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Local Love F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

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floral | event design | gifts 5243 Little Debbie Parkway Suite 109 M-TH 10am-5pm FRI 10am-4pm 423.541.6767 blluum.com | @blluum FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Month of Love Welcome to the Month of Love! What I love most about this time of year is that we have a unique opportunity to intentionally celebrate all of the things, people, and places that we love. As we transition from the fresh start of a New Year, the month of February is special because it brings with it not only Valentine's Day, but Black History Month as well. What a privilege it is to honor the historic contributions African Americans have made to our country, while also celebrating local African American change agents whose impact is woven deeply into the fabric of our city. In this issue, we highlight some of the things we love most about Chattanooga from music and culture to history and art. This month, we visit the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. The Houston Museum, which is housed in an 1890s Victorian home, provides the perfect backdrop for the extensive collection of furniture, glassware, and pottery of Anna Safley Houston. We also have the privilege of highlighting some incredible local talent. Dannita Noble of Dannita Noble Fine Art, Chris Shaw of Final Flash Productions, Cassidy Davidson of That's So Fringe, Kaitlyn Willow of Kait Makes, and Camila & Vanessa of Vanessa Nicole Jewelry represent a thriving community of creatives here in the Scenic City. We feature global musical icon Swayyvo and provide readers with a fun idea for a date or family fun night in making homemade pasta. Finally, we have the honor of catching up with Ella Livingston, owner of the luxury chocolate brand Cocoa Asante, and her husband Rudy. Ella and Rudy give us a glimpse into their love story and tell us how their strong foundation helped them build a prolific brand. If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying one of Ella's decadent chocolates, February is the perfect month to do so! Whether you are celebrating with a partner, loved one, spouse, family member or Galentine, we hope that this issue helps you find something new to explore and something new to love about this incredible city that we get to call home. Here's to the month of love. Cheers! AMBER HARRIS, PUBLISHER @ C H AT TA N O O G A C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Amber Harris | amber.harris@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

P.E. Craven, Belinda Martin, Michelle W. Parnell, Ryleigh Roberts, Kendra Simons C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Christin Sofka Photography, Final Flash Productions, Rachel Joy Barehl, The SimonWest Agency, Wander Moore Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Chattanooga City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Chattanooga area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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 Chattanooga City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

THE GREENHOUSE In Birchwood

EVENTS Birthdays of all ages Valentine’s Dinners Wedding Shower Group Outings Baby Showers Game Nights Tea Parties Luncheons Email: birchwoodtngreenhouse@gmail.com Instagram: @thegreenhouseinbirchwood

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

34 16

Featured

12 16 24

34 6

The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts

Home to a Beautifully Eclectic Collection of Victorian-Era Antiques

Meet the Makers

Local Creatives Enhance Chattanooga's Tapestry of Talent

12 On the Cover

Departments

Ella Livingston, owner of Cocoa Asante, and her husband Rudy Livingston at Common House Chattanooga.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See LIFE + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette LIFE + CULTURE

Maker’s Studio LOCAL SERVICES

Local’s Choice LOCAL SERVICES

Local Limelight LOCAL SERVICES

Rudy & Ella Livingston

A Conversation with the Inspirational Local Couple Behind a Prolific Brand

Music Monthly

Local Musician Swayyvo Remains Grounded Despite FarReaching Fame

Photography: The SimonWest Agency

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Events

Hometown Hero ARTS + CULTURE

Everyone deserves [hair they] love.

Half Price Haircutsforthe wholefamily. 2.14.24. Book Online, or Call (423)405-7674 1705 Market St | scouts barbershop.com

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

FEBRUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

RAY SALDANO PHOTOGRAPHY

THE SNELLS COMMERCIAL

LATINOS OF CHATTANOOGA

5 GREG WILKEY FRIENDS OF THE TROOPS OLIVIA ROSS BETSY MCCLAIN

1: New Year’s Eve Celebration hosted by Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors and SoundCorps. 2: Attendees at Black Creek Chattanooga’s Annual Christmas Party. 3: Greg Wilkey and Jill McCauley Evans attend a class at The Sweet and Savory Classroom. 4: Chattanooga Zoo Outreach Coordinator, Joshua Mays, visits children at the Eastgate Library. 5: Three Kings Day celebration at Gordos Bakery. 6: Jana Jordan, sister of the late Leslie Jordan, joins Hamilton County art educators for professional development. 7: Soldiers at Fort Drum in New York receive sweet treats from Friends of the Troops.

