Northside Woman December 2012

december 2012

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www.naturalfoodswarehouse.comVitamins & Supplements

December 2012

Candlelight Nights at Biltmore Estate

Here's to the Holidays

Dazzle your guests with festive fare

Winter Getaway

SeasonalStyleLooking good under the mistletoe

Here's to the Holidays! Here's to the Holidays!Here's to the Holidays!Here's to the Holidays!Here's to the Holidays!Here's to the Holidays!Here's to the Holidays!

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{ inSiDE }northside women{ 10 } Women in Art June Bugs by Linda Silverthorne

{ 12 } UnsUng ‘she’ro Joni Berto of The Place of Forsyth County

{ 20 } she blogs Wildlife rehabilitator Elexis Hays' divine swine

{ 38 } the intervieW Jenn Von Essen of Humane Hearts

northside lifestyle{ 6 } good eAts Festive recipes from home chef Rati Lavania

{ 14 } she reAds Top books to give as gifts

{ 16 } her style Looking good under the mistletoe

{ 18 } tAke Five Great gifts for your guy

{ 22 } to do A winter getaway to Biltmore Estate near Asheville, N.C.

{ 30 } holidAy giFt gUide

{ 32 } her heAlth Resisting the urge to splurge

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the coverRati Lavania invites friends and neighbors into her Milton kitchen each month for cooking classes full of delicious food, laughter and the exploration of world cuisines. Rati loves to entertain and as a gift to Northside Woman readers this month, she shares some of her favorite original recipes, including a festive cherry mojito cocktail that will delight your holiday guests. Turn to page 6.

associate publisher Kelly Brooks

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Geoffrey Thurow

Northside Woman is published monthly & distributed free throughout north metro Atlanta. © 2012 Appen

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express written permission of the publisher.

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staff

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Devon Morgan PHOTOGRAPHER

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Candy Waylock SENIOR WRITER

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Jennie Kushner FASHION EDITOR

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{ 33 } she goes green Stylish and Earth- friendly gift wrap

{ 42 } december cAlendAr

◄ Festive fabric that's great for eco-friendly wrapping. From atlanta-based lilywrap.com.



Story & PhotoSBy KAtiE [email protected]

Rati Lavania was born to teach. With her endless energy, curious nature and infectious laugh, she engages her students and makes learning fun.

Though she holds a master’s degree in early childhood education, these days she combines her teaching skills with another passion: cooking.

Friends and neighbors from Crooked Creek in Milton pay a small fee to attend cooking demonstrations in Lavania’s kitchen once a month. Though the menu changes constantly, the ladies know that no matter what Lavania cooks, they are in for an entertaining and educational culinary experience.

Lavania brings an extensive international background to her menu choices. Born in India, Lavania grew up in Yugoslavia until civil war in that country forced her family to flee to Thailand in 1992. After attending college and graduate school in the United States, Lavania taught school in Maryland and South Carolina before settling down with her husband and two young children in Milton.

From an early age, Lavania spent time experimenting in the kitchen with unique ingredients and cooking methods, developing a fearless approach to cooking.

“Because I grew up in such totally different places, I learned to embrace the local culture wherever I went,” she said. “The world is so beautiful and there are so many interesting foods out there. I want to try them all!”

Lavania’s enthusiasm spills over to her cooking class students who enjoy hearing tales from her childhood culinary adventures (and misadventures) as she walks them step-by-step through three or four recipes. One month, it might be massaman curry and jasmine rice

served in pineapple boats; the next, a savory chicken tetrazzini with chocolate mousse. The students enjoy generous samples of each freshly prepared dish.

“Cooking really brings people together and we do have a good time,” said Lavania. “Plus it helps that we always start the class with a fresh cocktail,” she adds with a wink.

Lavania is touched when her students send cards and letters thanking her for inspiring them to be more adventurous in their own kitchens. For Lavania, dinnertime is about much more than just putting food on the table.

“You should engage all the senses when you are cooking,” she suggested. “If you are making Thai food, find some music from Thailand on Pandora and play it in the background during your meal. Light some candles. Talk to your kids about the Thai culture while you eat. Your meal doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun.”

Cherry Mojito• 5 cherries• 2.5 shots of simple syrup*• 1 shot of white rum• Bunch of fresh mint leaves• 1 shot of lime juice• ½ fresh lime cut into quarters• 3 shots of soda waterDirections: Cut cherries into pieces and place in glass. Add simple syrup (*equal parts sugar and water boiled until clear), lime juice and rum. Mix well. Then add the mint leaves and muddle. Add ice and lime pieces and top with soda water.

Chocolate Mousse• 8 oz. high-quality

chocolate chips• 6 Tbsp. coffee• 2 cups of heavy

whipping cream• ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar• 2 Tbsp. cherry brandy (or rum)• Assortment of fresh berries• Sliced or slivered almondsDirections: Melt the chocolate chips. Whisk in the cherry brandy and coffee. Cool. Reserve a bit of this mixture. Whip the cream and add the sugar. With a beater on low speed, blend in the chocolate. Garnish each serving with fruits and almonds. Drizzle the reserved chocolate mixture on top.

Corn Dip• 3 cans corn niblets (drained)• 1 medium jar pimentos• 3 jalapenos, diced• ½ bell pepper, diced• 1 red onion, diced• ½ block cream cheese,

melted• 1 ¼ cup grated

Monterey Jack cheese• 1 cup shredded

Parmesan cheese• 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise• Salt and freshly ground

pepper (lots)Directions: Mix all ingredients, pour into a casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings• ½ cup pineapple juice• ¼ cup sugar• 1 tsp. sesame oil• 2 Tbsp. crushed garlic• 2 Tbsp. srirachi (Thai hot sauce)• ¼ cup soy sauce• 1 Tbsp. honey• Juice of ½ lime• 1 pack of chicken drummettes• 1 Tbsp. cornstarchDirections: Mix first 8 ingredients in a bowl. Add the drummettes and seal in a Ziploc bag for at least 5 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Layer the chicken on the tray and bake on center rack for 35 minutes. Add one tablespoon of cornstarch to the marinade and thicken the sauce for 10 minutes at a low boil. Serve sauce with chicken.

A World of TastesRati Lavania cooks up some fun in her Milton kitchen

Rati'sRecipesSome of Rati Lavania's favorite original recipes for the holidays{ {

top left: rati Lavania's cherry mojito. top right: born in india, rati Lavania grew up in yugoslavia and thailand, developing an appreciation for international cuisine.above: crooked creek neighbors gather for an entertaining cooking class. From left, Medha Bapat, Susie Flynn, Chris Brown, traci Avant, rati Lavania, Colleen Jones, Joan Laughter, Lisa Kane and Kim tipton.

goodeats



todo

Story & PhotoSBy KAtiE [email protected]

The ruins of Godfrey Barnsley’s 19th-century country manor in Adairsville offer a holiday open house experience like none other. In this case, the

term “open house” is literal. Look up and you’ll see only twinkling stars overhead and the edges of green vines creeping over aging brick walls.

And yet dancing flames crackle in the fireplaces, candles glow amid freshly scented evergreen garlands on the mantels and beautifully decorated Christmas trees stand in each of the main rooms. Just steps from the manor house’s front door, a boxwood path planted over 160 years ago leads to a parterre garden where a sparkling fountain trickles amid thousands of colorful holiday lights.

Though it may seem an unlikely pairing, the combination of pre-Civil War ruins and Christmas trimmings at Barnsley Gardens is magical.

The historic manor, gardens and museum are part of Barnsley Gardens Resort’s 3,300-acre property. Located just 60 miles north of Atlanta, the luxury resort is close enough for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

During the month of December, the ruins will come alive with lights each evening from dusk until 10 p.m., and admission to the gardens is complimentary for the public as well as resort guests.

The holiday season at Barnsley Gardens kicked off on Nov. 21 when over 1,000 people attended the first annual Lighting of the Manor House Ruins. The event included musical performances, visits with Santa and his live reindeer, s’mores and refreshments.

