Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m.

I met my friend Sally at Relish a few weeks ago intent on taking advantage of the wine special only to find out that we had come in and were about to take advantage of an amazing deal, one that I quite affectionately now call:  The Fab Pack “Don’t Miss This Deal!”

Here’s the well, “deal”

Go to Relish on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday night between the hours of 5-9 p.m., order a glass of wine, beer or cocktail and get your choice of 2 small plates PER PERSON! (ok, limit is 2 small plates per person per night) but still, it was plenty and VERY yummy.  My favorites were the Abita beer cheese dip with pretzel thins and the Point Reyes Blue Cheese and Peanut Brittle…yes, it’s fabulous…and yes, you will like the combination if you like Blue Cheese and you like Peanut Brittle! There was more where that came from so you’re just going to have to grab your girlfriends and go…it’s literally the best “Deal” in Roswell.

A few months ago, my husband Jeff and I had a last minute opportunity for a date night.  Not too sure of what we would do or where we would go, and realizing there were several new restaurants up and down Canton Street in Roswell, we opted to do a mini Roswell Restaurant crawl.  We started about 5 p.m.(ideal timing for an anticipated busy Valentine Saturday and Sunday night) on the back patio of  Taste (since it’s February, keep the patio idea in the back of your mind ‘til spring!). We enjoyed a great glass of wine and two of their small plates, which were fabulous I might add!

After sipping and noshing at Taste, we then went on to the unique and very yummy Kelly Kakes/Party Chic…again, scored a great seat on their upstairs porch overlooking Canton Street.  If you haven’t had drinks and appetizers on the balcony at Kelly Kakes/Party Chic, it’s  a must-do!  The ambiance is truly amazing and the service is second to none…again, if it’s too chilly for the balcony, definitely nestle up in one of Kelly’s cozy chairs or sofas inside.  Experiencing her eclectic interior will be almost as fun, I promise!

Finally, we headed over to Relish and sat in their new bar.  I love everything about Relish, the food…amazing, the wine selection…unique and very tasty and the ambiance well, friendly and delightfully southern.  I love the bar at Relish even more now that they have their fabulous small plate specials! Click here to see our current “Don’t Miss This Deal” offer from Relish…perfect reason to celebrate Valentine’s day on a Friday instead of Sunday!

Now, go ahead, enjoy your Valentine’s Day with a twist and be glad that you were able to sample some of the wonderful offerings along Canton Street.  Muah!

I love me, I think I’m grand.
I sit in the movies and hold my hand
I put my arm around my waist,
And when I get fresh, I slap my face!

My dad taught me that kooky little verse when I was a child. The visual images it conjured always made me laugh, but the words also conveyed the notion that loving yourself is silly and narcissistic. And the idea that you might love yourself enough to go to the movies alone was downright pitiful!

That poem still makes me smile, but for a different reason. I have grown to like myself, even to love myself. It has taken years, but now I embrace this truth: to fully receive love from others, I have to give it to myself. Self love may not mean sitting in a movie theatre holding your own hand, but it does mean seeing yourself as worthy of your own tenderness, care and affection.

When I ask myself what love feels like to me, I always think of the word “cherish”. It’s an old-fashioned word, but it resonates with a sense of affirmation and acceptance. It means “to hold or treat as dear.” When you are cherished, you are given innate value and respect. You are treasured. So how can we give ourselves that kind of love? You must begin with the awareness that self-love is essential to full personal development. Low self-esteem is an enormous barrier to giving and receiving love. If you don’t love yourself, you give love from neediness, and you don’t feel worthy of receiving it.

Here are seven practical actions to give love to the beautiful, unique person that you are:

1. Write It Down. It’s so easy to focus on all that is wrong with us or ways we have failed ourselves. We become our own television news program, focusing on the tragedies but never reporting the good. That thought pattern only reinforces a negative self concept. So switch gears. Go buy yourself a beautiful journal and starting writing. Start every day by writing down the qualities that you and others admire about you. Write down your success stories, no matter how trivial. Write down your acts of kindness and generosity. Write down how you forgive yourself. Just the act of writing these things is an act of love.

2. Make It Right. If you have done something wrong, go make it right. It’s hard to love yourself when you haven’t honored your own integrity and values. If you have hurt someone or made a mistake, apologize. If you have taken something, give it back. If you harbor a grudge, release it. Then forgive yourself and move on. Become free of the burden of misguided actions that cause shame and guilt and hold you back from loving yourself.

