For Modern Women NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2016
Stories with
SANTA
Four local men develop friendship after meeting at Santa school
Holiday season:
Hottest toys and gifts | Christmas checklist | Food, wine tips
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Moments Magazine | March-April 2015
Dr. Patrick Kindregan
Dr. Cheryl McGowan
Dr. James R. Morrow
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DECEMBER
NOVEMBER
12
20 14
24
contents 8 SANta School’
14 Trip of a lifetime
12 Girls day out
20 HOLIDAY DECORATING
Four men who take the job of Jolly Old St. Nick seriously
Enjoy brunch at one of these unique spots
Family embarks on RV journey across the U.S.
22 Boutiques you can’t miss 24 A visit to Nashville 28 Toys and gifts for all
Tips from a pro to make your house shine this season
on the cover... Meet four Santas who take their jobs seriously. So much so, they train yearly at Santa schools. Emme Forde, a kindergartener at Coal Mountain Elementary School, got to meet all four at once at Mountain Lake Church. Don’t worry, she still believes. One of those Santas is the real guy, her mom said, and the others are his brothers. That’s why they look alike.
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November | December 2016
Facebook.com/MNorthAtlanta FORSYTHNEWS.COM /MNorthAtlanta
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Advertising rates and deadlines available upon request. Contact Ryan Garmon at (770) 205-8960 or rgarmon@forsythnews.com.
Vince Johnson - Publisher
Ryan Garmon - Advertising Director
T
he holidays are here! Can you tell I am just a little excited about the upcoming holidays? I adore this time of year and find myself smiling just thinking about Christmases past and present. We are all thrilled to bring you all this holiday edition of M:North Atlanta. It’s jam-packed with stories to entertain you. I’m betting you picked up this issue because of our awesome cover story by Kayla Robins — and of course the photos courtesy of our amazing photographer Micah Green. Who knew there was Santa school? We also have a lot of articles to help this season. Check out Sydney Robinson’s tips from Interior Designer Leslie Eversole of Three Little Dogs Flooring and Interiors. Isabel Hughes brings us some of the hottest toys and gift ideas for the season. I hope you will check out my article about Nashville, Tennessee, one of my favorite cities to visit. I am also excited for you to meet my friend Christine Roberts and hear about her family’s exciting upcoming year as they set off on a year-long cross country trip. We hope you enjoy this holiday issue and you experience true joy this season. Since we won’t meet again until January, I will go ahead and say “Happy New Year!”
Kayla Robins - Editor
Tracie Pike - Production Manager
Angie Decker - Graphic Designer
Micah Green Creative Director
ISABEL HUGHES Staff Writer
Sydney Robinson
Cheri BULLARD
Contributing Writer
Advertising
Adlen Robinson Content Director
Adlen W. Robinson is a longtime resident of Forsyth County and mother of four. A contributor to the Forsyth County News for more than 10 years, Adlen is the author of “Home Matters: The Guide to Organizing Your Life and Home.” Email her at contact@adlenrobinson.com.
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I
n a church in north Forsyth in early November, sat Santa Carl. Santa Carl sat next to Santa Jim. Next to Santa Jim was Santa Willie. And next to Santa Willie was Santa Doug. Four Santas. All real in the eyes of every young child who meets them during the events they host in the weeks leading up to Christmas — and even for Christmas in July. All story tellers. An ear. A hug. A priceless family picture. These weren’t just any group of men decked out in white wigs and elastic beards. They take their jobs more seriously than many people view work — t h ey eve n h ave t o t r a i n a t S a n t a school. “You learn how to handle kids asking questions, and there are certain situations, like being around kids with special needs,” said Doug Keesey, who is now in his second year of being Santa. That’s where they all met. They t r a i n a t p l a c e s l i ke t h e N o r t h e r n Lights Santa Academy. They’re members of the International Brotherhood
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s own Each of the four Santa four suits, anywhere from one to a-Cola suit” from the traditional “Cr oc istmas in to a summer suit fo Cinhr Santa suit g m im sw a , ts en ev ly Ju and a toy shop suit.
