KNOXVILLE families magazine lifestyle a
magazine for the modern Knoxville family Spring 2017
Summer Camp ROUNDUP
Fresh Faced
Looks for Spring Teens will Love
MEET
Mrs. East Tennessee UNITED STATES 2017
Tips to Reignite Your
Resolutions
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KNOXVILLE
families behind
magazine a lifestyle magazine for the modern Knoxville Family
the scenes
ANNOUNCING NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR KFM “FAMILY”
PUBLISHER Deborah Shulman EDITOR
Diana Bogan
Lauren Batson EDITORIAL INTERN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Fran Sherman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lauren Batson Robert Berlin Aimee Davis Denise Hodgson Allison Maurer Ashley Miller Elizabeth Ogle Debbie Shulman
Lauren Batson is our first editorial intern. She is on track to graduate from UT in May with a journalism and electronic media degree, and studio art minor. Passionate about photography since the age of 10, she finds inspiration in the work of internationally renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. Long-range goal: to shoot high fashion for major media outlets.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lauren Batson
Robert Berlin Aimee Davis Amanda Swanson
PRINTER Shweiki Media Printing Company
MISSION STATEMENT
Knoxville Families Magazine is a modern magazine publication to affluent families in Knoxville and extended communities. We are not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its’ advertisers. Nothing that appears in Knoxville Families Magazine may be reproduced in any way without written permission. Opinions expressed by Knoxville Families magazine writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. Knoxville Families Magazine will consider all never-before published outside editorial submissions. Knoxville Families Magazine reserves the right to edit and /or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publishing dates.
Sarah Moser is teaming up with fashion contributor Elizabeth Ogle as her photographer. Based in her hometown Knoxville, she loves building relationships with clients through her work capturing portraits and special events. “Capturing life through photography allows us to make memories and hold onto the most tender moments of our lives,” says Moser.
MAILING ADDRESS: Knoxville Families Magazine, 7874 Newton Rd. Crossville, TN 38752 Phone: 561-523-0622 Hello@KnoxvilleFamiliesMagazine.com KnoxvilleFamiliesMagazine.com
KNOXVILLEFAMILIESMAGAZINE.COM
We are looking forward to reading more of Allison Maurer’s advice on family and sports nutrition now that she will also be a regular contributor to the KFM blog community. Allison is a veteran sports dietitian who consults with local high schools to bring sports nutrition to athletes. She also manages her private practice, serves as a middle school physical education teacher, and is a mom of three boys.
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Are You a New or Expecting Parent? Knoxville Baby Shower Party West Town Mall 7600 Kingston Pike | Knoxville, TN 37919 at the Atrium in front of JCPenny's
Saturday, April 29, 2017 10 am to 2 pm Don’t miss this Family filled event!*
• Fashion Show • Shopping • Games and Prizes Your Real Estate Pro
SWAG Bags filled with goodies. One per party. You must register to reserve yours. Only 200 available.
Belly, Baby & Beyond
FREE Event to All. Register for this event at www.bellybabybeyond.com info@bellybabybeyond.com
www.bellybabybeyond.com SPRING 2017
Colleen Boehr
Realty Executives Associates colleenboehrhomes.com colleenboehr@gmail.com OFFICE (865)693-3232 CELL (865)748-8909
The Compass Group
Each office independently owned and operated “A Tradition of Trust”
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table of contents SPRING 2017
FEATURES
10 How Well Is Your Family Insured?
12
Leading by Example
FASHION TREND
14 17
3 Eye-Catching Looks
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Playground Approved Fashion
IN THE KITCHEN
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18 19
Healthy Food Options To Go Revive Your Resolution
OUTDOOR LIFE
22 24
Wilderness At The Smokies
22
Outings for the Daring Family
SUMMER CAMPS
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26 28 29 30 31
Science, Nature, and Friendship Muse Summer Camp Camp Invention What's New at UT Kids U Summer Camp Round-Up
RECAP
32
Knoxville Kids Fair
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every issue
03 Behind the Scenes 07 On the Blog 08 Things We Love 20 Book List: Exciting New Reads 34 Last Look
On The Cover: Shonjrell Ladner and her son, Rio Photo By Amanda Swanson.
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INSPIRING FUTURE INNOVATORS Sign up by March 20 to save $25 using promo code INNOVATE25
For children entering K-6th grade — Led by experienced local educators • Hands-on Fun • Teamwork
• STEM Concepts • Problem Solving
• Design & Build Prototypes
Multiple locations throughout the greater Knoxville area! In partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
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on the
blog
Knoxville Families Magazine publishes content weekly online from a diverse group of bloggers. Here’s a look at some of the topics we’ve been talking about. Never miss a new post when you subscribe to our digital newsletter @ knoxvillefamiliesmagazine.com.
PARENTING | TODDLER LIFE
Gift Giving with Purpose By Kristen Lehman
PARENTING | TODDLER LIFE TWEENS & TEENS
Tweens and Three-Year Olds: More Alike Than You Think Kristen Lehman
HOME
3 Essential Oils Essential to Family Life Denise Hodgson
ORGANIZATION
Finding Productivity and Fulfillment in Life
HOLIDAY | OCCASIONS
5 Tips for Brides on a Budget
PARENTING | HOME ORGANIZATION
We're Hungry! What's for Dinner? Denise Hodgson
FASHION
Sleek Mom Backpack Elizabeth Ogle
Lisa Khairollahi
PARENTING
Art of an Apology Nicole Springs
Emily Carroll
HOLIDAY | OCCASIONS ORGANIZATION
How to Pack for All Your Travel Adventures Emily Carroll
Our blog community has room to grow! If you are interested in launching a blog or gaining additional traffic for an existing blog, send a query to Diana Bogan, diana@knoxvillefamiliesmagazine.com. Let us help you find your niche or broaden your reach. KNOXVILLEFAMILIESMAGAZINE.COM
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things
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
we love
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KAVU Rope Bags Seattle-based KAVU makes rope bags to fit your lifestyle. They are designed to hang nicely on your back or sling forward for easy access at the front. “My wife says this is the perfect bag,” said Uncle Lem's Outfitters owner Kevin Hill. “It's the perfect bag for people on the go and manages to find a way to fit every niche from 8 year-olds to 78 yearolds.” Pictured: Blue Toucan Price: $50
Chacos One of the hottest shoes in the outdoor sports gear market right now, Chacos feature the ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole and a 5mm Cloud PU layer of cushioning for instant comfort. Available in adult and children’s sizes, these shoes provide really good arch support as well as some ankle support. Available at Uncle Lem’s Outfitters in Knoxville; Z/Cloud style pictured: $110.
Azure Skirt
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When it comes to LuLaRoe’s Azure skirt, looks are deceiving in the best way. This knee-length, A-line skirt looks dressy and polished, but its knit fabric and flattering fold-over waist makes it feel like your favorite pair of yoga pants. Win win. Shop the LuLaRoe Azure skirt in person! Visit FB.com/ LuLaRoeKaliHanson for boutique location and hours. Price: $35
Savvy Design’s Knit Duster A new batch of knit dusters from Knoxville teen fashion designer Savannah Johnson have arrived at Knoxville Soap Candles and Gifts. Available in size XS/M and M/XL these are the popular knee-length version of her dusters. They sell out quickly so stop in soon. Price: $35
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from the Publisher
Spring is theof time plans and projects. ~ Leo Tolstoy
Well, indeed it is. This spring marks a very special occasion for Knoxville Families Magazine. We are turning a year old with this issue! Over the year we’ve been growing our contributors, our content and our community presence. We brought aboard additional photographers like Amanda Swanson and Robert Berlin; and we’re welcoming our very first editorial intern, Lauren Batson, from the University of Tennessee with this issue. Our blog community is also growing with the addition of Denise Hodgson, a mom of five kids who has great tips on how to manage a large family, stay organized and get dinner on the table. And we are really excited to have the down-toearth parenting voices of Amy Rawe and Nicole Springs tell it like it is to raise a child. We have expanded our distribution to include all Knox County Libraries. You likely found us participating in several community events like the Baby, Belly & Beyond Expo, Open Streets and the Knoxville Kids Fair. We look forward to continued growth and community engagement. In this issue we’ve highlighted a local mom with a heartfelt platform — Shonjrell Ladner — on our cover because she exemplifies that be all and do all spirit that is nothing short of inspiring. Speaking of inspiration, I love a good inspirational quote and I found several relating to spring that really resonate with what you’ll find between our covers.
