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CITIZENS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION HISTORIC BUILDINGS TELL THE STORY OF OUR PAST Our vision is for the community to understand and appreciate the irreplaceable value of historic buildings and places and their relevance to modern life. We envision a community that promotes careful stewardship and active use of these diverse resources and recognizes the economic and cultural benefits of preservation. We envision a community where new development complements and reinforces a thriving downtown and historic neighborhoods, contributing to a healthy and enriched humane environment. There is an immediate need in downtown Fort Mill. Get involved! Become a member, donate, or volunteer. To learn more, go to cfhpcarolina.org.
on the cover
oh so french Photographer Joseph Bradley captures the cover image for our ‘Oh So French’ spring issue with Samantha Mills (model), Caroline Simmons (photography assistant), Whitley Adkins Hamlin (wardrobe stylist), Britt Dion (hair stylist), Kara Ward (makeup artist), Harriet May (wardrobe assistant), and Jim Hoffman (location guide). Special thanks to Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Neiman Marcus, Dolce Lusso Salon & Spa, and Amélie’s Rock Hill. Behind the scenes photos provided by Steven Mills.
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Special Advertiser’s Section: Gold Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
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Smile! It looks good on you.
Led by Dr. Kavi Sagunarthy, DDS, the entire team at Gold Hill Dentistry is involved in guiding patients through their treatment, advising them on a personalized plan that is most appropriate for their dental needs. Dr. Sagunarthy places a strong emphasis on continuing education, so much so, he is currently pursuing a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. A graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. as well as the University of Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine in Buffalo, NY, Dr. Sagunarthy also completed a General Practice Residency at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York, NY. In addition to his education in general dentistry, he also is
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highly trained in implant dentistry, receiving the International Congress of Oral Implantologists Award and recently became a volunteer faculty member for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program at The Medical University of South Carolina. Joined by Dr. Jennifer Mokris, DMD, the team enjoys treating both children and adults and is dedicated to providing them with excellent dental care. Dr Mokris earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, the Central District Dental Society, and the Tri-County Dental Society. She is committed to continual learning in the practice of dentistry and enjoys participating in Continuing Dental Education courses to help her stay on the cutting edge of the constant changes in her profession. Gold Hill Dentistry is proud to offer a range of dental services, from family dentistry to implants and cosmetic dentistry. We understand that each patient presents a unique set of dental needs, so we focus on comprehensive care for each member of your family. We offer, asides from routine
preventative dentistry, teeth straightening, teeth whitening, and our high-quality dental implants improve both appearance and function, whether allowing a better fit for dentures or simply enhancing your smile. And with a variety of cosmetic options available, we can provide minimally invasive care with maximum cosmetic results. Whatever your needs, we at Gold Hill are committed to finding the best and most comfortable dental solution for you and your family.
Situated in Fort Mill, Gold Hill Dentistry serves the entire south Charlotte area and is convenient to Rock Hill, Indian Land, and Ballantyne. We are located at 2848 Pleasant Road Suite104, just off 77 at the Gold Hill Road exit. To find out more about our office, staff, and services, please visit us at goldhilldentistry.com or call us at 803-547-4466 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to your visit.
803.547.4466 | gold hi l ldent ist r y.com
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At Gold Hill Dentistry, we are committed to providing the Fort Mill area with the highest standard of dental care. We strive to optimize the patient experience, not only by offering state-of-the-art equipment and a friendly, highly trained staff, but also by creating a calming, upscale environment. From our plush waiting area to our patient-room entertainment, we deliver a relaxing and comfortable experience from the moment you step through our doors. In doing so, we aim to promote the well-being of not just your mouth, but the mind and body as well.
departments 18
around town
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local folks
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nibbles & bits
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fine living
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wealth
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travel
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to your health
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good eats
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indulge
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southern style
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inspired thought
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Strawberries are French. Explore the history of these juicy morsels as we tantalize you with the upcoming Strawberry Festival.
Floyd Phillip Foss is remembered for his wonderful life.
Your pet is part of the family. Capture their likeness in a portrait.
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Interior design goes Française. Peruse a French inspired dining room and boudoir.
The art of spending starts with planning.
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We’re taking you to Paris with the top 10 sites to see in the City of Light.
Strawberries are more than tasty. They are an herbal remedy for what ails you.
Let them eat strawberry pie from your kitchen or from Amélie’s French Bakery.
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Feast your eyes on these cocktails and heels with a French twist, then create the perfect brow.
We create a modern Marie Antoinette style, then dub step with violinist Lindsey Stirling.
Let them eat pie.
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B i g f i r m e x p e r i e n c e. S m a l l f i r m v a l u e s. At Milazzo Gamble Laws Webb Law Group, PLLC, we offer you the superior service and quality of a big-name firm, but are committed to developing the deeper relationships associated with a smaller one. With our familial atmosphere, client-first philosophy, and experienced attorneys, we offer a unique client experience. We work hand-in-hand with you to fully understand the impact of legal disputes on your business or family, so that we can provide you with a professional — yet personal — resolution. 423 South Sharon Amity Road, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704.464.0460 | mglwlaw.com
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from the publishers
oh so french
SPRING 2014 Photo by Jessica Yarab-Watt
We’re bringing a touch of France to Fort Mill. While researching a theme to tie the local Strawberry Festival into all the sections of our publication, we discovered strawberries are French. Throw in
some pie, a little Marie Antoinette, a local French bakery, cocktails & heels, a trip to Paris, and...Voila, it’s Oh So French! We had a blast creating it, so we hope you enjoy it.
As always, we strive for the best community-rich content to tempt your senses. We are more than just
a print publication. Enjoy our digital magazine, our web content, and lively podcasts. We are social, too. Join us online!
Remember, you matter to us. We look to you for suggestions, ideas, and comments. Please share your thoughts with us.
Louis +Tracey Creating good,
Louis and Tracey Roman Publishers
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editor in chief tracey roman contributors michelle black | lynn blackwell | kelly coulter | lauren ebbecke sean glock | lori macleod | valerie mcgann | ellen rauchhaus maggie reed | carly williams | lesley young photographers steven mills | joseph bradley wardrobe stylist whitley adkins hamlin publication design market style media advertising advertise@fortmillmagazine.com vice president of marketing louis roman | 803-207-0851 please send all editorial items to: editor@fortmillmagazine.com Fort Mill Magazine is distributed in fine retailers, hotels, real estate offices, Town Hall, the Fort Mill Public Library, and many local restaurants. For home delivery, go to fortmillmagazine.com/subscribe. Fort Mill Magazine would like to thank its advertisers for making this publication possible. We would also like to thank the editorial interns, contributing writers, photographers, wardrobe stylist, hair & makeup professionals, and models for their unending talent and creativity. Thank you! Š2014 Fort Mill Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the expess written consent of the copyright owner. Fort Mill Magazine does not necessarily endorse the views and perceptions of contributors or advertisers. Fort Mill Magazine is published by Market Style Media located at 118 Main Street, Fort Mill, SC 29715. Spring 2014 issue.
We are MORE than PRINT! LISTEN to our PODCAST or ENJOY our digital mag!
We are SOCIAL! Join us on...
steven mills
stevenmillsphotography.com 803.389.1645
joseph bradley
josephbradleyphotography.com 336.253.1913
wardrobe stylist
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publishers louis roman | tracey roman
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whitley hamlin whitleyhamlin.com thequeencitystyle.com 704.560.7005
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around town
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fraisier perpĂŠtuel ananas fortmillmagazine.com
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Oui!Oui!
La trawberry! Fort Mill, South Carolina is commonly known to be the only place to find the best berries in the Carolinas. However, if you are looking for the originals, you will have to make a trip that’s a little farther than Walter Y. Elisha Park. An eight hour and fifty minute flight from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport will take you directly to the capital of the largest country in Europe, Paris, France. Well known for their fashion, architecture, wines, cheeses, and... strawberries? France is also the home of the fraises de jardin, or strawberry garden in French.
It is believed that in 1714, large white strawberries were brought over to France from Chile during a trés réservé (very secretive) spy mission for King Louis XIV. A military engineer, Amédeé François Frézier (keep in mind the word for “strawberries” in French is “fraises”), gave the Chilean white strawberries to the Royal Gardens in Paris, which were later sent to Brittany, France. After years of mixing and matching tiny woodland strawberries, the sweet, juicy, red garden strawberry was finally produced in Plougastel, France. They were believed to be named after Frézier, but it was later discovered that strawberries received their name from their original way of cultivation where they were wrapped
Text by Carly Williams
in straw to preserve moisture. Craving strawberries yet? Let’s head back to America. The strawberry is the fourth most important fruit and one of the largest industries in our country. Here in South Carolina, we produce over sixteen different varieties of strawberries, including the Albritton, Apollo, Earliglow, Sunrise, and Tioga. We take pride in our strawberries in the Carolinas, and what better way to celebrate our delicious home-grown fruit than the annual Strawberry Festival? 2014 is the South Carolina Strawberry Festival’s fifth anniversary and it is guaranteed to be the best one yet. Preparation starts as soon as the previous festival ends with the help of a committee made up of 50 volunteers. While Fort Mill is a growing town of 13,000+ residents, the committee is expecting around 40-50,000 guests this year. Wow! Kimberly Starnes, Fort Mill’s Events and Media Coordinator, says that her favorite part of the Strawberry Festival is the two eating contests - strawberry shortcake and strawberry ice cream. She says that everyone approaches the contest differently; some are dainty and nibble around the sides and others stick
their whole face in the plate. Strawberry Week kicks off the festival a week in advance with a golf tournament, pick-nflick, pageant, and a strawberry pancake breakfast. This week also includes the newest event, The Berry Bolt, which is a scavenger hunt that will take teams around Fort Mill in search of clues. The festival is the weekend of May 2nd including, live music, South Carolina’s best vendors, rides and activities for the kids, pig racing, and a car show. Now that you know so much about les fraises, aren’t you BERRY excited?
