Consume Less, Create More
Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets longterm financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.
I've been taking time to make art with my friends and family. One of my goals this year is to create more than I consume. Whether that means watching less TV or scrolling less on social media, I want to invest in my creativity, in that feeling of open-mindedness that I feel when I'm making something. I also find that this expands my empathy and thirst for knowledge! For you, this could mean trying a new recipe or taking a walk in a new place. The sky is the limit with creativity!
SARA HAGEN, EDITOR @WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
Dianne Kaseta | dianne.kaseta@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Olivia Newell | olivia.newell@citylifestyle.com
Stephanie Benzee | stephanie.benzee@citylifestyle.com
Katya Gore | katya.gore@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sara Hagen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Sara Hagen
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Smile Doctors of Woodstock Win Award
Smile Doctors of Woodstock received Woodstock Elementary's Partner of the Year Award.
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Tom and Jerry's Roofing Attend International Roofing Expo 2025
Staying on top of the latest innovations in their industry, Tom and Jerry of Tom and Jerry's Roofing attended the International Roofing Expo in San Antonio Texas.
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Discover Pickleball with Woodstock Parks and Recreation
Woodstock Parks and Recreation hosted some introductory pickleball events in March.
Photography by @woodstockparksrec
Photography by @smiledoctorswoodstockga
FAMILY TIME is the Best Investment
These simple, yet intentional ideas can make the best memories.
EAT DINNER TOGETHER AS A FAMILY.
This meaningful time around the table is where connections happen. Let everyone share good moments from the day or something they struggled with. Create a jar of conversation starters, exchange giggles and cook up something delicious.
CREATE SURPRISES
Everyone likes to feel special – and surprised. The littlest things make the biggest impact: A backyard picnic; a sleepover in an indoor fort; an after-school ice cream treat; a bathroom spa day.
CREATE FAMILY TRADITIONS
Build weekly or monthly traditions –movie nights with popcorn, board game marathons, a gratitude jar, evening bike rides, living room dance parties, even a family book club to discover old favorites and new reads.
EXPRESS LOVE AND GRATITUDE
In busy seasons, it’s easy to forget to let a loved one feel appreciated and thought of. Tuck a hand-written note in a lunch box or give an unexpected hug; spend time sharing what you’re thankful for about them.
KEEP GENERATIONS LINKED
Consider Sunday meals with grandparents or weekly phone calls if distance separates. Invite them to share their childhood stories and treasured memories. Start a yearly family scrapbook filled with favorite photographs and vacation souvenirs.
We are your one-stop solution for relocation services, providing compassionate assistance with downsizing, decluttering, and estate sales for full and partial liquidations. Bringing almost two decades of collective real estate experience in the northern Atlanta region, we have decided to channel our passion for helping families into a new venture dedicated to supporting seniors during life transitions.
ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE
Local Faves
INVEST IN LOCAL LOVE WITH OUR FAVORITE SPOTS FOR NATURE, DINING, AND MORE.
Bizarre Coffee
Bizarre Coffee is a funky and creative coffee shop located in Downtown Woodstock. Check out their popular menu items including cafe lattes, cold brew, bagels, sandwiches, and more.
Hidden Acres Farm Sanctuary
Animals rescued from factory farms and other nightmarish situations find their first and forever homes at Hidden Acres Farm Sanctuary. Visit them for a tour, goat yoga, or stay at their Airbnb.
Woodstock Flowers and Gifts
Woodstock Flowers and Gifts is the perfect choice for beautiful flowers and gifts for any occasion. They offer fresh flowers, green & blooming plants, gourmet baskets, chocolates, and balloon bouquets.
Deep Roots Wine Market
Deep Roots Wine Market offers a unique wine tasting experience with wines from all over the US, and visitors can also enjoy small plates from the kitchen.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Explore metro Atlanta’s nature destination. Enjoy trails, exhibits, programs, and events on 127 acres of forest, wetland, and river habitat.
THE
ADVANTAGE PROFESSIONAL
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA
HAGEN
Investing in Quality with Professional Residential Painters at One Way Painting
Jacob and his team at One Way Painting pride themselves on the difference that premium care and quality make on a home project.
Investing in quality over quantity is the most important consideration when approaching house painting as a homeowner.
Seemingly small details like ensuring a clean working surface can increase the life of a paint job. Battaglia and his team take time at the beginning of each project to ensure surfaces are clean and prepared for a long-lasting, premium paint job.
Many new homebuilding companies paint home exteriors in addition to building homes. While it can be attractive to have a one-stop shop for every new home, it isn’t long lasting and comes with disadvantages in just a few short years. Jacob Battaglia, owner of One Way Painting, says that homeowners can expect to need their home repainted in as little as 5 years after a less-than-premium job. It’s possible paint could last even less depending on factors like weather and the age of the home. With One Way Painting, many customers enjoy the fruits of the project for 10 years.
One Way Painting is a member of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA), an organization that helps contractors and painters improve their business by staying up to date with industry innovations and the latest skills and techniques. Check out One Way Painting at onewayga.com and @oneway_painting on Instagram to get started on your next project.
The biggest reason that this is essential is for home protection. Paint isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it is an investment into the functionality of a home. Bacteria and mold grow in environments where a low-quality or unmaintained paint job is failing. There can be a lot of prep work involved in undoing that damage when a premium company like One Way comes in to repaint.
INVEST IN YOUR GREENS
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
Breathe In the Spring Season
Our top Georgia spots for nature exploration
We’re still in the cusp of Spring. There’s no better time to explore all of the memorable nature Georgia has to offer.
Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park is located at the bottom of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Among its features are a 22-acre lake, boating opportunities, nature trails, playgrounds, and even a beach.
