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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Arthur McCoy | arthur.mccoy@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

ECO starts with Y-O-U

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Paige Shirk

AS THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WRAPS UP, LET US PAUSE TO TAKE

AD DESIGNER

A LOOK AT THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND US. Our community is where we shop,

Whitney Lockhart

live, work, eat, and spend time with our families. It is important for it to be clean and

L AYO UT DESIGNER

protected. I would like you to know that being eco-friendly starts with you and me on the inside. You must have a desire to make everything better. When I enter a room, a meeting, or a conference, if I can not make something or someone better, I feel like my job is incomplete. Eco consciousness does not begin with you joining a group to pick up trash, it begins with you making a commitment to change; beginning with YOU. We can have the cleanest communities but if racism, hate, and judgment of others exist then what

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stacy Conde, Maria Smith CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stacy Conde, Alana Wickham

does a clean park matter? I am from Texas and honestly never personally experience racism until I came to Georgia. I have very thick skin so it did not bother me because I understand that their ignorance did not have to become a part of my world. I am proud of who God made me and I am so glad to be me. I do not understand why a person could dislike someone because of their gender, skin color, religion, or financial status. We must be inner Eco! I love everyone and you should too, and that is crucial to making our communities stronger. Open the door for the person behind you, say thank you or as Chick Fil-a does, say "it's my pleasure." It can make a difference in someone's life. I ALWAYS pay for other folks' meals, fuel, groceries because I am doing my Eco part! What is your Eco part? How can you make a difference?

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Eco starts with CHARACTER, however here are a few additional things that you

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

can do to be Eco friendly. Volunteer to keep Smyrna Vinings Clean, conserve water,

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

plant a tree and do not send chemicals into our waterways. However you can help,

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

the environment and the community would be mutually grateful! I thank each of you 100,000 monthly readers for supporting this magazine. Please continue supporting the businesses that advertise with us as they will continue to serve you gracefully. Have a Blessed and Prosperous April!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Art McCoy, Publisher ON THE COVER Celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Check out ideas on how you can contribute to a better world at EarthDay.org. 4

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Smyrna Vinings area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 12 Be The Solution Smyrna resident creates COVID-19 testing solutions.

16 Smyrna, you’re so beautiful! Let’s celebrate and keep it that way!

24 April Showers Bring May Flowers... And Eco-Conscious Gifts Celebrate the start of Spring with these sustainable gifts.

16 26

26 Vinings’ Sunniest Salad South City Kitchen’s Georgia Tomato and Watermelon Salad

24 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Locals Only

24 Local’s Choice 26 Culinary Creations 29 DIY 34 Realty Report

A CLEAN HOME IS A Absolute professionals and did an amazing job on our Oriental rug. — CHRIS S. The best carpet experience we’ve had in 10 years! — BRAD D.

SPECIALIZING IN: - Oriental / Area Rug - Carpet / Upholstery - Tile and Grout / Natural Stone

- Pet Odor Control - Fabric Protector - 24/7 Emergency Water Removal

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATES SMYRNA FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

678.403.8049 | www.jonquilrugcleaning.com FREE Stretch Evaluation and $30 Off 45 Minute Session for New Clients Imagine lying on a mat and having someone gently stretch out your entire body, releasing tension that’s been trapped in your body for years. Book your session today and let our coaches help you release the tension. NO TABLE, NO BANDS, JUST HANDS. Life is short, stretch it out! 1675 Cumberland Parkway SE, Suite 411, Smyrna, GA 30080

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CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

AROUND TOWN Charities will host its 4th annual Handbag HULLABALOO Home Edition fundraiser, where guests will have the opportunity to win up to 50 luxury handbags by playing a series of Handbag HULLABALOO raffle games. Jenn Hobby, host of Star 94.1’s “Jenn & Friends” show, will host the virtual event from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Individual tickets are $125 and sponsorships are available from $3,000. Tickets can be purchased at ARMHC.org.

