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JA N UA RY 2 022 | TH E H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S I S S U E

MICHELLE TAYLOR WILLIS DAY!

FITNESS

STRETCH YOU RSELF WITH TH E FITN ESS CO LLECTIVE!

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O P E N 7 DAY S A W E E K

January 2022 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis | michelle.willis@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Erikka Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Brand New Year! Happy 2022! Hey y’all! Happy New Year! We have a new name and a new look! Welcome to City Lifestyle SoFu! Our staff is delighted to bring you more of the same good news from the eight cities in the South Fulton area as we have for the past six years plus some new surprises! It’s my pleasure to showcase my publisher in this issue and on our cover. Media maven and owner of Gagnant Media Michelle Taylor Willis was recently honored under the Gold Dome at our State Capitol with her own day! Yes, it was Michelle Taylor Willis Day in Georgia on November 18 and if that’s not winning, I do not know what is! She is a humble servant, a caring boss, and a sister to all she meets. She has so many qualities that are not often celebrated. Michelle is a connector who puts people over profit, all while excelling in her many different businesses. We would love to shine a light on your business too! Email Michelle to get your business onto our pages. In addition to our feature on Michelle, we spotlight some great small businesses: Fitness Collective and Sharon Mann Designs. It’s a brand new year, #SoFu and the best is yet to come!

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Curtis Bunn, Gwendolyn Jackson, Sammy Davis, Kristen Wright-Matthews, Stevie Peterson CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Aric Thompson, Telless Photography, Prince Williams

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ERIKK A MITCHELL, EDITOR @ S O U T H F U LT O N L I F E S T Y L E

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/SOFU |

Proverbs 3:5-6 SOFU Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SOFU Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Michelle Taylor Willis Day!

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Inspired By

Local Limelight

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan Helps Lead Celebration

F E ATU R E D

18 The Future of Atlanta’s Westside Westside Future Fund

F E ATU R E D

24 Fitness Colllective Stretch Yourself This New Year!

F E ATU R E D

28 Ginsation!

Sisters Create Healthy New Drink

O N T H E C OV E R

Michelle Taylor Willis is a media maven. She is pictured talking to a producer from her TV show and she also does a radio program and is the publisher of this magazine.

24 Our Town

HO ME + DES I GN LI FE + C U LT U R E

FI T NES S

28 Healthy Lifestyle 32 Self Care

FO O D + B E V E R AG E

HEA LT H + WELLNES S

34 Culinary Creations

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city. 1

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Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your social media photos with @SouthFultonLifestyle

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

City of South Fulton Honors Prominent Pastor and World War II Hero Civil rights pioneer Pastor Matthew Southall Brown Sr., pastor of the historic St. John Baptist Church in Savannah since 1969, has died at 99 years old. Brown was shaped by both war and peace. Fitting for his military background, the church was called the mighty fortress. His niece Councilwoman Helen Willis was a founding member of the City of South Fulton, and serves as distinguished Mayor Pro Tem, serving thousands in District Three.

Scan to read more.

Keepin’ Up with the Joneses Thanksgiving Carnival at Greenbriar Rapper Lil Baby along with NFL wide receiver Julio Jones (formerly of the Atlanta Falcons), joined producer Polow Da Don and Zone 4, Inc. for a special celebration. Fans gathered at Greenbriar Mall for their fifth annual Keepin’ Up with the Joneses Thanksgiving Carnival.The free event included a turkey giveaway, food, carnival games, and a concert. Lil Baby hit the stage with his son to perform a medley. Other special guest appearances included Kirk Franklin.

Prince Williams/ATLPics.net

High Museum Features KAWS Prints Since his groundbreaking solo show at the High Museum of Art in 2012, acclaimed artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly) has taken the world by storm with major exhibitions. Drawing exclusively from the High’s collection, “KAWS PRINTS” (through March 27, 2022) features all the artist’s editioned silkscreen prints in the Museum’s holdings along with a selection of drawings, color charts and rare early prints. For more information, visit HIGH.org.

Scan to read more. KAWS (American, born 1974),UPS AND DOWNS, 2013, screen print on paper (from a portfolio of ten), High Museum of Art, Atlanta, gift of the artist, 2014.14.2.©KAWS.