In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours. ~ Mark Twain
Twain could have been talking to fashion writer Elizabeth Ogle, who knows just how hard it is to dress your son or daughter for a spring picnic or romp at the playground. One minute you’re trying to ward off the sun and the next you might be shielding yourselves from the rain.
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. ~ Margaret Atwood It’s as if Atwood knows the Knoxville has an abundance of opportunities for daring families to venture for fun outdoors. And for kids the opportunity to get wildly engaged in nature expands into summer with a great selection of camps.
The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also. ~ Harriet Ann Jacobs Last, but not least, spring is the perfect time for parents to improve their self-care - be it to eat better, simplify or re-organize. Check out our book list, Pinterest, and tips for getting back on track with your holiday made resolutions. We made it to year one due to the resolve of so many helping to bring this magazine to the street last spring. I thank you all, and hope you’ll take pride in knowing you’re an integral part of the reason we are here to celebrate this happy birth day milestone.
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Deborah Shulman
Publisher Knoxville Families Magazine
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L E S S O N S FR OM G AT L I N B U R G :
How Well is Your Family
INSURED? T By Denise Hodgson
he wildfires in Gatlinburg this past November showed us just how fast a tragedy can, and does, strike. Residents were forced to flee with just the clothes on their backs down narrow mountain roads, and businesses suffered devastating losses. People not only lost their homes, businesses and possessions, but in some cases they also lost family members forever. This got me wondering, if faced with the same circumstances, would my family have enough insurance coverage to restart our lives in east Tennessee or relocate to a different area or state.
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I, myself never gave much thought before the fires to what type or how much insurance my family should have. Just trying to figure what kind of insurance one needs is enough to give a person a headache. Add to that figuring out how much coverage you might need … well, you can see how this can quickly become overwhelming. Most people require automobile, rental or homeowners, health and life insurance. After those there are specialized insurances such as business insurance, long-term care, and disability insurance. In this article, I’ll just cover the basics that most people should have, omitting health insurance considering the amount of change happening in that industry following the 2016 elections. Auto insurance has been in the news recently since laws about uninsured drivers have changed in Tennessee. The new law states that if you don’t have insurance you can pay up to $300 in fines, have your vehicle towed at the officer’s discretion, plus lose your registration. In Knox County the cost for impounding a vehicle not only includes storage, but also towing fees. These fees can add up rather quickly. Tennessee is the sixth highest ranking state in the nation for uninsured drivers, by the way. Most drivers’ policies include liability, which is required in all states, or nofault insurance coverage that provides bodily injury and property damages to others in the event you cause an accident. Policies also include collision coverage to pay for damages to your vehicle in the event of an accident; and comprehensive coverage, which is designed to cover vandalism, theft, and other damages that are not the result of an accident. Speaking of collisions, I learned
that most parking lots in Tennessee are on private property, so the police may not respond if you’re involved in a minor fender bender. It’s recommended that in the event of a parking lot fender bender that all parties involved document the incident. You will want to take pictures of any damage and get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. If possible find out if the parking lot has security cameras. This may be useful if there is a dispute over fault. Young people just starting to drive are more likely to pay more than their parents who have been driving for years. But, on the other end of the spectrum, senior drivers after age 85 have the same accident rate as teen drivers. Renters, or homeowners, insurance is exactly what it sounds like. It protects the contents of your house or apartment as well as against damages that might occur from a fire, a tree falling, flooding or careless neighbors. Dependent on the policy, it might also cover someone injured while visiting your apartment. What you want to insure, how much you want to insure and the fair market value of what it would cost to replace your items will determine the cost of your premiums. If you're not sure about what your stuff is worth, a call to an insurance agent to discuss this is an easy starting point. In Tennessee, the landlord decides if renter’s insurance will be required. In fact, there is no Federal mandate that requires it. The thing is, if something happens, like a fire, then your landlord may not replace your personal belongings. Having insurance will alleviate this worry if disaster should strike.
Life insurance is something that, unfortunately, a lot of people don’t discuss until it’s too late. Life insurance is designed to help your loved ones cover outstanding debts, such as mortgages and auto loans along with the cost of a funeral. I know, you’re thinking, “But I thought if I died all my debts are forgiven.” The debts aren’t passed to your children, however, each state is different, so joint property like homes, land and businesses fall under the state’s definition of “debt after death.” In Tennessee, spouses are generally not liable for debts incurred solely by their spouse (we are not a community property state). However, it is possible for a spouse to be held liable if s/he agreed to guarantee a debt obligation. This could happen as simply as when s/he signs admission papers. That is why when older relatives or friends are admitted into care facilities, such as hospitals, having an advocate is recommended to oversee all paperwork. Look at your policies about every six months. Life changes and so your insurance should be adjusted accordingly. Take my family for example. When my husband and I met, I was a single mom of two daughters who never in a her wildest dreams thought she’d ever be married, much less have any more children. Fast forward 12 years and I’m the happily married mom of not only two daughters, but also three sons, the youngest two with special needs. The best thing you can do now is talk to a licensed insurance agent about what your family needs most. That way you can get the best coverage at the best rates. •
Denise Hodgson is a blogger and freelance writer. Follow her at knoxvillefamiliesmagazine.com to get more indepth insight into safeguarding your family’s future with proper insurance coverage. When Denise isn’t writing, she is a busy wife and mom to five fantastic kids.
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SHONJRELL LEADS LADNER BY EXAMPLE
Photos: Amanda Swanson
By Deborah Shulman
I
t’s 7 pm and the infant crying as it trembles has no idea that it's being cradled in the arms of one of East Tennessee’s most beautiful women. It’s awareness is drowned in the pain of opiate addiction.
“Every 19 minutes a baby is born opiate addicted,” said Shonjrell, Mrs. East Tennessee United States 2017. “This is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and the side effects include tremors, seizures, vomiting, hyperactive reflexes, high-pitched crying and more. It’s not how a baby should begin life.” But, there is help not just for opiate addicted infants, but also for their mothers from organizations like The Renaissance Group and Susannah’s House, the latter with which Shonjrell presently works. Helping for Shonjrell includes dressing in scrubs and reporting for duty at a hospital to serve as a “cuddler.” But in addition to her volunteerism, she also supports the NAS platform through the outreach opportunities her pageantry history gives her, as well as through her personal business ventures. I wanted to talk to Shonjrell personally about how she manages to do so much. From cuddling babies in withdrawal, to founding and running PB&J Party LLC, writing children’s books and raising a son with her husband Robert, this April she will even find time to compete for the title of Mrs. Tennessee United States.
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Debbie Shulman: Let’s start with how one becomes a cuddler?
how to market the line in a fun and different way.
Shonjrell Ladner: There is a waiting list and a lot involved. It is not just about holding a baby and rocking it as people sometimes think. You may also come into contact with the mother and your personal opinions must be kept to yourself. Training is required to be a cuddler. It takes months to complete the program before you cuddle a baby.
DS: So that is how PB & J Party, LLC was founded? From your skincare line? SL: Yes. I needed to find a way to network with others to sell my products. I realized that I did not know many people from my target market. I wanted to create a unique party atmosphere where entrepreneurs could share each other’s networks.
DS: When did you get involved as a cuddler, how did you learn about it and/or what motivated you to volunteer? SL: I got involved a year ago. My baby was born a premie in the NICU (my water started leaking at 28 weeks). I stayed at UT Medical Center for three weeks on bed rest, and heard about the program. I witnessed so many babies born addicted that I wanted to join immediately, but at the time the waiting list was seven years long.
