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WELCOME!
Hello! Welcome to the premiere issue of West Cobb City Lifestyle. We are inspired by our community, and we hope this new magazine will inspire you, too.
We are so excited to be your go-to source for all things local in the West Cobb area. As you flip through the pages of our magazine, you’ll be drawn to the amazing stories of people who call West Cobb their home. And just maybe you’ll find some interesting events to attend and entertaining activities to enjoy along the way.
From our “best in class” professional and home service companies, health and wellness providers, and entertainment businesses to the carefully crafted food and cocktails served at our local restaurants, wineries and breweries, our pages strive to bring together local leaders, artists and entrepreneurs. It’s our goal to tell the stories about all that the West Cobb community has to offer, as well as the things that matter most to you, our readers.
If you know of a story that needs to be told or future events that need publicizing or have photos from a fantastic event that need to be shared, please contact our editor, Donna Harris.
Thank you for inviting us into your homes and sharing your lives with us. We can’t wait to see you next month and around our community!
MARCUS DICKMAN,
PUBLISHER
@WESTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Marcus Dickman | marcus.dickman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Donna Harris | donna.harris@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Donna Harris
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 Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Marukan rice vinegars are slow-brewed to perfection using only non-GMO veri ed zest and avor to all of your favorite recipes.
A person can be eating the right foods and exercising regularly, but if they are hormonally unbalanced, most likely they will not achieve their desired results.
How we feel is affected by hormonal imbalances, issues with our gut & digestion, liver function problems, our cortisol levels and insulin resistance, all effect how we feel and function. These are culprits of old age.
The solution is to be hormonally balanced taking out of the equation “for your age”.
We want you to have hormonal levels of a healthy young adult. If we get you feeling younger, you will start moving younger. When you start moving younger you will start looking younger. That coupled with guidance on nutrition and exercise will lead to a longer happier healthier life.
1: Mayor Tommy Allegood and military members celebrate Veterans Day at a ceremony in Acworth. 2: Kate Miner and Greg Perrow film a "Festival of Trees" scene in Kennesaw's Depot Park. 3: The Marietta High School girls' cross-country team clinched its fifth consecutive state championship title.
Have you had friends over for dinner or have you gone out lately?
Are you part of a group of friends that travels, paints, gardens, plays cards, etc.?
Do you have an exercise group that helps you maintain your indepedence?
Are you living in a maintenance free home?
As a couple, are you having the same needs as you age?
BODY20 East Cobb Celebrates First Year
Located in the heart of East Cobb, BODY20 celebrated one year of helping clients unleash their body's potential. Through proven EMS technology, combined with proprietary, personalized workout experience, clients achieve results in just 20 minutes that normally require hours in a traditional gym.
PHOTO BY TIM WALKER
Author Vera Bell Scores in 2024 Best Book Awards
East Cobb resident Vera Bell’s “Into the Lure of Time” was named a finalist in The 21st Annual Best Book Awards. One of the world’s largest international book award programs for mainstream, indie and self-published titles, winners and finalists were announced in more than 100 categories. Bell is a Georgia Author of the Year nominee and award-winning author of the “Always and Forever” trilogy. “Through the Veneer of Time” was her debut novel.
Local Business Owner Competes in Jiu-Jitsu
When Smallcakes and Graze Craze East Cobb owner Grant Prata isn’t creating scrumptious cakes and charcuterie boards, you can find him training and competing with his children in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. At a recent North American Grappling Association competition, Prata and his family brought home some hardware. smallcakes-mariettaeastcobb.square.site, 770-726-3944
At Cheves | Briceno, we understand that life in Cobb County is built on hard work, family values, and community. When an accident threatens your well-being, you need an experienced team that fights with integrity and dedication. Our personal injury firm combines former judges, former insurance lawyers, and former government lawyers with a personal commitment to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
FOUNDING PARTNERS GERARD BRICENO AND WILLIAM CHEVES
LIVING THE SWEET LIFE
TASTY TREATS AND COZY ATMOSPHERE MAKE NEW BAKERY A COMMUNITY HUB
ARTICLE BY DONNA HARRIS
For years, Mark and Daysha Mayfield searched for a bakery offering delectable desserts in a cozy atmosphere. After failing to find such a place, they decided to create one themselves.
The couple opened Sweet Living Bakery in Marietta on July 20 to “fulfill our passion for providing good, quality food and service to our community,” Daysha said.
“We always found it difficult to find a good bakery that offered good desserts,”
she said. “We would find ourselves driving to Atlanta and driving around for way too long, only to be disappointed. Since I have so many family recipes and a natural knack for food, we decided to put (that) into action with a local community bakery. We also wanted to ensure we offered quality and a friendly experience.”
Locating the bakery in Marietta, where they live, “allows us to serve our friends, neighbors and schools,” Daysha said.
