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ALPHARETTA MAGAZINEFree Publication March edition 2010

Catching The City in Action

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ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE I March 2010

[CONTENTS]

22

38

24

26Cover Model Search

An Amazing Feat

14 St. Patrick’s Day

Bedroom Oasis

Bread: It’s a Pain

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Special Thanks:

Alpharetta Police Dept.Dr. MacMasterKathy ForteAllen CooleyDebbie Hill of Westminster Prep.Lisa (Lili) FineJackie ManessDr. Kenneth SandsDr. Natasha A. SandsDr. Jim HoveyGeorge GordonBill & CaroleSamariDebbie Voboril Katie Reeder Janet Rodgers Maya MehannaEric SagroStefanie Smith

On the Cover - Photography by Yung Cho

Dio C.David CollinsChristine EnglerSarah Bradfield Tim Nguyen Cheri Cheatam Scott Durnell

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Coming up in the April edition:

FASHION FORWARD

THE EYES HAVE IT

SAY CHEESE

LIAR LIAR

COMPANY FOR DINNER

HOME SECURITY

LOBSTER IMPOSTER

FUNNY DOGS

ABSTRACT ART

CAR REVIEW

Most people love to throw dinner parties for their friends and family, but they may avoid serving wine because they do not know exactly what to serve. Do you serve red or white with fish? Will Merlot be okay if you are serving veal? There are some basic wine rules you can follow that will help take the mystery out of wine selection.

The number one rule of thumb when choosing wine is “red wine with red meat, white wine with white meat.” This is not always true, but it generally works quite well when you are unsure. One exception is chicken. The meat is white, but a nice fruity red wine goes well with it. The same can be said for tuna or salmon, so you do not have to always follow the rule of not serving red wine with fish. The second rule is the rule of complements. It’s okay to match sweet seafood such as lobster with a sweet white wine such as a delicious Cake-bread Chardonnay. The next rule is the op-posites attract. While you usually want to match like flavors, sometimes a contrast, such as a White Bordeaux with bluefish can be wonderful.

It can definitely be confusing. Here are some hints as to what to serve with particu-lar types of food.

Salads and Appetizers You should avoid serving wine during your salad, as vinegar and wine do not mix well. But, if you are having an appetizer, you need to consider the ingredients in the appetizer to help you choose your wine. If you are having a cheese tray, the type of cheese will help you determine the wine. For example, cheddar is best with dry reds, Merlots, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinot Noir goes best with Swiss cheese. Camem-bert and brie are great with a Chardonnay. The cheese we tend to think of as Italian such as parmigiano, romano, and reggiano go well with Italian dry red wines like Chi-anti and Barlol. If you are serving a fried appetizer, consider serving a crisp, fruity white or red wine to help cut the oily fla-vor.

Beef, Steak and Lamb Do you remember the “red wine with red meat” rule? That one is great to use when serving beef, steak, and lamb. Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a burgundy like Pinot Noir. You can also con-sider serving an Italian red such as Barolo or Chianti.

Fish and Seafood To be safe, stick with a dry, crisp white wine. Sauvignon Blanc goes well with white fish while Sancerre and Muscadet go well with oysters. If you want to be differ-ent, try a fruity red wine (without tannins). Be careful. Cabernets with tannins com-bined with fish can leave a metallic taste in your mouth.

Poultry, Pork and Veal For the most part, you want to follow the “white meat, white wine” rule with these. White chardonnays and Pinot Blancs are great. If you want to serve red with chicken, remember to choose a wine that is fruity like a Merlot or Zinfandel.

Turkey Think back to Thanksgiving. Do you remember how well your cranberry sauce went with the turkey? The same rule applies here. For turkey, since it has both white and dark meat, you want something fruity and tart such as Beaujolais for red or a Riesling for white.

Spicy Foods If you are planning on serving something spicy like Thai or Indian food, a sparkling wine works best. Avoid wines with tannins and look for something fruity. And, make sure the wine is well chilled. Cold wine goes well with spicy foods.

Dessert The best thing to serve with a delicious dessert is a dessert wine. In fact, you can skip the dessert part and just serve a dessert wine to your guests. These are sweet wines often sold in smaller bottles as you don’t drink as much dessert wine as you do regular wine. Wines such as Sauternes, Beerenauslese, Bermet and Cammandaria will make a great end to any evening.

The most important rule about what wine to serve is to remember that essentially, there are no right answers, only basic rules to go by and even those, as you have seen, can be changed. Do not be afraid to experiment with different tastes. Chances are if you enjoy the wine you are serving, your guests will as well. AM By James Simmer

THE TRICKTO UNDERSTANDING WINE

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 23


What is hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to total hip replacement. The advantages of hip resurfacing are that it is bone sparing, poten-tially a faster recovery and a decreased risk of dislocation. In-stead of cutting off the head and neck of the thigh bone (femur), we remove the arthritic portion and place a metal cap over the bone. This metal cap then articulates with a metal cup that we place in the pelvis.

How did you become involved with the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing?

When the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing system gained FDA approval, the parent company Smith and Nephew selected ap-proximately 50 surgeons across the United States to develop early centers for hip resurfacing. Initially, we were the only surgeons FDA approved to perform the surgery. However, over the last 4 years I have trained numerous other surgeons throughout the United States.

What are the advantages of total hip resurfacing?

The main advantage is that the patient keeps more of their own bone. Traditional total hip surgeries over the long term suffer from stress shielding which leads to loss of bone. This condition generally complicates future revision surgery. An-other advantage is decreased chance of dislocation. The hip is a ball in socket joint. Hip resurfacing allows the surgeon to use a larger ball that mimics the patient’s natural hip head size. Lastly, patients with hip resurfacings tend to return to more ac-tive lifestyles.

Who is a candidate for total hip resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is intended for young, active adults with de-generative joint disease of their hip. In general, men under the age of 60, or very active men under the age of 65, and females younger than 55 are good candidates. Patients with a history of osteoporosis or obesity are not good candidates.

How do you know if you have hip arthritis?

A lot of times young patients mistake arthritis pain for muscle pain. Patients report feeling like they pulled a groin muscle. Some patients have even had hernia repairs not realizing that their pain was coming from their hip. In the end, an evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon will let you know if you are right for the surgery.

How have your results been with the Birmingham Hip?

I have been very pleased with our early results. The recov-ery time has been faster. Most of my patients return to work within 6 weeks, and return to their sport of choice within 3 – 6 months. I also find that my patients with hip resurfacings tend to have less pain. Only time will tell how successful this proce-dure will become. Hip resurfacing accounts for about 20% of my total hip practice. I think it is important to remember that hip resurfacing is not ideal for every patient, and the operation is more technically demanding than a traditional total hip sur-gery. However, with good patient selection and experience, I think hip resurfacing with the Birmingham Hip is an excellent choice. Dr. Sands is board certified by the American Board of Ortho-paedic Surgery and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Kenneth C. Sands, M.D.Harbin Clinic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

(706) 236-6362

Learn more at RESTOREMYJOINT.com

Questions and answers with dr. Kenneth sands, M.d.

