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February tends to sneak up on us. One minute it’s the heart of winter, the next we’re being reminded to celebrate love. In West Bloomfield, that often means appreciating the familiar — like the people and places that remind us of love.
That feeling guides our February issue.
Love Local here means celebrating the people who make life a bit more joyful. It means recognizing ingenuity that starts close to home and reaches far beyond it.

One of those stories is Zolli Candy, a dentist-approved, sugar-free lollipop created several years ago by a young local girl (now grown up) whose simple idea has grown into a national brand. It’s a reminder that innovation — and heart — can live right next door.
You’ll also meet Melad Aziza, owner of Precise Temperature Control, who built a reputation on helping families feel comfortable in their homes and businesses, day in and day out. That's a quiet form of love that makes a lasting difference.
Of course, some love stories begin locally and unfold across the globe. In this issue, we share the experience of one of our photographers, Simran Bajwa, who celebrated his traditional wedding festivities from India — a beautiful expression of love crossing continents.
We also invite you to Paris, the eternal city of romance, through the eyes of our travel writer, Cindy Stewart. She shares her journey as a gentle reminder that exploring the world also deepens our appreciation for home.
And, for an intimate Valentine's Day evening, you’ll find our curated roundup of local restaurants.
This February, we hope these stories encourage you to fall in love with the world — and the place you call home.

TODD HAIGHT, PUBLISHER
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Margaret Meyer Haight
margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Jessica Parsons | jessica.parsons@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda Ditch, Cindy Stewart, Patti Zielinski
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Simran Bajwa, Cindy Stewart
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain


QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6








Local






















ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

“From the very beginning, it was important to me to build a company that actually makes people’s lives better. I wanted Zolli to stand for something bigger than candy.”
— Alina Morse


“I divide my time into thirds: school, my business and being a normal college student with friends and extracurriculars.” — Alina Morse
Why can’t candy be good for your teeth?
This simple question asked by a curious seven-year-old became the catalyst for a revolution in the candy industry.
When Alina Morse was offered a lollipop at a bank, her father said “no,” explaining that it would rot her teeth. Not one to take “no” for an answer, Morse got to work, mining YouTube videos to learn how candy was made, talking to her dentist and experimenting in her parents’ kitchen. She knew there had to be a way to make sweet treats that could actually aid oral health.
“I invested all my birthday and holiday savings — about $7,500, which my parents then matched — and that became the funding to turn my little idea into a real product,” Morse says.


After 18 trials at commercial manufacturing plants, Morse got her big break in 2014 when Whole Foods agreed to launch Zollipops (zollipops.com). She was nine.
Soon the “Lollipop Girl” from Wolverine Lake began to expand the portfolio of “better-for-you” Zolli Candy — Zollipops, Zolli Drops, Zaffi Taffy, Zolli Caramelz, Zolli Ball Popz and more — which are sold regionally and nationally at retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods, Kohls and Meijer, plus internationally in Canada, China, South Korea, France, the Philippines, the U.K. and Morocco.
Zolli Candy is marketed as a better-for-you option because it’s sugar-free, gluten-free, low-calorie, vegan, kosher, keto, allergy-friendly and uses plant-derived sugar alternatives. “The science behind Zolli is pretty cool,” Morse says. “After you eat, the acidity in your mouth rises — and that’s what creates the environment where cavities can form. Zolli products help neutralize that acidity and bring your mouth back to a healthy pH balance.”
As Zolli’s reputation grew, its adolescent CEO became the youngest person to appear on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine and was twice invited to the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama.
Beyond the Zolli products, Morse seeks other ways to improve dental health. “From the very beginning, it was important to me
to build a company that actually makes people’s lives better,” she says. “Being a young woman in a space dominated by mega-brands — and mostly men — I wanted Zolli to stand for something bigger than candy.
“We’ve always been a mission-based business,” Morse says. “Through my nonprofit, Million Smiles, we donate more than 10 percent of profits to support oral health education in schools, because tooth decay is one of the most chronic childhood diseases in America.”
The company has become a family project. “My dad is my partner and helps run the day-to-day operations. My sister, Lola, actually came up with the name ‘Zolli,’ and my mom has always been a huge supporter from styling me for every interview to working at the company,” she says.
Today, Morse studies finance and entrepreneurship at Michigan State University. “People are always surprised that I can balance school and running a company, but it comes down to time management,” she says. “I divide my time into thirds: school, my business and being a normal college student with friends and extracurriculars.”
This May, Morse will achieve yet another milestone: turning 21. “I’ll finally be old enough to toast all the work that’s gone into building Zolli,” she says. “Maybe I’ll create a Champagne-inspired lollipop.”
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY STEWART
“Our home was an 18th-century farmhouse wrapped in olive groves and lavender fields.”

yoga journey through France.

