What is Life at Play?

Life at Play is an insider’s guide to slowing down, being playful, and actually enjoying life—especially in Serenbe & Chatt Hills. It’s part newsletter, part community, part business directory and event calendar, and fully dedicated to inspiring you to step off the hamster wheel, take a deep breath, and live with more ease, curiosity, and connection.

But slowing down doesn’t mean sitting still. It means making space for the things that bring you energy, spark creativity, and make you excited to wake up in the morning. Whether that’s hiking in the woods, planning your next adventure, or just finding more joy in everyday routines, this is about living a life that feels intentional and fun.

Think of it as your go-to source for what’s happening around Serenbe, the hidden gems, and the slow-living inspiration you didn’t know you needed. Whether you live here, visit often, or are just dreaming of a life that feels more intentional, you’re in the right place.

And honestly? I need this as much as anyone.

This is a space where I remind myself to live intentionally—to carve out time for morning walks, to build habits that actually stick, and to find beauty in the everyday. Sometimes life happens, routines slip, and we all need a little push to reset. That’s what Life at Play is all about.

What Do We Do Here?

Every week-ish, I publish a newsletter filled with reflections on slow living, upcoming events, and ways to connect more deeply with yourself and the community around you. It’s a mix of personal insights, must-know local happenings, and the kind of recommendations I’d give a close friend.

Some weeks, you’ll get a deep dive into something I’m working on—like revamping my morning routine or figuring out how to reset after a season of burnout. Other times, I’ll highlight a resident or business story or expertise, a hidden gem, an amazing local experience, or something that’s making life feel a little more magical.

There’s also a “Locals Only” section—perfect if you live in Serenbe or are planning a visit. It’s where I share the inside scoop on upcoming events, new spots opening, and things you won’t want to miss.

The goal? To create a space where we can all take a step back, breathe, and make more room for what matters.

What You’ll Find Here

📬 A Weekly-ish Newsletter – Expect a mix of personal reflections, insider tips, upcoming events, and cool local finds. It’s the stuff I’d text a friend—now I’m sharing it with you.

🌿 The Best of Serenbe & Chatt Hills – Hidden spots, must-try food, and the experiences that make this place so magical.

💡 Slow Living & Intentional Habits – No hustle-culture nonsense here. Just real talk about what it means to live in a way that feels good.

👀 Local Spotlights & Community Love – Because the people and places here deserve to be celebrated.

🥕 Finding Local Food – Whether it’s farmstands tucked along country roads, weekly CSA pickups, or connecting directly with local farmers, I’ll share how to eat fresh and support the people in the community.

📱 Let’s Connect on Instagram – I share even more behind-the-scenes content, daily musings, and real-life moments over on Instagram—probably more than people care to hear. Come say hi!

💬 I Want to Hear from You! – This isn’t just a one-way conversation. Have something you’d love to see featured? A local tip to share? Just want to say hi? Reply to the newsletter, DM me on Instagram, or reach out. Let’s make this a true community space.

What Makes Serenbe & Chatt Hills Special?

If you’re new here, let me introduce you to Serenbe and Chatt Hills— a place that feels like a secret world tucked just south of Atlanta. Serenbe is a wellness-focused neighborhood designed around nature, community, and sustainability. It has no manicured lawns, fewer cars (and a lot of golf carts), and more walking trails, farm-fresh food, and art. Chatt Hills is the surrounding area—rolling countryside, historic charm, and an incredible sense of community. Together, they create a place where life slows down in the best way possible.

Here, 70% of the land is dedicated to conservation, which means forests, farms, and meadows instead of strip malls and parking lots. There’s a neighborhood farm, miles of hiking trails, a thriving arts scene, and a slew of wellness offerings like sound baths, cryotherapy, reiki, a labyrinth, acupuncture, and so much more.

But what truly makes this place special is the community. Neighbors here show up for each other. It’s the kind of place where people stop to chat, where you can borrow a cup of sugar (or a dozen eggs from a backyard chicken), and where spontaneous dinner parties turn into lifelong friendships. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s a place that welcomes you in and makes you feel at home.

Why Subscribe?

Because you’re tired of endless group chats and still not knowing what’s going on.

Because you want to live more intentionally—but don’t want another “should” on your plate.

Because you’re curious. Or burnt out. Or just ready to start paying attention again.

And if you love it? Share it with a friend.

I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s do this together.

Why Reader-Supported?

Life at Play is a labor of love, built to create a sense of connection, discovery, and inspiration. Right now, there’s no difference between free and paid subscribers—it’s simply a way to support this work and help me continue creating, sharing, and growing this space.

If you enjoy what you read, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support allows me to continue diving deeper into local stories, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and expanding what Life at Play can offer. Whether you read for free or choose to support, I’m grateful to have you here.

About Gina

I’m Gina Kawalek—creator, entrepreneur, mama, and perpetual seeker of a slower, playful, more intentional way of living. I spent 15 years in software tech marketing, leading teams and building events and brands, but somewhere along the way, I realized I wanted to create something for myself. Something that felt aligned. Something that made life feel more expansive, not more overwhelming.

So I created Life at Play.

I’ve lived in Serenbe for over four years with my husband Greg, our two kids Rory (4) and Dottie (1). Our house is a little chaotic in the best way possible, filled with laughter, tiny shoes, and chickens.

I’m also told I’m the friend who gives the practical advice—the one people call when they need a real, no-BS answer on everything from business strategy to life problems and which wellness trend is actually worth trying. I love helping people figure things out, whether it’s how to simplify their routines or where to get the best coffee in town.

Now, I’m sharing all of that with you. But more than just events and places, this is about creating a life that feels joyful, connected, and full—without the burnout.

When I’m not writing or curating Life at Play, you can find me with my kids, hiking, trying weird wellness things, or helping other founders build businesses that feel like them.

Let’s explore this together. See you in the comments!

—Gina xx

P.S. Know someone who’d love this? Please pass it along.