There's No Place Like Home

LIFE + CULTURE THE FOUNDERS ISSUE
MEET THE PUBLISHER: LISA FEDERICO
HOME + DESIGN HOSTING THE PERFECT DINNER PARTY MARCH 2024
A HOME FOR GATHERING













LIFE + CULTURE THE FOUNDERS ISSUE
MEET THE PUBLISHER: LISA FEDERICO
HOME + DESIGN HOSTING THE PERFECT DINNER PARTY MARCH 2024
A HOME FOR GATHERING
Home. So much contained in that four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.
Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly, the people.
I am thrilled to welcome you to the very first edition of Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle magazine. This labor of love is dedicated to showcasing the incredible stories of our community, the inspiring local businesses and the exceptional individuals who call Northwest Columbus their home.
We felt like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community even closer together.
This month we share a story about the Jacksons of Worthington Hills. They fell in love with their home nearly 25 years ago and had some tough decisions to make about whether the home they fell in love with could work for their family, now that the kids were grown.
Of course, there’s so much more to “home” than just a house—its meaning extends to our friends, family and community—which is why we wanted to tell you about Andy and Carrie Sears. Their sense of community inspired the couple to build a business to serve our community, the "home" they've loved and connected to since childhood.
As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you—in your city, neighborhood and most of all, your home.
We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you deserve. Thank you for letting us be a part of your home.
When a loved one lives at Life Enriching Communities, caregivers find peace of mind and freedom of time!
“I really appreciate visiting and not having it be a chore or obligation, it feels easy for us all to be together, which is a benefit we didn’t expect. I know that they’re in a safe spot where if and when something happens to them, there’s a community of people to help us and it’s not just me.”
Vicki, daughter of Wesley Woods residents Dick and Lola
Explore our vibrant communities, innovative programs, and extraordinary services like:
• Independent Lifestyle Apartments, Assisted Living, and Memory Support
• Nursing, Therapy, Home Services, and Wellness Programs
• Special events, volunteer opportunities, and engaging roles in clubs and committees
Make the move to more quality time with your loved one this year!
Explore the Life Enriching Communities in Columbus today by scanning the QR code:
Wesley Glen
Wesley Woods
Wesley Ridge
Hospice
Lisa Federico NORTHWEST COLUMBUS CITY LIFESTYLE
Blue Boat Counseling
WWW.BLUEBOATCOUNSELING.COM
Branch Beauty Studio
WWW.BRANCHBEAUTYSTUDIO.COM
CoHatch
WWW.COHATCH.COM
Carifa Tile
WWW.CARIFATILE.COM
J.S. Brown & Company
WWW.JSBROWNCOMPANY.COM
Jason Harris, Guaranteed Rate
WWW.RATE.COM
Life Enriching Communities
LEC.ORG
ModeAlise
WWW.MODEALISE.COM
Moore Brothers Landscaping and Pools
MOOREBROTHERSLANDSCAPING.COM
NME Builders
WWW.NMEBUILDERS.COM
Nathan Daugherty, Ameriprise
WWW.AMERIPRISEADVISORS.COM/NATHAN.M.DAUGHERTY
Paulette’s Princess Parties
PAULETTESPRINCESSPARTIES.COM
Planes Moving and Storage
WWW.TEAMPLANES.COM
Residence Design Build
WWW.RESIDENCEDESIGNBUILD.COM
Smartlevel Concrete
WWW.SMARTLEVELCONCRETE.COM
Surreal Style
SURREALSTYLEWITHCOURTNEY.COM
The Timbrook Guesthouse
TIMBROOKGUESTHOUSE.COM
Theresa Mesaros CB Full Circle Team THEREALT614.COM
Tristate Exteriors
TRISTATEEXTERIORSLLC.COM
for safer walkways, driveways and more to make your home as safe and beautiful as possible.
COHatch, our community's go-to for vibrant workspaces, has partnered with Star House, a Columbusbased organization assisting young adults experiencing homelessness, to renovate apartments for individuals in need. This collaboration reflects COHatch's dedication to utilizing their expertise in building thriving communities to address social issues. Through this initiative, COHatch aims to create a comforting environment for these young adults, enabling them to take a step toward a brighter future.
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Residence Design, your partner in bespoke home transformations, has proudly relocated from Grandview to Northwest Columbus. Whether you’re looking to update a single room or to embark on a full-scale renovation, this new location gives their team of talented designers and skilled craftsmen more space to craft your vision and make your lifestyle the heart of your home.
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Mental
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, family or relationship issues, our therapists provide counseling services from a place of genuine empathy and are here to help you find your way.
““I want my blue boat to be a reminder that you deserve to just… be you.”
For Andy and Carrie Sears, it was important for Blue Boat Counseling to be their way of helping others find their true selves. Andy and Carrie met as children while growing up in Worthington. After serving in the United States Air Force, Andy followed his calling and became a therapist in 2008 where he found success working with other veterans.
“Vets seek out other vets,” Andy said. “They’re just more comfortable talking to someone who’s been in the military.” In 2018, Andy and Carrie followed their dream of opening their own practice. There was “never any question” that they’d open it in Worthington because of the welcoming, progressive feel that the community provides. For them, it’s home.
