ALPHARETTA MAGAZINEFree Publication December eDition 2009

Catching The City in Action

Give her what she really

Who is Santa Claus?

wants for Christmas!

Merry Christmas

GET BACK TO BASICS...

Design Basics by Elaire

Milan~New York~Miami

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE I December 2009

[CONTENTS]

6 18

30

36 25

Christmas Office Party Give Her What She Really Wants This Christmas

Gossip Big Green Egg

Who Is Santa Claus? 20 Luxury Listings

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Alpharetta Magazine Reserves The Right To Refuse Advertisments For Any Reasons. Acceptance Of Advertising Does Not Mean Or Imply The Services Or Products Are Endorsed Or Recommended By Alpharetta Magazine. No Part Of This Publication May Be Reproduced Or Transmitted In Any Form Without Permission In Writing From Alpharetta Magazine. Alpharetta Magazine Is Owned And Operated By Power Print Industries.

President & C.E.O. Director of Operations Senior Editor Art Director Technical Support Lead Photographer Editorial Assistant

Special Thanks:

Bill & CaroleSamari McGinnisAlpharetta Police Dept.Dr. MacMasterJohn PriorieAllen CooleyDebbie Hill of Westminster Prep.Lisa (Lili) FineJackie ManessMark ManessDavid MottDr. Jim HoveyGeorge GordonDebbie Voboril Katie Reeder Janet Rodgers

On the Cover - Photography by Yung Cho

Coming up in the January/February edition:

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

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE Catching the City in Action

C

To advertise in our next publication call:

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Alpharetta Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertisments for any rea-sons. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or prod-ucts are endorsed or recommended by Alpharetta Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from Alpharetta Magazine. Alpharetta Magazine is owned and operated by Power Print Industries.

VALENTINE’S DAY

FASHION FORWARD

FLOWER GIRL

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

FLAT SCREENS

MAN CAVES

MOVIE REVIEW

SAY CHEESE

Alpharetta Children’s DentistryPutting a smile on your child’s face puts a smile on ours

www.alpharettachildrensdentistry.com

No matter how you say it or celebrate the season...

Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry wishes you and yours a Joyous Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Feliz Navidad (Spanish)

God Jul (Norwegian)

Kala Christouyenna (Greek)

Buone Feste Natalizie (Italian)

Joyeuz Noel (French)

Shub Naya Baras (Hindi)

Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan (Mandarin)

Chag Samaech (Hebrew)

Kuwa na Krismasi njema (Swahili)

Merry Christmas (English)

Company holiday parties stand the test to be one of the most anticipated events of the year. It is likely that this is the time most employers do their best to make a fun-filled atmosphere for the entire company. Many corporations even pass business gifts at the holiday parties to show their gratitude.

It is also a time when associates, employees and friends get to hang loose, let their hair down and relax for a few hours out of the day without the hassles of the daily work force. So what happens when we get too

loose at the company Christmas party? Take a close look at these do’s and don’ts: (because you Do want your job and you Don’t want be-havior at a Christmas party to jeopardize it.)

Rule #1 (and really the rule that strongly af-fects all other rules) Don’t Over Drink. Studies show that 38% of company Christmas parties this year will not be serving alcohol during their function, however if your company has enough faith in their employees to ‘keep it together’ then remember to use caution when drinking.

It is not a good idea to get drunk at these events. If you plan to drink, make plans to drink conservatively. One to two drinks should pro-vide enough to take the edge off yet keep the clothing on during the party. The guy who stands on the table, takes his jacket off, while howling at the chandelier is definitely having a better time than you, however rest assured that you will be his supervisor one day and never the other way around. If more than one drink alters your judgment, stop at one.

Rule #2 Don’t Abandon Your Date. Have you ever been to a company party where you’ve witnessed your extraverted co-worker dallying with the entire staff and leave his date behind? If you choose to bring a companion to a com-pany party, one thing to remember…it is likely he or she will not know anyone else attending. If you choose to be the life of the party, take him or her with you. There’s nothing worse at a company function than a couple who is obvi-ously not getting along. Make sure ample atten-tion is given to the one brave enough to attend this event avec vous.

Rule #3 Don’t Over or Under Dress. No mat-ter how well behaved you are, you still don’t want people talking about you as ‘that girl in that outfit’…see page 36. Before attending the holiday event, know what the dress code is. If this occasion is formal…put on a suit. And no, Dockers and a collared shirt are not formal! A tux may be too over-the-top depending on the nature of the event, but a nice dark suit would do the trick. Make sure that what you wear re-flects well on you professionally. This is not the time to show up in your most revealing outfit.

Rule #4 Do attend. Don’t even consider NOT going. The office party is part of your job. Its purpose is to bring together coworkers and col-leagues for a bit of camaraderie and some well-deserved recognition.

Office parties are fun and give you a chance to see your fellow co-workers in a different light than you would normally during the week, however obey the simple rules to ensure that you will have an office to go to once the party is over. AM by Linda Rodney

The Company Christmas Party

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 6

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 8

THE SLOW ROASTED TURKEY

This method is foolproof. Everyone tells me it’s the best turkey they’ve ever tasted. It’s slow roasted over 24 hours and can stay in a 185ºF oven for as long as necessary, so there’s less preparation pres-sure on the day of your dinner.

Ingredients: * 1 4 to 5 pound boneless turkey breast, with skin, or about 2 1/2 pounds for a 3 1/2-quart crockpot * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley * 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves * 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind * 2 tart apples, peeled,cored,chopped * 4 medium leeks (white part & 1-inch pale green), rinsed, sliced thinly * 1 cup chicken broth * 1/2 cup dry white wine * 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Preparation: Rinse turkey breast and pat dry. Lightly pound breast and, with your fingers, separate skin from breast meat. Combine parsley, thyme, and lemon rind. Rub turkey inside and under the skin with the herb mixture; replace skin and tie in place with kitchen twine. Arrange apples and leeks in bottom of 5-quart or larger slow cooker (for a smaller slow cooker, use a 2 to 2 1/2 pound turkey breast). Top with turkey breast, skin side up. Drizzle lemon juice over turkey breast. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until tender.

Transfer breast to a serving platter and keep warm. (Brown for 5 minutes under a preheated broiler for browned skin.) Let turkey breast stand for 10 minutes before carving.

Turn setting to high. Whisk broth and wine into the juices in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the butter and flour. Whisk into the slow cooker and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Cook and stir for another minute. Pour sauce into a serving dish and spoon over breast slices. AM by Diane Ducio

Come for relief. Stay for wellness.

