Northside Woman July 2013 by Appen Media Group

JULY 2013

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staff

Katie VanBrackle

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EDITOR

DEVON MORGAN/PHOTOSYNTHESIS STUDIO

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

SENIOR WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

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northside women { 6 }

WOMEN IN ART Susan Shaw, a.k.a. “Farmer Sue” Animals and art on Canton farm

{ 12 } THE INTERVIEW Baking Queen Darlene Local mom cooks in CBS competition { 24 } UNSUNG ‘SHE’RO Lauren Walier Teen raises funds for cerebral palsy

northside lifestyle { 10 } SHE READS A well-heeled book club { 16 } GOOD EATS Vegan treats in Vickery Village { 20 } SUMMER GETAWAY Family trip to Washington, D.C. { 26 } SHE GOES GREEN Local farmers markets

the cover Darlene Pawlukowsky of Johns Creek is one of 10 amateur bakers currently dishing up cakes, pies and cookies on the new CBS show “The American Baking Competition.” Learn more on page 12. For our cover shoot, Darlene prepared two beautiful cakes: the fruit-topped Delicioso Tres Leches Cake (recipe on page 30) and a cream-infused Lemon Curd Sponge Cake. See the slice she’s holding? It didn’t last two seconds after the last photo was snapped. There’s a reason she’s called Baking Queen Darlene! { 28 } HER STYLE Pack for a week using just a carry-on { 31 } PET OF THE MONTH { 32 }

SHE BLOGS 10 things that confuse Elexis Hays

{ 35 } GIVE IT A WHIRL Mosquito lanterns { 38 } JULY CALENDAR

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 5

women in art

SUSAN SHAW PORTRAIT BY AMY HUNSINGER; ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY KATIE VANBRACKLE

hen Susan Shaw graduated from the University of Georgia over 30 years ago with a degree in graphic design, she probably never imagined that at age 53, she would be waking up with the chickens (literally) every day, pulling on a straw hat and a pair of overalls and teaching kids how to paint pigs inside a bright red barn. And yet when you set foot on Morning Glory Farm in Hickory Flat, it’s hard to imagine “Farmer Sue” anywhere else. Striding across the barnyard in her signature straw hat, Shaw is followed by her trusty dog Rose and a chattering group of young children, all here to experience “art, animals and agriculture” during a weeklong summer camp. Ten-year-old Katie Draper of Milton leads the way, carrying a clucking white chicken in her arms. Katie has been coming to The Art Barn for four years and this year brought along her younger sister and two cousins. “It’s Katie’s absolute favorite summer camp,” says her mother Laurie Draper. “She gets to gather eggs, feed, groom and play with all the animals, go on hay rides and enjoy really fun and creative art projects. She loves it!” The same farmyard charm and relaxed rural pace that attracts the kids today also attracted Shaw 13 years ago. After years of owning her own graphic design firm and catering to big name corporate clients in Atlanta, Shaw felt the need for a change of pace and scenery. She left the city and headed to Hickory Flat, “just above Alpharetta and 6 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

Cock-a-doodle-doo, it’s

FARMER SUE

Kids, critters and creativity abound at The Art Barn in Hickory Flat By KATIE VanBRACKLE | katie@northsidewoman.com

just below Canton,” to settle on a small farm. The plan was to turn an old barn into a freelance graphic design studio where she could do her work without the stress of rush hour commutes and crowded urban life. She soon learned that country life has a way of seeping into your soul – and that

the farm had different plans for her. Shaw celebrated her 40th birthday with an open house for friends at her new farm and noticed how people, young and old alike, enjoyed the “quirky, rickety crickety-ness of the place.” A table covered with art supplies kept the kids happy during the party and soon

the adults were joining in. Then friends began asking if their kids could have birthday parties at “Sue’s Art Barn,” and a new idea began to grow. Shaw continued her graphic design job while working overtime to spruce up the farm, bringing in more animals, planting gardens and creating a “magical space” for children and families to enjoy. After three years, she was able to close her design business and focus entirely on The Art Barn at Morning Glory Farm. Shaw walks over to a flower-covered wooden arch leading into a small garden. A sign hanging under the arch reads “Wish It. Dream It. Do It.” “I call this my magic wishing arch,” she said. “Here’s where it all began. This is the first thing I built on this farm and I know it works.” Shaw’s father helped her build the arch years ago, and chuckled when she stood under it and made a wish with closed eyes. “What are you thinking?” he asked. “Build it and they will come?” “Something like that,” Shaw replied with a smile. Two years ago, Shaw married Pelham Wilder, a retired businessman who was not so sure about “this country thing.” Shaw convinced him to stay on the farm and live in her little yellow house with the bright blue shutters for one year, just to give it a chance. As she hoped, Morning Glory Farm worked its magic on him and when the year was up, Wilder realized he didn’t

► See SUE, Page 8

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▼ SUE, Continued from Page 6 want to live anywhere else. Neither Shaw nor Wilder had any previous experience with rural life and soon learned that the chores on a farm are never done. “It’s hard work,” she admitted. “But when I am standing out in the field experiencing nature with the kids, I just get goose bumps. I know in my heart that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.” Shaw is a natural teacher and enjoys showing children how to look closely at the world around them, then use creativity and imagination to produce works of art. When the campers are painting a farm animal, Shaw brings along a live version for close inspection. Horses and donkeys, pigs and cows, goats and sheep, bunnies and ducks, chickens and roosters – every animal in the world can be drawn using basic, simple shapes, she tells her students as they gather at wooden tables under a large, shady magnolia tree. Then it’s just a matter of adding your own fancy flair by mixing colors or swirling a line or two. Repeat after me, she says: “CAN DO, Farmer Sue! I’m a great artist and so are you!” Giggling, the children get right to work with watercolors, acrylics, clay or mixed media. Shaw tries to use natural elements whenever possible in her art projects such as painted gourds or thickly-veined fig tree leaves for fossil imprints on clay bowls. “There are no prepackaged kits here,” she said with a laugh. “We use whatever we find. On a farm, you never throw anything away. Anything that’s not nailed down can be made into a piece of art.” “The animals and I are ambassadors for agriculture and education,” she said. “There are no petting farm pens around here. We are all about up close and personal interaction. The kids help feed and brush the animals, learn about honeybees, visit the organic Peanut Butter and Jelly Garden and learn how things grow and where their food comes from. I want the kids to appreciate the amazing world around them.” In addition to summer art camps, The Art Barn at Morning Glory Farm hosts private parties and birthday celebrations, play dates, after school classes, group events, farm-to-table field trips and family farm days. A big part of The Art Barn’s success is the charm and charisma of “Farmer Sue” herself. For a woman who loves kids but never had children of her own, Shaw is surrounded every day by young ones who naturally respond to her energy, her sense of humor and her love of art and nature. “I’m the happiest girl in the world and I truly mean that,” said Shaw. “This farm and this life is a dream come true for me. I’m telling you, go stand under that magic wishing arch before you leave the farm today. It really works!” ■ 8 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

PHOTOS BY KATIE VANBRACKLE

women in art

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 9

shereads

Johns Creek and Alpharetta ladies enjoy reading, friendship By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

veryone who has been in a book club for many years knows you have to shake things up a little from time to time to keep things interesting. Sue Lindstrom has been reading with a group of Johns Creek and Alpharetta ladies for 15 years, maybe longer. Made up mostly of neighbors from the Country Club of the South, River Ridge and North River Crossing neighborhoods, Lindstrom says her “plain old book club without a name” keeps things fresh through a committed effort by all members. “We have experienced many transitions over the years, including our founding member moving to Utah, divorce, marriage, death, teenage drama and just plain old ‘life happens’ stuff. But at the end of the day, we are still going strong and enjoying not only the value of the written word, but also the joys of friendship,” she said.