GET CHICKIE WITH IT Chicken Salad Chick, the Southern-inspired,

fast-casual

nation’s chicken

only salad

restaurant concept, has relocated its headquarters to Vinings, with a new office in Overlook II – just across the street from its Vinings restaurant. “Atlanta has always fostered a nurturing business environment for companies to kickstart their growth,” said Chicken Salad Chick President and CEO Scott Deviney. “This relocation positions Chicken Salad Chick to scale at an accelerated

DO YOU LOVE INTERIOR DESIGN?

rate and meet aggressive growth goals, while

DESIGN ADAC is set to return April 27-29, 2021!

allowing us to broaden our vision for the future."

Join ADAC and an incredible lineup of design

PHOTOGRAPHY SARA HANNA

experts and luxury brands, to refocus our energy and illuminate an appreciation for the spaces in which we live. Enjoy an array of all-virtual inspirational talks and product introductions that renew inspiration and refresh perspectives. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration opens April 2. ADACAtlanta.com

BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS Check out the Smyrna Public Library's book club for kids ages 8 - 12. This month, BookCooks: Taco Queen’s Food Truck Tacos from Stef Soto, Taco Queen will be featured. Meet up (virtually via the library's Facebook page or at SmyrnaGA.gov on April 20.Stef Soto wants to be like every other seventh-grader, but it’s tough when she can’t shake off the aroma

ATLANTA RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES ANNOUNCES ANNUAL HANDBAG HULLABALOO™ FUNDRAISER

of Tia Perla, her family’s taco truck. How can she fit in when her papi drives that embarrassing car and she smells like onion and cilantro? Discover more about Stef as we review Stef Soto, Taco Queen by

Supporting families of sick and injured chil-

Jennifer Torres and make the Taco Queen’s Food

dren never looked so good. On Thursday,

Truck Tacos! The link for this video will be available

April 22, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House

on the morning of the program date. Hasta la vista!

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

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A+ Smile

Voted Best Dentist 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. Suite 405 • Atlanta, GA 30339

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DR. JAHA HOWARD, DDS, MS

DR. NATASHA DIAZ, DDS

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TOP 10 THINGS TO KNOW FOR A HEALTHY SMILE 10. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Expensive dental products may help, but proper hygiene techniques and habits are paramount!

9. FOOD CHOICES ARE CRITICAL. Hard or sticky sugary foods are the most common contributors to tooth decay.

8. BIOLOGY MATTERS. Just like any other part of the human body, some of us are genetically more prone to issues like cavities and gum disease.

7. SECRET’S OUT! Plaque is really a mixture of germs, old sugary foods and acidic germ waste. Yep, germ poo is destroying teeth every day.

6. FLOSS FIRST (AND NOT THE DANCE!). Nothing can adequately replace actually getting the string between our teeth. If we floss first, we have a better chance to be more effective in our routine.

5. CONSISTENCY IS KEY. Invest 2 minutes every morning and 2 minutes before bed.

4. PREVENTION IS LESS EXPENSIVE. Like most things in life, allowing for problems to persist makes it harder to restore and repair. It’s true for home repair, relationships, education and….TEETH!

3. ACCESS AND ANGLES. When brushing your teeth or your children’s teeth, we must create better access by moving our lips and cheeks out of way. Then gently brush with the bristles angled along the gum line. This adjustment in technique can be a real smile saver.

2. YES, PROFESSIONAL DENTAL VISITS ARE NECESSARY. Waiting until something hurts usually ends up being a bigger problem. If you don’t trust your dental team, it’s ok to get second opinions.

1. IT’S COMPLICATED. Fluoride itself is not harmful but if used incorrectly, it could possibly relate to health problems. When used properly, in can be a great benefit for your teeth. Please supervise brushing to ensure correct spitting and amount of toothpaste through elementary grade years.

BONUS: WHITER IS NOT BETTER. Kids are increasingly dissatisfied with their natural teeth color and are asking for bleaching products. This is related to trends in adult dentistry and the manufactured images they see on mass media. Teeth color has joined weight, height, and hair in a long list of body image insecurities.

