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LI F E + C U LTU R E WO RD S O F WISD O M F R O M WO M EN , BY WO M EN WREC C O NS U LT I N G O N T H E S C EN E HOME + DESIGN FI N E F LOWERS FO R M O M

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2021 PUBLISHER

Arthur McCoy | arthur.mccoy@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Dear friends, WHILE THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT THINGS GOING ON IN THE MONTH OF MAY, THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY IS MOTHER'S DAY. In my opinion, one

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Whitney Maddux AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

day is not enough to show gratitude for all that you ladies do! When I think about the

L AYO UT DESIGNER

word mother, it makes me think about a flower. There are all sizes, shapes and colors

Dani Moore

of flowers but they are all beautiful and unique. A flower must be handled delicately, with tremendous efficiency and care, just like a mother. A flower is a precious gift that brings a smile to many and makes any day special; just like our mothers. Flowers make you feel better when you are sick and give you joy when you are sad; like our mothers. Even if your mom is not physically here, you are an extension of her so feel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Maggie Chidester, Minnie Payne, Sean O'Keefe CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jules Photography., Bartee Lamar, Alana Wickham

special. A mother's' love never fades. What is your most memorable moment with your mom? What about as a mom? Tell us on our Facebook page! You are special, you are needed, you are loved! Every storm that you've been through assisted in formulating you into this beautiful flower that we call......MOM! You are special, I love you, we love you! Happy Mother's Day,

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 AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Art McCoy, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Cookbook Editor and Vinings resident, Virginia Willis, reminds us about home cooked meals and love.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARTEE LAMAR 4

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

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 MAY 2021

FEATURES 12 Walking in her purpose Kim Thomas-Akins, life coach and friend.

16 Flowers for mumsy Village Green Flowers & Gifts with tips and blooms galore.

24 Examining the Evidence Meet The women of WREC Consulting.

16 24

34 Chef Virginia Willis is leading the way Mentorship, friendships and food, glorious food.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Inspired By

Locally Owned

20 Local Limelight 24 Hometown Hero 34 Locals Only

GOOD TIMES

Smiling in Smyrna Our photographer Alana Wickham loves to meet happy readers and was out and about on a beautiful spring day in Smyrna to capture these smiling faces. If you see Alana, smile and say, “I love Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle magazine!” PhotographyByAlana.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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Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

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

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AROUND TOWN

EATALIANO KITCHEN IN THE WORKS Curated dining options continue to expand at The Battery Atlanta! EATaliano Kitchen is set to open in late spring 2021 at Cobb County’s premier entertainment destination in a 3,000 square-foot space

HooplaDigital.com/title/11865831. and eAudiobook available on Hoopla Digital: HooplaDigital. com/title/11875774.

HONORING WELLSPRING'S WORK

located next to Park Bench on Battery Avenue.

20 years ago today Wellspring Living was

EATaliano strives to keep the love and warmth of

founded. Whether you have been here from the

Italian food alive in the city, while searching for

beginning or supported them more recently,

fresh and unexpected takes on timeless dishes.

you have made an important impact in transform-

Eclectic pizzas, hearty classic Italian comfort foods

ing the lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual

and an enthusiast-curated wine list combined

exploitation. Celebrate transformation today and

with a welcoming, professional service team come

keep pressing on to see more hope and healing

together to create the EATaliano experience.

for those they serve. Become a recurring giver at $20 a month to support much-needed educational resources for youth programs, such as GED prep books, encyclopedias and dictionaries. Give a one-time gift to help support the basic essentials of community program participants, such as food and household items. Double your impact: If you sign up to become a recurring giver, your first donation will be matched by their friends at A Happy House. Don't miss this opportunity to start a meaningful rhythm of giving. Double your impact today. WellspringLiving.org

ART FOR MILES AT SCAD ART SALES The Savannah College of Art and Design and SCAD Art Sales presents the all-virtual spring Open Studio 2021 event, April 30 - May 2, offering art collectors and enthusiasts exclusive access to purchase work by the university’s community of talented artists. Open Studio will showcase hundreds of jury-selected works by students, alumni, and faculty across all SCAD degree programs, including illustration, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. A “view-in-room” feature will be available on the mobile platform via the ArtCloud app, making it possible for shoppers to preview works in their home before placing an order. To shop, please visit: SCADArtSales.com.