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C I T Y SC E N E

FEBRUARY 2024

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Northwest Georgia Library System Continues "Fine-Free" Program Northwest Georgia Library system continues its "fine-free" program. Citing its success after a two-year pilot program, the suspension of fines for returning library materials late will continue. The decision was made at a collective meeting of the Northwest Georgia Regional Library System, which includes the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library, Calhoun-Gordon County Public Library and the Chatsworth-Murray County Public Library. The system's board and three library boards voted unanimously to continue the program.

MedicareMisty Opens in Hixson Misty Bolt has been serving the Chattanooga area for 18 years and believes in shopping locally when it comes to all things health and life-related. As the wife of a veteran, Misty offers benefits for veterans on Medicare that are available at no cost to them. The team at MedicareMisty helps customers find the plan that fits their needs by cutting out the extra steps to get a better plan and better benefits.

Scan to read more Photography by The SimonWest Agency

Vagabond Barber Co. Debuts in Chattanooga They don’t make ‘em like they used to. An old-school, cash-only, barbershop has opened in Chattanooga and they are bringing back the traditional customer service we all know and love. Dave Gedman comes from Nashville by way of New Jersey, a Marine Corp vet, motorcycle enthusiast, Master Barber, and Co-Owner of Vagabond. Dave has been cutting Owner, Freddy Schwenks’, hair for almost two years in Nashville, and knew it would be a perfect partnership.

Photography by Vagabond Barber Co.

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local experiences T H E B E S T P L AC E S TO G O A N D T H I N G S TO D O I N O U R A R E A ARTICLE BY RYLEIGH ROBERTS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEREN TREVINO

Grab your girls and plan a relaxing or upscale day, weekend, or Girls' Night Out with any of these local experiences fit for the females.

Our Picks for Galentine's Day Love, EROS | This experience boutique offers permanent jewelry, custom hats, personal earscapes, and ear piercings to bring you and your friends closer together. 45 E Main St Suite 104, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | xoloveeros.com Warehouse Row | Spend your Galentine’s Day in Warehouse Row shopping in luxury boutiques or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants. 1110 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | warehouserow.com Good Fortune Soap & Spa | Wind down and relax at this local day spa with facials and massages or craft your own custom candles and skincare products. 2644 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | goodfortunesoap.com Elsie’s Daughter | This charming historic cocktail bar and restaurant serves Appalachian dishes and delicious drinks to end girls' night in style. 1404 Rossville Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | elsiesdaughter.com Matilda Midnight | Located in The Dwell Hotel, this cozy retro bar offers a quirky atmosphere and creative craft cocktails for a fun, low-key evening. 120 E 10th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | matildamidnight.com

Love, EROS

T H I S M O N T H ’ S C U R ATO R

Ryleigh Roberts Ryleigh is a freelance writer and photographer who recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. She is passionate about education and is currently attending graduate school.

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M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF Decorative Arts

HOME TO A BEAUTIFULLY ECLECTIC COLLECTION OF VICTORIAN-ERA ANTIQUES ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIN SOFKA PHOTOGRAPHY

