Williamson County Living January/February 2023

Happy New Year! This is the time of year, we all make resolutions and put the past behind us as we look toward the future. As we begin the new year, Music City Publications, Inc., is giving away an exclusive night’s stay in a luxurious suite at the Westin Nashville. The suite night includes breakfast, dinner, and a relaxing massage for two to melt away any leftover stress from the holidays. One lucky winner will enjoy fabulous views of Music City and a suite night to remember!

In this issue, the cover feature shines the spotlight on Catch Salon & Spa and how to reach your body goals without surgery or toxins by utilizing the latest sculpting technology. Raise your glass in 2023 and learn how to “toast with the most.” Find out how to turn your workout resolutions into reality and how two sisters developed clean ingredients snack bars that taste great. Enjoy an experiential evening at a Boards and Blooms class hosted by Amy Montgomery and Aubree P. and discover how to personalize your new home when design styles collide.

In addition, we spotlight the husband-and-wife team behind TKC Architecture & Engineering, a boutique design firm. If a new house is in your future, dream big and then build it with a new construction checklist. Finally, understand why dogs are more emotional than science once gave them credit.

We proudly serve the community, and our mission at Williamson County Living is to connect the community with local businesses in and around Williamson County. If you have not followed us on Instagram and Facebook, please do and make sure to use #WILLIAMSONCOLIVING when posting, and don’t forget to enter to win the suite night in Nashville by January 31, 2023.

I thank you for the continued support of our business partners and for shopping locally. The small business owners who made this issue possible thank you for your support too. And remember to mention you read about them in Williamson County Living when you stop by!

Many blessings in the new year,

CATCH

YOUR BODY GOALS WITHOUT

SURGERY

OR

By Shannon Dowden

TOXINS

The concept was designed and created by owner, Andrea Harbison. Catch Salon & Spa, located in Spring Hill, Tennessee, is a beautiful chic space with a modern salon and spa that creates a rejuvenating relaxing environment. Catch offers the ultimate anti-aging experience including facials, hair services, and body contouring services for their clients. One of their newer services helps tackle those New Year’s resolutions for healthier living. Weight loss and stubborn areas of fat can be difficult resolutions to tackle, but as technology has advanced, non-invasive and non-surgical options for body contouring are perfect options for losing inches to help keep that New Year’s resolution to slim down.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CATCH SALON

Body contouring is ideal for people who are within 20 pounds of their goal weight and are looking to break up cellulite and fat in specific areas, such as the mom pooch, arms, back, love handles, thighs, and even the neck. For those looking to lose inches, Catch Salon & Spa features Sculptor technology which combines vacuum therapy, infrared, and radiofrequency to give same-day results. This state-of-the-art technology allows clients to see immediate change and continues to develop for the 8-12 weeks following the treatment. Every person is different, but the sculptor is recommended in a series of 10 and can be performed up to twice a week.

BODY TREATMENTS OFFER CLIENTS CONFIDENCE, AND WE WANT OUR CLIENTS TO FEEL EMPOWERED IN THEIR OWN APPROACH TO WELLNESS.

Sculptor treatments are typically 20-30 minutes per area and are painless. The vacuum therapy is a gentle suction that can be adjusted based on the client’s comfort level. Once the device suctions, the infrared and radiofrequency will penetrate the skin and heat the tissue and fat. This combined technology works to reduce fat cells and is intended to diminish the appearance of cellulite and tighten the area. This treatment is typically combined with other types of technology in packages. Harbison said, “Body treatments offer clients confidence, and we want our clients to feel empowered in their own approach to wellness.” Specialists at Catch Salon & Spa will evaluate your results at each visit and help make the best decision to target specific problem areas.

Also available at Catch is Liposonix, another non-surgical fatreduction treatment. The Liposonix machine uses ultrasound energy to destroy fat cells in particular areas. This treatment is successful by focusing ultrasound energy 1-2 centimeters under the surface of the skin which disrupts the fat cells.

The Liposonix treatment is completed in about an hour and after one session. Harbison explains, “Clients generally see a loss of 1-2 inches in waist size, with maximum results in 8 to 12 weeks following the process. This is because the body must metabolize the destroyed fat, but this occurs naturally, and clients can resume regular activities following the treatment.” Clients are encouraged to get their heart rate up afterward to boost the lymphatic system.

Liposonix is suggested for someone close to their ideal body weight and with at least a 1-inch fat layer. Though the treatment targets fat cells, it is not a weight loss treatment. The Liposonix ultrasound technology targets fat cells in the problem area, but the fat is processed through the lymphatic system. It will help reduce size in the target area but will not ultimately lead to weight loss.

For someone who wants to lose one dress or pant size, Liposonix is the perfect solution. One recent client at Catch Salon & Spa said, “The treatment was painless, so I was surprised when I saw the measurements and had lost an inch and a half in my first treatment.” The treatment can show a same-day reduction in waist size, but the maximum results will be shown in 2-3 months following the treatment and are for those who are committed to a healthy lifestyle after the process.

