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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Give Thanks

November 2023 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Cassidy Polman | cassidy.polman@citylifestyle.com

Taking time to reflect on what we are grateful for is medicine for the soul. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of our busy lives, often losing sight of how far we've come. One thing I love most about this season of giving thanks is that it invites me to remember what I'm truly grateful for and to embrace the ones who have supported me and guided me along the way. Not only do I want to take time to find gratitude for the people and things around me, but I also want to recognize the places that I'm thankful for. I have been in cities and towns that have served as a place of great change for me, where I dared to give it my all, where people embraced me, encouraged me, and made me feel at home. One of those places, for me, is Murfreesboro. I came to Murfreesboro from a small town looking to achieve a higher education and begin a life of my own. I'm grateful that I accomplished all of that and more! Murfreesboro is where I met my husband. It's where we had the cutest little courthouse wedding. Murfreesboro is where we bought our first home, and it's where we welcomed our daughter. And while we now reside in Mount Juliet, I will always keep Murfreesboro close to my heart. I keep coming back because I love it here. I feel thankful here. In our "thankful" issue, we get to highlight many of the amazing people and businesses in Murfreesboro that play an important part in making this community a wonderful place to be. You will learn how students at MTSU are giving back through Habitat for Humanity. You can read about Murfreesboro mothers who donate to ensure that the smallest among us are nourished. We are also excited to bring you the story of local country artist, Drew Green, and how his music is often inspired by his home life on the family farm. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. I hope you feel encouraged to take time this season to reflect on what you are grateful for and share it with those around you.

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Murfreesboro City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Murfreesboro area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Murfreesboro City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 MTSU Students Help With Habitat Build

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Education Corner EDU CAT I ON

Giving Back LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Local Limelight ENT ERTA I NM E N T

Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Expert Help HO ME S ERV I C ES

Inspired By T R AV EL

Take a break from tradition and instead try taking the trip of

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

a lifetime this holiday season!

Events

The Future Homeowner Says it is a ‘Dream Come True’

18 Banking on Generosity

The generosity of Tennessee mothers is something you can bank on – literally.

20 Rooted in Thankfulness

Country Artist Drew Green Reflects on Music and Growing Up on His Family’s Tree Farm

28 Traveling Through the Holidays

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Patrick Robinson, Relive Studio Country Artist Drew Green Reflects on Music and Growing Up on His Family’s Tree Farm.

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

Murfreesboro locals enjoying the Sip, Shop, and Stroll event downtown to celebrate and support small businesses. 1: Jamie and Mike Eliott 2: Robin Vondohlen, Sarah Hanback, Jill Currier, Dawn Warren 3: Victoria Benson and Matt Henry, Copper & Co. 4: Saige Coble, Cyndal Weems, Kara Kerr, Katelyn Bellanfant- State Farm. 5: Cindy Hailey, Britaney Winter, Deanna Kisor, Chelsea German, Drea Brown, Shawn Luman 6: Brooklyn and Brandon Messick 7: Katie Beth Byars, Harper Byers (child), Lisa Vancleave Photography by Main Street Murfreesboro

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C I T Y SC E N E

LOCAL COMPANY LOCAL EXPERTISE A Team of Specialists Hyperlocal Market Expertise Guaranteed Sale Program Fixer Upper Program Instant Oﬀer on Your Current Home In-House Mortgage Lending Professional Stager Inside Contractor Extensive Marketing Exposure Complimentary Moving Truck VIP Service Provider Relationships Client Appreciation Events 239 John Rice Blvd Ste A Murfreesboro TN 37129 Oﬃce: 615.867.3020 TN Firm Lic: #260670 Find your next home at HomesInTheBoro.com @murfreesbororealestate

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

DARRYL WORLEY & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

EMPOWER ME CENTER 2023 PARTY ON THE PROPERTY

"Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas kicks off on November 10 with Worley’s debut dinner show beginning on November 23. He will headline 33 live dinner shows through Christmas Day. Held in the iconic 2,888 room hotel's Tennessee Ballroom, guests will enjoy a delicious holiday meal prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team followed by Worley and Friends’ performances." Absolute Publicity, INC. For ticket reservations visit christmasatgaylordopryland.com

The first ever Empower Me Center Party on the Property, presented by ReMax Exceptional Properties, was a tremendous success with guests and volunteers in attendance. The event was a continuation of their celebration of 25 years of serving the Special Needs Community in Middle Tennessee. The day’s highlights included entertainment by Middle Tennessee Natives, Kason Lester, the C-Dock Boyz, and The Cumberland Jam Band. To learn more, visit empowermecenter.com.