Carly Williams Carly Williams is a Nation Ford High School Senior, Producer, Anchor and Editor and videographer of The NAFO News,
President
of
the
Southern
Interscholastic Press Association, Nation Ford Spirit Club President, one of Charlotte Observer’s “Young Achievers” and a Reporter for TEEN KIDS NEWS, a show airing worldwide educating youth and airing locally on WCCB (The CW) every Sunday at 7am. Carly has a brother and sister, twins Ryan and Sarah, Fort Mill Middle School 7th graders.
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from the mayor
Photo by Jamie Carnie
The Town of Fort Mill prides itself on being one of the region’s premiere places to live, work and play. To keep it that way, we are dedicated to strategically managing growth, revitalizing our downtown area and providing award winning quality of life events that draw visitors and residents alike. The planning process for the 2014 SC Strawberry Festival at Fort Mill, the jewel of our events calendar, is currently underway. The nearly year-round planning effort put forth by a talented and dedicated group of committee volunteers and town staff makes Walter Y. Elisha Park the place to be the first full weekend in May. This yearly salute to spring draws in excess of 50,000 people each year during the two days of the traditional festival. This year will bring the event’s 5th anniversary and with a theme of “Berry’s Beach Bash” it promises to be two days of shagging, hanging ten and beach music galore.
Commercial development has also seen a resurgence and there are now several active commercial projects in progress. A new stand-alone Family Dollar store will be constructed at the top of Doby’s Bridge Road and Tom Hall Street. It is also exciting that construction has resumed at the Springfield Town Center project located near the intersection of Springfield Parkway and Hwy 21 Bypass where a new Harris Teeter grocery store is expected to start in 2014. A new Hampton Inn and Suites behind the Lowe’s on Hwy 160 will become the first hotel built within the town limits. Due to a commitment by Town Council to attract new commercial development, the revitalization of our Main Street area is also continuing. Many residents have noticed the Greens Apartments at the top of Main Street which will ultimately add 64 multi-family units and, potentially, more than 150 patrons for businesses in the downtown business sector.
TOWN OF FORT MILL The festival hasn’t lost touch with its roots though. Events such as strawberry ice cream eating, shortcake eating and pig races continue to make the festival fun for the entire family. This year, there will be additional rides in the park and an area dedicated to teens. Food, business, arts and crafts vendors continue to put the focus on strawberries and provide unique experiences for the festival’s attendees. The SC Strawberry Festival isn’t the only thing that has grown this year. We have seen a surge of residential development. More than 400 new single-family home permits have been issued since January 1, 2012. The town added four new subdivisions ranging in size from 87 to more than 1,000 single-family homes and two more subdivisions are pending approval from town council.
In the past two years, Fort Mill has added over 600 new homes and nearly 2,000 new residents. In the next decade, 2,500 new homes will be built. When you combine those new homes with active subdivisions such as Massey, Springfield, Kimbrell Crossing and the Forest at Fort Mill, we will likely add nearly 3,500 new homes over the next ten years, essentially doubling the size of the town’s population.
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Town Council also amended an overlay district in the Tom Hall Corridor to encourage redevelopment of the old Food Lion plaza and modified zoning regulations along the I-77 corridor to encourage future commercial and office development. Other commercial projects for the downtown and Tom Hall Street corridors are currently in the preliminary planning stages and will be announced in the coming year.
Fort Mill is one of the fastest growing towns in the state and we remain committed to strategically planning for our future, revitalizing our business sectors and providing a quality slate of town events designed with the whole family in mind. Keep in touch with the goings-on around the town by visiting our website and Facebook page. We encourage your questions and feedback. Kindest Regards,
Danny Funderburk, Mayor Town of Fort Mill
Special Advertiser’s Section
Renew Our Community Rebuilding Our Part Of The Wall Text and photos by Jenny Overman
Last summer, Renew Our Community (ROC) learned that homeless men and women living in Fort Mill were isolated from services they desperately needed because of a lack of transportation. Many lived in the woods, while others slept on the streets. Some needed help obtaining an ID, while others needed clean clothing, help accessing Veteran’s benefits, or substance abuse counseling. ROC stepped in to help fill that need by sending a van that brings people in need from Fort Mill to ROC’s main facility, ROC Central, a “social emergency room” in downtown Rock Hill that connects people in need with the services and agencies that can assist them. On most mornings a group of up to a dozen men and women stand outside ROC Central waiting for the doors to open. When the center opens at 10 a.m. more people begin to file in the door looking for help. Some ROC clients are homeless and looking for a place to stay warm and dry during the day, use the phone, get a snack, or ride the ROC van to the soup kitchen at noon. Others have shelter but need help keeping the heat on, putting food on the table, or creating a resume so they can find a job that will sustain their families. At ROC Central, people in need throughout York County can find help and hope. Clients are treated with dignity and respect as our staff members and volunteers work with them to solve the immediate problems that brought them to ROC Central. While helping clients
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solve their immediate crises, we also look towards long-term solutions that can help clients renew their lives. We partner with them to create a life renewal plan that offers them the hope of peace with themselves, peace with others, and peace with God, and ultimately guides them towards becoming self-sufficient members of the community.
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On average, nearly 100 people come to ROC Central seeking help each day.
In addition to ROC Central, Renew Our Community operates ROC Emporium, a thrift store at the corner of Celanese and Museum roads that provides jobs and job training to people who have difficulty finding employment. ROC Emporium also serves as a resource for ROC clients in need of clothing, furniture, or other household items. In an effort to help clients who are unemployed or have difficulty keeping a job, Renew Our Community recently launched ROC Works, a job training and placement program that helps ROC clients overcome barriers to employment, such as transportation, drug and alcohol dependencies, or a troubled work history. On-the-job training and mentoring combine to help ROC Works clients as they learn about being good employees and are placed in part-time jobs supervised by ROC Works staff.
ROC is a Christ-centered organization that draws inspiration from the Bible. In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah discovers that the wall protecting Jerusalem is badly broken and needs repair. He rallies the people of the city to take responsibility and rebuild the wall that protects them. He assigns portions of the wall to different groups that live in the city and within two months, the wall was repaired. At Renew Our Community we see the brokenness in our community and it reminds us of the wall of Jerusalem. People in our county are hungry, homeless, suffering from addictions and in need of employment. Like the wall of Jerusalem, an effort needs to be made to rebuild, and we need your help. It’s our community, and it’s our responsibility. We’re calling for church leaders, community leaders and residents throughout the county to partner with us to help rebuild our part of the wall by healing the people of the community who are broken and in need of renewal. Won’t you join us? For more information, go to www.renewoc.org , or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/renewoc and facebook.com/ rocemporium. For more information about ROC programs and opportunities to get involved, call (803) 804-8737.
At St. Anne Catholic School...We Believe. We believe in God. We believe in family. We believe in teachers. We believe in each other. We believe in you.
SA
What our Children Believe is Just as Important as What They Know.
We Believe.
We Believe.
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SA Since 1951
Charlotte Catholic High Feeder
St. Anne Catholic School
St. Anne Catholic School Rock Hill, SC 29730 (803)324-4814 stanneschool.com
Educating children of ALL faiths since 1951.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
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Adventure Day Camps Just minutes away in Fort Mill, SC
Register Online at ASCGreenway.org
10% Off Registration at our
Summer Camp Open House Saturday, March 29th 11am-2pm Adventure Center 851 Springfield Parkway Fort Mill, SC 29715
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Biking
Archery
Fishing
Geocaching
Dates:
Kayaking
and MUCH MORE!
June 23-27
All on our 2,100 acre natural preserve Find Out More at ASCGreenway.org
Ballantyne Bus Pickups Available:
July 14-18 July 28-Aug. 1 For More Information, Call 803.547.1007
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local folks
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A Wond
Aderful Life F
Floyd Phillip Foss, of Westminster Towers passed away March 17, 2011. That is how the obituary began, however there is so much more to this man and his story. He was born in Fruitdale, SD in August of 1920. During that year, South Dakota was experiencing one of the worst years of flooding in their recorded history. His family later moved to San Antonio, TX and lived there during the great Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. One has to wonder if these forces of nature were the furnace in which this man was forged.
One can talk about his accomplishments of having been married to the love of his life for 59 years and in that time having raised 7 children (2 from an earlier marriage to his high school sweetheart); and 5 from his second and final marriage to a sweet and delightful woman, Betty Foss. There are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He lived a full and satisfying life. By any standards Floyd Foss, (Chief Foss for those who knew him when he was the Chief of Police in Fort Mill) was a successful man, but that is not the full story. Floyd and Betty Neal of Fort Mill, met at the Officers Club while at the Air Craft Control and Warning School in Panama City, FL. Were it not for this meeting, Fort Mill would not have been blessed with this very special man. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1938 right after graduating High School in San Antonio, TX and worked as a Radarman/Navigator on four-man Bristol Beaufighter aka “Whispering Death”. These were so named due to their speed and ability to strike quickly. These planes were used mostly by the British Military, however some were flown by US Air Force Pilots since the American’s had not yet produced a jet that could fly at night.
Text by Maggie Reed | Photos courtesy of the Foss Family
His plane is believed to have crashed sometime in either September or November, 1944 (the date is open to dispute) outside the small town of Gusano di Gropparello in northern Italy. Two members of the four man crew perished. Another member of the crew, Franklin Chapman, was captured and held as a POW. Floyd the navigator was able to stumble to a barn and seek shelter. He was then returned to the Allied Forces by way of the Italian Underground which at that time was a network of farmers. It is believed it took up to 30 days for him to rejoin his comrades.
