woman
SOUTHERN FAYETTE | COWETA
The Steak Princess Rylee Wright
Gardens Galore
Art for Everyone
Shade, Salsa, and Secrets
Flowers, Tattoos, and Photography
is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan
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SOUTHERN WOMAN
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"BLUE FERN"
PUBLISHER
'
S
LETTER
S
ummertime is in full swing, and it’s so refreshing seeing our local Adams Farm parking lot full again, families out picking strawberries and buying up fresh vegetables, hearing
laughs and splashes at the lakes and pools. The last year let us from doing all the things we love most and that’s spending time with family and friends. Life before the shut-ins was the rush and race against the clock. For many, it still is. We are always going to be rushing through this life, but wouldn’t it be so nice to look around and slow things down a little. I remember… It was me, my siblings and cousins at our Grandparents home and we were snapping pole beans and shelling butter beans outside at the picnic table. It sure was some good cooking, too. Fried chicken, creamed potatoes, pole beans, butter beans, silver queen corn in the skillet, moist buttery cornbread, sliced tomatoes, onions... and don’t forget the sweet tea. If we were extra lucky, we were treated to black bottom pie still warm with whipped meringue as high as the heavens. After supper settled in we would grab the mason jars or milk jugs with holes and run for the lightning bugs... then some roller skating in the carport to Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration.” What good times those were! Maybe it’s time to bring some of those memories back. To slow down and let the days grow longer. We can’t stop the clock, but we can make more time for each other and our family and friends. Let’s never forget our service men and women and always pray to keep them safe. God Bless America
The land of the free and the home of the brave…
God Bless Y’all,
Melanie Denney-Haas Publisher, Owner
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TABLE
July
25
WAY DOWN SOUTH
A Visit and “Must-See” Guide for Puerto Rico
42
August
REMEMBERING MOM
A Family’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s
54
OF
CONTENTS
Features
GIRL MEETS GRILL
A Conversation with the Steak Princess, Rylee Wright
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SECRET GARDEN
The Backyard Sanctuary of Our Garden Contributor, Bonnie Helander
July/August 2021
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TABLE
In
OF
CONTENTS
This
Issue
Beauty
&
Style
Health
&
Wellness
2 REFLECTIONS
A Moment of Pause
32 BEAUTY’S BEST FRIEND
58 SUMMER HOME REMEDIES
4 PUBLISHER’S LETTER
33 SOUTHERN STYLE
59 NURTURING THE GARDEN OF LIFE
from Melanie Denney-Haas 9 WHAT WE’RE LOVIN’
Southern Woman Selections 10 CONVERSATION COVER
Behind the Scenes of Our Cover Shoot
Oatmeal for Skin Care
Fashion from Barnett & Co. 34 GETTING READY WITH RAYDEEN
Day-to-Night Makeup
For Bee Stings
With Liz Dodson
60 ALZHEIMER’S AND YOUR HEALTH
Southern at Heart with the Healthy Well You
36 AMYJO ORIGINAL HATS
Styles from Milliner AmyJo Traylor
19 MEET A SOUTHERN LADY
Jennifer Elizabeth Bagwell
Home Family
&
&
Garden
Life
66 PORCH PLANTS 38 PARKS AND RECREATION Arts
&
Culture
12 DECORATING WITH BOOKS
They’re Not Just for Reading
Carl Miller Park
67 HOME GROWN
40 MY SPIRITED CHILD
Resource Recommendations from a Tired Mama
13 THE DAR
Daughters of the American Revolution
Food
&
Table
14 DAINTY LITTLE TATTOOS
With Tattoo Artist Emily Bibler 16 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Pick It Place Designs
20 SOUTHERN WOMAN BOOK SOCIETY
Author’s Notes from A.E. Chewning 22 CELEBRATING NATURE
The Photography of Scott Anna 6 SOUTHERN WOMAN
To Repel Pesky Insects
46 FRUIT ON THE GRILL
Lime-Grilled Watermelon
48 A SOUTHERN CLASSIC
Low Country Boil
50 STIRRING THE POT WITH SCARLETT
Summer Fruit Dishes
Salsa Garden Staples
68 SELECTING AND GROWING ROSES
The Garden of Master Rosarian Cindy Dale 72 IT’S A PORCH THING
With Holly Cellini
76 A SHADE GARDEN WITH PERSONALITY
The Garden of Jeff and Dottie Mayo 79 PICTURE THIS
Room Inspiration from Lori Duncan
Only Senio r Living Communit ies in Georgia to be Direct Prov ider of Covid-19 Vaccine
all is th a t arn ed le n ess e ll e ’v I w bout a “W hat lk a t n itie s u t th e y commu ialization…b enter, c and so the wellness c ls, i ve a h ’t in g tr a don e, walk ffing that c a p s ta green n , and s m m in g a s . N o o n e c a a r g o r p h s e s t e s ta t E s ta zalea E ts. My Azalea w hat A en h c d t i s a m ir r e for the ng at Azalea s e d i v pro r iv i s a r e th ill too.” p aren t ours w y t e b … s e t E s ta n S. - S usa
ully ents F Resid ated Vaccin For Open s y Visit Famil s unitie Comm ree F Covid ew For N Open urs ent To Resid
105 AUTUMN GLEN CIRCLE - FAYETTEVILLE - AZALEAESTATES.COM
770-461-0039
woman
SOUTHERN FAYETTE | COWETA
Publisher Melanie Denney Haas melanie.southernwoman@gmail.com Managing Editor Kim Antell kim.southernwoman@gmail.com Creative Director Mandy Inman mandy.southernwoman@gmail.com Editorial Contributors Bonnie Helander, Michelle Denney, Scarlett Inman, Raydeen Martin, Emily Evans, Deena Attia, Debbie McFarland, Holly Cellini, A.E. Chewning, Scott Anna, Nicole Quevedo, Lori Duncan, Liz Dodson, Terri Fopiano
Southern Woman is a magazine for and about women living in the South. We want to invite you in and make you our family, one glass of sweet tea at a time. Make sure to join us on the web and on social media we have so much to share with you!
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Cover Photography South Atlanta Photography Stephen Wilson and Mike Colletta Cover Styling Lori Duncan, Blue Fern Web Designer for SouthernWoman.com Country Fried Creative For inquiries about, or to be added onto our distribution list, please email southernwomanmag@gmail.com
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Facebook: Join the discussion with our 7,000+ Facebook followers to see what’s going on in the Fayette and Coweta communities! Join a conversation or start your own...we want to know what’s new with you! Whether it’s an event that’s coming up, what you’re having for dinner, or something great that’s happening with your family or job, we encourage you to share your story with us! Book Society: If you love books as much as we do, join our Society of readers! The Southern Woman Book Society is a private Facebook page for open discussion about all genres, as well as other reading materials you may be passionate about. We’d love to know what you’re reading! Instagram: See sneak peeks of upcoming articles and photos that spark conversations, and more on our Instagram page. Our snapshots of the Southern lifestyle are sure to inspire! Pinterest: Looking for ideas for dinner, decorating, fashion, and more? Check out our Pinterest board loaded with recommendations for living your best Southern life!
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SOUTHERN WOMAN
What We're Lovin' Special selections from the Southern Woman team. These are a few of our favorite things!
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1 - Let It Go Box
Jot down your worries, concerns, and negative thoughts, then tuck them away into this sweet prayer box before bed each night, and rest easy knowing that “tomorrow is another day” for a new start and a fresh outlook. Francesca’s, Peachtree City, francescas.com, $12
2 - Fried Green Tomato BLT
The popular artisan sandwich at Pascal’s Bistro is all the way Southern! Buttered, toasted bread, chipotle aioli, and fresh goat cheese, along with the traditional ingredients are melt-in-yourmouth good. Try it with the hand-cut fries! Pascal’s Bistro (lunch menu item), Peachtree City, pascalsbistro.com, $7.99
3 - D·E·J Face Cream
An intensive moisturizer from Revision Skincare that helps improve the visible signs of aging, including targeting fine lines and wrinkles, plumping skin, brightening and evening skin tone. It uses Prebiotic Innovation to nurture a healthy Microbiome. Revisionskincare.com, $145
4 - Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce
Melanie’s go-to breakfast drink! The blonde roast with hints of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar certainly makes a dolce (Italian for “sweet”) combination. With a little cream added, it’s a dessert of its own! Available at local grocery stores or athome.starbucks.com, ~$7.50
5 - The Hug Box
Send someone the beach and a hug for their birthday, cheer up, thank you, just because… The Beach Be with You gift is customwrapped with sustainable and USA-made materials and comes with a local artisan wooden tag/magnet and a personalized notecard. Each gift box is filled with happy, healthy, beachy products made by local Georgia artisans! The Hug Box, Newnan, thehugbox.com, $66.50 July/August 2021
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COVERSHOOT
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Linen and chunky throws and an oversized pouf (also from Blue Fern) add texture, and canvas paint cloths from Lowe’s hang perfectly for a casual feel to ground the outdoor space. The back porch emulates Melanie’s love of color and textures by using decor that is unexpected in an outdoor setting.
Lori Loves peacocks, as does Melanie, so she used peacock feathers from her farm and a brass peacock of Melanie’s, coffee table books, lots of potted plants, and antique green shutters from an estate sale. The lamps and small table decor are from At Home, a great budget-friendly place to shop.
July/August 2021 11
decorate with your books! Drag out those books you read years ago but just can't seem to let go of. Stack books to create height variation on tables and shelves. Leave dust jackets on for those books that you "judged by the cover." Remove the dust jackets if you prefer a more uniform look. If you are leaning toward a color theme, purchase some card stock paper and wrap your books to create the perfect accent to your decor. Decoupaging furniture with book pages or dust jackets creates a unique conversation piece.