Photography Amy Allmand

Photography Provided by Empower Me Center

VANDERBILT WILSON COUNTY HOSPITAL FINALIZES LEVEL III TRAUMA CENTER DESIGNATION Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital has been certified by the state as a fully designated Level III Trauma Center — the first in Lebanon, Tennessee. To become a trauma center in Tennessee, health facilities are required to operate under provisional status for one year. Since VWCH achieved its provisional status in June 2022, its ability to operate at the higher standards expected of a trauma center has been assessed. VWCH excelled in its final assessment in June 2023 and completed its certification. vanderbiltwilsoncountyhospital.com Photography Provided by Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

Being thankful for what we have, and giving back to those in need is important all-year round, and particularly during the holidays. We love our community and want to support our people and organizations in as many ways as we can, so join us in paying it forward with these local opportunities.

Our Picks to Pay it Forward SECOND HAR VEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE: Non-perishable

food items can be dropped in the Second Harvest Food Bank donation barrels in the front of your local Kroger store. 331 Great Circle Rd, Nashville, TN NOUR ISH FOOD BANK: Nourish exists to feed families, fuel hope, and nourish our communities through compassionate service, supportive programs, and partnerships that create a network of care. 211 Bridge Ave, Murfreesboro, TN AMELIA'S CLOSET: When life demands a fresh start, Amelia’s Closet offers women the clothing and confidence they need to get the job they want. 810 NW Broad St. Suite 10, Murfreesboro, TN STEPPING STONES SAFE HAVEN: "To assist women and women with children experiencing homelessness find their next step to healing and stability through the love of Jesus Christ." 720 Old Salem Road, Murfreesboro, TN CHILD

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MTSU ST UDENTS HELP WITH H A B I TAT B U I L D THE FUTURE HOMEOW N E R SAYS IT IS A ‘DREA M C OM E TRUE ’

ARTICLE BY DEANN HAYS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MTSU

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | EDUCATI ON

Each year, students from Middle Tennessee State University roll up their sleeves and help Habitat for Humanity change the lives of a deserving family. In a recent panel build, students and volunteers came together to start work that will become the walls of a home for an Aramark staff member who has been a familiar face on campus for more than 15 years. “To know the students have volunteered their time to come help me build my daughter and me a home, it makes it feel like a family instead of a workplace. I am grateful for each and every one of them,” said home recipient Frederica. Since 2006, MTSU has partnered with the nonprofit organization to help build homes, panel walls and help raise funds for the community. “You want students to be connected to the institution, but you want them to be connected to their community and the people they’re around,” Jackie Victory, director for student organizations and service, said. “Students know what it means to be ‘True Blue’ and what it means to be a member of MTSU. The hope is that when they move on and go on and do all these great things, they remember those little things that they did, and it brings back good memories for them so that they want to continue to be a part of MTSU later on.” Victory, who has worked at MTSU for 25 years, said the fact this particular panel build will soon change the life of a person who works on MTSU’s campus makes it even more special. “It couldn’t have been more perfectly matched, to be honest - that Frederica was selected as a homeowner for Habitat, and that MTSU is doing it makes it much cooler,” she said. “There are a lot of our students, first generation college students, that have had difficult times in their own lives, and those are the students who want to give back the most because they’ve been there. It just opens up the door for conversations about homelessness and different things like that.” To qualify for a Habitat home, the future homeowner completes 50 hours of financial literacy and homeowner education to prepare them to buy their home and be a successful homeowner. They also complete 250 partnership hours where they help build their own home and others in the neighborhood.