Hovey Chiropractic Clinic

Give until it feels good!

As I see it, there are two kinds of giving: for the sake of giving and for the sake of getting. Most of us know the benefit of being charitable - it feels good. Is it possible to give and not to feel good? What if you give and you’re not properly rewarded with a warm, tingly response? I have experienced that and observed my reaction as something like, “well, that ungrateful so and so….” Because we are usually rewarded for giving, we get used to the feeling of being a good and loving person.

I believe it is difficult to give unconditionally because there is, al-most always, a reward. And the reward? Actually, a large body of evidence proves that having a giving attitude is extremely benefi-cial to our mental, physical, and emotional health. This evidence shows that being loving and giving is genetically congruent to our physiology. Conversely, being fearful, hateful and uncharitable is incongruent to our health, leading to harm.

Is it possible that in this world we could do something that is good for the one doing it, good for the one to whom it’s done, good for those observing the act and health-enhancing for all? If so, this could be the best planet-changing concept ever.

“But, I don’t have much to give,” you think. Then first give your-self some love and approval just because it feels good. Then give a loving smile, wave, or nod to someone. Write a letter or send a card to someone. Visit someone who needs a little company. I feel good just thinking about it.

Give 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

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Studies show that charities rely on businesses for the majority of their support. With that, one hopes that every business will come to a point where they recognize that it is time to give something back to the com-munity for the success they have been able to achieve. For Priority Pay-ment Systems, that time came approximately three years after launching their bank card processing company in Alpharetta. John V. Priore, Pres-ident and CEO of Priority Payment Systems, established the company in 2005 with several senior executives who have more than 100 years of combined industry experience. The company’s goal was to provide lower costs along with exceptional service to their bank card processing customers. With a record of outstanding performance that currently plac-es Priority Payment Systems in the top 70 of all credit card processors in the country, the company indeed has a lot for which to be thankful.

“The Project Give Back Program evolved from the great response we received in the marketplace and the opportunity we saw within our busi-ness model,” said John Priore. Project Give Back provides an innovative partnership opportunity for foundations, charities, and other nonprofit organizations to join with Priority to create a totally new way to gen-erate the contributions needed to support their mission. “With Project Give Back, we believe we can provide another avenue for nonprofit or-ganizations to generate funds that does not impact any of their existing channels while also benefiting the businesses that participate by reduc-ing their credit card processing expenses.” adds John.

So, how does Project Give Back work?

Almost every business today accepts credit cards as a form of pay-ment for their products/services. Priority provides the services and sys-tems that companies need to process payments from all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, as well as check payments. John believes that Priority’s wide-range of pay-ment options, advanced point-of-sale solutions, and superior customer service are the primary reasons the company has achieved such remark-able success.

Project Give Back offers charitable organizations the opportunity to generate contributions from their business patrons at no cost to their or-ganization. All Priority needs to get started is the organization’s endorse-ment to offer their payment processing services to their business donors and Priority will do the rest. In turn, the charity will receive a percentage

of Priority’s profits on a monthly, recurring basis for all referred patrons that select Priority’s services—providing a new, ongoing stream of do-nations in support of the charity’s mission.

A partnership with Priority offers considerable benefits to both the foundation and their business patrons. The foundation can establish a new, no-cost channel—and continual donations—for their fundraising efforts while extending the value they provide to their patrons. Partici-pating business patrons can improve their payment processing service levels and reduce operating costs, while also contributing to their favor-ite foundation at no additional expense.

Project Give Back can also deliver positive rewards to a company’s employees. An employee can receive a sense of accomplishment from contributing to a worthy cause while at the same time doing their job. “Priority’s Project Give Back allows me to do my job for the company, and at the same time, benefit charitable organizations that are doing great things within their communities.” says Lori Chittenden, who works in the Underwriting Department. John adds, “I want this program to be a fundamental part of our culture; for everyone to realize all of us can do something to help those in need, and Priority is playing an important part in that process.”

So how can your organization get started? Call Priority Payment Systems at (866) 582-8796 and ask for the Project Give Back Team. You can also e-mail an inquiry to projectgiveback@prioritypaymentsystems.com. For more information on Priority Payment Systems, visit www.prioritypaymentsystems.com.

YOUR CHOICE for PAYMENT PROCESSING

Priority Payment Systems is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank NA, Walnut Creek, CA.

If you already have a payment processor, check your rates. We pride ourselves on competitive pricing, and you can’t beat our personal service. If you’re just setting up your business, you can’t make a better choice than Priority. Maybe you’ve never accepted credit before, but would like to have a level of assurance about payments in these turbulent economic times. Priority has your answer.

Priority provides merchant support at every level, from 24/7 customer service and support to leasing agreements for POS terminals. Our merchant services include:

Priority works hard to be your first choice for payment processing. Give us a call today at (866) 582-8796 and talk with one of our Payment Specialists about your business goals.

We mean it when we say... Your Business is Our Priority. www.PriorityPaymentSystems.com | sales@PriorityPaymentSystems.com | (866) 582-8796

At Priority Payment Systems, we offer fast transactions and fantastic service, so you can provide the same to your customers.

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Quality Tree Care Beautify your landscape and trees for the holiday season. Bring your landscape and trees back into scale and accent your home with rennovation pruning. “Rennovative Pruning” is the art of bringing shrubs and trees back into scale with the rest of the landscape. Most shrubs benefit from a rejuvenation every few years, and the timing is critical. Evergreens and most foundation plants, whose main purpose is foliage, can be severely reduced in scale during late winter, January-February. Once they are brought back to their original size, they will leaf back out as spring arrives.

There are techniques to shaping the shrubs or trees in order to achieve the desired look that you want in the spring, and remember, timing is everything. You do not want to wait too late in the year to perform this chore. Pruning during the dormant season, late winter, gives these broadleaf evergreens the best chance of setting new leaf buds in the spring.

So before you get frustrated and begin pulling your shrubs out by the roots, try rennovative/dor-mant pruning to bring new life to a weary winter landscape. Rennovative pruning is the perfect solution and now is the perfect time.

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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.

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You don’t have to deprive yourself over the holidays to avoid gaining weight. Just follow these simple guidelines to protect your waistline - and your heart - during the seasonal food feast:

1. Don’t Skimp on Breakfast

Try to “save” a couple hundred a.m. calories for a p.m. party, and it’s guaran-teed that you’ll overindulge later in the day (studies show that breakfast eaters consume less fat and fewer calorie-dense foods all day than breakfast skippers do). Worse, you may actually be compromising your health.

