Best Self Atlanta 1217-0118

besttself December 2017 / January 2018

atlanta

bestselfatlanta.com

BEST OF

2017 {FITNESS} {BEAUTY} {HEALTH} {FUN} {FOOD}

PLUS

Peace of Mind Get your affairs in order by taking care of these end-of-life details p.19

Give-Back Guide Community Volunteer Opportunities p.77

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bestself

atlanta

FOUNDER Sherri Adair PUBLISHER Patti Stephens

Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology

MANAGING EDITOR Laura Janelle Downey ASSOCIATE EDITOR Alex McCray EDITORIAL/SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANTS Wyndi Kappes Annie Paschal ART DIRECTOR Dona Halliday GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION Miguel Velázquez

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MEDIA CONSULTANTS – PRINT/DIGITAL Dawn DeSantis ddesantis@atlantabestmedia.com AnneMarie Edwards amedwards@atlantabestmedia.com David Leonard dleonard@atlantabestmedia.com Susan Lesesne slesesne@atlantabestmedia.com Amy Smith asmith@atlantabestmedia.com OFFICE MANAGER Gail Sawyer CONTRIBUTORS Katherine Michalak India Powell Dan Sawyer INTERN Halen Adair

For print, web, email and digital advertising information, contact us at: 80 West Wieuca Road, Suite 115 Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 303-9333 x15 FAX (404) 303-0030

Inquiries and submissions regarding advertising and editorial should be directed to the address above.

Atlanta Best Media does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Readers are encouraged to notify Publisher when they suspect false advertising. Atlanta Best Media reserves the right to edit editorial for clarity and space availability. No content i.e. articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Publisher.

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contents

DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

Peace of Mind Get your affairs in order by taking care of these end-of-life details p.19

Best of 2017

You voted and we listened! Get to know the people and businesses that you chose as this year’s winners.

29

In every issue 8

From the Publisher

Make 2018 the Year of You

10

Editor’s Letter

15

Best Bulletin

Important Conversations Get the Scoop on What’s New

16

Best Family

17

Fun Calendar

6

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Children Helping Children

75

Best Cause

77

Give-Back Guide

78

My Best Self

Fitness for All, 21st Century Giving, and Fair-Trade Finds Charity Events and Volunteer Opportunities

Up Close and Personal with TV’s Christine Pullara

Celebrate All Season Long DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

BEST SELF ATLANTA

My Best Self

Behind the Scenes with Christine Pullara of 11 Alive “Atlanta & Company” p.78

On the cover “Best of 2017” contest winners

(L to R, back row) Dr. Lisa M. Billars, Best Neurologist; Sonza Curtis, Best Integrative/Functional Medical Doctor; Leisha Murphy and Lisa Lyngos of Single Atlanta Matchmakers, Best Matchmakers (L to R, middle row) Alyson Hoag of Authentic Beauty, Best Eyebrow Shaping/Maintenance; Dr. Stanley Okoro of Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, PC, Best Butt Lift/Augmentation Plastic Surgery Center/Doctor; Dr. John Lipman, Best Fibroid Doctor (front row) Renate Trussell, Best Dance Fitness Instructor.

Hair & Makeup: The Green Room Agency Photography: Sawyer Photography Special thanks to Under the Cork Tree for catering our photo shoot celebration.

Photos courtesy of (top left, group) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (middle right) Michelle Stuckey.

(L to R) “Best of 2017” contest winners Asiya Khasnutdinova, Best Ballroom Dance Instructor; Jade Ladson of J. Ladson Weddings, Best Wedding Planner; Daniel Spain, Best Boxing Workout Instructor.

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from the publisher

Meet Our Team of Aesthetic Dentists

Make 2018 the Year of You It is hard to believe the new year is around the corner. I have been thinking a lot about this upcoming year. For the first time in a long time, I have decided to make this year about me.

That’s right! I am going to give myself permission to be selfish in 2018! I mean this in a good way. It’s time to turn the focus inward to self-care, self-love, and self-worth. Sometimes we get so focused on taking care of everyone else or so passionately immersed in our work, we forget that if we don’t value our own health and well-being now, we may not be in a position to care for others in the future.

Dr. Debra Gray King is the founder of the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry (ACCD) and a pioneer in cosmetic dentistry. She is one of less than 75 dentists worldwide to be an Accredited Fellow, which is the highest level of competence recognized by the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). She has been featured on The Doctors, Extreme Makeover, the Wall Street Journal, and various news media outlets.

This is something I’ve lost sight of for a while. If you feel like I do and are ready to renew, refresh and reinvent yourself, you’re in the right place.

This “Best of 2017” issue has everything you need. From fitness to health checkups, dental upkeep, back pain solutions, cosmetic enhancements, and beyond, you have the best of the best in Atlanta right here at your fingertips. These professionals and businesses are here because thousands have given them their stamp of approval.

Join me and make 2018 the year of you! Don’t apologize for it either. After all, your family and friends will directly benefit from you being your best self.

Here are a few of the places and people that help me be my best self on a regular basis.

Best Two-Hour Attitude Adjustment Concourse Athletic Club I’m not kidding when I say this place is like a third home to me. I have worked out here since the early ‘90s. Suzanne Cypert and her team have established more than just a top-of-the-line fitness facility, they’ve created a place to retreat from the day-to-day. It’s a great place to be social but to also go for alone time. A quick 30-minute workout, followed by a leisurely steam and shower, and then a healthy drink (the fruit-filled Club Smoothie) and bite (grilled chicken salad) take me to my happy place every time. concourseclub.com

Dr. Charlie Cooper is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He has transformed thousands of smiles and his cosmetic cases are used in lectures nationwide. Dr. Cooper studied at the world famous Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He is a regular participant in the “Give Back A Smile” Program in which he and the ACCD donate their time and skills to help battered women achieve a new smile.

Best Make-My-Body-All-Better Massage Elements Massage-Buckhead When the aches and pains can’t be ignored, I visit the Elements Massage near my home and office at Chastain Park. Chuck McNulty is a miracle worker! elementsmassage.com

Best Media Besties

NEW! Partners in Health As part of the “Year of You” we are excited to announce that we have partnered with the city’s leading experts to deliver even more health-focused content to you. Not only will you receive high-quality information, but you will also know where to go for solutions to a variety of health issues. From back pain and gastrointestinal disorders to dental care and physical fitness, we, along with our 2018 Partners in Health, will help you nurture your body from the inside out. Meet them all in the February/March issue.

Sherri Adair, Publisher sadair@bestselfatlanta.com

8

DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

Photo courtesy of (top left) Sawyer Photography.

Christine Pullara, Tom Sullivan, and Nyssa Green Our friends at 11 Alive “Atlanta & Company” are amazing. This great show highlights so many of our favorite people and places in the city. These media professionals are at the top of their respective fields. We are honored to work with them to provide helpful information, support great causes, and have fun! 11alive.com/atlanta-and-company

Dr. Brett Reeve studied Dentistry at the University of Southern California where he earned a membership to the Honor Dental Society “Omicron Kappa Upsilon.” He is a Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Dental Association. In 2015, Dr. Reeve earned the Hero in Healthcare award for his constant service in the community and outstanding dental work.

for Cosmetic Dentistry 404.994.2562 | ACCDsmiles.com

bestselfatlanta.com

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Atlanta Center for Atlanta Center Cosmetic Dentistry

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from the editor Important Conversations This is my favorite time of the year. I’m one of those people that puts up their Christmas tree and decorates the living room with sleigh bells and stocking stuffers all before the Thanksgiving holiday! The spirit of celebration is what I truly adore.

And our “Best of 2017” contest winners have the biggest reason to celebrate. Out of all of the businesses, professionals, things to do, and places to go in Atlanta, you, our reader, chose them as the best. It’s an honor they revel in. On p.29, find out what sets these go-tos apart.

YOUR LASHES ARE OUR PASSION!

Along with all this end-of-year merriment comes cherished moments with friends and family.

LASH LIFTS & THREADING CLASSIC & VOLUME LASH EXTENSIONS LASH & BROW TINTING

I can’t remember how many nights I’ve spent on the couch hanging onto every word my grandmother shared about my grandfather’s motorcycle escapades. While it might seem contradictory to take such a joyful occasion and turn it into a serious discussion, the holidays are the perfect time to talk about end-of-life arrangements. I recall being in the room as my grandmother and mother turned what could have been an uncomfortable conversation into a simple and fluid set of plans. Shortly after, we returned to our stories and laughter. About a year later, my grandmother was no longer with us. Setting aside that time to talk made a world of difference as it meant that we knew all the delicate details about the funeral arrangements she wanted, like wearing her pink suit. It’s not an easy conversation to initiate, but it is important.

That’s why we provide you with sound advice (p.19) for wading through the administrative red tape of losing a loved one.

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THE GREEN ROOM AGENCY represents top talent in the fields of HAIR, MAKEUP, NAILS, AND WARDROBE.

With 2018 around the corner, this might be the year you get that out-ofthe-box haircut you’ve always wanted or focus on making healthy meals at home. Whatever your goals are, our “Best of 2017” winners can help you do it and make this year your best yet!

Happy reading,

Coming in February/March

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Agency owner Nyssa Green so is anthat Emmy Award So much even youngsters are envious of their winning makeup artist and Style Editor for bodies and brains.

11Alive’s Atlanta &Co. NBC, MTV, CNN, Bravo’s Real Housewives, Bravo’s Married to Medicine, a host of brides, celebrities, Over Single? The sexes authors,40 andand entertainers.

dish on dating in Atlanta.

Don’t miss our Single In The City event on Feb. 7.

Follow us on Facebook (@BestSelfAtlanta) for details.

Photography by (top middle) Sarah Diller’s Photographs.

Model: Brooke Hasluck

Alex McCray Associate Editor

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Finally, A Real Solution for

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Our Medical Aesthetician April Secen, L.M.A. offers expert consultation and treatment.

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Q&A To find a top-rated* plastic surgeon, you’ll have to travel...

towith your own backyard.

Dr. Elizabeth Elizabeth Whitaker, M.D., F.A.C.S., is Double Board-Certified† and among

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY BASICS

the most experienced Facial Plastic Does facial plastic surgery only help people regain lost Surgeons in Atlanta having performed youth? There is a misconception that plastic surgery is about thousands facialcial cosmetic procedures. vanity andofsuperfi appearance.

It’s more than that. Ultimately, it’s about increasing a person’s self-esteem, confidence, health and She has been recognized as one success. It’s not necessarily about the physical transformation. It’s of America's Top Plastic Surgeons more about the difference it makes in somebody’s life. in a national survey of her peers.

What makes people more beautiful? There is a science behind beauty. serves an the important Atlanta FaceBeauty & Body offers latest function. In our primitive brains, beauty is a shortcut to gauge health. It’s also a way to technological advances for nonsurgical attribute positive qualities to attractiveness. This is a “halo effect,” and procedures. theminimally-invasive idea that one standout beauty trait is reflective of an individual’s overall personality.

If we look at pictures Focusing on natural, balanced results, of someone who is deemed more attractive, we automatically attribute positive qualities to we can help you look your personal them and assume that they are more successful. I tend to believe best, your age! matters. Looking your personal best is thatwhatever is where attractiveness the most important thing you can do. Not only does it impact how you feel about yourself, but it also impacts your interactions and relationships with others.

Q Q

Q

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Q

How important are first impressions? What is really important about a first impression is that it happens at a subconscious level in a matter of seconds. Little things like a warm smile can leave a more positive first impression. Makeup can make you look more youthful and frame the eyes. All of these things can elevate your first impression. To take your first impression to the next level, consider Botox®, injectables, and facial plastic surgery procedures.

These options can help you gain confidence, which is a very attractive quality and will ultimately enhance your first impression.

Are people turning to facial plastic surgery procedures so they can look better on social media? I want everyone that comes into Atlanta Face & Body to look more beautiful in every decade of life. With social media, there is much more awareness of the subtleties of appearance. I see a lot of patients who come in and tell me that they don’t like the way their jaw and neck contouring looks on social media. So, these are not necessarily aging changes, but more their underlying anatomy. There are ways we can contour the jawline and neck with minimally invasive procedures. We can tighten the skin and stimulate skin collagen to create a more smooth and contoured look.

Are men considering facial plastic surgery procedures these days? I see more and more men than I used to. I think society is more accepting of doing something for yourself and that shows with men. They are more practical. They want to stay competitive both in society and the workplace. Most men are concerned with the neck area and their facial profile. There are a range of procedures that men tend to gravitate toward. Mainly, my male patients look to Botox®, Kybella, injectables, and a range of facial plastic procedures.

Elizabeth Whitaker, M.D., F.A.C.S.

ELIZABETH WHITAKER, MD, FACS

• Top Doctor* Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon • Fellowship Trained: Facial Plastic Surgery Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker received her medical degree from Duke University. She • Double Board-Certified† Facial Plastic Surgeon did her residency training at Emory and completed her facial plastic surgery • Former Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery, fellowship at Tulane where sheAugusta trained withUniversity Dr. Calvin Johnson, an internationally known facial plastic surgeon. She served as the Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery at Medical College of Georgia before moving back to Atlanta and into private practice. The seasoned doctor has performed more than 4,000 face-lifts and is one of the most experienced facial plastic surgeons in the field.

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Be the Chef

Laticia Rolle is more than just Shaquille O’Neal’s fiancée. The Atlanta-based beauty is an inspirational speaker, blogger, and now author. In partnership with her sister, D’Ana Rolle, the creative forces behind BluHazl.com have released their first book, “Girl, You Got This: The Glow Up Guide to Loving Yourself & Your Tribe.” Give it a read for nutritious recipes, exercise ideas, and positive affirmations.

Photos courtesy of (top middle) BluHazl; (middle left) Barry’s Bootcamp; (bottom middle) copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation, photography by Gordon Parks (American, 1912–2006), Outside Looking In, Mobile, Alabama, 1956. High Museum of Art, Atlanta, gift of The Gordon Parks Foundation; (top right) Garnish & Gather, photography by Heidi Geldhauser; (middle right) Ponce City Market.

Details: amazon.com

Imagine being able to whip up dishes developed by some of Atlanta’s most talented toques. With Garnish & Gather’s Be the Chef program, you can. The mealkit delivery company, which uses locally sourced and organic groceries, partners with culinarians who offer up their very own fresh recipes for you to make at home. Now through January, look out for recipes from Whiskey Bird and Upbeet.