LOCALS ONLY

H BE T E

S O LU TI O N

SMYRNA RESIDENT CREATES COVID-19 TESTING SOLUTION IN THE AREA. ARTICLE MARIA SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

S MUCH AS WE WOULD LIKE IT TO BE, THE COVID-19

PANDEMIC IS NOT OVER. It continues to sicken and even kill too many people in the area. However, Smyrna resident, Dr. Tayari Mchezaji, has decided to help be part of the solution to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Losing his own mother to Covid-19 in 2020 made this a truly personal crusade. Dr. T is a board-certified ER doctor who has lived in the area for the last 20 years. He opened a new COVID-19 testing site (3771 Floyd Rd, Austell) to better serve the populations hit the hardest.. Using the parking space of the Highest Praise Church of God, Dr. T. has created

“I intend to do the most good and affect the most positive change in our community with our site.” a drive through facility in conjunction with Viral Solutions LLC.He didn’t want anyone to become frustrated by not being able to acquire a test or receive results in a timely manner. His testing site will undoubtedly help curb the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Believing adamantly that we need to use every tool in our toolbelt to fix this COVID-19 situation, Dr. T says continued testing is one of the many effective tools we have. He also encourages everyone to do their part to make sure 2021 ends differently than it began.

D R . TAYA R I M CH E Z A J I

Dr. T’s advice to prevent the spread of Covid-19 1. Continue to wear masks and social distance. 2. Wash hands frequently. 3. Avoid crowds. 4. Keep rooms well ventilated. 5. Should you exhibit any symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who is COVID positive, be sure to get tested! 6. If you are having shortness of breath or chest pains, seek medical attention immediately to rule out things like pneumonia or pulmonary emboli. Dr. T believes the only way we can get back to “normal” is to have accurate, accessible, and comprehensive testing. He says, “I intend to do the most good and affect the most positive change in our community with our site. If I am able to help certain jobs open up more safely or get our youth back to school in person in our community, I am eager to help. As a servant leader of this community, I am at Smyrna/Vinings disposal.” And we are so glad he is! CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

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dreaming of change ARTICLE MARIA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY ALANA WICKHAM, PROVIDED

Xavier Peeples wants you to join him in supporting HBCUs, with your spare change! 16

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

" Our mission is for HBCUs to become self-sustaining and not have to rely on government funding and sporadic big donations to keep their doors open."

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE

HBCU Change was established to help

DREAMERS AND SOME PEOPLE WHO

HBCU alumni give back to their schools

ARE DOERS. Xavier Peeples is both. He has

easily. They can give without even thinking

taken his experience in private wealth man-

about it. Most schools have challenges get-

agement and the financial sector and put it

ting their alumni to consistently give back

to use to raise money for Historically Black

to the school. This is a simple solution that

College and Universities. He is the founder

allows alumni to give change from their

of HBCU Change, an app focused on raising

daily transactions.

$1 billion dollars for HBCUs over five years. He is infectiously committed to affecting

SVL: WHY ARE HBCUS IMPORTANT TO

positive change through financial literacy,

OUR COUNTRY?

wealth building, political engagement and

XP: HBCUs are institutions that give pri-

advocacy within the African American com-

marily

munity. We sat down with this dynamo to

confidence to thrive in our country which

learn more about this exciting project.

ultimately makes our country better. African

African

American

students

the

Americans are vital to our country. SVL: WHAT IS HBCU CHANGE? HOW DID IT COME TO BE?

SVL: HOW CAN A LITTLE CHANGE

XP: Our mission is for HBCUs to become

ACTUALLY HELP?

self-sustaining and not have to rely on gov-

XP: On average, when rounding up change

ernment funding and sporadic big donations

on a monthly basis, each user of HBCU

to keep their doors open.

Change rounds up $27. Take Clark Atlanta

We round up daily transactions from

University for instance; an institution that has

HBCU alumni and supporters. Take the

approximately 40k alumni. If only 10k were to

change and give it to the HBCU of the user’s

download and connect to the HBCU Change

choice. (ex: if a cup of coffee costs $3.50, we

app, that could create over $3 million dollars

will round the transaction up to $4.00. The

a year from change. That would have a tre-

.50 cents will go to the favorite HBCU.)

mendous impact on Clark Atlanta University. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

DREAMING OF CHANGE (CONTINUED)

SVL: WHAT IS YOUR GOAL WITH THIS APP? XP: Our goal is to raise $1 billion dollars for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs have produced the best and the brightest with one hand being financially strapped behind their back. Imagine what they could do if they consistently have the financial resources that will allow them to thrive like never before.