“When Kilbourne founded it, he was adamant about ‘we’re accepting everybody,’” Andy said. “That worked out pretty well because that’s the way we are too.” When selecting the name, they
Our team is passionate about their work and the clients we serve. We provide unmatched counseling services with an upscale experience, and we’re proud of the work we do in our Worthington community, serving greater Columbus. Whether you’re here for anxiety treatment, depression counseling, teen therapy, marriage counseling or PTSD treatment, we’re here with a true desire to help.
Blueboatcounseling.com
called back on Andy’s childhood experience of loving the color blue and always waiting for the blue boat on theme park rides. They selected the blue boat as a symbol of authenticity and to represent the approach they use in helping clients.
“It was just him being his true self,” Carrie said. “And that’s what he helps clients do in therapy.” Blue Boat prioritizes their customer experience by creating a calm, welcoming environment, and by using a personalized approach that provides exceptional quality and highly personalized care for every client.
“We decided we weren’t downsizing, we weren’t moving. This needs to work for us forever.
Remodeling your home is no easy feat. The process can be overwhelming for some homeowners, especially when making major changes. Gay and Mark Jackson of Worthington Hills have remodeled twice with J.S. Brown & Co., each time with different goals in mind. Rather than moving to another house as their needs evolved, they remodeled their home not once, but twice, to fit the functionality and lifestyle of their family.
The Jackson home was first remodeled 20 years ago by J.S. Brown to allow for increased functionality in their kitchen. At the time, they were a young family, and space was not their main concern.
“We pretty much knew what we wanted going in,” Gay said.
Mark, the cook of the family, didn’t mind that the kitchen was small, but prioritized updating it with nicer appliances that could stand up to daily usage. For this remodel, they added tile flooring, new appliances, more storage space and a desk area for their children.
“We didn’t really do much structurally the first time around,” J.S. Brown Vice President Monica Lewis said. “It was more about upgrading it and making it nicer.”
Twenty years later, kids grown and grandchildren added, Gay and Mark realized their home needed to accommodate larger gatherings.
As many adults grow older, some choose to downsize, either by purchasing a smaller home or moving to a senior living community. Gay and Mark decided against those options. They wanted to stay in the current home and use this remodel to turn their home into one where they could be comfortable for the rest of their lives.
“We decided we weren’t downsizing, we weren’t moving,” Gay said. “This needs to work for us forever.”
In 2023, they decided to remodel again to fit their new lifestyle.
“It was more about space. We wanted a covered porch, a place where we could go and hang out and watch a game, and just a place that we could gather,” Gay said. “We added a large island and we have more flow for having parties.”
While both remodels focused on the kitchen, the second remodel was very different. As two-time veterans of the remodeling process, the Jacksons recommend hiring a reliable company, like J.S. Brown, having patience and ensuring great communication with your contractor.
“I was nervous because, you know, someone’s blowing out your house,” Gay said. “That’s why we decided to pick someone more established and who we’ve used before.”
Delays can be a part of any home remodel so the Jacksons recommend going into any project with patience and knowing delays can, and probably will, happen. This is why communication with J.S. Brown was so important to them. Building a good rapport and communicating with your project manager is crucial in managing expectations.
Technology plays a key role in today’s remodels for better communication as well. J.S. Brown uses an app as a hub, which serves as a central access point for collaboration between J.S. Brown, homeowners and contractors.
“We do our estimates in it, we do our orders in it, we invoice clients through it. We can communicate with the homeowners, within our own team, and with our subcontractors that may be working with us on a job,” Lewis said.
Before starting a remodeling project, creating and sticking to a budget is essential. J.S. Brown begins the remodel process by discussing design and functionality goals before establishing a budget and creating an initial estimate. Homeowners can expect ongoing consultation and collaboration with their project
“ ”
manager, which helps them stay on budget and keeps remodels on time.
“There are always things that get cut or changed or modified to fit into the budget structure,” Lewis said. “We will walk through all of the design phases...and once we get a plan, we go into estimation and see how close the plan can fit in [the client's] budget.”
Like the Jacksons, homeowners may find their needs evolve with time, but the key to lasting remodels, Lewis says, is to avoid trends and to take the home and clients' lifestyles into consideration.
“If the homeowner loves their home, you want to design around their home,” Lewis said.
Remodeling twice helped Gay and Mark’s home evolve as their needs changed. They have been able to enjoy the home they purchased long ago and spend more time in their new space with their growing family, all of whom love the fresh additions.
“It’s so radically different from what it was before,” Mark said of his home. “People get blown away by it."
WEBSITE: jsbrowncompany.com
Your next event, served alfresco
Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.
• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.
• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.
• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.
• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”
• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”
• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”
• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”
• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”
Read on for some of Chef Kyle’s favorite recipes.
Yield: 6 servings
• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, raw, halved
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced thin
• 1-2 cups bacon, smoked, thick cut, large dice
• Salt, pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons real butter, unsalted
• Optional garnish:
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
METHOD OF PREPARATION:
1. Preheat oven to 400 °F for convection setting, (425 °F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and cut raw Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned sprouts on baking sheet and bake in oven until done, about 20-40 minutes (soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some dark brown color). Remove from oven.