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arts AND
Daughters
the
of
American
Revolution
PATRIOTISM, EDUCATION, HISTORIC PRESERVATION BY TERRI FOPIANO
This time of year, we all get a little bit more excited about flying the American Flag or wearing our patriotic colors. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting: * Patriotism * Preserving American history * Securing America’s future through better education for children DAR members volunteer millions of service hours annually in their local communities including supporting active-duty military personnel and assisting veterans, awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships and financial aid each year to students, and supporting schools for underserved children with annual donations exceeding one million dollars, plus many more things!
CULTURE
The areas and diversity of opportunities are many: Americanism, conservation, community outreach, preserving local landmarks, and supporting our military personnel. The list is wide, and I am sure there is a place for you to come alongside us and find a meaningful way to be more in your local community. More than one million women have found purpose and passion in DAR membership. They became members to honor their heritage as well as to make a difference in their communities across the country and the world. We are here to help you find a Revolutionary patriot in your family lineage. The DAR Genealogical Research System includes free online databases containing information on many Revolutionary patriot ancestors, and descendants of those patriots, as well as the vast array of genealogical resources from the DAR library. You can access these records on the national website: dar.org. Some of the local chapters include Fayetteville’s James Waldrop Chapter; Coweta’s General Daniel Newnan; Griffin’s Pulaski Chapter; and Jonesboro’s Augustin Clayton Chapter. Contact JamesWaldropRegent@gmail.com or find more chapter locations at georgiastatedar.org and click on the “Chapters” tab. We would love to have you join us to find a place to volunteer and pay it forward for the next generation.
The DAR is made up of women a lot like you who come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of interests. Their common bond is their lineal descent from patriots of the American Revolution—any woman, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove this lineage, is eligible to join. We like to say, “We are a Service Organization with a Lineage Application.” Presently, there are over 8,100 ladies in Georgia that are members of DAR.
July/August 2021 13
arts AND
CULTURE
TATTOOS With Tattoo Artist Emily Bibler For tattoo artist Emily Bibler, art is a way of life, and getting up close and personal to connect with people on such an intimate level is the icing on the cake. From childhood, Emily spent her time drawing and doodling on everything. “Even in school, I always doodled on all my papers,” she says. And now, at 22 years old, she’s turned her art into a career. She has been an apprentice artist under the tutelage of her dad, Mike, for two years, at their shop in Sharpsburg, Stay True Tattoos.
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Her style is feminine and fluid, whether it’s a cartoon drawing or beautiful florals. She says she’s drawn to tattoos that are girly, cute, and meaningful, and she loves giving people art that they will cherish for as long as they live. Emily, who’s actually terrified of needles, wasn’t allowed, per Dad, to get her own tattoos until she turned 18, despite his being covered headto-toe and owning the shop. “He was adamant about that,” she says. But since then, she has gotten several and even inked herself a few times, in addition to tattooing many of her friends. She spent hours practicing with the needles on bananas and honeydew melons, as well as “fake skin,” to learn the right pressure and practice her lines. And she’s open to tattooing most styles except realism, she says.
Her best friend (also named Emily) volunteered to have a tattoo done while we chatted, and Emily’s (the artist) demeanor was nothing short of soothing and reassuring. It’s evident she takes the greatest care with her clients and friends while she’s working. “My dad always tells me not to apologize for hurting them,” she laughs, “but I can’t help it!” While she admits that she will always have more to learn, her work speaks for itself in clarity and significance to her clients. She’s perceptive and dedicated to her clients wishes, and though she’s had a few very random and quirky requests, she does her best to give them exactly what they ask for.
Check out Emily’s work on Instagram at daintylittletattoos, or reach out to her at facebook.com/StayTrueTattooGA.
She is one of very few female tattoo artists in the area and says she has mostly women clients. She adds, sitting in her bright pink–painted studio, “I think being in here makes them feel comfortable.” The walls are covered with her original artwork, Hello Kitty collectibles, anime drawings, and a poster of Marilyn Monroe. “It’s a great feeling when a client is really happy with what I’ve done,” she says. “I had one 80-year-old woman who was so sweet, and she cried when it was done. She got her kids’ names tattooed. She almost made me cry!”
July/August 2021 15
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arts AND
CULTURE
T
hough Heather Bergholt never really considered herself an artist and thought of it more as a fun hobby, in May 2017, someone offered to buy a piece she had created. “If you had told me 10 years ago I was going to be doing art, I would have said, ‘What are you talking about? I don’t do art.’” But it seems that everything Heather does paint finds someone who loves it. After she sold her first piece, Heather, with her husband, Eric, created Pick It Place Designs, so her colorful, whimsical florals could give life to the surfaces of wood and pottery, ceramics and more in the homes of her friends and clients. She has always loved flowers, and every design is hand painted and unique while keeping to her trademark style. “I didn’t set out to do a certain style; it’s just truly what flowed and what came from my heart. Some of the flowers may look like a rose or a tulip or a sunflower, but I’m really not ever trying to draw a specific flower.” “One person wanted my work, but I didn’t know if anyone else would, so it was a huge step of faith, and I just told myself I was just going to see where things go!” she adds. “It’s really been an amazing process.”
And many other projects are a collaboration between Heather and Eric: He builds, she paints. They have built and painted birdhouse memory boxes, porch swing beds, and farmhouse tables in addition to her creative art.
Locally, Heather’s products are available at The Funky Shack Mercantile, The Hug Box, Percolate Coffee & Boutique, and Blue Cicada Studios. And the best place to reach Heather directly is through Instagram: @pickitplacedesigns.
More recently, Heather has started painting some bigger spaces and loves the idea of working on murals based on her signature florals. “I think branching off into that would be really fun! I love working on a big surface.”
Though her florals adorn her staple products like mugs, stationary and canvases, she’s also painting wooden beads and pairing them with positive words. “I love making little gift items for people who can’t commit to a larger piece. They can still have a little bit of art,” she says.
July/August 2021 17
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n r e A uth lady o S
eet M
Do you know an amazing Southern Woman you’d like us to meet? Get in touch to let us know: southernwomanmag@gmail.com
We’d love to introduce you to one of our amazing Southern Woman followers, Jennifer Elizabeth Bagwell! We met Jennifer when she asked to use our logo to create an adorable tie-dyed T-shirt. “I am by no means a professional, and I am learning as I go, but that makes the process challenging and fun for me,” she says of her new hobby of T-shirt bleaching. She’s a multi-faceted South Carolina woman with a farm, a family, and a nursing career specializing in stem cell transplant. As if that weren’t enough, she is a Registered Nurse who teaches full time at Clemson University, and she is on track to receive her doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2023. Find out more about Jennifer below! “On the farm, I breed German Shorthaired Pointers, and my kennel (Coast Bound German Shorthaired Pointers) is nationally known— having shipped dogs from Alaska to California to Kansas, and everywhere in between.” She’s a mom of four (from ages three to 10)— two boys and two girls, with her husband, Joey. “My first child was through extensive fertility treatments that lasted over eight years. We pursued foster parenting through DSS after he was born and ended up adopting our first placements, which were twin medically fragile girls. They were born at 24 weeks gestation with severe drug exposure. We have had them since birth, and they are now seven years old. A few years later, I popped up pregnant NATURALLY. ‘Surprised’ was an understatement.” Her family enjoys spending time on the lake boating, camping, and fishing. They also enjoy off-road adventures on the side-by-side, ATVs, and her personal favorite: the JEEP!
Follow Jennifer, along with 51K other fans, on
@southern_sassho1e
July/August 2021 19
arts AND
Author'sNotes
CULTURE
We asked Southern Woman Book Society member and Southern author Ashley Chewning to give us a little insight on her journey to becoming an author and what it’s like co-authoring the series of novels, Devecheaux Antiques and Haunted Things, with M.L. Bullock. The short answer: Very few things go as planned, so get ready for an adventure!
"I’ve had a great life, and it all happened because I didn’t plan any of it." ~ Eugene Walter I used to envy those people that knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up. They took a clear path to get there step by measured step. Those folks followed a specific outline to fulfill dreams and goals, with no deviation from it. I have, however, come to the realization that I’d much rather be on a path that meanders a little. I need the occasional change of scenery. Those unexpected moments in life tend to be where the magic happens and where the greatest stories unfold. The journey of me becoming an author was far from carefully planned or executed. It meandered through some very unexpected paths. Between my mid-thirties and forties, I graduated from college, ran a marathon, began training as a hula dancer in Hawaii, and began an acting career. That last one surprised me, too. Eventually, I landed a guest star role on a popular television show. What’s my point, you may ask? Well, just like any good, interesting story, mine has been full of unexpected twists and turns that brought me right where I needed to be. I didn’t realize it at the time, but each of those unexpected twists brought me closer to becoming an author. Earning my degree taught me how to do research. Hula taught me about storytelling from a different perspective. Acting taught me how to delve deeper into the mind of the characters within my stories. My transition into the world of the self-published author began in 2019 through Kindle Direct Publishing by Amazon. After my grandmother passed, I began to feel this urging to tell the stories of my family. I wanted to share them with the world because they had such an impact on my life. Placing their unique personalities within the pages of a book to be memorialized forever has been an honor.
