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...

Food + Beverage

Greensboro’s Quiet Culinary Revolution

Tal Blevins and Chef Kevin Cottrell are redefining Greensboro dining Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield When Greensboro natives Tal Blevins and Chef Kevin Cottrell met in 2017, they couldn’t have known it was the start of one of the city’s most dynamic culinary partnerships. Tal had just returned to the area after working as a journalist in San Francisco for years. Meanwhile, Kevin had earned a reputation for his inventive cooking. Their friendship grew organically. Tal...

Food + Beverage

5 Crave-Worthy Bakeries

Because sometimes you just need a treat Article by Kari Smith Maxie B's Bakery & Dessert Cafe 2403 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408 Fig & Olive Cafe 4507 West Market St., Greensboro, NC 27410 Dolce & Amaro Artisan Italian Bakery 1310 Westover Terrace #110, Greensboro, NC 27408 Black Magnolia Southern Patisserie 1162 Revolution Mill Drive, Greensboro, NC 27405 Delicious Bakery 1209 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408

Food + Beverage

The Heart of the Home

Designing the perfect kitchen for cooking, hosting, and making memories Article by Kari Smith BUILT FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE Amber says the first step in any consultation is getting to know her client and how they use their space. How many people live there? Do you cook and entertain often? This helps shape layout design and material choices. FUNCTIONAL LAYOUTS AND SMART STORAGE A thoughtful layout can maximize cooking efficiency. Amber is strategic with appliance placement and prep areas...

Food + Beverage

Sweater Weather

Try your hand at this autumnal sour, courtesy of GIA. Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield This cocktail crafted by Daniel James Lis, restaurant director at GIA, is worth the effort—layered, seasonal, and far from ordinary. INGREDIENTS: 2 fl oz GIA Distillery Turntable Brandy 1/2 fl oz lemon juice 1/2 fl oz lime juice 1/4 fl oz cherry herring 1/2 f oz Rainier cherry brandy syrup ½ cup sugar 2 tbsp water 1 tbsp cherry liqueur 1 tbsp brandy ½...

Life + Culture

Your Friendly Neighborhood "Grape Pusher"

No one knows wine quite like TC Frazier Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Autumn Hollifield When TC Frazier got his first job bussing tables at a restaurant at age 14, he never imagined the catalyst that would be for his future career. Born and raised in North Carolina, where sweet tea and Coca-Cola are part of the cultural fabric, TC began his hospitality journey with the simple goal of earning enough money to buy his first car. As a young teen, he quickly learned that the more you know...

Home + Design

Designed With Heart

Inside the culture of a design-build team that treats every home like their own. Article by Kari Smith | Photography by Anna Padilla; Autumn Hollifield Around Greensboro, Frye Build + Design has gained recognition for its general contracting and design services that breathe new life into old spaces. The team prides itself on preserving the charm and historical character of beloved properties throughout the city—from Irving Park and Sunset Hills to Westerwood and Starmount—while incorporating...