TRAVEL
ONE HAPPY, KID FRIENDLY ISLAND
LIFE + CULTURE
PROTECTING
MOUNT JULIET’S PETS
ENTERTAINMENT
CERTIFIED CELEBRATOR, CELEBRATING EVERY DAY
We bring the beach to your backyard.
Our students are encouraged to look beyond the simple paths and search for something more. To explore above, beneath, around and between the surface of things to find a purpose beyond their self. At Cumberland, your experience goes beyond classroom lectures and final exams. It is where you discover who you are, who you want to become and how you want to leave your mark on the world.
Cumberland's personalized education prepares students for a meaningful career and an impactful life that reaches far beyond their time on campus. We pride ourselves in matching students' passions with careers that are fulfilling not just to them, but to the community around them.
This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.
Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we are happy to highlight the best for Mount Juliet kids in this issue.
Secondarily, who could forget pets? This special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love; the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.
Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.
Cheers!
KIMBERLY THOMAS, PUBLISHER @MOUNTJULIETLIFESTYLE
August 2023
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Kim Dickson | kim.dickson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karianne Beasley | karianne.beasley@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Crystal Stephens | crystalstephensphotos@gmail.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Cassidy Polman | cassidy.polman@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Staci Bishop, Karrianne Beasley, Cassidy Polman, Ed Atlas, Justin Beasley
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Crystal Stephens, Kimberlee Brooke Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
1: Music at Circle P Ranch from entertainers like Cheri Hefner for July 4th celebration. 2: Pre fireworks entertainment at the Circle P Ranch 4th of July celebration. 3: Mount Juliet gathers at Circle P Ranch to celebrate the 4th of July. 4: Ready for the festivities at Circle P Ranch July 4th celebration. 5: Music City Brisket food truck feeding festival goers at Circle P Ranch 4th of July. 6: Fun all around during pre-fireworks shows on 4th of July Circle P Ranch celebration. 7: Families take part in the 4th of July celebrations at Circle P Ranch.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @mountjulietlifestyle
Country crooner JD Shelburne has released his sixth studio album, Neon Hallelujah, available on all digital platforms. Co-produced by Shelburne with Mike Proctor, Bart Bush, and Maks Gabriel, the 14-track project features previously released tunes like title track “Neon Hallelujah,” upbeat, devil-may-care “That Devil In Me,” and Shelburne’s rendition of classic hymn “Amazing Grace” (featuring 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys), as well as several new songs, like the drifty, mid-tempo album opener “Cars & Trucks."
Bloom Pediatric Therapy is a private outpatient pediatric clinic that provides speech and language therapy, feeding therapy, and lactation services. Owner Kelcy Bonham is an ASHA certified and Tennessee licensed speech language pathologist for over 6 years. Kelcy specializes in the treatment of infant feeding and swallowing disorders and is a certified lactation counselor (CLC). Contact her today to start blooming! Find out more by calling 615-208-4849 or visiting https://www.bloompediatrictherapytn.com/ Location: 541 N Mt Juliet Rd Suite 2201A, Mount Juliet
Scoreboard Bar & Grill at Cedar Creek Marina is now officially open in Mt. Juliet at 9120 Saundersville Rd. Formerly Fishtails, the restaurant is under new management with the Hobbs family. The kitchen, dining, and ship store have been upgraded and newly painted. The menu at Scoreboard Bar & Grill features classic American fare with a twist, including items such as burgers, wings, and salads. They also offer an extensive list of beers on tap and a wide selection of cocktails.
Our goal is to provide top-notch care to all of our patients. We pride ourselves on cutting edge technology and training so that we can bring the best care available to you and your family.
Microinfusions are in season all summer long.
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Mount Juliet Fire Department opened The North Side Fire Station. Station 2 is located on the north side of Mt. Juliet. This station is across the street from Green Hill High School. Station 2 is home to Engine 2, Ladder 2, Medic 2, and Squad 2.
Photography City of Mount Juliet
Brooke’s On Main
Brooke’s On Main, a boutique furniture and lighting store, is now open to serve the Mount Juliet area. Providing design services as well as custom furnishings, BOM offers an exciting approach to home design. Swing by and meet Brooke and her team. Location: 1003 Meb Court Suite 400, Mount Juliet.
