Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community.
We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect.
No matter your health needs – from routine to advanced – we’re here to help you make your health a priority.
Our luxury furniture showrooms are open to the public on select days each month. With highquality, unique, and on-trend furniture that is available to take home same-day or schedule to have delivered and a team of expert designers ready to help, you are sure to find what you’ve been searching for at one of our exciting shopping events!
SCAN THE QR TO CHECK OUT UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOUR AREA!
Multiple locations in:
GEORGIA | DALLAS | FLORIDA
For over a decade, our team of expert designers have furnished thousands of homes, TURNKEY, all over the United States. We have cornered the market with superior products, lightning-fast lead times and unparalleled customer service and expertise! Reach out and let’s discuss what we can do for YOU!
We look forward to seeing you, Kristy & JJ Ortega
Hello friends,
Happy New Year!
It's time to go outside and play. Or stay inside and read. Or go to the gym to sweat. Or meet up with friends to gossip.
Whatever your route to wellness is, we applaud your efforts.
Personally, I bundle up and head outdoors. When my sister Julie was visiting recently, we hopped on a local trail, me on a bike, and Julie on foot. She's a running machine. I tried to keep up. We hiked up Stone Mountain (always a bun burner) and strolled through neighborhoods.
The blue sky and crisp air are nectar for me.
What feeds you?
We hope this issue inspires you to consider your health and wellness journey for the year—or just for today!
Whether you're taking baby steps toward a healthier lifestyle, or dashing forward with a new resolution, stay invested in your wellness. You got this!
All my best,
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @ALPHARETTACITYLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hayat Nawd | hayat.nawd@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Megan Bowman, Dr. Michael J. Dellaria, Rhiannon Johnson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Firelite Studios
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
1: MMA Charity Classic Cocktails and Cornhole in Milton. 2: Old Blind Dog serves their famous chili to the MMA Charity event. 3: Sean O’Keefe, Lisa and Jeff Dollar at the MMA Charity Cocktails & Cornhole. 4: Yifan serves up delicious food at the charity event Cocktails & Cornhole.
5: Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance Board President and husband take the stage at the fundraiser. 6: Delta Sigma Theta members modeled and supported GOCA. 7: GOCA's annual fashion show fundraiser supports their work supporting ovarian cancer patients and survivors.
Schools News
Webb Bridge Middle School eighth grader Saanvi Bajaj won the grand prize in the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2024 Road Safety Art Contest in the middle school category. Alpharetta High School women’s volleyball team won back-to- back state championships, and the third championship in their program’s history. Pictured are Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, Saanvi Bajaj, and Danny Peters from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Undefeated at AHS
Alpharetta High School Varsity Girls Volleyball team celebrates their second straight Georgia 6A title. They finished the undefeated season with a 36-0 record. The team was led by coaches Marshall King, Victor Wu, Olivia Diaz, and Grace Fossier.
New Showroom on Miami Circle
Clark Hall Doors and Windows has been building and installing custom iron doors in homes for 20 years throughout the southeast.
Clark announces the grand opening of their Atlanta showroom, located at 690 Miami Circle, Suite 575. The space will inspire customers to design the custom door of their dreams, ranging from modern to traditional, ornate to pivot doors. ClarkHallDoors.com
African Designs on Display
Imane Ayissi: From Africa to the World, now on view at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film is the first museum exhibition honoring the work of Cameroonian designer Imane Ayissi. The exhibition presents more than 40 impeccable creations that embody the beauty and diversity of Ayissi’s home continent, sharing his passion for the sartorial heritage and inspired craftsmanship of Africa with the world. SCADFash.org
International Communities Meet
A diverse group of more than 170 planters representing some 14 different languages and 153 Sending Churches attended Send Network’s Orientation, a biannual event for newly endorsed church planters, held at North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) headquarters in Alpharetta. This new class of church planters includes individuals originally from countries like India, Ukraine, Japan, Nigeria, Iraq, and more. They are planting churches across 34 different U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.
