10 Pieces of Great Advice Home Improvement
Fall Festival Guide
Parenting in the digital age with:
KIRK CAMERON
Your Address for Family Fun
11AM-5PM F O RSATURDAY 2 7 Y9AM-5PM E A R SUNDAY S!
Sept . 15th
Toy Box Trot 1M Fun Run Saturday 8:30am
& 16th
re a u q 5pm ta S
riet
Ma m-9pm | SU T: 9a
N: 11am
SA
Artist Market
Saturday 9am-5pm & Sunday 11am-5pm
Kid’s Korner & Tiny Tot Town
Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm Children’s Entertainment Saturday 10am-2pm
Hubcaps & History Car Show Saturday 10am-3pm
Grassroots Music Festival
Saturday 3pm-9pm Sunday 1pm-5pm
MARIETTASTREETFEST.COM
Marietta Museum of History will be open with free admission Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12p-4pm
CONTENTS
14 KIRK CAMERON
Article submissions
Beloved actor Kirk Cameron shares his insights on parenting the first generation of digital natives.
6 Events
Check out our list of upcoming of local events— activities for all ages
7 Mercy and Grace
Grace and mercy are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is indeed a difference.
8 Your Child’s Shrinking Attention Span
9 Fall Festival Guide
The season of festivals and trunk-or-treats has arrived— be in the know!
submissions@goodlifemagazine.org 1582 Williams Dr, Suite 250 Marietta, GA 30066
20 Things to Contemplate Before You Renovate Advice from a real-estate professional for making wise renovation decisions
16 Ten Pieces of Great Advice
22 GOODlife Home
18 Four Ways for Fathers to Engage at Home
25 GOODlife Travel
From every conversations can come words of wisdom that help guide you through the ups and downs of life.
Ways you can help your children Simple changes men can make to turn off devices more often become active participants within and tune into the things—and their families. people—in life that really matter.
Tips and tricks from a do-ityourself expert for managing, maintaining, and making the most of the space you already have
Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, TN: More than just an amusment park—an amazing blend of magic, beauty, and charm that is enjoyable for all ages
Publisher / Editor
Assistant Editor
Kristen Bland
Autumn Burr
Creative Director
Advertising
Gabriel Bland
info@goodlifemagazine.org 770.656.4400
On the Cover
GOODlife Magazine features Kirk Cameron, the well-known actor and producer who has also become an advocate for godly marriages and families. For the full story, see page 14.
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GOODlife Magazine is a bi-monthly publication distributed throughout Atlanta and Metro Atlanta. Entire contents, including design elements and logos, are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any media without the express written consent of the publisher. GOODlife Magazine, LLC reserves the right to edit or reject any editorial or advertising content. Advertisers assume liability for content of all advertisements. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of our ability. Not responsible for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies. © 2018 GOODlife Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.
11:00 a.m. - 6 :00 p.m. Downtown Kennesaw, GA
(Main Street / Depot - Downtown Kennesaw) FOR MORE INFO 770-423-1330 KENNESAWBUSINESS.ORG
3 1 r e b o t c O , y a S a t u rd
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Main Street Downtown Acworth
More than 30 Great Restaurants - Free Admission Sample from $1 - $4 - Free Local Entertainment - Kid’s Zone For more information: AcworthBusiness.org or Call 770-423-1330
Late Summer/Fall Events Atlanta Home Show and Outdoor Living Expo
Friday, September 7 – Sunday, September Cobb Galleria Over 300 exhibitors will showcase some of the newest and most innovative interior and exterior home improvement products and services. www.fallatlantahomeshow.com
“Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans” & Choral Evensong
Sunday, September 16 from 5:30-6:30PM St. James Episcopal Church, Marietta St. James’ Parish Choir will be joined by the North Atlanta Pipes and Drums for our annual service of Choral Evensong with music for bagpipes, drums, and pipe organ. www.stjamesmarietta.com
Divine Women’s Conference
Friday, September 20 – Saturday, September 22 Free Chapel Church, Gainesville An upbeat women’s conference for mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends to worship together, learn together, and live life together. www.divineconference.org
David Crowder at the North Georgia State Fair Friday, September 21 at 8PM Jim R Miller Park, Marietta Free concert with paid park admission www.northgeorgiastatefair.com
Jazz Night
Friday, September 21 at 7PM St. James Episcopal Church, Marietta Enjoy an evening of jazz with members of the St. James School of Music faculty. Tickets are $25.00 per person and include complimentary hors-d’oeuvres and beverages throughout the evening. www.stjamesmarietta.com
GRIEF - From Loss to Peace Conference
Catalyst Atlanta
Car Show
Mandisa - Girls Night Live
Saturday, September 22 at 1PM Grace Ministries, Marietta Grace Talk: GRIEF - from Loss to Peace conference www.gmint.org
Saturday, September 29 from 10AM - 2PM Gaines Park Senior Living, Kennesaw Waltz through time just by taking a stroll across the Gaines Park parking lot! We’ll grill up some burgers and dogs while you admire classic cars of a bygone era! www.gainespark.com
Woofstock
Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, September 30 Smyrna Market Village “Atlanta’s Largest Pet Party In The Park” is one of the largest pet adoption events in the Southeast with 40,000 pet-lovers over two days, and it features a variety of activities for the whole family (including all family pets) to enjoy! Entertainment includes live music, dog contests, pet adoptions, pet vendors, arts and crafts, delicious food trucks, and ice-cold beverages. Admission is free. www.woofstockatl.com
The 2018 Atlanta Concours d’Elegance
Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, September 30 Chateau Elan Winery and Resort, Braselton The third annual Atlanta Concours d’Elegance is a full weekend of activities amongst the elegant splendor of Château Élan Winery and Resort. See more than 180 museum-quality 1900 to 1968 automobiles, including over 75 pre-war and brass era examples on the Sunday Concours show field that embody the art of the car. Purchase tickets online. www.atlantaconcours.org
Chris August in Concert
Tuesday, October 2 at 7PM Eddie’s Attic, Decatur Tickets are only $10. Doors open at 6PM. www.chrisaugustmusic.com
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Thursday, October 4 – Friday, October 5 Infinite Energy Center, Duluth Catalyst is a 2-day experience to help leaders like you build great churches, grow strong teams, and be a catalyst for change. www.catalystleader.com/atlanta
Friday, October 5 at 7PM First Baptist Church Jonesboro GRAMMY® winner Mandisa is inviting her longtime friends Blanca, Jasmine Murray, and Candace Payne (“Chewbacca Mom”) for “Girls Night Live,” an extraordinary evening aimed at strengthening female community. Envisioned to be a night of women encouraging women about matters that affect women, “Girls Night Live Tour” will include music, humor, worship, and prayer. www.mandisaofficial.com
Danny Gokey: Hope Encounter Tour
Friday, October 5 at 7PM Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta GRAMMY® nominee, Dove Award winner, and Capitol recording artist Danny Gokey’s Hope Encounter Tour will also feature GRAMMY® nominee Tauren Wells and breakout artist Riley Clemmons. www.dannygokey.com
Jeremy Camp and Matthew West
Thursday, October 18 at 7PM Macon City Auditorium GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award winning artists Jeremy Camp and Matthew West to coheadline The Answer/All In Tour. www.jeremycamp.com
Greatest Hits Live 2018 Tour
Friday, November 2 at 7PM First Baptist Woodstock One big night featuring Christian music’s most loved artists of all time performing their classic songs of inspiration! Newsong, Point of Grace, Avalon, Bob Carlisle, Rebecca St. James
Aaron Shust in Concert
Saturday, November 10 Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Amphitheatre, Fayetteville www.aaronshust.com
Mercy Grace and
WE NEED BOTH!
