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MELANIE HERNQUIST Passionate about encouraging women to be a powerful force
of good, Melanie Hernquist recently applied her training as a graphic designer to create the Atlanta lifestyle brand Lucky + Lovely. Shop empowering attire, accessories, stationery and more for the perfect gift for your friend’s new job, house or even just a new haircut. Details: www.luckyandlovelyshop.com
Medical & Sports Massage in Sandy Springs has partnered with the East Georgia Cancer Coalition to provide uninsured and financiallystrained cancer patients with free massage therapy sessions.
While not a treatment for cancer, massage therapy has been shown to decrease pain and fatigue, and increase mood and quality of life. Details: 220 Sandy Springs Cir., Ste. 157B, Sandy Springs; www.livelifepainfree.com
Legends™Distillery in Forsyth is bringing something new to the liquor shelf with its signature line of vodka and bourbons, which have already snagged several accolades at the 2020 SIP Awards for their distinctively smooth finish. The secret is in Legends’ patented Quantum Purity™ technology, which removes additional toxins and impurities to elevate the liquors’ taste and even decrease the chance of a hangover. Details: www.spiritsusa.com The Peachtree Road Race is back for 2021! This year there will be both in-person and virtual races that will take place over
July 3 and 4. While virtual spots are guaranteed, in-person spots will be limited. Atlanta Track Club members can register for guaranteed spots, while nonmember spots will be decided by lottery. A limited number of charity slots are also available. Browse your options and register through May 1. Details: www.ajc.com/peachtree
SUGA’S PIMENTO CHEESES
After repeatedly selling out of her famous pimento cheese at Atlanta farmers markets, chef Stacey “Suga” West decided to launch Suga’s Pimento Cheeses. The only pimento cheese brand in the South serving up vegan options,
you can incorporate this delicious addition into burgers, pasta, deviled eggs and more. Details: www.sugasfood.com
{Health + Wellness}
A Guided Tour of Atlanta Wellness
By Amelia Pavlik
Atlanta’s wellness industry is alive and thriving, with new fitness studios, whole-food-focused restaurants, medical spas and more popping up faster than you can keep up with. Separating the true pros from the trend-followers is no easy task. My City Wellness Guides are here to give you the inside scoop on the best places to get fit, eat well and indulge in some healthy self-care in Atlanta (and beyond). Here’s a peek at some of my favorite local spots:
Activewear Boutique: Stellar Bodies
In addition to offering fitness classes at their Buckhead studio, Stellar Bodies’ boutique (which is only at this location) has been one of my go-tos for trendsetting activewear for years. With brands ranging from Beyond Yoga® to Ultracor®, the boutique offers something for everyone. I love anything by KORAL. Their black Lustrous Leggings are perfect for going from barre to brunch. And FYI, Stellar also offers an online shop where you can receive 10% off your first order. Details: 3872 Roswell Rd., Ste. A4, Atlanta; www.stellarbodiesatl.com/boutique
Fitness Studio: SculptHouse
Fans of the Megaformer (a Pilates-based machine) will love a SculptHouse class. You can opt for a sculpt-only class or try my go-to pick—CardioSculpt 360. For me, it’s the best of both worlds: resistance training plus a cardio session on curved treadmills. Post-class, don’t forget to check out the activewear boutique, which is full of luxe brands like Bala, Alala and Year of Ours. (Also, there’s a $15 first class special, so be sure to take advantage of this option when you book!) Details: www.sculpthouse.com
Spa/Beauty: Icebox Cryotherapy
Looking for a less-traditional spa experience? Chill out with a treatment at Icebox Cryotherapy, which has locations throughout metro Atlanta. This cold therapy is known to help with health issues ranging from pain management to circulation problems. For three minutes, you step into a booth and are immersed in a deep nitrogenfueled cold. I can confirm that it’s a mighty chilly experience, but it’s not painful—and I felt invigorated and energized following my treatment. If you’d prefer to ease your way into cryotherapy, try one a CryoFacial, which stimulates collagen growth and reduces inflammation. Details: www.iceboxtherapy.com
Indulgent Dinner: Marcel
I can’t say it any better than the website, “Marcel is a return to the days when people appreciated every moment … when love lingered over the best meals.” The ambiance at this Midtown gem is as intriguing as the sips and bites, with low lighting, dark leather and wood, and white tablecloths. Oh, and the food! I believe in a wellness routine that embraces moderation and indulgence. And Marcel is the perfect fit when I’m ready to indulge! Their menu changes with the season, but my must-orders include the clams casino and pommes dauphinoise. Every bite is like heaven on a fork. Details: 1170 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta; www.marcelatl.com
A veteran wellness journalist and fitness teacher of 20 years, Amelia Pavlik founded FRESHJUICE + bubbly to connect you to wellness indulgences that fit your budget. In addition to her reviews and advice regarding all things upscale wellness, Amelia offers a series of City Wellness Guides and personalized wellness concierge services. Join the #bubblylife community today at www.freshjuiceandbubbly.com.