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

Smyrna, you’re so beautiful! HOW TO STOP WISHCYCLING

ARTICLE SMYRNA VININGS LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

THE MAGIC DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN! For this ECO

SVL: THE GROUP’S MISSION IS TO BRING TOGETHER

issue, we wanted to find out more about the community

THE RESOURCES OF GOVERNMENT, BUSINESSES,

leaders who look out for our clean streets and sus-

AND RESIDENTS TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE

tainability and help protect our envornoment. Enjoy

ENVIRONMENT AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR

this interview with Julie Barwig, Interim Director, City

COMMUNITY. WHAT ARE SOME INITIATIVES YOU

of Smyrna Environmental Services and Keep Smyrna

HAVE FOR 2021?

Beautiful, Inc.

JB: In order to achieve our mission, we concentrate our

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

efforts to four focus areas: ending littering, reducing waste, promoting recycling, and beautifying Smyrna. We’ve already had our Bring One for the Chipper Christmas tree recycling event that recycled hundreds of trees, turning them into mulch, Arbor Day tree planting, multiple litter

We picked up 5,204 lbs. of litter, recycled 5,445 trees, diverted 21,320

cleanups, and dozens of trees planted through our Adopt-a-Tree pro-

lbs. of documents, and marked 340 storm drains around the city.

gram. We’ll be continuing litter cleanups throughout the year, providing community events like our document shredding event to reduce waste,

SVL: FUNDS COME FROM RECYCLING REVENUES, SPON-

marking storm drains to promote healthy waterways, and providing free

SORSHIPS, AND MEMBERSHIPS. HOW CAN READERS HELP,

tree seedlings to residents through our Adopt-a-Tree program.

FINANCIALLY AND BY VOLUNTEERING THIS MONTH? JB: Readers can support KSB through donations. We’ve transitioned

SVL: I SEE SOME IMPRESSIVE FIGURES FOR POUNDS OF

out of a membership program and now are supported through

LITTER COLLECTED, PAPER DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL AND

individual donations as well as from the revenue from the Smyrna

TREES CHIPPED.

Recycling Center and sponsorships. They can donate at keepsmyr-

JB: While we had to scale back on a number of initiatives due to the

nabeautiful.com/donate/. Donations are crucial to continuing our

pandemic, we were still able to be a positive force in the community.

work for the environment.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

SMYRNA, YOU’RE SO BEAUTIFUL! (CONTINUED)

Trident Maples were planted on Arbor Day in Smyrna

We’d love to have readers become volunteers! Currently, we’re

every item you put in your curbside bin is accepted. A few exam-

offering our volunteer opportunities in small groups and in April

ples of common items that get put in the curbside bin when they

we’ll have multiple litter cleanups that folks can participate in. Our

shouldn’t be are glass, plastic bags, and Styrofoam. Homeowners

Community Cleanups program targets litter on small areas of road-

can streamline recycling by familiarizing themselves with what

way. In April, we’ll have two community cleanups that readers can

items can be recycled where and have separate bins for each. In

attend. For dates, readers can visit keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/

Smyrna, there are a number of resources available to residents to

community-cleanups/.

increase the amount of material they recycle. Along with the curbside recycling program, the city has its own recycling center that

SVL: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CULPRITS WITH CURBSIDE

accepts all sorts of items including those not accepted in curb-

RECYCLING AND HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS HELP STREAM-

side programs like glass jars and bottles, electronics, and large

LINE RECYCLING?

metal items. Residents with Smyrna curbside recycling can also

JB: One of the biggest issues in curbside recycling is what is called

participate in the Hefty® EnergyBag® Program, which collects pre-

‘wish-cycling’ which is when you put something your curbside bin

viously hard-to-recycle plastics at curbside and converts them into

with the hope that they will be recycled rather than ensuring that

valuable resources.