PHOTO BY TIM WALKER
Kait Hair Salon's In-Store Hair Bar
Kait Hair Salon is a brand-new luxury salon, with hand-picked, highly trained staff to give you amazing results and an unforgettable salon experience. They have a hair bar for you to buy natural hair extensions. The salon is a one-stop shop including lashes, facials, massages, and teeth whitening. Instagram: @kaithairnilton, 770.686.4800 KaitHair.com
Fine Flooring
Atlanta Flooring Studio announces their new flooring showroom is now open. Discover a selection of carpets, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile in a friendly environment. The team offers exquisite products from Italy, including luxurious Versace tiles, Ceramiche D’Arte, stunning Triangulo Brazilian wood, Fabrica, and high-quality carpets. With over 50 years of experience, they guarantee reliable service and a follow-up within 24 hours for your satisfaction. 11380 State Bridge Rd #100, Alpharetta 404 .721.0189 AtlantaFlooringStudio.com.
“I
“My experience at Absolute Image completely changed my life. After suffering from hair loss since college, I’d also lost most of my self esteem and confidence along the way. The quality is truly astounding. They gave me my life back. They have me myself back. My only regret is not choosing this sooner and saving myself all those rough mornings in the mirror. If you’re considering hair replacement - do it.”
Scan to read more
INSIDE Out
AUTOIMMUNITY - SHEDDING LIGHT ON A GROWING HEALTH CONCERN.
ARTICLE BY DR. MICHAEL J. DELLARIA, B.S., D.C., C.F.M.C
The National Institute of Health estimates that 23 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases. This surpasses cancer.
So, what is autoimmune disease?
In the most basic explanation, it is the body’s immune system attacking a part of the body. If the immune system attacks its own joints, it could be called rheumatoid arthritis. If it attacks its own nervous system, it could be called multiple sclerosis. These are just some examples.
Autoimmune conditions are considered uncurable. Sometimes these conditions can be brought into remission and flareups
can be reduced or minimized. Each case is different. No two cases are identical. There are no protocols because each case is so individualized. Diet, nutrition, and lifestyle are critical for positive outcomes.
People may go 20 years without being diagnosed in the traditional healthcare system. They have often spent thousands of dollars on tests, labs, supplements and medications, with few answers and little relief. On average they will see 30 different practitioners before getting any real answers.
So what are some signs that you may have an autoimmune condition?
Some red flags are, you have been sick forever, nothing has helped, some things help for short periods then don’t, a pile of labs, and a pile of supplements. You have multiple reactions to foods and/or chemicals and you have seen multiple doctors with many different diagnoses. Ultimately testing will need to be done to determine if an autoimmune condition is present. Many times when a patient has one autoimmune condition, they have others. This does not mean all conditions will be in the same stage. This is why proper testing is important. In a functional medicine approach we want to preserve as much tissue as possible and restore or maintain as much quality of life as we can.
So why do people go so long in our traditional healthcare system undiagnosed?
To answer that, let’s look at the stages of autoimmunity.
Stage one is called silent. This presents with positive antibodies, no symptoms and no loss of tissue. Stage two is called reactive. This shows positive antibodies, symptoms, no loss
DR. MICHAEL J. DELLARIA
of tissue. Stage three - positive antibodies, symptoms, loss of tissue. Now a person is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
Unfortunately, our current healthcare model does not allow for early-stage functional testing of autoimmune diseases.
A functional medicine approach would be to identify the condition as early as possible and start treatment. This allows for multiple outcomes.
One, the disease never progresses beyond the silent stage. Two, the disease never progresses beyond stage two and there’s no loss of tissue. Three, if a person is in stage three, we improve their quality of life by
minimizing the severity and frequency of flare ups and preserving the tissue.
Founder and main doctor at Holistic Health Center, P.C., Dr. Dellaria uses his wide, diverse education along with his 24 years of experience in practice to help patients’ conditions that do not respond to traditional medical care. His success lies in the refreshing new take on chiropractic meets functional medicine. Information provided through courses taken in the Kharrazian Institute of functional medicine.