By Will Graham
Grace and mercy. Mercy and grace. Two terms that are The Bible tells us very clearly who we are and what we often used interchangeably. They go hand-in-hand, but deserve. We are sinners who have fallen short of God’s there is indeed a difference. glory (Romans 3:23). Because of that, we deserve death; eternal separation from the Holy and Perfect Father Mercy is not getting what you do deserve. (Romans 6:23). No matter what we do in our own power Grace, conversely, is getting something you don’t deserve. and effort, we cannot change that fact. Picture this: You’re racing down the road, handily breaking the speed limit, when suddenly you see the blue lights flashing behind you. There’s something you do deserve in this situation. You deserve a ticket and a fine. You broke the law, and there’s a penalty for that crime.
But this is where Christ comes in with His mercy and His grace! We do deserve death, but as we call on His name and make Him the Savior of our lives, we receive mercy.
We don’t deserve to come into the presence of God, but After a brief conversation, the officer lets you go with a we are given that eternal promise through grace. warning. That is mercy. You deserve that speeding ticket, but you are not getting what you do deserve. We’ve found that promise and have the hope of Christ because of it! Meanwhile, all around us are people who Now, imagine that you have a project due at work, and— are struggling through this world, trying their best to do try as you may—you have not been able to complete the more good than bad, thinking that is their path to eternity. task. Without it, you have no chance of achieving the They’ve never truly experienced grace and mercy, though bonus you’ve been working towards. At the last second, a they’re hungry for it. colleague jumps in and saves the day, helping you with the last remaining pieces. My friends, look around you, and I promise you will see individuals who will break your heart—who are on a path That would be grace. No matter how hard you worked, you leading to destruction. Share with them the hope that is didn’t deserve the bonus. You fell short. But somebody else within you, and allow God to open the door for them to came along and provided what you needed. “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that Why do I bring up this distinction? Because all around us we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of are people who desperately need both of these blessings, need.” (Hebrews 4:16) and they are both freely given by Christ through His death and resurrection.
Will is the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). He also serves as vice president of the BGEA, and as executive director of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C.
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Your Child’s Shrinking ATTENTION SPAN BY ARLENE PELLICANE
hen my children were preschool age, we attended a “mommy and me” music class. The kids and moms got to sit on mats, sing songs, and use different instruments. Yet, every week, there would be some child who would start walking around when she was supposed to be sitting still, or a boy who was screaming during singing time. Even with brightly colored scarves and different instruments, the teacher had to work very hard to hold the kids’ attention.
and insist on having your eyes meet. Later on in the evening, you can say something like, “When I come home, I’m always happy to see you. When I enter the room, please put your device down and look at me. That’s a great courtesy to give to others to show them you care.” In this digital age, so many things are fighting for the attention of your child. Playing a game on the tablet. Watching that new video. Texting a friend. It’s up to you to help your children turn off devices more often and tune into the things—and people—in life that really matter. Activities such as reading books, playing outside, and having restful, screen-free downtime can help a child strengthen his attention span. When a child can bring his wandering attention under control, it will give him great advantages in his future career, life, and love.
Fast forward a few years to the classroom. Teachers are fighting hard to keep the attention of their students. Today’s child is not accustomed to boredom or working quietly. Instead, he is used to constant entertainment and stimulation. The screen world has opened a new door to a fantasy world that is unlike reality. On screens, if something is boring, we can just press a button or swipe our fingers to get a new option. Drop-down menus offer something for everyone. Gratification Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and author of several books including Parents Rising and Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a is instant and exciting. Screen-Driven World (co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman). Does real life work this way? Nope, there’s no magic button to push when we want the school day to end or fast forward. The constant noise of media and video games has stunted a child’s ability to pay attention to anything that isn’t exploding on screen or capturing his interest. Many parents think, “My child doesn’t have an attention problem. She can play on the computer for hours.” Yet, when that screen is turned off, that same child is distracted and can’t seem to get her chores or homework completed. Technology has changed the way we pay attention. When your child visits a favorite website or plays a video game, it’s interactive and consuming. Digital media demands our attention. Television producers and game developers create content that is constantly changing and stimulating. Screen time may hold your child’s attention for hours on end, but will it help her to pay attention in the most important areas of her life? Will she have the discipline to finish college and succeed in a career if she wants? Will she be able to give her full attention to the people in her life, both now and in the future? Will she be able to grasp deep content—or only skim information without comprehension? The ability to pay attention isn’t just about bringing home good grades in school. It’s also about the ability to look a loved one in the face instead of just staring down at a tablet. Attention has to do with your child’s heart. Children and teens are becoming famous for staring down at screens instead of interacting with the real-life people around them. When you teach your child to make eye contact with others, you are helping him focus his attention on the person at hand. This helps him become more empathetic and healthy in his relationships. So the next time you come home and are greeted by the top of your child’s head (as he is staring at his video game), tap your child on the head and gently turn his face toward yours. Say, “It’s nice to see you” 8
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FALL
FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER
GUIDE
Helen Oktoberfest – Helen
September 6 - October 28 Helen’s annual Oktoberfest opens with a parade, German music, dancing, food, and drinks! This event draws thousands from around the world and is frequently listed on the Top Oktoberfest lists because of its authentic atmosphere.
Mountain Music Festival – Blairsville
September 15 Bluegrass and Gospel music will be heard throughout Vogel State Park. Crafters and demonstrators will have handmade items for sale.
Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Music Festival – Blue Ridge
September 15 Downtown Blue Ridge sets the stage as a fantastic backdrop and venue location for a perfect early fall event. The sounds of Blues music and the sweet smell of BBQ from local and regional cookers will fill the air as families and groups of friends enjoy this unique setting and event.
Marietta Streetfest – Marietta
September 15-16 Shop for arts and crafts, hear grassroots music, see classic cars, and visit the kids’ activity zone at Glover Park in the Marietta Square.
Roswell Arts Festival – Roswell
September 15-16 Roswell’s Historic Town Square hosts an art festival with music and dance entertainment, children’s activities, food, and more.
Suwanee Fest – Suwanee
September 15-16 55,000 attend Town Center Park for this event, which includes arts & crafts, food, live music, children’s rides, and more.
