woman
MARCH|APRIL 2023 • ISSUE 12 • COMPLIMENTARY
FAYETTE'S LEADING
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY PRACTICE The Women's Specialists of Fayette comprise a healthcare team that understands that women have special healthcare needs throughout their lives. Our specialists are trained in the field of women's medicine which includes obstetrical and gynecological services such as pregnancy care, family planning needs and counseling, annual examinations, and minor office surgical procedures. In addition, specialized care is available in areas such as high risk pregnancy and gynecological/urogynecological surgery
William T. Cook, M.D.
Marlo Carter, M.D.
Matthew Ralsten, M.D. Nicole E. Quinn, M.D. Yvonne Conaway, N.P.
wsfayette.com 1267 Hwy. 54 West, Suite 3200, Fayetteville (Inside Piedmont Fayette Hospital) 770-632-9900
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SOUTHERN WOMAN
Hey
Y'all! It’s that time of year! Spring is right here upon us! Time for planning things to do outside and gearing up for summertime right around the corner. I have always loved this time of year! We are excited to announce that Southern Woman will be taking to the roads locally and nationally! We can’t wait to share all the new memories we will be making with good folk from all over! We have had many of you wanting us to offer a Southern Woman Cookbook! We will have our very first edition this November! Just in time to give as Christmas gifts. Does your family have any special recipes passed down to you? We would love to hear from y’all and you may submit them to southernwomanmag@gmail.com.
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I want to take this time to thank all of you for your continued support and for passing along the sweetest compliments we have heard. We truly value your opinions and ideas for future content! Let’s all get ready for a beautiful spring and be sure to support our local businesses and farmers' markets around. Always give when you can...kindness sure goes a long way.
Be Blessed,
Melanie Denney-Haas Publisher, Owner
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
In This Issue 2 4 5 8 16 20 26 30 36 38 42 46
Reflections Publisher's Letter Table of Contents simmer and sip - make time for tea meet a southern woman - Denise Jude get outside - historic local landmarks Hawaii's Big Island - Food, Culture, Art All About The Flavor - Wedding Cakes & Treats A Guide To Essential Oils RG Fitness and the Ripped Goddess Effect Five Easy Tips To Pump Up Your Curb Appeal Designing The Perfect Garden Shed
March/April 2023
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woman
SOUTHERN Publisher Melanie Denney Haas melanie.southernwoman@gmail.com
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Creative Director Mandy Inman mandy.southernwoman@gmail.com Editorial Contributors Bonnie Helander, Deena Attia
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what's up? Coming In November SOUTHERN WOMAN COOKBOOK You asked and we are thrilled to deliver! Just in time for Christmas gifting! Pull out those family recipes and send us your favorites to:
southernwomanmag@gmail.com
SIMMER AND SIP
make time for tea By Annie Singh-Quern My love for tea began when I was a little girl. My grandma, aunts, and my mom took afternoon breaks from the humdrum of the day to drink tea. Grandma adorned the dining room table with her hand-made crocheted tablecloth. Next came the made-from-scratch scones with clotted cream and tiny sandwiches filled with homemade jam. I waited impatiently for the ladies to sit, then I climbed into the chair right next to my grandma’s - kneeling, with elbows off the table, so I could watch the magic happen … My grandmother poured hot water over loose tea leaves in a small sieve placed over the teapot. She added a dollop of sweet thick milk to transform the clear
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liquid into a silky aromatic caramel color. Grandma always made the first pour, without a spill, into the dainty porcelain cup - just for me. A sip of the liquid goodness and a nibble of a scone …I was now a princess among queens. My tea-sipping days were put on pause as a young adult. Coffee was more accessible and I felt that I could just go through the drive-through to get a cuppa and be on my way. Later, as a mom with young ones, life became even busier, and I didn’t have time for either coffee or tea. Then one day, I realized that I needed to slow down so I wouldn't crash, and I reached - almost instinctively - for tea. The rest is history as they say. Tea drinking has now become a daily ritual for me. When I feel stressed, I drink tea. When all is quiet at night, I make myself a cup of tea. In bed, with a book, a cup of tea sits beside me. Maybe it’s the act of brewing the tea, the warm silky goodness of a perfect cup, or the nostalgia of fifty years or all of it. Regardless, I hope you can indulge in a cup or two, alone or with friends.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea Have you ever made a cup of tea that tasted bitter? The key to great tea drinking is making the perfect cup of tea. Whether you prefer a bag of tea or loose tea, always start with a pot (or kettle, preferably) of cold water. Bring water to a boil* and then remove the kettle from the stove (overboiling the water could hasten the natural brewing time and make for a less-than-perfect cup of tea).
Throughout history, tea has been linked to a variety of health benefits, short-term and long-term. While the art of tea drinking has its own pluses, others are associated with the key ingredients in tea leaves, and how they are processed after cultivation.
green tea Fresh tea leaves are heated or steamed to produce green tea. Caffeinated. Contains antioxidants that may boost heart health to lower blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Matcha is a fine green tea powder; it is considered potent as it contains more antioxidants than regular green tea.
black tea Tea leaves are “oxidized,” dried and fermented. Richer flavor than green tea. Contains the highest level of caffeine of all teas. May have heart-associated benefits. Steam, cool and press tea-soaked pad on minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Use 1 tea bag per cup or 1-2 teaspoons of loose tea per cup. To prepare a cup of tea using loose leaves, add about 1-2 teaspoons into the tea strainer, set the strainer over your cup, and let the hot water flow over the strainer into your cup. When using a tea bag to make tea, let it steep in the heated water according to the recommended times (white tea takes less time to brew, while black tea takes longer). For a personalized taste, add cold milk (whole or condensed) and/or sugar (or honey) to the tea. Stir slowly to prevent the tea from cooling too fast.
of tea
white tea Delicate flavor. Low caffeine content. Least processed tea variety. May fight off various forms of cancer. Could help with healthy teeth.
herbal tea Blend of herbs, spices, fruits, roots, and other plants in addition to tea leaves. No caffeine.
Recommended Brew Times Green 2 mins Black 3-5 mins White 1-2 mins Herbal 3-4 mins
Chamomile tea (may improve sleep and relaxation, and reduce stress). Peppermint (may soothe an upset stomach). Ginger (may aid with morning sickness and help relieve joint pain). Hibiscus (may lower high blood pressure). Other varieties include: ginkgo biloba, ginseng, jasmine, rosehip, mint, rooibos, and echinacea.
March/April 2023
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10 Ways to Throw a
TEA-RIFFIC TEA PARTY
Tea parties could be a wonderful way to get dressed up, be with friends, and slow down the frenzy of the day.
Send out hand-written (try cursive) invites. Use textured paper of various colors and textures.
Set up your tea party outside among nature. Try under a shaded tree or backyard patio.
Make a fun centerpiece; use teapots as vases, and light candles to create the perfect ambiance.
Hand-write your guests’ names on place cards to make your guests feel even more special.
Get dressed up; wear big hats, lovely sundresses, fun shoes, and colorful shades.
Use your inside voice while speaking, and table etiquette when dining.
Make mini desserts (such as scones, macarons, tarts, and sandwiches), and layer them on a cake stand.