Boot Camp Bodies

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Sultry lighting, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, fast-paced pop songs—it’s easy to mistake the new 5,233-square-foot Atlanta location of Barry’s Bootcamp for one of the city’s hottest nightclubs. A reported favorite of Carrie Underwood, each class is divided into spurts of treadmill intervals and resistance training to maximize fat loss. For a tone tush, sign up with Steven Ridges on Tuesdays for a butt-and-legs-focused sweat session.

Details: 305 E. Paces Ferry Rd. NE., Atlanta; barrysbootcamp.com

Through the Lens of Justice The High Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “A Fire That No Water Could Put Out: Civil Rights Photography,” showcases over 40 poignant prints depicting the civil rights movement and the important role Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. played during this time.

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Spread Holiday Cheer Still need stocking stuffer ideas?

Ponce City Market now offers property-wide gift cards. Foodies can treat friends to an Italian meal at Bellina Alimentari and fashionistas can bless their besties with a card to leather goods company, Cobbler Union.

Consider holiday shopping done!

Details: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE., Atlanta; poncecitymarket.com

BEST SELF ATLANTA

DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

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bestfamily

Selfless Students

F

ormer Buckhead schoolteacher, Michelle Hodgson, created the nonprofit Children Helping Children (CHC) in 2008 for one reason—to teach kids how to give back.

(L to R, top row) Tanner, Philip, Nora, Didi (L to R, middle row) Eliza, Justin, Myles, Bhuami (L to R, bottom row) Ellie, Aidan, Riley, Kate.

One of the most empowering aspects of the organization is that it gives children the opportunity to lead. Every spring, applications become available for kids (ages 12 to 16) to be a part of the organization’s Junior Board of Directors. In May, the Senior Board of Directors select 12 applicants from drastically different backgrounds (including being homeless or being the child of a National Basketball Association player) to fill the coveted spots.

From there, the junior board members are given the rundown on other philanthropies CHC has supported in the past including Kate’s Club, Camp Sunshine, and Emmaus House. Hodgson explains that the junior board members are also given an opportunity to research other Atlanta-based 501(c)(3) charities that benefit children. The goal is that the kids will connect with one of the causes or a specific nonprofit. Each child then reaches out to the executive director of his or her chosen organization to find out what its wish list needs are.

Using this information, they get to work creating hands-on projects that will benefit the nonprofits they’ve selected. These tasks could be anything from a food can drive to collecting toys and therapy materials. The projects comprise CHC’s signature fall event, Little Hands, Big LOVEFEST, which was held on Oct. 29, 2017 at Piedmont Park. Here, visitors go from tent to tent and get involved with each activity.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Following the festival, the children’s term as a board member comes to an end and they embrace the status of mentor. Hodgson’s ultimate hope is that they will take what they’ve learned and become stewards of service for the rest of their lives.

Get Involved with Children Helping Children (CHC) Apply to be on the Junior Board of Directors In the spring, kids ages 12 to 16 can fill out the one-page application (which includes strategic questions to gauge their level of interest in community service) for the opportunity to be a part of the board.

Assemble and Donate “Be Well Bears” Help stuff teddy bears that will be distributed to children in need and local nonprofits.

Get a Group Together CHC has year-round programming to bring its Compassion Curriculum for children to schools, neighborhoods, and churches.

Michelle Hodgson

To learn more, visit chcatlanta.org

Photos courtesy of (top right) Children Helping Children; (bottom right) photography by Stacy Bode.

“What we like to do is highlight what makes each kid special, whether it’s music, art, math or writing. We use it as a way to get them motivated to give that particular thing back,” Hodgson explains.

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Photos courtesy of (top right) Children Helping Children; (bottom right) photography by Stacy Bode.

funevents

For more fun events, visit bestselfatlanta.com

Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale Dec. 9-10 Journey to the manger in Bethlehem and experience the beauty of Christmas through song at The Donna and Marvin Schwartz Center for Performing Arts (8 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday). atlantamasterchorale.org Jeff Galloway Race Weekend Dec. 15-17 Runners will love three days filled with fast-paced fun created by olympian Jeff Galloway.

The tradition includes a half marathon, Barb’s 5K (named for Jeff’s wife, Barbara), and the “Fit Kids” Fun Run/Walk. jeffgalloway131.com Candlelight Nights Dec. 15, 22 See the gardens and grounds of the Atlanta History Center complete with Yuletide decorations. While there, stop by its Christmas Market for artisanal gift ideas. And last but not least, visit three historic homes to experience holiday traditions of the past. atlantahistorycenter.com Sips Under the Sea Black & White New Year’s Celebration Dec. 31 Ring in 2018 with whale sharks, sea otters, and hundreds of fish at the Georgia Aquarium. This special fundraiser will aid research and conservation efforts for its best-dressed endangered species, the African penguin. georgiaaquarium.org Frozen 5K and Snowflake 1K Jan. 13 Get your blood pumping at 8 a.m. during this festive run at Newtown Park. Afterward, enjoy a celebration complete with fake snow! runforitproductions.com

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Atlanta Winter Wine Festival Jan. 20 Held at none other than City Winery, this gathering will offer more than 50 varieties of vino to taste. But for those who just can’t end their love affair with hops, a few beer options will be on hand as well. atlantawinefestivals.com Jonny Lang Jan. 22 This blues artist has shared the stage with The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, and Aerosmith.

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Tennis Jan. 29 Husband and wife indie-pop duo, Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore, will take the stage at Terminal West and perform songs from their latest album, “Yours Conditionally.” terminalwestatl.com

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Get your affairs in order by taking care of these end-of-life details

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e’d been growing weaker and we all saw it. In 2008, my father suffered a massive stroke, which left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. He spent the next nine years battling his own body as he tackled various rehab routines and struggled with physiological setbacks. A case of pneumonia put him in the hospital again in May 2017 and slowly his other systems began to falter. A few weeks later, Daddy passed away peacefully with our family surrounding him, bearing witness to his graceful and proud surrender. We stumbled out of the hospital in a sorrowful haze.

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The next morning, we found ourselves sitting in the church office with our reverend, attempting to plan a memorial service.

Questions circled the room: “We need to have the programs printed up and get everything scheduled. What hymns would you like sung? Are there some favorite Scriptures he’d want read or used for a sermon?” We searched each other’s faces for some clue and shook our heads in solemn recognition that in our exhaustion and fog of grief we couldn’t recall a single passage or verse, or note of music. And there was no time to discuss the options. We hastily looked through a list the church kept on file, noting recommended readings and songs, selecting ones that seemed appropriate or jogged a memory.

That meeting wrapped, we dashed off in separate directions—my mother to the funeral home, my siblings to coordinate other arrangements, and me to write the obituary before the newspaper’s 4 p.m. deadline. One of the most important men in my life and I had 90 minutes to summarize his incredible presence on the planet in less time than it takes for me to get my hair colored. Once again, my mind went blank. I couldn’t remember the name of the little town where Daddy was born or his military rank or the many accolades he’d received during his esteemed medical career.

Letters and words became a cryptic jumble on the computer screen as my hands shook and tears clouded my eyes.

A few days after the funeral, my mother received a call from one of her credit card companies.

Someone had attempted identity fraud using my father’s information. We quickly sprang to action and spent several days securing various accounts. The duties, tasks, and errands seemed to mount exponentially, compounding our collective grief with a fearful sense of urgency.

My father’s death landed a heavy bestselfatlanta.com

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blow on my family, but I am still astounded at how relatively unprepared we were to handle the logistics that followed. His health had been compromised for years, so we obviously knew this was coming. By avoiding focused conversations about “life after Dad,” we inadvertently added another layer of stress.

Losing a loved one is devastating no matter when or how it happens. But with some basic planning and discussion, perhaps some of the more difficult tasks could be simplified.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION We all know how important it is to have a legal will and medical directives, but what about documenting preferences for honoring your life? Even if you think, “Oh, I don’t really care, don’t make a big fuss.” It would be an incredible help to your family, friends, and loved ones to simply write it all down—no heavy details required, just an outline or list of your thoughts, such as: • Location and type of burial • Form of service or gathering • Special flowers • Music selections • Significant poems, quotes or spiritual readings • Charity or organization for memorial donations

We all know how important it is to have a legal will and medical directives, but what about documenting preferences for honoring your life?

BEST SELF ATLANTA

This exercise could be completely private or an opportunity for a meaningful family discussion, full of nostalgic anecdotes and touching memories.

Once you’ve made the list, file it with your will or other important paperwork and make sure it’s labeled clearly.

If it’s possible to prearrange some elements, such as purchasing an interment plot or funeral insurance, do so. During such a stressful time, clarity will be appreciated.

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SAFETY FIRST Immediately after the passing of a loved one, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) on behalf of the deceased.

Unfortunately, identity fraud plagues our modern society and deceased individuals become prime targets. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, thieves aware of the administrative time lag in processing death records regularly attempt to open accounts using the Social Security numbers and personal information of the departed. Scams most commonly originate from trolling obituaries for details but also include nefarious cons involving hospitals, morgues, and funeral homes. Alerting the SSA, a credit-reporting bureau, and the Department of Motor Vehicles will flag the name of your loved one in order to curtail fraud.

magazines, and newsletters for church, clubs or professional organizations.

ALL ON PAPER Upon reporting a death, make sure to request several copies of the official death certificate. Yes, several, maybe even dozens.

This may sound morbid, but you will need all of them. For almost every account and policy changed, closed, transferred or canceled, you will be required to submit a valid death certificate supporting your claim.

These include adjustments to: • Bank and investment accounts • Credit cards • Utilities

A NOTABLE LIFE

• Insurance policies

Writing a testimony to the life of a family member or friend presents a daunting task to the author, particularly under duress. However, a full obituary may not be necessary or prudent. Authorities recommend keeping the public obituary brief and free of any specific details, which might give hints for security breach—place of birth, schools, parents’ full names, etc. Instead, post a brief public announcement of service times or memorial details. Save the more eloquent biography for exclusive resources such as the funeral program bulletin, alumni

• Travel/mileage points

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• Club memberships • Transferring deeds of ownership

WHERE THERE’S A WILL …

Probate procedures vary according to circumstances and the size of estate. Consulting an estate attorney provides important guidance through the process. The state of Georgia does not require a court-supervised legal proceeding if all heirs and beneficiaries are in agreement, if no debt exists (or creditors agree to other arrangements) or in cases where no will is present. However, if an executor has been named, that person is responsible for settling all aspects of the estate—from asset appraisal and accounting, to paying debts and taxes, to selling property and distributing funds to heirs.

Finalizing settlements can take months or longer, including time for legal notice to be published in local newspapers.

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DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

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administration issues stem from a lack of understanding of the legal process and poor coordination. Scriber says, “issues finding the accounts, knowing what investments exist and what debts are owed, and finding estate documents all boil down to organization. It is critically important in estate planning to make everything as locatable and straightforward as possible.”

SOMEBODY TO LEAN ON Please let people assist you with some tasks. Helping others becomes a healing act and, most of the time, when people offer to do something for you, they really mean it. Even the smallest chore might be a welcome distraction for sympathetic friends or family mourning in their own way. Allow others to pitch in to: • Make necessary phone calls and schedule appointments • Keep record of condolence cards, gifts, and flowers • Manage meals and grocery shopping • Handle errands such as pet care, laundry/dry cleaning, yard maintenance • Write thank you notes • Coordinate childcare and carpools • Organize paperwork and files

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Don’t feel pressured to “go back to normal” after the details are handled. Managing the logistics and administrative duties are as emotionally draining as every other part of grief. In fact, you may have mentally postponed your deeper grieving process in order to stay on track with the to-do list. Therapist Annette Hodgson, LCSW, counsels, “Grief is not linear. It’s a different experience for every person. Research has shown that the stages of grief really don’t exist. A person is forever changed and a new normal has to be established. Each person should be encouraged to honor his or her own experience of the grief journey … a journey bestselfatlanta.com

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that has a definite start but no end and no rules.” Accept and expect that there will be unforeseen challenges ahead and try to plan accordingly: • What are the new routines for spouses or other family members?

• Who might need some professional grief counseling or support from a church ministry?

• When and where can a vacation or change of scenery be arranged?

• How will you handle upcoming milestones, birthdays or holidays?

Talking about death need not be awkward. Attitude is everything and when we face the fear of discussing the inevitable, we can feel more confident in enjoying the time we still have together. Each of us leaves a unique legacy, which impacts our family and community; securing that legacy keeps the individual spirit alive.

Resources American Association of Retired Persons, aarp.com Annette Hodgson, East Cobb Center for Therapy, annettehodgsonfamilycounseling.com Social Security Administration, ssa.gov Stephen M. Scriber, Scriber Law Group, scriberlaw.com

BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Elevated Date Night for Two Special is only available by reservation online at www.skyviewatlanta.com

θ Black Car Service from Limo Plus to and from your location

(limited to locations inside the perimeter of I-285) θ Access to our VIP area upon your arrival prior to your flight θ A red rose for your date θ A romantic carriage ride for two from our partners at Fantasy Carriages θ Elevated Date Night Special available Sunday –Thursday from 7pm to 10:30pm θ All reservations must be made 48 hours in advance

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B

F O T ES

{

7 1 20

S R E N WIN

{

The BEST of the Best

After tens of thousands of votes, you have chosen this year’s best for fitness, beauty, health, fun, and food!

On Nov. 1, Best Self Atlanta hosted a celebratory photo shoot and party to honor our “Best of 2017” contest winners. Winners gathered to mingle and enjoy fantastic food provided by Under the Cork Tree. While there, attendees received hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency before being photographed by Dan Sawyer of Sawyer Photography.

bestselfatlanta.com

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Thank you, Atlanta!

About Anna Paré, M.D. is a board certified diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology with 25 years of experience and is the President of Dermatology Consultants, P.C. Dr. Paré has a special interest in merging her expertise in cosmetic dermatology with a comprehensive approach and treatment of photoaging.

She is a leader in her field and offers the latest technology in Injectables and Fillers. Dr. Paré has been awarded Black Diamond Status by Allergan in recognition of her Botox expertise and is a national educator. She has been featured in numerous media and press publications. A native of Warsaw, Poland, Dr. Paré has been an Atlanta resident since the late 1980s.