2. Spoil Your Appetite

To ensure that you won’t eat everything on the buffet at a holiday fete, satisfy your hunger with a pre-party snack. A little fat or protein would be best. Try an ounce of nuts, a cup of low-fat cottage cheese, or a glass of fat-free milk. You’ll curb your appetite, giving you bet-ter control when faced with mountains of great food.

3. Bring Your Own Indulgence

When you’re attending a party at someone’s home, offer to bring a healthful and delectable dessert--something you can dig in to with abandon. You might try combining apples and cran-berries in a pie, cobbler, or crisp. Apples provide phenol antioxidants, which help pre-vent “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and forming artery-clogging plaque. Eat-ing cranberries or drinking their juice may also aid in lowering your risk of heart disease.

In a recent study at the University of Scranton, men and women with high cho-lesterol who drank three glasses of cranberry juice ev-

ery day for a month boosted their levels of “good” HDL cholesterol by 10 percent, which translates roughly into a 40 percent lower risk of developing heart disease.

4. Drink to Your Health

Just make sure it’s not with sugary punch. Go for the merlot--or any red wine--and you’ll take in just 74 fat-free calories a glass and a wealth of antioxidants called polyphenols, which help reduce your risk of heart disease. Limit yourself to two alcoholic drinks a day; that’s the optimum amount to benefit your heart.

Source: Fitness News Service

Fitness News Service, Inc. is a comprehensive provider of health and fitness news. Our goal is to educate and empower the reader. We don’t offer fad diets, back-breaking exercises, or gimmicky ap-proaches. Instead, we provide up-to-date, down-to-earth, easy-to-read information on living a healthier, happier lifestyle. Our infor-mation contains practical, useful “how-to” tips on eating sensibly, exercising appropriately, coping with stress, and making wise health choices. Our information is reviewed by our medical department for accuracy and clarity before publication. Mark Manessfitnessnews@earthlink.net 404-642-8485

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 14

PARTY HEARTY

Chef Robert Pniewski and his sister-in-law, Michele Doyle, envi-sioned a great neighborhood gathering place that served freshly prepared delicious meals in a warm friendly environment. In November of 2001, that vision became reality when they opened Never Enough Thyme. Rob and Michele decided upon Alpharetta’s McGinnis Ferry location because

it’s right in their own neighborhood. Both have lived in the area for over 10 years and enjoy being part of and giving back to the community.

Chef Rob is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and an award winning chef with close to 30 years of experience. Michele’s experience involves the management side of the catering and restaurant business. Together, they’re the perfect team!

Everything at Never Enough Thyme is prepared daily with only the freshest ingredients and there are plenty of dishes to choose from. Try one of their many homemade soups or their award winning sirloin chili. One of their more popular salads is the Blue Cheese Salad with freshly grilled chicken, blue cheese crumbles, dried cherries and walnuts served with homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette. Never Enough Thyme’s Rueben is made with in-house prepared corned beef, sauerkraut and homemade Russian dressing grilled on fresh rye. No “thyme” to cook dinner? Nev-er Enough Thyme always has a large variety of Dinner-To-Go items in-cluding their poppy seed chicken, pot roast, meatloaf, basmati rice pilaf, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.

It’s a multi-functional establishment. Their beautiful space is available

for rehearsal dinners, wine tastings, business dinners, etc., however they also have a very successful catering business that offers many varied options for business and personal events. They cater daily to many of-fices in Alpharetta and surrounding areas. Their catering menu has ev-erything from hot and cold hor’dourves to homemade favorites like lasagna, Ca-jun bronzed chicken, roast-ed potatoes and broccoli with walnuts.

The very best part of their business for Rob and Mi-chele are the many regu-lar guests that visit Never Enough Thyme daily and the great support they get from their staff which is more like a family to them. Their N.E.T. friends have become an important part of their lives and they enjoy being a

part of theirs. Michele has said “it is so great when we cater to a company holiday party and they invite us back for their daughter’s graduation, then a college graduation and then a re-hearsal dinner. That’s the very best part…getting to meet so many new friends and sharing in their experi-ences.”

Bring your friends and make new ones while you dine at one of Al-pharetta’s finest restaurants located at:

5354 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005 (678) 297-1124

Now Open For Breakfast! We were voted “Best Lunch Spot” for the Roswell, Alpharetta, and John’s Creek area! We are open Mon-Fri 7:00am-6:30pm Sat 8:00am-3:00pmRestaurant available for private parties in the evenings and weekends.

5354 McGinnis Ferry RdAlpharetta, GA 30005

phone: (678) 297-1124fax: 678- 297-1125

NEVER ENOUGH THYME

ALP

HA

RETT

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MA

GA

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Celebrate With Music by the North Fulton Music Teachers Association December 4 - December 6, Fri. 5-7PM, Sat. 10-7PM Sun. 12-6PM (Times may vary) North Point Mall 1000 North Point Circle Alpharetta, GA 770-521-1226 The piano and voice students of the NFMTA, North Fulton Music Teachers Association, will present Celebrate With Music at the North Point Mall. Over 400 students will perform over the weekend on Center Stage and in front of Dillard’s.

Polar Express Storytime and Party! December 04, 7:00 PM Barnes and Noble 7660 Northpoint Parkway Alpharetta, GA 770-993-8340 Mark your calendars and save the date for this fun and festive holiday storytime! Join us along with Mrs. Claus for a reading of The Polar Express.

The Downtown Alpharetta Holiday Market December 5, 12-5:00 PM Milton Avenue & Hwy. 9 Next to Milton Square City Park Alpharetta, GA 404-402-5389 Our famous Downtown Alpharetta Farmer’s Market has added a “Holiday Market” for the 3rd year! The event features additional vendors with Holiday themed crafts along with the regular “awesome” vendors. The market will be alive with carolers and Chef demos.

32nd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration December 6, 5:00 PM Historic Downtown Alpharetta Milton Square City Park/Main St. Alpharetta, GA 678-297-6078 All the magic of Christmas glistens at the annual lighting of the 45’ live spruce tree with 10,000 white lights! Live music, children’s music & dance performances & reading of a Christmas classic with Mayor Arthur Letchas & wife Sally. Santa & Mrs.Claus arrive on a firetruck for FREE visits & photos in the gazebo.