November | December 2016
of Real Bearded Santas. “It’s very much a brotherhood,” said Carl Johnson, who is in his sixth year as Santa. At Santa school, they go through classes for everything from working with photographers and practicing improvisational situations to makeup, hair, health, hygiene and Santa ethics. “Kids can tell you some of the craziest stuff,” said Jim Galpin, also a sixth-year Santa. Even if they’re crying, he said, that’s the picture their family is going pull out of the album every Christmas. Whether they are ecstatic or terrified, kids are always aware of Santa. “It’s always in the periphery. It’s just something you have to watch all the time,” Johnson said. “You have to have a heightened sensitivity.” For example, he said, he went to a restaurant, and a kid recognized him because of his white hair and beard. He could not simply be Carl Johnson. He is, whenever there is the opportunity for a young child to see, Santa Carl. “It happened to me one time on a cruise. People want to come up to you and ask, but sometimes they’re afraid. Until the first person does, and then they’re like, ‘I knew it!’” Galpin said.
November | December 2016
Santa Willie (Williamson), Santa Jim (Galpin), Santa Doug (Keesey) and Santa Carl (Johnson). Pictured on previous page, Emme Forde.
Each Santa suit can have seven or eight different pieces: boots, pa belt, vest, shirt, gloves, an nts, jacket, a hat, but these Santas also knowdho w to accessorize with ornamen ts and aprons.
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“You get a lot and you give a lot. I still remember stories about specific kids and how excited they were, and it made their day,” Keesey said. Being there for a kid or for a family is not always happy or enjoyable, they said, like when a kid is scared or crying, but there is meaning in it all. “Delivering flowers is the closet job I’ve ever got to feeling this gratification,” said Willie Williamson, a second-year Santa. “It took me 51 years to find a job I enjoy,” Johnson said. Galpin said the most difficult experience he has had with being Santa was when he met a man on the first Christmas after losing his wife. He brought his newborn child to meet Santa to “still give him that experience and feeling.” “It can’t be a job. It’s like teaching. You have to want to do it, to be comfortable doing it because it can be a tedious day,” he said. Or the girl Keesey said he remembers who asked for Christmas if her parents would get back together. “I wasn’t going to fix it, but I was there to listen, and to give her a hug, and to say Santa loves you. Thank you for coming to see me,” he said. “And that’s all she needed. Someone to tell her they loved her.”
Atlanta is one of e mos t popular places in the nationthfo r Santa school.
For their first y ear last year, S anta Willie and San ta Doug started growing their beards ou t in July or Aug ust. E! DAN2 C & Up! Ages
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November | December 2016
Stay organized this holiday season Here are some tips and strategies to help get yourself in order: • Pick a day when you have an hour or so to devote to your planning and gather your family calendar, your personal calendar and a notebook and make a list of every person/child you are buying gifts for. If buying clothes, go ahead and include sizes. • Looking at those first “to buy” lists, make a note of what things you plan on ordering online. I recommend ordering these things as soon as possible.The closer we get to Christmas, the more likely things might be out of stock. • Homemade gifts might be another list. What sorts of crafts do you plan on making? What about food gifts?This is the perfect time to make a list of crafts you need to purchase as well as ingredients for food gifts. •This is also a good time to plan special dinners and/or parties. Make your lists this way: perishables, non-perishables, items to buy or borrow, such as platters, holiday bowls, etc. Be on the lookout for small holiday items that make good hostess gifts. • Another page might list some special holiday activities you plan on attending. Will you attend a tree lighting ceremony? How about going ice skating at the Avalon? Are you participating in a neighborhood cookie swap? •Time to put it all together. Put family activities on your family calendar and in your personal planner. Add days when you plan on shopping. Whether it is shopping for gifts or food items, make sure you schedule the shopping trips accordingly. Make sure to write down on both calendars activities that have to do with your children. For example, when are their school holiday parties? Are you contributing items for the party? Add them to your list. When do you plan on getting a Christmas tree and decorating for Christmas? Make a note on your calendar. — Adlen W. Robinson
November | December 2016
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Spend a day
WITH THE GIRLS
This holiday season, why not arrange for a “Girls Brunch Out?” Tell your circle of friends to bring a wrapped Christmas ornament and meet for a weekend brunch and have a delicious meal, catch up, and leave with a new ornament. What a fun way to take a few hours out of your busy schedule and celebrate the season. Wondering where to go enjoy this delicious brunch? We’ve got you covered!