DS: When did you realize you had something going on here? SL: I wasn’t thinking of it as a business, but the reaction after I put on my first PB & J parties together was overwhelmingly good. I had started to get creative, and from posting on social media about my event I received three inquiries from others who wanted to purchase or duplicate my party. From there I created a concept for others to do this too and earn income.
DS: Does your involvement in the Mrs. Tennessee United States pageant help with your NAS outreach? SL: Yes, the ability to utilize this platform is the main reason I decided to enter a pageant. This pageant is big on causes and having a title helps to reach so many who otherwise would not know about NAS. It helps us help those who need assistance. DS: What is your source of inspiration? SL: My son. I wanted to stay home with him but also have the ability to work from home. So, I decided to sell a skincare line. But then over a period of time, I wanted to see
DS: Your entrepreneurism isn’t the only thing your son seems to have inspired. Your first book was about gardening with your son, right? SL: Yes! It’s a sweet book where you can follow a little boy's journey while he learns about where his vegetables come from. He learns how to grow his own garden with his mother. I donate half of the proceeds raised from each book to fund programs and NICU's that are fighting Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Every 19 minutes a baby is born opiate addicted. Penelope Butterjelly, wants to be the best homemaker, while also being a successful entrepreneur. How can she be fashion forward, inspired, a successful business woman and, above all, the best mother she can with so little time? You will find the solution as she solves her problems in this book! DS: Well you’ve obviously found an answer! I believe to do something and fail is better than to never have tried for that is the biggest failure of all. Given your success, what do you want others to take away from your example? SL: Passion. If you don't try to accomplish your goal, I can guarantee that it will not happen, but if you do at least try, there is ALWAYS a chance. Every entrepreneur makes a risk.. •
DS: And, I believe your newest book is based on the characters you developed for your PB&J Party business. Tell me about that. SL: The characters’ names are Penelope and Kylee. Mrs. PBJ, You can reach Shonjrell at www.PBJParty.com or on Facebook. You can find her books online at http://www.wheelers.co.nz/
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s n et e
E Y E- C ATC H I N G LO O K S
even
U
can achieve
By Lauren Batson
niversity of Tennessee student Bailey Arthur is an aspiring makeup artist who started a makeup video channel this year to provide step-by-step tutorials to help others emulate some of her favorite makeup looks.
This is the season many of us start thinking about how to freshen up our personal style, perfect a look for an interview, date night or special occasion. During the winter we tend to step away from bright colors, but with spring here its time to step out of our comfort zone and try some new looks because we know makeup can be the start of any great outfit.
Colors and products can vary based on personal preference, skin type and skin tone.
For these tutorials you will need: A variety of makeup brushes Eyeshadow Foundation/Concealer Eyeliner/Mascara Lipstick/Lip liner Brow pencil Primer/Setting Spray
Apply a primer to both your face and eyelid. This will help your makeup look better and last longer. To set your primer apply a layer of eyeshadow that is similar to your own skin tone all over the lid with any eyeshadow brush.
These makeup styles are full glam and can be dressed up or toned down to fit any type of occasion, and are simple enough for young makeup artists to practice. Perfect them for a night out with friends, when you want to catch someone’s eye, or stand out at your next special event. STEP 1: PRIME YOUR FACE For each look you want to start right here.
STEP 2: PICK AN EYESHADOW STYLE Once your face and eyelids are primed, select one of these three eyeshadow looks and follow the steps to complete it.
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2 LOOK 1 — BROWN, SMOKEY EYE WITH A WINGED LINER Get your makeup remover ready because winged liner is as hard as it looks — but oh so worth it. Don’t worry, you’ll get it! Using a light brown shade and a fluffy eye shadow brush, blend this color into the crease of your lid. Pick a richer/darker brown and use a more compact eyeshadow brush. Begin blending this into the outer crease of your eye. To soften the look, take the fluffy eyeshadow brush and blend until desired smokiness. With your darkest brown and flat eyeshadow brush you will blend in this color along the outer corner of your eye, around the crease and upper lash line. With your finger, take a shimmery champagne color and apply directly to the inner and mid-lid. Next, apply a coat of eyeliner to the
upper lid. For a perfect winged liner, try applying tape out from the corner of your eye. The tape should create a harsh line perfect for winged liner (we used a liquid eyeliner). To add a finishing touch to the look, add a light champagne, shimmery shadow to the inner corner or your eye with a dense, pencil-shaped brush and right under your brow bone to create highlights. Lastly, apply a coat of mascara. LOOK 2 — A BRIGHT AND DRAMATIC SMOKEY PURPLE EYE. With a light brown shade and a fluffy eyeshadow brush, blend this color into the crease of your lid. This will be your transition shade so apply it lightly. Using a light grey/brown color apply a small amount under the crease. With a dark purple color and a more compact eyeshadow brush, begin blending this into the outer crease of
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your eye. Have an easy hand with the darker purple; you can always go back and add more if you want a darker look. To soften the look, use a fluffy eyeshadow brush and blend until desired smokiness. With a bright purple shade and flat eyeshadow brush, pat this color onto the outer corner, middle of your lid, and lower lash line. With your lightest purple shadow, pat it into the inner corner of your lid. Blend these purples together so that they transition from one to the other. Take your darkest purple shadow and apply along the outer crease; continue to blend. To finish the eyeshadow take a little bit of black eyeshadow to blend into the outer crease. For eyeliner, take your black eyeshadow and using a flat angled liner brush apply it along the bottom lash line. Apply a coat of mascara.
TIP! To glam up any of these eye looks you can apply some false eyelashes before your mascara. That will make your eyes really pop (we used false lashes before the coat of mascara).
LOOK 3 — REDDISH-COPPER, SMOKEY EYE. Choose a light brown shade and a fluffy eyeshadow brush. Blend this color into the crease of your lid. This will be your transition shade (a color to help blend light and dark crease colors) so apply lightly. With a brick red color and a more compact eyeshadow brush, begin blending the color into the outer crease of your eye. Have an easy hand with the eyeshadow; you can always go back and add more if you want a darker look. To soften the look, take a fluffy eyeshadow brush and blend until desired smokiness is achieved. With your darkest red, pat it into the outer corner of your lid and crease, then blend these together so that they transition from one to the other. Apply your darker red along the outer crease and continue all the way to the inner corner of your eye. Continue to blend. Lastly, for the eyeshadow you will take a little bit of shimmery red eyeshadow and glittery shadow and pat them onto the lid. To add a finishing touch to the look, add a light champagne, shimmery shadow right under your brow bone to create a highlight.
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For eyeliner, use the dark red eyeshadow and a flat-angled liner brush and apply along the bottom lash line. Next add a coat of eyeliner to the upper lid. For a perfect winged liner, try applying tape from the corner of your eye. The tape should create a harsh line, perfect for winged liner (we used a liquid eyeliner). To finish, apply a coat of mascara. STEP 3: THE FACE Take your beauty blender/foundation brush and apply a coat of your favorite foundation (we used liquid foundation and concealer). Apply your concealer in an upside down triangle shape to coat under your eye. This shape will allow the concealer to blend more easily. Highlight under the eye to help ensure that your makeup doesn’t crease. Spot conceal as needed. Blend. Set your under eye concealer with a setting powder. With a large face brush apply bronzer to the temples, cheekbones, and jawline.
This will also have a contouring effect. To contour your nose apply a dark foundation, bronzer or contour palette down the sides of nose and blend. Highlight will be applied to the tip of your nose, above your lip, and on the top of your cheek bones above your bronzer. Press a light pink or nude blush to your cheeks. Blend the final look. STEP 4: EYEBROWS For a more full-faced look, fill in eyebrows with your favorite brow color. We went for more of a fuller, dramatic look. However, if you have full eyebrows already you can skip this step. STEP 5: LIPS For each of these looks, you can apply a nude lip. In look one, we used a pink lip color. In look two, a bright purple. For look three we chose a dark red. FINAL STEP Set your look with a makeup setting spray. •
Stay tuned to our Knoxville Families Magazine social media channels to find out when new video tutorials of makeup looks will be posted. In the meantime, if you love makeup you’ll love following Bailey on Instagram @bailey.arthur and on her Bailey Arthur Youtube channel
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Playground Approved FASHION By Elizabeth Ogle
Let's add some polish to our play clothes. Photography By Sarah Moser.