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create a relaxing space with Sharon Mann Designs

I NSP IR E D BY | HOM E + DE S I GN

Sharon Mann

Having worked for a Fortune 5 company for over twenty-two years, Sharon Mann, the founder of Sharon Mann Design also known as SMD, always pursued decorating and design when not in a office. This has been her passion that began over thirty years ago with special events, weddings, and Christmas decor. In 2007, she left the boundaries of corporate America and pursued the limitless possibilities of her dream by establishing SMD, a fullservice interior design firm based in Atlanta. Always a student of her craft, she has immersed herself in the study of interior and furniture design, lighting, textiles, and colors. In 2009 she elevated her business to include renovations and artistry of construction. As a native of Atlanta, Mann is very familiar with this city’s rich culture and the wide variety of choices when it comes to where to live, or own a business, including those tucked away in the lush landscapes of rural suburbs. Mann’s experiences range from residential to commercial designs that have been implemented in churches, restaurants, salons, and corporate offices. “If design is overlooked or not well thought out,” Mann says, “the potential personality of a home, work, or entertainment environment may not be maximized to create the mood one hopes to establish! This is where

I lend my expertise to help clients achieve the desired ambience they envision.” Sharon Mann Design is a full-service design firm and boutique. Since its official launch in February 2007, this company has celebrated many achievements and victories within ten years of continuous growth and recognition as an industry leader. By integrating design with construction, their clients remain stress free as they take each phase of a project to polished perfection. Upon completion, the client will be awed by the indelible way SMD makes its subtle presence known in the execution of their visionary dreams. As they deliver outstanding results, it is their hope that you will recognize SMD’s commitment to customer care and ensuring that the client’s input is valued. Mann states, “The biggest reward in working with you is building lasting client relationships where we mutually inspire and encourage each other!” In September 2020, they announced a grand opening of Sharon Mann Design Showroom located at 6867 S. Sweetwater Rd Suite A, Lithia Springs, GA 30122. Follow them on Facebook and IG @sharonmanndesign or call 404.907.1924 for more information.

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

Michelle Taylor Willis Day ARTICLE BY GWENDOLYN J. JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARIC THOMPSON AND PROVIDED

GEORGIA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR GEOFF DUNCAN HELPS LEAD CELEBRATION

On November 18, 2021, State Senator Lester G. Jackson III, Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, State Senator Donzella James, along with a host of other legislators, family, colleagues and friends helped celebrate Michelle Taylor Willis Day at the Capitol in the State of Georgia. It was a beautiful afternoon in the Capital city when Lt. Governor Duncan presented Michelle with the Georgia Senate Ambassador coin after a resolution and proclamation had been awarded to her in the Governor’s office in recognition of her work in the media industry, her volunteerism, her activism, her advocacy for the birthing rights of woman and the branding of SoFu, which represents the eight cities that comprise the South Fulton community in Metro Atlanta.

Her volunteerism is also important and one of the reasons why she was recognized for her prestigious honors.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

For over 20 years, Michelle has worked hard to create a lane for herself as a female entrepreneur, but more importantly, for small businesses, for which she has created an entire media brand dedicated to giving small businesses a voice. Whether it’s her radio show on 1100 AM (also available through the iHeart network) or TV show which is aired through the VTV Network on Amazon Fire and Roku, her magazine, SoFu Lifestyle or her media-buying resources which include access to billboards, companies of all sizes can work with Michelle and her team to create a strategy for giving their company visibility and access to a larger consumer pool. Her volunteerism is also important and one of the reasons why she was recognized for her prestigious honors. Most notable is her partnership with Morris Brown College. Working alongside the college’s New President, Dr. Kevin James, Michelle has been pulling from all her resources to help support the rebirth of the college. Recently, she hosted the inaugural year of the SoFu Legends Ball in support of the United Way of Greater Atlanta. Her unwavering support of the organization spans several years and includes being the lead for many campaigns and initiatives all for the betterment of United Way and what they offer their beneficiaries. Michelle's sons

Activism and advocacy means fighting for those who cannot or need assistance in fighting for themselves. One such occurrence, which was highlighted during her daylong celebration at the Capitol, was when Michelle fought to make sure hospitals in Atlanta and Georgia offered water births for parents who wanted that option in the safety of a hospital, even in vaginal birth after cesarean section. Many officials believed that water births were a private choice and not in the normal realm for birthing so it should not be allowed in the hospital setting. Michelle believed otherwise and worked with stakeholders to change this perception and ultimately the standard. There are over 10 million people in the State of Georgia and on one day during each 40-day session, the State Legislature celebrates a different extraordinary Georgian. Gagnant Media is the name Michelle chose for her business because she wanted to make media available to everyone so that everyone can WIN! Bringing people together, working for others and believing that she is great because the people around her are great is why she was selected and why she will continue to win. This selfless pursuit of the greatness of others, the support of her husband and four boys and remembering the hustle of her mother that continues to be her strength are the reasons why there is a Michelle Taylor Willis Day.

