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Welcome to the January Health and Wellness Issue of Portsmouth City Lifestyle!
January is a time for inspiration, reflection, and renewal. For many, it’s the perfect opportunity to set bold intentions for the year ahead, fueled by the energy of fresh starts and endless possibilities. For others, it’s a moment to pause, look back, and thoughtfully assess the past—celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and envisioning what lies ahead.
This duality makes the beginning of the year so powerful. Whether you are planning to revitalize your fitness routine, explore mindfulness, or prioritize selfcare, this issue is packed with ideas to support your journey.
Inside, we will introduce you to a local fitness professional who focuses on meeting each client where they are to help them achieve realistic health goals. Want to bring balance to your life, let us tell you—what is old is new! We also share an inspiring story about one person’s journey to help kids find joy, pride, and confidence at home, along with a getaway just a few hours from the Seacoast that can rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.
As we step into 2025 together, let this issue be your guide to creating a year of well-being and balance. After all, health isn't just about resolutions; it’s about cultivating habits that sustain and empower you throughout life. Here’s to a healthy and vibrant new year on the Seacoast!
MOODEY, PUBLISHER
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Anne Moodey | anne.moodey@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Tara Phillips | tara.phillips@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Kim Piela | kim.piela@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Gallagher, Rebecca Ingalls, Judith Rubenstein, Tara Phillips
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Greg West Photography, Lauren Martel Photography, Kevin Edge Photography
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 Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
1: I Got Bridged supporters Frankie and Lisa from Produce Connection at the Time 4 Joy comedy and fundraising event. 2: Freddy Petrone with I Got Bridge volunteers Emma and Derek 3: Locals Asia Lempka, Maddie Brandon, along with Madeleine Nossiff of The Music Hall enjoying NH Film Fest. 4: Highschoolers from Exeter and Dover culinary programs join Restaurant Week kickoff party at Sheraton Harborside. 5: Stefany Shaheen with daughter, Elle, who won Best NH Performance in the film "Live Catch." 6: Steve Turner with Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs at The NH Bringing Back the Trades and Tradeapalooza Career Fair. 7: Rick Brenner, CEO NH Fisher Cats with UNH students Annie Shumski and David Bean at the UNH monthly CEO Speaker Series.
Bring your personal vision to life with wallpaper and woven window film custom printed with award-winning patterns from Design Pool. Create privacy in your home and lower energy costs without sacrificing natural light with woven window film, or finally, make that unique statement wall with easy-to-install peeland-stick wallpaper. Available directly to consumers from East Hampsteadbased studio Design Pool. Shop today at designpoolpatterns.com/shop, or follow us on Instagram @DesignPoolPatterns
Howling Wolf Taqueria is a Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar. We serve traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas made fresh in our chef-led kitchen. We have a wide selection of tequilas, mezcal, specialty cocktails, margaritas, and Palomas. Whether you're craving a quick bite or planning a night out with friends, visit The Wolfpack for unbeatable Mexican food and drinks. 40 Pleasant Street in Portsmouth. howlingwolftaqueria.com.
A Southern Girl Bakery now serves the Seacoast community from its new location. As the only southern-style, nut-free bakery in the area, it specializes in custom cakes, wedding cakes, cookie platters, and various desserts. With gluten-free and vegan options, the bakery ensures something for everyone. Decorating classes are also offered, providing a fun and engaging way to explore baking. Stop by and see what’s baking at 2800 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth. Visit sgirlbakery.com or call (603) 205-5499.
SEACOAST STRENGTH & CONDITIONING BRINGS EXPERTISE, ACCESSIBILITY, AND COMMUNITYMINDEDNESS TO PERSONAL FITNESS
Josh Gould, owner of Seacoast Strength & Conditioning, has created something comfortably New England with a no-frills, meticulously organized, warehouse-style space that needs nothing more than the power of its community of motivated clients and dedicated trainers to fill it.
DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING JOURNEY FROM BOSTON TO THE SEACOAST.
I studied exercise science and physiology at UMass-Lowell and spent 10 years in corporate fitness and private training, working with high-level professionals in Boston. I also freelanced as a public speaker and writer, promoting personal fitness.
Over time, my focus shifted from thinking about working for myself to what it means to build a business better than you are. I wanted to bring modern, science-based strength and conditioning education to the general public using an accessible group model. I was familiar with the area—my parents had relocated to Rye—so I started searching for the right location to establish a training business here. We found this spot, opened in 2016, and will add our new Kittery facility this winter.