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

DO YOU HAVE A

TAX PROBLEM? Former IRS Chief Counsel Attorney Cal Bomar

Bomar Law Firm,

LLc

• TAX LAW • • AUDITS • • TAX LITIGATION • • OFFER IN COMPROMISE • IRS FRESH START PROGRAM • • TAX RELIEF •

SVL: YOU HAVE OUR ATTENTION AND ARE THE EXPERT. WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? JB: One of our lesser-known programs is that we offer grants to schools located

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION ABOUT YOUR CASE:

within the city for beautification, gardening, science, or education projects. Grants are up to $1,000 and schools can apply each school year. keepsmyrnabeautiful.com #keepsmyrnabeautiful #fightdirty

404-841-6561 BOMARLAWFIRM.COM CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

APRIL SHOWERS LOCAL’S CHOICE

CELEBRATE THE START OF SPRING WITH THESE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES

BRING MAY BRING MAY

FIFTH GROUP RESTAURANTS Fifth Group is the first Atlanta restaurant group to embrace a zero-waste business model. Lure (pictured) collects nearly 150,000 gallons of rainwater from its roof per year to prevent urban runoff and diminish the amount of pollutants washed into local streams.

HOLLYBETH ORGANICS SAMPLE GIFT SET

Fif t hG roup.com

These eco-luxe organic beauty products are formulated, poured and packaged in the company’s Clayton, Georgia home. They are USDA-certified organic and use earth-friendly packaging and shipping. Holly bet hO rganic s .com | $60

ARTICLE STACY CONDE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

OKABASHI SANDALS Family run and produced in Buford, GA, since 1984. Okabashi invites customers to send back their well loved and worn Okabashi shoes for recycling, and receive 15% off their next purchase. O kabashi.com | $19.99

AMBORELLA ORGANICS SEED BEARING LOLLIPOP BUNDLE

Organic candy with edible herbs and flowers that weave throughout. After devouring, plant the biodegradable stick in soil, water daily, and grow an herb or flower for yourself!

FLOWERS... FLOWERS...

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

AmborellaO rganic s .com | $27

AND AND ECO ECO--CONSCIOUS CONSCIOUS

GIFTS GIFTS

MICKEY LYNN PINK SAPPHIRE CHARM NECKLACE Each piece is created in their Atlanta studio. Stones are mined and cut using sustainable practices by artisans who are paid and treated fairly; and they recycle their scrap metal. MickeyLynn.com | $223

Crafted from organically grown bamboo, it's like snuggling with a cloud. Sustainability is at the core of their business - from sourcing eco-friendly materials, recycling, and partnering with like-minded suppliers.

Each piece is made up of multiple used Patagonia items that are beyond repair. Garments are broken down to create one-of-akind, up-cycled products, avoiding both the landfill and the need to make new products.

WORN WEAR RECRAFTED

SIMPLY ORGANIC BAMBOO THROW BLANKET

WornWear.patagonia.com | $29 4

Simply O rganicBamboo.com | $79

Ret rospec .com | $22.99

RETROSPEC SEDONA MEDITATION CUSHION The cushion's removable exterior is made with 100% cotton to prevent any microplastics from entering the environment when washed. Its core is composed of 100% sustainably sourced buckwheat. CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

CULINARY CREATIONS

v i n i n gs’ su n n iest sa lad ARTICLE EXECUTIVE CHEF DONTRELL HAM PHOTOGRAPHY SOUTH CITY KITCHEN, VININGS

DONTRELL HAM IS A TRUE SOUTHERNER AT HEART. Inspired by his grandmother’s home cooking and with an early admiration for chefs Julia Child & Jacques Pépin, Ham’s childhood love of food ultimately prepared him for the culinary road ahead. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, Ham honed his culinary skills at acclaimed hotels, resorts and restaurants before joining the Fifth Group Restaurants family in 2018. Armed with an impressive 18 years of industry experience, Ham most recently served as sous chef for South City Kitchen Buckhead before his promotion to executive chef of the Vinings location in 2021.