In April of 2013, an archeological team had begun to excavate the plane, which had sparked renewed interest in the town that kept him safe. This past November, Stefano Ruggeri, (who was just a young boy at that time); contacted our Mayor Danny Funderburk to inquire as to any family members of “this brave American”. It seems that in just a matter of days or weeks, Floyd left a deep impression on the people of that village and they remember him still - fondly. As Chief of Police in Fort Mill from August 1972 until September 1977, he managed to apply for some grant money to have a new jail built (now the location of the Fort Mill Police Department and Town Hall). At the time he assumed office, the police department was in a pitifully small wooden building and Chief Foss got to business by seeing to it that Fort Mill had a state of the art jail facility. It was learned only recently by his widow, Betty, that while he was Chief of Police he became aware of a family or two that were struggling financially, and without saying a word to anyone, he bought them groceries and brought them to their home. We don’t know how many times or how
often he did this, because he never told a soul. The only reason Betty Foss found out about it is one of the grown children of one of those families shared that with her.
Betty describes Floyd as having a smile that could melt an iceberg. On their first date, he asked her if she knew the meaning of the word Omphaloskepsis – which quite literally means the contemplation of one’s belly-button. He touched so many lives, and yet if asked, we are told that he would say the thing of which he was most proud would be his family. Betty has to admit that what she loved best in Floyd was his gentle spirit and his wonderful sense of humor. Many years ago when an acquaintance became aware of their somewhat large family, they asked Floyd if he was a Catholic. Floyd smiled and said “No, just fun loving Baptists”. His one wish for his children was that “they grow up in a community where they are respected and admired.” He was glad he was in Fort Mill, SC. This writer can’t help but think of George Bailey from the movie It’s A Wonderful Life as I hear these stories shared about the richness of Captain Foss’s life. Clarence the Angel wrote in the book at the end of the movie: (spoiler alert!!) “George, remember no man is a failure who has friends”. I now raise my glass and toast... to our friend, Floyd...the richest man we know!
Maggie Reed
Maggie has lived in York County since 1998. She loves history, is a member of the Nation Ford Chapter of the DAR; and with her family is very involved with the Fort Mill Community Playhouse. She is excited to now be part of the Fort Mill Magazine family.
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nibbles & bits
des portraits d'animal de compagnie (Pet Portraits)
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Text by Lori MacLeod
Clockwise from top right.... McGraw Photography, Steven Mills Photography, Pet Whimsy Portraits
Happy Pet. Happy You!
We are dedicated to excellence & compassion in veterinary care and proud to offer the following services: •Water Therapy •Physical Rehabilitation •Medical Acupuncture •Pain Management •Medical, Surgical and Dental Care •Preventative Medicine •Senior Pet Care •Tender Loving Care Boarding Services Monday - Friday 7:30am - 7:00pm Saturday 7:30am - 12:00pm
704.588.4400 9729 S. Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28273
STEELE CREEK ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Companion Animal Rehabilitation Services in Charlotte K e e p i n g P e t s H e a l t h y. c o m
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des portraits d'animal de a treasure in our home for many years to come.
Pet photography has also been around since the invention of the camera, but what was once a hobby for most is now a career for many, with the increase in popularity of pet portraits. Pet photographer, Sarah McGraw, got her degree in biology because she always wanted to work with animals. It was her mother who suggested that she combine her love of photography with her love of animals and voila, a career as a pet photographer and her business, McGraw Photography emerged. McGraw enjoys donating her time and talent photographing canine events for the American Cancer Society and fundraisers for local rescues as well as photographing dogs for the Humane Society. She and her husband, Brian, have 4 furry “kids”, 2 dogs and 2 cats. McGraw’s uncanny ability to connect with pets is put to good use during her photo shoots.
Ooh la la!
Oui, nous adorons notre famille (yes, we love our family) pet and oh how we love to document our unique relationships with our furry family friends. Pet portraits are making a come back in a big way, but it certainly isn’t a new form of expression. Pet portraits date back as far as 17,000 years ago with a discovery of pet art in a cave in northern Spain. Throughout history, pet artists, and later photographers, have captured the importance of pets in people’s lives. Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, had several pampered pooches and included them in many of her portraits. From former United States President Eisenhower’s dog, Heidi, to the Kennedy’s pet pony, Macaroni, to President Obama’s dog, Bo, many presidential pets have roamed the White House lawn and are documented through art and photos at the Presidential Pet Museum. Pet artists and photographers’ images tell the sweet story of the companionship between a pet and its owner. Pet artist Robin Wellner, originally from New Jersey and now a Charlotte resident for over 20 years, began her career with a variety of artistic avenues including murals, stain glass, graphic design, faux finishes, a silk and hand painted clothing
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line, and people and pet portraits. When her daughter, Katie, moved away and Wellner was missing her, she decided to paint a portrait of their pets to remind Katie of home. The response from family and friends was amazing and thus began her fun journey painting pet portraits with her company, Pet Whimsy Portraits. Wellner loves to see a pet owner’s reaction when they see their pet on canvas for the first time. She likes to view several different pictures of the pet and hear pet stories from the owner before she begins her art in order to portray the ultimate feeling the owner wants from their pet portrait. During these prior interviews, she gains information about the details of the portrait like indoor or outdoor, close up or body shot, framed or painted side canvas. Wellner and her husband, Michael, both avid animal lovers, enjoy donating to the Humane Society and several pet rescue organizations. My own family’s gift from Santa this past December was a Havanese puppy we named, Charlie Christmas MacLeod. Wellner painted a portrait from the first photo taken of Charlie, and it will be
Watching her work automatically brings a smile to your face as she gets down at the pet’s level, making fun sounds, and squeaking toys as lures to help her bring out the pet’s personality. Before she begins snapping away toward her candid masterpieces, McGraw likes the pet to become familiar with her and the clicking sounds of her camera. Her ability to spot the perfect location with the most incredible lighting makes her candid pet photos beautifully unique. McGraw’s ideal time for a shoot is 2 hours before sunset, the exact time she recently shot candid photos of my own children Carly, Ryan, and Sarah with our puppy, Charlie. What she was able to capture, as the sun was setting through the trees, are truly breathtaking works of art. Our photo shoot with McGraw will be remembered forever as one of our favorite fun family experiences. I can sum up working with a pet artist and a pet photographer in one word, fantastique! To learn more about Pet Whimsy Portraits, visit petwhimsyportraits.com or call 704-614-6852. Also, to learn more about McGraw Photography, viist mcgrawphotography.com or call 704726-1233.
Lori MacLeod
Lori is a freelance writer and television producer. She is mother of Carly, 17, a Nation Ford High School Senior and twins Ryan and Sarah, 12, both 7th graders at Fort Mill Middle School.
compagnie
“Your Pet is the Heart of Our Practice”
I can sum up working with a pet artist and a pet photographer in one word,
fantastique!
Carolina Place Animal Hospital Dr. Robert Chappell, DVM
Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Sat 9am-5pm
803-547-3547 carolinaplaceanimal.com
fine living
RUSTIQUE ET FRANCAISE Text by Lynn Blackwell | Photos by Steven Mills
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the dining room, with adjacent butler’s pantry, office and mudroom, a perfect choice to create French-inspired spaces. The rooms, lakefront in a rustic home built in the Hampton’s style, has a design scheme that follows the architectural direction of the wood and stone-clad exterior, with a massive stone fireplace, wood tongue-in-groove ceilings, large beams and wide-planked wood and stone flooring. To achieve a casually elegant interior, the design then blended these inherent rustic elements with refined French-inspired ones, creating the desired eclectic, vintage-inspired but modern dining space.
Interior design trends come and go, but the trend today is eclectic, which is the combining of different elements and styles from different time periods and origins. The ability to do this successfully is often the result of a central design concept, executed by following design principals while using a broad range of sources and styles. The design inspiration and concept for this Lake Wylie dining room came from a 1920’s era lakefront vacation home still standing today in the Cashiers area of the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, infusing it with French style and decorative elements to create an eclectic mix of elegant French design with a rustic waterfront cottage feel. The French are known for their fine cuisine, making
to the table, and is topped by a huge painting depicting a foggy European cityscape and flanked by tall lamps made from Polish glass decanters. The draperies are tall panels of terra cotta toile, or toile de Jouy, a French fabric that depicts a complex scene of rural life, the color tying in with the warm tones of the 16’ tall stone fireplace.