For more information on Barnsley Gardens Resort, visit www.barnsleyresort.com. ■

Blending History & the Holidays at Barnsley Gardens

above, clockwise from left: a candlelight tour of the historic ruins is a magical experience; the manor house ruins come alive with lights each evening in december; visitors admire decorations in the ruins; guests stroll near the fountain in the parterre garden. Left: carolers welcome guests to the first annual Lighting of the manor house on nov. 21.



By KAtiE [email protected]

Who says grown-ups can’t play with dolls? For artist Linda Silverthorne of Cumming, work time and playtime are intertwined when she

heads to her basement studio to create a unique line of whimsical vintage-inspired collectibles and ornaments.

The 8-inch to 13-inch holiday figures and characters are crafted by sculpting air-drying clay around Styrofoam balls. The figures are then painted, antiqued and embellished with blocks, tiny shoes, hats and baskets, each painstakingly made by hand. Silverthorne says the process is very labor-intensive and some figurines take up to a week to complete. But she loves every minute.

Always a craftsy child, Silverthorne was handy on a sewing machine by age 8 and making her own clothes by her teens. Fashion design was a logical college degree choice for this creative lady who eventually started her own home décor business, Creative Curtains.

Through the years, Silverthorne eagerly tried every new crafting trend that came along such as rubber stamps, scrapbooking, cake decorating and quilting. A favorite hobby was making little people out of paper mache and paper clay – fun little figurines to give to friends as gifts. She decorated the figures with vintage materials, mica glitter, tulle, rhinestones and anything she could find in her vast collection of crafts materials.

“When it comes to arts and crafts supplies, I’m an organized hoarder,” she said with a laugh.

When the economic downturn began to affect her curtain business, Silverthorne decided to introduce her “little

people” to a wider audience by joining the large number of home artists selling their creations on Etsy, an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items.

Siverthorne’s Etsy store, June Bugs By Linda, soon caught the attention of the organizers of Splash Festivals, a series of community art events focused on colorful, whimsical art. June Bugs now has a booth at the annual Art Fests in Norcross, Acworth, Dunwoody and most recently, Johns Creek.

Silverthorne’s daughters Haylee and Ainslee and son Devin all help out at the arts festivals and Ainslee enjoys making clay figures of her own in her mother’s studio.

“Ainslee has inherited my love of arts and crafts, and I try to nurture that part of her just like my mother once encouraged me,” said Silverthorne.

The majority of Silverthorne’s most popular figurines celebrate major holidays such as Christmas, Halloween or Valentine’s Day, but she is always looking for new

inspiration. Her latest figurines feature spring flowers and birds, beach babes in bikinis, blushing brides and pregnant moms with a belly bump.

“I want to create pieces of art that people can enjoy year after year,” said Silverthorne.

“I like to think of my little guys being taken out each holiday

after a year goes by and being loved all over again!” ■

June Bugs by Linda

► To see the full line of figurines and ornaments, go to: Etsy.com/shop/JuneBugsByLinda.

► The smaller figures, 8-inches to 9-inches tall, sell for $35 while the larger 12- to 13-inch figures sell for $55. No two are exactly alike.

Every Day is a HolidayCumming artist creates vintage-inspired characters

artist Linda Silverthorne with her twins, Devin and Ainslee.

women in art



Story & PhotoS By ABBy BrEAuxnorthside Woman intern

After 10 years in banking, Suwanee resident Joni Berto decided to devote her time to her children as a stay-at-home mom. As her daughters grew, so

did her free time. But instead of using the extra hours for personal pursuits, Berto felt the desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

She turned to The Place of Forsyth County, a nonprofit social service organization with a mission that includes listening compassionately to people deprived of basic needs and finding creative ways to alleviate their suffering.

“My kids were in school and I just wanted to do something to give back,” said Berto, whose Wednesday volunteer stint eventually led to a seat on The Place’s board. “It’s important to give back. I think you have a responsibility to do so, and I hope to teach that to my children.”

That was six years ago, and Berto still volunteers and serves on the board.

The Place is funded solely by community donations and offers a medley of services, including emergency assistance and advice on changing jobs.

An on-site thrift store is open to the public, and all money raised there goes back into The Place’s programs. Staff and volunteers also use the nonprofit’s food pantry to make sure no one walks away hungry. The pantry contains emergency bags of provisions, and volunteers even put together healthy snacks for children who might arrive at school hungry.

Every Wednesday at The Place, a Noon Day Meal is

sponsored by different organizations such as church or women’s groups. Berto is there every week to help serve food, offer advice to those who need it and help clean up after the meal is over.

“There are lots of people who come to this meal who need the food, but then there are a lot of other people who come for the social aspects of it, which is just as important,” Berto said.

The board member also said The Place’s positive reputation in the community yields plenty of support in times of need. When the food supply runs low, local newspapers run articles about the food pantry.

“The Place will receive a lot of help from civic and church groups who have always pitched in,” Berto said.

The pantry supply has occasionally dwindled during the economic downturn, as middle class families are now asking for help. They were the ones who once gave to The

Place, and now they’re on the receiving end, according to Berto.

“The Place has given me a lot of empathy. In any economy, things happen. People lose jobs, there is illness, things go wrong and people need help,” Berto said. “And there are people just like you and me who need help, and I probably didn’t realize that before.”

Berto modestly sums up the true spirit of giving that is seen at The Place: “I’m just a stay-at-home mom trying to make a little difference. I’m nobody important. There isn’t really any glamour to it. I just feel like it’s something you need to do. You need to give back… (I’m) just a volunteer trying to make a small amount of difference, and hopefully that is helping somebody.” ■

how You can help► Donations are accepted at all times for the thrift store,

food pantry and youth programs► Food drives are always helpful► The Place will pick up large donated items

from your home► Maintenance aid for The Place’s 35-year-old building is

also greatly appreciated

The Place of Forsyth County2550 The Place Circle, Cumming, Ga. 30040 770-887-1098 | www.theplaceofforsyth.com

A desire to Give Back Joni Berto makes a difference at The Place of Forsyth County{ }

top left: handing out food trays at the Place’s Wednesday noon day meal. top right: Joni Berto serves on the board for the Place of Forsyth county. above left: the Place’s food pantry is supported solely by donations from the community.

unsung‘she’ro



Notorious NineteenBy JANET EVANOVICH

Geoffrey Cubbin, facing trial for embezzling millions from an assisted-living facility, has mysteriously vanished. Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum must send her Grandma Mazur undercover to help her solve the mystery. Plum also finds herself guarding her mouthwatering mentor Ranger from a deadly Special Forces adversary. Notorious for finding trouble, if Plum wants to bring in a paycheck, she’ll have to remember: no guts, no glory.

A Song of Ice & Fire, Books 1-4By GEORGE R. R. MARTIN

Dubbed the “American Tolkien” by Time magazine, George R. R. Martin has created in his “A Song of Ice and Fire” series a world that is as rich and vital as any piece of historical fiction, set in an age of knights and chivalry and filled with fascinating, multidimensional characters that you love, love to hate or hate to love as they struggle for control of a divided kingdom. The series has been adapted as the HBO miniseries “Game of Thrones.”

Divergent / InsurgentBy VERONICA ROTH

Fans of “The Hunger Games” will enjoy Roth’s gripping dystopian tales of electrifying choices, powerful consequences, unexpected romance and a deeply flawed “perfect society” that forces each teenager to join and serve a faction based on one of five virtues (bravery, honesty and so on). Beatrice Prior possesses at least three of the virtues, which makes her a dangerous person for reasons she doesn’t understand. One choice can transform you.

Killing Kennedy: The End of CamelotBy BILL O’REILLy

O’Reilly recounts in gripping detail how a sequence of gunshots on a Dallas afternoon not only killed a beloved president but also sent the nation into the cataclysmic division of the Vietnam War and its culture-changing aftermath. O’Reilly chronicles both the heroism and deceit of Camelot, bringing history to life in ways that will profoundly move the reader. ■

shereads


Want to know which books are flying off the shelves this holiday season? Three local bookstores (Once and Again Books in Johns Creek, Humpus Bumpus Books

in Cumming and Peerless Book Store in Alpharetta) suggest the following titles as great gifts for the lit-lovers on your list this year.

