Nurture by Nature
LIFE + CULTURE WILLOW CROSSLEY
35 YEARS OF THE ANTIQUE & GARDEN SHOW
WELLNESS
WELLNESS FROM WITHIN
FOOD + BEVERAGE
GUT CHECK
JANUARY 2025
Balance your year with wellness
"Some people spend their entire lives waiting for the time to be right to make an improvement."
- James Clear
Wellness looks different for everyone. Sometimes, we have periods in our lives where it seems unreachable. We all struggle from time to time with being perfectly in balance.
I enjoy taking care of myself and like Willow preaches, nurture by nature. Taking walks and jog ging outside are some of my best tactics to resetting and reaching for balance in my life. However, sometimes you have to dig deeper and really reflect with your body as you do your mind. Christian with Soul Arrow Acupuncture has been truly an angel in my life. Helping me reset from the inside out through acupuncture and Ancient wellness remedies, but most importantly allowing my body to do what it does best: heal itself.
Sometimes it's a tiny shift that can change your whole world and bring you back into balance, but most of all it's your mindset.
We hope you enjoy this issue, as our intention behind it is purely to inspire. We know that everyone has a different lens. Our stories are meant to move you in the direction you are meant for. We hope you spend time this month finding ways to balance and create opportunities for complete wellness in your life.
Take that nap, escape to the spa, and pour into yourself (even just a little bit) every day so you can always pour back into others and be your best self. Most of all live fully.
Here’s to balance!
THOMAS, PUBLISHER
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Summer Thomas
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Karly Thomas
STAFF WRITER
Courtney Stockton
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sofia Delilah, Kimberly Thomas, Parthenon PR, Courtney Stockton, Kourtney McComb, Claudia Avoade, Emily O’Brien, Caitlin Agnew
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kimberlee Brooke & Co., Johnnie Gillesky, Carey Norton, Joseph Bradshaw, Victoria Will, Eric Piaseck, Kaine Corey, Johnnie Pilkington, Grayson Gregory, Crystal Stephens, Janie Jones, EB Combs, Life N Light
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
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VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
WHEN EXPERIENCE MATTERS
- Choose Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics -
OUR PHYSICIANS SPECIALIZE IN:
Upper Extremity | Lower Extremity | Joint Replacement | Sports Medicine General Orthopaedics | Spine | Trauma | Orthobiologics
ANN BEADLE, RN, ACNP
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LUCAS B, RICHIE, MD
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MICHEL A. TAYLOR, MD
(615) 547-6700 | tn.hughston.com
Life’s Best Moments
Our obstetrics and midwifery teams in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet are committed to providing personalized care for you and your baby. We’re here to support your birth experience with evidence-based care in a warm, welcoming space that’s right here close to home. To learn more call 615-343-5700 or visit VanderbiltHealth.com/BirthAtWilson
inside the issue
city scene
2: Jeff Gannon celebrates the Lebanon Christmas Parade at their Lebanon office location. 6: Bank South Celebrates their new office space located inside “Spaces” off of Golden Bear Gateway.
melissa king Group Benchmark Realty, LLC of The
we’re Celebrating 2025 by welcoming Realtor Elyssia Sharrow to the Melissa King Group!
Melissa cell: (615) 587-2561 melissaking615@gmail.com
Elyssia cell: (615) 394-7890 esharrow615@gmail com Office: (616) 432-2919
business monthly
Anderson Architects wins The 2024 Best of Middle Tennessee Main Street Awards
This past fall, readers of Main Street Media of Tennessee had the opportunity to vote on their favorite people, places, businesses and events for the 2024 Best of Middle Tennessee Main Street Awards sponsored by Watson Metals. Results from the voting were announced in November and Anderson Architects is proud to have been awarded the 2024 Best of the Best Architect/Architectural Firm in Middle Tennessee!
Photography by Kimberlee Brooke & Co.
Volunteer Network; Save the Date!
On February 20 at Tuckers Gap, join Volunteer Network TN for the Building Bridges Dinner and Silent Auction! Celebrate a year of connecting 938 volunteers, training 100 Disaster Volunteers, and partnering on impactful projects like Hurricane Helene relief and home repairs. Together, we’ve built a stronger community. Be part of this special evening of gratitude and giving!