“We know most of our customers by name and want to continue to do so,” she said. “We are a Christian family who want people to feel seen and loved every time they come.”
Though the business has been open only a few months, the groundwork for turning the couple’s vision into reality began many years ago.
“Both of us grew up in a family that believed in serving and hosting people through food,” Daysha said. “I also began the initial business by selling our desserts in local convenience stores and partnering with caterers 10 years ago. I took a break to raise my daughters, with the desire to open a bakery in the future. Mark served his country for more than 23 years, of which one of his MOSs (military occupational specialties) in the Marines was to facilitate and manage the kitchen.”
“EVERYTHING IS MADE FRESH WITH OUR HEART EVERY TIME.”
Daysha Mayfield
The bakery, which employs seven people, offers three menus. Homemade desserts include carrot cake, brownie cake, praline butter cake, cookies, peach cobbler and banana pudding. The morning menu features cinnamon rolls, cream cheese Danish, quiche, breakfast sliders and multigrain pancakes. Among items on the afternoon menu are salmon croquette and BLT sliders, avocado toast and fried green tomatoes.
The cinnamon rolls, BLT and salmon croquette sliders, and carrot cake are the bakery’s best-selling treats.
“The cinnamon roll, I have been told there is nothing like it around,” Daysha said. “The BLT is unique because we use a fried green
tomato as the ‘T.’ Salmon croquette is unique because it is an item most people only experience at home by their mom or grandmother, so I think they enjoy the nostalgia and good experience of tasting something familiar done well. Our carrot cake was our top seller before. I think it is the robust flavor and the cream cheese icing that most people love.”
While customers consider the cinnamon rolls as the bakery’s specialty, Daysha said “Mark would say carrot cake, but my favorite is the brownie cake because it reminds me of my aunt who gave several of the recipes I use today.”
Daysha doesn’t like comparing their creation to other bakeries, but she
acknowledges that they and their employees “try our best to provide great, personable service and quality desserts, food and pastries.”
“Everything is made fresh with our heart every time,” she said. “I will say we have heard from multiple customers (that) they cannot find a good cinnamon roll anywhere until we opened, and some of our nostalgic items, like salmon croquettes, oatmeal cream pies and rolls we use for our sliders, cannot be found anywhere else.”
Sweet Living Bakery is open TuesdaysFridays, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at 999 Whitlock Ave. 770-6936907, https://sweetlivingbakery.com/
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCUS DICKMAN
Meet Marcus Dickman, Publisher
WEST COBB, I'M HONORED TO SHARE YOUR STORIES!
One interesting fact about me is I’m a solar child, born June 21, 1970, which happened to be Father’s Day. I was my dad’s present that year.
I also enjoy vacations to the mountains and beach and playing golf and tennis.
I love the West Cobb community and all the places there are to explore. One of my favorite pastimes is hiking the trails in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. I also love hanging out in the downtown areas of Marietta, Kennesaw and Acworth and enjoying the unique character of these Cobb County gems. Each offers a variety of great shops and restaurants.
I moved to Marietta from New Orleans in 1987 and attended Marietta High School and Georgia Southern University before graduating from Kennesaw State University. I was employed in the media world for 20 years and owned a restaurant for four years.
Speaking of restaurants, one thing you definitely need to know about me is I’m a foodie. As a former restaurateur, I love good food and wine, especially cabernet sauvignon, my favorite.
Come enjoy a hand crafted Italian meal!
Locally sourced, all made in house, breads, pasta, sauces, sausage, pastries and even GLUTEN FREE items! Explore our award winning yet affordable Wine List, craft Cocktails, Local Beers and even our extensive Zero ABV program which includes Nonalcoholic cocktails, craft Nonalcoholic Beer and even WINES! Treat youself to a Chef’s Table, a curated meal for up to 14! Have your Holiday, Business or Celebratory Party in our Private Dining Room! It holds up to 45 people!
Mama Betty, Chef Greg and all of the Staff at Piastra want to welcome you and hope to see you soon!
BUILDING HEALTHIER
HEAR FROM NASM-CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER ABOUT ESTABLISHING THE BEST HABITS
ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL
The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around. How many times do your resolutions fall through each year? It can be challenging to build new habits and switch up routines if you’re looking for a change. That’s why we rounded up the best advice to establishing habits and making them stay for good. We spoke with Danielle Johnston, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer and aspiring kinesiologist, who broke down her top tips to maintaining healthy habits this new year.
HABITS
START WITH A SMALL HABIT AND MAKE IT SOMETHING YOU ENJOY
Think 1-3 things maximum and then give yourself at least a month or two to apply the change. If you like to eat and cook, maybe try a new recipe or browse a cookbook in the library or bookstore for inspiration. If you like fashion, maybe try cleaning out a section of your closet (i.e. tops, bottoms, shoes, etc) to make way for 1 new piece. If you like being outdoors, maybe you try adding in just a 5 minute walk down the road.
