








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 over the holidays, 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
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
Rhiannon Johnson, Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Firelite Studios
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 Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
“I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to give Absolute Image Consulting a try, it has been by far my favorite place I’ve had over all my years. I find their hair systems to be top notch, the most up to date on the market, as are all the hair products that they offer. I can’t say enough good things about the company and staff.” - Client
“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.” - Client Testimonial
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 404-649-0776
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. SCAD.edu
Lenbrook is Atlanta’s premier in-town community for engaged senior living for so many reasons:
• Extraordinary residences in the heart of Atlanta.
• A welcoming community of interesting neighbors.
• And a full continuum of on-site healthcare services.
Burtons Grill & Bar is thrilled to announce its newest restaurant opening at Buckhead Landing located at 3330 Piedmont Road NE. Burtons Grill & Bar offers a wide variety of boldly-crafted American classics. All dishes are prepared from scratch using only premium, fresh ingredients. Besides offering an extensive gluten-free menu, Burtons Grill prides itself on safely serving guests with food allergies and dietary restrictions through its extensive protocols. BurtonsGrill.com 470-289-3657
The Atlanta Opera is thrilled to announce a $27.5 million leadership gift from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to the Opera's comprehensive campaign, naming the future permanent home of this acclaimed cultural institution the Molly Blank Center for Opera. The Center will be constructed on Woodward Way in Atlanta and feature state-of-the-art facilities including a 200-seat recital hall, rehearsal spaces, administrative offices, and gardens, fostering a thriving hub for music, arts, and community engagement. AtlantaOpera.org
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIRELIGHT STUDIOS AND HEARTIS BUCKHEAD
There is a new addition to Atlanta’s ever-changing cityscape. Heartis, nestled in the heart of Buckhead, is a luxurious senior living high-rise offering a fresh and modern take on elegance, comfort, and accessibility. With breathtaking panoramic city views, spacious residences with floor-to-ceiling windows, and sophisticated interiors; it delivers an exceptional living experience. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including a gourmet dining room, multiple cafes, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a putting green. The rooftop pool rivals the best hotel destinations in the city, offering a perfect retreat with stunning views, ideal for everyday living.
Positioned in Buckhead’s vibrant core, Heartis truly rivals the finest luxurious accommodations in Metro Atlanta; providing access to a dynamic city life, including upscale shopping, fine dining, excellent medical care, and cultural attractions, all just steps away.
For executive director Lisa Robinson, “Heartis blends luxury living with exceptional care, offering resort-style amenities, engaging experiences, personalized services, and a vibrant community focused on enhancing every resident's quality of life.” At Heartis, a rich mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives enrich daily life, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. In diverse communities, residents learn from one another, share stories, and build meaningful relationships, creating a vibrant, inclusive environment for all.
Rod Taylor, a globe trotter who has traveled and worked in more than 93 countries, has enjoyed studying foreign languages and cultures everywhere he visits and believes that the residents at Heartis are truly citizens of the world. “We have among us people from many different countries, and our dining room unites us," says Rod—fondly nicknamed Numero Uno by everyone, as he was the first resident to move into Heartis. Known as the ultimate host and a one-man welcome wagon, Rod is devoted to making everyone, resident and guest alike, feel at home at Heartis.
Dr. Sekhar Sankaran, a retired pediatrician of over 33 years feels a diverse culture and inclusionary overtone that is always present within the community at Heartis. “The camaraderie with neighbors is unmatched in comparison
to other retirement communities in the area,” says Sekhar, “the staff is supportive, knowledgeable, and always friendly.” The culinary program at Heartis Buckhead is exceptional and the main dining room brings everyone together for meals, “it’s always fun to celebrate and socialize together,” says Sekhar, “and before meals, we have happy hour.”