Professional Achievements: • Chosen one of the 100 Top Women Doctor’s in Atlanta – 2003 • President, Dermatology Consultants, P.C. – 2012 - Present • Atlanta Women’s Medical Association – Board Member • Advisory Board for Allergan Cosmetic uses of Botox

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS

{FITNESS} Best Barre Instructor Izabela Amos Using the Barre3 formula, Izabela Amos teaches highenergy classes that transform the body and demolish mental barriers. barre3.com

Best Barre Studio Barre3-East Cobb This studio gives burn a whole new meaning. Drop the kiddos off with its convenient childcare staff and then jump into a muscle-melting class. barre3.com

combination of heart-pumping cardio and full range of motion resistance training moves. sculpthouse.com

Best Boot Camp Burn Boot Camp Along with a butt-kicking workout, this studio also offers nutrition coaching and a strong sense of community to help their clients successfully lead a well-rounded healthy lifestyle. burnbootcamp.com

Best CrossFit Gym CrossFit Terminus Home to five-time CrossFit Games athlete, Emily Bridgers, this 5,000-square-foot gym aims to help people become more resilient and healthier through progressive workouts. crossfitterminus.com

3,000 neoprene foam blocks underneath it to protect your knees. danceitoffstudio.com

Best Dance Fitness Instructor Renate Trussell Renate Trussell encourages everyone in her class, from “Back Row Bettys” to “Front Row Divas,” to simply feel the music and melt away the stress of the day. instagram.com/live20life16

Best Boxing Workout Instructor Daniel Spain Once a boxing competitor himself, Daniel Spain loves sharing his realworld knowledge to help clients reach their goals in a fun, safe atmosphere. ufcgym.com/ perimeter

Staf Picks Best Text Message Trainer Lawrence Palmer, owner of Gauge Fitness “His text message check-ins reminding me to make healthy choices continue to keep me on track.”

Laura J. Downey, managing editor

Best CrossFit Instructor Pete Mongeau

Photos courtesy of Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Best Boxing Workout Facility: Jeremy Levison, CEO of BURN Studios

Best Boxing Workout Facility

“Coach Pete” utilizes years of one-on-one experience to provide personalized training in a small group setting. crossfitzanshin.com

BURN Studios

Best Cycling Shop

A blend of punches, jabs, kicks, and work with heavy bags will leave you feeling like a true champion after sweating through a 45-minute class. livetoburn.com

Peachtree Bikes Beyond carrying popular brands like Specialized and Felt Bicycles, the store’s seasoned staff provides quality repairs for a well-tuned ride. peachtreebikes.com

Best Boot Camp Instructor

Best Dance Fitness Facility

Katherine Mason

Dance It Off Sandy Springs

This former fitness model will whip you into shape in no time with a boot-camp style

You’ll have fun dancing your way into this studio. It features a basketweave-style floor with

bestselfatlanta.com

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Best Boxing Workout Instructor: Daniel Spain

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WellStar Medical Group Welcomes New Physician Effective January 15, 2018, Dr. Miller becomes Director of Robotic Surgery at WellStar North Fulton Hospital. He will see patients in his practice office, WellStar Urology in Roswell.

WellStar Medical Group, Urology 2500 Hospital Boulevard | Suite 290 Roswell, GA 30076 | 470-952-4230

SCOTT MILLER, M.D. WellStar Medical Group, Urology

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Best Classes + = Your Best Results EVER! Best Coaches

11/17/17 9:37 AM

We offer: HIIT, TRX, Kickboxing, Bootcamps, Yoga, Personal Training & Youth programs

Best Boxing Workout Instructor Daniel Spain

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Photography by Dan Sawyer Photography.

1st class is COMPLIMENTARY

12/13/17 11:50 AM

BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS lean muscles lies in low-impact but high-intensity workouts utilizing the Megaformer and human-powered Woodway Curve treadmill. Look out for a Sandy Springs location in 2018! sculpthouse.com

safety, Cedric H. Morris, offers a unique way to do low-impact cardio and resistance training at the same time. bodyjumpfit.com

Best Group Fitness Instructor

Flywheel Sports

Megan Armstrong Best Indoor Cycling Instructor: Alex Martinez

Best Indoor Cycling Instructor Alex Martinez Burn 400 to 600 calories as you spin your way through short bursts of sprint intervals or speed and resistance challenges to build endurance in one of Alex Martinez’s power-based classes at Torq Cycle ATL. torqatl.com

Best Fitness Apparel Store Lululemon Athletica

Photo courtesy of (bottom) Life Time Fitness; (top left) Alex Martinez.

From hoodies and stylish sports bras to its oh-so-popular Align Pant II, this activewear looks good and stays put even during the most intense workouts. lululemon.com

Best Fitness Equipment Store

Megan Armstrong credits her multitasking talents to her ability to make each class feel like a personal training session.

Spotting someone using the wrong weight in a class filled with 22 people is a breeze for her. sculpthouse.com

Best HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) Facility F45 Training Buckhead New to Atlanta, this Australian workout sensation combines HIIT, circuit, and functional training to lower body fat percentage and tone the physique. f45training.com

Best HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) Instructor Cedric H. Morris Utilizing hexagonal trampolines with a bar for stability and

Best Indoor Cycling Studio Using performance tracking technology in an immersive, music-driven stadium-style studio, Flywheel Sports seeks to create a more rewarding workout that will strengthen your mind, body, and spirit. flywheelsports.com

Staf Picks Best Local Artist Breze Schmitz of BrezeArt “From captivating paintings to intricate jewelry, Breze is on the rise at just 25.”

Annie Paschal, editorial/social media assistant

Best Indoor Sport/Activity The Painted Pin With custom chesterfield couches, signature cocktails, and live music, this modern bowling alley is far from average. thepaintedpin.com

Best Large Fitness Facility Life Time Fitness Find your workout “fit” at the family-friendly Life Time Fitness.

Drop off little ones to the Kids Academy and then choose from exercise classes, weight-loss programming, racquetball and squash courts, pools, spas, and cafés. lifetime.life

Fitness Depot Whether you want to create the ultimate home gym with the Body-Solid Fusion 500, which allows you to do 60 strengthtraining exercises, or just fit in some cardio while watching TV, Fitness Depot has what you need. thefitnessdepot.com

Best Group Fitness Facility SculptHouse This facility’s secret to building bestselfatlanta.com

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Best Large Fitness Facility: Life Time Fitness

BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Congratulations to Atlanta’s

CONGRATULATIONS

BEST ESTHETICIAN

TO THE ENT INSTITUTE!

2 Years in a Row!

12 Metro Atlanta Locations

Call today

Jeffrey M. Gallups,

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M.D. – F.A.C.S. Founder and Medical Director of the ENT Institute.

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Atlanta’s Best ENT Practice!

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Best ENT Practice

HEATHER DAVIS

Licensed Esthetician & Assistant Laser Practitioner

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Develop Your Gifts

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AT HOME WITH DANIELA This is a 6-week workout program that can be done at home with minimal equipment to help you start your journey to looking and feeling your best. Includes video training plan, meal plan guide, recipes, motivational/ educational articles.

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Daniela Brown Age: 50 Personal trainer, massage therapist, figure competitor, wife, mother and grandmother

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Best Martial Arts Training

Best Personal Training Facility*

Atlanta Kick

Bodyfitz Personal Training

Photos courtesy of (bottom right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (top middle) House of Payne Personal Training, photography by Michael Brewar of NVision Photography.

People of all ages can gain a thing or two from the martial arts experience at Atlanta Kick.

Located in Buckhead, each class builds confidence, teaches discipline, and instills focus. atlantakick.com

Best Mountain Biking Club/Group

Get presurgery ready by strengthening the body or simply focus on injury prevention at Bodyfitz Personal Training.

Its new program targeted at preventing torn anterior cruciate ligaments analyzes body mechanics and works to correct form. bodyfitz.com

an emphasis on correct form, safety, and superior instruction are at the core of this studio. stabilityatlanta.com

Best Place for Kids’ Fitness Atlanta Rocks!

With over 12,000 square feet of professionally designed climbing surface, this spot takes team building to new heights. atlantarocks.com

Free-Flite Bicycles

Best Small/Medium Fitness Facility

Join in on this cycling shop’s Saturday Store Road rides or Sunday Funday Mountain Bike excursions. freeflite.com

Stellar Bodies

Best Outdoor Gear Store High Country Outfitters Whether you are hiking the Appalachian Trail or just camping out for the weekend, the knowledgeable staff at High Country Outfitters will offer up solid advice for essentials that will keep you comfortable in the great outdoors. highcountryoutfitters.com

Best Personal Trainer Kellyn Henderson By focusing on corrective exercises, Kellyn Henderson can build a foundation for beginners and elite athletes to enhance their performance. ufcgym.com/ perimeter

Best Personal Training Facility: Steve and Rachel Payne, owners of House of Payne Personal Training

House of Payne Personal Training From small group and on-site training to online coaching or fitness competition preparation, the team here can help you achieve your goals in a variety of ways. trainwithpayne.com

Best Pilates Instructor Megan Hunter By combining her background in physical therapy and Pilates training, Megan Hunter promotes overall wellness in her clients while also addressing injuries or limitations. stabilityatlanta.com

Best Pilates Studio Best Personal Trainer: Kellyn Henderson

bestselfatlanta.com

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Stability Pilates and Physical Therapy From its one-on-one Pilates sessions to small group classes,

This full-body workout utilizes the Megaformer machine to strengthen, tighten, and tone your body quickly and safely.

Fifty minutes of intense exercise will engage every muscle without any stress on the joints. stellarbodiesatl.com

Staf Picks Best TeamBuilding Activity Tennis in No Time at Windy Hill Athletic Club “More than 800 people play tennis on the nine courts here. And in just six weeks, our awesome instructor Danny Tarpley taught us how to serve, volley, lob and more.”

Sherri Adair, founder

Best Tennis Facility Windy Hill Athletic Club Tennis director Trip Baisden has spent three years building an environment where members can advance their skill set with the help of former tennis pros and practice with other players on their same level. windyhillclub.com

Best Tennis Instructor Shannon Calder Shannon Calder ensures his tennis lessons stick by creating custom homework assignments for his students to work on when they aren’t playing on the court with him. meetup.com/10tennis

*Indicates that voting in this category resulted in a tie.

BEST SELF ATLANTA

Best Tennis Instructor: Shannon Calder

DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

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Atlanta’s Choice for Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment

THANK YOU for this Privilege!

DR. JOHN LIPMAN Best Fibroid Doctor in Atlanta

CE For

Cynthia Bailey TV Personality Fibroid Awareness Ambassador

John C. Lipman, MD, FSIR Atlanta Fibroid Center Founder, Medical Director

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John F. Arnold, MD, MBA

Ho N. Lin, MD 11/17/17 2:14 PM

12/13/17 11:50 AM

BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS

{BEAUTY} Best Esthetician Overall: Heather Davis

Best Esthetician Overall

Photos courtesy of (top left) Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery; (top middle, far right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (bottom middle), Luna Plastic Surgery.

Heather Davis More than just a NCEA certifiedesthetician, Heather Davis is also a state board licensed assistant laser practitioner and certified medical assistant with more than 19 years of skin-beautifying experience. robinsonfps.com

Best Yoga Instructor Leila Taylor Jankowski Leila Taylor Jankowski says her own journey of emotional and spiritual healing through yoga is what allows her to teach classes that go beyond the physical and offer inner serenity. gritsoul.com

Best Yoga Studio East Cobb Yoga and Mindfulness The skilled instructors at this studio lead thoughtful classes for the everyday person, along with therapeutic classes for athletes, in rooms heated between 74 to 76 degrees. eastcobbyoga.com

No. 1 fast weight-loss diet by “U.S. News & World Report”), Atlanta Endocrine Associates helps patients lose weight with science as opposed to their own willpower. atlantaendocrine.com

Best Butt Lift/ Augmentation Plastic Surgery Center/Doctor Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, PC Famous for its Brazilian Buttock Lift, here Dr. Stanley Okoro uses the latest technology to strategically transfer fat from other parts of the body to the butt for the ultimate “natural look.” georgiaplastic.com

Best Breast Plastic Surgery Center/Doctor Dr. Patricia Yugueros As Luna Plastic Surgery’s esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr. Patricia Yugueros has a stellar international education and is passionate about helping women regain their confidence. lunaplasticsurgery.com

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The Jackie Treehorn at Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub

Best Cosmetic Dentist: Dr. Debra Gray King

“Spicy ginger beer, bourbon and lemon – yum.”

Patti Stephens, publisher

Best Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Debra Gray King Known for her antiaging dentistry (aka the Scalpel-less Face-lift), Dr. Debra Gray King’s artistic approach is sought-after

by Atlantans and celebrities alike, including R&B crooner Usher, and actress Rebel Wilson. atlantacenterfor cosmeticdentistry.com

Best Cosmetic Dentistry Practice Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Celebrating 30 years of dentistry, this office creates an experience unlike any other.

From its dental spa with a full-time massage therapist to its custom smile designs, expect natural results all while being pampered. atlantacenter forcosmeticdentistry.com

Dr. Leslie C. Gray

Atlanta Endocrine Associates

bestselfatlanta.com

Best Cocktail

Best Botox

Best Weight Loss Center Using endocrinology, hormone dysfunction correction, and the HMR program (ranked the

Staf Picks

Best Breast Plastic Surgery Center/Doctor: Dr. Patricia Yugueros

The new “Core 4” antiaging skin care plan at Dermatology Center of Atlanta creates flawless skin that complements the doctor’s masterful Botox® injections. dermatology-atlanta.com BEST SELF ATLANTA

Best Botox: Dr. Leslie C. Gray

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Photos courtesy of (bottom left, bottom right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (middle left) Brian Reeves; (top left), Institut’ DERMed.

BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Best Dermatology Practice Overall

Best Eyelash Extensions

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, PC

The Lash Lounge Sandy Springs

Eight skilled providers, nine unique specialty centers, and an experienced laser skin treatment facility means you can always get top-notch medical and cosmetic care onsite. dermatlanta.com

Experts here can choose from three types of curls, five densities, and eight lengths to create a custom set of extensions that won’t damage your natural lashes. thelashlounge.com

Best Facial Plastic Surgery Center/Doctor Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker has performed over 4,000 face-lifts producing unbelievably natural results. It’s no wonder she’s nicknamed the Queen of Faces! atlantafaceandbody.com Best Facial Plastic Surgery Center/Doctor: Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker

Best Eyebrow Shaping/ Maintenance Alyson Hoag of Authentic Beauty Recognized as a leader in eyebrow services, Alyson Hoag and her team can help you regain your brows after years of overplucking or waxing gone too far with Brow Rehab. myimagejourney.com

Best Facial Treatment/Place Overall Institut’ DERMed This facility has been a leader in modern medical skin care solutions since 1989. It has introduced Atlanta to the latest treatments like INTRAcel Fractional Radio Frequency Microneedling. idermed.com

Best Fat Removal/ Reduction Treatment/Place North Atlanta Dermatology The latest addition to this practice’s fat removal repertoire is CoolPetite®.

Specifically designed to target that pesky upper arm fat, this treatment will have you saying bye-bye batwings! naderm.com

Staf Picks Best Terrariums Terry Furuta Designs Best Facial Treatment/Place Overall: Lyn Ross, founder of Institut’ DERMed

Best Hair Extension Expert/Place*

“Her self-sustaining little gardens will inspire and calm you.”

David Leonard, associate publisher

Jutta Blase, LLC Licensed in both fusion and tape-in extension applications, Jutta Blase can help you achieve the full, luscious locks of your dreams by precisely matching the extensions with your exact hair color. carterbarnes.com

The Colour Bar Salon Using DreamCatchers’ 100% Human Remy Hair extensions, The Colour Bar Salon makes sure everyone will notice your extra inches, but none will be the wiser. colourbaratlanta.com

Best Hair Salon for AfricanAmerican Hair Nubiance Salon/ Spa For strong healthy hair, this salon has you covered. From trendy protective styles to pin-straight relaxers and weave extensions, they’re the go-to for those natural and not. nubiancesalon.com Best Eyelash Extensions: Cathy Snyder, owner of The Lash Lounge Sandy Springs

Best Fat Removal/Reduction Treatment/Place: Cherylyn Woody and Melissa DiMaggio of North Atlanta Dermatology *Indicates that voting in this category resulted in a tie. bestselfatlanta.com

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

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“Atlanta’s 2017 Best Wedding Planner” Has Arrived in Sandy Springs!

Visit J. Ladson Weddings’ Beautiful, New Home Office, Studio J 6600 Roswell Road, Suite C Atlanta, GA 30328 WHY? I believe the wedding planning process should be just as enjoyable as the wedding. Couples deserve to have the wedding of their dreams without the overwhelm and fear.

WHAT?

As a wedding planner, I help brides execute their dream weddings. From the initial consultation to the honeymoon, I am there every step of the way to make their dreams a reality.

HOW?

I specialize in taking care of all the pesky details and logistics while designing and styling your dream wedding to perfection.

Photo Courtesy of Sawyer Photography.

“I design unique, yet memorable weddings that compliment the love stories of my clients.” — Jade Ladson

470.839.5933 www.jladsonweddings.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR SPECIALS.

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Jade Ladson Wedding Whisperer

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:58 AM

BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Best Makeup Artist Heather Petty-Harris Heather Petty-Harris has been working her makeup magic on TV celebrities, brides, models, and more for 25 years. She’ll also get your brows Instagram-ready in no time. beautyandthebrow.com

Best Hair Stylist for Color Whitney Jones

Best Hair Salon for Blowouts Best Makeup Artist: Heather Petty-Harris

Best Fillers Barbara B. Weber

Photos courtesy of Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

An expert at charting custom treatment plans, Barbara B. Weber has vast experience performing facial rejuvenation with injectables. The seasoned nurse also teaches her techniques to physicians, physician assistants and fellow nurses. facetimewithbarby.com

Cherry Blow Dry Bar Midtown The new kid on the block, this blow-dry bar opened this past summer and has become an affordable hotspot for sleek styles on all hair textures and lengths. cherryblowdrybar.com

Best Hair Salon for Color Van Michael Salon At this salon’s eight Atlanta locations, expect eye-catching results that will give your locks an on-trend look. vanmichael.com

Best Hair Salon for Cuts Bob Steele Salon Thanks to its powerhouse CEO, Amanda Hair, you can get this salon’s stellar ‘dos in five metro Atlanta areas, including Smyrna and Alpharetta. bobsteele.com

Best Hair Salon for Men Bob Steele Salon

Best Fillers: Barbara B. Weber

bestselfatlanta.com

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Many of the talented stylists here begin as cosmetology school graduates and, once they are hired, must complete an extensive internship before servicing clients full time. bobsteele.com

On top of creating color that complements a client’s skin tone, Whitney Jones is a pro at getting them in and out the door in no time flat. bobsteele.com

Best Hair Stylist for Cuts

Staf Picks Best Girls’ Night Out Gypsy Kitchen “Nothing beats sipping cocktails, sharing tapas, and meeting new friends on the busy rooftop patio.”

Wyndi Kappes, editorial/social media assistant

Richie Arpino For the past 38 years, elite Atlantans have turned to this guru to transform their tresses. arpinosalon.net

Best Laser Hair Removal Facility Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center As members of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the team here provides FDA-approved cosmetic laser services. atlaserlights.com

Best Men’s Med Spa Amachi MedSpa With the needs of men in mind, this medical spa offers a range of services including laser hair removal, skin tightening, and hair loss treatments. amachimedspa.com

Best Lip Enhancement Timeless Aesthetics Medspa of Atlanta The highly trained team here stays abreast BEST SELF ATLANTA

Best Men’s Med Spa: Majeeda Id-Deen of Amachi MedSpa

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Congratulating Congratulating

Thank You Atlanta for Voting Us

2017’s Best Dr. Louis Kalish Dr. Louis Kalish Allergy Care

Named “Best Allergist” in Best Self’s Magazine’s “Best of 2016.”

Named “Best Allergist” in Best Self’s Magazine’s “Best of 2016.”

SEEING PATIENTS IN OUR EAST COBB & KENNESTONE OFFICES SEEING PATIENTS IN OUR EAST COBB & KENNESTONE OFFICES

18 allergy specialists at 18 • 17 Board Certified Allergists 18 allergy specialists at 18 area locations. Treating area locations.

• 17 Convenient OfficeTreating Locations allergies in Atlanta allergies in Atlanta • Serving Atlanta Since 1972 since 1972. since 1972. www.AtlantaAllergy.com www.AtlantaAllergy.com www.AtlantaAllergy.com

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS of the latest products and procedures available to help you create the perfect pout. timelessmedspaatl.com

Best Vein Treatment Doctor: Dr. Louis Prevosti

Best Hair Salon Overall Photos courtesy of (bottom left, bottom right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (top left) VEINatlanta.

Vis-à-Vis The Salon Your crowning glory is always in good hands here, as this salon only hires industry professionals with 10-plus years of experience. visavisthesalon.com

Best Local Skin Care Products Little Barn Apothecary The founders of this handcrafted self-care product company have created goods for the body, face, and hair, which are made from organic and wild-harvested ingredients for all to enjoy! littlebarnapothecary.com

Best Vein Treatment Doctor Dr. Louis Prevosti Board certified in cardiovascular surgery and a diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. Louis Prevosti, who is also the medical director of VEINatlanta, knows how to make unsightly veins do a disappearing act. veinatlanta.com

Best Manicure Hammond Nails Hammond Nails sets the bar for luxury salons. With some of the best technicians in the business that excel in nail art, they also aim to exceed expectations in service and cleanliness. hammondnails.net

Best Med Spa Overall A New You Skin & Body Clinic Get a confidence boost and enhanced sense of well-being at A New You Skin & Body Clinic, where trained technicians use medical practices in a spa-like setting to rejuvenate your appearance. anewyouclinic.com

Best Microblading Heather Tereso May In less than two hours, you can walk out with natural-looking semipermanent brows crafted by this microblading whiz.

And don’t worry, it’s virtually painless! slatermd.com

Best Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation Gardner Dermatology & Med Spa

Best Microblading: Heather Tereso May bestselfatlanta.com

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Using a thorough consultation that accounts for skin texture, tone, and more, the team here uses its complete understanding of

facial aging and the loss of facial muscle and collagen to devise a plan to produce optimal results. gardnerdermatology.com

Staf Picks Best Dueling Pianos Show Red Sky Tapas & Bar

Best Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation: Dr. Alan Gardner, founder of Gardner Dermatology & Med Spa

Best Pedicure The Haute Spot Nail Boutique Prepare to be pampered with the best in pedi services all around.

This salon keeps tabs on the latest technology, trends, and sanitation procedures. hautespotprado.com

Best Permanent Makeup Michael Lynch Michael Lynch is a licensed medical aesthetician and certified laser technician. This accomplished makeup artist has been performing permanent makeup procedures since 1995. asc-psd.com

“Pure entertainment that’s part music, part comedy, and all fun! A guaranteed great time.”

Dawn DeSantis, media consultant

provide life-changing solutions for thinning hair and hair loss. atlantahairsurgeon.com

Best Tummy/ Midsection Plastic Surgery Center/ Doctor Dr. Asaf Yalif Dr. Asaf Yalif tailors all of his recommendations to each

Best Skin Care Place/Person AYA™ Medical Spa This medical spa offers only the highest quality skin care treatments and services using cutting-edge cosmetic technology performed by licensed providers. ayamedspa.com

Best Men’s Hair Replacement/ Restoration Anderson Center for Hair & Aesthetics At his new location in Avalon and original location in Sandy Springs, Dr. Ken Anderson uses ARTAS robotic hair restoration and modern treatments to BEST SELF ATLANTA

Best Men’s Hair Replacement/Restoration: Dr. Ken Anderson, founder of Anderson Center for Hair & Aesthetics

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Plastic Surgery & Cosmetic Laser Center

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS patient and takes into account their desired goals, budget, and anatomy, to create a fab—and flat—stomach. yplasticsurgery.com

for varicose and spider veins in addition to swollen ankle and leg issues. veininnovations.com

Best Wigs Expert/Place Rebecca Walden Wig Studio

Photos courtesy of (middle right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (middle left) The Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research; (bottom) VEININNOVATIONS.

Best Women’s Thinning Hair Place/Person: Dr. Ashley R. Curtis

Best Women’s Thinning Hair Place/Person Dr. Ashley R. Curtis As a doctor at The Griffin Center for Women’s Hair Loss, Dr. Ashley R. Curtis knows how to address the unique issues of this escalating problem. griffincenter.com

Best Waxing Brazilian Wax by Andreia What started as one location in Marietta has now expanded to nearly 20. The chain is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service at an affordable price. brazilianwax.com

Best Vein Treatment Practice VEININNOVATIONS Since 2002, this privatelyowned comprehensive vein center has provided quality care

After women and children experience a bout with cancer or other various diseases, Rebecca Walden uses cut, color, and style to create a wig that allows them to recognize themselves in the mirror again. wigspertofatlanta.com

{HEALTH}

Best Aging Care Facility Senior Services North Fulton This nonprofit provides vital services like transportation to medical appointments for those that are homebound and supplies Meals on Wheels to those who are 60 and above. ssnorthfulton.org

Best Allergy Care Atlanta Allergy & Asthma With 17 locations throughout metro Atlanta and beyond, this practice is ready to tackle a range of asthma needs and allergy issues (think food to skin and everything in between). atlantaallergy.com

Best Acupuncture Place/Practitioner Atlanta Center for Acupuncture and Wellness This all-women group of highly trained acupuncturists can tackle a range of specialties, including pain management, fertility treatment, and digestive disorders. atlanta-acucenter.com

Staf Picks Best Place for Quiet Reflection Stone Mountain

Best Allergy Doctor: Dr. Eugene Hurwitz

Best Addiction Care Facility

Best Allergy Doctor

Ridgeview Institute

Dr. Eugene Hurwitz

People of all ages can find help at Ridgeview Institute. The team here helps patients manage cravings, find tools for recovery, follow a 12-step program and more. ridgeviewinstitute.com

As the medical director of Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, this doctor has grown the practice to 10 locations. He is also board certified in allergy and immunology and affiliated with numerous hospitals. caageorgia.com

“The view is amazing when you’re sitting at the top. The gusty winds always bring a sensation of gratefulness to my body and soul.”

AnneMarie Edwards, media consultant

Best Vein Treatment Practice: Dr. Alexander Park, Dr. Darrell Caudill, Dr. Lisa Perez, and Dr. David Park of VEININNOVATIONS

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Arthritis and Rheumatology of Georgia For patients with diverse rheumatologic pathology, this practice offers in-house labs, clinical trials, and musculoskeletal ultrasounds. argmd.net

Best Arthritis Care Doctor Dr. Paula Tanasa At Arthritis and Rheumatology of Georgia, Dr. Paula Tanasa provides quality care to treat rheumatic diseases. She also has a special interest in autoimmune issues. argmd.net

Best Audiology Practice Audiological Consultants of Atlanta

Best Bariatric Surgery Hospital/Facility: Northside Hospital Center for Weight Loss

Best Back and Spine Care Practice/ Facility

work together to provide patient satisfaction. northside.com

Resurgens Spine Center

Best Body Detox Facility

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from neck and back pain, spine expert doctors here offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options to help patients reach their goals. resurgens.com/spine

Best Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Michael Williams

Established in 1983, this private practice provides services for the identification, assessment, prevention and treatment of hearing disorders for everyone from newborns to the elderly. audioconsult.com

Dr. Michael Williams’ research interest includes minimally invasive surgery techniques and surgical therapy for morbid obesity.

He has also trained surgeons and authored numerous medical journal articles. bariatricsmd.com

Best Back and Spine Care Doctor

Best Bariatric Surgery Hospital/ Facility

Dr. Keith Osborn Board certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Keith Osborn of Resurgens Orthopaedics, specializes in adult spinal disorders and total disk arthroplasty. resurgens.com

Northside Hospital Center for Weight Loss Experts including board-certified surgeons with 35 years of experience, certified bariatric nurse coordinators, weight loss specialists and dietitians all

Best Cancer Care Hospital/Facility: Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Warrior Body Spa Located in Tucker, and now Brookhaven, all the therapies offered here are detox focused to help clients holistically reach their pain relief and wellness goals. warriorspa.com

Best Post-Workout Treat Revolution Doughnuts “Grabbing a shredded coconut doughnut after a morning run is my favorite way to start the weekend.”