Scratch
12890 Georgia 9. Milton As the name suggests, this breakfast/ brunch/lunch spot takes pride in making everything from scratch daily. They serve breakfast daily, Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon, and then lunch until 2:30 p.m. On Sundays they serve breakfast all day until closing. They have everybody’s favorites, including eggs, biscuits, country ham, pancakes, waffles and omelets. For lunch there are burgers, patty melts, grilled ham and cheese, and shakes and malts. Besides the no-nonsense fresh food, the reasonable prices are sure to fit your budget. When you are not out with your girlfriends, this is a kid-friendly spot to bring the whole family to.
The Mill Kitchen and Bar 590 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell
More upscale than Scratch, The Mill Kitchen and Bar is truly a Southern gem in our midst. The atmosphere at the restaurant is fantastic. Whether you sit inside or opt for the spacious patio which also has a fireplace, this is a destination worth seeking out. Brunch is served Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after 12:30 p.m. you can enjoy a bottomless mimosa for just $15. Of course the star here is the food. The restaurant is committed to sustainability, sourcing local farmers for organic produce and artisanal ingredients. They cook seasonally, so everything is cooked at its peak. They have many traditional faves, such as chicken and waffles, but they also put their own unique spin on every dish. You must try the crab cake benedict or The Mill House omelet with andouille sausage, caramelized onions and pepper jack cheese. Can you say yum? If you go for lunch, the shrimp and grits are amazing, as is the ahi tuna melt. 12
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Venkman’s
740 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta If the thought of driving to the Old Fourth Ward in Atlanta makes you cringe, Venkman’s is the kind of place that is sure to win you over and make you forget about the drive and the potential traffic. In fact, after just one visit you will just tune out the traffic and think about the meal you are about to enjoy. This is a terrific place to have brunch on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. or on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The food is incredible and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Venkman’s takes great pride in quality of ingredients — only wild and sustainable seafood, humanely raised poultry, grass-fed free range meats, locally sourced eggs and seasonally sourced produce. The menu is creative — think whiskey and fennel cured salmon, duck egg hash, or homemade sourdough English muffins. You also should check them out at night when they have live music. They host all sorts of local musicians as well as national artists — jazz, bluegrass, soul, country and of course, rock and roll. Check the website to see the schedule. Whether it’s a brunch out with the girls, or date night with your man, Venkman’s is definitely worth the drive.
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November | December 2016
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Trip of a
lifetime Family embarks on year-long trip across the U.S.
Goal is to focus on family, experiences Story by Adlen W. Robinson
When I saw on Facebook a friend of mine and her husband sold their beautiful home and many of their belongings and were embarking on a year-long trip across America with their two children, I thought it was some sort of a joke. I sent her a message and the next day she called me to share her story. Christine Roberts and her husband, Mark, have wonderful jobs, a gorgeous home, luxury cars and two amazing children. By any standard you would think they are living the American dream and November | December 2016
most people would give anything to have their lives. Roberts said about four years ago she was in California on a business trip and she met a couple who had traveled the U.S. in an RV. The wife had been very ill and things looked grim. Her final wish was to travel the country with her husband and two young children. “Fortunately, her health turned around and they shared with me that it was the most amazing experience for their marriage and their family. I thought to myself, that would be something I’d love
Photos submitted Christine Roberts, above, her husband, Mark, and their two children, Carson and Kennedy, bottom, sold their home in three days to get ready for the trip.