“THI S I S JUST A FE E L IN G THAT I CAN N OT E V E N PU T I N TO WORDS BECAUSE THIS IS RE AL LY A D RE A M C O M E T R U E , A N D I ’M JUST SO FORE VE R G RATE FUL FOR E VE RYT H I N G ,” F R E DE R I CA SAYS, A DDIN G , “ I LOOK FORWARD TO A SA F E PLAC E F O R M E A N D MY DAUGHTE R TO COME HOME TO, T H E N E I G H B O R H O O D BUILDI N G EQU ITY, MORE FAMILY TIME AN D H O ST I N G H O LI DAYS A N D GA ME N IGHTS.”

“Through the Habitat program, the homeowner will pay $800 to $900 per month for their mortgage to buy their home,” explained Melissa Cross, marketing and development director for the Rutherford County area Habitat for Humanity. “The impact of homeownership for the family and the community is great. Our families work for hospitals and health care services, schools, manufacturers, food preparation services, retail and big box stores, shipping and logistics companies, banks, and many industries that Middle Tennesseans rely on.” Frederica’s new home will be near campus, with around 20 other homes in the neighborhood, and is expected to be finished next year.

Frederica (center)

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Banking on Generosity

Milk Donor Recipient, Lilliann Rednour Photo Provided by Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee

The generosity of Tennessee mothers is something you can bank on – literally. ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MOTHERS’ MILK BANK OF TENNESSEE

G IV IN G B AC K | LOCAL SE RVI CE S

Giving birth is one of the most vulnerable experiences in a woman’s life. While the risks to the mother can be tremendous, most women are preoccupied with ensuring the health and safety of their baby. So, when a baby ends up in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), it would certainly ease a mother’s mind to know there’s a remedy that reduces the mortality rate of pre-term and low birth weight infants by as much as 75%. It’s something that can be thought of as both natural and almost supernatural in its restorative abilities – that is, human breastmilk. However, there’s a catch. Sometimes breastmilk doesn’t come in for the mother in the necessary timeframe. This is especially true in cases where the baby is born prematurely. Fortunately for our community, there is a local resource that can help in those dire circumstances. The Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee (MMBT) was established nearly ten years ago by two couples, Brister and Helen Scott and Bruce and Susan Campbell; Amy Painter, MMBT marketing director, explains that the two were joined together by their mutual “passion for saving medically fragile babies.” Having both spent their careers in the medical field (Susan, a neonatologist, and Helen, a board-certified lactation consultant and registered nurse), they saw firsthand both the incredible benefits of human breastmilk and the type of circumstances that necessitated donations. “As of today, MMBT has established 16 milk drop depots across the state, approved 592 milk donors, and shipped over 500,000 feedings of life saving pasteurized human donor milk,” says Painter.

MMBT boasts an impressive record, but the impact of this organization cannot be understood just based on the metrics alone; what brings it home are the stories of those whose lives were not just changed, but made possible, by MMBT. One such story is that of Lilliann Rednour, who was born six weeks early and weighed in at just 4 lbs, 14 oz. Painter recalls, “Lilliann and her mom, Kimberly, both faced challenges related to the preterm delivery. Kimberly wanted to breastfeed but experienced delayed lactation. Lilliann was able to receive pasteurized donor human milk from Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee during her NICU stay until her mother was able to breastfeed. Today, Lilliann is a happy and healthy toddler thanks to the generous moms across Tennessee that made it possible for her to receive donor milk.” There are many stories like this. And while recipients have obviously benefitted from MMBT, donors have as well. Mothers who have tragically lost their babies have been able to donate their milk supply – giving them both a profound sense of purpose in their grief and a meaningful way to honor the life of the child they lovingly carried. All donations are an incredible act of generosity and we’re so thankful that we live in a community where mothers look out for all babies. MMBT is the mechanism that makes it possible for mothers to support other mothers, and to save the lives of the smallest and most vulnerable among us. And it’s a great comfort to know that when we’re at our most vulnerable, the mothers of our community and MMBT stand at the ready to lend a helping hand.