Alex McCray, associate editor

Best Brain Health Treatment Amen Clinics For more than 25 years, Amen Clinics has been mapping minds with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging to learn more about naturally balancing and optimizing the brain. amenclinics.com

Photos courtesy of (bottom right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (top middle) Northside Hospital; (bottom left) Winship Cancer Institute, photography by Ann Borden.

Staf Picks

Best Arthritis Care

Best Cancer Care Hospital/ Facility Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia, precision medicine, immunotherapy treatments, and minimally invasive surgery are all key here. winship cancer.emory.edu

Best Body Detox Facility: Aaliya Bashir, owner of Warrior Body Spa

bestselfatlanta.com

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Resu

(top middle) Northside Hospital; (bottom left) Winship Cancer Institute, photography by Ann Borden.

The Physicians and Staff of Resurgens Spine Center Congratulate

Dr. Keith Osborn 2017 Best Back/ Spine Doctor “Dr. Osborn is professional, trustworthy and a world class surgeon – I respect him immensely and he is my family’s spine doctor” — Thomas Dopson, MD – Co-Medical Director, Resurgens Spine Center

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Osborn for the past 17 years. His kind and thoughtful demeanor is appreciated by patients and colleagues. We are fortunate to have him as a member of the Resurgens family!”

— Krystal Chambers, MD

”I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Osborn for almost 30 years. It’s wonderful to see him honored by his patients because he truly emulates what a great physician is as he compassionately cares for his patients.”

— Lori Ellwood, RN, ONC – Resurgens Spine Center Director

Areas of Expertise: • ADULT SPINAL DISORDERS • CERVICAL & LUMBAR SPINE SURGERY • TOTAL DISC ARTHROPLASTY • RECONSTRUCTIVE SPINE SURGERY

RESURGENS ORTHOPAEDICS ST. JOSEPH’S OFFICE WWW.RESURGENS.COM/KEITH-D-OSBORN-MD

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B MORE DOCTORS, MORE ACCESS, MORE CARE

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION PHYSICIANS Tamara Chachashvili, MD

Krystal Chambers, MD

Anita Cone-Sullivan, MD

Roderica Cottrell, MD

Robin Dennis, MD

Marly Dows-Martinez, MD

Eli Finkelstein, MD

Scott Kelly, MD

Julie Levine, DO

STAFF

Lori Ellwood, RN, ONC Spine Center Director

Robert Medcalf, PT, Dip MDT Director of Spine Rehabilitation

Michele Perez, MD

Reuben Sloan, MD

Jacob Strong, MD

Kristen Willett, DO

• 23 CONVENIENT ATLANTA LOCATIONS • NON-SURGICAL & SURGICAL SPINE CARE

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Thank You Atlanta for Voting Us Best Spine Care Practice Two Years in a Row!

Resurgens Spine Center Welcomes Three New Spine Surgeons

ORTHOPAEDIC SPINE SURGEONS Herschel Beker, MD

Uzondu Agochukwu, MD

Tapan Daftari, MD

Thomas Dopson, MD

Maurice Goins, MD

Robert Greenfield, MD

Christopher Blanchard, DO

Bennett Grimm, MD

Peter Harvey, MD

Paul Jeffords, MD

Howard McMahan, MD

Vamsi Kancherla, MD

E. Scott Middlebrooks, MD

Ali Mortazavi, DO

Keith Osborn, MD

Jason Velez, DO

• RESURGENS.COM/SPINE • SPECIALIZED SPINE REHABILITATION

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Thank You Atlanta for Voting Us

The Best of 2017 Foot and Ankle Care Facility MEET OUR DOCTORS Erroll J. Bailey, M.D.

Raj Bhole, M.D.

Michael J. Clark, M.D.

John R. Gleason, M.D.

Deborah Kowalchuk, M.D.

Sourendra Raut, M.D.

David G. Scott, M.D.

Gary W. Stewart, M.D.

Phillip Walton, Jr., M.D.

M. Shay Womack, M.D.

23 CONVENIENT ATLANTA LOCATIONS • NON-SURGICAL AND SURGICAL FOOT AND ANKLE CARE • RESURGENS.COM/FOOT-ANKLE • SPECIALIZED REHABILITATION

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Best Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

Best Fertility Specialist Doctor

The ENT Institute

Dr. Lisa Hasty

Take advantage of advanced technologies and cost-effective procedures that The ENT Institute has to offer. The staff here ensures the best results with the least amount of discomfort Best Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT): possible.

Dr. Jeffrey M. Gallups of The ENT Institute entinstitute.com

Best Diabetes Care Piedmont Atlanta Hospital It is possible for almost anyone with diabetes to live a longer, fuller life with proper disease management. Piedmont Healthcare provides effective care and a customized approach for each person. piedmont.org

Photos courtesy of (top left, right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (bottom left) Dermatology Consultants, photography by Jim Hancock of Jim Hancock Productions.

Best Dermatologist Dr. Anna Paré At Dermatology Consultants, Dr. Anna Paré offers an allencompassing approach to your family’s health and aesthetic needs. For over 25 years, she’s helped patients maintain their dermatological health and is the reason behind their glowing skin. dermatologyconsultants.org

Best Diabetes Care Doctor Dr. Jennifer Gilligan Feel confident and comfortable under Dr. Jennifer Gilligan’s care.

Board certified in endocrinology and metabolism, she designs practical regimens for patients as they manage this chronic disease. piedmont.org

Best Eye Care Doctor Dr. Paul L. Kaufman A board-certified ophthalmologist and retina specialist at Thomas Eye Group, Dr. Paul L. Kaufman is committed to his vision—keeping eyes healthy. thomaseye.com

Best Eye Care Practice Thomas Eye Group Thomas Eye Group offers eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and LASIK surgery, as well as medical, surgical, and cosmetic services for patients ranging in age from infants to seniors. thomaseye.com

Best Facility for Stroke Rehabilitation Shepherd Center

Best Dermatologist: Dr. Anna Paré

bestselfatlanta.com

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This private nonprofit hospital is focused solely on the medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation of people with neuromuscular conditions. shepherd.org

Dr. Lisa Hasty and the compassionate physicians and staff at the Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine use the latest technology to treat recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility, and more. acrm.com

Best Fertility Specialist Practice SGF Atlanta Formerly known as Georgia Reproductive Specialists, Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) Atlanta has a wealth of options, from surgical procedures to assisted reproductive technologies. Come here to build the family you’ve longed for. ivf.com

Staf Picks Best ReSale Store for Women Skirt Upscale Resale “It’s my hidden gem in the Fountain Oaks Shopping Center.

I buy all of my clothes there.”

Susan Lesesne, media consultant

Best Fibroid Doctor Dr. John Lipman Trusted by reality TV stars like Cynthia Bailey and plenty of everyday Atlantans, Dr. John Lipman has extensive experience performing the uterine fibroid embolization procedure. atlantafibroidcenter.com

Best Chiropractic Care Place/Person Dr. Kevin D. Flythe A trusted partner of physicians and body care professionals, Dr. Kevin D. Flythe provides comprehensive treatment and makes patient education a top priority. bodyworksperformance.com

Best Foot and Ankle Care Facility

Best Chiropractic Care Place/Person: Dr. Kevin D. Flythe

Resurgens Foot & Ankle Center Here, board-certified physicians and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons treat your foot and ankle disorders. The experts offer surgical and nonsurgical options to get you back on your feet. resurgens.com/foot-ankle BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Atlanta’s Premiere Matchmaking Service

Our mission is simple.

We create a successful dating plan for smart men and women. Our clients recognize that although they may meet the textbook definition of “having it all”, there is something or someone missing.

Life is good, but you know it can be GREAT. Our proven approach to matchmaking is personal … and will change your experience with dating in Atlanta.

DON’T WAIT FOR IT TO HAPPEN,

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Brows.

It’s More Than a Treatment. It’s an Art. Ask about

Microblading

with Best Self’s “Best of” Winner, Heather Tereso May, licensed esthetician.

Aesthetic Body Sculpture Clinic & Center for Anti-Aging 4840 Roswell Rd. NE D-100 Atlanta, GA 30342

770-777-7707 | www.SLATERMD.com

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Best Gastroenterology Practice Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates Here, expect specialized care through the Advanced Center for GI Therapeutics, The Liver Center, and nutrition counseling. atlantagastro.com

Best Heart Doctor Dr. Tara HrobowskiBlackman As one of three board certified advanced heart failure and transplantation cardiologists at Piedmont Heart Institute, Dr. Tara Hrobowski-Blackman gives heartfelt advice to her patients and aids them in the healing process. piedmont.org

Best Heart Surgeon Dr. James R. Kauten

Best Gastroenterology Practice: Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates

Best Gastroenterologist

Photos courtesy of (right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (left) Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates.

Dr. Stephen Rashbaum Dr. Stephen Rashbaum focuses on symptom relief, diagnosing underlying digestive conditions and finding ways to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle. digestivecarephysicians.com

Best General/Family Dentist Dr. Tonique L. Reynolds

Dr. James R. Kauten has performed over 10,000 openheart surgeries. His greatest strengths are his wealth of knowledge, extensive experience and superb results. piedmont.org

Best Hormone Therapy Practice Atlanta Women’s Specialty Group This all-encompassing practice offers annual exams, Pap smears, and mammograms, along with obstetrics and other gynecology services. atlantawomenspecialtygroup.com

Best Hormone Therapy Practitioner Allison Cochran

on addressing mind, body and spirit. threedwellness.com

Best Integrative/ Functional Overall Medical Facility

Best Massage Therapist/Place

Three D Wellness

Jo Ann Taylor

By addressing the specific medical needs of the whole family, this full-service practice is dedicated to helping those at every stage of life achieve overall health. threedwellness.com

Through 14 years of experience, Jo Ann Taylor has learned to master the art of

Best Joint Surgery/ Replacement Doctor Dr. Raj Pandya Dr. Raj Pandya is a surgeon, inventor, entrepreneur, and restaurateur all in one. Specializing in sports medicine, his clients’ recoveries are a shining example of his passion for his work. atlantaorthopaedic institute.com

Best General/Family Dental Practice Atlanta Smiles and Wellness

With advanced training in hormone therapies and antiaging medicine such as bioidentical hormone therapy and plateletrich plasma treatments, physician assistant Allison Cochran provides compassionate concierge care. newvitalitymedicalinstitute.com

Dr. Dina Giesler and Dr. Marianna Kovitch view comprehensive dentistry as a lifelong commitment to your health and self-image.

By providing natural aesthetic dentistry, the experienced duo makes sure patients can capitalize on their greatest asset: their smile. atlantasmiles.com

Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology

Best Integrative/ Functional Medical Doctor

Best Joint Surgery/ Replacement Hospital/Facility

This all female OB-GYN practice in Midtown offers a full range of health care services (preventative medicine, gynecological treatments) for women of all ages. awog.org

Sonza Curtis As one of Georgia’s first certified functional medicine practitioners by the Institute for Functional Medicine, physician assistant and naturopath Sonza Curtis focuses

Atlanta Orthopedic Institute

Through state-of-the-art procedures, Dr. Tonique L. Reynolds restores and enhances the health and natural beauty of her patients’ smiles with long-lasting results. familysmilecenter.net

Best Gynecology Practice

bestselfatlanta.com

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recover quickly and return to an active lifestyle. atlantaorthopaedic institute.com

Best General/Family Dental Practice: Dr. Dina Giesler and Dr. Marianna Kovitch of Atlanta Smiles and Wellness

Physicians here have extensive training in various joint and sports-related injuries. Their main priority is to help patients BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Thank you, Atlanta! Enhance Your Look , Enjoy Your Life!

About Internationally renowned Plastic Surgeon, Dr Stanley Okoro, is a double board certified plastic surgeon who offers customized cosmetic plastic surgical procedures at his private practice locations in Atlanta & Marietta Georgia.

His international practice locations are Lagos and Abuja Nigeria. He has over 10 years experience in cosmetic & reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face.

Experience Matters Dr. Okoro became a surgeon at Emory University after graduating with honors from Meharry Medical College.

Further, he completed a 3-year program in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.

After serving in the US Navy as the Chief of General Surgery at the US Naval Hospital Great Lakes and the director of the Breast Care Center, where he serviced breast cancer patients, Dr. Okoro later served as the Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at our “President’s Hospital”, the world famous National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda Maryland. Here, Dr Okoro performed countless primary and revision cosmetic procedures and sustained reconstruction of war injured service men and women.

Dr. Okoro has received multiple awards, authored many topics in plastic surgery journals, and presented at several local, regional, national, & international plastic surgery conferences

Stanley Okoro, MD DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

Mission Work In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr Okoro is a philanthropist and an international Plastic Surgeon. He served as the Executive Director of Imo Medical Mission, Inc, a non-profit charitable organization. He organizes and participates in an ongoing volunteer medical and surgical mission to undeveloped countries twice yearly since 2003.

Specialities Cosmetic plastic surgery can transform lives when performed by experienced plastic surgeons. Whether it’s a post-baby body, extra inches around the waistline or the need for body enhancement, customized surgical transformation awaits patients at Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Specializing in the latest technologies, Dr. Okoro can maximize your results while minimizing your downtime. If you are hesitant in your decision to enhance yourself, commit with confidence and start your journey with us today.

Scan for Video

Visit our office today!

Areas of Expertise Brazilian Buttock Lift, Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Facial Rejuvenation, Mommy Makeover, Scarless Breast Lift, SmartLipo(R), ThermiRF(TM), ThermiTight(TM) and more.

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(770) 485-1554 | www.georgiaplastic.com 2285 Asquith Ave Suite 200, Marietta GA 30008 960 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 336, Atlanta, GA 30342

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS massage and anticipate the needs of each client to offer the ultimate relaxation experience. purelifemindandbody.com

Best Neurologist Dr. Lisa M. Billars As the chief of the neurology and sleep medicine departments for The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Lisa M. Billars understands the effects aging can have on the brain and offers patients ways to stay mentally sharp. kaiserpermanente.org

Best Orthodontics Practice

Photos courtesy of (bottom left and right) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (top left) Dr. Scott D. Miller; (top middle) Northside Hospital.