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Stepping into the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts means stepping into a living history lesson. The museum, which is housed in a Victorian home built in the 1890s, provides the perfect backdrop for the extensive collection of furniture, glassware, and pottery of Anna Safley Houston. Anna’s life was as colorful and eclectic as her collection. Born in Arkansas in 1876, Anna left home as a teenager to travel the country as a hair model with a group of women called the Sutherland Sisters. “They traveled all over America and taught people about different hair products, how to strengthen your hair, things like that in a time when hygiene was really a new concept in America,” shared Pam Reed, director of the museum. “As Anna traveled, she met a lot of different people from different cultures across the country and was exposed to the finer things in life.” Anna also worked briefly as a buyer for Macy's in New York City and Marshall Field's in Chicago. Anna moved to the Chattanooga area in the early 1900’s and opened a hat shop before settling into her true passion, buying and selling antiques. “She mostly sold furniture… beautiful handmade pieces, many of them made in Tennessee,” explained Reed. “She would travel all over the US and collect antiques, was very driven and hardworking, and had a big vision to leave these pieces behind.” Before her death in 1951, when Anna’s collection was housed in a barn-like structure she built herself, Anna mobilized one hundred people in the community who committed to opening a museum to store and exhibit her collection. The first museum location opened in 1961 then moved to its current location on High Street in 1968. CONTINUED >

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As Anna traveled, she met a lot of different people...and was exposed to the finer things in life. “It's a very broad, one-woman collection of all kinds of things from the Victorian era,” said Reed. “Although her favorite thing to collect was definitely glass and pottery, and we've been historically known as a glass museum, we have swords from the Civil War, a hand grenade from World War I, and music boxes from Switzerland made in the 1890s that still work. We also house what is likely one of the largest collections of furniture made in Tennessee.” “We have a huge collection of early American patterned glass from when the industry started to make molds,” she adds. “Unlike today, we were not a throwaway society at that time. So when they would go to the store and buy mustard, it would be in this gorgeous glass container shaped like an elephant. It was definitely an innovative time for glass making.” The collection, which encompasses over twenty thousand pieces, also includes items such as nesting dolls, toys, inkwells, and shaving mugs. Each year the museum hosts a multi-day antique show and sale fundraising event. This month the 50th Anniversary Antique

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Show and Sale will be held February 16-18 at the Read House Hotel. The show kicks off on Thursday evening with the Preview Party. Friday includes the opening of the sale to the public and an Appraisal Fair with Reid Dunavant of PBS' Antiques Roadshow, who will also be the keynote speaker at Saturday morning’s Champagne Brunch. A curated selection of vendors will have antiques available for sale during the three-day event. Proceeds from the show and sale benefit the museum, which is slated to undergo an extensive renovation beginning in March. During the year and a half of renovation work, the museum will have a pop-up exhibit just down the street at the Back Inn Café. The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts is located at 201 High Street. For more information on the museum, the collection, and the upcoming 50th Anniversary Antique Show and Sale, visit thehoustonmuseum.org or call 423-267-7176. Follow @houstonmuseumofdecorativearts on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date information on events and interesting information on the collection.

FLOWERS ON SATURN

1 0 %

Photography by: Christin Sofka Photography

S E L F C A R E S T A R T S H E R E

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MEET THE

Chattanooga is ripe with creative talent. Whether you are perusing the Chattanooga Market or looking for a professional to elevate an event, there is no shortage of creatives with unique offerings. This month, we have the privilege of highlighting five local makers you should know.

LOCAL CREATIVES ENHANCE CHATTANOOGA'S TAPESTRY OF TALENT

ARTICLE BY P.E. CRAVEN

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Dannitta Noble

Owner, Dannita Noble Fine Art When you first lay eyes on Dannita, it’s obvious she’s an artist as her bright, cheery personality is reflected in her artwork. Acrylics and oils swirl around her canvases in vibrant, abstract strokes. The confidence and definitive style of Dannita’s work would suggest she’d been a professional artist for years, but this journey is a new one for her. Like many others, she was encouraged to pursue her passion in 2020 during the pandemic. At the time, she worked in a medical office and used painting as a way to decompress during seasons of high stress. Her employer at the time was her first customer, buying one of her paintings to help create a relaxing atmosphere for her patients. Now, she’s creating art full-time. You can find Dannita’s work in hotels, medical offices, and murals around the city, including a new mural at Orchard Knob Middle School. Instagram: @dannita_the_artista photo: Christin Sofka Photography