Red Top Mountain State Park
Located on Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park boasts such features as 20 cottages and 6 yurts, boat ramps, playgrounds, an amphitheater, and many more opportunities for fun with friends and family.
Amicalola Falls
Georgia is home to many stunning waterfalls. Amicalola Falls is a popular excursion destination for those of us who live in the Metro ATL area. Close enough for a day trip! Book one of their cabins or rooms at the famous lodge for a weekend getaway.
ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN
Vogel State Park
Amicalola Falls
REVIVE, Recharge, and Rediscover AT CANYON RANCH
“Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.” Edith Wharton’s words capture the soul-nourishing essence of a day spent at Canyon Ranch, a tranquil haven tucked into the Berkshires town of Lenox, Massachusetts.
As you ascend the gravel drive, glimpses of the Bellefontaine mansion reveal the splendor of Wharton’s Gilded Age, setting the tone for your mind and body reboot. Here, modern-day stresses slip away as attentive staff whisk away your bags and lead you seamlessly through check-in, marking the start of your personalized renewal journey.
With hundreds of activities available, setting intentions with a wellness guide before arrival helps ensure a purposeful itinerary. Whether you seek relaxation, mental clarity, spiritual growth, physical vitality, or meaningful reconnection, every experience is tailored to individual needs while prioritizing overall well-being.
Time here flows effortlessly between energizing and restorative therapies with quick wardrobe changes in between—from Lycra and sneakers to cozy robes and flip-flops. Start your morning with mindful breathing to ground yourself, followed by a tension-relieving massage. Culinary classes add a delicious dimension, with interactive demonstrations led by Michelin-starred chefs offering tips for creating nutritious meals at home.
Where tranquility meets tailored wellness programs to inspire balance and lifelong vitality
ARTICLE BY TARA PHILIPS
Food is central to every stay, with guests enjoying three daily sit-down meals included in your visit, served in an elegantly spacious dining room, or opt for a quick stop at Culinary Rebels Café to craft a customized smoothie before indulging in a Bindo-Shirodhara treatment with warm oil poured over the forehead and whole body. 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 lakes and rivers 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 cater to all levels of expertise. End the day unwinding in the saunas and steam rooms or soaking in the pools.
This retreat isn’t just about self-care; it’s about discovery, as Managing Director Mindi Morin emphasizes: “Some guests arrive with a set plan, but we encourage them to try something new each time, to embrace the unexpected.”
As a pioneer and innovator in the spa and wellness resort space for decades, Canyon Ranch goes beyond its hallmark programs, offering diagnostic services, such as bone density testing, metabolic assessments, and even life-saving screenings. “We genuinely save lives here,” says Morin, sharing a story of one guest whose cancer was detected through a comprehensive cancer screening blood test.
Canyon Ranch’s holistic philosophy attracts a diverse crowd from New England and beyond. Friends and family reunite for a rejuvenating escape, couples find space to reconnect or navigate life transitions, and solo travelers seek 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, building a foundation for sustainable well-being.
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.
Canyon Ranch Resort Locations
Lenox, Massachusetts (3 hour drive from the seacoast) | Tucson, Arizona | Woodside, California | Austin, Texas (future opening)
Tips for Planning Your Stay
• 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.
This data is a sampling of sold properties
“Marco Rossi exemplifies true professionalism and attention to detail. Every step of the way he gave it 110% and made us feel at ease. He took the stress out of a usually stressful situation of getting your home ready to sell and have multiple showings per day. He was able to get our house multiple offers within the first week of it being listed for sale! He knew we were under a time crunch and followed accordingly. Listen to what he says in order to get your house show ready! We trust him with everything! We will definitely use him again if needed. We highly refer Marco to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.”
- Rocio B.
Design | Construction |
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
APRIL 4TH & 5TH
Rock the Boat Cabaret!
Woodstock Arts Theatre - 8534 Main St. | 7:30 PM
Set sail on a high-energy, sun-soaked showdown where the biggest rock styles battle it out for the ultimate prize-a yacht! We have (actor 1) with their easy, breezy yacht rock feels, or (actor 2) with the dance inducing pop rock vibes, or (actor 3) who rolls in the rock to your shores! Will these singers have what it takes to sail into the summer of their dreams?
APRIL 13TH
Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2025
Dupree Park - 513 Neese Rd
Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete. Dates: 4/13, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11 & 5/18
APRIL 19TH
Georgia Craft Brewers Festival
Woodstock Arts Event Green | 1:00 PM
Get ready to join in the fun at The Official Festival of Georgia Craft Beer! This year, we’re bringing the ultimate craft beer experience to Woodstock, GA! Whether you’re a beer lover or just love a good time, this event has something for everyone!
APRIL 22ND
Thai Street Food with Chef Sunisa
Leaning Ladder Olive Oil - 105 East Main Street | 6:30 PM
Thai food culture is lively, communal, and rewards those who are willing to take risks with new dishes. Get inspired, and enjoy this delicious cooking class with Chef Sunisa. Menu to Include: Fried Wontons, BBQ Pork with Sticky Rice, Grilled Banana with Coconut Carmel Sauce
APRIL 26TH
Independent Bookstore Day
FoxTale Bookshoppe - 105 E Main St Ste 138 | 10:00 AM
Save the date to help us celebrate Independent Bookstore Day!
WEEKEND OF APRIL 26TH
City Wide Yard Sale
Your House | 9:00 AM
The Great American Cleanup organizes millions of volunteers in locally directed activities that encourage individual stewardship for the environment and care for the community. Efforts in litter prevention and removal, waste reduction, recycling, beautification, and community greening result in cleaner, greener, safer and more beautiful public spaces. In honor of Earth Day and Keep Georgia Beautiful, citizens are encouraged to hold yard sales!
