Local Love Experts
Dish on Ways To Keep
Romance Alive
ARTS + CULTURE
MAKE YOUR OWN HAPPINESS: WISDOM FROM A LOCAL AUTHOR
HOME + DESIGN
HOME MAKEOVER MAGIC: GET YOUR SPACE READY FOR SPRING
WECOME HOME
Wake up in your dream home, surrounded by lush landscapes and top-tier amenities. Choose from elegant patio homes or spacious apartments and enjoy state of the art facilities, abundant walking trails, and engaging activities. Savor gourmet meals prepared by our talented chefs. and join a warm, welcoming community where friendships flourish and every day brings new opportunities for community.
Step into a world where luxury meets comfort. Discover the finest in retirement living today..
CLINTONVILLE | REYNOLDBURG | NEW ALBANY
Love Local | Celebrating the Heart of Our Community
As February embraces Northwest Columbus in winter's quiet beauty, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary connections that make our community special. From our charming brick buildings along High Street to the vibrant farmer's market in our town square, our rich history—and each element—contributes to the unique tapestry of our beloved hometown.
In this season of love, we're reminded that our most precious connections begin at home. A warm hug from a grandparent, a shared laugh with siblings over Sunday dinner or a heartfelt conversation with an old friend—these are life's true treasures. Let's not wait for special occasions to express our love to those who matter most.
This month's "Love Local" issue celebrates the heartbeat of our community— you, our residents, business owners and community leaders who transform everyday moments into meaningful connections. From the barista who remembers your morning coffee order to the boutique owner who handpicks items with their customers in mind, these personal touches define our small-town charm.
When we choose to shop and dine locally, we're investing in our neighbors' dreams and preserving the unique character that makes Worthington special. Every dollar spent locally ripples through our community, supporting everything from our schools to our parks.
As your neighbor and publisher, I've witnessed countless stories of resilience and community spirit. Each issue of our magazine aims to capture these moments and celebrate the individuals who make our community more than just a place to live—they make it home.
This month, I encourage you to rediscover our community with fresh eyes. Visit that shop you've been meaning to explore. Share a meal at a family-owned restaurant. And most importantly, take a moment to embrace those closest to you and tell them what they mean to you. These simple acts of connection strengthen the bonds that make Worthington extraordinary.
Our "Love Local" issue reminds us that true luxury isn't found in distant places— it's right here in the warmth of our hometown connections and in the hearts of those we hold dear.
With gratitude,
LISA FEDERICO, PUBLISHER
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Lisa Federico | lisa.federico@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com
MARKET AREA ADMINISTRATOR
Madison Moroi
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Labaki, Brice Bunner, Sarah Rose
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Mariia Chystiakova
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 Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Local musician and chef Spencer Saylor visits Santa with his little one. 2: The Thomas Worthington High School water polo team receives recognition for their State Championship win. 3: Pablo Escobark (right) celebrates his first birthday pawty with human and canine friends. 4: Tayleigh, Ashlee and Jackson celebrate the holiday season at the Worthington Community Center. 5: Worthington Community Center daycare coordinator Ian Wilson shows off his festive attire. 6: Audrey, Sarah, Deb, Christine and Kayla enjoy a girl's night out in Worthington. 7: Dancers from the Columbus Dance Arts Academy perform holiday favorite shows.
Exterior Living Company Wins Award in the DSI Photo Contest
A huge round of applause for Worthington-based Exterior Living Company! ELC was recently awarded with the 2024 Digger Specialties Inc. Photo Contest in the Best Overall category. DSI recognizes exemplary outdoor spaces on a national level, and this award speaks to outstanding functionality, creativity and elegance of ELC’s design. Congratulations, ELC.
