Your Sumner March 2016 Dining Edition

SUMNER COUNTY BRIDAL SHOW

YOUR SUMNER LAUNCH PARTY & WINTER MIXER

PORTLAND CHAMBER AWARDS DINNER

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE MARCH 2016

WATERCOLOR EASTER EGGS STYLING YOUR EVERYDAY

MARCH MADNESS

KEEPING SCORE

2016

DINING EDITION

HOLIDAYFEST

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Brought to you by the publishers of YOUR Williamson – A Distinctively Southern Place Published by Robertson Media Group, LLC • Custom Publishing & Integrated Marketing Services • Franklin, Tennessee

YOUR SUMNER | MARCH 2016 . VOLUME V – ISSUE 47

FEATURES

22 2016 Dining Guide

23

Meal Planning

29

Food & Drink Tech Support

30 Crafted in Cottontown

32 To Cater or Not to Cater

36 Bring on the Brunch

38 Date Night on the Square

40 Dining Etiquette 101 ON THE COVER Delectable dish courtesy of Chef’s Market Catering & Restaurant located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee Photography by Daniel Walley

32

Come tour the finest model homes in the greater Nashville area.

Models Open Daily Asheville model in Fairvue Plantation Caswell model in Kings Chapel 1184 Potter Lane, Gallatin, TN 37066 1316 Ashby Valley Lane, Arrington, TN 37014 615-767-1244 615-400-5340

Ernst Group, LLC, an Independent Franchise

TABLE OF CONTENTS 14

Your Social Secretary

33

Your Bone Vivant with Ollie

16 Beauty Junkie

with Julie Jorgensen 18 Your Effortless Style

with Katie Rushton 19

Your Best Self with Connie Haley

20 Styling Your Everyday

with Katie Jacobs

46

26 Eat, Drink & Be Merry

with Chef’s Market 42 A Little Something Extra Traditions Kept on the Modern Day Easter 44 Interior Thinking

with Eric Ross Interiors

53 46 Welcome Home

Passing on the Torch

for a Golden Era 53 Come Fly With Me

Planning a Trip to Disney 56 Arts & Culture a la Carte

with Andrea Davis 57 Keeping Score

March Madness

11

Your Sumner Launch Party & Winter Mixer

13 Music City Masquerade 17

Sumner Bridal Show

19 Project 22 Sweetheart Dance 43 Portland Chamber

2015 Awards Dinner 52 A Magical Night for

Mothers & Sons 54 Daddy Daughter Dance

COMMUNITY

Letter from the Publisher

SOCIAL

LIFESTYLE

10

58

Did You Know?

15 In Your Backyard

Easter Egg Hunts 24 Your Charitable Self

Feeding Those in Need 34 Days Gone By

Sweet Sumner Eateries

of the Past 50 Your Community Partner HolidayFest 55 Your Kids

Benefits of Organized

Sports for Children

YOUR STAFF YOUR Williamson & YOUR Sumner are publications of: Shelly Robertson Birdsong

Johnny Birdsong

Ron Cheatham

Anna Robertson

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

CEO & PUBLISHER

Robertson Media Group, LLC 436 Main Street, Suite 205 Franklin, TN 37064 Office: 615.979.1548 yourwilliamson.com yoursumner.com

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

Emily Fordice

Carter Stough

Andrea Davis

Tracey Starck

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONSULTANT

MANAGING EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Caitlin Daschner

Annie Osteen

Krista Ehret

K York

CREATIVE CONTENT EDITOR

COMMUNITY EDITOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Adam Sanner

Rachel Weishaupt

Kimberly Allen

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Cassie Thompson PHOTOGRAPHER

8 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

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Steve Absher, Account Exec.

Kingery Printing Company YOUR Printing Partner 615-828-8661 stevea@kingeryprinting.com quotes@kingeryprinting.com

Your Sumner is a publication of Robertson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or whole, without written permission from the publisher, is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Your Sumner or Robertson Media Group, LLC, its employees, and/or it’s representatives. All information printed in this publication or online, is compiled in such a way as to insure accuracy.

However, Your Sumner and Robertson Media Group, LLC and its agents, assume no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of claims in advertisements, articles, photographs etc. published directly or submitted.

YS MONTHLY | Publisher’s Letter

Hope Springs Eternal Dear Readers, So the groundhog predicted an early spring and so as recent temperate days attest, the daffodils and other blooms are already peeking their heads out in hopeful anticipation. Spring in Sumner County is a wonderful and magical season, as our landscape seems to capture the individual foliage and features of each season so perfectly.

But, I do love spring! As things come alive again and the drear of winter disappears in our scenery, it feels as if everything else comes alive as well.

We all seem to drop our dreary winter blues and sniffles (await the pollen) and begin to feel lighter. With an increase in our step and our moods, we “hop” on in to this beautiful season of rebirth.

The story of Easter is one of my favorites from a spiritual point of view, as it is the cornerstone of my faith and belief in the resurrection and our Lord’s unending love and redemption. Because of this day and that faith, I have gotten through many “winters” in my life and been able to see the spring ahead. Seeing the world around me literally come back to life after a time of chill and darkness, is inspiring and fulfilling as I know it is for so many of you.

If your soul is hungry, enjoy the feast for the eyes, and stomach - on our cover this issue -

Once more to new creation Awake, and death gainsay, For death is swallowed up of life, And Christ is risen today! ~George Newell Lovejoy

Keeling Birdsong, Easter 2014

celebrating food! It’s really more a celebration of eat, drink and be merry since food and dining encompasses so much more than just satisfying hunger. It can be an art form when created with the zeal and passion of a talented chef. And that chef can be you!

Sumner and Davidson Counties have some amazing culinary experiences to offer. Take this month and seek out some new cuisine you have always wanted to try and remember to savor and enjoy!

Don’t let the Ides of March blow you over, or the leprechaun pinch you too much!

Enjoy the fun month of March and remember to be “Hoppy” Sumner County!

Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!

Shelly Robertson Birdsong CEO, Publisher shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com

Custom Publishing & Integrated Marketing Services 436 Main Street | Suite 205 | Franklin, TN 37064 615.979.1548 | info@robertsonmediagroup.com

SOCIAL | YOUR Sumner Launch Party & Winter Mixer

Sponsored Event

Story & Photography by Anna Robertson Robertson Media Group proudly hosted our Launch Party and Winter Mixer celebrating the new Your Sumner Magazine on January 28th. The party was held at the gorgeous Club at Fairvue Plantation, and the evening included delicious food, cocktails, music, giveaways and great company! Guests got to see the latest 2016 Bridal Guide issue, featuring one of Sumner County’s own bridesto-be on the cover. It was a fabulous evening kicking off many more Your Sumner parties!

For more information on Your Sumner events, go to yoursumner.com.

Taryn Hill, Barry Young, Martie & Matt Burnett

Wendy Navaro, Gay Lackey, Rebecca Fitts & Candace Dunbar

Jackie Ragland & Pat LeDoache

Cassie Thompson & Cliff Rumney

David Evjem & Lynda Evjem

Carter Stough, Anna Robertson, Tracey Starck, Emily Fordice & Shelly Birdsong

Schuyler Thomas & Johnathon McGee

Kayla Anthony, Joe Perricone, Samantha Bailey, Cassie Thompson & Cliff Rumney

Emily Fordice, Candace Dunbar & Ashley Nicholson

Sarah Stratton, Joe Perricone & Mae Meents March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 11

YOUR CONTRIBUTORS

JULIE JORGENSEN Beauty Junkie

Julie is our go-to gal for all things beauty - She scouts out the best deals and the best beauty tricks around. She treats readers to some hilarious insight into the world of what it takes to be fabulous!

GINGER JONES

Your Kids jonestherapyservices.com Ginger is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the owner of Jones Therapy Services, which provides speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy in 7 locations across Middle and East Tennessee.

KATIE JACOBS

KRISTA EHRET

CONNIE HALEY

Styling My Everyday stylingmyeveryday.com

The Lady Entertains yoursouthernsoiree.com

Your Best Self conniehaleylifecoaching.com

Katie is a graphic designer, photographer and stylist. She is the art director and creator of stylingmyeveryday.com, a food and lifestyle blog with a focus on styling, entertaining and DIY.

Krista is an event designer and co-owner of Southern Soiree, a full service event and wedding planning company. She also enjoys bringing beauty into everyday life.

Connie is a certified life coach that specializes in helping people love the life they have and from there, create the life they always envisioned. She will show readers ways to find peace and calm.

MISS DAISY KING

MARGIE THESSIN

Tennessee’s “First Lady of Southern Cooking,” Daisy was the founder and chef of the renowned Miss Daisy’s Tearoom and is now the proprietor and executive chef of Miss Daisy’s Kitchen.

Margie is the owner of Franklin on Foot and a Williamson County historian. She is also the author of Ghosts of Franklin, Tennessee’s Most Haunted Town and Lizzie’s War.

LAURYN GILLIAM 5 Sense Living

Lauryn is a seeker of fun, student of life and lover of exploring mindful ways to enlist the 5 senses in all her experiences. Her column takes us on a sensory tour of all things arts, culture and dining.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry missdaisyking.com

Days Gone By franklinonfoot.com

COMING NEXT ISSUE

ERIC ROSS

Interior Thinking ericrossinteriors.com Eric Ross Interiors specializes in full service residential interior design and interior decoration for homes and provides truly unique, luxury design solutions for any room in your home.

12 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

DANNY ANDERSON

2016 Home & Garden Edition

A Southern Gentleman Is . . .

Danny is a Broker with Parks Realty on Main Street in downtown Franklin. Danny will be the new contributing his musings, advice, tips and tales for the Gentlemen (and ladies) of Williamson County.

Content deadline: March 15 Contact sales@yoursumner.com for advertising

SOCIAL | Music City Masquerade

Story Submitted & Photography by Kristi Irving Photography The fourth annual Masquerade, benefiting The Junior League of Nashville, was a huge success with record breaking attendance! Guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing and an after party.

For more than 90 years, the Junior League of Nashville has worked to improve the health of local children, a focus that has been newly sharpened to help raise awareness and provide solutions for the growing problems of childhood obesity, literacy and human trafficking in our community. The Masquerade is a special evening to celebrate the 1,600 members and community partners who make it possible for them to continue helping women and children in our community reach their full potential. For more information, visit jlnashville.org.

Christina & Paul Logan

Weber Reid, Erin Reid & Robbie Reid

Robert Glover & Ashley Goldman

Erika & Benjamin Digby

Jennifer Hill, Kerry Dunn & Krystal Clark

Lucas & Kerri Burton

Hadley Doolittle & Matt Crosby

James & Angela Plasko

Linde & David Pflaum

YS MONTHLY | Your Social Secretary

YOUR SOCIAL SECRETARY

Here are just a few events to add to your Social Calendar this month. Visit YourSumner.com for more events.

MAR 10

Under the Big Top

MAR 12

Gallatin Shamrock Run

MAR 19

GET CONNECTED The Winter 2016 Bridal issue earned rave reviews!

March 10, 11am | Bluegrass Country Club The Newcomers and Community Club of Sumner County will host their Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon “Under The Big Top” with fashion by CHICO’s to benefit Homesafe, Inc. Newcomers is a social and charitable non-profit organization that extends a welcoming hand to newcomers and existing residents who wish to connect to their community. For more information, visit newcomerssumner.org

March 12, Registration opens at 6:30am Historic Downtown Gallatin The Gallatin Shamrock Run is presented by the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Gallatin Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. Proceeds will be used to fund innovative educational grants for teachers K-12 in the City of Gallatin. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers male and female, and awards will be given for the best St. Patrick’s Day costume and the most team spirit. For more event and registering information, go to gallatintn.org.