HOW DOES GROUP TRAINING WORK?
Training starts one-on-one but can then move to a semi-private model with a maximum ratio of 4 to 1, client to coach. In a single group session, you will find all backgrounds and ages, 85 to 10, because everything is individualized for each client. Friends and family members often join the same session, which helps to build community and accountability.
YOU MENTION 10-YEAR-OLDS. WHAT DOES YOUR YOUTH PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?
For our younger clients, the focus is more on sports performance or filling the gaps in physical education. As they get older, many choose a single sport year-round as their focus, and the gym provides some balance to that sports training. For young athletes, it’s about building the gas pedal. For adults, it’s about building the brakes.
WHAT SHIFTS HAVE YOU NOTICED IN THE MINDSET TOWARDS PERSONAL TRAINING?
The tides are turning. After years of focusing on thinness, the emphasis has moved to building strength, enhancing mobility, and improving bone density. While muscle development has long been a priority for men, more women now recognize the value of strength training for their long-term health and vitality.
HOW DO YOU CREATE A SAFE SPACE HERE AT THE GYM?
It’s an industry failure when people don’t feel comfortable in a gym. We work to counter people’s perceptions of working out. Social media is one way we reflect the diversity of our clients so that everyone can see themselves represented. Also, meeting people where they are is key to ensuring safety from pain, injury, and overexertion. We encourage first-timers to come and observe. Plus, the music’s not too loud.
WHAT KEEPS CLIENTS COMING BACK EACH DAY?
Results. We monitor clients’ progress using a naturally progressive training program and software that tracks performance and highlights development.
And community. We host monthly socials—like hikes, rock climbing, salsa lessons, or a lively line dancing event, which recently drew 30 members. As a Thanksgiving fundraiser for Gather, the top donor got to “pie me” in the face.
WHAT DOES THE LIFECYCLE OF PERSONAL TRAINING LOOK LIKE?
It’s forever. You can add intensity to get ready for a reunion or a wedding, but the idea is to come often and regularly to stay with it.
LESLI FRIEL, A LONGTIME SSC CLIENT, DESCRIBES HER MOTIVATION.
I love the trainers here and the family environment. I am exponentially stronger than I was when I first started.
“I love the trainers here and the family environment. I am exponentially stronger than I was when I first started.”
Experience
“Every person is a mystery to be investigated,” say Marielle Ceresa and Andrew Clark, partner owners and practitioners at Upright Acupuncture and Wellness in Dover. Certified and licensed in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Ceresa and Clark are master detectives—tenaciously seeking out clues to heal ailments and attain balance and health throughout the body. “What each person experiences every day provides information about how well all the body’s systems are working and whether they are working in balance and harmony,” they explain.
Advances in Western medicine are remarkably effective in providing critical care, responding to trauma, and extending life. But too often, these approaches focus on mitigating symptoms rather than on promoting overall wellness. Ceresa and Clark provide an example: Many people suffer frequent headaches. They are all advised to take pain relievers—which are important and often necessary. However, each person’s headache may stem from different causes in the body. Without addressing the root cause, there’s no chance to actually heal—rather than simply medicate—the symptom.
In contrast, Chinese medicine is based on the truest definition of holism: Each part of the mind and body (or physiological system) relates to every other part—and the body as a whole. One system holds a possible key to treat every other. So, a “dysfunctional symptom”—such as persistent pain, digestive problem, or sleep disturbance—is a sign that one or more parts are
ARTICLE BY JUDITH RUBENSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE
functioning poorly or are out of balance. When a patient presents with multiple symptoms, Chinese medicine studies those symptoms to discover the underlying pattern of disharmony—rather than treating each symptom separately.
Treatment begins with a thorough intake appointment that lasts about an hour and a half. Walking into the Upright clinic for the first time, patients enjoy a sense of openness and calm—airy, uncluttered spaces, nature photographs on the walls, and a feeling of welcome.
THE INTAKE SESSION AT UPRIGHT HAS THREE PARTS:
1. In-depth questions about the chief complaint
2. In-depth questions about “everything else”—uncovering hints about your chief complaint by covering every system of the body (digestion, breathing, etc.)