Georgia UnforgettableBy ROBB HELFRICK & JAMES RANDKLEV

View the beauty of the Peach State as you’ve never seen it before, from the coastal islands to the sculpted mountains. “Georgia Unforgettable” features more than 143 color photographs from professional photographers Robb Helfrick and James Randklev who capture Georgia’s natural beauty and historic architecture.

Gone GirlBy GILLIAN FLyNN

On the morning of Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary, Amy disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Passages from Amy’s diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone on edge, and Nick is oddly evasive and definitely bitter, but is he really a killer? If not, then where is his beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet? Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark and ingeniously plotted thriller.

The Secret KeeperBy KATE MORTON

The author of “The Forgotten Garden” has written a new novel filled with mystery, thievery, murder and enduring love. Sixteen-year-old Laurel Nicolson witnesses a shocking crime that challenges everything she knows about her nearly perfect mother, Dorothy. Fifty years later, Laurel tries to find answers in Dorothy’s past through the story of three strangers from vastly different worlds whose lives were entwined from pre-WWII England to the 1960s and beyond.

Winter of the WorldBy KEN FOLLETT

The second book in the Century Trilogy picks up where “Fall of Giants” left off. Carla von Ulrich finds her life engulfed by the Nazi tide until she commits a deed of great courage. American brothers take separate paths to momentous events. Lloyd Williams discovers in the crucible of the Spanish Civil War that he must fight Communism just as hard as Fascism. Social climber Daisy Peshkov’s life is transformed by the war while her cousin Volodya carves out a position in Soviet intelligence.

Popular titles for the lit-lovers on your listGive the gift of reading



By Lori WynnEFashion with Flair

The holidays come around every year and so does the same old question, “What am I going to

wear to that office/neighborhood/club party or swanky festive event?” Don’t skip a single celebration or hoopla because you don’t have the right outfit. Add a few great accessories to classic pieces you may already have in your closet and you will be ready to celebrate with just a minute’s notice.

What you may already have: Little black dress (knee length is best), dressy black pants (wide legged or skinny) and a satiny camisole.

What you can add to create holiday attire:

Shimmery wrapMetallic tones of silver, gold or bronze

will go with whatever color you decide to wear under it. Just make sure the weight of the wrap is similar to the outfit. You wouldn’t want to wear a sheer wrap with a velvet dress.

The Perfect ClutchPatent leather, satin or glitzy. You

don’t need to spend a lot of money for this piece because it will only be used a few times a year, but it is essential to complete the outfit. Leave your standard hobo-style shoulder bag at home and enjoy the freedom of a wristlet or a clutch.

Glitzy earringsWhether you have long or short hair,

have fun with drop or chandelier earrings. High fashion costume jewelry comes in all price points. If you are wearing a glittery top or dress, make sure your glitzy earrings don’t clash. For example, silver metal and clear crystals are fine with a black sequined top but not a gold shimmery sweater.

Evening shoeEven though we live in the South, skip

your strappy sandals during the winter months no matter how bedazzled they are. Instead, wear a closed-toe moderate to high heel in satin, patent leather or beaded tapestry. Use pumps, mules, sling backs or d’Orsay pumps.

Velvet jacketA classic piece that can look current

in oxblood tones or black. Plain white blouses and black slacks look dressed up when paired with a burnt out velvet jacket. Consider wearing it over your tried and true black pencil skirt and a lacy camisole for a truly classic holiday look.

Add some red lipstick and a spritz of body spray with some shimmer to your décolletage and you are ready to celebrate the season with confidence. Happy holidays! ■

herstyle

Holiday Fashion Tips

Lori Wynne is the owner of Alpharetta-based Fashion with Flair. As a personal wardrobe consultant, she helps people look their best. Contact her for help with your fashion dilemmas: fashionwithflair.com

top: Dylan Daugherty models accessories from the bilt house in roswell. hair and makeup by Lisa novak.

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takefive

{1} for the FoodieSingle Letter Western Steak Brand: Put your mark on it--literally! With this single letter, stainless steel iron brand, add a little personality to your plate! Whether you are from the West (or just wish you were) there is nothing finer than a nice steak with a personal touch. Grills up! Price: $19.95Where to find it: texasirons.com

{2} for the Wino Corkcicle Wine Chiller: Chill it from the inside out! Time to replace that bulky ice bucket with…nothing! Pre-freeze the Corkcicle and insert into your favorite bottle of white for the perfect pouring temperature. Cool has a whole new meaning!Price: $24.95 Where to find it: wineenthusiast.com

{3} for the HunterKinney Legacy Duck Calls: Winner of the third annual Garden and Gun Magazine “Made in the South Awards,” and featured on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Kinney Legacy Duck Calls are handcrafted in Ridgeland, Miss. Owner and creator Scott Kinney learned to call ducks by blowing his great-grandfather’s hand-carved, hand-tuned metal reed call now valued at close to $20,000! Following in his family’s footsteps,

Kinney’s one-of-a-kind designs will make any bird fly home. Price: Starting at $325 Where to find it: kinneycalls.com

{4} for the Photographer/TechieProjecteo: Instagram fever? Turn your Instagram photos into wheels of 35 mm slide film, then pop them into your Projecteo and bring the theater home (or wherever you like--it’s palm-size). Whether you’re reliving the old college days or doing a presentation for work, this pocket-size wall projector can make any shutterbug shimmy. Price: To be announced, pre-orders onlyWhere to find it: getprojecteo.com

{5} for the Music ManThumper: A modern twist on an old-school staple! “Thumpers” are created and sold by locals and make the perfect find for the music aficionado in your life. This rechargeable boom box is made from a vintage suitcase and authentic hi-fi speakers. From an eight-hour battery life to Bluetooth compatibility with connects to iPhone/MP3 player and a 40-watt amp with volume, bass and treble control, Curious Provisions just put a new spin on shopping locally! Price: From $590Where to find it: Several locations in Atlanta; check curiousprovisions.com for specifics ■

This one’s for the boysBy JEnniE KuShnEr | [email protected]

We all know our beau bends over backwards in pursuit of the perfect present for us (we can only hope). But if you’re stuck in a holiday hollow and aren’t sure what to buy for the man in your life, don’t splurge on the stereotypical…check out these guy-friendly tokens.

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Your Local Italian Market

Dal Cuore 2100 Ray Moss Connector | Johns Creek, GA | www.dalcuorerestaurant.com | 678.867.0852

Great Gifts for th e Holiday Season!

Give your friend a wor k of art for th eir pantry th is holiday season.

• Olive Oil• Vinegars• Gift Baskets

• Gift Cards• Maple Syrups• Honey

• Pastries• Huge Wine Selection

Great Gifts for th e Holiday Season!

sheblogs

By ELExiS hAySandapossuminthedishwasher.com

Sooo, I’m just a normal wife and mom. Today, I had the car cleaned and went and bought a new purse.

I also returned library books and went by the bank and the cleaners. I am undistinguishable from lots of other women doing the same things to get their families back on track on a Monday. Of course, I’m doing all this with a pig in the car.

Let me digress and discuss how this happened. You know those low-carb diets? All last week, I ate low carb. By Friday, I was not only so much smaller that my jeans once fit again, but I was angry enough to commit a gory dissection of anyone crossing me. It just makes a girl angry to pass up a chip!

So, after being good all week, I made a low-carb cocktail. Then, I made just one more little one. Then, my family went to the fair.

Those who know me know my hatred of all animal cruelty. I hate circuses, I hate animals for sale at the fair, giveaway goldfish and I even hate men who drive the Tyson chicken trucks that drive the little chickens to their doom. The fair is NOT the place to offer animals for sale

because some stupid person who cannot take care of an animal might just be overcome with the loveliness of livestock and take something home. Again, those without sin, cast the first stone.