Old Hickory Social Invites you: New Year Shopping Expo
Join us at the New Faces, New Spaces: New Year Shopping Expo at Old Hickory Social & Marketplace, January 24-26! Discover exciting new vendors, explore refreshed spaces from our current favorites, and shop exclusive deals, sales, and new products. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and tons of fun as we kick off the new year in style! You don’t want to miss it!
Virtue Modern celebrates 3 years in business
Lysle Oliveros and Virtue Modern celebrated their 3 year anniversary on November 11th and were delighted to be featured in the Black Desert PGA Tournament for a home they are designing in their exclusive golf resort neighborhood.
Helping children grow
615-208-4849 | www.bloompediatrictherapytn.com 2730 N Mt Juliet Rd, Mount Juliet, TN 37122
Wilson Rides Exceeds #GivingTuesday Goals
Wilson Rides Inc. celebrated surpassing its #GivingTuesday fundraising goals, including a $1,000 matching grant! Thanks to community support, the organization will fund vital services for older adults, including the Holiday Happiness Delivered initiative. A special thanks to TDS Telecommunications for their partnership! Volunteer driver training starts Dec. 9. Learn more at www.wilsonridesinc.org
Recycle Your Christmas Tree with Rockwood’s “Merry Mulching”
Rockwood Sustainable Solutions invites Wilson County residents to recycle live Christmas trees for free through its 7th annual Merry Mulching initiative. From December 25 to January 10, drop off undecorated trees at 510 Hartman Drive, Lebanon, TN. Recycled trees become eco-friendly mulch, benefiting the community and the environment. Learn more at rockwoodrecycling.com.
BUILDING HAPPINESS BY DESIGN
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS
Steve Morgan Photography
Photo CreditChrisCarino
“At its core, Virtue Modern’s mission is simple yet profound: to create homes so loved that clients miss them when they’re away.”
From a tumultuous start to reshaping Middle Tennessee’s architectural landscape, Lysle Oliveros and his company, Virtue Modern, have redefined luxury intentional living. With roots in architecture and an unwavering passion for modern design, Lysle’s journey has been anything but linear—but every twist and turn has brought him closer to creating spaces that are as functional as they are breathtaking.
After earning degrees from Ohio State University and Rice University, Lysle began his career in architecture, only to face an abrupt halt during the economic crash. Pivoting to lithium battery design and marketing, he eventually found his way back to his first love: architecture. It was during a serendipitous project for a Nashville client in 2019 that the seeds for Virtue Modern were planted. Alongside his co-founder, Pedro Borquez, Lysle set out to craft homes that merge innovation with authenticity, shunning cookie-cutter builds in favor of thoughtful, client-centered designs that celebrate the natural environment.
Virtue Modern caters to a unique clientele—industry leaders, professional athletes, and business owners who share a deep appreciation for modern architecture. Lysle describes the process as deeply collaborative, calling clients "co-authors in the story of their homes." Their design philosophy is rooted in the "4 Virtues," a process that begins with understanding how clients want to live. Through cutting-edge 3D technology and Virtual Reality tools, clients can virtually walk through their homes, exploring every detail before construction begins. “We make it fun,” Lysle says,
Steve Morgan Photography
Steve Morgan Photography
Photo Credit: Steve Morgan
emphasizing the personal connections and lifelong friendships that often result.
The move to Nashville was a strategic decision. “Like Las Vegas, Nashville offers a tax structure that attracts our target clients,” Lysle explains. With the region’s rapid growth and limited competition in high-end modern design, it’s the perfect place for Virtue Modern to thrive. Their first Wilson County community in Mount Juliet, set on nine acres of Cumberland lakefront property, exemplifies this vision. Combining panoramic views with modern floor plans, these homes are designed for both luxury and tranquility.
Virtue Modern isn’t just about homes— it’s about challenging norms. While many builders focus on cost-cutting, Virtue Modern emphasizes maximizing natural light, enhancing thermal efficiency, and harmonizing with the surrounding environment. It’s a philosophy that not only attracts unique clients but sets them apart from traditional builders.
