Belle March 24 : simplebooklet.com

5March 2024Amanda G. BassEditor and ContributionsMelissa RhineManaging Editor864.612.0745melissa@bellemagonline.comAlison StormFeatures Editoralison@alisonstorm.comfrom the editor...Jeslyn LanierCreative Director843.509.7559jeslynlanier@gmail.comAngela Zion Photographercox.angela.m@gmail.com Editor and ContributionsWelcome to our March issue, bursting with the promise of spring and featuring Greenville Fashion Week’s dazzling Top Model on our cover. It’s time to embrace the season’s freshest trends, support our local businesses, and celebrate the joys of Easter!Inside, you’ll discover the latest spring fashion must-haves, from flowy florals to chic pastel ensembles. And speaking of local flair, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite businesses, inviting you to explore and indulge in the unique treasures they offer.As we gear up for Easter, we’re sharing delightful decor ideas and mouthwatering recipes, including a refreshing Lemon Chickpea Orzo Salad that’s perfect for festive gatherings.On Belle’s Bookshelf this month, we’re diving into “Daily Wisdom for Women,” a source of inspiration and empowerment for every day of the year. Plus, don’t miss our Talk of the Town feature, where we’re chatting about local business, Kindred Spirits, and the people behind their unique shop.Looking to get crafty? Our DIY section has you covered with a fun tutorial on creating Color Block Eggs, adding a playful touch to your Easter celebrations.Join us as we embrace the vibrancy of spring, support our community, and revel in the spirit of Easter. Here’s to a season filled with style, joy, and delightful surprises!Check Out Our Website!@bellemag_ocialBelle Magazine

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6ON THE COVER Model | Hannah Pearson, 2023 Top Model Greenville Fashion WeekOutﬁt & Accessories | Dillard’s Haywood MallPhotographer | Angela Zion PhotographyLocation | Camperdown - Textile PlazaMarch2024CONTENT10 Blooming Beauties14 Celebrating Easter16 belle’s Recipes24 belle’s Closet28 belle’s Bookshelf30 Every belle Needs32 belle’s Bites34 belle’s DIY36 Girl Talk: Elizabeth McElveen40 Artist Proﬁle: Kimberly Argenta44 Talk of the Town46 Shoes of the Month30463414belle, a magazine for the modern southern woman, is published monthly and distributed throughout the Upstate of South Carolina by Romelous & Son Publishing Co., LLC. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or content we deem inappropriate for the publication. Contributions are welcome and can be sent via email, please include name, address, and contact number. You will be contacted if we decide to publish your submission. Content must be received by the 1st for the following month’s publication. Letters to the editor are welcome, however, they may require editing due to space limitations. The design, editorial, and photo content in belle is copyright of Romelous & Son Publish-ing Co., LLC and may not be reproduced without written permission by the publisher.Text ‘ADVERTISE’ to 864.612.0745 or email us at bellemagocial@gmail.com to join Belle today!