North Georgia State Fair – Marietta
September 20-30 The 86th annual North Georgia State Fair is the largest fair in metro Atlanta. Held at Jim R Miller Park, the fair features live music, free attractions and shows, blue ribbon competitions, flower shows, live farm and exotic animals, dancers and performers, fun food, and rides.
september/october 2018
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FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE Sandy Springs Festival – Sandy Springs
September 22-23 This free festival, which takes place in the heart of the city at Heritage Green, features an artists’ market, 5K/10K, live musical entertainment, food, pet parade, and children’s interactive area.
Pumpkin Festival – Stone Mountain
September 22 - October 28 (select dates) Play by day—glow by night. Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides while you enjoy Stone Mountain Park’s attractions, fun-filled games, live shows, and more! New for 2018, a glowing family experience with thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns light up each night!
Atlanta Greek Festival – Atlanta
September 28-30 Enjoy a “Taste of Greece” at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. This signature celebration welcomes you with philoxenia and kefi. Come experience warm hospitality, exuberant dancing, sumptuous wines, unique artisan jewelry and apparel, rich history, deep faith, and some of the most delicious food in Atlanta.
Georgia State Fair – Hampton
September 28 - October 7 Held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the Georgia State Fair is celebrating its 170th year. Enjoy rides, games, food, live music, and daily attractions.
Alpharetta Scarecrow Harvest – Alpharetta
September 29 More than 100 scarecrows will line downtown streets while residents enjoy festival food, country music, and games.
Duluth Fall Festival – Duluth
September 29-30 This annual festival in historic downtown Duluth includes a carnival, parade, 5K road race, arts and crafts, food, Man’s Corner, and Kids’ Korner, 10
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Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival – Canton
September 29-30 Etowah River Park will be filled with over 200 arts & crafts vendors, concession stands, and entertainers, as well as a children’s area with rides and activities.
OCTOBER 2018 Cumming Country Fair – Cumming October 4-14 Cumming Country Fair and Festival includes rides, games, concerts, food, and fun.
Transfiguration Fall Fair – Marietta
October 6 from 5PM-8PM Transfiguration Catholic Church’s COMMUNITY FALL FAIR features food, fun, games, music, and entertainment for the whole family!
Rocktoberfest – Lookout Mountain
October 6-28 (Saturdays and Sundays) Get in touch with Rock City’s German heritage during the 13th annual Rocktoberfest. This
premiere autumn festival includes live German music, polka lessons, German food, the Fall Fairy, Ik the Troll King, and fun for the whole family. Also see the Birds of Prey in action!
Rock Ranch – The Rock
October 6 - November 3 Visit the farm for Fall Family Fun Days and Sunday Fun Days. Themed fun events include hot air balloons, smashing pumpkins, super heroes, and monster truck shows!
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival – Hiawassee October 12-20 The nine-day event, held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgraounds, features exciting musical performances, arts & crafts vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show, and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention.
Chalktoberfest – Marietta
October 13-14 Enjoy your afternoon sampling craft beers and wines, listening to live music from local artists, watching professional Chalk Artists chalk the streets, and eating great food at the beautiful downtown square of Marietta.
Wings Over North Georgia Airshow – Rome October 13-14 The US Air Force Thunderbirds and concert headliner Travis Tritt star at this air show at the Russell Regional Airport. Enjoy a BBQ Classic competition, kids’ zone, and more.
Taste of Acworth – Acworth
October 13 from 10AM-6PM Main Street Acworth will come alive with over 120 booths, lots of food, all types of children’s activities, sponsor booths, local entertainment, a dog show, fashion show, and more.
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Saving people money on more than just car insurance.® Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages Author: are underwritten by GEICO Marine Will Graham Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2017. © 2017 GEICO
FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE Blairsville Sorghum Festival – Blairsville
October 13-21 The Blairsville Sorghum Festival has been a part of Blairsville’s heritage for almost 50 years. Two weekends of fun include live entertainment, square dancing, parade, arts, crafts, exhibits, food, “biskit” eating, pole climbing, log sawing, horseshoe pitching, rock throwing, and more.
Georgia Apple Festival – Ellijay
October 13-14 and 20-21 The Georgia Apple Festival, held at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, brings two exciting weekends of food, arts, crafts, parade, antique car show, and more.
Owl O’Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival – Kennesaw
October 19-20 The two-day family-friendly event at Kennesaw State University features amazing balloon glows, trick-or-treating, tethered balloon rides, live music, vendor marketplace, food trucks, drinks, entertainment, interactive kids’ area, and more.
Gold Rush Days – Dahlonega
October 25-28 The Booth Western Art Museum hosts the largest Western themed event in the South! Experience the West through events such as gunfight reenactments, Native American dancing, art-related events with featured artists Scott Christensen and Quang Ho, concert by featured entertainer Riders In The Sky, children’s activities, Cowboy Church, and so much more!
St. James Episcopal Trunk or Treat – Marietta
October 28 at 5PM Join us for our annual Trunk or Treat in the St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall parking circle.
Mount Paran North Church Fall Festival – Marietta
October 31 from 5PM-8PM Kick off your Halloween night at North! Join us in our parking lot and enjoy a 110 ft. slide, cyclone swing, costume contest, truck or treat ally, food, and, of course, lots of candy!
October 20-21 Dahlonega’s Town Square is taken over by thousands coming to see fall colors peaking and to celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event.
Cobb Vineyard Church Trunk-or-Treat – Kennesaw
Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival – Sandy Springs
November 3 from 11AM-7PM Downtown Kennesaw streets will be filled with the sweet smell of food and the sweet sounds of rock ‘n roll. There will be over 40 restaurants represented, all types of children’s activities, beer garden, music, and sponsor booths.
October 21 from 11AM-3:30PM The 6th Annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival at the City Green, the heart of the beautiful and exciting new City Springs Center in Sandy Springs
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Southeastern Cowboy Festival & Symposium – Cartersville
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October 31 from 6PM-8PM Bring your kids for a safe trick-or-treat environment. There will be games, snacks, raffles, and more.