Dr. Sands was the first surgeon in Georgia to perform a modern metal-on-metal total hip resurfacing and the first surgeon in Northwest Georgia to perform the Oxford Knee.

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Hybrids, Utility Woods, Rescue Woods… just some of the names given to hybrid rescue woods. More and more players are resorting to hybrids as an alternative to long irons but do these clubs really deliver on the hype?

Many golfers don’t realise that hybrid clubs have been around for some time in one guise or another – so why are more and more hy-brid golf clubs finding their way into the bags of professional and amateur players?

The origins of the hybrid club amongst players is somewhat un-clear – the general consensus says that hybrid clubs originated from Gary McCord a PGA pro – who observed his colleagues struggling with long irons. At that stage of his career McCord was sponsored by TaylorMade – who took the concept and developed a golf club which combined the features of a wood and an iron. In crude terms the manufacturer developed a new club-head based around the follow-ing properties of a golf wood: wide sole, low-back centre of gravity and increased mass and connected an iron shaft to the head.

The main difference between a hybrid club and a 5 or 7-wood is the shaft. The standard length of a 2-iron is roughly 39” and the length of a 5-wood is 42”. Hybrid golf clubs are somewhere in between. A longer golf club will deliver a greater distance through increased club-head speed; the additional speed will also increase the trajec-tory of the ball and will prove harder to control.

Hybrid golf clubs also feature thicker shafts than woods for increase stability and accuracy. Com-pared to an equally lofted wood, a hy-brid club is more ac-curate and easier to use at the sacrifice of distance. When

compared to a long iron, a hybrid club features a larger club-head with a lower centre of gravity to increase distance and carry and will deliver a softer landing. A hybrid club can also achieve better results from the bunker or rough.

The current generation of hybrids offer a rich variety of lofts with a choice of different sole widths and face heights available. Today’s hybrids are also available in a variety of lengths – some larger or shorter than standard irons and others the same length as woods. Popular brands like Prosimmon, Confidence and Texan Classics now produce hybrid iron sets which replace long 3 and 4-irons with hybrid golf clubs (21 and 24-degrees). Online retailers such as The Sports HQ can offer exceptional discounts on hybrid rescue clubs and hybrid iron sets.

Hybrid wood sets offer the best value for money and scope for im-proving your game – the Confidence HQ7 Square Hybrid Wood Set for example consists of four square profiled hybrid golf clubs (15 to 24-degrees) with matching head-covers and the choice of regular or stiff flexed shafts. AM By Scott Duncan

GOLF TIPS


The Hummer is probably the most recognizable SUV in the world. The Hummer 1 arrived and it was a huge success. The scaled-down Hummer 2 also faired well, even though both kept the trademark box appearance of the original military vehicle. The base Hummer 3 however is scaled-down even more than the Hummer 2 and has a shape of its own. So is the H3 a real Hummer or is it quite simply joining the large number of other SUVs on the road today?

Hummer 1 and 2 owners are well aware that, despite the fact that the off-road performance of the Hummer is unrivalled, its on-road perfor-mance is nothing to write home about. It takes up half the road, outward visibility is terrible, parking is next to impossible and they simply don’t talk about its fuel consumption. The appeal lies simply in its size and distinctive appearance. However as we move away from the distinctive size and shape of what many would call the “true” Hummer, owners are going to look more at the performance of the vehicle in comparison to the competition. This is where the Hummer H3 is going to come up a little short.

In spite of the fact that it will outshine the competition as an off-road vehicle, the Hummer 3 base is woefully underpowered for on-road driv-ing. Boasting a 3.5L 5-cylinder engine which produces 220 hp, it would seem to be on par with such vehicles as the Honda Pilot. That is until you compare the weights of the two vehicles and learn that the H3 is some 900 lbs heavier than the Pilot. In other words, unless the Honda Pilot is weighed down by the high school soccer team inside, H3 drivers should not try to race it to the next red light.

Acceleration is poor to say the least in the H3 and don’t even think about trying to put your foot down if you’re going uphill. Its “minivan-ish” 0-60 in 8.9 seconds will disappoint those of us who are accustomed to outrunning 18 wheelers while we merge onto Highway 400. While the Hummer’s height and bulk lend it a certain psychological roominess, the tape measure reveals less legroom at the “con” than a Chevy Cobalt. Move around back, carefully negotiating the narrow door openings, and you’ll find economy-class knee room for a rear seat. Is this a Hummer or United Airlines? The cargo area is similarly compact,

accessed through an awkwardly heavy side-hinged hatch.

So has GM made an error with the Hummer H3? It depends on who you ask. There are those who enjoy the Hummer name and need to off-road in style. Is paying nearly $40,000 sufficient just to have the Hummer name? Absolutely for some. “I was in the market for a new SUV and Hummer has the most prestigious name out there right now. It comes with a certain status symbol like that of a Bentley or Mercedes,” says Jeff Prudy of Marietta while shopping for cars. So obviously, brand dev-

otees will happily pay a premium to own a part of the HUMMER mystique.

For those of you in this category, I do have good news. As with most GM ve-hicles, you can al-ways upgrade to a better scenario. For example, for an extra $8,565 you can leap

over to the much improved H3 Alpha model which comes with a better engine, and a few more options. With this upgrade, the Hummer really sets itself apart. The H3 needs this bigger engine for those Hummer enthusiasts that expect the bite to be as big as the bark.

Despite the fickleness of gas prices these days, SUV’s are still very popular vehicles in North Atlanta. The Hummer has clearly carved out a distinctive niche within this market and the success of the Hummer 1 and 2 is not disputed. The question today is whether the Hummer 3 will allow GM to continue to make inroads into this market or will begin to give ground to its competitors. Despite the lazy acceleration and surpris-ingly “cozy” interior I still give the H3 3.5 stars and the H3 Alpha 4 out of 5 stars, because it’s fun to drive, handles nicely, and you feel safe and secure. Let’s face it…it’s still a Hummer. AM by Donnie Sanders

The Hummer H3 - A Real Hummer or Merely Another Off-Road Vehicle?


Educating our patients on the value of Chiropractic and healthy living while partnering with our community to achieve optimum health is the cornerstone of the Hovey Chiropractic Clinic.

Come for relief. Stay for wellness.

We are pleased to offer over 25 years of dedicated and exceptional expertise. Our services include:

- Sports Chiropractic- Spinal Adjustment for all ages- Extremity Adjusting- Postural Analysis- Back Pack Safety Seminar, Fitting, Back Packs- Massage Therapy- Nutrition Programs: Counseling, Meal Plans, Classes, Cooking Demonstrations- Monthly Wellness Seminars- Speaking Engagements

Conveniently located in your neighborhood!VILLAGE TERRACE SHOPS2500 Old Alabama Road, Suite 19, Roswell, GA, 30076 770-587-2663 www.hoveychiropractic.com

“…I have and will continue to refer chiropractic cases to Dr. Hovey with the greatest of confidence and I encourage others, whether

seasoned athletes or non- athletes, to incorporate chiropractic care into their personal wellness plans.”