THE TREATMENT WAS PAINLESS, SO I WAS SURPRISED WHEN I SAW THE MEASUREMENTS AND HAD LOST AN INCH AND A HALF IN MY FIRST TREATMENT.

Additionally, Liposonix is a perfect option for someone who cannot undergo surgery or simply does not want to go an invasive route. It gives clients the ability to continue their lifestyle following the treatment and allows their bodies to do the rest of the work for them. Liposonix and Sculptor treatments take less than an hour and will continue to produce results in the hours and days following. This is why the treatments have been given the nickname, “lunchtime fat removal procedures.”

Before After catchnashville.com @catch.nash

Liposonix and Sculptor treatments are both great to pair with regular exercise to see results quickly. These procedures are fast and painless but pack a powerful punch on the fat cells of a specific problem area. Non-invasive options are a fantastic approach, for men and women, to help reduce those extra inches put on during the holiday season. Catch Salon & Spa offers a range of noninvasive, non-surgical options for body and facial treatments. One size does not fit all when it comes to body contouring, but Catch skin specialists will make sure every client is set up with the best treatment plan to reach their personal body goals.

RESTORE AND PRESERVE YOUR YOUTH

THE PRODUCTS ELEVATING CATCH SALON & SPA

The unique anti-aging skincare line by ÉLÉVATIONE luxurious creations are inspired by the work of one of the greatest minds of our era, the Spanish artist Salvador Dali. Dali's belief, that "Time is not constant. It can be manipulated, stopped, stretched, and even reversed", is the heart and soul of ÉLÉVATIONE. This magnificent idea inspired our revolutionary approach; based on a powerful synergy between patented technology and supreme natural ingredients, ÉLÉVATIONE products effectively fight signs of aging, exposing a youthful, rejuvenated skin within weeks of application. ÉLÉVATIONE products dramatically slow down the aging process, repair your skin while restoring your youthful appearance, making time stop.

Take a well-deserved break from the stresses of your busy day to focus on you. Catch offers a full range of professional treatments and services.

For additional information on body contouring or any of the salon restorative and transforming spa services offered at Catch Salon & Spa, and to book an appointment online, visit catchnashville.com Connect with them on social media at @catch.nash. n

SHANNON DOWDEN is the Marketing Coordinator for Catch Salon & Spa. She works closely with Andrea Harbison, owner of Catch, and together they spread knowledge about non-invasive options in beauty. In her free time, Dowden stays active with her Australian Shepherd, Hazel Grace.

By Adam & Kathryn York

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO.

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW

That’s a phrase we hear often at the start of a new year, and it can apply to everything from attitudes to careers to health patterns to relationships and so much more. So, as you raise your glass to new beginnings and fresh starts, here are some must-have barware tools that will help you “toast with the most.”

DECANTERS & SHAKERS

Not only are decanters beautiful and stylish conversation pieces for your bar cart or cabinet, but they can also contribute greatly to enhancing the aroma and flavors of a variety of spirits, including brandy, cognac, scotch, tequila, vodka, whiskey, and wine. A cocktail shaker can also add style to your barware display, while it acts as a closed vessel for thoroughly mixing a drink’s ingredients and simultaneously chilling the drink.

1GLASSWARE

Perhaps the most important element of a barware collection is glassware. Whether you’re into whiskey or wine, each type of glass is specifically designed to bring out certain aromas, colors, flavors, and temperatures for your beverages of choice. All in all, glassware can have a surprising impact on the taste of a beverage, so make sure to choose the right type of glass that is designed for your favorite drink.

3UTENSILS

Barware utensils are available in a variety of options and styles, with each serving specific, practical purposes. Whether you need bottle openers, cocktail spoons, ice tongs, jiggers, muddlers, strainers, and more—you can choose your utensils à la carte style to cater to your drinks of choice, or you can find a wide selection of barware utensil sets that are organized and beautifully styled on stands or bases.

ICE BUCKETS & WINE BOTTLE COOLERS

Two more practical barware items to have on hand are ice buckets and wine bottle coolers. For spirits that need to stay chilled, an ice bucket or wine bottle cooler can be a very convenient way to keep beverages at the perfect temperature while entertaining guests without making multiple trips to your kitchen freezer.

54WHISKEY STONES & ICE MOLDS

Whiskey stones and ice molds make ideal gifts and now come in a variety of designs, materials, and styles. Consider classic marble whiskey stones or even stainless steel ones to keep your drink cold without diluting its flavor. Ice molds are now available in almost any size or shape you can imagine, and larger pieces of ice will generally melt slower than multiple smaller pieces, which can also help keep your drink from being diluted while you sip.

6COCKTAIL MIXERS

Every person has unique flavor preferences, so cocktail mixers can save the day when you don’t have the capacity or time to find and prepare bitters, fresh fruits, or herbs. The options out there for cocktail mixers are endless, so have fun experimenting with unique flavor combinations or play it safe with a classic cocktail mixer of your choice.

BOOKS

In the same way that cookbooks in a kitchen or coffee table books in your living room offer practicality and style, cocktail books can make your bar cart or cabinet look beautiful, while also being a quick source of inspiration for whipping up new drinks or finding recipes for all the classics. There are books themed specifically for just about every drink of choice, as well as compilation books filled with a wide range of drink ideas and recipes.