Check out the behind the scenes photos from last month’s bridal shoot.

Glow in the Night 5k

March 19, 7:30pm | Gallatin Civic Center Sure, there are all sorts of night runs, but nothing like the Glow in the Night 5k! Be prepared to get completely covered in glow powder while walking or running the 3 mile course under the cool glow of the black lights. All ages and runner/walker levels are welcome to participate! This is a family friendly event that will leave you glowing from head to toe! For more event and registering information, go to sumnerteencenter.org.

The comprehensive daily guide to all things Sumner County!

Daily content, online promotions and contests, photos, interactive community calendar, resources for everything including dining, medical, arts and entertainment, real estate, travel, bridal and more! Find a link to everything you were looking for here in our community! Blogs and content from local and regional personalities every week.

Integrated with our social media and eblasts each week, yoursumner.com is where you will go to stay in the know!

14 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

The March issue features our Eat, Drink & Be Merry dining guide. Tweet your favorite thing to eat in Sumner County. #DiningInSumner We’re pinning our favorite recipes in anticipation of March’s dining guide. Check back next month when we’ll be posting recipes featured in our dining guide.

COMMUNITY | In Your Backyard

Easter Egg Hunts Looking for something bigger than the typical backyard Easter Egg hunt this year? Here are a few taking place that the kids (and adults) will love to participate in.

Wonderland Egg Hunt March 19 at 10am Historic Rock Castle Fall down the rabbit hole and into a new adventure at Historic Rock Castle. Hunt for eggs, make crafts and enjoy a morning on the beautiful grounds. A family event for all ages with great activities for the kids!

Parents, come out and relive one of your favorite childhood memories and get a chance to find some prizes in the Adult Egg Hunt. Only one requirement: You must wear bunny ears. Decorate a pair at the pavilion or bring your own. For more information, visit historicrockcastle.com.

Easter Eggstravaganza March 19 at 11am-2pm The Streets of Indian Lake Join in for the 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, a fun, free event for the whole family! Egg hunts for children up to 10 years of age, Easter Bunny, prizes and more! Rain date: Saturday, March 26, 2016. For more information and schedule, email drbgroupllc@drbgroupllc.com or visit streetsofindianlake.com.

Eggstravaganzoo March 26 from 9pm-4pm Nashville Zoo at Grassmere The Nashville Zoo’s annual spring celebration is back with egg hunts and Easter treats for children of all ages.

Activities during the day include 10 scheduled egg hunts for kids, a Zoo-wide hunt for golden eggs, spring-themed games, bounce houses and face painting. Special appearances by the Easter Bunny and Zoo mascot Twiga! For more information, visit nashvillezoo.org.

Making Your Dreams a Reality CUSTOM HOMES • ADDITIONS • REMODELING Hannah Custom Homes is your premier Custom Home Builder in Middle Tennessee. We appreciate your personal style and back your ideas with practical solutions and optional amenities, making your dream home a reality!

615-822-8042 • 100 Commerce Drive Suite A, Hendersonville, TN 37075

www.HannahCustomHomes.com

LIFESTYLE | Beauty Junkie

MASQUERADE

BY JULIE JORGENSEN

I think spring is finally here, y’all. With it comes the ubiquitous emergence of flowers and fresh growth on the trees, longer days, friendlier temps, and a general renewal of life. It’s also the perfect time to spruce up your beauty regimen! Let’s put an end to dry, dull, winterravaged skin, shall we? One of my favorite ways to tackle skin woes (on my face and the rest of my body) is with a relaxing mask. There’s truly a mask out there for just about anything, and I’m here to discuss which ones are the best of the best. Take a deep breath of that fresh spring air, have a seat on the patio, and prepare to take some notes.

It’s important when choosing a mask to address your primary skin concern (dryness, sun damage, acne, etc.). As I get closer to forty, I’m always on the lookout for a mask that will brighten my skin and give it that just-back-from-vacation glow. Keeping with the idea that fruit acids speed up cell turnover, skincare guru Kate Somerville created the powerful Exfolikate mask. Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes team up with lactic acid for a mask that eradicates dull, dead skin in no time flat. There’s even a gentler version for those of us with sensitive, delicate skin called Exfolikate Gentle. Another perennial favorite is the C-Quence mask from the cult-favorite brand Environ. Salicylic acid and a high concentration of vitamin C provide “micro-exfoliation” and reduce stubborn sun damage. Unlike Exfolikate, the C-Quence mask can be left on just as long as you please—I’ve even slept in it. Hightech “sheet” face masks are an entertaining way to get a radiance boost while you relax, even if you look a bit like something out of a horror film. I just love the Gold Radiance mask from Passport to Beauty that came in my last Fit Fab Fun box. Collagen and flower oils are infused into a shimmery golden sheet that’s laid upon your face, while you’re instructed to “relax and think happy thoughts for twenty minutes”. I could think of worse ways to spend a little time before a big night out, couldn’t you?

If you’re more concerned with soothing dry, irritated skin, look for ingredients like nut butters, oatmeal, and calming oils. First Aid Beauty leans on shea butter and colloidal oatmeal to quiet angry skin in its

16 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

Ultra Repair mask. White tea, BUYING GUIDE licorice root, and sea buckthorn Kate Somerville: Nordstrom combat free radicals, as well, while Environ: www.conceptskincare.com you chill for ten minutes and First Aid Beauty: Sephora think of how amazing your skin Clarins: Macy’s and Dillard’s will look. I also love the triedKerastase: Dion’s South, Parlour 3, and-true HydraQuench Cream and Juel Salon Mask from our friends at Clarins.

Baby Foot: Woo Cosmetics Fancy-sounding Katafray oil draws in moisture, while Sorbier tree extract stimulates “micro-circulation,” leaving you with dewy-soft skin. On the other side of the skin-concern spectrum, acne-prone and oily skin can benefit greatly from a clay mask (look for kaolin and bentonite clay in the ingredient list). Check out Supermud from Glamglow for a powerhouse oil-clearing mask and Yonka Masque 103 for a kinder, gentler version.

Speaking of making masks at home, it’s highly likely that you have what you need for whatever ails your skin right in your fridge. Take a cue from the fabulous Lauren Conrad, and combine plain Greek yogurt with an opened probiotic capsule for a mask that reduces redness and calms irritation. Toss some fresh pineapple chunks into the blender with enough water to make a paste, then brush onto your face for an exfoliating extravaganza. Whip up some egg whites and honey for a tightening “lift,” or combine good old table sugar and honey for a hydrating scrub that’s good enough to eat. Malic acid, found in apples, is a great naturally-occurring exfoliant, so don’t be afraid to steal a little bit of the kids’ applesauce and mix it with some oats, honey, and lemon juice for a mask-scrub that will leave you looking refreshed and glowy.

Masks aren’t just for our faces, y’all. Luxury-brand Kerastase turns out some of the most divine hair masks out there, and can accommodate all hair types. The Masque Nutri-Thermique is my ultimate splurge.

Drugstore brands like L’Oreal, Neutrogena, and Pantene all offer hair masks that won’t break the bank. My latest obsession is a foot mask called, weirdly enough, Baby Foot. More an exfoliating peel than a hydration treatment, Baby Foot is a serum packaged in clear plastic booties that you step into, secure around each ankle, and then leave on for twenty minutes (kick up your feet—this is not the time to walk around the house). After about five days, dead skin comes away in quantities that are equal parts startling and satisfying. What’s left behind is a pair of feet that are as soft and pretty as, well, a baby’s. The moral of this story? Don’t be afraid to break out of your beauty rut with the changing of the seasons, and don’t hesitate to try new things! In no time, you’ll have people asking, “who is that masked woman?” Cheers to that!

SOCIAL | Sumner County Bridal Show

Story & Photography by Kimberly Allen Prospective brides and their families previewed a variety of options for their special day at the Sumner County Bridal Show held by the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce at the Epic Event Centre this January. Local vendors set up booths to showcase their wedding services, including flower arrangements, photography, wedding cakes, musical entertainment and venues. With so many important choices to make, this event was a perfect opportunity for guests to have fun, while planning the wedding day of their dreams! For additional information, visit sumnerbridalshow.com.

Claire Rodgers & Suzie Charais

Nita & Miranda Baggott

Daniyel Frank & Amanda Jackson

Andrew Spivey & Taylor Comtois

Sidney Felts, Megan & Mackenzie Rogers

Candace Duhbar, Leanna Day & Stefanie Means

Mitch Meador & Sarah Wages

Lacy Potts & Shawn Walker

Brooke Edwards & Victoria Weishaupt

Alissa Czibrik

Amber Smith & Andrew Kirkland

Jeanita Sweat

Chrissy Fogg & Megan Miller

Paul & Jacqueline Roberson

Julie Brackenbury

Kirsten Matthews

Brenda & Alicia Wiley

Shawna Meyers & Jessica Justice

Bianca Briceno

Babs Dorman & Carlee Smith

Jamie & Mindy Lewelling, Eric Wilness

January Alexander, Mac Miles & Carlene Fox

LIFESTYLE | Effortless Style

A few must haves for

BY KATIE RUSHTON

It’s hard to think about spring trends right now, but despite the snow we keep getting here in Middle Tennessee, spring really is just around the corner. The spring season always brings lighter colors and cooler fabrics, but the trends for this spring are quite different from those from the last couple of years. They are a little more dramatic!

spring LONG STATEMENT EARRINGS If you like the shoulder baring trend but aren’t exactly sure how you would wear a dress or top in that particular style, then look no further than another one of springs biggest trends…the long statement earring.

Eye-catching earrings frame the face and provide an instant boost to almost any outfit!

Although there are several trends for spring, I wanted to narrow it down to just a few of the true must haves for this season.

(left) Trina Turk Linear Drop Earrings and (right) Vince Camuto 3 Stone Drop Earrings both via Belk

BARE SHOULDERS Shoulder baring tops were all over the Spring 2016 runways last year. Runway trends don’t always translate to real world, but this particular trend is one that has easily transitioned from runway to everyday. Tops, like this State Cold Shoulder Blouse, are already in stores. The good thing about this trend is that it comes in different variations from full on off-theshoulder tops and dresses to other options with more clean lines and simple cut-outs that only show a small amount of shoulder.

State Cold Shoulder Blouse via Belk

THE SLIP DRESS The trends of this spring also brings back the return of the slip dress. You will see the new and improved slip dress in different colors and patterns and even some versions with asymmetrical hems.

These different variations will keep this seasons slip dress looking more modern and updated versus something you just pulled out of your lingerie drawer.

Tavik Print Slipdress via Nordstrom

MAKE SURE TO STOP BY OUR BLOG WWW.EFFORTLESSTYLE.COM FOR MORE ON SPRING TRENDS AND HOW TO WEAR THEM!

18 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

LIFESTYLE | Your Best Self

SOCIAL | Project 22 Sweetheart Dance & Banquet

COULD YOUR LIFE USE A LITTLE SPRING CLEANING?

Story & Photography by Kimberly Allen

March is here! That means spring is just around the corner. Many of you will mirror the earth’s energy, as it prepares to wake up by cleaning, organizing and getting outside more.

This is the perfect time to add your “life” to the spring cleaning list. Cleaning up areas of your life that have gathered dust and dirt will produce the same results as washing your house windows – the sunshine sparkles more and the view will be clear and bright!

Love was in the air at the Project 22 annual Sweetheart Dance and Banquet this February held in Hangar 31 in Hendersonville.

The dance was sponsored by The Arc of Cumberland Valley for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Everyone had a blast spending time with friends and family in the beautifully decorated area while enjoying delicious Valentine’s Day themed desserts and food. To learn more about this event, visit cumberlandvalleyarc.org.