Play background music (jazz or classical) that soothes and inspires. Add a bit of trivia to the party to get your guest to know each other better. Place it in an envelope, then share. Take photos (candid and posed) for memories. Use some as your next invitation.
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Tea Trivia Tea is obtained from the plant Camellia sinensis. Tea leaves contain antioxidants called flavonoids. Tea contains less caffeine than coffee.
TEA HOUSES IN GEORGIA Don’t have the time to throw a tea-riffic party? Gather a few friends and make a trip to these tea houses in Georgia for the perfect girls’ getaway. Remember to call ahead to make a private-party reservation so that the proprietor can arrange a memorable event for you and your guests.
Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party 1645 McLendon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307
China is the birthplace of tea, dating back to 2732 B.C.; the Dutch and Portuguese brought tea to Britain, and the British brought tea to the U.S. Afternoon Tea in Britain is served between breakfast and evening meal among the elite ladies. High Tea is served later, around 6 pm, with a full dinner, and is enjoyed by “the working class.” The infamous Boston Tea Party was not a party at all, but rather a part of a series of events that lead to the beginning of the American Revolution. Tea bags were developed in the U.S.; so was iced tea. Americans consume billions of iced tea each year.
Brooklyn Tea 329 Nelson Street SW Atlanta, GA 30313 Just Add Honey Tea Company 684 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue Atlanta, GA 30312 The Cafe on Lumpkin 1700 South Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30606 Chelsea’s on Thornton 501 S Thornton Ave Dalton, GA 30720
March/April 2023 11
Classic Recipes
FOR YOUR TEA! Clotted Cream Preheat oven to lowest setting (around 180 F).Pour heavy whipping cream into a 9x13 glass pan. Cover tightly with foil. Put the pan in the oven for about 12 hours until the top is lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool. Move to the fridge for at least 12 hours until cream is solid. Scoop into a jar and serve with scones or anything else.
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CLASSIC SCONES 4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar (fine, not coarse.) 2 tablespoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/3 cup half and half cream 2 eggs
These Best Ever Classic Scones are the perfect tender, flaky scones made with real butter - with pro tips for the perfect homemade scones! Top with clotted cream and your favorite fruit jam for a sweet treat!
1 cup unsalted butter cold from the fridge For the egg wash: 1 egg 2 tablespoons water
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet or two (depending on how large your baking sheets are) by lining them with parchment paper. Set aside. In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix well with a fork or a whisk. In a liquid measuring cup, measure the cream and add the eggs. Whisk together using a fork and set aside. The next few steps should be done quickly, as you're working with cold butter and you want the butter to be as cold as possible when it hits the heat of the oven. This will result in a flaky scone, rather than a heavy and dense one. Cut up your butter, right from the fridge, into little pieces and dump it into the flour mixture. Using your hands (wash them well first and remove any rings), pick up handfuls of the butter and flour mixture, rubbing the pieces of butter and the flour between the heels of your hands to create "sheets" of butter. You should act quickly here, and don't allow the pieces of butter to sit in your hands for any length of time as the heat from your hands will cause it to soften. The goal is to create paper-thin pieces of butter, small and large throughout the mixture. Once there are no thick chunks of butter remaining, only thin sheets, remove your hands from the mixture. Hands equal heat, so handle the mixture as little as possible.
Pour in the wet ingredients and mix roughly with a fork. Do not over mix, or the result will be heavy and dense. Once the wet ingredients have been incorporated but there are still several streaks of flour, turn the dough out onto a clean and floured counter surface. Press the dough down into the counter and then fold one half over the other half like you are folding a piece of paper. Press down again and make another fold. Repeat this 2 or 3 more times, gathering any outlying dough bits and flour into your folds. Don't knead the dough like you would if you were making bread, and don't stir or mix the dough like you would if you were making muffins. Scones are technically a pastry, so the goal is flaky layers that are created by the thin sheets of butter and all the folding. Once your dough is formed after folding several times, shape it into a rectangle about 1 3/4 to 2 inches thick (approximately). Again, be careful not to handle the dough too much, so a few little cracks here and there are fine. Cut out circles of dough using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a class or jar. Arrange the circles of dough on the parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the egg wash (whisk together the egg and water). You'll need to re-shape the leftover dough to form another rectangle - do this carefully and gently, without adding much extra flour if possible. The less you handle the dough, the more tender and flaky the scones will be. Cut out the remainder of the scones until you have about 10-12 in total. Bake for about 15-18 minutes just until barely golden brown and the surface of the scones lose their shine. Let them cool for 3-5 minutes on the baking sheet. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. March/April 2023 13
STRAWBERRY CHICKEN SALAD TEA SANDWICHES 12 slices firm white sandwich bread, such as
3 cups Chicken, cooked 3 Celery, ribs 3/4 cup Cucumber 6 Green onions, small 1/2 cup Red bell pepper 3/4 cup Mayonnaise 1/2 tsp Black pepper, ground 1 tsp Garlic salt 1/2 tsp Salt 84 slices White bread or whole wheat
Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Style
bread, fresh
2½ cups chopped cooked chicken, pulled from
2 (8 ounce) packages Cream cheese
a rotisserie chicken 1 cup chopped strawberries ½ cup chopped toasted pecans ⅓ cup chopped celery ¼ cup chopped green onion 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained and chopped 1 recipe Poppy Seed Dressing (recipe follows) Garnish: sliced strawberries
In a medium size bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and the mayo until well blended. With a wooden spoon, stir in the chicken and the next 7 ingredients. Cover and chill the filling for 4-24 hours. When ready to prepare the sandwiches after the 4-24 hour chilling time cut the crusts off of the bread slices. Using cookie cutters, or assorted metal shaped cutters , cut the bread slices into desired shapes. Spread half of the bread shapes with the chicken mixture, and top with the matching shape.
Using a 2¼-inch square cutter, cut 2 squares from each bread slice. Cover with damp paper towels, or store in a resealable plastic bag to keep from drying out. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine chicken, strawberries, pecans, celery, green onion, mandarin oranges, and Poppy Seed Dressing, stirring to blend. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, approximately 4 hours. Place approximately 3 tablespoons chicken salad on a bread square. Top with another bread square. Repeat with remaining bread squares and chicken salad. Garnish sandwiches with strawberry slices, if desired. 14 SOUTHERN WOMAN
Roll the sandwich edges in chopped fresh parsley if desired. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap until ready to use.
CHICKENCUCUMBER & CREAM CHEESE TEA SANDWICHES
March/April 2023 15
Meet a Southern Woman!
Denise Jude
I have always loved decorating, and dreamed I could one day become an interior
decorator/designer. As a teenager, I used to sit in my room and sketch all kinds of things, from interior design ideas to wedding gowns. I didn’t follow my design passion right away because sometimes life takes you down a different path, but that doesn’t mean you can’t revisit your dreams later when the time is right.
I am an at-home decorator in a small Kentucky town who just loves to make the things around me beautiful.
