


F O R B E A U T Y
I N S I D E A N D O U T
T h e F o r m u l a M e d s p a o f f e r s e x p e r t f a c i a l a n d s k i n
t r e a t m e n t s l i k e n e u r o t o x i n s , f i l l e r s , A T T I V A , a n d R F
m i c r o n e e d l i n g , a l o n g w i t h w e l l n e s s s o l u t i o n s s u c h a s
m e d i c a l w e i g h t l o s s , h o r m o n e t h e r a p y , a n d I V d r i p s .
L o o k a n d f e e l y o u r b e s t
w i t h o u r p e r s o n a l i z e d c a r e !
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t h e f o r m u l a m e d s p a c o m
7 7 P u r c h a s e S t , 2 n d F l R y e , N Y
Dear Upper Westchester Community,
Hello New Year! As we step into 2025, it’s time to prioritize wellness, explore new experiences, and embrace opportunities for growth. This month’s issue is all about inspiring you to live your healthiest, happiest life as we embark on a fresh start together.
We’re excited to feature Jules Zottner, founder of Prepchester, as our cover story. Jules is redefining modern prep style, blending timeless tradition with a contemporary twist. His innovative approach is a reminder that reinvention is always possible and always stylish.
Making its debut this month is our new nutrition column by Alyssa Levy, MS, RD, CDN. Alyssa’s advice will help you find balance in your diet and wellness routines, setting the tone for a healthy year ahead.
For those seeking rejuvenation and self-care, The Formula Med Spa offers personalized treatments tailored just for you. If you’re looking to escape for a weekend of luxury and relaxation, we’ve got the perfect feature on Weekapaug Inn and Ocean House. And don’t miss our spotlight on Pound Ridge Organics, a local treasure committed to sustainable and organic living.
Let’s make 2025 a year of strength, discovery, and joy. Cheers to new beginnings and the vibrant community that makes Upper Westchester such a special place!
LAURA SABIA, PUBLISHER
@UPPERWESTCHESTER.CITYLIFESTYLE
Our publication serves the communities of Armonk, Bedford, Bedford Hills, Chappaqua, Katonah, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge & Valhalla.
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Dana Cifone | dana.cifone@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julia Braatz, Alyssa Lavy, Kimberly Thomas, Christina Weiss
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kyle Norton, Julia D’Agostino Pierce, Abby Cole Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL
+ Mold Damage
As industry leaders in Restoration, Reconstruction and Cleaning– our vision is to continue providing strategic Consumer & Business Solutions while upholding our commitment to exemplary customer service and white glove workmanship. We work alongside our insurance partners as well as in the private sector to handle claims and home improvement projects. With our exclusive use of cutting-edge equipment and technology, our fully certified staff is capable of handling projects of any magnitude or complexity. (914) 787-9559 office@rainbowwestchester.com www.RBWWestchester.com
The Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn Winter Farro Salad A Hearty Winter Farro Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Squash and Hot Honey Dressing
Julia D’Agostino Pierce
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
The Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery thecenterforderm.com | 914.241.3003
Advanced Dermatology P.C. advanceddermatologypc.com/location/briarcliff-manor/ | 914.488.8188
Lydia M. Evans, MD lydiaevansmd.com | 914.238.1500
Melanie A. Warycha, MD, FAAD east.optum.com/providers/melanie-warycha/ | 914.242.1355
Westchester Center for Dermatology westchestercosmeticdermatology.com | 914.472.4100
Riverstone Mental Health Collective riverstonementalhealth.com | 914.606.0496
The Therapy Center therapycenteronline.com | 914.242.0725
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ UPPERWESTCHESTER
Vitality Psychiatry Group Practice vitalitypsychiatry.org | 914.502.3998
Cross River Psychological Services crossriverpsychologicalservices.com | 914.763.3244
Sirona Therapy sironatherapies.com | 914.241.0727
Modern Medical Concierge modernmedconcierge.com | 914.984.5052
Bradley K. Adler, MD bradleykadlermd.com | 914.849.4197
Northwell Health northwell.edu/doctors-offices/northwell-health-concierge-services-at-harrison 914.231.8490
Optum Multi-Specialty - Mount Kisco east.optum.com/multispecialtycenter/mount-kisco-110/ | 914.242.1355
Femme Vie Health Concierge Gynecology femmeviehealth.com | 845.600.0857
Slow Medicine Living (SunRaven) slowmedicine.org | 914.218.3113
Emergent Healing emergenthealing.com | 347.781.5067
Amari Health Functional & Integrative Medicine amarihealth.com | 914.722.3000
Quantum Healing & Wellness quantumhealingandwellnesspma.com | 914.218.3428
SeeBeyond Medicine seebeyondmedicine.com | 914.722.9440
Suzanna's Spa Suite suzannasspasuite.com | 914.806.5448
Facelogic Spa facelogickisco.com | 914.241.3223
Satori Spa satori-spa.com | 914.767.3303
Emmary Day Spa emmaryspa.com | 914.238.8830
Inner Peace Spa innerpeacespa.us | 914.255.4965
THE FORMULA MED SPA HAS THE RIGHT FORMULATED TREATMENT FOR YOU
Everyone wants to look and feel their best, and The Formula Med Spa is here to do just that. Their mission is to enhance each client’s unique beauty through their custom “formula” treatments built to meet your exact needs. Their staff is committed to giving each client authentic and honest patient care, which extends to ensuring that they never over-sell or overfill. At The Formula, “beauty is both an art and a science.” Their artistry includes
precise, elegant, and most importantly enduring beauty in their personalized custom treatment plans.