CONTINUED >

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Cassidy Davidson Owner, That’s So Fringe

Want some color, depth, and texture for your next event? Then you need That’s So Fringe. Cassidy Davidson has built a business around crafting unique designs to make events stand out. Her fringe backgrounds can be found at birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and even corporate events. Fringe became a way of life for Cassidy as she prepped for her daughter’s first birthday. She was looking for a fun, festive way to make the day memorable and stumbled upon the idea of fringe on Pinterest. Shortly after, a friend posted her work on Facebook and the rest was history. Now, That's So Fringe offers custom backdrops on Etsy or directly through Instagram. Cassidy loves collaborating with other vendors to make a vision come together, but her favorite part is seeing her clients’ reactions. Instagram: @thatssofringe photo: Wander Moore Photography

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Chris Shaw

Owner, Final Flash Productions What do Volkswagen, Bellanomi Skincare, Chattanooga Ballet, and Cocoa Asante all have in common? They’ve all asked Chris Shaw of Final Flash Productions to capture stunning images and videos for their businesses. More than a photographer, Chris looks at his work as storytelling. When working with Chris, clients get a unique experience where the product tells the story. “We look to collaborate with our clients in order to truly create a unique product that tells your story and targets the audience needed to elevate your brand," Shaw comments. Chris' work features playful use of focus, light, and color. The end results are impressive, eye-catching photos that demand attention. His work has been featured in the Hunter Museum and continues to be a testament to how storytelling is a cornerstone of meaningful photography. Instagram: @finalflashphoto photo: Final Flash Productions

CONTINUED >

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Kaitlyn Willow Owner, Kait Makes

Kaitlyn Willow of Kait Makes offers a truly unique experience by providing chain-stitch embroidery on the spot. The centuries-old technique gets an update with Kait’s fun and fresh patterns, free-handed in front of customers’ eyes. Her favorite part about live chain stitching is the “embroidery magic,” as she calls it. “I’m able to take an ordinary bandana and transform it into a lifelong heirloom right before a customer's eyes. In addition to live chain stitching, Kait also bolsters the Chattanooga art/creative scene. Her 2023 Galentine’s Social had over 400 attendees and provided several local vendors the opportunity to expand their customer reach. You can find Kait at events around Chattanooga and abroad. Instagram: @whatkaitmakes photo: Rachel Joy Barehl

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Camila & Vanessa

Co-Owners, Vanessa Nicole Jewelry Imagine being nine years old and pursuing your dream of crafting and selling on Etsy. That’s how Vanessa Nicole Jewelry got its start in 2019. Now co-owners, the mother and daughter team of Camila and Vanessa sell their polymer clay jewelry on Etsy, in local shops such as Grit and Grace, and at local markets. Their designs range from floral to rustic and can be worn as earrings or pendants. Camila explains their love of working with polymer grew in 2020 as they began experimenting with the medium. “We truly enjoy working with polymer clay because it allows us to create any design we can imagine with endless possibilities.” Each design is handmade and unique, which is probably why their designs have been shipped to every state in the United States. Camila and Vanessa love selling their jewelry at markets as it gives them a chance to meet their customers face-to-face. But Camila is most interested in watching her daughter’s passion for hard work flourish. Not only is Vanessa growing her entrepreneurial spirit, but the small business has been fortunate enough to regularly donate part of their sales to various organizations dedicated to empowering girls worldwide. Instagram: @vanessanicolejewelry photo: Christin Sofka Photography

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MEET THE MAKERS 3

Roun d- Up

1. FINAL FLASH PRODUCTIONS Owner: Chris Shaw finalflashpro.com

2 . D A N N I TA N O B L E F I N E A R T Owner: Dannita Noble dannitanoblefineart.com 3 . VA N E S S A N I CO LE J E W E LRY Owners: Camila & Vanessa Instagram: @vanessanicolejewelry