3. Honor Your Body. Do yourself a favor. The next time you are in a crowd, take a good look at everyone around you. Most folks are not fashion model beautiful. In fact, most have faces and physiques that are far from perfect. We are inundated with images of physical perfection in the media, but the reality is so far from that. In fact, our imperfections make us more real and approachable. You may not adore every aspect of your physical form, but honor it anyway. Treat it with respect through healthy eating, enough sleep, moderate exercise, and self care. If you are feeling particularly loving, take that body of yours for a massage or a facial or a dance class. And stop looking at magazines!

4. Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First. Great advice on an airplane but it applies to loving yourself too. You must put your own essential needs first. For multi-tasking, care-giving women, that sounds extremely selfish, but it is quite the opposite. My essential needs are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, spending time with friends, doing something creative, having time alone, and having a peaceful environment. If those needs aren’t met, then I am depleted and irritable. I have very little left to give to others. Take a moment to define your essential needs and integrate them into your daily life. Make them non-negotiable, even if others moan and complain. They will come to respect you more for respecting yourself.

5. Have Fun! Life can be quite serious and task-oriented. We have our routines. We deal with conflicts and personal struggles. The patterns of life become monotonous and stale. When life was less complicated, having fun was spontaneous and natural. Now you might need to plan it, but work it back into your life. We have a finite number of days on this Earth. Spend them joyfully, with lots of laughter and even some silliness. Life doesn’t have to be so serious. Give yourself the gift of fun!

6. Be Still and Know Yourself. Give yourself time to be still and go within. Whether through prayer, mediation, yoga, or time in nature, find a way to quiet yourself, your busyness, and your constant thoughts. Be still, breathe and listen – for the voice of God, your own inner wisdom, or the sounds of nature. It is during these times that we gain creative insights and deeper understanding of ourselves. At the very least, the practice will bring you a sense of peace and calm and has many positive health benefits.

7. Go to the Movies and Hold Your Hand. So we are back to this. Grow to be comfortable in your own skin. Become your own best friend and advocate. Define your life consciously – what’s important to you, your values, your passions, and your needs. Hold your own hand tenderly, gently pulling yourself forward toward the life you want to live. In spite of all outside pressures and obligations, put yourself first. Fill your own tank. Give love to yourself unconditionally, and then spread it around to others. Now, go enjoy the movie!

Well, over the last year and a ½ we’ve had six Night Out with the Girls events and the participation is growing every time!  We continually have completely FABULOUS women attend our events…many attending more than once, so we HAD to name this fabulous group of Girls who love to “Nosh and Shop” and have fun with friends…hence the name FAB PACK! 

With a group of Girls such as this, we HAVE to have special promotions and events around the North Fulton area available and lucky you, you will receive a weekly communication regarding “Must Do’s” around town, FAB PACK only promotions and specials at area retailers and restaurants and other “Hot Tips and Trends” of what’s going on around the North Fulton area. 

So be on the lookout for your weekly email and feel free to forward it on to your girlfriends (that would be FUTURE Fab Pack members, of course!)

See you soon! 

Amber Mette

Northfultonliving.com

P.S.

Do you have “Fabulous” information to share with us?  Email us at northfultonliving@connectmarketinginc.com  and let us know!  We can’t wait to share it with the others!

The weather finally warmed up a bit and the Night Out with the Girls attendees came out by the dozens to enjoy a night of noshing and shopping at the new All Y’alls Food and Gourmet Market! 

The “Fab Pack” Girls enjoyed great food provided by Relish and a top notch chef’s presentation by local celebrity chef, Hans Rueffert (hanscooks.com)…not to mention lots of fun visiting with girlfriends and enjoying all of the unique local products that All Y’alls has to offer!

The Night Out with the Girls event was the largest ever with over 125 attendees and all of them went home with a FABULOUS “SWAG” goodie bag and 4 went home with additional door prizes that were just “To Die For”!

Be on the lookout for your invitation via email to the NEXT Night Out with the Girls at the Chandlery March 16^th and 18^th…Grab a few of your FABULOUS friends and tell them to join the rest of the “Fab Pack” at the Chandlery!   See you there!

Too much mail, too much paper, too much technology, too much… stuff. More and more people seem to be stressed and overwhelmed with it all. Their homes and offices are overrun with clutter, as are their minds. So, consider the following Top 10 Tips for Becoming More Organized—perhaps one or two of the suggestions can help you reclaim your home and office and restore them to the places of peace and efficiency they’re meant to be.

1.  Utilize systems and products that fit you and your lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to organizing.