Dublin-Worthington Rotary to Host Annual Bowling Fundraiser
The Dublin-Worthington Rotary is warming up winter for worthy causes! On Feb. 1, 2025, they’ll be hosting their annual Super-Bowling for Charity fundraiser, where bowlers play on teams of four for the chance to fund their favorite charity. First prize is $1,000 and ticket prices also cover shoes and a free buffet lunch for all players. To enter online, visit tinyurl.com/superbowling2025. ($49 for adults, $29 for youths 12 and under).
empowerHER 2025 Conference
Mark your calendars for the FIRST empowerHER Women’s Conference on March 13, 2025—an event to celebrate the perfectly imperfect you. This inspiring, day-long event will focus on mental, physical and emotional well-being, including interactive sessions, small group networking sessions, lunch and wise words from prominent women of Central Ohio.
Local speakers include lifestyle coach Carrie Verrocchio, mental health therapist Kate Pedro, Northwest Columbus magazine publisher Lisa Federico, Ramo Salon owner Olivia Minameyer and many more. empowerher2025.my.canva.site
HOME MAKEOVER MAGIC
LOCAL GEMS TO TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT
With the dog days of winter hopefully behind us, it's time to think spring thoughts and liven up our residences via warmth, color, texture and that homeyness feeling we crave when settling into the cozy space we get to call home.
We sat down with interior designer Jessica Brugger of Dwell Well Design Co. to give us the tea on stylish spots in Columbus to scour when renewing our homes. Feel free to steal the following recommendations.
Jessica creates a floral arrangement at Elm & Iron (Easton location).
Photography by Mariia Chystiakova
The first order of business? Color is back. As you consider freshening up your space, think luscious reds, greens, and blues to punch up the former beiges and whites that have dominated our homes and social media feeds for the last several years.
"You have to get some color in your house," Jessica recommends. "If you aren’t ready to paint walls, that’s fine. [But] bring in textures via throw pillows and vintage rugs, home accessories and items that speak to you personally, that make your home yours."
HERE ARE HER LOCAL PICKS.
Lefthandwood Co. (Gahanna): This custom woodworking business is a best kept secret. The owner, Jeff Girard, has a "very distinct" signature style of tables, ottomans and benches that he creates for clients looking for beautiful, built-to-last furniture. "His work is simple, but so perfectly done that it tells a story," Jessica says, stating that his work is "amazingly priced" considering the precision and design that Jeff creates.
Finn & Roe (Powell): A lovely treasure, located in downtown Powell, is home decor and clothing boutique Finn & Roe. "They are spot-on with a particular point of view," Jessica says. From pink, modern coupe glasses that bring a nod of vintage to your home to quaint shelving accessories, this is an excellent go-to for unique housewares, gifts and clothing.
Elm & Iron (Easton): THEE place to go for home accessories, recommends Jessica."Their stores are merchandised beautifully, showing you how to make your space authentic to you and your home," she comments. "They integrate vintage in a really seamless, modern way, and value wise, they are inexpensive and full of things that are different from the mainstream stuff."
“It’s people that make the businesses. The people at the end of the product matter.”
Fine Artist Anna Sokol (Bexley): A mainstay in the Columbus art scene, fine artist Anna Sokol creates art reminiscent of "vibrancy for your life." Jessica favors Sokol's take on "bold, fun, joyful and approachable art" that can be a great focal piece for your home. "It isn't taking itself so seriously, but it's still fine art," Jessica says. Sokol's art is featured in a variety of places around town, including restaurants and galleries.
Jessica picks out fun wallpaper at Elm & Iron (Easton location).
Photography by Mariia Chystiakova
Colorful throw pillows add texture and personality to a home.
Worthington Candle Works (Worthington): "Smell is part of how you want your home to feel. Scents tell a story, or remind us of events and timeframes," says Jessica. Locally owned by Mikie McGill and Tina Stiver, you can experience the joy of pouring your own candles, body scrubs, room spray and more while supporting this women-owned business with community-based values.
Bareclay Studio (Beechwold): This working pottery/art studio offers classes for people looking to come in and experience the joy of creating something. "[At Bareclay], you're making simple things that you can take home and actually use," Jessica states. "The owner's passion for pottery makes it really approachable for people to give pottery a try."
Readings by Willow: Jessica claims that inviting a tarot reader and intuitive like Willow Niemela into your home is the ultimate Galentine's get-together.