Furnishings in the French style were selected for their classic, enduring qualities, such as the large round French Regency mahogany dining table made less formal by the 8 textured linen skirted chairs surrounding it. The Frenchinspired server, finished in a matte black with gold-leaf striping reminiscent of a French cabinet, is a perfect complement
The dining room also has a collection of framed antique French menus, many handwritten or with hand-painted scenes that date from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries and were purposed for weddings, religious ceremonies and even funerals. Many of the menus were from fine French hotels and list an extensive array of entrees such as Filet de Boeuf and desserts such as Petit Fours, all recognizable in the modern American lexicon and still considered to fall under the category of “fine dining”. The butler’s pantry, which is located adjacent to the dining room, displays an extensive collection of French porcelain
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RUSTIC AND FRENCH
M AIN& G R A Y
manufactured in France by Apilco, a company founded in France in 1826 and still operating there by its founding family. It is simple, durable white porcelain dishware that was originally made for fine French restaurants and the plain, but refined porcelain also blends in nicely with the Spode Blue Italian china displayed in the dining room china cabinets. The Spode, which has strong roots in French history, also enjoyed great popularity in the United States since 1816, and its dark blue color is currently enjoying a strong resurgence in American interior design. The navy blue ties in with the color scheme of the rest of the house and the two sets of china combine to create a table setting that is both formal French and relaxed American in feel. The French, still world famous for their cuisine, design and lifestyle, have homes that reflect a strong, relaxed sense of place and family, an appealing quality that has been copied in American interior design for centuries. French design, with its graceful curves, mellow wood tones and subtle gilded accents has a beauty and versatility that adds charm and comfort to even the most modern of interiors. The new American design aesthetic, now trending toward an eclectic style, continues to borrow heavily from the French culture for its unique, stylish flair and will undoubtedly continue this trend for decades to come.
in t e r ior de sig n de cor at i v e s g if ts f u r ni shing s a n t iq u e s 2 2 3 m a in s t r e e t f ort m il l , s o u t h c a r ol in a
(803) 802 - 4663
w w w . M A I N a n d G R AY . c o m
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Lynn Blackwell, Allied ASID
Lynn is an allied ASID interior designer, a SC licensed builder and the owner of Main & Gray Home located on Main Street in Fort Mill. She received a BS in Accounting from USC and a BFA in Interior Design from WU. She is married with two grown children and resides in the Lake Wylie area. Contact her at 803-802-4663 or lynn@ mainandgray.com.
Synergy Brings MARKET Excitement Text by Kathryn Miller | Photo by Chris Lemmonds
THE MERGING OF THE TOP REAL ESTATE MINDS
The merging of Coldwell Banker’s #1 Sales Associate and Allen Tate’s #1 Team continues to reverberate with exciting and incredible market exposure blended with the best in client care. I have built a business based on integrity over the last 13 years; “platinum client care” has always been integral. In striving to grow and best help my clients, I reached out to Andy Bovender and Debbie Hooker, colleagues for whom I have always had the greatest respect. It turns out we are of amazingly similar mind sets.
The Andy Bovender Team is the future, combining a team approach, state of the art technology, and my favorite, caring for the client. Now, I understand the value of teamwork. It takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes a team to serve a client. A good team provides an expert in each branch of the service tree: ■Listing Leaders to constantly monitor and employ changing marketing techniques, gauge the market for Sellers, and negotiate. ■Buyer Specialists who know every nook and cranny, every opportunity, and who love helping their Buyers find just the right home for their family. ■Closing Coordinator - the stalwart professional who knows every nuance of the contract, knows every contractor and repair person needed, and who maintains incredible communication with attorneys, lenders, and clients.
Our office in Baxter is ever moving, with a high tech layout and agents moving in and out. There are no personal desks, no paper files, only computers. Every appropriate file is available to every agent at the touch of any mobile device. Our agents are out with you and not back behind a desk. Electronic signatures eliminate the need for clients to print, scan, sign, and rescan. Quite unequivocally, I am very happy to have moved on to partner with the Bovender Team. Andy, Debbie, and I are still in the midst of merging our dynamic individual marketing, and we invite you to visit us at BovenderTeam.com and WelcomeToTheCarolinas.com. Or drop by the office on Market Street in Baxter. We are in business to serve you. Kathryn Miller #1 Coldwell Banker Sales Associate, Charlotte Metro Area, 2006 – 2012 Andy Bovender Team #1 Allen Tate Team, North & South Carolina, 2010 - 2013
“We utilze state of the art technology. Every appropriate file is available to every agent at the touch of any mobile device.” Special Advertiser’s Section
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le boudoir Text by Lesley Young
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Photos courtesy of Decorating Den
you think of France, isn’t romance When one of the first things that comes to mind? Romance, along with elegance, flair, couture, and of course, excellence in design are all words that remind me of everything French. Classic French design is certainly epitomized by the palace of Versailles. This elegant mansion provides the backdrop for gilded trim, ornate fixtures, mirrors, chandeliers, and layer upon layer of elegant silk, damask and taffeta fabrics. Adding some of these design elements in your own bedroom design, will definitely help you create the perfect, French inspired romantic boudoir. This French inspired bedroom designed by Barbara Tabak of Decorating Den Interiors in Pennsylvania uses many French inspired design elements.
Dramatic shades of gold and purple – the colors of nobility – are used throughout the room. The walls are covered in a damask patterned wallpaper – a favorite of French aristocrats. The focal point of the room is the inviting bed made up of elegant silks, velvets and chenilles. A large gilded mirror angled in the corner reflects the view of the beautiful bed, and its elaborate bed coverings. Furniture includes a custom painted commode placed next to the bed and the fabulous Louis XV chair adds even more drama to this space. It sure doesn’t get any more French than this. Small touches of beaded trim and tassels on the custom window treatment, and gold toned accessories help to set this
entire room design off with just an extra touch of glamour and style. A French inspired bedroom might be all you need to add a little extra romance to your life – well, that and a bottle of great French wine.
Lesley Young
Lesley is an interior designer and owner of Decorating Den Interiors in Fort Mill. She has a degree in Mechanical Engineering but decided to pursue her dream of interior design in 2011 by starting her own design business. She loves decorating and antiques and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Contact her at 803-981-3800 or LesleyYoung.DecoratingDen.com.
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wealth
Text by Michelle Black
The Art of
SPENDING Creating a well thought out plan to govern your finances may be the key ingredient you are missing in your wealth building strategy. You have probably heard the following quote by Sir Winston Churchill before, “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” Failure to plan for how you will spend your family’s hard earned money is a recipe for disaster. In fact, the same truth regarding planning applies whether you make $25,000 per year or $250,000 per year. If you are spending more than you earn, if you have credit score problems, if you are not saving money, if you are currently revolving credit card debt from month to month, then you need a plan to create a change in your life. Here are 3 simple steps to help you get started. Step One: Figure out where your money is going now. Almost every budgeting problem stems from the same place – overspending. Yet, it can be difficult to fix a budgeting problem if you cannot identify the specific areas where the overspending occurs. The simplest way to find out where you are overspending is to track every dollar you spend. You can track your spending the simple, old school way by carrying around a 3X5 card in your wallet or purse and writing down every
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transaction you make. Another option is to keep a list of your spending directly on your smart phone. Of course, there are also apps such as Mint and Level Money which do the tracking for you.
Step Two: Make a list of where you want your money to go. Once you have identified where your money is going, it is time to make a list of where you want your money to go. The best way to track your goals and to keep yourself motivated is to make this list into something visual like a goal poster. Write down and find images to represent the things that you want your money to achieve for you and your family. Your goals may including buying a home, becoming debt free, having a vacation fund to travel to Hawaii, paying for your children’s college education, saving for retirement, etc. Step Three: Create a plan to help redirect traffic. After identifying where your money is currently going and where you want it to start going, now it is time to create a plan to shift the direction of your financial future – aka a budget. (Bonus: for a free, easy to use budgeting guide simply email info@hope4usa.com to request a copy.) You should use your budget to cut back
on areas of overspending, but don’t forget to still plan for a little fun. If you cut out the spending for everything you enjoy then your budget will likely fail in the long run once your frustration inevitably builds to the breaking point. I am not suggesting that fixing all of your financial problems is as simple as reading this article. However, the consistent application of the principles in this article will absolutely make a monumental impact upon your financial picture. By committing to follow a budget with your earnings, you can begin to paint a beautiful picture for the future of your family.
Michelle Black
Michelle is a 12+ year credit expert with HOPE4USA, credit blogger, nationally recognized credit expert, contributor to the Wealth section of Fort Mill Magazine, and regularly featured speaker at seminars up and down the East Coast. She is an expert on improving credit scores, budgeting, and recovering from identity theft. You can connect with Michelle on the HOPE Facebook page at facebook.com/HOPE4YourCredit.
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travel yy
Bienven u e Ă Paris !
g
All photos courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
y
y
TOP City.of 10 Light, in the
Paris - the City of Light - is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Who does not want to visit France’s capital on the Seine river with its countless sights and the wonderful savoir vivre, the French art of living? Exploring Paris is very easy as many of the attractions are within walking distance and you may always use the métro which offers an inexpensive and convenient way to explore the city. Is there a best time to travel? Paris has its highlights in every season. There are the blooming gardens in spring, the festivals in the summer, the color changing beauty of fall or Christmas markets in the winter; every season would be an ideal holiday to enjoy the City of Light. Planning your visit well ahead, knowing some French greetings and words like Bonjour Madame/Monsieur, Merci and Au revoir (Hello Ma’am/Mr., Thank You and Goodbye) are encouraged to be used everytime entering and leaving a place (trust me, this opens doors), and you will help to enhance your memories for a life time. There is so much to see and explore, but below are my top ten suggestions when vacationing in Paris.
1
Champs Élysée With its full name Avenue des ChampsÉlysées which refers to the Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed in Greek mythology, it is today the most prestigious
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Text by Ellen Rauchhaus
and broadest avenue in Paris. Plus, shares the title of the second most expensive strip of real estate in the world, second only to New York City’s Fifth Avenue with annual rent as high as over $900,000.00. Take some time and go window shopping along the luxurious storefronts or as the French say faire du lèche vitrine. The avenue runs almost 1.5 miles through the 8th arrondissement (district) from the Place de la Concorde in the East with its obelisk to the Place Charles de Gaulle in the West, which is the location of the Arc de Triomphe. Take a break to stop by Ladurée at 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, a beautiful tea room, and get some of their famous macaroons together with the best hot chocolate in Paris.