FRIENDS READING GROUP

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

to join a book club discussion on May 4 at 7 PM.

com/SmyrnaVinings using the Get In Touch link

Read Radium Girls by Kate Moore and join the discus-

and let us know what you think.

sion via ZOOM. Email MWMoore@SmyrnaGA.gov for the Zoom info. eBook available on Hoopla Digital: 10

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

The Friends of Smyrna Library invites readers

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

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INSPIRED BY ARTICLE SMYRNA VININGS LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY ALANA WICKHAM

WALKING IN HER PURPOSE KIM THOMAS-AKINS, LIFE COACH AND FRIEND

THE LAST YEAR HAS DEFINITELY BEEN

handle Delta’s technical support. Her service, duties and capabilities

CHALLENGING FOR ALL OF US. We've dealt

ensured the availability, performance and operational integrity of

with civil unrest, a contentious presidential elec-

Delta's Information Technology.

tion and we are still in the throes of a pandemic

"I merged my love for mentoring and my leadership expertise

that is literally ravaging the world. Meet Kim

to always encourage my employees to unleash their potential. You

Thomas-Akins and her truth. "But, as challenging

could say that I was their life coach during my tenure at Delta. Now

as it has been, I believe that it has also presented

that I am retired, I am walking in my purpose as your strategic part-

a unique opportunity for so many of us to reset

ner in achieving your personal and professional goals," says Kim.

and pivot," says Kim, a life coach in Smyrna.

As a strong community leader, Kim aligns herself with organiza-

During times like these, you might be think-

tions concerned about the general welfare of people and positive

ing it's best to make a change in your career,

actions toward humanity. She is a member of Psi Alpha Omega

a relationship or just in life generally. You may

Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was a

need someone to lend a listening ear as you talk

member of the Delta Air Lines C.E. Woolman Emerging Leaders

about the business venture you’ve been con-

Program and Care Team, Delta Air Lines Mentoring Program,

templating for years. You may need help with

Realizing Individual Standards of Excellence (R.I.S.E), Board

learning how to manage your time and relation-

Member for Helping In His Name Food Pantry, Chartering Member

ships more wisely.

of the National Council of Negro Women, Henry-Clayton section

Kim Thomas-Akins is a native of Haddock,

where she served as a Regional Coordinator. With a heart for ser-

GA, 1985 graduate of Jones County High

vice to others, Kim is politically active as well, previously serving as

School, and a 1991 graduate of Fort Valley State

Executive Board Member and Chairperson involving Henry County

University with a degree in Marketing. She is

politics. Kim served as an elected State Committee political party

a results-oriented, self-motivated, and driven

member of Georgia. She presided as Chair Emeritus within the

professional with 20-plus years of diverse work

Henry County political system and directly involved in electing

experience in Coaching, Mentoring, Project

members from their county.

Management and Information Technology. She

As a life motivator/encourager, she enjoys being a life coach to her

has a wide range of professional experience

family, friends and mentees. She enjoys managing the family’s rental

and achievements with Fortune 500 and 100

property business that she shares with her siblings. "I am recently

companies including IBM and Delta Air Lines.

engaged and so excited to be planning my wedding to my wonder-

Kim has served as IT Operations Manager for

ful fiance, Harris. We are both pet lovers and are planning to adopt

Delta Air Lines where she was responsible for

one or two little ones too"She is also an ordained Minister and has

daily managerial tasks and projects for a staff

obtained both her Master of Divinity and Master of Art in Christian

of 100 service desk agents and engineers who

Studies from Luther Rice Seminary.

“NOW THAT I AM RE TIRED, I AM WALKING IN MY PURPOSE AS YOUR STRATEGIC PARTNER IN ACHIEVING YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS.” 12

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

“I want to take this opportunity to thank God, my mom (rest in heaven), my family, my sorors, and all of my supporters. I love you all so much and I am so appreciative of your support.” KimThomasLifeCoach.com

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

Keep an

A+ Smile

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

(678) 391-7453 • AtlantaKidSmiles.com

DR. JAHA HOWARD, DDS, MS

Dr. Howard’s

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.

LOCALLY OWNED Dutch Tropical Vase Arrangement with assorted bright flowers mixed with tropical flowers, such as birds of paradise, red ginger and proteas. $200 as shown.