– Ron Medlin, Head Athletic Trainer for the Atlanta Falcons

Hovey Chiropractic Clinic

Dr. Jim Hovey - Team Chiropractor for

the Atlanta Falcons since 1994.

Mention this Ad and Receive A Free

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Offer Expires 3/31/2010

Mention this Ad and Receive New Patient Services for $35.00!

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“My child is capable and bright. All he needs is the right surroundings to grow.” It is this thought process that leads many parents of students with ADHD, Aspergers, learning disabilities, autism, sensory processing issues, and communication disorders to Alexsander Academy.

Located at 1090 Powers Place, Alexsander Academy serves second - eighth graders in a small school environment. The program is academi-cally based and runs like a traditional school but offers the flexibility the students need to be successful in an academic setting. The school’s cur-riculum is based upon the standards set by the Department of Education, but is tailored to meet the individual needs of the students.

Classrooms serve a maximum of 10 students. The program makes con-stant assessments of the individual student and adjustments are made as needed to support student success. Collaboration between parents and staff is a vital part of the program. Parents and students are intricately involved in the process.

Maya Mehanna, education director, and Stefanie Smith, executive direc-tor, did not just form Alexsander Academy; they have had a working re-lationship that has lasted over eight years. Maya was intricately involved in setting up and working with Stefanie’s son, Ben, in his home program. They share the same philosophy; see kids as kids first, not as a disability. Maya states, “Our students were children that many people had given up on because they didn’t take the time to get to know who they are and real-ize their special qualities. They were looked at as a disability instead of as a child. When we look at neurotypical children, we see the potential and possibilities. We should do the same thing with children with disabilities.

Maya, education director and classroom teacher, has over 10 years of experience teaching at the elementary and middle school levels as well as being a therapist in one-on-one programs. She has taught children with a variety of needs including autism, ADHD, emotional and behavioral dis-orders, learning disabilities, and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) students

Stefanie understands the struggles parents go through trying finance a private school education first hand so the school has several programs to help parents offset tuition costs. Alexsander Academy is a non profit, fully accredited by The GA Accrediting Commission and is approved by the Department of Education in Georgia to participate in the SB10 special needs scholarship program.

Alexsander Academy is also very excited about it’s participation in the HB1133 scholarship program. This program allows taxpayers in Georgia to make donations, up to a certain amount per calendar year, and get all of that money back as a tax credit from the state of Georgia. The donations are used to set up scholarships for students to attend the school. Says Stefanie, “This program is way for people to make a REAL difference. And it doesn’t cost you a cent. One couple donated the maximum amount, saved $600 on their federal taxes, got all the money back when they filed their taxes and helped provide scholarship money to four students at our school. One parent had tears in her eyes when she found out her children would benefit from this program.”

Corporations can even donate up to 75% of their quarterly tax payments and still have all the money reimbursed by the state of Georgia. People or corporations interested in donating should contact Stefanie or visit www.georgiasso.com and tell them you are working with Alexsander Academy.

The school day at Alexsander Academy runs Monday-Friday from 9:45-3:15 with before and after care offered. A summer session is offered as well. Summer session slots not filled by Alexsander Academy students are offered to children not attending the school. After school tutoring and workshops are available as well.

To learn more or to set up a tour of the school please visit the school’s website www.alexsanderacademy.org or contact Stefanie Smith at [email protected] or by phone at 770-777-0475.

AlexsAnder AcAdemy

Come for relief. Stay for wellness.

Hovey Chiropractic Clinic

Wake up, darling!

This title is meant to sound loving and nurturing, not demeaning. A wise man was once asked, “If you had one message to share with the world, what would it be?” His reply, “Wake up!”

I’ve often wondered what that really means. I suppose that there are various degrees of being conscious – from waking from sleep to self realization. Also, I wonder if we choose one degree of being in the moment or is it something we inherit like baldness or dimples? To choose to awake to life and all of its splendor is an option and not something that we do automatically.

My challenge to you as well as to myself is to take stock in our de-gree of being conscious. I don’t know about you but I tend to drift into cruise control with my life, losing large chunks of my day. The problem with this is that in my sleep-walking state of mind, I don’t always make good choices; many of my decisions are defaults to habits and routines that aren’t always aligned with my purpose, vision, or best interest. I find that these unconscious choices can actually be hazardous to my quality of life and relationships.

Possible tools to help us be aware of these stupors are anchors; anchors are mental or physical reminders to jog your state of mind. One example is the old rubber-band-on-your-wrist. When you no-tice it, you choose to be aware of certain actions, thoughts, etc.; if you catch yourself in a negative state, you snap yourself with the band and sting yourself awake. Other tools can be any reminders – phone ring tone, buttons, jewelry, pets, tattoos; anything to “git-er-done”. Together, let’s all wake up.

Consciously live well.

Dr. Jim Hovey, DC

Dr. Hovey’s office is located in the Village Terrace Shops2500 Old Alabama Road, Suite 19Roswell, GA 30076770-587-2663 www.hoveychiropractic.com

Serving grades 2nd - 8th

SB 10 ApprovedScholarships Available

Open HouseMarch 20th

And Tours Weekly by Appointment

email: [email protected]

ADHD, Autism, AspergersProcessing Issues and LD

770-777-0475www.alexsanderacademy.org

1090 Powers Place, Alpharetta, 30009

Ask About Our Summer

Program!

Alexsander Academy is not for profit and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or religion.

We are in Main Street Commons near the intersection of North Main and Mayfield behind the Citgo gas station and the CVS.

What I Did Last Summer By A.R. Gurney February 25 - March 14, Wed. thru Sunday, Times Vary - see website Georgia Ensemble Theatre 950 Forrest St. Roswell, GA 770-641-1260 This funny coming-of-age story focuses on an American family in 1945 as they spend their summer on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie. 14 year-old Charlie has flunked Latin, but rather than study, he wants to be swimming or playing pranks with his best friend. He takes a job as handyman for a bohemian art teacher who tries to stretch Charlie’s mind by teaching him painting & sculpture, which leads to a showdown between the teacher & Charlie’s mother in a clash of philosophies which shapes the man! [email protected] http://www.get.org Event Type: Performing Arts - Comedy Ticket Prices $17 to $36

Dirt n’ the Skirt Saturday March 6, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM American Honda Complex 1450 Morrison Parkway Alpharetta, GA 770-442-2459 A female only Dirtbike Clinic. This course is a boot camp teaching basic safety and motorcycle operating techniques. Students will experience hands-on training, verbal instruction and riding demonstrations on how to operate a dirtbike and then perform exercises in a controlled environment at the MSF Campus. Ages 12 and up only. There will be a 1 hour lunch break.