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“
We’ve loosely mapped out our plan which is to start in Florida, meeting up with family for Thanksgiving, then we’ll travel up the gulf side across to New Orleans, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Southern California, up the coast then back across America and up to New England next year. We bought a big laminated map and then googled all the top places to see in America and plotted it out.
”
to do when our children are 12 and 10 years old,” she said. Well, sure, I thought, that sounds like a fun thing to do — but who is really going to do that? Roberts and her family, that’s who. She said that around that same time, she and her husband attended a marriage enrichment event at their church. The opening video showed a couple on a boat out in the middle of the ocean. They were going scuba diving. They dropped anchor, went over the side and were exploring, the next thing they knew they didn’t see the anchor. In a state of panic they swam to the top only to find their boat so far away, the undercurrent had carried them away without them realizing it. “The metaphor really struck me that in our everyday lives we can be swept away by the cultural current of busyness and lose sight of the ‘anchor,’ of what is really important … relationships, faith, connection, nature, joy, peace, etc…” She told me that while their lives look picture perfect, crazy work schedules, coupled with chil-
dren who had their own numerous activities took its toll on her. “This past summer I found myself feeling completely overwhelmed, between, negative bandwidth, running from activity to activity, traveling, trying to figure out what’s for dinner, and all the responsibilities of life. I felt burnt out, joyless and did not feel peace. I looked at our children and couldn’t believe they were already 12 and 10 years old, where had the time gone?” she said. “The final straw was reading an article about people in hospice who had been interviewed. The question was, ‘if you could live your life over again, what would you do different?’ What was interesting is that regret was frequently about what people didn’t do. That was it. That was the clincher. The convergence of the RV trip idea, the marriage event we attended and this was it.” She went to her husband and told him about her idea of traveling across America. I went to my husband and
Christine’s tips for planning an RV trip across America • Join “Good Sam RV Club” which is an organization geared toward life in the RV world. They offer roadside assistance, coupons for life on the road and tips for your RV experience. • Watch YouTube videos about the RV life. • Google and read the numerous blogs about others who have traveled across America with children.
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• Think about the essentials you need to bring. It’s all about paring down and simplifying your life. • Purchase clear, plastic bins and categorize everything in them — cleaning products, paper products, outdoor kitchen items, technology instruction manuals for the RV, etc. • Download the app “RV Trip Wizard.” This allows you to input information about your
trip and it tracks the budget, provides camping sites and details about the amenities at the site, and then allows you to book your reservation. The app also can be downloaded onto your GPS system and keeps you on roads that can accommodate the vehicles. • Chronicle your trip — either by blogging or journaling, or both — these are memories you want to have forever. November | December 2016
shared with him the idea of traveling America with our children. “I think he thought I was joking, or just losing it — he was not on board initially.” Because her husband is a data guy, she cleverly created a spreadsheet with a project plan, resources, etc. “This was probably my biggest ‘sales job’ ever,” laughed Roberts. Pretty soon, Mark was on board with the trip. The couple thought about renting their home for a year, but the thought of possible problems helped them decide to truly purge. They sold their home in three days and sold or gave away most of their possessions. “ I t ’s s o f r e e i n g t o p a r e down — it’s hard to explain, but the more you do it, the easier it gets — our goal is to focus on family and experiences for 2017.” Roberts said their two children, Carson and Kennedy, are enrolled in K-12 Georgia
Cyber Academy School, so they are able to keep up with their classes while on the a d v e n t u r e . A m a z i n g l y, Christine and her husband will be able to continuing their jobs, working remotely. “We’ve joined Good Sam, w h i c h i s a n o rg a n i z a t i o n geared toward the RV world, h ave r e a d b l o g s , wa t c h e d YouTube videos, gone to RV show, etc. The RV world is growing tremendously due to t h e fa c t t h a t i f y o u h ave internet, lots of folks c a n work on the road. It is not only for retired people anym o r e , t h e r e a r e m o re and more families taking off on this type of adventure.” I am so happy for her and her family and cannot wait to follow along with their journey at www. RollinWithTheRoberts.com.