READY TO SHAKE THINGS UP?

If you’re making changes or resolutions within your home this year, maybe it’s time to shake things up with your barware too. Cheers to the adventure! n

7ADAM & KATHRYN YORK are the owners and curators of Smith & York Company, a modern home boutique located on the square in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, and Lime & Loaf, a kitchen shop located at New South Marketplace in downtown Columbia. Open seven days a week at both shops, Smith & York Co. offers a diverse selection of home goods, including tabletop accessories, barware, lighting, textiles, planters, and gift items, while Lime & Loaf offers a wide selection of kitchen essentials for cooking and baking. Learn more at smithandyork.co and limeandloaf.com

imagine ...

More than sixty years ago, the building hummed of sewing machines and production at one of the largest shirt factories in southern Tennessee.

Now fast forward to find this incredible 71,000 square foot industrial facility converted to its present-day grandeur with the original steel windows and doors, an outside deck for music and entertainment, food, gifts, specialty tea, a boutique resale shop, and so much more. There is ample parking, and you can expect the unexpected from music on Saturdays, to rare antiques and treasures of all kinds every day of the week. Plan your day at the Factory at Columbia and experience all these wonderful retail and dining establishments under one roof.

TURNING RESOLUTIONS into Reality

With the new year beginning, resolutions are on everyone’s mind. However, the motivation to stick with a goal can quickly diminish as spring approaches. For many, January is a time to recommit to health and wellness goals, but exercise plans can be daunting. Dave Kempfert, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, offers his best practices to making fitness a priority all year long.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORKOUT

The key to creating a successful exercise plan is choosing the right type of exercise for your needs. This starts with identifying your goals such as losing weight, increasing strength or boosting mental health. “Make sure it’s your resolution, not someone else’s,” said Kempfert. “No one will follow through with something they are not personally motivated by.” Traditional gyms are not the only place to get in a workout, and there are lots of ways to stay in shape, so do your research. Still don’t know where to start? Kempfert suggests a baseline of 20-30 minutes of activity a day. A short walk or bike ride might not seem like a large commitment, but it can set you on a path for better health.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

When starting a new exercise routine, you need to be aware of your experience level and limitations. “Failing to give your body time to adjust to new activity can result in sprains, strains and tendonitis, which can lead to potential loss of ability to continue with your plan, as well as lead to a loss of motivation,” Kempfert says. To successfully reach your goal, he advises being realistic about your limits such as the amount of time you have to exercise as well as physical limitations.

BEST PRACTICES FOR MAKING AND KEEPING NEW YEAR’S HEALTH RESOLUTIONS FROM DAVE KEMPFERT — PHYSICAL THERAPIST

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BONE AND JOINT INSTITUTE.

FINDING A TRAINER WHO CAN HELP YOU LEARN PROPER FORM AND TECHNIQUE IS CRITICAL TO AVOID OVER/UNDERTRAINING AND INJURY.

GIVE YOURSELF GRACE

People often lose motivation or give up on their fitness goals because they do not see results immediately. Being fit does not necessarily mean that you are at your ideal weight. “People say they are not losing weight but fail to see the other great results that come from working out,” says Kempfert. Exercise can increase strength, improve overall health and release endorphins to boost mental health, all of which are reason enough to redefine your idea of success.

START WITH THE BASICS

“People sometimes get focused on details before they have tackled basic movement patterns that are crucial for proper form and a successful workout,” says Kempfert. He advises starting your workout program with large dynamic movements that build strength in larger muscle groups.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Another great way to stick to your resolution is to share your exercise journey with others. According to Kempfert, committing to a goal with a partner is a great way to boost motivation. “Gyms are a great way to socialize and meet like-minded people who encourage you to push yourself,” he says. If you need more structure and direction, try group classes like CrossFit or barre that you can enjoy with others. Whether it’s meeting new people at the gym, signing up for a yoga class with a family member or a little friendly competition on a run, being active with others can encourage you to achieve your goals.

UTILIZE YOUR RESOURCES

With all the programs and options available, it can be overwhelming to know how to get started toward your fitness goals. Kempfert suggests finding qualified professionals such as personal trainers or dieticians who can help you build a personalized plan. Finding a trainer who can help you learn proper form and technique is critical to avoid over/undertraining and injury, Kempfert warns. “Look for a trainer who listens to you and understands your goals,” he says. A dietician can ensure that you are fueling your body with the best nutrition along the way. There are many great online resources for at-home workouts and meal prepping that can help you achieve your goals but taking the time to research the best options for you is what really leads to success.

EXERCISE CAN INCREASE STRENGTH, IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH AND RELEASE ENDORPHINS TO BOOST MENTAL HEALTH, ALL OF WHICH ARE REASON ENOUGH TO REDEFINE YOUR IDEA OF SUCCESS.