To begin sprucing up your life, commit to the idea, carve out some time to think and then apply the same principles you would to cleaning your living space: WHAT IS BROKEN OR NOT USEFUL ANYMORE? This could be a habit (the pint of salted caramel ice cream before bed every night), a situation (you always say yes to a co-workers request to socialize when you really don’t want to), a commitment (you raised your hand to be the Boy Scout leader only because no one else did), a thought (my kids are grown and I am not needed anymore), etc. If something isn’t supporting your overall happiness, can’t be fixed, or is coated with guilt, it is time to let it go. Do so lovingly and swiftly.

WHAT NEEDS MORE OF MY TIME AND ATTENTION? Just like those cobwebs in the ceiling that you promised to get to yesterday, you have places in your life that you know need some TLC. It could be a relationship, your health, a forgotten dream, a much needed vacation…Your heart knows. Listen carefully. The key to success in this area is to know why you’ve been putting it off. Common reasons include: not feeling worthy, too much effort, fearful of the other person’s reaction, not sure where to start and not enough time. These are all excuses and none of them valid enough to justify postponing your happiness. Choose the area, imagine how awesome life would be if you finally took action, map out a plan of action and Do It! Life is too short for regrets and “what ifs”.

WHAT DO I LOVE AND NEED TO FOCUS ON MORE OFTEN? This is a powerful, but often overlooked question to ask. As humans, we have a built-in negativity bias that keeps us on the lookout for potential threats or what is wrong in a situation.

Identifying what is going well and expressing gratitude is a sure fire way to override this biological programming. Make a list of all the good things (rewarding job, healthy children, loving friends/spouse, great hair), know why they bring you joy (this reinforces the feel good) and then focus on your list regularly. Cultivating this habit will help elevate a bad mood and actually retrain your brain to focus on the positive. If nothing else, try this one!

Danielle Ward, Chloe Manasco, Emma Martin, Shelby Manasco & Dazi Dunlap

Paul & Miriam Frank

Brooke Abbott & Tommy Cook

Tori Summers, Raistlin Evans & Hope McKee

Jodi Deal & Shelby Andal

Chad & Marnie Musgrave, Jordan Buczynski, Collin & Steven Fontaine

Your life, just like your house, needs regular maintenance and repair. With a little grit and determination, you can create a life that you truly love. Happy cleaning!

Be you. No apologies.

Connie

Makenzie Green, Ahna Smith & Mariah Green

Anna Grace MacCasland & Kiara Land March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 19

LIFESTYLE | Styling Your Everyday

Wa t erco l or TURN ORDINARY EGGS INTO BEAUTIFUL WATERCOLOR-INSPIRED WORKS OF ART WITH THIS SIMPLE PAINTING TECHNIQUE.

Easter Eggs

BY KATIE JACOBS

While dying eggs may be fun, it’s far from artistic. However, with watercolors, painting blown eggs or hard boiled eggs can become true works of art. Using watercolor paints or simple food coloring, you can create soft watery designs in beautiful pastel colors. It is a great interactive project for kids to share in without the mess and monotony of dying.

Hard boiled eggs will work for this project but blown out eggs can be preserved for years after they’re made; without the egg white or yolk, the eggs will never spoil.

To blow out eggs, poke a hole in each For more DIY ideas, end of a raw, regular-sized egg with a check out pin or thumb tack. Reach through one StylingMyEveryday.com hole with a skewer, wire, straightened paper clip, or toothpick piercing the yolk and breaking up the membranes that keep it whole. Hold a thin straw to one hole and blow air through the straw and into the egg, letting the insides flow out

from the opposite hole. Do this until the egg is empty. Take a glass of water and pour it over the eggshell to rinse it out. Then take your straw to blow out the water and any remaining egg yolk/white. Shake gently and repeat until the egg is completely clean.

To watercolor the eggs, you’ll need food colors, white vinegar, a paintbrush, and small bowls or jars. Mix a few drops of food coloring with 2-3 Tablespoons of water in a small bowl or jar, until you get to your desired color. Add a teaspoon of vinegar to each bowl or jar.

Use a small paintbrush to paint the eggs with the watercolors and place the painted eggs back into the egg carton to dry.

Not only are painting eggs a more interactive, fun activity for you and your little ones, as opposed to simply dropping them in the dye and waiting, but you will love the watercolor effect on your beautifully colored eggs!

March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 21

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY DINING/TO DINE verb (used without object), dined, dining.

1. to eat the principal meal of the day; have dinner.

2. to take any meal.

verb (used with object), dined, dining.

3. to entertain at dinner.

noun 4. Scot. dinner.

Verb phrases 5. dine out, to take a meal, especially the principal or more formal meal of the day, away from home, as in a hotel or restaurant: They dine out at least once a week.

Enjoy this years Dining Edition where we offer up some tasty treats for Easter; show you the in’s and out’s of being a good restaurant diner and enlighten you and your palate with options on historical dining experiences and ways to enhance today’s. It’s a bit of a cornucopia of that old saying, “eat, drink and be merry.” Bon appetit!

FEATURE | Dining

MEAL PLANNING

BY KRISTA EHRET

The idea of sitting down once a week and planning out your family’s meals seems like a simple task. However, when things get hectic, this well-intended organizational plan may get pushed off the to-do list. After becoming a meal planner myself, I’ve realized a few things. First, I will always spend more money at the grocery store (and on take out meals) if I haven’t planned ahead. Secondly, my stress levels go down when I’m not wondering at the witching hour what to prepare for dinner. Lastly, it’s easy and gratifying to have it planned and posted on the fridge. The hardest part is just finding your groove and making this half hour part of your weekly routine. Here are some easy steps to get you started: CHECK THE WEEKLY SALES AND COUPONS. Ok, I’m not a dumpster-diving coupon fanatic with 1,000 tubes of deodorant in my garage, but I do really enjoy finding good deals. There are a few unfair myths about couponing, such as you can only use coupons to buy junk food, you can’t use coupons if you buy the store brand, and it takes way too much time to hunt for coupons. Maybe years ago, these points were true, but if you haven’t given couponing a try in a while, you may be surprised. Deals exist for produce, meats and organic products (even at Whole Foods!); Kroger and Target both offer coupon deals for their brands; and if you have a computer at home finding coupons is fast and easy. Many stores, such as Publix, even allow you to link coupons to your phone or phone number electronically. No clipping required! Your ideal scenario here is to match a coupon to an item, while it is already on sale at the store. This is why you check the store flyers online first, see what is on sale that week, then voila $.30 box of brand name pasta, anyone?

GRAB A PAD, PEN AND MAYBE A RECIPE BOOK. Now that you know what is on sale for the week, it’s time to plan out your meals. Start with the main components that you know you will purchase. For instance, you know you’re going to be buying a whole chicken because they’re marked down. There’s your entree for one night. Bagged lettuce and rice are buy one get one free? There’s your side dishes. You get the picture. Then

just go throughout the week and fill in the blanks. My biggest piece of advice here is to be thorough but realistic. Do the kids have soccer one night? Then plan to have something in the crockpot so it’s ready as soon as you get home.

Think about snacks, breakfast and lunches as well.

ASK FOR INPUT FROM THE FAMILY. This can actually be a fun way to involve the kids in thinking about nutrition and what they will eat throughout the week. Let everyone pick their favorite meal and also a night that they would like to help prepare it. I’m very fortunate to have a husband that loves to cook and is very good at it. I love his parents for teaching him this skill and will definitely be passing the lesson down to my children. Cooking can be a fun affair for the entire family when looked at from the right perspective.

NOW GO SHOPPING. When heading to the store, you’ll find it much less overwhelming and dreadful when you have a plan. Timing is important as well. Go when you have sufficient time to complete the task to avoid running in for forgotten items. Definitely do not go when you’re hungry!

Weekday mornings are the least crowded and make for a faster trip. I personally go to three different stores so as to take advantage of sales, but this isn’t for everyone. If you only have time to go to one store, then that’s fine. Just stick to the list and avoid impulse buys!

GET TO PREPPING. Once you’re home, find a couple of hours, maybe on a Sunday, to do some prep work for the week. Wash some fruits and veggies; figure out if you need to freeze some of the meat for later in the week; and if there are things you can make ahead (like sauces), then do it. It’s amazing how in control and organized you’ll feel. There are definitely times when something will pop up and you end up pushing a meal off to the next night and that’s ok. But in general, sticking to a plan will help the “hanger” (hunger induced anger) episodes and consequential trips to a drive thru melt away.

March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 23

COMMUNITY | Your Charitable Self

FEEDING THOSE IN NEED

BY ANDREA DAVIS

Studies show that one in six Tennesseans struggle with hunger, and even in Sumner County, “the struggle is real”.

Fortunately, there is help for the unfortunate.

Whether you are in need or want to serve those who are, there are many organizations in our area that provide hope for the hungry.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK Second Harvest has a network of over 450 Partner Agencies working together to feed hungry men, women and children.

They collect, sort and distribute food and personal care products throughout 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties. secondharvestmidtn.org MID-CUMBERLAND MEALS-ON-WHEELS Mid-Cumberland Meals-on-Wheels has the joy of serving the senior citizen population of 13 counties in middle Tennessee. They serve over 300,000 meals annually from 18 meal sites in the Mid-Cumberland region, and they like to say they are “more than just a meal”! They also partner with Nutro, part of Mars Petcare, to deliver 30,000 lbs. of donated pet food annually through a service called AniMeals. mc-mealsonwheels.com

WESTMORELAND FOOD BANK Westmoreland Food Bank program, overseen by the Amazing Grace Mission, provides a local food bank helping to meet some of the food needs of the lower income members of the community.

Enough food to prepare 15-18 meals is provided and includes bread and/or dessert products; cereals; drinks; a 30-40 pound box of dry goods, such as crackers, pastas, canned goods, and snacks; a10-20 pound box of frozen products, often including some entrees and/or meats; in season, fresh produce and/or dairy goods; and boxes of miscellaneous snacks from Weight Watchers. westmorelandfood.org GOODLETTSVILLE HELP CENTER The food pantry provides assistance to residents of Goodlettsville, Millersville, Joelton, and Whites Creek. goodlettsvillehelpcenter.com

FOR A LIST OF MORE ORGANIZATIONS, VISIT FOODPANTRIES.ORG 24 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

HOPE FOOD BANK Hope Food Bank reaches out to meet the need of the elderly, shutins, and emergency situations in the community that require a food supplement for the month. hopecenterwhitehouse.com HENDERSONVILLE SAMARITAN CENTER HSA partners with several local service organizations and small groups to provide two day’s worth of food for needy school children to take home on the weekends. The child in need is identified by the staff of his/her school. Packets are provided to the schools to distribute each Friday. tnhsa.org MID-CUMBERLAND NUTRITION PROGRAM The Nutrition Program is designed to provide resources and education for low-income families lacking the knowledge and tools required to make appropriate nutrition choices and includes three programsCommodity Food Program, Food Pantries and Nutrition Education.

The Commodity Food Program provides non-perishable food items to eligible households through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Households must meet USDA income guidelines. Food Pantries provide emergency food boxes to households that have limited or no access to food. Nutrition Education provides clients with information needed to help make healthier and cost effective choices with their food monies. Meal planning guidance and nutritious recipes are also provided in conjunction with other Nutrition services. midcumberland.org

LIFESTYLE | Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Complete Your Easter Meal with Savory Sides

BY JIM AND CHERYL HAGY, OWNERS OF CHEF’S MARKET 26 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

When Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow this year, we had high hopes that spring would arrive early.

Then Winter Storm Jonas hit, and while our hopes were temporarily dashed, we knew that rain, snow or shine, we are just weeks away from Easter, the kick-off for spring entertaining.