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

SOUTH CITY KITCHEN’S GEORGIA TOMATO AND WATERMELON SALAD

Dontrell’s recipe: Start with a small seedless watermelon and a pint of heirloom grape tomatoes. Cut tomatoes in halves. Cut rind off watermelon, saving half for pickling. Cut watermelon into 1/2 inch cubes and set aside. Take off dark green layer of rind and julienne 2 cups. + GARNISH: 1 oz. basil, torn, save stems for pickling and half a cup of pistachios crushed for garnish. + PICKLING: Add to sauce pot: 2 1/2 cups vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp salt, 1 cup sugar 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp each: mustard seeds, coriander, celery seeds, and basil stems. Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and pour over watermelon rind. Cover with a tight lid and let sit 20 minutes. + VINAIGRETTE: Add one avocado, half a jalapeno, 1/4 oz mint leaves, 1 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar, ½ oz. honey, 3/4 oz. shallot (small diced), and 1 lime, zest only to blender and mix for 2 minutes. Slowly add 1 cup of blended oil to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning. + SERVE: Mix 1 cup of watermelon, 4 oz tomatoes, 1 oz vinaigrette and place in a bowl. Top with pickled watermelon, basil , pistachios, and finish with a pinch pink Himalayan salt

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

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Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

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DIY

Benefits of a

chemical-free home

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think! We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products. When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do! However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets. The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most. If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.

ARTICLE BY HAYLEY HYER

If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace. To get you started, here are three DIY products that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.

CONTINUED >

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DIY (CONTINUED)

DIY Scented Body Moisturizer Just like a new candle can brighten your day, a shimmery scented lotion can make you feel like a queen. The only problem is all of the artificial fragrances, alcohols, dyes, and other chemicals that your skin is absorbing from that bottle. There are some cleaner options such as unscented lotions, but that's a lot less fun. This DIY moisturizer allowed you to customize your own scent while still treating your skin the best you can. The key ingredient? Olive oil! Yes, any bottle of olive oil from your kitchen works. Pour some in a smaller bottle and add several drops of your favorite essential oils. Olive oil is super hydrating, feels great, and will make you question why you ever used lotion in the first place. Plus it's safe for your whole body. Just be mindful of the essential oils you choose. Some types—such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils—cause a cooling effect and can feel uncomfortable if it gets on your face or other sensitive areas.

DIY Counter Cleaner: Safe for Granite + Marble! You probably know that vinegar is a great natural cleaner for most surfaces. Unfortunately, it can be pretty damaging to delicate countertops made from granite or marble. Here's a DIY cleaning spray that's safe for any type of counters you have!

Ingredients + Rubbing alcohol + Dish soap

+ Essential Oils + Water

Directions In a plastic or glass spray bottle, mix one part alcohol with one part water. Add several drops of dish soap and whichever essential oils you would like to add for your desired scent. Shake it up each time you use it as the ingredients will tend to separate. Although it's natural and safe, still avoid spraying directly on your skin as the alcohol and dish soap can dry you out. CONTINUED >

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

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DIY (CONTINUED)

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer. The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life! There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

While these three recipes give you a great start, that's definitely not all you can do to kick the chemicals out of your home. For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with like-minded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

VININGS

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Cash Farms

$1,599,000

100%

7.5

Stonegate

$1,045,000

$1,020,000

98%

Abbington at Wildwood

$879,900

$945,504

107%

3.5

Gilmore Heights

$795,000

$780,000

98%

4.5

One Vinings Mountain

$778,000

$772,000

99%

2.5

One Ivy Walk

$780,000

$750,000

96%

4.5

Williams Park

$725,000

100%

131

2000 Paces Ferry

$750,000

$712,500

95%

5.5

Highpointe At Vinings

$739,900

$707,000

96%

Vinings Glen

$649,900

$685,000

105%

4.5

West Vinings Place

$649,000

$677,000

104%

152

Village Row

$699,900

$675,000

96%

4.5

One Vinings Mountain

$699,900

$665,185

95%

Highpointe at Vinings

$679,900

$660,000

97%

171

Paces Walk

$650,000

$640,000

98%

4.5

Vinings Glen

$629,000

$630,000

100%

4.5

Cooper Lake Woods

$614,900

100%

Churchill Downs

$589,900

$607,500

103%

5.5

Fontaine at Cooper Lake

$599,900

$593,000

99%

Barnes Mill

$619,000

$590,000

95%

Cottages at King Springs

$595,000

$580,000

97%

3.5

Williams Park

$585,000

$578,000

99%

3.5

Collier Gate

$569,000

$576,000

101%

Heritage At Vinings

$579,000

$560,000

97%

Information compiled f rom First Multiple Listing Service and Georgia Multiple Listing Service f rom dates of 2/1/21 to 2/28/21. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | April 2021

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