Above all else, listening to your body is crucial. Taking a rest day or icing sore muscles can be beneficial and ultimately lead to better long-term results. However, if the pain does not subside with time, you may need to see a specialist. The physical therapists at Bone and Joint Institute can see you under Direct Access laws, meaning that they do not require a doctor’s referral for a visit if you become injured. These professionals can access your injury and give you exercise and activity recommendations for your personal needs so that a small injury does not progress to a longstanding impairment. “When it comes to fitness, consistency is key,” says Kempfert. “But remember to always listen to your body and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” n

DAVE KEMPFERT, PT, serves as the Director of Rehabilitation Services for Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee. A former collegiate All-American and NFL offensive lineman, he has spent 20 years as a physical therapist specializing in outpatient orthopaedics and sports medicine physical therapy.

HOW TO PERSONALIZE YOUR NEW HOME

By Wendy Smit

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

I frequently drive down a road in Nashville that has me passing beautiful historic southern homes and gorgeous new builds in one short drive. There is one home I drive by every day that has always caught my eye. You can tell it was recently built, but it exudes a warm Tuscan charm, nestled in rolling green hills no less, that will certainly stand the test of time.

The day the call came from the new homeowners saying they needed help furnishing the 6,000+ square-foot home, I jumped at the opportunity to see the interior of the custom-built home I have admired from afar for so long.

Like several of my clients over the past year, this family came from the West Coast and didn’t want to bring all their old furniture with them. The scope of work included furnishing the entire home, changing some flooring, and painting all the rooms in less than two months.

IN A MAJORITY OF THE PROJECTS THAT AREN’T NEW BUILDS, MY TEAM IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT WAY TO BRING THE CLIENT’S VISION TO LIFE, WHILE HONORING THE ARCHITECTURE AND STYLE OF THE HOME.

As I’d imagined, no expense was spared on the hard finishes inside the home when it was built, however, the clients had a few requested tweaks to help it feel more like their home. The interior of the house leaned on the rustic side, and their style was more transitional. In a majority of the projects that aren’t new builds, my team is always looking for the perfect way to bring the client’s vision to life, while honoring the architecture and style of the home. In most of the rooms, we were able to simply do this with new furniture and paint, however, they wanted a much larger overhaul in the primary bedroom.

WITH ALL NEW FURNITURE, COZY FINISHES, AND EXPANSIVE VIEWS, ONE CAN’T HELP BUT FEEL RELAXED IN THIS BEDROOM.

In the primary bedroom, we removed the rustic feeling of the barn wood ceiling and floors by painting the ceiling to match the trim color and bringing in a beautiful plush carpet. With all new furniture, cozy finishes, and expansive views, one can’t help but feel relaxed in this bedroom.

One of my favorite rooms in the house I worked on was the boys’ room. Both of their names start with the letter B, so when I saw the perfect art prints, I jumped at the chance to call out the older and younger brother with uppercase and lowercase letter B’s. It’s personal touches like this that go a long way in making a new house and city feel a bit more like home, especially for kids. I also created a space they can grow into with the heavy-duty aluminum aviation-inspired beds and investing in quality, sturdy furniture pieces.

Full-scale projects like this are a labor of love and seeing them come to a close is always bittersweet. However, when I know my client is loving every inch of their gorgeous new home, that makes all the hard work worth it for me and the design team.

A MAJORITY ALWAYS LIFE, WHILE

For more information on Wendy Smit Interiors visit WendySmitInteriors.com or follow them on social media at @wendysmitinteriors. n

This client loves to entertain, so creating extra seating wherever we could was a top priority. Our team achieved this by adding stools under console tables that can be easily pulled out as needed, utilizing an oversized modular sectional in the bonus room, and maximizing seating in the dining spaces.

This project will always hold a special place in the history of WSI as it was our first time designing a home gym. It was a room that had no prior definition so we added doors to the room, mirrors, a padded floor, workout equipment, and a wellness corner where my client could relax, unwind, and meditate. One request we don’t get very often is to design with pinks and deep reds, so I loved selecting the color for this room. We ordered many samples, but the clear winner was Hint of Mauve by Benjamin Moore.

WENDY SMIT is the owner and principal designer at Wendy Smit Interiors. Specializing in residential design in Williamson County and beyond, Wendy Smit Interiors offers a variety of services to bring your design dream to life. From washing the dishes to curling up on the couch after a long day, their goal is to make those everyday moments more enjoyable, beautiful, and functional.

MAJORITY OF THE PROJECTS THAT AREN’T NEW BUILDS, MY TEAM IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT WAY TO BRING THE CLIENT’S VISION TO

WHILE HONORING THE ARCHITECTURE AND STYLE OF THE HOME.

BOARDS and Blooms

By Amy Montgomery and Aubree Phillips Parker

AMY MONTGOMERY

If you want to discover your creative side and enjoy a night out with friends, then Boards & Blooms classes are for you. Boards & Blooms is the culmination of two business owners, Aubree Phillips Parker and Amy Montgomery, working together to provide a wonderful place to learn, a private shopping experience, and an evening out all under one roof. At The 808 Walker House in Columbia, where Aubree P. Boutique and Amy Montgomery Home retail stores reside, class participants are warmly welcomed by the hosts, Aubree and Amy, and given an experiential evening, everyone is sure to enjoy.