Each family has their own tradition, when it comes to the holidays. At our Easter meal, we love serving spiral cut ham with a mustard maple glaze, scalloped potatoes, lemon hazelnut asparagus, always striving to save room for a slice or lemon raspberry cake and a chocolate egg or two.

Easter is the only occasion we can think of where the egg is allowed to take center stage, so we also love to showcase it as part of the main meal too. Eggs have long been a symbol of Easter and springtime in general, which is why we decorate Easter eggs and participate in egg hunts this time of year. We love to bring the seasonal tradition to the tablescape too, using painted eggs as a centerpiece in a pot of freshly grown grass or serving up an egg dish, which is a delicious addition to the meal whether your family gathers for Easter brunch, lunch or dinner.

At Chef ’s Market, we often try to update family favorites with a new twist. We love the nostalgia that certain recipes

bring to mind, but adding an unexpected flavor can really kick things up a notch. The deviled egg is the perfect candidate for such a culinary makeover. We’re sharing three of my favorite ways to spruce up your deviled eggs and give you an excuse to dust off your egg platter for its time in the spotlight.

The first is our Country Club Deviled Egg which incorporates fresh crab meat, the creaminess of Greek yogurt and cream cheese with the perfect zest of lemon and tarragon to round out the flavor profile. For the kids and kids-at-heart, you’ll love our take on the Dr. Seuss classic, Green Eggs and Ham. This playful egg gets its green color from avocado and is garnished with either country ham or a crisp prosciutto. Last but not least, we pay homage to our Nashville roots with the Nashville Hot Chicken Deviled Egg recipe, with cayenne flavored chicken, pickled cucumbers and white bread toast points. We’re pretty sure it’s safe to say that these are not yo’ mama’s deviled eggs.

You can save on the stress of entertaining by hard boiling your eggs ahead of time and storing in the refrigerator until it’s time to assemble. The filings can also be done in advance, making it the perfect dish to complement your overall holiday feast.

Some tips to remember to creating the perfect hardboiled egg is to be careful not to overcook! If you are seeing the dark gray-green ring around the yolk of your egg, then you have overcooked your egg, so be sure to keep your eye on the timer.

Typically 14 minutes for a large egg is the perfect amount of time to boil them. You’ll also want to give the eggs a shock with an ice bath right after they come off the stove. This helps to stop the cooking process and will also make it easier to peel.

Using the older eggs in your refrigerator helps too – fresh eggs are hard to peel regardless of your cooking technique. The best eggs for hard boiling are about a week to ten days old, so grocery shop early.

Your hunt for a show stopping egg recipe is over, and we hope your success in your own backyard chocolate egg hunt is just as delicious!

Chef ’s Market Catering & Restaurant is a full service catering company that continues to be celebrated as a leader in culinary skill and presentation, voted as Best Caterer in Nashville for the past five consecutive years. Chef ’s Market offers catering and take-away options for both large and small events, from formal corporate galas to casual in-office get-togethers and outdoor affairs. Its Goodlettsville, Tenn. restaurant serves customer favorites for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Visit chefsmarket.com for more information and menu selections.

Chef ’s Market Catering & Restaurant 900 Conference Dr • Goodlettsville, TN 37072 615.851.2433 • chefsmarket.com facebook.com/chefsmarketcafe

NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN DEVILED EGGS 6 large eggs ½ cup chopped chicken breast 1 tablespoon lard ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/3 teaspoon light brown sugar ¼ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 3 cornichions (small pickled cucumbers), cut lengthwise into quarters 1 slice of bread, cut into quarter size triangle points and toasted Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cool water 1 ½ inches above the eggs. Heat on high until water begins to boil, then cover, turn the heat to low, and cook for 1 minute.

Remove from heat and leave covered for 14 minutes, then rinse under cold water continuously for one minute.

Crack egg shells and carefully peel under cool running water. Gently dry with paper towels.

Slice eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks to a medium bowl, and placing the whites on a serving platter. Mash the yolks into a fine crumble using a fork.

In a small bowl mix the lard, sugar and spices.

Slightly warm the mixture, then add back to the cooked yolk mixture.

Carefully mix in chopped chicken.

Garnish with mini toast point and cornichon slices.

March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 27

CHEF’S MARKET ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON AND HAZELNUTS 1 bunch asparagus, washed and bottoms trimmed 2 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and pepper to taste 1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts zest of one lemon fresh lemon wedges to garnish (optional) Bring a sauce pan of with 2 quarts of water to a boil.

Trim the bottom of one bunch of asparagus Spread chopped nuts evenly in shallow pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 7 minutes or until golden brown. Stir frequently, and do not leave unchecked.

Drop the asparagus in the boiling water; cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Remove from the water, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Arrange on a serving tray, garnish with chopped hazelnuts, lemon zest and lemon.

Serve immediately.

Serves 4

GREEN EGGS AND HAM DEVILED EGGS 6 large eggs 1 ½ tablespoons of mayo 1 avocado, diced ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper Pinch of black pepper 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion 1 ounce diced crisp prosciutto or county ham Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cool water 1 ½ inches above the eggs.

Heat on high until water begins to boil, then cover, turn heat to low, and cook for 1 minute.

Remove from heat and leave covered for 14 minutes, then rinse under cold water continuously for one minute.

Crack egg shells and carefully peel under cool running water. Gently dry with paper towels.

Slice eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks to a medium bowl, and placing the whites on a serving platter. Mash the yolks into a fine crumble using a fork.

Add mayo, avocado, red pepper, black pepper, garlic powder and red onion.

Evenly disperse heaping teaspoons of the mixture into the egg whites.

Garnish with crisp ham and red pepper.

28 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

COUNTRY CLUB DEVILED EGGS 6 large eggs 3 ounces Greek yogurt 2 ounces cream cheese 1 ½ teaspoons fresh, finely chopped tarragon ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 cup crab meat Lemon zest Pinch of salt and pepper Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cool water 1 ½ inches above the eggs.

Heat on high until water begins to boil, then cover, turn heat to low, and cook for 1 minute.

Remove from heat and leave covered for 14 minutes, then rinse under cold water continuously for one minute.

Crack egg shells and carefully peel under cool running water. Gently dry with paper towels.

Slice eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks to a medium bowl, and placing the whites on a serving platter. Mash the yolks into a fine crumble using a fork.

Add Greek yogurt, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, tarragon and a ½ cup of the crab meat.

Evenly disperse heaping teaspoons of the yolk mixture into the egg whites.

Garnish with fresh tarragon, remaining crab and lemon zest before serving.

FEATURE | Dining

FOOD & DRINK

TECH SUPPORT Can’t decide where you want to eat tonight? Keep forgetting to write down the name of wines you try and love? Wonder how to choose between products at the store? There’s an app for that! We’ve curated some useful ones you may not have heard about...and better yet - they’re all free!

DELECTABLE

OPEN TABLE

How many times have you made a mental note to remember a new wine you tried but then completely spaced? With Delectable you can simply snap a photo of the label with your phone and the app will instantly find it for you to save and rate.

This app is a go-to for anyone that goes out with larger parties or just prefers having a reservation. Explore restaurants, find available tables and with one click, you can book instantly, as well as manage or cancel.

MATCHBOOK

BEER CITIZEN

The next time someone tells you about a great place to eat or grab a drink, use Matchbook to save and map the location so you don’t forget. Then when you’re trying to find a place you can pull up all your suggestions to see what’s nearby.

This app is especially great if you’re new to the beer scene, new to branching out, or just like trying new things. Beer Citizen will give you suggestions from other beer drinkers based on what you love, as well as provide reviews and taste profiles.

URBANSPOON

CONSUMR It’s hard to do product research while you’re standing in the grocery aisle, but sometimes questions come up. Does the less expensive version still taste as good? With Consumr you can scan the barcode of thousands of products to pull up customer reviews.

Club Med Salad Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Chef’s Housemade Chips & Spinach Con queso Dip

Hot Chicken Salad

Sweet Potato Casserole

Grilled Garden Vegetables Green Beans Amandine

New England Pot Roast

Home Made Spoon Rolls

Voted Best Caterer in Nashville for 5 Years Our Zagat rated restaurant and award winning catering has been serving the Middle Tennessee area since 1997. We thank our Sumner County customers for their years of loyal support.

9 0 0 C O N F E R E N C E D R I V E | G O O D L E T T S V I L L E | 6 1 5 - 8 5 1 - 2 4 3 3 chefsmarket.com

Cookie & Truffle Cake Bites

Roasted Sesame Dressing

If you struggle with the decision making process when it comes to restaurants - this app is for you. Choose your location, food genre and price point (last two are optional), and shake your phone for a magic-8-ball-like answer to your dilemma.

FEATURE | Dining

Cottontown

Photo by Derek Joins

Crafted in

BRIARSCRATCH BREWERY BRINGS ARTISAN BEER TO SUMNER COUNTY

BY HOLLIE DEESE

Brad Singleton has always been interested in mixing ingredients and flavors, admitting to making some crazy concoctions as a kid, from milkshakes to nachos. That creativity was just a small peek into what would become after he attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and was introduced to the world of craft brews.

The 2005 Gallatin High School graduate came back home to Cottontown after school with a mission – to open a craft brewery of his own in the town his family had lived in since 1968.

“In 2009 I came up with this idea that I could take my hobby of home brewing and turn it into something that provided a local brewery to our hometown,” he says. “Every month and every year that evolved into a bigger idea. In 2014, we started pushing with the county and finally got approval to open a brewery on our farm.”

30 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

Photo by Richard Suter Photography

“That carried over when I discovered that there was thousands upon thousands of beers in the world,” Singleton says. “I guess it just made the wheels start turning. I started playing around with different recipes and different beer styles and visiting different local breweries and that got me into experimentation.”

Photo by Derek Joins

It was no easy feat for Singleton, who had to go through nearly a year of paperwork, presentations and commission meetings before getting the go ahead to start his small-batch business.

“People have been making beer for a dozen centuries on farms, and didn’t have to potentially be a factory like Budweiser, Sam Adams, Jack Daniels,” he says. “I’ve shown that it was just a small artisanal operation, just a little hand-crafted deal. We’re making a product out of raw agricultural ingredients, and we’re supporting local businesses and retailers in Sumner County.”

The work was worth it, and now Singleton is coming off of his one-year anniversary.

A small operation, BriarScratch brews 85 gallons of beer at a go, packages them in kegs and sells them to locally-owned establishments. At any given time there are five different varieties on the market, including a seasonal and a monthly special.

In 2015 Singleton estimates there were about 25 different beers – including his father Fred Singleton Jr.’s experimental series, Pop’s Hops.

“His name’s not on the business, but he’s been my biggest supporter, financially and morally,” Singleton says.

And, Singleton’s original vision of using his nearly 10-acre farm’s fresh spring water is soon to be realized. He is currently in the process of getting the manufacturing facility approved by the Department of Agriculture by installing an underground UV water purification system that he says will be up and running in the next few months.

“I didn’t want to just start a brewery in some strip mall or warehouse in town,” Singleton says. “I wanted to do it on the farm. The whole idea revolved around the natural spring that we have on our property.

I want to brew the beer with the water that we have just flowing out of this cave. I built my brand around that.”

Soon Singleton will also be offering the farm as a venue for small private events and weddings, and he recently opened Prince Street Pizza and Pub in downtown Gallatin with Spencer Wakefield of Swaney Swifts on the Square.

We’re making a product out of raw agricultural ingredients, and we’re supporting local businesses and retailers in Sumner County.

But even with all the upgrades and changes, don’t expect the local brew to pop up on menus in Nashville and beyond just yet – Singleton is perfectly happy keeping BriarScratch a local secret.