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I conquered my goal of publishing my first book, but then as usual, my life never goes as planned. During the middle of the second book of my trilogy, I fell into a bout of imposter syndrome. Fortunately around the same time, I came across fellow Southern author M.L. Bullock’s (she prefers Monica Leigh) Facebook LIVE. Her words resonated with me and as always I meandered off the path, went outside of my comfort zone and reached out to her immediately. She’s been my mentor, confidant, and friend ever since. The Devecheaux Antiques and Haunted Things series that Monica and I have collaborated on has been such a wonderful experience. We both enjoy the paranormal world and are constantly throwing around ideas for stories. What works for us in writing our series is that each of us has our individual characters that we develop and write from their point of view. With the help of our committed editor, Katie, somehow our exchanges come together into something magical. If I had any tips to give on becoming an author, I would echo the advice Monica gave me. Write the book you want to read, be true to your story, and never give up. Monica and I continue writing in the Devecheaux Antiques and Haunted Things series with no end in sight. It’s a joy sharing the South and Southern culture with so many people around the world. Honestly, there’s still no clear plan or path for me. Who knows what the future holds? Whatever it may be, I’ll happily put a Southern spin on it. Because that’s what us Southerners love to do.
arts AND
CULTURE
SERIES SYNOPSIS Author, actress, and adventure seeker A. E. Chewning combines her love of history and the paranormal within the pages of her books. The seeds of the love for storytelling and reading were planted during her childhood by her mother spending many nights reading wonderful tales of adventure to her. Growing up in the South and traveling to other parts of the country, A.E. Chewning has an abundant supply of colorful personalities to develop into enduring or notso-likable characters. Currently living in Athens, Alabama and still happily surrounded by history–and the many spirits of the past–A.E. Chewning has all the inspiration she needs to tell her stories and give life to the people time has forgotten. https://www.aechewningauthor.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/aechewningauthor IG: @aechewning_author
Author of the best-selling Seven Sisters series, M.L. Bullock has been storytelling since she was a child. After growing up in a haunted house, Monica Leigh has had a lifelong love affair with haunted houses, lonesome beaches and forgotten places. She currently lives on the Gulf Coast and regularly haunts her favorite hangout, Dauphin Island, and downtown Mobile. A visit to Historic Oakleigh House in Mobile, Alabama inspired her successful supernatural suspense Seven Sisters series. https://www.mlbullock.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMLBullock IG: @authormlbullock
Henri and Detra Ann have poured their hearts into making their dream a reality— Devecheaux Antiques is open for business! But managing this kind of shop will require more than a business degree and a good eye for hard to find items. Haunted things have a habit of showing up. Aggie, the new assistant and rookie psychic, might have something to do with these restless souls lingering around. Devecheaux Antiques and Haunted Things delves into the world of unwanted attachments, paranormal possessions, and lost souls.
July/August 2021 21
arts AND
CULTURE
The Photography
of Scott Anna
Throughout my life, I have always loved to capture the beauty around me with the click of the camera. Whether it be the beautiful flowers/plants, landscapes, birds (native and migrating), macro images (what I call “the world within”), portraits of people, and my favorite, the American black bear.
For the past 16 years, I have had the pleasure of living in a beautiful area of Union County in the Northeast Georgia mountains. Having had the privilege of working alongside the Union County Chamber of Commerce, and Commissioner Lamar Paris’s office, I have been able to, hopefully, make a mark with my photography. One of my prized moments as a photographer is by having several wildlife and nature photos on the “You Are Here” lookout sign located on the highest point of the scenic drive along Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway at Hogpen Gap. For the past five years, I have had the honor of being the primary volunteer photographer for the “Look Good Feel Better Program” and “Relay for Life” benefit events for cancer survivors in this area.
Where wildlife abound, amazing crimson sunsets and sunrises, and having four seasons that show off each season with its beauty, I never run out of moments to capture. Being retired full-time, I am able to capture whatever comes my way, and shows up in front of my lens. If interested in viewing my photography of entirely Union County, Georgia images, please visit my website: mountainmemries.photography.com
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July/August 2021 23
1 YEAR (6 ISSUES) FOR $39
woman
SOUTHERN FAYETTE | COWETA
24 SOUTHERN WOMAN
way down
SOUTH
Puerto Rico A VISIT TO
JULY/AUGUST 2021 25
Old
San Juan Exploring the architecture and history of Old San Juan, just 20 minutes from Luis Munoz Marin Airport, could easily take several days. One of the things you won’t see in just any foreign city is the charming, yellow Casa Estrecha (the Narrow House). Built between two existing buildings, the house is a mere five feet wide but has all the features of any other home!
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Close by is the Calle de la Fortaleza (umbrella street). The colorful umbrellas are changed out to reflect celebrations going on locally and globally. The Puerto Rican flag hangs proudly alongside the canopy of color. The views from the Castillo San Felipe del Morro are spectacular (p.25), and the hundreds of kites flying on the massive lawn are an added bonus to the vista.
Intricate woodwork and window boxes full of flowers are charming and bright, and can be found all over the country, not just in Old San Juan.
La Puerta de la Bandera (flag door) is another wellknown treasure. Painted by Rosenda Álvarez, the door in an abandoned historic building has become a symbol of national identity. July/August 2021 27
Natural Wonders Plan at least a full day for hiking, Puerto Rican Parrot searching, and picnicking at El Yunque, the only tropical
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rainforest in the U.S, National Forest system. If you’re enchanted by waterfalls, El Yunque has many, big and small. Waterfalls can be found throughout the mountainous landscape of Puerto Rico: La Soplaera is on the southern end of the island, near Ponce, and has the iciest blue diving hole at its base, perfect for a cool swim on a warm summer day—and with average winter temps in the high 80s, it’s always summer in Puerto Rico!
Among the numerous beaches of the island, perhaps the most unique is the Playa Negra (black sand beach) on the Isla de Vieques, about a 30-minute ferry ride from the main island. Due to a volcanic explosion offshore many years ago, the sand at this beach ranges from a pure black in some areas to a warm mix of black and gold. And while the beach has become well known, it is still quiet and solitary, and a great place for finding shells!
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Cuisine Nothing beats the street food in Puerto Rico: arepas rellenas, fresh fish tacos, ahi tuna, and coconut shrimp are everywhere. Also be sure to try a couple of the island’s signature dishes: mofongo and tostones, both made with plantains. And when you’re hot and thirsty, a coconut frappe hits the spot!
The caves found in the northern central region around Arecibo are some of the most stunning you’ll find. The Cueva Ventana is high in a cliff face with an opening that creates a portrait of the Puerto Rican countryside, and the Cueva del Indio showcases dramatic cliffs that tumble into the clear Caribbean water.
Cuevas y Artes
As if nature wasn’t providing enough color and texture, everywhere you turn in Puerto Rico, there is art, on the sides of broken down buildings, painted on fallen trees, in quiet corners, and in public parks.
July/August 2021 31
Beauty’s Best Friend Delicious and nutritious, oatmeal is good for your body inside and out! Rich in vitamins, minerals, lipids and antioxidants, oatmeal moisturizes, protects, cleanses, and exfoliates. Oatmeal has been used for skin care as far back as ancient Roman times, though today’s uses are a bit more formulated and modernized. You can easily make an oatmeal bath or mask at home, though, to give your skin a little TLC. We’ve whipped up three oatmeal face mask recipes for you to make at home. Try these out and let us know how you did! Honey-Oatmeal Facial Mask Cook one serving of plain oatmeal and add two tablespoons of honey. Mix well, allow to cool, and apply to skin for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Oatmeal Mask for Acne-Prone Skin Mix two tablespoons of ground oatmeal and one teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste and apply to the skin for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Combination Skin Oatmeal Mask Mix three tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt with 3/4 cup of oatmeal and a tablespoon of honey. Apply to skin and rinse with cool water after about 10 minutes. Colloidal Oatmeal: We know you’ve heard the term. Simply put, it’s oatmeal that’s been finely processed (something you can achieve at home with a blender or food processor) so that it mixes better with lotions, creams, and water for a smooth and soothing formula.
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Southern Style
BY: MICHELLE DENNEY
Hey y’all! Let’s talk about Barnett & Co., a local boutique in The Avenue. It was opened in 2020 by the Barnett girls, Jennifer, Leah, Caroline and Liz Ann. This boutique has everything you may be looking for in one stop. A super cute outfit, baby items, gifts, and home decor. When I stopped in, I was awed at all the items in the store and super excited I had found a boutique that stands out and doesn’t carry the same items you see everywhere else!
Day
Night Blazer, $92 | Heels, $119 | Clutch, $195 A great evening statement lipstick is Be Legendary by Smashbox. “Made It” is the perfect red! Smashbox.com, $15
You will see in the magazine we do a day-to-night makeup look! I asked Barnett & Co to put together a day outfit that you could easily change to a night outfit! Simply for the night outfit, add a blazer and change the sneakers to heels! I have added a nude lip for day and a night lip to add the finishing touch. “As Peachtree City natives, we have loved being able to share our passion for all things beautiful and bring the elevated shopping experiences we enjoy to our friends and neighbors. Our pieces are hand chosen and thoughtfully collected to reflect and inspire a fresh-traditional lifestyle. Come see us!” – The Barnett Girls It’s so easy to add a couple of pieces and a statement lipstick to transform from your day look to your night look. Grab that red lipstick and put it in your tote bag, and keep heels in the car to make sure you are ready for that last minute invite that comes in for an evening out!
Tiger Tee, $76 | Denim, $118 | Sneakers, $139 | Tote, $345 Add a nude matte lipstick like “3 Plays” from Belle En Argent that can be worn everyday and that stays on well without drying out and is perfect with every skin tone. belleenargent.com, $20 July/August 2021 33
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To add a bit more glam, she highlighted the upper part of Michelle’s cheekbones, under the arch of her eyebrows, on the Cupid’s bow above her upper lip, down the bridge and tip of her nose with Benevolent cream to powder Luminizer. Fervent Powder Eyeshadow in the outer corners of
Gett ng
Michelle’s upper and lower eyelids and Successful Splash Liquid Lipstick paired with Posh Long-lasting Lipliner add a bit more drama and complete the look! Raydeen finished and set Michelle’s makeup with Behold Setting Spray on her complete face so she’s ready for a night out with the girls or a date night with her husband!