Take it from the owner, Nicole Frontera, who claims that “self-care is not an indulgence, it’s a necessity. The better you feel, the more positive energy you can give to your life. My goal is to make everyone feel like the best version of themselves… inside and out.” Nicole is a family nurse practitioner as well as a leading expert in both clinical aesthetics and wellness. She is especially
well known for her renowned needle artistry. She is the creator of her signature technique; The Natural Needle Lift, which involves enhancing facial symmetry and youthfulness while also maintaining your unique features in the process. Nicole’s credentials also extend to her work alongside world-class plastic surgeons as she was a clinical nurse educator at one of the country's largest laser firms, Cynosure, and a former educator at Allergen Medical Institute and Revance Aesthetics.
“SELF-CARE IS NOT AN INDULGENCE, IT’S A NECESSITY. THE BETTER YOU FEEL, THE MORE POSITIVE ENERGY YOU CAN GIVE TO YOUR LIFE. MY GOAL IS TO MAKE EVERYONE FEEL LIKE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES… INSIDE AND OUT.”
The Formula includes a vast array of treatments for skin health, advanced skin treatments, facials, wellness, and laser hair removal. Their Préime facial combines the revolutionary technologies of dermabrasion, microcurrent, radiofrequency, and ultrasound to deliver a skin treatment that evens skin tone, improves elasticity, and more. What’s more, they also have custom chemical peel treatments that include different acids, concentrations, and applications based on your own unique skin needs, as opposed to a pre-made chemical peel solution. They also have laser rejuvenation, which is a non-surgical procedure that removes dead skin cells in order to
encourage the growth of new healthy cells.
Apart from their facials is their filler, threading, and neurotoxin treatments. These are non-invasive treatments that either fill in lost volume, lift, or smooth the signs of aging. The Formula, however, also provides similar results using hightech skincare treatments such as Attivia, Emface, Ultherapy, and RF Microneedling.
On top of cosmetic treatments is The Formula’s wellness division. Included in this division is medical weight loss using a GLP-1 injection, which mimics the hormone GLP-1 in the body that plays a role in appetite regulation and insulin secretion. They also have a bioidentical hormone
treatment designed to restore hormone imbalances. If you want more of an all-inclusive package, there are integrative health programs designed to optimize hormones, weight loss, gut health, thyroid function, vitamin supplementation, peptide therapy, and diet counseling. Wellness beyond weight loss and overall health improvement includes their Emesella treatment, which uses electromagnetic energy to strengthen pelvic floor muscles that treat pelvic floor issues and urinary incontinence. Vitamin IV drips are also available to bring vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream for better absorption. Other treatments that fall under the wellness division include hair restoration, their testosterone clinic, and laser hair removal treatments.
To find out more, go to their website theformulamedspa.com or call their number at 914-305-2424. Better yet, visit The Formula at their location on 77 Purchase St, 2nd Fl. Rye, NY 10580. You could also become a member and receive the benefits that include monthly facials for healthy-looking skin along with a customized regimen of peels, lasers, and needle-based treatments that will take your natural beauty to the next level.
Nestled in a quaint town of Westchester County, Pound Ridge Organics stands as a testament to the belief that true health begins within. Founded by Donna Simons, this bustling organic market, CSA, and teaching kitchen is more than a source of food—it’s a movement toward sustainable, mindful living. Simons’ journey to this point is as inspiring as the mission she champions.