Spring Colors
fawn rose
hydrang ea
Today the social media world has rekindled my love of decorating, and I now have the ability to share this passion with others. I didn’t realize there were so many people who loved decorating as much as I do! We moved into our forever home in June, 2021, and it was such fun personally choosing every little detail for my home’s interior. It made me realize why I wanted to be a decorator/designer in the first place. I still have so many things I want to do and achieve and hope to make them all happen. I love to paint, craft, and do DIY projects and dream of one day having my own line of home décor items. 16 SOUTHERN WOMAN
There are so many things I wish I had done in my younger days, but I was too afraid of rejection – of hearing the word “no.” I never had the confidence to just put myself out there and go for it. A friend’s mother always told me I had missed my calling and should pursue interior design. She had the confidence in me that I didn’t have. Today I no longer feel that fear of rejection. I have new confidence, thanks to friends, family and social media interactions, and
Layering different garlands and stems on your mantle is the easiest way to make a big statement, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve a beautiful high-end look. The same goes for your tablescapes. You can do as much or as little as you like and still make a statement and create something that makes you happy. Never be afraid to step outside the box, and never be afraid to experiment with color. My only advice is to design and decorate for YOU. Surround yourself with what makes you happy, because, it’s your home, and at the end of the day, you are the one living in the space. Be surrounded by what makes you feel good!
know that I can achieve anything if I just put my mind to it and trust my heart. I never thought I would get published or featured in a magazine, yet here I am, because I refuse to give up on the things I want in life.
I hope I can inspire you in your own home decorating journey. Maybe, just maybe, you will one day have pieces that I created to use in styling your home! Until then, please come join me for home styling tips and inspiration.
@forever_kentucky_home
In this issue, I want to share my love of springtime, because everything is turning green again, and all the beautiful spring bulbs are starting to bloom. Tulips are my favorite flower, and I enjoy featuring them, along with a variety of pastels, in my spring décor. I feel you can’t go wrong with color. I know it’s not for everyone, but it makes me happy to have pops of color around me.
I love travelling!
Garlands
Spring Colors March/April 2023 17
Spring inspiration
High-volume embroidery In-house digitizing Chenille Embroidery Screen printing
Penguin Embroidery, INC established in 1999 has been providing quality embroidery to its customers and wholesalers for 21 years. We are a local woman-owned small business.
Contact us! 630 Highway 314, Suite 1007 Fayetteville, GA 30214 (770) 460-5869 penguin-embroidery.com Monday -Friday, 9a - 5p
tery e m e C l l Oak Hi nan New
GET OUTSIDE! SIX HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARKS Story and photos by Bonnie Helander
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Starr's Mill Fayetteville
THE SOUTHERN CRESCENT OF ATLANTA, WHERE WE CALL HOME, IS RICH IN HISTORY AND INTERESTING LORE, YET MANY OF US HAVEN’T TAKEN THE TIME TO VISIT AND LEARN ABOUT ITS PAST. TAKE A FASCINATING DAY TRIP WITH YOUR FAMILY TO DISCOVER THESE SIX LOCAL LANDMARKS. SOME ARE WELL-KNOWN, AND ONE HAS ALMOST VANISHED FROM SIGHT AND REMEMBRANCE. AND THESE SIX ONLY SCRATCH THE SURFACE OF OUR INTERESTING, LOCAL HERITAGE.
Landrum Mill Ruins on Gin Branch:
FAYETTE COUNTY Starr’s Mill: Almost everyone who lives in the area is familiar with the iconic and picturesque Starr’s Mill. It is one of the most photographed historical sites in the state! Located near the junction of GA Hwy 74 and GA Hwy 85 Connector near Brooks and Peachtree City, the mill sits regally on Whitewater Creek. First owned by Hananiah Gilcoat and built in 1825, the mill was situated between the boundary of Creek Indian lands and the state of Georgia. Hilliard Starr, who owned the mill from 1866 – 1879 named the site Starr’s Mill. The mill log structure burned down twice before the current building was rebuilt by William Glower in 1907. The mill and its water-powered turbine served several purposes – grinding corn and operating as a saw mill. The site also included a cotton gin and a dynamo producing electricity for nearby Senoia. The Fayette County Water System purchased the mill house, dam and 16 acres in 1991. The site is free and open to the public for picnicking.
Hidden near the Kedron industrial Park on World Drive, across from the Kedron Kroger in Peachtree City, you will discover the disappearing remains of a cotton gin and dam that are almost 200 years old. Nearby you will find the cemetery of the Landrum family who owned the mill. The land along a creek branch was purchased by Jeptha Landrum in 1830, where he built a plantation and cotton gin on what became known as Gin Branch. Tragedy would soon mark the family. Jeptha and Frances Landrum’s young, ten year old son, also named Frances, drowned in the gin pond in 1837. Jeptha and his brother, Larkin, together purchased over 3,000 acres of land in what is now northern Peachtree City. Both men were prominent citizens. Jeptha served as sheriff of Fayette County and Larkin served in the Georgia legislature. Jeptha died in 1870, bankrupt by the Civil War. To reach Landrum ruins and cemetery, drive (or take a golf cart) to the turn-around at the end of World Drive and park. Walk or take a golf cart down the cart path to a partially gated road (an abandoned portion of Peachtree Parkway). Continue to the right on the cart path and you will see a wooden overlook. At the overlook, you will find an historic marker and the ruins of the gin mill and the dam. Retrace your steps to the gated road and walk through the gate for a short distance until you find the path on your right that leads to the Landrum family cemetery. Did you know? Nearby Dogwood Church, in Tyrone, maintains the Landrum cemetery which is one of the oldest cemeteries in Fayette County.
Did you know? Starr’s Mill was used as a film location (Jake’s glass-blowing business) in the popular movie of 2002, “Sweet Home Alabama,” starring Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey.
Hopeful Primitive Baptist Church:
The church and cemetery were established in the Hopeful community of Fayette County in 1825 and are located at the intersection of GA Hwy 92 N and New Hope Rd. in north Fayetteville. The single room, 30’ x 40’ hand-hewn beam church structure is being preserved and renovated by local citizens. There are 101 readable headstones in the cemetery, and ground-piercing radar indicates there may be over 300 buried here, including Native Americans and African American slaves. Did you know? Veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World War I and II are buried in the Hopeful cemetery.
itive Hopeful Prim Baptist Church Fayetteville
Landr um M ill
Ruin Fayet s on Gin B teville ranch
March/April 2023 21
COWETA COUNTY
MERIWETHER COUNTY
Coweta County Courthouse:
Red Oak Covered Bridge:
Those who love stunning architecture will want to visit this 1904 Neoclassical Revival courthouse that commands the square in historic downtown Newnan. The building reflects the Italian influence of architect Andrea Palladro and the symmetrical classicism of English architect, Christopher Wrenn. The signature feature is the impressive copper-covered dome that rises 100 feet above the square, featuring a clock on all four sides. Recently a detailed renovation was completed to restore the original features of the building.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, our state once featured over 250 covered bridges, but today you will find less than 20. The most renowned bridge builder in Georgia was Horace King, born into slavery in 1807, but later freed in 1846 by his former master, mentor and building contractor, John Godwin, who understood King’s construction talents. Using the Town’s Lattice Truss design, King built over 100 covered bridges in Georgia and throughout the South. Later his sons joined him in the family business. After the Civil War, King served in the Alabama legislature, before moving to LaGrange, where he died in 1885. His unmarked grave was discovered in 1978, and a headstone was placed there with the inscription, “Horace King, Master Covered Bridge Builder.”
