Lake Murray, SC March 2024

THERE’S NO PLACE Like Home

No Place Like Home!

Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people. We are always the happiest when our home is filled with our kids, grandkids, and of course, pets! It is not too often that we can all be under the same roof. Nothing beats the sound of siblings chatting, toddlers giggling, and sharing stories at the dinner table!

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

March 2024

PUBLISHER

David Hayth | david.hayth@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alexandra Hill | alexandra.hill@citylifestyle.com

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 Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Savoring Tradition at Taste of Lake Murray

“Taste of Lake Murray has become a hub for community spirit wrapped up in red, white, and blue, with special thanks to the committed sponsors.

Since its creation in 2006, the Taste of Lake Murray fundraising event has become a cherished annual tradition through the years. The event’s resounding success prompted venue upgrades, eventually finding its home in Columbia’s largest ballroom at the Doubletree by Hilton on Bush River Road.

Miriam Atria, President/CEO of Capital City Lake Murray Country, reflects, “We created Taste of Lake Murray as the official fundraiser for the July 4th Fireworks on Lake Murray, eliminating the need to pull these funds from the organization’s advertising tourism budget.” What started as a fundraising event has evolved into a celebration that beautifully captures the local pride and scenic magic of Lake Murray.

“I haven’t missed one in years,” shares Jan Jernigan, Capital City/Lake Murray Country Chair. “If you enjoy great friends, outstanding music, delicious food, and delightful drinks, you must attend the Taste of Lake Murray. What a wonderful experience, all for a good cause – the Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray.”

Taste of Lake Murray has become a hub for community spirit wrapped up in red, white, and blue, with special thanks to the committed sponsors. Mark Shelley, Vice President Chief Marketing & Development Officer of Lexington Medical Center, expresses their continuous support, “We enjoy seeing the event bring together community members and businesses to celebrate for a good cause, and we love being part of the effort that goes into the 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray.”

Iris Griffin, Vice President of Power Generation for Dominion Energy South Carolina, shares, “Taste of Lake Murray has become a popular tradition that many people look forward to every year. We are proud to support this event as part of our longstanding partnership with Capital City/Lake Murray Country.”

At the heart of Taste of Lake Murray lies a culinary journey involving talented chefs and delicious food. “Being a restaurateur for 25+ years in Columbia and having served on the Board of Directors for Capital City/Lake Murray Country has given me a unique

perspective on how this event contributes to tourism in our area by bringing tons of people together for an exceptional experience,” says Ryan Dukes, owner/ chef at Blue Marlin. Taste of Lake Murray famously features good eats from all around the four counties, including flavors of Italian, southern favorites, fresh seafood, unique desserts, and much more.

The Capital City/Lake Murray staff meticulously plans and organizes the event throughout the year. It all comes together for a patriotic celebration on Lake Murray the Saturday before July 4, as expressed by Brian “Ashley” Berry, Finance Director at South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and Tourism: “I know the hard work is all worth it when you are at a place like Dreher Island for Independence Day. There are people everywhere playing, cooking out, and enjoying time with friends and family. As darkness falls, the chatter dies down, the fireworks start, and you see the huge smiles on everyone’s faces.”

As the event continues to thrive, key figures like Vickie Davis, Senior VP of Special Events at Capital City/Lake Murray Country, recognize the importance of sustaining this annual tradition for future generations: “When I started volunteering 16 years ago, I knew this was an organization that I wanted to be a part of. To witness the support of the sponsors, passion of the volunteers, and community celebration demonstrates that Taste of Lake Murray is here to stay.”

Taste of Lake Murray is a lasting legacy and a timeless tradition. It plays a crucial role in fundraising and offers significant exposure to local restaurants. Attendees enjoy delightful bites, dance the night away to live music and create lasting memories. This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a meaningful and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic at Taste of Lake Murray 2024, happening on Thursday, March 21 at 6 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Purchase your tickets at the Lake Murray Visitor’s Center (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia SC) or online at TasteofLakeMurray.com

Kitchen

Bathroom

Lighting

Hardware

Misty Stathos Ins Agcy Inc

Misty Stathos Ins Agcy Inc

Misty A Stathos, Agent 1207 N. Lake Dr. Lexington, SC 29072

Bus: 803-951-9151

Misty A Stathos, Agent 1207 N. Lake Dr Lexington, SC 29072

Bus: 803-951-9151

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Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com

TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN BRIGHTS + WHITES

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM

Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.

“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”

Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.

“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.

Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, blue-purple, red-purple and sky blue.

FINDING A TOUCH OF GLAM IN EVERYDAY DESIGN

HGTV star shares her secrets to make a home look both beautiful and livable.

Tamara Day, star of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, describes her style as “laid-back luxe.”

“I am a mom of four, and I like pretty, shiny things,” Tamara says. “The two don’t always mix well. I design with lifestyle and family in mind but with that touch of glam.”

This mixture of practicality and flare can be accomplished throughout the home on a budget, Tamara says.

When it comes to the kitchen, she says replacing the backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the room. Additionally, she says paint is the most inexpensive option to update cabinets, and there is a de-glosser on the market that will reduce the labor involved by helping paint adhere to cabinets.