“I’m not in any rush to expand the operation,” Singleton says. “It’s an exclusive brand. I want to keep it exclusive to Sumner County and keep it small and keep that farmhouse feel.” briarscratchbrewing.com March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 31

FEATURE | Dining

TO CATER OR NOT TO CATER

BY KRISTA EHRET

Anytime one plays host or hostess of an event, there is a certain level of stress that can follow. Some of this stress just comes with the territory and some of it can be avoided. In this instance, let’s discuss feeding your guests. Every party from a small get-together to a grand party will involve food and drink of some capacity. Here is a breakdown of when you should play chef and make the menu yourself and when you should have it professionally catered in.

WEDDING RECEPTIONS: CATERED For many, a wedding is the largest event that one will ever host. There are so many details to consider such as location, décor, attire, entertainment, etc. While the list grows so does the cost and it is very understandable to try to cut corners wherever possible. However, having family members prepare the food is possibly the worst way in which to do this. It may seem feasible when you’re months away from the date, but as the big day grows near the stress levels rise and the logistics of how to get the food there, how to serve it, and who will clean it up will prove to be daunting. Do yourself a favor and save the DIY for other aspects. Have it catered!

BIRTHDAY PARTIES: DEPENDS Thanks to envy-inducing beautiful blog posts, a simple birthday party with a few balloons and cupcakes seems so lack luster. It’s so tempting to go all out once you’ve seen gorgeous sculpted cakes, lush floral centerpieces, and cute photo backdrops. The great thing about a birthday party is that you set the expectations. If you want to spend your entire budget on décor and skimp on the food, you can! Simply plan for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon party that has a start and end time. For a child’s party, prepare the food yourself or pick up some simple pre-made options. For an adult cocktail style party, prepare the food yourself. For an adult dinner party, consider hosting 32 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

it at a restaurant or have it catered in. This way you can focus on being the host and aren’t spending the entire party in the kitchen.

BABY AND BRIDAL SHOWERS: MAKE IT YOURSELF Showers are often hosted mid-morning. This is the ideal time frame to serve heavy snack type foods that are easy to prepare and can often be made a day in advance. Another great thing about this type of event is that there are typically multiple hostesses. Start by creating a list of the guest of honor’s favorite foods that are appropriate for the event and then divvy out who wants to bring what. Bite sized sandwiches, dips, fruit and veggie trays, and pasta salads are all crowd-pleasers and are easy enough for anyone to prepare.

EVENTS WITH 50 OR MORE GUESTS: CATERED Unless you have a gourmet kitchen with multiple refrigerators, ovens, and the uncanny ability to multitask, do yourself a favor and have the food brought in.

Whether you’re having a sit-down dinner or a mingle type cocktail party, it will be money well spent. Make sure you discuss your expectations with your caterer. Would you like passed appetizers, or a buffet style? Are you expecting the staff to bus tables as the event progresses? Will they be responsible for serving alcohol? If so, do you provide the alcohol, or do they? Who brings the ice, glassware, and dinnerware? The more questions you can ask ahead of time, the fewer surprises on the day of the event there will be.

Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and what type of vibe you want for your event. If you bring a caterer in, it will almost always give a slightly more upscale feel. DIY may be more personal and intimate. As with any party, you should identify your priorities before you start planning and this will aid in allocating your budget accordingly.

LIFESTYLE | Bone Vivant with Ollie

Hello, Sumner County! My name is Ollie, and I am honored to be a guest columnist this month! I’m sure you have seen me about town at festivals or on my Momma’s social media.

She takes a lot of pictures of me, which is fine because I am very handsome (and like to be told so). I also like to have my picture taken. Let me tell you a tad more about myself…I am a seven-month old (handsome) Boxer and my human parents are Anna Robertson and Chris Ham. You may have seen them in the recent Your Sumner Bridal Issue. I wanted to be in that picture, but I am hoping to play a role in the real wedding! I have a big sister, Lady.

She is a black lab mix that was adopted over nine years ago by my Momma. I love her, but she is a very bossy sister sometimes.

Any who, I wanted to share with you one of Lady’s and my favorite treats. This is the human’s dining issue, but I thought that the pups should be included, too! This is an easy one, so don’t fret, folks!

Bone

Vivant

Don’t forget when you are making your own homemade dog treats, take into account any allergies your pup has. It’s also always a good idea to give your pup a small amount of the treat first to see if they are okay with it and that it doesn’t upset their stomach.

I hope all of you pups enjoy these yummy treats. I gobble them up!

Wiggle bottom and slobbery smooches to you and yours!

Ollie Pup See more of Ollie and his adventures: facebook.com/olliepupboxer

FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER & YOGURT YUMMIES INGREDIENTS 32 ounces vanilla yogurt 1 cup peanut butter DIRECTIONS • Melt the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl • Combine the yogurt and melted peanut butter

• Pour the mixture into cupcake papers • Place in the freezer until treats are frozen solid • After treats are frozen, store your homemade dog treats in an airtight container and place them in the freezer.

Allow the treat to thaw for 10 to 20 minutes prior to serving to your dog (and remember to remove the cupcake paper). Treats can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Recipe courtesy of cesarsway.com

Thank you for your patience!

We are happy to announce that we have completed our renovations at Demos’.

Please come by and check out our new look and menus.

We are ready to serve you the best food in Hendersonville.

161 Indian Lake Blvd • Hendersonville, TN • ( 6 1 5 ) 8 2 4 - 9 0 9 7

LIFESTYLE | Days Gone By

Sweet Sumner Eateries of the Past

BY JAMIE CLARY

For much of the community’s life, Hendersonville’s options for dining out were fast food, small diners and private clubs. The southwestern portion of the county was just a wide spot in the road, until the creation of Old Hickory Dam. The boom that followed changed the dining atmosphere, but it sure did take a while.

Hendersoville was the fastest growing city in the nation during the 1970s. The growth did not bring casual dining with it, however.

People who lived in this part of Sumner usually dined in Davidson County when they went out.

Rivergate Mall opened in 1971, just outside Sumner County. Followed by all types of restaurants nearby, the mall became the center of commerce for residents living northeast of Nashville. With so many customers going there from Sumner County, retailers and restauranteurs saw no reason to go to Sumner County. Also, restaurant companies disliked Hendersonville’s ban on selling liquor and beer by the drink.

Fast food companies were the exception.

They flocked to the growing portion of Sumner County, building a string of stores down Hendersonville’s West Main Street— McDonald’s, Arby’s, Dairy Queen, Burger Queen, Taco Bell, Bojangles, Captain D’s and Burger Boy. The alternatives were few, and literally, far between.

The five notable non-fast-food restaurants were Dickey’s Barbecue, Mason Jar, two drug stores and Shoney’s Big Boy. Dickey’s was on the far west side of the city. Mason Jar (originally Beefy Shake) was a mile east.

It had a narrow seating area with few tables.

Any empty chair was fair game for a friend or stranger. At Gallatin Road’s intersection with 34 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

Old Shackle Island and Walton Ferry, Soyars’ Drugs and Hendersonville Drug Company offered breakfast and lunch.

Shoney’s was different than these four.

Dickey’s, Mason Jar and the two drug stores catered to breakfast and lunch crowds- a limited market considering how many Hendersonville residents were in Nashville during weekdays.

Shoney’s served breakfast and lunch but thrived on dinner. It was the only public restaurant in Hendersonville east of Drakes Creek for many years, sitting alone on the north side of Gallatin Road near its intersection with Cherokee Drive.

The location was ideal for the growth of the Indian Lake Peninsula. (It was also perfectly situated for pranksters. The Big Boy statue was a frequent target to be moved around town, including to the nearby island in Drakes Creek.)

Shoney’s was the default choice for sitting down after work and after church. It was a meeting place for local business leaders and often the venue for settling lawsuits between local attorneys. It was so well sited that Wendy’s and Burger King opened nearby.

Further east, but still inside Hendersonville, was Bluegrass Country Club. Like Bell Cove Club near Rockland Road and Old Hickory Lake, Bluegrass was exclusive to members and their guests.

As private clubs, they were allowed to serve alcohol.

The unique privilege changed in 1989 when

Hendersonville residents voted to allow alcoholic drinks in public restaurants. Quickly afterward, Grandstands sports bar and Applebee’s started up.

Near that time and just a quarter mile from Applebee’s, a multi-screen movie theater opened on Indian Lake Boulevard. It changed the definition of a night out for Hendersonville residents. Dinner and a movie no longer required a trip to Rivergate. Existing restaurants saw business pick up. National restaurant companies paid attention.

Assisting this restaurant growth was the accumulated benefit of the “Shop Hendersonville” campaigns waged constantly by the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce. Since 1970, when the chamber was organized, educating Hendersonville residents about their spending had been a priority. Eating out in Hendersonville helped employ their neighbors and educate their kids.

The persistent population growth also helped bring more dining options to Hendersonville.

The growth, specifically where it occurred, let to the demise of some existing restaurants as traffic patterns changed and the center of commerce moved. Instead of focusing on Gallatin Road, attention has moved north to New Shackle Island Road and Indian Lake Boulevard. Both are routes between the residential areas and Vietnam Veterans Boulevard.

Those areas have lured many dining companies that never considered Hendersonville in the past.

March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 35

FEATURE | Dining

BRING ON THE BRUNCH

BY HOLLIE DEESE

Frothy mimosas, crispy bacon, endless omelet options – the weekend’s midday meal is among the most anticipated moments of the week, as much for its deliciousness, as its ability to make daytime drinking acceptable.

Here are five places hitting all of brunch’s high notes right now in Sumner County, from waffles covered in bourbon pecan syrup to perfectly-muddled mojitos.

AWEDADDY’S BAR AND GRILL

727 Marina Private Road, Gallatin, TN | 615.452.4777 Brunch hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Standout dish: The Shrimp Brekkichanga has plenty of fans ordering up the tortilla filled with egg, shrimp, peppers, onion, tomato and cheese, deep fried and covered in crawfish sauce The whole table can nibble on a platter of Big Easy powdered beignets, while sitting dockside. There’s also an omelets station, stuffed French toast and more.

CRESCENT CITY POBOYS

102 N. Water Avenue, Gallatin, TN | 615.206.8819 Brunch hours: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Standout dish: The weekend brunch menu includes everything from shrimp with grit cakes and poached eggs to loaded beignets and chicken and waffles. Add one on of the signature po boy sandwiches, like the duck confit, pulled pork or fried oyster versions, all served on Ledienheimer bread, authentic to New Orleans.

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THE EGG & I

271 Indian Lake Blvd. #140, Hendersonville, TN | 615.824.3441 Brunch hours: 1 a.m-2 p.m. Sat-Sun. Standout dish: It’s more breakfast than brunch, but sadly, there are no booze at this chain. However, with so many pancake and waffle options, a frittata or two and the many Benedicts like the Parisian version on a buttery croissant with smoked ham, melted Swiss, sautéed Portabellas and creamy Hollandaise, it’s worth the exception.

When Hendersonville’s only Krispy Kreme permanently closed its doors at the end of January, it made way for people to move beyond the original glazed and try one of Sumner’s other delicious homes of fried goodness.

BEST DONUTS 501 N. Broadway Portland, TN 615.325.6999

THANK GOD DONUTS 115 Walton Ferry Road Hendersonville, TN 615.338.0803

FOXLAND SOUTHERN GRILL

1445 Foxland Blvd., Gallatin TN | 615.451.2600

DONUT PALACE 436 S. Water Ave. Gallatin, TN 615.230.3993

Brunch hours: 1 a.m-2 p.m. Sat-Sun. Standout dish: The breakfast burrito with beef tenderloin and white cheddar sauce or the “Don’t Tell My Doctor Breakfast” with a double-dipped powdered sugar fried waffle, three eggs, bacon, bourbon pecan syrup and cheese grits are the must haves. Add a classic cocktail like a minty mojito, and weekends never felt better.