READY WITH Raydeen
For the summer issue, our contributing
makeup artist, Raydeen Martin, and our style contributor, Michelle Denney, got together to
create a buildable day-to-night makeup look. Check out the Younique products below that
took Michelle from a daytime work style to an evening glam-night-out style.
To give Michelle a makeup look that she can wear to work, Raydeen started with the Glorious Face Primer to even out fine lines and pores. She used the Prime & Set powder, Liquid Foundation, and Skin Solutions Concealer to balance skin tone and set Michelle’s makeup to last for the whole day. For Michelle’s eyes, a soft combination of Businesslike and Willed Liquid Eyeshadows lasts all day. Raydeen then used the Lash Primer and 4D Mascara, and the Spa Day Lip Butter to complete the look. To finish, Raydeen applied rosewater toner spritzer on Michelle’s complete face. The great thing about Raydeen’s products is that they’re buildable! She took Michelle from a day-atwork makeup look to being ready for an evening out with just a few additional steps! She applied a little contour with Cashmere Powder compact in the hollows of cheekbones, hairline and temples, and the sides of her nose. 34 SOUTHERN WOMAN
Be sure to ch eck out Mich elle’s outfit fo head-to-toe, r this day-to-nigh t makeover on page 33!!
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SPONSORED CONTENT
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SPONSORED CONTENT
illiner AmyJo Traylor shares photos from her annual Preakness Party with Southern Woman Magazine. Here’s what she has to say about the party and about her love for and creation of custom-made, Kentucky Derby–style hats for women:
From my first exposure to formal hats in my teens, I have been captivated by the style and elegance of women’s hats. Years later, that same enthusiasm inspired me to begin crafting my own sinamay hats. When my millinery began to attract local interest, I founded AmyJo Original Hats in 2014. My millinery business is based in Pensacola, FL, and specializes in customdesigned, hand-blocked women’s sinamay hats. Working with fine sinamay from New York and Australia, I have designed custom millinery for a variety of events, such as Mardi Gras, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, weddings, and religious services. While ideally I'd love to host a Derby party, I'm too busy finishing hats for the actual event to be able to host one. And I'm typically pretty worn out, too. Since the Preakness is two weeks after the Derby, I have plenty of time to recover and host a Preakness Party. I've been hosting this event for over eight years. This year we had 60 friends join us to enjoy the big race. As part of the party, everyone brings a dish to share
and we have prizes for "Best in Show Sweet,” "Best in Show Savory," and a prize for "Best in Show Couple". Our friends really go all out and the food competition is quite fierce. I hand make the awards which are ribbons with hand painted medals and often people will wear them the following year to establish their prior win. Recently, my hats have been featured in Travel and Leisure Magazine, HATalk Magazine, and in two exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in collaboration with the Milliner’s Guild. My designs have appeared in the Top 10 looks of the Longines Fashion Contest at the Kentucky Oaks for both 2017 and 2018, and even topped off the winning look for the 2019 competition. I stock a selection of ready-to-wear hats, and I specialize in working one-on-one with clients to achieve the perfect bespoke design. Through my work, I look to influence the use of millinery in the fashion repertoire of a well-styled woman. Whether my client is preparing for a wedding, a debutante ball, or the Kentucky Derby, my hats add an elegant flair and a dash of southern charm to any woman’s ensemble. Facebook: AmyJo Original Hats Instagram: @amyjooriginalhats Website: amyjooriginalhats.com July/August 2021 37
carl miller park One of the many benefits of living in Fayette and Coweta is the abundance of outdoor space for families. With so many parks and recreation areas, it’s hard to choose one to visit! Our recommendation for this summer is Kids Castle Park at Carl Miller Park! It has recently undergone a huge renovation, with updated playground equipment, flooring, shade sails, and more! While it has always been a Newnan favorite, it’s now even more family friendly with plenty of room to spread out, tree-shaded paths for walking, open fields for Frisbee tossing, and two playgrounds that encourage little imaginations to soar, not to mention helping to get out some of that boundless energy before naptime.
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PHOTO CREDIT: SCARLETT INMAN
And while you’re there, don’t forget to visit the splash pad. Pack your swimsuits, towels, and lunches, and make a day of it! The park and splash pad are open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily. 74 Sewell Road, Newnan.
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worn. The subtitle is what caught my eye when I was searching: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic. It felt like a description of my little girl, who is presently seeing how far she can jump off her bed instead of resting. (Side note: I miss nap time.) While this book is wonderful and very helpful, there are also times I know that something more is happening.
My Spirited
Child
Resource Recommendations from a Tired Mama By Emily Evans
"You have an intense child." Those were the words our pediatrician said about our oldest child after I had been explaining some of her behavior. I was taken by surprise; I had been sure she was going to tell me my two-yearold was just being a normal toddler. Instead, she started to give me resources and tips on how to help with her behavior. So I did what many of us would do: I Googled “strong-willed children” and looked up books on that topic. I found websites that had other moms sharing their experiences and things that worked for their children. I started to read and tried to apply what I read to my child. I read a book titled Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, and this book has been a permanent fixture on my bedside table for over a year now. It is a great mixture of personal stories and parenting strategies that can help you and your child. There are chapters I have read so many times that the pages are 40 SOUTHERN WOMAN
When I was pregnant, a good friend introduced me to an app called Wonder Weeks. This app takes your child’s birthday and then maps out the next year and half of time periods called leaps. These leaps are when your child is going through changes developmentally. When our pediatrician told me my child was intense, she had aged out of the Wonder Weeks leaps, but I figured there had to be more, so I found a website called theobservantmom.com. This website picks up where Wonder Weeks leaves off and takes you all the way through adolescence. If your spirited child seems to suddenly be a little more crazy than normal, look this website up. It walks you through what your child is learning and how it affects them. My child is currently going through a developmental stage where she is beginning to comprehend life in the bigger picture. For example, her grandparents live far away so we can’t see them in person often. As she is going through this, she is coming to terms with what she learned to do in the last leap. All of this can add up to a child who feels like a force of nature at times. I know that not all children are as strongwilled as others. Because of this knowledge, I am certain my daughter is on the strong-willed side. The older she gets, the more I hear from my mom how different I was as a child. My daughter has strong opinions on how often clothes
should be worn (as little as she can get away with), on what direction we drive in the car, or even down to what shirt I get to wear some days. Some events feel like I have climbed a mountain when I am done, and I never know which event that will be on a given day. And then there are the days where everything is a battle. Even if she is excited about the next thing or where we are going, she will fight me on making it happen.
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I’m not an expert by any means, but I have found a few tricks that seem to work for us: Timers to countdown until we leave a place or until she is done with whatever we are doing. Giving her two choices, so she feels like she has some control over what is happening in her life. And then, when all else fails, we do give consequences.
My girl feels things in a big way, and I think that has to do with being “intense.” She is also a daredevil who does not understand that her actions can have bad consequences. All of this combined makes for a tired mama who can be envious of those calm children who seem to always listen. My intense child has changed the kind of parent I thought I would be, but the resources I mentioned have definitely helped. I hope they help you, too! July/August 2021 41
Remembering Mom
A Family’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s By Deena Attia When I was 25 years old or so, my mom told me I should settle down and give her grandchildren before she became senile. We laughed, not thinking that she could speak that into existence. Her mother had dementia, so I was concerned, but dismissed the thought quickly. A couple of years later, I gave my mother the grandchild she longed for, a little girl, for her to spoil and adore.
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he did such a good job of being the doting Nana— the name Amira called her. Nana made sure Amira had all the clothes she needed for the first two years of her life. Her closet was filled with sizes up to 3T. My mom gave my daughter her first bath and saved me numerous times when I was struggling with postpartum depression. Even during my toughest times, we laughed a lot together. My appreciation for my mom grew even deeper after I had my daughter.
Around Amira’s fourth birthday, I began to notice a difference in Mom. My photos of the party uncovered a devastating clue as to what would eventually unfold: My mom looked vacant in the pictures. Around that time, she became argumentative regarding certain topics. She was telling me stories about my father that seemed very unlikely, but I listened and didn’t question it too much. My worries about her going down the same path as my grandmother were growing, but I couldn’t say anything. Why did I feel such a need to keep quiet? It was an act of protection, maybe. I didn’t want to question her credibility and diminish anything when it came to her capabilities. This was a touchy subject that I fought with for months. If I talked about it, reality would strike and we would have to do something. Days when she was totally clear, I doubted myself and prayed I had been wrong and that all was fine. Unfortunately, the lucid days began to dwindle away over time. One afternoon in the winter months, I sat on my neighbor’s couch and was able to talk to her and open up about my greatest fear for my mother. I sat, talked, and sobbed and ended up with wads of tissues in my hands. My neighbor understood, as her father had recently passed away, and she went through what I was just beginning to experience. I was able to speak to her but could not talk to my husband or anyone else. Again, it was a sacred, secretive subject in my mind.
The months went by, and eventually in August, it couldn’t be ignored any longer. I knew I had to speak up and open the can of worms to her, my dad, brother, and the rest of the family. My stomach was in knots, but I did it. I started the conversation off with my mom by suggesting she go to the doctor to get checked out because she could have what Grandma had. She was nonchalant and said she would schedule an appointment with her doctor. I was relieved that it didn’t go as bad as I anticipated.
The love Amira and Mom had for each other was captured in this shot taken by my dad.