Taste of Kennesaw – Kennesaw
A Safe Place to Be Real By Mary Bowen
T
he breakthrough came when Daniel met his heavenly Father for the first time. At least, it seemed that way. After months of counseling, he came to understand that the Father actually suffered with him instead of causing all his recent anguish. Crushed by a traumatic divorce and custody battle, he had lost his home and children. Daniel confided in a friend how hopeless he felt. That was when he heard about counseling at Grace Ministries International. From the beginning Daniel felt intrigued by his counselor’s approach. “He wasn’t trying to fix me,” he recalls. “I wasn’t his project; he met me where I was.” The counselor’s kindness, authenticity and competence impressed him. The counselor helped Daniel “to see his story through God’s eyes.” Daniel credits his counselor’s love and support in connecting him with a new family of believers. He now has a home, a job, and sees his five children regularly. Understanding his relationship with his heavenly Father has helped Daniel relate to his own children. “I got a new lease on life!” he declares. Stories of transformation abound at Grace Ministries International. The experienced staff range from former business professionals and ministry leaders. By teaching biblical principles of identification with Christ, they lead clients to know His indwelling, empowering presence. Their website acknowledges that “the Holy Spirit is the therapist and God is the change agent”. Counselees are freed from mental and emotional symptoms, and learn to resolve marital and family conflicts. Grace Ministries International does not practice psychotherapy or provide on-call 24-hour counseling. At the heart of their discipleship counseling is the believer’s identification with Christ. In addition to counseling, Grace
Ministries offers conferences, Grace Talks, and an advanced discipleship class called the Encounter. Several conferences convene in their offices: By Divine Design, Law and Grace, Marriage, Parenting, and Romans. The advanced class, The Encounter, draws believers into community with one another and includes mentoring. It meets weekly, monthly or daily (in the summer). This advanced discipleship deepens the believer’s understanding of his spiritual journey and equips him to share the message with others. One Encounter graduate wrote: “It has been a glorious unfolding filled with joy and pain, light and dark, hope and despair, but an overarching theme has been a journey to freedom. . . Everything in life has meaning. . . I owe everything to my personal, loving heavenly Father, the Liberator.” Grace Ministries International teaches this message of freedom worldwide, having started ministries in ten countries: Hungary, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, England, Romania, Middle East, Colombia, Brazil and Ghana. Over the last twenty years people in twenty countries have been trained in the biblical principles of identification with Christ in His death and resurrection. Scott Brittin, president, recalls his own spiritual journey, “I was working for God instead of from God.” This liberating truth of our new identity in Christ began changing lives in 1970 with Charles Solomon and Grace Fellowship International. Since then, Network 220 continues this work, with 110 churches, counseling ministries and training groups. Grace Ministries International is part of this network.
To contact Grace Ministries International call 770-690-0433. They have offices in Marietta and Canton, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. Their website is www.gmint.org. Daytime hours are Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. -5 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Evening hours are Tuesday and Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Kirk Cameron: Parenting in a DigitalWorld eenagers. Maybe you’ve been one. Maybe you are one. Maybe you’re the parent of one—or more (God bless you!). If you’ve had experience in any capacity with teens and pre-teens over a period of time, you probably know that each generation of adolescents faces its own unique set of challenges, temptations, and opportunities. Nobody is more aware of this than Kirk Cameron, long-time actor and producer.
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By Autumn Burr
we immediately realized what a huge challenge this is. And I think one of the greatest fears of every parent today is the effect that social media and technology are having on their kids.” He explains, “You know, there’s everything that you hear about on the news. There’s everything from access to inappropriate material, pornography, the addictive qualities of technology, video
When Kirk was a teenager himself, he even played one on TV! Who could forget the mischievous, but lovable Mike Seaver from ABC’s sitcom Growing Pains? (OK, if the late ‘80s were before your time, you may know him instead from the Left Behind movie series, the Fireproof movie, or some of his other works.) But before he was introduced to Jesus Christ in his late teens and decided to make him the Lord of his life, Kirk fell prey to many of the lures of youth, only more amplified with the addition of money and fame. But beyond his own experiences as an adolescent, Kirk and his wife of 27 years, Chelsea, are currently raising six teenagers of their own! One of their biggest challenges is the same many of us are facing today: living and parenting in a digital world. This is uncharted territory for us all. Kirk chuckles, “We can’t go and say, ‘Hey, Grandma, what did you do when you were a young girl and got dumped by your boyfriend on Instagram?’” He points out that social media was just invented in the last decade or so, but for kids today, “it’s all they’ve ever known.”
Opening Up the Social Media Can of Worms Kirk shares about when he and Chelsea decided to get all six of their kids smart phones at the same time: “Once we did that, 14
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But is that a constructive and realistic approach to take? Will completely banning such gadgets that, in and of themselves, are neither good nor evil cause our kids to rebel and crave them all the more, sneaking behind our backs to access the very things from which we’re trying to protect them? Kirk points out, “If your kids’ friends have phones, your kids are going to be having access to stuff. So really what our kids need is the ability to use technology wisely—for good.” He reminds us that there are so many ways that it can be used for noble purposes. “We can help people on the other side of the world with technology,” he adds. “I’m pro-technology. I don’t want to say you can never have a smart phone or a computer. I want you to use them for good, not have them used for evil against you.”
Digging In
games, social media, the access to people that don’t have your best interest in mind.” Kirk mentions some of the consequences that our society is seeing: “So many more things are pointing out that kids’ brains are literally being affected biologically, and our kids are being led into a state of anxiety, depression, and sometimes even increased suicide because of the intense impact that this information and technology are having on our kids.” Hearing all of these negative effects, your initial reaction may be a lot like both Kirk’s and mine were at first: just don’t allow our children to have smart phones or devices.
“I decided I need to get my arms around the whole thing and do my best to help my kids,” Kirk shares. “So I went and interviewed five experts—a neuroscientist, a family counselor, a psychologist, a technology entrepreneur, and even my own minister—and talked about the biological, the neurological, the emotional, the mental, and even the spiritual side of social media and the effect it’s having on kids.” One of the things he learned was that it “can be as addictive as alcohol and drug use because it activates the same pleasure centers in the brain that those things do. And so, when I’m checking my phone every two minutes to see if I’ve got a new email or if someone else has liked my post, there’s addictive behavior there that really stunts our growth as people.” Kirk continues, “One of the other things I heard that really surprised me was that, even though kids are apparently more
connected with followers and online friends than ever before, they’re saying that this is turning out to be the loneliest generation of teenagers ever because they don’t have the real life friendship skills to be able to secure real relationships. You know, relationships come and go with the push of a button. And face-to-face interaction becomes more and more challenging because they’re texting each other across the same table in the same room—texting each other rather than talking. So body language, facial expressions, eye contact, a firm handshake, carrying on a standard conversation…they don’t know how to do that. What does that mean when they get older, in their ability to keep their marriage strong or to hold down a job and to raise kids?”
Helping Others Find Hope Kirk began to realize the immense need for not only his own family but everyone to understand more about these issues and receive some practical advice from the experts to combat and prevent the ill-effects. He decided to use the interviews as a core foundation to produce a documentary called Connect, which is now out on DVD or available for download, that he describes as “real help for parenting kids in a social media world.” He also reveals that with Connect, in addition to hearing the conversations with those specialists, “you’re going to see about four or five young adults who share their stories—their journey into social media and how it affected them and then how they made some serious changes in their lives, and how it’s been such a positive change.”