Lindstrom said the group has “creatively kept the interest alive for many years and we have no intention of stopping now or in the near future.” Food plays a big role at monthly book club meetings where appetizers and cocktails try to mirror the book’s theme. “The hostess has to read the book with a pen and paper handy to take notes on any cuisine mentioned in the text,” said Lindstrom who once prepared an African feast during a discussion of Barbara Kingsolver’s “Poisonwood Bible.” Marian Lochry’s travels to Afghanistan came in handy when she hosted a discussion of Khaled Hosseini’s “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” In addition to serving Afghan food, she let members try on an actual burka, the full body cloak worn by some Muslim women. Indian food accompanied “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri and the group met at a Japanese restaurant to discuss Arthur Golden’s “Memoirs of a Geisha.” One particularly memorable meeting was the result of a reading “bomb.” “We were reading ‘The Salt God’s Daughter,’ which was really, really depressing. I couldn’t even finish the book,” recalled Lindstrom. “So we decided we needed 10 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

SUSAN K. FRIEDLAND

One well-heeled book club Book club members Linda Cabot, Sue Lindstrom, Cheryl Aitken, Marcie Alvarez and Marian Lochry. Not pictured are Margie Watkins and Susan Friedland.

something lightweight and fun after that one.” Susan Friedland, a budding photographer, came up with the idea of a shoe party and everyone hopped on their iPads to look for books with a shoe theme. They settled on Mary Janice Davidson’s chick lit vampire comedy, “Unwed and Undead,” in which Betsy Taylor wakes up in a funeral home coffin wearing a hideous pink suit and her “stepmonster’s” cheap heels. For the discussion, the book club ladies arrived in cowboy boots, Manolo Blahniks, fire engine red stilettos and even vintage wedding footwear, ready to dig their heels into the book. Also in the name of fun, the group enjoys playing book-related games such as charades, where the titles of books read by the group must be acted out, or First Lines, where winners correctly identify the opening lines of famous novels. Through these ideas and more, Lindstrom said the group has “creatively kept the interest alive for many years and we have no intention of stopping now or in the near future.” The “plain old book club” ladies recommend the following titles to fellow readers:

Iceland, Bhutan and India. But the question remains: What makes people happy? Equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and philosophical, Weiner offers a journey into both the definition of and the destination for true contentment.

Middlesex

By Cheryl Strayed At 22, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death and at the end of her marriage, she made the impulsive decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State – and to do it alone. With no hiking experience, Strayed faced down snakes and bears, intense heat and record snowfalls and both the beauty and loneliness of the trail on a journey that maddened, strengthened and ultimately healed her.

By Geoffrey Eugenides Calliope Stephanides and her Greek-American family travel from a tiny village in Asia Minor to Prohibition-era Detroit, witnessing its glory days as the Motor City, and the race riots of 1967, before moving to the tree-lined streets of suburban Grosse Pointe, Mich. To understand why she is not like other girls, Calliope has to uncover a guilty family secret and the astonishing genetic history that turns Callie into Cal, one of the most audacious and wondrous narrators in contemporary fiction.

The Geography of Bliss By Eric Weiner After spending a decade as a foreign correspondent reporting from such discontented locales as Iraq, Afghanistan and Indonesia, Weiner undertook a year’s research to travel the globe, looking for the world’s “unheralded happy places” which include, somewhat unexpectedly,

Dry

By Augusten Burroughs Augusten Burroughs, a twentysomething New Yorker working in advertising, lands in rehab, where his dreams of group therapy with Robert Downey Jr., are immediately dashed by the grim reality of fluorescent lighting and paper hospital slippers. When forced to examine himself, something actually starts to click, and that’s when he finds himself in the worst trouble of all. Because when his 30 days are up, he has to return to his same drunken Manhattan life – and live it sober. What follows is a memoir that’s as moving as it is funny.

Wild

Tender at the Bone

By Ruth Reichl Reichl, editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, discovered at an early age that “food could be a way of making sense of the world…If you watched people as they ate, you could find out who they were.” Her deliciously crafted memoir is the story of a life determined, enhanced and defined in equal measure by a passion for food, unforgettable people and the love of tales well told. ■

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 11

theinterview

Johns Creek mom competes in CBS' ‘The American Baking Competition’ By KATIE VanBRACKLE

katie@northsidewoman.com

n C BS

Top: Darlene Pawlukowsky poses in one of her vintage aprons. Bottom: Host Jeff Foxworthy and “The American Baking Competition’s” 10 contestants. 12 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CBS

hey say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but they may need to make an exception for Darlene Pawlukowsky. The first time was literal. A summer thunderstorm two years ago sent creek water flowing into the lower level of Pawlukowsky’s Johns Creek home. As she stood outside in the rushing water, trying to open the metal sliding door to her basement, a lightning bolt struck, throwing her to the ground and leaving her “fuzzy headed” for days. Surviving a lightning strike caused Pawlukowsky to re-evaluate her life. At age 50, she was in the process of a divorce, starting a new job as a construction project manager and facing an empty nest with only one of her four children still at home. She was also sick, with Darlene Pawlukowsky bakes a pie during the doctors trying to figure out the cause of her televised competition. symptoms. The eventual answer? Stress. Something had to change. Sitting alone in The audition judges were also impressed. a church one day, she asked for guidance. During a casting bake-off in Nashville, Soon thereafter, lightning struck again, Pawlukowsky was chosen as one of 10 this time metaphorically, in the form of a contestants out of thousands who auditioned random grocery store encounter. Attention nationwide. Kroger customers, life-changing moment on “The American Baking Competition,” aisle four. currently airing on CBS at 8 p.m. on While searching for cannellini beans, Wednesday nights, is modeled after a similar Pawlukowsky struck up a conversation with a and very popular television show in Great woman in the soup aisle. Britain. The two shows share a judge, “Her name was Crystal and we Hollywood, one of the U.K.’s W ednes Paulleading . were both interested in baking,” artisan bakers. d m . recalled Pawlukowsky. “I shared Ten contestants, six p phone photos of some of females and four males my cake creations and she of various ages and suggested I try out for a professions, hailing from televised amateur baking all over the United States contest.” compete each week in three After exchanging email challenges: Signature Bake, addresses, Crystal forwarded using the baker’s own tried audition information for CBS’s and true recipes from home; new show, “The American Baking Showstopper Bake where they Competition,” and followed up frequently pull out all the stops; and Technical to prod Pawlukowsky along through the Bake, where the judges provide a recipe, but process. omit certain things such as baking time or “Looking back now, I see that Crystal was ingredient amounts, forcing the contestants to like a guiding angel for me,” said Pawlukowsky. wing it. “I would never have learned about the show Each week, one baker who fails to impress otherwise or had the courage to actually is eliminated and the eventual winner goes audition.” home with $250,000 and a publishing deal for Though not a professional baker by any their own cookbook. means, Pawlukowsky does have some serious Pawlukowsky knew the show would be cooking skills from years of trial and error in filmed in March, but didn’t know where. Would her own kitchen. Known as “Baking Queen she be flown to Los Angeles? New York? Darlene” by her friends, her creative cake As it turns out, she wasn’t flown recipes and designs are legendary among her ► See DARLENE, Page 14 social set.