Alpharetta First UMC Chancel Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert December 13, 5:00 PM Alpharetta First UMC 69 N Main Street Alpharetta, GA 770-475-5576 This festive celebration will be presented by the Chancel Choir, other adult ensembles and AFUMC Orchestra and include our children and soloists.

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre of Alpharetta PresentsThe Nutcracker December 18 - December 20, Times Vary, see website Blessed Trinity 11340 Woodstock Road Alpharetta, GA 678-297-2800 Metropolitan Ballet Theater of Alpharetta presents their annual Tchaikovsky ballet.

Alpharetta Dance Theatre presents the 13th Annual Production of “The Nutcracker” December 19 @ 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM, December 20 @ 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM Milton High School 13025 Birmingham Hwy. Milton, GA 770-664-4797 Don’t miss the magical performance of this years’ “Nutcracker” by our own Alpharetta Dance Theatre!

CALANDER OF EVENTS - DECEMBER 2009

For additional information please visit: www.awesomealpharetta.com

The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Welcome Center has moved to a new location at Park Plaza, 178 South Main Street, Suite 200, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. For additional infor-mation please visit: www.awesomealpharetta.com

The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Welcome Center invite the public to stop by between 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, to explore the organization’s new office space at Park Plaza, 178 South Main Street, Suite 200, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009, meet and greet the staff and learn about the complimentary services provided by the CVB and Welcome Center. Complimentary drinks and desserts will be served. Everyone who stops by will have a chance to win major giveaways from Alpharetta hotels.

“We are very excited about our new location in downtown Alpharetta and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional services to market and promote Alpharetta as a premier tourism destination,” says Janet Rodgers, President and CEO of the Alpharetta CVB.

Alpharetta, GA – Bells will be ringing this season in Alpharetta, a charming, family-friendly city nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, and still easily accessible to Atlanta’s many attractions. With festive events like the city of Alpharetta’s 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Alpharetta City Band Concert, children will discover the season’s magic around every corner.

Tadka was born with the idea of filling the void in Atlanta’s fine dining Indian Cuisine. At-lanta has a number of Indian cuisine restaurants but none have the ambience or the food that are close to the ‘originals’ in India. Along with Tad-ka is the now famous Inchin’s Bamboo Garden. Housed under the same roof, both are specialty restaurants serving authentic cuisines.

There is an extensive lunch buffet everyday and over the weekends there is ‘live’ cooking. Chefs come out of their kitchens and demon-strate their skills while preparing food to meet your individual tastes. There is a wide variety of food on display from all regions of India.

Tadka has been modeled on the lines of a 5 Star Hotel restaurant in India which continues

to be on the list of top 100 restaurants of the world! To keep the flavor of food as close and satisfying as the mentor it was necessary to get the right ingredients. The same has been achieved by directly importing most of the key inputs from India.

Under the same roof as our restaurant is our upscale banquet facility that can accom-modate 400 people comfortably. This setting is ideal for weddings, receptions, parties, bar mitzvah etc.

The restaurants are located at Tadka Square, 11105 Statebridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022. tel # 770 622 1445

Bamboo Gardens

(770) 622-1445Tadka Square, 11105 Statebridge RoadAlpharetta, GA 30022

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A TURKISH CAFÉ SET IN THE SUBURBS

37 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, GA. 30004 770-360-8014 www.cafeefendi.com

CAFÉ EFENDI features a wide range of delicious and healthy dishes - from vegetarian, seafood, chicken and lamb, to traditional Mediterranean appetizers (“mézé”) for everyone’s tastes. Our full bar includes a wide selection of WINE and BEER! Our dishes exude authentic flavors because the Turkish cook grinds his own meats, vegetables and spices, using specially imported olive oils.

All-you-can-Eat LUNCH BUFFET Every Thursday & Friday 11:30am to 2:30pm - Only $9.63 per person, Includes a soft drink! Grilled Chicken Wraps, Eggplant Wraps, Tas Kebabi, Pita Bread, Grilled Salmon Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad Panini Humus... and more!

Mention this ad. and receive a free appetizer with the purchase of 2 entrees!

Belly Dancers entertain on Wednesday Through Saturday nightsDancing Classes Every Thursday Evening!

Thursday is LADIES NIGHT! 1/2 Price Drinks For The Ladies!Rooms available for PARTIES and MEETINGS

Now Available To Cater Business Christmas Parties

Call us for your catering needs!

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With the sale of this home, Seller’s are giving a membership to the Freedom Boat Club located at Holi-day Marina on Lake Lanier. Grand is not the adjective to describe this home. A rare jewel in a golden crown is the better. A featured home for the Buford/Lanier Women’s Club Tour of Homes. This residence features restrained elegance and is peerlessly designed to reflect timeless archi-tecture blending both elegant and casual rooms with a complete terrace level facility to include a home the-atre. Open the door to a grand foyer that welcomes you to a home that is warm and inviting. The finished ter-race level with recreation, full bar and home theatre is also designed for separate living with bedroom, bath, half bath, living area and kitchen...a rocking chair Ve-randah and a large viewing deck on the rear overlook-

ing Lake Lanier, you find a home that is something to talk about. INCLUDED with the sale of the home, the Seller’s will give you a membership to the Freedom Boat Club located at Holiday Marina. A membership where you always have a boat available to you...all you do is furnish the gas...and this club is located across the USA. So, wherever you go, if you need a boat, and there is a lake with a boat club...you have access to one. $675,000

Crooked Creek Subdivision, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Vacation in this home everyday, where fun is never out of season! Country Club membership can be given with this home. Perfectly positioned on the lot to offer magnificent golf course and lake views, this home reflects an extraordinary blend of timeless architectural and style with both formal and casual rooms. The open footprint includes endless special touches from the front veranda until you reach the deck on the rear. Addi-tional features: A fireside two-story great room; dining room that will seat twelve plus; guest suite on the main level; pri-vate master retreat with a sitting area and pamper yourself bathroom; Finished terrace level with a full bar, billiard room,

home theatre and fireside sitting area help make this home one you will be glad to come home to! Located in a golf course community with many amenities including clubhouse, two pools, a tennis center with eleven tennis courts, play-ground and lake. Crooked Creek is a place where you just pick up your golf clubs, walk out the door, and you are at your favorite pastime, where homes are in touch with the needs of their owners, where amenities are in touch with their natural environment, and where neighbors are in touch with each other. That in fact, just may be the best definition of what a community really is. $585,000