“I think it’s a really helpful tool that will give parents a lot of hope” Kirk says of the documentary. But Connect is not only for parents—Kirk’s hope is that the young people themselves will also watch it and reflect on how the experts’ messages and the individuals’ experiences relate to them personally, asking themselves questions like, “Hey, is that really happening to me? How do I feel about that? Is that true? Wow, that’s exactly how I feel. What can I do? Wow, is that really what’s going on inside my brain?” The biggest take-away Kirk got from his dialogue with the experts was that, in order to help our children develop healthy habits and make wise and safe choices with technology, we must stay connected with them. “Stay fully present in relationship with your kids. Don’t be so distracted by your own phone and texts and emails that you have no time to talk to your kids when they come home from school. And be the parent. Be there to help them. Don’t stick
“Stay fully present in relationship with your kids. Don’t be so distracted by your own phone... that you have no time to talk to your kids when they come home from school....Don’t stick your head in the sand and just think it’s all going to be OK. It’s not.” your head in the sand and just think it’s all going to be OK. It’s not. You really need to engage and connect with your kids on the subject. It’s their world.” If parents need additional resources to learn more and help their families make smart decisions when it comes to technology, Kirk has a couple of recommendations. He first mentions a free guide for parents, available through Focus on the Family at focusonthefamily. com/parenting/family-safety. “It’s got tons of great stuff,” he asserts. Another option is a tool that Kirk created himself called Engage that is a six-week online course, available at kirkcameron.com. It has been developed for parents who have
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kirkcameronoffic
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seen Connect and want to go deeper and get more detail. It will help parents answer questions like, “What’s Instagram? What’s Snapchat? What’s Facebook? How do they work? Are there tools that can help me monitor my kids’ online activities?”
Words of Wisdom
When asked what advice he has to offer as a father of six teenagers, “Take vacations often!” Kirk quickly replies, laughing. Then shifting to a more serious tone, he advises, “You know, just lean in 100%... don’t give up, don’t quit, have dinner together, stay in relationship with your kids, have fun, teach them God’s word—all of it begins to bear fruit in their teenage years. And if you neglect to do those things, that also bears its fruit in the teenage years in terms of rebellion and strife and all of that.” Kirk urges, “Parenting is a sacred calling, so take it seriously, lean all the way in, and make sure that you’re in partnership with God and giving it your best, and you will be rewarded later on.” When it comes to our kids’ use of technology, Kirk sums up his strategy as this: “Let’s teach our kids how to use it for good, and the way to do that is by engaging with them and modeling how to use it ourselves so that together we can…navigate the scary jungle of social media and technology.” september/october 2018
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Pieces of Good Advice B Y
J E N N I F E R
B O N N
If you typically despise getting unsolicited advice from others, let me give you a little…um…guidance. Advice can be life-changing. Most of the time, the best advice comes out in a simple conversation, and the person who gives it has no idea that he or she has thrown you a lifeline that will save you over and over as you navigate the trials and joys of life. I appreciate all the inspirational people in my life. Whether they are family, friends, teachers, or mentors, they have all given me pieces of advice that I have truly been able to use. Here are my top ten:
Find Your Peace
Life can be crazy, but it is much easier to handle everything in your day if you know what brings you peace. Let me give you several examples of activities that can calm my nerves and offer me serenity. • Going outside and just taking in nature. I can go for a run or a walk, work in the garden swing in the hammock, or just sit on the porch. I listen to the neighborhood sounds around me: the distant lawnmowers humming, children laughing, birds chirping. • Reading. Reading is a narcotic for me. It just takes one page before I can feel my whole body relaxing, and I am lost in the story. • Good food. There is something so comforting about food. It is also gratifying to offer food to others. • Silence. I am a teacher, and I hear my name called a zillion times a day by people who need me for something. Silence just makes me smile sometimes. • Writing. I love to write down my ideas and play with words. • Quick naps. I am the queen of the power nap. My favorite naps are on rainy Sunday afternoons.
Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Inspiration can come in many forms, such as people you admire, music with a message, or an author or speaker who says just what you need to hear. Keep yourself open to receiving it because inspiration often comes when you least expect it.
Be a Lifelong Learner
The more life experience I gain, the more I feel I know very little about anything. I love learning new things, and I love listening to new information in all forms. Everyone has something to teach me. I don’t ever want to feel like I have learned it all.
Everyone Has Burdens—Try To Lighten The Load
Life is complicated for us all, and some of us are better equipped to untangle the issues to reach the joy than others. Try to help the people around you in any way you can. You can do great things with just a donation of your time. Listen to someone’s story, offer your skills where needed, donate clothes or food, and serve in any other way that you can. This morning, we were out for breakfast, and there was a woman opposite me, eating by herself. She seemed lonely, so I struck up a conversation. When I complemented her shoes, her face lit up, and she spoke with us for the next ten minutes. Lightening someone’s load can be that simple.
One Door Will Shut, So a Better One Will Open
It doesn’t always seem like a positive when we’re forced to stop our involvement with something, but it is true that when one door closes, another one opens—and it is almost always a better opportunity. The next time you have to move on or away from someone or something, start to get excited about the new adventure that is in your future.
Things Happen in God’s Timing, Not Ours
My oldest daughter has always known she wanted to be married with children. The idea of family has always equaled happiness for her. She was sure she would marry the man she had been with for five years, but that 16
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relationship dissolved, and she began to panic that she would not find the right man and be able to build the family that was so vital to her. I kept telling her, “You cannot force this to happen. It has to be God’s timing.” She would always reply, “I’m going to need God to move up the timetable!” The story has a happy ending, though, because she finally met and married a wonderful man, and they are now waiting for God’s timing for a baby.
CELEBRATE
at
M AG G I A N O ’ S L I T T L E I TA LY
Don’t Listen To The Noise
The people around you are always evaluating you. There will be some who are amazed by you and others who are underwhelmed. You will never please everyone, and if you try, you will be miserable. If who you are and what you are is the best you can be, then don’t worry about anything else. The only one who has the right to judge you is God. Remember when you are evaluated, assessed, or criticized, you are listening to an opinion. I always tell people to feel the emotional response first, then reflect on the criticism a second time and ask yourself if there is anything constructive you can use to help you grow. Take what will help you improve and throw away the rest.
Keep Priorities
There are a million things in our lives that are all vying for our attention, but there are a few that will always be more important than the rest and deserve to be given higher priority. God is in control of our lives, so we should be working constantly on our relationship with him. Our family should be our heart to whom we give time, love, and support. And, of course, we need to focus on our jobs in order to make a living. When we neglect one of these priorities, there is a chance one or both of the others will suffer, so realize the importance of all of them, and try to maintain a balance.
Listen More Than You Speak
If you are always speaking, you are not learning. You are not hearing important information you may need, either at that moment or sometime in your future. You are missing a chance to help someone else by hearing a story. And you are overlooking an important step in building relationships.
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Treat People How You Want to Be Treated
If you don’t want to be judged, don’t judge others. If you don’t want someone talking about you behind closed doors, don’t badmouth others. If you want encouragement, encourage others. If you crave kindness, be kind to everyone. Be the role model who shows the people around you how to act. I truly believe our actions come back to us. What advice have you received that has made an impact in your life?