"It is a great way to introduce people to your home," Jessica says of hosting your own tarot reading. "Do drinks and apps or a brunch, have Prosecco and good food, and cackle with your friends. It's such a fun and lighthearted event to do during wintertime."
As for the readings themselves, you can tell Willow what area of life you want to focus on—be it business, family or something else—she will show you her cards and you and your pals can compare notes.
EASY HOME MAKEOVER TIPS:
• Bring in items that you love, that are memories, that are quirky, and work that into a grouping of decor.
• Don’t be afraid of color. Work in colors or patterns and textures using accessories like pillows or artwork.
• Try a colorful, printed area rug and use those colors as your color pallet for additional accessories to center around.
Artist Anna Sokol with one of her colorful paintings
Wooden mirror; Lefthandwood Co.
writing your own happiness
Worthington-Based Author Ellen Seigel on Being Happy No Matter What
In our crazy lives, finding moments of peace and self-care can feel like a distant dream. Ellen Seigel's book, "Be Happy No Matter What: A Guide to Inner Freedom," is a timely and uplifting guide that promises to transform your approach to self-soothing and selfcare. With a casual yet engaging tone, Ellen invites readers on a journey toward effective living, offering a refreshing perspective that resonates deeply with the ethos of Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle Magazine.
The book is structured around five steps to achieving inner peace including: Centering in My Self, Appreciating Me and My Life as a Work of Art, Hearing My Inner Wisdom, Honoring My Self, and Caring for My Self. These steps are not just theoretical—they are practical, actionable and designed for everyday use.
Through hymn-like chants and mantras, Ellen provides readers with tools to cultivate a crisis-free existence, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge as a pathway to self-mastery.
What sets "Be Happy No Matter What" apart from the crowded self-help space is her acute understanding of the human psyche. Ellen deftly explains how current upsets often echo unresolved issues from our past, and she offers compassionate, cognitive-behavioral strategies to address these deep-seated emotions. Her conversational style and immediate language make complex concepts accessible, ensuring that readers feel supported and energized throughout their journey.
ARTICLE BY BRICE BUNNER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIIA CHYSTIAKOVA
The book with such a brave claim came together after years of sowing seeds of happiness within the author's own life. Originally hailing from the outskirts of Manhattan, the expansiveness of the region "no doubt has had a huge influence" on her work, Ellen admits.
“Over the years,” Ellen says about the book’s development, “I’d jot down [on index cards] thoughts that were meaningful or useful to me—to free me from negative thinking…”
But, unlike most of us, Ellen actually made something with all those cards: a book centered around “authentic liberation and the inner freedom of your true self.”
“The teaching content continues to expand," she says of the "Be Happy No Matter What" ethos. Her YouTube "Enlightening Conversations" are focused on various topics discussed such as anxiety, sadness, fear, narcissism, spirituality, parenting, relationships and communication. The list goes on, but it all falls under the selfcare umbrella.
Author Ellen Seigel reads a passage from her book, "Be Happy No Matter What."
As we continuously look for ways to improve ourselves and increase our happiness (there never seems to be a shortage of material on self-realization), there is a new series of these kinds of conversations, soon to be produced by Ellen, that will provide an even deeper dive into the benefits of self-realizations on daily life.
Along with all of the "Be Happy No Matter What" material, Ellen also has plans for expanding this care to kids with an upcoming children’s book. “A children’s book which I’m doing with my dear friend and colleague, Chris Soto,” Ellen states, “and then we’ve got the elementary school and teen versions [with parent guides] to follow.”
Clearly this local author has her plate full for the new year, but Ellen is quick to chat with anyone who needs a kind word or positive outlook. And if you’re too busy for that, Ellen offers daily contemplative thoughts for free with an email sign-up on her website, behappynomatterwhat.com. She also has in office in Worthington for clients who want to meet face to face.
Her podcast, YouTube content and newsletter are all free and ready to help you through whatever stressor you might be dealing with.
PS. Ellen will be presenting at the empowerHER conference at the Crowne Plaza on March 13—an event you don't want to miss.