3. Observation of other physiological clues, including the abdomen, pulse, tongue, gait, vision, complexion, and temperature of the limbs and extremities
Following the comprehensive patient evaluation, the practitioner considers: How do the things we’re noticing contribute to the primary symptom? How can we change the dynamic to provide relief? According to Ceresa and Clark, practitioners create individualized treatment plans based on the four pillars of Chinese medicine:
• Acupuncture
• Herbal medicine
• Bodywork/massage
• QiGong (a system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation)
Acupuncture was known in Britain, Europe, and the U.S. in the 19th century but didn’t take root here until the mid-20th century. Today, its effectiveness is widely recognized—even by the National Institutes of Health.
Because of acupuncture’s success in mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, many oncology centers now include acupuncture practices. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are also especially effective in addressing women’s health, using individualized evaluation and treatment to alleviate difficulties with menstrual health, fertility and infertility, high-risk pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Whatever the presenting complaint, each person’s plan usually includes acupuncture and one or more other approaches. Often, an herbal formula—taken as a tea or pill—can also be used between sessions or exclusively, significantly reducing the cost of treatment. Many patients delightedly report that when their primary symptoms subside, they notice improvements in other areas—because their body’s systems are regaining balance and functioning better overall.
Although acupuncture and Chinese medicine are gaining wide recognition, most Americans haven’t tried them. But you don’t see promotions for these valuable treatments on television or social media. Why not? “We don’t need to persuade skeptics,” say Ceresa and Clark. “The treatment speaks for itself.”
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YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM: PORTSMOUTH
“Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.” Edith Wharton’s words perfectly capture the soul-nourishing essence of a day spent at Canyon Ranch, a serene retreat nestled in the Berkshires town of Lenox, Massachusetts.
Driving up the gravel path, glimpses of the Bellefontaine mansion evoke Wharton’s Gilded Age, setting the scene for a transformative escape. From the moment staff whisk away your bags, you’re immersed in a world designed for mind and body reboot.
With endless activities available, setting intentions with a wellness guide before arrival ensures a purposeful itinerary. Whether you seek relaxation, mental clarity, spiritual growth, or physical vitality, every experience is tailored to your needs and well-being.
Days flow effortlessly here, blending energizing activities with restorative therapies. Start your morning with mindful breathing to ground yourself, followed by a tension-relieving massage. Interactive culinary classes led by Michelin-starred chefs add a flavorful twist, offering tips for creating nutritious meals at home.
Dining is an experience unto itself, with three gourmet meals included in your stay. Enjoy elegant sit-down dining in the spacious dining room, or craft a customized smoothie at Culinary Rebels Café before indulging in one of their signature body
Where tranquility meets tailored wellness programs to inspire balance and lifelong vitality
ARTICLE BY TARA PHILLIPS
treatments like Bindo-Shirodhara. And don’t miss the coconut macarons—a guest favorite!
Seasonal outdoor adventures beckon. Enjoy hiking and biking along scenic old trolley lines and kayaking in warmer months with knowledgeable staff as your guides. Winter offers snowshoeing across pristine grounds. For those drawn to indoor pursuits, dive into yoga and Pilates or guided meditation and Tarot card readings. From performance training to fencing, skilled instructors accommodate all levels of expertise. End the day unwinding in the saunas and steam rooms or soaking in the pools. Whatever your interests, there is something for everyone here. While most activities and classes are included in your stay, some specialized experiences may require an additional fee.
This retreat goes beyond self-care—it’s about discovery. As Managing Director Mindi Morin notes, “Some guests arrive with a set plan, but we encourage them to try something new each time, to embrace the unexpected.”
As a trailblazer in the spa and wellness space for decades, Canyon Ranch continues to innovate with advanced diagnostic services, such as bone density testing, metabolic assessments, and health screenings that can detect serious conditions early. “We genuinely save lives here,” says Morin, sharing a poignant example of a guest whose cancer was identified through one of these screenings, emphasizing the profound impact such services can have.
Canyon Ranch’s holistic philosophy attracts a diverse crowd from New England and beyond. Friends gather for a rejuvenating escape, couples find space to reconnect or navigate life transitions, and solo travelers seek quiet contemplation while meeting new friends. Whatever your reason for visiting, a respite here is a feast for the senses, inspiring you to return season after season.
Uniquely, the experience doesn’t end at check-out. Canyon Ranch helps guests integrate wellness into daily life, offering ongoing fitness, nutrition, and mental health support long after departure.
More than a getaway, Canyon Ranch is an invitation to embrace a lifestyle of balance and vitality. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, every stay leaves a lasting imprint on both body and spirit.
Massachusetts (3 hour drive from the seacoast) Tucson, Arizona | Woodside, California | Austin, Texas (future opening).
• Download the mobile app to view the full daily schedule.