The company is truly a family affair. Lysle’s wife, Kamiko, oversees land development, while their children are already contributing to the business. From interior design internships to managing daily operations, Virtue Modern reflects the Oliveros family’s collective passion for design and innovation.
At its core, Virtue Modern’s mission is simple yet profound: to create homes so loved that clients miss them when they’re away. Through thoughtful, intentional design, they are transforming Middle Tennessee’s architectural landscape, one modern masterpiece at a time.
Steve Morgan Photography
Steve Morgan Photography
Steve Morgan Photography
LIVING LIFE WELL
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY THOMAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS
NURTURE THROUGH NATURE WITH WILLOW CROSSLEY
For Willow Crossley, the road to floral design wasn’t a straight path. It meandered through the world of fashion, a vineyard in the South of France, and an unexpected pivot that led her to discover her true passion: flowers. Today, she’s an internationally acclaimed floral designer working with some of the world’s top luxury brands, but her journey is as colorful and layered as one of her intricate arrangements.
Crossley’s story begins in London, where she studied Fashion Promotion at the London School of Fashion. “I always thought I’d work in fashion,” she recalls. And she did—for a while. She worked at magazines in the fashion and beauty industries, but eventually realized she wasn’t suited for that fast-paced, competitive world.
A new chapter began when she followed her then-boyfriend, now-husband, Charlie, to the South of France to live on a vineyard. Life there was a world away from the bustling streets of London. Surrounded by rustic charm, Crossley began crafting handmade items from vintage fabrics she discovered in local brocantes. She sold her creations in St. Tropez beach shops and started a blog documenting her life. That blog became her first book, The Art of Handmade Living.
When she moved back to London with her first child, Crossley dabbled in interior design, styling, and personal shopping. But her defining moment came while writing her second book, focused on decorating with nature. “I wrote a chapter about decorating with flowers and felt like I had hit the jackpot,” she says. That realization, paired with a Christmas gift from Charlie—a flower-arranging course—sparked a new passion.
Her first big project? A friend’s wedding. Crossley and her mother took on the challenge with no professional experience, but the event was a success and marked the beginning of her floral career. Soon, her second book received significant support from Anthropologie, opening doors to collaborations with Chanel, Dior, Jo Malone, and other luxury brands.
When it comes to her favorite blooms, Crossley struggles to pick just one. “In spring, I love Solomon Seal, tulips—the madder and stripier the better—Fritillaria, and blossoms,” she says. Summer brings peonies, garden roses, and sweet peas, while autumn favorites include dahlias and nasturtiums. For winter, it’s all about anemones and ranunculus.
Her work spans diverse projects, from grand store installations to intimate private dinners and woodland weddings. “I adore the variety,” she says. “No two projects are ever the same. I’m very lucky that clients give me few rules and let me run wild.”
Crossley’s philosophy revolves around the idea of “nurture by nature,” the belief that even small interactions with the natural world can uplift our spirits. “Our bodies are wired to need nature,” she explains. Whether it’s sowing seeds, arranging flowers, or simply walking in the woods, these activities can profoundly impact mental well-being.
Crossley highlights an unexpected benefit of gardening: the natural antidepressant properties of mycobacterium found in soil. “We spend so much time at screens; balancing that with time outside is crucial,” she says.
Crossley’s love for flowers extends to her home life in Oxfordshire, where she lives with Charlie and their three sons, aged 15, 12, and 9. Their countryside home is always filled with blooms, though her sons’ interests have shifted from flower arranging to rugby.
“When they were little, I’d sit them in high chairs in my studio, give them a jam jar and some flowers, and encourage them to make little arrangements,” she reminisces. Though the boys are less involved now, the presence of flowers remains a family constant.
This year, Crossley is thrilled to bring her floral expertise to the 35th annual Antiques & Garden Show in Nashville. It’s her first visit to the city, and she’s brimming with excitement. “I have visions of everyone walking around in cowboy boots and fringing, strumming away on their guitars,” she laughs. “I have no idea what to expect!”
For Crossley, the opportunity to connect with a new audience and share her love of florals is always exciting. “Flowers have a way of making life more beautiful,” she says.