James Curtis has been involved with the Shepherd Center since 1988 and, over the last 36 years, has logged more than 20,000 volunteer hours. “I am a record-breaking volunteer at Shepherd Center,” says James, who credits his many years of volunteering and his new life at Heartis as giving him back his life. James watched Heartis being built and admits to being intrigued by the building which has become his home. “It’s the best opportunity for seniors in Atlanta and I want to see my home thrive.”
At Heartis, there are specialized programs and activities that meet the residents where they are. The unique boxing program for residents with Parkinson’s Disease offers remarkable benefits for their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Non-contact boxing exercises improve agility, coordination, and strength—key factors in managing motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement.
Through rapid footwork, controlled punches, and balance drills, participants enhance reflexes and mobility, reducing
the risk of falls. “At Heartis, we integrate this program into our wellness offerings, ensuring that residents with Parkinson’s can enjoy both fun and functional improvements to their quality of life. This dynamic and empowering activity not only alleviates feelings of depression and anxiety but also encourages a more positive outlook on life,” says Lisa. Boxing, according to Rod and Sekhar, is the best therapy for Parkinson's Disease. They have discovered that it is a lot of fun and also an excellent way to stay in healthy condition and mitigate the difficulties of Parkinson’s Disease.
Whether working out at the gym, enjoying the pool, crafting or painting in the workshop, putting on the green, or relaxing with a new book in the library, there is something for everyone at Heartis. The 18th-floor Skyview Lounge is a fan favorite. There are breathtakingly beautiful, panoramic views of Atlanta, a cocktail lounge, and a community events center with daily activities for all to enjoy. Heartis is exceptional senior living, redefining retirement right here in Buckhead.
Heartis.com
2051 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30309
678.870.4908
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK RAINEY, MCCAIN HENDERSON
More than 1,000 intricately folded paper doves now soar through the sanctuary of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, inviting moments of wonder, reflection, and reverence for all who enter. This breathtaking installation, inspired by similar works gracing renowned cathedrals around the world, celebrates the centennial of Peachtree Road UMC and is free for all to experience through the end of June.
Doves in a sweeping, upward flight symbolize hope, peace, and possibility. The doves appear to ascend from the back balcony, flowing through the sanctuary and rising into the cupola, capturing the feeling of transcendence.
“The dove is a beloved symbol of our faith, a representation of God’s spirit and presence,” shares Rev. Bill Britt. “We are honored to share this exhibit with worshipers and guests, allowing these beautiful doves to inspire hope and connection within our sanctuary’s walls for the months ahead.”
Peachtree Road UMC invites everyone to experience the beauty and spirituality of the installation. Docentled tours offer insights into the symbolism that fills the sanctuary, providing an immersive experience of this remarkable milestone in Peachtree Road UMC’s history.
PRUMC.org
3180 Peachtree Road, NE
404.266.2373
This installation is a testament to the generosity of Peachtree Road UMC’s members, whose support has brought this vision to life in celebration of the church’s 100th year of faith and service in the heart of Buckhead.
Peachtree Road United Methodist Church is a place where people find joy and hope in Christian community, offering open doors and open hearts to all.
103 Dry Branch Rd | Blue Ridge
4 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom | 2 Half Bathrooms
Newly Offered at $2,499,000
Indulge in refined mountain living on 4.17 secluded acres near Downtown and Lake Blue Ridge. This exquisitely furnished retreat features a chef’s kitchen with Brazilian quartzite and custom Spanish cabinetry, soaring 19-foot ceilings, and seamless indoor-outdoor design. The primary suite is a private haven with a spa-inspired bath and patio, while the entertainer’s level offers a wet bar, bespoke accommodations, and an outdoor sanctuary complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, and fire pit—all framed by breathtaking panoramic views.
Recovery time for this procedure is very quick. You can expect almost no downtime.
I likely learned about structural proteins in high school, but (thankfully) I can now turn to an expert to find out why these matter as we age. Dr. Brothers, at Plastic Surgery Centre of Atlanta and Alchemy Aesthetics, helped explain why collagen and elastin are needed in tandem to preserve the health of your skin.