Author Ellen Seigel
Candis Paoli
Happy,
ARTICLE BY SARAH ROSE & ASHLEY ALT
Unique Date Night Inspirations to Keep the Spark Alive
Healthy Love
Imagine you’re on a typical Valentine’s Day date with your partner. You know the one—the same dinner-for-two date you've been on a thousand times before. There are pink balloons, a red box of heart-shaped chocolates and intentional hand-holding set at a swanky spot in town. The champagne is chilling, the mood lighting is on, and romance is in the air.
While this image is nice, it's also tiring.
We turned to relationship experts Dr. Meghna Mahambrey and Andy Kuss, a dynamic and powerful husband and wife team for intel on how to make this Valentine's Day one to remember, asking for their relationship tips along the way.
Dr. Meghna Mahambrey and her husband, Andy Kuss; photo by Mariia Chystiakova
Their company, SPARK Relationship + Sexual Wellness (located in Worthington right behind Kittie's coffeehouse) helps couples build that happy, healthy love life they long for, uncovering the inner-workings of their clients' relationships and exploring the roots of couples' attitudes and behaviors. Through their privately held sessions, Meghna and Andy take a solution-focused approach to addressing your biggest concerns, while utilizing evidence-based strategies, creative ideas and practical tools to help couples get back on track and back to enjoying one another.
When it comes to mixing it up with date ideas, Meghna encourages couples to think back to when they first started dating and recall their favorite date nights in order to avoid the monotony of the dinner date.
"The key is to prioritize engaging activities over passive ones," Meghna says. Think salsa dance lessons, wine tasting outings, perusing an art museum, attending a comedy show, booking a cooking class, playing board games, etc. "Anything that will either get your bodies moving or stimulate rich conversation and laughter between the two of you."
Research shows, Meghna says, that when couples get out of their comfort zone and do something novel together on a regular basis (key word: regular), it forces them to communicate and collaborate in a way they haven't in a long time.
"As a result, they feel a deeper sense of emotional connection, physical attraction, and a sense of romance," Meghna says. "You have to carve out quality time for each other aside from routine responsibilities like housework, finances and parenting. How can you expect to feel the spark you had in the beginning of the relationship when you're not investing the same amount of time and energy anymore? It takes effort, but it's worth it."
While the majority of Meghna and Andy's clients come to them with relational issues, Meghna confirms that SPARK’s mission is to help singles and couples build a happy, healthy love life.
Research shows that relationship satisfaction is dependent upon experiencing novel experiences together. "This is why taking the time to plan fun, innovative date ideas for Valentine's Day and beyond will help you get out of your relationship rut," Meghna explains.
Visiting an art gallery as a couple stimulates intellectual conversation and provides exposure to new worldly perspectives.
Cooking together as a couple creates shared memories, promotes teamwork and strengthens communication.
"HOW CAN YOU EXPECT TO FEEL THE SPARK YOU HAD IN THE BEGINNING OF THE RELATIONSHIP WHEN YOU'RE NOT INVESTING THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME AND ENERGY ANYMORE? IT TAKES EFFORT, BUT IT'S WORTH IT."
Meghna Mahambrey and Andy Kuss;
Photo by Mariia Chystiakova
In order to sustain a strong and fulfilling relationship, Meghna recommends consistent and thoughtful date nights instead of one or two fancy outings a year. This is the key to maintaining the spark long-term.
“Couples tend to put a lot more effort into having fun together in the earlier stages of their relationship,” Meghna says. “During that exciting honeymoon phase, it feels easy to plan interesting things to do together. As we grow more comfortable and committed, however, we can become complacent. And then we wonder why we don’t feel the same level of excitement as we did in the beginning.” She goes on to explain that “by carving out opportunities to spend quality time with one another, we can nurture some of the emotional closeness that we crave.”
Meghna often asks the couples she works with to think back to when they first started going out together, having them make lists of what they used to do for fun. "Then I invite them to brainstorm new and different things that appeal to each of them now, which they might like to explore together," she says.
