children’s Charities inspired by real-life event for Amanda White By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

manda White has a simple philosophy when it comes to the charitable work she does for her community through Children’s Charities. “This is what makes me happy, and if I can make others happy in the process, it’s just a bonus,” said the Milton mother of two who started up Children’s Charities in November 2012 with her friend, Lauren Holmes. The nonprofit organization sprang from a group of volunteers in Milton who had helped raise funds for children’s healthcare for years. Last year, the group decided to focus their efforts in their own backyard and ensure funds raised would

have a local impact and benefit. “We started out as a small group of women who wanted to do something positive for our community,” said White, who with husband, Kevin, has a child at Hopewell Middle School and at Georgia Tech. “It began as a social thing to help others, and then turned into Children’s Charities.” In addition to White and Holmes, the core group for Children’s Charities includes Tiffany Allen, Pat Berning, Louise Robinson, Anne O’Shaughnessy, Jennifer Deaton, Cindy Lunsford, Tony Worley, Vikki Park and Sally Rich-Kolb. Children’s Charities focuses its fundraising efforts on one project per

► See 'she'ro, Page 38

PRENUPT? You may think prenuptial agreements are only for the wealthy. Perhaps, but they are becoming more common than you may think. A recent episode of Rules of Engagement, the hit television show on CBS had an episode with prenuptial agreements as the episode’s focus. The story focused on the issue of trust.

But prenuptials are more than about trust. They are about timing, as well as disclosure. It is important that you broach the subject of a prenuptial well before the wedding date. It is also important that there is complete disclosure of assets ….in all forms… all of them. Failure to do so can result in your prenuptial being declared invalid. Which is a real problem when you things go bad and you are getting a divorce and you think you have a prenuptial agreement. And many people really have difficulty disclosing ALL of their assets. To Continue Reading this article by Karen Williams, visit www.NorthFulton.com and to check out more legal advice from Karen!

◄ KAREN BROWN WILLIAMS, ESQ. • • • • • •

Emory: Graduate of Emory Law | Boston College: MBA Former Cobb County Magistrate Private Practice since 1994 Guardian Ad Litem with area courts Family Law Executive Committee for State Bar of GA 2002-12 Frequent Speaker state wide on Family Law issues

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Top 3 Reasons to select Allison to sell your home or help you buy one: 1. You want to work with a winner – one of the best agents in the market. 2. You want to work with someone who makes the whole process enjoyable and is fun to be around. 3. You want to sell your home for top dollar or you want to buy a home that is a perfect fit for you. Peter and I have been the top team in the North Fulton / South Forsyth area for the North Fulton office now for eight consecutive years. We know this market. We are the top Harry Norman realtor team north of 285 with over 300 homes sold since 2004. Our tireless work ethic, passion for our buyers, sellers and investors, and simply the fact that we make the whole process enjoyable instead of stressful, is the key to our success. Give us a call and a chance to be your realtor.

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Direct Office: 770-594-4945 | theklostergroup.harrynorman.com april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 9

top photo by candy waylock

theinterview

Women @

Work Area women blaze trails as entrepreneurs & business owners

By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

t may be a “man’s world” according to a popular song, but in Georgia, women are making serious inroads in the boardroom. According to a recent survey conducted by American Express, Georgia leads the nation in the number of women-owned businesses — a total of over 270,000 representing just over 30 percent of all firms in Georgia, and generating nearly $42 billion in revenues each year. Meet five area women who are part of this growing trend and who have all faced the challenges and triumphs of working for themselves.

Stephanie Butler & Lisa Swayne

The Butler/Swayne Team, Prudential Georgia Realty 11525 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 200 Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 770-475-0505 | www.butlerswayne.com Over the past decade, the Butler/Swayne Team has become one of the top real estate teams in the area, serving a clientele primarily in North Atlanta/North Fulton. The sisters who make up the team – Stephanie Butler and Lisa Swayne – credit their success to a “combination of hard work” and their “rock star” mom who raised them alone and instilled a work ethic that serves as their foundation. “[Our mom] taught us how to really live in this world without limits or obstacles,” said Swayne. “We didn’t grow up with [a lot of] possessions or lavish vacations, but we did grow up with strong values and a keen awareness that if we wanted it, we had to work for it.” 10 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

Clockwise from top: Emily Spencer-Christie; Cupcakes from Mama Bakes Safe Cakes; Lisa Swayne; Stephanie Butler.

Like many of their peers, both Swayne and Butler left the business world to work in real estate as a way to balance careers with family life. “After hanging up our corporate heels for quality time with our young families, we both worked toward our real estate careers to have a more flexible schedule while reentering the work force,” said Swayne, who, like her sister, is married with children. Both find the real estate business perfect for working mothers. “Having the flexibility of creating our own schedule helps…not to mention having a team of professionals that we can truly rely on to ‘have our back,’” said Butler, citing their team of associates, Laura Falk, Deidre Beirne and Jen Jenacova. Their background in the business world helped them as they started out in real estate, but the sisters’ persistence and drive helped just as much. “We did everything from open houses to knocking on doors in order to introduce ourselves,” said Swayne. “Early in our career, new construction was booming in North Fulton and we approached a builder and asked him for his business. Without experience, we relied on Southern hospitality and brought over a basket of refreshments for him and his crew as an ice breaker. We got the business!” But with any new career, most of the learning takes place on the job, and valuable lessons are learned through experience. “At our first closing, the seller handed us the contract and said, ‘do what you do,’ [and] we had no idea what that meant,” laughed Butler. “But because our seller didn’t know this was our first closing, we just went through the contract and compared it to the draft. We made our edits and walked out of there with a sense of accomplishment and relief.” The two also learned the word “no” in real estate translates to “no, for now.” “Tomorrow, next month, next year is a new opportunity to ask again for the business. We learned over

the years not to take things personally, but to adopt better techniques, better skills and tougher skin,” said Swayne. Working as a “sister team” also has advantages for their clients who can work seamlessly with either Swayne or Butler. The two also serve as each other’s support systems. “Stepping in for each other, knowing when the other needs a break is what makes us work so well together,” said Swayne. “But on occasion, one of us has been known to lock the doors in the car and keep driving until we have worked through a conflict or disagreement. It works.”

Emily Spencer-Christie

Mama Bakes Safe Cakes, LLC 5725 North Commerce Court, Suite 250 Alpharetta, Ga. 30004 770-664-5638 | www.MamaBakesSafeCakes.com Emily Spencer-Christie knows full well the limited options available commercially for people who have foodbased allergies. Her daughter was born with multiple lifethreatening food allergies, and she and her husband lived in fear that food intended to nourish her body could just as simply harm her. “After we’d gone on an elimination diet, taken a trip to the ER and attended too many parties where all the food served could have killed her, I created a collection of delicious recipes to satisfy our own cravings for pound cake and other treats,” said Spencer-Christie. Soon, friends encouraged Spencer-Christie to sell her products, and Mama Bakes Safe Cakes went from being a personal project to a career. The company was founded in February 2012, and Spencer-Christie focused on baked goods for people with food allergies, sensitivities or other dietary restrictions. For the first year, sales were made primarily through local