Luxury Listings Luxury Listings Celebrate living in this home with spacious, formal and casual rooms, front and rear stairs. The culinary kitchen suite, the hub of the house, integrates captivat-ing entertaining and preparation of meals with ease. Kitchen features include an abundance of cabinets and counter space, a breakfast room, island with breakfast bar, office and fireside great room with rear stairs, all complemented by a sunroom with window walls. Large viewing deck overlooks the wooded rear yard, flower garden and velvety lawn. The setting is surpassed only by the residence itself. The flowing design is enhanced by hardwood floors, extensive millwork and window walls. The two-story foyer with curved stairs ascending to the balcony above is flanked by a guest suite or office/study...your choice... and formal living room which is adjacent to the banquet-sized dining room. The second

level offers the master retreat, one guest suite and two additional bedrooms. Located in a golf course community with swim/tennis, park, play-ground and more. Convenient to interstate highways, shopping, schools, medical, places of worship and recessional parks. $485,000

This Home Says WELCOME! Masterful application of light and space combine with comfort to capture the essence of luxury living. Southern hospitality starts on the Verandah for rocking chair after-noons. The interior is a fusion of casual and formal rooms, enhanced by hardwood floors, extensive millwork, soaring ceilings and window walls. A culinary kitchen, the hub of the house, offers an abundance of cabinets and granite counterspace and integrates captivating en-tertaining with ease and features a breakfast bar, island and comple-mented with easy exit to the large viewing deck. Many amenities beginning with a two story foyer with stairs as-cending to the second level balcony; fireside Greatroom: large Dining Room that will seat twelve plus! Master Retreat, located on the main level with “pamper yourself bath” and oversized closet. Three addi-tional bedrooms can be found on the second level with each bedroom having its own bath.

Full daylight basement is stubbed for a bath and is waiting for your finishing touch. Wooded backyard with a stream meandering through the property. Three car garage and three sides brick with an accent of Hardi-plank board on the rear. Sited near the neighborhood park with a gazebo. The community has a feel of country life, but is close enough and convenient to schools, shopping, places of worship, recreation and the inter-state. Welcome, to a fantastic home located in a wonderful comunity. $485,000

Jackie Maness - Listing & Marketing Exceptional Properties404-610-2951 770-844-8484 www.jackiemaness.com2007, An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Prudential is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Jackie Maness - Listing & Marketing Exceptional Properties404-610-2951 770-844-8484 www.jackiemaness.com2007, An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Prudential is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Christmas is a time for happiness and for giving presents to the people close to our hearts. It is through this holiday period that we like giving and receiving presents to and from our nearest and dear-est. So guys, get her what she really wants this Christmas.

Here are 6 rules to abide by this Christmas and you can thank me later:

Something electronic, something to wear, something that sparkles, something to share, something from the heart…and then something from Nordstroms.

This is the perfect guideline to ensure that you cover all of your bases this Christmas and that she gets what she wants. Nordstrom, you can thank me later too. Let’s review:

Something electronic- Guys are not the only gad-get minded consumers any-more. Girls love the latest electronic devices just as much as the next guy. Up-grading your wife’s cell phone is a great Christ-mas gift. A power tool that you will use more than she will is not. They’re always coming out with a new phone so it’s a safe bet that she will appreciate the functions that her new

Christmas phone will have. Maybe a new iPod that will hold more of her pictures and videos. A new electronic device is always a good gift to give.

Something to wear- This is a no brainer. Women love clothes! You can take the gift card route for clothes, but instead show her that you’ve been paying attention to her style and taste even if it’s just a new scarf in her favorite color. Shoes are always the gift that keeps on giving; however this is a tough buy unless you were there when she tried them on. Do not attempt to purchase shoes for your wife on your own. We want to see what they look like on our feet, and then from this angle, then that angle, and then with this pair of jeans…see what I mean. If you’re going to do a gift card at all this season, now is the time. A gift card to her favorite shoe store is a winner.

Something that sparkles- Diamonds are still a girl’s best friend, but this is a re-cession. If you can no lon-ger afford to upgrade her center stone from a 3 to a 4K, there are still plenty of ways to give her something that sparkles. You could choose a silver-plated com-pact mirror. Compact mir-

rors are always a perfect present as it is something that women will use every day. My husband had mine engraved and I thought it was a nice touch. Having one that is not only decorated with the finest crystals but that is engraved with a message that reads ‘Merry Christ-mas, Love fill in your name,’ is a wonderful women’s Christmas gift.

If its jewelry that you are after for that special woman’s Christmas gift then how about a nice pair of earrings. Sales and discounts are plentiful in the jewelry department this time of year so finding a nice sparkling pair of earrings will not hurt your wallet. Make sure you know how much you’re going to spend before you walk in and stick to that budget.

Something to share- Ful-filling this category is go-ing to rely on you really knowing the recipient. If they’re into photos, some-thing to share could be a new photo album or frame. Maybe she could share a day at the spa with her best friend or tickets to her favorite concert. This gift requires thought but is usually the most rewarding since she will get a chance to share it with someone close to her.

Something from the heart- No one knows your wife better than you do, so something from the heart needs to be just that. Restoring her favorite old picture from her childhood could work. Perhaps, a teddy bear or a dozen of her favorite flowers. This gift should make her feel loved and cherished and only you know how to do that.

Something from Nordstrom’s- You know your wife’s favorite store. If she won a shopping spree to any store in town where would she go? My husband knows I would go straight to Nordstrom’s. How-ever, your wife may go to a different department store or perhaps her favorite boutique. The point is, get her something from her favorite store and she’ll know that you were paying attention. A gift certifi-cate, gift card, or a well selected item from her favorite store will keep a smile on her face. Well, at least until the 26th.

No matter who you are or how much you spend, everyone will get it wrong at some point. Because people tend to purchase a huge amount of gifts at Christmas time, the gift itself sometimes gets put second to just getting the Christmas shopping done. Some men may tend to rush through the process in an effort to avoid standing in the middle of a mall deliberating on what to get. Buying women’s Christmas gifts does not have to be such a difficult and exhausting task. Just have a plan before you start, keep her style in mind, and al-low the hints that she has been dropping from January to November guide your way.

Here’s to never having to wait in the Returns line!! Merry ChristmasAM by Amber Morale

Get Her What She Really Wants This Christmas

My wife wanted a new watch but I told her the stove has a clock on it.