For Simons, the pivotal moment came in 2009 while attending a thesis presentation on the effects of antibiotic use in livestock on human health and the environment. The eye-opening exploration of concentrated animal feed operations (CAFOs) and their devastating ripple effects on communities and ecosystems sparked a life-changing transformation.
“That half-hour presentation changed the course of my life and career,” Simons recalls. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, she dove into researching livestock husbandry, pesticide use, fish farming, and the toxins present in everyday food. Her findings led to “Bon Freakin’ Appetit,” a thought-provoking art exhibition that challenged viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about their food sources. The exhibit, which included disquieting pieces such as a nutrient label for breast milk containing environmental
BY CHRISTINA WEISS
toxins, became a catalyst for change—not just in Simons’ life, but for her audience as well. This creative endeavor became the seed from which Pound Ridge Organics grew.
What started with Simons sourcing fresh poultry, eggs, and produce for herself and a few neighbors has grown into a trusted community hub, drawing customers from across the tri-state area and beyond. Each week, more people sought her help in sourcing ethical, organic food, and Pound Ridge Organics blossomed into a year-round market, CSA, and educational space serving visitors as far as North Carolina.
A centerpiece of her offerings is the CSA program, which provides members with an easy way to start eating locally grown produce and experience the difference in taste and nutrition. Customers can pick up their curated shares on weekends at the Pound Ridge Organics farm shop, making it convenient to integrate seasonal, geo-local produce into their lives. Simons believes this connection to local food
not only enhances health but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the land and the people who cultivate it.
Simons is deeply committed to ensuring that every product available through Pound Ridge Organics meets uncompromising standards. “I have a direct connection to the farmers and fishermen who produce our food,” she explains. “This enables me to ensure their practices match my ethos.” Biodiversity, regenerative farming, and ethical practices are paramount. Produce is geo-local, harvested within 40 miles to guarantee peak freshness and nutrient value. Eggs from her farm are Certified Animal Welfare Approved, and her land is maintained as organic.
Simons also emphasizes the connection between food quality and overall wellness. “Produce grown in living soil is more nutritious than that from depleted soil,” she explains. Similarly, ethically raised, pasture-fed animals produce meat and eggs that are richer in nutrients and free of harmful stress hormones. Wildcaught fish, fermented foods, and pasture-raised poultry further underscore her commitment to providing nutrient-dense options.
But Pound Ridge Organics goes beyond food. Simons offers year-round workshops and opportunities for the community to live more mindfully, sustainably, and carefully within their environment. From learning about the art and science of beekeeping to decorating with pressed flowers and leaves, Simons creates spaces for hands-on experiences that deepen awareness of our connection to the earth. She even encourages neighbors to bring their old pumpkins for composting or to feed her chickens, demonstrating that every small action contributes to a healthier ecosystem.
“Living sustainably doesn’t have to feel overwhelming,” Simons says. “It’s about making small changes that collectively have a big impact.” This philosophy is woven into her workshops and educational efforts, which make sustainability both approachable and enjoyable.
For those just starting their journey toward mindful eating and better food choices, Simons offers simple yet transformative advice: “Start by eliminating processed foods. Read labels—they should only list wholesome ingredients. Buy local, seasonal produce and spend time prepping ingredients to make cooking at home easier.” She also encourages asking questions and verifying the answers when sourcing food, advising consumers to be wary of greenwashing and misleading jargon.
Simons underscores the importance of enjoying the process. “Go easy on yourself and remember that enjoyment of your food is important too,” she says. At its core, Pound Ridge Organics is about more than sustenance—it’s about fostering a deep connection to the land, the community, and our own well-being.
By consuming locally harvested, seasonal food, we not only preserve nutrients but also support sustainable practices that honor both the earth and our bodies. “When you consume produce harvested a week or more earlier and transported across the country, the nutrients are depleted,” she explains. “It’s best to eat local food that is in season.”
Through Pound Ridge Organics, Simons invites us all to reconsider not just what we eat, but how it shapes our health, our environment, and our future. Her work serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest choices can make a meaningful impact, not just on our plates, but on the planet we call home.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA
When it comes to idyllic winter getaways, few places offer the charm, luxury, and tranquility found in Rhode Island’s Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn. These two properties, located just minutes apart in the coastal village of Westerly, provide a seamless blend of New England elegance and cozy winter warmth, making them perfect destinations for a weekend retreat.