5 A Closer Look at the Work of Local Makers ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN

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4 . T H AT ' S S O F R I N G E Owner: Cassidy Davidson Instagram: @thatssofringe 5. KAIT MAKES Owner: Kaitlyn Willow kaitmakes.com

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R u dy & E l l a L i v i n g s to n A CONVERSATION WITH THE INSPIRATIONAL LOCAL COUPLE BEHIND A PROLIFIC BRAND

ARTICLE BY KENDRA SIMONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMONWEST AGENCY

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During the brainstorming session for our Local Love issue, our team knew instantly that we wanted to cover Ella Livingston, founder of the luxury chocolate brand Cocoa Asante. Chattanooga is known for its thriving small business community and the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that underscores it. So, when the Cocoa Asante brand went viral due to a rare 9.5 out of 10 rating from TikTok food critic Keith Lee, sales for Ella Livingston’s noteworthy brand began to skyrocket. Almost overnight, Ella began appearing in interviews from CNN to Yahoo News. Despite all of her success and the thriving business that she has built from the ground up, while interviewing Ella, I was honored to hear more about the person she credits for her prolific business as a chocolatier–her husband Rudy. After just a few moments in the presence of Ella and her husband Rudy, I felt without a shadow of a doubt that true, selfless love does in fact exist. From their lighthearted, playful demeanor to their natural ability to recognize and fulfill the other's needs, the two have such an ease with one another that can be rare to find in relationships today. There were moments during our interview where I could catch them gazing at one another in admiration and I learned more about them and their relationship, I was continuously inspired by their journey. In my last interview with Ella for one of our previous issues, I asked her who empowers and encourages her on a local level. Her response was the inspiration for this feature.

Ella asked, “Can I say my husband after all the things he's done to make sure Cocoa Asante still exists?” She went on to say, “If it wasn't for him, I would've given up a long time ago. Rudy would work twelve-hour shifts, get off late, and come and help me all night even if he had to be up early. He would massage my feet when I was pulling all-nighters. I remember one time we were out of a supply we needed to get an order out quickly and he drove all the way to Atlanta to get it for me and they didn't even have it. He wasn't angry. He didn't make me feel bad. He was actually the one who kept pushing me to reach out to Keith Lee. The reason everyone sees me at the level I am is because I get to go home and let it all out. Rudy lets me cry if I need to and he just continues to pour into me. Before we got married, I asked him if he was all in when I came up with this idea. He was all in and has been all in ever since." So, for this feature, when I had the opportunity to interview them together, I told Rudy about Ella’s thoughts about him as the strength behind her as well as her brand, he didn’t hesitate to respond jokingly with, “Well, it’s true.” With playful humor and mutual admiration, Rudy went on to say, "Being that person for her, honestly, is an honor in itself. Given everything that she has accomplished and everything that she will accomplish, as a man, what I want to do and what I should do is support her. The honor is that I get to be with her through all of this, not the other way around."

Before we got married, I asked him if he was all in when I came up with this idea. He was all in and has been all in ever since. CONTINUED >

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My job is to be a supportive husband. That's in our vows. It's what I am supposed to be doing and it’s what I am going to continue to do.

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Another thing that struck me during our interview was that throughout our time together, there was never a moment where either was focused on themselves. It was never “I”, but instead it was always about "we" and "us". When I asked Rudy about his role in the business, he responded in a way that feels almost rare in relationships these days. He said, "Whether it's going to get a product, watching our daughter, or doing anything else Ella needs, my job is to be a supportive husband. That's in our vows. It's what I am supposed to be doing and it’s what I am going to continue to do." When asked about when he fell in love with Ella, he went on to say, "I know it sounds corny, but I fell in love with her the moment I met her. I proposed pretty quickly. I knew I’d found the person for me." Ella agreed as she told us, "Honestly, after the first date I deleted Tinder. The way he made me laugh, he has been doing that ever since." It's an incredibly beautiful thing to witness a couple that seems to ebb and flow so easily. When I commented on this to Ella, she credited that to their balance. From completing each other's sentences and joking about how they should get a brand deal from Tinder after being married more than five years, I asked them what they enjoy about being married to one another and about their thoughts on not just being a representation of love, but Black love. Rudy commented, "She talks about how supportive I am, but she is incredibly supportive. She pushed and supported me going back to school and I graduated with a 3.9 GPA and made the Dean's list. When we first had

