Online Publications
Online Publications
Selected writing samples from various online publication clients
Oncewed - Start your honeymoon exploration at casa de campo
We were ecstatic when I received an invitation from Casa De Campo to visit their sprawling, beautiful coastal resort. Nestled on a massive 7000+ acre property on the Southwest coast of the Dominican Republic, we spent three amazing days and nights experiencing everything the resort had to offer. Just an hour drive West from Punta Cana airport, Casa De Campo is a lush resort that is part country club and equal part oasis. From the first glass of champagne as I checked in, to my last breath of ocean air when I departed, I was treated like royalty.
On our first day at Casa De Campo, we were whisked away to Catalina Island where couples can escape for the day and enjoy crystal clear water, pristine white beaches, scuba lessons and the freshest pina colada they’ll ever have! When we arrived back on dry land, we were given a tour of the village of Altos De Chavon. Modeled after a 16th century Mediterranean village, it’s complete with shopping, a Grecian amphitheater and even an arts school for local artists as well as a sweeping view of the Chavon River. Perfect for an evening stroll…
The next day would prove to be just as amazing. Horse riding, kayaking and of course, a trip to the spa were just a few of the activities offered to newlyweds at Casa De Campo. Nothing could be more relaxing than an outdoor couples massage, as you listen to the sound of the waves crashing outside the villa. I know we enjoyed it!
Each night brought something new, especially with their many restaurants located throughout the resort. Exceptional dining options were always a golf cart ride away. Whether at The Beach Club, La Cana or the Italian inspired La Casita, the seafood could not have been fresher and the beach side sunsets could not have been any more majestic.
So if you’re looking for a honeymoon where the possibilities for romance and adventure are limitless, Casa De Campo is waiting. Whether you enjoy the spa, the ocean, golf, hunting, or polo, Casa De Campo provides a perfect combination for every couple.
FROM GEORGIA TO CHINA, MELANIE TURNER INTERIORS WOWS!
When you dream of a design concept that encompasses timelessness and understated glamour, what you’re really dreaming of is Melanie Turner.
That’s exactly what she’s been doing since she started Melanie Turner Interiors in 2009. Since then, she has been seamlessly pivoting from straight lines and subdued colors to unique and even ornate designs. Using bold colors and classic aesthetics, she repeatedly leaves clients impressed and their guests wowed from Georgia to China.
From her home base in Atlanta, she has proven time and again she can take inspiration from anywhere and mold her vision into the extraordinary. The beauty of her design is that she allows her compositions to unfold gently, artfully, throughout each room.
Luckily for all of us, her brilliance will be on display at the 2015 Decorators Show House, hosted by the Atlanta Symphony Association. There, she’ll be turning her practiced attention toward the Guest Bedroom. Having followed her work for years as well as many of the other designers, I personally can’t wait to see what she creates next! To see more of Melanie Turner Interiors work click here.
The 2015 Decorator's Show House runs April 18th - May 10th. For more information click here.
Photo credit: Tom Bejgrowicz
GOODNIGHT MAGAZINE - ROYAL THUNDER: sleeping witch
Sometimes you can’t remember how you found a band, but you can’t forget the first time you heard them either. A vocalist can make you feel every bit of your spine as her haunting lyrics crawl their way up your back, compelling you to keep listening. Maybe it’s the slow building bass line that builds into an explosion of sludgy goodness letting you know this band is not only heavy but can wield their riffs with intricate intensity. Whatever it is, I still can’t step away from Sleeping Witch by Royal Thunder.
The track starts with a slow meandering groove, dark and laced with little drops of light that let you know something is coming, but you don’t know when. Lee Smith (Drums) propels the riffs of Josh Parsonz (Lead Guitar) and Josh Coleman (Guitar) forward, slowly building into something stronger, louder. If you weren’t hooked by the rhythm, Minny Parsonz (Vocals/Bass) releases her soulful, but haunting vocals, crashing through their riffs. Her range and intensity propel the song until it drops under the weight of it’s own ascension into a heavy sludge of guitar and drums, melting your ears, propelling you into a state of metal.
But, it’s the vocals of Minny that helps define their sound on the track just as much as the guitars. Just as the rhythm builds, so do her vocals. Slowly, beautifully moving through the groove, she gives hints of her vocal dexterity until the chorus releases you of all doubt.
Throughout the track, the guitar tones balance from light to heavy, punctuating each rhythmic chapter with force. This, combined with a two-guitar attack gives the track a heavy rawness that punches through, taking modern Southern Rock and making it their own.
All of this combines to create a sound and style that can breathe and is free to move around. While every song off their album, CVI may not bang as hard, that dark groove that sucked you in to begin with, is. Listen to this song and listen to it loud.