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11As the flowers bloom and the birds chirp, there’s a buzz ofexcitement in the air – Easter is almost here! And you know whatthat means: it’s time to hunt for the most adorable, charmingEaster dress in town. But for us in the upstate, this isn’t just anyshopping spree – it’s a cherished tradition filled with laughter,memories, and a dash of local pride.In our close-knit community, finding the perfect Easter dress isn’tjust about style – it’s about supporting our local boutiques,businesses, and women entrepreneurs. And we all know there’ssomething truly special about discovering that one-of-a-kind dressthat screams ‘springtime bliss.’So grab your girlfriends, dust off your sun hat, and take a lookthrough some our favorite local Easter dresses. From pastel huesto floral prints that bloom like gardens in full bloom, thesedresses aren’t just outfits – they’re a celebration of our uniquestyle, community spirit, and the joy of welcoming a new season.VestiqueGreenville, SCGarden of Eden Midi DressBe the apple of everyone’s eye in this Garden of Eden Midi Dress! This oh-so-darling dress features a pink, purple, and light blue floral print on an ivory background, with a v neckline, layered flutter sleeves, rue detail, and a tiered skirt. Perfect for your next special occasion, style with strappy heels and delicate accessories for a stunning look.Blmg Beauties:Local Easter Dressesin the UpstateSplash on MainGreenville, SCEmbrace the enchanting allure of Spring in our Long Sleeve Print Maxi Dress. Effortlessly chic, this dress weaves the magic of rich hues and intricate prints into a style that’s as versatile as it is captivating.FiveologySpartanburg, SCKARLIE Poplin Poppy Tier MaxiThis elegant pink maxi dress features a flowing silhouette, adorned with vibrant red poppy flowers scattered delicately across the fabric. Its soft, feminine hues and graceful design make it the perfect choice for Easter. Lucy’s BoutiqueLandrum, SCHadley DressThis charming pink midi dress combines simplicity with sophistication. Crafted from a solid eyelet fabric, it features a flattering v-neckline and convenient pockets at the sides. The dress is lined for coverage, while its semi-sheer construction adds an element of allure. Lightweight and woven for comfort, it’s an ideal choice for spring.And let’s not forget our little fashionistas! Easter dresses for our pint-sized darlings are a whole other level of adorable. From twirly skirts to dainty bows and delicate lace, dressing up our little girls for Easter is a delightful affair filled with giggles and precious moments captured in photos that we’ll cherish for years to come. Whether it’s a sweet pastel frock or a playful floral print, these dresses aren’t just for the occasion – they’re a part of the magic that makes Easter Sunday so special for our little ones.Showoffs Kids BoutiqueSpartanburg, SCAudrey Seersucker Pink DressThis sleeveless dress features a charming pink thin stripe seer-sucker fabric, adorned with delicate eyelet trim on the yoke. It has a classic design with a top button closure at the back, offering a sweet and timeless look for girls.The Little BeehiveGreenville, SCPinafore Dress Highlands HydrangeaThe Highlands Hydrangea pinafore dress is a charming garment for little girls, featuring a soft fabric adorned with a print inspired by hydrangea flowers. Its sleeveless design and flared skirt make it perfect for any occasion, adding a touch of vintage charm to her look.

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14Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and the joy of spring. Beyond the chocolate eggs and bunnies, it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories with your family through meaningful traditions that honor the religious signiﬁcance of the holiday and embrace the spirit of togetherness. Here are some creative and meaningful Easter traditions to inspire you:Resurrection Garden Start a new tradition by creating a Resurrection Garden with your family. Gather materials such as soil, small rocks, a small pot, and ﬁgurines representing Jesus, Mary, and the empty tomb. Arrange these items in the pot to create a miniature garden symbolizing the resurrection story. It’s a beautiful way to reﬂect on the true meaning of Easter and engage children in the story of Jesus’ triumph over death.Easter Egg DecoratingGet creative with Easter egg decorating! Beyond the traditional dyeing, try techniques like marbleizing, decoupage, or using natural dyes from fruits and vegetables. Encourage each family member to express their unique style and creativity, and display the decorated eggs as a centerpiece for your Easter table.Easter BrunchGather your loved ones for a special Easter brunch ﬁlled with delicious food and meaningful conversations. Prepare a spread of brunch favorites like quiches, fruit salads, and hot cross buns, and take the time to share stories, memories, and gratitude for each other’s presence.Acts of KindnessSpread joy and positivity by performing acts of kindness as a family. Whether it’s baking cookies for a neighbor, writing thank-you notes to essential workers, or volunteering at a local charity, ﬁnd ways to make a positive impact in your community and celebrate the spirit of giving that Easter embodies.Easter Story TimeSet aside time to read and reﬂect on the Easter story as a family. Choose a children’s Bible or a storybook that recounts the events leading up to Jesus’ resurrection, and engage in discussions about faith, hope, and the importance of love and forgiveness.Nature Walk and Egg HuntCombine the beauty of nature with the excitement of an egg hunt by organizing a scavenger hunt in your local park or nature reserve. Hide decorated eggs or small treats along the trail, and enjoy a leisurely walk together as you search for them amidst the blossoming ﬂowers and chirping birds.Reflection and Gratitude Before the day ends, take a moment as a family to reﬂect on the blessings of the past year and express gratitude for each other’s love and support. Create a gratitude jar where everyone can write down something they’re thankful for and place it inside, to be opened and read together next Easter.Easter is a time for celebration, reﬂection, and cherished traditions that bring families closer together. Whether you’re honoring the religious signiﬁcance of the holiday or simply enjoying the beauty of springtime, there are countless ways to make Easter meaningful and memorable for the whole family. So gather your loved ones, embrace the spirit of Easter, and create lasting memories that will be treasured for years to come.CREATIVE AND MEANINGFUL TRADITIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILYCELBRATING EASTER

