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JULY 2020 4 6 Living in North Georgia
CREATIVE SERVICES Katerina Laskowski, Magazine Design Chelsea Sunshine, Ad Design April Seymour, Pre-press/Ad Design PHOTOGRAPHY Abbi Ross HOME MAGAZINE, A DIVISION OF The Times Gainesville, GA A Metro Market Media Inc. property
Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Metro Market Media Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Metro Market Media cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. HOME: Living in North Georgia reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by HOME: Living in North Georgia.
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gainesville civic center
830 Green St NE, Gainesville, 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 GA 30501 770-532-1234
www.homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com
door ouet xpo 2020
15 ON THE COVER At the lake, pool , or beach, summer essentials include the right tote, a great towel, and a ton of sunscreen.
Hunting-FisHing Camping-Hiking-Biking
4 6 10 12 15
HOME & GARDEN Grow it yourself.
FEATURED HOME A true lake home.
TASTE OF HOME Did you take up baking too?
HOME & GARDEN What’s new in your backyard?
FEATURED EVENT Outdoor Expo 2020.
July 2020 | HOME | 3
*Each VEndOr rEcEiVES: Post-show access to email list of al
HOME & GARDEN
Grow it Yourself Slicing into the first tomato of the season is a much anticipated moment for gardeners.
T
omatoes are among the most popular fruit or vegetable plants grown in home gardens. Much of that popularity may be credited to the fact that red, ripe tomatoes have a delicious,
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juicy flavor that serves as the basis for all sorts of recipes. And since tomatoes can just as easily be grown in a full backyard garden or in a container on a patio or balcony, tomatoes appeal to gardeners regardless of their living situations.
While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, they are prone to certain problems and pests. Knowledge of what to expect when planting tomatoes and how to start off on the right footing can help produce a season’s worth of delicious bounty. •
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Wait until after the last average frost date. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds outdoors in warm areas, but tomato gardeners often find success starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Gradually introduce seedlings to the elements for a few hours each day, increasing the duration of time outside. Then they can be transplanted outdoors when temperatures are consistently over 60 F. Choose a sunny spot. Tomatoes love to soak up sunlight, according to The Home Depot. Place the plants in a sunny spot so they can thrive. Space out plants. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens say to leave anywhere from 24 to 48 inches between plants to accommodate for growth and ensure the plants will not get stunted. Plant deeply. Tomatoes tend to root along their stems. If transplants are long and lean, dig a trench and lay the stem sideways in the dirt, and then bend the top of the plant upward. Snip off the lower branches and
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cover with soil up to the first set of leaves. This will produce extra root growth and stronger, more vital plants. Give the plants support. Tomato cages or stakes can help keep the leaves and fruit from touching the ground, which can cause rot and, eventually, death to the tomato plant. Lay down a layer of mulch. Tomatoes grow best when the soil is consistently moist. Mulch can help retain moisture from watering and rain. Mulch also will help prevent soil and soilborne diseases from splashing on the leaves and plants when it rains. While you amend the soil, make sure that it drains well and is slightly acidic. Prune away suckers. Tomatoes produce “suckers,” which are leaves that shoot out from the main stem. Removing these leaves promotes air circulation and keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing fruit.
Tomatoes are a rich addition to any garden. A few simple tricks can help even novice gardeners grow delicious tomatoes. H July 2020 | HOME | 5
FEATURED HOME
6 | HOME | July 2020
A TRUE
Lake Home
T
he look and feel of a true lake home, this is all a lake home should be — with exposed beams, hardwood floors and tongue/groove wood walls. This Lake Lanier home has always deep water dock in a quiet one street neighborhood, close to everything — 985’s Exit 24, downtown Gainesville, restaurants, Lake Lanier Olympic Park and hospital. Recent extensive rehab: new Trex decking and wrought iron are just a few of the improvements the future owner will appreciate. Island kitchen, open to vaulted great room with stone masonry fireplace. Great room opens to what may be your favorite spot — the lovely screened porch overlooking lushly landscaped back yard, completed with a fenced in back yard. Terrace level has second stone fireplace and a bar/sink area. The luxurious master suite opens to a private balcony with incredible, wide open winter time lake views. The newly renovated bathroom has beautiful marble and stone with glass enclosed shower, plus there’s a huge walk-in closet with custom built-ins. Room for RV parking at the top of driveway in newly poured and widened driveway. H Kim Waters The Norton Agency 770.540.3788 For more information visit www.3338LittleCircle.com.
