West Springfield, MA January 2023

The Health and Wellness Issue

H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

ADDISO N FARM GROWS A WELLN ESS BUSIN ESS S T Y LE + B E AU T Y

AM BIAN CE BRI NGS SO LUTIO NS FO R HAI R LOSS B E AU T Y

SKI N CATERI NG' S CUSTO M SKI N CARE O FFERI NGS

JA N UA RY 2 02 3

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January 2023 PUBLISHER

Amanda Waterfield | amanda.waterfield@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR

Sara Anderson | sara.anderson@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Pressing Pause and Hitting the Reset Button For many of us, this time of year is full of excitement. It presents us with a reset, new horizons, and goals to pursue. But for others, January can be a reminder of attempts from years past and the burden of expectation that this year will be different.

We approached this issue of West Springfield Lifestyle from a mindset of not supplying quick fixes to check boxes in the short term, but instead valuing what is sustainable over the long haul. We wanted to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to your physical, emotional, and mental health.

This issue, we feature Addison Farm and its CBD-based wellness products, but also its commitment to a long future both for the family business and its surrounding community. We also feature Ambiance Hair Replacement, a business that enhances its clients’ wellbeing and confidence with compassion and discretion.

SkinCatering is an area business in this issue that is dedicated not only to natural skin care, but to sustainability and the local community. We also offer two beautiful yet simple recipes from Western Massachusetts food writer Jessie-Sierra Ross to kickstart your New Year with healthy delights to nourish body and spirit.

We wish you a fulfilling New Year, with time to reflect on not only what you need to do, but what you WANT to do for yourself. What makes your heart sing? The gentle quietness of New England in January is the perfect time to take a breather, contemplate, and get inspired.

Here’s to you in 2023! We’re rooting for you.

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Alaura Calavas | alauracalavas@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Sara Anderson, Tina Lesniak, Jessie-Sierra Ross, Amanda Waterfield CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

j81 Studios LLC, Jonathan Ross, Karen Slack

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

SARA ANDERSON, MANAGING EDITOR @WESTSPRINGFIELD_LIFESTYLE

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

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Springfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Springfield 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 West Springfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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After

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

28

24

34

18

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Addison Farm Builds a Culture of Wellness

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

12

Culinary Creations

18

Healthy Lifestyle

24

Self Care

28

Skin Care

32

Events

34

Happy Hour

Hemp farmers focus on family and helping others

24 Ambiance Hair Replacement

Stylist Laura Castellini offers solutions with discretion and sensitivity

28 Weekend Beauty Combines Sustainability with Proven Skin Care SkinCatering expands its custom skin care line

34 Marvelous Mocktails for Dry January

Alcohol-free doesn’t have to be dull. Try cocktails that are delightful without the buzz

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Jonathan Ross Fresh from Jessie-Sierra Ross's kitchen: a healthy chicken curry that's sure to please.

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FO O D + B E V E R AG E

HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS

ST Y LE + B EAU T Y B EAU T Y

FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Always at Your Service...For Over 40 Years!

We are a full service HVAC contractor providing repair, maintenance, and installation for all types of heating and air conditioning systems. We have been servicing Hampden and Hampshire counties since 1971. We look forward to exceeding your expectations!

Trust Us, Your Neighbor Just Did! 413-239-5550 • 8 Capital Dr., West Springfield, MA 01089 License# 4162 License# 16691

I F YO U A R E READING THIS...

S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 O UT O F 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SPRINGFIELD

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3

6

TOWN OF AGAWAM

4 2

SCOOPS OF AGAWAM ADAM WRIGHT

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WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

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RON LEMELIN

AGAWAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

1: The Rotary Club of West Springfield's fundraising wine social, hosted by the Springfield Wine Exchange. 2: Springfield Regional Chamber Super 60 celebration's keynote speaker, Myke Connolly (left) of Stand Out Truck. 3: Mayor William Sapelli and Agawam town historian Ann Curry’s son, Rick, unveil Morgan/Sullivan Bridge plaque. 4: West Springfield Public Library grand opening of the Memory Cafe for elderly with memory loss. 5: Agawam High School's outstanding fall concert performance with percussion ensemble, concert choir, and wind ensemble.

6: Scoops of Agawam's Give Back Night fundraiser for Safe Passage, supporting domestic abuse survivors. 7: PSRB attorney Mike Cardaropoli helps distribute 250 Thanksgiving turkeys to the Gray House in Springfield.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @westspringfield_lifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

Providing short-term rehab, long-term care and respite care needs of patients and their families—always with attention, understanding, compassion and respect. Chestnut Hill is a tranquil environment for our patient-centered approach to care, promoting healing, recovery, and comfort.