Going to my father with a subject as sensitive as this was even tougher. My parents got married at 17 years old. How do I tell my father that I suspect the love of his life, my mom, may have dementia or Alzheimer’s? It was heartbreaking, but I had no choice. Dad took swift action and got her in to see the doctor quickly. She saw a specialist at Emory, and they had her do a panel of tests. The clock-drawing test was all I needed to know about to confirm my worst nightmare. She failed it.
Fast forward about two weeks, and I checked in with Mom and asked if she had seen the doctor. I spoke to my mother everyday and knew of her daily activities, and not once during that time did she mention a doctor visit, but I was gingerly approaching the subject again. Mom simply responded with the “too busy” excuse and that she would schedule that appointment soon. I knew she would not and that it was time to go to my father.
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She couldn’t draw the face of a clock. The woman who taught me to tell time, balance a checkbook, look up words in the dictionary, write thank you notes, and everything else that she had guided me through over my life span could no longer understand the spatial relationship that was required for the task. It made me sick. I felt physically ill and angry. I remember the phases of sadness and anger. I prayed for a misdiagnosis or a miracle. As Mom progressed from a mild to a more moderate stage in the disease, Amira had a hard time understanding why Nana blamed her for things that she had misplaced. Amira still spent time with my parents, but it was difficult, and I explained that Nana was sick and had problems remembering. I was so wrapped up in my grieving that I didn’t handle the communication with my daughter very well. I couldn’t talk about it without breaking down, and I did not want to break down in front of my little girl. She was between the ages of four and almost nine when this was happening. Nana died just two weeks after Amira’s ninth birthday. The average lifespan of a person diagnosed with the disease is four to eight years. From the time I noticed changes to the time she passed away, it was about five years. During that time, our family made some very tough decisions. Mom could no longer have access to her car in fear that she would get lost or have an accident. My father took her everywhere, and one Saturday in December, before Christmas, he took her to the Fayette Pavilion. He parked the car close to the store and let her go in by herself, not thinking that she would have any problem finding her way back to him. Unfortunately, she got confused and thought Dad left her, and she began walking home. We frantically searched for her with the help of others. A stranger selling produce at a roadside stand drove her home. This was the extreme turning point when we knew she could not be alone. Several months passed and dad was able to manage her care at home, but near late summer we knew the best option was a memory care home. The transition from the moderate to severe stage happened quickly. The concept of going from the phase of trouble remembering things to not being able to care for herself was a lot for all of us to grasp. My nieces were still young, and it was confusing to them when Grandma died because they knew her memory was failing, but they didn’t have the information to be able to connect the dots as to why she would die from that.
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Dad and Mom
March 2013, the Publix full marathon, my parents and family were at the finish line waiting for me. Six months later, Mom was gone.
Mom’s passing was sudden, but in the end it was a peaceful transition. She died in hospice care at a facility about 45 minutes from my home. She was there a little over eight days. There were no blinking and beeping monitors, just the meds needed to keep her comfortable and the love of her family. Looking back, I would handle things differently. I would have reached out and acted quicker. Alzheimer’s and dementia are not diseases to be embarrassed about. It’s not a family secret that can be swept under the rug. It requires patience and care for the patient, family, and caregiver. Growing up, I admired my mother more than any other person in my life, and as an adult, Mom and I were best friends. To gradually lose my best friend to an unforgiving and debilitating disease made me bitter because I was losing the love of my life.
My advice to anyone who suspects their loved one has this disease is to reach out to someone trusted and to use the available resources. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Reach out to Alz.org or the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 for more information and to get involved. And please join us October 2, 2021 for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater.
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The grill is not just for meat! Grilled fruits are a delicious and healthy way to flip the script at your next summer barbeque.
Grilled Watermelon Juice and zest of 1 lime 1/4 cup honey 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 small watermelon, cut into 1"-thick wedges Freshly torn mint leaves, for serving Flaky sea salt, for serving Heat grill to medium heat. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice and zest, honey, and olive oil. Brush lime juice mixture over watermelon wedges and place on the grill. Cook until grill marks form and fruit softens slightly, about 2 minutes per side. Sprinkle with mint and flaky sea salt and serve.
more fruits that are great on the grill! Peaches, Pineapple, Pears, Tomatoes, Bananas, and Figs
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A
food
s far as family-style dinners go, it doesn’t get much more Southern than an old-school Low Country Boil. As tradition encourages, find the longest picnic table you can, spread out layers of newspaper down the middle, and pour out the stew pot full of Old Bay–seasoned shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn, and let everyone dig in to their hearts’ content.
The one-pot meal, originally called Frogmore Stew, was named after the hometown of its credited creator, Richard Gay. The National Guardsman used his old family recipe to make a meal for over 100 soldiers. Another version of the story credits South Carolina shrimpers with the idea: coming in from a long day on the water and using the shellfish they had on hand (shrimp, crawfish, and crabs) cooked with readily available vegetables. Either way you’ve heard it, the traditional meal spans tables down the East Coast and stretches into the Gulf states and beyond. The Low Country Boil is an Independence Day custom and a community fundraiser institution. Where there’s a Boil, there’s sure to be a crowd!
l need ’l u o y t a h w ’s e r e H le Boil: a c s e g r la n w o r u to host yo is best,
-quart IG): 24- or 44 B n ea m o, purchase e (w ot oking for. Als co re u’ A big ol’ stockp yo le op how many pe draining. depending on sket for easy e ba er m ea st rt nation of thes se in an , or any combi one with ab cr or , sh fi mp, craw Shellfish: shri ndouille is a your taste. A on works! g in nd pe cy or mild, de Sausage: Spi so be used. ves, but ed ham can al ub C . ce oi es are must-ha ch to ta po great w ne and n on the cob sweet flavor, Veggies: Cor d if you like a an , ns io on throw in you can also Cajun-style es. pl ore? But any m chopped ap y sa e w ed ld Bay… ne Seasoning: O t, but save do. few into the po a e ez seasoning will ue sq n e. ca s of ‘em! You st on your plat Lemons: Lot tra spritz of ze ex scuits an r bi fo m d ar an w ishes plenty of d an , ic rl some for garn ga gar, d butter, vine Extras: Melte ! ss ne the good for soaking up
all-scale our quick, sm And check out version here stovetop
STOVETOP LOW COUNTRY BOIL
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12 cups water Add to pot
8 lemon quarters 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning 6 garlic cloves 1 onion cut into 6 pieces Boil 5 minutes, then add
1 lb. red potatoes cut in half Boil 10 minutes, then add
12 pieces of mini corn 1 lb. kielbasa sausage cut in 1/2 inch pieces Boil 4 minutes, then add
2 lbs. shrimp, peeled and deveined Drain the liquid from the pot, saving 1 cup. Melt butter and mix with the saved broth. Squeeze a lemon quarter and drizzle broth mixture onto each plate serving, sprinkle with parsley.
I like to serve with white rice. I use the leftover lemon quarter to squeeze over the rice with a little butter, salt and parsley.
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shopping list Nilla Wafers butter
tirring THE POT
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WITH
carlett SUMMER FRUIT DISHES
Georgia weather, I love it! As soon as you think you can’t take it anymore, it changes! Those cold, dreary winter days seem like they’ll never end, and then all of a sudden, it’s spring with summer right around the corner! There are few things better than all of the fresh fruit and vegetables summer brings. Yes, you can buy just about any kind of fruit year round, but it is so much better in summer! If you’re lucky, you have a green thumb and you have fruit trees or maybe some blueberry and blackberry bushes or even a vegetable garden! I planted a small garden last year...it cost me about $100 and I might have gotten $30 worth of veggies out of it! It was fun to watch it grow. Boy, did I watch it grow! I looked at it every day—sometimes two and three times a day! I got excited every time I saw a little tomato or bean. When I saw the first little corn start to grow, I got really excited! I got 32 small tomatoes (yes, in the year of Corona I kept count, not like there was much else to do) and four small ears of corn, not enough green beans to count and a handful of okra! I mixed that okra with a couple of those small green tomatoes and fried them up. Oh my gosh, it was good! Give me a farmer on the side of the road or a market day on the square to buy those fresh home grown tomatoes, squash, okra, and watermelons! If you’re really lucky, you have a friend with a green thumb and an abundance of veggies from their garden that they will share with you! Here are three recipes that we’ve come to love, I hope your family enjoys them as much as we do! Watermelon salad is great for a large gathering and uses all of the fresh fruit of summer. The hardest part of making this is cutting up all of the fruit. Honestly, how hard can that be? Again, if you don’t like a particular fruit, take it out and add more of what you do like. The mozzarella adds just a little extra yum. Try it...I think you’ll like it.
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sugar Philadelphia cream cheese all-purpose flour sour cream eggs Jello lemon instant pudding grated lemon peel Cool Whip blueberries strawberries kiwi parchment paper or foil small mozzarella cheese balls fresh basil peaches watermelon honeydew melon seedless green grapes lemon-poppy seed dressing unbaked pie crust vanilla
Ethan's Cheesecake with fresh strawberries and blueberries: We’ve been making this for over 20 years now. It’s a favorite of several of my grandchildren who have been requesting it for their birthdays since they were little! It’s not your traditional cheesecake, but it’s easy and oh so good! Cool and refreshing! Now it can’t get any easier than the blueberry custardJuly/August pie. I 2021 had blueberry bushes at my first home, and if I could have dug them up, I would have taken them with me! I had so many blueberries I was coming up with all kinds of recipes, and this one has become a favorite.