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 13

theinterview

a recipe from

▼ DARLENE, Continued from Page 12

DEVON MORGAN/PHOTOSYNTHESIS STUDIO

anywhere. She was driven – less than two hours away – to Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Ga., where a portable studio had been created beneath a huge tent on the garden grounds. It wasn’t L.A., but Pawlukowsky looked on the bright side. She could now bring along as many suitcases as she liked. As creative with clothing as she is with her cooking, Pawlukowsky packed colorful 1950s-style dresses and her entire collection of vintage aprons. Though she was close to Johns Creek, there would be no going home and no communication with her kids for one month while filming was in progress. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy, another North Fulton resident, acted as the show’s host and put all of the contestants at ease with his trademark good humor. Pawlukowsky described Foxworthy as “every bit as nice and funny in person as he appears on TV – and that’s something you can’t say about every celebrity.” Because appearing on the show was something of a whim for Pawlukowsky, she never felt terribly nervous about the competition aspect of the show. “It was such an honor to be there and I just felt that what was meant to happen would happen,” she said. “I wanted to do my very best and I welcomed critiques from the judges.” Cooking in front of the cameras took some getting used to. Pawlukowsky describes herself as a

gloriously messy cook. “Oh, I use every pot and pan in the kitchen when I bake,” she said. “And my counter was always the messiest one during the show. The camera man had to move piles of pans out of the way so he could see my face.” Pawlukowsky eventually got used to the cameras and turned her attention to the nuances of cooking with an electric oven (she cooks with gas at home) and her toughest challenge: timing. “At home, I never pay attention to time when I bake. How many of us can

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Darlene Pawlukowsky baked two delicious cakes to feature on the cover of the July issue of Northside Woman. Her recipe for the fruittopped Delicioso Tres Leches Cake is featured on page 30. For Pawlukowsky’s recipes and more details on “The American Baking Competition,” go to: • cbs.com/shows/ american-baking-competition • bakingqueendarlene.com • facebook/BakingQueenDarlene

say we know exactly how many minutes it takes us to bake a cake start to finish? There were no clocks in the studio and I was always running around, panicked that my recipe would not be finished in time.” She learned to improvise – sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. “There’s nothing like trying something for the first time on national television,” she said, laughing. “We all had great bakes and we all had flops. But that’s what makes it fun. It would be boring if we were all pros.” The beauty of the show, Pawlukowsky

says, is that it proves anyone can bake. “Baking is becoming a lost art,” she said. “Hopefully the show will inspire new people, especially kids, to give it a try.” Pawlukowsky is sworn to secrecy about the final results of the competition, which is due to conclude on Wednesday, July 10. But we do know that she won the honorary title of Star Baker during “Bread Week,” wowing the judges with her Twist and Turn Pesto Bread, soft pretzels and apricot-filled croissants. “I really wanted to win Bread Week,” she said. “Breads are Paul Hollywood’s specialty and I wanted to impress him.” Many of the original recipes Pawlukowsky used on the show are available on her new blog, BakingQueenDarlene.com. Life did not slow down after the show finished filming. The first episode of “The American Baking Competition” aired on May 29 and Pawlukowsky’s daughter was married on May 31. Naturally, mom made the cake as well as a dessert buffet for 150. There were gold-dusted brownies, cheesecakes with flowers matching the bridesmaids’ dresses and delicate scalloped cookies iced in white with wedding vows hand-stenciled on each. Pawlukowsky now plans to pursue baking as a career and said her kids have become her biggest cheerleaders. “Probably one of the best things about being on the CBS show was that before, my kids thought that all moms made cakes like I do. Now that I’ve been on TV, they realize that maybe I might have a bit of talent after all!” ■

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goodeats

Vegan Treats in Vickery Village OVR Coffee Café puts focus on taste, health By JESSA PEASE

jessa@northfulton.com

new hot spot in Vickery Village gives the traditional café a makeover. Roswell native Lynette Jean’s OVR Coffee Café serves “mostly Organic, always Vegan and sometimes Raw” treats, hence the unusual name. The menu offers pour-over coffee, fresh juices, smoothies, breakfast items, traditional layer cakes, salads and sandwiches with more ideas on the way. “I don’t really say this is vegan and you should be eating vegan, but you give someone a nice pastry and they ask about it,” Jean said. “I’ve had a great response and most people are very happy.” After studying graphic design and spending 15 years as a graphic artist, Jean’s daughter, Hanna, made Jean realize she enjoyed baking more than sitting in front of a computer. Jean said she decided to make a change and attended Le Cordon Bleu for baking and pastry.

16 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

She found a niche in vegan baking and said she spent about five years perfecting all of her recipes. “I think the menu has a French pastry kind of attitude, because of the school I went to,” Jean said. “I have tried to keep that in mind when I do the cakes and pastries, so that I can give someone something that is beautifully elaborate, but is vegan too.” Because she wants to give people healthy alternative options to foods they enjoy, Jean creates cakes, pastries and coffees for customers who have intolerances to dairy products and eggs. She also makes gluten-free options. “Those customers can come in here and peer over the bar and have anything they want,” Jean said. “It’s really exciting when you see their faces.” Inspiration for recipes comes from Jean’s mother and grandmother, her travels to Europe and her own garden, she said. “Even though people go out of their

► See OVR, Page 18

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 17

goodeats

▼ OVR, Continued from Page 16 way to eat different or ethnic foods, you kind of go back to your roots a lot,” Jean said. “I like tea, so I put it in a lot of my baked goods for flavor. I try to stay as natural as possible with no additives.” After working for caterers and other businesses, Jean wanted to open a small bakery, so she searched for the ideal location in the Vickery Village. “It actually wasn’t a place I had targeted, but when I came by here one night with a friend, I saw the signs in the door, so I checked it out,” Jean said. “The willingness and excitement for what my concept was made me want to be here.” Jean found that 90 percent of the people surveyed in Vickery said a coffee shop was the biggest thing missing there. Serving coffee also meant more research because she had to find a source for fresh beans and figure out how to make the coffee correctly to serve with vegan-friendly milks — oat, almond or soy. OVR coffees use the pour-over technique and are freshly brewed for individual customers. Jean creates her own caramel, vanilla and chocolate syrups. “If you are going to have coffee in your title, you better have really good coffee,” Jean said. “Most people have been satisfied.” One of Jean’s coffees called, “The Munchies,” consists of two shots of espresso, choice of milk and the caramel and vanilla syrups. This drink has done so well that OVR bottles it for sale. Jean plans to expand her menu and work with local caterers and vendors, so she can reach more people. “I would love to do cooking classes with kids,” Jean said. “If I could, it would be really great to open another spot. I love the food truck idea. I even thought about having a food truck with a top that is a garden. I mean, how organic and fun would that be?” ■ Left: “The Munchies,” OVR’s most popular coffee Above, from top to bottom: OVR coffee, Russian tea cakes, Chocolate chip scones and the café interior.

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summer getaway

Celebrate the

nation’s birthday in the

nation’s capital

Washington, D.C., has something for everyone’s interests By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

2 20 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

e arrived in Washington, D.C., well after midnight on a Friday night after a 10-hour drive from Atlanta to find a city too busy to sleep, or turn the lights off. Congress had headed home for a break, and an eclectic group of tourists, visitors, residents and suburbanites had staked claim to the streets that make up the D.C. area. It was quite a contrast in sights driving through the nation’s capital at night…on one hand, the stately monuments and buildings I see on the nightly news were awe-inspiring under the lights. On the other hand, it was Gay Pride Weekend and my kids saw some sights likely not listed in any D.C. tourist guide. I loved the contrast between textbook social studies and real-life social studies, and I just told the kids we weren’t in Alpharetta anymore. I had worked in the D.C. area in my early career, but had not been a tourist in the city since I attended Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1981 as a high school sophomore. Much has changed in three decades, primarily the high level of security that is ever-present and the new

construction that now surrounds the federal buildings and monuments. It’s not necessarily a negative, just a product of the march of time. The National Mall, which stretches from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, no longer holds exclusive center court, but shares the spotlight with younger rivals, including new museums and memorials. For a family, the biggest draw for D.C. is that nearly everything is free. Want to see the giant pandas at the National Zoo? Free. Smithsonian Museums? Free. Behind the scenes tours of the Capitol building? Free. One of the few facilities that charges a fee is the Spy Museum. (Ironically, the story of the National Security Agency (NSA) breach of security broke while we were in D.C.) Okay, so a slice of pizza at the zoo is $9.50, but that is manageable with good planning. The crowds were thick on a weekend in June, but with so many sightseeing options, the wait to get into facilities was minimal. We stayed in a hotel in the center of downtown and could walk to nearly everything from that point. Walking is a necessity in D.C., where the city is laid out like spokes on a wheel and right angles at a traffic stop are rare. Driving a car through the streets of D.C. is a challenge. Driving a Chevy Suburban through the streets of D.C. is a