Photography City of Mount Juliet
615.205.2266 | GlowWilco.com | 11853 Lebanon Rd., Mount Juliet
On July 6, Cumberland’s science department and the Schulert Family gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of newly renovated science labs dedicated in memory of Dr. Arthur Schulert.
Because of the generosity of Susan and Peter Schulert, Dr. Schulert’s son, Cumberland science students will be learning in three labs, newly refurbished with cabinets, chairs, shelving and improved safety and ventilation features.
Grab the kids, pack your bags and hit the town for some end of summer fun. Use our list for some family-friendly adventures that will do everything from raising your heart rate, excite the little ones, and create lasting memories together.
LONG HUNTER STATE PARK: More than 20 miles of hiking trails provide a variety of terrain and habitats and range from pleasant strolls to longer jaunts for the more adventurous. 2910 Hobson Trail, Hermitage, TN
FATE SANDERS MARINA: Fate Sanders Marina offers 25 and 30 ft. Pontoons for your boating pleasure. LL PONTOONS COME WITH A LAKE MAP, ANCHOR, AND LIFE JACKETS. 3157 Weakley Lane, Mount Juliet, TN
FALL CREKK FALLS: Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN
URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE AND ADVENTURE PARK: Urban Air is the ultimate indoor adventure park and a destination for family fun. Perfect for all ages and offer the perfect destination for unforgettable kids’ birthday parties, exciting special events and family fun. 1952 Old Fort Parkway Murfreesboro, TN
CEDAR CREEK SPORTS CENTER: Enjoy Putt-Putt Golf, Golf Driving Range, Golf Teaching Facility, Batting Cages (baseball only) and Go Karts. 10770 Lebanon Rd, Mount Juliet, TN
Want to recommend a local experience?
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Photography by Crystal Stephens
B U I L D I N G A C O N C R E T E
L E G A C Y T O U S E O U R
S u m m i t C o n c r e t e i s a f a m i l y - o w n e d c o n c r e t e c o m p a n y t h a t p r o v i d e s a w i d e s e l e c t i o n o f r e s i d e n t i a l c o n c r e t e s e r v i c e s , i n c l u d i n g t r a d i t i o n a l a n d d e c o r a t i v e c o n c r e t e O u r c a p a b i l i t i e s i n c l u d e d r i v e w a y s , c o n c r e t e p a t i o s , p o o l d e c k s , w a l k w a y s , d e c o r a t i v e c o n c r e t e , o u t d o o r k i t c h e n s , p e r g o l a s , r e t a i n i n g w a l l s , f i r e p i t s , a n d e v e r y t h i n g i n b e t w e e n .
Put sprinkles on everything! This is a motto that Brittany Young, founder of Certified Celebrator, lives by. She is on a mission to create a ripple effect of joy and encourages others to join in on the fun of intentionally celebrating every day. Young wholeheartedly believes this leads to deeper relationships in both your home and community. It may seem over the top, but Young leads by example sharing realistic and affordable ways to spread kindness and love to the people around you. She has seen firsthand how one smile leads to another creating a pay-it-forward effect.
The path to becoming a Certified Celebrator started 8 years ago. As a new mom, Young became obsessed with creating meaningful memories for her son and started sharing her crafting ideas on social media. Her Facebook Live videos were seeing over 100,000 women at a time tune in from all over the world to learn her tips & tricks for creating celebrations on a budget. This eventually led to her debut book, “Celebrate with Sprinkles” where she shares over 100 possibilities to add sparkle to any event. One reader commented that the book is “FULL of great ideas to elevate most any occasion. You don’t
have to spend a ton of money. You don’t have to be crafty. You just need Brittany’s ideas!”
One of the most popular chapters in the book, Happy Bee Day, quickly became a crowd favorite and is now one of their signature party themes. Certified Celebrator fans appreciated its versatility being both gender-neutral and appropriate for any season. Creative Director, Jennifer Mowry, says they have been so impressed by the creativity of their readers. It’s one of the team’s favorite things to be tagged on social media and view what others have created with this theme. Mowry has seen their honeybee concept used for everything from a baby shower to a housewarming gift and even birthday parties for adults.
