Life + Culture

At the Heart of a Campaign

Investing in our Community Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by David Mattaliano Small businesses are the heart of a community and play a large part in keeping it vibrant. Unfortunately, many of these local businesses struggle in a world of online retail and large chain brands with foreign ownership. Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle magazine is actively ensuring that these gems in our downtown areas not only survive, but thrive.  To make this happen, it’s crucial to attract consumers...

Life + Culture

A Day of Clay

The Helm Sporting Clays Classic Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by The Helm Fundraisers often offer Tricky Trays, galas, bowling, and other fun events. For the third year in a row, The Helm at the Boll Life Center in Grosse Pointe Farms is doing something very unique. “We had a number of our donors who were interested in doing clay shooting, so we started looking into it a few years ago,” says Krista Siddall, The Helm’s executive director. The first fundraiser was so successful that...

Home + Design

A Renovated Gem

4 Camerson Place Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Andy Schwartz When champion sailor and businesswoman Chelsea Simms decided to sell her beloved house at 4 Cameron Place in Grosse Pointe, she wanted a Realtor with extensive experience who would appreciate the home's beauty and location. After meeting with Michael Fikany, the broker/owner of The James R. Fikany Real Estate Co., she knew she had found him. The agency has been in business for 64 years, and Mike has 50 years of experience...

Home + Design

A Focus on Flooring

Old World Craftsmanship with Smiths Hardwood Floors & Construction Article by Sue Baldani Focus on Fabulous Flooring   While there are many types of flooring, nothing stands the test of time like real hardwood. It never goes out of style, and if damaged, it can be brought back to its original beauty and luster. “If a professional's doing it, they're passionate about it,” says Joe Smith, owner of Smiths Hardwood & Construction in St. Clair Shores. “A lot of times we can take a floor that...

Home + Design

Need to File a Homeowners Claim?

Call CSI Before You DIY Article by Margaret Carroll | Photography by CSI  Into each life, as the saying goes, some rain must fall. If it comes with gale-force winds that upend a giant tree, taking half your brick paver patio with it before crashing down on your breakfast nook, you will probably be calling your insurance company to file a claim. Leon Istambouli recommends you call him first. The reason is your insurance company needs to conduct an investigation - - including the recording of...

Health + Wellness

CYL Infrared Studio Grosse Pointe

Connecting Mind and Body Article by Margaret Carroll     The achievement of wellness in mind, body and spirit has many components. Among them is the practice of taking a sauna as a means of detoxifying both body and mind in a practice dating back thousands of years across many cultures.     It is now within easy reach of Grosse Pointers, thanks to the Change Your Life Infrared Sauna, an Urban Sweat Company located on Mack Avenue.     Wellness is a core belief of owner Karl Messenger, known to...

Health + Wellness

Decker Dermatology & Mohs Surgery

A Journey and Dream Leading Back Home Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Andreas Browne     As a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist with advanced training and board certification in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology, Dr. Morgan Decker can not only enhance patients’ appearances, but also save their lives. She has extensive expertise in surgical, cosmetic, and general dermatology, with a particular focus on the treatment of skin cancers and facial...

Food + Beverage

Old Pony Martini Pub

Where Everybody Knows Your Name Article by Sue Baldani      When Feras Nahhas arrived in the United States from Jordan in 1993, he was only 10 years old and didn’t speak a word of English. His family settled in Dearborn, and even though it was a struggle, he managed to get through middle school and high school just fine. He even went on to complete a four-year pre-law degree at Wayne State University. This fortitude would serve him well in the years to come.      The college degree, he says...

Health + Wellness

Are you Having “Good” Dental Experiences?

Are you Having “Good” Dental Experiences?Having a positive dental experience is just as important as receiving high-quality care. For many patients, visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event, but the right dental office works to replace fear with confidence, comfort, and trust. A great dental experience is the result of more than just technical skill.  It’s about how the dentist and team listen, plan, communicate, and care for their patients throughout every step of the...

Health + Wellness

Is my gum recession from brushing too hard?

Is my gum recession from brushing too hard?When I hear this from patients, it truly saddens me.  Gum recession is NOT caused by brushing your teeth too hard, it is because of an unbalanced and/or misaligned bite.  It is caused by uneven pressures on teeth, leading to stress on the surrounding gums and bone. I know that a lot of you may have been told that you are brushing too hard, and this may be frustrating to read, but unfortunately most dentists are only trained to diagnose “tooth...