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Granny’s

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

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

Realtor Karene Alvarado Joins Kempf-Vanderburgh Realty Consultants Kempf-Vanderburgh Realty Consultants in Wilbraham recently welcomed licensed Realtor Karene Alvarado to their team. Karene is licensed in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Virginia, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Kempf-Vanderburgh Realty Consultants Team is a mother-daughter team with a decade of experience offering staging services, light construction and remodeling services, landscape design services, and a well-established reputation for top-notch residential real estate buyer and seller representation.

Photography by Kempf-Vanderburgh Realty Consultants

Scan to read more.

Full-Service Aura Day Spa Opens in Ludlow Aura Day Spa, a full-service spa focused on wellness, recently opened at 485 Holyoke Street in Ludlow.

Headed by the mother-daughter team of Kristen and Hayley Procon, Aura has six treatment rooms where clients can enjoy services that include facials, waxing, lashes, brows, massage, sauna, nails, spray tanning, and makeup application.

An infrared sauna is also available on site. "We sell Massachusetts-sourced skincare products," says Hayley.

Follow Aura on Instagram to learn about upcoming events.

New Business Pure Life Soaps Opens in West Springfield Kay Hernandez, owner of Pure Life Soaps, celebrated the opening of her retail store at 80 Windsor Street in West Springfield. The soaps include oatmeal scrub, wildflower, grapefruit tea tree, moringa mango, turmeric orange oatmeal, and lavender oatmeal, along with unscented soaps. The shop offers quality, unique bath products free of chemicals and harmful ingredients and made with exotic and healing essential oils.

Photography by Pure Life Soaps

Photography by Aura Day Spa

Scan to read more.

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestSpringfield

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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For Reservations Waitlist.me App or Call Us!

Call today! 800-Lawncare greenstufflawns.com | 211 Union Street West Springfield, Massachusetts | 413-739-5500 JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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Big Flavors, Wholesome Ingredients W E L C O M E T H E N E W Y E A R I N T O YO U R K I T C H E N W I T H S I M P L E , H E A LT H Y C H I C K E N R E C I P E S

Simple Roasted Chicken with Fresh Thyme

In the New Year, millions of us resolve to start it off right by learning to cook some simple yet healthy new meals. These fast, delicious recipes will put your January on the right track. First: a juicy roasted chicken, fully cooked in under an hour and great with a green salad. Second: a flavorful Thai-style green curry using leftover chicken and filled with vegetables, simple enough to make on a weeknight.

Two wholesome dinners from just one chicken!

ARTICLE BY JESSIE-SIERRA ROSS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN ROSS

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

Simple Roasted Chicken with Fresh Thyme

Simple Roasted Chicken with Fresh Thyme

ingredients: • 1 3-pound chicken • kosher salt • black pepper and fresh thyme (or substitute dried), as desired • butcher’s twine

makes:

4–6 servings

directions: 1. Preheat oven to 425F, using center rack.

2. Wash chicken and pat dry, removing gizzards first.

3. Tuck wings under body. Generously salt inside and outside of chicken.

4. Place long length of twine under ends of drumsticks, crossing and pulling legs tightly together. Tuck twine around wings, turn chicken over, and cinch twine tightly. Knot, then trim excess twine.

5. Season chicken with black pepper and thyme to your liking.

prep time: 10 minutes

6. Place chicken in oven-safe pan, breast side up; bake 45 minutes.

cook time: 45 minutes

7. Rest chicken 5–10 minutes; remove twine.

total time: 55 Minutes

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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Thai-Style Green Curry with Leftover Chicken makes:

4–6 servings

prep time: 10 minutes

cook time: 15 minutes

total time: 25 Minutes

ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large jalapeño, seeded and minced 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into quarter-inch rounds 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips 1/2 cup canned bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed (or substitute steamed green beans or mushrooms for bamboo shoots or baby corn) 1/2 cup canned baby corn, drained and rinsed 1 13-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk 2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste (found in grocer’s international food section) 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce, or equal amount soy sauce 4 dried Makrut lime leaves (available at international markets, or substitute 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest and a handful of regular or Thai basil) 2 cups shredded leftover chicken meat 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges Handful of fresh cilantro, if desired kosher salt cooked white, brown, or jasmine rice

directions: 1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and jalapeño, stirring occasionally. Cook until softened, but not browned, 6 minutes.

Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.

2. Add carrots, red bell pepper, bamboo shoots, and baby corn. Sauté 3 minutes.

3. Push vegetables to sides of pan; add green curry paste to center. Heat 30 seconds.

4. Add coconut milk, fish sauce, and dried lime leaves or lime zest. Stir until incorporated.

Thai-Style Green Curry with Leftover Chicken

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

5. Add shredded chicken and large handful of cilantro. Stir and heat to a simmer. Season to taste with a generous pinch of kosher salt. After heating, discard lime leaves. Serve with rice; garnish with lime wedges and more cilantro.

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CONTACT ME FOR ALL YOUR MORTGAGE NEEDS. SPECIALIZING IN FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS.

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117 Park Ave., #301, West Springfield MA 01089

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WEST SPRINGFIELD CITY LIFESTYLE™ JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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Addison Farm Builds a Culture of

Wellness

Hemp farmers focus on family and helping others ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

Addison Farm’s CBD oils

At Addison Farm, the husband-wife team Andrew and Courtney Hurczyn are working diligently to build not just a sustainable hemp farm in Granby, Connecticut, but a true community of health and wellness to endure for decades and generations to come. The farm offers a wide range of hemp and CBD products, including CBD oils and lotions and hemp flowers, as well as half and full community-supported agriculture shares of their products at discounted rates.

“As we have progressed down this amazing path of creating our own farm and business and spending every day together, we have also realized that the products we create are helping people on their journey

Andrew and daughter Addison

Almond full-spectrum CBD lotion

to betterment as well,” says Andrew.” We want to lead by example and set a standard for happy, healthy living.”

Addison Farm began on two acres of land in 2019. Both Andrew and Courtney come from corporate backgrounds, but when they had their first child, Addison, they realized that their lifestyle wouldn’t let them raise their daughter the way they thought was best, and knew they needed to make a change. “We wanted to both live a happy, healthy lifestyle that was based around our family and that also included creating a business that allowed us to be together,” says Andrew. They had found that CBD (cannabidiol) oil had helped with the injuries they both had sustained playing

college soccer, but they didn’t like that they didn’t know where the products they used came from, and decided to grow their own.

They started their farm from scratch.

Although it hasn’t always been easy, as they finish their fourth growing season, the Hurczyns have learned a lot since they started the farm. In their first two seasons, they bought plants with genetics that worked really well, but that company was bought out, and the Hurczyns were forced to choose another company, Oregon CBD— a move that worked out even better.

“We’ve built a very nice relationship with them,” says Andrew. “It’s a company that’s going to be here for the long term and that’s who we want to work with.”

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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Addison Farm's farmstand is a converted Japanese mini-truck The Hurczyn family

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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

“Growing organically, without pesticides, utilizing natural sunlight, nutrients from the fertile soil, and with love and care, allows us to have healthy, beautiful plants that you can actually see on the farm.”

-ANDREW HURCZYN

Addison Farm uses feminized seeds to grow plants with “amazing flowers,” says Andrew. The flowers are used to create the various products that the farm sells. “Growing organically, without pesticides, utilizing natural sunlight, nutrients from the fertile soil, and with love and care, allows us to have healthy, beautiful plants that you can actually see on the farm,” adds Andrew. This also gives customers the opportunity to really see what they’re buying and know where their products are coming from: “Healthy plants make healthy products,” Andrew explains.

Addison Farm sets itself apart by having full transparency and working with customers in a highly personalized way.

Because different people will see different benefits from the products, Andrew really likes to have “a personal discussion of what could work and how to take it” with each customer.

The farm has grown significantly since 2019, but Andrew has even bigger dreams for the future. He wants to make the farm into something even more significant for not only his family, but for the community as a whole. Andrew sees the farm being something his family works on together, as they also expand their business into other avenues and hopefully become a lifestyle brand as well. The use of hemp in construction, textiles, and energy opens many doors for Addison Farm in the future.

“Addison Farm is going to continue to develop products, expand our customer base, and grow our business so that we can provide jobs and security to other families in the future,” says Andrew. “This is just the start of our journey, and we hope that everyone will want to join us."

For more information about the farm and its CBD products, call 860.578.5555, visit happyaddison.com, or stop by the farm at 37 Wells Road, Granby, Connecticut.