► See work, Page 12

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theinterview ▼ work, Continued from Page 10 farmers markets. She recommends that route for anyone who is looking to market their own recipes and products. “It was really great getting to know other vendors and it was great building a customer base, but the heat was really unbearable at time…not to mention the ant bites,” laughed Spencer-Christie. After a year of positive feedback and sales, Mama Bakes Safe Cakes opened as a retail business off Highway 9/Atlanta Highway in Alpharetta. The expansive menu now includes her signature pound cake, cupcakes, breads, cakes and even pizza on Fridays. “We have two dedicated kitchens, and our entire facility is free of wheat/gluten, eggs, dairy, peanuts, fish and shellfish,” said Spencer-Christie. “We also have a ‘Top 8 Free’ kitchen which is free of tree nuts and soy as well.” To further ensure their customers of the food safety, Spencer-Christie keeps allergen statements on file from every manufacturer she deals with and can discuss ingredients in depth with her customers. The transition from home cook to commercial cook was not an easy one. The baking part remained the same, for the most part, but the other aspects of the business world were challenging. “Baking commercially with all the required licensing and equipment and inspections is a lot different from making a cake at home,” said Spencer-Christie. “I spent several months just learning the requirements and filling out paperwork. Money was, and is, an obstacle. It cost a lot to set up our small kitchens and storefront. We just take it day by day.” She loves having her own business and gets tremendous satisfaction from children who visit her store. “I love it when kids who have never been able to get something from a bakery because of their allergies walk in and can have their pick of cupcakes and treats for the first time in their lives,” said SpencerChristie. Along the way, she’s learning to navigate the business world through trial, and sometimes error, and sees every setback or obstacle as a valuable lesson. “Sometimes a forgotten ingredient or a blown electrical fuse has cost us, but they have all been learning experiences. We just get back up and keep going. I think that is just how life goes,” said Spencer-Christie. “I really believe that God leads us on the journey of life. What happens to us isn’t as important as how we react to it…and God is guiding us to be what we should be.”

Ruth Hartman

Ruth’s Reselling, Johns Creek, Ga. 678-628-3951 | www.RuthsReselling.com Ruth Hartman’s business, Ruth’s Reselling, started like many small businesses — turning a passion or hobby into a career and finding a way to bring in an income while raising a family. Ruth’s Reselling was founded in 2008 when a friend found herself in the midst of a divorce and needed help selling possessions accumulated over the years. 12 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

Above: Lissa C. Versteegh. Left: Ruth Hartman and her children.

“My friend worked full-time…and wanted to get rid of old wedding gifts (Lenox China, Waterford Crystal, a wedding band and more) but didn’t have the time,” said Hartman. “She approached me to help her… and a business was born.” At the time, she was mom to a kindergartner and 2-year-old and wanted to be home for her son when he got home from school. “I wanted to be home for my 2-yearold as well, but like so many others affected by the economy, my husband and I knew I needed to bring in some income,” said Hartman. “So by selling things for others, I was able to bring my daughter to clients’ homes, be home for the school bus and work at night – in my pj’s – after everyone was in bed.”

“

the right place,” said Hartman, laughing. “It used to frustrate me, but I know it’s a given that some will not show up, and won’t even call. Even when I tell them I’m driving 15 minutes to meet them, ask them to please call if they will be late, need to reschedule or need to cancel.” Like many new business professionals, Hartman sought out a mentor to navigate uncharted waters. She turned to a friend and professional organizer, Michelle Cooper, who got her involved in the National Association of Professional Organizers. “The contacts made through that organization have been amazing,” said Hartman, who learned the business side of professional organizing and how to help people “declutter” their lives.

”

I’ve learned not to stress & just go with the flow… I get the greatest enjoyment working with people, keeping things out of the landfills & knowing each day will be different than the day before. Ruth Hartman

Hartman uses Craigslist, eBay, estate sales and various other methods to sell the merchandise for a client base across metro Atlanta. “My best sellers are authentic highend handbags, vintage collectibles, pre1970 baseball card collections, computers and, believe it or not, pianos,” said Hartman. The job is not as easy as just matching an item with a buyer, said Hartman, who adds she went through a sales education process at the start of the business. “There was a huge learning curve regarding what items would be good sellers,” said Hartman. “It took a while to figure out what was worth my time researching, photographing, listing on the online sales sites, etc.” Running her own business has been an eye-opener into the business world. Early on, she was surprised at how hard she worked for the amount of money she made. “And I wish I knew that many clients would not show up at the right time, or at

She has also learned that all businesses have ebbs and flows, with her slow time coming around the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays when everyone’s mind is elsewhere. “So I’ve learned not to stress and just go with the flow,” said Hartman. “Overall, I get the greatest enjoyment working with people, keeping things out of the landfills and knowing each day will be different than the day before. Now, if only there was a way for me to start a 401K, earn vacation time and get affordable health insurance, I’d be set.”

Lissa C. Versteegh Georgia Sales Development Inc. 770-475-3835 / 404-375-9025 www.georgiasales.sandler.com

Lissa Versteegh stepped out of a successful corporate sales career and into her own business nearly 20 years ago, and has never looked back. As the president of Alpharettabased Georgia Sales Development Inc.,

Versteegh helps business owners and executives find ways to maximize their sales efficiency. “Through on-going training, reinforcement and consulting, we help them develop sustainable tools that give them a systematic approach to managing the people and processes of business success,” said Versteegh who founded her business in 1992. Though she enjoyed the challenges and success of her corporate career, Versteegh was looking for more harmony between her personal and professional life. “I wanted balance for my family, which corporate America was not providing, and I was passionate about helping other people be more successful,” said Versteegh, who holds a degree in psychology from the University of Georgia. Though she had the skills for sales and client consulting, she quickly learned the many other requirements for being your own boss. “My biggest challenge was realizing that I was responsible for all aspects of the business, not just sales, and learning how to balance those and knowing when to outsource,” said Versteegh. “It can be tough to go from an environment where you are an expert in your field to a relative unknown.” She relied on a “wonderful mentor,” was able to keep her focus on what was most needed and quickly built her business and brand. “[I learned] that the same things I teach [my clients] work for me, too. Discipline is often easier to dish out than to follow yourself,” said Versteegh. She is equally committed to her family, which is the primary reason she chose to leave the corporate roadmap and follow her own path. “Boundaries are an absolute must,” said Versteegh. “From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., I must be fully present for my business. But my family deserves no less, so from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next morning, I am fully present for my family.” She credits the success of Georgia Sales Development to the support she received from her husband, as well as the passion she had for what she was doing. Versteegh advises women who are thinking of starting their own business to start with what they love. “Pick something that makes your motor run,” she says. “If you are not passionate about it, it makes putting in the hard work feel like just that, work.” ■

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Photos 1, 4 and jim gibbs by KATIE VANBRACKLE; Photos 2, 3 and 5 courtesy of Gibbs Gardens

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Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Ga. By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

hen Jim Gibbs began designing his 220acre public garden in Ball Ground, Ga., he sought the advice and approval of his mother, Margaret, who would join him for long walks through the wooded property. When she reached a particularly scenic spot, Margaret would stop and say, “This looks like a good place to sit for a spell,” and the two would pause to admire the view and listen to the sounds of water flowing through streams and birds singing in the treetops. Gibbs later installed a bench in each of his mother’s favorite spots. Today, 126 benches dot the grounds of Gibbs Gardens, inviting visitors to pause and soak up the beauty of this delightful hidden gem, located less than an hour’s drive from the North Fulton area. Gibbs Gardens is a labor of love for Jim Gibbs, retired president and founder of Gibbs Landscape Company and founding member of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The gardens, which opened to the public one year ago, are the legacy he will leave behind for his children and grandchildren as well as people everywhere who share his love of the artistry of landscape design. This is also his home. The Gibbs’ manor house sits atop a natural ridge overlooking the North Georgia mountains with beautiful terraced gardens leading down to the valley below. Flowing streams and rolling hills create a shady setting for 16

jim gibbs

► See gibbs, Page 16 1. Daffodils at GIbbs Gardens. 2. The Japanese Gardens. 3. The Manor House Terrace Gardens. 4. The Grandchildren’s Sculpture Garden. 5. The Monet Water Lily Garden. 14 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