[email protected] http://www.offroad-training.org Event Type: Outdoor Activities Registration $100.00

Alpharetta Youth Lacrosse Classic March 6 and March 7, 2010 8:00 AM - 9 PM Alpharetta High School 3595 Webb Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 770.364.7736 The Alpharetta High School Lacrosse Program & the community of Alpharetta are pleased to be hosting the inaugural Alpharetta Youth Lacrosse Classic Tournament. We anticipate attracting some of the premier U13 & U15 boys programs in the Southeast for a 2-day, fun-filled, action-packed tournament. The website should contain all the necessary information for coaches, parents & sponsors to make arrangements NOW to participate in this “awesome” event!! [email protected] http://www.alphalaxclassic.com Event Type: Sports See website for costs.

Celebrity Chef Sunny Anderson Tuesday March 9, 7:00 PM Publix at Alpharetta Commons 4305 State Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 770-751-8560 Come experience first hand a demonstration by Food Network’s bright new face at the table. Sunny hosts the popular series, Cooking

for Real. With an understanding of the need for uncomplicated dishes with affordable, easy to find ingredients, Sunny offers real food, for real life combining her approach to classic comfort foods along with her passion for unique flavors inspired by her many travels. [email protected] http://www.publix.com Event Type: Culinary Demonstration $50.00

14th Annual Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) Benefit Ball Friday March 12, 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM Metropolitan Club 5895 Windward Parkway Alpharetta, GA 678-297-6364 A fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing, casino-style gambling, silent and live auctions and more, as this year’s PAL ball has a cruise ship theme. From a tux and long black dress to shuffle board whites and flip-flops, any attire is suitable. Partygoers will enjoy tropical hors d’oeuvres, colorful cocktails and other culinary delights from the high seas. [email protected] www.alpharetta.ga.us Event Type: Benefits Tickets $75.00 per person

CALANDER OF EVENTS - MARCH

For additional information please visit: www.awesomealpharetta.com

Photo taken by Allen Cooley Photography - Crooked Creek Subdivision, Alpharetta, GA

The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has moved to a new location... They are now at Park Plaza, 178 South Main Street, Suite 200, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009, as of October 22, 2009. For additional information please visit: www.awesomealpharetta.com

Congratulations to Stewart Abrahart! Stewart is an Alpharetta Super-Y Soccer Player who was selected to join an International All-Star Team.Eighteen players for Disney’s Soccer Showcase All-Star Team, which is comprised of talented high school soccer players from across the United States, were selected on December 29th. The Disney All-Star Team will represent the United States against top international youth teams in Europe during the summer of 2010. The players were selected for the All-Star Team after participating in a Soccer Showcase, with more than 520 teams from around the country, which annually attracts the most decorated high school soccer players in the nation. Based on performance during the Showcase, Stewart Abrahart, a player for the Alpharetta Elite and Alpharetta United Super-Y team, and student at Greater Atlanta Christian School, was selected among the eighteen elite players. Good Luck this summer in Europe Stewart. Congratulations!

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www.ALPHARETTAMAGAZINE.COMOR CALL OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT

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“For over 25 years I have been working with corporate executives, professional athletes and everyday homeowners around the globe to help them transform their homes into unique personalized expressions of themselves. Every project offers new challenges, new personalities and new adventures that keep me loving what I do.” - Laura Bloom

l The most economical way to decorate is with a professional who eliminates costly mistakes and

wasted time by putting together a plan that targets your specific design needs and budget. Home Expressions proudly maintains outstanding customer service, quality merchandise and fair pricing all the time.

l Receive up to $1500 tax credit on approved Hunter Douglas window coverings until April 15th 2010.

The showroom on Windward Parkway offers a fresh sampling of the styles and product lines carried. Come visit or call today!!

Turn Your Visions into Reality

5530 Windward Parkway, Suite 110E, Alpharetta, GA. 30004678.242.0480 www.HomeExpressionsInteriors.com

Interiors by Laura Bloom

“I couldn’t have dreamed of anything more perfect, it is as if you were able to read my mind and bring to life what I tried to envision…”

- N. Queen, Fayetteville, GA

Annual Spring Clearance Sale!!

· Everything on the floor will be on sale….30%-50% off!

· All lamps, art and upholstered items 50% off!· All accessories and case

goods 30%!· Hurry in for best selection!

Chess is more than just a game, it’s an art. No matter how good you are, and no matter how many strategies, openings, endings and techniques you know, there is always something new you can try. It’s all about planning, observation, and the ability to predict your opponent’s next move. The game of chess is probably the only game where there is no such thing as luck.

To become a good chess player, you need to understand how you make your decisions and how you go forth to achieve your goals. If you are one who takes every step with caution, and avoids taking risks, then play defensively. Playing chess defensively has its advantages especially if

your opponent is someone who plays very aggressive. What you need to concentrate on is your pawn positioning. Avoid exchanging pieces. Keep blocking the opponent from breaking through and wait for a mistake or opening then go on the attack.

If you believe in taking risks without losing too much, then play aggres-sive by reinforcing all your pieces by one another. The key pieces for you in this kind of strategy are the knights. Position your bishops and queen to target an area on the board and then use your knights to create an opening for them. Use your pawns as distractions by attacking with them the area you do not plan to exploit. Most expert chess players use this strategy.

If you are an adventurous and aggressive personality, who lives danger-ously and loves taking risks, then play exactly the way your personality is. Make an aggressive opening and try to reinforce the center of the board. Do not mind exchanging pieces but save your rooks and queen for the later game. This strategy of exchanging pieces mercilessly is called the ‘Butcher method’. Force the opponent to move his king and then capitalize on it by attacking the area where his king is.

Learn the basics of chess to perfection then improve your game by play-ing more often and better players. See the famous games played by the grandmasters of chess and learn to think how they think. However, once you have become good enough by learning from others, then its time to get even better by making your own moves and strategies based on your own personality and risk taking ways. Keep in mind that in order to become a great chess player, it’s just as important to know your opponent as it is to know yourself. AM by Kevin Buchannon

Challenging Chess


Restaurant & CatererNever Enough Thyme is a family owned and operated gourmet restaurant located in the

McGinnis Ferry Promenade Retail Center at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Rd in Alpharetta, GA.

We specialize in ample sized servings of quality homemade food. Wine and beer are also available by the glass.

Come try our new breakfast menu which includes pastries, gourmet breakfast sandwiches, home fried red bliss potatoes and more!

We were voted “Best Lunch Spot” for the Roswell, Alpharetta, and John’s Creek area and now we also serve breakfast. Can’t stop and eat?

Then be sure to take advantage of our take-out or catering services.

We are open Mon-Fri 7:00am - 6:30pm Sat 8:00am - 3:00pm.Restaurant available for private parties in the evenings and weekends.

