A Cozy February
I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn. I find myself torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season.
To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere a little in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in your local community.
This month’s issue highlights a couple of fantastic local artists; Paula Krassa and April Borchelt. Each with their own unique style and inspirations, we are thrilled that they are creating art in our communities.
While we teeter between the chill of January Winter and the excitement of Spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. The ones in your home and on your street. In your neighborhood and your community.
“Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is near. Those under your own roof included. So grab a coffee at Bizarre and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of wine from Deep Roots and get some snacks for a movie night.
We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month.
Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like.
Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before.
Happy February!
SARA HAGEN, EDITOR
February 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 WRITERS
Sara Hagen, Sean O'Keefe
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 FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Woodstock to Welcome
A Revolution in Health & Wellness
Are you ready to experience the future of wellness, anti-aging, and longevity?
The demand for Thryv’s Revolutionary Treatment Approach is cause for expansion to their second location in Woodstock, coming in March 2025! As the real life Transformations have taken Sugar Hill by storm, their Clinical Director, Cathy Puckett, NP says the waitlist for new patients is 4-6 weeks minimum. While she knew their unique approach to health and vitality, combining cuttingedge medical science with holistic care is what is missing from medical care, her team of experts had no idea the demand would be the cause for expansion to Woodstock so quickly.
At Thryv, Looking & Feeling your Best is part of the Plan for a Healthy Future
• Male and Female Hormone Replacement Therapy: Alleviate Menopause symptoms, Restore Sexual Wellness, Improve Muscle Tone, and get your Brain back.
• Medical Weight Loss: Guided programs with GLP-1 medications, Gut Healing, and Targeted Supplementation.
• Improved Blood Sugar Control: Address inflammation from Gut & Metabolic Disorders and optimize your overall health.
• Customized Functional Nutrition & Diet Plans: Tailored to YOUR body’s needs.
• Vitamin IVs & Ozone Therapy: Detoxify, Heal, Boost Energy, Immunity, and Fat Burning.
• Comprehensive Testing: Measure blood levels, BMI, muscle mass, visceral fat, and more to track progress and fine-tune your care.
Has “The
System” FAILED YOU?
Thryv specializes in helping those who have come to them frustrated after years of poor provider management. If you are like them and have suffered with…
• Hair Loss & facial hair from mismanaged hormone therapy
• Muscle Mass Decline from weight loss drugs
• Uncontrolled Hormonal Surges such as Hot flashes, sleep difficulties, brain fog, lost energy and decreased sexual wellness
• Weight-loss plateaus despite trying every diet and program available, including GLP-1’s
…YOU ARE NOT ALONE. HELP is on its way!
Here’s what their clients are saying:
“Finally, a provider who listens and understands. I’m not just a number.”
“Thryv worked with me to achieve my goals and measured my progress every step of the way.”
“They reset my plan when I got off track—I’ve never experienced care like this.”
Your Opportunity to Thryv in ‘25 is coming!
Make 2025 the year you finally take control of your health, confidence, and happiness. Keep your eye out for our opening at 10917 Hwy 92. Just minutes away from downtown and 575. Look out for Grand Opening specials in the March edition of our magazine.
Let’s make 2025 the year you truly Thryv.
Peptide Therapy
Vitamin IVs
Male & Female Hormones Aesthetics
Hair Restoration
business monthly
Bizarre Bash and 5K
The second annual Bizarre Bash and 5k was a chilly morning full of fantastic music, coffee, and small businesses. Bizarre Coffee continues to be an essential part of the Cherokee County community!
Scan to read more
Woodstock Arts' Winter Classes
Looking to get more creative or learn a new skill in 2025? Join a class at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center! Their winter classes include all types of mediums like ceramics, drawing, painting, and more! Go to woodstockarts.com to sign up!
Scan to read more
Sunshine Wine of the Month
At both of their locations, Deep Roots Wine Market is offering their Sunshine Wines of the Month. 10% of the sales will go to Sunshine on a Ranney Day, a local charity that renovates homes for children in need.
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Photography by @deeprootswoodstock
Photography by @woodstockarts.reeveshouse
Photography by @bizarrecoffee
Dr. Sunya Sweeney, DMD
Farah Kar, DDS, MS, MSc
MAJESTIC PAULA ART
Local Artist Spotlight
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA HAGEN
Paula Krassa, the local Cherokee County artist behind Majestic Paula Art, nurtured her love for art and creativity since childhood. She started drawing as a hobby in grade school. Now, at 28, she has transformed her lifelong hobby into a full-time business. Paula regularly showcases her vibrant artworks at local markets and Alma Coffee in Holly Springs.