While collagen and elastin are both structural proteins, they bring different properties to the structure of tissues. Without collagen, skin would have minimal strength behind it and would be far too weak to withstand environmental stressors, even if it was highly flexible. Similarly, without elastin, the skin would lack elasticity and the ability to return to its previous shape, resulting in skin that sags and is easily damaged.
We caught up with Kitt Sawyer, Medical Aesthetician and Laser Practitioner at Alchemy Aesthetics, to find out more.
OF ALL THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR REJUVENATING THE SKIN, ONE THAT CONTINUALLY EARNS PATIENTS’ PRAISE IS RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) MICRONEEDLING TO PRODUCE NEW COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN AND IMPROVE THE SKIN’S OVERALL TONE, TEXTURE, AND FIRMNESS. YOUR PRACTICE USES THE SYLFIRM X DEVICE FOR RF MICRONEEDLING TREATMENTS. WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE THINGS READERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SYLFIRM X AND RF MICRONEEDLING?
1. Minimal downtime and discomfort. Our clients experience at most one day of redness!
2. The Dualwaved technology allows all skin types to experience results. The Continuous and pulse wave Radiofrequency allows deeper penetration targeting skin conditions such as pigmentation, wrinkles, and vascularity.
3. Microneedling can increase collagen production by 200%- 400% after a series.
FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NERVOUS ABOUT NEEDLES AND CHEMICALS, WHAT CAN YOU TELL THEM?
There is nothing to be nervous about! We always numb the patient for 30 minutes prior to treatment and rarely hear complaints of pain from the needles. This device's tip has 24 Gold plated needles and most clients say it just feels like one. It's our most tolerated procedure as far as comfortability is concerned. No need to worry about chemicals here since there are none involved in this treatment.
THIS TREATS STUBBORN DISCOLORATION, VASCULAR LESIONS, ROSACEA, AND MELASMA. WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME AND WHEN ARE RESULTS VISIBLE?
Recovery time for this procedure is very quick. You can expect almost no downtime. Most patients leave with redness in the treated area but that goes away within 5-10 hrs. We recommend three treatments exactly four weeks apart to see the best results. Some results are seen after just one treatment, but most of my clients start seeing the results after the 2nd treatment.
IT IS ALSO THE WORLD’S FIRST FDA-APPROVED PULSED AND CONTINUOUS WAVE RF MICRONEEDLING DEVICE, MEANING IT CAN BE USED ON DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES TO DELIVER MULTIPLE BENEFITS. WHAT BENEFITS FOR MEN?
Most men are looking for the same results as women. Reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and overall even skin texture. This treatment helps to tighten the skin which loses laxity in men's and women's skin.
THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT MODES USED IN THE TREATMENT, TOO: THE PULSED WAVE MODE CREATES SELECTIVE COAGULATION TO HELP REGULATE OVERACTIVE MELANOCYTES, STRENGTHENS THE BASEMENT MEMBRANE TO IMPROVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE EPIDERMIS AND DERMIS, AND ELIMINATES ABNORMAL BLOOD VESSELS AND SENESCENT FIBROBLASTS. THE CONTINUOUS WAVE MODE HELPS STIMULATE COLLAGEN CONSULT TO BRING ABOUT WOUND HEALING AND DERMAL REMODELING TO REJUVENATE, LIFT, AND FIRM THE SKIN. HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE AND ARE THERE FOLLOW-UPS?
Treatment time length will depend on the area that we are treating at the time. Most treatments are over in an hour but adding areas extends the timeframe. Our most popular areas are the face and neck, which takes about 50 minutes to complete. Treatment time is only about 25 minutes.
PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER OF ATLANTA PCSAtlanta.com 404.257.9888
It’s
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAKI MEDIA, PROVIDED
Parisa Hervani from Element Yoga pauses during this month of reflection to share her love of yoga. She has been practicing yoga for over 16 years. Parisa has a passion for travel and loves to lead international yoga retreats with the Element family.