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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FUT E TH

URE OF ATLAN TA ’S

W E S T S I DE

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN WRIGHT-MATTHEWS

F E AT U R E | R EAL ESTATE

Atlanta’s historic Westside, specifically the neighborhoods of Vine City, English Avenue, Atlanta University Center, and Ashview Heights, played a defining role in the civil rights movement and is where some of its most iconic leaders called home. Dr. Martin Luther King’s family lived here, as did Atlanta’s first Black Mayor, Maynard Jackson. Early civil rights activists met to talk strategy over soul food at Leila’s Dinette on Fair Street in what was once a thriving community. The Westside bears the scars of the racist policies that took its jobs and tax base decades ago, creating generations of residents with few economic opportunities or hope. It is one of the most impoverished areas in “The A” today; over half the population lives below the poverty line, 40% of the houses are vacant, and unemployment is twice that of the City of Atlanta. The lack of affordable housing is a crisis across the nation and throughout our city. The price of rent has gone up 15% in the past year and low rent inventory—homes that cost $1,000 or less per month— has continued to decrease while demand rises. Commercial investment and investor speculation is rampant, bringing with it the kind of rapid growth and income inequality that has caused gentrification and displacement of residents throughout Atlanta in recent years. If something isn’t done quickly, the historic Westside will soon suffer the same fate. Enter Westside Future Fund (WFF), a nonprofit founded in 2014 that is working to preserve the historic Westside’s culture and history by ensuring that those who have long called the Westside home can continue to do so. According to Westside Future Fund President and CEO, John Ahmann, “Westside Future Fund creates multi-generational impact by providing access to affordable housing, quality preK-12 education and driving economic mobility for residents on the Westside.” WFF’s signature program, Home on the Westside, is addressing the area’s generations-long economic oppression by taking a compassionate approach to neighborhood revitalization. Ultimately, they want to help create the kind of diverse, mixed-income community the historic Westside was known for in the 1960s. WFF is using a social impact fund to purchase land and properties at scale before prices go up, and philanthropic funds are used to make the rental properties and single-family homes affordable to Westside residents for the long term. WFF’s Home on the Westside program is addressing gentrification through resident retention guidelines. The guidelines prioritize housing for current residents and those with legacy ties to the neighborhoods. Additionally, long-time homeowners struggling with rising property taxes can benefit from gap funding through WFF’s Anti-Displacement Tax Fund. Delivering affordable housing to residents with community ties is an important step to WFF achieving its vision to help create a community that Dr. King would be proud to call home. To learn more, visit www.westsidefuturefund.org.

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

Self-Employment and the Retirement Dilemma Many of us dream of the financial freedom and potential wealth creation that comes from being self-employed. But few of us think about the different challenges that come with planning for retirement as our own boss. There are no 401Ks, pensions, or company matches for the self-employed individual, so saving for retirement means the business owner requires more and better planning. A number of retirement vehicles (IRAs, SEP IRAs, Safe Harbor 401Ks) are specifically designed for these types of individuals. The rules for these vehicles are different from an employer-sponsored plan and are based on many of the same premises. Each type of retirement account brings its own unique benefits and challenges, and they all need to be evaluated against each other to determine the best fit. It is incumbent on your financial advisor and tax accountant to thoroughly evaluate the specific needs a small business owner will have to consider in the planning process. Having these two professionals working together to create the necessary synergies required for retirement planning is essential for the business owner. Things like time horizon, current income and resources, future income needs, the level of assets available for retirement purposes, health, and many others factor into the process of determining the appropriate account structure. While this process can be overwhelming and daunting to think about, Seraphim Wealth Advisors has the resources and tools to help small business owners make these critical decisions. Please reach out to us for a free consultation to determine the best structure for your business and to discuss the opportunities and limitations that come with these complicated decisions. For more information and if you have questions, contact Eric Wimbush at ewimbush@seraphimwealth.com or 404.381.2272.