VILLAGE GREEN FLOWERS & GIFTS WITH TIPS AND BLOOMS GALORE

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS

VILLAGE GREEN FLOWERS & GIFTS OPENED ITS DOORS IN 2002 FROM NOTHING BUT A WHIM TO HAVE THE BEST, FRESHEST, MOST UNIQUE, FRESH

FLOWERS

AND

FLORAL

DESIGNS IN SMYRNA AND VININGS. The

owner,

Kara

then

launched

Passionflowers Herbology, a herbalism practice carrying herbal products and, as a clinical master herbalist, she does consultations for health optimization and health issues. In 2019, she purchased Blooms of Dunwoody. We asked her how to get the best flower arrangements for Mother's Day or any day. + Pick a shop that has amazing taste and let them do the work for you! We suggest a "designer's choice" arrangement, which lets the designer use their creativity, plus the freshest and best flowers that are available. You can note if you love or hate roses, orange flowers, daisies or whatever and we will cater to that, but outside of that, we will just create something beautiful for your budget.

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

FLOWERS FOR MUMSY

PHOTOGRAPHY SCOTT AREMAN

WE OFFER OUR CLIENTS EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE Experienced attorneys with in-depth knowledge in civil litigation representing individual and business clients in both federal and state courts.

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BANKS CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

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B Banks Chiropractic Center CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Modern Oval Rose Pave holds 12 or 18 roses. Shown here is 18 deep purple. Mother’s day price will be $110 for 18 roses. $80 for 1 dozen.

Sunshiny Days is low and full, to light up a table or desk with yellows, white, green and foliage with a very popular garden feel. Shown at $100.

+ If you can pick up your flowers and you have a clean vase at home

it makes everything smoother for you and us. A

and you can re-cut them within an hour, getting wrapped flowers is

good time to order your Mother's day flowers is

also quite popular. You can spend your money on more flowers and less

2-3 weeks in advance, or just as early as possible!

vase that way!

We will still make time for all our last-minute cus-

+ Stay away from "standard" holiday colors, like pink on mother's day. Those colors are often overproduced, and because of the

tomers any time we can, right up to the very last minute, but we do not always have the capacity.

demand, the price is higher, resulting in smaller flower heads and

+ Also, you get the freshest flowers when you

therefore, a smaller overall arrangement. A few pinks works, but

have your flowers delivered early, too. We recom-

when you ask for an arrangement of all pinks, its likely not going to

mend having your flowers delivered 4-5 days in

turn out as well.

advance of Mother's Day, to avoid the rush, and

+ Order early! You can get emails and or phone calls from us remind-

get the freshest, longest-lasting stems possible.

ing you to order in advance and we offer discounts for ordering early as well. Florists have to spend our time on the week of Mother's Day

Village Green Flowers & Gifts,

processing flowers and making arrangements (things we can't possibly

3246 Atlanta Rd SE, Smyrna

do in advance), so when we have the ability to get the paperwork out

VGFGAtlanta.com

of the way in advance, it helps us to focus on the flowers that week and

770.435.9393

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE MINNIE PAYNE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME, WOMEN HAVE HELD IMPORTANT ROLES BUT IT HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME FOR US TO CATCH UP PROFESSIONALLY TO MEN. On August 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote throughout the United States, we saw hope. With the help of Michele Howard, EVP, Programs and Leadership Development, Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle sat down with Tracy R. Styf, Sara Sorenson, Jenn Bimmerle, and Barb Allen who each make tremendous contributions to our community.. Each woman, in a letter, addresses the next generation of women on how to have a meaningful career.

TRACY R. STYF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TOWN CENTER CID

A meaningful career has three key ingredients – flexibility, grace, and passion. Many women set out on a well-planned career path with a job, family, and extracurricular. Then, life happens. Opportunities come when we least expect them Challenges create beautiful new chapters, and we are capable of more than we can ever imagine. A previous boss said, “Women can have it all, just not all at once.” At the time, I scoffed. But today, in my 40s, with an incredible career, family, and lots of interests and passions, I have learned one skill – grace. Giving myself grace – whether it is knowing I cannot cram in one more meeting or that learning that saying “no,” actually means saying “yes.” My role at Town Center CID involves working with incredible people. I am grateful because I have found a meaningful career where I can make an impact in my community, all while juggling our “busy” and showing our daughter that there is more than one path to a rewarding/fun life.