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connect with us TM
By Jeremy Adelman
The impact that engaged fathers have on significantly reducing at-risk-behavior in their children has been well documented. Additionally, fathers who are physically and emotionally engaged lead to increased cognitive development, improved emotional health, and positive peer-relationships in their children’s lives. This pattern points to God’s design for families to function with men as active participants, not passive observers. As men who desire to follow Jesus, honor God, and lead our families, we are not called to simply be present fathers but to be engaged fathers—and engaged husbands as well. Before we can begin to lead our children well, we must first pursue to actively grow our marriages with our wives. We men are meant to be participant-leaders in the home. Admittedly, it is often difficult to remain engaged at home. After a long day, it is easy to detach from our families and enter the worlds of media, technology, and sports. Our minds are occupied with the work we left behind or looking forward to the sleep that is to come, but God calls us to more as husbands and fathers. Here are four ways, among many, that we men can be more engaged at home.
When our wives and children are awake and want to be with us, our phones are a distraction from what matters most in that moment. By the time we get home most days, our children will be asleep within a few short hours. Let’s not waste that precious time on our phones. I am not great at following this advice instinctively. If my phone is in my pocket, I am prone to pull it out and check email, news, sports scores, articles, tweets, or Facebook notifications. I start doing those things without even thinking. I have tried to proactively remedy this barrier to engagement by taking my phone out of my pocket when I get home and putting it on the kitchen counter or fireplace mantel. 18
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When our families want to engage with us, but they constantly see us choose our phones over them, we send the message that media and the outside world are more important than they are. Win the battle of distraction before it begins and proactively put away the phone or device when you walk in the door.
Asking good questions can awaken portions of the heart that may otherwise remain dormant and strengthen the relationship we have with our wives and children. My wife has things to tell me that I may not hear if my questions are general and unimaginative. It doesn’t take much effort to ask my wife, “How was your day?” But remembering she had a library trip planned with the kids and then asking thoughtful questions about her experience helps her know I care. It tells her I am thinking about her and know what is going on in her life. Only asking, “How was your day?” is sort of lazy. We can do better. Strengthening our relationships will require follow-up questions. It will require that we listen to our wives’ initial answers and then ask questions that get to their hearts. The same goes for our children. “How was school?” isn’t enough. But asking about the friend they are struggling with gets us much closer. One practical way I do this is by keeping an Evernote document with a list of questions I can ask my wife to prompt good conversation. Before we go on dates, I look at the list and have a few questions ready to ask in order to launch a new conversation. Asking good questions takes effort. It requires intentional preparation and active participation. But it is vital to leading our families well.
Life doesn’t always allow us to sit around and play games or ask one another questions. I often have projects around the house that need to be completed, such as mowing the lawn, helping with dinner, fixing a leaky faucet, or paying the bills. My son is at an
age where he loves to help me with projects. Sometimes he may be simply watching, sometimes he helps screw in a few bolts, or sometimes he gets to pour ingredients into a mixing bowl. One way to stay engaged in our homes is to invite our wives and children into the work we are doing. Alternatively, we can enter their worlds and engage their interests. With our children, we can get down on their level, throw the ball around the back yard, color pictures, or build towers with blocks (which are certain to be destroyed within minutes). With our wives, we can initiate time together in their areas of interest and be fully engaged in the process, helping to facilitate the relational connection we want. This can take on many forms. Whether it is inviting them to participate in our worlds or becoming involved in theirs, we can find creative ways to do things together rather than doing them apart.
The older I get, the more I appreciate books—more specifically, the more I appreciate words. In the Scriptures, God has chosen to communicate with us through words, and language is foundational to nearly everything we want to do in the world. One of the most important things you can do for the development of your children is read to them. I hear of study after study regarding the importance of reading, and what a better way to reinforce to our children the value of reading than having their father read to them. For a little background reading for yourself, I recommend Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt. She does a masterful job of articulating the value of reading in the home. I also have found that reading with my wife can be significant—whether it is a classic novel, a book about parenting, or a book about faith. Reading is a great way to engage with your family when you are home.
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It might be tiring and even difficult at times, but God has given us the awesome privilege of leading our families as active participants. Pouring our energy into our wives and children in the service of God’s glory and the good of our families is exciting work—and well worth our best efforts.
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Things to
Contemplate
Before You
RENOVATE B Y
J A N I C E
O V E R B E C K
What should I do to my home to improve its value? That is one of the most frequent questions I am asked as the owner of the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team, a successful residential real estate company in the metroAtlanta market, selling thousands of clients’ homes over the last decade. Over that same time period, I have also bought about 80 distressed houses in the area that I have renovated and re-sold. The wealth of knowledge I have gained through my experiences gives me a unique perspective on the answer to that question—one that you may even be asking today. I have learned a great deal along the way that I haven’t seen written anywhere else. Since you can always pull up statistics online, I will instead share anecdotal information about what has proven time and time again to pay off for my clients and me in the metro-Atlanta market. My hope is to guide you to make the wisest decisions as you contemplate what changes to make to your home. If you are considering making improvements to your home, I suggest walking through the following three-step process first:
Step 1: Ask yourself how long you anticipate living in your home. Do you plan to renovate your home to add value to sell it or are the planned updates for you yourself to enjoy as you continue living in your home for years to come? If your answer is the first option, it is extremely important not to guess at what is in style or what projects you should complete. The big mistake we see from our clients on a regular basis is that they think they know what improvements they should make. They contact us halfway through renovations—instead of on the front end—for our expert advice. Figuring out what would be best for your specific home, is an art, not a science. Believe it or not, based on inventory in the market, our clients are often better off focusing on price over renovations. For instance, if nothing is on the market in your neighborhood, you may be able to price your home in a way that you make exactly the same return as you would if you put money into it. That is because, at the lower price point, there are more buyers, and so it truly doesn’t make sense to invest in any modifications. Consider the scenario that you could price your home for $200,000 without making any updates or for $275,000 with renovations. Your realtor can run a report to see how many buyers have been purchasing between the two price points in the area and get a good gauge on what makes the most sense for your home. Now consider a different and opposite example: you may think you don’t want to replace that worn-out carpet in your home because you believe the next buyer may want to install all hardwoods instead. The truth is, the prospect wanting hardwoods is still going to discount your home because of your old carpet and will argue that point when they make an offer. Others who don’t plan to make any updates to the home after they buy it, whether they don’t have the budget or don’t have the desire, will not feel “warm and fuzzy” in your home, so they will walk in and then walk right back out. With new carpet, you will sell for a higher amount almost
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every time than without it. A trick when it comes to the carpet is getting a nice, thick 6 lb. pad. It usually only costs about $350-450 more for a typical 2,500 square foot home, but makes the carpet feel double the price under your feet. You can also market the upgraded pad as bonus to your home. I recommend the upgraded pad 100% of the time. Overall, if you are planning renovations for the resale value, while there are some projects that are almost always worth it, much can depend on your individual situation, market area, and home. If your reason for renovating is the second option, for your own enjoyment, I generally have some very simple advice: don’t worry at all about what anyone else thinks. Do whatever makes you happy that fits within your budget. However, do consider this: if you plan to stay in your home forever, but a project is going to cost $150,000, for example, then you may be better off looking for a new home that has the features you want versus spending the money to renovate your existing home. An example of this is installing a pool. A good rule of thumb is, if you buy a home that already has a pool, you generally pay about half the amount for the pool than you would spend to have one installed. On the flip side, if you want a pool, and you have or find the perfect home without one, expect to pay about $100,000 (you can finance this), but in my opinion, it’s worth a million, especially if you have kids. I have never personally had a single client to this point who bought a home with a pool and regretted it.