Watermelon Mozzarella Salad
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Ethan's Cheesecake
Blueberry Custard Pie
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food AND
Ethan's Cheesecake
1 cup crushed Nilla Wafers (about 30 wafers) 3 Tbsp. melted butter 3 Tbsp. sugar 4 8-oz. Philadelphia cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 cup sour cream 4 eggs 1 package Jello lemon instant pudding 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel 2 cups thawed Cool Whip 1 cup each of blueberries, strawberries, and sliced kiwi Parchment paper or foil to line 9x13 baking dish Preheat the oven to 325. Mix wafer crumbs, butter, and 3 Tbsp. sugar together, and press into the lined baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. Don’t over bake. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and flour in a large bowl until well blended. Add sour cream and mix well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in dry pudding mix and lemon peel. Pour over the baked crust. Bake for 1 hour or until the center is set. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least four hours or overnight. Lift out of the pan and place on a serving platter. Top with Cool Whip then top with fruit.
Cookbook Blueberry Custard Pie
2 cups blueberries 1 unbaked pie crust 1 cup sugar 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 eggs 1/4 stick butter, melted 1/2 tsp. vanilla Preheat the oven to 425. Put blueberries into an unbaked pie crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then after baking set aside. Turn the oven down to 325. Stir sugar and flour together, then add eggs, butter, and vanilla, mixing well. Pour over blueberries in the pie crust. Cover the edge of the crust with aluminum foil so it doesn’t get too brown, and bake for 50–60 minutes. It’s very easy and so delicious, and you don’t even have to get the mixer out! Try it with fresh peaches instead of blueberries!
TABLE
Watermelon Mozzarella Salad
1 8-oz. tub fresh small mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half (pearl mozzarella if you can find it) 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil 3 cups peeled, coarsely chopped fresh peaches (about 1.5 lbs) 4 cups seeded and cubed watermelon 4 cups cubed honeydew melon 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries 2 cups seedless green grapes, cut in half 3/4 cup lemon-poppy seed dressing (recipe below) Toss mozzarella, peaches, and basil with 1/4 cup Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing. Layer watermelon, peach mixture, honeydew, berries, and grapes in a large glass trifle dish or tall glass bowl. Serve immediately, or cover and chill for up to eight hours. Toss with remaining 1/2 cup dressing just before serving. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves if desired. Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing 2/3 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds 2 tsp. finely chopped onion 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. salt Process in a blender until smooth. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can use it with whatever fruit you like.
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Steak Princess Rylee Wright
he Steak Princess—a name bestowed upon her by a competitor at a grill off—now has a collection of eight different grills and smokers, and she is well-versed in and uses every single one of them.
T
Rylee entered the competitive cooking arena with the Steak Cookoff Association at age 11 and has been racking up the wins for her steaks, wings, and hot dogs ever since. She was the winner of the first ever ladies’ Steak Cookoff and was the first woman to win two cookoff events in the same day. Recently, she got her Golden Ticket to move on to compete in Fort Worth later this year. The Senoia teen who lives with her parents, Russell and Karen, says cooking is, and always has been, a family affair. “I am an only child so cooking is something we are able to do together. I learned most of my grilling skills from my dad, but my mom also cooks and competes with us. Baking and canning, I learned from my mom.”
Rylee answered a few questions for Southern Woman about her goals and her life in the industry: What would you like to do with your cooking career? Do you plan to open a restaurant or something similar? I would like to continue to cook. I am not sure if I want to be a chef or continue what I am doing now with my rubs and other things. I currently have two rubs out and hope to have two more out within the next 6–8 weeks. I have also been working on pickled veggies and a candied jalapeño recipe both using my rubs.
You have your own line of Steak Princess rubs. Where can people buy them locally? TLC Farm to Fork in Sharpsburg and ACE Beer Growlers in downtown Newnan both currently have them. I also plan to have them on my website: www.steakprincessbbq.com. At this time, we are currently sold out but hope to be restocked in the next 2–3 weeks. There are also several other online locations.
Do you have an idea of what you'd like to do after high school? I have been told Ole Miss is looking at starting a culinary program, so I would like to attend there if this happens. I want to go to a SEC school because I am a big football fan, plus they all have soccer programs. I also want to continue to compete in the Steak Cookoff Association and KCBS. I qualified to go to World Foods in Texas this year cooking in the seafood and steak categories. I am not sure if I will be able to attend this year, so I would like to continue to work towards qualifying again.
What other extracurricular activities do you participate in and what do you love about them? I play soccer. I was the goalie for my middle school. I hope to continue to play in high school but backed out of club play due to my cooking. I just love sports in general. I also like being a part of a team.
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What do you like to do with your friends? When I have time we just hang out. I have been lucky enough to meet a lot of great people cooking and have become really good friends with several other teenagers around the U.S. I love when we can compete together on the weekends.
Do you listen to music while you cook? I actually have a cooking playlist. It helps me stay relaxed and to not overthink so much. Especially since I cook against so many adults.
Keep up with Rylee to check out her competition wins, cooking tips, recipes, and more on social media!
Steak Princess BBQ @steak_princess Steak Princess BBQ Steak Princess BBQ
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Rack of Lamb on the Big Green Egg 2 racks of lamb, French cut (I like wrapping each individual bone with a piece of foil) 1 good all-purpose rub (This is just a salt, pepper, and garlic rub. I usually use A.P. Seasoning from Killer Hogs Barbecue or make my own!) 1 good BBQ rub (I’ve used a variety of rubs including my own Beauty and the Beef) Directions: Start Big Green Egg and let the temperature come up to 425 degrees for direct heat. I like adding a chunk of peach or cherry wood for a light smoke. Season both sides of lamb with the A.P. Seasoning. Place lamb on cooking grate bone side down for 2–4 minutes to get a good sear.
Triple Berry Cobbler 2 cups flour 3 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. salt 2 cups milk 2 sticks melted unsalted Challenge Butter 5 cups of your favorite fresh berries (I usually use 2 cups blackberries, 1.5 cups of raspberries and 1.5 cups of blueberries) 1–1.5 cups of sugar Directions: Set a pellet cooker or smoker to 375 degrees. Mix the berries with sugar and let them sit for about 20 minutes to form a syrup (I start with 1 cup of sugar and add more if needed). Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk together.
Flip each lamb to sear the other side for 2–4 minutes.
Stir in melted butter just until blended.
Remove lamb from Egg and then set it up for indirect heat, reducing grill temperature to 325 degrees.
Pour into a deep-dish cast iron skillet (lightly greased) or 13x9 greased pan.
Season both sides of lamb with your BBQ rub.
Spoon berry mixture over batter.
Once Egg decreases to 325 degrees, I place my lamb on it standing with bones interlocked. Insert a good probe thermometer (I use a Flame Boss) in the center of the lamb, and set the temp to 128 degrees.
Bake at 375 degrees for 45–60 minutes or until the dough rises and turns a golden brown. Time varies depending on the temperature of your grill.
Once the alarm sounds that the lamb has reached an internal temperature of 128, I remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 8–10 minutes before cutting into chops.
**We have used the triple berry frozen mixture from the grocery stores; we just like fresh berries better, especially if we can pick them!
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Bee Stings You’re not the only one enjoying the blooms of summer… the bees are bustling this time of year, and when the two of you meet in the garden, chances are the encounter won’t be as sweet as honey. Steering clear is always the best option, but if you get too close and get stung, here are some great, handy things you probably have at home that can take the sting out of that sting. Honey helps with pain and itching, as well as healing the wound. Baking Soda made into a paste with water can neutralize the venom when applied every 15 minutes or so. Apple Cider Vinegar helps with so many things including neutralizing the venom of a sting. Tobacco Juice (dry tobacco mixed with water) will act as an anesthetic when applied to a fresh sting. Aspirin wet with water will reduce the pain and swelling, although it may increase redness. Toothpaste is an inexpensive and easy remedy to try that may neutralize the sting’s acidity with its alkalinity. It won’t, however, help with the alkalinity of wasp venom. Meat Tenderizer contains an enzyme called papain that is thought to break down the protein that causes the pain and itching. Of course, all of these are not medically tested, and if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, dizziness, or difficulty breathing), you should contact your doctor immediately.
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My blood pressure was on the rise, and anger issues with me and everyone around me were taking the forefront. After realizing that this was not healthy for me, it became clear that I needed to be part of the solution. How could I be of service to the world? How can I generate positive energy in such a negative environment? Now was the time to recreate my purpose in life! To clean my emotional house and discover the life of service! I saw a great opportunity to focus on myself and how I could be the change. My first step was a return to gratitude—real, authentic gratitude. I have to admit, my new approach to the lockdown made the air cleaner and the traffic better, and everything seemed cheaper, all because of that little shift in gratitude…so much beauty in such a crazy time.
NURTURING
THE GARDEN OF LIFE
DURING COVID By Liz Hodson, Personal Life Coach
I don’t know about you, but last year when the world stopped around COVID... I was scared. I felt unsafe, and I wasn’t allowed to leave my home after living the life of go, go, go. I was forced to stop working, being locked up in my home… Oh my! And what was even more scary was that the whole world was in the same boat. Nobody had any answers to handle the pandemic, and most were just making stuff up if they did. Hey, it was all new to us, right? Stress levels were at their peaks. Bill collectors, landlords, etc. were all calling me, unsure of the course to take. Yikes! And where did all the toilet paper go? Compassion turned to anger… and all these rules! I have to admit my reaction to it all wasn’t so wonderful either. But I realized a few things: I, like others, had really forgotten all those things that make our country great and that I took them for granted. I was forced to stay at home and take a good look at myself. There was massive uncertainty about our future, which I couldn’t run from anymore and had to face. I was forced to actually get to know my loved ones and immediate family. My creativity had to be at a premium to fight off boredom and depression. Masks, curfew, sanitizer, social distance, making appointments… Those rules again, but they were necessary for our survival.
