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HEALTH + WELLNESS: SNOW EXCUSES!

JA N UA RY 2 02 5

DEBUNKING MORTGAGE MYTHS 1 – YOU NEED TO PUT DOWN 20% While a 20% down payment can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), it’s not the only way. Buyers with smaller down payments or lowto-moderate-income borrowers have options! 2 – YOU NEED A PERFECT CREDIT SCORE A solid credit score is definitely a plus when it comes to lower interest rates, it’s not the be-all-end-all. Great options are available for those with less-than-perfect credit scores. 3 – YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GO FOR THE BEST RATE. While interest rates are important, they are not the only factor. Closing costs, fees and customer service should also be considered.It’s crucial to pick a lender with solid experience.

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You are not alone. Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing with its alphabet soup of options. There is Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Supplement (Plans A-N), Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), and more. How do you know what is the right choice for you?

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Snow Excuses! Embracing Health, Wellness, and Winter Fun Welcome to our Health + Wellness – Snow Excuses! issue—a theme that hits especially close to home for me. As someone who loves to hibernate when the snow flies, this serves as my annual reminder to embrace winter activities that not only support my health but bring a little fun into the frosty months, too! In our local feature article, Snow Excuses! we explore some of the best Macomb County has to offer for staying active this winter. Whether it’s outdoor adventures to embrace the chill or indoor activities to warm you up, these ideas will help you burn off those extra holiday calories while having a blast. Of course, balance is key, and health isn’t all kale and cardio. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love our collection of healthy sweet treat recipes—perfect for sharing with family or indulging solo. For those blending wellness with wanderlust in the new year, don’t miss our travel feature, Regrounding. This article takes you to The Hideout in Shell, Wyoming, a breathtaking destination for a three-day wellness retreat designed to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with yourself. Imagine starting 2025 with renewal and purpose amid one of North America’s most stunning landscapes. Speaking of 2025, our mission is clear: INSPIRING OUR BEST LIVES, ONE PAGE AT A TIME. Whether it’s a new hobby, a healthier lifestyle, or a fresh perspective, we hope to spark ideas that make this year your best one yet! Cheers to health, happiness, and a winter filled with “snow excuses” to have fun! Warm regards,

January 2025 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marshall Zweig, Mel Boban, Don Seaman, Caitlin Agnew, Emily O'Brien C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Life N Light, EB Combs, Lindsay Schweickert

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 Jenna Crawford LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

K I M B E R LY J A N O W I C Z , P U B L I S H E R @MOUNTCLEMENSCITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Mount Clemens City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Mount Clemens area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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

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 Mount Clemens City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 5 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

12 22

Featured

18 22

Snow Excuses!

Stay active this winter with these must-try Macomb County cabin fever relievers

Smart Sweets

Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue

Power Poses

5 Yoga Poses to Boost Your Confidence and Self-esteem

On the Cover

Departments

The roller skates on our cover captures the spirit of embracing fun and active pursuits, even during the winter. Whether indoors or outdoors, stay energized, healthy and joyful all season long!

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Get Active FITNESS

How To ENTERTAINMENT

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE

Events

January isn’t about setting resolutions— it’s about taking action.

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7 6

1: WDIV Local 4 Click on Detroit’s Nick Monacelli emceed Neway Works “Let’s Shine” Charity Gala. 2: Bryan Kieler, Reneé Palmieri, James Coleman, Better Together Honoree Tomika Moch, Lauren McAllister, Tim Coleman 3: A rousing keynote speech was given by Senior Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of Detroit’s 180 Church. 4: Neway Works founder Shane Gianino presents a scholarship to Mount Clemens HS athlete Robert Richards. 5: Better Together Award honoree John Long, Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and Becky Long. 6: L’Anse Creuse Central student athlete Aaron Merredith receives a scholarship from youth mentor Shane Gianino. 7: Kelly Chirco, Neway Works Youth Mentoring Advisory Board Member Joseph Chirco, David Evola, Eva Evola. Photography by Lindsay Schweickert

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JANUARY 2025

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SNOW EXCUSES! ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG

STAY ACTIVE THIS WINTER WITH THESE MUST-TRY MACOMB COUNTY CABIN FEVER RELIEVERS

Winter in metro Detroit gets an icy reception— most of us simply hunker down for three months of cabin fever. But cold and snow doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Macomb County has a winter wonderland of activities that’ll energize your body while they warm your spirit. Here’s a list that’ll keep you moving, grooving and feeling fantastic all winter long.