I started practicing yoga 15 years ago, never expecting it would become my passport to the world. My latest retreat with The Travel Yogi and Explore Yoga took me to France, with a backdrop of ancient history, world-class art, food and fashion and sun-drenched lavender fields.
Landing in the City of Love, our group settled into a centrally located Airbnb with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, it towers at more than 1,000 feet tall — be sure to catch a view at night, when its lights sparkle for five minutes every hour.
Paris is a walker’s paradise, and we logged tens of thousands of steps before even reaching Provence for our yoga retreat. A word to the wise: Forget about driving in Paris. The traffic is legendarily chaotic — plus, you’d miss the experience of stumbling upon a hidden patisserie or a centuries-old bookshop while strolling through the Marais. The metro and buses will get you anywhere you need to go, and your feet will do the rest.
With only a few days in the capital, we hit the highlights: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and the Musee D’Orsay, the grand sweep of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and of course, NotreDame Cathedral.
Notre-Dame Cathedral stands as a major Parisian landmark, representing architectural styles that span from its

start in 1163 until its primary completion in 1260. The cathedral has undergone significant reconstruction, notably after the French Revolution and a fire in 2019. Our visit coincided with Mass, adding depth to our appreciation of the impressive façade. Paris is home to between 135 and 150 museums — this city has been collecting treasures for a thousand years. We chose two of the giants: the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.
Our guide Gabriella led us through the Louvre’s galleries, pointing out hidden details in Renaissance paintings, explaining the evolution of French furniture design and depositing us in front of the “Mona Lisa” — much smaller than expected but an enigmatic highlight.
The Musée d’Orsay, housed in a converted railway station, is home to the world’s finest collection of Impressionist art. We wandered past Monet’s water lilies, Renoir’s sun-dappled scenes and Van Gogh’s swirling skies. Both museums deepened our appreciation for Paris’ rich cultural landscape.
While Paris was remarkable, I found Provence to be even more appealing. Just a three-hour train ride away, Les Baux-de-Provence is a hilltop town with roots stretching back to 6000 BCE and official records from the 10th century. Cobblestone streets wind past artisan shops and intimate restaurants, leading to








a lookout point where the Alpilles mountains stretched endlessly before us.
Our home for the retreat was Mas Millesime, an 18th-century farmhouse wrapped in olive groves and lavender fields. Hosts Charline and Ronald produce their own olive oil from 85 trees on the property and Chef Catherine, whose exquisite cooking was demonstrated during a lesson, heightened the exceptional experience.
Each morning and evening began with yoga led by Marie, followed by guided excursions with Aurelien. We visited historic Avignon — including the Palais des Papes, once the papal seat
— browsed St. Remy’s weekly market, and admired Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct that has carried water for nearly 2,000 years.
We explored the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose wine dates to the 17th century. And at the St. Paul Asylum, where Vincent Van Gogh spent a prolific year, we walked the same gardens that inspired 150 paintings, including “Starry Night.”
My advice: If you plan to head to France, wear comfortable shoes, leave room to bring home French chocolate and decadent desserts, and get ready for plenty of photos. Every corner of this country deserves to be remembered.

Whether it’s a sweltering July afternoon or a bone-chilling February morning, Melad Aziza knows how to keep you comfortable — and he’s built a business and life around it. After arriving in the United States as a teen, he found opportunity in West Bloomfield — and built Precise Temperature Control as a company rooted in community and professionalism.
When Aziza left Baghdad at 16 to join family in West Bloomfield, he found a friendly, diverse community — the perfect environment to build a future.
During his summer breaks in high school, Aziza would accompany his uncle, an HVAC professional, on calls. The more he learned about the heating and air-conditioning business, the more the work intrigued him.
“I like helping people,” Aziza says. “And I saw how much people appreciate quality service and honest advice.”
Upon his graduation in 2005, he started working with his uncle, honing his skills while furthering his education as an HVAC technician at Oakland Community College then a bachelor’s degree
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINKSI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