HolisticHealthGA.com 11539 Park Woods Cir #602, Alpharetta 678.366.0072
ARTICLE BY KAYLA
FINANCIAL: WELLNESS
We know, we know…Tax season can be DAUNTING. Cambrean CPAs, your trusted accounting firm, is here to help with some frequently asked questions. Whether you’re filing as an individual or a business owner, our team is ready to help you get the most out of your return.
Q: WHEN DOES TAX SEASON START, AND WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE?
A: Tax season typically begins in late January, around the time the IRS begins accepting returns. The filing deadline for individual taxes is April 15. For businesses, the deadlines can vary depending on your entity type, but S-corporations and partnerships must file by March 15.
Q: WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR FILING MY TAXES?
A: For individuals, you’ll need your W-2 forms, 1099s if you’ve worked as an independent contractor, and other income statements. Gather any documentation for deductible expenses like mortgage interest, charitable donations, and student loan interest. Business owners should prepare income statements, expense receipts, payroll documents, and any relevant 1099s issued.
Q: CAN I DEDUCT HOME OFFICE EXPENSES?
A: If you’re self-employed or a small business owner and use part of your home exclusively for work, you can deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and other home-related expenses. However, employees working from home typically cannot claim this deduction unless they’re self-employed.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A CPA RATHER THAN FILING TAXES MYSELF?
A: A CPA can provide expert guidance on complex tax situations and maximize your deductions and credits. Additionally, CPAs stay up to date on the latest tax laws and changes, ensuring you don’t miss out on
opportunities to save. They can also represent you before the IRS if any issues arise, offering peace of mind throughout the filing process.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS THE TAX DEADLINE?
A: Missing the deadline can lead to penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. However, if you’re unable to file on time, you can request an extension, which gives you six additional months to submit your return. Keep in mind, an extension only delays the filing date, not the payment deadline, so any taxes owed are still due by April 15.
Cambrean CPAs 404.994.5102
info@cambreancpa.com
Elevating every moment.
When you step into your kitchen, what do you aspire to do? Master a new cooking technique? Serve food even your pickiest family member will eat with enthusiasm?
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances are meticulously crafted to achieve a higher standard of performance, dependability, and style—so you can raise the bar on every meal you make.
Your future kitchen starts with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove,
WORKING IT
ARTICLE BY PATRICIA BACON
Though Kolleen Losch first opened her gym in Forsyth County nearly 15 years ago, she says she finds most of her fulfillment through the community she has built in Alpharetta. CORE57 is located in Alpharetta City Center, where she felt she had an opportunity to have a broader impact on her clients. Kolleen, an Alpharetta resident, enjoys running into her CORE57 members while out on the town. “I love that my clients have not only become tight-knit within the gym, but they also see each other out in the neighborhood as well,” says Kolleen. “Everyone at CORE57 is a neighbor, whether it be physically or by emotional ties, and we’re always eager to welcome new people.”
A typical day for Kolleen always starts with a good cup of coffee and breakfast, before heading to work at 5:45 a.m. By 8:30 a.m., she finishes her own workout for the day. Kolleen loves to spend her time exercising on the Alpha Loop, and often takes a walk during the workday to get fresh air and grab lunch from a nearby restaurant. When she has friends in town, she takes them to Alpharetta City Center, where CORE57 is based. “I love taking my friends to grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants, and then shop around the boutiques nearby,” she says. Family time is spent making pizza (with dough from Campania) at home with her husband and five children—a blended family she cherishes most.
Kolleen founded CORE57 to provide personalized fitness solutions for changing needs as we age CORE57’s philosophy supports what Kolleen calls “wellness prescriptions” — personalized plans to balance nutrition, daily fitness, and overall wellness to accommodate various lifestyles.