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BELLE’S RECIPESIngreditsORZO SALAD1 1/2 cups dry orzo1/2 medium cucumber, deseeded and cubed1/4 medium red onion, ﬁnely diced1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1/4 cup sliced almonds2 tbsp grated parmesan1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drainedHandful chopped parsley, mincedZest of one lemon1 tsp red pepper ﬂakesSalt and pepper to tasteLEMON GARLIC DRESSING1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil1 tbsp white balsamic vinegarJuice of one lemon1–2 cloves garlic, crushed1 tbsp agave syrup1/4 tsp dry basil1/4 tsp dry oreganoSalt and pepper to tasteInstructisCook orzo according to package recommendations and instructions. Drain the orzo, but do not rinse it! Just set it aside and prep the remaining ingredients.Prepare your lemon garlic dressing. To a small bowl or jar combine olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, agave, basil, and oregano. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.Now, to a large bowl add in your orzo then add in cucumber, onion, tomatoes, almonds, parmesan, chickpeas, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper ﬂakes and pour over your dressing.Toss the salad together to coat and mix ingredients well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve. To really allow the ﬂavors to meld, chill for at least an hour in the fridge before serving.Fresh, vibrant and easy to make, this lemon orzo chickpea salad is the perfect dish to start welcoming spring and summer. This salad is full of flavor from the zippy lemon garlic dressing and can be prepped in minutes! LEMON ORZO CHICKPEA SALAD

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19Multi-Million Dollar ProducerCertiﬁed Luxury Home Marketing Specialist(864) 918-9772 • kjordan@cbcaine.com • katiejordanrealtor.comJORDANREALTOR®KATIE“Katie managed the sale of our home beautifully! Her marketing experience, knowledge of the local area and market, and her excellent communication skills combined for a stress-free experience. She helped us manage multiple oers to get the best possible outcome for our home sale and helped us ﬁnd our dream home. I would recommend Katie Jordan 100%.”-Rebekah C.365 Patterson RoadSpartanburg, SC 293075 Bedrooms • 5 Full Baths 3 Half Baths • 10,508 SQFT$5,960,000Laurel Creek Farm sits on 48 acres with 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and 10,508 ﬁnished and heated square feet. Inspired by Thomas Jeerson’s Monticello home, this all-brick home features Flemish bond masonry, blue slate patios, a Grand Manor roof, and “secret” garden. Laurel Creek Farm stands as a rich showpiece of provincial stories told with illustrious architecture and majestic detail, oering a lavish yet warm living experience. Schedule a showing to explore the timeless, regal atmosphere of living at Laurel Creek Farm.216 Winﬁeld DriveSpartanburg, SC 293073 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths 1 Half Bath • 3,393 SQFT$495,000Nestled within the established Hillbrook neighborhood on Spartanburg’s vibrant Eastside, this two-story lakefront residence exudes charmand comfort. Enjoy the serenity of lakeside living in your own private retreat. Zoned for the award-winning Spartanburg District 7 schools, this residence oers proximity to schools, restaurants, and shopping, providing the ideal balance of convenience and tranquility. Embrace the opportunity to make this lakeside haven your home and experience the epitome of Eastside living.11 Ansel StreetDrayton, SC 293332 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths 1,730 SQFT$189,900Fabulous opportunity on Spartanburg’s thriving Eastside and award-winning School District 7. This spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow sits on a large, fenced corner lot and welcomes you with a charming enclosed front porch. Conveniently located by the Drayton Mills Marketplace, dining and amenity options are steps away. For ﬁtness enthusiasts, The Daniel Morgan Trail System has multiple trailheads located within close vicinity to the home.