“I like helping people. And I saw how much people appreciate quality service and honest advice.” — Melad Aziza
at Eastern Michigan University. He then joined the team of another HVAC company, giving him a new business perspective.
In 2024, he branched out on his own — launching Precise Temperature Control (ptchvac.com) in Commerce Twp., providing year-round comprehensive heating, ventilation and air-conditioning services to homes as well as a growing roster of commercial clients throughout Southeast Michigan. Building a team of licensed, NATE-certified technicians, Aziza takes the time to properly size, install and service each HVAC system for maximum efficiency and longevity. From energy-saving upgrades and emergency repairs to preventive maintenance plans and indoor air-quality solutions, the team delivers honest recommendations and customer-first care.
The principles around which he has built his business and rooted in his own experience of being welcomed into a brand-new community — where he has achieved his dream of owning a business and serving the community he loves. In turn, he treats his clients with the same respect, commitment and consideration he would his own family — including his wife, Noor, and sons Mason and Brayden, who enjoy taking advantage of the area’s Life Time gym, local parks, farms and being near friends and cousins. “I love the area’s variety of amenities and restaurants,” Aziza says.
“Purchasing a new system is a major investment,” Aziza says, and to help customers, he offers no-interest financing plans and frequent seasonal specials. In fact, Aziza and his family are his own most recent customers. “I’ve always wanted to install or replace my own system,” he says. “When we first moved in, the unit was brand-new. Now, as it’s starting to fail, we decided to pull the trigger.”
Precise Temperature Control’s maintenance plan includes two visits a year. “We have a 26-point checklist, which enhances your system’s performance. If there are any problems, we provide customers with options that best suit their needs,” he says. “It gives customers peace of mind.”

MAINTENANCE TIPS FROM MELAD AZIZA Tune-Ups “Get regular air-conditioning tune-ups and check refrigerant levels. Cleaning the outside units substantially drops their run times, which keep your energy bills where they need to be,” Aziza says. “The maintenance pays for itself.”
Regularly replacing your filter will improve your home’s air quality and optimize the system, which keeps energy bills low. “Replacing the filter means that the system doesn’t have to work as hard, the air circulates the way it’s supposed to, it cools down quicker and heats up quicker,” he says.
Don’t DIY Replacing parts is not a DIY project, Aziza warns. “You might not get the right part for the equipment, which could end up costing you even more,” he says. “Repairing units is a highly skilled job. If it’s not done correctly, it could damage the equipment.”


















A local couple unites Western traditions with Indian culture for their wedding celebrations.

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH




When Simran Bajwa swiped right on a dating app, he had no idea he was about to match with his future wife — or that their wedding would become a breathtaking fusion of two worlds.
The local couple’s Cincinnati celebration this last spring brought together the spiritual depth and beauty of their Punjabi Sikh heritage with the modern details of American weddings. The result? A three-day extravaganza that honored sacred traditions that date back centuries and was characterized by an atmosphere filled with warmth, joy and spirituality.
“From the very first conversation, it felt like we had known each other forever,” Jasmeen says. Within weeks of connecting online, the couple discovered they were kindred spirits — both passionate about passport stamps, spontaneous road trips and living a life unscripted.
“We instantly connected over our shared love for travel, adventure and living in the moment,” she says. “What started as a simple match quickly turned into something truly special.”
Simran, a network engineer at General Motors who’s also West Bloomfield City Lifestyle ’s staff photographer with an eye for the cinematic, knew the proposal had to be unforgettable. He orchestrated an elaborate surprise on a Downtown Detroit helipad, replete with hundreds of flickering candles and “Will you marry me?” spelled out in glowing lights against the city skyline.
“I wanted to show her that I loved exploring the world with her,” Simran says, “and that I wanted to spend forever with her by my side.”

Traditional Sikh weddings in Punjab are legendary for their scale — multi-day affairs with guest lists that can swell into the thousands. But for the growing Sikh diaspora in America, couples like Simran and Jasmeen are reimagining these celebrations for a new context. Their Cincinnati wedding compressed some traditions, expanded others and wove in distinctly Western touches in attire and a Western-style reception with a tiered cake alongside traditional Indian sweets.
Among the most glorious traditions to behold is the clothing. “Sikh wedding attire is deeply rooted in tradition, symbolism and fine craftsmanship,” Jasmeen says. “Brides wear richly detailed lehengas or salwar suits in vibrant, auspicious colors and luxurious fabrics, while grooms wear sherwanis with turbans that reflect honor and faith. Elements such as the bride’s choora and kalire [bangles] and heirloom jewelry — my mom designed the gold bangles in front of the red ones, for example — carry cultural meaning and family history. Together, these details celebrate heritage and the joy of marriage.”
The pre-wedding festivities unfolded over six unforgettable days, beginning in Cincinnati with a prayer service to officially mark the start of the wedding celebrations. Mehendi Night brought close family and friends together as the bride’s hands and feet were adorned with intricate henna designs amid music and dance.
The following evening featured the Sangeet, a lively celebration filled with performances honoring the upcoming union, and the next night brought a formal dinner on the bride’s side, welcoming the groom’s family in a gathering similar to a rehearsal dinner. The sacred Anand Karaj ceremony — the Sikh wedding rite, translating to “Ceremony of Bliss” — was held in a gurdwara before the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy scripture, as the couple sat side-by-side as the Granthi (priest) recited prayers. Four times they walked clockwise around the scripture, each circumambulation representing a fundamental vow: a commitment to righteousness and duty, to spiritual union, to detachment from worldly desire and finally, to achieving inner peace together.