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Drew Green

Rooted in

Thankfulness While he may be a Country artist and songwriter in Nashville now, Drew Green’s roots stem from McMinnville, TN, where he grew up working on his family’s tree farm. His father started Faron Green Nursery when Drew was three years old, so the farm life is the only life he has ever known. "At the time, I hated it, because they’d put me to work every day,” he says of his parents with a laugh. “But now looking back, I think

it’s made me have a pretty good work ethic. I’m thankful for it now, for sure. I was the first child. My brother is five years younger than me. I feel like I had to do a lot more than he did I guess growing up, which makes sense, it was a new business. So, I would come home from school and go to work every day.” While Green ultimately ended up chasing his music dreams to Nashville, he has immense pride and respect for the family

COUNTRY ARTIST DREW GREEN REFLECTS ON MUSIC AND GROWING UP ON HIS FAMILY’S TREE FARM

ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK ROBINSON, RELIVE STUDIO

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT

business, which has expanded to three farms on over 500 acres where they grow 100 varieties of plants including everything from maple trees to dogwoods, green giant Christmas trees to burning bush and more. “I would’ve definitely stayed in the business if it wasn’t for my brother,” shares Green. “My brother was die-hard wanting to do it. So, if he had wanted to do something else, I would’ve stayed. I wouldn’t have let it go to waste because it was the family business…” The years of farm life taught him the importance of hard work early on, which he greatly values as he has used that same work ethic and determination to build his music career. “I’m thankful for the work that it gave me. I’m thankful that it led me to Country music. I’m thankful that it kind of showed me how to raise my kids in the right way. I plan on sending my kids down to the farm for some hazing, put them to work” he jokes. He acknowledges the importance of farms and farmers in the United States and how they play an integral role across the country. “I think that’s what makes the tiny towns go round,” he says. Green’s country upbringing has provided unlimited inspiration and authenticity that can be seen in his songwriting and music, which he describes as “a blend of Rap, Rock, and Country.” With song titles including “Dirt Boy”—a term he says kids used in his hometown for those raised on farms—and “Money Grows on Trees”, it’s not hard to see that Green writes about what he knows: living life on a farm. “I always tell my songwriter buddies, ‘If you’ve got a song that’s got a tractor in it, hit me up because I’m probably going to want

to be on it,’ because that’s where I fell in love with Country music was sitting on one,” he says. “I guess in my songs, I portray myself as a farmer still.” However, when he first left the farm to attend Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, a career in Country music wasn’t the initial plan for Green. Rather, he majored in finance with a dream of working in the stock market, “I loved the suit and tie aspect of banking, but I never got to do that,” he explains. He grew up as a sports guy, always playing on a team, but started to gravitate toward music in high school, playing backup guitar in a rock band with his best friends his junior year. It was his college years that really exposed him to playing live and the idea that maybe his love of music could turn into a career. “I got the opportunity to get onstage and play one day and it turned into me getting a gig at that bar…” he shares of his college years. “I started getting a really big following at Tech really fast, like pretty rapidly to make me think that ‘Maybe I could do this for a living.’” With determination and a dream, he made the move to Nashville, playing the 10 PM – 3 AM slot at Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge on Broadway four days a week for four years. Two of those years he was pulling double-duty, grinding it out in the corporate world as well as working at a bank, in addition to writing songs. His upbringing of hard work and long hours on the farm prepared him for his early years of paying his dues in the music industry as he worked to build his career in Nashville. He gives well-deserved credit and gratefulness to his wife, Bethany,

“I’m thankful for the work that

it gave me. I’m thankful that it led me to

Country music.”

CONTINUED >

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“This [past] summer has been like the biggest blessing ever…It’s been pretty surreal.”

Drew, Bethany and their two children

who works as a nurse practitioner, crediting her job for supporting them in their early Nashville days, while he put his income toward recording demos and pursuing his music dream. Green has now been in Nashville for 10 years and signed his record deal a week before the world shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since then, he’s been hard at work writing songs for his debut album, which he is getting close to finishing with hopes to release it by early next year. He’s had an exciting year on tour, opening for big-name artists including Alabama, Sam Hunt, and Darius Rucker, playing his music including

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT

songs “Best Ex I Ever Had” and “Good Ol’ Boy”. “This [past] summer has been like the biggest blessing ever… It’s been pretty surreal,” says Green. While he loves playing music across the country, the father of two—a six-year-old son and two-year-old daughter—acknowledges that it is hard to be away from his family when he’s on the road. He says he’s most thankful for his wife and kids this year, as well as his team and the shows that he’s been able to play this year. To stay up to date on new music from Drew Green visit DrewGreen.com and follow him on Instagram and TikTok @DrewGreen.