Best Men’s Health Doctor: Dr. Scott D. Miller

Best Men’s Health Doctor Dr. Scott D. Miller An advocate for minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Scott D. Miller devotes most of his practice to laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Starting Jan. 15, his services will be based out of WellStar North Fulton Hospital. scottdmillermd.com

Best Myofascial Release Therapy Avery Cotton Three decades of education and certifications in orthopedic bodywork enables Avery Cotton to help clients ease pain, improve range of motion, and enhance posture. kaimedspa.com

Braces Braces With convenient locations surrounding Atlanta, along with flexible hours and days, this practice helps families fit comprehensive care including metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign® into their busy schedules. braces-braces.com

Best Orthodontist Dr. Leon Leonard Dr. Leon Leonard and his welltrained staff help both children and adults achieve beautiful smiles while providing highquality orthodontic services in a comfortable environment. drleonard.com

Best Pediatric Practice Children’s Healthcare of West Georgia Personalized medical care is available for children up to 18. Here, expect a focus on cutting-edge pediatric treatment methods and more. tanner.org

Best Pediatrician Dr. Terrence Gfroerer

Best Neurologist: Dr. Lisa M. Billars bestselfatlanta.com

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Best Spa Healthy Getaway (in Atlanta or within driving distance)

Dr. Terrence Gfroerer and staff at Dunwoody Pediatrics provide a warm-hearted approach to care in an effort to support the growth of happy and healthy children. dunwoody pediatrics.com

Jeju Sauna With over 35,000 square feet, this traditional Korean public bathhouse is fully loaded with hot tubs, showers, and kiln saunas. jejusauna.com Best Orthopedist: Dr. Kenneth Kress

Best Orthopedist Dr. Kenneth Kress Board certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Kenneth Kress uses his 25 years of experience to perform innovative knee and hip reconstructive surgeries and provide comprehensive arthritic care management. arthritisandtotaljoint.com

Best Radiology/ Imaging Center OutPatient Imaging In need of a same-day appointment? OutPatient Imaging has your needs covered. Everything from magnetic resonance imaging and bone density testing to X-rays and mammograms, it’s a one-stop-shop. outpatientimaging.net

Best Physical Therapy Center PT 360 For those that want to make the most of their recovery journey, PT 360 is there to provide manual therapy, dry needling, spine and sacroiliac dysfunction treatments, and more. pt360atl.com

Best Podiatrist Village Podiatry Centers

Here, you can feel confident that you’ll get the results you seek with the help of some of the most knowledgeable podiatric surgeons in the field. villagepodia trycenters.com BEST SELF ATLANTA

Best Radiology/Imaging Center: Shirley Phoxanalack, Dr. John Arnold, and Brad Bankston of OutPatient Imaging

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Thank you Atlanta foryou Voting us for Thank Atlanta us Thank you Atlanta for Voting Voting us Thank you Atlanta for Voting

The Best Stress & Anxiety The Best Stress & Anxiety Anxiety The Anxiety TheBest BestStress Stress & & Treatment Facility Treatment Facility Facility Treatment 2017 2017 2017 CLINICIANS

CLINICIANS CLINICIANS ollaborative group of seasoned practitioners CLINICIANS Our collaborativegroup groupofofseasoned seasoned practitioners practitioners Our collaborative group practitioners Our collaborative

EPHRAT L. LIPTON ACSW, LCSW, “JOEY” M. BCD, CEDS

JOANNE “JOEY” M. GINAIR GOODWINJILLIAN H. GILLIAM PULLEY MCKERROW USUI REIKI MASTER GINAIR GOOD- MSW, LCSWNINA Teacher KRAM & Practitioner, MS, LPC, NBCC

CAMERON MCINTOSH LMSW

HANNAH HAWKINSESTHER LEWIS LCSW

JOANNE ANNE Desire Map Facilitator Managing & Founding Partner WIN-MCKERROW Founding Partner Founding Partner PULLEY SCHLACHTER MOORE NINA KRAM Instructor GOODEPHRAT LIPTON JOANNE “JOEY” M. GINAIR EPHRATL.L. L.LIPTON LIPTON JOANNE JOANNE“JOEY” “JOEY”M. M. & Yogacalm GINAIR GOODNINA EPHRAT GINAIR NINA KRAM KRAM PULLEY WIN-MCKERROW SCHLACHTER PULLEY WIN-MCKERROW SCHLACHTER EPHRAT L. LIPTON JOANNE PULLEY “JOEY” M. GINAIR GOODNINA KRAM WIN-MCKERROW SCHLACHTER

PULLEY

PAUL OLANDER MSW, JD, LCSW, NBCCH, RRT-P, TIH

BEVERLY MATTHEWS MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS

KAREN KALLIS M.ED., LPC, NCC, RPT

WIN-MCKERROW

KIM ASHER LPC

NAN HENSON ENNEAGRAM COACH

SCHLACHTER

DEBORAH A. RUSSO PSY.D., MS, MA, ARC-DMH

HANNAH SABELLA MS, RD, LD

ANNE LEWIS ANNE ANNELEWIS LEWIS MOORE MOORE ANNE LEWIS MOORE

MOORE

NINA KRAM SCHLACHTER D.O., DFAPA, DAOBNP, DAOBFP

ANNE MOORE PSY.D

KAREN KALLIS

Photos Courtesy of Revelry Photo House

KIM ASHER NAN HENSON DEBORAH A. RUSSO NAN HENSON BEVERLY KAREN KIM BEVERLY KAREN KALLIS KALLIS KIM ASHER ASHER NAN HENSON BEVERLY KAREN KALLIS KIM ASHER NAN HENSON MATTHEWS MATTHEWS MATTHEWS BEVERLY KAREN KALLIS KIM ASHER NAN HENSON

ANNIE M. GARRY LCSW

MATTHEWS

OUR EXPERTISE:

• Mood Disorders • Anxiety Disorders • Eating Disorders (Atlanta Eating Disorder Institute at AC4W) • Primary and Co-occurring Addiction • Family and Relationship Dynamics • Divorce Recovery (Visions Anew) and Blended Family Work

DEBORAH DEBORAH A. A. DEBORAH A. RUSSO RUSSO RUSSO DEBORAH A.

RUSSO • Maternal Mental Health (Inferility, Maternal Loss, Adoption, Pregnancy and Post Partum Mood and Anxiety Disorders) • Trauma (PTSD) • Grief and Loss

6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Ste. 450 • Atlanta, GA • atlantacenterforwellness.com 404.343.4162 404.343.4162 • • 6100 6100 Lake Lake Forrest Forrest Drive, Drive, Ste. Ste. 450 450 • • Atlanta, Atlanta, GA GA • • atlantacenterforwellness.com atlantacenterforwellness.com 404.343.4162 • 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Ste. 450 • Atlanta, GA • atlantacenterforwellness.com 12/13/17 AM 11/20/17 11:52 4:50 PM 404.343.4162 • 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Ste. 450 • Atlanta, GA • atlantacenterforwellness.com

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS

Best Women’s Health Doctor Dr. Kristine Gould

Best Stress & Anxiety Treatment Facility: Ginair Goodwin McKerrow, Ephrat Lipton, and Joanne “Joey” Pulley of Atlanta Center for Wellness

Best Stress & Anxiety Treatment Facility

Photos courtesy of (top right) Piedmont Urgent Care by WellStreet; (middle) Lenz Marketing, photography by Chelsea Hoag; (bottom right) Northside Hospital.

Atlanta Center for Wellness Taking into account the emotional, physical, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences that can impact a person’s health and well-being, this center uses a collaborative approach to treatment. atlantacenter forwellness.com

Best Women’s Health Clinic Metro Surgical Associates, Inc. Since 1982, the doctors here have been on a mission to provide optimal breast health care along with educational programs and more. breastcaremetrosurgical.com

Dr. Kristine Gould’s personal approach to care puts people at ease. Passionate about patient education, you can also find her hosting regular seminars regarding women’s health and wellness. gyngwinnett.com

Best Active Senior Community Jim Chapman Communities This award-winning builder creates homes with style and accessibility that are livable for those age 55 and over. jimchapman communities.com

Georgia Urology Always striving to better serve its patients, the doctors at Georgia Urology use modern technology, including the UroLift® System, to treat those with prostate issues. gaurology.com bestselfatlanta.com

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Piedmont Urgent Care

by WellStreet Feeling under the weather?

Stop by one of these 15 urgent care locations for uncompromising service and a speedy recovery. wellstreet.com

Best Art Gallery The curators behind Wentworth Gallery travel to the far corners of the globe to offer works by heralded artists such as Pablo Picasso and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. wentworthgallery.com

Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, Grady Memorial Hospital

Best Urology Practice

Best Urgent Care Facility

Wentworth Gallery

Best Stroke Care Hospital/Facility

Due to its excellent care, this center was named an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest level of designation awarded by the prestigious accrediting nonprofit, The Joint Commission. gradyhealth.org

Best Urgent Care Facility: Piedmont Urgent Care by WellStreet

Best Ballroom Dance Studio Best Urology Practice: (L to R, back row) Dr. Walter Z. Falconer, Dr. Emerson E. Harrison, Dr. A. Keith Levinson (L to R, front row) Corby Barkhaus, Dr. Michael Garcia-Roig, and Dr. Lambda Msezane of Georgia Urology

Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta Get ready for a special occasion, meet new people or do both at this dance

Best Women’s Health/Maternity Hospital/Facility Northside Hospital From pregnancy to menopause, women’s health care is Northside Hospital’s specialty. It is also a leader in groundbreaking procedures and less-invasive treatments for gynecological cancers. northside.com

Best Women’s Health/ Maternity Hospital/Facility: Northside Hospital

BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Sonza L. Curtis PhD, PAC, IFMCP

Call for your Free 15 minute phone evaluation

(678) 621-8100 | threedwellness.com 555 Sun Valley Drive, Suite C1, Roswell, GA 30076

Three D Wellness specializing in personalized, functional medicine for the mind, body and spirit.

Detoxification | Gut Health/Microbiome | HCG Weight Loss Program | Hormone Balancing $100 OFF FIRST MONTH OF OUR DETOXIFICATION PACKAGE. Expires 1/31/2018

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS

Photos courtesy of (bottom left) Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency; (top right) Moon Dance Studio, photography by Bobby Campbell.

{FUN} studio that has one-on-one and group lessons for you to cha-cha the night away. myballroomdanceclub.com

Best Ballroom Dance Instructor Asiya Khasnutdinova Budding ballroom dancers turn to Asiya Khasnutdinova for her talented teaching techniques, which are built on 20 years of dance and fitness experience. valeoclub.com

Best Bookstore Little Shop of Stories Find your child’s next great read at this whimsical store. Literary fans of all ages can connect with fellow bookworms at one of its nine monthly book groups. littleshopofstories.com

Best Career Counseling Services Thriveworks

Best Ballroom Dance Studio: Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta

At Thriveworks, counselors can be a trusted partner in your career journey. No matter the dilemma, they are experienced and ready to help you grow professionally. thriveworks.com

Amy Schumer grace the stage at this legendary comedy club. laughingskulllounge.com

Best Charity Ball/Gala

Best Community Garden

The Pink Affair Save the date (March 24, 2018) for this fabulous fundraiser featuring dinner, drinks, music, and auctions, all to benefit TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. myturningpoint.org

Best Charity Race Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta Race for The Cure Over 8,000 participants completed this 27th annual run/walk in 2017. The more than $1 million raised will go toward providing breast health and cancer services in Atlanta and to fund global research. komenatlanta.org

Peachtree Hills Community Garden Neighbors can bond over their passion for gardening by sharing the 24 beautiful plant beds this community garden has to offer. communitygarden.org

Best Cooking Classes/School Sur La Table Are you a culinary nightmare in the kitchen? Fear not! Hands-on cooking classes here will show you everything you need to know. surlatable.com

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Now Fido can leave his daycare session looking even better than when you dropped him off thanks to Puppy Haven’s new full grooming services. puppyhavenatl.com

Best Financial Planner Faye Sykes For in-depth social security planning, turn to the owner of Scarlet Oak Financial Services. She also delivers ongoing educational events and underwriting performed by artificial intelligence. scarletoakfs.com

Best Financial Planning/Services This independent wealth management firm has specialized in retirement income planning and managing comprehensive wealth and investments for over 40 years. harmonfinancial.com

Laughing Skull Lounge

bestselfatlanta.com

Puppy Haven

Harmon Financial Advisors

Best Comedy Club

Best Charity Race: Diane Heller and Julie Brock of Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta Race for The Cure

Best Doggie Day Care and Boarding

In the past five years, you may have seen comedic heavyweights like Robin Williams, Joe Rogan, Ron White, or

Best Gardening Classes Pike Nurseries There’s always something new to learn in the BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Meet Atlanta’s 2017 Best Vein Treatment Doctor Dr. Louis Prevosti of VEINatlanta Dr. Prevosti is the medical director of VEINatlanta, the only vein clinic in Atlanta certified by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Council) as a vein treatment center. Dr. Prevosti is board certified in cardiovascular surgery and a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Phlebology.

Legs Ache?

In addition to treating leg vein conditions such as venous insufficiency, varicose veins and spider veins, Dr. Prevosti also treats facial veins, hand veins and vulvar veins.

VEINatlanta Atlanta’s leading vein clinic - and one of the largest volume Vein clinics in the country – has convenient locations to serve Fulton, Gwinnett and surrounding areas.

VEINatlanta clinics are staffed by full-time surgeons who specialize in total vein treatment. The best techniques available today are offered in a friendly, outpatient environment.

www.veinatlanta.com 1100 Johnson Ferry Rd NE



Suite 165

Atlanta, GA 30342 601-A Professional Dr



Suite 170

Lawrenceville, GA 30046

404-662-3407 Call to schedule your consultation today!

1100 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Suite 165 Atlanta, GA 30342 3886 Princeton Lakes Way, Suite 140 Atlanta, GA 30331 601-A Professional Drive, Suite 170 Lawrenceville, GA 30046

404.662.3407 www.VEINatlanta.com

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Dr. Louis Prevosti Medical Director of VEINatlanta

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS gardening world. Stay informed with monthly classes and events hosted by this nursery with locations inside and outside the perimeter. pikenursery.com

can receive ongoing benefits. newperspectivesforlife.com

Best In-town Getaway Château Élan Winery & Resort

Best Groomer Photo courtesy of (top right) Château Élan Winery & Resort.