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Decorating for the Holidays Turn your home into a festive place to celebrate
Story by Sydney Robinson
’Tis the season for climbing up to the attic or rummaging around in the basement storage room and dusting off the Christmas decorations. Some you might have even had for decades. If you are planning to host your annual Christmas party this year or just plan on a few friends and family coming over, why not spruce up your decorating routine and get creative? Jumpstart your inspiration by looking up some fun DIY (do it yourself) holiday projects on Pinterest that you can do with your children or friends.
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November | December 2016
W
e can’t all have the talents of interior designers, so when you get the opportunity to find out how designers decorate their home for the holidays, you jump at the opportunity. I caught up with one of my favorite local interior designers, Leslie Eversole, to find out how she gets her home ready for the season. Leslie started Three Little Dogs Flooring and Interiors 10 years ago (and now she is up to five little dogs) and has since decorated, remodeled and designed thousands of homes. You may have seen her store located across from The Collection on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming but they recently moved to a new quaint location in historic downtown Cumming on Pirkle Ferry Road. Three Little Dogs offers full flooring sales and installation, color consultation, remodeling and new construction as well as design consultation services.
Leslie’s top 10 tips for decorating for the holidays:
1. Make your house look fresh — edit out artificial
decorations, keep it simple and natural.
2. Decorate with nature and incorporate natural elements — a bowl full of pine cones, Leslie buys one gallon Leland cypresses and puts them in pots around the house. 3. Spruce up your entry way — it is the first thing your guests will see. Leslie has a chalkboard in the entryway where she writes a welcoming holiday message. 4. Small changes go a long way — consider updating a backsplash, getting a new custom rug made or a new stair runner.
5. Choose thoughtful places to add decorations
— you don’t have to have every inch decorated, don’t forget your staircase! 6. Be creative — you can put your tree in a basket or galvanized tub — something unexpected will be more memorable.
7. Decorate with colors that match your decor
— Leslie generally picks a color to center things around, her walls and furniture are all neutral so she can mix in any color. 8. Add in handmade touches — make your place cards or gift tags and decorations out of items from your yard, then you can throw them back in your yard when the party’s over.
9. Think of ways to use your favorite found items in a different way — add a family heirloom to your table centerpiece.
10. Be creative with your host/hostess gifts —
Leslie always ask guests to bring a bag of pet food to be donated to a local shelter. November | December 2016
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latest trends
The holidays are here and for most people that means attending or hosting a few holiday parties. If the thought of shopping in a crowded mall makes you cringe, why not check out a local boutique? By Adlen W. Robinson
Parsons
525 Lakeland Plaza, Cumming The best Christmas shop in town, but did you know Parsons also has holiday clothes and accessories? You can pick up some new Christmas ornaments, gifts for everybody on your list and find a sparkly holiday sweater at the same time.
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There are some great ones around and they specialize in not only having the latest fashion trends, but also giving you personalized attention. Here are some of our favorites.
Dress Up
• 410 Peachtree Pkwy. Cumming • 5530 Windward Pkwy. Alpharetta • 120 S. Chestatee St. Dahlonega Fourteen locations — including Cumming, Alpharetta and Dahlonega. Specializes in the latest fashions — dresses, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and scarves. Dress Up can help you put together an entire festive outfit, including all accessories.
November | December 2016
in boutiques The Drake Closet
26 Old Roswell St. Alpharetta 825 Mimosa Blvd. Roswell 6030 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs Three locations— Alpharetta, Roswell, and their newest location in Sandy Springs. Store manager Kimberly Jackson said they don’t refer to the shops as thrift stores, but rather “Resale Boutiques.” “We are very selective about what we put on the store floor — we want our customers to be able to easily see what we have,” said Jackson. In addition, Jackson said they are committed to customer service and strive to truly help their customers find exactly what they are looking for. Besides having a great variety and selection of clothes and accessories, customers can feel good about their purchases knowing proceeds go to help The Drake House, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless women and their children find homes and get their lives on track.
