Arts + Culture

A Positive Legacy

How seventy-seven acres of historical land are strengthening the Decatur community through environmental preservation, recreation programs, and honoring the arts. Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Jenn Allen Decatur Legacy Park grew out of the needs of the city. Previously a home for children who could not be safe with their families, the 77-acre land retains many historic buildings, including an awe-inspiring chapel, an orchard, a community garden, a lake, and wide-ranging trails. This...

Arts + Culture

Beyond the Paint Brush

How Paint Love fosters healing through art. Article by Cortney Wilbanks | Photography by Elle Wood Photography, LLC Tucked in the cozy neighborhood of Decatur, local nonprofit Paint Love uses art, movement, and breath to help individuals improve their mental well-being. We sat down with Executive Director Laura Shaw to understand more about Paint Love’s mission. What does Paint Love bring to the Decatur community?  We provide art programs for kids while prioritizing children who face...

Wellness

Businesses We Love

Article by Natalie Fox Bleu Hanger provides personal styling with a dose of encouragement for an uplifting shopping experience. Meldora Milon was experiencing a tough season of life when she decided to open Bleu Hanger. She needed an outlet and quickly realized that on her worst days, she loved to visit boutiques and look at the gorgeous clothes. A hairstylist and salon owner for over twenty years, Mel had a natural knack for uplifting words and the personal touch that now defines her...

Food + Beverage

Romantic Decatur Restaurants

Celebrate Valentine’s Day All Month Long at these Quintessential Date Night Spots in Decatur Article by Sable Massingill Martinez Regardless of who you might be celebrating Valentine’s Day or weekend with this month, there is no shortage of cozy, inviting, and delicious restaurants to spend the season of love here in Decatur. Our city offers creative date night options for all, from Italian classics to steak and seafood to Spanish tapas. Not only is the cuisine itself delicious and varied...

Fitness

Move with Clarity

Come home to your body and find fitness liberation in an inclusive, intentional environment. Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Jonathan Wade Clarity Fitness is not your average gym; it is a sanctuary from societal body pressures dedicated to making movement fun again. Here, working out is not about aesthetics or a number on the scale. In fact, there is a massive wall display of smashed scales at the entry of their luxurious locker rooms, an impactful reminder of where true health is...

Home + Design

Foundational Feng Shui

Balance your home and your life with this ancient practice. Article by Natalie Fox Feng Shui is an ancient practice that brings harmony, vitality, and life-enhancing energy into our space. We can tap into increased health and success by optimizing and balancing the chi (life force energy) that enters and exits our homes. We spoke with Decatur-based realtor turned Feng Shui expert Adrienne Thatcher for recommendations to implement this technique into our spaces in the new year. Our homes...

Health + Wellness

Community Wellness

Healing the Mind, Body & Spirit Article by Margarita I. Giraldo | Photography by John Wachs Decatur Healing Arts exists for the community; it's been operating as a healing center for twenty years. Management has changed since its inception and Nataly Baiz, the current owner, is committed to honoring the center's patrons in all aspects of their healing journey. She's working to ensure that from the first phone call, people feel welcome, heard and safe. She firmly believes that human interaction...

Health + Wellness

Heal Your Center and Regain Hope

Kemper Pelvic Physiotherapy seeks to empower and serve all. Article by Natalie Fox Pelvic physical therapy is a highly specialized field and a unique calling. It’s life-changing in its capacity to bring ease to essential functions and newfound joy to pleasure pursuits. Often, it is described as the missing piece in a patient’s treatment plan, as this work is not only holistically-minded but often underserved. Everyone is unique and deserves tailored therapies to address their individual goals...

Food + Beverage

Trust Your Gut. Trust Yourself.

A conversation with Decatur nutritionist, Karen Riggs. Article by Karen Riggs KAREN RIGGS Nutritionist, @karenriggsnutrition, riggsnutrition.com How does taking control of my nutrition empower my life? Taking control of nutrition implies that eating choices are out of your control and there is a strict, right vs wrong way to eat. This signals a lot of emotional judgment. When you really clue in on how food makes your body and brain feel, how it impacts your energy level, and whether or...

Food + Beverage

Curated Fare + A Cool Vibe

Grab a drink, share a joke, and shop local in this community-centered grocery. Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Jonathan Wade Kelly’s Market provides exclusive specialty items in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. On a recent visit, one customer couldn’t help gushing to this writer, “My dog loves it here.” Common compliments include effusive remarks on the “vibe,” and it’s easy to see why: stepping into the store, fresh flowers and delicious smells greet you while music plays and warm...