Belle Meade, TN February 2026

Love Local:

WELCOME home

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e Crestmoor at Green Hills understands that needs may evolve over time. at’s why we o er a full continuum of care—from luxury Independent Living to Assisted Living and Memory Care—all within our elegant community. With an expert team and supportive services tailored to each resident’s preferences, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing compassionate care is always close at hand.

- Assisted Living: Individualized care programs and amenities for our residents.

- Memory Care: A secured, nurturing environment for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

SOAR® Program: Developed in partnership with e Neuroscience of Memory, Mood and Aging at Rice University, this innovative memory care program incorporates the latest research and specialized support.

e Crestmoor at Green Hills is more than home—it’s a premier senior living destination designed for those who want to Live Life Well®.

Local Local

February has a way of putting love front and center. We see it everywhere.  On storefronts, in conversations, in the quiet moments that ask us to pause and consider what love really looks like in our lives.

Love is not just about romance. It’s about showing up. It’s about the small, consistent choices we make every day.  It's how we treat others, how we care for ourselves, and how we invest in the community we’re lucky enough to call home.

Loving others can be as simple as listening more closely, offering grace, or choosing kindness when it would be easier not to. It’s found in friendships that feel like family, neighbors who check in, and the people who make this community feel connected and alive.

Loving local is one of the most tangible expressions of that care. When you support a local business, you’re supporting a dream, a family, a story rooted right here. You’re choosing places where your name is remembered, where passion is personal, and where every purchase helps keep our neighborhoods vibrant and thriving. That kind of love ripples outward and it strengthens more than just an economy; it strengthens a sense of belonging.

And then there’s the love we don’t talk about enough: loving yourself. The kind that honors boundaries. The kind that values rest as much as productivity. The kind that reminds you that you are worthy.... exactly as you are, exactly where you are. Self-love isn’t selfish; it’s foundational. When we care for ourselves, we show up better for everything and everyone else.

This month, my hope is that you find love in all its forms.  In the people you cherish, the places you support, and the quiet moments where you choose yourself. Thank you for being part of this community and for continuing to make it such a beautiful place to live, shop, gather, and grow.

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Stephanie Krejci | stephanie.krejci@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Jennifer Kaufman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Erin Fox

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

With love, JENNIFER

KAUFMAN, PUBLISHER

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 2/28/26. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

New shoes can help kids belong and bloom.

A $20 monthly gift gives a child experiencing homelessness in Middle TN a new pair of athletic shoes, bringing comfort, confidence, and the joy every child deserves. Scan here or learn more at

city scene

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Global Living Within Reach with CHORD Real Estate

Buying, investing and even living internationally is more within reach than most imagine. The country of Panama provides extraordinary opportunities with beautiful properties at all price levels, world-class health care and residency-by-investment programs. Join other investors online 6pm Thursday, March 19, 2026 for the INVEST PANAMA Webinar to learn what you can expect if you join CHORD Nashville later in May as they take interested investors to enjoy and explore this wonderful destination. Contact RSVP@CHORDrealestate.com for more info!

A SPACE THAT FOSTERS CREATIVITY, STYLE AND CONNECTION

PASSION FOR HOME AND BUSINESS

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

“THE FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS WE HAVE MADE ARE REALLY SPECIAL.”

A true entrepreneur, Camille Seven founded her first business three weeks after graduating from college. Growing up, her mother had a small business of her own, and Camille knew she wanted to do the same.

“I wanted something that would allow me to one day become a mother, be creative, and be in control of my schedule,” she says.

Today, the wife and mother of three (2-year-old Celine, 4-year-old Wynn, and 9-year-old Colette) has had tremendous success. Her portfolio includes The Dress Theory bridal shop in Seattle, San Diego, and Nashville, as well as LVD Bridal in Nashville.

Of all the places she has lived, Nashville was the place she decided to settle, raise her children, and expand her businesses. Although Camille grew up in California, she spent a lot of time in Tennessee.

“My dad was a FedEx pilot and many of his pilot friends lived here or had lake homes in and around Tennessee, so we came out a lot for vacations.” That’s when she fell in love with the area. “I first moved out here about 13 years ago to open The Dress Theory. We then moved back permanently in 2020.”