Aubree P. Boutique joined Amy Montgomery Home at The 808 House in Columbia in May 2022. Aubree P. brought with her a passion for clothing, accessories, and all things fashion, but also has a true talent for making charcuterie boards a work of art. Amy Montgomery on the other hand, has a love for fabulous tablescapes, fresh flowers, and entertaining. This match made in heaven is what birthed the concept of Boards & Blooms giving Aubree and Amy a chance to share their talents with their customers.

Class participants are invited in after shop hours to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a glass of wine, and peruse both shops before class begins. The shops are fully staffed those evenings with expert help with selections for the home at Amy Montgomery Home, and wardrobe consulting from Aubree P. Boutique. The best part about shopping after hours, before and after class, is the generous 20% discount offered at both stores (some exclusions may apply).

The class sizes are small and limited to around 15 students, which allows for plenty of demonstration and how-to time during class with the instructors. Amy starts the Boards & Blooms classes by offering her years of experience in flower arranging, and the value of entertaining in your home. She encourages purchasing flowers at your local grocery store and how it can be less expensive than using a florist, plus so much more enjoyable, and it gives entertaining that personal touch. Most classes start with simple wine glass arrangements for beginners and continue with a larger floral arrangement for those wanting to broaden their floral horizons.

AUBREE PHILLIPS PARKER

Aubree concludes the class with step-by-step instructions on how to shop for, prepare, and serve a charcuterie board.  Both Amy and Aubree encourage questions during their demonstrations, which generally leads to sharing of ideas and experiences between class guests. After class, attendees are invited to continue enjoying hors d'oeuvres, dine on Aubree’s freshly prepared charcuterie board, and continue their private shopping experience in both stores. Class attendees also leave with a swag bag filled with goodies.

The classes provide a wonderful opportunity for a girls’ night out or a birthday evening spent with friends and neighbors meeting neighbors. It is the perfect occasion for an evening out in historic Columbia, with attendees coming from Maury and Williamson Counties and beyond. And gentlemen, don't be afraid to sign up. Each class always has a few men in attendance and their motto is the more the merrier!

For additional information or to make a reservation for a Boards & Blooms class, call (931) 982-4988. Space is limited and classes do fill up quickly. Upcoming class dates are January 25th and 26th and February 22nd and 23rd. The class fee is $60 per person due and payable upon making a reservation. Refunds are not available. n

AMY MONTGOMERY has 25 years of design experience and owns Amy Montgomery Home located in Columbia, Tennessee. She is a lifestylist focused on home and flowers and delights in working one-on-one with customers. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com for additional information and follow on social media at @amymontgomeryhome

AUBREE PHILLIPS PARKER was born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee, and has always had a love for fashion. Upon college graduation from Belmont University, she opened her own women’s boutique, Aubree P. Boutique, in downtown Franklin and moved the shop to Columbia in 2022. Follow her on social media at @aubreepboutique or visit aubreep.com for additional information.

CLEAN

INGREDIENTS

SIMPLE BARS

Obviously, You Have Great Taste !

By Kathy Fox

Eating healthy and clean are ways to improve one’s overall health. By consuming minimally processed foods along with fresh vegetables and fruits, our bodies can receive the maximum nutritional benefits from the foods we eat. In addition, by reducing the intake of sugars several health risks, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease, can be lowered. The problem is sugar is delicious and cutting sugar from the diet can be quite difficult since it is added to many everyday foods we eat, such as bread, salad dressing, ketchup, cereal, snack bars, and beverages.

PHOTOS COURTESY SIMPLE

What started as a simple three-week challenge to eliminate sugar from the diet ended up blossoming into a full-fledged business. Amanda Ament, founder and owner of SIMPLE, explains, “I eliminated sugar from my diet completely and it was meant to be a challenge because I was overeating on sweets at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After two weeks, I noticed I had more energy, was sleeping better, and my skin looked better. So I kept adding weeks to my challenge, then months, then years.”

During this time, Ament would snack on nuts and fruits and was continually on the hunt for snack bars made without sugar.

The search for a sugar-free snack bar is what triggered Ament to start the company, SIMPLE, in 2017 because she couldn't find a bar that didn't have sugar in it. Originally from Switzerland, Ament said, “I started making my own bars in my kitchen back home and would mix up different nuts and superfoods, like chia and matcha. I spent hours mixing different nuts and seeds to make the perfect bar.” Once Ament had perfected her recipe, she wanted to share the snack bars with everyone, and SIMPLE Bars was branded and went into production.

Ament, who focuses on production, found a company that could manufacture the bars in the United States and would make frequent trips between Zurich and the United States to oversee production at the Illinois facility and attend trade shows. However, due to COVID, the plant was unable to continue with production, which led Ament to find another facility in the Nashville area. Due to the recurrent trips between the United States and Switzerland, Ament and her sister, Melanie Ament, who handles marketing, public relations, and social media for SIMPLE, decided to move to Franklin, Tennessee, in February 2022.

