Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1536125
102 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2025 Wellness Right now, my wellness journey is about de-stressing and listening to my body. Sometimes I go full speed for too long, and my nervous system starts thinking that's just how we are now – living on cortisol and calendar alerts. So, I'm making new choices: from over- functioning corporate girlie to being present and peacefully doing the least. Instead of back-to-back virtual meetings, I now take a daily 30-minute walk through our inspiring College Hill neighborhood, soundtracked by Macon chillwave artist Washed Out. His track "Entrance" will absolutely give you frisson. I also made the Wednesday Poplar Street Farmers Market a standing calendar date, usually with Macon-raised indie rocker Torres in my headphones – "Dirt" and "A Decoration" are on repeat. On weekends, I'm planning less and flowing more, giving my creative side some breathing room. Speaking of flowing – who's up for hot yoga at Sparks Yoga and a cute workout T-shirt? Or, Pure Barre and picking up a cute pair of pants for the father in your life, thanks to their smart selection of active wear. Entertaining When I entertain, I let the meal inspire everything – from the music to the cocktails to the tableware. Even if I'm making something simple like spaghetti and meatballs (with tomato sauce from scratch, of course), I aim for rustic elegance. Picture rough-spun linens on the porch, adorned with branches snipped from the yard and arranged in patinaed pitchers. For color, blue-and-white earthenware bowls paired with amber glass goblets. Guests are welcomed with a bright Aperol Spritz and a record spinning in the background – maybe Lena Horne (a one-time Oglethorpe Street resident) or Etta James covering Otis Redding, crooning into the balmy Macon night. To inspire your own dinner party, I styled a similar tablescape using pieces from Rabbit Hole. If you haven't been yet, go! Bonus: They carry De Soi's alcohol-free Spritz Italiano for guests who skip the booze. Because it's our first time meeting, I'd be a bad neighbor if I didn't bring a gift, wouldn't I? I made you a playlist full of Macon-born hits – old and new – as well as songs inspired by this place. Featured shops also shared a few songs they've got on repeat in-store. And yes, I sprinkled in a few of my personal favorites too. Can you guess which are mine? Here's a hint: I'm originally from Miami. Macon is where some of the best musical stories in our country were born – rock, soul, country, past and present. Their stories now weave into mine, as a newly minted Maconite. And now, mine weaves into yours. So let's craft our stories with intention—uplifting and celebrating our shared local vibe. I hope to see you around town, strutting to your own tune, the main character in your next great story. Hugs, J