I then knew that it was into action for me! I offered free coaching sessions on all the local neighborhood platforms—to relieve stress and be able to cope with COVID. I bought masks and handed them out to all that needed (I tried toilet paper… but could never find any). I held mobile dance parties around my neighborhood to get people to interact safely. And I got so busy coaching and helping people that I completely forgot about all my own challenges and problems with COVID. I like to compare life’s happenings with that of a garden, and COVID allowed us to “pull all the weeds” and “change the soil.” Then we water our garden everyday, find the flowers, and watch them grow and blossom. For all of my free clients, I created a vision for them of what the future can look like and guided them to expel the fear and live their dreams. I gave my clients specific tools to return to love and gratitude and to live a limitless life. After all, we were all born as beautiful beings, perfect in every way. My new purpose and vision is to touch 210,000 hearts this year, one day at a time, teaching them that they do have a choice to live a peaceful life and shed the old belief systems that run them.
REMEMBER, YOU ARE LIMITLESS!
Find Liz Hodson @limitlesslifewithliz @limitlesslifewithlizz Lizhodson.com liz@lizhodson.com
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health AND
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southern at heart:
T H E healthy
W I T H W E L L
ALZHEIMER’S AND YOUR
HEALTH By: Nicole Quevedo
A couple of years ago I hopped on the MyHeritage bandwagon and sent in a sample of my DNA so that I could see just where I hail from. Turns out I am 100 percent European, which I thought was just so amazingly cool. Then I learned that I could take those DNA results and upload them via the worldwide web to a company that tells you all about your quirky traits and can even tell you if you are at risk of developing things like heart disease or cancer; and found that one of my high risks was for developing late-onset Alzheimer’s. I’m not gonna lie, I cried a little bit at seeing that I have the possibility to develop Alzheimer’s as I watched my sweet little Granney forget who I was shortly before she passed. Naturally, as the nutritionist I am, I researched, and here’s what I learned about Alzheimer’s:
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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a serious brain disorder that affects daily living through memory loss and cognition. Currently, 47 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. Age, family history, genetics, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol, increased weight, tobacco and alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle are all risk factors for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Although it is still unclear of how it occurs and who it affects, recent research suggests that inflammation may play a role in the disease occurrence. (Inflammation is also a common factor in heart disease, diabetes, stroke and high cholesterol.) One way to lessen the amount of inflammation is through diet and nutritional supplementation. Consuming foods that are high in antioxidants, unsaturated fats, B vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and may help protect against age related cognitive decline. Using nutritional supplementation optimizes the body’s natural defenses, including detoxification which allows the body to rid itself of all things that cause a negative response in our delicate systems.
There are also supplements, such as Huperzine A, that have been shown to improve memory, mental function and behavior and decrease the cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Other supplementation, such as Bacopa, has shown to vastly improve processing, learning, and memory consolidation, which is also helpful in those suffering from cognitive decline. Turmeric (a cooking spice that has a mild flavor but packs a healthy punch) is another great supplement that can help reduce inflammation in the body and brain.
health A diet rich in lean proteins, fatty fish, vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats is extremely beneficial for brain health; and foods such as dairy, processed foods high in added sugars and saturated fats, trans fat, fried foods, processed meats containing nitrates, and sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited in your diet. Limiting these foods can help the body’s detoxification process, ridding the body of inflammation, in turn allowing our brain and body to function properly.
AND
Start exercising your mind with our summer-themed word search puzzle.
It is also important to exercise your mind with fun tools like crossword puzzles and social stimulation, and to stay hydrated, as the brain is 73% water and the slightest dehydration can cause cognitive impairment. While there is still no cure for dementia and its related diseases, adopting a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the rate of disease progression.
WELLNESS
F R I S B E E P N I N P C L
L G A R L E M O N A D E L E
I A O M C A L P I C N I H M
Summer Flip Flops Popsicle Beach
P R B S W I M S M O O C I O
F D N U D P O I C L A I R N
L E D M C Q S C R E D F T C
O N R M A U Q L B M I K I O
Barbecue Swim Mosquitos Picnic
P I E E M T U E N R K N P O
S B E F S A N G R L W U S E A O I R MQWWO S R U S E K U O E U R B N I T O S A D CW C I R R E Q P C B E L I D L E S C A M P C S O U P R U S O T S B E O K O U T U T
Lemonade Camp Flowers Frisbee
Cookout Gardening Fireworks Sundress
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Look for garden art whenever you are at a thrift shop, antique store, farmer’s market, or festival. Even an inexpensive terracotta pot can be aged to look like a prized antique by painting it with yogurt and letting it sit in the shade to “age.”
Plant a succession of blooming plants for each season. Include plants with interesting foliage or fragrance for the visitor to “stop and smell the roses.” Similar to a hydrangea, these snowball viburnums make a beautiful backdrop for Bonnie’s rabbit statue.
Think outside the pot. Anything that holds water can be a container and serves as an interesting focal point in your garden. A bird bath can hold plants that like wet roots. Use vintage pieces with special meaning to use as containers, like your grandmother’s watering can or teapot.
Place containers where you need a spot of color or a focal point. In Bonnie’s yard, a “head” container adds personality and a bit of whimsy. “I have many vintage pieces that were from my husband Dan’s family farm in Illinois as well as from my grandparent’s farm in Moreland, GA.” These add a treasured personal touch.
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Your secret garden needs shady spots for relaxing after a day of work at the office or in the garden. “Dan and I love to garden together. It is so peaceful and relaxing in our little slice of nature,” Bonnie says. If you don’t have large trees, create shade with a gazebo, umbrella or awning. Throw pillows will add color and coziness to your space.
A winding pathway draws people into the garden to see what is beyond, creating mystery and a desire to see more. Add places to sit and linger along the way and design a focal point in the distance for additional intrigue.
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A SECRET GARDEN should be a place of peace and quiet and is enhanced by the mystical sound of water. If you don’t want to invest in a pond, you can still enjoy cascading water by adding a simple fountain.
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oregano
Mosquito
geranium
Repelling Plants Nothing takes away from a warm, relaxing summer evening on the front porch more than the buzzing and biting of the South’s peskiest insects: mosquitos. And here in the South, they’re as big as hummingbirds. Ew. We all know citronella candles and oils are a great way to deter skeeters, but there are many other options you might not have considered! To combat bugs the natural way, plant any combination of these herbs and flowers around your porch or patio area, in the ground or in large containers. The flowering varieties will add a punch of color to your landscape, and the edible herbs’ use is two-fold! Some of these, like geraniums, can also be plucked to place in a vase for added color inside your home.
garlic rosemary
peppermint marigold
lavender
basil
So this summer, discourage mosquitos from attending your happy hour by livening up your space with extra blossoms and greenery. Delightful for you, disastrous for them. It’s a win-win!
verbena
Lemon Balm
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tansy
catnip
home AND
home
grown SALSA
GARDEN
GARDEN
PEPPERS The peppers you choose are determined only by the heat you can handle! If you like it hot, plant jalapenos, serranos, or habaneros. Anaheims are lower on the Scoville scale and can be used alone or with one of the others to make your salsa a bit more mild. One plant is plenty for each square foot of gardening space or pot, but keep in mind that when bees are pollinating your plants and going from one pepper variety to the next, cross-pollination can occur and your Anaheims could end up a bit spicier than planned. Separate varieties with other veggies in between to try to avoid crosspollination.
GARLIC
TOMATOES Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are great for salsa because they have few seeds, are dense, and won’t water down your whole recipe. Buy seedlings from the nursery and plant one per square foot of garden space, or one plant per pot. Three plants should get you through the summer with plenty to freeze or can for chili this fall.
ONIONS Buy onion sets from the nursery and plant up to nine per square foot of garden space. Different onions grow based on the length of day, so short-day varieties like Vidalias grow best over the winter months. There are others like Sweet Spanish or white or yellow globe that grow better when the days are long. The variety you choose is based on the flavor you want to achieve! Red onions for a spicier punch, Spanish or yellow for a sweeter flavor. There’s bound to be an onion you can plant nearly year ‘round in Georgia if you switch up varieties!
Garlic should typically be planted in the fall or springtime when the ground can be easily turned. Spring-planted bulbs will be smaller but the flavor will be the same! Though it’s too late to start garlic this summer, you can prepare your beds for next year, or shop now for a garlic chive plant for your herb garden to get that garlicky flavor and aroma. Nine plants per square foot will lend a nice yield for a home garden. Bonus: A whole, unpeeled garlic head will stay fresh for up to six months in a cool, dry space like your pantry!
CILANTRO An herb garden staple, cilantro is also a salsa staple and adds a fresh, zesty flavor to your recipe (unless you’re one of those cilantro-tastes-like-soap people, and if that’s the case, we’re sorry!). You can grow up to nine seedlings in one pot or square foot of space, but make sure to trim often or buy a slow-bolt variety as our hot summers and plentiful rain can cause it to grow too tall too quickly.
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Roses A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SELECTING AND GROWING
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Story and Photos by Bonnie Helander So you want to plant a rose garden but don’t know where to begin? Roses have a reputation for being difficult to grow and challenging to maintain, but there are many selections that thrive in the South with minimum care and will reward you with gorgeous blooms and sweet fragrance.
To get expert advice on selecting and growing roses, I visited the spectacular rose garden of Peachtree City resident, Cindy Dale. Cindy is a Master Rosarian with the South Metro Rose Society who has won numerous awards for her roses and her rose photography. She has over 280 rose bushes of many different varieties. With hundreds of rose selections to choose from, Cindy says it is smart to start with the basics and first learn to identify the different types of roses.