When planning a party, Certified Celebrator recommends first choosing a theme. From there you can select your colors and style. When deciding on decorations and food items, you can pick and choose from a suggestion list or go all in. One key to keeping festivities economical and attainable is to re-purpose items from party to party. Remember, creating a special memory isn’t about how much you spend and it doesn’t have to be Pinterest perfect. CONTINUED >
While Young is skilled at helping women put together fabulous parties, she also continues to inspire them to look for ways to celebrate the everyday moments in life, starting at home. Maybe you put sprinkles on your kids’ pancakes or awe your co-worker with their favorite Sonic drink. These little surprises create delight that trickles down throughout the day to other people. Young believes intentionally celebrating will improve your quality of life because it always gives us something to look forward to, brings people together, and lifts our spirits. Celebrating equals connection and that’s something we all need.
For some, intentionally celebrating can feel overwhelming and they aren’t sure how to get started. Young’s team has a solution for this common concern which can be found in their monthly digital kit, Certified Celebrator Squad, which includes gift tags, seasonal inspiration, activities, and gift ideas. Julie says, “I love that I can use printables to turn ordinary days into something special!” Plus, their free email newsletter is jam-packed with ideas to help you eat, gift, decorate, and celebrate.
When Brittany Young isn’t busy celebrating her loved ones, you can find her snacking on Sour Patch Kids, her guilty pleasure, or speaking to groups around the US on how they can spark happiness in their own lives and those around them. For daily inspiration follow along at certifiedcelebrator.com or on Instagram @certifiedcelebrator.
Kiddo Swim offers ISR Self-Rescue® lessons to teach your child to swim, thrive, and survive!
AMBER MOORE certified ISR instructor
“Amber is a calm, professional and wonderful instructor. She gave our daughter confidence, and now she is able to swim and float to safety and enjoy her time in the water.”
kiddoswim.com | @kiddoswim amber.moore@infantswim.com
The Wilson County TN State Fair runs August 17-26 and it’s a little corny!
There's a reason good country songs talk about falling in love at the county fair - here in Wilson County we are lucky enough to call ours the Tennessee State Fair! With record breaking attendance in 2022, there is sure to be something exciting and different every single day from August 17-26th. This year's theme is "The Year of the Corn," and with so much to see and do, you'll need more than one day to visit.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE WILSON COUNTY FAIR
Starting things off, everyone is invited to the Grand Opening of the 2023 Fair, August 17 at 6:00pm at the flagpole behind the Farm Bureau Expo Center with the fair’s opening parade following at 7pm. Bonus, the first night at the 2023 Fair entry is half price.
Experience one of 100 livestock shows, 15 stages of entertainment, over 150 activities and events, 60 midway rides, more than 100 concessionaires and100 vendors booths, Historic Fiddlers
Grove demonstrators, racing pigs, K-9’s in flight, cat and dog shows, Travel Tennessee, Best of Tennessee competitions, ag education, Pick Tennessee Experience, Eudora Farms, numerous exhibits, or even a hypnotist.
Many new competitions open to state and Wilson County residents are planned including grain art, corn eating contest, state honey show, corn everything digital photo contest, husband calling, CONTINUED >
“Starting things off, everyone is invited to the Grand Opening Celebration of the 2023 Fair, August 17 beginning at 6:00pm, half price entry that night!”
mom calling and more. Looking to get hands on? How about taking a class or perusing the competition submissions?
Along with competition favorites like jams, jellies, cookies, cakes, salsas, apple pie and banana pudding, new competitions added this year, open to Wilson County residents only, include Grain Art, baking classes in a miscellaneous gluten-free baked goods and gingerbread cookies category. Make sure to search the demonstrations link under "schedule" on the website, you'll find classes including regenerative agriculture, cooking with hemp, garden cut floral arranging, Tennessee tree identification, cooking with dairy and more. New classes in Adult Family and Consumer Sciences Current Trends include Gnomes, rock painting, cork art, resin art, finger weaving, paint by number, acrylic paint pour art, coloring page, and grain and seed art. Plus a new youth only class to create grain and seed art.