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 23

Christmas Prime Rib Roast

You will need:- 6-8 lbs Rib Roast (Bone-in or Boneless)- Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Dizzy Pig Raising the Steaks- Rosemary (optional)- Horseradish Sauce (we recommend Weber’s Sandwich Pal Horseradish Sauce available at Kroger)- Plate Setter- V-Rack- Digital Thermometer (we recommend remote digital thermometer for your convenience)

Before you start cooking:- Start the Egg and bring it up to 650F.- Rub the Rib Roast with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Apply Dizzy Pig Raising the Steaks liberally on all sides of the rib roast. If your Rib Roast comes with the netting, keep it on; you can use it later when adding rosemary.

Careful! When the Egg is at such a high temperature you need to remember to ‘burp’ the Egg otherwise opening the dome suddenly may cause the fire to come right at you and burn your eyelashes, etc. Burping the Egg is a process when you open the dome very slowly and in stages. Start with 1-2” crack and hold it for a couple of seconds, then add another few inches and hold, and so on, until you get it fully open.

Here We Go! Without the Plate Setter in sear all sides of the Roast for 2 min each side. When finished, pull the rib roast off the egg and shut the egg down by closing the top and the bottom vent. Allow the egg

to get down to 400F. Now it would be good time to add rosemary to the netting. Slowly open the Egg, remove the grid and put the Plate Setter feet up. The Plate Setter will add a thermo shock to the BGE dropping the temperature down to 350F. Put the grid on the top of the PSL put the roast in the V-rack and close the dome. Barely open the bottom draft door and the dual function metal top on the BGE (approx. 1/8”) and cook the roast indirect until the internal temperature reaches 125F in the deepest part of the meat. Pull the roast off the Big Green Egg, set it in the kitchen on

the counter and tent it with aluminum foil letting it rest for 15-20 minutes. It will allow the roast to cook further without overdoing the meat. To add a little spice to the experience you can choose to serve your perfect medium rare prime rib with horseradish sauce.

If you still have questions about that or anything else that smells like Big Green Egg, call Blue Mountain Shoes at: 678-513-0450 or you can send us email to bluemountainshoe@bellsouth.net

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 24

Make the Loved One’s Dream Come True with our

Best offer ever!$220.00 in free accessories

when you buy a large EggBring this coupon and you will get an additional gift of a free bag of wood chips.

Offer expires 12/23/09. Based on our most popular bundle. Other sizes and individual customizations available. Visit us for details: Blue Mountain

Shoes: 405 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste.110 Cumming, GA 30041 Tel. 678-513-0450

Eggin’ with Andy

Picture is not the exact representation of the offer.

Painless Shopping It is hard to believe that 2009 is nearly over and Christmas is knocking on our door. It’s shopping time again and even though this year may be a little different we will still look for the best deals. In the process we may end up burning a few extra gallons of gas and calories but at least we make sure we get the best deals. You probably think that by the time you are done you will hurt from the tip of our toes to the top of our head but the truth is you can change it.

Your feet and the rest of your body always hurt for a reason. It is like sending you a signal that something is not quite right. So, instead of running the red light and risking that you get a ticket you can just use a break. There are a few simple ways to make the aftermath of shopping less painful:

1. Always carry a pair of comfy shoes in your car. That way whether you are on your way back from work, a meeting, etc. and want to do some shopping, you can do it in shoes that will not cause you blisters

or feet fatigue. Make sure they have a wide enough toe box so that you can wiggle your toes comfortably. 2. Save soft and squishy for kicking around the house rather than shopping. Doctors, nurses, chefs, etc choose footwear that will help them support their bodies throughout the day so their feet do not have to do all that weightlifting by themselves. That can have a huge impact on lowering foot fatigue and cramping. 3. Orthotics are not only by prescription. Inserts are sure to make a difference for those who have arches as well as those who don’t. It is important that they are fitted properly but it does not mean they have to be custom made. In other words you do not have to have health insurance or pay a few hundreds of dollars for a pair of inserts.

SHOE CHAT

Exp: 11/30/09

There are different brands available over the counter like ¾ length Birkenstock inserts that can be moved from one pair to another. 4. Turn your shopping experience into workout. It is easy with MBT’s and they will help you with shock absorption while toning your buttocks, hamstrings and calves. At the same time you will be strengthening and stretching bottoms of your feet which will have a great preventative result.

By the end of December, you will have probably added a couple of dozens of extra miles to our feet. Let’s make it as painless and rewarding an experience as possible. Good Luck to all of you, shoppers and make the best out of that Holiday Season!

Magda Denning is the owner of Blue Mountain Shoes and helps people with their feet comfort needs. You will find her at 405 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste.110 in Cumming. You can also call her at 678-513-0450 or email her if you have any questions or concerns at bluemountainshoe@bellsouth.net.

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 25

Only for Alpharetta Magazine readers:

$50.00 OFF any regularly priced pair of shoes

valued at $80.00 or more. In-stock items only. Limited quantities. Not good with any other offer/deal/special. Must present the coupon

at the time of purchase. Expires 12/23/09.

Make Wine Shopping Fun

“I am not really a big wine connoisseur.” Go into any wine store and you will usually hear someone blurt this out. The fear of embar-rassment drives many wine lovers to the relative anonymity of the grocery store wine aisle. If you are not having as much fun buying wine as you are drinking wine, you should consider shopping some-where else.

Once upon a time, a barrel of grape juice went unnoticed until it fermented and the sugar turned to alcohol. When the fermented brew was tasted, people were delighted at how much fun it was to drink. Wine is supposed to be fun.

If you already know what you like, ask for something similar that you haven’t tried before. If you find something new, ask the staff if they have tried it. It’s not required that you know Bordeaux from Burgundy to shop for wine. As a consumer, it’s your right to ask questions before you buy. Listen carefully to the answers and decide for yourself if you want to try something new. Do not tolerate sales-people who act “snobbish” or disrespect your taste in wine.

In addition to being matched with your own personal taste in wines, you have a right to pay a reasonable amount. Got a smart phone?

Search for the wine by vintage, winery and grape. For example search “2004 Two Hands, Shi-raz.” It would be unfair to ex-pect to pay winery prices in a local store but you should not have to pay double. Believe it or not, prices may be nego-tiable.

You are the consumer, and therefore you call the shots. You don’t have to tolerate snobbery. Go out and find what you were looking for all along: A little bottle of fun. David Mott is the Owner of Tinder Box/ Vino 100 in Alpharetta.