So, you read the word “fashion” in the title and immediately clutched your sweatpants, fondly reminiscing over every stain. But if you'll notice, I'm wearing something very close, if not indistinguishable, to sweatpants in the pictures. Which shows you I'm not about to steer you away from comfort — just maybe away from the stains. My goal is to convince you to step up your game in every day outfits, so that you feel good about yourself as you walk out the door. As good as you feel when you've tried, without all the time and effort it takes to try. Because who has time for all that on a Thursday afternoon? #NoOne WHAT I'M WEARING Let’s call them “sweatpants” just to make everyone feel good. The fashion world would call them joggers. They can be classified as “athleisure,” which I think is the greatest fashion phenomenon since … the “Snuggie.” These joggers add more polish to my look because of their floral pattern, which I easily pattern mixed against with a gray and white workout top. Pattern mixing automatically brings a fresh vibe to the mix — don’t be afraid of it! By the way, the pants and the top combined rang in at less than $25!
To pull it all together, elevate the look and add some structure, I added a denim jacket. I found this jacket at a consignment store. Whoever gave this guy up, know that he went a good home. I've loved him for 10 years now. Proving that a denim jacket is a closet staple and a great way to look pulled together. Finishing off the look are my new kicks from Michael Kors (I BRAKE FOR DILLARD’S SHOE SALES). Having a fresh pair of shoes for a look like this helps elevate the whole thing. They don’t have to be name brand shoes, just clean, neat and neutral in color (beneficial, but not necessary). WHAT HE’S WEARING Mom’s not the only one who can bring polish to the playground. As tempting as it is to put this guy in another brand-name emblazoned sweat suit, I like the thoughtfulness of an outfit. I especially love these pieces because the vest keeps him warm during cool spring days without restricting his movements. And his own little pair of joggers help him run and play in fashionable comfort. So hunker down in those preciously
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stained sweats for now, because they’re not going to be seen by the public eye much longer. You’re stepping up your game, without sacrificing time or comfort! • Elizabeth Ogle is Knoxville Families Magazine’s fashion contributor, blogger at thespiff.com, a Fashion Consultant for Knoxville's West Town Mall and Beauty Contributor on 10 News This Morning. She is also mom to one adorable son.
Healthy Food Options by Lauren Batson
B
o g to
usy schedules can lead to quick stops for food and drinks. This usually leads to poor nutritional choices, however; it doesn’t have to. Most fast food places offer a healthy substitute that is also tasty. So even when you have to pull through the drive thru, you will still be able to order something that won’t ruin your waistline.
SALADS are usually the most obvious choice, however; ordering a salad at the drive thru is very rare. Most fast food restaurants offer a salad option but they are prepackaged and not that appealing. These are some of my favorites:
burrito bowls, however; if you sub the rice and beans for extra lettuce you can make a tasty warm fajita salad. I personally use the queso at Moe’s as a “dressing.” If you do this though you need a gentle hand with the queso due to the extra calories it has.
CHICK-FIL-A has three different salad options and you can customize your order. They will make your salad right then, so you can be sure it is fresh. Can’t live without their chicken nuggets? Substitute your fries with a side salad. Chick-fil-A also offers more than seven different options for dressings ranging from your average ranch to their unique chili lime vinaigrette.
SMOOTHIES are a great option for someone on-the-go because it offers the nutritional value needed in a quick and easy drink. If you go this route be careful to remember that, although it is healthy, smoothies do have calories and some can stand as a meal replacement. Some local smoothie places include: Tropical Smoothie Café, Smoothie King, Juice Bar, Jamba Juice and The Juice Box.
PANERA now offers a pickup option where you simply order through their app, run in and your food is ready to go. You just pick it up and leave. You can also feel good knowing Panera’s salads are made to order, so this won’t be prepackaged like other options. CHIPOTLE AND MOE’S both offer
What is great about a majority of these places is they not only offer smoothies but they also serve fresh squeezed juice, salads and sandwiches. At any fast food place serving burgers or sandwiches can fix your order without the bun to create a low-carb
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option, however; Hardee’s, Five Guys and Jimmy Johns have special low carb options on the menu. At HARDEE’S, a customer can order any sandwich or burger as “low-carb.” That simply means that instead of a bun, they will wrap your sandwich in lettuce. FIVE GUYS offers something called the Burger Bowl. This is basically just a burger with no bun however is served in a bowl similar to a burrito bowl from Chipotle. Lastly, JIMMY JOHNS offers any sandwich as an “Unwich.” Just like Hardee’s, Jimmy Johns will wrap any sandwich in lettuce to replace the traditional bread. So, next time you find yourself running through a fast food line to make your next appointment, or the next after school activity, curb your temptations (and possibly your guilt) by giving one of these options a try. •
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Photo: Lauren Batson
4 ways to Revive Your
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION
N
ow that we are well into the new year, you might be among those of us questioning what happened to our new year resolutions. You are not alone. Many people have high hopes of keeping health and nutrition related new years resolutions, only to be overwhelmed and disappointed after the first three to four weeks.
goal. From there, decide how long you have to spend those days. Set a goal of 30 minutes to start and, as you get adjusted, increase either the number of days a week OR the amount of time for that specific workout. Get an App. There are a lot of Apps now that provide guided workouts to keep you motivated. Nike, Couch to 5k, Apple health, fit star, 7-minute workout and activity tracker are just a few. Try several and see which one motivates you best.
The number one New Year’s resolution people make is to lose weight and eat healthier. As a matter of fact, nearly 50 percent of these resolution hopefuls quit after the first month. In my experience, some of the most common nutrition and health related goals made are to cut sugar and fat, drink only water, and exercise four to five times a week. If you made any of those resolutions did you really understand what type of commitment that entailed? Did you think you would have the time to exercise that much? Did you really know where you wanted to eliminate the “sugar” from in your diet?
DRINK ONLY WATER That sounds great except, water gets boring after a while. Even I will admit that. If you can, however, try to stay on this resolution. It is one that should be at the top of your list. A good way to add some flavor to your water is to infuse it with fruit. Instead of ice, put frozen fruit in your water bottle, add the water and you’ll have a refreshing drink all day. Just make sure to either eat the fruit or dispose of it each day so you don’t have any fermentation or bacterial growth in your water bottle.
Spring is a great time to take another look at what those resolutions were, where you may have gone wrong, and how to revise them to meet more realistic lifestyle patterns. Here are some suggestions I’ve found help get people back on track toward meeting their personal goals.
CUT OUT FAT Fat is an essential part of our diets and it helps with the production of estrogen and testosterone — two hormones needed for bone, muscle strength and overall health. Focus on getting sources of good fats rather than cutting them out all together. Get rid of fast food and fried food, yes. But keep these heart healthy fats in your car, pantry or fridge: pistachios, walnuts, almonds; fish; peanut butter (natural); olive oil/olives; avocado. Just make sure you are aware of the correct portion size so the calories do not get out of control.
CUT OUT SUGAR When people say they want to eliminate sugar from their diet, it always makes me a little nervous. Instead of looking at a food label and overthinking it, take the food for what it’s worth. Here’s an example: Do you really need to look at the food label of a giant Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate muffin to decide if there is sugar in it? Most likely not. What worries me is when people question fresh fruit. Anything that grows in the ground, on a bush, in a tree, or comes from a garden is natural and should not be avoided (unless there is a preexisting food allergy of course). Any produce that is bright or dark in color is loaded with vitamins and minerals, helps decrease inflammation, is a good source of fiber and therefore is good to eat any time.