2.  Don’t run off to The Container Store (yes, my personal favorite) until you take some time to really think about your organizing goals. Visualize the “after” picture of the space you are reorganizing, formulate a plan and begin sorting and purging the clutter first.

3.  Break all projects down into small steps. Start with one corner of the room, one cabinet, even one shelf. The next day, do one more, etc. Yes, it takes time, but it is much more manageable to execute your organizing plan in 15 – 30 minute increments.

4.  Make a date in your calendar to dig in, honor it as if you were going to the doctor, and have all supplies ready.

5.  Decide to decide. You will inevitably be faced with some difficult decisions. Be in the right frame of mind, be well-nourished, and add Kleenex to your list of supplies if needed.

6.  Know when you need help. Whether it’s your spouse, your children, your secretary, or a friend, sometimes you need extra hands, unbiased opinions and cheerleaders. Consider calling a professional organizer. They bring a large amount of experience, proven techniques and methods, confidentiality, guidance and motivation.

7.  Get your kids involved and make it fun! We teach our children many life skills from walking and talking to riding a bike and doing math. Do yourself and your children a huge favor and teach them to be  organized.

8.  Weed constantly. This is one of the top secrets of well-organized people. Go through your mail daily, straighten up constantly, donate unworn clothing seasonally and clean out your reference file system annually. When done on a routine basis, the job is not nearly as daunting.

9.  Embrace organization and its benefits. The words neat and organized are not always synonymous. They can be and often are, but not always. It is all about efficiency and what works for you. Being organized is not stifling; its liberating.

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Michelle Cooper is a Professional Organizer, Member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), Member of NSGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization) and President of Put It There Professional Organizing Services. She can be reached at 404.784.2100 or michelle@put-it-there.com

Make plans to celebrate the season at the Sounds of the Spirit Concert Series presented by Roswell United Methodist Church.

Roswell United Methodist Church (RUMC) is recognized throughout the metro area for its Sounds of the Spirit Concert Series. As part of that Concert Series, the 2009 Christmas Festival Concerts will be presented in the Sanctuary of RUMC on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 and 6:30 p.m. The 130- voice Sanctuary Choir under the direction of Dr. Michael O’Neal, renowned organist Tom Alderman on the 93-rank Möller pipe organ and the Celebration Ringers Hand Bell Choir, directed by Lisa Stover, join together to present an awe-inspiring concert of holiday music.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with your family and friends amid the beauty of the candlelit RUMC Sanctuary as the Christmas story is shared through majestic pageantry, scripture and song. “Through carols and songs, both old and new, which remind us what it might have been like at the birth of the Christ Child, we will offer beautiful music, and perhaps a perspective on the Christmas season rarely explored in the midst of our rushed lives,” explains O’Neal, director of worship arts at RUMC. From the opening strains of the processional carol “Joy to the World” through the choral benediction of the Silesian folk tune “Beautiful Savior,” your heart will be warmed by this annual holiday celebration.

The re-creation of the nativity will transport you to the manger scene resplendent with visits from the shepherds, visions of angels and the adoration of the Magi bringing  to life the true miracle of Christ’s holy birth.

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Tickets are not needed for the concerts. A preschool nursery is available during each performance. Roswell United Methodist Church is located at 814 Mimosa Blvd. in historic Roswell. For more information, please contact the RUMC Worship Arts Office at 770.594.0512, amoore@rumc.com or www.rumc.com/music

You are cordially invited to EnAble of Georgia Foundation’s 8th Annual Trends & Traditions Fashion Show and Luncheon.The purpose of this exciting event is to help EnAble raise money for its Medical Assistance Fund. EnAble is honored to have Roswell Mayor Jere Wood as a first-time model at this annual event. Also gracing the catwalk will be Nicole Jones, wife of former Atlanta Brave Andruw Jones, Ellen Kozlowski, wife of former Atlanta Falcon Brian Kozlowski, and Donna Lowry of 11 Alive News. A few individuals served by the organization will be featured models as well.

EnAble recognizes the personal gifts, interests, preferences, and needs of each person served, and individualizes the services they provide so that each person is enabled to live and work as a full participant in community life. Several of those served by EnAble require medical and dental care that is not covered by their Medicaid funding. These individuals do not have the family financial support to assist with their care. As a result, EnAble must absorb those costs, which add up to several thousand dollars  each year.

EnAble of Georgia, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides residential, vocational, and personal support services to more than 100 adults who have developmental disabilities. These disabilities are attributable, but not limited to: autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and mental retardation. EnAble was founded in 1979 by a group of concerned parents seeking a place in their own community  for their adult children. EnAble is proud to celebrate 30 years of providing excellent service in the community.