So, I apparently rode the Himalaya twice, said two wildly inappropriate things and gave the man working the Tyson tent a dressing down that he won’t soon forget. I also said Cricket could get a pig.

In my rational mind, I am sure I would have told her no. I have no idea what the breakdown was with the Goose, but she must have beaten him down as well. He’s middle aged, it’s not hard to do.

We are now cooing over Babette like she's our own little black bristled, snouted, illegitimate grandchild, swaddling her and passing her back and forth lest she become fatigued walking from room to room. My friends have come to behold her lovely countenance and to snuggle her divine little jellybean-shaped body. There is a lot of sickening baby talk and coochie-cooing. When I was placing an order for a client on the phone the other day, I scooped up Babette, who produced a demon-possessed pig squeal, and I just brushed it aside with an “Oh, I’m babysitting” comment. If the person on the other end had concerns about my baby’s respiratory condition or soul she

didn’t say.This morning, my housekeeper, who

continues to amuse me with her limited English sayings, said “Miz, there is little pork in room.” I can only imagine the things she tells her family about us.

We wanted to make her wear preemie diapers but she is already house trained! She is so tiny that Chihuahua clothes won’t fit. Her teensy hooves? Painted and glittered. She oinks with every little step she takes, just like a child’s toy. She chases the dogs when they chase a ball, her front feet moving together and her back feet together so that when both are extended, she looks like she’s flying. I will not stoop to a “when pigs fly” joke here. I have some pride. Yesterday I got her a bed, a Halloween costume and a special little bowl with roses and bows, but I’m not bragging.

Not being a human baby person, I fail

to see how I could be a better grandmother to any baby than I am to Babette. I feel I am doing a great job hiding my resentment every time Cricket and her BF, Tutu, walk in the door and demand her, believing themselves to be her actual parents. I just hope my children appreciate me and remember it when I file for joint custody when Cricket tries to move out with her. Nobody takes MY baby! ■

Elexis Hays is a licensed wildlife rehabili-tator who lives on a farm in Cumming with her husband Buddy (a.k.a. The Goose), daughter Amelia (a.k.a. Cricket), son Shep and WAY too many animals. Her blog: andapossumin-thedishwasher.com.

My Divine Swine




O n Christmas Eve 1895, George W. Vanderbilt first opened the doors to Biltmore House, the magnificent centerpiece of his 125,000-acre

summer estate near Asheville, N.C. His timing was perfect. While the French Renaissance manor is beautiful any time of year, it is simply spectacular when decorated for the holidays.

Vanderbilt envisioned his vast estate as an escape from everyday life for family and friends, and it remains so today. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Biltmore Estate is still privately owned and operated by Vanderbilt’s descendants and visited by more than one million people every year.

Located only four hours from Atlanta, a visit to Biltmore Estate makes a wonderful holiday retreat for the whole family.

Biltmore House & GardensThe grand lawn in front of Biltmore House slopes

gently upward, offering a jaw-dropping view of the chateau surrounded by miles of pristine forests and mountains. The largest home in America, designed by Richard Morris Hunt, is truly an architectural masterpiece.

Considered state-of-the-art in 1895, the 250-room mansion contained the era’s newest innovations such as electricity, running hot and cold water, refrigeration and a clever device for making ice cubes. Designed for entertaining, the home includes a billiards room, indoor

Head to North Carolina for a holiday visit with the Vanderbilts

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swimming pool, full gym, bowling alley and a massive library containing 10,000 books.

A variety of guide-led tours offer a Downton Abbey-style perspective of the great home, from the butler’s pantry downstairs to the opulent guest quarters upstairs.

A self-guided audio tour includes information about the fine art and antiques in each room and personal details about George Vanderbilt, his wife Edith and their daughter Cornelia, who was born in a bedroom overlooking Biltmore House’s front lawn in 1900. During the holiday season, the narration includes interesting stories about the Vanderbilts’ Christmas traditions.

No visit to Biltmore House is complete without a slow stroll through the famous gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also landscaped New York’s Central Park. Watch colorful koi swim in the Italian garden’s pools and enjoy panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the south terrace. Walk through the shrub garden, walled garden and rose garden to reach the glass-roofed conservatory where exquisite orchids, ferns, palms and other hothouse flowers bloom year-round.

When you’ve finished your tour, enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate in the Biltmore stables where a courtyard is surrounded by a small collection of shops and eateries.

Christmas at BiltmoreAt Biltmore House, holiday decorating begins in

mid-October. By December, the entire home is bedecked with an awe-inspiring array of Victorian-era garlands and wreaths, ready to receive visitors for the annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration.

From hundreds of red poinsettias glowing in the sunlit winter garden to a gingerbread replica of Biltmore House in the main kitchen, each room in the home offers a beautiful holiday scene.

Perhaps none is as impressive as the banquet hall in which a towering 35-foot Frazier fir stands aglow with lights and covered with vintage ornaments. Below the tree, wrapped presents and large baskets of apples and oranges are gathered, just as they were during the Vanderbilt’s

time when gifts and fruit were personally presented to the children of estate workers by George and Edith.

When the sun goes down, Biltmore House shines under the stars during special Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Holiday melodies fill the home as choirs sing in the winter garden and soloists play the guitar, harp or flute in the third-floor living hall. Glowing fireplaces and twinkling Christmas lights create a magical holiday mood.

Inn on Biltmore EstateAt the turn of the 20th century, no expense was

spared when George and Edith Vanderbilt hosted their guests. Enjoy the same royal treatment by staying at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, rated four stars by Forbes Travel Guide. Featuring luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, rejuvenating spa services and beautiful mountain views, the Inn continues the Vanderbilt tradition of first-rate hospitality. Special packages include admission to Candlelight Christmas Evenings and a collectible Biltmore Christmas ornament.

Antler Hill Village Located a short drive from Biltmore House, Antler

Hill Village was once home to hundreds of estate workers during Vanderbilt’s time. Today, Antler Hill houses the estate farm, a village green and various shops and restaurants, including Cedric’s Tavern, named after the Vanderbilts’ beloved family pet, a Saint Bernard. The Biltmore Legacy Museum is currently hosting a new exhibit featuring stories and treasures from the Vanderbilts’ many travels abroad. In December, Santa Claus visits Antler Hill Village on weekends to greet children and hear whispered Christmas wishes.

Antler Hill WineryIn the early 1970s, George Vanderbilt’s

grandson, William A.V. Cecil, made the decision to replace the estate’s dairy facility with a winery.

Today, vineyards span 94 acres of the estate and the former dairy’s milking parlor now houses a wine tasting room where visitors can sample Biltmore’s award-winning collections after a complimentary tour of the facility. Biltmore produces a wide range of French varietal wines including sparkling, chardonnay, cabernet franc and merlot. Each year, artists compete for the honor of creating the label for Biltmore’s annual limited-edition “Christmas at Biltmore” wine.

Outdoor activitiesIn 1914, the estate sold 86,700 of its 125,000 acres

to the federal government to form the Pisgah National Forest, but there is still plenty of beautiful acreage to enjoy. Eighty miles of trails cross the estate, perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Or rent a Segway for a unique touring experience. Those seeking a real off-road thrill can sign up for the Land Rover Experience Driving

School. Carriage rides offer beautiful views at a leisurely pace. Other outdoor adventures include river floats, fly-fishing and sporting clays. ■● For more information on visiting Biltmore Estate or

to make a reservation at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, visit biltmore.com● To learn more about Christmas at Biltmore, visit christmas.biltmore.com

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1. biltmore house shines during candlelight christmas evenings.

2. classical statuary in the italian garden.3. the Winter garden.4. 35-foot tree in banquet hall.5. cozy fire in the library.6. biltmore house was opened

on christmas eve, 1895.7. rent a segway to tour the large estate.8. antler hill village and Winery.9. Live like a vanderbilt at the inn on biltmore estate.10. Festive flamingos inside the conservatory.