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april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 15

Photos by KATIE VANBRACKLE

todo ▼ gibbs, Continued from Page 14 unique gardens, which can be explored leisurely on foot with trams available for convenience. Beginning with a Daffodil Festival in March, the gardens remain open through December, with each month bringing new blossoms such as azaleas, dogwoods, roses, hydrangeas, rhododendron and daylilies, enhancing Mother Nature’s own displays of green woodland ferns, fall wildflowers and vivid autumn leaves. Gibbs spent years traveling the globe, studying landscape design in Asia and Europe. These international influences are most dramatically displayed in the 40acre Japanese Garden, the largest in the nation, a beautiful, peaceful oasis at any time of year, but especially dramatic in the fall when Japanese maples display their brilliant reds and oranges. In a Zen-like setting, seven spring-fed ponds reflect Japanese lanterns, pagodas and carefully pruned bonsai. In the Monet Water Lily Gardens, 140 varieties of unique lilies bloom throughout the summer beneath an exact replica of the famous bridge which crosses Monet’s water lily pond in Giverny, France. Always attentive to detail, Gibbs traveled to Giverny and actually waded in the water beneath Monet’s bridge with a tape measure and color swatches to make sure his replica was exact in every way. Gibbs’ own personal touches can be seen everywhere you look.

What to know before you go

► The $20 admission fee to Gibbs

His 11 grandchildren are honored with their own sculpture garden, depicting the children fishing, reading a book, playing with geese or riding atop a giant tortoise. His favorite chicken salad, packed with grapes, apples and pecans, is served on freshly baked cranberry walnut bread in the Arbor Café where guests can linger over their meal on a large, tree-shaded patio, perhaps indulging in a thick slice of cream cheese pound cake for dessert. And Gibbs himself is a very visible presence. He can often be found sitting on a stool inside the welcome center, personally greeting his guests and

answering any questions they have. He encourages visitors to take their time while experiencing his “garden rooms.” After all, this is not a place to rush through; it is a place to savor. Listen to the breeze rustle leaves in the treetops, watch sunlight dance through a waterfall, stroll through a tall allée of crape myrtles and inhale the delicate scent of roses, or even better, ultra fragrant, golden Edgeworthia blooms. And by all means, if your legs begin to tire, feel free to stop and “sit a spell.” ■

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shereads

Riverview Book Club

Good books lead to fun outings for Roswell neighbors By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

“…For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet & her Romeo.”

ith these lines, the actors at Atlanta’s New American Shakespeare Tavern ended their performance of William Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy “Romeo and Juliet.” Joining in the applause were seven members of the Riverview Book Club who carpooled from Roswell to Atlanta to enjoy dinner and a play in honor of their most recent book club selection, “Juliet,” a two-part mystery involving a modern day heroine researching her medieval Italian ancestor Giulietta. “It was a fun outing for us,” said Shawn Shepherd. “Some loved the play more than others, but it was entertaining for everyone, much like the book ‘Juliet.’” Shepherd joined the Riverview Book Club one month after moving into the Inverness neighborhood located along the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Roswell. The group includes neighbors from all three sections of the subdivision: Inverness, Riverview and Riverbluff. Meetings are held every six weeks

Rear, from left: Jeanne Blanchard, Susan Greene, Tara Guinn, Jennifer Hauser, Judith Millburn, Holly Rollins, Amy Cheslock, Ginger Greve, Cari Begin and Jennifer Beatty. Front, from left: Shawn Shepard, Jacque Gregory, Amanda Harris, Caroline Freeman, Susan Himmer Rodes and Renee Grogan.

in members’ homes, where the hostess chooses the book and provides wine and hors d’oeuvres. Jen Beatty describes the group as an “eclectic group of fun, smart, 30- to 55-year-old surburban moms. A few English majors, an attorney or two, an Ivy Leaguer, high-powered businesswomen and a few sweet Southern belles, all of

whom enjoy a good, meaty discussion about a well-written book.” In March, the book choice was David Ebershoff’s “The 19th Wife.” Beatty arranged a conference call with Ebershoff, who spoke with the group for 40 minutes, answering questions about his research on the Latter Day Saints, Brigham Young and his 19th wife, Ann Eliza Young,

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and sharing insights on the characters and the story. Shepherd said the club found the book enjoyable. “It paired stories taking place in the 19th century and the modern day, and we believe it would appeal to readers of both

► See READS, Page 20

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april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 19

shereads ▼ READS, Continued from Page 18 historical fiction and crime thrillers,” she said. “Most of us found the older story more fascinating, despite its more formal tone.” The Riverview Book Club always participates in Roswell Reads, a community-wide reading program that encourages residents to read the same book, and then gather for a discussion with the book’s author. Shepherd and her fellow readers found last year’s Roswell Reads selection, “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter,” to be a great read. “The novel is marked as a Southern crime thriller, but it’s much more than that,” she said. “It also explores family relationships, its characters’ loneliness and isolation and the prejudices that we sometimes hold against those around us. “We learned during the Roswell Reads discussion that the author, Tom Franklin, used experiences from his own life as a starting point for many of the scenes in the book, and as a result, it infuses the main character with a vulnerability that you can’t help but empathize with,” Shepherd said. In an effort to learn more about Roswell’s history, the Riverview neighbors read an older novel written by local author Frances P. Statham entitled “The Roswell Women.” The book is based on the true story of Civil War-era Roswell mill workers, all poor women, who were arrested for treason

by Union Gen. William T. Sherman and shipped north, never to be heard from again. Though the characters are fictional, many familiar Roswell locations are described in the book, which inspired the book club friends to do a little local sightseeing. They began by attending the Trilogy Trolley Crawl, which features internationally themed music, food and festivities at three of Roswell’s historic homes (Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation). The ladies enjoyed it so much that they now make the Trilogy Trolley Crawl an annual book club outing.

The Riverview Book Club recommends the following titles to fellow readers:

“Juliet: A Novel”

By Anne Fortier When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safetydeposit box in Siena, Italy, she discovers the history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo rocked the foundations of medieval Siena. As Julie crosses paths with descendants of the feuding Montague and Capulet families, she realizes that the notorious curse – “A plague on both your houses!” – is still at work, and that she is the next target.

“The 19th Wife”

By David Ebershoff It is 1875, and Ann Eliza Young has recently separated from her powerful husband, Brigham Young, prophet and leader of the Mormon Church. Expelled and an outcast, Ann Eliza embarks on a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. A second narrative unfolds a tale of murder involving a polygamist family in present-day Utah. Jordan Scott, a young man who was thrown out of his fundamentalist sect years earlier, must reenter the world that cast him aside in order to discover the truth behind his father’s death. As Ann Eliza’s tale intertwines with Jordan’s search, readers are pulled deeper into the mysteries of love, family and faith.

“Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter”

By Tom Franklin In the 1970s, Larry Ott and Silas Jones were boyhood pals in a small town in rural Mississippi. Their worlds were as different as night and day: Larry was the child of lowermiddle-class white parents, and Silas, the son of a poor, black single mother.

But then Larry took a girl to a drive-in movie and she was never seen or heard from again. He was never charged, but was never able to rise above suspicion. More than 20 years later, Silas, as town constable, must investigate the disappearance of another girl, forcing two men who once called each other “friend” to confront a past they’ve buried for decades.

“The Roswell Women”

By Frances P. Statham During the Civil War, 450 Southern women and children were arrested for treason by Union Gen. William T. Sherman for working in the Roswell, Ga. mills, weaving gray wool for Confederate uniforms. They were loaded in boxcars and shipped north, never to be heard from again. Statham recreates these events in the lives of four fictional Roswell women who band together to survive and forge a new life for themselves. ■

Calling all book clubs

on the

northside!