our daughter, I was in school and she took the brunt of that. Being married to her is incredible. She's a great boss and a great worker. People don’t think they see healthy Black love but it's there. It exists. We can't just base our perspective on one situation. We have to widen that scope because even without me having my father in my life I still saw healthy Black relationships and I want my daughter to see that as well. I love being a Dad." Ella noted, "For me personally, we pour into each other. We aren't selfish, it's not just about me. For someone who didn't have a father, Rudy is a phenomenal Dad. Black love does exist and Black love is beautiful. For me, having a partner that already understands without me having to explain is so important. To have someone that already understands me as a Black woman dealing with every micro-aggression and not having to explain why it hurts makes life easier. It's easier to communicate when communication is such a huge part in every relationship." As we were packing up to leave, I noticed something profound that spoke to exactly what Ella noted. The two moved so naturally with one another–without words and without hesitation. Their love is evident even in their very movements. From my time with Rudy and Ella, I was able to see how a love that respects each person as an individual allows the relationship to transform into a powerhouse. I can only hope that at some point in their lives, everyone will experience a love like Rudy and Ella’s that even the greatest romance movies can’t portray.

K E N D R A S I M O N S , o w n e r o f T h e S i m o nWe s t A g e n c y , i s a C h a t t a n o o g a b a s e d e n t r e p r e n e u r. A r e g u l a r C h a t t a n o o g a C i t y L i fe s t y l e c o n t r i b u t o r, S i m o n s p r o v i d e s p h o t o g ra p h y , v i d e o g ra p h y , v i r t u a l a s s i s t i n g , a n d s o c i a l m e d i a & b ra n d m a n a g e m e n t s e r v i c e s . P H OTO : J O H N A DA M S

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A Handmade Date Night A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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

Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.

From-Scratch Pasta

Yield: 1 pound

what you need

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs

what you do 1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight. 2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent. 3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com.

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REALTY REPORT CHATTANOOGA NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE %SOLD/LIST DOM BDRMS BATHS

Signal Mountain

$1,450,000

100%

Soddy Daisy

$1,225,000

$1,150,000

94%

Hixson

$925,000

$919,000

99%

Lookout Mountain $800,000

$800,00

100%

Eagle Bluff

$789,000

$789,900

100%

100

City Center

$765,000

100%

Ooltewah

$679,119

100%

East Chattanooga

$695,000

$675,000

97%

Hixson

$657,000

100%

Collegedale

$625,000

$615,000

98%

North Chattanooga $575,000

$585,000

102%

Ooltewah

$540,000

98%

$550,00

This data is a sampling of recently sold properties from November 2023. Source: Greater Chattanooga MLS System. DOM = Days On Market

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

FEBRUARY 2024

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

F EB RUA RY 2 N D

First Friday at Clear Story Arts Clear Story Arts | 6:00 PM On the First Friday of every month, come by ClearStory Arts between 6PM-8PM for all kinds of art fun including new works in the Gallery, open studios, a Mini Market, live demos, and more! F EB RUA RY 3 RD

Sweetheart Market Mountain Arts Community Center | 10:00 AM Join the MACC on Signal Mountain for an enchanting blend of art, craft, and farmers market delights! Stroll through a sea of Valentine-themed treasures crafted by talented artisans, sip on champagne, and sway to live music. From unique gifts to delectable treats, this event promises a day of love and local charm. Don't miss the chance to celebrate with us! F EB RUA RY 3 RD

Lunar New Year Creative Discovery Museum | 12:00 PM CDM's Lunar New Year event gives children and families the opportunity to experience the different ways members of our community celebrate the start of the new year. Participating at this year’s event will be the Chien Hong School of Kung Fu. Additional art experiences will take place in the Museum’s Art Studio throughout the event. F EB RUA RY 6T H