J.R. Crider’s Clothing & Apparel 125 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming 16 Public Square, Dahlonega 112 Bradford St., Gainesville
Three locations in Cumming, Dahlonega and Gainesville. Known locally for their “Southern lifestyle” attire, this is the perfect place to find an outfit for you and your man. Known for their excellent customer service as well as their trendy bow ties and large T-shirt collection, you are sure to find the perfect outfit for your next get together.
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N A S H A visit to V Music City I L L E By Adlen Robinson
Oh, Nashville. How much I love you. Even if you are not a die-hard country music lover, Nashville still has so much to offer. Of course if you do like country music, even just a little bit, you will absolutely love Music City. An easy four hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville is perfect for a weekend getaway, a girl’s getaway, or a place to get away to with the kids. If you are bringing the kids, plan to stop in Chattanooga on the way (just two hours from here) and visit Ruby Falls, the aquarium and the charming downtown area. If you can stay in downtown Nashville, all the better, but if you want a more economical hotel, stay in Franklin or Murfreesboro, both are just a short distance from downtown. When you speak to locals or listen to the local radio, you will hear them talk about rush
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November | December 2016
hour in and around the city. Don’t worry — their rush hour is actually cute when compared to what we are used to in Atlanta. Now, what to do while you are there. Of course, you cannot visit Nashville without going to the Country Music Hall of Fame. The displays are fantastic and you can go at your own pace as you wander around and learn about the vast and long history of country music. I love seeing the original outfits worn by country music stars from so long ago to now. Seeing Elvis’s limousine is a real treat. And there are plenty of interactive screens, short film clips and more. The gift store is great — you have to get a souvenir to commemorate your visit. The Ryman Auditorium, also called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” is also a must see. This beautiful auditorium is home to The Grand Ole Opry show and has been around since 1892. Speaking of music, you should definitely take the Music Row tour and visit RCA Studio B. This iconic recording studio is where Elvis recorded hundreds of songs and many other legends did as well, including Roy Orbison and Dolly Parton. Of course, you have to wander around on Broadway, the main “drag” in Nashville. There are lots of Honky Tonks; live music can be heard in all of them all day long. There are a lot of gift shops and restaurants — trust me when I say the people watching is some of the best in the country. One of my favorite places to go is Union Station. The old railroad station con-
verted to a beautiful hotel, the lobby is breathtaking the first time you see it. The Parthenon is not something you expect to see in Music City. The world’s only full scale reproduction of the real Parthenon in Athens, Greece, the Parthenon is larger than life and fun to explore. There is also an art gallery and museum where you can learn the history of this amazing monument. Great for pictures with the kids. Speaking of the kids, the Nashville Zoo is a good one, so if you have time, check it out. There are many terrific restaurants in Nashville — a lot feature “a meat and three,” but there are many upper scale restaurants that also feature and highlight Southern fare. DeSano’s Pizza Bakery has some of the best pizza I have ever had. They import their ingredients from Italy each week and cook the pizza’s in three wood burning ovens, also imported from Italy. The atmosphere is lively and casual. Be prepared for plastic cups, even if you get a glass of wine. But it’s a fun, bustling place and the food is awesome. The dessert, three different cannolis for us, was incredible. Another favorite restaurant I enjoy is Husk. They change the menu daily in order to feature only what is at its peak freshness. I love that they have a garden right outside of the restaurant. Every time we visit, we always find something else to do. All in all, I highly recommend you make a trip to visit Music City, Nashville.
Growing together and depending on each other.
November | December 2016
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Holiday breakfast to serve guests, family
D
uring the holiday season, many will have overnight guests for at least one or two nights. There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and pulling out an overnight breakfast casserole for your guests. Take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter while you make a pot of coffee and cut up some fresh fruit. This recipe is a bit more fancy than the “regular” sausage and egg casserole we all know and love. The croissants and the Gruyere cheese set it apart and give it more of a gourmet feel. Make it easy on yourself and serve breakfast on holiday-themed paper plates. If you really want to make an impression, serve mimosas.