We want to hear from you! Share your group’s story and favorite books with fellow readers through Northside Woman’s She Reads. Please email editor Katie VanBrackle at katie@northsidewoman.com

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sheblogs

Bless her heart… she’s wearing fat jeans By MARY ANNE PAYNE Forever-51.com

bl us send

s! your

es sh log

@ c editor an. nor thsidewom

22 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

suffer from “DunLap” disease – our Southern word for “your stomach dun lap over yer waistline.” It’s one of the special contributions your body gives you at midlife. I’ve always said that if I ever get flat abs again, I’ll get my belly button pierced. Um, not going to happen. I don’t think even surgery can fix my situation. The makers of jeans today are selling products with spandex across the belly and calling them tummy tuck, slenderizing, so skinny jeans, not your daughter’s and so on. And I have invested many a meager paycheck in their empty promises. Slimming? Yes, for about an hour. Then as the day wears on, they end up halfway down your rear end and baggy at the knees. So if you have anywhere important to go, go there first. At the two-hour mark, the bells start to chime and they turn back into pumpkins. The first time I wore a pair, I started thinking, by 2 o’clock in the afternoon, “Wow, I must have lost weight! These things are too big, they are sliding down my rear end – Woot!” Um, no. Spandex stretches OUT, not back in. It can only take so much abuse. I went back to the store (Which one? Guess. It rhymes with Cheetos.), and I asked the clerk for a

refund. She tsk, tsk’ed me and said “You need to buy a size smaller than you really need because they stretch out.” Well, stop the car Martha!!! Genius, pure genius! I am a size smaller than I thought! Bring me 20 pairs in all the colors!! So now I’m broke, but I look better in these new inventions (for about an hour) than the boot cut Levis that I have 10 of from my skinnier days. They still fit, but produce a muffin the size of China. Let’s call them what they are. Fat jeans. Mom jeans. We get it. Don’t lie to us. We will still buy them, false promises and all. Just like the copious amounts of skin creams we have. So if you see me in the local store, with a pair of purple, baggy-at-the-knees Mom jeans around my hips, say hi. Not, “Bless her heart, she can’t afford jeans that fit.” And give me the name of your plastic surgeon. ‘Cuz my money’s now going to that fund. ■ Mary Anne Payne blogs because she can’t afford therapy. She has a teenager, a husband who travels, two dogs, two cats, a rabbit and some drunken catfish. Don’t ask. She writes, photographs, laughs and cooks chicken till death in the crockpot. Forever-51.com

april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 23

herstyle

Pretty in

Pastels Update your wardrobe with the soft colors of spring

By Lori Wynne | fashionwithflair.com

armer weather brings thoughts of spring’s buds and blossoms, fresh green grass and blue skies. All of these lovely products of nature are incorporated into this season’s color palette for clothes: lemon yellow, mint green, emerald green, shades of purple and soft pastels. You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe to look updated and fresh. Here are some ways to incorporate some fun new colors into your current wardrobe by pairing them with great neutral basics you may already have in your own closet. ■

Lemon yellow

Purple

Fresh lemon yellow replaces mustard yellow from the fall. Pair with light grey for a fresh look that is easy to do with grey you probably already have in your closet.

Purple is the rage and is not afraid of being bold. Popular in prom dresses, but paired with bright white and black for business.

Where to get it

Your closet: basic tank in light grey or black Ann Taylor: Shantung jacket, paisley print Madison skirt, Sarah strap heels Francesca’s: Gold necklace 24 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

Your closet: white jeans, shorts or skirt Ann Taylor: Smocked waist shell, city short, fish skin belt Francesca’s: West Egg bib necklace, Dupont Circle bracelet, Alessa cork wedge

herstyle

Spring must-have: lace dress Invest in a lace dress and it will become your “little black dress” for spring. Dress it up with heels or dress it down with metallic thong sandals. Pair with this season’s pastel accessories. Remember the Secret of 3’s. To make an outfit look pulled together, wear three of the same color (bangle, belt and earrings or necklace, cardigan and sandals).

Mint green Mint green has made a big splash and department stores have lots of merchandise in this great color. Anchor it with navy blue in casual or business wear.

Where to get it

Your closet: basic white blouse Francesca’s: True Color jeans in mint, Nara Park floral scarf, Lakewood Village clutch, Callaway Gardens watch, Kolkata teardrop earrings Ann Taylor: Perfect colorblock ballet flat

Where to get it

Ann Taylor: Embroidered shift dress, Perfect perforated pumps Francesca’s: Key West stone necklace, Persian enamel cuff, Nolita textured clutch

Need more help updating your spring look? As a personal wardrobe consultant and owner of Alpharetta-based Fashion With Flair, Lori Wynne’s expert advice helps people look their personal best. Contact her at fashionwithflair.com. april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 25

women in art

An artist’s journey from the boardroom to the bench

Kim ‘Berlin’ Randall to be a featured artist at Alpharetta Arts Streetfest April 13-14 By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

im “Berlin” Randall was on the cusp of a career as an artist when fate stepped in…placing her in the path of one of the premier jewelry artisans in the area and providing her with both a job and a mentor. She recalls the “serendipitous moment” when an acquaintance noticed her skills as a metalsmith and arranged a meeting with Judy Raiford of the renowned Raiford Gallery in Roswell. “I thought I was being interviewed for a ‘Girl Friday’ position a couple of days a week, so I was shocked when [Judy] asked to see some of my pieces and ended up hiring me as her bench assistant,” said Randall, laughing at her naivety during that first meeting with Raiford in 2006. She remains a studio assistant to Raiford, but has now become a true artist in her own sense, crafting unique jewelry

with sterling silver and other precious metals for a customer base that spans the globe. A life as an artist was never one Berlin had aspired to while growing up in Marietta. Though she was always drawn to patterns in nature and the intricacies and beauty of design, she never felt the pull to make it her career. “Well, first of all, I can’t draw,” she laughed, noting her sketches of people are all stick figures and her designs are mostly in her head, or in words written out on paper. Graduating from Marietta High School in 1985, she enrolled at Kennesaw State University, but dropped out soon after and entered the workforce. For the next 14 years, Randall worked in the “corporate” arena, on the fringes of the art world where she designed websites, created graphic designs and dabbled in marketing that both fed and frustrated her creative side. In that time frame,

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she married, had a child, divorced, moved to Alpharetta, married again, returned to Marietta (“I can’t seem to get away from Marietta,” she laughed.) and thought seriously about getting her college degree. “My initial intention was to go back to college and finish my degree in business management, as well as be home for my then 15-year-old daughter,” said Randall, whose daughter is now 24. “But after one class at KSU, I realized that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to, and I knew that I really just wanted to work at the bench.” In 2004, she left corporate America for good and enrolled in a beginner metalsmith class at Spruill Arts

women in art

Center in Roswell. “[After that class], I was hooked,” said Randall. “Over the next two-and-a-half years, I enrolled in one or two classes each quarter.” She began creating the jewelry that would form the basis for her signature style of whimsical metal jewelry, accented with precious stones and beads. But in the early days, her creations were still a hobby, and Randall did not fully consider herself an artist. It took working under Raiford, who encouraged and mentored her assistant, to make the plunge.