5354 Mcginnis Ferry RdAlpharetta, GA 30005phone: (678) 297-1124

fax: 678- 297-1124

NEVER ENOUGH THYME

www.neverenoughthyme.net

If you love Never Enough Thyme for Lunch, wait til you try BREAKFAST!

Imagine being on the front cover of a magazine! Alpharetta Magazine is looking for cover models to represent several issues of our magazine in 2010.

No former modeling experience is necessary.

Besides being on several front covers of Alpharetta Magazine, additional prizes include:

* An incredible prize package from Level Spa Salon. * A photo shoot with award winning photographer Allen Cooley.

* A 2-page feature within Alpharetta Magazine.

Alpharetta Magazine’s Cover Model Search is open to 3 different age groups:Group 1: Ages 6-17 Group 2: 18-29 Group 3: 30+

We will have one Cover Model Winner from each age group. This search is open to men & women; boys and girls.

All chosen participants from submitted entries will take part in our cover model search which will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel on March 13th, 2010. Pick up a FREE entry form at Level Spa Salon in Cumming, Ga.

Our 3 cover model finalists will be selected by the voting public online on our website

www.ALPHARETTAMAGAZINE.comPlease mail in a current picture to Alpharetta Magazine 2905 Jordan Court Suite B-230, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004.

Sorry, pictures will not be returned.

2 Easy Steps to Enter: 1. Pick up a FREE entry form from Level Spa Salon located at 405 Peachtree Parkway Suite 160 in Cumming or print one out online

at www.ALPHARETTAMAGAZINE.com

2. Fill out the entry form and mail it to Alpharetta Magazine with a current picture by the March 10th deadline.

Our 3 winners will participate in a free photo shoot with award winning photographer Allen Cooley on March 27th. (Professional Hair & Make- up will be provided)

www.ALLENCOOLEY.com Call 1-888-558-6935 for additional information or visit Level Spa Salon at 405 Peachtree Parkway Suite 160 Cumming GA 30041.

There are no hidden costs, classes or expenses associated with the Alpharetta Magazine Cover Model Search 2010. All submissions must be mailed to Alpharetta Magazine. Level Spa Salon will have the entry forms only. They will not be accepting entry forms or pictures for

submission at the store’s location.

All mailed submissions must be postmarked by March 10th, 2010.

You do not need any prior modeling experience nor do you need an agent to represent you for our search. We are advising all entrants to avoid spending money on professional pictures for this event. Good Luck!

Visit www.ALPHARETTAMAGAZINE.com for more details.


Alpharetta Magazine’s Cover Model SearchSponsored by Level Spa Salon

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINEFree Publication May edition 2010

Catching The City in Action

Alpharetta Magazine’s

Sponsored by Level Spa Salon

Cover Model Search!!

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BEFORE

AFTER

ily. Red heightens the blood pressure and quickens the mind’s pace, not exactly what you want in the bedroom. Neutral colors like those in the beige family are good but with neutrals it will be important to add some color punch with accessories, window treatments and bed-ding. Colors that are toned with or mixed with blue, green or a soft purple also work well in creating that relaxed atmosphere.

Next you need to consider your bedding. If you already have a comforter but want something different, try covering the old com-forter with a duvet cover. Duvet covers are made to cover plain white goose-down comforters but will work perfectly well with any comforter, even if it’s not goose-down. Pillows on the bed are the perfect way to make your bedroom look like a relaxing place to be. When dressing your bed with pillows, use large pillows at the head and taper down to the smaller ones in the front. However, don’t use too many. Try not to take up more than one-third of the bed with pillows as it starts to look “overdone” and they are a pain to remove and replace each day.

When choosing fabric for your bedroom, pick wisely and take your time. The fabric needs to provide privacy and comfort yet in a subtle way to avoid drawing all of the room’s attention. Bedroom windows

need double layers of curtains; long and heavy drapes to block the sun’s morning glare and cold winter temperatures accompanied by a thin light-colored linen curtain to ensure privacy while allowing ample sunlight during daytime.

Lastly, accessories and artwork (see page 30) will help the space feel relaxing. Candles or pretty lamps are a beautiful way to acces-sorize and can add romantic ambiance to the bedroom. Choose a large wardrobe and wall-mirrors for the dressing zone. A small wooden desk with a table lamp and a set of cushioned chairs in a corner can ideally create a cozy reading or lounging area in your bedroom.

Creating that wonderfully relaxing bedroom does not need to cost a fortune. Just making a few inexpensive changes can make a huge difference. In North Atlanta, we’re fortunate to have an interior de-signing professional who can transform any room into the room of your dreams. Laura Bloom of Home Expressions in Alpharetta has a showroom off of Windward Parkway where she can show you various opportunities that you have within your space. Furniture, fabrics, window treatments, can be quite the daunting task without a professional offering their input. Keep in mind that the entire room does not need to be redecorated all at one time. First make the changes in lifestyle that will help you keep the room clean and un-cluttered. Once that step is in place, just take it one step at a time or hire a professional and sit back and watch the transformation. Soon you’ll be retiring each night in your relaxing sanctuary and waking in a room that will brighten each day.

To be precise, a good amalgamation of your creativity and interior decorating tips given by experts is sure to create the spark in your bedroom decor. AM By Renee Clemens


Everyone loves a beautiful relaxing bedroom. The bedroom is the one place where you can unwind and rejuvenate your body in prepa-ration for busy days ahead.

Unfortunately, the bedroom is often one of the most neglected rooms of the house since it’s the room guests will most likely not see. Quite often, at the end of a busy, hectic, and sometimes very tir-ing day, we shed our business attire and drop our clothes to the floor or drape them over the back of a chair. Then, in our rush to start our day the next morning, the clothes remain on the floor, the bills are scattered on the dresser, and there’s no way to have time to make the bed. Continue this routine from Monday to Friday and the bedroom looks more like a dorm room than an oasis.

First things first, if you really want a relaxing, calming bedroom, a place where you can “exhale” the days’ stress, you’re going to have to get rid of the clutter. Clutter makes the mind feel active and that’s not very conducive to relaxation. First, sort through everything and

categorize what you want to keep, what’s trash, and what you want to donate. Then put the things that will stay in the bedroom in deco-rative containers and pack the rest away in storage or put it in the room where it belongs. Ridding yourself of clutter and keeping your house clutter-free is like learning to live a new lifestyle, an orga-nized lifestyle. It’s hard work but well worth the effort.

To reach that bedroom oasis, consider painting the walls. When walls are white, the light bounces around the room. Color will ab-sorb some of the light, create a bit of drama, and make the room feel more relaxing. Since painting is a fairly simple task you can do it yourself, however if you don’t have time for DIY projects, I rec-ommend using B&B Painting (770) 785-2608. They specialize in transforming dull walls into works of art and they paint only by hand so there’s no fear of a paint crew damaging your bedroom furniture with paint spray.