Photo credit Abbi
Ross. July 2020 | HOME | 7
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THE 2020 WINNERS DIRECTORY The listings below are from winners of Best of Hall 2020. For a complete list of winners, go to bestofhallcounty.com. AUDIOLOGIST/HEARING CARE
CHURCH
COLLEGE PREP
678.971.4648
678.930.0355
770-531-2330
CONDITIONING COMPANY
COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL BEAUTIFICATION
DENTAL GROUP
770.536.7509
770.531.1102
770.532.4555
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FENCING COMPANY
GYMNASTICS PROGRAM
770.963.9961
770.532.7141
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THE 2020 WINNERS DIRECTORY The listings below are from winners of Best of Hall 2020. For a complete list of winners, go to bestofhallcounty.com. HAMBURGER
HOTDOG
HOME AND COMMERCIAL GRADING
678.989.2280
678.989.2280
770.536.4731
IN-HOME ELDER CARE SERVICE
MUSIC LESSONS
PICTURE FRAMING
770.530.1751
www.letthereberockga.com
770.531.1818
REAL ESTATE GROUP
UTILITY COMPANY
678.780.0038
678.707.5205 July 2020 | HOME | 9
TASTE OF HOME
DID YOU TAKE UP
Baking Too? The aroma of homemade bread baking in the oven is enough to compel many people to get in the kitchen and bake.
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During our quarantine days, many of us tried our hand mastering the fine art of baking with yeast. Fortunately, there are some wonderful recipes that don’t require that skill, like the following recipe for Banana and Coconut Loaf from Linda Collister’s Quick Breads (Ryland, Peters & Small).
Banana & Coconut Loaf { MAKES 1 MEDIUM LOAF }
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. • 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar • Grated peel of 1 lime • 2 extra-large eggs, beaten • 3 medium bananas, very ripe (about 1 cup peeled) • 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (not fat-free) • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • A good pinch of sea salt • 1 8 x 4 x 21/2-inch loaf pan, greased and base-lined with parchment paper
2. Put the coconut in an ovenproof dish and toast in the heated oven for about 3 minutes until a light gold color. Let cool until needed. 3. Put the butter into a large bowl, add the sugar and the grated lime peel. Beat well with a wooden spoon or electric mixer. Gradually beat in the eggs. 4. Using a fork, mash the bananas fairly roughly so they keep a bit of texture. Add to the bowl together with the coconut. Halve the lime and squeeze out the juice, then add 1 tablespoon of the juice to the bowl with the yogurt. Mix in gently. 5. Set a strainer over the bowl and sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt onto the mixture. Mix in well, then scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. 6. Bake for about 1 hour until golden and a skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Carefully remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack. Serve thickly sliced. Best eaten within 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 1 month. July 2020 | HOME | 11
HOME
Homeowners have many options with regard to landscaping the areas surrounding their pools.
The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with social distancing keeping us indoors, now is the time to dream big and get ready.
WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR
Backyard?
W
hether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started: ✽ FACTOR IN YOUR LIFESTYLE. Think about your priorities and lifestyle. Do you work from home without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home? Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project. ✽ EDUCATE YOURSELF. Take advantage of this extra time you have to learn about materials, processes and new innovations. You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is this material mold-resistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time?
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✽ CONSIDER SUSTAINABILITY. Products and materials that reduce your carbon footprint don’t just help the planet, they’re often better for your wallet, too. When doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls and more to build a greener home that will last longer and save you money in the long run. ✽ DISASTER-PROOF YOUR DESIGN. The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen. From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible. Whether you’re planning an extension to your home, pools and spas for your backyard or a custom-built home, insulated concrete forms from Nudura are a smart investment. An eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials like wood, ICFs are disaster resilient, designed to withstand wind, fire, tornados, and more. ✽ BUDGET FOR SMART SPLURGES AND SAVINGS. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely.
W
ith the rise of the staycation, more and more homeowners are turning their backyards into their own private oases. The
centerpiece of many such retreats is a refreshing and inviting pool. Whether above-ground or inground models, pools make for welcoming spots to enjoy warm days and nights. A new pool can quickly turn a yard into the “it” spot to spend vacations or cool off at the end hot summer days. While pools are often the focal point of a backyard, many homeowners want their pools to blend seamlessly with the rest of their yards. When transforming a backyard that includes a pool, homeowners should consider a few factors to ensure each afternoon spent poolside is as safe as it is fun. ✽ SAFETY FIRST. Although the goal may be to soften the lines of the pool and/or create sight barriers that will provide some measure of privacy for swimmers, homeowners must put safety above all else. Before any decorative touches are added, it is important to surround a pool with a slip-resistant surface and fencing (many communities require fences be erected around pools). Consult with a landscaping contractor, who should be knowledgeable about safety codes, or speak to the permit-issuing department at
town hall. There should be a list of requirements to ensure pool placement as well as any surrounding touches are legal and within code.