► See ART, Page 28

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women in art ▼ ART, Continued from Page 27 “Starting out, I just thought of myself as a crafts person, not an artist,” said Randall. “It took Judy basically kicking me in the butt to get busy [becoming an artist].” Randall said she knew she had become an artist when her designs were her own, not a copy of someone else’s work or an assignment in class with set parameters. Though she is often inspired by the world around her and by the works of others, the end product comes from within, she said. “When I found my footing, and my pieces were truly my own, is when I think I became an artist,” said Randall. “Working under an established, successful jeweler [Raiford] has really been an incredible learning experience, greatly accelerating my skills and my confidence.” Today, she displays her pieces at Raiford Gallery, has on online presence on Etsy.com and tries to make it to several art shows a year to get out from behind the bench and in front of her customers. “It’s very rewarding to meet your customer and to know who is buying my jewelry…because they really are buying a piece of me through my jewelry,” said Randall. Berlin will be one of the artists at the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest April 13-14 in downtown Alpharetta. To view her jewelry, visit her website at www.kberlin. com or on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/ KBerlinMetalsmith. ■

28 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 29

she goes green

Attending a Milton Garden Club field trip to Gibbs Gardens are, front from left, Susan Clark, Kim Kershaw and Emily Woods. Back, from left, Carol Wahl, Barbara Sumerall, Susan Campbell and Jeanne Webers.

Green thumbs gather to dish the dirt Milton Garden Club welcomes men, children By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

s a little girl growing up in southern Ohio, Kim Kershaw would sometimes tag along to her grandmother’s garden club meetings – rather formal ladies’ luncheons where members always wore their best dresses and white gloves. Oh, how things have changed. Today, Kershaw is a member of the Milton Garden Club where the only gloves worn are of the dirt-covered variety. Founded in 2008, the Milton Garden Club is fairly young compared to its counterparts in Alpharetta and Roswell, and as it grows, it continues to branch out in new directions. For one thing, men are invited to participate and many do. Children bitten

30 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

by the gardening bug are welcome as well. As Kershaw says, “it’s important to nurture and encourage the next generation of gardeners.” Milton is a city full of “transplants” from other parts of the country and many new residents flock to the garden club to learn how to deal with Georgia’s heat and heavy clay soil. Kathy Ailts moved to Georgia from Minnesota where the soil was richer, but the extreme cold shortened the growing season. At Milton Garden Club meetings, she enjoys dishing the dirt with other green thumbs and picking up helpful information along the way. “Back in the fall, we had a session on spring flowering bulbs and I learned that for this climate, daffodils are the best bet for coming back year after year,” said Ailts, who purchased a “southern grit” mix of daffodils through a group order. Kershaw kicks herself for landscaping her backyard before joining the garden club and learning what works best in Georgia. “I thought I knew a thing or two about gardening, but I learn something new at each meeting,” she said. “That’s what is so exciting and keeps me coming back for more.”

► See GARDEN, Page 32

april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 31

she goes green

FAMILY MEDICINE Let your family’s healthcare start here

The Milton Garden Club gathers for a potluck social at the home of Linda and Jim Farris on Freemanville Road in Milton.

▼ GARDEN, Continued from Page 30

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Kershaw has three raised beds in her yard for growing flowers, herbs and veggies such as tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, onions and squash. She particularly enjoyed a recent lecture given by Amanda Campbell, manager of display gardens for the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, who talked about bed layout, soil prep and growing organic vegetables. The Milton Garden Club alternates between daytime and evening meetings and offers a wide range of topics and field trips to interest pretty much everyone. Workdays are held occasionally to

plant trees or flowers in community areas such as the Bethel House or local fire stations. Each April, the group staffs a booth at the Milton Earth Day Festival where kids plant flowers and veggies in biodegradable containers to take home. But Kershaw says it’s the friendly, welcoming atmosphere created by the garden club members themselves that constantly attracts new participants. “People come to a meeting or activity, then return the next month, bringing a friend or neighbor with them,” she said. “That’s the best compliment of all.” To find out about Milton Garden Club meetings and activities, visit www.meetup. com/The-Milton-Gardening-Meetup/. ■

april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 33

woman's best friend

Pet of the month

S “Every ry time you smile at someone, it is an love, a gift to action of love that person, a beautiful thing.” – Mother Teresa

Before

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ometimes unconditional love comes in a plus size package! Meet Jaffe, a 4- to 5-year-old hound-mix dog who is working hard in his foster home to lose a little excess pudge. At his ideal weight, Jaffe will be a medium sized dog of about 60 pounds. He is neutered, house and crate-trained, up-to-date on shots, microchipped and knows several commands. Jaffe does well around other easygoing dogs, but would prefer a home where he is the only dog or with another large, laidback breed. He would be fine in a home with older children. Unlike some hound breeds, Jaffe does not bark much— preferring to play with his toys and relax. If you’d like to know more about Jaffe or perhaps arrange a meet-and-

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People travel from around the world for his lifechanging chang h giing smile il makeovers. mak Dr. D Mastro has transformed thousands of smiles for models, th recording artists, re TV anchors and people from all walks of life and is recognized for w his hi unique ability to handcraft each tooth to with artistic precision. David Mastro Mastro, D D.D.S DS #1 Ranked Emory Graduate

C for your personal consultation Call an ask about this month’s and special promotion!

greet, you may contact his foster (Debbie) directly by email at bballmom1030@aol.com, or contact Angels Rescue directly by email at Inquiry@angelsrescue.org. To see more of adorable pets up for adoption through Angels Among Us, please visit their website atangelsrescue.org.

me adopt

We recently featured Ezra, a sweet Corgi/terrier mix who had a run of bad luck with previous owners. We are happy to report that Ezra (now named Jack) has found his forever home with a wonderful couple who answered the call for loving parents and a safe home. Thank you Northside Woman readers! ■

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she goes green

Gardener’s Gold: Give composting a try By MARLA PRINCE

ften referred to as “gardener’s gold,” compost is high in nutrients and can regenerate and enrich soil to grow healthy plants and flowers. Composting is not only easy, but is very cost-effective and you don’t even have to leave your house to make it.

1. Enclose

Simply take all grass clippings and make a pile in your back yard. If you don’t want visitors such as snakes or raccoons, you might want to put your pile in a wooden box or an enclosure made of fencing or chicken wire. If you want to get really fancy, you can purchase one of the new plastic compost bins from the local garden store or online.

2. Feed

Make sure you have green grass clippings and brown grass clippings in the mix. Feed your compost pile with kitchen scraps such as vegetable and fruit peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds, wet paper towels, lint from the dryer and so on. Do not add bones, grease, meat or dairy products.

3. Stir

The next step is to stir, mix and turn your pile at least once a week. You should

have a semi-wet consistency. You don’t want the pile too dry or too wet. The best recipe for cooking compost includes brown stuff, green stuff, sunshine and rain.

4. Spread

Once your material is the consistency of soil, it is ready to be spread around your flower beds and vegetable gardens. What’s not to love about composting? It reduces the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides. The organic matter in compost holds 10 to 1,000 times more water and nutrients than the same amount of soil minerals. Composting helps prevent erosion and turf loss on roadsides, hillsides, lakes and rivers. It will also save you from purchasing fertilizer and it extends the life of landfills by diverting the materials you would have put on your curb to be hauled away. So save those kitchen scraps and yard clippings and get to work nurturing your inner Mother Nature. ■ Marla Prince has worked in the environmental industry for over 20 years and was green before green was cool. She lives in Milton with her husband and two sons.