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN SLACK Laura Castellini, owner and operator of Ambiance Hair Replacement in East Longmeadow

Ambiance Hair Replacement STYLIST LAURA CASTELLINI OFFERS SOLUTIONS WITH DISCRETION AND SENSITIVITY

Often when illness or aging leads to hair loss, people find themselves struggling to feel like their old selves. Laura Castellini, owner and operator of Ambiance Hair Replacement and Laser Center in East Longmeadow, understands how painful hair loss can be, and has services to help you feel like you again.

Laura sees clients of all ages with all kinds of hair loss. From the child suffering from alopecia to the gentleman experiencing male pattern baldness, Laura has solutions. She offers two primary ways to address hair loss: laser treatment of the scalp and custom-designed hair pieces.

Hair pieces are a great solution for the person going through chemotherapy or with trichotillomania, a condition that causes individuals to pull out their hair, resulting in partial or complete baldness. The hair piece provides a completely

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S ELF CA R E | STY L E + BEAUTY

customized solution. “Anything can be custom designed,” says Laura. “Any color, any style. I make a mold for each client, we design the hairstyle, and then the piece is custom-created for that individual.”

Human hair is used to create the piece and it can take upwards of a few months to design and manufacture.

“Seeing the look on someone’s face when you’ve restored their hair to them is indescribable,” notes Laura.

She once worked with a child who was suffering from alopecia-induced baldness, and the joy on her face when she received her hair piece was absolutely priceless.

Another way to restore one’s hair is through laser follicle stimulation. This process is effective on those who have lost hair through typical age-related balding.

“If the follicle is there, the hair will grow,” says Laura.

The laser process is a three-month program of twiceweekly sessions. For those clients who can’t make it to her location twice a week, she can provide laser caps for use at home. “After three months, we assess what’s going on in your scalp and establish a maintenance schedule,” says Laura, who compares hair growth maintenance to a diet. “Everybody is different in how quickly and how much hair they grow. The guys are very happy with their results!”

DISCRETION IS KEY Laura is fiercely protective of her clients and their privacy. Hair loss is a very personal condition, and

she will not risk embarrassment or discomfort for her clients. Ambiance is set up in a private space within a larger salon, and her separate entrance—apart from the main salon—ensures that clients can come and go in total privacy. “I work by myself,” says Laura. “I don’t work for the salon. I am completely discreet.

My customer’s privacy is of the utmost importance. I have clients whose families don’t know that they have hair loss and that they’re going through this.”

Laura was a professional stylist who began specializing in hair replacement more than 25 years ago when one of her styling clients was diagnosed with cancer. “I went along with her to pick out a wig, but what was available was awful,” she notes. “I knew I could do better.” She completed specialized training to do hair piece creation and laser treatment, earning credentials along the way. Laura still cuts and color hair, but hair replacement is her focus.

Regardless of the cause, hair loss is upsetting and personal. Laura recommends coming in for a free, private consultation to see what’s available. “Everyone has different expectations and different situations, so we will determine your options,” says Laura. “I can help everyone; it just depends on what your needs are.”

100 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow ambiancehairreplacement.com lcastellini@comcast.net 413.537.4558.

“Seeing the look on someone’s face when you’ve restored their hair to them is indescribable.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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Protect your Love

Todd Bajor

Licensed Agent New York Life Insurance Company tnbajor@ft.newyorklife.com

413-885-6864

26

95 Post Office Park, Ste 9501-A Wilbraham, MA 01095

Karene Alvarado Realtor

413-420-3005 realtorkay79@gmail.com www.karene.kvreteam.com

Receive Down Payment Assistance with the MassHousing Program!

Questions? Get in Touch!

860-208-5434

Eric Ouellette NMLS # 2059059 JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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The "Adele: You Had Me at Hello" line

Weekend Beauty focuses on plant- and earth-based ingredients

Weekend Beauty's products are named for women that SkinCatering's owners admire

Weekend Beauty products are made in SkinCatering's lab onsite at the salon and spa

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S KIN CA R E | BEAU TY

ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS LLC

WEEKEND BEAUTY COMBINES

Sustainability WITH PROVEN

Skin Care SkinCatering in Tower Square, Springfield, launched its newest skin care line in 2022, and the response has been overwhelming. Weekend Beauty focuses on “friendships, skincare, travel, and sustainability for the planet,” says Heather Caisse-Gawron, chief impact officer. “We all love sharing new finds with our besties, so we thought it would be fun to make the products shareable, gift-able, and full of joy.”