CONTINUED >
Paula's artwork is primarily inspired by nature and animals. Some of her recent work includes pet portrait commissions on liquor bottles, fruit and vegetable paintings in thrifted picture frames, and eclectic paintings of fish, pigeons, and cows.
Paula is passionate about discovering one-of-a-kind and upcycled canvases for her artwork. Whether sifting through old records on eBay or collecting colorful Scrabble tiles, she loves finding unique materials to create with.
If you've been to Alma Coffee or Eden Smoothies, you've probably seen Paula's incredible murals on their walls. As she moves into the next phase of her art business, Paula is eager to create larger pieces, such as murals, oil paintings, and gallery work.
If you're considering getting a pet portrait or other commission piece, check out Majestic Paula Art at majesticpaula.com or @majesticpaula_art on Instagram to stay updated about her latest projects and markets. To order a commission piece, visit her Ko-fi page at ko-fi.com/majesticpaula
Where to find Majestic Paula Art:
• Instagram @majesticpaula_art
• TikTok: majesticpaula
• MajesticPaula.com
• Etsy: MajesticPaulaArt
Mural at Eden Smoothies
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
SARA HAGEN
VITALITY FROM WITHIN
4Ever Young is a center for health and wellness in downtown
Woodstock has an enriching new addition to the downtown community. 4Ever Young Anti-Aging stands out in Woodstock for its commitment to outstanding health outcomes starting from within. While some traditional medspas focus on aesthetics alone, the team at 4Ever Young assesses your health intrinsically and makes a plan based on your unique body and desired outcome. They prioritize lasting results and sustainable vitality.
4Ever Young offers a diverse array of services for internal and aesthetic treatment. Prospective patients can book a comprehensive consultation that will address desired outcomes and health concerns unique to every individual. Their multifaceted approach ensures that clients not only see improvements in their skin and body but also feel more energetic, balanced, and fulfilled in their daily lives.
During your consultation, the team can use their innovative InBody Analysis, an easy-touse machine that shows your body's muscle, fat,
and hydration levels. While traditional scales only display your weight, the InBody Analysis can show progress on fat loss, muscle gain, and more.
42% of adults in the US are deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to chronic illnesses and issues such as muscle weakness and spasms, a "pins and needles" sensation, and increased sensitivity to pain. 4Ever Young offers a menu of vitamin shots, an excellent option for those who forget to take supplements or don't want to take a pill daily.
Rejuvenating facials are perfect options for self-care and improvement. 4Ever Young offers facials that address acne, hydration, and customized needs. Their microneedling treatment can
improve acne scarring and the appearance of wrinkles. Similarly, 4Ever Young offers dermaplaning, a treatment that can help reduce the appearance of scars.
4Ever Young is dedicated to enhancing the overall well-being of its clients through a holistic approach that prioritizes both internal health and external beauty.
If you want to start your journey to achieve your health outcomes in 2025, reach out to 4Ever Young. You can book a treatment or consultation at 4everyoungantiaging.com or call (470)280-9002. Follow them on Instagram @4everyoung_woodstock to see their latest updates and deals. Visit them in person at 8330 Main St., Building 13 in Downtown Woodstock.
Local Faves
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.
Jessa’s Tea Parlor
This cute tea shop in Woodstock offers a wide variety of loose leaf teas, desserts, and sandwiches. They even have vegan and gluten-free plates.
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.
Century House
Rustic downtown restaurant that stays true to its historical roots, Century House is a perfect place for a night on the town. Enjoy their menu which includes mushroom risotto or shrimp and grits. They also have a chef’s charcuterie-type board.
Dr. Lori Martin, MD
Inspired by Nature and Faith
APRIL BORCHELT’S ARTISTIC JOURNEY
ARTICLE BY SEAN O’KEEFE
Acclaimed visual artist and illustrator April Borchelt draws herinspiration from the beauty of nature, the animal kingdom, and her deeply personal connection to her faith. Like many artists, her creative journey began at a young age, “I was fortunate to have parents who supported my artistic dreams,” says April who immersed herself in art throughout her education. However, it wasn’t until after college that she truly discovered her passion for illustrative work.”
April’s impressive client roster includes Nickelodeon, Hi-Rez Studios, and Alter Reality Games just to name a few. While much of her professional work is digital, her love for traditional painting remains strong; she continues to regard it as her favorite artistic medium. “I alternate between oils and acrylics, but lately, I’ve been using acrylics the most,” April explains. “I love the precision I can achieve with acrylics, and their fast-drying time allows me to layer details quickly and efficiently.”
For the past few years, April has been working full-time as a contract artist; the gaps between projects have given her the
opportunity to explore her creative voice. “During this time,” says April, “I’ve discovered a deep love for storytelling and creating whimsical, nature-inspired paintings that also reflect my faith." "I used to be entirely self-driven in my work, but it led me to some dark places, says April, everything changed when I turned my focus to God, who brought new life to my creative journey, making it freer and more fulfilling than ever before.