Step 2: Determine how much money and time you are willing to dedicate to your project: It is no secret that many times—actually, MOST times—home improvement repairs end up costing more than you anticipate. Perhaps issues are uncovered along the way that need to be addressed. That will cost additional money and add time to the project. Are you trying to complete repairs to have your house on the market at a certain time of year? If so, give an enormous amount of buffer time so that when the project is delayed, you aren’t pulling your hair out.
Step 3: Have fun! Does tackling a home improvement project sound like a blast or would you rather get a root canal? We humans are all so different. If this kind of thing is up your alley and you’re excited about the project, then go for it! But if you relate more with those who have completed a home improvement project and felt that the experience took years off of their life, then consider spending your time on something else. Life is too short. Seeking a professional’s advice either way is crucial so that, if you have decided to sell, you can get top dollar for the least amount of hassle on your part. Decisions about renovations can be a bit overwhelming, but if you consider the pointers provided in these three steps, your home improvement journey will be a lot smoother, and you will save a lot more money and stress along the way.
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Make the Most of the Space You Have Tips and Strategies from Chris Peterson
GET MOBILE. Rolling islands and cabinetry provide the most flexibility where space is tight. Wheels allow you to store a work surface or extra storage off to the side of the room until needed. RACK IT. Hanging storage—whether it’s overhead pot racks or wall-
larger and will bounce light around so that cramped counters are better illuminated for work tasks. You can mirror cabinet fronts, backsplashes, and even entire walls.
BE SHELF-ISH. Exploit even small areas of bare wall with shelves sized to fit. Even a shallow spice shelf can alleviate some of the storage burden on cabinets in a small kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Formica Corporation, www.formica.com
Photo courtesy of Urban Homes, www.uhny.com
mounted bar hangers—can be a great way to free up space in drawers and cabinets. The cookware and utensils you’d most likely hang tend to be space hogs and an inefficent use of enclosed storage.
MIRROR, MIRROR. Mirrored surfaces will make the space seem
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USE THE DOORS. Plain pantry cupboard or cabinet doors are nice enough, but they are also valuable organizational real estate. Paint the front of a pantry cupboard with blackboard paint as an easy way to keep track of the weekly shopping list. Line the inside of the doors with corkboard to pin up coupons, recipes, and more. Or hang one of many wire organziers on the inside of pantry doors to keep small items such as spice jars organized and ready for use.
QUARTZ. An alluring material that comes in many different appearances, quartz generally only needs a swipe or two with a soft clean cloth and a mild, warm water-and-soap solution. Need to remove something sticky? Try a plastic putty knife. The “don’ts” are actually more important with quartz surfaces. Don’t use abrasive cleaners or any substance that is acidic (e.g., vinegar) or alkali (e.g., bleach). Do not wax or seal the surface. (When the wax or sealant wears off, it will leave the quartz looking dull.) PORCELAIN. Porcelain is a favorite in the bathroom. Sinks, tiles, toilets, and tubs are commonly porcelain. That’s because the material is nonporous, shiny, stainless, and durable. Among porcelain fixtures, toilets require the most serious cleaning on a regular basis. An abrasive cleanser is a good choice for the toilet. Be sure to clean up under the rim to ensure water holes don’t become clogged with debris, rust, or mold. To revive an older stained bowl, first clean it with a standard abrasive cleanser. Then soak toilet paper in vinegar and stuff the wet paper up under the rim of the bowl. Add 2 cups of vinegar to the water in the bowl. Let sit for at least 1 hour and then flush and clean again with an abrasive cleanser. You can clean porcelain sinks or tiles with a mild soap-andwarm water solution. Stuck-on gunk can be removed with a plastic putty knife.
DE-BAG. Bags are imperfect containers in a pantry. Some, such as bags of flour, are prone to leaking. Other, such as bags of bulk-item purchases, are loose forms that take up more space than they need. That’s why it’s wise to transfer bulk or bagged purchases into more standardized containers, such as sealed glass jars or plastic buckets (don’t forget the labels!). STAIRSTEP. Different size cans and jars present a challenge on pantry shelves. It’s just too easy for small containers to be hidden in the back, behind large cans and bottles. The answer? Stairstep shelving. This type of organizer is inexpensive and ingenious, and lets you see exactly what you’re keeping on a pantry shelf at a glance. ACCOMMODATE COOKWARE. We think of pantries as places just for
food. But if you have extra room, your pantry can be a great place to organize baking sheets, muffin tins, and cake pans. A high and deep shelf can become the ideal bakeware or cookware storage with the help of a few aftermarket horzontal dividers. A sturdy shelf can be the preferred location for a row of enameled cast-iron pots and pans.
Photo courtesy of Caesarstone www.caesarstone.com
LABEL, LABEL, LABEL. The problem with many pantries is that they become repositories for foodstuffs that are not regularly used. This inevitabley leads to clutter from out-of-date staples that are well past their prime. A big, visible label stuck on boxes, bags, jars, and other containers can provide at-a-glance convenience so you can rotate stock when necessary. Neatly print the date purchased, the date of expiration, and any other relveant information.
A QUARTZ SURFACE such as this wraparound vanity counter needs minimal
care to look beautiful over time
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CERAMIC TILE. Like porcelain, glazed ceramic tile is nonporous and easy
to keep clean. A simple wipe-down is enough for most bathroom wall tile. Shower tile may require a bit more attention. For a periodic thourough cleaning, mix a solution of 1/2 cup of washing soda and 1/2 gallon hot water, and scrub the tile with a nylon scrubber. Remove mold and mildew with a spritz of white vinegar, followed with a rinse of hot water (or use a spray of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1 cup hot water). Many home-cleaning professionals swear by a final rinse of club soda to really revive bathroom ceramic tile.
MARBLE. It is one of the most sumptuous materials you can use in
a bathroom, but marble requires a bit of care to keep it looking as nice as possible. Try not to let any harsh chemicals or substances sit on the surface—including toothpaste or mouthwash. Never use acidic, caustic, or abrasive cleaners on marble. The best way to clean anything marble is with a marble cleaner. This includes floors, vanity tops, walls, and bath and shower surrounds.
SOLID-SURFACE MATERIALS. Manufacturers of solid-surface
countertops, sinks, and backsplashes recommended cleaning with warm water and a soft cloth to begin with. If the situation calls for more cleaning firepower, upgrade to warm, soapy water; an ammonia-based cleaner; or a cleaner meant specifically for solid-surface countertops. You can actually do more toward keeping the surfaces looking sharp by cleaning up any standing water immediately. The longer it stays on the surface, the more it will build up a stubborn film. Avoid any strong chemicals, such as bleach, and heat sources, such as curling irons.