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Photos 2, 3, 7 and 10 by Katie vanbracKLe


herbeauty

By CynthiA MorriSon EiKEvisage designs by cynthia, LLc

From shiny decorations on your tree to sparkly drinks in your hand…‘tis the season to be festive! Try these

simple tips to capture the holiday sparkle in your look — along with a few hints for even more dazzle.

► GO PuRPLE! Look regal in this “it” shade by layering eyeshadows and liner found in Stila’s “In the Moment” eyeshadow palette ($39; exclusive to Sephora). It features a mix of pretty purples and ultra-wearable, neutral shades that flatter every skin tone and can be worn wet or dry. The palette also includes a Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Tetra, a deep shimmery purple, plus an instructive eight-page look book with simple application tips and tricks. Go for the smoky eye look with Maybelline’s Amethyst Smokes ($6), and top off lashes with Benefit’s BADgal Plum Mascara ($19). Hint: For real intrigue, layer it with the tips of lashes in a velvety, black shade).

► GET A DAzzLING COMPLExION with an illuminating

foundation like Bobbi Brown’s Luminous Moisturizing Foundations ($46). This super-moisturizing formula gives skin a soft, healthy, even-toned glow as it helps reverse the visible signs of aging. L’Oreal’s True Match Lumi Healthy Foundation ($13) offers all-day hydration with anti-oxidant enriched coverage and liquid light technology for instant holiday glow. Avoid iridescent overkill by setting foundation with a sheer, matte loose powder like Studio Gear’s Invisible Loose Powder in Light or Medium ($24). Hint: Turn any matte compact powder into a loose powder by using a wide, fluffy brush like Japonesque’s Travel Powder Brush ($38) instead of the puff that comes with it.

► GET GLOWING with a well-placed stroke of shine on cheekbones, brow bones and collarbones! Try Stila’s All Over Shimmer Duo in Kitten ($22) to add subtle radiant glow anywhere. The two tones can be mixed or used individually for warm skin tones (gold tone) or cooler skins (pink tone). For a more dramatic shimmer, brush Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick in 24K ($42-limited edition) onto high points of the face and body, like shoulders

and collarbones. This shimmering, five shaded, brush-on powder imparts high pigment shine all over the face and body. Hint: Use each shade individually with smaller brushes for eyeshadow and over lipstick for personalized wattage.

► KEEP THE SHINE GOING from head to toe with a glimmery hairspray like Freeze It Hairspray ($8) with optical brighteners for shine and 24-hour hold for special holiday styles. Give tips and toes a dip of holiday glamour with high intensity, purple shine from Sally Hansen’s Gem Crush Nail Color in Razzle Dazzler ($7) or Bobbi Brown’s Twilight Night ($18) for a royally glorious look. Hint: Keep manicure fresh with a clear topcoat every other day. ■

Holiday looks to light up the season

Cynthia has been a makeup artist for over 25 years. She provides consulting and makeup application services through Visage Designs by Cynthia. Email: [email protected].



By CAnDy [email protected]

Although more than a century has passed since the Titanic slipped into its ocean grave, public interest

in the ill-fated luxury liner remains high. Several excursions to the resting place of the ship in the North Atlantic have brought back a treasure trove of items that lay at the bottom of the ocean since the ship’s sinking in April 1912.

Together, these items tell the story of life on the Titanic, and the many lives that ended with the Titanic.

In 1987, a purser’s bag was recovered from the Titanic wreck that contained several pieces of jewelry, including gold button covers, diamond and sapphire rings and many other items. While pieces of the collection have been displayed, the vast collection has not been displayed together – until now.

Atlanta has been selected as one of only three cities to host the display of the Jewels of the Titanic. The exhibit will be a part of the existing Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station and will be open to the public through Jan. 6, 2013.

More than a dozen pieces of jewelry will be included in the exhibit. A spokeswoman for the exhibit said the owners of the jewelry will likely never be known, with the exception of a gold pocket watch, belonging to Thomas William Solomon Brown. He did not survive the sinking of the Titanic, but his wife and daughter did survive.

Here are descriptions of four pieces in the Jewelry of the Titanic exhibit, pictured above right from top to bottom:

Filigree ring with diamonds

(Top photo, left) This handmade platinum, 18-karat gold and diamond ring probably belonged to one of Titanic’s first-class passengers. The gallery design gives it a three-dimensional depth as it highlights the Edwardian love of jewelry in imitation of lace.

Ring with sapphires & diamonds

(Top photo, right) The sapphire and

diamond ring is comprised of 18-karat yellow gold and platinum with a natural blue sapphire and multiple small diamonds in pear-shaped petals. Sapphire rings have been popular since the Middle Ages. Although somewhat small, this exquisite dinner ring may have graced the slim fingers of a young wife.

Gold button covers with diamonds

A pair of 18-karat yellow gold diamond and black onyx button covers with a double back post. The black onyx is a bezel ring around the old mine-cut diamond in each stud. Each cover measures approximately 29.60 millimeters in diameter. The weight is 12.20 grams for the pair. The design and mine-cut diamonds speaks to high but casual wealth. These certainly belonged to a first-class gentleman.

Ring with three diamonds

This lady’s platinum ring is set with three diamonds with the largest diamond set in the center. The center diamond is a pear shape with two round diamonds set on the sides. Made of platinum wire, all the diamonds are bezel set. The pear shape or teardrop diamond was first created by Lodewyk (Louis) van Berquem of Brugge, Belgium and was highly popular during the Renaissance period. ■

Items rested at the bottom of the sea for more than 70 years before recovery

Jewelry of the Titanic on display through Jan. 6

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herstyle

Give designer gifts without breaking the bankTarget & Neiman Marcus collaborate on collectionBy JEnniE [email protected]

Dying for designer threads but don’t want to spend the dollars? Now you can find luxury name brands

just a few aisles away from cleaning supplies and baked goods.

Big-box retailer Target has teamed up with Neiman Marcus for their first-ever holiday collaboration. Twenty-four

designers. Fifty Items. Launch date: Dec. 1. Prices will range from $7.99 to $499. Celebrated designers like Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs and Altuzarra have created a mixture of items for men, women, children and the home—all at a reasonable price point. Forget trekking inside the perimeter for holiday hedonism. Your local Target has gifts and gratifications to savor. 'Tis the season for savings and shopping! ■

{1} oscar de la renta pet collar and leash, $39.99; {2} diane von Furstenberg yoga mat, $49.99; {3} Jason Wu ornaments, $49.99 (set of 3); {4} robert rodriguez dress, $99.99; {5} Prabal gurung clutch, $49.99; {6} tory burch beverage container, $24.99; {7} tracy reese dessert plates, $39.99

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women's best friend

The holiday Puppies: Rescued at Thanksgiving, these puppies hope to be in their forever home by Christmas. This

adorable group was saved when Angels Among Us Pet Rescue whisked their mother from euthanasia and brought her and her puppies to a foster home the week before Thanksgiving. The mother, Heavenly, and her puppies – now sporting seasonal names – are likely a brindle/bully mix, and come in a variety of colors. The four girls and two boys will be available mid-December, complete with all shots and health checks. If you are interested in adopting puppies Marshmallow, Pudding, Pecan, Chestnut, Berry, Cider, Gravy, Cranberry (or their mother!), contact [email protected]. To get more information about the puppies, contact their foster mom at [email protected]. ■

Q With the holidays approaching, what are your thoughts on giving a pet as a gift? What should be

considered before “surprising” someone with a new puppy or kitten?

Although we all want to share the love and joy that accompanies a pet, giving a pet as a gift is

actually not ideal. Animal bonding is a very individual process, and not allowing a pet to pick a person and vice versa may prevent the strongest bond from forming. Even though we may know a person very well, we can never be certain about all the reasons they may not want a pet at this particular time in their life. If you are considering giving an animal as a gift to someone who has voiced a desire to have a pet, I strongly recommend taking the person to pick out the individual pet. With the large number of euthanasia procedures

done annually, I would encourage everyone to rescue a pet and save a life. Pre-adoption counseling about breed selection with a veterinarian is always a good idea to help find the best type of pet for your lifestyle. ■

—Dr. JoAnne RoesnerLoving Hands Animal Clinic & Pet Resort13775 Highway 9, Alpharetta, Ga. 30004

770-667-9022 | www.lovinghands.com

PetS of the Month

ADOPT US

top: Pudding and Stuffing. Left: Proud mama heavenly with some of her puppies.