When choosing relaxing colors, try to stay away from the red fam-

Creating a Bedroom Oasis

A trip down the bread aisle is like choosing which one pair of fabulous Jimmy Choos you’d like to take home. They all seem special, but how do you know which one’s the best fit for you?

Low GI, Heart Healthy, with added omega-3s, selenium or inulin pre-biotic fiber. There are so many different types of bread, each offering you the opportunity to obtain better health than the next. How do you choose? Here are some facts that will help you make the most sensible choice for your next cheese and tomato sand-wich.

Give us this day our daily bread

There is nothing wrong with having bread on a daily basis, whether it’s toast, a bagel, or a croissant, however it is important to choose your bread wisely. In recent years, the nutrition savvy person has come to know that whole-wheat bread is better than brown bread, and brown bread is better than white bread, primarily

because each type of bread has more fiber than the other. There are brands of bread that claim to offer as much fiber as whole-wheat bread and with all the taste of white bread. There are also breads bolstered with bird feed, fatty acids and other minerals that claim to do everything from stabilizing blood sugar to pro-tecting against heart disease. Despite all the claims, keep in mind that not all bread is created equal.

White, Brown or Whole-Wheat, which one do I knead?

No matter what the advertising says, whole-wheat bread is still the best option. The white bread that says it has just as much fiber as brown bread is failing to make clear the dis-tinction between the different types of fiber. There are two main types of dietary fiber – soluble and insoluble. The problem is, the white bread in question only contains added soluble fiber, but you need both because they serve different functions in the body.

Soluble fiber works primarily on a chemical basis, absorbing water in the gut to form a mushy, gel like consistency (much like grated apple) that maintains blood glucose levels and bonds with cholesterol in the intestine, so encouraging the fats to pass through your body rather than be absorbed into the blood stream.

Insoluble fiber works on a more mechanical level. Insoluble fiber consists of the indigestible bits – seed flakes, digestive bran and so on – that help to draw water into the intestine and literally act as an internal scourer, gently pushing food through your system.

That’s why whole-wheat remains the king of these breads. It has both soluble fiber, which comes from the wheat flour, and in-soluble fiber, in the form of added wheat kernels. These kernels are what give whole-wheat bread its rough looking texture.

The Fiber Debate

There are other types of functional fiber, too. Starch resistant fiber is also an insoluble fiber, with the added benefit of lowering the PH in the large intestine. These fibers break down to produce short-chain fatty acids, which act as food for pro-biotics, the good bacteria that keep your colon fighting fit. Inulin pre-biotic fiber also acts as food for these friendly microscopic bugs.

When it comes to the fiber in your bread, more is always better. It is quite advantageous to switch from your typical run-of-the-mill white bread to high fiber bread. Your body will thank you for it. AM By Shannon Prander


In France it’s a PAIN

Grand Opening Celebration!!

March 6th 11am -1pm. Meet the Carsmetics staff and enjoy numerous festivities including

drawings for gift cards, sporting events, moonwalk and BBQ!

Now opeN INATLANTA!

ATLANTA, GA (February 2, 2010) - Carsmetics, express accident repair celebrates the official opening today of the first of many Carsmetics of Georgia locations on 1675 Alpharetta Highway in Alpharetta, GA. Carsmetics comes to Atlanta under the ownership of Craig Gonza-les who has seen the growth of 17 proven and successful Florida and Southern California locations that have re-defined the collision repair industry. “Carsmetics will provide Atlanta car owners with an affordable, high quality repair in 24 hours that will make their car look new again. We are pleased to offer the Atlanta market perfect auto body repairs on vehicles that have light collision or “drivable damage.” Consumers are able to get damage fixed on vehicles at a much low-er cost than most auto dealerships and major collision shops charge.

“We concentrate on repairing cars that weren’t involved in a se-rious accident, therefore we eliminate the high overhead costs of tow trucks and other expensive mechanical repair equipment” says Manager Eric Sagro. “This allows us to pass these savings on to our customers”. The benefit of one day repairs has changed the industry and has influenced insurance providers to recommend Carsmetics which saves them rental car costs and long repair delays. The savings of time and money has put the direction of minor repairs into the hands of the consumer. Florida growth has proven that consumers and insurance providers want and need a repair option like Cars-metics.

As a DuPont Assurance of Quality Shop, Carsmetics outlines vari-ous services from cosmetic to functional repairs, fender benders and auto color matching and repainting. They also have a 100% sat-isfaction guarantee so you don’t pay until you are 100% satisfied. “Carsmetics brings minor auto body repair directly to the consumer level so you can avoid the high costs and long delays that you of-ten experience at auto dealerships and major collision shops” says Lucy Chapman, Director of Marketing. “It is amazing the vehicle damage that they can repair,” said Craig Gonzales, who was once a customer in Tampa and is now the owner and franchisee for the Georgia area. Manager Eric Sagro says, “Please stop by for a free price quote which only takes 5-10 minutes. You can get all your minor repairs taken care of at once, and you don’t pay until you’re completely satisfied. That’s a deal worth investigating. You’ll be amazed at what we can do for you and your car.” Carsmetics, headquartered in Tampa, FL is a DuPont Assurance of Quality repair partner offering customers the combination of streamlined technologies, technical expertise and outstanding cus-tomer service to create a high value repair. Please contact Atlanta Manager Eric Sagro for more information at 770-667-0103 or visit www.carsmetics.com. The Cars-metics of Georgia express accident repair center is located at 1675 Alpharetta Highway in Alpharetta next to Ferrari of Atlanta.

Atlanta, GA (Feb. 3, 2010) - Romantic Evenings Made Easy is bringing romance to romantically challenged couples in the Atlanta area by offering complete romantic evening planning and set up. Wives all over the world have the same complaint. Their husbands are not romantic enough. “Our service solves problems! Many men are at a loss when it comes to romance. They want to be more romantic but either don’t know how or don’t have the time even if they did. We do the work for the husbands and the wives get exactly what they want and need. Romantic Evenings Made Easy is truly man’s best friend. “We do all the work and they get all the credit,” says Tiffany Jones Owner at Romantic Evenings Made Easy. “When I opened the door to my hotel suite, I cried. I never thought he would do this for me. I thought this only happened on TV. I loved it. It was beautiful. I’ll never forget that night, says Cohilia Davis. Cohilia is a very happy wife after her husbands an-

niversary surprise. Our service bridges the gap between what wom-en want and what men need to know to please the women in their lives. For busy professionals who have the desire but do not have the time we alleviate the stress of planning the perfect evening. Ro-mantic Evenings Made Easy offers: Date Planning Services, Ro-mantic Evening Set up, assistance with wedding proposals as well as a Sending Love Program: A pre-scheduled random gift delivery service based on personal preference and special occasions. Perfect for military families, busy professionals or couples in long distance relationships.

Contact us for more information by visiting our website: www.romanticeveningsmadeeasy.com or by phone at 678-463-0403.