Kolleen is passionate about empowering people to be their best selves through exercise and eating well. Her go-to power snack? “I am really into 2% cottage cheese and pineapple right now. As I get older, protein is a necessity in my diet.”
Core57.com
394 Commerce St, Alpharetta 470.268.4744
YOUR 2025 WELLNESS READING LIST
ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON
Are you looking to embark on a journey of self-improvement this year? Make 2025 the year you focus on achieving a balanced life that prioritizes both inner peace and outer health. Here are several books to help you combat toxic burnout while embracing intentional living and sustainability.
The Life Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Goals and Building the Life You Want by Ximena Vengoechea
Uncover your true passions and values, prioritize what matters most, and create the life you want in 2025! This practical guide offers tools to help you identify your goals, develop a clear and actionable plan, and approach life with confidence and purpose.
The Conscious Kitchen: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Sustainable, No-Waste Kitchen for a Healthier Home and Planet by Immy Lucas
New to sustainable living? This comprehensive guide breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-follow steps. Full of plantbased recipes, seasonal eating tips, and eco-friendly food preservation techniques, The Conscious Kitchen is the perfect book for beginners looking to make a positive impact on the planet.
Busy Is a Four-Letter Word: A Guide to Achieving More by Doing Less by Kishshana Palmer
Busy Is a Four-Letter Word challenges the glorification of busyness and offers a practical guide to achieving more by doing less. Through personal anecdotes and actionable strategies, Kishshana Palmer empowers readers to break free from burnout, set priorities, and embrace a more intentional, fulfilling, and balanced life.
LifeStyled: Your Guide to a More Organized & Intentional Life by Shira Gill
LifeStyled is more than just a decluttering book, it is the ultimate guide to cultivating a more organized, purposeful, and stylish life. Shira Gill empowers readers to embrace simplicity and live with intention by streamlining your spaces, prioritizing your time, and creating a home that reflects your values.
Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work by Arianna Molloy
Dr. Arianna Molloy explores the delicate balance of pursuing meaningful work while avoiding burnout. Learn how to nurture your calling, relationships, and overall well-being by balancing your passion and purpose with rest and reflection.
TAKING the STAGE
The Cambridge High School Marching Band made history this fall as the first band from the school to participate in the prestigious Grand Nationals Competition in Indianapolis. More than 540 training hours culminated with a community send-off where students, parents, families, and community leaders all gathered to show their support for the hardworking musicians and enjoy the 2024 competition show, “Unraveled” one final time.
Widely respected as the “Superbowl of Marching Band Competitions,” Grand Nationals welcomed a record-breaking 113 marching bands from across the United States this year. Cambridge High School was one of only two bands performing from Georgia and was the only participant from Fulton County.
Competing in the Class 2A division, Cambridge finished with impressive results, ranking in the top third of their category, an incredible achievement for their first time on the national stage. This comes on the heels of numerous well-earned local and regional awards this season.
The effort invested by the hardworking students was not lost on the community, with accolades coming from Governor Brian Kemp and Senators Warnock and Ossoff, each of whom shared letters of endorsement and/or commendations for the band, as well as Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison, who spoke to the students during the community sendoff and shared a citywide proclamation.
CambridgeBand.org
Local High School Marching Band Takes National Stage at Grand Nationals Competition
ARTICLE BY MEGAN BOWMAN
Cattle Shed offers an upscale dining experience
featuring seasonal dishes by Chef Olivia Hurst, recent winner of Food Networks Chopped. We highlight fresh ingredients from local and regional growers when available, Certified Angus Beef, Premium cut steaks, fresh seafood & artisan cheeses and meats. We take the same care with our wine and cocktail lists as we do our food menus. Experience exceptional pairings suggested by our staff.
Join us for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Do not miss our amazing happy hour and $12 lunch specials.
cattleshedwinebar.com
Whether you are looking to remodel a small space or renovate a full home, we are here to help make sure every detail is functionally laid out with precise thought and expertise. Call us today to see how we can be of help on your next project.