For those inspired by Crossley’s journey, her creativity extends beyond the arrangements themselves. She runs an online store, shipping globally, and curates an online magazine, The Seedling, now available on Substack.
Crossley’s work reminds us that beauty can be found in the smallest details—whether it’s a vibrant tulip in spring, a carefully arranged bouquet, or the simple act of sowing seeds in a garden. Her journey, filled with unexpected turns and bold choices, serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to follow their passion.
As she prepares for her Nashville debut, one thing is clear: wherever Willow Crossley goes, she brings a world of blooming possibilities with her.
Photo Credit Johnnie Pilkington
CROSSLEY’S PHILOSOPHY REVOLVES AROUND THE IDEA OF “NURTURE BY NATURE,” THE BELIEF THAT EVEN SMALL INTERACTIONS WITH THE NATURAL WORLD CAN UPLIFT OUR SPIRITS. “OUR BODIES ARE WIRED TO NEED NATURE.”
Your favorite local gift shop that started with Sisterhood Thank you for shopping small! Happy New Year!
Kristina Richie Certified
ANCIENT REMEDY REVOLUTION
EXPLORING CHINESE HERBS WITH CHRISTIAN IWANICKI
ARTICLE BY SOFIA DELILAH PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLEE BROOKE & CO.
For Christian Iwanicki, owner of Soul and Arrow Acupuncture, Chinese herbs are more than just a complementary therapy—they are a vital pillar of recovery that bridges ancient wisdom and modern needs. With over a decade of study in Eastern medicine, Christian’s journey with Chinese herbs is one of passion, exploration, and a mission to empower patients with holistic health solutions.
“I studied herbs throughout my four years of Chinese Medicine school, but I noticed how often
they were treated as a supporting act to acupuncture,” Christian explains. Early last year, inspired to deepen her practice, she pursued specialized training in herbal medicine. The results have been transformative. “These herbs have been the missing link, helping my patients reach higher levels of restoration.”
Chinese herbal medicine is steeped in history, with formulas that have been used for thousands of years. Yet, its efficacy is as relevant today as ever. “It’s amazing how much research is being published daily in China and Taiwan, studying the effectiveness of these formulas on conditions ranging from cancer to mental health,” Christian shares. This blend of ancient knowledge and modern science highlights the versatility of Chinese herbs.
Some herbs may help on your journey towards wellness. The possibilities are vast, but Christian has seen particularly impressive results for menstrual and hormonal disorders, migraines, insomnia, anxiety, digestive problems, and fertility challenges.
“The beauty of Chinese medicine is its holistic approach. Herbs treat the individual, not just the symptoms,” she says.
“The way that Christian Iwanicki operates is something that cannot be explained by anything other than her gifted wisdom. I have experienced absolute renewal based on her instincts and the practice that she has put in place with me from acupuncture to the Chinese herbs,” says Kim Thomas, one of Christian’s current patients.
For those curious about herbs but hesitant to try acupuncture, Christian highlights their unique strengths. “Herbs act daily, like acupuncture you can take home. They’re especially effective for internal conditions, like digestive or autoimmune issues, while acupuncture is excellent for musculoskeletal pain.” However, she stresses that the two therapies work best in tandem—“like peanut butter and jelly.”
Misconceptions can discourage people from exploring Chinese herbs, from fears about safety to skepticism fueled by
“The beauty of Chinese medicine is its holistic approach. Herbs treat the individual, not just the symptoms.”
—CHRISTIAN IWANICKI
online misinformation. Christian counters these concerns by emphasizing the rigorous quality standards of the herbs and their long history of use. “Unlike trendy supplements that offer dubious benefits, Chinese herbal medicine looks at the whole person and delivers real, measurable results,” she says. Ultimately, Iwanicki believes the power of herbs lies in their ability to restore balance.
ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT
Brett Larkin, is the founder of Uplifted Yoga and teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. Her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, she started certifying yoga teachers virtually through her online yoga school in 2015. Brett shares five power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful new year.
For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com
POWER POSES
Low Lunge (Parsva Anjaneyasana) Stand taller and open your side body in this low lunge variation.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.
Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.
Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
Usher in a fresh perspective and new creative ideas. Also great for relieving low back pain.
CAN YOGA HELP BUILD SELF-ESTEEM?
Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.
Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)
Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.
35 YEARS OF THE ANTIQUE and Garden Show
Paige Hill and Dawn Looney, this year’s Co-Chairs of the 35th Annual Antique and Garden show, have been attending the Antique and Garden show since they first moved to Nashville. Considering this is like the grand finale of everything Antique and Garden, they flourished in spending this time connecting with vendors and serving in various volunteering roles throughout the years.
Honored by their extraordinary lineup this year, so much passion love and hard work have gone into weaving together some incredible people and industries to marry the 35th annual Antique and Garden show. With Bunny Williams and Elizabeth Lawrence as their Honorary Co-Chairs, Hill and Looney are elated to bring you some of the most notable influencers around the world. From Sheryl Crow to our very own, April Tomlin and Willow Crossley you are in for an absolute treat.
In this three day event with over 150 vendors from around the country, some of which have been a vendor at the Antique and Garden show for 35 years, you will find talent, from gardening, art and beyond.
Hill and Looney have thoroughly enjoyed working diligently behind the scenes and truly seeing how brilliantly talented, creative
Celebrating the world of Nature and Design
ARTICLE BY PARTHENON PR PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS
and visionary the creative teams bring together this incredible event.
“From the vendors to the gardeners to the host of volunteers, the show would not happen without each of them.” Says, Hill and Looney.
“In honor of our 35th Anniversary, we will have a few fun surprises to see! It is our hope that people leave the show having felt welcomed, inspired and enchanted.” – Hill & Looney
KEY NOTE SPEAKER: DAVID FLINT WOOD FRIDAY, JANUARY 31: 11 A.M.
Born and raised in London, where his two childhood distinctions were getting the worst exam results in his school’s history (which was founded in 1509) and winning the final of the Schoolboy Eights at Henley Royal Regatta, David Flint Wood’s path to interior design was a winding one, including various occupations ranging from Christmas present wrapping and hamper sales to smoked salmon slicing and restaurant food delivery. David’s big break came in New York working for a tiny advertising agency – a job he sadly lost due to a sailing trip he neglected to mention to his boss. Back in England, he reentered advertising and in 1994 won the Marketing Society Ad Campaign of The Year. He left the next year to run an eightroom hotel, bar and restaurant in the Bahamas and in 1996 started a family with India Hicks. The couple continued to purchase and renovate homes and hotels that caught the attention of international design magazines. Notably, David’s decoration of the New York home of Brooke Shields was on the cover of Architectural Digest. David and India married after being together 25 years and have five children. Since then, David has also launched a premium rum brand called Idle Assembly.
PaigeHill&Dawn
Looney
KEY NOTE SPEAKER: BROOKE SHIELDS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31: 11 A.M.
Actress, model, author, and entrepreneur Brooke Shields began her accomplished professional career at only 11 months as the Ivory Snow Baby. She was a runway model by age three and has since graced the covers of hundreds of magazines and was recently honored as one of Glamour’s Women of the Year for 2023. At age nine, Brooke began her extensive and critically acclaimed acting career spanning film, TV and theater. Brooke is the bestselling author of numerous adult and children’s books, hosted her pocast,“N ow What? With Brooke Shields,” and rec ently unveiled her latest entrepreneurial project, Commence, a digital platform that inspires women over 40 to live their best lives. Brooke’s next book, “Brooke S hields Is Not Allowed To Get Old,” will be released in January 2025. Brooke was also recently elected president of the Actors’ Equity Association. In addition to her professional career, Brooke continues to be a strong advocate for women’s issues and keeping the arts alive in schools. She is a happily married mother of two strong and intelligent daughters.
PhotoCreditKaine Corey
KEYNOTE MODERATOR INDIA HICKS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31: 11 A.M.