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

Words of Wisdom

SARA SORENSON FOUNDER & PARTNER, SORENSON LAW, LLC

As a young lawyer, I felt there were specific paths and expectations required of me to become a successful attorney, including long hours, high stress, and cut-throat competition. I found no joy in that journey. Eventually, I decided to do things my way and work towards focusing on an area of law I enjoy and serving my clients without sacrificing my life outside the office. My work is tough and stressful at times, but meaningful because I love what I do and for whom I do it. I think women often feel pressured to fit into the stereotypical mold expected for their career, but the journey to a meaningful career is often different for everyone. Your journey may include unintended diversions (a worldwide pandemic, perhaps) and purposeful detours (motherhood, travel, or another degree). I believe that these experiences make us who we are and help define a meaningful career.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

J E N N H O LT B I M M E R L E PROJECT MANAGER, REV COFFEE, PARTNER AND CFO AND BIMMERLE HOUSEHOLD CEO, CFO, COO, SMYRNA My advice is simple and something you don’t realize at the moment. Choosing a career seems permanent and dire; truthfully, what you decide on day one doesn’t transpire. Know that your career will follow many different stages – none are wrong as long as you stay you. Follow the path that allows you to take risks and discover your voice because you will always be your own best advocate. I was going to be a New York City lawyer with a corner office, an assistant that fetched me coffee, and never have kids because…gross. Instead, I served coffee at Rev, the shop I opened with my husband, I am a software Project Manager, and I have three beautiful, inspiring, and amazing babies. And if I’m honest, kids are kind of gross, but being Chief Operating Officer of Mess is my favorite title. Whatever you do, commit to happiness, and remember sometimes you have to find out what you don’t love before you find out what you do love.

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

BARB ALLEN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IMPACT ANALYST, CENTERSTATE / SOUTH STATE BANK

Wow! As you launch a life and career journey, expect it to take many different twists. After spending over 20 years in the non-profit world, I transitioned to an incredible role in banking two years ago. My path was not a straight line and I hope yours isn’t either. The superpower of seeing the future would be comforting, but the beauty is that you can create your future. Discover your passion, then follow that passion. How do you ask? Get involved. Ask questions. Participate in activities of interest. Identify mentors and shadow them. Help people around you and better others’ lives. Yes, you have to be brave, confident, take chances, and embrace change to create your path. Always stay true to yourself. A nougat passed through generations – “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Be involved in different activities and organizations and have more than one revenue stream. Always be the girl who decided to go for it. And never, ever give up. You hold the power in this journey. Enjoy the ride!

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

HOMETOWN HERO

ARTICLE MAGGIE CHIDESTER PHOTOGRAPHY JULES PHOTOGRAPHY

EXAMINING THE EVIDENCE

MEET THE WOMEN OF WREC CONSULTING

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

AMBER BISHOP AND SHELLY WEED ARE THE FACE OF THEIR FEMALE-OWNED AND

FEMALE-RUN

BUSINESS,

WREC

(WEED RECONSTRUCTION & EXPERT) CONSULTING. Founding the company in 2012, Shelly left law enforcement after 14 years to become an expert in crash reconstruction, human factors, and occupant kinematics, investigating more than 2,500 crashes with 18 years of crash investigation experience. Amber, a corporate litigator with a Masters of Public Health from Emory and a former scientist at the CDC, joined WREC full-time in 2018. WREC investigates crashes for insurance companies and attorneys handling evidence preservation and collection, analyses, legal testimony, and expert-written reports, often extending its services for free to law enforcement departments that may not have the capacity to do a full reconstruction. “When we approach a crash scene we first look for the area of impact and where the vehicles came to their final rest. If the vehicles are still on scene when we respond, we assess the damage to the vehicles and debris trajectory,” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

amber bishop says Amber. “We are always looking for the ‘why’ – why did this accident happen here and now.” Amber and Shelly have busted through glass ceilings and have changed the face of legal experts in courts across Georgia, proving that women can be experts in accident reconstruction. They forged their own path and exemplify daily that women can thrive in mathematical and scientific fields if given the opportunity. Why follow a path that doesn’t leave you fulfilled, when you can blaze a trail? Amber will graduate from the Anti-Defamation League’s 2021 Glass Leadership Institute in June, a leadership development program empowering young adults to fight hatred and bigotry in their communities. Accident reconstruction is almost exclusively a field occupied by males and WREC is the only female owned firm in Georgia. Amber and Shelly, the only women thus far out of 32 people total, are accredited by the Accreditation Commissioner for Traffic Accident Reconstructionists.