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Cranberry Blueberry Salad WITH BLUEBERRY BALSAMIC DRESSINGWe LOVE this healthy Blueberry Salad! This scrumptious salad is fun, fruity, and ﬂavorful, and topped with the most amazing homemade blueberry balsamic dressing.INGREDIENTS1 heaping cup blueberries1 4-5 oz bag spring mixsalad greens½ cucumber, chopped½ cup mandarin orange segments¼ cup dried cranberries2-4 TBSP roasted unsalted sunﬂower seedsBLUEBERRY BALSAMIC DRESSING:1 cup blueberries⅓ cup balsamic vinegar2 TBSP red wine vinegar2 TBSP dijon mustard1 TBSP honey1 tsp salt⅛ tsp black pepper½ cup avocado or olive oilINSTRUCTIONSFirst, make your dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine all dressing ingredients except for the avocado oil. Blend until blueberries are completely pureed, then use the little top cut-out to drizzle in the avocado oil at the end. Once dressing is emulsiﬁed you’re good to go!Wash + dry your greens.Combine with cucumber and blueberries, then toss with a drizzle or two of dressing. Add extra as desired.Top with mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries, and sunﬂower seeds and serve!Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad WITH BASIL PESTO A healthy Mediterranean recipe with lots of fresh vegetables, this recipe uses just a few ingredients, it’s easy to make, and the salad looks beautiful on the table for so little eort!INGREDIENTS½ pound red cherry or grape tomatoes, halved ½ pound yellow cherry grape tomatoes, halved2 avocados, diced1 cucumber, sliced⅓ cup red onion, diced¼ cup basil pesto1 tablespoon lemon juicesalt and pepper to tasteINSTRUCTIONSIn a large bowl, combine halved red and yellow cherry or grape tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced cucumber, diced red onion. Add basil pesto and lemon juice to the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.Pals and PlesSpring Salads to Sprinkle Joy on Your Plate!As the flowers bloom and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to welcome spring with open arms and a forkful of fresh, flavorful salads! Say goodbye to winter comfort foods and hello to light, vibrant dishes bursting with seasonal goodness. In this article, we’re thrilled to share our top picks for the cutest and most delicious spring salads that will have you craving greens all season long. Get ready to toss together a rainbow of ingredients and savor the taste of spring with every bite!BELLE’S BITES

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34WHAT YOU NEED » White and Brown Hardboiled Eggs » Liquid Food Coloring » Mun pan or small bowls for dyeing the eggs (note: the food coloring can leave permanent stains, so don’t use anything too precious!) » Vinegar » Tooth picks or wood chopsticks for stirring » Paper Towels » Disposable Gloves (optional)WHAT TO DO » Boil two cups of water, then add two tablespoons of vinegar to the hot water. Fill the cups of a mun pan or a small bowl with about half an inch of the hot water. Add liquid food coloring based on the color formulas above or to achieve your own desired color palette. I used a variety of store-bought food coloring to create my dye colors, including standard red, yellow, green, and blue liquid food coloring, pastel gel food coloring, and bright magenta, teal, and orange gel food coloring. Use a toothpick or spoon to stir the food coloring together until completely blended, then give it another quick stir before dipping your egg into the dye bath. » Tip: Test the dye color with a paper towel before submerging your eggs, but keep in mind that a paper towel will absorb the dye much faster than an egg, so you’ll need to leave the egg in the dye bath for a minute or two if you’re hoping to achieve brighter/more saturated colors. » Wearing disposable gloves, pick up your egg and gently dip one side of the egg into the dye bath. The dye should not cover the entire egg and you should continue to hold the egg in place while it’s in the dye bath so it doesn’t roll over. Hold the egg in place for several seconds for lighter colors or around a minute for deeper/more saturated colors. » Remove from the dye bath and pat dry with a paper towel. » Repeat steps 2 and 3 with a second and third dye color (if desired), covering a dierent portion of the egg with each new dye color.COLOR BLOCKEASTER EGGSBELLE’S DIYBY NOLE GAREY@BEAUTIFULPAPER