Perched high on the bluffs of Watch Hill, the Ocean House is a meticulously restored Victorian-era hotel that offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its iconic yellow facade and wraparound verandas evoke a sense of timeless luxury. Inside, the hotel’s 49 rooms and 20 signature suites are designed with classic New England style, featuring rich wood accents, plush furnishings, and luxurious amenities.
Winter at the Ocean House is especially magical. The cooler months bring an intimate atmosphere, with roaring fireplaces and seasonal culinary experiences. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s award-winning spa, partake in wine and cooking classes at
the Center for Wine & Culinary Arts, or simply enjoy quiet strolls along the private beach. The Ocean House also hosts an array of winter activities, such as gingerbread house workshops and holiday-themed events, adding a festive touch to any stay.
Just a short drive away, the Weekapaug Inn offers a more relaxed, rustic experience without sacrificing luxury. Nestled along the shores of Quonochontaug Pond, this Relais & Châteaux property combines coastal charm with eco-friendly sensibilities. With only 29 guest rooms and four two-bedroom suites, the inn provides an intimate setting that feels like a home away from home.
Winter visitors to the Weekapaug Inn can savor hearty farmto-table meals, go birdwatching with the on-site naturalist, or take a guided winter hike along the scenic coastline. The inn’s warm, inviting common spaces—complete with stone fireplaces and overstuffed armchairs—are perfect for curling up with a good book or enjoying a steaming cup of cocoa.
While summer brings crowds to these beloved properties, winter offers serenity and a chance to truly unwind. The Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn each offer unique ways to embrace the season—whether you prefer the grandeur of an oceanfront retreat or the quiet charm of a pondside inn. A weekend at either destination promises rejuvenation, comfort, and memories that will last long after the snow melts.
1. Pack Cozy Layers: Think sweaters, scarves, and boots for coastal walks.
2. Book Spa Treatments: Indulge in seasonal therapies at the Ocean House’s OH! Spa.
3. Savor Local Cuisine: Relish hearty, farm-to-table dishes at the Weekapaug Inn.
4. Enjoy Fireside Moments: Unwind with a book or glass of wine by the fire.
5. Explore Nature: Take a guided winter hike or birdwatching tour.
6. Capture the Views: Sunrise over the Atlantic or the peaceful pond? Both are breathtaking.
A HEARTY WINTER FARRO SALAD WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SQUASH AND HOT HONEY DRESSING
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
This winter farro salad is the perfect mix of hearty and nourishing for this chilly weather. If you’re not familiar with farro, it has a chewy texture and packs in protein and fiber in every delicious bite. The pistachios, feta cheese and cranberries add saltiness and sweetness while the hot honey dressing packs a sweet and refreshing flavor with a hint of heat. Plus, the veggies add nutrition, while also adding gorgeous color and winter’s freshest flavors. This dish is complete on its own, or can be served as a side. The best part? It can be eaten hot or cold – so the leftovers can be enjoyed as easy meals throughout the week (if you don’t eat it all at once)!
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
Salad
• 8 oz farro, dry
• 16 oz brussels sprouts
• 1 delicata squash (approximately 16 oz)
• ¼ C avocado oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 Tbsp parsley
• 1 C feta cheese, crumbled
• ¾ C dried cranberries
• ¾ C pistachios, shelled
• 7 oz arugula (about 5 C)
• Nonstick cooking spray
Dressing:
• ½ C extra virgin olive oil
• ½ C hot honey
• ¼ C plus 1 Tbsp lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 ½ large lemons)*
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
*I recommend using fresh lemon juice
directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Wash and pat dry the brussels sprouts and delicata squash. Cut brussels sprouts in half (if very large, cut in quarters) and place in a large mixing bowl. Slice delicata squash in half lengthwise, remove the pulp and seeds with a spoon and slice into half moon shaped slices. Add sliced delicata squash to mixing bowl. Drizzle avocado oil over vegetables and add all spices (salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley). Mix with a spoon until the oil and spices are well distributed and transfer vegetables to a large baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Use a large spoon to arrange vegetables in a single layer.
3. Bake in oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, until vegetables are browned and slightly crispy on the outside and tender. Flip delicata squash and mix brussels sprouts about halfway through (approximately 10-15 minutes). Meanwhile, proceed to step 4 (below) while vegetables are roasting.
CONTINUED >
4. Cook farro according to package directions. Once cooked, drain any excess water, rinse with cold water to remove extra starch and stop the cooking process and set aside. Proceed to step 5 (below) to make the dressing while farro is cooking.