GO-TO MORNING POSE OR STRETCH:
My go-to morning stretch is a seated straddle forward fold, where I focus on my breath and do a little journaling to set my intentions for the day.
BEFORE BED STRETCH:
Before bed, I love doing legs up the wall. It’s such a simple yet effective way to calm my nervous system and give my legs a break from the day.
SNACKS AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS IN MY GYM BAG:
I always have a hydrolyzed rose water face refresher spray, coconut water with pulp, and of course, my moisturizing sunscreen! These are my essentials to stay hydrated and refreshed throughout the day.
SOMETHING NEW I’VE RECENTLY DISCOVERED:
I’ve recently discovered and become certified in Shake Rising, a transformative movement practice that combines dance, fitness, and energy work. It’s such a healing practice where we move our bodies with full awareness, saying affirmations at each chakra to root out any unconscious beliefs and shake out trapped emotions. It has truly been a powerful practice for me, and I’m excited to share it monthly with our Women of Element group at the studio!
Element Yoga, Brookhaven (3410 Clairmont Rd) and Peachtree Hills (365 Peachtree Hills Ave) ElementYogaATL.com 404-963-7976
Ilona Moore of Peachtree Yoga Center has been the studio owner since 2017. She believes yoga does not reveal itself all at once; you have to discover it as you live it, one day at a time.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO MORNING PRACTICE?
Every morning, for over 10 years I have been practicing the Five Tibetan Rites. It is a short yogic routine that energizes the body for the day. It consists of 5 simple exercises that are performed 21 times each.
AND, FOR BEFORE BED?
Before bed I take a shower to wash off the lingering energies of the day and read a sacred text, such as The Bhagavad Gita, for example, to calm the mind and switch to a more relaxed state.
WHAT SNACKS AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS DO YOU USUALLY HAVE IN YOUR GYM BAG?
I try not to eat snacks, but if I get busy and a meal is delayed, I will snack on an apple or a couple of tangerines or plums. As for the beauty products - I have my favorite lip gloss from Yves Rocher in Nude color and a body and face mist from the same company.
WILL YOU SHARE SOMETHING NEW YOU'VE RECENTLY DISCOVERED?
I’ve recently discovered a relatively new, or new to me, restaurant that is located very close to my studio (Peachtree Yoga Center). It is called Banana Leaf Thai & Sushi Restaurant. I had the dish called “Crazy Woody Noodle,” and it was mouthwateringly delicious. I highly recommend to try this restaurant; it is definitely going to be one of my favorite places for lunch during the Yoga Teacher Training weekends.
Peachtree Yoga Center
PeachtreeYoga.com
6046 Sandy Springs Circle
404.847.9642
Meet Rebecca Galla-Jones, the owner of The Yoga Hive. She has been teaching for 20 years and also trains new teachers and teaches kids yoga.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO MORNING POSE?
My yoga practice occurs at various times depending on the day; however, every day has a practice. My go-to morning routine is to wake up and meditate. Every morning, I sit quietly and open the day with reflection and breathwork.
AND, FOR BEFORE BED?
I end my day by noting three things I was grateful for that day.
WHAT SNACKS AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS DO YOU USUALLY HAVE IN YOUR GYM BAG?
I typically always have a banana and some bright lipstick!
A RECENT DISCOVERY:
I recently rediscovered how wonderful it is to have an independent theater close by that shows all kinds of films. I am so excited that the Tara Cinema has reopened on Cheshire Bridge.
The Yoga Hive TheYogaHiveAtlanta.com
Toco Hills Shopping Plaza
2867-C North Druid Hills Rd NE
404.482.0285
A vegan resort on California's north coast leaves us refreshed.
When I told my husband that I booked a stay at the Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino, California, I may not have mentioned that it was a vegan resort. He’s a life-long carnivore and starts and ends his day with milk. From a cow, not from nuts.