Andrea Richardson

Treat your palate to the first super premium white wine (named Nancy) in the Fingerprint collection series at the most award-winning winery and resort on the East Coast. chateauelan.com

Andrea Richardson provides pet pampering at its finest.

Tranquil facial scrubs and massages included with every spa grooming will have your fur baby begging to come back. jazzypawz.com

Best Hypnotherapist Amy Head’s approach emphasizes changing the process, not the person. She also records hypnosis sessions so patients

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BEST OF 2017 Contest Winners revealed in January 2018 www.atlantabestmedia.com

Also find us throughout Metro Atlanta including direct mail delivery bestselfatlanta.com

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March 24- 83 26

Kitchen & BaNth ER

Brittany Hewitt works to resolve couples’ issues, help them meet challenges with confidence,

• No Pain • No Surgery • No Downtime

Food exp erts Sarah Peter Ser and vold share on real foo thoughts d, more p. 32 recipes and

tury A mid-cen ’s nod modern spa 22 to nature p.

Brittany Hewitt

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Home C king

Showstopping Shower

There’s something for everyone at this free two-day festival brimming with works by local artisans, family-friendly activities, music, and food. affps.com

Best Marriage and Relationship Counselor/ Therapist

“Lose 2 Inches From Your Waist, Hips or Thighs

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Best Life Coach Using her 30 years of experience, Dr. Jill Kahn created The BioCode System™, designed to reinvent the way you live, lead, and play. empowerhousegroup.com

Amy Head

Best In-town Getaway: Château Élan Winery & Resort

(FDA Approved)

Call NOW for your risk-free consultation

(770) 988-0988

www.ThinAtlanta.com 2330 Windy Hill Rd. SE, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30067 BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Knotted up inside?

Relax. Call your digestive experts.

We can help.

1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242] www.atlantagastro.com

Expert GI Care for the Whole Family AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid, and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Best Pet Trainer Susie Aga Susie Aga is ready to tackle tough pet cases. This certified instructor, and founder of Atlanta Dog Trainer, can handle your animal’s aggression, agility, severe phobia issues, and then some. atlantadogtrainer.com

Best Matchmakers: Lisa Lyngos and Leisha Murphy, owners of Single Atlanta Matchmakers

and redefine what happiness and wholeness means to them. brittanyhewitt.com

Best Matchmakers Single Atlanta Matchmakers For 20 years, twin sisters Leisha Murphy and Lisa Lyngos, the brains behind Atlanta’s largest matchmaking firm, have successfully paired couples together and gained a national reputation as industry experts. singleatlanta.com

Photos courtesy of Sawyer Photography, hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Best Meditation Program

this jewelry line are donated to charities locally and nationwide. Since 2005, sales from the Italian-made collection have raised over $700,000. jewelswithapurpose.com

Best Pet Rescue Organization Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Dedicated to saving dogs and cats from high-kill shelters in north Georgia, this nonprofit operates through a network of compassionate volunteers and foster homes. angelsrescue.org

Add some culture to your lunch break and visit the High Museum of Art on the third Friday of the month for a special conversation, performance, or tour experience. high.org

Best New Give-Back Initiative Jewels With A Purpose A majority of proceeds from bestselfatlanta.com

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From in-home pet sitting to a potty break while you’re stuck at the office, your pet is in trusted hands. cutiepawsatl.com

Best Place for Fun Classes/Workshops Center for Puppetry Arts Located near the heart of Midtown, this center opened its doors in September 1978 and serves the community through its live performances, museum, and educational programming. puppet.org

Leap into a new career with one of the 40 professional certificate programs offered here (think Culinary Apprenticeship or Web Design & Development). ccpe.kennesaw.edu

Best Sunless Tanning Opulence Spray Tan Club This mobile tanning service creates a custom color blend for each client and now has its own line of vegan products that rejuvenate the skin and enhance results. opulencespraytan.com

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Lisa Wellstead is bringing stress management techniques to everyone from corporate leaders to teens. She even pioneered a mindfulness health initiative learning program at Walton High School. eastcobbyoga.com

High Museum of Art

CutiePaws Pet Sitting Services

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University

Best Place for Live Music

Lisa Wellstead

Best Museum

Best Pet Walker/ Sitter Service

Best School for Continuing Education for Adults

This premier performance venue is a go-to spot for everything from Broadway shows to corporate meetings, wedding receptions, galas, and more. cobbenergycentre.com Best Pet Walker/Sitter Service: Katie Doherty and Cayla Hale of CutiePaws Pet Sitting Services

Best Place to go Dancing

Best Pet Store

Johnny’s Hideaway

The Whole Dog Market This premier pet retail go-to carries only the best for your four-legged family member.

Pick up handcrafted treats made by local humane farms like White Oak Pastures. thewholedogmarket.com

Best Pet Rescue Organization: LuAnn Farrell and Krysta Cannon of Angels Among Us Pet Rescue

The “Cheers”-esque vibe and retro lounge décor and music from the ‘50s through ‘90s will have you ready to bust a move at this dance spot. johnnyshideaway.com

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Thank You Community Members for Voting Us Best Urgent Care!

North Atlanta

Dermatology

Walk-ins Welcome Extended Hours Open 7 Days a Week

Come Celebrate with Us, Everyone’s Welcome!

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Thank you for Voting Us Best Fat Removal/ Reduction Treatment

11/17/17 3:06 11/20/17 3:18 PM

Sunday Services

COOLSCULPTING FOR FAT REDUCTION 3850 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth, GA 30096 (Between Peachtree Industrial & Buford Highway) 3331 Hamilton Mill Rd., Suite 1106, Buford, GA 30519 (Across from the Kroger Shopping Center)

8:45 am 11:00 am

3370 Paddocks Pkwy., Suwanee, GA 30024 (Off 141 close to BP Gas Station and Laurel Springs Sub. Div.) 1230 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Suite 300 Cumming, GA 30024 (Across from Costco)

Christmas Eve Concert 7 pm

770.814.8222

and Candle Lighting Service 7:30 pm New Year’s Eve Service 7:30 pm

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAWYER PHOTOGRAPHY

Adult & Pediatric Dermatology

FREE CONSULTATIONS Call Ext. 209 for Buford & Cumming or Ext. 210 for Duluth & Suwanee

Rev. Jennifer Sacks

A positive path for spiritual living

Gabrielle M. Sabini, MD • Charles J. Douchy, MD Matthew J. Reschly, MD • A. Damian Dhar, MD Stephanie S. Gardner, MD • Weston T. Waxweiler, MD • Anjana M. Patel, PA-C • Sara A. Barr, PA-C Karly Kincaid, PA-C • Nikki Orciuch-PA-C • Julia Ro, PA-C All Board Certified

For all your skin care needs

3597 Parkway Lane | Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (770) 441-0585 | UnityAtl.org

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Best Veterinarian The Village Vets of Buckhead The team behind this pet hospital prides itself on providing outstanding preventive care, along with dentistry, surgery, and boarding services. thevillagevets.com

Best Volunteer Opportunity Sisters By Choice This amazing group of women (and men) use the organization’s many innovative programs, like a mobile breast clinic in an 18-wheeler, to offer breast cancer education, awareness, and support. sistersbychoice.org

Best Wedding Planner

Photos courtesy of (top) Miller Union, photography by Heidi Geldhauser; (bottom) Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine,

J. Ladson Weddings J. Ladson Weddings will make sure your special day isn’t even close to cookie cutter.

Attention is paid to the tiniest of details to turn your vision into a breathtaking reality. jladsonweddings.com

Best Farm-to-Home Delivery PeachDish Now available at Whole Foods, this meal-kit company also features an online marketplace

Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant: Miller Union

{FOOD} where you can shop a range of local proteins and artisan products. peachdish.com

Best Farmers Market

Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant

Along with its abundance of local produce, this farmers market also has a vast selection of ethnic cuisines and international ingredients from the Caribbean, Korea, and beyond. aofwc.com

Miller Union Here, hyperlocal and seasonal ingredients make up the inspired cuisine that marries farm-to-table dishes with traditional Southern influence. millerunion.com

Buford Highway Farmers Market

Best Food Blog Healthy Eating 101 The creative recipes developed by chef Megan McCarthy on this blog make cooking up real food fun, fast and easy. healthyeating101.com

Best Food Truck The Fry Guy You’ve probably spotted this food truck at festivals like Grant Park Summer Shade.

From bacon to Parmesan truffle, these Fry Guy creations are good to the very last bite. fryguyatlanta.com

Best Health Food Store Sevananda Natural Foods Market This cooperative market touts that its sourcing policies are stricter than Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s! Plus, keeping customers informed so they can make the right choices is always a top priority. sevananda.coop Best Prepared Healthy Meal Delivery: Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine

bestselfatlanta.com

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JEJU SAUNA

3555 GWINNETT PLACE DRIVE, DULUTH, GA 30096

678.336.7414 | Across from Wild Bills Visit www.jejusauna. com for more information and more photos of our facility

• Meditate on Heated Jade Floors • Breathe in Gem Stone Steam Saunas • Bask in Dry Saunas (Salt, Clay, Jade, Charcoal) • Swim in the Jade Marble Jr. Olympic Size Pool • Soak in the Jade Marble Hot Tub • Warm & Cold Pools • Dine in the Authentic Korean Restaurant

Escape

JeJu Sauna

to

for Healing, Relaxation & Increased Energy

NOW OPEN:

ON THE 2ND FLOOR TANZI NAIL SALON!

ONLY $25 FOR THE ENTIRE DAY jejusauna-1-2h.indd 1

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Where European Luxury Meets Southern Hospitality Four-Star Luxury Inn - 35,000 sq. ft. European Spa 63 Holes of Championship Golf - Winery & Vineyards visit www.chateauelan.com or call 678-425-0900 Château Élan | 100 Tour De France, Braselton, Georgia 30517 I-85 North, Exit 126 - 30 Minutes North of Downtown Atlanta

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS Best Healthy Restaurant

Photo courtesy of PeachDish, photography by Kate Blohm.

Cafe Sunflower This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes like orzo eggplant lasagna, baked samosas, and squash cakes since 1994. cafesunflower.com

Best Juice Bar Kale Me Crazy Every juice here is coldpressed daily to retain the blend’s health-boosting nutrients and enzymes. Plus, it’s never pasteurized or exposed to preservatives. kalemecrazy.net

Best Farm-to-Home Delivery: PeachDish

6335 Hospital Pkwy #216 | Johns Creek, GA 30097 lunaplasticsurgery.com | (678) 892-7820 Dr. Yugueros specializes in Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Mastopexy, Liposuction, Breast Reduction and Reconstruction, Buttock Augmentation, Facelift, and Blepharoplasty.

She is currently the Chief of Plastic Surgery at EJCH and has been for the past nine years.

Dr. Yugueros is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is member of many local and national scientific societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Specialty Aesthetics, Inc.

Barbara B. Weber, BSN, RN, CPSN, CANS (770) 617-7321 | www.facetimewithbarby.com Specialty_Aesthetics_HH.indd 1

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BEST OF 2017 CONTEST WINNERS

Photo courtesy of (top left) Jacynta Harb, photography by KVC Photography LLC.

Best Nutrition Counseling/Coach

Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine

Finally achieve food freedom and overcome emotional eating with the help of Jacynta Harb, wellness coach at Sparkle a New You. sparkleanewyou.com

This burger joint prides itself on only using local grass-fed beef and free-range local meats. Here, taste the straight-from-the-

“A cup of coffee and a ‘Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on a Pumpernickel Bagel’ is all I need to bring comfort to my busy mornings.”

Miguel Velázquez, graphic designer/ production

True Food Kitchen

Park Tavern

Farm Burger

Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Best Place for Breakfast

Don’t want to leave your home?

Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine brings healthy, paleo, gluten-free, or vegetarian meal options to you. freshnfitcuisine.com

Jacynta Harb

Best Nutrition Counseling/Coach: Jacynta Harb

Staf Picks

Best Prepared Healthy Meal Delivery

pasture difference with family and friends. farmburger.net

True Food Kitchen’s rotating seasonal menu has a host of vegetarian options. Currently on the list: Winter Squash Toast, the Inside Out Quinoa Burger, and more, all of which are made with the freshest produce. truefoodkitchen.com

Your pup will have a ball with you on the green at this restaurant and special events venue. While your canine plays, you can order from a diverse menu of sushi, burgers, salads, and more. parktavern.com

Got

PAIN?

BEAUTY & THE BROW COMMERCIAL AND BRIDAL MAKEUP

NECK or BACK PAIN? WRIST, SHOULDER, HIP or KNEE PAIN?

EYEBROW SCULPTING AND MICROBLADNG

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Call us now to schedule a risk-free consultation with our specialists to see if this latest breakthrough in technology can help you resolve your pain!

FREE consultation Limited to first 17 callers.

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(917) 622-4148 www.beautyandthebrow.com instagram: beautyandthebrow bestselfatlanta.com Beauty_and_the_Brow.indd 1 1217_028-073_BESTof.indd 69

Body Works Chiropractic and Wellness Center 2330 Windy Hill Rd. SE, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30067 Facebook.com/BodyWorksWellness Insta: @bodyworksperformance

(770) 988-0988 | BodyWorksPerformance.com BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Pediatrics Ophthalmology Physical Therapy OB/GYN Dermatology Orthopedics Nutritionist Stress Management Health Coach Urgent Care Maternity Sleep Therapy Sports Medicine

At Kaiser Permanente, our network of caregivers is all connected for you and your health. Come see how health care and coverage together helps you rise and thrive. Visit kp.org today because together we thrive.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 364-7000

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EXPERT CONNECT

Thrive Guide: Taking Care of Your Mental Health THREE PRACTICES TO JUMP-START YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CARE JOURNEY

Lateefah Watford, MD

Lateefah Watford, MD is the chief of behavioral health for Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, the state’s largest nonprofit health plan, which operates 26 medical offices across metro Atlanta and in Athens.

bestselfatlanta.com

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As a board-certified psychiatrist, my specialty is helping people of all ages reach a healthier state of mind. When your mental health is not at its best, the implications can be far reaching—impacting your physical health, relationships and even job performance. While we all know that a balanced diet and routine exercise can improve our overall health, how to care for our mind seems less straightforward.

Understand there is no simple fix for mental health—it is an ongoing process that involves self-evaluation and, in some instances, professional care. But there are three key practices that can help you reach a healthier mental state.