Making lifestyle changes isn’t always easy. Check in with yourself every once and a while to make determine if your still on the right track. There is nothing wrong with getting off the path from time to time. The problem begins when you consciously decide that your health isn’t on the top of your priority list anymore. So get focused and get going! •
EXERCISE MORE Make more realistic exercise goals. If you know that you can only exercise two to three times per week, then make that the
Allison Maurer, a sports and registered dietitian, is the owner of PPR Fuel. Follow her on twitter @pprfuel for more great tips.
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book list
Hot New Releases
SIMPLY CLEAN
W
hether you want to jumpstart some floundering New Year goals, get ready for summer with a sturdy Spring clean out, or just tweak your habits a little more towards efficiency, these new books hitting the market are being touted as some of the best picks. We know how busy parents are already, so to help narrow down the field we’ve chosen bestsellers that offer strategies requiring just a few minutes out of the day or ample flexibility.
Becky Rapinchuk $19.99, 272 pages The proven methods for keeping your home organized, clean and beautiful in just 10 minutes a day comes from the homekeeping expert of the popular Clean Mama blog. Along with a 7-Day Simply Clean Kickstart and a 28-Day Simply Clean Challenge, Rapinchuk includes plans for customizing the Simply Clean Routine to fit the busiest of schedules and any type or size of home.
YOU HAVE 4 MINUTES TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Rebekah Borucki $16.99, 248 pages Simple 4 minute meditations for inspiration, transformation and true bliss that will help you find deep, meaningful, and lasting healing are offered by certified meditation and yoga teacher “Bex.” These are her homegrown routines that combine mantras, affirmations, breathing and bodywork techniques, and they’re designed so that even the busiest people can fit them into their lives.
REAL LIFE ORGANIZING
Cassandra Aarssen $17.95, 204 pages Real Life Organizing offers clutter free storage solutions and advice that can help you create a Pinterest worthy home on a small budget. This book promises to you have your home clean and clutter-free with just 15 minutes a day. Author Cassandra Aartsen is the guru from YouTubes ClutterBug channel — so you can check her out before picking up the book.
THE CHEF AND THE SLOW COOKER
Hugh Acheson $29.99, 256 pages Hugh Acheson brings a chef's mind to the slow cooker, with 100 recipes showing readers how an appliance generally relegated to convenience cooking can open up many culinary doors. Where it gets really fun is when Hugh shows what a slow cooker can really do, things like poaching and holding eggs at the perfect temperature for your brunch party, or for making easy duck confit, or for the simplest stocks and richest overnight ramen broth. There's even a section of jams, preserves, and desserts, so your slow cooker can be your BFF in the kitchen morning, noon, and night.
Join our Knoxville Families Magazine book group on Goodreads for ongoing book suggestions and conversation
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WORKOUTS: AT-HOME AT-WORK 365
Christopher J. Davis M.D. $13.38, 98 pages Finding a more fulfilled, satisfied and stronger self begins with looking inward and ends with finding workouts that not only lead to physical results but also are free! The gym culture certainly isn’t for everyone, and after reading the techniques that are presented in this book, you’ll be able to do all of your workouts either at home or in the workplace.
THE BOOK OF HYGGE
Louisa Thomsen Brits $22, 192 pages Hygge is the Danish art of contentment, comfort and connection. Hygge anchors us, reminding us to slow down, to connect with place and with one another, to dwell and savor rather than rush and spend. The Book of Hygge is an invitation to welcome abundance and contentment into your life. It is a call to live more fully by focusing on what moves you.
NO EXCUSES DETOX
ZIP IT
Megan Gilmore $19.99, 216 pages Megan Gilmore, the powerhouse blogger behind Detoxinista.com, offers 100 quick-to-prepare, affordable, and delicious whole-food recipes that make it easy to follow a healthy lifestyle for you and your family every day. The recipes developed with speed, convenience, and optimum digestion in mind, because enjoying what you eat on a daily basis is crucial to maintaining health goals. This book gives readers no excuse to not eat well year-round.
Karen Ehman $15.99, 256 pages The Keep It Shut 40-Day Challenge empowers readers to put into action the advice and commands of Scripture concerning the tongue. In this follow-up book to Keep It Shut, Karen Ehman takes a deeper look and offers practical how-to’s that will inspire you use your words to build, to bless, to encourage, and to praise. Rather than a traditional devotional,the entries in Zip It build upon each other, equipping you with new habits in how to, or not to, use words.
52 LISTS FOR HAPPINESS
YEAR OF YES
Moorea Seal $16.95, 160 pages Following her runaway hit The 52 Lists Project, social media maven Moorea Seal’s 52 Lists for Happiness will inspire existing fans and new journal readers to cultivate their own uniquely inspired, positive, joyful, balanced and fulfilling lives through the power of lists! Drawing on happiness research and her own personal philosophy, she creates an inspiring tool for list lovers everywhere to journal with weekly.
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Shonda Rhimes $16, 352 pages With three children at home and three hit television shows, it was easy for Shonda to say she was simply too busy. But in truth, she was also afraid. You never say yes to anything. Shonda knew she had to embrace the challenge: for one year, she would say YES to everything that scared her. Shonda shares how to dance it out, stand in the sun and be your own person through this personal memoir.
The Wilderness at the Smokies: A P L A C E F O R FA M I LY M E M O R I E S
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s a child, I remember going on vacations with my family. Every year, my dad had a paid two week vaca-tion in the summer. Back in the ‘80’s that was a generous amount of time to be given by your employer. These trips included my mom, dad, and two of my younger siblings.
We went on trips to Washington, D.C.; Mystic, Connecticut; Williamsburg, Virginia; The Biltmore in Asheville, NC; and Orlando, Florida. My first airplane ride was to Arizona after which we drove through Sedona, Scottsdale and saw the Grand Canyon. These trips have been engraved in my mind, creating such strong memories. My mom appreciated history so that explains our trips to Williamsburg and Philadelphia. We were not huge beach-goers, and getting to go to an amusement park was a huge deal since my parents did not care for rollercoasters. My sister, brother and I did not go to Disney, Universal and Busch Gardens until I was 16, 13 and 8 years-old, respectively.
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By Deborah Shulman
I cannot really recall a childhood toy I received that sticks out in my memory the same way our family trips resurface. Filled with laughs, the arguments on the road, staying at hotels, recollections of the different food we were able to taste (I remember trying rattlesnake at an Arizona restaurant and frog legs in a Florida restaurant) and clear visions of the beautiful townhome on a Hilton Head, South Carolina golf course we stayed in — these moments crowd my childhood memories. I want the same for my children. We have travelled to many places and many times we just got in the car for a spur-of-the-moment trip — like our getaway to
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St. Augustine, Florida. We lived only a few hours away at the time so it was a reasonable jaunt. I love spur-ofthe-moment trips.
There is also an Adventure Forest Arcade on the premises, which is open to the public. The arcade is 25,000 square feet of indoor fun filled with climbing walls, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, a mega arcade, an interactive playhouse and bowling lanes.
As my family and I have become more settled over the past year into calling East Tennessee home, we’ve begun looking for the spontaneous getaways available not to far beyond our doorstep. One of our first vacation discoveries was The Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, TN. This resort is a hop, skip and a jump away from Knoxville right off of I-40. My kids did not know what they were in for when we arrived. The Wilderness at the Smokies is the largest waterpark resort in Tennessee.
At this mountain destination families are so busy they shut the phones off and by meal time have plenty to talk to each other about.
Even the food was yummy. We had lunch at Billy Jack's Snack Shack. The pizza was one of the best we have had in Tennessee and the subs were very filling.
Families need to get away from the daily grind. Each member benefits from time to regroup and enjoy activities together. At this mountain destination families are so busy they shut the phones off and by meal time have plenty to talk to each other about.
The place is amazing — even in mid-January! Swimming and slipping down waterslides on a cold, blistery winter day — well, I’m not sure who dreamt that up but we’re glad they did. The resort has everything: from a Starbucks coffee to breakfast, lunch and dinner; clothing, pottery painting, and scheduled children’s activities. There really is no reason to leave the property once you’ve checked in.