PHOTO 1: GARY BLAKELEY; PHOTO 4: MIKA MAKELAINEN; PHOTO 5: KIM SEIDL; ALL OTHER PHOTOS: CANDY WAYLOCK

summer getaway

3 6

For a family, the biggest draw for D.C. is that nearly everything is free. Want to see the giant pandas at the National Zoo? Free. Smithsonian Museums? Free. Behind the scenes tours of the Capitol building? Free. death wish! If you do choose to drive a sport utility vehicle and stay in a downtown hotel, make sure they can park your car in their parking lot (most cannot, so you’ll have to find a metered spot along the street). There is not enough time in a four-day visit to see everything available in the nation’s capital —the wish list I came in with was lengthy. But since this was my children’s first time in D.C., we hit the “must sees,” which included the Smithsonian museums, White House (street view only…darn sequester…but my kids got a kick out of seeing the snipers on the roof) and memorials. I would highly recommend signing up for a walking tour of the city. Most are free, with a voluntary donation at the end of the tour, and take about two hours to hit many highlights of the city. On our tour, we started at the Washington Monument, which is still draped in scaffolding as repairs from an earthquake in 2011 are still underway. Then we visited the World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, several other historic sites along the Mall and ended at the

Lincoln Memorial. The background information provided on the tour was the highlight. If you’d rather not hike it, Segway tours seemed to be a popular option, although a bit pricey at $75 per person. It was interesting to see just next door to the White House the massive monument to U.S. Gen. William T. Sherman, who apparently is a hero to the North — but not quite as revered here in the land of grits and honey. I laughed when I saw etched around the base of the monument the many cities in Georgia where he lit a few matches. Before leaving for D.C., I had called my congressman’s office (Rep. Tom Price of Roswell) and reserved a small group tour of the Capitol building. While regular tours are available at the Capitol, a personal tour with an intern from Price’s office was definitely better than shuffling through with 40 strangers. Our guide said it is recommended you call as soon as you know your available dates to arrange for a tour, but last-minute tours can sometimes be arranged depending on the availability of interns. One place that should be on every list of sights to see is Arlington National Cemetery. Originally Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s home, it was acquired during the Civil War and dedicated as a cemetery for our nation’s servicemen and women. Today, more than 400,000 people who served their country rest within the 624 acres of Arlington, including several U.S. presidents. I can think of few cities in the United States where more history, treasures and learning are contained in such a compact, easily accessible package. After four days in D.C., we covered a lot of ground, but there were still so many other offerings that will have to wait till our next visit. ■

1. The White House From Lafayette Square. 2. A view of the National Mall, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. 3. The World War II Memorial to Women. 4. Arlington National Cemetery. 5. The U.S. Capitol. 6. Items ranging from postcards to motorcycles have been left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, simply known as “The Wall.” 7. The Lincoln Memorial. 8. Vintage planes are on display at the Air and Space Museum. 9. Segways offer tourists an alternative to walking tours of D.C.

9 july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 21

takefive

Water safety tips for year~round use

Survival skills can be taught to kids as young as 6 months old

adyne Siegel-Brown has been teaching aquatic survival for 25 years, focusing on water safety and swimming skills for infants, toddlers designated adult is. Switch the designated and young children. As the director adult every 30 to 45 minutes so everyone and principal instructor at SwimKids stays on their toes. of Georgia in Cumming, she has taught 2. Never, ever ever, not for even one children from as young as six months old moment rely on a flotation device of any the skills they need to be safe in water. kind. These “floaties” give parents a false “Over the years, I have received calls sense of security and the child thinks he and letters from parents whose children can swim when he really cannot. have experienced an aquatic accident. 3. Find a program that teaches a Whether at a pool, lake, or hot tub, swim~float~swim method and parents are incredibly relieved give your child the skills to to find that their children recue themselves in case of have saved themselves. The an aquatic incident. lessons really work.” 4. Never, under any Drowning is the circumstance, leave a second leading cause of child unattended in or death among children age around any type of water, 1 to 4 (behind only birth which includes pools, a si d s & t defects). For that reason, bathtubs, sinks or even e w ips for Siegel-Brown encourages all buckets of water. A child can o men parents to make sure their kids are drown in as little as two inches water smart to stay safe. of water. Nothing works as well as Although summer is typically high diligent supervision at all time around the time for swimming activities, Siegelwater. Brown stresses swimming is for life, not 5. Make sure you know CPR, which just summer. Here are her tips to stay safe saves thousands of lives every year, and around the water year round: keep your cell phone or cordless phone 1. Have a designated, qualified adult with you at all times. in charge who knows how to swim and For more information on SwimKids of what to do in the case of an emergency. Georgia, visit www.infantaquatics.com/ Make sure everyone knows who the nadynebrown.htm. ■

e id h fi v e n o r t

22 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 23

unsung‘she’ro

Sherry and Lauren Wallier.

Local teen focuses on raising funds for cerebral palsy Lauren Walier aims to be the voice of the ‘forgotten disability’ By CANDY WAYLOCK

candy@northsidewoman.com

auren Walier has been a fighter since the day she entered the world 15 years ago, weighing just over one pound and arriving about three months earlier than expected. Her mom thinks her early entrance was a sign she just couldn’t wait to make a difference in the world. Although her premature birth resulted in what her mom describes as mild cerebral palsy, Lauren has never allowed her physical limitations to define her. “Lauren is an old soul,” says Sherry Walier. “She fought very hard to be here today and she’s just a phenomenal spirit.” “Indirectly, I’m faced with how others perceive me,” Lauren wrote in an essay describing her life. “Kids at school and people in general always stare at me from head to toe wondering what’s wrong with 24 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

me. Some teachers don’t always get me either or understand my daily struggles because I always smile and work harder than any student in my school to learn and get through the day when I feel like I’m going to fall over because I’m so tired. I have to work hard at everything I do in school and physical therapy, but I will have so many war stories and they are shaping and defining who I am.” Sherry remembers clearly the day the direction of Lauren’s life changed, when her goal became to help others and not focus on her own issues. When Lauren was 7, Sherry had the “Today” show on as background while Lauren played. A segment came on about Alex’s Lemonade Stand, now a national movement that has raised over $55 million for childhood cancer since its inception in 2000. “The segment is over. Lauren comes in and says ‘I want to help Alex’,” recalled Sherry. “I didn’t even think she was

unsung‘she’ro

Above: Joining Lauren Walier (second from left) at a fundraiser at J. Christopher’s Restaurant in Alpharetta are, from left, grandmother Dottie Sieh, friends Shannon Allen, Kiely Gaertner and Brooke Eden and her mother Sherry Walier.

listening. And before I knew it, we were having a lemonade stand.” From that first effort, which raised $700, Lauren has directed her efforts to helping others with cerebral palsy (CP), which Sherry says is the “forgotten disability” with little federal funding and no known cause or cure. “I do feel like giving to others is a part of who I am,” Lauren wrote in her essay. “Unlike some people who have severe CP without a voice, I do have a voice. In wondering ‘why me,’ I have a huge challenge ahead of me. I want to be an ambassador for people who have CP and educate people about CP. My mom says when I open my mouth and speak, my heart shines touching people.” Lauren’s activist spirit was honed when she attended a Reaching for the Stars event two years ago at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta. The organization is dedicated to finding a cure and treatment for CP, and to encourage dedicated federal funding because none exists today. There, she was inspired by the keynote speakers, including the twin brother of movie star Ashton Kutcher who has CP. During a question and answer period, Lauren raised her hand to talk about an experience she had with a therapist, and the lasting impact his words made on her. She recounted years ago during a therapy session that she had asked her therapist if she would always have CP. His point blank, “yes” shook Lauren to the core, said her mother. “He has very rough and matter of fact,” said Sherry. “I told him we’ve never put Lauren in a box and we never let her

Unlike some people who have severe CP without a voice, I do have a voice. In wondering ‘why me,’ I have a huge challenge ahead of me. I want to be an ambassador for people who have CP and educate people about CP.” Lauren Walier, 15 believe that CP defined who she was. We’ve always told her she can do anything in this world she puts her mind to, and that her body is changing all the time, and that is changing her circumstances.” Lauren’s eloquent address to the group gathered at the CDC was magical, said Sherry, and more than a few therapists and audience members came up afterwards to thank her for sharing her experiences, including Michael Kutcher. “I think that day I realized there were bigger things in store for her,” said Sherry. Lauren applied to become an ambassador for Reaching for the Stars, and learned two months ago she was selected as one of 15 children in the U.S. and Canada for the role. “I have a plan,” Lauren wrote. “I want a chance to put it into place. I am driven. I want to put my energy into something that makes a difference. I speak from the heart. Let me change the hearts of others.