Ask the Vet

Dr. roesner with Kathleen the shepherd, marvin the Pom and radar the shep mix.





herhealth

By CAroLyn ASPEnSon

Pumpkin pie. Mashed potatoes. Sugar cookies. Everyone has a weakness, and during the holiday season

it’s even harder to say no to temptation. Family gatherings and parties are centered around food, and even the cleanest of eaters can struggle.

Studies show the average person gains nearly five pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Now that the retail industry has pushed the holiday season up to Halloween, the opportunity to gain is even greater. For some, it’s hard to resist the leftover Halloween candy. Add that to the pumpkin pie and marshmallow Santas, and the pounds can really add up.

To make sure you don’t fall victim to the extra pounds, you need a plan – one that lets you enjoy holiday events without the guilt and weight gain of over-indulging. Here are a few tricks to keep you from packing on the pounds this holiday season.

Set limitsMost cravings come from the head,

not the stomach. The more food choices available, the more our brains scream, “I want that!” Instead of cramming a plate full of 10 different calorie-heavy choices, limit yourself to just two. Your brain

will think there are fewer options and you’ll crave less. If you feel you need a second helping, keep the portions small and continue to stick to just two items. Increasing the variety of items you choose will trigger cravings, so stick to just the two.

Don’t skip mealsThe day of a party, many people will

limit their food intake, knowing they’re planning to gorge themselves that night. In a word, don’t. Our bodies need energy and food is energy. If a car has an empty gas tank, it won’t run. Our bodies are similar. They continue to function at a reduced capacity, causing long-term damage to vital organs. A body lacking energy craves sugar. Calorie consumption hits maximum levels when our bodies are in starvation mode, so eat normally the day of a party and you’ll spend less time in front of the buffet table.

ExerciseSure, everyone is busy over the

holidays and the first thing to get pushed aside is exercise, but even a little is better than nothing. Don’t try to lose weight during the holiday season. Maintenance is the key. If you think you need to spend hours at the gym, you’re more likely to pass. Instead, aim for three to four days of high intensity cardio. Twenty to 30

minutes of intervals on the treadmill or elliptical is enough to keep your body burning calories.

Sugarless gum is your friend

It’s harder to munch on high-calorie party food if your teeth are busy chewing. Carry sugarless gum to parties and keep a fresh piece in your mouth. Chewing, along with the gum’s flavor, tricks the brain into thinking the body isn’t hungry.

Limit alcohol consumption

Holiday drinks are full of empty calories. One cup of eggnog has a whopping 343 calories. Add in just a shot of rum and it’s up another 100. Most holiday cups are bigger than an actual measured cup, which increases the calorie count even more. Alternating high-calorie alcohol drinks with water can keep the calorie consumption under control.

The holiday season is about spending time with family and friends and doesn’t have to be full of remorse for over-indulging. Stay focused on the people and traditions of the season, exercise a little self-control and you won’t have to add extra pounds to your New Year’s weight loss resolution. ■

Before you go to your next

holiday party, consider that:

► One 8-ounce glass of eggnog, sans alcohol, is a brisk one-hour-and-13-minute walk on the treadmill, or 41 minutes on a high incline on the elliptical machine.

► Plan to be on the elliptical for an hour after just one piece of pecan pie.

► Just one plain sugar cookie means you’ll spend 43 minutes on the treadmill or 24 minutes on the elliptical.

Holiday how-to’s for maintaining weight

Carolyn has been a fitness and nutrition enthusiast for over 15 years. She holds certifications from nationally recognized organizations in both fitness and nutrition. She can be reached at [email protected].


‘Tis the season for giving, so why not give Mother Nature a gift this year by finding ways to

reduce the amount of paper, tissue, boxes and bows that wind up in our landfills? With a little creativity, you can find easy, inexpensive and eco-friendly ways to present your holiday gifts that will delight your friends and family. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Reusable containersPlace your gifts in a basket or tin

that can be re-purposed or used year after year. Reusable shopping bags come in many stylish designs these days and offer another great zero-waste wrapping option.

A gift within a giftA watering can makes a perfect

container for a gift of gardening tools, while a mixing bowl or stock pot can hold cooking supplies. Use an athletic drawstring bag to hold workout gear or team apparel. You can also easily wrap gifts in soft materials like blankets, beach towels, decorative napkins, antique handkerchiefs and scarves, which make lovely presents themselves.

Tasteful trimmingsUse a pair of scissors to turn last

year’s holiday cards into this year’s gift tags. Take a walk outside to find evergreen springs, holly berries or pinecones as natural embellishments.

Use what you have!Newspaper comics, old maps, sheet

music, calendars and layered colored paper can all become clever wrapping choices. Grab a roll of brown craft paper

and a box of markers or foam stamps and let your kids get artsy. The grandparents will love it! Place smaller gifts in a plain brown lunch bag, fold over the top and use a hole-punch to add a raffia bow. If every American family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.

Have fun with fabricThe Japanese have made an art

form out of wrapping gifts in fabric or “furoshiki.” To learn how, visit http://furoshiki.com/techniques.

Atlanta-based Lilywrap takes the art of fabric wrapping one step further by using stretchy fabric with built-in bows for a reusable and convenient wrapping alternative – www.lilywrap.com. Lucky Crow and Living Ethos also sell cloth bags online.

If you sew, you can download templates for drawstring cloth gift bags or fabric gift wrap embellished with ribbon or other decorations.

Shop smartLook for eco-wrapping options such

as 100 percent recycled paper printed with soy-based inks from companies such as Earthpresents.com and Fish Lips Paper Designs. Nashville Wraps sells recycled-content tissue paper, and World Market carries biodegradable holiday ribbon made from cotton which can be recycled or composted after use. Greenfieldpaper.com offers Grow-a-Note holiday cards made from 100 percent recycled ingredients and embedded with a colorful array of wildflower seeds. The recipient can plant the card in the ground and watch it grow! ■

Creative Gift Wrap with an Eco-TwistStylish ideas for Earth-friendly gift giving

—With input from: Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator for the city of Milton; She Goes Green columnist Marla Prince; and Northside Woman staffers Jennie Kushner and Katie VanBrackle.

World market biodegradable ribbon.

she goes green


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While he may not be an Atlanta native, Peter Tokar, 32, mixes-and-mingles with the predominate players in North Fulton’s social and business scenes. As the economic development director for the city of Alpharetta, Tokar’s dapper

dynamism and disposition make him an ideal Northside Man.

{1} Favorite person to follow on Twitter: Robert Downey Jr. {2} One thing you would never be caught dead in (clothing wise): Skinny jeans{3} Favorite spot for party hour : JCT Kitchen, Howell Mill—Thursday nights{4} Single or attached: Dating{5} Best item on your Christmas list this year: Allen Edmonds shoes{6} Best item you have ever gotten a girl for Christmas: A champagne hot air balloon ride{7} Favorite place for dinner: Little Alley, Canton Street{8} One word to describe yourself: Intriguing{9} Which college football team do you think will be the national champs this year: LSu{10} How would you describe your current style (fashion): Sophisticatedly rugged ■

—Jennie Kushner

Peter TokarEconomic Development Director, City of Alpharetta

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Christmas at the Kipniss home in Milton has its roots in the very first Christmas that Pam and Mike Kipniss spent as newlyweds in New York

City. “We bought our first ‘city tree’ and carried it by hand

to our apartment, buying ornaments and decorations at the Fifth Avenue department stores along the way,” recalled Pam (pictured right).

From that simple start, the Kipniss’s home has gradually transformed each year into a Winter Wonderland, with every room decorated with a theme, and not a corner in the house left bare of some type of Christmas trimming.

“Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year,” said Pam, who lives in Milton with Mike and their four children, Stephanie, Dawson, Hannah and Heather. “My birthday is on Christmas Eve, so Christmas has always been a special time for me. I love it when kids ask me what themes we will be having each year.”

When daughter Hannah began dancing, one room became the “Land of Sweets,” in homage to the annual “Nutcracker” performance she danced in each year.

Other inspirations for her themes are based on interests of the family or other ideas she creates for the entertaining she does during the season.

In one memorable theme, Pam recalls turning her home into “Christmas in New York” for her husband’s office party. Shopping bags from notable Fifth Avenue stores decorated the front porch, as a singer sang “Christmas in New York.” Inside, the dining room was transformed into the Cirque restaurant in New York City. The party ended with a yellow taxi cab limo “driving” guests around the backyard filled with New York City street signs while guests played the “Cash Cab” game.

“I have always loved to see the happiness a Christmas house can bring to the faces of guests at our events held in our home during the holiday season,” said Pam. ■

Milton family transforms entire house every year for Christmas

herstyle

Christmas at the Kipniss home

Christmas at the Kipniss home


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theinterview


Jenn Von Essen laughs when she says her volunteer work with the Forsyth Humane Society is helping her prepare for the coming years.

“Now that [daughter] Ana is in high school, and Ellie starts high school next year, I think volunteering with the humane society is preparing me for the empty nest phase of my life,” said Von Essen, who has been a volunteer with the FHS since mid-2011.

Recently, she took over management of the Humane Hearts program which provides therapy pets in a number of settings including assisted living and nursing homes, schools, libraries and hospitals. The program is designed to help people in care facilities reap the benefits of contact with friendly animals, and provides animals as “reading partners” to help children with reading skills.

“Dogs are therapeutic without any training or certification,” said Von Essen. “But these dogs live to love on people, and as dog lovers we get incredible joy from sharing that love with others. There is just a special bond that I can’t explain, but having a dog visit certainly makes any day special.”

Von Essen was volunteering at the Forsyth Humane Society for several months when she heard about the Humane Hearts program. She went through the training, along with her dog, Georgia, and began doing visits.

“Having been a preschool teacher for many years and a substitute teacher with Forsyth County schools after that, I preferred doing the classroom visits but we also visit nursing homes and retirement communities,” said Von Essen, who has lived in Forsyth County since 2006.

Each team is made up of one handler (person) and one pet, and Von Essen noted that, at present, all of the therapy animals are dogs, though there have been a variety of other pets in the past.

“We now have 37 teams in our program,” said Von Essen. She noted the program began in 1994 with just six pet/partner teams. “A lot of the dogs [in the program] were adopted from a shelter but several of them were not.

We don’t discriminate against any breed. If the dog has the right temperament, passes the test and has all of their shots up to date then they can be a therapy dog.”

Von Essen credits her leadership team for the success of Humane Hearts. The team includes Mark and Merle Myers (elderly care visits), Stacey Ray and Debbie Morley (special needs classroom visits) and Seema Muralidhar and Colleen Scully (reading program visits.)

The teams go on visits at least once a month, and the goal is that anyone who requests a visit from Humane Hearts gets one. There are nearly 30 organizations within Forsyth County which are visited by Humane Hearts.

“When we visit a retirement community we may meet in the common room with a group of residents or we may go from room to room visiting those that requested a pet visit,” she explains. “In a school, we may only visit one classroom or we may visit several classes within a specific school [and talk about] basic dog bite prevention and animal awareness.”

Humane Hearts is working with several schools to organize animal welfare clubs, and works closely with the Forsyth County Public Library on a reading program.

Working with the Forsyth Humane Society has become a family affair for Von Essen, who said the relationship began with her daughter’s birthday party a few years ago.

“When my youngest daughter turned 12, she decided to ‘donate’ her birthday party to the Humane Society. Instead of bringing gifts, her friends and family brought supplies that we took up to the shelter. After that we started volunteering as a family,” said Von Essen.

The family, which includes husband, Andrew, and daughters, Ana and Ellie, started helping out at adoption events and visiting with the animals at the Forsyth County Humane Society, which is a no-kill shelter.

When Von Essen took over the Humane Hearts program, she was not working, and “poured myself into my volunteering.” She recently began working at My Mercedes and Bimmer Place in Cumming, and said it’s the perfect job for someone with her commitment to animals.

“They are amazing to work for,” said Von Essen. “They allow me to take time off for visits when I need to, and I can work on managing our schedule and planning when things are slow in the office.”

The best part is she continues to be surrounded by fur, since four dogs come to work every day with their owners.

To find out more about Humane Hearts and how you can volunteer for the program, or request a pet visit, contact www.forsythpets.org. ■

&Happiness is a wet nose a wagging tail

top: Jenn Von Essen, director of the humane hearts pro-gram through the Forsyth humane society, with her canine companions, from left, georgia, a certified therapy dog; Fern, her foster dog who recently became a certified therapy dog; guinness; and chip, in front, the first dog owned by the von essen’s. bottom: rockne, a certified therapy dog from humane hearts, serves as a reading buddy for Brendan Morley.

Humane Hearts in Forsyth County provides therapy pets for community visits


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herhealth

By DEBBiE KEEL north Fulton hospital ceo

Women habitually seem to take on more than they should during the holidays. From stressing over planning the perfect celebration to skipping workouts due to busy holiday schedules, Debbie Keel reminds us to stop, breathe, and be grateful lest we worry-away this magical time.

Please take this pledge with me, because maybe if we all do it together we might keep our promise

this holiday season.► I promise not to lie in bed at

night running through my gift list and adding and subtracting the naughty and nice.

► I promise not to keep a pad and pen on my nightstand to write down all those changes to my gift list that I think about while I’m lying wide awake.

► I promise that when I do those two things above, I will get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night, especially during the holidays so I can be ready for the days that lie ahead.

► I promise not to create a holiday menu for my family and guests that is both impossible to get together and impossible for them to eat. I don’t

have to have two kinds of turkey (fried for my husband and baked for my kids), sweet potatoes fixed three ways, two kinds of dressings and 10 desserts. They won’t eat it all anyway, and after being refrigerated for a week, it will get thrown away. They really will be happy with one main course, two

sides and one dessert — really.► I promise to stick to my fitness

routine, whether I’m traveling or staying home, of going to the gym or swimming

or walking or running. If I don’t, I will kick myself in January.

► I promise that when I go to a party, I won’t

drink enough alcohol to ruin my night (No,

you don’t

sleep better when you drink!) or my next day (all-day shopping with a “champagne headache” is no fun at all).

► I promise not to over-buy gifts, with the possible exception of those I buy for grandchildren, since the holidays really are for kids. Most adults really don’t need anything, so I will look for something personal and that can include a gift certificate to a place I know is special to them.

► I promise to do something really nice for someone. I’ll either give a gift to someone who’s not been terribly nice to

me all year or maybe to someone I don’t even know. Maybe I will buy the coffee for the lady in the car behind me at Starbucks.

► I promise to remember that all these holidays we’re celebrating really weren’t created by Macy’s or Hallmark, but by some greater power, and live each day in whatever power captures my heart — be it a church, a synagogue or even another person.

► I promise to breathe deeply every day and just be glad I’m here to enjoy. ■

I promise…not to do this next year

▲ Debbie Keel


SPECiAL

The holidays are a time to gather friends and family close by and celebrate the season. But when

you are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays can amplify the loss. If just thinking about the holidays makes you want to pull the drapes around you and withdraw from the world, you’re not alone.

“Sometimes it’s best to forget about celebrating, at least in the commercial sense,” advises Margaret Brownley, author of “Grieving God’s Way: The Lasting Path to Hope and Healing.” “Focus, instead, on spending the holidays in a quieter, more meaningful way.”

Brownley speaks from experience, having lost her oldest son several years ago following a long illness.

“Some families find comfort in following tradition, but don’t be afraid to try something new,” she suggests. “If facing an empty chair at the table is too

painful, consider doing something non-traditional. A better plan this year might be to dine out or take a trip.”

