photography by JEJ PHOTOS With a keen business sense and a lifelong passion for design, Janine Fields has curated a career that was a natural progression of her favorite things! Given her love of architecture and art – including oils, acrylics and watercolors, which she continues to enjoy as a hobby – Janine’s creative eye nudges her to see treasures in a prospective home that a buyer might miss. That knack for making perfect matches means she pairs individuals and families with that one sacred place they will call home – a retreat from the stresses of the outside world. And, as a fun incenti ..read more

If you love lake life but don’t happen to be a local, The Landing Hotel should be your family’s new favorite destination! Owner Dustin Keith has created a laid-back, Key West-style spot that’s all about the simple pleasures of enjoying life. From gazing at scenic sunsets over the water to enjoying amazing food at the waterfront restaurant, live music and plenty of fun and games for the kids, come to The Landing for a relaxed weekend that can fit easily into your family budget. “It’s been my goal to offer a destination that makes a difference in families’ lives,” explains Dustin. “With an Airb ..read more

photography by JEJ PHOTOS; interior design by CHERI LINGAFELT The ceiling is often an overlooked canvas in interior design, yet it holds incredible potential to elevate a room’s aesthetic appeal. It’s time to give this often-neglected space the attention it deserves. By embracing the full potential of the ceiling, designers and homeowners can create visually stunning interiors that leave a lasting impression. The ceiling can be the “fourth wall” that takes your room from mediocre to breathtaking! One of the most versatile ways to enhance a ceiling’s design is through the use of shiplap. This o ..read more

Having delivered more than 1,000,000 quality homes at diverse price points to homebuyers since 1978, D.R. Horton welcomes you to Blackstone Bay Luxury Townhomes in Sherrills Ford, NC. Low maintenance living has never been more stylish! Since 2002, more homebuyers have chosen D.R. Horton than any other homebuilder, and a tour of Blackstone Bay gives you a glimpse into the company’s hallmark of building quintessential homes for a variety of lifestyles. The location, pricing and amenities are second to none.  New Home Specialists Ariel Nelson and Sarah Jenkins would love to show you one of t ..read more

This month’s featured creator is Aimee Perry. ARTIST NAME | Aimee Perry – Acrylic How would you describe your work?  My work serves as my personal journal, allowing me to break through my own barriers and distractions, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of my own humanity, emotions, motivations and personal growth. I am captivated by the process of translating genuine emotions into tangible stories on canvas and embracing the challenge it brings.  Which other artists most inspired you?  As I began my journey in painting, I had the opportunity to learn from talented local ..read more

photography by PHOTO ARTISTRY BY MELINDA For those suffering with chronic joint pain that hinders everyday activities, choices for treatment can seem limited. There’s always a doctor visit, the shot for temporary relief and, typically, the inevitable surgery. Fortunately, an alternative to the traditional medical model is one phone call and a free consultation away, thanks to the experts at NeoGenix Stem Cell & Regenerative Therapies.  Now with locations in Charlotte, which opened in 2020, and new to Cornelius, open since 2023, Co-Founder and Director of Operations Niko Miles couldn’t ..read more

photography by PHOTO ARTISTRY BY MELINDA Since day one, the goal at Magic Maid has always remained true: Provide reliable, organic cleaning services, while showing happy clients a level of professionalism they can truly trust. As Lake Norman’s most personable all-natural, organic residential cleaning services, Magic Maid exclusively uses eco-friendly products and procedures. A mother herself, Owner Aga Wegrzyn brings her concerns about her own children’s health to the business. The team operates with only organic products after Aga was inspired by watching Shark Tank, where she learned of Bett ..read more

Tempting residents in the Denver, NC area since last October, Kanpai Sushi & Tapas mirrors the meaning of its name perfectly! “In Japanese, Kanpai means ‘cheers,’ so our owners chose the name for the simple fact we wanted to bring everyone together to celebrate and dine in the most pleasurable way possible,” shares General Manager Haley Denton. “Two of the four owners of Kanpai also own Sushi at the Lake Too in Mooresville and were interested in opening a high-end sushi and tapas restaurant in Denver – something new and refreshing that local residents would love! This delightful laid-back ..read more

Photography by JEJ PHOTOS Maybe you’re a morning person with the perfect coffee in hand or a connoisseur of cocktails at the end of a long day. When you escape to the outdoor oasis of your home, make every moment count! If you live around the lake, you know the pure magic of the sun-kissed setting and relaxing ambiance, especially at day’s end. With spring upon us and summer just a blink away, it’s the perfect time to set the tone for a serene escape to your outdoor living space. That feeling of serenity is what Erin Clark first experienced on a trip to California, where she stopped at an outd ..read more

BY IVEY GASKIN BAKER, CFP® We attended a lot of funerals in 2023. Listening to someone’s legacy or life story compressed into brief monologues really makes you think about your own life and the words that follow your name in a sentence. Death is not reserved for the elderly. Young people die tragically. Parents bury their children. The certainty of death is the agreement we all make when we take our first breath, which makes life that much more special, knowing there is an end. The idea that we are guaranteed a long, healthy life is worthy of hope, but it is out of our control. Whatever time w ..read more