✽ NONSLIP SURFACES. Concrete, brick and pavers and decking are popular materials used to surround a pool. Installers can make recommendations on materials and finishes, but one suggestion is to choose a rough finish. Pool water can make surfaces slippery. Concrete that is stamped or scarred provides extra traction than a smooth surface. The same can be said for brick patios and pavers. Avoid smooth stones or pavers with shiny surfaces, as these may only increase the risk of falls. Homeowners who have chosen wood or composite decking to surround a pool should talk to their contractor about nonslip protective coatings. Such coatings typically are acrylic-based liquids applied like a paint or sealer. Some composite decks may be crafted with texture or a built-in coating to reduce slipping. In addition, use nonstick mats on decks and patios to provide a little extra footing where people enter and exit the pool. ✽ MULCH AND STONE. Homeowners often prefer some combination of mulch or stone to serve as a transition between the pool, concrete or paver hardscape and the lawn. Stone may be more practical for those with inground pools because it will not easily blow onto the water surface. With an above-ground pool, mulch or stone can do the trick, serving as a barrier so that pool water does not overly drench the surrounding lawn or damage grass after exposure to pool chemicals. Mulch and stone also will provide drainage from water runoff from the pool and rain. Another advantage of having an additional barrier between the pool and lawn is that lawn clippings will not be shot into the pool when mowing. Stone and mulch can be dressed up with statues, lawn ornaments and tolerant plants. ✽ FINISHING TOUCHES. Plants can provide the finishing touches for a poolside landscape. Homeowners should keep in mind that pools are not often shaded from the sun, so plants placed around the pool will need to be sun- and drought-tolerant. Succulents, such as aloe and jade, may work, as can the perennial shrub yucca. Moderately growing grasses will offer a privacy barrier. Keep trees and flowering plants far July 2020 | HOME | 13
enough away from the pool’s edge so they do not contribute to debris that falls into the pool, which can complicate maintenance. Also, flowering plants may attract insects and other wildlife that may interfere with your enjoyment of the pool. It’s better to create a friendly environment for wildlife further away from the pool. Homeowners who need some advice planning the landscaping around their pools can rely on the expertise of landscape architects as well as employees at lawn and garden centers. Pool companies may work with landscapers and offer recommendations to people unaccustomed to working around pools.
O
ur backyards are some of the best places to spend the summer months, especially if you’re practicing social distancing and are tired of being cooped up indoors. Fortunately, it’s possible to transform your outdoor living space into a secluded, open-air retreat.
✽ BRING THE INDOORS OUT. We often hear about bringing the outdoors inside, but the reverse is also true when designing a luxurious extension of your home. Homey, lived-in touches can take your outdoor space from sterile and unfinished to cozy and inviting. Think patterned throw pillows, fluffy blankets for chilly evenings, outdoor rugs, colorful lanterns, and decorative accessories like painted terracotta pots or metal tins. ✽ INVEST IN COMFY FURNITURE. What’s the best part of your living or family room? Chances are it’s your comfortable couch or recliner. To recreate the same feeling, splurge on some soft furniture that will make you want to stay outside for hours reading a book or working remotely. It doesn’t have to break the bank either — you can DIY a cozy lounging bench with reclaimed wood and hand-sewn cushions with outdoor stuffing and fabric. ✽ ADD A RELAXING POOL OR SPA. Water has a calming effect and is often linked to our favorite memories at the cot-
tage or on vacation. A pool or spa can help transport you somewhere far away without leaving your home. A pool can help you and the kids get some exercise while swimming laps, while a spa can soothe tired muscles after a long day hunched over your laptop. To reduce energy costs and increase longevity, consider using Nudura insulated concrete forms, which provide superior insulation. ICF pools also can be custommade to accommodate any design, making them a very versatile and efficient way to build pools. ✽ GO WILD WITH GREENERY. Live plants can help you feel connected with nature, and tending to them can help you feel relaxed yet productive during isolation. A vertical garden can add visual interest, while trees and shrubs can provide shade and character. Aromatic herbs like lavender or rosemary offer pleasant scents and can spice up your cooking. And don’t be afraid to cut some flowers from your garden to place in vases or pots for beautiful finishing touches. H
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gainesville gainesville civic civic center center 830 Green St NE, Gainesville, 830 Green St NE, Gainesville, GA 30501 GA 30501
Hunting-FisHing Camping-Hiking-Biking & muCH more interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor? interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor? contact Megan Lewis at 770-535-6371, contact Megan Lewis at 770-535-6371, MLewis@gainesvilletimes.com. MLewis@gainesvilletimes.com.
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YOUR CARE FROM ANYWHERE.
Whether you’re stuck at home or constantly on the go, you can still get the expert health care you count on. Northeast Georgia Physicians Group and The Heart Center of NGMC now offer video visits. That means you can interact directly with your care team from anywhere, so you get the help you need to feel your best. To learn more or to request an appointment, visit nghs.com/video-visits.