IF YOU MISS A DAY, TRY AGAIN
If you miss a day or make a mistake with whatever resolution you’re working on, take that next opportunity to try again. Danielle uses the goal to eat healthier as an example. Health can be interpreted in many different ways but if you can take the small first step of looking at ingredients, that alone can make a world’s difference in the recipe you use so maybe you don’t even have to alter or substitute it. Or if your goal is to snack less but one day you snack more, don’t wave the flag and sabotage your efforts. Take a minute to breathe through the moment and then move on, enjoying the ebb and flow of health instead of going all in or nothing. Starting small allows you to adjust everyday habits that will, with time, transition to lifestyle changes.
CREATE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESOLUTIONS
Danielle says to create 1 health resolution, 1 personal resolution, and 1 professional resolution as it is the best format to better yourself in multiple realms instead of just physical health. Too often, we get caught up in this “New Year New Me” mindset and create a list of things you want to change or start doing. But as they get lost in the busy to-do list of life and we forget,
“The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around.”
we can also feel like a failure and revert to “I’ll try again tomorrow or next year.” But what if you don’t have to start over, just keep going.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AND VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE
Whether you keep a notebook of your habit building, or keep track on your phone, it is important to acknowledge the personal progress made. This will also help you see the future that you want to build as you make more desirable changes in your life. If you want to track how you feel after working out, it will serve as a reflection on the progress made through what has been written down. This will encourage you to continue pushing for your goals!
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ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE
whirled PEAS!
Vegetable juice is a great addition to your diet especially if you want to lose weight, gain energy, and feel great. Sometimes life gets too busy and you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals. Fall in love with leafy greens, fresh fruit, nut milks, and chia seeds all combined to make a quick, easy, and delicious contribution to your day.
Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need
ENERGY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
BLUEBERRY MINT
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or 1-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 cup ice if using fresh fruit
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups cucumber
• 1 cup Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup celery
• 1 handful baby spinach
• 1/3 cup fresh pineapple (for a sweet smoothie or zest and juice of a small lime for tart smoothie)
• 1 sprig parsley
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
• 1 scoop organic whey protein powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax meal
• 1 scoop green superfood powder
VITALITY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 lemon
• 1 green apple
• 1 cucumber
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN NECTAR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/3 cup celery
• 1/2 cup cucumber
• 1/2 cup kale
• 2/3 cup Granny Smith apples
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup coconut water
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
PINK FLAMINGO
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cups strawberries
• 1 cup chopped mango
GREEN MACHINE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups water
• 1 avocado, peeled
• 1 cup chopped mango
• 1 banana
DIRECTIONS:
First, blend the spinach and almond milk in a blender until smooth. Then add the berries and mango and blend again until smooth.
DIRECTIONS: Place spinach and water in the blender and blend until smooth. Then add avocado, mango, and banana and blend again until smooth.
KALEFORNIA ENERGIZING
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups kale, stems removed
• 1 cup water
• 2 oranges peeled
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• 1 cup chopped mango
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (soak in water for 10 minutes)
DIRECTIONS:
Blend kale, chia water, and oranges until smooth. Add pineapple, mango and blend again.
ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT
Brett Larkin, is the founder of Uplifted Yoga and teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. Her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, she started certifying yoga teachers virtually through her online yoga school in 2015. Brett shares five power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful new year.
For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com
POWER POSES
Low Lunge (Parsva Anjaneyasana) Stand taller and open your side body in this low lunge variation.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.
Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.
Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
Usher in a fresh perspective and new creative ideas. Also great for relieving low back pain.
CAN YOGA HELP BUILD SELF-ESTEEM?
Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.
Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)
Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.
WHAT’S IN YOUR CART?
HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE MEAL PREP FOR YOUR LIFE!
If you find yourself skipping meals because you don’t have time, or if you believe eating healthy is unaffordable, fear not and read on! As a dietitian, I can tell you that eating healthy is easier than you think if you follow these tips:
ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN-AYOADE, MBA, MS, RD, LD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
TIP #1
YOU CAN STILL HAVE A VARIETY OF HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS FOODS BY PLANNING AND PREPPING YOUR MEALS FOR THE WEEK.
• Preparing whole meals or dishes ahead of time saves a lot of time for busy people.
• Ingredients required for specific meals can be prepped ahead of time to reduce total cooking time in the kitchen.
• Having pre-prepared meals on hand can also reduce portion size and help you reach your nutrition and wellness goals.
• Choose microwave and freezer safe containers for proper storage, including BPA-free plastic, flexible silicone or glassware containers.