Did you know? Coweta County Courthouse is the site of the 1948 trial of John Wallace, a wealthy landowner in Meriwether County who murdered his sharecropper, Wilson Turner, across the county line in Coweta County, making the crime under the jurisdiction of Coweta County. A book and movie, both titled “Murder in Coweta County,” tells the story of the crime that occurred in 1948 and is significant because it was the first time in the history of the state of Georgia that a white man was convicted and sentenced to death on the testimony of two black men who were forced by Wallace to help him dispose of the body.
Oak Hill Cemetery: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you can find this majestic, 60-acre cemetery at 96 Jefferson Street in downtown Newnan. According to a historic marker at the site, a section of the cemetery is the final resting place of 269 Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. Men from every state in the confederacy are represented in the burials and only two were not identified. Other notable burials include soldiers of the Revolutionary War and two Georgia governors – Ellis Arnall and William Atkinson. Did you know? There are over 12,000 grave sites at Oak Hill Cemetery.
house unty Court Coweta Co nan New
As you head south on GA Hwy 74/85 past Senoia and Haralson, and four miles before you reach the town of Woodbury, look for signs for the Red Oak Covered Bridge, sometimes called the Imlac Covered Bridge. It spans Red Oak Creek in the tiny community of Imlac. Built in the 1840s by Horace King, the bridge is the oldest and longest wooden bridge still in use in Georgia, and you can drive (slowly) over its bumpy, wooden expanse! There is a picnic area across the bridge next to the creek. The bridge was featured in the 2012 film, “Lawless.” Did you know? Why cover a bridge? Back in the day, bridges were built of wood, and harsh weather conditions deteriorated the wood quickly. It was determined that covering a bridge to protect the roadway timbers increased its life-expectancy by 40 years! Covering a bridge proved serendipitous in other ways as well, providing shelter from the rain and shade from the hot sun. A covered bridge kept horses from shying as they crossed a body of water, and it offered a private place for young lovers to meet and steal a kiss – hence the name often given to covered bridges – “kissing bridges!”
Red Oak Covere d Bridge Imlac
FAYETTE HUMANE SOCIETY’S 3RD ANNUAL
FORE THE
PAWS
Charity Golf Tournament Braelinn Golf Club Peachtree City April 14, 2023 Shotgun start at 10:00 a.m.
Raising funds for the care and comfort of over 2,500 needy animals throughout the year! The entry fee for the four-person scramble is $125 per golfer, which covers a cart and green fee, lunch, refreshments, a goody bag, a commemorative digital photo, prizes and more. Raffle tickets and mulligans will be available on the day of the event. There will also be special appearances by adoptable pets and baby farm animals to cheer on the players. “We invite all animal-lovers to spend a day on the course and support this amazing cause,” says Kimberly Castaneda, who co-chairs the tournament with FHS Board Member Penny Molis. “With the generosity of our players, sponsors and volunteers, we raised $30,000 last year, and we’re looking forward to another successful event this year.” As always, 100% of proceeds from the tournament will be used to fund the FHS spay and neuter program and to pay for vaccinations and medical treatments of animals in its care. Incorporated in 1973, the FHS is the oldest nonprofit humane organization in Fayette County, and it is staffed entirely by volunteers. It does not have a shelter, so all of its rescued animals live in temporary foster homes until they are adopted. Not a golfer? Or interested in additional ways to support the event? Donations are currently being accepted for raffle prizes, and a variety of sponsorships are available from $225 to $5,000 that offer valuable exposure for businesses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE EVENT, OR TO REGISTER AND SPONSOR ONLINE, VISIT THE FHS WEBSITE AT
WWW.FAYETTEHUMANE.ORG.
Get Organized -CUSTOM BUILT-INSSHELVING, DRAWERS, WALL UNITS ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS, PANTRY, CABINETS, HOME BARS, DESKS, ETC.
WAINSCOTING | FIREPLACE MANTELS STAIRS | CUSTOM DOORWAYS | DECKS SCREENED IN PORCH | BED SWINGS CROWN MOLDING | WALL PANELS COFFERED CEILINGS & BEAMS PICTURE FRAMING TRIM WINDOW TRIM
CONTACT DAVID HAAS
404.886.5919
DHAASCONSTRUCTION@GMAIL.COM FACEBOOK: CREEKRIDGE CRAFTSMAN
HAWAII'S
Big Island The Food, The Culture, and The Art
Hawaii in January is a lovely way to escape the gray, chilly weather on the mainland. It’s a long flight but so worth the trip. I haven’t been to a place that feels more alive. The lush landscape in some areas and the rough edges of the lava rock in others give the Big Island various interesting sites. This was my second visit to the island. The first time I stayed in Hilo, which is considered the rainy side of the island. It is also the more affordable side for housing. In Hilo, you will see waterfalls, many fruit trees, and tropical plants. In Kona, cacti climb high into the air among the tropical flowers as a reminder of the dryer climate. 26 SOUTHERN WOMAN
I arrived on a Thursday evening right before sunset. The sky’s warm golden glow welcomed everyone arriving at the same time as if to sayAloha. The real meaning of Aloha in Hawaiian is love, peace, and compassion. Aloha is often used as a greeting. Peace and gratitude surely came over me when I arrived in the spectacular environment close to the coast. The airport is an open-air layout, and the immediate exposure to the fresh warm air felt so good after 11 or so hours on a plane. I quickly made my way to the baggage claim and grabbed my suitcase, and within minutes my friend Jake appeared to pick me up. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to travel far, and to a destination many people have on their bucket lists. I am even luckier because I have friends who moved there almost three years ago, and this was my second time visiting them. My
friend Chris and I met when we were in the 6th grade. In the homeroom class his seat was directly behind mine, and he pulled my pigtails. We still laugh about that and all the other funny times throughout middle and high school. When we arrived at the house, Chris greeted me at the door, and his hug was the icing on the cake for the day. Since he knows me so well, a glass of champagne was close by to toast my arrival and officially begin my vacation on the island. That evening we sat outside near the fire pit, and the breezy air refreshed me from my travels until I was ready for bed. I slept so well that night. I was awake and out of bed around 6 am. The time difference is a little tough to adjust to, and most days throughout the week, I was up at 5:30 am. I would get out of bed a little later to begin the day
with coffee by the pool with the dogs. The dogs are a significant part of Chris’s family. They have three dachshunds and one Shetland Sheepdog. They are well-behaved, beautiful dogs I have known since they were puppies. I love each of them and enjoyed cuddling with them throughout my visit. When I travel, I must eat the local cuisine. I love to try new dishes, and I appreciate the history of the foods. It gives an insight into the culture and allows me to feel more immersed in the travel experience. Aside from the great restaurants, my friends also took me around town to visit local shops to see Hawaiian art and a couple of destinations where I learned about sea salt mining and part of Hawaiian life long ago during the times of war and refuge. I had the luck of running errands with Chris and visiting the local high-end furniture consignment shop- Furnishings by Debi. Chris has made many friends in his new home, including the shop owners. He buys and sells many pieces there. They have so many unique paintings and furniture. I found myself thinking about the people who brought them in to sell, and I wondered what kind of unique homes they came from. I found a little treasure there that I could pack in my carry-on. It is a small wooden bowl with a silver lid with a hummingbird design. There was no tag, and when I asked Zac, the owner, the price, he said it had been on the shelf for a while and I could have it. What a lovely souvenir to remember my visit to their shop. FYI, there is a furniture shortage on the island. If you ever find yourself with a home on the island you need to furnish, check them out. March/April 2023 27
Not only is food a source of fuel for survival, but it was indeed a source of pleasure throughout my week away. The morning after I arrived, Chris and I had breakfast at the Royal Kona Resort. I had the traditional loco moco- white rice with a hamburger patty, 2 eggs, brown gravy, and fried onions as a topping. Wow! So satisfying and filling. The onions really added that extra flair. One evening we had tapas at a place called Cheers, it’s a “speakeasy’ lounge vibe with sophisticated dishes such as Billionaire bacon with a miso caramel sauce, Sexy Steak-ribeye with a demi-glace, and lobster roll sliders. Each of those dishes was perfectly prepared and presented elegantly. The owner, Kessie, is a local lady who knows good food and style and has a generous heart. The restaurant gives back 1% to the West Hawaii community, which includes preparing meals for a weekly community feeding program. Hawaii is the home of poke bowls, and I could not resist trying the dish at two restaurants. The best bowl was my last lunch on the island at Island Lava Java Bistro. The location is across the street from the ocean, and the view that afternoon was high waves crashing against the shore with the potential to reach over the rocks. We ordered an appetizer, the fish nuggets, fried to perfection with ribbons of fresh cabbage and a light dressing. Delicious and worth the calories! My main dish was the ahi tuna bowl. So fresh and surprising, with very few ingredients to highlight the main star, the tuna. Onions and cabbage offered a nice crunch and slight spiciness.