Get a little fancy. Celebrate Tennessee farm to fork in style with a seasonal dinner on August 21at 6:00pm. Teaming up with Edible Nashville Magazine and Edible chef, Skyler Bush, you will enjoy the sights
and sounds of the fair, while dining on the four course meal featuring local farm raised produce and meats, along with artisan breads and beverages. This a one of a kind experience will sell out so grab a ticket before they're gone.
Don't miss out on the heart pounding excitement of the Truck & Tractor Pull August 4th and Aug 5th, plus monster truck shows, antique tractor pulling, rodeo, demolition derby events throughout the fair's tenure.
Of course, there is no shortage of music all day every day at the fair. A must see, Grammy, ACM, and CMA award winning band Little Texas, performing on Monday, August 21st at the Entertainment Pavilion, with the C-Dock Boyz kicking off a night of great music starting at 5:30pm at the James E. Ward Ag Center. Also performing School of Rock, Fredonia Bluegrass Band, Fredonia Bluegrass Band, Point of Grace, Tim Graves & Farm Hands and dozens more.
For the latest updates, presale tickets, schedules and submission info, visit wilsoncountytnstatefair.com We’ll see YOU at the Fair!
Welcome to Mt. Juliet Family Vision, here we strive to deliver the ultimate customer service experience from the moment you walk in our door. We are devoted to creating high-quality eye wear you will fall in love with and be proud to wear. We take pride in using the latest technology to fully customize your visit. Everything is custom-tailored for you; from scheduling your appointment to designing your lenses!
Scott Latzsch had always grown up around animals as a child and continued to enjoy animals into adulthood. He and his wife, Tara, share that bond as pets have remained a constant in their lives together. While Scott was frustratingly chipping away at his career in corporate America, he would soon discover his true calling in the world of canines was waiting for him.
Scott and Tara began calling Mount Juliet home in 2016. That’s when a tiny little terror aptly nicknamed “Hyper Piper” entered their lives. This pup turned Scott and Tara’s world on its head and they knew that dog training was in order. But after several trainers, they had been unable to achieve the behavior from Piper that they were hoping for. They decided to give it one more try with a local trainer who used an entirely different method for training dogs. “He had a completely different approach when it came to working with dogs and working on obedience...every week we would meet again and my dog started excelling in her behavior. Her behavior started to change,” Scott describes, “She’s a good dog now.” CONTINUED >
Scott excelled in using the behavioral tools needed to help Piper. And near the end of her training, their trusted dog trainer asked Scott a life-changing question- “Did you ever think about becoming a dog trainer?” Soon, Scott's future as a trainer began to fall into place. “I started working under him and he started training with me. I started to gain all of his knowledge...things just started to click,” Scott says. He quickly decided to say goodbye to the corporate world for good and embark on his journey as a dog trainer. That’s when AllStar Canine Academy began, and for the last four years, this family-owned business has been helping dog owners in Mount Juliet and surrounding areas create transformative canine/ owner bonds.
AllStar Canine Academy offers several training programs specifically designed to meet the needs of dogs and their owners. Whether clients are looking for puppy training, in-home training, leash walking, group classes, board & train, and more, Scott is prepared to help owners and pets learn to live harmonious lives and create lasting bonds. He understands the complexities of dog ownership and can customize his techniques for his clients, “If a client is looking for a specific program or looking to work on a specific behavior, I will create a program to fit my client's needs.” Scott is also a certified American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator and offers a Canine Good Citizenship Program for those who are looking to take their dog's training to the next level of achievement.
At AllStar Canine Academy, clients begin to understand that the most important skill to develop when helping their dog learn better behavior is patience and the confidence to stick with the training. “That’s the most important thing...It’s amazing. When the owner shows more confidence, the dog shows more confidence as well and that’s what obedience training is; just developing their confidence so that they can handle a variety of different stimulation,” Scott explains. At the end of the day, folks who come to AllStar Canine Academy are looking to give their dogs an easier, richer life filled with the kind of behavior that creates that special confidence. Scott diligently devotes himself to meeting the needs of clients and pups in order to make Mount Juliet a better place, one canine at a time.