Chronic Shoulder Pain? Tendonitis? Sprain/Strain?
Solution: Bio-Regenerative Injection Therapy
Because the shoulder has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body, it must balance strength, flexibility and stability. This balance can be maintained through exercises aimed at stretching and strengthening the supporting structures to avoid pain and injuries during specific activities. Problems are generally due to overuse, which weakens and destabilizes the rotator cuff. About 20% of sports injuries involve the shoulder. So what to do? Enter Bio-Sclerotic Proliferation Injection Therapy! The treatment causes the proliferation (growth, formation) of new ligament tissue in the areas where it has become weak. A biological (not toxic, non steroidal) solution is used, which is injected in the suspect area. This causes a localized inflammation in these weak areas which then increases the blood supply and flow of nutrients and stimulates the tissue to repair itself including increased cytokine production, which are the building blocks for cartilage and other connective tissue.
We are in-network. Our Treatments Are Covered by
Medicare • Blue Cross • Aetna • Cigna United • Humana • Coventry • Great West and most others.
8460 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Ste. 200 Alpharetta, Ga. 30022 Tel: 770-416-9995 www.AtlantaMedicine.com CALL TODAY FOR APPOINTMENT
{Mindfulness + Joy}
3 Relationship Habits to Break to Be More Balanced and Connected Together
By India Leigh
As we all go through many personal shifts, these individual shifts are often reflected in our partnerships. Make 2021 the year of moving into a more aware, conscious, elevated form of partnership. And as you step into this year with the one you love, it is key that you choose to leave these three mindbased relationship habits in the past.
Faultfinding and using “you” statements.
Though we may not always realize it, we are conditioned to find fault outside of ourselves. As part of our human survival thought patterns, we inherit and learn ways of seeking out the sources of problems and eliminating them in order to make our lives easier. Sadly, no one is safe from the minds’ faultfinding radar—not even (and sometimes especially) the ones we love most. But even if there is a mistake or an imbalance that needs to be corrected in a relationship, blaming the other perpetuates old dynamics and destructive cycles, rather than strengthening the partnership. When it comes down to it, anytime we hear ourselves starting with “You …” we can know that we’re heading in the direction of faultfinding and blame rather than understanding and trust.
Speaking from the mind rather than the heart.
Love is supposed to be the domain of the heart, but far too often we allow our minds to run the show. Pay attention to the words you’re using when you talk to your partner. “I think …”, “It’s just that …” “OK, but …” and “I/You just don’t get it …” are all telltale phrases that you are coming from a mental or ego, fear-driven place rather than the heart. “I feel …”, “When I hear/experience this, I feel …” and “I have a wound around this that is being poked right now and I am feeling …” are the magic words of
vulnerability that create a safe space for everyone to open up
and connect, rather than being reactive and defensive, fearing a mind battle.
Putting the need to be right above seeing the other’s perspective. The human mind is
very dualistic—conditioned to see right and wrong, good and bad—and wants only to be on the winning (survival) side. The next time you find yourself in conflict with your partner, say to yourself, “I don’t need to be right, only to express how I feel and hear how they feel.” This will help you lower your ego weapons, which will, in turn, help your partner lower theirs.
Remember, it took both you and the other person a lifetime (and maybe a few before that, in addition to those of your ancestors) to develop your unique perspective on life and the inner wounds you have endured. It may take the rest of this life to explore and share them fully, but the reward of deep connection is well worth the journey.
Spirit intuitive reader, clairvoyant and coachIndia Leighempowers others to come into more connection with their own divine creative power, aligning their energy, thoughts, words and actions with their greatest good and highest purpose. www.indialeigh.com
{Fitness + Nutrition}
Eating with Erica Shares 8 Healthy Places to Grab a Bite Around Atlanta
By Erica Key
As a full-time food blogger, I know how important a healthy lifestyle is. I feel better when I eat better. I have more energy and my mood is much better, just ask my husband. Fortunately, when I’m looking to dine out, Atlanta has plenty of healthy and delicious options to choose from.