TIP #2
CHOOSE INGREDIENTS THAT ARE VERSATILE AND CAN BE USED IN MULTIPLE MEALS TO REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY.
• Example: Choose familiar recipes for tacos, chili or spaghetti in the same week to use all your ground beef or turkey. I brown the ground beef and portion it in freezer bags flattened out for space saving freezing and time-saving cooking.
• Pre-cut vegetables can be used for fresh ready-to-eat meals that do not require cooking, like salads and sandwiches or as part of a cooked recipe. Include leftovers in meal planning.
• I also cut up ripe fresh fruits and freeze them to use in smoothies instead of throwing them out.
• Frozen fruits and vegetables often cost less and last longer than fresh ones. They retain high-quality nutrients because they are frozen immediately after being harvested.
• Most frozen vegetables have no additives and preservatives, but some may contain added seasonings, salt, sugar or sauces. Avoid added ingredients by paying attention to the label and ingredient list.
TIP #3
MAKE A GROCERY LIST BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING.
• A list helps limit distractions, keep you on budget, restricts unhealthy impulse purchases and reduces multiple trips for forgotten items.
• Buy kitchen staples to have on hand to make quick simple meals like canned tomatoes, tuna fish or salmon, corn, your favorite beans and grains such as rice, quinoa, barley, farro and whole grain pasta.
• Plan your menus based on grocery store sales and produce that are in season and add beans for plantbased protein.
• Buy extra staples when they are on sale, and don’t overlook the bulk bins to buy just the amount you need.
• Buy pre-prepped items in the grocery store to further save time or use the salad bar for small servings.
TIP #4
TRY NOT TO GROCERY SHOP WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY.
• Everything looks delicious when you are hungry, and this could lead to unnecessary and unhealthy food purchases.
• The additional calories may not be needed, and food could be wasted if not eaten.
TIP #5
HEALTHY SNACKS ARE POSSIBLE.
The total amount of snacks you prepare will depend on the required number of snacks planned daily, based on your health and wellness goals.
• Home-made trail mix with dried fruit, unsalted nuts and seeds, to limit sugar and sodium intake
Portioning snacks during your overall meal prep prevents mindless snacking without knowing how much you are actually eating.
Claudia Martin-Ayoade, MBA, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at agesmartnutrition.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
FIRED-UP
Winter (Jan/Feb): $75
March/Gate: $85
SAT., MARCH 22
SAVOR
Winter (Jan/Feb): $79
March/Gate: $99
SAT., MARCH 22
VIP LOUNGE AT SAVOR
Winter (Jan/Feb): $150
March/Gate: $165
Sweet Indulgence Awaits
We specialize in good old-fashioned cobblers served warm and topped with creamy ice cream just like grandma use to make it.
Our menu is anything but ordinary, featuring 12 irresistible flavors of cobblers and banana puddings that will satisfy every sweet tooth. But that’s just the beginning! Indulge in our cobbler-stuffed cinnamon rolls, cobbler cookies, belgian waffles, brownies, churros, assorted cookies, and even cobbler and pudd-n-shakes for a creative twist on dessert classics.
Conveniently located in The Avenue West Cobb shopping center, we’re open daily from 12–10 PM. Whether you’re treating yourself, celebrating, or just passing through, we’re ready to serve you. We also offer catering options, along with convenient deliver services through Doordash, Uber Eats, and Grub hub.
Mention code CL032324 and receive 10% off your first order
B GetpeachyMarietta | V keepingitpeachymarietta 3625 Dallas Hwy. Suite 850 Marietta, GA. 30064
SUNDAY, MARCH 23
FAMILY DAY
Winter (Jan/Feb): $20
March/Gate: $25
SUNDAY, MARCH 23
SUNDAY VIP LOUNGE
Winter (Jan/Feb): $119
March/Gate: $139
Welcome to the Premier Bulldog Estates RV Park. Ready to Own?
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JANUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY SATURDAY
Marietta Square
Artisan Market
Mill Street, Marietta Square | 9 AM
Hunt for treasures at this weekly open-air showcase of locally made art. Open every Saturday until 2 p.m., across from the Marietta Square Farmers Market.
JANUARY 20TH
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Celebration
Acworth Community Center | 10 AM
Events include a light welcome breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the Roberts School Community and Education Center, the City of Acworth Unity Walk from the Roberts School to the community center at 9:15 a.m., the MLK Jr. celebration at 10 a.m. in the center’s Tanyard Creek Overlook and a service project helping an organization in the community. https://acworth-ga.gov/
JANUARY 25TH
Trains, Trains, Trains
The Southern Museum, downtown Kennesaw | 9:30 AM
The two-day event returns to The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History at 2829 Cherokee St. and will feature its biggest model train display to date, as well as railroad artifacts and items for purchase at the gift shop. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. southernmuseum.org