770-343-8010131 S Main Street

The Wine Corner

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 26

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

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Vinturi Wine Aerators, Cigar Gift Sets, Humidors & a full line of Special Occasion Wines!

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Store Hours: Mon- Sat: 9 AM to 8 PMSunday: Closed

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Holiday Gift Headquarters

We specialize in high quality pre-owned home furnishings that include:furniture, rugs, lighting, mirrors, fine art and many accessories.

Posh Consignment Interiors is a great place where you can BUY or SELL your upscale furniture and fine home decor.

Posh also has a large selection of NEW furniture on consignment from major showrooms.

Posh is different from most consignment stores because we offer a full line of products and services for the homeowner and interior designers alike.

In addition to furniture consignment, we offer:

* Call us at (770) 521-5040 and we will schedule an in-home consultation. One of our professional sales associates will help you select the size and style of custom window fashions you need to suit your budget and design requirements

We are easy to find just on Alpharetta Hwy, 1 mile north of Mansell Road in Roswell, GA. From exit 8 of GA- 400, go west 2 miles on Mansell Rd. Turn Right and go 1 mile on Alpharetta Hwy (Hwy 9). We are on the right in the Roswell Fiesta shopping center next door to Just Brakes.

11235 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 101, Roswell, GA 30076 (770) 521-5040 Posh@poshconsignments.com

Posh Consignment interiors

* Window Tinting* Interior Design Services* Beautiful Home Accents* Wide Variety of Artwork

* Custom window treatments* Custom shutters and blinds* Custom bedding* Large selection of fabrics

During his productive days, St. Nicholas used to ride from town to town on a donkey, converting people to Christianity, and helping the poor, especially the children. On December 6th, his Christian feast day, he’d leave gifts beside the hearth: fruit, nuts, candies, and wood and clay figurines.

During the time of great change in the Christian Church known as the Protestant Reformation, which occurred in the 1500s, the famous Martin Luther declared that all good Christians should stop celebrating saints. For the devout followers of Luther, that meant also stopping the celebra-tion of Saint Nick, no matter how fun the gift giving had become.

Not all Christians stopped celebrating Saint Nick, not even all of the Protestants. Instead of stopping the celebration, they crafted a plan to enjoy the Saint Nick holiday in secret. This is when Saint Nick became known in England as “Father Christmas”. In Germany, people referred to Santa as “Christmas Man”, and the Dutch created the name “Sinter-klass.”

About this time, a large majority of Dutch settlers moved to New Amsterdam in America—what would later become New York—and brought their celebration of Sinterklass with them. Americans caught on to the idea, and tried to pronounce his name Sinterklass, which sounded a lot like Santa Claus.

However, Santa Claus did not hit the big time until the author of “Sleepy Hollow,” Washington Irving, got wind of Santa Claus and pro-moted him via the American press. This happened in the early 1800s, when Washington Irving wrote a story called “A History of New York,” in which he went into great detail about a man called “Sinterklass.” This Saint Nick was chubby and short, wore a funny costume, and would travel around on the Eve of Saint Nicholas on a horse.

The idea of a jolly gift-giving man caught on in the American press. Another writer, the poet Clement Clark Moore, wrote a poem called “A Visit from St. Nicolas,” which is better known as, “The Night Before Christmas.” It was Moore who made Saint Nick a jolly old elf who flies around the night in a magical sleigh powered by eight flying reindeer.

Americans would get their best images of Santa Claus in the magazines of the late 1800s, when the cartoonist Thomas Nast put out his own vi-sions of Saint Nick in Harper’s Weekly. For Nast, Santa was a bigger man with a big fat belly, who wore a red suit lined with fur and a big leather belt. Nast also started drawing images of Santa’s workshop in the North Pole, and Santa using a list to keep track of his kids who were naughty and nice.

So whether you know him as Saint Nick, Sinterklass, or just Santa, he’s an image of the holidays that has withstood the test of time. AM by Raymond Strickland

Besides the North Pole, where does Santa Claus Come From? ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 31

We all know Santa’s story by now. He was originally a bishop several years ago, and after he died he became known as Saint Nicholas, or Saint Nick for short. St. Nicholas died on December 6, 342, but his name lived on. He was named the patron saint of Sicily, Greece and Russia, as well as the patron saint of all children.

Brew Depot has an incredible selection of complete beer and wine kits. They’ve selected some of the most popular styles of beer and wine that you can create from these ingredient kits. Everything you need is here, including the bottle caps for the beer or labels and shrink caps for 30 bottles of wine. The dollar savings associated with home brewing along with the ability to produce award winning wines and beer are just two factors that appeal to the home brewing enthusiast.

This is a spacious, well-stocked location for beer or wine connoisseurs or those just interested in home-brewing. The staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Ask the award winning owner Bob Carlton how to take part in one of his upcoming brew classes that are taught 2 doors down from the Brew Depot location in their specially designed instructional facility.

Brew Depot also carries the hard to find parts for home & commercial keg systems and provides refilling of CO2 tanks.

Brew Depot Christmas Specials: Complete Beer Making Starter Kit for $90. Everything you need to make over 2 cases of Craft Beer. Com-plete Wine Making Starter Kit for $140. Everything you need to make 30 bottles of your favorite wine.

We also offer Wine and Beer making classes, You can make your beverage of choice at our specially designed facility with our equipment while being instructed by our experienced Staff. Bring a friend and Sign up now! Cheers! AM Editorial by Scott Durnell & Dio C.

Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Closed on Sunday

Call Brew Depot at 770-645-1777 or visit 10595 Old Alabama Road Connector Alpharetta, Georgia 30022

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from

Holiday Centerpieces and Gardens Unique Custom Arrangements

Decadent Chocolate Truffles Hostess Gifts

Bella Fleur

MyGeorgiaFlorist.com

770.475.234110955 Jones Bridge Rd Alpharetta/Johns Creek

European Florist

Two local favorites for a one stop shopping experience in Alpharetta/Johns Creek. The Red Hound and Bella Fleur European Florist, conveniently located at the intersection of

State Bridge and Jones Bridge Rds in the North Bridges shopping center.

The Red HoundSpartina 449, Peggy Karr Art Glass, Archipelago Botanicals, and Sid Dickens memory blocksand much more!

Complimentary Gift Wrap!Shipping Available!

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This offer excludes Sid Dickens memory blocks as well as sale and clearance items.