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It’s Never Too Early to Shop Local

ARTICLE BY SOFIA DELILAH PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

All the gift ideas you haven’t thought of

Murfreesboro sure has a unique market for shopping local. There is probably something for everyone on your list that can be shopped for locally. But what about those that are just simply hard to buy for? That have everything? We wanted to curate a list ahead of the holiday season to help you out.

(2) URBAN AIR

Consider a membership to Urban Air for that niece or nephew who has balled up energy. Makes a great stocking stuffer or last-minute gift idea.

(1) UPTOWN MAN

There really isn’t quite anything like this one-stop shop for men in Murfreesboro. Ladies, once your man steps foot into Uptown Man, he may never turn back. From massages to pedicures, waxing and facials, you’re sure to get brownie points with a gift card to Uptown Man.

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPIN G

(3) NASHVILLE TITANS

For all the football and loyal Nashville fans in your life, men and women alike, consider tickets to the Titans game! Better yet, add that special someone on the waiting list for season tickets for the new stadium being built, set to launch in 2027.

(4) WAG IT BETTER

From Private to group lessons with the positive enforcement approach for your pup, all the way to the curated gift and high-nutrient food for that special furry friend in your life.

(5) LINDELL JEWELERS

For that one special lady who loves to dazzle. Lindell Jewelry has served the Nashville area for over 30 years. Providing everything from jewelry repair and maintenance to an exclusive shopping experience for that loved one for every occasion. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

GR AT I T UDE T HAT SPRE ADS F ROM T HE WORK PL ACE T O T HE COMMUNI T Y BUILDING SUCCESS THROUGH TEAM CAMARADERIE AND A COMMUNITY-FOCUSED APPROACH. Lawyers Land & Title staff

What started with just a handful of staff in 2010 has now grown to a team of 13 who know how to get the job done! Lawyers Land & Title has decades of combined experience working with realtors, lenders, investors, banks, and builders. Essentially, if it’s a real estate transaction, they can handle it. LLT even has a full-time attorney on-site to help ensure that every transaction is smooth and efficient.

ARTICLE BY STACI BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHY BY AVENGR. BRANDS

EXP E RT H E LP | HOM E SE RVI CE S

Lynn Vaught, President (left). Angela Murphy, Residential Closing Manager (right)

What sets Lawyer's Land & Title apart is more than their knowledge and expertise. Customer service and teamwork are at the forefront of everything they do. With up to 140 closings per month, collaboration is essential to their success. Residential Closing Manager, Angela Murphy, shares how thankful she is for their shared team mentality with similar goals and mindset. Murphy has a reputation for being the best closer in the industry, but she admits it wouldn’t be possible without her team. “Everyone works together and wants the business to do well.” Their shared bond and love for the Murfreesboro area extends beyond the workplace. Business Development Manager, Chrissi Vella enjoys how involved they have become in supporting other local businesses and charities through both monetary donations and hands-on support. For example, the ladies at LLT have served together at Nourish Food Bank preparing weekend food backpacks for disadvantaged school children in Rutherford County. Angela Murphy also maintains a permanent volunteer position as a Board Member for Nourish. In addition to community involvement, Lawyers Land & Title strives to support and equip others in the industry by providing regular continuing education and events. They also sponsor public events where homeowners can ask questions and connect with their associates. As we head into November, President, Lynn Vaught, is thankful for the clients they have been able to work with over the years. Vaught says LLT has a loyal customer base of repeat clientele and many of them have become friends. One client said “Lawyer Land & Title never disappoints with their attention to detail and prompt response time. It’s always a pleasure to close here.” NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

T R AV E L I N G T H R O U G H T H E H O L I DAY S ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LISA VALENTINE

Take a break from tradition and instead try taking the trip of a lifetime this holiday season!

