Home + Design

Passion+Perseverance+Positivity

Meet Jennifer Rakestraw of Century Park Interiors Article by Cathy Jones As a child, Jennifer was privy to her Italian mother’s passion for designing and redesigning her home. She painted the walls, put up wallpaper and decorated to establish “happy spaces and happy surroundings” (her mantra). She never held too tightly to any certain “aesthetic” and certainly didn’t bow to the whims of trends. Decades later, Jennifer’s interior design firm, Century Park Interiors, does the same.  Some of...

Food + Beverage

Berries and Basil?

Lets make a refreshing springtime cocktail or mocktail, it's one of my favs Article by Publisher, Lisa Thibault How about a "Basil Berry Mojito"? This spring you can enjoy a cool and fresh cocktail or mocktail made right at home, it's easy and tastes so good, from my home to yours.  Ingredients: 2 oz white rum  1 oz fresh lime juice. 1 oz simple syrup 6-8 fresh strawberries, hulled 8-10 fresh basil leaves Soda water Ice Instructions: 1. Muddle the strawberries and basil leaves in a...

Education

Stunning and Unique Homes

Curate your own dream home with the help of these four new releases Article by Rhiannon Bankes It takes a lot of work to make a house a home. A home reflects your personal style, functions to meet your goals, and provides relief from the outside world. However, unless you are a design professional, you likely need a bit of guidance to turn your thoughts and ideas into reality. One way to create a sanctuary that combines all the elements of your dream home is by immersing yourself in the advice...

Home + Design

Clutter-Free Closets

Spring Cleaning Made Easier with Closet Designs & More Article by Cathy Jones Amidst the cobweb clearing, window washing and dresser dusting of spring cleaning, take a step back and assess your space's functionality. The spring season isn't just for freshening but tidying as well. Eradicating clutter, creating systems and assigning everything a proper storage space is key to making your homework for you.  What started as a DIY project revamping his granddaughter's closet opened Bill...

Travel

Experience Japan's Three Sides

Trade Your Euros for Yen this Travel Season Article and Photography by Cathy Jones European Summers reigned supreme in 2023, but I'm proposing springtime in Asia as 2024's next travel trend. Western travelers have overlooked the alluring jungles, snowcapped peaks, cherry blossom streets and neon nights of countries like Japan for too long. Europe's high-class resorts and walkable towns may cater to vacationers, but Asia's mountain ranges, urban epicenters and cultural experiences were made for...

Home + Design

The Mountains Are Calling

Answer the Call. Laura Elleby's Guide to Mountain Living. Article by Cathy Jones Sometimes, the only cure for repetitive routines and hustle culture is wide open space. When the urge to run freely, breathe deeply and live boundlessly ultimately takes over, North Georgia's rural landscapes and mountain villages are ready to welcome you.  As a realtor and resident of Blue Ridge for the last decade, Laura Elleby is a mountain living advocate. She spends her workday traipsing rustic, open floor...

Food + Beverage

Dine in Style

The Capital Grille Article by Cathy Jones Since 2012, The Capital Grille has delivered immaculate flavors and exceptional service in a luxurious atmosphere. Located next to Perimeter Mall, it’s the perfect spot to grab a nightcap from their robust wine selection and indulge in expertly prepared dry-aged steaks and seafood dishes. The dining room’s refined elegance and the staff’s serving spirit make The Capital Grille an exceptional gathering place.  Their cooking process is unique. They...

Arts + Culture

Lexie Delaney:

A Voice for Kindness and Beauty Beyond Appearance Article by Tran Bui | Photography by Jeremy Pentsil, Wayne Albright & Delaney family In a world where beauty is often confined to the surface, 16-year-old Lexie Delaney of Calhoun emerges as a powerful voice for kindness and a passionate advocate for the beauty that lies within each of us.   Lexie admits, “There are times I wish I could look different or that I would not get bullied.”   Lexie was born with Treacher-Collins Syndrome, an...

Home + Design

Tales From the Back Porch

Make Your Outdoor Living Space One to Remember Article by Cathy Jones Some of our most timeless tales originate on the back porch. Glaring summer afternoons spent sipping cocktails; cozy autumn nights accompanied by a roaring fire, friends and family; early spring mornings catching the first glimpse of the sun, nose tipped into a coffee cup. These moments are what make a house a home and a porch a sanctuary. As we head into warmer months, it's worth noting Saturday morning cartoons, weeknight...

Education

Cobb's Local Makers

A Commitment to Making a Difference Article by Cathy Jones Local Makers - Irene Barton  East Cobb Citizen of the Year Each year, the Cobb Chamber names a "Citizen of the Year." The winner is someone whose impact is everywhere—someone who spent 2023 making East Cobb better. No truer words can be said for Irene Barton. Day in and day out, Irene relentlessly serves her fellow citizens, neighbors and friends through countless roles and endless efforts.  As Executive Director of the Cobb...