Fancy sausage and croissant casserole
Champagne vs. Prosecco The holidays are here and for many of us that means breaking out a bottle of bubbly. Especially on NewYear’s Eve. While most of us immediately think Champagne when we think of sparkling wine, you might want to try the Italian version, Prosecco. Just what is the difference between the two?
1 pound hot ground pork sausage 1 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon salt 6 green onions, chopped 1 package croissants (either 12 large ones, or 24 small ones), torn into small pieces 3 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 6 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon ground mustard 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (not smoked Gruyere)
Champagne is sparkling wine made in the Champagne region in France, around the city of Reims, about 80 miles Northeast of Paris. It is made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinto Meunier grapes. Prosecco is made in the Veneto region of Italy, around the city ofTreviso, about 15 miles North of Venice. Prosecco is made with Prosecco grapes.
Cook sausage until done and drain. Add the torn croissant pieces to a 9- by 13-buttered casserole dish. Scatter the cooked sausage over the croissant pieces. Sprinkle on the parmesan and green onions. In a medium bowl, whisk together salt, milk and heavy cream. Whisk in the eggs and ground mustard. Pour the milk and egg mixture over the croissants evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate eight hours or overnight. When ready to bake, allow casserole to sit on counter for 20 minutes or so to take off the chill. Uncover and top with shredded Gruyere cheese. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until casserole is set. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Both are festive and fun to sip on, but in my mind, the main difference between the two is the cost. A good bottle of Champagne will set you back upward of $35, while a more than decent bottle of Prosecco can be found for $15 — that is quite the difference. For your celebratory gathering this season, pick up a bottle of Prosecco — actually you might want to pick up two or three bottles. By Adlen W. Robinson
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November | December 2016
Hottest holiday gifts for any age With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the annual question of “what presents do I buy and for who?” is also beginning to pop up. Here’s a guide for men and women, boys and girls of all ages. By Isabel Hughes
• The boy version of Hatchimals, Cozmo is a lifelike robot that expresses real emotions and evolves the more a person hangs out with it.
Elementary/Middle school-aged children: • Though they may look like dragon eggs, Hatchimals are not alive. These toys are gaining in popularity, with the toys located in eggs that only hatched when played with. Inside is a fuzzy creature that goes through five “life” stages. Kids can even teach them to walk, talk, and dance.
High School/Early 20s: • Fujifilm instax mini 8 Polaroid cameras are gaining in popularity and come in seven fun colors to choose from. These use real Polaroid film and yes, if you turn the camera around, you can even take selfies with them.
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• Beats by Dre or other upscale headphone or earbud will be sure to please a teen or young adult male. With every modern phone being able to play music, these come in handy anywhere. Beats help make a fashion statement these days.
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November | December 2016
Young adult • You can never go wrong with beauty or health monthly subscription boxes. One example is Birchbox, which sends a box of four to five selected samples of makeup or other beauty related products (you can choose.) They also have male versions and holiday specials.
• The Deluxe Bamboo Bath Caddy allows you to relax while in the bath. Features include a built-in soap holder, book or iPad/ Kindle support and a slide-in glass holder for wine glasses. The book support also folds down when not in use for easy storage and has expandable bamboo arms so it can fit into any bathtub.
• The Craft Beer Club sends recipients craft brews from around the country and delivers them each month. The club boasts that every selection is produced by “small-production, independent brewers who use only traditional brewing ingredients and time-honored brewing methods.” A subscriber/recipient gets 12 beers per month.
• Weber’s Portable Propane Gas Grill is perfect for any grilling occasion. With one burner and offering many colors, this is perfect for any man.