While there’s nothing quite like being home for the holidays, some years a break from the norm during the holidays can be a welcomed alternative. Whether you’ve lost a loved one this year or have a different family dynamic than in previous years that makes holiday traditions hard or you’re just looking for a little bit of adventure and relaxation, taking a trip can be just the change you need this holiday season. For those with limited time off from work, traveling during the holidays is a great way to make the most of your PTO and the most bang for your buck when using vacation days! With many companies giving paid holidays off for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, it’s a terrific way to extend a trip. For people who get bonus days off, such as Black Friday, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s easy to transform just a few PTO days into a full week’s vacation! Also, for families with kids in school or college, traveling during the holidays can be convenient because there is a better chance of everyone’s schedules aligning since most extracurricular activities are put on hold. When many people think of holiday travel, they associate it with crowds, delayed flights, and travel chaos. While that can be true, many times it can be just as easy, if not better, than a normal travel time. For example, traveling internationally when America celebrates Thanksgiving—but

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other countries don’t—can often mean smaller crowds at attractions because people in the native country aren’t off to celebrate or those in other countries don’t have that time off school to vacation to that city. Also, many colder weather locations—ski towns not included—tend to have smaller crowds in the winter months. Traveling to different areas—either internationally or domestically—will allow you to experience firsthand how people in other places celebrate holidays. Whether it’s the Icelandic tradition of gifting books on Christmas Eve or embracing a different culture’s signature foods for a holiday feast, a new tradition can let you experience the holidays in a different way and you may just want to incorporate these customs into future holidays spent back home. For those wanting to stay in the U.S. but still want to mix it up a little with a change of scenery, websites like Airbnb and VRBO make it easy to rent someone else’s home for the holidays! Whether it’s a big cabin with a hot tub and fireplace in the Colorado Rockies for the whole extended family to enjoy or a Florida beach house with a pool for some fun in the sun, it’s still easy to keep traditions such as decorating cookies, hanging stockings, and gathering around the table for a holiday meal, along with some new ones! So, if you’re looking to mix it up this holiday season, consider a holiday getaway!

Lisa Valentine Climate-Driven Activities and Experiences While some locations allow for more activities in the warmer weather months, visiting places like Europe in the winter can allow for an entirely different experience, such as enjoying hot cider under the twinkling lights of the magical European Christmas markets. If you want a break from the cold escape to warmer weather during the holidays, try a surf trip to Costa Rica or sandboarding in Morrocco’s Saraha Desert.

Set Sail for the Holidays If you’re not entirely willing to give up your holiday traditions at home but are looking for an easy holiday getaway and still want to get some of the extended family together, consider a cruise during the days between Christmas and New Year’s. Three- or four-day cruises from Florida to Mexico or the Bahamas are a wonderful way to get everyone together for quality time while making memories that will last a lifetime!

Ring in the New Year in a New City With extravagant celebrations, New Year’s Eve can be one of the coolest holidays to celebrate away from home. Whether it is the bucket list item of waiting in New York City’s Times Square for the ball drop or witnessing elaborate firework displays in cities such as London, Rio de Janeiro, or Sydney, New Year’s Eve celebrations can provide some of the best travel memories.

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Mini Pumpkin SPICED CAKE RECIPE

Fall is in the air and leaves are on the ground. It’s heartwarming to see homes adorned with friendly-faced scarecrows, and raffia-wrapped corn stalks. Thanksgiving plans are in motion. The delicious balance of spices in this moist and easy cake recipe might just be tradition-worthy.

Preparation time: 1 H O U R Y IE L D S : 8

Ingredients CAKE • • • • • • • • •

1 ¾ cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 3 teaspoons cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¾ cup butter, softened 1 ½ cups brown sugar 3 eggs 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin purée

FROSTING • • • •

1/3 cup cream cheese, room temperature 7 tablespoons butter, softened 1 ½ cups icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

BUTTERCREAM ICING • • • • • • •

2 cups icing sugar 1 cup butter, softened ¼ cup milk 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 ounces orange food coloring 1 drop black food coloring, optional 1 drop brown food coloring for stems

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

WOW YOUR GUESTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS WITH THESE ADORABLE, EASY-TO-MAKE, MINI PUMPKIN SPICED CAKES!

Mini Pumpkin Spiced Cake Photo credit, Michele Bogel

Directions CAKE DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Cream butter and sugar with a mixer. Add eggs, one at a time until smooth. Incorporate pumpkin purée. 2. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Then manually combine both wet and dry mixtures together. 3. Pour batter evenly into silicone molds and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Cool. Individually wrap, and freeze.