After the drive north from San Francisco, past Napa Valley and over the hills and through a tunnel of redwoods and the Anderson Valley wine country, we checked in and sat down to dinner at the resort’s whole plant-based Ravens Restaurant. Inspired by the on-site certified organic garden, composting and recycling programs, cleaning supplies, and electric and bio-diesel fueled vehicles, the meals make Stanford Inn & Resort North America’s only truly sustainable destination. We tucked into the futomaki and maple-tamari glazed tofu and a glass of sparkling wine from Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley, just down the road. We vowed to spend the next day wine-tasting along Route 128. Dinner was an adventure, one that we both reveled in. Every dish was packed with flavor and the view across the farm to the Pacific was nourishing. Joan Stanford and her husband Jeff own the inn and they have created the most unique hotel lobby I’ve ever experienced with a curated collection of books and gifts for sale to support a healthy and creative lifestyle. Tables and shelves in the lobby are neatly stacked with interesting titles and thought-provoking subjects. In Joan’s book,
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SUE G. COLLINS, STANFORD INN
The Art of Play, she shares her journey through art and poetry and urges us to pay attention to the imagery our daily lives present to us, which can expand our awareness and joy. Sid Garza-Hillman is a certified nutritionist and the events and wellness programs director. She believes the closer the human species moves by degrees to its natural design, the healthier and therefore happier it will be. His titles include, ULTRARUNNING FOR NORMAL PEOPLE: Life Lessons Learned On and Off the Trail, Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress and a Thriving Family, and others He plans private classes/sessions in nutrition and healthy living, cooking, creative playshops, breath-work, meditation, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Tai Chi, yoga, massage and spa treatments, gardening, nature walks, mushroom foraging, and more.
We discovered that when you eat clean, you feel lighter and stronger, which came in handy when we climbed into a dugout canoe at Catch A Canoe, the Stanford Inn’s outdoor adventure shop. Built by a local boat builder and designed for ease and comfort, the redwood outrigger was sturdy and fun to paddle up the moody Big River Estuary where we spotted families of river otters and harbor seals and felt the presence of coho and Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.
A drive down the twisting twolane Highway 128 took us through the Navarro River Redwoods State Park where the road turned dark midday in a tunnel of magnificent second-growth redwood groves. Pull over and try to wrap your arms around a redwood, you won’t even hug a third of the massive trunk. The road leads
from the coast’s wind-swept bluffs to the Anderson Valley, a bucolic wine country home to award-winning vineyards like Lula Cellars and Roederer Estate.
The charming and historic town of Mendocino is perched on dramatic cliffs, so stop in at the Bay View Coffee Shop (movie posters and cow's milk!) and meet the Pacific head-on.
StanfordInn.com VisitMendocino.com
JANUARY 2025
JANUARY 18TH
MLK Day Celebrated
Atlanta History Center | 10:00 AM
Commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate the women who have shaped the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta and beyond. Participate in civil rightsthemed trivia, kids’ activities, specially curated exhibits, panel discussions, and more. A detailed schedule of activities will be emailed to registrants and posted online closer to the date. AtlantaHistoryCenter.com
JANUARY 19TH
Atlanta History Center | 2:00 PM
Gary Deutsch, the author of I’ve Got Levys in my Genes: An introductory guide to Jewish Genealogy, will be speaking about getting started in your genealogy endeavors. He and the book are serious about Jewish Genealogy, but he uses a light approach including examples of Jewish celebrities and stories with comedic themes.
JANUARY 29TH
6:00 PM
Network and connect with the individuals and groups that comprise ATL's vibrant entrepreneur community and TiE Atlanta mentors. This event is open to everyone and, in particular, is designed for those interested in joining TiE Atlanta. Whether you're a long-time member, new member, or non-member, we invite you to come to grab a drink with TiE Atlanta. TieAtlanta.org
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