Owner Leanne Sedlak founded SkinCatering in 2010, originally offering mobile spray tanning and non-toxic skin care products. After outgrowing her home location, Leanne opened a Chicopee studio and met co-owner Kim Brunton-Auger, joining SkinCatering as an esthetician. Over the next decade, they opened spa locations, formulated and manufactured an all-natural skin care brand and a private-label skin care business servicing several spas, and a home party company.

SKINCATERING EXPANDS ITS CUSTOM SKIN CARE LINE

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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SkinCatering co-owners Leanne Sedlak and Kim Brunton-Auger

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S KIN CA R E | BEAU TY

“We all love sharing new finds with our besties— our products are shareable, gift-able, and full of joy.”

The interest in creating their own skin care line started with Kim. Thus began the exciting and often unexpectedly fun task of researching, trying new ingredients, and having friends, family, and clients test the products. Clients were pleased with their results, so Leanne and Kim sourced packaging and created labels. Their very first product, Fresh Start makeup remover, still exists today in its original formulation.

Their work was sometimes quite the adventure.

Their first product, Perfect 10 moisturizer, took approximately ten trials to perfect. During their first batch, they added so much shea butter, they were sliding around the lab. Never ones to let a little extra shea butter deter them, they did more research and worked their way to a perfect formulation.

All ingredients are plant- or earth-based, with the exception of the yogurt extract's lactic acid.

Packaging is “reusable, recycled, recyclable, or compostable,” says Heather. The products are named after friends and characters the women admire.

“The pandemic forced us to pivot and innovate,” says Leanne. “We've focused on diversifying avenues for our skin care, locating shops to carry products, signing businesses for private-label products, and our personal favorite—developing new products.”

“Some clients come to the spa specifically because we formulate and manufacture everything ourselves in our lab,” says Kim. “This ensures our team knows every single ingredient, helping people who have allergies or sensitivities to

specific ingredients. Clients can have a professional facial and know they are going to be okay.”

Five years ago, SkinCatering launched its Advanced line, featuring trending ingredients that clients want, but with plant-based versions instead of synthetic, chemical ones. “This is the skincare line as our clients know it today, though the foundations of our original formulas are used in our teen skin care line,” says Kim. Currently, their most popular products are the SkinCatering brand's “The Voodoo That You Do” and the new Weekend Beauty brand's “Adele: You Had Me at Hello”. “These are our peptide booster and collagen booster products to help lift and firm your skin,” says Leanne. “You can notice a difference immediately in skin texture and firmness, especially in the under-eye area that so many of us struggle with.”

Other popular products include the brightening cleansers. Kim explains that the strawberry in these cleansers brightens skin with natural vitamin C and is great for clients with sensitive skin and of any age.

“Over the next few years, we’ll continue growing the manufacturing side, enabling us to make larger contributions to our community, adding jobs and impacting local organizations that we are passionate about,” says Leanne.

To explore and purchase, visit skincatering. com or call the spa to make an appointment at 413.2828.SPA

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JA N UA RY 6T H

Springfield Thunderbirds AHL Game Night

MAS S MUTUAL CEN TER , 1277 M A I N ST R E E T, S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 7 :0 0 P M A home game with our very own Thunderbirds versus the Bridgeport Islanders from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Visit springfieldthunderbirds.com or call 413.739.4625 for tickets and information.

JA NUA RY 1 3T H

Monster Truck Nitro Tour

MAS S MUTUAL CEN TER , 1277 M A I N ST R E E T, S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 6 :0 0 P M All-ages family fun! Monster trucks invade the MassMutual Center for two shows. Incredible 10,000-pound, car-crushing giants compete in racing and wheelie contests, then rock the house with amazing freestyle action. Arrive at 6 p.m. Friday, January 13, or 12 p.m. Saturday, January 14, to see the trucks up close at the preevent Pit Party. Call 413.787.6600 for information and tickets.

JAN UA RY 1 4 T H

Audacity Of Hope: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

SP RIN G FIELD SY MPHON Y HAL L , 34 C O URT ST R E E T, S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 7 :30 P M From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., immerse yourself in the works of Black American composers, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From joyful opera buffa sounds, the late Romanticism of a piano concerto infused with blues and ragtime, celebratory symphonic essays, and concluding with William Grant Still’s epic symphony. Call 413.733.2291 for more information.

JAN UA RY 1 4 T H

Springfield Bridal Expo

Meet Your New Best Friends

E ASTERN STATES EXPOS ITION, 1 30 5 ME MO R I A L AV E NUE , WE ST S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 1 1 : 00 A M The ever-popular bridal expo in the Better Living Center, sparkling with glamorous gowns, elegant formal wear, fashion shows, live music and entertainment, ice sculptures, breathtaking floral designs, and food samples from the finest caterers and banquet facilities in the region. Grand prize giveaway wedding package! Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit jenksproductions.com/event/springfield-bridal-expo or call 860-365-5678.