DUNKIN’ DONUTS 1545 Nashville Pike Suite 101 Gallatin, TN 615.230.0050

DUNKIN DONUTS Locations in Gallatin, Goodlettesville, Hendersonville & White House

O’CHARLEY’S

NUVO DONUTS 103 Township Drive Hendersonville, TN 615.447.5073

Brunch hours: 10 a.m.-3p.m. Sun. Standout dish: It just wouldn’t be Sunday in Middle Tennessee without weighing O’Charley’s brunch contender. New lighter options like the egg white omelet and fruit parfait have been added to the signature prime rib and steak and eggs. There’s Cupcake Prosecco, and Bloody Mary’s, even one topped with candied bacon.

SHIPLEY DO-NUTS 797 W. Main St. Hendersonville, TN 615.826.9969

1009 Village Green Crossing, Gallatin, TN 212 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 912 Rivergate Parkway, Goodlettsville, TN

NUVO DONUTS 103 Township Drive Hendersonville, TN 615.447.5073

FEATURE | Dining

Date Night

on the square RENEWED ENERGY, ENTREPRENEURS MAKE DOWNTOWN GALLATIN JUST RIGHT

BY HOLLIE DEESE

Something has been happening on the Gallatin square over the last few years, and finally the post-5pm crowd have more than a few hot spots to hang out at that don’t require factoring in the commute time to Nashville.

Josh Isble opened Crescent City Poboys in October 2014 in a space that had seen a string of restaurants open and close before him. But for Isble, every month has seen increased growth and bigger crowds.

“When we first opened, we just did lunch for the first six months,” Isble says. “Then we slowly added Friday and Saturday night dinner, and now we do lunch Monday through Friday, dinner six nights a week and brunch Saturday and Sundays from 10-2.”

Isble is just one of many entrepreneurs taking a risk on the historic square, and it’s a move that is paying off for him – and the residents of Sumner County who like to venture out after dark. And with more places to visit, the word is 38 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

slowly spreading that downtown Gallatin is one hip place to hang out.

“The bands are starting to play a lot later; and people are staying longer; and we are slowly, slowly starting to build that feel and that vibe,” Isble says.

Natasha Wakefield and her husband Spencer have recently made their mark all over the square, too.

Their burger-and-shake place, Swaney Swift’s, celebrated its first anniversary January 2015, and in the short time it has been open, it has won the love of locals for its handspun milkshakes, weekend beer lounges and burgers.

“The energy has completely changed,” Natasha Wakefield says of the downtown vibe. “Two years ago compared to now is a huge difference on the Square. There is a new energy, a new excitement, from merchants and business owners to customers. It’s just really been an amazing thing to observe and be a part of.”

GROUP EFFORT Change has come in fits and starts over the years, with entrepreneurs making a go of a business on the square, but with few other establishments around to bolster them, there wasn’t much to bring people downtown. That has all changed and Wakefield attributes the current revitalization to more people making the leap all at once.

“Business owners linked arm and arm trying to help the square reach its potential,” Wakefield says. “I think it just needed several like-minded business owners to come in at the same time. I think that’s what struggled in the past. There’s always been a very small handful that have come in, but not enough really for there to be a major change.”

And for the entrepreneurs, it’s not hard leap to make the most out of the beautiful historic square, an amenity not everyone is lucky enough to have, especially at a time when people are looking for local alternatives to the abundance of chains.

“Other towns in this country would absolutely kill to have a beautiful, charming, historic downtown Square that is in great condition,” Wakefield says. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

Wakefield also recently opened the boutique Billie Jeans, while her husband has partnered with BriarScratch Brewery owner Brad Singleton on the new Prince Street Pizza and Pub. With the number of people waiting to sit at Swaney’s at night, they just knew there was a need for

more businesses to keep their customers’ attention.

“We’re just a group of local entrepreneurs that are trying to fill the voids that we’ve seen in Gallatin, things that Gallatin’s been missing out on for a while,” Singleton says. “Swaney Swifts, Crescent City, the boutiques, Southern Juice and Beverage, Billie Jeans, The Creamery, Starr Ranch, Prince Street - you go back 14 months, and none of these places existed.”

ADULT-FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE Crescent City and Swaney Swift’s both have live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and the newest venue on the Square, Starr Ranch, is also bringing bands downtown.

People more inclined to jazz music can hit up Franklin’s Jazz and Wine Bar on the weekend inside the Marketplace at Amberleaf. April brings the return of Wakefield’s fashion crawl, and come June, the annual Third Thursday on the Square returns with weekly outdoor music and extended retailer hours.

Foodies are sure to love Crescent City’s new rotating, reservation-only supper club that starts the last Saturday in March. One night a month Isble will close the restaurant’s

The word is slowly spreading that downtown Gallatin is one hip place to hang out.

regular dinner service and instead present a special, upscale menu perfect for a romantic evening with a special someone. Think soft cello music, seared scallops, creamy risotto with mango salsa, sautéed asparagus and grilled watermelon with wine pairings and decadent desserts.

“We just want to show people that you don’t have to go all the way down to Nashville to get that style of food and that style of service,” he says. “We finally got our ambiance the way that we want to give it that beautiful date night appeal. You don’t have to drive down and pay twenty dollars to park in Nashville, and you spend your money locally.”

With all the buzz, people from outside the area are even making the drive to Gallatin to see what’s happening for themselves.

“People from Nashville are coming to check out what we’ve got,” Singleton says. “It’s taken on its own personality, and everybody is working together as a team. It should have always been like that, but whatever has happened recently, I think there’s more risk takers, there’s more ideas.”

FEATURE | Dining

THE DOS & DON’TS OF DINING

BY ANDREA DAVIS

As the years go by, society seems to slip further and further away from adhering to the standards set by Emily Post for etiquette, including dining out. I admit to not following the rules on occasion, but there are some worth upholding no matter what. It’s just good common sense. So, let’s forget about which fork to use, what side your drink should be on and which direction to pass, and focus on what can make or break your dining experience, while ensuring that no one spits in your food.

Before you set foot in the door, find out if you need to make a reservation. Most restaurants have reservation information on their website, and many of them allow you to make them online. There is an app for reservations that I like to use called “OpenTable.”

Several of our local restaurants can be booked through the app.

There is also the option of “call ahead seating” at some restaurants that do not take reservations. Your dining destination may not have either choice, but it is certainly worth finding out.

While we’re on the subject of pre-planning, see if there is a dress code. This really only pertains to fine dining. Save yourself the embarrassment of being turned away or given a dinner jacket from the spare closet. If you are going to spend the money on a nice meal, you might as well look nice doing it.

Now, I have two precious children that I adore, and they love to go out to eat. However, I know that there are some restaurants I should not take them. They likely would not enjoy them anyway, as these restaurants usually do not serve chicken nuggets and a fruit cup. If you want to go to the nice restaurant, splurge for a babysitter. Chances are, somebody else eating there did, so that they could have a kid-free night, your kids included. You also need to know when to take your kids out of the restaurant. If they have gotten out of control, it’s not fun for anyone. Get a to-go box. On the other hand, if you are a part of the group of diners that think children do not belong in any restaurant, stay away from places that offer crayons with the menu or keep your disapproving looks to yourself.

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For my next bit of suggestions, I had a little help.

Not having worked in the food service industry myself, I reached out to friends who have, so that I would not leave out any important advice, causing the aforementioned spitting. Of course, tipping is at the top of the list, and I agree with the information gathered. 15% is not a good tip. It is not the worst, but if you want to be considered a “good tipper,” go with 20%. What about take out, you ask? My sources tell me that, while 20% is not expected, you should still tip something.

Sending food back, in my opinion, is tricky business.

My server friends say that it is perfectly fine to send food back that isn’t cooked properly, has a hair in it, etc. However, if you’re just being picky or eat half of it and decide you don’t like it, you’re towing the line on what may happen to the next thing brought out and put in front of you. Good luck.

When you are done eating, you really should not stay more than 15 minutes. Other people are probably waiting for your table and your server is losing money if you’re a table hog. Be considerate, because next time, you may be the one waiting for someone to get up.

Above all, be nice. If something is wrong with your food or it is taking too long, it’s probably not your server’s fault. If it is, well, people make mistakes and have bad days. You never know what someone’s story is. If anything is really that bad, take it up with the manager. Just make sure it’s worth someone losing his or her job over. If you treat your server the way you would want to be treated, you will most likely have a great dining experience.

LIFESTYLE | A Little Something Extra

Traditions Kept on a Modern Day Easter

BY ANNIE OSTEEN

Springtime is certainly the season of warmer weather, thunderstorms, along with tulips and daffodils gracing our garden after a winter’s nap.

We are hopeful as we say goodbye to the snow, cold temperatures and darker days. In this country, and in several countries around the world, springtime also means the Easter holiday is upon us, which encompasses a myriad of traditions, new and old.

In a culture where a new generation is taking over and making plans to strip away traditions such as saying “Merry” in “Merry Christmas,” and pretending that Christ didn’t play a major part in what Christmas means, Easter is closely followed with trying to remain politically correct. However, for many Christians, Easter is the pivotal holiday in which Jesus Christ takes center stage. It’s a holiday symbolizing life and death and most importantly, victory over evil. And while those politically correct and critical protesters are trying to write a new story for America, there are many of us who continue to flip through the traditional book that made America so great.

Long-established, holy Easter customs still continue to play a heavy role in many lives around the world, while others view these practices as “too close to religion” to take part, taking a more simple approach with celebrating the day. However, there’s no denying that the nonreligious traditions that have comfortably made their way into sharing the Easter holiday with Christ, are enjoyed by most families in modern day America.

Even though most of us know the meaning behind Easter- the resurrection of Christ after being crucified on the cross, the utmost symbolic event in a Christian’s life; Do we know the meaning behind some of the most common traditions during the Easter season?

For instance, the Easter egg. How did we come to use an egg as one of the key commercial icons of the Easter season? There are a few theories about how the egg became popular. One in particular was the tale of the Easter bunny bringing eggs to the community that began as a German tradition, brought to the United States with settlers from southwestern Germany in the 1800’s. The Christian custom of the Easter egg can be traced back to early Christians who stained eggs red in memory of the blood of Christ. Others have said that the egg was something typically given up during the season of Lent (the period of 40 days before Easter), so people would paint and embellish them after their time of atonement, eating them on Easter Sunday as a celebratory tradition. Eggs, in many different 42 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

cultures around the world, have been viewed as a representation of new life and fertility, thus making it a perfect symbol of spring.

Where did the Easter Bunny come from? How does that play into the role of Christ’s resurrection? Well, it doesn’t. The bunny, for lack of a better term, is springtime’s equivalent to Santa Claus and allows children to relish in the idea of finding Easter baskets and eggs that he leaves. Some believe that the intense nature of the life and death of what Easter ultimately represents to Christians is too intense for small children to understand. Therefore, the bunny serves as a playful, innocent distraction.

Some folks maintain that the word Easter stems from Eostre, a pagan goddess of spring and fertility. According to folklore, Eostre found a bird dying from the cold and turned it into a rabbit, so its fur would keep it warm, but the rabbit still laid eggs like a bird. In one adaptation of the story, the bunny paints and decorates the eggs as an offering to Eostre to show his love and devotion.

Regardless of cultural narratives or religious beliefs, the bunny, along with painting eggs and egg hunts, delight us when we watch our kids get a similar excitement to that of Santa Claus and his presents.