Last year, April Borchelt hosted her first solo show, A Dream to Life, featuring a series of works that captured both her creative journey and her walk with God. Most of the pieces were painted on wood cuts, giving the exhibit a distinctly personal touch.
After years of focusing on work for others, she embraced the opportunity to develop and showcase her own artistic style. Seeing her efforts come to fruition and sharing her spiritual and creative journey with an audience was an incredibly rewarding experience. For more information please visit AprilRainStudios. com or plan a trip to Ahoy There Might Be Dragon on the historic Marietta Town Square.
To Have and To Fold
LIVE, LOVE MORE WITH ONE LESS CHORE AT TUMBLE & DRY.
ARTICLE BY DANIELLE BARTLING
Tumble & Dry
Many modern luxuries, from grocery delivery to rideshare, started as necessities that someone, somewhere, dared to innovate. Laundry service, however, was long overdue for a spin—until Tumble & Dry turned the tide.
Andrew Lucas first dreamed of owning a laundromat as a source of passive income to spend more time with his wife, Frances, and their son, Drew, who is on the autism spectrum, and to create an inclusive workplace where Drew could work alongside them in the future.
Fifteen years later, a devastating twist of fate pushed Andrew to make that dream a reality.
In 2021, the Lucases purchased their first laundromat in Roswell. While navigating the economic uncertainty of the pandemic as small business owners, they faced an even greater challenge as a family: Andrew’s ongoing battle with COVID, marked by multi-organ damage, chronic health issues, and persistent exhaustion.
As they leaned on each other more than ever, Andrew and Frances realized the true value of what they could offer customers: more time with loved ones—the very reason they started a family business in the first place. This clarity inspired them to rebrand, renovate, and expand to a second location in Acworth.
Tumble & Dry, born from the founders' sheer grit and determination to spend more time with each other, now helps families across Roswell, East Cobb, and Woodstock do the same.
“As a family first and business second, we understand raising children and managing a household through thick and thin takes a village,” said Lucas. “We’re here to be part of that support system.”
At Tumble & Dry, laundry isn’t a chore—it’s a joyful, often hands-free experience. With convenient drop-off and delivery options, quick turnarounds, and an easyto-use mobile app, customers save time and gain the freedom to enjoy richer, more fulfilling lives.
At the bottom of every "bottomless" laundry pile are endless possibilities—more breakfasts in bed, more
pillow fights, more dinner table conversations, and more forced-family-fun nights.
“You can’t put a price on time,” said Lucas. “Our mission has always been to give people theirs back, so they can focus on what, and more importantly who, matters most.”
Impactful yet unobtrusive, Tumble & Dry functions like an extension of the home—seamlessly fitting into the lives of busy customers who appreciate a few extra hours each week.
“We set out to reimagine what a laundromat could be,” said Lucas, “to not just meet a need, but to elevate the experience entirely.”
Walking through the doors is like stepping into a retreat. Impeccably clean and thoughtfully designed, the Tumble & Dry atmosphere feels worlds apart from the gritty fluorescence of laundromats frozen in time and untouched by care.
Tumble & Dry goes to great lengths to ensure customers feel cared for—whether doing their own laundry in-store, dropping off their T&D bag, or scheduling a delivery with their phone in hand and a child on their hip.
The Lucases extend that same level of care to their team, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. As the business grows, they plan to expand their hiring program to include their son, Drew, and more adults with disabilities.
“When we ask how you’re doing, we truly care about the answer,” said Lucas. “We greet our regulars by name and know more than just their favorite detergent or dryer setting—we know their families, their jobs, their stories. Laundry may bring us together, but it’s the relationships that matter.”
Website: tbldry.com
Facebook: @tbldry
Instagram: @tblndry
“At the bottom of every ‘bottomless’ laundry pile are endless possibilities—more breakfasts in bed, more pillow fights, more dinner table conversations, and more forced-family-fun nights.”
A SALAD REC IPE TO LOV E
A GORGEOUS, FRESH AND SIMPLE DISH
PEAR, PROSCIUTTO , Burrata Salad
INGREDIENTS
• Ripe Pear
• Prosciutto
• Burrata
• Lemon Zest
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Dried Figs
• Red Pepper Flakes
DIRECTIONS
1. Slice the ripe pear into thin slices.
2. Arrange pear slices on a plate, creating a base for the salad.
3. Nestle slices of prosciutto in-between pear slices, a perfect combo of sweet and savory.
4. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the salad adding a velvety creaminess to the ensemble.