In order for a date night to be fulfilling (and fun), it needs to be actively engaging, she reiterates, choosing activities mentioned previously like salsa dance lessons,
exploring an art gallery together, signing-up for a cooking class and so on. Meghna explains her logic behind this. “Meals are part of everyday life, but these activities are novel and unique.” No matter if you’re revisiting old hobbies or discovering new adventures, the key is having fun together
If you’re looking for an event that is out of the norm for you and your partner, SPARK hosts small gatherings in their event space, details for which are on their website. Some of Meghna’s favorite local spots to send couples include Grandview Salsa, The Columbus Museum of Art, Funny Bone, Shadowbox Live, Otherworld, Rare Magic at Hotel LeVeque, Tabletop Game Cafe and Walnut Woods MetroPark.
Spice up date night with fun dance lessons.
LOVE POTION #9
ANNA BARNES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
FEBRUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST
Matt Butler’s Reckless Son
McConnell Arts Center: 777 Evening Street | 7:00 PM
Join songwriter, poet and storyteller Matt Butler for an unforgettable evening of spoken word and song as he shares the human experiences of the incarcerated. Hear their stories before, during and after their incarceration and enjoy a unique experience full of compassion, hope and forgiveness. Tickets $15 at mcconnellarts.org
FEBRUARY 2ND
Debussy and Sunsets
Worthington United Methodist Church: 600 High Street | 5:00 PM
The Worthington Chamber Orchestra invites you to an evening of serenity and tranquility with Debussy and Sunsets. Celebrate the beauty of the twilight hours with a program featuring Debussy’s Prelude to an Afternoon of a Faun and the world premiere of Korine Fujiwara’s Sunsets Like Childhood for string orchestra. Tickets $15-$30 at worthingtonchamberorchestra.com.
FEBRUARY 7TH
WIFA Greek
Celebration Dinner
Worthington Presbyterian Church: 773 High Street | 6:00 PM
Say “opa!” and grab a plate, it’s celebration of Greece! Hosted by WIFA, this evening of cultural immersion will feature Greek cuisine from Rodo’s Greek Taverna, dancers from Annuciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and a cultural presentation from OSU Professor Georgios Anagnostou. Free for WIFA members ($15 for individuals, $25 for families or $10 for students/seniors).
Cozy Winter Escape at The Timbrook Guesthouse
events
CONTINUED
FEBRUARY 8TH
True Crime Café
Worthington Park Library: 1389
Worthington Centre Drive | 10:00 AM
Are you a book lover with a penchant for true crime? Grab a coffee and pull up a chair at Worthington Park Library for the True Crime Café. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to join in on a riveting discussion about your favorite mysteries and investigation procedures with other true crime lovers.
FEBRUARY 14TH
Valentine’s Day Family Night
Worthington Community Center | 6:00 PM
If you have a family that loves love, grab the kids and come on down to the Worthington Community Center for Family Night on Valentine’s Day! Enjoy themed games and activities while soaking up the loving atmosphere. Free for all ages. Pre-register at worthington. org/837/Family-Night.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Looking for the perfect winter getaway?
Nestle into the charm and warmth of The Timbrook, where comfort and magic meet this season. Escape the chill and relax in the warmth of our charming B&B this winter!
• Crackling fireplaces, scenic snow-covered views, and cozy rooms await.
• Start your day with a delicious homemade breakfast.
• Enjoy nearby winter activities or simply unwind in comfort.
“Inside Out 2” at the MAC McConnell Arts Center: 777 Evening Street | 2:00 PM
Come along with Riley from the first “Inside Out” movie as she adapts to growing up with newer, more complex emotions in this family-friendly film from Disney and Pixar! Seats are free with reservations and refreshments are available for purchase. Register at mcconnellarts.org
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Love Local
Create a space where family feels at home. An in-law suite addition keeps your loved ones close while giving everyone the room they need to thrive—whether it’s welcoming parents, hosting extended stays, or simply sharing life’s everyday moments. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and connection, every detail reflects care, from private entrances to custom finishes that blend seamlessly with your home. Our seamless process ensures your addition feels as natural as the love it’s built for. From first sketch to final nail, we handle everything—except setting out the welcome mat.