For many kids, going back to school isn’t their favorite time of year. But you never know when returning to the classroom might ignite that certain spark that leads to a lifelong career.
That’s how it was for Drs. Samantha Kelly and Blerta Selden, co-owners of Pearl Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Mount Juliet.
Dr. Sam, the dentist, and Dr. Blerta, the orthodontist, both were inspired by experiences they had in school.
“I knew I wanted to be a dentist when I was in middle school,” says Dr. Sam. “My dentist and orthodontist were awesome and let me shadow them. I was always interested in science, and this gave me an opportunity to connect what I was learning in school to something I could do for a career. The dental office seemed like a fun and positive environment. And I liked the idea of being able to fix something right away.”
“What’s nice about our office is that kids can see Dr. Sam, then come see me on the same day. That makes things easier on the kids and more convenient for parents.”
- Dr. Blerta Selden
Why back-to-school season evokes fond memories for a Mount Juliet dental duo
Dr. Blerta’s seminal moment came while attending high school in her native Albania. There she found herself gravitating to classes that inspired her interest in medicine.
“I knew then that I was going to pursue a career in healthcare. The only question was whether it would be medical or dental,” she says. “l chose orthodontics because you’re able to help people have a beautiful smile which leads to self-confidence.”
Both doctors emphasize that proper pediatric dental care is essential to a healthy lifestyle and that back-toschool time is a great time to get back into the habit of routine visits.
“Studies have shown that kids with good oral hygiene do better in school,” says Dr. Sam. “That’s because they don’t experience pain as frequently as kids who do not practice proper oral hygiene. So, they eat better, they sleep better, and they’re better prepared for school.”
Dr. Blerta says that certain skeletal issues are more easily resolved at a young age.
“The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist at the age of seven,” she says. “Not necessarily for braces but to address conditions such as crossbite and narrow jaws which are much easier to fix at seven or eight than at 14.
“What’s nice about our office is that kids can see Dr. Sam, then come see me on the same day. That makes things easier on the kids and more convenient for parents.”
Dr. Sam and Dr. Blerta have worked together for several years and became best friends. Not long ago they decided to open Pearl Dentistry and began seeing patients there earlier this year.
They and their patients have been smiling ever since.
COMPASSION IS THE CORE OF WHAT MOUNT JULIET ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL STANDS FOR
ARTICLE BY JUSTIN BEASLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOUNT JULIET ANIMAL
Mount Juliet Animal Care & Control runs on dignity and love. That’s how they’ve operated since first opening their doors in December of 2008. Not only do they serve as animal control for the City of Mt. Juliet, but they are also a shelter for abandoned, unclaimed, and abused animals. It’s a 24-7, 365 days-a-year operation. It takes a staff, currently with three animal control officers and a supervisor in Stephanie Cox, full of passion for animals and people, to be able to withstand the physical and mental grind that is required of them. MJACC also prides itself on never euthanizing for lack of space or length of an animal’s stay. To adopt you must complete an adoption application form. Volunteers are welcome and must be 18 or older.
Kid-friendly spaces can be the place where you let your creativity shine. These spaces can be fun and exciting and be the most unique room in your home. As a certified Home Stager and Designer for Four Lovely Walls Staging and Interiors, my own small business, when designing a house for a client, my goal is for each room to speak to each other and be connected as a whole. For example, your living room and kitchen need to flow together to make your house comfortable and inviting. However, kid’s spaces are something completely different where you can use fun and bold patterns not used in any other room of your home.
The design layout itself can be simple by keeping a few things in mind. Kids need room to play and to have freedom within their structured space so it is important not to overcrowd the area. For example, when designing your child’s room, you first want to include the important things such as a crib or bed. This is the focal point of the room so take your time picking out the bed that really speaks to the design. Next, find something you love to store clothes. Putting clothes in stylish baskets or hanging them up on fun hooks, at eye level, are perfect ways to encourage involvement from your kiddos when getting them dressed. Then comes the fun part of picking some unique ways to display or store books and toys for your little one. Bonus, if you have a little extra room add a special reading or lounging
area with a sweet window seat or a cool teepee filled with comfy cushions.