With more than 91,000 square-feet of water to play in, the spring and summer are ideal times to visit since you’ll not only have access to the indoor waterpark (which has a yearround temperature of 84-degrees), but also the ability to head outdoors on perfect weather days. Outside you’ll find two outdoor waterparks as well as 36-hole championship golf course.
Since this was our winter getaway, we enjoyed much of our time at the indoor waterpark. My children’s eyes bulged out of their heads when they saw the slides, playground and wave pool all INSIDE. The indoor and outdoor waterparks are only available for the guests.
Instead of cash spent or building up credit debt on stuff that, let’s face it, winds up in the corner of their room or all over the floor, plan weekend getaway with the entire family. The time spent will create lasting memories for years to come. Your kids will thank you for it. •
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5
Adventure Outings F O R T H E D A R I N G F A M I LY
By Robert Berlin
P
atches of yellow daffodils have popped up everywhere around East Tennessee signaling that Spring is upon us. My family is chomping at the bit to get outside and experience outdoor fun, and I thought yours might be also.
The Great Smoky Mountain Outdoor Expo held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in January provided a mid-winter opportunity to find some new and interesting things to do with the family in the warmer seasons. Here are five of the adventure destinations I discovered! NUMBER 1: ROCK CLIMBING Ijams Nature Center is, of course, Knoxville's premier in-town outdoor destination. It has nature trails, paddle boarding, canoeing and outdoor educational programs. But the crown jewel may be the rock climbing program run by Benjy Darnell.
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Just off the Burnett Ridge Trail in the Ross Marble section of Ijams lies a giant crag that provides great climbing opportunities for beginning and experienced climbers. Benjy, a crew of experienced climbers and enthusiastic
The Crag is currently closed to open climbing, so those interesting in climbing need to participate in one of the supervised climbing and instruction classes. Check out their website at: www.Ijams.org/climb to learn more about their half or full-day programs and climbing rescue training.
NUMBER 2: GUN RANGE For families who enjoy target shooting, the Knoxville Gun Range in West Knoxville has youth safety programs and family shooting days at a top notch indoor facility.
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volunteers put together the existing climbing routes, and continue to build other routes that will no doubt provide enough challenge to keep climbers coming back for more.
"We love working with families to help them learn to shoot safely," said Kevin White, one of the Knoxville Gun Range guides. The Youth Safety program is just $35 and includes basic gun safety and shooting skills using 22 caliber rifles and pistols. The course instructor can
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work with individuals or teams to build confidence and proper shooting fundamentals. Tuesday’s Ladies Day gets mom, sisters, aunts and grandma on the range for free. She can take classes or just practice target shooting. Head over to www.KnoxvilleGun Range.com to learn more. Family memberships are available; however, you can also just pay daily range fees. Gun rental is also available with the purchase of ammunition.
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NUMBER 3: RAFTING
NUMBER 4: WINDROCK PARK
If you're up for an all-out day of fun in the smokies, you may consider heading over to Rafting in the Smokies just outside Gatlinburg. While the name more than implies you may have a rafting adventure, there's more to this outfit than just rafting.
Ready for something a little more boisterous? Windrock Park, north of Oak Ridge in Oliver Springs, has more than 72,000 acres of wilderness and 310 miles of maintained offhighway vehicle trails for riders of all skill levels. Adventure-seeking families can pile down these trails in ATVs, 4x4s, buggies, dirt bikes and mountain bikes. These trails range from easy gravel roads to extreme mountainous terrain.
These folks have carved out an outdoor recreation haven between the Upper and Lower Big Pigeon Rivers where, indeed, you can experience rafting of the Class I, II, III and IV kind. Right in the middle, though, they've also built the Family Adventure Island, which includes a 150-foot swinging bridge, ropes challenge course, swimming beach and two dual racing zip lines. I shouldn't forget to mention horseback riding too, right? Take a look at www. RaftingInTheSmokies.com to make reservations. A place this amazing gets pretty busy!
Don't own an ATV? No problem. They have a fleet of 2, 3 and 4 seat Yamaha and Honda side-by-sides for rent at the General Store. They're a bit pricey (between $200-$300 plus fuel and tax) but might be totally worthwhile if you're up for seeing the Buffalo Mountain Wind Farm up close and personal with its 15 windmills, each at 256 feet tall spinning 139-foot blades. You can also make a weekend out of it by staying in the campground or renting one of their deluxe or primitive cabins. Head over to www.WindRockPark.com to make reservations.
5 NUMBER 5: CHOOSE YOUR OWN More than 30 years ago, River Sports Outfitters owner Ed McAlister humbly began what has become one of the best outdoor store in the region. But buying outdoor gear isn't the only thing Ed has going on over there. Just click on the "Events" tab on their homepage, www. RiverSportsOutfitters.com, and you'll find a long list of activities, including biking, climbing, hiking, paddling, trail running, triathlons and yoga. And while all of those things are clearly cool, there is also The Climbing Center, where they have built an impressive 35-foot climbing wall with more than 5,000 square feet of climbing surface. New to climbing? There are fundamentals of climbing classes scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month. You and your family can learn how to belay, hold and boulder.
So that’s my quick tour of some of the outdoor opportunities the Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Expo featured. Now grab the calendar and plan your next daytrip. Some of them may be pretty simple. Some will likely be epic. Whatever the experience brings, visit the Knoxville Families Magazine Facebook page and share a picture, video or comment about your warm weather adventures. I’d love to hear how it went! •
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An Amazing World of
SCIENCE, NATURE and FRIENDSHIP Photography By Aimee Davis
By: Aimee Davis
S
ix years ago our family found ourselves hiking through the mountains along with a few other families to learn about salamanders and their habitats. We spent the next two years exploring and getting to know intimately this one stream bed and all the creatures that lived in it. This was our first introduction to citizen science and Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
For our family, Tremont has become one of those places that we continue to look at as an extension of our backyard. As I scroll through family photos, I see the faces of my children growing up amongst the familiar backdrop of these woods and fields and streams. We have spent time stuffing leaves into salamander habitats and picking up rocks only to discover the salamanders that live there. We’ve learned all about how to paint our faces with “rock paint” and freshen our breath with hemlock. We've learned about birds through bird banding and I’ve stood in amazement as I watched my son hold a cardinal and let it fly off from his hands.
and the mountains so he humored us and came along. It was an amazing day, where the sky was crystal blue and the leaves were just starting to turn. I was standing on Spark’s Lane feeling the breeze run through the valley and breathing in the smell of the mountains when I heard the familiar shout “there’s a monarch!” No matter how many times you see a monarch floating above you the excitement always builds and everyone starts running. I looked up from where I was standing and saw my 70 year-old father running through the fields swinging his net in order to catch the bright orange beauty! It is true, there is nothing like chasing a butterfly through the tall grasses of Cades Cove — no matter your age!
One of our favorite traditions is tagging monarchs in the fields of Cades Cove. I remember bringing my father out with the kids and I a few years back. He wasn’t really sure what “tagging monarchs” entailed, but he loves Cades Cove
The last couple of years we have been part of the Monarch Monster’s Team that leads groups out on behalf of Tremont. To be able to don my Tremont shirt and lead groups of adults and children out into the Cove to teach them to love
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monarchs as much as we do has been such a blast. I’ve watched those monarchs fly off of others palms, foreheads and noses with tags marking their stop in these woods. It has been special to watch our children stand up in front of groups of strangers and friends to share the reasons and the process behind the citizen science project.
The encouragement and confidence that has developed out of both of our children in their years attending summer camps at Tremont has been something that I’m forever grateful. camp. Tremont declares that camp friends are for life and, based on their friendship, I believe it. This last summer was especially unique as it was his last year at Discovery and our daughter’s first time. To leave them both sitting on their bunks and know that they were going to experience camp life together was exciting. We knew that this week at camp would give them a shared story that was just for the two of them to have for life.
Holding salamanders, tagging monarchs and letting birds fly out of our hands have been some of our greatest memories with Tremont. But more than these continued traditions, what has grown our children the most has been their experiences at camp. The encouragement and confidence that has developed out of both of our children in their years attending summer camps at Tremont has been something that I’m forever grateful.