FLORIDA COMPANY EXPANDS INTO GEORGIA AND REVOLUTIONIZES THE AUTO BODY REPAIR INDUSTRY BY OPENING CARSMETICS EXPRESS ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTER IN ALPHARETTA.

ROMANTIC EVENINGS MADE EASY IS MAKING SURE YOUR FAIRYTALE LAST A LIFETIME! HELPING COUPLES ALL OVER THE WORLD IMPROVE THEIR LOVE LIFE ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME!

LocaL Business spotLight

The popularity of HGTV and its programming is undeniable. The stars, the designs, the fresh ideas keep the viewers tuned in – my wife included. Last summer during a stormy day at the beach, my kids tuned out to Disney movies and my wife seized the opportunity to catch up on her HGTV. With only two screens in our suite, I was forced (sorry-persuaded) to watch with her.

The thing I noticed in show after show was how creative and inventive the designers were with the color scheme, the use of the room, organization, etc. However, at the very end of each show, most designers would place something on the wall that had no emotional connection to the homeowner and call it a “focal point”. I couldn’t believe it! While my wife and I both agreed that we loved most of the rooms, we knew if it were our house or company space, that their “focal point” would be the first thing to disappear as soon as the cameras did! Why would anyone want to look at something so impersonal every day?

I’ve talked to many interior designers over the years and I’ve found that the walls in your home or business are often the last things that they tackle. Rushing to complete the project as it nears an end, they are just trying to get something up on your wall that “matches” the room. I like to call this the 90/10 method. 90 percent of the design effort is placed on the furniture and accessories, and 10 percent into what’s on the wall.

Your walls are prime real estate – an opportunity to surround yourself with designs or images that you truly enjoy. Images that inspire you, soothe you, or reflect you.

The key to “making your walls sing” is to, first of all, reverse the 90/10 emphasis. Think of the walls in your living or working space as primary, not secondary. You are investing in artwork that you will probably live with for years. Would you rather see a random picture in the same color tone as your carpet, or a familiar landscape, vacation destination, or favorite escape? Take it a step further and imagine this same landscape with yourself, your children or family walking together or interacting in this environment. Try introducing emotional impact to your space that you will never grow tired of!

Secondly, make your walls personal. Recognize that the walls in your liv-ing space are a blank canvas for personal expression. Transform that living space into one that expresses the visual equivalent of your personality and interests. For the commercial space, be pro-active. It is not “in style” to be safe anymore. Select artwork that creates a more relaxing environment, reinforces

your company’s branding and mission statement or reflects the history and specific interests of people in your local market. The benefit is clear. You will be more productive and creative when surrounded by imagery that inspires and makes you happy.

Lastly, take control. You are the art director. Think about how much time you spend in your living or working space. Doesn’t it make sense that you would want to surround yourself with imagery of the things that matter most? Remember, your walls are a source of stimulation and conversation, not an accent or afterthought. Most importantly, seek out artists and designers who share your vision of personalizing your space and who can help guide you to creating “walls that sing.”

Instead of traditional photographic portraits, this client chose a mixed media panoramic approach to reveal the entire first year of their two children. A foyer/hallway area was transformed into a “must see” site in the client’s home.

Cousins Properties, developers of the Avenue Forsyth project on Hwy. 141 in Forsyth County, chose imagery of local historic sites to connect with their community.

Pictures, artwork, and content supplied by Bryan Whitelake of Whitelake Studios (770) 889-3202 www.whitelakestudio.com

A one year anniversary portrait session at a favorite river and park has been transformed through a “Life-Art Panel” mixed -media process to become a focal point of art and conversation in this couple’s living room.


“HOW TO MAKE YOUR WALLS SING”

BEFORE

AFTER

HunterDouglasSAVE $25on duette architella honeycomb shades with mail in rebate

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plus, recieve a federal energy tax credit up to $1500 on qualifying styles installed now through december 31, 2010.

5530 Windward Parkway, Suite 110E, Alpharetta, GA, 30004

678.242.0480 www.HomeExpressionsInteriors.com

Interiors by Laura Bloom

r r

A team of former HiFi Buys employees have opened up Benchmark Soundworks - a Home, Car, Marine and Com-mercial Audio and Video store in Alpharetta. Gary Stackpole and Fernando Melendez have partnered up to recreate the ex-perience that was a staple of the Hifi Buys stores, just on a smaller scale.Located in Historic Alpharetta since June, just 2 doors down from the Alpharetta Community Center and within walking distance from Wills Park, Benchmark offers the top quality product brands and expert installation that can’t be found at most other electronics stores.

For your home or business, Benchmark’s team has the knowl-edge and experience with the latest products for home audio, video and automation. From flat panel TV’s, such as Plasma, LCD and the newest LED ultra thin models, video projectors and giant screens for your personal home theater to securi-ty camera systems with digital video recorders, Benchmark prides themselveson helping you integrate your PlayStation™, X-Box™ and/or Wii™ games, getting everything to work sim-ply through one single universal remote control. This is the

place to go. Floor-standing, in-wall and in-ceiling speakers to low voltage lighting control , Benchmark is the place that has the “boat-load of know how.”

It doesn’t matter if you simply want to get what you already have working correctly, or just want an upgrade or desire a whole new audio-video experience in your home, office or res-taurant, Benchmark does it all. Have you purchased a TV or other electronics product from somewhere else? No worries, Benchmark is happy to install it, the right way.

From interior and exterior security and surveillance cameras to simple pre-wiring for a new phone or point-of-sale system, Benchmark can do it.

And of course for your car, boat or bike the list is endless. • Mobile and marine audio and video• In car Bluetooth systems• Satellite and HD Radio• iPod and iPhone integration• Security systems and remote starters (makes your chilly mornings a lot cozier)• Portable and in-dash navigation systems• Radar detection and Laser Blocking, with photo camera warning

The boutique-style showroom offers interactive displays so you can see for yourself. The relaxed atmosphere with person-alized education and service is like no other.

www.benchmarksoundworks.com197 Roswell StreetAlpharetta, GA 30009770-753-9009


Calling All Past HiFi Buys Customers

Have Your Own Personalized Slide Show Created!A slide show is great for All Occasions!GraduationNew ArrivalsMemories of a Dearly Departed OneWeddingsFamily VacationsRetirementsFamily ReunionsChildhood MemoriesAnd Many More......

Packages include :Panning and ZoomingVariable Transitions / EffectsYour own choice of musicDecorative DVD Approximately 10 minutes longUp to 100 Photographs (Digital)Transition TitlesUp to 4 songs1 DVDGet your DVD in 2 weeks.

Call today and let me make your memories last forever.Contact: Cheri @ 714-661-7112 or [email protected]

Personalized DVD’s are a great way to Preserve Memories for a Lifetime and Generations to Come.

Salmon caviar is a very common form of caviar. Larger in size than other caviar, the salmon eggs are bright red in color and are often used for enhancing the appearance and texture of food dishes as well as making a tasty appetizer.