Today, Camille enjoys being part of the everyday fabric of life and supporting the community by getting involved in different causes and donating items to raise money for local schools and organizations.

“I'M SHARING A LOT OF MYSELF IN THE STORE, AND WHEN A CUSTOMER RESONATES WITH THAT, IT'S LIKE THIS INSTANT CONNECTION, AND IT BRINGS ME A LOT OF FULFILLMENT.”

“The friendships and relationships we have made are really special,” she says. “Also, there's nothing like the small business community here, and the clients that support these businesses are unmatched.”

Her latest venture, launched in 2024, is Department. “I had always wanted to have a boutique in the Courtyard on Bandywood,” says Camille. “It's the sweetest spot, and I love that everyone's local. It's a really unique and special shopping experience.”

The full name of the store is actually Department of Finishing Touches, which she says is a bit of a mouthful. It has all of those little things that really add so much to life, such as a spritz of perfume, a special piece of jewelry, and unique tableware.

“They’re things that make the day feel special and add joy and personality,” says Camille.

It’s important to her to support the independent designers who create many of these items, which you won’t find in any other local outlet. “Every designer is exclusive to us,” she says. “These skilled artisans and craftspeople from around the world create pieces that people will hopefully keep forever.”

Department allows her to share her point of view, perspective, style, and interesting educational background. In addition to a degree in Art History, Camille graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, completed a design program in New York, earned a certificate in natural perfumery, and has taken courses through the Gemological Institute of America.

“My education and experience with all of these areas of art and design have come together to improve my eye and taste level when buying,” she says. They were passion projects, explains Camille, with the goal of one day having them all come together in one place, which they indeed have with Department.

“I'm sharing a lot of myself in the store, and when a customer resonates with that, it's like this instant connection, and it brings me a lot of fulfillment,” she says.

DepartmentNashville.com

did you know? the american association of orthodontists recommends all children should have an initial orthodontic consultation by the age of 7 to check for potential jaw or tooth development issues;this is considered the ideal time to identify and address potential problems early on

Strength Meets Community

Where strength, recovery, and community come together just minutes from Belle Meade and Green Hills.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER KAUFMAN

For those of us who call Nashville home, wellness has never been a trend but more of a way of life. It’s early mornings before the house wakes up, carving out time between meetings and school drop-off, prioritizing movement not for aesthetics alone, but for longevity, energy, and balance. As our lives become fuller and more layered, the spaces we choose for wellness matter more than ever.

Just minutes from Belle Meade and Green Hills, a fitness destination is quietly redefining what it means to take care of both body and mind. Located in the heart of Wedgewood-Houston, BC Block is an 11,000-square-foot fitness and recovery space designed not simply for workouts, but for real life.

Founded by Nashville fitness entrepreneur Shawn Booth, BC Block was created to meet people where they are. Booth envisioned a place that could grow with its members.  A space where beginners feel welcomed, seasoned athletes feel challenged, and everyone feels supported. The result is neither a traditional gym nor a boutique studio, but a well-rounded wellness hub that reflects how people actually live.

A SPACE DESIGNED TO FEEL HUMAN

From the moment you walk inside BC Block, the environment sets it apart. The design strikes a balance between industrial edge and warmth, softened by natural textures, greenery, and playful visual elements that bring energy to the space without overwhelming it. It feels elevated yet approachable, polished yet relaxed.

The layout and aesthetic were shaped collaboratively, with Booth working closely alongside his longtime friend, Nashville realtor Caleb Gamblin, as well as family members and coaches. Gamblin’s understanding of how people experience and move through spaces played a key role in shaping BC Block’s character. Together, they designed a facility that encourages connection. It’s a place where people linger, converse, and feel at home, rather than rushing in and out.

That sense of intention is felt in every detail, from the flow between studios to the way the

recovery spaces are integrated, reinforcing that BC Block is meant to be experienced as a whole.

THREE STUDIOS, ONE PHILOSOPHY

At the heart of BC Block is the belief that fitness should be adaptable, balanced, and sustainable. That philosophy comes to life through three distinct studio experiences, each offering a different approach to movement while working together seamlessly.