Amber Bishop

Crash evidence must be preserved quickly after an accident. An accident reconstructionist relies upon evidence collected from vehicles involved in crashes and roadway evidence located at the scene of the crash. Evidence is key to proving or disproving liability, but once a car is destroyed or roadway evidence disappears, it is gone forever. This is true whether you are an injured pedestrian, the driver of

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

a car, a passenger, an owner, “at fault” or not. Hiring an attorney and an accident reconstructionist protects your rights, protects your assets, and protects your peace of mind. WREC prides itself on client service, offering a thoughtful but tailored approach for each case in their community. The sense of community, commutability, and abundance of amenities cemented their choice to establish themselves in Smyrna/Vinings. The community is full of friendly people and other female-led businesses they love: like Pure Barre Vinings, OrangeTheory Fitness Smyrna, and Refuge Rescue. You can catch Amber and Shelly walking their two dogs and foster puppies on the Silver Comet Trails and training to complete the 29029 Everesting Challenge in Snow Basin, Utah, where they’ll ascend the Wasatch Mountains. For more information on protecting yourself, check out WREC’s website WreckConsulting.com or reach out directly to Amber at ABishop@WreckConsulting.com.

Shelly Weed

shelly weed CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

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REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

VININGS

REALTY REPORT

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Vinings

$2,250,000

$2,200,000

98%

5.5

Bakers Farm

$1,695,000

$1,600,000

94%

4.5

Rivers Call

$1,150,000

$1,075,000

93%

Ridgewood Heights

$975,000

$955,500

98%

167

4.5

Smyrna Market Village

$934,000

$927,000

99%

4.5

Kensington Green

$889,900

$925,000

104%

5.5

Cochise

$899,000

$872,500

97%

106

3.5

West Haven

$799,000

100%

5.5

2000 Paces Ferry

$775,000

$770,000

99%

104

4.5

Paces Ferry Park

$740,000

100%

4.5

Paces View

$750,000

$740,000

99%

3.5

Cochise

$725,000

100%

2.5

Riverbrooke at Wildwood

$685,000

100%

Central Garden

$699,000

$684,000

98%

3.5

Paces Ferry Park

$675,000

100%

Cochise

$640,000

$663,610

104%

Vinings Heights

$650,000

$643,500

99%

4.5

West Haven

$645,000

$635,000

98%

Williams Park

$630,000

$635,000

101%

3.5

Central Garden

$625,000

100%

3.5

Courtyards Of Vinings

$649,999

$623,000

96%

3.5

Rileys Walk

$636,500

$615,000

97%

Fontaine at Cooper Lake

$599,600

$610,000

102%

4.5

Information compiled f rom First Multiple Listing Service and Georgia Multiple Listing Service f rom dates of 3/1/21 to 3/31/21. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

TRAVEL DESTINATION

S C O T T S DA L E , T WO WAYS

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY SUE G. COLLINS & PROVIDED

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

WAKING UP WITH THE WARM SUN AT CIVANA

the world and is a perfect pandemic outing, with five

WELLNESS RESORT & SPA JUST OUTSIDE

thematic trails, grand outdoor art installations, and an

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, THE RAW BEAUTY AND

outdoor café. Design fans must visit Taliesen West,

PEACEFUL PACE OF THE SONORAN DESERT

Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio, and architectural

BECKONED, ALONG WITH A FULL ITINERARY OF

laboratory built by gathering rocks from the desert

HEALING SPA TREATMENTS, CREATIVE MOVE-

floor and sand from the washes to keep the design in

MENT, ENRICHMENT ARTS AND HEALTHY CUI-

balance with the environment. Book the 90- minute

SINE. Stretching, pausing for a prayer of gratitude,

guided tour by (likely) a retired architect in sensible

pushing aside the black-out drapes, there’s that sun

shoes and endless anecdotes about the iconic artist

splashing across my very own patio not far from the

and his family of apprentices. Check COVID hours

pool. Civana was graced with a multi-million dollar

before you go.

renovation four years ago, with new wellness space

Heading out of Carefree in a dreamy state of

filling former conference rooms with art therapy class-

semi-self actualization, we were skeptical of reinte-

rooms, yoga studios, a fitness club and self-discovery

grating to the general population. But, checking into

programming and soothing treatments to make even

The Scott Resort & Spa in the heart of Old Town

the most practiced yogi say, “namaste.”