The celebrations culminated with a reception in Michigan. “I was so lucky to have my closest family and friends by my side throughout the entire wedding — they made every moment so special,” Jasmeen says. “Especially my mom, for supporting me with so much love.
“Sikh weddings emphasize community and togetherness,” Jasmeen says. “Guests are treated like family, and there’s a strong feeling of inclusion and support. It feels like a heartfelt celebration full of love, faith and the joyous promise of a new beginning.
“Regardless of cultural background, weddings can be overwhelming,” Jasmeen says. “It’s crucial for families, and especially the bride and groom, to fully embrace and savor the moment. Though it’s not always easy, being truly present and cherishing the experience is what makes the day unforgettable.”
With celebrations comprised of so many special moments, one stood out to Jasmeen: the Anand Karaj. “By giving my heart to the Lord first, I was graced with the most beautiful gift — my forever love,” she says. “It was a deeply spiritual and emotional moment, surrounded by family, faith and the promise of a lifetime together.”


Whether it’s date night or girls’ night — here’s where to wine and dine on Feb. 14.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN



SYLVAN TABLE
1819 Inverness, Sylvan Lake
Sylvantable.com
Worth the drive: Nestled on five acres in Sylvan Lake, Sylvan Table is a farm-to-table destination where sustainable meets spectacular. Owners Nicole and Tim Ryan transformed a 300-year-old barn — relocated piece-by-piece from Maine — into an intimate dining space surrounded by a three-acre farm including vegetable gardens, fruit orchards and beehives. With everything made in house, nearly all ingredients come from Michigan farms — including 90-percent of proteins — using sustainable practices, paired with wines from biodynamic vineyards. Try crowd favorites like crispy, juicy Chicken

Under a Brick, handmade Gnocchi Bolognese with short rib and open fire-grilled Eagle Creek Trout. They’re pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s Day weekend with a four-course dinner for two at $125 per guest.



NONNA MARIA’S AMERICAN ITALIAN BISTRO
2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Nonnamariasbistro.com
In the mid-1970s, John Gallagher’s family opened a cozy and successful pizzeria, tucked in near Walnut Lake, named after his grandmother, Maria. Over the years, Maria’s changed hands and Gallagher, who worked in the restaurant when he was a young boy, grew up to become an award-winning chef himself, opening Little Italy in Northville along with other ventures. Three decades later, Maria’s was on the market again, and Gallagher snatched it up, bringing it full circle in 2018 under the new name, Nonna Maria’s. Always a neighborhood favorite, this best-kept secret still serves up authentic and refined Italian cuisine, like truffle gnocchi and veal piccata, with the feel of sitting in your Nonna’s kitchen, where generations of great food is celebrated.
CAFE CORTINA
30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills Cafecortina.com
Founded in 1976 — and celebrating their 50th anniversary this year — by Adriano and Rina Tonon on a former apple orchard, Café Cortina remains one of Michigan’s most romantic dining destinations. The family-owned Farmington Hills restaurant evokes a Northern Italian country house with candlelit tables, stone fireplaces and timeless charm anchored in genuine hospitality. Executive Chef Ernesto Antopia blends regional Italian tradition with garden-to-table freshness, using ingredients grown on-site and sourced from local purveyors. His menu features handmade pastas, carefully sourced seafood and meats and dishes rooted in the flavors and philosophies of Italy — as well as one of Michigan’s most respected wine lists. The intimate atmosphere — warm lighting, rustic elegance, attentive service — makes Café Cortina a beloved choice for anniversaries, proposals, and, of course, Valentine’s and Galentine’s celebrations (look for a special Valentine’s menu for Feb. 13-15).



6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield
Auroraitaliana.com
Inspired by the rustic elegance and coastal flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Aurora Italiana emphasizes the simplicity and joy of families and friends sharing memories together. Locally owned by Prime Concepts Detroit, Aurora blends contemporary Italian dining with time-honored traditions, warm hospitality, thoughtful design and a welcoming atmosphere for gathering and connection. And the food: Led by chef Faisal Gorgis, using locally sourced ingredients and premium imports, the kitchen serves up handmade pasta (try the Strozzapreti Norcina), fresh seafood (sauteed branzino), creative cocktails and more.