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36If meditating isn’t your thing, you may want to try puzzling as a stress- reducing strategy. Experts say working on a puzzle is a great mindfulness exercise that can lower heart rate and promote a sense of calm. Greenville resident Elizabeth McElveen, 47, says puzzling has taught her to slow down. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2018, Elizabeth says her body requires more structured rest, and stress can trigger flares. “I try to do anything I can to keep my stress levels in check,” explains Elizabeth, a pharmaceutical sales rep. “Puzzles give me an outlet for creativity when I’m forced to slow down and rest.” What was once a hobby has now transformed into a competitive sport for Elizabeth, opening her up to huge community of puzzlers around the world. This year she’ll represent South Carolina in national and international competitions. How often do you work on puzzles? Every day. I can do a 500-piece so quickly that I normally do one every night after work and try to reserve the 1000-piece puzzles for the weekends.My PR for a solo 500-piece puzzle is currently 51:36 and my PR on a solo 1000-piece is 2:19:53.What is your strategy when you start a new puzzle? It changes from puzzle to puzzle, depending on the shape and image. If the frame of the puzzle is busy and has a ton of details, I’ll start with the edges. If the edges are similar, I find one or two areas in the center of puzzle and start on those sections then build it out to the edges. I always sort the edges out when flipping the pieces at the very start – even if I don’t puzzle them immediately.How did you get into professional puzzling? I grew up doing puzzles with my mom and have always loved them. When we lost my mom to Alzheimer’s in 2019, I decided to do The Longest Day fundraiser with the Alzheimer’s Association and puzzle for 24 hours to raise money. This reignited my passion for puzzles, and I started doing them at night to relax after work. When Covid hit and you couldn’t find puzzles anywhere, I stumbled upon an online group for speed puzzling and joined the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association. Since 2020, I’ve been doing monthly competitions and started my Instagram site dedicated to reviewing puzzles.What can you tell us about the evolution of this sport? US Speed Puzzling has been around for years – originating in Minnesota. I have friends who have done this since they were kids and were competing at very young ages. The largest speed puzzling competition in the US takes place each January in St Paul, Minnesota. “Winter Carnival” has over 1200 puzzlers. How does it feel to represent the US and South Carolina? I’m so excited to be a part of this! Our group from the US has so many incredible puzzlers. This will be my first year competing in Worlds but last year, the US dominated with 5 pairs finishing in the top 10 and 5 four-person teams finishing in the Top 10. The USAJPA has so many puzzlers from around the country, with the smallest margin being from the Southeast. I love being able to represent the Southeast; especially South Carolina. My goal is to grow the community of speed puzzlers in our state. You can also follow my journey on Instagram @ThePuzzledTurtle.ELIZABETH “TURTLE” MCELVEENCOMPETITIVE PUZZLERgirltalkELIZABETH’S 2024 SCHEDULE:USA JIGSAW NATIONALS March 22-24: San Diego, CaliforniaTHE LONGEST DAY FUNDRAISERJune 21: Greenville, South CarolinaWORLD JIGSAW PUZZLE CHAMPIONSHIPSeptember 17-22: Vallodolid, Spain