Scottsdale was comforting and exciting, thanks to a

The 184-room resort, located in Carefree (where

color palette of old Havana, a New Orleans flair, and

else?) is an easy drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor

recognizable geometry of Bauhaus accents. If this

airport with a gem of a spa, 22,000 square feet of

combo sounds jarring, it’s not. It’s a lush retreat, a

bliss. Consider one of the spa’s signature treat-

low rise collection of 200-plus guest rooms around a

ments as your reward for weathering a pandemic.

shady courtyard with two pools, one sand-bottomed,

An hour-long body exfoliation and layered body

and one with a pool bar and private cabanas. Classic

wrap with essential oils (your choice) combined with

black and white movies are screened on the covered

organic seaweed or Arizona mud to detox will work for

patio and conversation nooks dot the property, in

even the tightest of uptights. If that’s you, stay put for

case you need time and space for further contempla-

another hour on the table for a full-body replenishing

tion. And, who doesn’t?

massage with infused shea butter, performed by a

Dinner at nearby FnB fed our bodies and souls. Chef

quiet but strong therapist, an angel in disguise. Later

Charleen Badman, is a recipient of the James Beard

in the afternoon, after a magical wander through the

Foundation’s 2019 Best Chef: Southwest and along

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, join Civana’s

with her partner and wine aficionado, Pavle Milic,

guided meditation that will remind you who you are,

creates an intimate experience with locally sourced

or who you want to become.

elevated vegetable dishes and paired local wines.

Meals at Civana are colorful and veggie-forward, but

Visit Scottsdale when you need to get away. Far

not as an afterthought, and staff are welcoming and

away, to find that part of you that’s stale or neglected.

respectful of everyone’s individual wellness journey.

The Sonoran Desert and a spa stay that won’t break

The Desert Botanical Garden offers the world’s finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

the bank will soothe and reassure. Body and soul.

DINE TheMissionAZ.com FnBRestaurant.com STAY AT A SPA TheScottResort.com Civana.com PLAY FrankLloydWright.org DBG.org MaricopaCountyParks.net CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

LOCALS ONLY

CHEF V I RG I N I A WILLIS

ARTICLE SEAN O’KEEFE | PHOTOGRAPHY BARTEE LAMAR

I S LE A D I N G T H E WAY

VIRGINIA WILLIS IS A TRUE BEACON OF SOUTHERN COOKING AND OF GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY. A Georgia native with a vast global palate of education and experience, Virginia is one of those rare, deliciously incredible talents, that is responsible for the eruption of southern cuisine onto the American culinary landscape. A prolific and award-winning author (Bon Appetit Y’all, Secrets of the Southern Table, and Lighten Up, Y’all: Classic Southern Recipes Made Healthy and Wholesome), Virginia’s books seek to prepare the readers as they strive and achieve their own culinary excellence. Over the years Virginia and

pound cakes with her mother in the family’s kitchen. And, there

her cookbooks have certainly introduced a very

are other memories of being on set with globally recognized chefs,

modern approach to everyone’s favorite southern

like Nathalee Dupree, Bobby Flay and Martha Stewart.

cooking favorites as well as the ubiquitous generational classic recipes of the south.

An avid angler, Virginia once caught a twenty-five-pound king salmon, one of her favorite memories. This incredible experience

Virginia Willis also adores cookbooks and

also serves as a personal reminder to Virginia of why she has served

wanted to find a way to celebrate them with her

as a member of the Blue-Ribbon Advisory Board for Seafood Watch

friends. One of her most celebrated pandemic

as well as the Monterey Aquarium. “If the seafood is not sustainable

pivots was her new Facebook and YouTube

I will not eat it nor will I cook with it,” says Virginia. “I try to respect

live stream broadcast series: Cookbooks with

the earth, honor the farmers, and celebrate the seasons.”

Virginia. The show, which airs live and in person

Virginia applauds the Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI)

every Friday at 11:30am, features Virginia chatting

Atlanta Chapter. “LDEI has been a tremendous part of my culinary

with people she admires.

career. I was an apprentice with Nathalie Dupree as the chapter was

“I learned to cook in my grandmother’s kitchen,”

being formed. Recently, I was awarded the LDEI Fellowship Grant at

says Virginia, “there are photos of me making

the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences in Rabun Gap

biscuits at age three.” Learning from her grand-

and it was a tremendous honor.” While at Hambidge, Virginia studied

mother and her mother, incredible home cooks,

narrative non-fiction writing and began working on her first novel.

Virginia was introduced at a very young age to her own unique language of love - cooking and the culinary arts. There are sweet memories of baking

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | May 2021

VirginiaWillis.com

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