AMANDA AND MELANIE AMENT

I STARTED MAKING MY OWN BARS IN MY KITCHEN BACK HOME AND WOULD MIX UP DIFFERENT NUTS AND SUPERFOODS, LIKE CHIA AND MATCHA. I SPENT HOURS MIXING DIFFERENT NUTS AND SEEDS TO MAKE THE PERFECT BAR.

AMANDA AMENT

What makes SIMPLE Bars distinctive is the sweetener ingredient Allulose, which is a naturally occurring sweetener found in fruits like figs. It does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels, is low in calories, and tastes like sugar. Sugarwise is an international authority on sugar-related claims with more than 500 products certified that are shipped in 70 countries around the world and has certified the SIMPLE Bars. Rend Plating, CEO of Sugarwise, says, “Sugarwise certifies products that are low in the kinds of sugars and sweeteners that need to be limited in the diet because they are contributors to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay. SIMPLE Bars are a new range of products that have the potential to change the way people see and consume sweet snacks. In completely clean label innovation, it is extremely rare to see something that has a flavor profile that not only matches but surpasses a traditional sugar-coated experience. This SUGARWISE-certified product range does just that. Rather than just replacing sugar in a nutritionally poor product the bars include ingredients that are nutritionally rich and high in fiber. Products like this have the potential to improve the overall quality of our diets. Better bars. Better health. Better world. Simple, isn't it?"

SIMPLE

In addition to having no sugar added, SIMPLE Bars are 85.5% less sugar than KIND bars as certified by Sugarwise, they are gluten-free, nonGMO, all-natural, have a low glycemic index, and are keto. For those dealing with Hashimoto’s or diabetes, where a low-sugar diet is vital, the bars are an outstanding choice plus they are loaded with superfoods and are an explosion of flavor.

SIMPLE Bars were recently launched in August 2022 and are the first and only snack bar brand in the United States ‘Certified Free from Added Sugar’ by Sugarwise. SIMPLE Bars come in four exotic tasty flavors; Almond & Dragon Fruit, Almond Match Chia, Chocolate Sea Salt, and Walnut & Golden Spices, and can be purchased on Amazon, Chadwick’s Fitness & Performance Training in Franklin, or from simplebars.com. They are SIMPLE-Y delicious, so enjoy! n

BARS WERE RECENTLY LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2022 AND ARE THE FIRST AND ONLY SNACK BAR BRAND IN THE UNITED STATES ‘CERTIFIED FREE FROM ADDED SUGAR’ BY SUGARWISE.

By Katie Baker

It’s the new year and you have finally decided to build your dream home. After searching through endless social media posts or Houzz, many people have been inspired and are choosing to build their dream homes. However, a few flashy posts and pictures showing an artfully created kitchen do not give an accurate image of the building process. While the challenge of building a home can be extremely gratifying, there are several questions a novice Buyer should ask before the first shovel hits the ground.

What is your style?

It’s time to make a dream home wish list with the help of a local Realtor. A knowledgeable Realtor can assist a buyer by scheduling showings on homes that match their wish list. Viewing existing homes will help a buyer visualize what they do and don’t want in the home they build. Visiting local design or model homes is another way to get the creative juices flowing.

Luxe Custom Builds and TKC Architecture & Engineering can both help with any design style, architectural, or building questions.

TKC Architecture & Engineering — tkc-ae.com

Luxe Design Build — luxebuld.com

What is your budget?

A simple call to a trusted lender will give a buyer all the numbers they need. Don’t forget overages are to be expected. Plan for added costs in the end. Recent studies have found that, on average, nationwide construction projects exceed their budget by 16% at minimum.

(Source Propeller Aero)

Two types of financing to consider:

Construction Loan: This type of loan requires periodic inspections by the bank to release funds to pay builder invoices. And don’t forget to ask for details on the mortgage rate during construction and after completion.

Equity Pull: If a buyer has enough equity in their current assets (home or home plus investment properties) then they can discuss refinancing current assets to pull cash out for the build.

Raw Land or a Planned Unit Development?

Raw Land gives the homeowner the opportunity to design a home from the ground up with their own ideas. A buyer can choose from two options: hire an architect to draw house plans and a builder to build the house or hire a builder who may already have plans to choose from. Interviewing several architects and builders is the key to finding a team that can match a buyer’s style and budget. This route also gives a buyer the most creative freedom when it comes to the details of their home.

A Planned Unit Development is typically a large tract of land, such as a subdivision, that has already been designed by a developer. The building lots either have a house plan already assigned to the lot, or a buyer can pick a lot and then choose from a variety of builder-supplied house plans to build on said lot. Before Covid, a builder might have allowed buyers to choose from a variety of interior finishes in the builder’s design package. For example buyers were able to pick floor colors, tile options, paint, countertops, and light fixtures. However, post-Covid most builders are now choosing the interior finishes on the front end to help control costs along the way.

What is your timeframe?