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Desserts were another leading player during the week. I made two visits to Magics Beach Grill, this restaurant is within walking distance of my friend's home and is right on the beach. While you wait for your food, you can enjoy the sites of the surfers riding the waves. They have a well-rounded menu and dessert options that don’t disappoint. On the first visit, my dessert buddy Liam and I shared the creme brulee and a slice of grilled banana bread with vanilla ice cream. The creme brulee was elegant and silky, and all the flavors in the banana bread were activated and on point from the grilling. The slowly melting ice cream was a match made in heaven. I was excited about exploring new sites on this trip, and on my first night, I saw a Facebook ad for the Kona Salt Tour. I asked my friends about it; they had been before, enjoyed it, and booked the tickets to go again with me. We headed to the coast on Saturday morning for a 10 am tour. We arrived a few minutes late, and the others in the group were already there, which was about 12-15 people. The tour guide, Kanekoa, ensured we had everything we needed to be comfortable for the 45-minute tour. There was fresh water to drink and parasols to shield us from the sun. I forgot my hat, so I was relieved to know I wouldn’t get burned in the sun. Kanekoa did an excellent job giving the backstory of the farm and showing us the process of drying the salt after it was mined 2,200 feet below the ocean’s surface. The tour ended in the gift shop with a tasting of the finishing salts on fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, after trying the salts, I had to buy some to take home to carry on the flavor and memories of the island. Early in the week, Chris and I went for a drive to the City of Refuge- Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park on the coast. We started our visit by watching a short movie on the history of the sacred land and the people who sought refuge there. There are trails to walk and explore the grounds, and there is an area outside the park to snorkel. The water is clear and calmer in that area. Another afternoon we visited part of the island further inland, Waimea. We admired the displays in the Isaacs Art Center and Museum benefiting the Hawaii Preparatory Academy. All proceeds benefit the school’s scholarship fund. They have various collections of carvings and paintings, and I found my favorite pictures are from the artist Madge Tennent. She created paintings of Hawaiian women because she thought they were beautiful. “The Hawaiians are really to me the most beautiful people in the world," she once said, “no doubt about it – the Hawaiian is a piece of living sculpture”. This getaway was different from others. I finished the week feeling recharged and ready to return home. I have a sense of peace, and I hope it continues. As I reflect on my time and the experiences of eating good food, learning more about Hawaii’s history and culture, and most importantly, the time with my dear friends, I feel grateful. I feel the true Aloha and it’s now a week after returning home.
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Wedding season is in full swing! So many details go into making it your perfect day. The dress, the colors, the venue, and...the cake. One of the most exciting and tasty parts of wedding planning is cake sampling! Yes, we want it to look beautiful but also to taste delicious. One hot trend this year for your big day is nontraditional wedding cake flavors. Think outside the box and offer guests something they aren't expecting. In addition to the main attraction, also offer treats like pies, tarts, and fruit desserts. Amazing flavor is a sure way to impress your guests on your wedding day! Here are a few decedent cake and treat recipes to inspire your palette!
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COCONUT CAKE WITH A WHIPPED COCONUT CREAM CHEESE FROSTING FOR THE CAKE: 5 large egg whites 1/2 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon coconut flavoring 1 teaspoon pure vanilla 3 cups cake flour 2 ⅓ cups sugar 4 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk CREAM CHEESE BUTTER CREAM FROSTING: 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature 4 cups powdered sugar sifted 1-3 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk or regular milk 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring 1 cup unsweetened coconut WHIPPED CREAM CHEESE FILLING: 1 cup cream cheese butter cream frosting see above 1 cup heavy whipping cream
INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 8-inch (or 9-inch) cake pans and line with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites, whole milk and coconut flavoring. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and coconut milk and combine on low speed until moistened. Increase speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the egg white mixture in 3 additions, scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing just long enough to incorporate between additions. Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
BUTTER CREAM: Beat together the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar on medium high speed until light and creamy. Add the vanilla, coconut flavoring and enough coconut milk (or regular milk) to reach a spreadable consistency. Mix until smooth. Optional: Spread the coconut on a sheet pan. Toast in a 350 degree oven until golden, checking every 2 minutes. Watch it carefully, the coconut will burn fast. Let it cool completely. WHIPPED CREAM CHEESE FILLING: With a whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Add 1 cup of the cream cheese butter cream a spoonful at a time while mixing on medium-high speed. Whip to soft peaks. TO FROST THE CAKE: If desired, slice the 2 cake layers in half to create 4 layers. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Cover with the whipped cream cheese filling. Repeat with the rest of the layers. Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese butter cream and cover in the toasted coconut. Chill for one hour before serving. Store in the fridge, cake will keep for several days. March/April 2023 31
BLUEBERRY JAM CAKE
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 12 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 1 ½ tsp kosher salt 4 egg whites room temperature 1 egg room temperature 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup whole milk room temperature
½ cup yogurt room temperature ¼ cup blueberry jam SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM 5 egg whites room temperature 2 cups granulated sugar ¼ tsp kosher salt 3 cups unsalted butter room temperature 1 tsp vanilla extract ⅓ cup blueberry jam
CAKE Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans. Mix all of the dry ingredients on slow speed with paddle mixer until blended. Add in your butter and mix on low until it looks like damp sand Add your egg whites one at a time, and then your whole egg. Beat well after each addition, making sure you scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Whisk together the vanilla extract, yogurt and milk. Slowly pour in one-third of the milk mixture into the mixing bowl. On low, mix together. Pour in the rest of the milk in two more additions, mixing slowly after each addition. Beat for 2 minutes. Your batter will be liquidy. Pour the batter into your pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes. Take the cake out of the tin and let it cool. SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water, bring to a simmer In a stand mixer bowl, stir the egg whites and sugar until combined. Place the bowl over the saucepan. Make sure you're constantly whisking the sugar mixture until the sugar dissolves. Feel the mixture between your fingers to check if there are granules Once smooth, remove the bowl from heat and place it in your stand mixer, with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium high until you have stiff, glossy peaks, about 10-12 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add the butter, a tablespoon at a time, and beat until combined. Add the vanilla and salt Remove about ½ cup of frosting and set aside. Pour the jam into the rest of the frosting and mix to combine. Use immediately ASSEMBLE Take about ½ a cup of blueberry frosting in a piping bag and pipe a dam around the edge of one of the cakes. Scoop out the vanilla frosting and use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly inside the dam. Take your jam and use a spoon to spread the jam on top of the vanilla frosting. Gently press down your second layer on top. Crumb coat the sides and top of cake , then chill the cake in your fridge for about 30 minutes. Take the cake out and frost it with the rest of the buttercream.