The staff of Tremont has enveloped our children into an amazing world of science, nature and friendship. Their passion and love for others and for the created world is evident in the excitement that they exude through even the smallest findings in the woods. The ability to engage even the most hesitant student is a gift that flows through every person we’ve ever worked with at Tremont.
Our son headed off to Discovery camp for the first time when he was nine. We dropped him off at a place that had become familiar to us and while it was hard to leave him for a whole week, we both knew that he was going to have an amazing time. When we picked him up at the end of the week it was like he had grown some wings. He was so proud of the adventures that he had, the ways he had pushed himself that week and the friends he made. For the next three summers he returned to Discovery camp, always meeting up with an out-of-town friend that he had made at a previous
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As our children continue to grow, I am nothing short of grateful for the passion that is in their hearts for the natural world. I know that this passion and this place in the mountains will forever hold a special space in their hearts and memories for years and years to come. Just as it does for us. •
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Steam KIDS GAIN
AT THE MUSE SUMMER CAMP
T
ucked into a wooded area of Historic Chilhowee Park near Zoo Knoxville you’ll find The Muse Knoxville children’s science museum. Housed in a 40 year-old building that has undergone several major updates, the museum offers more than 4,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on educational play spaces focused on S.T.E.A.M. topic areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
Whether it’s oceans, chemistry, cooking or designing 3D images The Muse’s 2017 summer camp line-up is sure to spark a longtime love of learning in kids ages 3 to 13. Weeklong programs with morning and afternoon sessions begin June 5 and run through the end of July. Early bird registration is already underway.
love Cool Chemistry projects that result from using household chemicals.
“We want to bring science to life by interconnecting science learning with other topic areas," says Ellie Kittrell, Executive Director of The Muse Knoxville.
In addition to summer camps, The Muse Knoxville is open daily to the public and for scheduled birthday parties, and private events. They also offer regular weekly programming.
Kids in Space campers will learn the basics of astronomy, the history and future of space flight, design vehicles for space exploration and launch a rocket. Those who would rather be Cooking Up Science will see science at work in delicious ways experimenting with recipes. Inquisitive little STEAM Sprout explorers get to roll up their sleeves, dig in dirt, shuck some corn, investigate the differences between solid, liquid and gas and otherwise use their minds to connect with Mother Nature. There will only be one opportunity this summer to make slime and ice cream, play in snow, and erupt volcanoes for kids who
Likewise the Makerbot 3D printer will only be fired up for young designers the last week of July. Campers will need to bring their own laptop or iPad to assist in creating an object to print.
Regular weekly programming at the museum ensures that you will always find something new at The Muse! • Muse Mondays, pre-school story-time and craft 10 am, free with admission • Knoxville Skies Tour, live-guided star tours in the Planetarium, Tuesdays and Fridays at 4:30 pm, $2 • Science and Art a la Cart, STEAM learning activities, Fridays at 12:30 pm, free with admission • Saturday Science Connections, rotating interactive learning and activities at 11:30 am, free with admission • Art Inspiration Sundays, one a month art workshops led by local artists (monthly) at 2:00 pm, free with admission
The Muse’s latest exhibit, STEM Station, or the Live Smart, Stay Well exhibit focused on helping children learn healthy habits as they play. Other areas, like the construction-focused Build Space and the arts-centered Make Space, invite children to create projects using a variety of materials ranging from giant blue foam blocks to "upcycled" art supplies. Regular admission is $7 for visitors ages 2-64, and military and teachers with ID are offered free admission year-round. Find updated museum information, summer camp registration applications and event calendar at www. themuseknoxville.org. •
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Camp Invention
IMAGINATIONS GAIN FUEL, CREATIVITY SOARS AT
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program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame®, Camp Invention is an exciting, weeklong summer adventure with lessons that explore connections between science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade work together in seeking solutions to real-world problems. Kids will sharpen their minds around critical Twenty-first Century learning skills, while rotating through several of our fascinating modules.
Camp Invention’s new program, Launch, incorporates creative thinking skills into the problemsolving mix for campers! From blasting off to the nearest exoplanet to launching the next start-up business, children realize the power of their ideas launching into reality. LAUNCH MODULES In Battle Blast™, children fling, fly, and float their way through high-energy air challenges and take home their own high-tech bubble blaster, complete with flashing lights! Children become Do-It-Yourself Duct Tape dynamos in Duct Tape Billionaire™, as they design products, build their inventories, take risks, and launch start-up businesses aimed at putting their products in high demand. In Mission Space Makers™, children
receive challenges from mission control to locate and prepare a new planet for human habitation. They must design inventions to transform its atmosphere, terrain, and ecosystem, as well as set up a space lab to hatch animal eggs, sprout plants, and grow crystal trees. In Operation Keep Out™, children launch their design engineering skills as they build spy gadget alarm boxes with light sensors and highfunctioning circuitry that will keep others’ tiny little hands out of their most valued treasures. Camp Invention also connects children to inventors who have changed the world, helping to enhances the scientific knowledge base of participants. The program hooks children and gives them high-energy, hands-on, innovative fun, while presenting them with challenges that emphasize STEM, collaboration, and entrepreneurship through innovation. Every year the fresh content inspires children to explore, have big ideas, and make new innovations.
Camp Invention is held at multiple locations throughout the greater Knoxville area. Visit campinvention. org to find a location near you. Register on, or before, March 20, 2017 using promo code Innovate25 to receive $25 off the base price. Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention t-shirt. •
WHAT' S NEW AT
UT Kids U
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he University of Tennessee already has an award-winning summer camp program that offers kids rising into grades 3-12 opportunities to cultivate skills and pursue unique interests with the guidance of college faculty, staff and graduate students. Participants often get to work in pairs and groups, which fosters communication and team-building skills.
Previous programs such as the community service, junior naturalist, junior leadership institute camps for middle and high school students will be running again this summer. And, within the camp categories popular classes such as Food Truck Mania, APP Attack, Minecraft® Modders, photography and drama are back. However, 2017 brings some exciting new additions to the University’s Kids U course offerings. Creating a brand new category, the Public Relations camp offers high school students the chance to learn how to plan and execute a campaign for a non-profit client. Other mediaminded and business oriented camps also making a debut include Entrepreneurship for Young Creative Minds, where students will draft business plans; and Make Your Own Zine! which incorporates writing, poetry, illustration and photography skills to produce a short-run publication. Another media savvy course not only explores a timely issue, Responsible Social Media, but also convenes as a first-ever program parents and children attend together. Over the course of three nights, families get a grasp on bullying, privacy, objectionable content, plagiarism and tips for establishing a plan for using social media responsibly and legally. Computer/Tech geeks are likely to register quickly for the new Star Wars® Stop Animation class. Working with friends they will create short films using their own
“Star Wars” action figure and vehicles. LEGO® build fans will be equally excited to find four new options: Robotic Innovation, Bricks & Architecture, FIRST LEGO® League Challenge, and LEGO® Makers. Creative types can look forward to Painting with Payton, as in the notable UT rock painter P.M. Miller. Artists will paint an acrylic piece of a UT landmark. There are also creative classes focused on dance: flow arts, choreography, hooping, and improvisation are newly covered. We suggest nature and science enthusiasts take a look at Decoding the Plant Puzzle, Into the Wild, or Calculations & Crime: Solving Mysteries with Math. These explore biology, physiology, biodiversity, ecosystem management, and mathematical forensics. Be prepared for some hands-on experimentation and field work if you attend one of these! Camps are offered for one week in the morning or afternoon with breakfast and lunch options available before class. Class sizes are limited and fill up quickly, but with the wide variety of programming offered, whichever weeks your child explores are likely be unforgettable. Scholarships applications are available at utkidsu.com and are due by April 21. Applicants will be selected by May 12. •
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Summer Camp ROUND-UP
Summer is just around the corner, and since we know how busy you are, we’ve begun the summer camp search for you. THE MUSE KNOXVILLE Ages 3-13, June 5-July 28, Knoxville The Muse offers a wide variety of activities to meet all your child’s interests from space, oceans, science, gardening, and 3-D printing. These summer camps offer kids a hands-on and entertaining way to learn about some of their favorite things. 865-594-1494.