Then there’s that beloved chocolate. Shaped as bunnies or eggs, it will always find a way into our diet during Easter time, along with a vast array of jelly beans and marshmallow Peeps. Easter is the second bestselling candy holiday in the United States, after Halloween. According to the National Confectioners Association, over 16 billion jelly beans are made in the U.S. each year for Easter, enough to fill a colossal egg measuring 89 feet high and 60 feet wide. Peeps, created in the 1950’s by a Russian immigrant, has also been the top selling non-chocolate Easter candy for the last fifteen years.

There are many more Easter traditions that have come and gone over the last century, such as wearing white for the first time since Labor Day or Easter bonnets that were typically worn by ladies celebrating Easter to show off for family and friends. Some traditions remain steadfast in our culture, while others have slowly dissipated into memories from an older generation.

Easter has always been a time of family and of celebrating religious Christian beliefs that, for many of us, still hold a special place in our hearts, giving new meaning to life and to what’s important in our own world.

SOCIAL | Portland Chamber 2015 Awards Dinner

Story & Photography by Kimberly Allen The Portland Chamber of Commerce held its 2015 Awards Dinner this February.

The Dinner was sponsored by and held at The Bridge at Highland in Portland. The evening started off with networking and appetizers and led into dinner and the awards ceremony. Some of the categories that were recognized included Industry of the Year, Large Business, New Member, Non-Profit Organization and Small Business. For more information, visit portlandcofc.com.

Heather & Jon Griese, Eva Buss

Gail Gentry, Lynn Rich, Derrick Miller & Rosie Cornette

Ken & Jackie Wilber

Richard & Pam Smith

Now Open Join us for our grand opening events.

Ricky & Jenny Morris

Betty Ralph & Kaitlyn Smith

March 11th - 12th Hendersonville

299-B Indian Lake Boulevard (615) 447-3285 nothingbundtcakes.com

Joe Donald King, Bonnette Dawson, Al Gregory, Amy Harris, Tim Baker & Mark Branstetter

Ryan Harbin, Kim Hallum & John Kleis

Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: Closed

LIFESTYLE | Interior Thinking

It’s All in the Details HOW TO LAYER MORE VISUAL INTEREST INTO YOUR ROOMS

BY ERIC ROSS

In creating rooms today, a huge buzzword is “layering.” What material, finishes of materials, the list is inexhaustible. As a designer, is layering? I’m sure you are familiar with the term in regards to I layer various colors, patterns and textures to create a more clothing. It is very fashionable to have a colored dimensional look. But I also layer in pieces and t-shirt peeking under your dress shirt or blouse, parts of a client’s interests to create a more personal Eric Ross Interiors with a scarf or jacket as a third pattern or tone to his or her new environment. These are the 220 Lewisburg Avenue, texture. By layering, one can visually create more details that can transform a room.

Franklin, TN 37064 attention to yourself—creating more energy or 615.472.8236 more sophistication, depending on the deftness How can you achieve a more layered look in your EricRossInteriors.com of your skill. home? It’s not that difficult if you know the go-to tricks of some of the most talented designers and Follow Eric Ross Interiors on In interior decoration, layering refers to many decorators. Here’s a quick list of the decorating FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter aspects of a room. It can refer to paint, flooring tricks I use to create a more layered look.

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IT ALL STARTS WITH PAINT. So many of my clients think we will just be painting a room one color, or even two. But 4 or 5! That just sounds crazy. Or is it? I have mentioned on a couple of occasions how painting the walls and ceilings different colors can create a more dynamic room. Well, you can also paint built-in cabinets a separate color, as well as an accent wall, all in the same room. It does take some skill, but it can create a very layered look if paired with fabrics and other finishes that combine to create one deliciously lush vignette.

USE MORE THAN ONE FABRIC FOR CURTAINS. Curtains transform a basic room into a richer picture. I like to use more than one fabric on the curtains. One of my favorite tricks is to use an under-valance installed just behind the drapery rod. It helps to visually heighten an under scaled window by connecting the window opening to a drapery rod that has been extended by several inches. It allows another fabric to complement the main fabric for more dramatic effect.

Using another fabric helps soften the hardness of the drapery hardware while still allowing you to see a decorative drapery rod. This is especially effective if you want a more masculine

look. So try using more than one fabric on your next window treatment and see how it can look like a better-coordinated ensemble.

WALLCOVERING ON WALLS, CEILINGS AND CABINETRY CAN PUSH A ROOM TO THE NEXT LEVEL. Wallcovering is another of my go-to elements when creating a layered room.

You cannot get the visual depth with paint that you get with paper. It is a physical material you are putting in the room, where as paint is just color.

But also, don’t just use it for the walls. By installing paper on a ceiling, you are giving another texture or visual that you would be missing otherwise.

And, it’s perfect behind a stack of shelves in a bookcase to highlight collectibles that could be lost in a ho-hum painted cabinet.

PERSONAL MEMENTOS ARE A MUST! Creating a richly layered tableau is not just about combining beautiful patterns, colors and textures. To creating something truly unique and bespoke, you must include photos, books and objects d’art that speak of the person who will be using the room. As a decorator, I try to get into the mind and soul of my clients, really learning from them what they are passionate about. This allows me to create a finished room that reflects their own personality and taste. But don’t get carried away. Knowing how to edit out the noise and confusion a client wouldn’t have the stomach for is very important. I can be a ruthless editor, but in the end, it’s to create the more perfect version of the client.

ANIMAL PRINT CAN TAKE YOU FROM TIRED TO TRANSFORMATIONAL. Animal print is really the number one gimmick employed by any decorator worth his design fees. It instantly provides energy to a room and takes it over the edge. Just one pillow or ottoman upholstered in animal print can make your room look like the cover of a magazine. You can throw it in with any room scheme and it creates an exotic flair you can’t get any other fabric pattern. I use animal print in almost every home I do. It’s one of the most effective tools in our professional toolbox.

As you start to think about your next decorating project, keep in mind the importance of layering different fabrics, colors and finishes in the room. By following my tried and true tricks of the trade you too can bring details that will make your room swoon worthy.

March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 45

LIFESTYLE | Welcome Home

Passing on the Torch for a Golden Era PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA DAVIS

The Golden Era Estate is located on beautiful, rolling, country side hills in Hendersonville, Tennessee and is the home of William Lee Golden of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys. This home has a thick history in Sumner County. It was formerly known as “Pilot’s Knob,” and is documented as the oldest brick home in Tennessee.

Historic in structure and full of Tennessee history, the Federal-style structure home was built in 1786 on a military outpost by Revolutionary War Captain James Franklin. Franklin was awarded the property in gratitude for his military service. The Franklin family gravesites are just beyond the present property line in the backyard. Franklin’s son, Isaac, later built and lived in the Mansion at Fairvue Plantation in nearby Gallatin, Tennessee.

During the Civil War, the Golden Era plantation became a station camp for the Confederate soldiers. When word came that Union soldiers were approaching, the plantation occupants buried their gold and silver before

Golden Era Plantation is more than a home; it is a piece of history.

leaving. During extensive renovations in 1976, over $12,000 of pre-Civil War gold coins were discovered in the basement. Four years later, William Lee Golden purchased the home. He vowed, as its present caretaker, to try to put the gold back into the home and he feels that he has been faithful to the oath.

Not just gold coins were found in and around the home. Indian arrowheads and pieces of pottery (both Indian and early American) were found buried all over the property. A large time capsule was securely hidden inside the home during the last renovation.

Over the years, two tornadoes have struck the stately home. Rebuilding and renovations by the Golden’s took place after a direct hit by a category four tornado in 2006. The damage was extensive, as the tornado took off the roof and damaged much of the top floor. James Wallace was commissioned to restore the home to its original grandeur. Bricks of the same age and

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likeness were located and shipped in. The renovations were completed by April 2007. While you will see modern updates, the building is faithful to the original architecture and aesthetics.

Home owner, Brenda Hall Golden, describes the unique beauty of the estate and property. She says, “Each season at Golden Era is special. In the spring all of the white and purple wild violets, as well as the wild strawberries, are in full bloom, and they blanket the lawn. In summer, the property is completely isolated with green foliage. The fall brings gold trees, which illuminate the rooms. The winter is a time for family gathering, and this home is perfect for entertaining and decorating.”

Brenda also feels that “Golden Era Plantation is more than a home; it is a piece of history.”

With the selling of the estate, both Brenda and William hope to find a person to buy the home that has had as much love and devotion as they in keeping the history true to the property. “This is a peaceful place,” says William. “It encourages relaxation and creativity.”

It’s full of memories for him, but now it’s time to pass on the torch to others to make their memories.

See the full listing for Golden Era Estate at JanisJMartin.com.

COMMUNITY | Your Community Partner

UNITING A COMMUNITY THROUGH FESTIVAL FUN TEN YEARS AGO, LYNDA EVJEN CREATED HOLIDAYFEST TO UNITE AND ELEVATE A COMMUNITY There are many people in Sumner County doing good for their community. Several donate to individual organizations or volunteer, and some get involved with even bigger ways to give back.

Lynda Evjen is one of those individuals who decided to try to find a way to do something more. She wanted to allow more opportunities for organizations to benefit from fundraising and looked to bring awareness to non profits in Sumner County.

entire Hendersonville and adjoining Sumner County community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. HolidayFest joins the people, businesses, government and service organizations of the community. The activities have two primary benefits: they monetarily help worthy non profit causes while bringing substantial business and tourism dollars to the community. HolidayFest does this by attracting thousands of visitors to Sumner County to celebrate the spirit of the season during the months of October, November and December, at the same time they have designed numerous activities supporting and promoting a number of non profit events that take place during this time period. HolidayFest also helps train the nonprofits in their fundraising efforts during these holiday associated events.

In 2007, Lynda Evjen was new to Sumner County and she was asked about creating something to replace the standard seasonal bake sales.

Lynda approached Keller Williams Realty about sponsoring a Gingerbread Competition. Keller LYNDA EVJEN Williams through its then agent, Steve Luther, had just taken over the Hendersonville City Parade and they decided to add that to the weekend to create a small festival. Local This year, HolidayFest will be ten years old and will be hosting at business owners, including Janna von Kessel of the UPS Store, least 20 events. HolidayFest has a board of eighteen members. Last thought it would be good to honor local businesses as well. At the year, they were able to help the charities raise over $100k and their same time, the concept of the St. Nicholas Ball was created and goal this year is $150K. held at a local church. From these three people and three events in the 2007 Christmas season, HolidayFest was born.

Organizations supported by HolidayFest have included: CASA of Sumner County, United Way of Sumner County of their HolidayFest is a non profit community service organization charities, Sumner County Family YMCA, Decisions Choices and whose purpose is an annual festival, which brings together the Options, Literacy Council of Middle Tennessee, Make-A-Wish 50 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

Foundation of Sumner County, Newcomers and Community Club of Sumner County for their charities, Community Child Care of Sumner County, COMPASS, Beyond Limits, Optimist Club, Lions Club, Explorastory of Hendersonville, Actors Point Theatre Company, Steeple Players, Samaritan Center and various local Sumner County schools.

When discussing the goals for HolidayFest, Lynda says, “Our Goal for the Future is to continue to grow by adding additional events throughout Sumner County to highlight and help local organizations and charities but to also find free events for the entire community and seek more donors as well as grants and continue with City support from the Alderman and Mayor, as well as the County Commissioners.”