F E AT U R E | FIN AN CE + L E GAL S E RVI CE S

DEC 3–MAR 27 | HIGH.ORG |

H IG H

KAWS PRINTS is organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta. KAWS, URGE, 2020, screenprint on paper (from a portfolio of ten), collection of the artist. © KAWS. LEAD SPONSOR

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSOR

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Sarah and Jim Kennedy Louise Sams and Jerome Grilhot Dr. Joan H. Weens Estate

BENEFACTOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Anne Cox Chambers Foundation Robin and Hilton Howell AMBASSADOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS The Antinori Foundation Corporate Environments Elizabeth and Chris Willett

CONTRIBUTING EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Farideh and Al Azadi, Sandra and Dan Baldwin, Lucinda W. Bunnen, Marcia and John Donnell, Helen C. Griffith, Mrs. Fay S. Howell/The Howell Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Jones, The Arthur R. and Ruth D. Lautz Charitable Foundation, Joel Knox and Joan Marmo, Dr. Joe B. Massey, Margot and Danny McCaul, The Ron and Lisa Brill Family Charitable Trust, Wade Rakes and Nicholas Miller, The Fred and Rita Richman Fund, In Memory of Elizabeth B. Stephens, USI Insurance Services, Mrs. Harriet H. Warren GENEROUS SUPPORT IS ALSO PROVIDED BY Alfred and Adele Davis Exhibition Endowment Fund, Anne Cox Chambers Exhibition Fund, Barbara Stewart Exhibition Fund, Dorothy Smith Hopkins Exhibition Endowment Fund, Eleanor McDonald Storza Exhibition Endowment Fund, The Fay and Barrett Howell Exhibition Fund, Forward Arts Foundation Exhibition Endowment Fund, Helen S. Lanier Endowment Fund, Isobel Anne Fraser–Nancy Fraser Parker Exhibition Endowment Fund, John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Exhibition Endowment Fund, Katherine Murphy Riley Special Exhibition Endowment Fund, Margaretta Taylor Exhibition Fund, and the RJR Nabisco Exhibition Endowment Fund

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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It’s the small things that add more life! The City of South Fulton offers its residents something that we’re all learning, once again, to appreciate—quality of life. The big things—malls, franchises, big box chain stores—are not necessarily the things that make communities more livable. Little things often do that. With limitations on globetrotting, the essence of travel and experiencing new things is not only found in far off places. Exploring South Fulton and supporting local businesses can be fun and plays a key role in sustaining the community and showcasing it as a viable destination. Small business, local merchants, family-owned restaurants. Neighbors whose names you actually know. These things all help to make communities more livable.

ARTICLE BY STEVIE PETERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TELLESS PHOTOGRAPHY

A PLACE FOR YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL

O UR TOWN | FITNESS

As we enter this new year of the pandemic with a fresh new variant, we—if we are honest—are truly strained. The weight of navigating during this phase of uncertainty has taken a toll on our entire being. Tiffany Baskett, Owner of True Align Wholistic Life and Founder/CMO of The Fitness Collective ATL, has a path we can take to wellness, one to one, in a group, or virtually; she has the tools to help bring balance. On March 11, 2020, Baskett celebrated the grand opening of “The Fitness Collective,” an expansion of her already thriving business, True Align. The Fitness Collective would be a studio where members of the community would enter a door greeted by a logo of three triangles that would give a glimpse of what would be inside.

Instead, COVID-19 caused businesses to close their doors and people to hunker inside from fear of a mysterious virus. Baskett was determined her business would succeed, and she knew she needed to pivot. She needed to look no farther than her logo’s color—her favorite, purple—which represents energy work, health, a reminder to focus on what you really want, and regality. Baskett donned her crown and began offering one-to-one classes for long-time clients and those comfortable with face-to-face situations and Zoom classes for new clients or those opting to stay home but desiring a sense of wellness.

THE FITNESS COLLECTIVE

BASKETT’S APPROACH TO WELLNESS IS “WHOLISTIC”: • Emotional: In relationships, do your wear your heart on your sleeve or on your body? Our bodies try to tell us how we are dealing with emotions (difficultly doing daily chores, limited flexibility, etc.). • Spiritual: Regarding your connection to higher source, what keeps you grounded, and how do you navigate your moral compass? Sometimes we need to disconnect from the world and just simply breathe, abstain from starchy and heavy foods, or just stretch. • Physical: The triangle (like the one used by The Fitness Collective) can represent a body and is a symbol of femineity. When was the last time you danced or moved that small muscle in your leg or arm? Do you sit in front of a computer screen most of the day? The Fitness Collective is a boutique fitness space in the Sandtown Crossing Shopping Plaza in South Fulton. The FC offers different forms of yoga, including KEMETIC (adapted from ancient Egypt though long thought to be from India or Asia), YIN (restorative where external props like blocks are used to increase flexibility), FLOW (constant movement throughout the sessions), and BUTI (high cardio, fast pace, trendy music, and dance).