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unsung‘she’ro ▼ 'she'ro, Continued from Page 8 year to meet the needs of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) Urgent Care Center, located at The Avenue Forsyth. The center provides much more than basic care, said White, and includes orthopedics, endocrinology, hand and upper extremity, gastroenterology, general surgery, allergy and asthma, neurology, otolaryngology (ENT) and ophthalmology. Last year, Children’s Charities raised more than $75,000 to fund an emergency transport vehicle stationed at the Urgent Care Center in Forsyth. The transport vehicle is essentially an emergency room on wheels, said White, and has provided lifesaving medical care for many children in the area. White has a personal connection to lifesaving benefits of the emergency transport vehicle. Five years ago, her then-13-year-old daughter developed a lifethreatening staph infection and required emergency transport from Northside Hospital in Forsyth to Scottish Rite. “She ‘crashed’ in the vehicle on the way – basically her heart stopped beating – and being in the emergency transport vehicle saved her life,” said White. At the time, an emergency transport vehicle was not stationed in Forsyth, and instead came from Scottish Rite as needed. “If there had been [one locally], it would have picked her up at Northside and gone to Scottish Rite, but instead it came from Scottish Rite,” said White. “Not a huge delay, but now that there is one

“

She ‘crashed’ in the vehicle on the way— basically her heart stopped beating— and being in the emergency transport vehicle saved her life.

”

Amanda White

stationed in South Forsyth, it helps many more people in our community, as well as a shorter response time.” This year, Children’s Charities is focusing its fundraising effort on building an Autism Detection Unit at the Forsyth Urgent Care Center. The organization is working with the Marcus Autism Center and Emory University to develop a prototype to perform early screenings for autism so that appropriate therapies can begin earlier. The cost of the unit is $250,000 for the detection machine and the full-time staff to perform the screenings. While she has no personal connection to autism, she has many friends and acquaintances that do, and recognizes the importance of this autism center. “In Georgia, one in every 84 children born will be diagnosed with autism,” said White, who has lived in Georgia most of her life. “Typically, autism is diagnosed between ages 4 and 5, but this unit can detect it as young as 6 months old, which

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Maureen Burton, White and Laura Dean celebrate Mardi Gras with patients at Scottish Rite

can make a huge difference for a child in the way they socialize and see the world.” Earlier this year, Children’s Charities kicked off the fundraising efforts for the autism detection center with its Fire and Ice fundraiser on the Emory University campus. This month, it will host Denim and Diamonds in Milton, as well as a Georgia-Georgia Tech charity baseball game to work toward its $250,000 goal. While fundraising for the emergency transport vehicle is complete and plans for the autism center are underway, White is already looking toward the next project for Children’s Charities – a Forsyth location for a Children’s Hospital of AtlantaScottish Rite location on a 28-acre parcel behind The Avenue at Forsyth. While the land has been purchased, a timetable for

construction has not been set. White’s involvement with Children’s Charities is in addition to her “real” job as the owner of a promotions company and a busy mother of two, but White said giving back to the community is never work. “I’ve always been involved in the community, and more so lately as my kids get older and learn from what I do and not just what I say,” said White. “I want to be a positive role model for them and, at the same time, leave some lasting legacy in North Fulton.” For more information on the April 27 Denim and Diamonds event or the April 23 Georgia-Georgia Tech charity baseball game fundraiser, visit the website for Children’s Charities at childrenscharitiesga.org. ■

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herhealth

Get bikini ready for summer By CAROLYN ASPENSON Most health and fitness magazines have a cover promising a diet and exercise program that will have you in a bikini by summer. It’s already April. Summer doesn’t officially start until June 21, but let’s be realistic. If you have more than

1 Lift weights

Muscle burns fat and tightens skin. Women weren’t designed to build bulk so go ahead and lift weights heavy enough that you can’t lift it more than 10 times. Cover your major muscle groups with compound exercises like squats, lunges, bench presses and dips. Lift at least every other day, allowing a break for muscle growth.

3 Eliminate sugar & whites

Think “South Beach” phase one. Nothing processed, nothing with flour, nothing with sugar. Yes, it’s hard, but the cravings go away quickly. Eat five or six small meals daily. Limit fruits to one or two daily and never after 3 p.m. If not burned quickly, sugar turns to fat. Your body will

10 pounds to lose, it will be next to impossible to lose it by June 21, and in Georgia, summer weather starts before then. Don’t panic. Instead, manage your expectations. While you may not fit in your bikini, it’s not the end of the world. With a few tweaks to your daily routine, you can improve the way you look, lose a little weight, tighten what you have and maybe fit into a different sized bikini.

2 Drink more water

Water flushes fat. Women need about 2.2 liters of water daily, but if you work out, you need to replenish what you lose. Give up sodas, (yes, even diet) and carry water everywhere you go. Make sure you know where the bathrooms are, because you’ll need them.

naturally burn the newest stuff first, so if you don’t give it new sugars, it will go to stored fat and burn that instead. To fit into the bikini you wore last year or 10 years ago takes planning and more than two months, but you can fit into something attractive and you can look and feel good about yourself with a little work before summer officially starts. ■ Carolyn has been a fitness and nutrition enthusiast for over 15 years. She holds certifications from nationally recognized organizations in both fitness and nutrition. She can be reached at craspen@comcast.net.

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Private Parties & Events

Hasnae Dhrif, Owner of H.O.S Salon & Spa

H.O.S Salon & Spa opened in November of 2011 and within its first year in business, quickly became one of Alpharetta’s top salons. Owner and Morocco native, Hasnae Dhrif has over 16 years of industry experience. She is also trilingual and speaks fluent Arabic and French. Subsequently, H.O.S offers a “Unique, European Beauty Experience,” which includes imported products such as MoroccanOil and Rene Furterer Paris. On top of running H.O.S., Hasnae spends a substantial amount of time behind her salon chair, creating hairstyle masterpieces. She is known for her outstanding customer service and specializes in color correction, multidimensional color, and organic keratin treatment. Hasnae resides in the Alpharetta community with her husband and two children. 9925 Haynes Bridge Rd. • Publix Ctr. @ Haynes & Old Alabama 770-777-9990 • HosSalon.com for Services & Prices

Take personalization to a whole new level! We have executed martini madness birthdays and a Captain Jack Sparrow costume party, weddings, showers, team banquets, card parties, rehearsal dinners and sales meetings. What are you planning? We can make it happen!

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Coming soon to the United States:

herbeauty

Cruelty-free beauty By CYNTHIA MORRISSON EIKE Visage Designs by Cynthia, LLC

he European Union has recently banned the sale of cosmetics that use animals for cosmetic testing and the U.S. is soon to follow. While we wait for that day, here are a few of my favorite cosmetic companies that already adhere to the cruelty-free practice in making their products.

Aveda:

This company was founded on the beliefs of treating ourselves, each other and the planet with respect and has adhered to those beliefs since its beginning in 1978. Now owned by Estee Lauder, Aveda offers a full line of skincare, hair care and makeup as well as professional hair color products manufactured 100 percent cruelty-free. Based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, these products nourish mind, body and spirit. Visit www.aveda.com for more information.

Bare Escentuals:

Famed for its infomercials and a mall staple, this company (now owned by international cosmetic giant Shiseido) offers a wide range of skincare and makeup products made with earth-friendly minerals. They are also one of the most philanthropic cosmetic companies and provide support and bring “awareness to organizations and initiatives that promote education, provide aid and increase one’s self worth.” Visit www.bareescentuals.com for more information.

Smashbox Cosmetics:

Smashbox was founded by the great-grandsons of famous makeup artist Max Factor and is known for its hip image and its signature product, Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Invented to reduce touchups during photo shoots, this has become a must-have for makeup artists as well as home makeup kits. Their cruelty-free commitment remains with the development of each new product. Check out their newest revolutionary “CC Cream” at www.smashbox.com.

Budget-conscious options:

There are many companies that offer cruelty-free products that won’t break your budget! Physician’s Formula is a superb cosmetic line with prices ranging from $5 to $35 found in drugstores as well as big box stores like Wal-Mart. NYX Cosmetics is a great alternative with some modern, edgy colors as well as easy-to-use makeup kits ranging from $7 to $30. Check out www.nyx.com or www.physiciansformula.com. For a complete listing of cruelty-free companies, please visit www.peta.org. ■ Cynthia has been a makeup artist for more than 25 years. She provides consulting and makeup application services through Visage Designs by Cynthia. Contact her at visagedesigns@gmail.com.