“You can get a whole new kitchen with some fresh paint,” Tamara says.

In the bathroom, Tamara suggests putting up new light fixtures and wallpaper for a fresh look. She suggests using wallpaper on just one wall to create contrast.

“Wallpaper transforms everything and puts in a hominess factor,” Tamara says.

To give a new feel to the living room, Tamara suggests using decorative pillows as well as displaying design books and layering with a candle or other interesting object to create a sentimental focal point. She also suggests investing in good, quality sofas

and rugs because less expensive options will not typically withstand the amount of wear and tear they receive from a family.

Overall, Tamara says there is a balance between mixing expensive and inexpensive items and materials around the home, all without having it looking cluttered. She says every space needs something that is thrifted.

Tamara finds many people enjoy elements of different types of styles and have a hard time defining their personal style. To help narrow down to a preferred look, she suggests taking a hundred room images and sorting them into piles of likes and dislikes. She says when someone completes this exercise, they typically find a theme to their preferences.

MAKING COLOR, TEXTURE AND PATTERN STAND OUT

Tamara has a natural eye for using great colors and textures in design. What is her approach to making a room look great?

HERE ARE TAMARA’S TOP TIPS:

Find a base color with pops of other colors.

“Every room needs a touch of black and a pop of color,” Tamara says. “The black will anchor it, but the color will give it life.”

If the home is urban, she suggests more bold pops. If it is a traditional home, use a mixture of colors. Additionally, she suggests using one basic color throughout a home with pops of other colors as opposed to having a different color in each room.

Consider wallpaper.

“Wallpaper can be scary for a lot of people, but there are so may wallpapers out there that are removable,” Tamara says.

Tamara says wallpaper adds texture and warmth, and she includes it in most of the homes she designs.

Layer with baskets, blankets and greenery. All three make a room feel cozy and add color and interest to a space.

TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE INTO A

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

New York Times Best Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research from the World’s Healthiest Cultures.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.

“GET YOUR HANDS ON A PLANT-BASED COOKBOOK, PICK A DOZEN RECIPES, AND COOK THOSE WITH YOUR FAMILY ON SUNDAYS.”

GATHER AT THE TABLE

Setting time aside to gather as a family around the dinner table is a great way to connect without the distractions from the things that pull us away from the ones we love. Both the Maple Harvest Salad and Beignets can be prepared in advance for the busy families on the go. Enjoy!

maple harvest salad

INGREDIENTS Serves 1

• 1 portion Honey Roasted Cauliflower (3 oz.)

• 2 oz. Pomegranate seeds

• 3 oz. chopped Kale

• 2 oz. thinly sliced Brussel Sprouts

• 5 oz. Maple Molasses Dressing

DIRECTIONS

Toss all the ingredients, aside from the pomegranate seeds, into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the maple molasses dressing and lightly toss everything together, until everything has been coated in the dressing. Place on the middle of a plate, in a mound, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the salad.

INGREDIENTS

Honey Roasted Cauliflower (Yields 5 - 6 portions)

• 1 lb. of Cauliflower Florets

• 2 oz. Salt

• .5 oz. Black Pepper

• 8 oz. Honey

• 8 oz. Oil

DIRECTIONS

Chop cauliflower into small floret pieces. Combine everything together and toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated, roast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 mins.

INGREDIENTS

Maple Molasses Dressing (Yields 1 quart, 8 servings)

• 4.5 oz. Apple Cider Vinegar

• 3 oz. Maple Syrup

• 3 oz. Molasses

• 0.5 oz. Mustard

• 11.5 oz. Soy Milk

• 10.5 oz. Olive Oil

chicken parmesan

INGREDIENTS

• Chicken Breast

• Spaghetti

• Marinara Sauce

• Fresh Mozzarella slices

• Panko Breading

DIRECTIONS

Bread the chicken breast in the panko breading, then fry at 350 degrees F, until the internal temperature reaches about 170 Degrees F. In the meantime, slowly reheat the cooked spaghetti in the marinara sauce, once hot, set aside. After the chicken breast reaches the 170 degrees internal temp, spread the mozzarella onto the chicken breast and melt in the oven for about 3-5 mins. Twist the spaghetti into a nest, and place onto the plate. and place the chicken breast over the top of the pasta.

INGREDIENTS

Marinara Sauce (yields 8 - 10 servings)

• 1 #10 Can Crushed Tomatoes

• 1 lb. Onions, Diced

• 1/2 lb. Carrots, Diced

• 1/2 lb. Celery, Diced

• 1 oz. Garlic Cloves

• 1/2 oz. Dried Basil

• 2 Bay Leafs

• 500 ml Red Wine

• 4 oz. Water

• 2 oz. Sugar

• 4 oz. Oil

• 1/2 oz. Dried Oregano

• 2 grams Crushed Red Pepper

• 1/2 lb. Parm Cheese

• 1/2 oz. Black Pepper

• 8 oz. Tomato Paste

DIRECTIONS

In a large stock pot, preheat the oil until it reaches the smoking point. Add the diced vegetables and begin to sweat on high heat, once translucent, add the sugar and allow vegetables to brown and caramelize. Once Caramelized, add tomato paste and allow to brown. Deglaze with the red wine and reduce by half. Add canned tomatoes, spices and herbs, and the water. Allow to simmer over medium heat for about 1-2 hours. Transfer to a blender and blend on high speed until fully mixed, manually whisk in the parm cheese.