You will want to keep things in the room that your little one will love. If you love it but feel like it’s a hindrance to them, that’s a good sign that it doesn’t need to be included in your design. While the room can be gorgeous, functionality is critical. Keep in mind every piece needs to be there for a reason and doesn’t need to come before the enjoyment that the space is intended to provide. Trust your gut when designing your room. Once you feel you’ve reached the perfect amount of warmth that’s when you are finished. Less can be more.
Seeing your child enjoying their newly designed space can be heart-warming, however, keeping the space tidy can be challenging. The key to keeping a kid’s room manageable is to add as much stylish storage as possible. Find items that have multiple purposes for the space but also look nice. This can be with a bench at the end of the bed used for toy storage, a chair with an accessible ottoman for blanket storage, or a wicker side table that can double as a clothes hamper, as pictured. This will help you store items out of sight while making the space feel calm and clean and what parent doesn’t want a kid’s room to feel calm and clean, right?
Texture is an element you don’t want to forget in any design, including a children’s area. Making all the textures the same will make your room will feel flat. You want the area to feel alive with different layers and different details within fabrics. For example, a fluffy throw, a thick fuzzy rug, or pillows with fun detailed designs. Other examples can include, a faux potted tree or a soft rocking horse coordinating with the colors in the room. All of these will stand out and give your room that extra touch. Shopping for these items can be the most fun part of the design process.
“…Include your child’s personality in this space. Anyone can look on Instagram and design what you see as the latest design on social media, but you want to bring out what makes your child unique.”
SIMPLICITY: Don’t overthink the space. You want the area to feel welcoming and happy.
PLAY WITH FUN TEXTURES AND PATTERNS: This is where you can take risks. Use the ceiling, walls, or unexpected spots to make your room pop.
STYLISH STORAGE: These hidden gems keep the room manageable, looking good, and are great for saving space no matter the size of the room.
FUNCTION: LEAVE SPACE FOR ACTIVITIES: Think through what you will need to do in the room and try to avoid creating obstacles.
FUN SPACE: The kid’s room gets a pass. It doesn’t have to follow the feel of the house. Have fun and try new things!
More than anything you want to make your children’s space fun. Make sure you include your child’s personality in this space. Anyone can look on Instagram and design what they see as the latest design on social media, but you want to bring out what makes your child unique. If your kid loves construction, sports, rainbows, or flowers, find unique ways to add this to their space. The touches of their favorite items should be found in subtle ways as you move throughout the room.
In the design pictured, flying paper airplanes were painted on the ceiling to add a fun, special touch to this little boy’s room. Don’t forget to add something personalized as well, like a name sign, a letter pillow, etc. Just remember this is a space in your house where you can have creative freedom. Following these steps and tips can help with creating a space that you and your child will love. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and see what works!
The Caribbean has some clear associations. Upon hearing the word, your mind is likely to conjure up certain images - sparkling ocean water, white sandy beaches, tropical cocktails, and…probably pirates (thanks Disney). So while you’re likely to think ‘vacation,’ it’s considerably less likely to think ‘family vacation.’
And for many of the islands that make up the Caribbean, there might be a good reason for that. However, Aruba is, judging by every available measure, one of the best places to take your kids.
When choosing a destination for a family vacation, safety is often the first consideration. Compared to other Caribbean destinations, Aruba enjoys a very low crime rate and has a reputation as one of the safest islands in the region. Additionally, Aruba lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, which makes it a safe and ideal travel destination in the summer (or any time of year, really). With no threat of inclement weather, you’re free to enjoy all the outdoor activities the island has to offer. Food and drinking standards are also similar to the United States, to put anxious minds (and sensitive stomachs) at ease.