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EVE N TS

JA N UA RY 2 1 ST

Northampton Ice Art Festival

DOWN TOWN N ORTHAMPTO N, MA | 9 :0 0 A M Twelfth Annual Northampton Ice Art Festival, where artists demonstrate creating ice sculptures. Display of the final sculptures takes place during the new downtown Northampton Winter Festival. Carving will happen throughout the day on Saturday, January 21, 2023, and finished sculptures will be on display as long as weather permits. Visit northampton.live for information.

JA N UA RY 2 8T H

Railroad Hobby Show

EASTERN STATES EXPOS IT I O N, 1 30 5 ME MO R I A L AV E NUE , WE ST S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 9 : 00 A M From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29, this year’s event occupies nearly a half-million square feet of railroading, the largest show of its kind in North America. Featuring real-life and scale model railroads, historical societies, travel agencies, art shows, flea market dealers, importers, manufacturers, and photographers. Visit railroadhobbyshow.com, call 413.267.4555, or email showoffice@amherstrail.org.

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Marvelous Mocktails for Dry January Alcohol-free doesn't have to be dull. Try cocktails that are delightful without the buzz.

If you’re doing Dry January, you can still enjoy a tasty mocktail for yourself, and mix some up for friends, too. Try our versions of three popular drinks—sans the alcohol. Our secret ingredient is agave nectar, which makes a great, blendable sweetener in cold beverages. You can also use simple syrup, if preferred. Each recipe serves two. Elegant and easy!

MOSCOW MULE WITHOUT THE KICK INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup chilled non-alcoholic ginger beer, such as Reed’s • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 1 teaspoon agave nectar • 1/3 cup chilled club soda • 1 dash non-alcoholic Italian red bitters, optional • 6 mint leaves and two lime slices, for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Fill two mugs with ice. Add all ingredients, stir, and garnish with mint leaves and lime slices.

COSMO-MOCKTAIL INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup chilled cranberry juice (not unsweetened) • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 2 tablespoons orange juice • 1 tablespoon agave nectar • Fresh orange slices and cranberries, speared on a cocktail pick, for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients except garnishes in a mixer with ice. Strain and pour into martini glasses and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.

BLOOD OR ANGE MOCK MIMOSA INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice • 1 teaspoon agave nectar • 1/2 cup chilled sparkling cider, such as Martinelli’s • blood orange slices and fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Mix orange juice and agave nectar in a shaker with ice. Strain and pour into 8-ounce glasses. Add sparkling cider, stir, and garnish with blood orange slices and fresh rosemary.

Mocktails are the perfect entertaining solution for Dry January

ARTICLE BY SARA ANDERSON

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H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

The exotic spices and flavors of India right here.

25 Park Avenue West Springfield, Ma 01089 (413) 788-4929 pintus.website/ Call to make your reservation.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS! LOCAL | FAMILY | QUALITY | SERVICE

nee CCoouunnttyy Club n SStt.. A n Club An

Proudly Serving our Community for over 30 Years 413.786.7073 | santocdespirt.com

2 South Bridge Drive Agawam, Massachusetts 01001

St. Anne County Club Public Golf Course Wedding Venue Beautiful Views Awards Program for Golfers Public Golf Course • Wedding Venue Public Golf Course • Wedding Venue Beautiful views • Awards Program for Golfers Beautiful views • Awards Program for Golfers Find out more at www.STANNECC.com

Find out more at www.STANNECC.com

781 Shoemaker Lane, Feeding Hills, MA

781 Shoemaker Lane, Feeding Hills, MA 413.786.2088

413.786.2088

Public Golf Course • Wedding Venue JANUARY 2 0 2 3 Beautiful views • Awards Program for Golfers

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FULL-SERVICE HOME IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • FLOORING • CLEANING • MAINTENANCE

Home improvement has been my passion for as long as I can remember. After years of training and running a plumbing business, we launched HG Home Improvement in 2020. We’ve been working harder than ever, supporting multiple property management companies with the goal of serving more commercial properties and residential homes.

- Eric Galarza and Sasha Rodriguez, Owners of HG Home Improvement 413.977.3154 | HGHOMEIMPROVEMENT.COM | b FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: HG HOME IMPROVEMENT INC.