beignets

INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz. Butter

• 32 oz. Water

• 32 oz. Flour

• 16 Eggs

• pinch Salt

• pinch Sugar

DIRECTIONS

Bring the butter and water to a boil, incorporate the flour, salt, and sugar and fold over until the batter forms into a cohesive ball, with no patches of dry flour. Allow to cool for about 10 mins before throwing the batter into a stand mixer. With the paddle attachment slowly incorporate the eggs, one at a time, until the batter has absorbed all the eggs. Scoop into one ounce balls and fry in preheated oil at 325 degrees F, rotating the beignets for about 15 mins. Allow to cool and let the steam hollow out the inside of the beignets. Stuff with your choice of filling and sprinkle with powdered sugar and place on to a plate.

INGREDIENTS

Chocolate Mousse -

Yields 5 - 6 servings

• 1-8 oz. Vanilla Pudding Mix

• 8 oz. Heavy Cream

• 32 oz. Milk

• 12 oz. Dark Chocolate

• 1/2 oz. Vanilla Extract

• 8 oz. Cool Whip

• 16 oz. Dark Cocoa Powder

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt the dark chocolate into the heavy cream over a double boiler on the stovetop over medium high heat. Once mixed, allow 10 minutes to cool.

2. Meanwhile, mix all other ingredients together using a stand mixer until well combined. Slowly incorporate the melted dark chocolate/heavy cream mixture until well combined. Using a spatula, place chocolate mousse into a piping bag.

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 3RD

Cocktail Classroom

Smoked Restaurant | 6:30 PM

Join Smoked for Cocktail 101: Craft cocktails at home, master shaking vs. stirring, elevate ice’s role, and embrace mixology essentials! Sure to be a super fun night on the town!

MARCH 8TH-10TH

Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show

SC State Fairgrounds | 10:00 AM

Time for the 58th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show! They've got over 100 exhibitors in the show including a marketplace of vendors, beer garden, live entertainment, educational seminars and MORE. Visit HomeShowColumbia.com to see the list of exhibitors and special events.

MARCH 9TH

The Lexington County Blowfish present the Annual Shamrock Parade

Lexington Main Street | 2:00 PM

The 9th Annual Shamrock Parade will roll down Main Street at 2pm on Saturday, March 9th. From Irish Dancers, to Choo Choo Trains, Musical Bands, Floats, Pageant Winners to even a Mountain Dew drinking Camel! Irish eyes will be smiling at this family fun event!

MARCH 16TH

St. Pat’s in Five Points Columbia

Five Points on Saluda Avenue | 10:00 AM

A Columbia tradition is celebrating 42 years! Steeped in tradition, this year’s event will be no different! Whether you want to enjoy the parade with your family, jam to live music with friends or get your kids in on the fun, there’s something for everyone at St. Pat’s in Five Points!

MARCH 21ST

Taste of Lake Murray

DoubleTree by Hilton | 6:00 PM

Dance the night away while listening to music from The Voltage Brothers on the main stage and Under the Sun on the outdoor stage. Sample flavors from around the region and vote for your favorite chef to join Team Lake Murray Country at the World Food Championships. Bid on the silent auction and have fun at everyone’s favorite “party with a purpose!”

MARCH 30TH

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Clinton Sease Farms | 10:00 AM

Kick off Easter with this fun event! Tickets include Egg Hunt, Wagon Ride, Cow Train, Bubble Mania, Playgrounds and Obstacle Courses. There will also be photo-ops with the Easter Bunny.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES' ANNUAL GALA FUNDRAISER

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia, SC is excited to present their annual fundraising gala. This year, the theme is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This year’s event will take place on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 1208 Washington Place. There will be a live band, great food, a silent and live auction, an open bar, and a lot more. It will be a fun night out for all!

Ronald McDonald House Charities is a non-profit organization that provides care for the families of critically ill and injured children receiving care at local Columbia hospitals. The organization consists of two cornerstone programs:  The Ronald McDonald House, located next door to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, and The Ronald McDonald Family Room, located in the lobby of Prisma Health Richland’s Children’s Hospital.

Through the Family Room Program, nourishment rooms, hospitality carts, and the Pack-A-Smile lunch program, they serve an average of 15,000 individuals/families per month, making all of the comforts of the Ronald McDonald House accessible at Prisma Health Baptist, Richland, and Children’s Hospitals along with Lexington Medical Center.

The Ronald McDonald House Columbia, SC opened on May 18th, 1983. Today, RMHC Columbia, SC is an active, energetic organization with a volunteer board of directors and professional staff serving countless families and children. They are supported by a caring community of volunteers and generous contributors and sponsors.

Learn more about how to donate or how to get involved at RMHCofColumbia.org or by connecting with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia, SC on Instagram and Facebook @rmhccolumbiasc.