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), some cosmetics companies still test chemicals on rabbits.

april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 41

takefive

Green 5 Gifts W

e id h fi v e n o r t

a si d s & t e w ips for o men

Fun to give and good for the planet STORY & PHOTOS By KATIE VanBRACKLE | katie@northsidewoman.com

hat’s old is new again! At the recent Spring into Green Market in Buckhead, artists from across the state showed how a little creativity and patience can turn trash

into treasure. From housewares to accessories, these ecofriendly gift ideas are fun to give and good for the planet.

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235 South Main Street • Alpharetta, Ga 30009 South of Old Milton Parkway

678.691.6723

takefive Dolores Henriquez

3 1. Ripped jeans & old towels stylish rugs and purses Donated textiles are hand-woven into rugs, table linens and purses by homeless or low-income individuals in re:loom’s Decatur, Ga. “weavehouse.” Proceeds support the weavers, mostly women trying to break the cycle of poverty. www.reloom.org

2. Old magazines & candy wrappers paper bead jewelry Women in Kenya, Nairobi and

Nukuru, Africa spend hours rolling scraps of old magazines into colorful paper beads and figurines. Volunteers from Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Buckhead then sell the crafts in the U.S. and return the proceeds to Africa to purchase much-needed water filters. To purchase items or learn more, contact Anne French, annef@prumc.org.

3. Plastic shopping bags a one-of-a-kind bowl Artist Wieda Duncan doesn’t just recycle old plastic shopping bags – she transforms them into stunning pieces of

art. Duncan also crafts brilliantly hued caps using yarn made from discarded silk saris in India. Wieda M. Duncan Fabrications, 404-261-0421

Uncorked Glass Company, www.uncorkedglass.com

4. Discarded wine bottles eco-friendly glassware

Atlanta attorney Dolores Henriquez makes recycling fashionable with cotton tees featuring messages of inspiration, “Recycle Love: Adopt a Pet,” or just plain fun “Recycle Laughter: Tell a Joke.” Her heathered tees feature 35 percent polyester made from recycled water bottles and 65 percent cotton from factory fabric remnants. www.couturecycle.com ■

Daniel Hart of Cartersville, Ga., uses handmade tools to fashion unique glassware from recycled wine, Sprite and San Pellegrino bottles donated from restaurants and bars in Atlanta. He also designs pendant lights made from the tops of larger wine bottles.

One of the leading lighting companies in the Atlanta area with over 13 years experience, and lighting over 5,000 homes.

5. Old plastic bottles inspirational T-shirts

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5,000+ sq ft still available for lease at very competitive rates. For more information:

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april2013 | northsidewoman.com | 43

herhealth

The woman behind the ER By DEBBIE KEEL

North Fulton Hospital CEO

f I was smart enough and wanted to work hard enough, I think I would have been an emergency room nurse. I don’t mind the hard work, but anything sciencerelated generally looked like Greek to me in school, so it was clear I wasn’t destined for a clinical profession. I was lucky enough to get as close as I could, though, by becoming a hospital administrator and eventually a CEO. A smart woman who has always worked hard in emergency medicine is Toni Colvard. Toni was appointed as our director of the emergency department last year. A Georgia native, she has all those skills I pointed out above but she’s also one of

Toni Colvard

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the most personable professionals at this very friendly hospital. Toni started in emergency medicine 36 years ago on an ambulance when it was rare for women to be in that setting. She worked in Emergency Medical Service for a while before attending nursing school. She’s been in an emergency room in one role or another since 1991. One of the reasons I idolize her is that she served as a flight nurse either fixed wing (plane) or rotor wing (helicopter) for about 18 years before moving into management. Flight nurse, to me, has a special kind of ring of excitement and service. I asked Toni about the occasional hesitance we see in women who won’t come into the ER when they probably should.

3719 Old Alabama Rd. | Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-867-0310 | www.accentrics-home.com 44 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

They will bring their children or husbands or moms in but often don’t think for a minute about bringing themselves in. “Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy,” she told me. “We take better care of everyone else than we do ourselves. Women tend to downplay symptoms until we can’t ignore them any longer so when they do show up, they are very sick.” Nurses are no better at this than the rest of the female population. Toni tells me she’s known numerous nurses that were pregnant, went into labor at work and the majority of them continued to work until someone could relieve them because they did not want to leave their patients without a nurse or leave their team short-staffed. She also points out that women can

have different symptoms than men. “I remember one lady that came to the ER with a horrible toothache because she couldn’t get in to see a dentist,” she said. “This lady was actually having a heart attack.” Come on, you know it’s true. So listen to your body. No. 1, take care of yourself. No. 2, when you need help, get it, or you may not be around to take care of everyone else. ■ Debbie Keel has been the CEO of North Fulton Hospital since 2009.

todo

Local Women... National Awards northside woman’s 2012 awards from the Association of Free Community Papers 1st Place Best Cover Design 2nd Place Best Color Ad for Fashion, Hair Design & Cosmetics 2nd Place Most Improved Publication Honorable Mention General Excellence

Fourth annual Drake Walk coming May 4

Since we first published Northside Woman more than four years ago, we’ve kept our commitment to use only local women as our cover models and main story subjects. We thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support.

he fourth annual Drake Walk is scheduled for May4 in downtown Roswell, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., rain or shine. The 1 mile and 5K routes begin at Roswell United Methodist Church. Sponsorship opportunities are available on various levels. Volunteers and walkers are also needed. The end of the route will feature a fun-filled, family festival with food and more. For more information, visit www.thedrakewalk.org. The walk benefits The Drake House, providing short-term

crisis housing, support, education, and empowerment to homeless mothers and their children in north metro Atlanta. ■

◄ Our awardwinning cover from December 2011 featured Roswell, Ga. ballerina Caroline Stroud. Photo by Devon Morgan/ Photosynthesis Studio

northsidewoman.com

DINNER IS ON US!

We’ve Reserved a Table For You! Join us for a Free Dinner at Cinco Mexican Cantina and discover a life Free of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with a non-surgical approach.

You and up to 3 of your friends are cordially invited to attend a free dinner presentation. Join us at Cinco Mexican Cantina on Tuesday 4/16/13 at 6:30pm or Wednesday 4/24/13 at 6:30pm.This event is by invitation only You must be over 18 to attend. To make your reservations, call (770) 833-7907 today and give the RSVP code 403. If you are unable to join us, please contact our facility for a free initial consultation. With our non-surgical, painless treatment, you’re on your way to j y g a higher g qqualityy of life free of ppain. The treatment is FDA enjoying approved to treat pain and numbness and tingling in the arms, wrists and hands. Millions of Americans have received relief from this breakthr hrou ough gh ttreatment. reat re atme m nt. We are going to show you breakthrough how ww ccan an re stor st tor o e yyo your ur qquality ualityy of life. ua how wee ca restore

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todo

April in Ball Ground. Henry is the author of “And Then I Found You,” based on true events in her family’s life surrounding the discovery through Facebook of a daughter given up for adoption as an infant. The author lecture is included with admission to the gardens. Lunch is available for purchase from the Arbor Café. Gibbs Gardens, 1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground. gibbsgardens.com

“Hello, Dolly” at Roswell Cultural Arts Center ▲ 8 p.m. Shows continue through April 28. Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents the heart-warming story of life’s second chances as maneuvered by the indomitable matchmaker Dolly Levi, featuring beloved songs such as “Before the Parade Passes By.” Tickets are $25 - $29. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., Roswell. www.get.org