5. Add olive oil to a medium sized bowl. Add all other dressing ingredients and stir with a spoon until well combined. Set aside.
6. Remove vegetables from oven once cooked (individual oven times may vary). Set aside.
7. Wash arugula, pat dry and place in a large serving bowl. Add cooked farro and cooked vegetables. Top with feta cheese, dried cranberries and pistachios.
8. Give the dressing one last stir before drizzling dressing over the farro salad. Mix with tongs or salad claws and enjoy! This can be served immediately while warm or enjoyed chilled (or warmed up) as leftovers and will last when stored in an airtight container for about 3-5 days in the fridge.
Alysa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
alyssalavy.com @alyssalavyrd
Branding
MEET JULES ZOTTNER, FOUNDER OF PREPCHESTER, REDEFINING MODERN PREP STYLE.
Julia Zottner, lovingly known as Jules, has always had an eye for style and practicality. Her transition to entrepreneurship with Prepchester reflects creativity and purpose.
Prepchester is more than a name; it’s a mission. Inspired by the active lifestyle of Westchester and Fairfield counties, the brand’s name encapsulates Zottner’s vision of bringing modern prep to these communities and beyond. “Sports are at the center of our lives,” Jules explains. Prepchester fills a gap in accessories for racket sports and golf with a fresh, preppy sensibility.
The idea for Prepchester was born out of necessity. Jules found herself frustrated by a lack of accessories that matched her modern preppy aesthetic while addressing practical needs. The Birdie Belt bag was her solution to skirts without pockets, while the Jules Paddle cover was created to protect her bag from damage caused by a paddle racket.
Jules’ accessories reflect her lifestyle as a sporty, chic mom of two young children. Her designs cater to women who juggle competitive or recreational play with a busy schedule, prioritizing “grab-and-go” convenience without sacrificing style.
For Jules, modern prep is about timelessness and versatility. “I’m always building a forever closet,” she says. Mixing brands to create unique looks admired by others is a hallmark of her style. As a mother to a 4-year-old and a 4-month-old, she leans into sporty chic staples—chic sunglasses, fleece jackets, and slip-on sneakers.
Before founding Prepchester, Jules spent 15 years in fashion, working for industry giants like Ralph Lauren and PVH. Her career at Ralph Lauren left a lasting impression. “We lived the lifestyle,” she recalls. Employees became ambassadors for the brand, wearing RL clothing daily and embodying its aesthetic.
Female-founded brands like Renwick, Addison Bay, and Dudley Stephens have fueled her entrepreneurial spirit. “They’ve cultivated loyal followings by filling voids in the market and understanding the needs of active women,” she says.
The greatest reward of running Prepchester? For Jules, it’s the ability to bring her vision to life and have creative control. Seeing her designs transform from ideas to tangible products is deeply satisfying.
However, challenges persist. Sourcing quality materials made in the U.S. is a struggle, as is delegating responsibilities while maintaining high standards. Prepchester’s commitment to sustainability stands firm. The brand uses SEAQUAL fabric, made from recycled marine plastics, underscoring its dedication to clean oceans.
where she biked around town. Her logo, inspired by the “P” maritime flag signaling readiness to set sail, reflects her passion for boating—a hobby she embraced after earning her boating license in 2018.
Jules’ coastal happy places, Rowayton and Chatham, MA, continue to inspire her. Her perfect day? Oysters at Rowayton Seafood, followed by a beach day at Harding’s Beach in Chatham.
“Her designs cater to women who juggle competitive or recreational play with a busy schedule, prioritizing “grab-and-go” convenience without sacrificing style.”
The scenic beauty of New England is woven into Prepchester’s DNA. Jules lived in Rowayton, CT,
Looking ahead, Jules envisions Prepchester expanding into boating accessories while further developing its racket and golf collections. She also plans to introduce men’s and children’s lines. The brand aims to grow into select specialty stores and private club shops, bringing its modern preppy aesthetic to a wider audience.
Jules credits a Villanova professor with advice that shaped her career: “If you are not passionate about what you are doing, then you will never be successful.” This mantra has guided her through every career move, including launching Prepchester.
As for her favorite quote? Ralph Lauren’s wisdom: “Don’t be today’s look. Be a look that’s timeless.” Prepchester embodies this ethos, offering accessories that are as enduring as they are stylish—a true reflection of Jules’ vision and creativity.