• Book spa appointments ahead.
• Take note of activities that require sign up.
• Arrive early and depart late to take full advantage of the facilities.
Rooms for Love Gives Kids a New Outlook on Life with Personalized Room Makeovers
On her 13th birthday, Karen Kulberg opened her bedroom door to reveal an enchanted world. Vibrant red and white striped wallpaper adorned the walls, while a crimson dormer boldly framed the window. An enormous, red grosgrain ribbon topped a red-and-whiteskirted antique vanity, filling her with girlish delight. This colorful, cheery space was the room of her dreams.
To her gleeful surprise, Kulberg’s parents had swiftly and exquisitely redecorated her old, drab room while she was at school. She never forgot how loved and special the new room made her feel or how proud her parents were of their creation. “I saw the joy in their eyes too,” she recalls.
Her vivid memory of this day still burned bright in December of 2020 when the first anniversary of her mother’s death found her reminiscing. An idea blossomed in her mind. Wouldn’t it be great to create this same magic for kids facing hardships? A seacoast realtor since 2002, Kulberg had long searched for a way to give back. At last, she found her answer.
In 2021, Kulberg started Room for Love (RFL), a nonprofit dedicated to making over bedrooms for needy kids ages 6-16. The organization helps children from families facing economic hardship, homelessness, substance abuse, and health challenges. RFL collaborates with nonprofit sponsors like Big Brothers Big Sisters and New Generation, who nominate children for makeovers.
These makeovers provide much more than a beautiful room. They enrich these kids’ lives, improving health and healing and boosting confidence. For Kulberg, her drab childhood bedroom made her self-conscious. She didn’t invite friends over, which left her feeling isolated. “These kids feel the same way,” she says. “They are embarrassed by their room, but after the makeover, they stand a little taller.” Parents notice that their kids behave better at home and their grades improve. “It really impacts the whole family and community,” Kulberg says.
Room for Love provides four to six room makeovers a year, but the eventual goal is one per month. Kulberg’s core group of volunteers includes designers, organizers, painters, carpenters, and a junk remover—all donating their time and products.
The makeovers start with designers and organizers meeting with the child and caregiver to learn how they envision using their room, favorite colors, and what they’re into. The objective is to create a space that reflects the child’s personality and provides a haven where they feel secure. The transformed room gives them pride, joy, and a new outlook on life.
For 7-year-old Luna of Dover, the younger sister of a 2023 makeover recipient, it was finally her turn. Luna’s dejected expression didn’t go unnoticed during her brother’s room reveal. Four weeks later, RFL unveiled a beautiful pink space complete with a full-sized bed and vanity. “She was thrilled,” Kulberg says, smiling. “She felt seen and loved.”
Braelyn, a terminally ill 13-year-old from Hampton, needed a room that accommodated her mobility, sight, and hearing limitations. Her renovated room included organizing containers for toys and special room lighting to dispel frightening shadows. Volunteers painted her favorite character on the wall, an image the joyous Braelyn pointed at excitedly during the reveal. “The new room has made such a difference in her life and her mom’s,” says Kulberg.
The biggest challenge of these makeovers is keeping the child and family out of the room during the 4-5 days of remodeling. When finished, photographer Greg West captures the big moment on video, and it is always memorable. “The kids are overwhelmed and speechless at first,” says Kulberg. “They can’t believe it’s happening. The whole experience is bathed in light and love.”
These local businesses are longtime supporters of Rooms for Love: Dover Honda and Chevrolet, Bryant Paving, Heather Nadeau Interior Design, Home Setup by Sarah Eaves, New England Pickers, Studio 333, Bridges Bros Movers, Coastal MI-BOX, Rothrock Kitchen & Bath, Feng Shui Lifestyle, Tyler McAniff Painting, and Greg West Photography.
Brighten up the dark days of January by adding a touch of green to your kitchen while keeping your meals fresh and flavorful. Growing an indoor herb garden is easy and ensures a steady supply of fresh herbs, regardless of your climate or gardening experience. No sunny windowsill? No problem—grow lights make it easy. Gardener’s Supply in Greenland offers these helpful tips and all the essentials to get you started on this simple, uplifting winter project.
ARTICLE BY TARA PHILLIPS
• Basil
• Bay laurel
• Chervil
• Chives
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Thyme
For best results, choose a suitable potting soil and a container with drainage, and ensure your plants get plenty of light. Plant Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and bay laurel in a mix of cactus and potting soil, while basil and mint do well in standard potting soil. Use a liquid fertilizer every few weeks to keep plants healthy.