Humanitarian, designer and author India Hicks was born in London to David Hicks, famed interior decorator, and Lady Pamela Hicks, the daughter of the last Viceroy of India. Throughout India’s bold and multifaceted life, she’s authored four design books, been an on-air personality for major networks and had her hand in the design world for over two decades. India lives on a small island in the Bahamas where she raised her five children and works on the fringes of fashion and the frontlines of disaster relief. She is a patron for The King’s Trust, raising awareness and funding to help young women who face disadvantage and adversity transform their lives, and works for Global Empowerment Mission, a disaster relief agency most significantly traveling into Ukraine every couple of months in her role as an executive board member.
DESIGNING MUSIC CITY: LAUREN AKINS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31: 2 P.M
Lauren Akins is a devoted mother, wife and philanthropist who lives in Nashville with her husband, country superstar Thomas Rhett, and their four girls, Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love and Lillie Carolina. Her memoir, “LIVE IN LOVE: Growing Together Through Life’s Changes,” (Ballantine Books) became an instant New York Times bestseller, which led to her breakout podcast, “Live in Love With Lauren Akins,” now in its third season with 1 million downloads. Lauren has been a passionate supporter and active volunteer for years and is enthusiastically continuing to support children in Uganda through her efforts with Love One International.
KEYNOTE MODERATOR
APRIL TOMLIN
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31: 2 P.M.
The essence of an April Tomlin Interiors home encompasses her welcoming, laid back, and creative way of living, and her passion for recreating this feeling in every home she touches has attracted a roster of A-list clientele over her 14 years in the design industry. She aims to enhance both people’s homes and their lives through her distinctive use of clean and simple palettes, organic materials, sourced antiques, mixed patterns and textures, and artistic, natural plays on design. She and her team are redefining Southern style, and their work has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and The Wall Street Journal
FLORAL LECTURE MARGOT SHAW
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: 11 A.M.
Margot Shaw is the founder and editor-inchief of FLOWER Magazine. Now in its 17th year, the magazine has grown to include features on homes, gardens, entertaining and lifestyle. Margot is a sought-after speaker at antique and garden shows, museums, botanical gardens, interior design centers and more. She is the author of the newly released book, “Living Floral: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers.” CONTINUED >
PhotoCreditJoseph Bradshaw
KEY NOTE SPEAKER: SHERYL CROW
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31: 2 P.M.
Songwriter. Activist. Rock star. Woman. Champion. Mother. Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow is many things. But at the core, she remains a creative spirit channeling her talents into music that lifts people up, brings them together, and speaks to the truths on the horizon. The documentary film based on Sheryl’s life and career, “Sheryl,” premiered to critical acclaim at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival, and in 2023, the Missouri-born guitarist and vocalist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sheryl is also known for her passionate support of worthy charities, including The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Feeding America, ADOPT A CLASSROOM, Elton John AIDS Foundation and MusiCares, among others.
DARA CAPONIGRO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: 2 P.M.
Dara Caponigro is the chief creative officer of FS&CO, where she also serves as Schumacher’s creative director and FREDERIC magazine editor-in-chief. Dara is known for her ability to develop and invigorate brands, her discerning eye, and her uncanny skill for knowing her audience.
FLORAL LECTURE: SHANE CONNOLLY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: 11 A.M.
Shane Connolly is a renowned floral designer and ambassador for sustainable floristry. His clients range from major public institutions to a veritable who’s who of the great and good of British life. Though he is perhaps known best for his public work for the British royal family. Shane approaches his work with respect for nature, season and setting and always with the same aim: to leave the smallest footprint behind and be led by what is local and available. He has written five books and teaches his approach to flower design all over the world with roots and ethos firmly in sustainability.
DESIGN LECTURE: RITA KONIG
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: 2 P.M.
Rita Konig has worked as an interior designer and design journalist for over 20 years in both the U.K. and the U.S. Known for her fresh, traditional style with a crisp and relaxedair, she is regularly included in Architectural Digest’s annual AD 100 and ELLEDECOR’s prestigious A-List. In 2024, Rita received the Condé Nast House & GardenDesigner of the Year Award.
WILLOW CROSSLEY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: 11 A.M.