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

NATURE’S RX FOR WINTER WELLNESS Trade digital screens for unforgettable scenes this winter at Stony Creek Metropark. Breathe in the crisp, fresh air, soak in the snow-covered beauty, and get your heart pumping with a rejuvenating hike or a cross-country ski. Spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ZEN Go from frost to found at the Cairns Community Center. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve flexibility or simply stay fit during winter, the Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of wellness programs to help you nurture body and soul, from yoga and cardio drumming to pickleball, open-run basketball and Zumba classes.

CHANNEL YOUR INNER ZAMBONI Macomb County has a thriving hockey community, with clubs for players of all ages and skill levels. Check out local clubs like the Mount Clemens Hockey Club, Chippewa Valley Hockey Club, and Macomb United Hockey Club to find your perfect fit. Grab your stick and let the puck drop on a new adventure.

SNOW Y SOLE MATES Don’t put your running and walking shoes in deep-freeze this winter—wear them to the free City Sneakers Running Club. They meet every Tuesday at 5:45 PM at a rotating lineup of downtown Mount Clemens restaurants. Afterward, warm up with food and conversation. Seasoned runner or casual walker, you’ll find camaraderie in every step.

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HIT THE ICE Lace up your skates and put your hibernating on ice. Mount Clemens Ice Arena offers public skating sessions for adults, families, and kids of all ages. Ice skating is a full-body workout that improves balance, coordination and cardiovascular health. The arena also hosts special events like themed skate nights, and offers beginner-friendly lessons.

WELLNESS ON WHEELS Skating in winter usually means ice skating— but it doesn’t have to. Instead, get on a roll at Shelby Township’s New Rink roller sports complex (thenewrink.com). They offer a variety of roller sports activities, from roller skating and roller hockey to inline skating and skateboarding. All ages and skill levels will have a ‘wheely’ good time.

GET IN THE ZONE AT TWILIGHT Looking for a fresh way to stay active while you appreciate nature’s beauty? Try a self-guided luminary trail walk at Lake St. Clair Metropark. As darkness falls, the park glows with moonlit magic, creating a ‘lit-erally’ breathtaking spectacle. Follow the illuminated paths and enjoy the stunning scenery until 8 p.m. all winter long.

“TRADE DIGITAL SCREENS FOR UNFORGETTABLE SCENES THIS WINTER.” 14

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

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H OW TO | ENTERTAI NME N T

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

Creating a Better Snowman A Few Tips to Get You Rolling

There’s probably no more quintessential symbol of winter than a snowman. We’ve all seen Frosty and are probably pretty familiar with Olaf. But if you want to install one into your own yard, you’ll have to put a little elbow grease into creating one without the help of world-class animators. Here are some tips to help give your yard a well-dressed frozen sentry sure to turn your neighbors’ heads.

well-packed snowball and get rolling, but don’t just go in one direction. Roll the ball to start accumulating snow, then roll back, then roll in a different direction. Pack and begin to shape your snowball as you go. Reinforce as necessary. Look to use a 3-2-1 ratio for the sections.

Tip 3:

EVEN SNOWMEN CRAVE STABILITY.

Tip 1:

NOT ALL SNOW IS SNOWMAN SNOW. It takes more than a flurry to build a snowman. Heavy, slushy snow won’t work, and if it’s too powdery dry it won’t pack together. If you can pack a good snowball, you can build a snowman. Bonus tip: Dry snow can be modified to workable snowman snow with a quick spritz of water from a spray bottle, or a light mist from that garden hose you really should have already put away for the winter.

Tip 2:

ROLL TOWARDS YOUR GOAL — THE LONG WAY. Decide where to position your snowman and make that your finish line. Start with a

Once you get your base section in place, shore up the bottom with snow. Then at the top, create a bowl-shaped indentation to allow the next section to sit securely. Ensure each section is well-packed with added snow around the “joint” between the sections.

Tip 4:

SNOW IS HEAVY. ENLIST A BUDDY. A willing helper can help lift that heavy next stage into place. You can even roll it onto a tarp and lift from either side to get it up there. A third set of hands can help move it into place. Otherwise, use plywood as a ramp to roll it up yourself (braced well against the bottom with plenty of support underneath, so as to not damage the base). You might need an extra bowl of Wheaties to roll it up there alone.