With supply chain issues still lingering, it is important to have patience when building a home. Lead times for materials may cause delays so having regular conversations with the builder will help a buyer plan for the road ahead.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Wondering how to choose every paint color, doorknob, and light fixture? Consider hiring an interior designer. Designers work in a variety of ways. E-consults are a modern and economical way to design a home with everything chosen digitally. A traditional interior designer will work with a buyer on a one-on-one basis. Ask a Realtor for recommendations for local design firms or boutiques that offer these services.

The Finish Line

As the build process comes to a close, it is more important than ever not to skip steps in the rush to finish a home. A buyer is advised to perform a final home inspection and blue tape walk-through with their builder before moving in. The blue tape is used to identify any glaring imperfections that should be fixed before moving in. A licensed home inspector can also ensure major components of a home are in working order.

Building a home can be an enjoyable experience with the right team guiding a buyer. To get started, the Katie Baker Group has created a simple checklist to assist buyers through the build process. This simple tool should be used as a handy guide in tandem with a licensed team of experts. For more questions on how to build your home contact the Katie Baker Group in downtown Columbia. n

KATIE BAKER is a local Realtor and owner of the Katie Baker Group with RE/MAX Encore in downtown Columbia. Katie and her team of professional agents work to elevate the real estate experience while overseeing every aspect of a sale.

ESTABLISH A TEAM

CHOOSE A LOCATION

By Kimberly Blaker

In living with and interacting with our dogs, we get to know them well. Despite their inability to talk, we often understand their emotions based on their body language. Scientists now know what dog owners have suspected all along. Dogs experience a wider range of emotions than scientists once thought.

The dog brain is substantially smaller than the human brain when accounting for body size, so it isn't as complex as our brain. Yet, MRI studies reveal dogs' brains aren't much different from humans. MRIs have shown the same sections of both the human and dog brain light up based on various types of stimuli, according to a board-certified neurologist, Dr. J.P. McCue, at New York City's Animal Medical Center, reported in "Dog Brain Facts: Understanding Canine Cognition."

It's also been found that dogs produce oxytocin, the neurotransmitter, and hormone that creates the emotion of love in humans. In fact, research reveals that when our dogs stare into our eyes, it activates oxytocin, creating a bond similar to that between a mother and infant.

David Grimm reports on the research of this phenomenon in his article, "How Dogs Stole Our Hearts," at sciencemag.org. In an experiment by Takefumi Kikusui, an animal behaviorist, and his colleagues, dogs, and their owners gazed into each other's eyes. Their gaze ranged from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The researchers found in those dogs and owners who stared longer, the oxytocin levels rose 130% and 300%, respectively. This adds to the growing body of research that supports dogs can feel love and attachment.

Just like in humans, dogs' brains develop as they grow. In humans, the brain reaches full development around the age of twenty-five. But dogs' brains are fully developed around the age of 6 months. At this point, dogs' emotional development is equivalent to a two-and-a-half-year-old human, according to researchers.

To gain perspective on what that means in regards to dogs' range of emotions, Stanley Coren charts the emotions of a two-and-a-half-yearold child in "What Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?" These include joy, love and affection, contentment, excitement, shyness and suspicion, fear, disgust, distress, and anger. At that age, however, children don't experience feelings that require self-consciousness, such as pride, shame, guilt, and contempt.

How to read your dog’s feelings

Joy: Dogs often express this when a family member comes home, or a familiar guest comes to visit. Dogs often run and jump, wag their tails, and lavish kisses. They also express joy when playing by barking or giving a playful bow.

Love and affection: When dogs are feeling affectionate, they might nudge you with their nose, make loving eye contact (as opposed to the threatening eye contact of an unknown dog), or softly groan and sigh while lying next to you. Some dogs will lean their bodies up against you while sitting or standing. They also express their love through kissing, jumping, and rolling onto their backs with a wagging tail.

THE RESEARCHERS FOUND IN THOSE DOGS AND OWNERS WHO GAZED LONGER, THE OXYTOCIN LEVELS ROSE 130% AND 300%, RESPECTIVELY.

WHEN DOGS ARE FEELING AFFECTIONATE, THEY MIGHT NUDGE YOU WITH THEIR NOSE, MAKE LOVING EYE CONTACT, OR MAKE SOFT GROANS AND SIGHS WHILE LYING NEXT TO YOU.

Shyness, suspicion, fear: These emotions are often quite evident. Dogs might flatten their ears, avoid eye contact, tuck their tail under, cower, pant, or shake. They can also have dilated glassy eyes. Pacing, hiding, whining, barking, sneering, nipping, or submissive urination can also be signs of fear or shyness.

Distress: When dogs are depressed, they can experience changes in appetite, behavior, sleep patterns, and reduced activity levels. Emotionally distressed dogs also show this in their posture with downcast eyes and a low-bent neck. They might also lick or shed excessively.

Anger: If your dog has ever ignored you or given you the cold shoulder, there's a good chance it's mad at you. But if you're doing something that makes your dog particularly angry, the signs may be more prominent. Your dog might take a rigid posture, bark loudly in your direction, or make sharp or short barks. This is a warning to stop whatever you're doing that's making your dog angry. If your dog begins growling, repeatedly howling with a rising pitch, or showing teeth, it's prepared to attack.