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Kimberly Argenta is a wife, mother to a 30 year old talented young man, and also an artist blessed beyond what she could have ever imagined. Originally from NYS, where she owned and operated a teaching art studio, she taught children ages 5 & up and also adults, with her eldest student being in their 90s. Kimberly loved seeing her students’ progress over the years and each one of them inspired her to become the artist she is today.In 2020, when Covid hit and the world turned upside down, Kimberly closed her doors after 12 years of love, passion and energy. Along with her studio, she also owned and operated a hair salon for 38 years that was forced to close. Like many others, this time in her life was one of the hardest she’s ever endured. She dealt with many emotions- frustration, anger, sadness depression. Kimberly never had any plans to retire. She loved what she did. Now there were so many unanswered questions. Who is she now? What is her purpose?Then, in 2021, she moved to the beautiful tourist town of Black Mountain, NC with her husband of 34 years, along with their beloved Westie, Miss Gracie. Things started to slowly change and Kimberly has finally found her purpose and feels confident again in who she is as an artist. She and her family now feel like locals and are so happy to call Black Mountain, NC and their friendly and supportive art community home.Kimberly, tell Belle about what inspired you in the beginning.I remember as a kid I loved to create. I’d find different objects and left over material from old shirts and design and build my own Barbie furniture. I also loved creating shadow boxes out of old shoe boxes. I would paint the inside of them, then collect little treasures like bottle caps, shiny stones, buttons, cute tags off of clothing and create a magical masterpiece. I remember being so happy when I created. When and how did you start creating the beautiful artwork you make today?I am a self taught artist. Taking classes on line or just experimenting. I knew the rules of an artist but as one of my favorite artist Picasso said.. “ learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist” breaking the rules makes us unique. Isn’t that what we all want?But I struggled with that. Thinking I had to create art that others would like. When I realized God created each of us with talents that make each of us unique I then began to paint what was uniquely inside of me and what I truly loved to create. This wasn’t an easy transition. I created for others for so many years that getting out of that mind set was a huge struggle. A lot of tears were shed. And a lot of praying for God to show me the way. Once I let go of what I thought I had to be and became who I really was my art blossomed and it started to sell.I then started taking another on line class but this time I also became a member of an online art community. With the support of my artist friends I got the courage to put my art out there for the world to see. This was so scary for me. Rejection is tough…what if no one liked my art? But I did it anyway and I’m so grateful that I did. And then my journey began.Tell Belle a little about what your creative process is like. When I begin a painting I usually don’t have a plan ( unless I’m doing a commissioned piece, stylized face, or a themed exhibit I’m entering) I paint intuitively, usually 2 or 3 paintings at a time, and I let the painting guide me. It Sometimes takes weeks to finish a piece. I’ll put it on an easel and wait for it to speak to me. It’s not about the end product for me as I have many paintings I don’t like, but it’s about the journey I take to get there.What is your favorite part of what you do? I love bright bold colors and lots of texture and layers. Using odd shapes and bright colors brings excitement to my paintings. I’d describe my style as whimsical, multicolored, impromptu, high toned, vibrant, jazzy and full of life. My goal in every painting is when the viewer looks at my piece they have a smile on their face and they say “ this makes me happy, I love all the colors”How do you feel your work has progressed throughout the years?Being a professional artist happened for me years ago but back then was creating what others wanted from me or what I thought they wanted. Now that I’m selling art that is uniquely me I now feel like I’m the professional artist I’ve always wanted to become.Where can our Belles find and purchase your artwork locally?My work is displayed at our favorite eatery The Trailhead Restaurant, Red House Gallery and Studios and can be purchased through redhousegallery.org. I also have my paintings hung at a local Air B& B. I can also be found on FB and Instagram under Art of Kimberly. Where I also sell my paintings. I’ve also had art in exhibits at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts and have donated numerous pieces to organizations over the years to be auctioned off for many causes.Tell Belle about what’s in store for your future.As far as my future, I’ll be coming full circle. I’ll be teaching an Afterschool and Homeschool program in the fall. I’m also Chair for the Free Children’s art program “Emerging Artists” through the art league I belong to, Swannanoa Valley Art League where I’m also on the board. The league is located downtown Black Mountain where I also have an art studio.Tell us what a perfect spring day would be for you!A perfect day for me is don’t rush. Spending time with others and sharing my passion with them and spending time with those I love. I love to feel the warmth of the sun on my face. Keeping my eyes and ears open to God’s plan. Being brave to be unique, you never know what doors will open for you. Standing apart and letting my light shine.Do you have social media where our readers can stay informed about all of your new work? Yes! Follow along on Instagram @artofkimberly to keep up with all the latest!Never look back on life to the what ifs, look forward and say “I’m doing that.”-KimberlyARTIST PROFILEKIMBERLY ARGENTA

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45The Kindred Spirits opened almost 8 years ago by the mother and daughter team of Kathryn and Maggie Macdonald. Their goal was to have a local art and decor boutique that provided local artists a space to share their handmade art and decor in the upstate. After 8 years of running the shop, Kathryn & Maggie decided it was time for a change, so they prepared for Kindred Spirits to change hands. Susanne Troutt and her fami-ly purchased the shop back in September of 2023 and they have been enjoying their new venture and partnership with the local art community ever since!Susanne, tell us where Kindred Spirits is located and when our Belles can stop in to shop?We are conveniently located at 155 North Spring Street in Downtown Spartanburg, SC, just around the corner from The Children’s Museum. Our hours are currently 11am - 4pm Tuesday through Saturday. You can always give us a call at 864.208.5328 if you have any questions or need help finding us!Tell our Belles about the concept behind The Kindred Spirits.The concept is very unique to the upstate and was built for local artists to bring in their handmade items for sale. We stage them in the store and sell them to the public on a consignment basis.Our items are unique and handmade, as we do not go to market or sell manufactured items. This makes The Kindred Spirits the perfect spot to support local when picking out a gift for a loved one or that perfect piece to display in your home.TellBellea little more about the different products and artists available at Kindred Spirits.We have a wide range of items including a variety of paintings, ceramics, books, pottery, clothing, accessories, tablecloths, runners, miniatures, wood, metal, various types of jewelry, knitting, crocheting, candles, cards, photography and we keep growing with new artists. We would love for you to send new artists our way or contact us at thekindredspiritsgallery@gmail.com if you’d like to be on of our featured artists.In your opinion, what sets Kindred Spirits apart and makes you unique?Here at The Kindred Spirits every single item is handmade by local artists, so each gift, surcee, painting and experience is unique. We pride ourselves on being one of a kind and helping all of our customers find the absolute perfect piece they are looking for- for any and every occasion. We are a friendly family business who will help you find the type of art and decor that suits your own personal taste and style.Are there any upcoming special events or classes that our Belles can mark on their calendars?Yes! We offer Charcuterie, Beginners Modern Calligraphy, Jewelry Design, Knitting, Crochet, Needlework, Macrame and other classes on site. Our next event will be a permanent jewelry pop up event on March 2nd, so be sure to mark your calendars and join us for an evening of fun!Does Kindred Spirits have an online space where our Belles can stay informed?Yes, we have a website and a google business profile. Our website is Thekindredspirits.net and our Google business profile is under The Kindred Spirits. We are also active on Instagram and Facebook along with our artists@thekindredspirits. This is also a great way to keep up with all of our upcoming classes and events, so be sure to give us a follow!The Kindred Spirits is tucked away off the beaten path, & truly a hidden gem for Downtown Spartanburg.We have customers from allover the world, but we love meeting new local faces.Be sure to stop in for a visit- we can’t wait to see you!- Susanne