BC Gym focuses on strength and conditioning, emphasizing functional movement, proper form, and long-term progress. These classes are designed to build strength that translates beyond the studio and into everyday life.

BC Tread delivers a high-energy endurance experience, blending treadmill intervals with strengthbased movements. The classes are challenging yet scalable, allowing participants to work at their own pace while feeding off the momentum of a group environment. It’s cardio that feels purposeful.

BC Reform introduces Lagree-style training to the mix, offering low-impact, high-intensity workouts that emphasize control, stability, and muscle engagement. These sessions appeal to those looking to build lean strength while

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protecting joints, making them a natural complement to more traditional training.

Together, the three studios allow members to build routines that evolve — and to change up monotony.

RECOVERY AS A PRIORITY, NOT A PERK

What truly distinguishes BC Block is its commitment to recovery. Here, rest is not an afterthought — it’s built into the experience. Members have access to saunas, cold plunges, and a dedicated recovery space equipped with compression therapy, massage tools, foam rollers, and zero-gravity chairs. These offerings encourage members to slow down, tune in, and approach fitness with longevity in mind.

It’s a refreshing reminder that progress isn’t just about pushing harder — it’s also about recovering smarter.

BC Block also offers on-site IV therapy, providing hydration and nutrient support tailored to individual needs. Whether you’re training intensely, traveling frequently, or simply feeling depleted, the recovery options allow wellness to extend beyond the workout itself.

HYROX TRAINING: PERFORMANCE WITH PURPOSE

BC Block has also become a nationally recognized training destination for HYROX.  It's the global fitness racing competition that blends endurance, strength, and functional movement. As one of the leading HYROX gyms in the country, BC

“At the heart of BC Block is the belief that fitness should be adaptable, balanced, and sustainable.

Block supports a community of more than 100 athletes actively competing in races worldwide, ranging from first-time participants to World Championship-level competitors.

HYROX training at BC Block is intentionally inclusive. Athletes train side by side regardless of experience, with programming designed to mirror real race conditions while remaining approachable for beginners. Certified coaches guide members through structured workouts that build confidence, resilience, and race-day readiness, emphasizing smart progression and proper technique.

The result is a performance environment that feels motivating rather than intimidating — one where goals are taken seriously, but community always comes first.

BUILT FOR REAL LIFE

In addition to its structured classes, BC Block offers Open Gym access for those who prefer to train independently during designated hours. This flexibility allows members to move at their own pace, follow personalized programs, or simply enjoy the space outside of class times — reinforcing BC Block’s commitment to meeting people where they are.

Coaches remain approachable and invested, often offering guidance or encouragement even outside formal sessions. The atmosphere feels relational rather than transactional — a place where people are known, supported, and encouraged.

MORE THAN A GYM

At its core, BC Block is about community. It’s about creating a space where showing up feels rewarding, where wellness is a long-term relationship rather than a quick fix, and where people feel empowered to care for themselves without pressure or perfection.

For Belle Meade and Green Hills residents seeking a fitness experience that aligns with a thoughtful, full life, BC Block offers something rare.  A place where strength, recovery, and connection coexist seamlessly.

Q & A WITH Elise Horn Gilbert

A NASHVILLE LOCAL ON SELF-GROWTH, SOLITUDE, AND BUILDING A LIFE ROOTED IN AUTHENTICITY

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER KAUFMAN

YOU’RE ROOTED HERE IN NASHVILLE NEAR RADNOR LAKE—A PLACE MANY PEOPLE ASSOCIATE WITH REFLECTION AND CALM. WHAT DOES “HOME” MEAN TO YOU RIGHT NOW IN YOUR LIFE?

This is such a great question that comes at a time when I am traveling frequently and often out of the country for work for sometimes longer periods of time. It's also the sweet spot in which I have one college daughter that is studying abroad in Singapore right now and another that is just a few short months from graduation and making me a true empty nester. So, what is home? Home to me is a feeling.  It's a place that you go that gives you calm and sometimes that is with the people you love and other times, it is alone. I think, once we find the place in which we can sit in calm and happiness with our lives, home can be almost anywhere.

YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT SELF-IMPROVEMENT. WHAT FIRST SPARKED THAT JOURNEY FOR YOU?

When I turned 50 a couple of years ago, I realized that I had lived my life mostly putting myself on the back-burner, as we often do as wives and moms, I had forgotten what I liked and what made me tick.  I think I wanted to have a second chapter, that a lot of women are feeling right now in their fifties, where I wanted to discover who I am this go round. I started to book travel, solo and with my girls, I started pouring into the discovery of who Elise is now.  It was when I made that step, that everything shifted and it has truly been a beautiful journey.

WHAT DOES “LOVING YOURSELF FIRST” ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE?

I have a practice that I adopted a couple of years ago. Every night when I go to bed, I say three things I am grateful for and one thing that I hope to gain the knowledge to be able to figure out or

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achieve. There have been nights that I am grateful for something that might have been hard, but I am grateful for the lesson it brought or the shift that transpired from it.  Loving yourself means accepting and realizing that every single part of our lives has necessarily brought us to exactly where we need to be at this moment.

AS A SINGLE WOMAN, HOW HAS THIS SEASON OF LIFE SHAPED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON RELATIONSHIPS?

I love being single. Dating in your fifties is so amazing. You have such better guidelines and intuition than you did in your twenties and very clearly defined boundaries.  I know what I bring to the table, and I don't need someone to provide anything for me that I might have thought I needed before. It's truly freeing.

We are also such different humans than when we started this whole process, right? I mean hopefully we are! The Elise at 23 is very different from the Elise at 52 and rightly so.  While I loved that younger girl... the older, wiser one is certainly having the time of my life seeing the world and taking care of me.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE RITUAL OR PRACTICE THAT KEEPS YOU CENTERED?

to succeed elsewhere.  I don't believe we ever "fail" at anything.  We look at those moments of "not quite" as nudges that push us to a different path or a different foot, but in the same- maybe slightly different direction.  I have always said to my girls, if we always win, we lose the lesson.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LEARNING HOW TO PRIORITIZE THEMSELVES WITHOUT GUILT?

Sit with yourself and get to know who you are. Write a letter to yourself, what is your favorite music and how does it make you feel? Travel solo and listen to the world around you - it will make these things that seem so big suddenly seem small.  Learn to trust your decisions, accept that things going "wrong" are often things going right...mainly get to know this version of you and thank the old version for getting you there.

“Learn to trust your decisions, accept that things going “wrong” are often things going right...mainly get to know this version of you and thank the old version for getting you there.”

— Elise Horn Gilbert

I love to hike.  I am a believer in mind-body and practice yoga and pilates. I think being outdoors and sunshine are the best vitamins you can take. Traveling and touching things and pushing yourself just opens the world for you and makes perspective so much different. Rituals would probably be morning coffee and the sun rising over my pool, walks with my dogs and my grateful practice that I mentioned above.

WHAT’S A MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT SELF-IMPROVEMENT?

I think people get so caught up in feeling like they have failed at something so they need to pivot and try

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT “LOVING LOCAL,” WHAT DOES THAT PHRASE MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY?

Loving Local to me means supporting the community around you. Giving back in a way, through either time or service, listening to others and being aware of how you are needed, because that will change.  Being present, I guess.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON WITHIN YOURSELF?

I have a book inside that's been brewing. I am working on finding time to finish it on paper. I am also working on making a list if I feel overbooked and being able to say "what is necessary?' and letting the rest go.

FINALLY, WHAT DOES A WELL-LIVED LIFE LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

This makes me think of the quote from Mary Oliver "Tell us, what is it you plan to do with this one wild and precious life?"  It is probably one of my favorites ever. A well-lived life to me might look very different from a well-lived life to you. I would say a life led not by comparison, but by passion. A life where you find your voice to speak your truth but in a way that leaves a legacy you are proud of. A life where people remember how you made them feel and miss the feeling you gave when you are gone.

data is a sampling of sold properties from December 2025 in and around Belle Meade.

LOVE POTION #9

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ANNA BARNES

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1.5 oz rosé

• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 5 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)

THE HOW-TO:

1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.

3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.

4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.

5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.

6. Enjoy!