Home + Design

Home Is Where the Hearth Is

Have a very happy Hanukkah Article by Sue G. Collins | Photography by Catrina Maxwell The best holiday conversations usually happen in the kitchen. Focusing on measuring, peeling, chopping and basting, we can chit chat or go for a deep dive with fellow cooks. Yes, a good kitchen will have thoughtfully spaced appliances, a ton of storage and plenty of work surfaces, but more importantly, a well-designed kitchen will invite conversations, with well-lit places for all the peelers.  This pretty...

Education

Artists Among Us

The Revel Arts Collective Article by Alpharetta City Lifestyle Staff The Revel Arts Collective bloomed in 2024 when five women—a career artist, retired English teacher, corporate leader, graphic designer and an art educator—came together with a shared vision and took action. Comprised of local artists, the Collective presented their second annual show in November at the Crabapple Market in downtown Milton. The Collective believes visual art is a God-given, universal language spoken through...

Travel

Cozy Holiday Staycation

Article by Sue G. Collins | Photography by Nicole Franzen, Andrew Thomas Lee, Matthew Williams A surprising find, The Forth Hotel is as moody as it is bright. Was I in the lobby of an exclusive hotel in Milan, Barcelona or another modern European city, now popular with discerning travelers? The front desk staff wear suits and are formal but warm and I feel seen.  Deep velvet and leather sofas flank a wood fire blazing in the lobby, and the terrace suite has its own outdoor wood-burning...

Arts + Culture

Rocco's Bright Future

Meet Alpharetta country songwriter and musician, Rocco Article by NOELLE LAMBERT | Photography by Eric Ahlgrim At just 15 years old, emerging singer-songwriter and skillful guitarist Rocco Gorelik has turned heads with his traditional country sound and first-rate musicianship. The Alpharetta native began to steadily grow a fan base when his self-recorded guitar videos started piquing the interest of people around the world. Rocco's self-taught talent as a guitarist later scored him a...

Education

'Tis The Season

Celebrating 35 Years of Caring for Our Seniors Article by Heather Terry When Marian Andeweg-Kemp signed up to deliver Meals on Wheels one morning, she thought it would be a quick, six-stop route. But one visit changed her day — and reminded her why she volunteers. Sam is 93 years old and nearly blind, and at his house, Marian was greeted with a wide-open door and an invitation to come in. What was supposed to take minutes turned into an hour of stories, laughter and connection. For Sam...

Education

What Giving Taught Me

Article by Katie Steedly Curling “It is the heart that does the giving; the fingers only let go.” — Nigerian proverb I want to start with a story. My understanding of giving grew from my early experiences. A family that hosted gatherings frequently. A church that taught me about tithing time, talent and treasure. A school where I learned the value of community, relationships and connection. A grandparent’s garden that fed a neighborhood. That is how, when and where I learned about giving and...

Shopping

Make a List, Check it Twice

Thoughtful and cool gifts for people you really like. Article by Alpharetta City Lifestyle staff Answers to their medical woes.   It's time again to see Uncle John or maybe it's your cousin Sophia who has the chronic pain or health issue that traditional medical doctors can't seem to diagnose. Give the gift of health this year and get them back to themselves again. Initial exams $95 - $195. Holistic Health Center, P.C.   HolisticHealthGA.com Get outdoorsy, but not too outdoorsy with a...

Education

Turning Compassion into Action

Gina Pickett Article by Sean O'Keefe | Photography by Jolie Loren In every thriving corporation and community, there are unsung heroes whose generosity quietly shapes lives. Spearheading fundraising efforts takes vision, strategy and tireless dedication—qualities that define Alpharetta's Gina Pickett, Internal Event Planner at Marsh MMA. Gina continues to mobilize resources, energizing her community and turning passion into impact; transforming ideas into action through collaboration and a...

Education

Answering Prayers

Meet Brooke Bowman Photography by Aleks Kapetanovic Muffled cries from new parents are barely audible over the loud, beeping noises that come from a sea of lifesaving machines. In normal situations, these repetitive sounds may be a source of frustration, but in this case, it’s a reassuring sign that a premature baby is still alive and fighting. This is life in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Designed with utmost precision, these carefully controlled environments are designed to mimic a...

Education

People Power

Students driving change Article by Alpharetta City Lifestyle staff Students at Fulton Science Academy are proud to make volunteering and service a priority. Here are three student-driven initiaves that keep kids thinking, creating and giving back.   National Honor Society — Tanzania Service Project Fulton Science Academy’s National Honor Society students devoted months of planning and volunteer hours to a global service project in Tanzania. They raised   $17,500 to fund five water wells...