IRISH APPLE CAKE WITH CUSTARD SAUCE
3 C. Flour 2 t. Baking Powder ⅛ t. Salt ¼ t. Cloves, ground ¼ t. Nutmeg, ground 6 oz. Butter, (cold is fine) ¾ C. Sugar 4 large Granny Smith apples
2 Eggs ¾ C. Milk 2 T. Sugar FOR THE CUSTARD: 6 large Egg Yolks 6 T. Sugar 1½ C. Whole Milk 1½ t. Vanilla
Grease and flour an 8" or 9" round springform pan. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, cloves and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl. Cut the butter into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add the ¾ C. sugar to the flour mixture and mix in. Peel the apples and slice them into uniform pieces. This cake works best and gets that 'chunky apple look' if the slices are about ¼" wide and then cut into 3 pieces. Toss the apples into the flour mixture and combine them thoroughly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Add to the apples and flour and mix in with a large spatula until just combined. Batter will be thick and dough-like. Transfer the dough into the prepared cake pan and flatten the top surface using the back of your spatula. Sprinkle the sugar over the top of the cake. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Test the center for doneness. The top of the cake should be golden brown. Serve slices with custard sauce. FOR THE CUSTARD SAUCE: *note that this sauce is not a thick, pudding-like sauce. It should have a pour-able, just thickened consistency when done. Place the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and whisk until pale yellow, 2-3 minutes. Place the milk in a medium saucepan and bring just to a boil. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg/sugar mixture. Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and stir over medium heat until custard thickens, about 4 minutes. Custard should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Mix in the vanilla. Transfer to bowl or serving saucer. Serve warm or cold over apple cake.
FRESH FRUIT TART WITH PASTRY CREAM
PASTRY CREAM 2 cups whole milk 1 cup granulated sugar 6 egg yolks 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract FOR THE TART DOUGH: 7 tablespoons butter softened 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 egg
FOR THE FRUIT TART: 1 pint Fresh cut fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, mango, and kiwi Apricot jam melted, as needed
1/2 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT 1/4 TEASPOON SALT 1 1/4 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR SIFTED 1/4 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
PASTRY CREAM: In a medium non-aluminum saucepan over medium heat, heat milk until tiny bubbles appear on the surface, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir constantly. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Whisk in cornstarch and salt. While whisking constantly, pour in half of the hot milk. Whisk in remaining hot milk and return to saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a firm consistency, (5 to 8 minutes.) Whisk in vanilla and pour into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pastry cream. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 to 3 hours. TART DOUGH: Cream the butter and powdered sugar together on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add egg. Continue mixing until combined, scraping down the bowl as necessary. Add vanilla and salt and mix until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add flour and baking powder and blend until the dough comes together (do not over-mix). Scrape dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and chill at least 1 hour. BLIND-BAKE THE TART CRUST: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a thickness of 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch. Loosely roll the dough around the rolling pin, then gently unroll it over the tart, preferably with a removable bottom. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan and up the sides. Trim any excess dough. Cover the dough with parchment paper or foil. Fill with pie weights or dried beans.. Bake 12 minutes. Remove pie weights and paper. Return to oven and bake until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes longer. Cool completely. FRUIT TART: Fill cooled tart crust with chilled pastry cream. Arrange fruit in a decorative pattern. Using a pastry brush, brush fruit with melted apricot glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
STRAWBERRY PIE WITH LATTICE CRUST
THE CRUST 2 ½cups all-purpose flour, plus some for dusting the board 2teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon sugar 2teaspoons kosher salt ½cup cold unsalted butter, cut in small pieces 6tablespoons cold vegetable shortening About 6 tablespoons ice water, more as needed 1egg, lightly beaten
THE FILLING 2 ½pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved to make 6 cups ¾cup sugar 1tablespoon fresh, strained lemon juice ¼cup cornstarch Pinch salt 1tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
CRUST: Combine the flour, 2 teaspoons of the sugar and the salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and shortening and rub into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually and gently stir in just enough water to make it come together. Divide the dough in halve and gently press each half into a ball. Wrap both in plastic, flatten into disks, and refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day. FILLING Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, toss together the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside. ASSEMBLE On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough round to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Fit the dough in the pie plate and spoon in the filling. Scatter the butter evenly over the top. Roll out the remaining dough, cut it into 1-inch strips and weave a lattice top over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Brush the egg over the crust and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of sugar. Place on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 15 minutes. Turn the oven down to 350 degrees. Continue baking until the crust is nicely browned and the filling bubbles thickly, 40-50 minutes. Place on a rack to cool completely, at least 3 hours and up to 1 day.
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The Peachtree City Moms are so excited to be hosting our first-ever Women’s Wellness Summit. Here's what to expect:
LOCAL WELLNESS SPEAKER/EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSING TOPICS INCLUDING PERIMENOPAUSE, POSTURE/BODY MOVEMENTS FOR DAILY LIFE, HOLISTIC THERAPIES/MEDITATION Q & A SESSION.
EXPERT PANEL LINE-UP INCLUDES:
DR. KILLEBREW - SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMENS HEALTH DONNA WOOD - HOUSE OF LIGHT KAREN STAPLES - PROHEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY & PILATES STUDIO
WELLNESS VENDOR MARKET MEDITATION SESSION YOGA/SOUND BATH
WOMEN'S WELLNESS PRESENTED BY PEACHTREE CITY MOMS AND...