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1800 Northside Forsyth Drive Suite 350 | Cumming, GA 30041 81 Northside Dawson Drive Suite 305 | Dawsonville, Ga 30534
At the collection on the south end, accross from DSW shoes November | December 2016
(770) 886-3555
m North Atlanta Magazine 29
Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker
Things to do... Would you like to submit an event to be considered for M:North Atlanta’s Things To Do? Email us at: events@forsythnews.com. Please type “Things To Do...” in the subject line.
Fernbank Museum November 18, 2016 - January 7, 2017 More than 30 beautifully decorated trees and other displays recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events from around the world. 767 Clifton Rd. NE | Atlanta, GA fernbankmuseum.org
Cirque Dreams Hollidaze Fox Theatre November 23 & 25, 2016
Broadway musical… and family Christmas spectacular all in one! Witness snowmen, penguins, angels, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, ornaments and of course Santa; with soaring acrobatics. 660 Peachtree St. NE | Atlanta, GA foxtheatre.org
The Hip Hop Nutcracker Fox Theatre November 27, 2016
A holiday mash-up for the whole family with a dozen all-star dancers, on-stage DJ and an electric violinist bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in contemporary New York City. 660 Peachtree St. NE | Atlanta, GA foxtheatre.org
Christmas Tree & Dreidel Lighting Newtown Park November 29
Join us to kick off the holiday season with the annual tree and dreidel lighting at City Hall! 3150 Old Alabama Rd. | Johns Creek, GA
johnscreekga.gov
The joy of the holiday season begins with an Atlanta Family Tradition for over 40 years. During this 16-day holiday celebration, visitors will enjoy the entire 27,000-square-foot historic Candler Mansion decorated by professional interior and floral designers. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE | Atlanta, GA callanwolde.org
Buford Holiday Festival & Parade
December 3, 2016 A fun filled day of Stage Performances, Vendors, Shopping, Giveaways, Holiday Treats and an exciting Parade! Main Street | Historic Downtown Buford visitbuford.com
A Holiday Celebration
Cumming Dance Academy November 29 - December 4 8 Fabulous performances at West Forsyth High School. 4155 Drew Rd. | Cumming, GA cummingdanceacademy.com
DECEMBER Celebration of Lights
Northside Hospital-Forsyth December 2 This annual holiday tradition brings together families and includes entertainment from local schools and groups, photos with Santa Claus and many other activities for the kids. 1200 Northside Forsyth Dr. | Cumming, GA
northside.com/col
Christmas at Callanwolde
Callanwolde Fine Art Center November 28 - December 13
Witness the magic unfold as our young heroine Marya faces off in an epic battle with the Nutcracker against the Rat King before embarking on an astonishing journey to a world of dazzling delights. 660 Peachtree St. NE | Atlanta, GA atlantaballet.com
NOVEMBER Winter Wonderland
Fox Theatre December 2-24, 2016
Children’s Christmas Parade
Christmas in Cumming
Cumming Fairgrounds December 9-10, 2016 Arts & Crafts show and FREE pictures with Santa. Cumming Fairgrounds | Cumming, GA cummingfair.net
Breakfast with Santa and Special Needs Lunch with Santa
December 10, 2016 Breakfast & Lunch with Santa gives our special guests time with the Big Elf himself, lots of delectable goodies, music, and holiday crafts. Join us for food, music, and fun! Santa will be available for photographs. (Parents: please bring your own camera) Preregistration is required. To Register, call 678-512-3200. Park Place at Newtown School 3125 Old Alabama Rd. | Johns Creek, GA
johnscreekga.gov
December 3, 2016 The largest holiday parade in the southeast and an Atlanta tradition with floats, giant helium-filled balloons and marching bands. As well as the arrival of Santa and the official beginning of the holiday season in Atlanta.
6 Fabulous performances at South Forsyth High School.
Peachtree Street | Atlanta, GA choa.org/parade
585 Peachtree Pkwy. | Cumming, GA sawneeballettheatre.org
Nutcracker
Sawnee Ballet Theatre December 15 - 18, 2016