The American Rose Society lists three broad classifications of roses. Species roses are those found in the wild and are the ancestors of all roses we have today. Antique roses were introduced before 1867 and are once-blooming, double-flowered and often fragrant. Modern roses are the varieties in existence starting in 1867 and offer a continuous bloom period and larger flowers than species or antique roses. The drawback of modern roses is they often lack fragrance and have more disease issues. But the numerous colors, bloom size, and patterns of the flowers make modern roses much prized and popular.
home AND
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The modern rose classification is broken down into several categories based on the characteristic of the plant. To know which modern roses to select, answer the following questions: How much space do you have for roses? How much time are you willing to spend on growing roses? Do you prefer a rose with a cluster of blooms or one bloom per stem? Is fragrance important? Do you want to grow roses on an arbor or trellis? Your preferences will determine what roses in the following categories you will select.
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Hybrid Teas are the oldest and most popular of the modern roses. The buds are large and high-centered with upright stems. Each large bloom is usually borne on a single stem, making the hybrid tea perfect for cut flower arrangements. Two popular hybrid teas that Cindy recommends are ‘Savannah’ and ‘Beverly’ because they are disease-resistant and fragrant. Floribunda roses are stunning for their colors, large clusters of blooms, hardiness, and long blooming season. Popular selections include ‘Julia Child’, ‘Iceberg’, ‘Celestial Night’, and ‘Rhapsody in Blue’. Grandiflora roses are a cross between hybrid teas and floribundas with large clusters that sit on top of tall stems. Miniature and Miniflora roses are smaller roses that look great in the front of the garden. Minis
are some of Cindy’s favorites since they are cute, fast rebloomers, take up a small space in the garden, and stay low. Climbing or rambling roses have arching canes that can be trained onto fences, arbors or trellises. Cindy’s first rose was a climbing ‘Don Juan’ that is still blooming profusely in her garden.
Tips for Growing Roses COURTESY OF CINDY DALE:
Take a soil sample from your growing bed to the local extension office to determine what nutrients need to be added for rose health. Choose a planting site that gets 6–8 hours of full sun each day and is at least ten feet away from competing tree roots. Select only healthy roses from your local nursery or purchase online from a reputable dealer. For best results, plant roses in a 2’x2’ hole or in a raised bed. Mix together 1/3 native soil, 1/3 cow manure, and 1/3 soil conditioner or compost. Fill the hole with about half the soil mixture. Place the plant with bud union (knobby part at base) even with the top of the hole, fill the hole with remaining soil and press down on the top to form a saucer to hold water. Do not fertilize at planting. Water new roses well every day for the first ten days. Continue to water roses deeply to one inch each week. Fertilize new plants after the first bloom with an extended-release formula fertilizer like Osmocote® or Miracle-Gro® for Roses. If you choose a rose selection that is prone to fungal disease, spray with a fungicide like BioAdvanced Disease Control every two weeks. Prune roses after Valentine’s Day. Those that bloom just one time in the spring should be pruned after they have bloomed. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage new blooms. Keep a three-inch layer of mulch around the roses at all times to help decrease weeds and retain moisture.
Shrub roses are vigorous plants, similar in shape to other shrubs in your garden. If you are interested in adding roses to your garden but don’t have much time to invest, Cindy suggests starting out with easycare shrub roses. Most of us are familiar with the popular and disease-resistant ‘Knockout’™ rose series that revolutionized the rose market. They bloom continually until the first frost. OSO HAPPY™, OSO EASY™, and the Home Run® series by Proven Winners® are easy-care roses with vivid color and glossy foliage that are disease-resistant. Earth-Kind® roses were developed for drought, heat and pest tolerance, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types.
The South Metro Rose Society meets the fourth Monday of each month (except in the summer) at 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Bank in Fayetteville. For more information, contact Cindy Dale at: rosepro@bellsouth.net. Clockwise from top left: ‘Beverly’ Hybrid Tea ‘Celestial Night’ Floribunda ‘Outta the Blue’ Shrub Rose ‘Princess Katelyn’ Miniflora
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IT’S A
Porch Thing By Holly Cellini | Photography by Michele Mabie
Happy summer, everyone! This is my favorite time of year. We celebrate our amazing country, school being out, and long days. Porches are so much fun this time of year with American flags, bunting, and patriotic pillows. The weather is perfect for long visits with friends. I suggest adding some lanterns to your porch this time of year. I have some outdoor automatic-timer candles in all of my lanterns. I am always ready for some evening chats! My other go-to is citronella candles. I have at least one on my front porch to keep those bugs away. I would love to see some of your patriotic porches! Please message me a photo of your porch on my It’s a Porch Thing Facebook page. I would love to see lots of proud red, white, and blue! Have an amazing summer with your family and friends. Cheers,
Holly 72 SOUTHERN WOMAN
itsaporchthing.com
@itsaporchthing
home AND
GARDEN
POUND POUND CAKE CAKE ICE ICE CREAM CREAM SANDWICHES SANDWICHES Purchase your favorite pound cake. Remove it from the pan. Slice it into two even pieces. Soften your favorite ice cream (I used strawberry). Smooth the ice cream out in a glass 8”x8” pan lined with parchment paper. Put the ice cream back into the freezer for about three hours. Once it is nice and solid, slice it to fit inside the layers of the pound cake. Assemble the layers together, and wrap them in parchment paper. Place back into the freezer for an hour so that they can harden together. When you are ready to serve, melt one bag of chocolate chips in the microwave. Dip your sandwich into the chocolate. Let the chocolate harden. Enjoy one of our family’s favorite summertime sweet treats!
SPARKLING SANGRIA WITH FROZEN FRUIT It’s perfect for the porch or the pool! Line the bottom with your favorite frozen fruit. For this batch, I used frozen peaches and mangos. The fruit works to keep your drink cold and looks great in your glass. I enjoy the Kirkland sangria mix. The sangria is in a larger wine bottle at Costco. Pour that in over the fruit. When you are ready to serve, pour a bottle of Prosecco into the mix. It is absolutely delightful and refreshing. Perfect for some front porch sitting!
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MASON MASON JAR JAR PATRIOTIC PATRIOTIC CANDLES CANDLES This This is is a a fantastic fantastic project project for for adults adults and and kids. kids. Purchase Purchase pre-colored pre-colored red, red, white, white, and and blue blue sand. sand. Look Look around around the the house house and and find find a a mason mason jar jar or or other other clear clear container. container. Layer Layer as as you you please. please. When When you you are are done done layering layering add add a a tee tee candle candle to to the the top top of of the the design. design. This This also also works works as as a a cute cute hostess hostess gift gift as as well. well. Add Add the the lid lid and and tie tie a a ribbon ribbon around around it. it.
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GARDEN
A
Shade
G
arden with Personality by
B
onnie
H elander
When Jeff and Dottie Mayo purchased their Peachtree City home in 1995, the landscape was filled with towering trees and a few simple shrubs. Over the years, after removing over 40 trees and all the original landscaping, except one holly, the couple has created a stunning shade garden, filled with an astonishing number and variety of plants and colorful garden art. They have done all the work themselves—designing the 3/4-acre space one area at a time.
Some of Dottie’s favorite shade plants include astilbe, bleeding heart, spiderwort, hosta, fern, camellia, hellebore, azalea, heuchera, and hydrangea. She adds personality and a bit of surprise by featuring succulents, and tropical plants brought with her from Florida. Dottie over-winters her tropicals in her greenhouse and brings them out to bloom and astonish visitors after the last frost in the late spring. Some of her cold-sensitive tropical plants include mandevilla, orchid, dracaena, ponytail and Madagascar palm, hibiscus, plumeria, and bird of paradise. Dottie collects and grows succulents in pots and moves them to partial-sun areas to add further interest to the garden. Her gazebo, in a shady section of the back garden, is filled with unusual container plants and artwork.
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Dottie adds more sparkle to the garden with whimsical and colorful focal points that brighten up the dark, shady spaces. She loves color and finding just the right piece for a certain area. According to Dottie, “I see something in a thrift shop, and I can reimagine it in my garden. I have a good eye for design and color, and Jeff gives me free rein!”
The garden has been a place of solace for Jeff and Dottie—both cancer survivors whose only daughter, Wendy, died of cancer. Wendy’s window frame artwork graces an area near the gazebo. While Dottie was recovering from cancer, she urged Jeff, who was then just a nominal gardener, to keep her garden alive and well maintained. During that time, Jeff caught the gardening bug and took a special interest in growing roses in the few full-sun spots they have in the yard. He also takes pride in cultivating a golf-course-worthy cool season lawn of fescue and rye. With all their trees, the only time the lawn has direct sunlight for several hours is during the late fall through early spring before leaves start to form on the trees.
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Picture This! Get inspired by nature and the world around you for your next makeover project. We used this photo to create a color palette and texture options for a room refresh!
Compiled by: Lori Duncan
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1- Dexter glass orb 5 head chandelier $299; tudoandco.com 2- Caruso, Textured Boucle Fabric, Faux Leather Accent $53; coteriebrooklyn.com 3- Orla Accent Chair, Faithful Olive $1,656; joybird.com 4- Shutter Room Divider $475/pair; Blue Fern, Newnan 5- Monti Lava Stone Coffee Table $499; westelm.com 6- 24" Agave in Sand Colored Bowl $154.99; nearlynatural.com 7- Neon Elephant Grass Fan $190; westelm.com 8- 64” Travelers Palm Tree UV Resistant $139.99; nearlynatural.com 9- Navy Ceramic Pattern Planters $38; westelm.com 10- Starburst Wall Décor Gold $255.97; englishelm.com 11- Upperco Area Rug $360; boutiquerugs.com 12- Blue Agave by Amanda Phelps $162; westelm.com 13- Pink Summer Haze by Sarah Shashani $199; westelm.com 14- P0970 Multi $60; loloirugs.com 15- P0479 Multi $50; loloirugs.com
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