Life + Culture

Love is blooming all around Troy

Inspire romance with these exciting date ideas Article and Photography by Cindy Stewart What's your idea of a romantic date? I believe it's enjoying a special place together where you can pay attention to one another. Talk, touch, kiss, lose yourself in each other’s eyes. Like every Disney classic, what young couple in love (or married couple needing time away from the kids) doesn’t crave a romantic meal? Date night must include a visit to Carrabba’s Italian Grill offering authentic Italian...

Arts + Culture

For the love of laughter

Local magicians have a few tricks up their sleeves Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Kevin Shea Photography There’s magic in laughter and certainly in love. And then there’s Lady Sarah and Keith Fields, owners of Michigan's only magic dinner theatre – The Magic Soiree in Troy ( TheMagicSoiree.com ).   This is a night of sophisticated shenanigans, illusions and sleight of hand, led by this British-born couple who have found celebrity in silliness.   Or perhaps it's cleverly disguised...

Life + Culture

Sharing love through food

Cooking classes in Troy ensure your date night is romantic – and delicious Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa (photosbysimba.com) After a few years, Date Night can get a little tired. Eating out? Again?   Spice it up by making a meal together at one of the private cooking classes around Troy.   Sur La Table (surlatable.com), for example, promises an immersive culinary experience with hands-on learning. You’re given the tools and ingredients, but before you panic, just...

Life + Culture

Billy Sims

Lions legend scores with community, kindness – and a slab of ribs Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Kevin Shea Photography Last December, former Detroit Lion Billy Sims was a guest at the Heisman Awards, one of the most prestigious honors of any sport. For three days, the legendary running back ran with college football greats like Barry Sanders and Charles Woodson.   Days earlier, by contrast, he was glad-handing with fans in Troy. And just as happy in both places.   Such is the...

Wellness

Women-owned and faith-based

From simple beginnings to humble healer, Dr. Leigh moves hearts and bones as holistic practitioner Article by Todd Haight | Photography by photosbysimba.com It is a cold Saturday morning, but the former Boys & Girls Club in Pontiac is warmed by excitement as busloads of inner-city children pull up to the door. The glow – and noise – increase as hundreds of youth rush through the doors for a day of skits, music and games in a safe place.   This is The Power Company Kids Club, a nonprofit...

Fitness

The joy of movement

Physical therapists take their own medicine for pain-free living Article by Todd Haight | Photography by photosbysimba.com Physical therapist Mike Mulcahy knew the treatments, the stretches, the therapies. After all, he had managed a physical therapy clinic and treated neck and spine patients for more than 15 years.   But he didn’t know the pain. Not until he suffered a herniated cervical disc in his own neck.   At that moment, stepping over from caregiver to consumer, Mike gained a deeper...

Life + Culture

Food for wellness

Nutritionist's lifelong love of cooking inspires her to help others stay healthy Article by Todd Haight | Photography by photosbysimba.com Before you make those tough-to keep New Year’s resolutions, like joining the gym or counting calories, change your relationship with food with the help of the team at the Nutrition Counseling Center ( nutritioncounselingcenter.com ). “We want you to have peace with your body and peace with your food,” says Registered Dietitian Patrizia Jesue, founder of...

Wellness

Double the trouble – and joy

Dentist finds twin reasons to smile: Her children and patients Article by Todd Haight | Photography by photosbysimba.com Twins. Sometimes they’re double trouble. Other times, they’re double the joy.   “We have four-year-old twins, and it’s one of the coolest things,” says Brittany VanBuskirk, D.D.S. “The special bond, growing up together, doing things together because they’re the same age.”   Liam and Sophie give Dr. Brittany and her husband, Kevin, double the reasons to smile. It’s the...

Arts + Culture

'Tis the season to give to others

You can change lives in Troy this holiday with a generous year-end donation Article by Todd Haight PAGE ONE: Every afternoon when our teenage boy comes home from school, we’re reminded of the countless people who sacrifice for the benefit of others. That’s because he’s intellectually and developmentally disabled, and it takes a community of teachers, parapros, therapists, counselors and so many other helpers to ensure he thrives. Some are paid, some are volunteers, but all reside within...

Home + Design

Julie's holiday shopping list

Troy City Lifestyle's new editor demonstrates her shopping prowess with an extraordinarily extravagant Gift Guide Article by Julie Flores The holidays are fast approaching and when it comes to budget this year, the sky's the limit, right? Maybe? Well, let's imagine you're ready to splurge this year. What's available in Troy that's a little different, a little interesting and really extravagant? We sent our Editor Julie Flores shopping across Troy, and she came back with some luxurious...