4. Place large sauté pan on medium heat and render bacon. Add a splash of olive oil to get it going, if needed. Cook until bacon is crispy and golden brown, 5-10 minutes.
5. Add onions to pan and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes.
6. Turn heat to high and add garlic and butter and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to pan and toss all together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. For optional garnishes, add fresh chopped parsley.
9. Serve and enjoy!
CHEF NOTES:
• If Brussels sprouts are large, cut in quarters.
• Rendering bacon means extracting the bacon fat which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Yield: 6-10 servings
• 2 cups heirloom carrot, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom rutabaga, peeled, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom parsnip, cubed
• 1 cup heirloom turnip, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom marble potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.
4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
6. Enjoy.
Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet.
ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDAHow you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.
It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.
Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.
Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.
Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.
Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.
The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!
Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.
Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.
Lighting is everything in a closet. Gone are the days of dim recessed lighting being sufficient. Consider adding a statement lighting fixture like a chandelier or pendant that provides ample bright lighting to your space, no matter how big or small.
WHY USE AN ARMCHAIR WHEN YOU HAVE ROOM FOR A SOFA? SLIDE UP A STOOL AND COLORFUL AREA RUG TO COMPLETE THE LOOK. IF YOU HAVE EXCESSIVE WALL SPACE, CONSIDER A MINI GALLERY WALL OR A STATEMENT WALL WITH WALLPAPER TO POLISH THINGS OFF.
What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.
New York Times Best-Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research From the World’s Healthiest Cultures
For more than 20 years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans, as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world— where people are living longer, as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years—has now also evolved into proactively creating ecosystems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.
Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource, featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into everything from the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.
Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”
Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities! Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones
visit BlueZones.com to shop
MARCH
MARCH 6TH - 27TH
Worthington Community Center 345 E. Wilson Bridge Road | 6:00 PM
Learn to Fly Fish! This series will equip you with all of the basic knowledge you need to start enjoying this popular sport, from tying streamers and terrestrials to rigging and knots and basic casting. There are four classes available this month. Register online under Worthington Parks and Recreation at worthington.org.
MARCH 8TH
Paulette's Princess Parties, 345 E. Wilson Bridge Road | 6:00 PM
Join Tink and her princess friends for a pajama party, hosted by children's party service, Paulette's Princess Parties. Come in your pajamas, wake up the sleeping princesses and then sing, dance and make some crafts before retiring back to your royal chamber. paulettesprincessparties.com
MARCH 8TH
Boxland Media, 6155 Huntley Rd # J | 4:00 PM
Free event held the second Friday night of every month. A place where creatives can come together to network and discuss their projects. Boxland Improv session immediately follows. boxlandmedia.com
MARCH 16TH
Fifteen32 Social 1532 Bethel Rd | 8:00 PM
Come join the band, 80 Hour Work Week, for a night of Irish rock with a healthy dose of non-Irish rock mixed in at Fifteen32 Social—extra fiddle playing included. Admission is free. Register at fifteen32social.com.
Top quality, professional service, and your satisfaction is our priority.
BOOK A ROOF INSPECTION AND RECEIVE 30% OFF GUTTERS
MARCH 16TH
Worthington Community Center
345 E. Wilson Bridge Road | 2:00 PM
With a demonstration and instructions, you can create your own blownglass ornament or water globe. Choose from eight different colors of ground glass to start. Using a hot head torch, the instructor will walk you through the process of blowing to create your masterpiece. Your piece will be available for pickup the next business day, once cooled. worthington.org
MARCH 22ND
Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington | 2:30 PM
Join Dr. Moy Easwaran, a distinguished math professor from The Ohio State University, as he demystifies Artificial Intelligence in a language we all understand. Discover how machine learning simplifies our lives, boosts efficiency and can enhance our daily productivity. It's not just for techies! Understand the wonders of AI with real-world applications that matter to you. worthington.org
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Experience an aviation adventure via Take Flight Ohio: Fact: I love to travel, but hate turbulence. So, Take Flight Ohio is on my Must Do List this year. Where else can you fly a commercial airliner without ever leaving the ground? Takeflightohio.com
Learn about falconry: Another Fact? I have a fear of birds. BUT, falconry sounds so cool. I had no idea this school existed but it’s been running for years. Minutes away and classes offered all year long! Ohiofalconryschool.com
Head to Bliss Home Market: This is open one weekend each month (that’s only 12 weekends per year), so I’m planning to head here to blissfully dream about replacing everything in my home. Mark your calendars! Blisshomemarket.com
Do some soul shopping at Fritzy Jacobs boutique. I love, love, love their baby clothes and gifts. This is a great place to escape (and have a friendly conversation with shop master Anne). Everything is curated beautifully! Fritzyjacobs.com . Indulge in a lavender latte from Kittie’s afterward.
I kiss my fish for good luck...
Lastly, fishing with my amazing husband, Bryan. Mexico, here we come!
Since 1978, J.S. Brown & Co. has transformed homes and improved the quality of our clients’ lives. We can do the same for you.