I would be truly blessed and honored if I were able to speak for the children in the world who physically cannot. I want to be able to help children with CP who cannot help themselves, whether they are limited physically, emotionally or mentally.” A big part of Lauren’s plan is to raise funds for CP research. She was surprised to learn that CP receives no federal funding for research, although the condition affects 800,000 children in the U.S. Beginning with her first lemonade stand at age 7, she realizes the need for grassroots fundraising. In seventh grade at Northwestern Middle School, she helped organize a Crazy Hair Day to raise not only funds, but awareness of CP. With a nationwide platform as an ambassador for Reaching for the Stars, Lauren has already made a community impact. In June, J. Christopher’s Restaurant in Roswell hosted Lauren’s “Make Lemon

Aide for Cerebral Palsy” fundraiser, which raised more than $1,000, and hosted other fundraisers throughout the month with Lauren at the helm. This month, the Union restaurant in Milton will host a fundraiser each Friday night to raise funds for CP. Sherry thinks these are just the tip of the iceberg of community support for Lauren. “If you were to ask Lauren where she wants to go, she would say to go national and for everyone to join her cause and truly change the circumstances for people with CP,” said Sherry. “And to go back and see that therapist and show him [all that she has accomplished.]” For more information on the Reaching for the Stars organization, visit www.reachingforthestars.org. For more information on Lauren’s fundraiser, visit her Facebook page at Make Lemon Aide for Cerebral Palsy. ■ july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 25

she goes green

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Fresh from the farm to your kitchen table Discover your local farmers market By MARLA PRINCE

n an effort to improve their diets, many Americans are rediscovering local farmers markets, which give consumers access to locally grown, farmfresh produce that is often organically grown. Locally grown offers many benefits to the consumer including fresher food, seasonal food, food that is transported fewer miles, food that has less refrigeration and food that has spent less time in storage. Locally grown also means food that isn’t loaded with toxic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, fungicides or synthetic hormones. But farmers markets don’t just help Americans eat healthier, they also help communities lower their carbon footprint since the food is not transported as far as when it is shipped to grocery stores. Locally grown food also helps the economy by helping farmers stay in business.

Farmers markets can also reflect local culture by selling items other than fruits and vegetables. At some markets, you might find locally raised honey, grass-fed meat, apple cider, free-range eggs, homebaked goods and even arts and crafts. A visit to your farmers market is also a fun family outing where you can chat with farmers, gardeners, bakers, bee-keepers and soap-makers. Northside residents have their pick of weekend farmers markets including the following:

ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays through Oct. 12; 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., the corner of Old Canton Street and Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. Fruits, veggies, natural meats, fresh flowers, herbs, homemade desserts, breads, sauces, jellies and soaps and local raw honey. www.alpharettafarmersmarket.com

RIVERSIDE FARMERS MARKET (ROSWELL)

Saturdays through Sept. 14; 8 a.m. – noon,

Roswell City Hall parking lot, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. Fruits and veggies, herbs, flowers and plants, organic compost, artisan cheeses, organic herbal soaps. www.roswellgov.com

3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. Organic and/or sustainable foods and produce, demonstrations, children’s activities. www.johnscreekga.gov

JOHNS CREEK FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays through Sept. 7; 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Newtown Park,

BROOKWOOD FARMERS MARKET

Every Friday through September; 4 – 7 p.m. Caney Creek Preserve, 2755 Caney Road, Cumming. Locally grown

produce, meat, eggs, bread, flowers, soaps and more. Live music and kids’ activities. Started in 2010 by a local mom. www.brookwoodfarmersmarket.com

CUMMING FARMERS MARKET

Wednesdays and Saturdays through September; 6:30 a.m. – noon. Cumming Fairgrounds parking lot, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. Fresh flowers, veggies, baked goods and more. ■

she goes green

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.

PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTOR: Ann Blevins Ann Blevins serves as Executive Director and Founder of Home Sweet Homeschool. A Christian Academy serving K-4 located in the historical district of Downtown Alpharetta. • Bachelor of Science degree, with high honors, in Early Childhood Education at Reinhardt University. • Taught in both public and private schools over the last twenty years. Call for Summer Camp Details! Home Sweet Homeschool • 678-339-2777 41 Church Street • Alpharetta, GA 30009

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT: Deborah Daniel 2013 marks my 20th year of preparing business and personal tax returns in the North Fulton and Forsyth Communities. In addition to preparing tax returns, we offer a full range of accounting; bookkeeping, payroll and tax planning services including training and set up of Quickbooks for small businesses. Our clients include small business owners and busy professionals that want to know that their tax situation is being given personal attention. Let us worry about your taxes so you do not have to!!! Charter Accounting 1020 Cambridge Square, Ste A • Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-671-0021 • deborah@charteraccounting.com

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 27

herstyle

ll a t i e: F g n le l a ch e h T

S… I H of T

Yes, it CAN all fit! Pack fashionably for a week using just a carry-on bag By LORI WYNNE | Fashionwithflair.com

...into carr a singl y-on e bag.

T fol he flo din w g t er p ech et niq al ue

have a confession: I over-pack. I bring too many clothes on my business trips and vacations. The airlines’ limit of 50 pounds for checked bags is a goal to reach and exceed, in my opinion. Professionally, I help my clients pack efficiently and fashionably for travel. Recently, I decided to take my own advice and pack for a one-week trip to Colorado in a carry-on bag. I planned to visit my family, meet with my accountant and was an overnight guest speaker at a youth camp in the mountains. I needed to look my best, but appropriate for the occasion. I packed clothes for various temperatures and activities. It was in the 90s in the valley, below freezing in the mountains at night. Neutral bottoms and colorful tops paired with statement jewelry kept me from feeling like a martyred minimalist. I had many combinations to choose from. For example, I had a white pencil skirt that I paired with a button-up blouse and wedges for my business meeting. On another day, I wore it with flat sandals and a tee for a more casual look. The trick to making it all fit in the carry-on is the folding technique. Think petals of a flower. Each petal lays open on three sides of the carryon bag. Lay half of the item in the bottom of the

bag. Lay the top half over the side of the bag. Lay the next item over the opposite side of the bag, the third item over the front side of the bag. Now alternately fold in each item one at a time starting with the left side until all items are in the bag. Saves space and causes less wrinkling.

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A few packing tips • • •

herstyle

A merican Realty of Captiva

Use the ribs of the bottom of the bag to hold rolled underwear, tees, swimsuits and pajamas. Place belts and socks inside the shoes. Use the larger outer pocket for laundry and the smaller pocket for cellphone and iPad chargers.

Packing tools I adore •

•

LL Bean toiletry bag. Comes in small, medium and large sizes. I chose the large size to hold my toiletries, separate make-up bag, hair dryer and curling iron. It has a hook to hang in the bathroom. A jewelry organizer with small zippered pouches to keep jewelry scuff free and from getting tangled.

Packing a week’s worth of functional and fashionable outfits and toiletries in a carry-on is definitely possible by using space-saving packing tools and the “flower petal” folding technique. I even had room to bring home some finds from the local thrift shop and stock up on some of my sister-in-love’s famous granola. ■ As a personal wardrobe consultant and owner of Alpharetta-based Fashion With Flair, Lori Wynne’s expert advice helps people look their best. Fashionwithflair.com

Top: Look for a jewelry bag with separate zippered pouches to prevent tangling. Bottom: LL Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag, Large, $39.95, LLBean.com.