2
Montmartre and Sacré Coeur Montmartre, situated on Paris’ highest hill and crowned by the beautiful 17th century church of Sacré Coeur is well worth a visit. Stroll to the Place du Terre and you will feel transported back in time when artists Picasso or Van Gogh came
to publish their masterpieces. Detour safely by strolling through the back streets to get away from the crowds and enjoy Montmartre’s small city charm, grab a pain au chocolat (delicious chocolate croissant) in a boulangerie (bakery). Get your sweetheart and stretch out your walking legs on the steps of Sacré Coeur enjoying the breathtaking view of the City of Light. Simply romantic!
3
La Tour Eiffel “La France will be the only country whose flag will wave in pride on a mast at 300 meters height,” proclaimed Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer, when he started to build the tower which is named after
All photos courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
him. We know this is not true anymore, but this massive monument of steel and a masterpiece of engineering is well worth a visit. Before your tour, please make reservations way in advance to avoid a long wait in line for tickets. If you would like to have a workout, climb the stairs to the second platform and treat yourself with a lunch at the restaurant Jules Verne which is also located here. Originally built for the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, La Tour Eiffel graced the world exhibit in Paris in 1889 and was only supposed to be present for a couple of months. Now, Paris would not be Paris without its Eiffel tower. An insider tip for an even more beautiful view (perhaps you forgot to make reservations and don’t want to spend the time in line waiting), go to the Arc de Triomphe and go up. A breathtaking view with the star shaped boulevards at your feet towards the Eiffel Tower. There is also a museum where you can learn why Napoleon gave orders to build this monument.
4
Père- Lachaise You can walk with the dead at PèreLachaise. For some it might not be of interest to visit a cemetery during your vacation, but visiting Paris’ Pere Lachaise cimetière is like visiting the RIP - VIPs! Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde are in resident, just to name a few. Soak up the quiet, watch the trees, smell the flowers, listen to the birds. Grab a map and check out the tombs of your favorite RIP - VIPs.
5
Saint Germain District Put on your Sunday best and head over to Saint Germain-des-Prés which lines the left bank of the Seine and extends southwards to the sprawling Jardin de Luxembourg. It is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Paris where you’ll find locals outfitted in Louis Vuitton and Dior on their way to a business meeting or out for a stroll on Boulevard St.-Germain. It is also an artistic hub and, in the past, a spot for existentialist thinkers like JeanPaul Sartre. This is the place to see and be seen. A great way to explore the neighborhood is by booking a patisserie and chocolate tasting tour. Head to the Église Saint Germain, Paris’ oldest church dating back to the 6th century. Stroll through the small alleyways next to the church. You will find a wonderful assembly of fine bars, restaurants and brasseries (breweries) where you will experience a great time with locals. Enjoy a cafe-au-lait at Les deux Magots where Hemingway was a frequent customer. My favorite wine bar is L’âne et la mule at 14 Rue Guisarde with excellent wine selections, delicious food and wonderful loving local people.
6
Louvre Once the biggest building in the world and the palace of the ultimate kings, the Louvre was built in stages over 8 centuries. With its striking 20th century pyramid used as the entrance, the Louvre now houses the world’s greatest collection of art treasures from prehistory to about
1850. If you plan on visiting the Louvre during your stay in Paris, plan well ahead to maximize your time. You will not be able to see the whole collection in one day. To avoid wait times which could be hours, buy a city museum pass in advance that will grant you entry to all the museums. With this pass, you can walk right through the entrance and you will be able to see Mona Lisa and Co in no time.
7
Palais Garnier The Palais Garnier counts as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The Garnier is named after its architect Charles Garnier and since the completion of the Opera Bastille, it is mostly being used for ballet performances. Did you know that this is the original showplace of Gaston Leroux’s legendary Phantom of the Opera? The subterraneous waters, which he rows with his boat, really exist and still need to be pumped on a regular basis. Completed in 1875 at a time where “to see and be seen” was an inherent part of each visit to an opera, Garnier showed respect to that matter in adding a spectacular marble staircase into the foyer of the palais. Also, the auditorium was built in a u-shape which did not guarantee an optimal view from the 1900 velvet draped seats to the stage, but a perfect view to the loge vis-à-vis.The lights of the almost 18000 pound heavy chandelier did not turn off during
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All photos courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
the performance either. Look up to the ceiling to admire the fantastic painting of Marc Chagall encompassing the entire dome.
8
Notre Dame Notre Dame cathedral was the first gothic style church located on the Seine island l’Île de la Cité; built over 170 years from 1163-1345.The land itself has even a longer rich history. The Celts considered this their sacred ground. Romans built a temple of worship to Jupiter. A Christian basilica was built in the 6th century and was the last religious structure prior to the Romanesque church now known as Norte Dame. Today, Notre Dame represents a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most visited places in the world. Entrance is free.
9
Musée d’Orsay Are you an artistic admirer of Vincent Van Gogh? Then, you must find time to explore the Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Gallery). The architecture alone of this former train station (La Gare d”Orsay) will impress not to mention the incredible collection of art masterpieces located inside the gallery. With 25 paintings by Van Gogh such as Starry Night over the Rhone as well as many other famous Impressionist and Post Impressionist works, the Orsay gives art enthusiasts a wide selection of masterpieces to admire.
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10
Buttes Chaumont et Jardin Luxembourg Shop the local market for a picnic in one of Paris’ beautiful gardens like Buttes Chaumont or Jardin Luxembourg. Did you also grow up thinking cheese was orange and the shape of bread was square? Well, strolling through my favorite street market in the Rue Cler has absolutely enhanced my appreciation of fabulous French cuisine. Rue Cler is lined with shops that spill out into the streets, welcoming the mingling and sharing with the locals and tourists. Shop like a Parisian, meaning shop with their sense of smell; mingle with the chefs, explore how to make your dinner guests feel what the French enjoy over the meal you have planned for them. Visit a charcuterie for deli food, a fromagerie for the widest variety of cheeses you have ever seen (and smelled) followed by a wine shop whose owner is more than happy to pair the wine with those ingredients for your tantalizing picnic. Last stop, the boulangerie to pick up your baguette. Et voilà! The best way to enjoy your picnic is to walk into one of Paris’ famous gardens, like Buttes Chaumont or Jardin Luxembourg. Spread your blanket and enjoy the moment of sitting in a garden that would invite Monet to show up with his easel any moment. Bon Appétit! These are my top ten suggestions for
Paris, but if you are spending more time in the City of Light, be sure to visit the beautiful castles just outside the city limit. Starting with the world famous Château de Versailles which takes you back in time to the blooming days of King Louis XIV. My personal recommendation is Château de Chantilly with its beautiful gardens just North of Paris. It hosts the Musée du Conde, one of the largest and prestigious collections of French art and ancient book illuminations outside of the Louvre. Located close to the Grand Stable with its fascinating horse demonstrations, Château Chantilly is a great idea for a day outside the busy city center of Paris. There are so many ways to visit Paris and nonstop flights from Charlotte make a trip simply convenient. A wonderful way to combine Paris with the rest of France is by booking a river cruise. AmaWaterways offers various river cruises like the Jewel of France which will go all the way to Barcelona or the Paris & Normandy route with excursions to the Utah and Omaha beaches. Until then, au revoir et bon voyage!
Ellen Rauchhaus
Ellen is a Fort Mill Magazine Travel Club expert and the owner of TripDesign. A native European and a travel consultant for nearly twenty years, Ellen is a European travel and river cruise specialist and enjoys helping others plan the trip of their dreams. Let Ellen design your next trip by calling (248) 982-4547 or email tripdesign4u@gmail.com.
Special Advertiser’s Section
E4D:
Advanced Expertise in Dental Technology Text by Courtney Newell
The doctors and staff at India Hook Dental Care are delighted to offer same day restorations to qualifying patients. Since acquiring the E4D Dentist system a little over two years ago, India Hook Dental Care has been at the forefront of modern digital dental technology. With the E4D system integrated into the practice, our clinicians are taking digital scans of teeth and designing a permanent and custom restoration in the office within a single appointment. Bringing the E4D technology into the practice has allowed the staff at India Hook Dental Care to offer our patients a more convenient and expansive treatment option for crown work. By obtaining this system, unpleasant impression methods and chairside fabricated temporaries are no longer a necessity. Thorough digital scans are taken in a matter of minutes through a series of clean photographic images taken in the mouth. After the scanned images are transferred to a design center accessing cutting edge dental software, the clinician is able to create and customize the restoration. When the design is complete, it is then sent to a state of the art milling unit in our dental laboratory within the office. Once the crown has been milled, our patients will leave with a natural looking restoration that blends in beautifully with surrounding teeth. The entire process will take roughly three hours in turn eliminating a final impression, temporary crown and second appointment. Our staff, utilizing modern technology provides the highest quality dental care to our patients. If you are looking for a dental practice that offers the latest technology, convenience, professionalism, and TLC, contact India Hook Dental Care today!