Not valid with other offers. Expires 12/31/09

The Red Hound, Inc678-624-7733

Bella Fleur EuropeanFlorist 770-475-2341

10955 Jones Bridge Rd Alpharetta, GA 30022

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Ardyss offers the most modern and stylized reshaping garments!

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Wishing you and yours a Wonderful holiday season!

“If you haven’t got anything good to say about anyone come and sit by me.” Alice Roosevelt Longworth

By the time a rumor has made it from the lips of gossipers to the water cooler, it has manifested into office news. The talk of the day. What is it about gossip that has intrigued us for so long and made good fortunes for those who print it in tabloids? Let’s look deeper to see what puts this mas-sive wheel in motion.

First, consider the person who is the gossip spreader. Why is this person presenting the information? Can any good come from it? In my opinion gos-sip is born and raised at the workplace. Probably due to boredom. Such “news,” whether accurate or not, provides a momentary feeling of superior-ity and control that the one who gossips probably lacks otherwise. If this person’s work performance isn’t sufficient cause for recognition, then the next best option is to stake a claim as the one with the latest inside dirt.

Unfortunately, a gossip isn’t satisfied just possessing the information. After all, knowledge that isn’t shared is wasted, right? This is where others get im-plicated without necessarily being willing participants. Even the “innocent” are drawn into the gossip’s web by merely listening. For a few fleeting mo-ments, this person has everyone’s undivided attention, and this is “reward” enough.

Of course, the one who suffers most is the subject under discussion. Even if the rumor proves to be just that, the damage has been done. Those who have heard the gossip will be unable to completely erase it from their minds. The letter A has been pinned on my coat and now this is how the people will view me.

Celebrity gossip is a huge business. A few displaced ru-mors about the latest “it” person and they are no longer what you thought they were. Celebrity photographers can earn literally thousands of dollars just for taking a picture of a celebrity. These pictures are the oil that keeps the gossip wheel turning. If they take a picture of Kevin Federline in Vegas than he is a partying animal with not a care in the world. Take a picture of him a day later pushing a stroll-er and now he’s a dedicated father filled with love and com-passion. It’s just gossip. Enter-taining…but still just gossip.

I guess we all gossip occasion-ally because it’s interesting to step out of our lives and poke our head into others, however when we gossip we’re sharing that information with others which is where the line is crossed. If someone is willing to confide in you, keep it in the “vault”. Show yourself as trustworthy and above the gossip and rumor mills.

Just remember, it’s a lot better to be interesting enough to be talked about than to be the interested party who’s doing the talking. AM By Jenny Caine & Brandon Freeman

Does Everyone Gossip?

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 36

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About two thousand years ago, in the town of Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary. She was engaged to be married to Joseph, a carpenter. One day an angel appeared before her and told her she had been chosen to have a special baby. The baby would be God’s son and she must call him Jesus.

Soon after the angel’s visit, Mary and Joseph were married. Mary was due to have her baby when they were told they had to go on a long journey to Bethlehem, which was where Joseph came from. This was because they had to pay a special tax. Mary had to ride on a donkey for a few days over the hills of Galilee.

At last Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. It was crowded with other people who needed

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 38

to pay their taxes. Mary was very tired and needed a place to stay. At each inn, the story was the same. There was no room for them. Eventually, one kind inn-keeper said he had a stable where he kept his animals. They were welcome to stay there.

And so it was that a few hours later, Mary gave birth to her son in that stable. She wrapped Jesus in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger full of hay.

At the same time, on a hillside over-looking Bethlehem, some shepherds were watching over their sheep. A bright light appeared in the sky. They were very afraid. It was an angel sent by God. The angel told them not to be afraid, because he had some good news. He said the Son of God had been born and they would find Him in Bethlehem.

The shepherds wanted to go and see the baby. When they arrived at the stable, they were filled with joy at seeing Jesus lying in the manger. They knelt down and wor-shipped Him. They told Mary and Joseph how the angel had appeared in the sky and told them that Jesus was to be the Savior of the world. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

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Cinnamon Rolls This Christmas, treat your family to the delight of waking up to the scent of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.

You could make a fresh batch of different and delicious cinnamon rolls every day, from diced apple and walnut buns, to cinnamon-sugar and raisin-filled rolls frosted with cream cheese icing, to classic pecan sticky buns.

Here’s my method: PREP TIME 2 HoursCOOK TIME 20 Minutes

INGREDIENTS * 1-1/2 packages (about 3-1/4 teaspoons) dry yeast * 1/4 cup warm water * 1/2 cup shortening * 1/3 cup sugar * 1-1/2 teaspoon salt * 1 cup milk * 1 egg * 4 to 5 cups sifted flour * melted butter * brown sugar * cinnamon * raisins (optional) * Vanilla Frosting * 2 cups powdered sugar * 1 tablespoon butter, melted * 1 teaspoon vanilla * milk or cream (2 to 4 tablespoons)

PREPARATION Add the warm water to the yeast and soak 10 minutes.

Scald milk; pour over the shortening. Add sugar and salt and cool to tepid. Add the dissolved yeast and beaten egg. Add 4 cups flour adding one at a time beating after each addition.

Dough should be soft yet firm enough to handle. Knead on floured board until elastic and smooth. Avoid too much flour. Turn dough into well oiled bowl. Let rise for 1-1/2 hours.

Press dough down and divide into workable size. Roll dough out into a rectangle. Cover with melted butter. Layer with a generous thick layer* of brown sugar. Sprinkle on cinnamon* as desired. If you like raisins, layer on a layer of raisins. Roll up jellyroll fashion.

Using scissors or a piece of string, cut off slices about 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick. Place slices in an 8 or 9 inch round greased cake pan. Place one slice in the middle and other slices around it. Press rolls down to even out and fill pan. Let rise until rolls fill the pan gener-ously...about another hour.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 15 - 20 minutes. If rolls get too brown, cover with a piece of tine foil until the end of baking. Do not over bake rolls.

Remove immediately from pan by inverting onto a plate and then tip over onto another plate to right the rolls.

FOR THE FROSTING: In a medium bowl, place sugar, butter and vanilla. Then stir in enough milk or cream to reach a thick, hardly-able to stir consistency.

Spread over warm rolls as soon as they are placed on a plate to let the frosting melt and run into the rolls.

* I was pretty generous with both the brown sugar and cinnamon. I ended up with about a 1/2 inch layer of brown sugar completely cov-ered with cinnamon. Enjoy! AM by Susan Durant

ALPHARETTA MAGAZINE 42

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