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

Now that people are slowly venturing out, Baskett offers different membership levels at a price and comfort level to fit your needs. In addition to Baskett, all of the trainers (also known as Experienced Motivators) are National Association of Science Medicine (NASM) and American Council of Exercise (ACE) certified and registered with Yoga Alliance among other FitPro governing associations. The Fitness Collective is where serious transformations take place through Barre (as in ballet) fitness, Pilates, dance, and even bootcamp, not to mention alternative methods of myofascial release, ear candling, cupping, and Yoga therapy to address imbalances in the whole being. Interested? In person, a sisterhood of women desiring balance meet regularly to meditate, flow, and work out. They have even journaled during a session where they detoxed and kept each other motivated, resulting in weight loss and energy gained. Men need love too. Men are always welcome, and through a partnership with Keith A. Lewis Jr.’s organization, I’M A FATHER FIRST, The Fitness Collective hosts a series of events where fathers and father figures can bring their youth for movement healing sessions. A little shy? Join a Zoom session or request a one-to-one session with a trainer. Still unsure? Follow @fitnesscollective_atl for inspiring quotes that will get you through the day, cause you to think, and remind you to strive for balance.

O UR TOWN | FITNESS

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GINSATION!

Sheylon and Sandy

Sisters Create Healthy New Drink ARTICLE BY CURTIS BUNN

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

When Sandy Reid was pregnant with her second child, she suffered from a weakened immune system, nausea, and severe digestive issues. Finding a remedy was problematic, so she and her older sister, Sheylon Heywood, took matters into their own minds. They used their college degrees in science— Sandra’s in Biological Sciences from the University of California Riverside; Sheylon in Kinesiology with an emphasis in nutrition from Cal State Fresno—to research and ultimately create a product that launched them into entrepreneurship. . . and solved Sandy’s morning sickness. Sheylon used her certified mixologist skills to create a concoction featuring Peruvian ginger. She sent it from her home in Atlanta to her sister in California, and right away they knew she had found the elixir to her problems. Sandy’s symptoms diminished quickly, and in that healing came the discovery of Ginsation, a new drink that stands out for its healthy properties. “Ginger is one of the most widely used spices for gut health and immunity,” Reid said. “Our belief is if a product states that it contains ginger, then you should be able to taste and feel the natural potency of ginger in your drink.” Reid initiated the idea of creating a business and Heywood dove in, crafting four variations of Ginsation: Citrus Mist, Sunshine Burst, Cherry Delight, and Fresh Zest, an unsweetened vegan option flavor with only 5 calories. All are available at their website, ginsation.com, or Amazon.com. Ginsation is fortified with organic Peruvian ginger, which is known to be naturally grown and, in some cases, untouched, from the Amazon Basin, allowing it to mature into a strong, spicy, and robust plant. “The level of heat and spice of ginger in our 12-ounce bottle surpasses anything you have had

before,” Heywood said. “Additionally, Ginsation is carefully formulated using wildflower honey instead of processed white sugars. Every sip of Ginsation will radiate the natural potency and spice of ginger in your drink.” To launch, the sisters immersed themselves in research. They attended beverage conferences and workshops to familiarize themselves with the industry. And Heywood added, “We have been fortunate to have advisors that have not only helped us bring our product to market, but also were willing to help assist us through the marketing process as well.” Heywood, who had been working as a high school Algebra teacher, quit her job to work full time as Ginsation’s Head of Operations. Reid works the business while maintaining her career in regulatory affairs in the pharmaceutical industry. “It has been both fun and a learning curve,” Reid said. “Even though we are sisters we have different strengths, which makes us a great pair, but at the same time can be very difficult, which causes us to bump heads at times.” They selffunded their enterprise and are determined to help people with their drink. “We are sisters with a passion,” Reid said. “A lot of consumers do not understand that what they choose to drink can help contribute to better health and wellness. We want to educate consumers to pay attention to the amount of sugar and carbohydrates being consumed in their drinks alone.” Added Heywood: “Ginsation is an everyday problem-solver. It can be enjoyed chilled, warm like ginger tea, as a mixer, with frozen fruit to make smoothies, and as a pre- or post-workout drink. The taste and heat of ginger in each bottle is sure to give you a natural energy boost to carry you through the day.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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The Cold Plunge