1144 India Hook Road, Suite E | Rock Hill, SC 29732 | 803-324-7640 fortmillmagazine.com
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to your health
saine fraises Text by Lauren Ebbecke
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(healthy strawberries)
. . . used in herbal remedies to cure upset stomach, diarrhea, sore throat, acne, and eczema. Strawberries date back to 1265 in Europe. The first part of the word, ‘straw’ refers to the verb ‘to strew,’ referring to the tangle of vines from the plant that covers the ground. In fact, the German name translates to ‘earthberries’ because they ‘creep or trail’ along the earth. The common wild strawberry, fragaria vesca, can be found throughout the northern hemisphere and the berries are very colorful and flavorful compared to the modern day cultivated strawberry. Wild strawberries are hard to collect because they are quite small and, they are so tasty, it is hard not to eat them as quickly as you pick them. In addition, they have a very short growing season, less than 2 weeks close to summer solstice. Although the tiny woodland strawberries were known since Roman times, the first garden strawberries originated in France. According to the traditional Chinese concept of food and energy, strawberries are warm, sweet and sour. They are used for the liver and kidneys to remove stagnant blood, polyuria (large production of urine), expel colds and vertigo or motion sickness. They are supposed to break up calcareous stones (derived from too much calcium) in the kidney, gallbladder and bladder; however, there is no evidence to back this claim. Can you imagine how many it would take to do this task? Nicholas Culpepper, a well known herbalist, declared the plant to be “singularly good for the healing of many ills,” but Linnaeus was the first botanist to discover the berry as an effective treatment for rheumatic gout. Both the leaves and the fruit have been used in herbal medicines. Strawberry leaves are used in controlling diarrhea, however, the fruit is slightly laxative. It is reported in the literature that American Indians used the leaves to prevent miscarriages. They would prepare a mineral rich tea of the dried leaves. Strawberries
contain
magnesium,
potassium, beta carotene, iron, malic and citric acid, vitamin C and K. They have been used in herbal remedies to cure upset stomach, diarrhea, sore throat, acne, and eczema. Both leaves and fruit have been used in cosmetics to tighten skin, close pores, whiten teeth (strawberry juice mixed with baking soda) and treat sunburn. Strawberry juice has also been used for many years as a facial wash for oily skin. You can cut the strawberry in half and rub it on your face after your daily wash.
herbs that go well with strawberries include ginger, mint, chives, and basil. Any way you pick it, the strawberry is a glorious fruit with many healthy benefits for you...inside and out.
Lauren Ebbecke
Lauren is the CEO and founder of Extraordinary Wellness Coaching: Mentoring Women who are changing the World from the Inside Out, a company committed to the personal growth and empowerment of women Personally, I enjoy eating the fresh fruit choosing to make a difference in C in early summer. I pick berries at a their lives. She uses transformational nearby farm and make fresh strawberry techniques to motivate and encourage jam. I have found that balsamic vinegar women to shift their mindsets on finding enhances the flavor of strawberries their true passion and discovering their soul. To learn more, go to which are wonderful when added to authentic jodeea@gmail.com • 803-448-1383 a fresh green garden salad. Other ExtraordinaryWellnessCoaching.com.
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healthy eyes
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good eats
let them eat pie
MODERN FAMILY DINNER
W
ith Spring in the air we are drawn to all of the bounty the earth has to offer during this period of rebirth. We can go for a drive with the windows down and relish the aroma emanating from the peach blossoms on an afternoon spring breeze or take a walk at the Greenway in short sleeves. The result is certain, our appetites grow, wouldn’t it be wonderful to satisfy that appetite with a nice slice of pie?
Text by Valerie McGann | Photos by Steven Mills Pies originated in Ancient Egypt, and were more of a practical way to cook savory meats than to enjoy a sweet treat, the crusts weren’t even eaten during this time. As the Romans brought the pie recipe to Europe, they became a way to help practical Medieval cooks stretch a meal as they were cooked in shallow dishes over the top of an open fire. Like anything else that begins as a practical meal, leave it to the English and European noble classes to inspire the creation of a humble pie beginning into a decadent delight. Centuries later in the late 1800’s, Americans begin to eat pie with a scoop of ice cream doubling the delight of an already delicious treat.
Unlike some foods that morph and change over the years, pies continue to be a sweet or savory way to serve your family all of the love that comes from your kitchen. Please enjoy a simple pie crust recipe that serves as a delicious chameleon for your dinner table. The versatility of this recipe will allow you to make a savory Chicken Pot Pie or a double crust Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. Still looking for another option? How about trying the single crust version and making a custard pie that can be garnished with fresh fruit? Any of these options can bring your family running to the dinner table. Find the recipes on the following page.
Valerie McGann
To learn more about Valerie McGann, go to modernfortmillfamily.blogspot.com.
DOUBLE PIE CRUST 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 2/3 cup vegetable shortening 7-8 Tablespoons of ice water In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and the salt. Using a pastry blender, combine the flour mixture with the shortening until it resembles course large crumbles. Using a rubber spatula, fold the water into the flour mixture until a sticky dough forms. Generously flour your hands, and turn the dough out onto a floured hard surface knead the dough slightly ensuring that the dough is slightly soft and not sticky, then divide the dough in half. Take each half of dough, form it into a ball and gently flatten the ball into a disc. Wrap each half of the dough in plastic wrap or waxed paper and place it into the refrigerator for at least two hours. Remove the discs of dough from the refrigerator, working with one disc at a time, unwrap the disc and place it onto a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out while maintaining the circular shape of the dough (it is best to change directions with every roll of the rolling pin). Roll out the disc until you have a 12 inch circle (for a 9 inch pie tin). Place the first circle into the bottom of your pie tin. Roll out the second disc until it is slightly larger than 12 inches. Once you have placed your filling into the bottom of the pie tin, cover the pie tin with the top piece of dough. Fold the bottom and top of the pie crust together and crimp the edges. Cut slits into the top of the crust to allow steam to exit the pie and provide for ample cooking of the pie filling. Cooking time and temperature will vary based on your individual pie recipe.
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CHICKEN POT PIE 1 Double Pie Crust recipe 2 cups pre-cooked shredded chicken 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed 2 15 ounce cans of condensed cream of potato soup 1 cup of chicken stock 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, vegetables, soup and spices. Stir in the chicken stock. Pour the pot pie filling into the bottom pie crust. Cover the filling with the top pie dough and seal the pie following the pie crust cooking instructions. Bake the pot pie for 25-30 minutes in a 425* oven. After removing from the oven, allow the pie to set for at least 15 minutes. Serve hot. STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE 1 Double Pie Crust recipe 3 cups sliced rhubarb 2 cups sliced strawberries 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon In a large bowl combine the fruit, sugar, flour and cinnamon. (If you are using frozen rhubarb, allow the pie filling to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes). Place the filling into the bottom pie crust shell. Cover the filling with the top pie dough and seal the pie following the pie crust cooking instructions. Bake the pot pie for 45 minutes in a 375* oven. Serve slightly warm or room temperature. Garnish with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
VANILLA CUSTARD PIE ½ Double Pie Crust recipe 4 eggs 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 2 ½ cups milk (2% or greater milk fat) 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Complete the instructions for the Double Pie Crust recipe through the lining the pie tin with the bottom layer of the pie crust. Crimp the edges of the crust. Place a double thick layer of aluminum foil onto the top of the pie crust, fill the foil with 1 cup of dried beans or pie weights. Bake the pie crust for 10 minutes at 425*. Remove the pie crust from the oven, remove the foil and the beans or pie weights. Place the crust back into the oven for 5 more minutes. Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.Using a wire whisk, lightly beat the eggs, and sugar. Add the milk, vanilla and salt. Whisk the egg mixture with the remaining ingredients until they are well combined. Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie crust, evenly sprinkle the filling with the nutmeg. Cover the edges of the pie crust with pie crust guards or thin strips of aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning of the crust. Bake the pie at 350* for 30 minutes. Remove the foil from the edges of the pie, and then continue to bake the pie for another 15 or 20 minutes until the custard has set. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature (approximately 30-45 minutes on a wire rack) and then lightly cover the pie with plastic wrap and store immediately in the refrigerator. Serve cold, garnish with fresh berries and cream.
Strawberry Wedge Salad ith w Strawberry Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette
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f
Amélie’s
Foodie Review
ROCK HILL
Text by Valerie McGann | Photos by Steven Mills
W
hile walking on the street in Old Town Rock Hill, it’s hard to not become enamored with the renewal and excitement of the Main Street America that we are fortunate to embrace. On the corner of Main and Caldwell Streets, in the former Citizens Bank building, Amelie’s Rock Hill is the 3rd location for the original popular NODA French bakery. With a wide array of savory and sweet pastries for customers to enjoy, you are guaranteed to have a difficult time choosing just one to try. The interior décor has a light and
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traditional Nuevo French feel, embracing the original architectural details of the space. The walls are the same light blue hue that don the walls of its sister locations, but remains distinctively different. While chatting with my server, Peter, I learned that the original Amelie’s location proudly prepared some of the pastries featured in the Hunger Games movie filmed north of Charlotte. The owners have also been honored to attend a meeting of small business owners who met with President Barrack Obama. Even with all of this excitement, Amelie’s continues to offer their traditional French pastries with a consistency that other businesses with multiple locations find difficult to sustain.
The next time you are in Old Town, leave yourself time to stop in and enjoy the signature salted caramel brownie with a caramel layer so thick that it rivals the cake brownie layer it is paired with. If you are looking for a dessert to share with a friend, the Petit Gateaux is similar to a frosted strawberry shortcake that is crusted with toasted almond slices. Pairing their pastries with Magnolia Coffee and Harney & Sons loose leaf tea, why not sit for a spell and relax? Bon appétit! Valerie McGann is Fort Mill Magazine’s official foodie reviewer. She loves good quality food and, of course, she loves to eat! Have suggestions on where she should go next? Email your suggestions to feature@ fortmillmagazine.com.
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steven mills p h o t o g r a p h y
803.389.1645
stevenmillsphotography.com stevenmillsii
VALENTINO Rockstud Two-Tone Slingback Sandal Neiman Marcus | $945 GB SIDE CAR Cocktail | Glass: Rocks Georges Brasserie | $12 1.5 oz Hennessey Black 1 oz Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach Fresh Lemon (1/2) Shake and pour into rocks glass over large ice cube. Garnish with rustic lemon peel.
indulge
Selections made by Whitley Adkins Hamlin | Photos by Steven Mills
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a r d r o b e s t y l i s t W H I T L E Y H A M L I N p a i r s French-inspired h e e l s w i t h apéritifsFrançais a k a F r e n c h c o c k t a i l s We like to call it accoutrements
ISAAC MIZRAHI New York Lillie Pump | Belk | $135 DE GAULLES MASTERPIECE Cocktail | Glass: Martini | Georges Brasserie | $12 2 lime wedge 2 lemon wedge 2 orange wedge 4-6 fresh basil sprigs 2 oz St. Germain Liquor Champagne Muddle fresh basil with lemon, lime, and orange. Add ice and St. Germain; shake and strain into martini glass and top with champagne. Garnish with rustic orange peel.