TEAR FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
SUMMER ART ACADEMY Ages 3-12 and 13+ Knoxville Museum of Art Half-day classes will increase your child’s knowledge of art and develop their artistic techniques, motor skills, critical thinking, and confidence. Each week offers a new and exciting age appropriate art class. 865-525-6101 ZOO CAMP Ages: 4-13, May 31-July 28, Knoxville Zoo Knoxville offers a variety of day camps throughout the summer for kids of all ages and abilities (see their Connects Camp for children with special needs). Activities include animal interactions, behind-thescenes looks to learn how the animals are cared for and excursions around the zoo. Campers will study animals and science but most importantly have fun. 865-637-5331. CAMP CENTRAL SUMMER Preschool to GR 7, June 4-July 20, Knoxville Sports, Cooking, Music and Arts. Camp Central Summer has multiple age appropriate camps to fit your child’s interests. From learning basic kitchen safety to working with coaches to become a better player, Camp Central works with those skills while having fun. 865-450-1000.
SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM Ages 4-15, June 5-July28, Knoxville Summer Playground Program allows campers to experience a wide variety of recreation including swimming, tennis, and canoeing. This camp also provides field trips to the Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center for arts and crafts related activities. 865-215-1714.
UT KIDS U GR 3-12, June 5- July 28, Knoxville Children have an opportunity to learn about photography, microbiology, computers, art, chemistry, cooking, veterinary medicine or anthropology from UT professors and graduate students. Kids U also offers students a chance to serve their community, build leadership skills, and develop careers. 865-974-0150.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE AT TREMONT Ages 4-17, June 1-July 27, Townsend Tremont delivers experiential learning for youth through programs that promote self-discovery, criticalthinking and leadership. These programs investigate diversity that sustain life, develop a sense of place and cultivate ethics that will provide lifelong decision-making skills. 865-448-6709.
CHERRY PIT QUILT SHOP SEWING CAMP Ages 8-12, June 28-30, Sevierville Campers will be creating their own quilt top while refining his or her sewing skills. This three day camp will cover basic sewing and quilt making with fabric included in the camp fees. 865-453-4062.
CAMP INVENTION Kindergarten to GR 6, May 28-June 16, Locations vary Children are presented with fun, hands-on challenges that encourage problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship and innovation. Campers are encouraged to be confident in their abilities to dream and create. 800-968-4332. SUMMER STRING CAMP Ages 7-18, June 19-23, Location TBD The Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra Association String Camp provides campers an opportunity to become oriented with ensemble playing and gives young musicians a week of great music and fun. 865-680-8125.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE CAMP Ages 10-18, June 25-July 22, Cosby One to four-week adventures feature back country hikes, biking, caving, rappelling, rock climbing, challenge courses, rafting, tubing, horseback riding, overnight canoe trips and backpacking expeditions. 865-876-2267. CAMP TEKOA (All Girls Option) GR 7-9, July 9-15, Hendersonville, NC *other camps including day camps and special needs camps available for all ages. Middle school girls can adventure at an overnight all girls camp while rafting, tubing, waterfall hopping, caving, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking and rock climbing. This camp pushes campers into incredible challenges and exciting adventures. 828-692 6516; 828-696-3699. •
For additional camp listings, visit knoxvillefamiliesmagazine.com/summer-camps-2017. KNOXVILLEFAMILIESMAGAZINE.COM
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Kids Fair KNOXVILLE DEBUTED ITS FIRST
T
Photos & Story: Lauren Batson
he 2017 Knoxville Kids Fair, held at the Knoxville Expo Center, was fun for children of all ages. Not only was it a chance to have some family fun indoors, a portion of the ticket sales was also donated to event sponsor Butterfly Hearts Children’s Foundation. The foundation was created by children to help other children in need after their homes were recently affected by wildfires.
Other event sponsors included Knoxville Families Magazine, MainStay Suites, Star 102.1, Knoxville News Sentinel, Camp Tekoa, Local 8 VLT, and Macaroni Kid. With the purchase of a $25 ticket children over the age of two were able to experience unlimited rides and activities that included: inflatables, character meet and greets and carnival rides. Parents also had the option to pay $5 to join their kids in all of the activities. Some families were able
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to pre-purchase VIP tickets on a first come, first serve basis for $20 that allowed them to enter the fair two hours early each day. Not only did the parents save $5 but the kids got to enjoy all the activities with shorter lines. Over 10 vendors participated this year expanding the options of activities offered at the kids fair. Captain Z’s Funmakers provided free balloon sculptures in multiple colors and shapes, some as small as a bracelet and others as large
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Over 10 vendors participated this year expanding the options of activities offered at the kids fair. as a sword. The Kent Family Circus stole the show with circus art and magic that entertained all age groups. They dazzled the crowd with death defying stunts, magic and high flying acrobatics. In addition to the stage entertainment, PartyWOW Entertainment provided professional full face painting. These colorful pieces of art featured everything from jungle cats to fairy princesses. Kids of all ages were able to get up and get moving with Knoxville Martial Arts Academy and National Fitness Center as they provided interactive martial arts demonstrations
and interactive dance that featured Zumba, Hip Hop and Cheer Dance classes. Children and parents were not the only ones that got to enjoy Kids Fair activities; horses, goats, kangaroos and pigs were brought in for children to experience some favorite barn animals up close and personal. Bricks 4 Kidz provided a “Creation Stationâ€? that would allow kids to tap into their imagination and build their creative thinking skills. The coordinators, sponsors, vendors and participants all came together to create a fun-filled event that we look forward to seeing return annually •
Springtime Festive
With our warmer winter it may have felt like spring outside, but locals know the real marker of the season is the return of Knoxville’s best festivals. Mark your calendars and make a date with the family. TULIP TIME March 22-April 19 Crescent Bend House and Gardens
HIKES AND BLOOMS April 12 3700 Lancaster Drive
ARTSLAM April 30 Krutch Park
BIG EARS March 23-26 Downtown Knoxville
EARTHFEST April 15 Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
DOGWOOD ARTS ART DETOUR May 6-7 Various Locations throughout Knoxville
BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR March 27 Bijou Theatre ART IN PUBLIC PLACES April 1-March 10, 2018 Downtown Knoxville, McGhee Tyson Airport and Oak Ridge
ROSSINI FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR April 22 Downtown Knoxville
VESTIVAL May 12-13 Candoro Arts and Heritage Center
KITE FESTIVAL April 23 Pearson Springs Park
INTERNATIONAL BISCUIT FESTIVAL May 20 Downtown Knoxville
CHALK WALK April 1 Market Square and Krutch Park
SOUTHERN TEQUILA AND TACO FESTIVAL April 29 Parkside Drive
CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL OF READING May 20 World’s Fair Park
RHYTHM N BLOOMS April 7-9 Downtown and Old City
DOGWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL April 28-30 Market Square
OPEN STREETS KNOXVILLE May 21 East Knoxville
For more monthly events reference our website calendar at www.knoxvillefamiliesmagazine.com/local-events. SPRING 2017
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Photo: Lauren Batson
Make Your
The University of Tennessee
Kids U 2017 Summer Camps
We invite you to send your child to a Kids U camp at the University of Tennessee! Registration is now available for 2017 camps. Visit www.utkidsu.com to see our incredible offerings, including special camps such as the Junior Leadership Institute, Community Service Camp, Camp Creativity, Junior Naturalist Camp, and a new Public Relations Camp. Kids U summer camps are exclusive opportunities for area youth in grades 3-12. Children come to UT and work with college faculty, staff, and graduate students in fields such as art, chemistry, cooking, anthropology, photography, and microbiology. Class sizes are limited, and our camps fill up quickly. Register at www.utkidsu.com or call 865-974-0150 for more information. KNOXVILLEFAMILIESMAGAZINE.COM
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KNOXVILLE magazine
families
225 S Peters Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923
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