PRIME29 STEAKHOUSE
6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield
Prime29steakhouse.com
Prime29 Steakhouse — another offering from Prime Concepts Detroit — has been a destination where love stories unfold and friendships are celebrated for more than a decade. Delivering great cuts, skilled preparation and creative menu in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Known for USDA Prime beef, dry-aged for 29 days in a Himalayan salt room, seared to perfection, alongside creative sides and seasonal Michigan produce, plus fresh seafood plus masterfully crafted cocktails and a curated wine list. The vibe? Refined enough to feel special, warm enough to be comfortable to create memories.
31519 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills Shiangmi.com
ShiangMi’s name represents a culinary legacy dating back more than 2,000 years, when Hunanese chefs were prized in Imperial kitchens for their fiery, sophisticated dishes. Serving authentic Chinese cuisine for three years, ShiangMi blends tradition with place — “Shiang” honors the bold, complex and elegant flavors of China’s Hunan province, while “Mi” celebrates their Michigan home, where they source fresh Michigan ingredients to create feasts worthy of emperors.



Get in the rosy mood — no matter your Valentine plans.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Threadbare’s Faux-Fur Cropped Jacket is cozy and cool. Asos.com

Twin with your mini-me on a mommy-daughter date: Crewcuts Collection Cropped Faux-Fur Jacket . J. Crew, the Somerset Collection, Troy; jcrew.com

The Carys Mock-Neck L’Amour Sweater by Maeve — super soft, super sweet, in White Cabbage. Area Anthropologie stores; anthropologie.com

So luxe, so effortless: J. Crew’s Wide-Leg Trouser in Washed Velvet. J. Crew, the Somerset Collection, Troy; jcrew.com

The sheer Lady Lux Layering Top in Sugar Rush by Intimately is embroidered with flowers, perfect for under or over. Area Free People stores;


Almost delicious enough to eat: The Pink Reef crystal Ocean Necklace. Area Anthropologie stores; anthropologie.com

yellow-gold band, this Pink Tourmaline Elizabeth Stone Ring is wrapped in 14K gold. Zieben Mare, Franklin; ziebenmare.com
Stunning: Valentino Garavani’s DeVain Small Shoulder Bag in jacquard fabric in an Apres L’Hiver motif, metallic logo and grainy calfskin details. Saks Fifth Ave., the Somerset Collection, Troy; saksfifthavenue.com

Our favorite kind of jelly: Kiara Sky Jelly Tint juicy translucent gel polish in Beauty Queen is a peachy-reddish dream. Amazon.com
Stop and smell the cozy roses wrapped up in the irresistibly fluffy Let’s Get Cozy Plush Floral Print Blanket . Guys N Gals, West Bloomfield; shopguysngals.com
















FEBRUARY 7TH, 14TH, 21ST & 28TH The
Embassy Suites by Hilton, 850 Tower Dr., Troy
The Magic Soiree: Where Magic Gets Funny, a magic-comedy dinner show, begins with close-up magic performed at your table in the Atrium Bar & Grill, then a cabaret-style stage show hosted by the hysterical Lady Sarah and Keith Fields. Two shows each date, at 5:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. — plus a Valentine’s Special on Feb. 14. Themagicsoiree.com; (248) 990-8198.
FEBRUARY 8TH
Drake Sports Park, 6801 Drake Road, West Bloomfield Twp. | 2:00 PM
Take a guided Snowshoe With Your Sweetie hike through the forest. Listen to the crunch of snow and look for animal tracks, while experiencing the magic of a winter walk. Get cozy by the campfire and roast s’mores while the Naturalist teaches you the love language of a variety of animals. Snowshoes provided; no experience needed. $14-16 per person. Wbparks.org
FEBRUARY 13TH & 18TH
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 43455 W Oaks Dr., Novi
On Feb. 3 and 18, experience DAOU Vineyards at Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s “DAOU: Paired to Perfection” wine dinner. Founded by the Daou brothers in Paso Robles, DAOU is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and bold, expressive wines. Each pour in this five-course dinner pairs thoughtfully with Italian dishes. Reserve at Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095.


“Our competitive edge is having one company handle all our HR-related services.”
Successfully managing 50 Jimmy John’s locations and more than 700 employees requires going above and beyond expectations. That became a challenge when we used three different companies to handle payroll, healthcare, and HR services. Switching to Trion, one of the country’s most trusted Professional Employer Organizations, to handle all three has made life much easier. Trion’s PEO offerings help us go the extra mile for our team members and customers. And that’s why we rely on Trion. Visit RelyonTrion.com