Another consideration for a family vacation is the type of accommodations available. Luckily, there are a multitude of great family-friendly options to choose from in Aruba. The Renaissance Aruba is a standout, as an all-inclusive resort with both a family property and an adults-only property. The family property serves beach parties at their multiple beach-front pools (with a swim-up bar), while the adults-only property offers a view of the marina, a rooftop pool, and a live DJ. The Renaissance is also close to the airport and offers a free shuttle service.
All of this would be meaningless, however, if there weren’t plenty of activities to satisfy the wide and varied tastes of the whole family. Fortunately, there really is something for everyone.
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLEE BROOKE PHOTOGRAPHYSnorkelers of all levels will rejoice, as there are plenty of things to feast your eyes on in the beautiful blue waters of Aruba. Kids can see friendly sea turtles in the shallower regions, while the more adventurous of the group can go a little deeper and explore the famous coral reefs and various shipwrecks. For those a little less keen on swimming, submarines are also available to provide the same views with less physical demand.
To explore the land, there are ATV tours available where you can take in nearly the entire island
"IT’S KNOWN AS ‘ONE HAPPY ISLAND,’ AND IT LIVES UP TO ITS SLOGAN IN EVERY WAY. WITH ITS BEVY OF PICTURESQUE BEACHES AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES TO BE ENJOYED, THIS TRAVEL DESTINATION IS SURE TO MAKE ONE HAPPY FAMILY AS WELL."
while simultaneously learning about the history of Aruba. And back at the beach, there are plenty of unique ways to have fun in the water. Inner tubing on the back of a speedboat is one, particularly popular and thrilling pastime.
Additionally, the Renaissance is attached to a shopping area that includes both local and high-end (e.g., Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc.) stores. There’s also a beach-front casino (the only one in Aruba) and massages on the beach. There are beach barbecues hosted by the hotel, replete with an all-you-can-eat buffet and live entertainment.
You might be surprised to learn that there were once gold miners in Aruba. To this day, there is still gold to be found, though they have outlawed people from mining for it. Perhaps the ‘gold’ left to be mined is in the memories you can create with your family in this beautiful country. It’s known as ‘one happy island,’ and it lives up to its slogan in every way. With its bevy of picturesque beaches and outdoor adventures to be enjoyed, this travel destination is sure to make one happy family as well.
Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages.
There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
August 4th- Food & Flick: Ticket to Paradise
CHARLIE DANIELS PARK | 8:15 PM
Mount Juliet Parks and Rec presents Food and Flick! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, food trucks will be available.
Music City Grand Prix
1 VANTAGE WAY, NASHVILLE | 6:00 PM
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix® is a three-day festival of speed and sound featuring INDYCAR® Witness a race unlike any other. The course will zip through the heart of Music City and be the first professional race to cross a body of water when it passes over the Cumberland River into downtown Nashville. It’s a racing spectacle that you won’t find anywhere else.
Homeschool Days
NASHVILLE SHORES | 10:00 AM
Calling all Homeschool families! Join us for a day of fun in the sun! Homeschool students and families can receive admission for $26.99 plus tax per person during Homeschool Days. For more information on how to purchase tickets please contact Nashville Shores.
Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair
45 E. BADDOUR PARKWAY, LEBANON | 5:00 PM
TEN days of family fun and great entertainment August 17-26, 2023! There's so much to see and do, you can't see it all in one visit!
12th annual Jazz On The Cumberland Concert Series
NASHVILLE CUMBERLAND PARK | 4:00 PM
Nationally Ranked as the #1 Destination For Jazz In The City Of Nashville. Free, Family-Friendly. Gates, Vendors, and a Variety Of Great Food Trucks Open at 4:00 pm. Live Music 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm featuring local, regional, and national acts. Kid's Fun Play Zone, and Plenty Cool Shaded Seating. Bring Your Blanket or Lawn Chair (no tents). Presented By Victor Chatman Productions and Nashville Metro Parks and Recreation.
GLADEVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER | 10:00 AM
Adult Clothing and Home Decor Consignment Sale August 24 - 27, 2023
Thurs., August 24 - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Fri., August 25 - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat., August 26 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Discount Day - most items 50% off)
Sun., August 27 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Dollar Dash) (Items priced $10 and under will be $1; items priced over $10 will be 75% off)
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MountJuliet