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51Since launching in 2021, we have grown our team and expanded our services across the Upstate of SC and Western NC. We are able to serve more individuals and families who are ready to ﬁnd freedom from the clutter. While we love a beautiful, labeled pantry, our favorite transformation is witnessing our clients become more vibrant versions of themselves.Christine was an overwhelmed and emotionally depleted mom who felt like she lost control of her home, her life, and her peace after the traumatic birth of her second child. She didn’t know that professional organizing was a service available to her before ﬁnding our post in a Facebook Group. We were able to help Christine and her husband Eric declutter the overabundance of clothes, kids’ toys, decor, etc. that had accumulated in their home. We organized their kitchen and pantry, living room, closets, and kids’ rooms, setting up systems that were easy for their family to maintain. We even helped them get a head start on their garage organization project!“It may be cliche to say something is life-changing, but in this case, it’s completely accurate. What these wonderful ladies did with our home can not be overstated. We had an emotionally draining last couple of years and lived on survival mode and lost joy in our home due to cluttering. But four days’ worth of sweat and work from Two Tidy Tinas changed all that. The whole ambiance has changed and it certainly has changed our outlook.” - Eric S. After working with us, Christine felt empowered to manage her home and daily life. Eric was laid o towards the end of the project, and they mentioned to us several times that the peace they had from their organized home helped tremendously as they navigated the hardships of unemployment. Clearing the clutter allowed them to ﬁnd joy in their home again. After both found new jobs, they hired us again for a refresh session and to organize their home oce.Clutter isn’t an emergency, it’s an underestimated chronic simmering stressor. Our clients feel lighter, happier, and more motivated after we help them transform their homes. Decluttering and organizing isn’t just about getting rid of things, and using pretty bins and labels; it’s about making room for what truly matters. It’s about creating a space that allows you to breathe freely, fostering a sense of calm and clarity in your daily life.Whether you’re growing your family, moving, listing your home, downsizing, living with a disability, or just too busy to get organized by yourself, we’re here to help! Our services include decluttering, organizing, soft staging, moving and renovation prep, gallery wall/art installations, holiday decorating and takedown, refresh sessions, and junk removal.READY TO EMBARK ON YOUR ORGANIZING JOURNEY? HERE ARE THREE STEPS TO GET STARTED:1. Deﬁne Your Vision: What is disorganization costing you? What does being organized mean to you? What type of qualities do you want to express in your life through your organized space? Conﬁdence? Eciency? Peace? Clarity? 2. Assess the Situation: Identify areas that need improvement and pain points you’d like to address. Ask yourself, “What’s working and not working in this space?” How can your home support your current life?3. Set Realistic Goals: Establish a timeline, considering your availability and the project’s complexity. Break the project into smaller, manageable tasks. Head to our website www.twotidytinas.com to download your free step-by-step Getting Organized Guide! Join us on Instagram and Facebook @twotidytinas for a decluttering challenge this month!Change is intimidating, especially when it involves your home. But the rewards are uplifting. Whether you do it yourself or seek non-judgmental professional guidance, make this the year you conﬁdently tackle your home organizing project so you can let go, create space, and stress less!BY MATINA KAZAMEAS AND KRISTINA HARRISCLUTTER-FREE BLISSTransform Your Home with Two Tidy Tinas

Belle March 24

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