EVENTS PLANNED FOR 2016-17 The Gentlemen’s Committee Event: OKTOBERFEST Garlands & Glitter Fashion Show Puttin’ on the Dog and Cat Holiday Gala Gallatin’s Tinsels and Treasures Concert for Christmas4Kids at Ryman The “Indian Lake Loop 5M Walk and Run” on Thanksgiving morning The “Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony” in Memorial Park, Free to the Public City Hall Christmas Event with school children Tree Lighting and Downtown Events – Gallatin Annual Hendersonville Christmas Parade Messiah and Concert by Hendersonville Singers “Appalachian Christmas Dinner with Story and Song” Annual Hendersonville BOAT Parade Mrs. Santa Pancake & Presents “Ole Time Christmas” Breakfast with Santa CAKEFEST Competition Christmas Tree Elegance St. Nicholas Ball Annual Gallatin Christmas Parade Santa’s Bike Brigade by Fogbee benefits Toys for Tots, Lite bikes ride through town Mrs. Santa Tea Party at Streets of Indian Lake Christmas4Kids Tour Buses at Wal-Mart Christmas4Kids Shopping at Wal-Mart Christmas Dinner Theatre Production

by Actors Point Theatre.

LEARN MORE AT HOLIDAYFESTTN.ORG

SOCIAL | A Magical Night for Mothers and Sons

Story & Photography by Kimberly Allen The third annual Magical Night for Mothers and Sons was held in February at the Delmas Long Community Center in Goodlettsville. It was a perfect evening for families to bond while having a great time with music by DJ Craig Lewis, a photo booth, dancing, limbo and even a magic show performed by Rodney Kelley! For more information, visit goodlettsvilleparks.com.

Russell, Mary Bea & John Michael Wilson

Bambi & Brody Cook, Jacqueline & Montgomery Dowlen, Jillian & Kamden Brawley

Beckett, Kelly & Griffin Reynolds

Nate, Chrissy & Zachariah Hall

Judah & Victoria Foster, Jane Bryan

Linwood & Christie Bailey

Aiden & Lindsey Bush

Latoya & Gregory Newson

Laythan & Tara Ohning

Brayden & Erin Jerome

Carson & Maegan Elzy

Noah & Amy Gunter

Jennifer & Aaron Figueredo

Grant & Alicia Gillespie

Nicole Mathews

Barbara Krueger & Rodney Kelley

Robbie Brigham & Leah Williams

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LIFESTYLE | Come Fly With Me

Planning a Trip To Disney

BY JENNIFER HARTMAN

I consider one of the best things about having children is being able to see the world through their eyes. It seems like when you are young all you want to do is grow up. And, once you are a “grown up”, you wish to be young again. I believe Walt Disney opened up a world for adults of any age to be a kid again! My husband Brian and I have taken our kids to Disney many times, and each one of them holds priceless, special moments in our hearts. From the first time my daughter met her favorite Disney princess to my son meeting THE Lightening McQueen, we have so many magical moments that will never be forgotten. I love the feeling that I get when I am driving through the gates of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Every single time I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. I can totally relate when other adults say to me, “This may sound crazy, but I think I am more excited about this trip than my children!” Nope, that doesn’t sound crazy at all!

I have had the privilege of being an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for almost five years, and I absolutely love my job! When you are passionate about what you do, it doesn’t seem like work at all.

Disney vacation planning can seem overwhelming to most people, especially those who have never been before. With over 22 resort properties, four theme parks, two water parks, dining plans, fast

passes, magic bands etc., all the choices and information can take the fun out of vacation planning for some folks, which is why using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner makes sense. The best part of all is the services are complementary to you! Disney sees the value we bring, and they compensate us for taking extra special care of their guests.

With our passion and knowledge for all things Disney, we are able to provide unmatched services to each and every client. We don’t just “book” your vacation we “plan” your vacation. There are so many things that we have learned over the years that help our clients get the most out of their Disney vacation. From finding the resort to fit your needs and budget to providing the ultimate packing list, we’ve got you covered!

Our goal as your personal Disney vacation planners are to meet and exceed your expectations and help you create wonderful memories for your family, too. Feel free to look us up to begin making your dreams come true!

For more information, go to jkmousetravel.com.

March 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 53

SOCIAL | Daddy Daughter Dance

Story & Photography by Kimberly Allen It was a memorable evening for all of the little girls and their fathers and grandfathers who attended the Daddy Daughter Dance in early February. The dance was hosted

by Goodlettsville Parks and Recreation and was held at the Delmas Long Community Center. Everyone came dressed in their best party outfits and enjoyed dancing the night away!

A live DJ and fun photo booth kept the party hopping! For more information, visit goodlettsvilleparks.com.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Kenadi & Kris Brown

Julie Parsons & McKenna Fellow

Rufus & Lauryn Johnson

Mitchell & Bailey Bush

Lyle, Ava & Madi Larson

Ken & Kodi Wilson

Jeff & Jordan Duncan

Olivia Davidson, Annslee Ware & Hadley Brown

Sam & Sydnie Hinkle

Bria, Toby & Lexy Swager 54 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

Russ & Ella Edwards

Chris & Kate Renner

Annslee & Mark Ware

George, Lily & Marissa Hanes

Troy & Addie Craig

Makayla, Alli & Shaun Townsend

Addison, Tim & Allie Smith

Eric & Leeric Hogan

Thomas & Dalaina Davis

Miranda Willis, Craig Fessenden & Maria Hall

Steven, Makinzy & Destiny Henley

COMMUNITY | Your Kids

BENEFITS OF ORGANIZED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN

BY GINGER JONES

Sometimes, the benefits of organized sports beyond ‘fun with friends’ aren’t clear to parents. It can be viewed as pulling away from studies or other important things in your children’s lives, or even dangerous to some extent. Before deciding whether or not your kiddos should be star athletes at such a young age, make sure you’re educated on why sports are still as important as ever.

When a child joins a sports team, they’re learning more than how to kick a football or shoot a ball into a hoop. What they’re really learning is how to collaborate with kids their age to work towards a common goal. Even more than group projects, kids must participate with a large group of their peers to make something happen together. They must each learn why their role is important, and how their role - whether it be on the basketball court, baseball diamond, or football field - can support and help every team member around them. This is a kind of teamwork that you don’t see in any other area of academia.

A final important benefit of getting your children onto sporting teams is the physical aspect. Children today aren’t as active as they used to be. There’s less playing outside and running around, and just PE class at school during the day may not be cutting it if they’re coming home as soon as the final bell rings and sitting in front of the TV or iPad for the evening, no matter what you try and get them to do. Enrolling in a sport promotes fun physical activity with friends, which develops muscular strength in children. It’s so important for kids to stay active and healthy, and it’s also important for them to have fun with friends!

Sports combines the two in a structured environment.

Whether your child wants to play football or dance ballet, getting them into an organized sport when their young has multiple benefits. It may not be for everyone, but it’s always at least worth a try!

Ginger Geldreich Jones, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Auditory Verbal Therapist Founder, CEO | Jones Therapy Services, LLC | 615.614.8833 jonestherapyservices.com

O’MORE

Even more than learning how to be an effective team member, your child will learn how to take directions from an authority figure. A coach is someone a child looks up to, someone whose input a child trusts will make them better and more skillful, and that kind of direction-taking spills over into the classroom and even at home.

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LIFESTYLE | Arts & Culture A La Carte

WITH ANDREA DAVIS Your gal about town for everything arts, culture & leisure.

THEATRE: Chris Mann is the Phantom Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music graduate, Chris Mann, takes on his dream role as the Phantom in Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of Phantom is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52 people, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America.

@YOURAndreaDavis facebook.com/artsandculturealacarte artsandculturealacarte.blogspot.com

Chris’s career launched when he was Christina Aguilera’s finalist on NBC’s The Voice. Subsequently, his classical–pop debut album, Roads, hit #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart. Aguilera praised the album saying, “Everything from his tone, to his richness, to his soulfulness comes through loud and clear.” Chris also starred in his own PBS television special: A Mann For All Seasons. He has performed with the National Symphony for President Obama, at Christmas in Rockefeller Center and headlined his own symphony tour across the country.

The list goes on with appearances on Ellen, The Today Show, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Christmas in Washington, and he was an original member of the Dalton Academy Warblers on Glee. With so many amazing accomplishments, Chris’ portrayal of the Phantom is definitely one not to miss. You can find out more about him at ChrisMannMusic.com.

The Phantom of the Opera premieres at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Andrew Jackson Hall March 9-20, 2016. “In TPAC’s 35-year history, no other Broadway production has played more weeks or sold more tickets than The Phantom of the Opera, and it remains one of the most requested shows in our audience surveys,” said Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC’s president and chief executive officer. “Presenting it for the first time in 1994 put our Broadway series on a new level, and we’re thrilled to present again this magnificent newly-staged production with its beautiful music, haunting characters, and, of course, the majestic chandelier.” Tickets can be purchased at tpac.org.

56 YOURSUMNER.COM | March 2016

LIFESTYLE | Keeping Score

MARCH MADNESS HOW TO FILL OUT A BRACKET THAT WON’T MAKE YOU

MAD

BY DAVID CHANGAS

It’s March and that means only one thing in the sports world the NCAA Tournament. College basketball doesn’t come close to sharing the popularity of its football counterpart, especially in the South, but when the field of 68 is announced on Selection Sunday, everyone becomes a hoops junkie.

Whether you’ve watched the sport intently for four months or haven’t spent four minutes in front of a tube checking out the action, odds are, you will fill out a bracket in the hopes of taking home the big prize in your office pool. And if you haven’t any paid attention, here are some suggestions for how to give yourself the best chance to win.

DON’T PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO SEEDS In the first round, for any games other than those involving the top two or three seeds in each region, seeding can be irrelevant. When looking for those first-round upsets to pick, pay more attention to what Vegas says (we’re not encouraging gambling here, but the oddsmakers in Sin City usually know what they’re talking about) than where the teams are placed in the bracket. It’s all about matchups, and you can get an early jump in your pool if you pick the right upsets.

AVOID GETTING TOO CINDERELLA HAPPY Picking a few early upsets is a good idea, but don’t overdo it. And once you get a bit deeper in the tournament, you don’t want too many high seeds littering your bracket. At the end of the Big Dance, the cream usually rises to the top, and you don’t want to be stuck

with too many teams that get eliminated early deep in your bracket.

Though, this year’s tourney has a chance to be the most wide-open in years, remember that it’s pretty rare that teams seeded five or higher reach the Final Four.

IF YOUR BRACKET IS A DUD, ENJOY THE TOURNAMENT ANYWAY Just remember that most years, whether you’re an avid college basketball fan or not, you’re going to shred your bracket in frustration before the NCAA Tournament concludes its first weekend. At that point, you may be tempted to stop paying attention to the action. Don’t make that mistake. The Big Dance consistently produces some of the greatest drama in sports. You shouldn’t allow bad prognostication to cost you the enjoyment of seeing it. So if you aren’t competitive in your pool, forget about it, and have fun watching.

This season, there’s a good chance we will witness the most wideopen tournament we’ve ever seen. Unlike last year, there is no dominant team that will be the heavy favorite to win it all. North Carolina, Maryland, Villanova, Kansas and Oklahoma may be the best bets to cut the nets down in early April, but another dozen or so teams can make that they’re good enough. This should make for the most entertaining March Madness we’ve seen in a long time. And assuming it does, we’ll once again be reminded that, while many of us may ignore the sport for eleven months, it always delivers in March.

MONTHLY | Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW? IN HONOR OF EASTER, DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT THE BIBLE?

The Bible was printed in 1454 A.D. by Johannes Gutenberg who invented the “type mold� for the printing press. It was the first book ever printed.

The Bible contains 66 books, divided among the Old and New Testaments. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament.

The Bible was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by over 40 different authors from all walks of life: shepherds, farmers, tent-makers, physicians, fishermen, priests, philosophers and kings. information courtesy of bibleresources.org

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