First, get to know yourself. The ability to recognize your emotional triggers and manage them effectively is key to maintaining mental health. Keeping a journal and writing about your day, and how you felt or reacted to situations, can help you better understand yourself. Journaling does not have to be a laborious task that involves writing two or three pages each day—it can be as simple as bullet points. Just get it on paper, so you have a reference.

It is also important to have compassion for yourself and avoid harsh self-criticism. Life

is not easy. We are constantly changing and growing, and we are bound to make some mistakes along the way. Yet, sometimes we find it easier to forgive others for wrongdoings than ourselves. Acknowledge mistakes, consider them as learning opportunities, and then extend some empathy to yourself.

Lastly, own your treatment journey to mental health wellness. One in five Americans are living with a mental illness—with depression among the most common. If you are experiencing extreme feelings of sadness, anxiety or have difficulty managing stress, make an appointment to see a licensed mental health care provider. There are also resources online, such as NAMI.org and FindYourWords.org, where you can learn more about mental health conditions and how to find help in your community. If you are already receiving treatment, stay connected with your care team and committed to your treatment plan.

Achieving total health—mind, body and spirit—should be a goal we set for ourselves.

If you are physically and mentally strong, you are in a better position to overcome the unexpected hurdles life will inevitably put in your path, in addition to that to-do list you have given yourself.

Sponsored by: Kaiser Permanente of Georgia BEST | www.kp.org SELF ATLANTA

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Come with or without a partner and...

Dinatnocethe holidays • Have fun while getting fit & toned • Gain a new level of confidence & grace • Explore the exciting world of dancing

Holiday Special 5 Lessons for $30 Adult new students only. Other conditions may apply.

Expiration Date 12/31/17

We offer private lessons & group classes in all forms of partnership dancing. Our specialties include the classic ballroom dances like Fox Trot, Waltz, and Tango, the popular East Coast & West Coast Swing dances, and the sultry Latin dances like Cha Cha, Mambo, Salsa, Merengue, and Rumba. Our instructors are the friendliest, most professional in town.

Our cutting edge teaching methods are the finest available.

Atlanta 404.897.5556 • Duluth 678.417.7555 MyBallroomDanceClub.com

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6 Tips to Help You Survive the Holiday Season BY: Natalie Logan, RD, LD, Fresh ‘N Fit Cuisine

A

lthough it has the tendency to get a little crazy, the holiday season tends to be everyone’s favorite time of year. It’s always fun to see your relatives but with all of the office parties and family gatherings, it’s very easy for your health and nutrition goals to get sabotaged. Here are a few tips that can help you get through the next few weeks.

1. Is Your Belly Empty? Don’t go to a function starving (or skip a meal before getting there) as you’re more likely to overeat and eat more of the not-sohealthy stuff. Instead, eat a healthy snack like fresh fruit or vegetables paired with a protein or healthy fat beforehand (i.e. apple with nut butter or veggies with hummus) 2. Limit or avoid the high calorie or sugary drinks (think eggnog, creamy coffee drinks, hot chocolate). Keep in mind that alcohol adds extra empty calories and also alters your thinking when it comes to choosing junk foods.

3. At the family feast. Try to fill at least half your plate with the veggie dishes. Then grab a handful of lean protein while the rest of the plate can be your favorite sweet potato dish or mashed potatoes. All in moderation just don’t forget the colorful veggies first!

4. You be the Good Guy. Bring a healthy dish to your function - that way you know when in doubt, just eat what you brought.

5. Where are you hanging out? If you’re hanging out by the appetizers you’re probably going to eat the appetizers...hungry or not. A lot of family and friends like to gather in

the kitchen even when it’s not time to eat. Chances are you’ll mindless eat if the food is right there at arms length.

6. Slow Down! Sit down with you friends and family and enjoy every bite of the homemade dishes and goodies. When you eat fast it will take longer for your body to register it is full and you may already be on your second plate.

At Fresh ‘N Fit Cuisine, we want to make it easy for you to eat healthy this holiday season. As Atlanta’s premier healthy meal and lifestyle service, we provide everything from meal prep to convenient pickup/delivery to free nutrition coaching and support. Happy Holidays!

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TMJ Jaw Pain?

Popping & Clicking?

Therapeutic Injection combination therapy may be your answer!

Do you have Jaw pain or clicking when you chew or have headaches that can’t seem to be diagnosed? This could be a temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) problem. Other symptoms include shoulder and neck stiffness, earaches, dizziness and unexplained headaches. TMJ problems are often accompanied by cervical and TMJ ligament laxity. Once the lateral TMJ ligament becomes lax the joint will click. It is important to note that clicking in any joint is an indication of ligament laxity of that joint. The body’s compensatory mechanism for such a situation is to tighten muscles and to grow more bone. The end result will be degeneration, arthritis, and stiffness in that joint. A combination of Bio-therapeutic injections to strengthen both the cervical vertebrae and the TMJ joint combined with manipulations of the affected areas to re-align the joints will often solve this problem. Call the offices of Total HealthCare to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced medical professionals today if you are experiencing these symptoms.

We are in-network.

Our Treatments Are Covered by

Medicare • Blue Cross • Aetna • Cigna United • Humana • Coventry • Great West and most others.

COMPLIMENTARY

Pain Consultation & Pre-Exam Regenerative & Physical Medicine

Regenerative & Physical Medicine 6315-B Spalding Dr. Norcross, GA 30092 Tel: 770-416-9995

6315-B Spalding Dr. • 770-416-9995 6690 Roswell Rd. NE • 678-999-8531

6690 Roswell Rd. NE, Ste 510 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Tel: 678-999-8531

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It Takes a Village You don’t have to travel the globe to help an international artisan in need.

Simply take a trip to Ten Thousand Villages Atlanta. Since 1993, the store has offered fair-trade gifts, jewelry, clothing, home décor, and more from creators in 37 countries. By paying the crafters a living wage, they are able to afford housing, education, and health care. Locally, volunteers are needed to assist the nonprofit with store display set up, social media, outreach, and more. Volunteer open houses are held every second Saturday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m.

Details: 1056 St. Charles Ave. NE., Atlanta; tenthousandvillages.com/atlanta

Photo courtesy of (bottom middle) Urban Perform and Mercedes-Benz USA.

Westside Wellness In underserved communities, it is easy for health issues to run rampant. That’s when Atlanta-based nonprofit Urban Perform steps in. The organization seeks to decrease obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes by helping to increase the activity levels of those who live in areas like the Westside. Urban Perform also provides accessible and affordable safe spaces to exercise and offers eight classes a week. It is in need of certified fitness and wellness instructors to volunteer to teach these group fitness classes.

Recently, the Greatness Lives Here campaign by Mercedes-Benz, recognized Laura Pritchard-Compton (below, in white), Urban Perform’s founder, for making a difference.

A short video highlighting the nonprofit can be seen on the MercedesBenz USA Facebook page.

Details: 128 Vine St. NW., Atlanta; urbanperform.org

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One-Page Present

Alli Allen, co-founder of Second Helpings Atlanta, has launched a new charitable giving platform named PlanetGive. Whether it’s for the holidays, a birthday, or a wedding registry, online users can create a profile page and list the causes they support. Friends and family can see the profile page and charities the user cares about and make a donation in their honor. Members can even create a Circle of Giving with their comrades. Receive birthday notifications and garner charitable gift ideas with this standout system.

Details: planetgive.org BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Seeking peace in your home with kids out of school?

By: Teresa Woodruff, LPC, ATR-BC, CPCS

THAT LITTLE RASH MAY HAVE BIG CONSEQUENCES. Up to 40% of children with eczema develop wheezing during childhood. A healthy future is possible. A new investigational treatment may help prevent wheezing in your infant.

Contact Alice Bruce at 404-712-1773 or alice.bruce@emory.edu for more information.

BreatheEasyEarly.com

As a parent, you are constantly giving…your time, your attention, and your energy to your children. It’s perfectly normal to feel exhausted and drained from all the giving. During the holiday season, added stress may cause you to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Having children home from school places more demands on you, and unstimulated children may act out or display inappropriate attention-seeking behavior. Here are a few tips for maintaining a calm home and keeping your sanity: ❑ Remember to take time for yourself: Read a book, go on a walk, color, or journal.

Remembering to care for yourself will allow you to be calm and in control of your own emotions, thus setting the tone for the rest of the family.

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Your healthy lifestyle is our practice style.

• Mercury-free for more than 25 years

Roberta D. Cann, D.M.D., AIAOMT

• Safe removal of mercury fillings: SMART protocol • Dental Ozone treatment • Biocompatible dental materials • Very low-radiation digital x-rays • Perio Protect non-invasive treatment for periodontal disease

Joyce Kim, D.M.D., IAOMT

Cann Dentistry welcomes chemically and environmentally sensitive patients, as well as patients who simply want their dental care to be in harmony with their healthy lifestyle.

❑ Provide opportunities for downtime while still maintaining structure: Incorporate structured activities into each day and write the day’s events on the refrigerator. ❑ Reward positive behavior: Children thrive on positive reinforcement and display positive behaviors more frequently when it is acknowledged with a sticker, hug, or simple “good job.” ❑ Give them attention: 20 minutes of undivided attention in the mornings can shape their behavior for the entire day. Put down your phone and play a game with them, read a book, or color. ❑ Stimulate their minds: Print off coloring sheets of their favorite characters, create scavenger hunts around the house, or encourage them to create a story with a handful of objects that you give them.

CannDentistry.com

404-233-1102

4300 Paces Ferry Rd SE #357 Atlanta, GA 30339

3525 Piedmont Road Building 5, Suite 408 Atlanta, GA 30305 Facebook.com/CannDentistry

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Featured events For more events, visit bestselfatlanta.com

-BACK IVE

December 8, 9, 10 CHRISTMAS KIDS Join St. Vincent de Paul Georgia and financial guru Clark Howard in ensuring that foster children have toys to open on Christmas morning. Help process donations, organize gift items, and more. svdpgeorgia. org/christmas-kids-2017

December 9 9TH ANNUAL STACHE BASH Sport a mustache (grown, glued, or drawn on) for a good cause. All the proceeds from this VirginiaHighland bar crawl will go to the National Urban Coalition for Unity and Peace. stachebashatl.org

December 9 JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK Support runners and walkers as they don their favorite holiday getups at this event that benefits the Arthritis Foundation. jbr.org

December 12 NEW VOLUNTEER INFORMATION AND ORIENTATION SESSION Interested in becoming a court-appointed special advocate in DeKalb County?

At this session, you’ll receive an overview of the volunteer program and find out what you can do to make a difference. dekalbcasa.org

December 13

January 3

RESTORE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Rock your first shift at the Atlanta Habitat ReStore by receiving all the training you’ll need at this meeting. Plus, get a better understanding of the ReStore volunteer program as a whole. atlantahabitat.org/restore

December 15 CHRISTMAS AT BRAWNER COAT DRIVE Kids will love seeing Santa but the best part is really about helping others. Donate a coat for MUST Ministries to distribute the jackets to those in need. smyrnacity.com

FULTON COUNTY CASA VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION Learn how you can be an advocate for abused and neglected children who are left in the custody of the Fulton County Division of Family and Children Services. Don’t fret if you can’t make it to this specific session, more meetups will be held throughout the year. fultoncountycasa.org

January 6

activities that will get the food bank’s garden in tip-top shape for spring planting. acfb.org

January 15 MLK DAY 5K DRUM RUN Over 200 drummers will line the 3.1-mile course at Piedmont Park during this Peachtree Road Race qualifying-run that honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mlkday5k.com

January 20 RUN WITH THE DOGS 5K

COMMUNITY GARDENS Join the Atlanta Community Food Bank for some outdoor fun. You may be cleaning beds, weeding, mulching or doing other

All proceeds from this pupfriendly run/walk will help fund sports programs at Decatur High School and Renfroe Middle School. rwtd5k.com

Look for this icon to find out where you can volunteer.

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my best self Christine Pullara

Christine Pullara has been in front of a camera since she began modeling at 13. So it’s no wonder she’s an expert at making the guests on her hit weekday talk show, “Atlanta & Company,” feel as comfortable onscreen as she does.

Pullara’s radiant authenticity has translated into a successful media career as an award-winning news anchor, show host, and producer with major networks and channels such as NBC and HGTV. Today, she is just as passionate about sharing the stories of the “Big Peach” and the people that call it home, as she was when she first moved here in 2005.

By India Powell

What advice would you give to a budding journalist? Try to make meaningful connections. Learn every aspect of the business—writing, editing, and videotaping. Show up, work hard, and create a reputation for yourself that will leave people with a positive impression of you so they hire you again and again.

Are there ever days you just feel like pulling the covers up over your head and not going on air?

How do you deal with that? All the time! First, I pour myself a cup of coffee, and that helps. Then I remember that I am lucky to be making a living doing what I love. Gratitude is a great motivator.

How do you balance career and family? Do I? Ha! No, honestly. It’s really hard! I’ve been striving to be more present. I want to do impactful work in the community, but I also need to be there for my family. My girls like games and they love being outside. At night, I’ve started reading the Bible to them. Not the kiddie version, but the real deal and they have lots of questions. It starts great conversations.

You’re in amazing shape! What’s your workout secret? It ain’t easy! I’m into classes or working out with a trainer. I’m not very disciplined on my own and I know that about myself. I turned 48 in April and five pounds have snuck up on me. So, I’m working out with one of my favorite trainers, Lawton Hydrick, at The Forum Athletic Club. He makes me use heavy weights and do cardio spurts.

How do you nurture your inner self and spirituality? I am now in a great women’s group that’s held at my friend’s office. These

What inspires you? Thoughtfulness, kindness, laughter, and joy. With all that’s going on in the world, I especially love it when friends are eating and drinking together, kids are running around laughing, and we’re just enjoying one another. I grew up watching my family do that and that’s what I hope to create in my own home.

How do you give back? I frequently get asked to emcee events or be on committees. I love to bring fun and excitement to a special moment and help raise as much money as I can for an organization!

Who helps you be your best self? I would have to say my husband, Jim. He really is my best friend and he’s a wonderful, caring man.

When I’m feeling stressed or frazzled, he’s a great problem solver and helps me keep my priorities in perspective. Another person who helps me be my best self is my makeup artist, Nyssa Green. She smooths away the bags and blemishes and makes me feel great.

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DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

BEST SELF ATLANTA

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