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Captiva Island rests in quiet privacy in the Gulf of Mexico. It has become the preferred vacation destination (as well as permanent residence) for well-informed travelers. For Captiva Island offers what few other Florida beaches can: luxurious accommodations in the midst of unspoiled, natural beauty. This is also a favorite spot for Family Reunions, and Captiva was the #1 rated “Romantic Beaches in the U.S. and Nearby” by Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s Editor-at-Large*. We invite you to log on to www.captiva-island.com to check out our December special events and view thousands of photographs of Captiva and its vacation homes, from quaint to awesome. We provide advance travel info for our new and returning visitors to help them plan and arrange their trip: accommodations, leisure activities, ecotours, satellite images of Captiva, history of the islands, local points of interest. Tell us how we can help you at 800-547-0127. We want all our guests to be happy here, which is why we match your needs to our various houses and price ranges. We’ll see that you get the best value and so enjoy your best vacation. And be the first of your friends to “like” us on Facebook.

See you at the beach!

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 29

theinterview

a recipe from DEVON MORGAN/PHOTOSYNTHESIS STUDIO

DELICIOSO TRES LECHES CAKE From DARLENE PAWLUKOWSKY www.bakingqueendarlene.com • • • • • • • • • • • •

1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 6 eggs 1 cup sugar ¼ cup water 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 – 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 1 – 13 oz. can evaporated milk 3 cups heavy cream 1/3 – ½ cup sifted powdered sugar Fresh fruit for garnish

reheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x3-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl. Mix the eggs and sugar in a stand mixer and beat on high speed for about five minutes, or until the volume has doubled.

Reduce the speed to low and add one teaspoon vanilla and the water. Mix well. Gently fold the flour mix into the egg mix. Pour the batter into the springform pan and bake 30 to 40 minutes. It’s done when the center is firm and the cake starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes and then flip upside down onto a plate. Release the springform pan. If the bottom sticks to the cake, just use a knife or small spatula inserted around the edge till it comes off. Turn the cake so it is right side up and place on your serving plate/platter but make sure it has a lip, to hold the milk. Cut off the top skin of your cake. When your cake is cooled, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and one cup of the heavy cream, and two teaspoons of the vanilla. Using a pick or long skewer, poke holes all over the cake. This is so the cake absorbs more of

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the milk. Slowly pour or spoon the milk mixture all over the top of the cake and allow it to soak in. Keep pouring more mixture on top till it absorbs. You may have a tad more than you need, depending on how much the cake soaks up. Refrigerate the cake till ready to serve. When you are ready to serve the cake, place two cups of the heavy whipping cream in a chilled bowl and mix on medium. Add one teaspoon vanilla and the sifted powdered sugar, a little at a time, to taste, till stiff peaks form. Spread whipping cream all over top and sides of cake. On my cake, I spread the top with cream, piped simple vertical lines along the side and garnished with halved strawberries, sliced kiwi and blueberries. You can use any fruit that is in season, such as peaches. ■ Read Darlene Pawlukowsky's story on page 12

woman's best friend

Pet of the Month

spen is a handsome young cat with beautiful fur and an outgoing personality. He loves dogs, other cats and kids. He was found trapped in a closet at a rest stop and was brought to Cats in the Cradle Rescue for a second chance at happiness. Although Aspen is a special-needs kitty with feline leukemia, he has a clean bill of health and will likely have many more years of good health. Aspen is litter-boxed trained, up to date on vaccinations and ready to find his forever home. For more information on Aspen or to adopt him, please contact Cats in the Cradle Rescue at citcrescue@yahoo.com. ■

“Step by step, they’ve walked through life never wanting to depend on anyone. Strong and decisive, my parents have carried that philosophy to the very end. What a blessing to know the choices were theirs.”

“Now we can help you help them.”

Preplanned Funeral Arrangements

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 31

10 things that confuse me today By ELEXIS HAYS

andapossuminthedishwasher.com

1.W

hy a dog will stand and bark for 20 minutes at a napkin ring that has rolled under the table in the dining room until I come and tell him it’s okay, I see it. Then it is, apparently, fine.

2. Why the Goose can drink six Mountain Dews a day, a sleeve of cookies and three giant meals and remain slim while I exist on two celery sticks, one saltine and one chardonnay. Seems downright unchivalrous.

5. Why a woman, with H1N1, a throbbing ovarian cyst and a mortal shaving injury can still do six loads of laundry, find tights that match her daughter’s outfit, mentally locate her teenaged son anywhere in the cosmos at any given second, run five miles uphill and still keep her home smelling like lemons while a man can sneeze and take to the bed, moaning and crying for soup like he enjoyed from a dented discounted can when he lived with his mother, and no one even questions it.

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sheblogs

6. Why someone can’t find an earth changing use for those “silk” ficus trees from the 80s. Everyone had one; some had two. No one has them now. There must be a giant “silk” ficus forest somewhere. Could they be used in prisons? I think this is a thought for our representatives.

3. Why people are interested @ c editor an. nor in celebrities. I don’t get it. When thsidewom I have been forced to watch TMZ, I don’t know anyone except Donny Osmond 7. Why do we continually allow and Cher. How do people keep up with these everyone to think for us? My car tells me when HoneyJerseyHousewifeyboo people and WHY? Isn’t and how to back up, my appliances tell me what life interesting enough right outside our doors, if not they’re thinking, 20/20 tells me how large my meal quite as trashy? from McDonald’s should be, my government tells me everything else. My inner rebellious princess is 4. Why anyone enjoys Christmas at all. It seems getting pretty tired of it all. Am I normal? Isn’t anyone like a big ol’ mess to me. else feeling like they want to be a little, I don’t know,

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3719 Old Alabama Rd. | Johns Creek, GA 30022 678-867-0310 | www.accentrics-home.com 32 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

sheblogs deviant? I may have to roll someone or something. Graffiti anyone? 8. Why do strangers sometimes call me “hon?” Sounds snippy, I know, but it makes me really cranky. The Goose gets nervous when a waitress directs a “hon” toward me. My gentleman neighbor calls me “little princess” and I’m good with that. “Hon,” however, makes me want to snap my gum and order chili and black coffee from a woman named Flo. I just don’t like it. 9. Gravity. I include this for my daughter, who worries about me and my DeKalb County education. As evidenced in a conversation with her recently, “Gravity, it just don’t make sense.” 10. How is it that a house that looked sparkly and clean in the morning can look like a crack house by 6:30 in the evening? In a direct link to No. 9, is it possible there are small gravity deposits under the floor and on the bench in the mudroom, under the counters, under every surface within 30 feet of the door that would cause people to throw down their mail, books, scarves, jackets, cups still full of red colored drinks, shoes, bras (!?!) or anything they wanted out of their cars and LEAVE them there until they are put away. Bowls and plates of food NEXT TO THE SINK! Does anyone every wonder how they get put away? People today are too soft, brought up with fairy tales and elves. I think family members need to be told the truth about the chore fairy, shown a picture of her haggard self, low on Botox and hair color, pajamas held up by one

Every time a cup is placed in the dishwasher, a chore fairy loses a wrinkle. I do believe, I do. remaining strand of elastic, swollen eyes from wine and salty food consumption. Show them the real truth, the crime scene photos, the haggard mess the chore fairy has become and maybe, just maybe, we can save the chore fairy. Every time a cup is placed in the dishwasher, a chore fairy loses a wrinkle. I do believe, I do. ■ Elexis Hays is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who lives on a farm in Cumming with her husband Buddy (a.k.a. The Goose), daughter Amelia (a.k.a. Cricket), son Shep and WAY too many animals. Her blog: andapossumin thedishwasher.com.