GLASS. Although several surfaces in your bathroom may be glass, they may not necessarily be treated as equals. Glass shower or tub doors are often the hardest to clean because of built-up soap scum or hard water deposits. Clean stubborn buildup with a spritz of vinegar, followed by a scrubbing with a paste made from equal parts white vinegar, baking soda, and table salt. Rinse,
and the glass should sparkle. Glass tiles should be cleaned with a soap-based detergent mixed with warm water or ammonia-based window cleaner (check with the tile manufacturer). Glass vessel sinks should never be cleaned with an abrasive cleanser, but should be wiped down after every use; standing water is the enemy of the finish on most glass vessel sinks. Periodically wipe down the sink with a clean cloth moistened with a mild bleach solution.
METAL. All except copper and stainless-steel tiles should be cleaned with a
mild solution of dish soap and hot water. Clean copper and stainless-steel with cleaners specifically for use on those metals.
VINYL. This common flooring needs little in the way of attention. A mop
dampened with warm water is usually all you’ll need to clean a bathroom vinyl floor—always try to avoid any buildup from leftover chemical cleaner residue. If you need to clean stubborn dirt, use a soap meant for vinyl. Always use the right product for your vinyl—no-wax cleaners for modern no-wax vinyl surfaces and cleaners meant for waxed surfaces on older vinyl floors.
This article is composed of excerpts from Chris Peterson’s Kitchen Ideas You Can Use and Bathroom Ideas You Can Use. For more tips and inspiration just like these, be sure to check out the complete books.
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PIGEON FORGE TN
by Gabriel Bland
Where “Southern hospitality meets old world charm” is only the beginning of it…
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f you have never experienced Dollywood, like I hadn’t until recently, you will find it a one-of-a-kind combination of charm, entertainment, creativity, beauty, magic, and fun—the kind of place that breathes new life into the overused saying, “fun for the whole family.” The theme park, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and founded by entertainer Dolly Parton, features a wide variety of things to do, ranging from high-quality shows to thrilling rides and everything in between. My visit to Dollywood, which also included some time at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park and a stay at the on-property DreamMore Resort, quickly exceeded
my personal expectations. Dollywood’s distinction from the standard “family amusement park” became apparent in many ways. Just a simple walk through the park revealed an attention to detail and a desire to create something truly unique for guests to experience. I noticed many standout features, one being the sheer size of the park itself, which was unexpected. I had gone in presuming that I’d be able to see and do everything in a single day, but that definitely wasn’t the case. Also, the staff members were extremely kind and gave me the feeling that they genuinely wanted to be there. One of the biggest surprises was how much time I wanted to spend checking out all the shops and stops throughout the park. Far removed from the typical cookie-cutter gift shops found in other parks I’ve been to, all touting the same cheap, tacky knickknacks, the stores throughout Dollywood carry genuine, quality products. They made my walk across the park more interesting, as I found myself wanting to watch the craftsman creating blown glass wares and the blacksmith fire up the forge as he hammered out a gorgeous cast iron piece for the store. And I wasn’t the only person enjoying these and other unique aspects of Dollywood—the park was filled with guests of all ages, from grandparents to young children. I began to realize how well Dollywood caters to all age groups. I had anticipated the rides and shows, but even those still far surpassed my expectations. The rides themselves offer a full day of excitement and adventure, with over 30 throughout the park and more to come with the company’s recently announced expansion in the works. I found such a variety of rides to meet different tastes and activity levels. Want to have a “take it easy” kind of day? Then, there is a good selection of calm but fun rides. Feeling adventurous instead? You definitely won’t be disappointed. The park hosts a wide variety of thrilling options. Want to go fast? The world’s fastest wooden roller coaster, the Lightning Rod, at september/october 2018
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an exhilarating top speed of 73 miles per hour, will send you hurtling around large turns and flying down massive hills faster than you can say “need for speed.” Not into speed, but want to fly high? The ride for you may be just be the Wild Eagle, America’s first “wing” style coaster and one of the smoothest rides you’ll ever experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the array of rides, but maybe coasters are not your thing. Not to worry—of course a place conceived by Dolly Parton would know how to entertain beyond just rides. Whether you take in one of the regularly available shows or one of the many different seasonal performances, Dollywood’s world-class shows don’t disappoint.
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Speaking of not disappointing, one area that is typically a letdown at many parks is the food selection, but I found quite the opposite at Dollywood, where there is a great variety of quality, satisfying options. The park is a four-time winner of the Amusement Today Golden Ticket prize for the best food in the industry, and the specialty foods really show it off. A few of the noted park favorites include a Southern-style sit down buffet, fried chicken sandwiches, and their renowned cinnamon bread that is described as “ooey, gooey, cinnamon goodness.” I especially enjoyed the BBQ skillet and the grilled corn. When my day at the park had come to an end, my Dollywood experience didn’t have to—I got to relax and recharge at the gorgeous on-property DreamMore Resort. Offering a wonderful balance between family-friendly and luxurious, the hotel features numerous amenities and services for adults and children alike. I was amazed by all the perks I received as a DreamMore guest, including early access to the park on certain days and complimentary flash passes to skip some of those extra-long lines. A free shuttle that runs back and forth all day between the hotel and parks helped
me avoid the hassle of parking, especially when I needed to leave and return to the park mid-day. And that shuttle not only goes to Dollywood but also to Dollywood’s Splash Country. Getting to spend my second day enjoying the amazing 35acre water park, open during the warmer months, made for an incredible summer combo weekend trip! After my experience, I would definitely give Dollywood two thumbs up and encourage you and your family to check it out if you haven’t already. I’ll bet you will be planning a return visit before you even make it to your car to head back home.
GET READY TO EXPLORE LIKE NEVER BEFORE IN 2019
Harvest Festival - Sept 29 - Nov 3
Watch the leaves change in the Great Smoky Mountains while surrounded by the uplifting sounds of Southern Gospel. Stick around when the sun goes down for an even larger Great Pumpkin LumiNights experience
Smoky Mountain Christmas Nov 10 - Jan 5
See the Smokies’ most spectacular light display and a lineup of live Christmas shows that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, all at Dollywood.
Discover 11 new experiences in wildwood grove “I’ve said before that I’d let my imagination roam free when I’d be out exploring in the hills around our home in the Smoky Mountains,” Parton said. “I’d pretend that the frogs and butterflies were my friends. I’d imagine about what it’d be like to fly with a dragonfly or to follow a bear family through the woods. Now all these things are coming true for our guests to experience in Wildwood Grove; it may be my new favorite part of Dollywood! This area is going to give families a place to explore, play and imagine together—but more importantly—it’s a place where they can spend more time together,” she explained. “I believe everyone has a song in their heart that needs to be set free. Wildwood Grove will be a place where families can learn together about what their heart song truly is.” - Dolly Parton
www.dollywood.com
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