Often dubbed the U.K.’s ‘Queen of Flowers,’ Willow Crossley is a florist, author, designer, stylist, entrepreneur and influencer. She is best known for her innate floristry skills and knowledge of botanicals, and her eponymous brand now spans global events for brands and private clients in phenomenal spaces in Britain, Europe and America. Willow lives in the Cotswolds in the English countryside with her husband, Charlie, and their three boys, where she is hugely passionate and curious about sharing the uplifting power of nature, living life well, and inspiring her highly engaged audience to create and nurture themselves through nature.
DESIGN LECTURE: VEERE GRENNEY
S ATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: 2 P.M.E
Veere Grenney is widely considered one of the most important interior designers of his generation. In 2024, he was inducted into theAD 100 2024 Hall of Fame, as well as declared an EL LE DECOR A-List Titan.
Photo CreditVictoria
Photo CreditJohnnie
PhotoCreditEric
Piaseck
the BENEFITS OF PLANT-BASED EATING
ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN AYOADE
BY
JANIE JONES
Most people think a plant-based diet is strictly for those vegan and vegetarian types, but there is no debating the overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of improved health for those who make that diet choice. Plant-based eating is more of a lifestyle than a diet. You are simply eating more foods that are closer to their harvested state with minimal processing.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Meatless diets have been shown to improve health outcomes by lowering the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and some cancers. It also improves gut health because of added fiber to your diet.
A plant-based diet still allows to you consume the carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals and vitamins that are necessary for good health, with the added benefits of being higher in fiber and phytonutrients.
You do not have to give up meat entirely and there are labels to identify where you fall in your plant eating journey. Do what is comfortable for you so you will stick with it.
You can choose to be a flexitarian which mean you occasionally eat meat but you choose plants as the primary foods you eat. You have some flexibility with your diet. If you choose to be a vegetarian, then you do not eat meats but you still eat eggs and dairy products as opposed to being a vegan who eats no animal products.
There is also another reason to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily food intake; It is better for the environment. The industries that produce our dairy and meats is said to account for a third of the world’s water usage in addition to producing greenhouse gas emissions. Eat your greens and save the planet!
TIPS TO GET STARTED ON YOUR PLANT-BASED JOURNEY:
1. Make small changes to test your comfort level when reducing meat intake. There is a risk of being overwhelmed if you suddenly stop eating meat altogether, and it will be harder stick to your choice long term. Increase consumption of plant foods you already like.
2. A plant-based diet does not mean boring! You can create a variety of dishes, including ethnic meals that are meat free and delicious. This is a great time to try new spices to add a punch to your vegetables and add green leafy vegetables to your smoothies.
3. Use the whole plant because there are nutrients in every part of the plant, including the stems and leaves. Use the leaves from celery, radishes, beets and carrots and use the stems from spinach. Don’t throw away vital nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and fiber. You are also reducing waste.
4. Eat the rainbow! Choose different colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of nutrients. The color of plant-based foods is often an indicator of the vitamins and minerals they contain. So, more colors mean more nutrients. Example: Orange foods contain beta carotene, the precursor for vitamin A.
5. If you do not eat animal products, you will need to take a B12 and possibly an iron supplement. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin available only in animal products. Low B12 can cause anemia and damage to the nervous system. Some vegan foods are fortified with vitamin B12.
6. A meat-free diet does not automatically mean healthy if you replace the meat with highly processed junk food and meat substitutes. You need to eat fresh quality fruits, vegetables and grains to get the health benefits that can add years to your life.
Claudia Martin-Ayoade, is a registered dietitian, writer and public speaker who is passionate about educating people on nutrition and addressing food insecurity. AgeSmartNutrition.com
smart SWEETS
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites
Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.
1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.
2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.
3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.
4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*
These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.
Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate chips as desired
Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.
Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites
realty report
BALANCE YOUR GUT
Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup Blueberries
• 1/4 cup Strawberries
• 1 Tablespoons of Raw Honey
• 1/2 cup Coconut Water
• a few sprigs of Fresh Mint leaves
• 1/2 cup Club Soda
• 1 tablespoon of each Lime & Lemon Juice
Berry & Mint infused
Mocktail for gut health
Instructions:
Start by first muddling your mint leaves. Next Add your Lemon and Lime Juice as well as the honey and mix together until blended. Last, add your club soda and coconut water and mix in your berries and enjoy!
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLEE BROOKE & CO.