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 33

herhealth

Pain in your back? Robotic spine surgery offers unparalleled precision By DEBBIE KEEL

North Fulton Hospital CEO

pine surgery is a complicated procedure and one of the most common answers for the millions of Americans suffering from back pain. It is not, by any means, the only answer. But if and when the time comes that it is something you must look into, like most women, you will likely have a long list of questions before choosing your physician and hospital. If you have back pain, have tried everything else and now it’s finally time to see the spine surgeon, I have a question for you to put on your list to ask him or her. Do you do robotic spine surgery? If they are among the eight spine surgeons that work at North Fulton Hospital, their answer will be yes. It’s one of those eight that you should choose. Why? Simply because robotic spine surgery is the most precise technology available if that spine surgeon has to place

any pins or screws into your spine. Your spine is unique, and by using a three-dimensional model of your spine, the Mazor robot helps your surgeon carefully and precisely plan your surgery before even entering the operating room. Then, during your procedure, the robot allows your surgeon to perform the procedure with unparalleled precision. North Fulton Hospital and its spine surgeons will begin doing Mazor robotic spine surgery this month. If you would like to hear more about the technology, see if you may be a candidate and possibly get a physician referral, call 770-751-2600. You can also log onto www.NorthFulton PainAndSpine. com for detailed information about the Mazor Renaissance robot. ■ Debbie Keel ►

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34 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

give it a whirl

ThermaCELL Patio Lantern keeps bugs at bay

love the great outdoors – from an indoor vantage point. I draw mosquitoes like bees to honey, so during the warm weather months you will find me indoors, or drenched in bug spray when I am forced to venture out. We have a nice deck and screened in porch, but I’m still reluctant to join my husband for an evening glass of wine for fear I’ll be scratching and miserable in no time. I came across this insect-repelling lantern, with the promise of keeping my deck bug-free, so I thought I would give it a whirl.

The Product ThermaCELL Patio Lantern – a mosquito-repelling lantern that doubles as an outdoor lantern. $22.99 – $31.99. Available at major retailers and at www.mosquitorepellent. com.

The Promise The “best option” for keeping mosquitoes away, by providing a 15x15-foot mosquito-free zone. Tested and used by the Department of Defense and the United States Army, the product is non-toxic, DEET-free and kid and pet friendly.

The Test What better test of the lantern then during a muggy June night after a torrential downpour? I was surprised to find the lantern was a bit smaller than I envisioned, but went with the “good things come in small packages” frame of mind. It took just a bit of time to follow the detailed 15-step

instructions (and find batteries since none were included), but it was up and running in no time. While it warmed up (it takes about 10 minutes to fully activate), I braved the outdoors and heard the unmistakable sound of mosquitoes gearing up for a meal. The lantern uses “allethrin,” which is an artificial version of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers — nature’s own bug repellent. The wonderful part is there was no smell of citronella (which seems to be the standard in bug repellent) and always a lovely addition to an outdoor meal. While the marketing materials say the lantern provides “ambient lighting,” that’s a bit of a stretch, at least for the smaller version I tested. I would say it’s more along the lines of a nightlight, but was still a very nice addition to my patio and the other candles I had burning.

The Results Honestly, mosquito free for the hour I spent outside. I smelled just the slightest hint of something coming from the lantern, felt the heat from the butane charge, so I know it was working, and seemed to keep the bugs at bay. My cat found it irresistible as well, so she curled up beside it most of the evening. I have always been a bit skeptical of the bug-free promises, but using this lantern did provide me a bite-free night outdoors. The lantern runs about 12 hours on each charge, so for long-term use you will need to order supplies on a continual basis.

The Rating

Three out of four stars. ■

—By Candy Waylock

Who is your favorite

Do you know an Unsung She’ro who works tirelessly? A fabulously creative artist, author or musician? Talented teacher or mentor? Successful businesswoman or entrepreneur? Outstanding athlete or fitness guru?

Or a best friend, mom or neighbor with an inspiring, funny or touching story to share?

We want to hear from you!!

Northside Woman is all about celebrating and connecting the amazing women who live in the North Fulton and South Forsyth communities of Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek and Cumming – helping you get to know your neighbors and build business and social networks which allow women to support and encourage each other. Please share your story ideas with our staff by emailing Editor Katie VanBrackle at katie@northsidewoman.com.

july2013 | northsidewoman.com | 35

herhealth

Cardio addicts beware… Your cardio-only workout is making you fatter By CAROLYN ASPENSON

he human body is designed to survive, and energy is key to survival. The use and storage of that energy is managed through metabolism, an efficient bodily function that changes as needed. By the way, our biggest energy source is stored fat. The body is not wasteful by nature and when we consistently do something it views as an energy waster, like that regular morning run or stint on the elliptical, it finds a way to compensate. Our body adjusts our metabolism to conserve energy. What does that mean? It means our body slows down during regular cardio sessions so it can save as much body fat as possible. And it gets worse. Not only does our body use less stored fat during exercise, it uses less the rest of the day, too. When metabolism slows, it doesn’t just slow for the cardio session. But wait, that’s not all. The body views energy wasting as stressful and when the body feels stress, it releases a nasty hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol is your muscles’ worst nightmare. It breaks down proteins and inhibits tissue growth, two components necessary for muscle growth and maintenance. If you don’t have muscle, what do you have? Fat. Flab. The jiggles. Thunder thighs. A muffin top. See where I’m going with this? The body views excess cardio as a stressor and stress causes the body to store fat and break down muscle so... excessive amounts of steady cardio are making you fat or worse yet, fatter. Now that I’ve told you the problem, what’s the solution? That’s simple. Cut the constant cardio and build some muscle. Muscles require more energy to function than fat does, so the more muscle you have, the more fat you’ll burn. The most efficient way to eliminate fat is to increase your body’s muscle mass. You can do that through boot camps or classes that focus on compound exercises like lunges, squats and push-ups. Intense exercise sessions in short bursts are key. If the work out is hard, there’s no reason to go for longer

than an hour, which is usually when cortisol levels spike anyway. I’m not saying give up the cardio completely. I’m simply saying cut back and add muscle-building exercises to your routine. The key is to keep your body guessing instead of letting it adjust to something regular. Still not sure? Check out the women around you. Notice who does nothing but run and compare her to the woman who goes to boot camp a few times a week. The difference in their bodies will surprise you. ■ Carolyn has been a fitness and nutrition enthusiast for over 15 years. She holds certifications from nationally recognized organizations in both fitness and nutrition. Email her at craspen@ comcast.net.

herbeauty

eyes!

o h t se t a B

Get instant glamour with easy-to-apply false lashes BY CYNTHIA MORRISON EIKE Visage Designs by Cynthia, LLC

alse lashes are all the rage right now and they aren’t just for the red carpet anymore! Here are some tips for achieving that Hollywood look effortlessly. ► Choose lashes based on the effect you want and the shape of your eye. Longer, denser strip lashes give more drama where individual lashes look elegant but natural. Ardell makes both kinds out of human hair in all sorts of lengths, but many cosmetic companies offer their own lashes as well. Strip lashes on a clear base are easier to blend into your own lash line than the dark strips (try Ardell Natural Lash Black in 110 or 108), and Ardell Knot-free Individual Lashes in medium and short flare lengths are least detectable ($3 – $7). My favorite adhesive is Ardell’s Duo Lash Adhesive in Clear 36 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

($6). It’s waterproof and dries from white to clear so you’ll know where they sit and when they’re set. This can be used for both kinds of lashes for light duty (one day or evening). If you want to keep them on for a couple of days, the adhesive sold with the Duralash Individual Lash Kit works well ($10), but must be removed with an oily eye makeup remover. (Be extra careful removing this adhesive!) ► After curling your lashes and applying your eye makeup and liner, remove lashes from their base and premeasure the lashes by holding them up to your lashline (before applying glue). Trim off a couple of bunches of lashes (using cuticle scissors) from the inner or outer edges to fit your eye, depending on the length and effect you want. Loosen the strip lash by bending it a few times or remove individual lashes with tweezers near the base. Apply a thin strip of glue from the tube or dip individual lashes into

a drop of glue and let it set for 60 seconds before applying it to your lash line. Apply strips (with tweezers or fingers) from the inner corners out and individual lashes (with tweezers) from the outer corners in. Be sure to get them right onto your own lid and lash line and hold in place for 15 to 20 seconds before adjusting the angle of the lash upwards. When the white glue has dried clear, touch up liner then apply mascara on your natural lashes while blending it into the false lashes. ► Be sure to remove your lashes by holding a cotton pad soaked with eye makeup remover (like Almay Longwear and Waterproof Eyemakeup Remover Pads – $6) over them for 60 seconds.