“Footloose the Musical” in Cumming 8 p.m. Shows continue through April 21. “Footloose” explodes onto the Cumming Playhouse stage with classic 80s anthems. Life in small-town Bomont is peaceful until city boy Ren arrives, breaking taboos and returning dance to the heart of a town held back by the memory of a tragedy. All seats $25. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. www.playhousecumming.com

Downtown Alpharetta Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Each Saturday through mid-October. Browse homegrown fruits and vegetables from local farms as well as all-natural meats, fresh flowers and plants, desserts, raw honey, homemade soaps, sauces and jellies. City Hall parking lot, Old Canton Street in downtown Alpharetta. www.alpharettafarmersmarket.com

Alpharetta Arts

streetfest

Alpharetta Arts Streetfest ▲ 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Through Sunday, April 14. Celebrate the arts at one of the city’s most popular events! The streets of downtown Alpharetta will be closed as nearly 100 artists, musicians and performers from throughout the U.S. are showcased. Create children’s art and experience live jazz, roots rock, Celtic music, cultural dancing and more. Admission and parking are free. www.awesomealpharetta.com

Earth Day Kids Fest 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The whole family will enjoy connecting to nature with Captain Planet at the Chattahoochee Nature Center featuring live music by Laughing Pizza, interactive booths and exhibits, live animal presentations and canoe paddling on Beaver Pond. $10 for adults, $6 for children (2 and under free). Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. www.chattnaturecenter.org

Lit and Lunch at Gibbs Gardens Noon – 2 p.m. Bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry will speak and sign books at beautiful Gibbs Gardens 46 | northsidewoman.com | april2013

Forsyth County Newcomers and Women’s Club 11 a.m. The Forsyth County Newcomers and Women’s Club holds monthly luncheons on the third Thursday of each month. All women are encouraged to attend. For more information, email Mary Beth Magallanes at Marybeth. magallanes@gmail.com. Windermere Golf Club, 5000 Davis Love Drive, Cumming. www.newcomersclubofforsyth.org Alive After Five 5 p.m. Come to the best street party in metro Atlanta for live music, outside vendors and extended retail hours, face painting, free trolley and more. Canton Street, downtown Roswell. www.aliveafterfiveroswell.com

Fulton Master Gardeners Faire to be held at Bulloch Hall. Event features include a pass-along plant sale, plant vendors, flea-tique, bake sale, food court and knowledgeable speakers. Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. www.nfmg.net 15th annual Touch a Truck 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This free event at Wills Park in Alpharetta showcases all types of vehicles including fire engines, cars, trucks, heavy-duty construction equipment, military vehicles, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, buses and more. Enjoy entertainment, balloons, moonwalks and face painting. Wills Park/Wacky World, 1825 Milton Ave., Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com Alpharetta Art in the Park 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Also Sunday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This outdoor artists market features handcrafted work by local artists who create masterpieces right before your eyes. Browse for pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry, handmade children’s clothing, photography, watercolor and oil paintings, mosaic art and soaps and lotions. Art in the Park is held on the last full weekend of each month from April to October. Old Milton Park, 35 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. www.gallery35.com

Fourth annual Milton Earth Day Festival ▲ 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit Milton’s new Friendship Community Park while learning about the environment and ways to protect it. Many activities include hands-on crafts, climbing wall, a rope bridge and petting zoo. Local businesses will provide food for sale and information on earth-friendly products and services. Free admission. Friendship Community Park, 12785 Birmingham Highway, Milton. www.cityofmiltonga.org Spring Soiree 6 – 11 p.m. The Roswell North Elementary Education Foundation presents a soiree at the Roswell Historic Cottage to raise funds for the school’s Licata Science Lab. Soiree guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner by Adele’s Authentic Cajun Experience, and bidding on silent and live auction items such as jewelry, sports memorabilia and vacation home rentals. Tickets are $60 per person, or $800 for a reserved table for eight. Roswell Historic Cottage, 972 Alpharetta St., Roswell. www.rnefoundation.com

Free Master Gardeners Class 7 – 8:30 p.m. The UGA Cooperative Extension and the North Fulton Master Gardeners offer a free class for homeowners entitled “Maintaining and Pruning Shrubs and Roses.” In Alpharetta, the class will be held on April 24 at the Alpharetta Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road. To register, call 678-297-6200. In Roswell, the class will be held on April 30 at the Bill Johnson Building at Roswell Area Park. Register for activity 52020 online. www.roswellgov.com

Garden Faire 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Swing into Gardening at the 2013 North

of Mimosa Hall. Mimosa Hall, 123 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. www.roswellhs.org

Singer-Songwriter Concert Series 8 p.m. Continues every first Friday of the month through October. James Casto and his crew from Chukkar Farms will bring the best songwriters in America to the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion for songwriterin-the-round shows by Home by Dark productions. Reserved tables or $15 general admission on the lawn. Bring your own picnic. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. www.homebydark.com

Fourth annual Drake Walk ▲ 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. This rain or shine family event follows walking routes of various distances through historic Roswell, followed by a Finish Line Festival with refreshments and family fun, all in support of the Drake House, an emergency housing facility for women and children in crisis. The walk begins in the Roswell United Methodist Church parking lot at the corner of Mimosa Boulevard and Magnolia Street. Register online. $15 fee, discounts for families and groups. www.thedrakewalk.org

The Down Home Derby

Roswell Criterium and Mayor’s Ride ▲ 8 a.m. The Roswell Mayor’s Ride, featuring 6-, 20- and 40-mile options, is suitable for all ages and the perfect way to begin a day of bicycling fun. At 10 a.m., the Roswell Criterium, an amateur and professional bicycle race, will take over the streets of Roswell’s historic district. www.bikeroswell.com www.historicroswellcriterium.com

Down Home Derby ▲ 5 p.m. Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with horses, Bluegrass music, a Blue Ribbon Hat Parade, fabulous food and auctions during the Down Home Derby, the annual fundraiser for the Children’s Development Association of Georgia, headquartered in Roswell. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online. In Your Dreams Farm, 17875 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta. www.cdakids.org

Looking Ahead

“Crazy Sexy Kitchen” chef demo at Harry’s 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Chef Chad Sarno is the co-author of the best-selling cookbook “Crazy Sexy Kitchen” and also the senior culinary educator for Harry’s Farmers Market’s Health Starts Here program. In this Salud Cooking School healthy eating demonstration, Chef Sarno will take seasonal vegetables to a new level with bright and unique presentations. $45. Harry’s Whole Foods, 1180 Upper Hembree Road, Alpharetta. www.wholefoods.com/?saladalpharetta

MAY

19th annual North Fulton Golden Games 9:30 a.m. The opening ceremonies of the North Fulton Golden Games will be held at Newtown Park in Johns Creek where the North Fulton mayors will compete in a “Minute to Win It” style challenge to prove who reigns supreme. During the games, active seniors age 50 and up will compete in track and field events, Wii bowling, dancing, bunco and mah jong, diving, golf, tennis and softball skills. Registration packets are available at North Fulton senior centers or online. www.roswellramblers.org

Antebellum Gardens lecture 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend a lecture on “Antebellum Gardens” by Janet Rigsby, site horticulturalist for Barrington Hall, during a general meeting of the Roswell Historical Society. Gardens

Taste of Alpharetta 5 – 10 p.m. Enjoy the largest “Taste of” event in the South, attracting over 50,000 festival-goers each year. Satisfy your taste buds with specialties from more than 60 restaurants. Expect cooking demonstrations, chef competitions, three entertainment stages, art exhibits and a Kids Korner. Free admission, parking and shuttles. $1-3 per food sample. Downtown Alpharetta, 2 South Main St. www.awesomealpharetta.com

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48 | northsidewoman.com | april2013