Summit
APRIL 29 | 1-5 PM
The Community Bridge Center in Peachtree City, Georgia
REGISTER AT: thepeachtreecitymoms.com or through our link in Bio on our Instagram Page, @peachtreecitymoms
We hope to see you there! ~ Caroline
(Publisher for The Peachtree City Moms) peachtreecitymoms.com @peachtreecitymoms
The Murphy Lane family continues to expand! Once you have your wedding at Murphy Lane, you’re family to us. What a joy it is to see the couples that exchanged vows on the property now continue growing their families!
Over the past 5 years, we have developed our Murphy Lane “dream team”. Our most complimented feature from so many couples is the our undeniable Murphy Lane hospitality. The combination of our wonderful staff and vendors allows us to offer our brides and groom exceptional service!
TO EVERY COUPLE THAT CHOOSES MURPHY LANE, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS! -Love, Hank & Kara
525 MURPHY ROAD - NEWNAN 770.262.8241 THEVENUEATMURPHYLANE@GMAIL.COM THEVENUEATMURPHYLANE.COM
Essential Oils AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE
If you haven't experimented with essential oils yet...it's time! Over the past few years, these oils have become popular natural treatments for stress relief, headaches, insomnia, nausea, and the list goes on! If it is bothering you, there is likely an essential oil that can help. An essential oil is essential in the sense that it contains the essence of the plant's fragrance —the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived. Most commonly the oils are inhaled by using a diffuser or humidifier. You can also dilute essential oils by mixing them with a carrier oil and applying them directly to your skin. You can even get creative and add them to body wash, shampoo, and lotion. However you choose to utilize them, we hope you find this guide to some common oils and their benefits useful!
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oils FOR EMOTIONS
ANGER
roman chamomile, lavender, geranium, rose, ylang ylang, vetiver
ANXIETY
lemon, clary sage, valerian, patchouli, frankincense, lavender
FEAR
lemon, clary sage, valerian, patchouli, frankincense, lavender
GRIEF
cinnamon bark, jasmine, lavender, frankincense, vetiver, acceptance
PANIC
eucalyptus, lime, clary sage, ylang ylang, cedarwood, cardamom
OVERWHELM
patchouli, stress away, lime, purification, peppermint, lavender
SADNESS
joy, forgiveness, present time, inner child, tangerine, lime
Where to apply YOUR OILS ENERGY FOCUS
CROWN OF YOUR HEAD, BACK OF YOUR NECK, CHEST, OR FOREARMS
RESPIRATORY SUPPORT IMMUNE SUPPORT RESTFUL SLEEP FOCUS
BEHIND YOUR EARS, DOWN THE SPINE, CHEST, NECK/THROAT
DOWN THE SPINE, BOTTOMS OF THE FEET, VITALITY OILS INTERNALLY
BIG TOE, FOREARMS, FOREHEAD, WRISTS
TEMPLES, WRISTS, BRAIN STEM, CROWN OF HEAD
HEAD TENSION
TEMPLES, BACK OF YOUR NECK, AROUND YOUR EARS RUB OILS IN HANDS & BREATHE IN DEEPLY, OVER THE
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT HEART, BEHIND THE EARS OVERWHELM LOWER BACK, BACK OF NECK, SHOULDERS/NECK DIGESTION
1-2 DROPS IN BELLY BUTTON, RUB CLOCKWISE ON STOMACH March/April 2023 37
RG fitness and the
Ripped Goddess Effect By Deena Attia Who is the Ripped Goddess? Any of us can be. How? Because it’s a mindset…you have the ability to live a life that you happily wake up to every day–a strong, healthy, inspiring life. Take control…you have greatness in you. Aspire to inspire! These are the words from Connie Itchon on her cover photo for her Ripped Goddess Facebook page. Connie started this page in 2009. Now in 2023, she instills that mindset in all who walk through the door at her new gym, RG Fitness. She motivates and inspires her 560k followers online, and we are lucky to have her in person in Peachtree City. I met Connie a few years back at another gym, where she motivated me through tough and challenging workouts. I loved her then and was thrilled to join her for an early morning class late last month. I arrived a little before 6:30am. As I waited, more early morning fitness enthusiasts filed in, and I chatted with a couple of ladies who I worked out with in the past when Connie was our trainer.
Ripped Goddess
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Before class started, I asked Rocky, who had just finished, what she loves most about RG Fitness, she said, “The coaches, the way they push you, they motivate you, they take you beyond your limits…I love the support and the community, I love the way they push me. I am stronger because of them. I love RG Fitness.” Rocky’s excitement set the tone for me. I eagerly awaited the warm-up and the fun exercises planned for strength day. I knew ahead of time it was strength day. I love lifting weights, so I was excited. Each class begins with a brief warm-up and ends with a stretch. The classes are 45 minutes long. As we moved through the warm-up I felt my body begin to energize and heat up a little. As I was going through the movements and each set, I felt like I was home. I had missed Connie’s spark because she certainly ignited the desire to push a little harder and lift a little more weight. The final push for the hour was a calf raise exercise. My calves were sore for a few days after that. It felt so good. I was able to catch another former workout buddy before I left, and I asked what she likes most about RG Fitness. After Theresa caught her breath, she said,
“I love the energy here, the basically one-on-one training, small group atmosphere and the community is building to be great.” Since class sizes are small, it’s almost like a personal training session. The gym is a nice size for personalized group fitness. It’s not too big to hide and not put in your best effort. Connie will get the most out of you, and you will feel better after. She’s got that way about her. The smile and passion come from deep inside and an understanding of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. She lives the Ripped Goddess lifestyle and wants her clients to do the same.
Why is the name RG Fitness? So the men can join in too. The lifestyle is all-inclusive. She’s building a community where everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported during their time in the gym. If you need extra support at mealtime, RG Fitness offers the nutrition component by promoting the Plate Method. It’s a sustainable way to eat, and you don’t have to count macros. Just use the visual of the plate and keep this in mind when preparing your meals.
The mission of Ripped Goddess is to help people see the strongest version of themselves: mentally, emotionally, and then physical strength. What was the catalyst that propelled Connie into this quest to help others? Her mom was diagnosed at age 35 with sarcoidosis. From a young age, Connie was tuned in to how her mother felt daily. She knew her mother struggled with her illness, and she became very attuned to others around her as well. After the birth of her last child, Connie went through postpartum depression and, like so many women, struggled with balancing motherhood and her own needs and desires. Fitness was her saving grace, and exercise helped her emotionally. The event that catapulted Connie to the next level was the Susan G Koman 5k. It was her first race, and she felt the exhilaration of accomplishment when she finished. She knew she had to continue to push further and achieve more with her fitness goals. As the years went on, Connie remained a faithful fitness enthusiast, and in 2016 she became a certified trainer. Connie’s words of encouragement to anyone who wants a healthier lifestyle…
“Age is just a number. We tend to value our health more when we get older. We are never too old to start, and you should keep making goals.” 40 SOUTHERN WOMAN
She shared, “I have learned to bet on myself.” This realization came after her brother passed away. Losing her brother showed her how short life is. She also mentioned that she may have had a mid-life crisis or awakening during that time. At 50 years old, she decided she wanted to open a gym. It was finally the right time to combine her Ripped Goddess lifestyle and create a physical place where a community of like-minded men and women could work together and improve their quality of life. RG Fitness is for all levels and all people. The goal is to feel better mentally, emotionally, and physically. Anyone looking to try something new, improve their health, or make new friends is welcome to try a class. You never know how much your life can change by incorporating fitness and good nutrition.