1. Local Green Atlanta. Zachary “Big Zak” Wallace opened Local Green Atlanta with a mission to bring healthy, affordable food to Atlanta’s Westside. A well-known name in Atlanta’s music scene, you’ll see music references sprinkled throughout his menu such
1as the “3 Stack” Cauliflower Taco, which is a 100% vegan dish with roasted cauliflower, trinity mix (onion, bell pepper, celery), diced tomatoes, avocado and a red cabbage garnish with cilantro-lime “3 STACK” CAULIFLOWER TACO sauce and a Sriracha-mayo drizzle and the “Slim Shady,” a sandwich of sliced avocado, fried egg white, sautéed mushrooms and Sriracha-mayo drizzle on 21-grain toast. Details: www.localgreenatlanta.com
2. Juiceheads ATL. After a great workout, or when I am craving a light meal, my go-tos are juices and smoothies. Juiceheads ATL has an impressive combination of both. My favorite smoothie is the Cricket, with its combination of oranges, pears, spinach, wheatgrass and apples. Details: 2591 Piedmont Rd. NE., Ste. 1110, Atlanta; www.juiceheadsatl.com
3. Buena Vida Tapas & Sol. When I am eating clean or I have friends who have dietary restrictions, I make sure to visit Buena Vida Tapas & Sol. It has plenty of appetizing vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. A menu must-try is the Eggplant Montadito. The crispy flatbread is layered with smoked eggplant, arugula, cilantro, sesame brittle and vegan aioli. This dish is divine. Details: 385 N. Angier Ave. NE., Ste. 100, Atlanta; www.buenavidatapas.com
2FRESH-MADE SMOOTHIE
4. Kale Me Crazy. If you love acai bowls, cold-press juices, salads and wraps, add Kale Me Crazy to your food bucket list. During this pandemic, Kale Me Crazy shots have been my go-to to build my immune system and the avocado toast is tasty. Details: www.kalemecrazy.net
3EGGPLANT MONTADITO 4 AVOCADO TOAST
5. Salata. Salads don’t have to be boring, which is why I love visiting Salata. With over 50 toppings to choose from, there are countless options for green and protein combinations, making it a great choice for healthy and filling salads and wraps. Make sure to try the tea tap—the organic plum cinnamon tea is so refreshing. Details: www.salata.com
5
6. Toast On Lenox. When I want to
have a clean meal, I don’t want to sacrifice taste. I enjoy visiting Toast On Lenox because it offers a variety of menu options no matter what BUILD-YOUR-OWN SALAD your dietary restrictions are. Two of my favorite menu items are the fresh-pressed watermelon juice and superfood salad. With its combination of quinoa, farro, dates, roasted red peppers, apple, shaved kale, toasted almonds, chives, avocado, craisins and citrus vinaigrette, the superfood salad is delicious and makes for a full meal. The watermelon juice is made-to-order and garnished with mint and lime—perfect for 6FRESH-PRESSED WATERMELON JUICE AND SUPERFOOD SALAD warm weather! Details: 2770 Lenox Rd. NE., Ste. B1, Atlanta; www.toastonlenoxatl.com 7. {SAMA} Food For Balance. Located in Buckhead, {SAMA} Food for Balance offers yoga classes on top of tasty, healthy fare. “Sama,” which means “balance” in Sanskrit, is focused on helping the Atlanta community find balance in their body, mind and soul using Ayurveda principles. I highly recommend ordering the Six Taste fresh, organic juice. This invigorating beverage is made from a blend of cucumber, celery, apple, dandelion, lemon and ginger. Details: 56 E. Andrews Dr. NW., Ste. 17, Atlanta; www.samafoodforbalance.com 8. Grub Fresh Bowls & Wraps. Located on 7FRESH JUICE WITH AN ORDER OF SALMON TOAST Atlanta’s Southside, Grub Fresh Bowls & Wraps offers a variety of healthy options for high-quality, delicious and fresh fast food. Grub has a 8 SWEET AND SPICY SALMON BOWL combination of bowl and wrap options, which change seasonally and all food is made in-house from scratch with fresh ingredients. My go-tos are the sweet and spicy salmon bowl and avocado chicken wrap with jasmine rice. Details: 876 Virginia Ave., Ste. B, Atlanta; www.grubbowls.com
Erica Key established Eating with Erica in 2013 to share her love of the Atlanta food scene. For over seven years, Erica has established a food influencer brand and network that is sought out by brands across the country and across the globe. She has crossed over from the food industry to combine her love of food with her passions for travel, beauty and fashion. When Erica isn’t enjoying a great meal or relishing a glass of red wine, she is running her food-inspired candle company EWE Home, which features 100% soy candles. www.eatingwitherica.com
Buckhead Chastain Park Midtown Virginia Highland Vinings Jubilee 320 Pharr Rd NE 4385 Roswell RD NE 60 11th Street 3A 1062 St. Charles Ave 4300 Paces Ferry RD SE Atlanta, GA 30342 Atlanta, GA 30342 Atlanta, GA 30309 Atlanta, GA 30306 #230 Atlanta, GA 30339 404.814.2121 404.600.8600 404.999.8688 404.249.0013 770.801.9888