KATE SPADE Jaci | Belk | $358 GEORGES 75 Cocktail | Glass: Highball Georges Brasserie | $12 2 oz Gordon’s Gin Fresh lemon (1/2) Champagne Shake gin and fresh lemon juice then pour into highball and finish with champagne.
JIMMY CHOO Marcia Patent Snake Ankle Wrap Sandal | Neiman Marcus | $750 C & G COLLINS Cocktail | Glass: Highball Georges Brasserie | $12 2 oz Hendricks Gin 4-6 cucumbers slices (thin) Fresh crack black pepper 1 oz House sour Ginger ale Shake gin, sour, cucumber, and black pepper. Pour into highball and top with ginger ale. Garnish with lime.
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Flo Sling Patent Peep-Toe Red Sole Pump Neiman Marcus | $845 GEORGES POIRE Cocktail | Glass: Champagne Flute Georges Brasserie | $10 1.5 oz Pear Vodka .5 oz Cointreau Champagne
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Pour into champagne flute. Garnish with lemon twist.
Whitley Adkins Hamlin
Whitley is a wardrobe stylist and fashion writer who’s work has been featured in local and national publications. She holds a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Exercise Sport Science from UNC Chapel Hill. To learn more, go to whitleyhamlin.com.
Brow
Text by Kelly Coulter THE P E R F E C T
Eyebrow Pencils add definition and volume to flat or thin brows and mimics the appearance of tiny hairs. Try Revlon Brow Fantasy, Target, $6.46 Eyebrow Powders bring dimension and depth to brows. They are long wearing and create different effects from natural to dramatic. Try Clinique Brow Shaper, Belk $18.
Brows are very important to your overall appearance. They frame your eyes providing balance and symmetry, giving a polished and beautiful look. A perfectly shaped brow can give you an instant eye lift. Eyebrows should look as natural as possible, so follow these steps to achieve the perfect brow.
Grooming Go to a professional for the initial shaping, then you can maintain the shape by tweezing in the direction of the hair growth along the established line. Define Your Brows Use a spoolie to brush hairs up and out. This will place hairs in the right direction. Brow Shape Using the end of a spoolie brush, you can figure out your perfect brow shape. Align the end of the brush from the top of your inner brow to the bottom of the middle of your nostril; this is where the brow should start. Next, hold the spoolie brush from the side of the nostril in a diagonal direction touching the outside corner of the eye to define the end of the brow. Finally, hold the spoolie brush from the tip of your nose diagonally over your pupil to define the highest point of arch.
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Choosing Colors Fair brows choose powder or pencil 1-2 shades darker than your hair. Dark brows go 1-2 shades lighter.
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Tinted Brow Gels with a combination of cream and gel define and fill in the look of brows. Ideal for thin sparse brows, tinted gels give the appearance of thicker, fuller brows. They provide an easy and temporary change to the brow shade and keep brows in place. Try MAC Browset, maccosmetics.com $16. Clear Gels are used over pencils and powders to blend, set and add thickness to brows keeping brows in place. Try Sonia Kashuk Clear Brow Gel, Target $5.99. Eyebrow Wax And Pomades are ideal for defining and sculpting precise brows. Used on top of powder or brow pencil, they are great for unruly hairs. Try Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, Ulta $18. Eyebrow Kits have all the tools needed for a perfectly, defined and arched brow. Step by step instructions are included. Try, Too Faced Brow Envy Kit, Sephora $35.
KELLY COULTER
A professional freelance makeup artist for over 15 years, Kelly has spent twelve of those years right here in the Charlotte region. She has extensive experience in print, editorial, TV, and commercials. She loves everything about makeup from application to demonstration to utilizing and researching beauty products. Sharing her expertise and creativity with others and making people feel good about themselves is one of Kelly’s strongest passions.
Fort Mill in Baxter 985 Market St, Suite 102 Fort Mill, SC 29708 (803) 802-5877 Stonecrest Shopping Center 7808 Rea Rd, Suite A Charlotte, NC 28277 (704) 542-6550 Myrtle Beach Market Common 3050 Howard Ave, Bldg R2, Suite 300 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 839-2655
socially conscious and beautiful April is Aveda Earth Month. Dolce Lusso Salon and Spa supports efforts to raise money to provide clean water for tribes in India as well as to protect local drinking waters. We partner with a local initiative called, “Catawba Riverkeepers,” to keep Fort Mill and surrounding areas’ drinking water clean. How can you help? Purchase a Light the Way Candle. One $12.00 candle provides clean drinking water for a family of 6 in Umbari, India for 6 months.
The candles are 100% certified organic with a sweet ginger aroma. They will burn for 27-30 hours. In our locations we will be doing raffle baskets with amazing gifts and all proceeds will go to our efforts. We will also be offering blue and green hair extensions for a donation and will be selling beautiful planted herbs found in Aveda products for a donation as well. Please visit Dolce Lusso or call for more information. It’s time to brighten up for spring. Did you know Aveda Hair Color was up to 99% naturally derived? Manufactured using 100% wind power and cruelty free. Aveda hair color is made with certified Special Advertiser’s Section
organic conditioning oils - sunflower, castor, jojoba, coconut and babassu oils instead of petrochemicals. Aveda hair color is the answer for conditioned, non-drying, beautiful hair color. Come see us today for your complementary consultation. Prom and wedding season is just around the corner. We are your one stop location for all of your special occasion needs. With a full service offering manicures and pedicures, facials, waxing, massage, makeup applications and lessons and beautiful hair styles to complement your gorgeous gown. Let us get you and your friends ready for your special day. Call today to book your appointment.
southern style
photographed by joseph bradley. .styled by whitley adkins hamlin. hair & makeup by dolce lusso salon & spa
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clothing provided by neiman marcus southpark. location provided by daniel stowe botanical garden. modeled by samantha mills
FRENCH INSPIRED FASHION
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dress | badgley mischka collection | $440 | shoes | christian louboutin | $895 | earrings | $245 | neiman marcus
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dress | topshop at nordstrom southpark | $160 | earrings | neiman marcus | $245 | purse | chanel | stylist’s
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dress | tadashi shoji | neiman marcus | $430 | earrings | alexis bittar | neiman marcus | $177
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dress | teri jon | neiman marcus | $795 | earrings | alexis bittar | neiman marcus | $177
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joseph bradley
photography
336.253.1913 | josephbradleyphotography.com
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MUSIC NEWS
Text by Sean Glock | Photo by Scott Jarvie
Violin with a hip-hop beat?