Herbs love light. If natural light is limited, full-spectrum grow lights provide the brightness herbs need. Plants should be placed within 12 inches of the light source with lights on for 12-16 hours daily for optimal growth.
When it comes to starting your indoor garden, you have options. To skip the wait for germination, purchase small potted herbs or transplant seedlings. Perennial herbs like sage and thyme are ideal to start this way.
For a hands-on approach, propagate from cuttings by rooting pieces of mature plants like basil or mint in water before transferring them to soil. Alternatively, start from seed with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro. Using a humidity dome and a heat mat encourages germination.
TURNING PICKY EATERS INTO MINI CHEFS—ONE BITE AT A TIME!
Misa Pignataro, a certified health coach and culinary nutritionist, helps families build healthy eating habits through workshops, coaching, kids’ cooking classes, and a convenient audio course for busy parents. With a master’s in elementary education and a decade teaching first grade, she connects easily with kids, making food education fun. As a mom of two, she shares relatable strategies, including managing picky eaters. One success story involved guiding a family from a fast-food routine to enjoying balanced, home-cooked meals, with kids actively participating in preparation. Her sustainable, practical methods foster lasting, positive relationships with food for the entire family. As for getting kids to try new foods, Misa advises, “Keep the adventure high and pressure low.” Learn more at misascleankitchen.com.
ARTICLE BY TARA PHILLIPS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE
INGREDIENTS
• 1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes, peeled
• ¼ cup white onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 3 to 4 handfuls of fresh baby spinach
• 8 pasture-raised eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• ½ cup cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• ¼ teaspoon Redmond Real Salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Grease a glass pie dish with avocado oil.
3. Thinly slice sweet potato into circles.
4. Layer the circles on the bottom and sides of the pie dish, creating a crust. Cover up any holes with remaining circles.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until you can poke a fork through crust.
6. While the crust is baking, heat a large skillet to medium-low heat, then add avocado oil.
7. Add garlic and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes.
8. Add mushrooms. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
9. Add spinach. Sauté until wilted.
10. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and salt.
11. When crust is done, add sautéed veggies and shredded cheese, and then pour egg mixture over top.
12. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown edges. Serve with avocado toast or Applegate breakfast sausage for added protein.
1. Have your kids help make the quiche. Depending on age, they could wash and dry the veggies or crack and whisk eggs. The more you involve them, the more likely they will try a bite.
2. If your kids don’t like spinach and mushrooms, substitute veggies they do like or leave them out and add a small amount each time. If they love pepperoni, bacon, or ground sausage, add one of those to make it more enticing.
3. Instead of asking them to try a bite, say, “What do you rate the quiche?” Misa's colorful TasteO-Meter is a game-changer for many parents. Download at misascleankitchen.com
JANUARY 16TH
UNH CEO Speaker Series
Featuring Lilly Mullen President of Springer’s Jewelers
Three Chimneys Inn 17 Newmarket Road | Durham | 8:00 AM
The CEO Speaker Series, a monthly program hosted by UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics, will feature Lilly Mullen, President of Springer’s Jewelers. Across four generations, Springer’s continues to carry the world’s most renowned jewelry and watch designers. Join us as Mullen shares Springer’s rich history and its enduring legacy. This event begins with networking and breakfast, followed by the presentation. Reservations required. For details, contact cfb.ceo@unh.edu.
JANUARY 23RD
Grand Opening and Fundraiser at the New Jessica Bellanti Salon
Jessica Bellanti Salon | 800 Islington Street, Unit 6 | Portsmouth | 5:30 PM
Join the Jessica Bellanti Salon at its new Islington Street location on January 23rd. The grand opening event and fundraiser will benefit The Moore Center. Based in Manchester, the center provides services to those with developmental and intellectual disabilities and acquired brain disorders and services to children and senior citizens. For more information, email hannah@jessicabellanti.com.
As we approach the New Year, ensure your home is ready! Your heating system plays a vital role , keeping your home comfortable during winter's chill. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep your family warm. Don’t forget about your plumbing—freezing temperatures can put your pipes at risk. Insulating them helps prevent bursts and costly water damage. With the added demands of winter heating, your electrical system should be inspected to ensure it can handle the load, keeping your home safe and avoiding unexpected outages.
Start 2025 with peace of mind, knowing your home’s systems are in top shape. Let’s make it a year of warmth, safety, and comfort. Just Call Heritage.