Salmon eggs are excellent with crackers, toast and cream cheese. If you’re a sushi lover Salmon Caviar is a must. For quality taste and texture, try some as prepared below:

Ingredients1 loaf French Baguette3 oz. Salmon Caviar 1/2 c. Sour Cream1/2 c. Mayonnaise2-3 cloves Garlic, minced1/2 c. Red Onion, finely chopped1/2 c. Capers, finely chopped1 lemonDill sprigs for garnish

Preparation Slice bread into 1/4 inch slices and toast lightly in oven at 200 for 10 minutes. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise and garlic. Top each toast with a small dollop of the sour cream mixture topped by a small dollop of caviar. Sprinkle with onion and capers. Finish with a sprig of dill and a few drops of lemon juice.

Full flavored and delicious, Salmon caviar is found in both natural flavor or smoke flavored and is very similar to trout caviar. Serve and enjoy!! AM by Laurie Barnett

MEGA BITES

AUDIO/VIDEO AND A BOAT-LOAD OF KNOW-HOW

If you loved hifi buys and its expert installation and quality products, then you are going to love Benchmark Soundworks.

March 31, 2010


GREEN DAY

While you’re pregnant, be sure to take care of yourself. You must resist the urge to over-indulge in caffeine. Drink lots of water, eat healthy foods, get fresh air, and if you can, get regular exercise. Take care of your spirit as well by doing something that you enjoy every day. Keep positive and enjoy the process despite the oc-casional levels of discomfort. You may need to have a little time to yourself to keep you balanced. Taking care of yourself will give you the energy to take good care of your newborn baby.

Sleep is at a premium when you have a newborn baby, but get it when you can. If you can, sleep when your baby sleeps, and work out a coordinated schedule with your partner so both of you can rest and still take care of the baby.

Be prepared to have a roller coaster of emotions. You will of course admire your new baby and adore him or her, but there will be times when you crave a good night’s sleep, or worry about your ability to care for a newborn. These high/low emotions may be seconds apart. It’s all part of the process. You will be back to your normal self shortly. It is always OK to ask for help if you need it, and your newborn will thrive as you do.

Congratulations, you’ve created a life. One that brings huge re-sponsibilities and also huge amounts of joy. Gaze into your baby’s eyes as they wrap their perfect hand around your finger. Promise him or her the world and dedicate yourself to providing everything they need and almost everything that they will want. You’ve pro-

duced a miracle by way of strength, love, and care. What com-pares to such an amazing feat? What compares to the miracle of life? The next chapter of your life has begun. I’m amazed at the tiny seed that will branch into the family tree. The miracle that we call…Baby. AM By Jane & Monte Mataehc


I believe that the greatest of all miracles is the miracle of child-birth. Childbirth is so common and takes place so many times, in so many regions of the world, everyday of the year, that we lose sight of what a miracle it is. An entire human physically entering the world through the love, strength and commitment of another human. This miracle is way beyond our understanding, and is almost beyond our belief. It’s an everyday event yet the greatest event of all.

One of the most exciting times in a woman’s life is when she conceives. Being able to have a life grow inside of you, nurture it and then bring it to life. The miracle of childbirth is something that we can only imagine until we actually experience it.

For many parents, finding out the sex of the baby is just as excit-ing as discovering that you are pregnant. Once the sex has been determined the clothes can be purchased, the room can be deco-

rated and you begin to think of the name this baby will have for the rest of their life.

Caring for a newborn can be an overwhelming task, even if the baby is not your first. The task is best approached with common sense, but common sense is most useful when rooted in experi-ence. Fortunately, even if you are having your first child, there is plenty of experience to draw on - people have been having babies for as long as there have been people.

A newborn baby can bring about a whirlwind of activity, and be a source of excitement. Baby can also bring stress as well as tire you out. Adjusting to life with a newborn can be a major change, and round- the- clock care for a newborn baby can turn your life upside down. You’ll have tough days, but there’s still no comparison to the joy your child will bring.

Childbirth: An Amazing Feat

The dictionary says a miracle is “any amazing or wonderful occurrence.”

Cafe EfendiFine Mediterranean Food At Reasonable Prices37 Old Roswell StreetAlpharetta, GA 30009www. cafeefendi.com770-360-8014

Dreamland Bar-B-Que - Roswell10730 Alpharetta HighwayRoswell, Georgia 30076678-352-7999Monday-Saturday 10AM-10PM Sunday 11AM-9PM

AutoBrite Car Wash1710 Alpharetta HighwayAlpharetta, GA, 30004770-442-9574email: [email protected]

This Faux House DesignFaux Finishes- Murals- Cabinets- Italian Plasters- Classes254 N Main Street, Alpharetta, GA, 30009678-366-8817www.thisfauxhousedesigns.com

Alpharetta Flower MarketNEW OWNERSHIP3 South Main StreetAlpharetta, GA 30009www.ALPHARETTAFLOWERMARKET.com770-475-2341

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Worth every bite and Dim Sum.

Chinese Dim Sum

Dim sum can be served as an appetizer or as a meal by themselves.

Dim sum are fried or steamed packages made with skins or wrappers with various kinds of flours, yams, eggs, pastry, bread dough and wrapped with meats or other fillings served with dipping sauces such as chili, garlic paste, sesame oil or soy.

The Chinese translate the phrase “dim sum” to mean “to touch the heart.” Part of the appeal of dim sum is that due to the small portions, you can sample a variety of food at one time. Here are my favorite dim sum recipes:

Fried Dumplings or Pot Stickers8 oz ground pork, cooked2 scallions, chopped20 dumpling skins or wonton wrappers (look in Asian markets, if not in grocery store)1 tsp soy sauce1/2 tsp salt1 tsp wine (any kind you would drink)1 tsp vegetable oil

Combine pork and scallions with soy sauce, salt, wine, and oil. Place 1 - 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling in center of wrapper. Fold wrapper in half and pinch along it to seal. Use water if necessary. Fry dumplings over a medium - medium high heat until golden brown or boil in salted water.

EGG ROLL6 oz shredded pork or ham (chicken or shrimp are also good)6 oz shredded celery6 oz shredded bean sprouts4 oz shredded black mushrooms or shredded carrots1 tsp soy sauce1 tsp salt1/2 tsp sesame oil1 tsp pepper1 tbsp flour1 tbsp waterEggroll wrappersOil for frying, plus 2 tbsp

In 2 tbsp oil, stir fry pork, celery, bean sprouts and mushrooms over

medium high heat for 2 minutes and set aside. Add soy sauce, salt, sesame oil and pepper and stir. Mix flour and water in a small bowl and set aside. Put approximately 3 tbsp of stuffing in the middle of an eggroll wrapper. Fold in ends first, and then roll up. Use the flour/ water mixture as a glue to seal the eggroll. Deep fry over medium - medium high heat until golden brown.

Enjoy! AM By Chef Marissa Esteban


Recipe Corner

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