The thought alone is quite a ‘dub’ step from the ordinary for a typical violinist, yet Lindsey Stirling’s meteoric rise to fame has been predicated on exactly that. With over 4 million subscribers to her YouTube channel currently, Lindsey began electrifying audiences on season five of America’s Got Talent where she was known as the hip-hop violinist. Advancing as far as the quarterfinals, this is where Lindsey first incorporated dance into her live performances on a large stage. While it is inherently unnatural to try to dance at the same time as playing the violin, this has since become a signature of Lindsey’s in all her music videos and is the epitome of entertainment to see live. Lindsey’s debut album entitled Lindsey Stirling was released in 2012. It became platinum certified in Germany and Austria; gold certified in Switzerland and Poland and has sold over 160,000 copies in the US. Her follow up album is in the works. Currently on tour, Lindsey took time out of her busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions for us. SG: I see you began playing violin at a very early age. What drew you to the violin over all other instruments? LS: I grew up in a family without a lot of money, but that didn’t stop us from having fun. My dad was a genius at finding free things for us to do. One of our most frequent activities was free orchestra concerts at the park. I absolutely loved them, and it didn’t take very long for me to figure out who the stars of the orchestra were. At six years old, I started begging my mom for lessons. Eventually, she was able to find one teacher willing to give me a fifteen minute lesson every couple of weeks because that is all she could afford. I will always be grateful to my persistent mother and to my first teacher who was willing to give me a chance. SG: It’s been said that you had to make the decision between dance lessons and violin lessons at an early age. Do you ever wish that you had followed the dance path instead? LS: From what I remember I wanted to play the violin first, and later asked for dancing lessons, too. I took a small community tap dancing class one summer, but that was the extent of my training. I knew my parents couldn’t afford to give me both, and I honestly don’t think I would have had the time to master both. I may have ended up “a jack of all trades and master of none.” I was able to teach myself how to dance by watching videos, ice skating, etc. and mimicking them. But, I think it would have been significantly more difficult to learn violin by myself (ha-ha). I’m glad I focused my attention on music because
it is truly my passion, and ultimately my career has given me the opportunity to do both. SG: Who were your biggest inspirations growing up? LS: I loved David Guetta, Vanessa Mae, Bond, Avril Lavigne, Weezer, RimskyKorsakov, and Borodin. I think that I have been inspired by all kinds of music that I love. But, even more than that, it is the experiences I have had, the people I have known, my belief in God, and what I have taken from those people and experiences that I think has made the biggest impact and inspired me the most. SG: So what would make you want to Stomp on Melvin? Sorry, I had to ask. But, what was the inspiration for that name? LS: Honestly, it was pretty random. From what I remember, one of the members of the band pretended to have an imaginary friend named Melvin for the sole purpose of casting blame, and it caught on with the rest of the group. If a cymbal fell, “Melvin did it!” If we had a bad performance, it was “Melvin’s fault!” SG: It’s still kind of hung around in spirit today hasn’t it with Lindseystomp? LS: It has. I grew rather fond of those guys and the experiences I had with them. I started playing with Stomp on Melvin around the time I started losing interest in the violin. I was tired of always being told what to play and how to play it; I was aching for personal expression and creative outlets. Performing with Stomp on Melvin was an incredible gift. The experience gave me my love for music back, and I’m so grateful for that. I sometimes wonder if I would still be playing if it weren’t for them. SG: What type of music did you guys play in Stomp on Melvin? LS: We were all big Weezer and Jimmy Eat World fans, so we mostly played punkrock. But, we did write a few ballads, too. SG: Anything similar to what you are playing now? LS: Stomp on Melvin definitely broke me out of my classical shell. I was forced to learn to improvise, and I was able to use all of the arpeggios, scales, etc. from my classical training to do that, so I am extremely grateful for my classical “base.” Having the technical ability gave me the freedom to play anything I wanted, and ultimately made it possible for me to branch out into other styles that I loved. SG: Most musicians have a crossroads at some point where they have to persevere
and decide to stick to their craft. What did yours entail? LS: My crossroads came several months after America’s Got Talent, after I had tried tirelessly to contact managers, producers, booking agents, etc. and none of them were interested in me. Nobody cared. I was told over and over the same things that the judges at AGT had told me: “You aren’t marketable.” “You need a group.” “You aren’t good enough.” I started wondering if they were right. I wondered if I was foolish to keep trying, but something in me wouldn’t allow me to give up. It was shortly after that that I was contacted by YouTuber Devin Graham. He offered to fly out to Utah, film me for free, and upload the video to his channel. I couldn’t see any catch, so I agreed. Shortly after, Devin helped me start my own channel, and his subscribers became my first subscribers. My three measly songs on iTunes that had not sold very well up to that point started selling like hotcakes. I will forever be indebted to Devin and to YouTube, without which I may not have succeeded. It was truly a miracle and an answer to prayer. SG: 2013 was an incredibly successful year for you as number 2 bestselling artist on billboards classical crossover charts, number 3 on billboards classical album artists and your album Lindsey Stirling was billboards number 2 classical album and number 3 Dance/Electronica album. What do you have planned for 2014 to improve on all your success? LS: I’m aiming high this year. Hoping to get a gold album on my next album in the US, and I would like to win a Grammy. SG: What has been the biggest challenge in working on your second album? LS: I’m not gonna lie…it’s been a bit stressful. I think that most of my fears are probably unwarranted and entirely unhelpful to my progress, but creating something that is authentic and unique while still sounding like “me” has been the monumental challenge. I don’t want to release an album that sounds too similar to my first. But, I don’t necessarily want the songs to sound so different that my current fans can’t connect to it like they did the first. I owe so much to them and I don’t want to disappoint. I am extremely critical of my work and have felt discouraged at times, but I think that things are finally coming together. I’m (crossing my fingers!) confident that the result will be something that my fans will fall in love with and that I can be proud to represent. SG: Every musician has a story of a show that just didn’t go right while on tour. What was yours?
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LS: Ha ha…wow! I have had a number of embarrassing moments. But during one particular show, I had a wireless pack pinned to the outside of my costume. It hadn’t been put on right and it kept falling off and dangling under me while I danced. My tour manager, Erich, came up on stage at least three times to put it back on. On the fourth failed attempt, I finally looked him straight in the eye and mouthed, “NO!” The pack bounced and swung under me for the duration of the song. When the song was finally over, I was able to secure it, but that was pretty humiliating. Another incident happened during a time when I was feeling extra embarrassed about a particularly bad “break-out” on my face. It hurt so badly and it wasn’t getting better. So I finally said, “Forget it! Get out the Band Aids and Neosporin!” I covered my entire chin in them (ha ha). That night I removed all the Band Aid’s except for one that covered a particularly painful owie under my chin, right under where my chin rest would be. I figured the bandage would be hidden there and no one would notice. But, alas…the concert was a bit warm and sweaty. After only a couple of songs, I felt one side of the Band Aid start to slip off. I did everything I could not to let it come loose, but before long it was flapping around wildly like a limp noodle. Of course the photographer there took some stunning close-ups, and as you can imagine I was thrilled. SG: Have you ever suffered from stage fright? LS: Absolutely! I am usually okay until just a few minutes before getting on stage, and then everyone knows to STAY AWAY FROM LINDSEY OR SHE’LL BITE YOUR HEAD OFF! Yeah, you’ll know I’m nervous if I start to get grouchy (ha ha). I always get nervous before performing, but once I get started, adrenaline kicks in and before I know it I’m having the time of my life. I absolutely love being on stage. SG: YouTube has been an immensely successful tool for you hasn’t it? Do you have any recommendations for aspiring musicians out there when it comes to promoting themselves since you seem to have such an incredible knack for it?
Photo by Scott Jarvie
LS: I’ve noticed lately that in the YouTube world it is getting harder and harder to get noticed. I have seen a lot of amazingly talented people put stuff up on YouTube and they struggle to get views. I think the key to a successful channel is, first, creating a product that YOU love. Second, it will need to be unique to attract attention. Then network with other YouTubers, collaborate with as many different people as possible, and continually move your way up to more successful channels and collaborations. Use social media, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc. to your advantage. If you have something amazing to offer, that’s awesome! But, you have to get other people to see it and share it. SG: Apparently, you have quite a following
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“
I love playing dress-up; always have! So, I had an especially enjoyable time making the videos . . . because the wardrobe is so AMAZING! Lindsey Stirling
in the video game community. Were you aware? LS: Some of my most devoted, passionate fans are gamers. I love them!!! As much as I love gaming music (some of it really is incredible), I’m not sure if I would have focused as much attention on them if it weren’t for my fans’ persistent requests for more. And honestly, I don’t mind at all…I LOVE playing dress-up; always have. So, I had an especially enjoyable time making the videos of Skyrim, Zelda, Assassin’s Creed, etc. because the wardrobe is so amazing. I made some behind the scenes videos for my second channel (lindseytime), so you can see how much fun these projects were to make. Watch it at youtube.com/watch?v=tm41FW5cFgg. SG: Will we possibly find you composing a soundtrack for a video game in the future? LS: If a really great opportunity came, I would absolutely love to. I even tried to get my fans to vote for one of my songs to feature on Just Dance 4. As for future game covers, I’ve been thinking about doing a Kingdom Hearts cover, but a project like that is going to take some major research to get it right, and some pretty impressive production to pull off. SG: What inspires your creativity when it comes to making videos?
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”
LS: I’m not sure if there is any one thing. I usually mull an idea in my mind for several days or for several weeks or even months, depending on how much time I have. Eventually, the images and storyline start coming together. It was literally three days before we shot Stars Align that I finally got inspiration for what our costumes should look like. I woke up in the middle of the night with the designs clear in my mind. I got up, immediately made sketches, and got to work. This particular video took several months to create, and so I couldn’t help myself. I was constantly thinking of new ideas to bounce off of the animators and production manager. After about a dozen requested edits, I felt embarrassed to call them anymore (but I still did anyway!) because I just knew they were thinking, “Aw man! Not another change!” They were such good sports (ha ha); so amazing to work with and went above and beyond anything and everything I ever expected them to do. See it at youtube.com/watch?v=sM1183O2CUw. SG: Do you prefer playing a standard violin or an electric? LS: I prefer the sound of a standard acoustic violin for the most part, but companies are constantly improving the quality of electric violins. Ask me again in a few years.
SG: If you could perform with any musician(s) through history, who would it be and what would the song be? LS: In all of history? That’s a tough call, though I would have to say Michael Jackson. And, we would definitely write a new song. I actually haven’t given up on that dream yet. I’m sure he’s up there belting his little angel heart out. I am eager to meet him someday. Lindsey Stirling will be performing at The Fillmore Charlotte on Friday, June 27th, 2014. Tickets are currently on sale.
Sean Glock
With a love for great music at heart combined with a photographic eye, Sean Glock specializes in both concert and landscape photography. Sean is also an IT professional for a fortune 500 company. He can be reached at 704490-1897 or via email at seanglock@yahoo.com.
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inspired thought
let them eat pie... T
Text by Tracey Roman | Photo by Steven Mills he concept for this issue began with our beloved strawberry and its French connection, but so much more can be said for this idea. The strawberry may have first been cultivated in France, just as we too may have begun our journey far from here... in another country, state, or town. Yet, we reside here in Fort Mill now. We are a community, beautifully diverse and connected. We are one. What we give to another, we give to ourselves. If we feed another with food, culture, art, music, or spirituality, we in turn feed our own desire for the same.
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WE’RE BUILDING A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY in your own backyard! At Piedmont Medical Center, it is our privilege to provide our neighbors with high-quality, patient-centered care each and every day. We’re honored to be recognized both nationally and locally for the work we do.
“If you haven’t been to Piedmont Medical Center lately, then you haven’t been to Piedmont.” – Bill Masterton President and CEO
NAMED SOUTH CAROLINA DISTINGUISHED HOSPITAL OF THE YEAR by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
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PIEDMONT MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL SAFETY SCORE
The Hospital Safety Score issues A, B, C, D or F grades to all U.S. hospitals based on how safe they are for patients. During the Fall 2013 grading SM period, the publicly available data showed that this hospital had patient safety procedures in place that exceeded the standards of other medical institutions.
Scan the QR code to download the Hospital Safety Score App and see the scores of other nearby hospitals. You can also see this hospital’s complete dataset at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org
Visit hospitalsafetyscore.org to learn more.
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