Sweep them away, remove any extra glue, wash them in a gentle shampoo (baby shampoo works great) and store them on the form they came in until the next time. With proper care, three to five applications are possible. A little practice (and patience) and you’re on your way to instant glamour! ■ Cynthia has been a makeup artist for more than 25 years. She provides makeup application services through Visage Designs by Cynthia. visagedesigns@ gmail.com.

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todo

FOURTH of JULY FESTIVITIES Alpharetta

Fireworks and Festivities at Wills Park 6 – 10 p.m. July 4. Celebrate Independence Day with family and friends at Wills Park. Children’s activities and local entertainment will be on the lawn behind the Alpharetta Community Center from 6 – 9 p.m. Food vendors will be located throughout the park from 6 – 10 p.m. Spectacular fireworks begin at dusk rain or shine. Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com

JULY

Fifteen at the Queen Celebration 4 – 8 p.m. Queen of Hearts Antiques in Alpharetta celebrates 15 years of business with food by Shane’s Rib Shack and entertainment by the Jazz Jones Legacy. 670 North Main St., Alpharetta. queenofheartsantiques-interiors.com

Ale Yeah Beer Tastings at Barrington Hall 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Local craft beer merchant Ale Yeah presents two sessions of beer tastings with complimentary desserts. $10 admission includes a pass for a daytime tour of Barrington Hall. Advanced reservations required. Call 770992-2246. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell.

All-American Celebration with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra 8 p.m. July 5 . The ASO presents a program of patriotic songs, beloved anthems and sing-alongs capturing the heart of freedom. The evening will conclude with a post-concert finale featuring soaring fireworks. Tickets: $15 – $45. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. www.vzwamp.com

Beyoncé at the Arena at Gwinnett Center ▲ 8 p.m. The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour promises to be singer/entertainer Beyoncé’s most ambitious undertaking to date with critics praising her energetic stage show. Tickets begin at $48 through Ticketmaster. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. www.gwinnettcenter.com

13 Milton

Fourth of July Parade ▲ 10 – 11 a.m. July 4. Everyone is invited to decorate their bikes, wagons and pets for a stroll through downtown Crabapple during the fourth annual Fourth of July Parade sponsored by the Crabapple Community Association. Led by Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood, the route begins at McFarlin Lane and ends behind Olde Blind Dog. Awards will be given to outstanding parade participants. Register online. crabapplecommunityassociation.org

Cumming

Fireworks at the Fairgrounds July 3 – 4 . Bring your lawn blanket July 3 at 6 p.m. for a live band, inflatables, food, fireworks and an all-age dance contest. No admission or parking fee. On July 4, enjoy the famous Steam Engine Parade at 10 a.m. including steam engines, antique tractors, cars and floats. Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. www.cummingfair.net 38 | northsidewoman.com | july2013

Snow Tubing in Milton 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. It’s Christmas in July in the city of Milton. Snow Kings’ movable mountain will allow kids and adults to slide down run after run of smooth, refreshing snow — no jacket required! Enjoy other fun activities including a bounce house, face painting and crafts. Part of Milton’s Flicks and Flurries summer fun series. Friendship Community Park, 12785 Birmingham Highway, Milton. www.cityofmiltonga.us

Riverside Farmers Market 8 a.m. – Noon. Held every Saturday until Sept. 14. Buy locally grown farm-fresh veggies, fruit and berries, fragrant herbs, flowers and plants, organic compost, artisan cheeses, organic herbal soups and more. Roswell City Hall parking lot, 38 Hill St., Roswell. www.roswellgov.com Roswell Ghost Tour 8:30 p.m. Bring your leashed pet along to protect you on a spooky tour of Roswell’s most haunted spots led by an experienced paranormal investigator. Not recommended for small children. Tour fee is $15 per adult, $10 for children (12 and under), not including guide gratuity. Meet in the Roswell Town Square, flashlight in hand. www.roswellghosttour.com

“Jack the Giant Slayer” Movie off Main in Alpharetta 8:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets or chairs to view a large screen movie at dusk on Old Roswell Street behind SmokeJack in downtown Alpharetta. Pre-show festivities will begin one hour prior with music, kids’ activities and theater-style concessions. You can also carry-out dinner from downtown restaurants including SmokeJack and La Casa. www.awesomealpharetta.com

Keith Urban concert in Alpharetta 7 p.m. Urban's Light The Fuse Tour also features Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. www.vzwamp.com

AUGUST

Friday Night Dive-In at the Pool in Alpharetta 7:30 p.m. Bring your floats and enjoy a family movie on the big screen at the Alpharetta City Pool at Wills Park. The movie will begin at dusk. Pool admission is $3 per person. In case of inclement weather, call 678-297-6107. 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com

Alive After Five in Roswell 5 p.m. Be part of the street party that gained Canton Street official

HOWLpharetta Ghost Tour ▲ 8 p.m. Enjoy a fully narrated walking ghost tour of downtown Alpharetta including stories of historical events and recent actual spooky encounters. Tours last one-and-a-half hours to two hours long and are held every Friday and Saturday night. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Buy $15 tickets online. alpharettatours.com

Looking Ahead

Waller Under the Pines at Matilda’s 8 p.m. Enjoy the easygoing, Southern folkinfused sounds of Waller under the pines at Matilda’s Cottage in Alpharetta. Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic fare, even your dog on a leash for a relaxed evening of entertainment. Purchase $15 tickets at the door. Kids 16 and under free with adult. Matilda’s Cottage, 377 South Main St., Alpharetta. www.matildascottagemarket.com Flying Colors Butterfly Festival Noon – 5 p.m. Enjoy live butterfly releases and encounters, arts and crafts, a butterfly costume parade and more at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell. $12 admission. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. www.chattnaturecenter.org

through Aug. 11. “Treasure Island” is a swashbuckling tale of skullduggery upon the high seas featuring the infamous Long John Silver, perhaps the most famous hero-villain of all time. Recommended for ages 8 and up. $25 for adults, $20 for children 17 and under. The Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. www.playhousecumming.com

ACT1 Theater presents “Give My Regards to Broadway” ▲ 7:30 p.m. Shows continue through Aug. 11. Combine great show tunes with a sparkling story and you have a toe-tapping musical in the true tradition of “42nd Street,” an audience pleaser for sure. $18 tickets may be ordered online. ACT1 Theater is located inside Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta. www.act1theater.com Jazz Beneath the Stars at Chukkar Farm 8 p.m. Hear music in the tradition of Chicago/New York, BG Quartet, West Coast, New Orleans jazz bands and combos. General admission $25; tables for four are $120; tables for eight are $240. Chukkar Farm, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. www.atlantajazzparty.com

Roswell

Fireworks Extravaganza 5:30 p.m. July 4. Roswell’s 14th annual Fireworks Extravaganza kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with carnival games and activities and food by Shane’s Rib Shack. Stage performances include Big Biscuit at 6 p.m. and Banks and Shane at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks display begins at dusk. Roswell High School, 11595 King Road, Roswell. www.roswellgov.com

designation as a Georgia Great Street. Enjoy live music, outside vendors and extended retail hours, face painting, free trolley and more. www.aliveafterfiveroswell.com

3 25

“Treasure Island” at the Cumming Playhouse ▲ 8 p.m. Shows continue

Old Soldier’s Day Parade and Road Race 5K and 10K races begin at 7 a.m. at Wills Park behind the pool. Email athleticprograms@alpharetta.ga.us for details. The Old Soldier’s Day Parade begins with a program at 10 a.m., followed at 10:30 a.m. by a classic parade of floats, marching bands, military units, classic cars, clowns, music and candy. 2 South Main Street, downtown Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com

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Now Offering Robotic Spine Surgery Recovering from spine surgery can put your normal routine on hold. Spine surgery with Mazor Robotics at North Fulton Hospital enables us to perform procedures with less pain and fewer incisions, pinpointing the exact location with extreme accuracyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;using minimally invasive surgery with less radiation. And minimally invasive surgery allows you to be discharged sooner and return to your normal daily routine faster. So maybe that family vacation is closer than you think.

www.northfultonpainandspine.com

40 | northsidewoman.com | july2013