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Please contact DeAnn Rauth, director of development, at 678.468.9980 or drauth@enablega.org. EnAble’s main office is located at 1200 Old Ellis Road, Roswell, Ga. 30076. For more information, call 770.664.434, or visit EnAble’s Web site at www.enablega.org

In Georgia, the law provides that assets and debts are to be “equitably divided.” In other words, the division must be fair.

A couple was dividing their assets during their divorce. The wife assumed her husband’s pension was not up for grabs, because it was in his name, and he would not be entitled to receive any benefit for another fifteen years—to her it was worthless. She also was willing to let her husband keep his business. After all, she didn’t know how to run it. She was happy just to keep the house and some savings. In Georgia, the law provides that assets and debts are to be “equitably divided.”In other words, the division must be fair. “Would this be a fair split of the assets?”she asked. It depends on several factors.

Only those assets and debts that were acquired during the marriage are divided pursuant to the divorce. These assets are called marital property. There are exceptions, however, including property received as an inheritance, premarital property, and gifts from third parties. These exceptions are the separate property of the spouse who received the property. If the husband in the example above earned the pension and acquired the business during the marriage, both are subject to equitable division. Otherwise, they are not.

All kinds of property are divisible, including tangible assets such as real estate, furniture, automobiles, bank accounts and investments, and intangible assets such as residuals, patents, and copyrights. Retirement accounts, pensions and annuities may also be divided to the extent they were earned during the marriage, even though neither spouse is actually receiving or entitled to receive any benefits at the time the divorce is granted. Appreciation of separate property assets caused by the efforts of either spouse may also be divided at the divorce. The value of a family-owned business, including goodwill, may also be considered. In the above example, business appraisers and financial experts would be hired to determine the value of the business and pension.

Once the values of the various marital assets and debts are determined, one fair way of determining who gets what is to divide the parties’ net worth equally and distribute assets and debts such that each ends up with half their net worth. However, equitable division does not necessarily mean equal division. A judge or a jury may consider other factors, such as each spouse’s contribution to the acquisition and maintenance of the property (such as money paid or time spent in upkeep as a homemaker), the purpose and intent of the parties regarding the ownership of the property, the estate of each of the parties, the duration of the marriage, prior marriages of either spouse, and the contributions or service of each spouse to the family unit.

In this case, without the input of experts and an attorney discerning the nature of all of the assets, it would not be wise to say whether the wife’s proposed division was fair or not.

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For more information, go to www.national-law.com or contact Tamar Faulhaber at 404.846.2001 or TFaulhaber@Georgia-Law.com.

The CDA provides a program rich with success for low-income families.

Although the country continues to struggle through a bleak recession, the Child Development Association (CDA) in Roswell provides a bright ray of hope for children 12 months to 5 years old from low-income, working families that are striving for self-sufficiency. The CDA serves 140 children and employs a team of 28 full-time teachers plus child development specialists and administrative staff. The end result is an exemplary local program that is fully accredited and makes a real impact on the lives of the children it serves.

The mission of the CDA, which was founded by a group of concerned citizens in 1967, is to enable the preschool children of low-income, working families in our community to make a great start toward a bright future. Not only does the CDA provide outstanding, NAEYC-accredited childcare, it also offers a comprehensive nutrition program, numerous health-related screenings, and a wide range of family resources. In 2004 the CDA was honored in Washington with the national Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award for outstanding programs addressing the needs of disadvantaged families and neighborhoods. In 2008, they received a Green Champion designation and special grant funds from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta for their commitment to energy conservation and green building practices.

The most amazing aspect of the CDA is that it is a nonprofit organization supported by private contributions from individuals, foundations, civic and faith organizations. Executive Director Donna Smythe, who has devoted her career to the nonprofit world, says, “I am very pleased to be at the helm of an organization with such a rich history of community support and involvement. For more than 40 years we have nurtured children and strengthened families,  but we have not taken one step alone—the community has been with us every step of the way.”

You can help make a difference in the life of a local child. The Child Development Association is currently accepting tax-deductible donations. Smythe stresses, “This is a critical time for the CDA; the economy has hit hard and stretched our resources frankly beyond the limit. We need support now more than ever to sustain our mission.”

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For more information, visit cdakid.org or call 770.992.4006.

Jackie Kass is a frequent contributor to the Atlanta Northside Family and Parenting Examiner. You can check out her library of 500+ parenting articles at www.Examiner.com.