FILLING DIRECTIONS: 1. Cream the cheese and butter, then blend in vanilla and icing sugar until smooth.

BUTTERCREAM DIRECTIONS: 1. With a mixer, cream butter. Lower speed and gradually add icing sugar. Increase speed to medium-high and incorporate milk and vanilla until mixture is smooth. Reserve two tablespoons of icing for stems. 2. Add food coloring to the icing until desired color is achieved.

C A K E A S S E M B LY D I R E C T I O N S : 1. Unwrap cake domes. Level each, using remnants to form stems. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on the inside of eight domes. Join them together with unfrosted halves to create eight spheres. Fill gaps. 2. Apply a generous amount of orange icing to the outside of each sphere and use the icing spatula to create a pumpkin-shaped effect. 3. Color reserved icing and apply to stems. Attach stems to top of cakes. Refrigerate until served.

ARTICLE BY MICHELE BOGEL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

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Shop Small Saturday

H ISTORIC DOW N TOWN MURFR E E S B O R O Show your support for small, local businesses. Small businesses hire workers, create shopping and dining opportunities and support our community in ways that instill the unique character that makes Murfreesboro what it is. mainstreetmurfreesboro.org

Holiday Sip, Shop & Stroll

H ISTORIC DOW N TOWN MURFR E E S B O R O | 5 :0 0 P M Kick off the holiday season with Main Street Murfreesboro. Bring the family, discover new stores, and visit familiar staples of our historic town as you shop local. This festive holiday event is full of Hot chocolate, small bites, trunk shows, a lots of shopping fun. mainstreetmurfreesboro.org NOVE M BE R 1 1 T H

Quinn's Mercantile Santa Photos 2023

3 01 N . S PR IN G STREET, MURFR E E S B O R O | 1 1 :0 0 A M There is no better choice than Santa Photos at Quinn's Mercantile! You'll enjoy this private time with Santa and receive professional digital images from Angel Pardue Photography. Once you receive your Santa Photo via email, you will be able to reproduce these in any way you'd like--prints, social media, canvases! Enjoy this great experience with our wonderfully old-fashioned Santa! Register now at quinnsmercantile.com NOVE M BE R 1 7 T H T HRO UG H F EB RUA RY 4 T H

ZOOLUMINATION Chinese Festival of Lights

NAS HVILLE ZOO 3777 N OLEN SV I L L E P I K E , NAS H V I L L E | 5 :0 0 P M See the Zoo in a whole new light! Visit the country's largest Chinese lantern festival featuring magical scenes of more than a thousand custom-made silk lanterns! For more event and ticket information, visit nashvillezoo.org

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Shop Local

It’s almost Black Friday, stop by for all your favorite hair tools and goodies and start your gift shopping before the holiday rush!

Buil On Faith, Integrity,

Innovation, And Education <<Headline>> Our salon has worked for over 40 years to earn a <<Description>> respected name in Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee. Celebrating 46 years in the beauty industry and one year in our newly remodeled and renovated salon!

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BoroDash

DOW N TOWN MURFR EES BOR O AT T H E L I B R A RY P L A ZA | 8 :0 0 A M BoroDash is a 4-mile charity race in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that takes place every Thanksgiving morning. Whether walking, jogging, or running – everyone has a marvelous time at this family-friendly event! All proceeds go to support world-changing charities. Register at borodash.org D ECE M BE R 1 ST

Rutherford County Christmas Tree Lighting

H ISTORIC DOW N TOWN MURFR E E S B O R O | 5 :30 P M On the first Friday night of December, holiday revelers gather around the historic 1859 Rutherford County Court House, for the annual lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas tree. Main Street organizes this event, featuring entertainment, caroling, the lighting of the tree, and a visit from a very special bearded gentleman. mainstreetmurfreesboro.org

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Wag It Better Dog Training & Boutique

A One Stop Shop For Your Best Furry Friends! Not only do we offer unique choices for all your dog’s needs including stylish gear, healthy treat and food options and our self service Wag ‘N Wash, we also offer dog training! Choose from in-person or virtual training classes by experienced trainers who are passionate about helping families and their dogs understand and communicate with each other better.

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