Life + Culture

More Than Cake

For four decades, Maxie B’s has poured gratitude into Greensboro while caring for the planet Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield On an average Saturday evening, you may see a line of customers stretched down the sidewalk waiting for the chance to snag a sweet treat from Maxie B’s Bakery & Dessert Café. But what you might not know is that behind every baked good lies an ever-evolving story of perseverance, creativity, and a commitment to community that began 40 years ago. ...

Arts + Culture

Painting With Uninhibited Joy

Artist Katie Podracky honors nature’s beauty with every brush stroke Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield On the average day, you may find Greensboro artist Katie Podracky in her upstairs studio, blasting 90s hip hop music and putting the final flourishes on her latest painting while her kids are at school. She’s living her dream. Thinking back on her childhood in Asheboro, Katie remembers being artistic for as long as she can remember. “Art has always been a quirky way for...

Home + Design

Making Room for What Matters

Sandy Eaton brings quiet joy to busy families through New Day Organizing Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Kelli Gowdy Photography Let’s face it, life is busy! Between work, taking care of our kids and driving them to and from their various activities, and other family demands, things can start piling up at home. Before you know it, toys are strewn across the floor, mail and papers start to stack up on the counter, and the basement becomes a dump zone for everything that doesn’t fit...

Life + Culture

Gracious Gatherings

How personal details can make your guests feel truly appreciated Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield Where should a host or hostess start? Take it one step at a time. Decide your menu first, and then build a theme around that. You can set the table and prepare pre-dinner cocktails, and the favors can be an add-on later. Don’t do it all at once. How can hosts add thoughtful details to make guests feel appreciated? Beyond appetizers and cocktails, place cards and the...