5. Grate fresh lemon zest over the entire salad, infusing it with citrus flavor.
6. Top with fresh basil, figs and pepper flakes.
7. Finish by generously drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the salad, creating a silky texture that ties it all together.
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 AND
BY TYLER SHANE
A PERFECT M ARRIAGE SOUP AND BREAD:
Hearty food nourishes the body during cold winter months
PHOTOGRAPHY
As we continue to embrace the cold weather, we may find ourselves craving heavier and grounding foods as we retreat into hibernation. This change in appetite reflects our body’s desire to align with the cycles of nature. Moving into the New Year, it can be common to place more discipline or restrictions on our eating habits. But what if instead of dieting, we nourished ourselves by choosing to support the ebb and flow of our body’s seasons? What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt.
This Italian wedding soup recipe is simple in its approach, but the result is a hearty and brothy dish. Chunky meats and vegetables add texture to the rich, savory broth making it the ideal meal to help you retreat from the cold temperatures. The Hasselback bread loaf is a straightforward, melty wonder and the perfect vessel for sopping up any leftover broth and goodies in your soup bowl. Together, the soup and cheesy bread make for a well-rounded meal to ground you this season, with a little indulgence.
HASSELBACK MOZZARELLA BREAD LOAF
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Italian bread loaf
• 1 cup butter
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 8 oz. bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Cut foil that is 3 times the length of the bread loaf and lay flat on countertop.
3. Place bread loaf parallel to the length of the foil.
4. With a serrated knife, cut bread in ¾ in. slices, making sure not to cut all the way through.
5. Melt butter in a bowl. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir to incorporate.
6. With a pastry brush, coat the slices of bread with butter mixture. Be generous with your butter! If you have leftover butter, pour the rest over the entire loaf.
7. Grab handfuls of mozzarella cheese and stuff in between each slice.
8. Cover the bread loaf with foil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovering the foil for the last 5 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP RECIPE
4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb. fresh or frozen pre-made meatballs
• ½ cup carrots, diced small
• ½ cup celery, diced small
• 1 cup onions, diced small
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 48 oz low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup orzo pasta (or any small, short noodle)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped roughly
• 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley
DIRECTIONS
1. Whether freshly baked or cooked from frozen, prepare your meatballs and set aside. Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
2. Bring a medium-sized pot to medium heat. Add oil and butter.
3. Add vegetables to the pot and sweat until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.
4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to vegetables. Turn heat to medium-high.
5. Bring broth mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes. With tongs, add meatballs to the boiling broth.
6. Add orzo to the broth, stirring continuously to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
7. Continue to cook the pasta for 6-7 minutes. Taste test to make sure pasta is al dente.
8. Throw the fresh herbs into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST
Joseph Finder in conversation with Karin Slaughter and Mary Kay Andrews
Foxtale Book Shoppe - 105 E Main St Ste 138 | 1:00 PM
Foxtale Book Shoppe is thrilled to host Joseph Finder on Saturday, February 1st, at 1:00pm to celebrate the release of his book, “The Oligarch’s Daughter.” Joseph will be in conversation with fellow authors, Karin Slaughter and Mary Kay Andrews.
FEBRUARY 7TH-14TH
Valentine Bingo
Downtown Woodstock
In this fun annual tradition, participants in the Valentine Bingo Card Event will have a chance to win numerous amazing deals and prizes while shopping at their favorite locally-owned stores in Downtown Woodstock. Go to visitwoodstockga.com/ valentine-bingo for more information.
FEBRUARY 7TH-23RD
Pride and Prejudice at
Woodstock Arts Theater
Woodstock Arts
It’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE as you’ve never seen it before – join this classic story of Lizzy Bennet and her sisters in their quests for love – or in Lizzy’s case to avoid it at all costs.
FEBRUARY 13TH
Woodstock Public Library | 10:30 AM
Seniors are welcome to the Woodstock Public Library for a special Valentine's Day painting! Join us and make friends, while painting a heart on a mini canvas. Valentines crafts, light refreshments, and treats will be provided. No registration is required.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Croissants with Chef Michelle
Leaning Ladder Olive Oil - 105 East Main Street | 12:00 PM
Croissants Class with Chef Michelle is back, participants will be working with a yeasted dough, creating a butter block, lamination techniques, cutting, shaping and filling the three styles of croissants listed below, proofing them properly to achieve the right texture inside, and finally, baking them to a rich golden brown. Coffee & Tea will be served! This is a 4-hour class.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Mardi Gras Pub Crawl
Downtown Woodstock
Visit Woodstock GA invites you to celebrate Mardi Gras in Downtown Woodstock with a festive, fun-filled pub crawl from 2pm-6pm. Go to visitwoodstockga.com/mardigrascrawl for more information.