Here are Brownley’s tips for getting through the holidays when you are grieving the loss of a loved one:

► Grief is tough on the body and even more so during the holidays. Eating right, exercising and getting plenty of rest should be a top priority.

► Stay connected to friends and family, but be honest; if you don’t feel

like partying or participating in certain activities, say so.

► Music is healing, but if holiday music is too painful, listen to something more uplifting.

► Depressed people often overspend in an attempt to feel good. It never works and almost always leads to more depression. Make a budget and stick to it.

► Volunteering during the holidays will help ease the pain. Chances are someone you know could use a little extra

help with shopping, baking or childcare.► Laughter not only heals, but helps

people connect. Turn off the holiday reruns and rent a comedy guaranteed to make you and your family laugh.

► Gratitude is the point from which healing begins. Though much has been lost, life is still full of blessings. Try facing the holidays with a thankful heart.

► Plan a special time for sharing memories. Light a special memorial candle. Have family members write down fond memories of your loved one and take turns reading them aloud.

► Don’t be afraid to mention your loved one by name during social occasions. This will put others at ease and prevent any awkwardness.

► Finally, try not to worry. The anticipation is almost always worse than the actual day. ■

herhealth

‘Tis the season for healing

Bestselling author Margaret Brownley has published more than 28 books, includ-ing her inspirational non-fiction, "Grieving God’s Way.” Her next novel, “Waiting for Morning,” will be pub-lished in January.

Grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays


todo

DECEMBER1 Holidays Along the Divine 9

Through Dec. 31. The Alpharetta and Roswell Convention and Visitors

Bureau have teamed up to promote a special list of holiday events such as Santa sightings, Christmas services, ghost tours, tree lightings, historic home tours, open houses, caroling, historic event reenactments and special promotions in stores and galleries. Download your free copy of Holidays Along the Divine 9 at www.divine9ga.com and you will be eligible to win a $500 VISA gift card.

Back to Nature Holiday Market10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shop for beautiful objects d’art or handmade gifts made by local artisans. Douceur de France lunch café. Free admission to the nature center. Don’t miss it! Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell.

www.chattnaturecenter.org

Christmas in Crabapple2 – 5 p.m. Perk up those ears for sleigh bells and pack your mittens for the Crabapple holiday celebration featuring Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday music favorites from local children’s choirs, a community bonfire and photos with Santa.Historic downtown Crabapple, 790 Mayfield Road, Milton.

Christmas Gala & Holiday Pops Concert8 p.m. The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will perform all your holiday favorites accompanied by adult and children’s choirs, soloists and a few surprises. A delicious champagne dessert reception follows. Tickets range from $16.50 to $30. St. Benedict Church, 11045 Parsons Road, Johns Creek.

www.johnscreeksymphony.org

2 Caroling on Canton Street ▲5 – 7:30 p.m. Family event with civic organizations (homeowners’

associations, Boy/Girl Scouts, churches) caroling up and down Canton Street. Bonfire at the corner of Woodstock and Canton Streets with s’mores and hot chocolate. Canton Street, Roswell.

4 High Teas at Bulloch Hall4 p.m., also Dec. 6, 11, 18. Ladies in period clothing serve a two-course

tea in candlelight followed by a tour of the house decorated for Christmas. Reservations needed. $40 per person.180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell.

http://bullochhall.org

7 Works in Clay Holiday Show and Sale Through Dec. 9. The Roswell Clay

Collective presents its annual show and sale with handmade, signed functional pottery and sculptures at all prices made by more than 40 artists. Works in Clay is Stop 21 on the 2012 North Georgia Art Ramble: www.ngaartramble.com. Roswell Art Center West, 1355 Woodstock Road, Roswell.

www.roswellclaycollective

ACT1 Theater presents “A Christmas Carol” ▲Through Dec. 16. Your favorite Christmas carols weave their way through this classic story of Christmases past, present and future with Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge. Check your humbugs at the door! $15 tickets for adults, $12 for seniors and children 12 and under.Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy St., Alpharetta.

www.act1theater.com

“A Christmas Carol” at Bulloch HallThrough Dec. 23Gather at Roswell’s grand Bulloch Hall for an intimate 45-seat performance of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic featuring Brink Miller as Ebenezer Scrooge, a role he has played for 17 straight years. Tickets are $15; reserve them early! 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell.bullochhall.org/a-christmas-carol.html

“Babes in Toyland” by Atlanta Dance TheatreDec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 8 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A holiday classic that will be enjoyed by the entire family. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell.

http://atlantadancetheatre.org

8 Breakfast with Santa in Johns Creek8:30 – 11 a.m. Enjoy music,

gingerbread cookie decorating, crafts and photos with Santa. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. $15 per child, $22.50 for non-residents. Newtown Park Community Clubhouse, 3115 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek.

johnscreekga.gov/parks/events.asp

Holiday Market at Autrey Mill10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The barns of the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center will host 30 vendors for holiday shopping. Kids can enjoy supervised crafts and activities while their parents shop.9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek

www.autreymill.org

Pet Photos with SantaNoon – 2 p.m. Bring your pet to the lawn behind the Alpharetta Community Center near Waggy World Paw Park for one free photo with Santa per family. You may bring your own camera for additional photos. Donations encouraged for local pet charities (dog food, treats or other pet supplies). 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta.

http://alpharetta.ga.us

Snow on the Square in Alpharetta1 – 3 p.m. Enjoy a taste of winter in downtown Alpharetta as the corner park fills with snow! Sip on hot chocolate or coffee while visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the gazebo. Be ready

for snowballs, snowmen and winter merriment! 2 South Main St., Alpharetta.

www.awesomealpharetta.com

Family Movie Night: “The Polar Express”6:30 p.m. Bring the family in comfy clothes and watch “The Polar Express” movie on a big screen. Remember your blankets and pillows. Popcorn, hot chocolate and goodies are included. Parents free; children must register. East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell.

www.roswellgov.com

9 Chanukah Palooza ▲Noon. The public is invited to celebrate Chanukah in a warm,

family-friendly environment. Festivities include lunch, games, crafts, gifts and an auction. Small admission fee raises funds for the Temple’s preschool. Temple Kehillat Chaim, 1145 Green St., Roswell.

www.kehillatchaim.org

15 Cookies with Mrs. Claus at Barrington Hall10 a.m. and noon. Mrs. Claus

hosts a 75-minute cookie-making workshop in the carriage house at Roswell’s historic Barrington Hall. Letters

written to Santa will be picked up by a very special postman. Barrington Hall Carriage House, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell.

www.southerntrilogy.com

“The Nutcracker” by Alpharetta Dance TheatreDec. 15: 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 16: 1 & 6 p.m.Alpharetta Dance Theatre presents its 16th annual production of the Nutcracker. Enjoy performances by the ballerinas from your local community. To purchase tickets, call 770-664-4797. Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta.

www.alpharettadancetheatre.com

16 Christmas Concert5 p.m. The Alpharetta First United Methodist Church

Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present a concert of traditional, gospel and contemporary Christian music. Free and open to the public. 69 N. Main St., Alpharetta.

www.afumc.org

Live Reindeer in Roswell1 – 4 p.m. Live reindeer will make an appearance at the Chattahoochee Nature Center with fun arts and craft projects for the kids including making nature crafts to attract wildlife. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell.

www.chattnaturecenter.org

21 Metropolitan Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker”Through Dec. 23. Beautiful sets,

elaborate costumes and talented dancers create holiday magic through the tale of a young girl and her beloved nutcracker. Blessed Trinity High School Theater, 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell.

www.metropolitanballet.org

6 GIRLS NIGHT OuT at the DRAKE CLOSET5 – 8 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and mixing and mingling while you shop for upscale, new and gently worn women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.

Proceeds support the Drake House which provides emergency housing for women and children in crisis in North Fulton. 825 Mimosa Ave., Roswell.

www.thedrakehouse.org

violinists tracy Shealy and olivia trankina added a festive, musical touch to the drake closet's grand opening celebration and fundraiser last december.

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Documents

Northside Woman December 2012