Tip 5:

PILOT HOLES ARE YOUR FRIEND. Simply jamming details into your snowman can mess with its integrity. Use a sharp stick to gently create some pilot holes for your features before you set them into place.

Tip 6:

GIVE HIM SOME PERSONALITY. There’s always that classic snowman uniform of a scarf, hat, a carrot nose and coal (sure, we all have that lying around these days — river rocks might be easier to get your hands on). Or you could be a bit more creative, maybe with an old oversized Hawaiian shirt, a jazzy vest, or go all-out and channel your inner Martha Stewart, breaking out your Dremel to make something custom for your wintery lawn guest. You might need to use your imagination — not many of us have corncob pipes or top hats anymore, either. Pro tip: if you’re dressing your snowman, put any body clothing you might use on before adding the arms. Just remember. If you mess it up, it’s ok because he’ll be back again some day.

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

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

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

E N E RGY E L I X I R INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • • •

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

1 beet 1 carrot 1 celery stalk 1-2 inches of ginger 1 lemon

BLU E BE R RY M I N T INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• 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

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

GR E E N SMOOT H I E 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.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

SU PE R FO OD SMOOT H I E 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

DIRECTIONS: Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

V I TA L I T Y E L I X I R INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • •

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

1 celery stalk 1 lemon 1 green apple 1 cucumber

GR E E N N EC TA R 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

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

DIRECTIONS: Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

PI N K F L A M I NG O INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• 2 cups spinach • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk • 2 cups strawberries • 1 cup chopped mango

First, blend the spinach and almond milk in a blender until smooth. Then add the berries and mango and blend again until smooth.

GR E E N M ACH I N E INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • • •

Place spinach and water in the blender and blend until smooth. Then add avocado, mango, and banana and blend again until smooth.

2 cups spinach 2 cups water 1 avocado, peeled 1 cup chopped mango 1 banana

K A L E FOR N I A E N E RGI Z I NG INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • • • •

Blend kale, chia water, and oranges until smooth. Add pineapple, mango and blend again.

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)

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

POWER POSES 5 Yoga Poses to Boost Your Confidence and Self-esteem

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.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

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.

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

Camel Pose (Ustrasana) Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.

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.

Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) Usher in a fresh perspective and new creative ideas. Also great for relieving low back pain.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

Wild Thing (Camatkarasana) Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

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smart

SWEETS The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.

Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N TC L E M E N S

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEV E RAGE

Quinoa BREAKFAST Bars

This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious. Combine: • 1 cup wheat flour • 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled • 2 cups oats • 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 2 tablespoons chia seeds • 2/3 cup raisins • Optional: chocolate chips as desired • Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa. Add this mixture slowly to combine: • 2 eggs • 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter • 1/2 cup honey • 1 banana • 1 teaspoon vanilla Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.

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1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each. 2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice. 3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite. 4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy! Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.* These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.

Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed. Ingredients • 1/4 cup milk • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder • 1/4 cup maple syrup • 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter) • 1 cup almond flour • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Chocolate chips as desired Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEV E RAGE

Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites

Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites

Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.

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New Year’s Eve Gala Event Main & New Street, Downtown Mount Clemens | 9:30 PM The New Year’s Eve Gala takes place in the heart of historic Downtown Mount Clemens, on Main & New Street, near the Clock Tower. Entertainment will rock the stage for a Times Square-esque street party with fireworks at midnight! As Macomb County’s Entertainment Capital, Mount Clemens offers a wide array of restaurants/bars for dinner, or to celebrate after the fireworks. JA NUA RY 1 7 T H

Fool House - The Ultimate 90s Party - VMAs Tour The Emerald Theatre, 31 North Walnut, Mount Clemens | 7:00 PM Step back to the '90s with a Video Music Awards-themed party! Jam to '90s classics and VMA-winning hits, strut the red carpet in iconic '90s looks, and snap a pic with the Moon Man. Enjoy trivia, a costume contest, and nonstop nostalgia. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and memories! Visit theemeraldtheatre.com for details and tickets. JA NUA RY 1 8T H T HRO UG H F E B RUARY 2 2 ND

Sky & Space Art Exhibit Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens Sky & Space is a collaborative art exhibit showcasing works by members of the Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens Art Association, Romeo Guild of Art, Shelby Township Fine Art Society, and Warren Tri-County Fine Arts juried by Garth Glazier. Opening reception and awards is Saturday, January 18, from 1–3 PM, including refreshments. Visit theartcenter.org for details.

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