Dive Into The Wellness World’s Hottest (Actually, Coldest) Addition 32

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLNE S S

Are you ready to take the plunge? It’s a question you may not have asked yourself before but will now. So what is “The Cold Plunge?” In short, it’s a brisk, three-minute immersion into a cold tub that triggers the body into a state of regulation, greatly improving levels of energy, mental and physical strength and blood circulation. The profound effects of The Plunge can impact your overall health, from reducing chronic pain and inflammation to boosting metabolism and focus and creating better sleep and mental clarity. Co-founded by two entrepreneurs who bonded over their love for health and business, Ryan Duey and Mike Garrett found a friendship and created a vision to rejuvenate people. Two to three minutes a day of plunging into 39-55 degrees of cold water stimulates the mind, body and soul and sets your day into optimistic motion. In a short 12 months, The Cold Plunge quickly garnered attention as a result of organic growth, wellness influencers who embraced the product, and a pandemic that forced people to focus on their health and added time at home. It’s also worth noting that the likes of Tony Hawk and Kerri Walsh Jennings swear by their cold plunges for their athletic recovery. The goal with the cold water is to lower your core body temperature, and it takes time to do that. “Water cools your body at 25 times what cold air does. Cold water is the quickest activation to do it.” Ryan shares his sentiment on doing something uncomfortable first thing in the morning to make the biggest, most positive impact on your day. What you can expect to feel is, “I did something first thing in the morning that I didn’t want to do, but I know it is good for me.” Cold plunging can be done daily or multiple times a day. It’s all about getting people to explore what works for them. They may offer up recommendations, but ultimately it’s you building a relationship with your cold plunge. Many like the morning plunge, others enjoy nighttime. For some, it cools the body down resulting in better sleep. The Cold Plunge offers four different models, all the same size, all cold at 39-55 degrees, and one that can turn into a hot tub at 103 degrees. The heat can be great for clients in really cold environments. There is also an app to control the temperature via bluetooth. You can find The Cold Plunge at thecoldplunge.com and @the.coldplunge on Instagram.

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

Blackened Seasoning • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika • 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder • 1.5 tablespoons onion powder • 1 teaspoon of sea salt • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1 teaspoon oregano • 1 teaspoon black pepper • soy ginger sauce

• 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar • 2 teaspoons of honey • 1 teaspoon of sriracha (if you do not like spice, you can omit this) • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic • 2 teaspoons grated ginger or ground ginger

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Combine all dry seasoning. Season both sides of 4 salmon fillets then set aside. For best results store in the refrigerator and marinate salmon for 30 minutes. 2. Combine all ingredients of soy ginger sauce in a saucepan, bring to a boil and set aside. 3. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Then grab a cast-iron skillet or other nonstick skillet that can go into the oven. Pour 1 tbsp of olive oil into the skillet and let the skillet heat on high until the pan is super hot. 4. Place the salmon skin-side up into the hot skillet. Let cook for about 3 minutes. When the salmon turns opaque on the sides use a spatula to flip the salmon so that it is skin-side down. Place the skillet immediately into the oven and let cook for 6 minutes. Remove from the oven. Let rest 4 to 5 minutes.

Crab Fried "Rice"

ARTICLE BY CHEF SAMMY DAVIS

BLACKENED SALMON WITH CRAB FRIED “RICE" 34

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

• 1 Head of Cauliflower, Riced (Frozen works as well) • 10 oz Lump Crab meat or whatever your budget allows • 3 sprigs of Green Onion • 1/2 Yellow Onion (Chopped) • 1/4 Cup Low Sodium Soy sauce

• 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic • 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil • 1 Tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder • ½ Teaspoon Salt and Pepper • Olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat olive oil on medium heat. Add yellow onions, green onions, and garlic. Stir occasionally for 5-8 minutes or until vegetables turn translucent. 2. Add cauliflower “rice,” remaining ingredients (except crab), and adjust temp to medium high. Stir frequently for 5 minutes and return heat to medium. 3. Add crab meat and toss lightly. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Top crab fried rice with the ginger soy sauce, place salmon fillet on top of rice, and garnish with parsley.

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