What about hackles?

People often think raised hackles indicate a dog is angry or showing aggression. Sometimes that's the case. But raised hackles are an involuntary reaction and most often caused by a host of other emotions. These include excitement, arousal, fear, shyness, defensiveness, or being startled. That said, dogs can bite out of fear, not just anger. The best way to know the meaning behind the raised hackles is to look at other body language that indicates what the dog is feeling. n

KIMBERLY BLAKER is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-ofprint, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera, and more at sagerarebooks.com

TKC — A One-Stop Shop for the Built World

TKC Architecture & Engineering is a boutique design firm established by husband-and-wife duo Cole and Kristen Newton. Cole is originally from Florence, Alabama, which is just about an hour south of Columbia, Tennessee. He is an Auburn University graduate with a bachelor’s in civil engineering and an Army veteran. Kristen is from Northeast Florida with her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, both in architecture.

Cole and Kristen met while working at an architecture and engineering firm in Florida in 2008 and married two years later. With the recession hitting hard in Florida, they moved to Austin, Texas, for several years where they saw immense growth within the urban fabric of the city and worked on many notable projects throughout the downtown and surrounding areas. They finally made their way back to the south landing in downtown Nashville in 2014. Both were managing members at reputable design firms in Nashville and Franklin, but at the beginning of 2020, the Newtons decided it was time to make their dream of having their own design firm a reality, and TKC was founded.

TKC is the result of an ever-evolving discussion between Cole and Kristen about how to re-imagine the development process and combine forces to provide a one-stop shop for the built world, and while doing so, have a lot of fun working together. Though TKC was officially established in 2020, they have been a team since the beginning when they met and that is how the acronym TKC came to life, standing for Team Kristen and Cole. It was an inside joke, but then it stuck, and they could not think of another name for their firm that would better embody who they are, a team, a team that will work for their clients from start to finish to provide an enjoyable design process and successful project.

In the summer of 2021, Kristen and Cole, along with their two sons, moved their office and residence to Columbia, Tennessee. They both had been doing work in the area for years and had fallen in love with the downtown square and beautiful countryside. TKC has designed many civil site and architectural projects throughout Maury County working with clients such as Muletown Coffee on their expansion and Tennessee Distilling Group.

Specializing in a wide range of project types, TKC on the architecture and interior design side offers design services for projects ranging from custom residential homes to boutique restaurants to hotels and high-end commercial projects. They also enjoy working with existing buildings that have a lot of character and have worked on several renovation projects in downtown Columbia. The civil engineering design side comprises both commercial and residential project types offering services for site design, land planning, project management, municipal water, and wastewater projects.

TKC was built because of a love for working and collaborating with others. It is important to Cole and Kristen to develop meaningful relationships with clients while bringing to fruition quality projects. The goal is to encapsulate the spirit of their clients and the site to provide a thought-evoking design while striving to create designs that meet clients’ needs and exceed expectations.

The Newtons would be delighted to have the opportunity to meet with you and help design your dream space! For additional information, visit tkc-ae.com and follow them on Instagram at @tkc_ae for their latest project and updates. n

COLE AND KRISTEN NEWTON, OWNERS OF TKC

Suite Night

at THE WESTIN NASHVILLE

EXPERIENCE Music City

WIN A NIGHT IN A LUXURIOUS SUITE AT THE WESTIN IN DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE!

The holiday season has come and gone again, and it is now time to think about a relaxing night away to recuperate. Music City Publications and the Westin Nashville have partnered together to bring you a night to unplug and relax in downtown Nashville. Enjoy one of the Westin’s luxurious specialty suites with Nashville-inspired design touches, along with delightful amenities including the iconic Westin Heavenly® Bed. The views of downtown Nashville from the suites are spectacular and we know you will LOVE them!

The Westin Nashville has exactly what you are looking for from music and culture to food and shopping, there is plenty to do and see just steps from the sophisticated Westin Nashville. Nestled in the city's downtown district, the Westin is near Broadway and connects guests with iconic attractions like Music City Center and Music Row. For a soothing contrast to Nashville’s pulsing vibe, guests may choose to relax with a massage, facial, or other body treatments at the Rhapsody Spa. Guests who want to maintain their exercise routine can visit the hotel's 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. Stay energized in Nashville with Decker & Dyer, which serves up creative cuisine and live entertainment, or visit the L27 rooftop with some of the best views of Nashville, along with nourishing light bites and craft cocktails. And if you are planning a corporate function or wedding in Tennessee, the Westin Nashville has elegant event venues too.

HOW TO ENTER ...

To enter for a chance to win a Suite Night at the Westin Nashville, follow @williamsoncoliving, @maurycountyliving, and @westinnashville on Instagram, and tag a friend in the comments on the Jan. 1, 2023 post. The giveaway closes on Jan. 31, 2023. The stay at the Westin Nashville must be used by Dec. 31, 2023, and is based on availability, so book early. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter.

BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO.

PHOTOGRAPHY