Get Moving! Walk Audobon Acres | 4:30 PM This is a leisurely walk designed for all ages and fitness levels. This isn't about speed or distance; it's about enjoying the fresh air, engaging in light conversation, and embracing the beauty of our surroundings. Whether you're an avid walker or simply seeking a relaxed outing, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors and nature. F EB RUA RY 1 0 T H

The Emo Night Tour The Signal | 8:00 PM Imagine going to a show and hearing Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, Panic! AT The Disco, My Chemical Romance and more, all playing their BEST songs... All night long! The best emo dance party around! F EB RUA RY 1 6T H

Appraisal Fair with Reid Dunavant of Antiques Roadshow 107 W MLK Boulevard | Chattanooga, TN 37402 | 9:00 AM A native of Tennessee, Reid Dunavant has a 25-year career in the auction industry and was featured on PBS' Antiques Roadshow as a decorative arts appraiser for over a decade. The Appraisal Fair will include both decorative arts and jewelry appraisals. Cost is $25 for one item which includes one ticket to the Antiques Show and Sale. Tickets and reservations required.

EVE N TS

F E BRUA RY 2 0 T H

David Foster & Katharine McPhee Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium | 7:30 PM Join us at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium for an evening of music with David Foster and Katharine McPhee. Tickets can be purchased at www.tivolichattanooga.com or by contacting the Tivoli Box Office. F E BRUA RY 2 4 T H

Annie Tivoli Theatre | 8:00 PM "Annie", directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism, and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. Tickets can be purchased at www.tivolichattanooga.com or by contacting the Tivoli Box Office. F E BRUA RY 2 9 T H

Beethoven's Emperor Concerto Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium | 7:30 PM Indulge in a night of musical grandeur as the CSO joins forces with internationally renowned pianist Alexander Schimpf for a harmonious dialogue between two monumental compositions that span the ages. Ludwig Van Beethoven's "Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73, 'Emperor' sets the tone, where the piano's regal melodies converse with the orchestra in a display of Schimpf ’s virtuosic brilliance.

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

M USIC Mo n t h ly S WAY Y V O It’s hard to fathom a thirty-one-year-old being able to say that they have twenty years invested in their business, yet local local artist, musician, writer, poet, producer, and actor Swayyvo can say just that. At the age of eleven, Swayyvo’s mother, Marsha Mills, president of a local non-profit put a saxophone in her son’s hands and instilled a work ethic in him that he values to this day. Having had the unique privilege of knowing Swayyvo and capturing his journey for the last seven years, it has been an honor to watch him remain true to these values, while acknowledging the importance of community and family. From bringing his daughters to his shows to speaking and volunteering at local schools, Swayyvo’s impact has been felt throughout Chattanooga. With a famous “President for A Day” TVFCU commercial collaboration that played during the Super Bowl, Swayyvo remains humble when asked about the fact that his songs have appeared on NBA 2K games, Ford Bronco commercials, a Netflix television series, NBA reel highlights and more. Despite these incredible accomplishments, Swayyvo demonstrates gratitude, but is quick to focus on how to continue to impact Chattanooga, his home.

With all that he's accomplished thus far and no signs of stopping any time soon, it’s easy to understand why Swayyvo is considered Chattanooga's golden child. Catch Swayyvo at his next event at Wanderlinger Brewing Company on March 9 featuring live music and panel discussions on the current state of the music industry.

ARTICLE BY KENDRA SIMONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMONWEST AGENCY

L o c a l Mu sic ia n Sway y vo Rem a i n s Grou n de d D e s pit e Fa r-Re ach i n g Fa m e

H OM E TOWN H E R O | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Say I love you with a little more volume this Valentine’s Day BEFORE

AFTER Receive 15 free units of Dysport with purchase of lip filler | $195 value Receive 20 free units of Dysport with purchase of hand filler | $260 value

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