M-F: 9AM-5PM
cottonsteeldesign.com 770-361-8264
debbie@cottonandsteeldesign.com
STRETCH, BREATHE, REPEAT
Sisters and owners, Carly Milyo and Avery Hinchman
SISTERS, YOGA TEACHERS AND OPTIMISTS SHARE THEIR WELLNESS TIPS.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Homestead Yoga of Alpharetta is the dream brought to life by sisters Carly Milyo and Avery Hinchman, built on their passion for yoga and the power of community. Carly’s journey began in 2010 when she transitioned from cheerleading to yoga. She kicked off her teaching career in Atlanta while working on the management team at Lululemon, quickly attracting a dedicated following with her
“CRAFTED WITH GRASS-FED BEEF TALLOW, MAGNESIUM OIL, AND JOJOBA OIL, THIS CREAM OFFERS DEEP HYDRATION AND SOOTHING RELIEF FOR TIRED MUSCLES.”
energizing 6am classes at Atlanta Hot Yoga. In 2014, she founded Thunderbolt Power Yoga, where she nurtured students and led 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs.
Avery’s path to yoga started with dance. After years of expressing herself through movement, she sought a new outlet. Encouraged by her family, she began attending yoga classes, which filled a void she didn’t realize existed. Working at the front desk immersed her in the yoga community, and in 2017, she completed her teacher training, finding her voice as an instructor and forming meaningful connections with her students. Avery
also brings dynamic knowledge from her training in both barre and Pilates, enhancing her teaching style and enriching the classes she offers.
The sisters’ bond is the heart of Homestead Yoga. They are excited to welcome you into a space that emphasizes connection, growth, and joy.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO MORNING POSE OR STRETCH, AND WHY?
“Reclined butterfly” because it’s a great hip opener and doesn’t require me to be 100% awake haha - Avery
“Fallen star” because it wakes me up in an expressive yet accessible way” - Carly
AND, FOR BEFORE BED?
Legs up the wall for detoxification!
WHAT SNACKS AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS DO YOU USUALLY HAVE IN YOUR GYM BAG?
Bomb bars (available in-studio), Goodonya to stay hydrated (available in-studio), Skin Pharm Crystal Clear pads for post-sweat skincare, and tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray.
WILL YOU SHARE A RECENT WELLNESS DISCOVERY?
We LOVE Darlin’. We actually found it when looking to stock our boutique so you can visit it to purchase (the perfect stocking stuffer). Darlin’s Tallow Magnesium Cream, is a superior alternative to magnesium oil and spray. Crafted with grass-fed beef tallow, magnesium oil, and jojoba oil, this cream offers deep hydration and soothing relief for tired muscles. Unlike magnesium sprays, our cream is non-greasy and absorbs effortlessly, providing long-lasting comfort. Infused with lavender, peppermint, and patchouli essential oils, it promotes relaxation and better sleep. Experience the benefits of beef tallow for skincare and discover the natural way to enhance your well-being.
Homestead Yoga 12655 Birmingham Hwy Suite 102, Alpharetta Homestead-Yoga.com
Sisters and owners of Homestead Yoga of Alpharetta, Carly Milyo and Avery Hinchman
The Dirt on Plants
Plants make the best gifts! They are long-lasting, healthful, and thoughtful presents for housewarmings, dinner party take-alongs, and birthdays. No one has plant allergies (you can’t say that about foods). No one has given up plants because they are trying to cut calories (you can’t say that about chocolates). Plants are nothing but beautiful and joyous. Here are four plants that make great gifts.
FOR YOUR BUSY FRIEND
Mini succulents potted up in colorful containers make excellent gifts. They don’t require wrapping up. Just show up with one in hand and you will make a big impression. Succulents can live longer on neglect than most plants. Forget to water them and they take it in stride. Make sure that your gift recipient knows that these plants require full sunlight.