Check out
RGFITNESS.LIFE to learn more and book an intro class. And remember, you can live a life that you happily wake up to every day–a strong, healthy, inspiring life. Take control, you have greatness in you.
March/April 2023 41
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Story and Photos by Bonnie Helander Last autumn, my husband and I had three large river birch trees removed from our front lawn. While I love the exfoliating bark of the river birch, I really hate the mess of these trees – always dropping twigs and leaves throughout the year. But removing three large trees brings its own challenges. We now have a big patch of barren ground where the trees shaded out the grass. And we need to upgrade and add some shrubs where the trees used to be. Since spring is in the air, it’s now time to refresh our outside front yard and add some much-needed curb appeal. Whether you are trying to sell your house or just want to make your front landscape more attractive, try some of these easy tips guaranteed to increase the curb appeal of your home.
Create an entrance that says “Welcome!”
Since the front door is the centerpiece of your front yard, think beyond neutral and paint your door an eye-catching color that complements the house. While many people paint their doors bright red – a color thought to bring good luck - you can choose any standout color that pleases you. Hang a wreath that coordinates with the paint color and reflects your personal style. Clean or replace any outdated hardware such as the door knob, door knocker, house numbers, mailbox and exterior lighting. Coordinate the look based on the style of your house. Hardware finishes trending now are polished chrome, satin or matte black and gold. Make sure your house number is prominently displayed on your house and near the street for visitors and first responders in case of an emergency. If new exterior lighting is not in your budget, consider inexpensive solar lights to illuminate the path to your front door. Purchase a fresh welcome mat and power wash mildew stains from the driveway and sidewalk leading up to your entrance. Give your entrance a sense of importance by placing two large pots of plants on either side of the door with similar plantings. If you have a front porch or a set of stairs leading to the front door, mass several pots of plants together, but stick with a scheme of just two or three colors. Add bling to the front windows with window boxes filled with colorful annuals or a trellis or arbor over the walkway, planted with a climbing, fragrant, blooming vine.
Prune your foundation plants.
If you have lived in your home for awhile, the evergreen shrubs around your home’s foundation may be overgrown or unsightly. A quick fix for added curb appeal is to cut
back and shape shrubs so they do not hide your windows and your front entrance. Thin out shrubs that are growing too close together and remove those that are diseased or are too large for the space. Limb up large trees to create a nice canopy and allow additional sunlight to your lawn area.
Give some attention to your lawn.
Most front yards have a big lawn, so give this area some special care. Take a soil sample to your local extension office to find out what nutrients your turf needs and then add these important amendments as instructed in the report. This might include spreading dolomitic limestone and adding fertilizer. Use a preemergent weed preventer to cut down on unsightly weeds and keep your turf trimmed and edged for a neat and attractive appearance.
March/April 2023 43
Rethink your design plan.
Is your front yard filled with tired plants that aren’t performing well? Maybe it’s time to come up with a new plan and add new plantings. Some garden nurseries will sketch up a free design plan for you if you purchase plants from them or have them do the work. Or you can do a little research yourself and draw up your own plan, using plants that thrive in our Southern gardens. The UGA Extension Service has great information on plants that work well in Georgia. Select just a few different plants for your design based on the sunlight requirements (sun or shade). Mass plant several of the same plants together for a bigger impact. Follow the design principle of layering your plants -placing plants that will grow large in the back of the bed, medium size plants in the middle and small plants near the front. For added appeal, choose plants that bloom in different seasons so you enjoy color all year long. If your mailbox is at the street, why not make it a focal point by adding a bed around it with a mixture of evergreen and blooming plants and a flowering vine to trail over the top of the mailbox. Focus most of your attention on enhancing the flower beds closest to your entrance and where people gather. Here plant colorful annuals and flowering and fragrant perennials. Add appealing focal points like a garden bench or water feature. Even one area of color adds enormous curb appeal.
Mulch…mulch…mulch!
One of the quickest and easiest tips to add instant curb appeal is to spread hardwood or pine straw mulch around your garden beds to a depth of two inches. The mulch will instantly define the bed area and give a more finished look. If you need several yards of mulch (one cubic yard of mulch will cover 324 square feet to a depth of one inch), you can save money by buying in bulk instead of in individual bags. Take some time today to walk around your front yard and assess what tips will work for you. Write up a priority list and get started! Soon you will be rewarded with curb appeal that will be the envy of your neighbors!
44 SOUTHERN WOMAN
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Designing the Perfect
by Bonnie Helander Since planting and maintaining a beautiful garden is a continual work in progress, gardeners need to find creative ways to incorporate their workspaces into a pleasing garden view. With proper planning, a potting bench, greenhouse or garden shed can become a charming addition to the look and feel of the garden.
IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT GARDENERS LUST FOR, it is a garden shed – one that is not only functional but fancy! Today’s sheds are really tiny houses that hide away the “nuts and bolts” of gardening on the inside, even as they shout to be noticed on the outside. A shed can be a major focal point in the garden and add value to your home. The hottest trend in sheds is the “She Shed” – not so much a place to store garden equipment but a retreat where a woman can relax, do crafts, paint or just sit with friends and a glass of wine or iced tea and enjoy the garden. Some sheds can even be outfitted as a children’s playhouse. If you want to add a garden shed to your backyard, you first need to decide how you want to use the space, so you can determine the type of shed to purchase or build. Do you just need a small place to store basic tools? Then a small tool shed will work for you. If you are going to store large equipment like wheelbarrows, wagons, or a lawn mower, you will want to consider a bigger storage shed. Next, you need to decide the kind of building materials to use for your shed. There are options for any budget, 46 SOUTHERN WOMAN
including wood, plastic, resin, metal and vinyl. Then consider the features you want to include: windows, shelving, potting bench, electricity, flooring, vents, and/or a water source.
in the shed, i.e. using a portion of it as a potting area for your plants, make sure to include windows and have a light source. I hung an LED battery-operated lantern in the shed for lighting.
A few years ago, my husband, Dan, spent weeks building a wooden garden shed with vinyl siding. He drew a simple diagram for a 12 x 12-foot pole barn design, then got approval and paid for a permit from the Peachtree City Building Department. Yes, you will probably need a permit! We added shelving for supplies, a potting bench, hooks for tools, and filled the remaining open space with our riding lawnmower, wheelbarrows and pots. We added double doors on the side and a ramp to easily move the riding lawn mower in and out of the space. Make sure at least one door in your shed is large enough for your oversized equipment! And if you are going to be working
Even though the interior of our shed is strictly functional, we decided the outside should have an English cottage look to make it a pleasing focal point in the garden. I added the “bling” – colorful paint, garden art, window boxes and a raised bed around the shed, filled with shade plants. Even if you don’t take the time to build your own shed, a utilitarian, store-bought shed can be enhanced to look custom when you add a little personality on the outside! Enjoy these photos of delightful and functional garden sheds that can inspire you to add one to your own outside space. You will be the envy of all your gardening friends!
March/April 2023 47
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