FOR A HOUSE-WARMING GIFT
Dracaena are a big group of plants that sport a diverse leafy look. Corn plant also sometimes called mass cane is super easy to grow, so it is a great plant for a new homeowner or first-time plant parent. Did you know that lucky bamboo is also a member of the dracaena family? This unique plant adds a bold note to indoor decor with its intricately arranged stems. It is a slow-growing foliage houseplant that’s easy to care for in a low- or medium-light spot. Or try ‘Anita’ dracaena. This variety has
narrower leaves than most -- almost grassy. It grows as a small tree and is beautiful on tabletops.
FOR NEW PARENTS
Peace lily (also called Spathiphyllum) offers green glossy leaves topped with beautiful white flowers (which are actually spaths). This popular houseplant fits in every style of interior decor-- from casual to formal. Big plants look great on the floor; smaller versions are ideal for tabletops or plant stands. New parents will have their hands full with a baby, so make your gift as self-sufficient as possible. Get a peace lily in a Wick & Grow® pot and it will be self-watering!
FOR A THANK-YOU GIFT
Also called snake plant, sansevieria is a lovely way to deliver your thanks in plant form. This easy-care plant offers stiff spiky leaves that are green, green and white, or green and yellow. Leaves can be short or grow several
feet tall depending on the variety. Snake plants accent any type of home decor. They are also ideal for pet owners, because their stiff leaves aren’t at all munch-worthy.
FOR THOSE WHO CLAIM THEY HAVE A BROWN THUMB
Some plants are tougher than others. In general, snake plant, ZZ plant, ponytail palm, sago palm, Chinese evergreen, pothos, and philodendron are the easiest to care for. They can go without water longer than many other plants and most do just fine even in really low light situations.
FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING
Snake plant (shown here), with its narrow, upright leaves looks perfectly at home with sleek, modern design. Many succulents such as chalky sticks senecio, haworthia, and the various types of echeverias (especially the silvery-gray varieties) fit in contemporary design, as well.
Bromeliad Guzmania Vriesea
Wellness Weekend
Have you set your intentions for the new year? Some call them resolutions.
This month, embrace the opportunity for a fresh start and embark on a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation during The Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee first annual wellness retreat, January 24-26.
The retreat is designed to help guests disconnect from the stresses of daily life and create a personalized roadmap for the year ahead.
ARTICLE BY BUCKHAVEN CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
Guests will experience the recently revamped 27,000-square-foot spa, a haven of holistic wellness where guests can expect custom body treatments, massages, and facials designed to revitalize the senses, steam rooms and saunas, a personalized fitness regimen, and expert-led workshops (to learn about topics like aromatherapy, nutrition and stress management).
The exclusive Wellness Retreat is limited to a small group of participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.
Retreat highlights include a two-night stay and a $300 resort credit. Feel good!
RitzCarlton.com
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
smart SWEETS
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Quinoa
BREAKFAST
Bars
JANUARY 1ST
Art of Elements
Gallery Exhibit
Alpharetta Arts Center - 238 Canton St | 8:30 AM
In partnership with the City of Alpharetta’s Cultural Services, Arts Alpharetta hosts an open call for ‘Art of the Elements.’ Exploring the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water – this exhibition presents artworks inspired by nature’s elements. From earthy ceramics to ethereal paintings to kinetic sculptures, it captures the essence of these elemental forces. Throughout the month.
JANUARY 1ST
Avalon on Ice
The Plaza – 400 Avalon Blvd ‘Tis the season to lace up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit at Avalon on Ice. Open Monday – Friday: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sun.: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Holidays (check website for specific dates): 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Through January 20. ExperienceAvalon.com
JANUARY 7TH
Cat Ce at Helium Comedy Club
Helium Comedy Club - 3070 Windward Plaza | 7:00 PM
Cat Ce is a comedian, actress, model, and filmmaker. She produces and headlines her own sold-out comedy show Cat Ce & Friends. Cat has also produced and starred in other soldout comedy shows such Crazy Funny Asians and charity shows for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
