When we moved to California, I noticed a few changes.  The grocery stores only did paper or reusable bags, you couldn't get plastic.  There were recycling centers, containers and bins everywhere.  Almost everything said "make with some percent of recycled products".  At first these things seemed silly, especially from this DC native where quick and easy is key to life but then it made sense.  I got annoyed when I left the reusable bags at home when I meant to bring them to the store cause then I had to PAY for bags, ugh!  Since then and our move back East I've been trying to make some more conscious changes.

What are some steps you are taking to be more conscious?

Spring Cleaning means something different to everyone.  For me, it's a couple of things that just make the house feel more fresh!

• OPEN the windows as much as you can - there is nothing like fresh air in your house!
  
• BRING IN THE GREEN! It's great to landscape outside but bring some green inside.  Don't have a green thumb, do what I do, get artificial plants & succulents!
• LIGHT AND BRIGHT - pick out a table runner that's woven / jute vs super colorful or change your curtains to something lighter to maximize the light from the longer days.
• STEAM it up, I love my steam mop and I've never looked as Swiffer again, it's so easy and I can pop some Lemongrass essential oils in the water tank and instantly gives the house a boost!

What are some of your favorite ways to spring clean?

Venue
Millers Alehouse

Vendors
Senegence with Karisa Lyons
Color Street with Maggie Mendoza
Paparazzi Accessories with Jennice

Photography by Tabatha M. Price Photography

Venue
Puckett's Downtown Grocery & Restaurant

Photography
Hacker Media

Vendors
Gracewear Collection - Charlotte White
Pure Romance - Danielle Bekeza
Connected Chiropractic - Dr. Natalie Bays

I am so happy to be able to offer you an introductory class on how to start using social media to monetize your network marketing business.

Whether you’ve been in business 5 weeks or 5 years, you know social media is an imperative way to conduct your business. Network Marketing businesses are no different than big business. Social Media & Word of Mouth are your biggest engagement factors with your customers, so why not utilize them to their fullest?

This class is in-person only for the time being but we might go online soon!
- You’ll learn in depth the different kinds of social media accounts there are and which one is best for you!
- We will discuss how to build your brand while simultaneously connecting with your customers
- How to balance a competitive but healthy work-life balance with your new business
- I'll teach you how to properly use hashtags & location tags
- How to use Insta-stories to engage & connect
- How to organize your feed to be eye-catching and systematic
- The 5 apps I absolutely cannot live without
- How to use your iPhone camera like a pro (90% of my pictures are taken with my iPhone!)
- How to write captivating captions that will increase engagement
- You will get a formula on when to post, at what time, and what content to use. Chances are you are doing way too much work and my simplified approach has been proven to work best!

Please click the link HERE to reserve your seat. Slots are limited, so act fast. If for some reason you are unable to attend, the fee will be transferable to the next class.

You will receive Handbook and approximately 2 hours worth of knowledge setup in a casual atmosphere, and a Q&A after the class for a chance for me to answer any questions pertaining to your specific business needs.

 We reached out to the Chattanooga community to find the FIVE BEST restaurants to celebrate Valentine's Day with your significant other.  Sometimes deciding on where to eat for Valentine's Day or date night can be a little stressful (if you're anything like us, it usually takes a while to decide!) Hopefully this list will make your planning a little easier!  

BANGBANG SHRIMP AND COCKTAILS AT BONEFISH GRILL (GUNBARRELL ROAD, CHATTANOOGA)
I'm a HUGE fan of the Winter White Cosmo, so this is kind of a no brainer for us.  I'm also a pescatarian (meaning I only eat seafood, no other meat) so a seafood-ish venue is something that's a must on our Valentine's Day menu checklist. 
(www.bonefishgrill.com)

MATILDA MIDNIGHT
Looking for a Lady in the Tramp style meal? Join Matilda Midnight for their spaghetti and meatball for two with wine and dessert!
(https://www.matildamidnight.com/)

STATE OF CONFUSION (DOWNTOWN)
I'm not sure if the cute little igloos are still outside but this place is a fantastic addition to this years Valentine's Dining Guide.
(https://www.soconfusion.com/)

OLD GILMAN GRILL (WEST VILLAGE)
Whether going for their four-course wine paired meals or just regular fare you can't go wrong with Old Gilman Grill's options for this romantic evening. You can check out their custom menu options below OR tune in for our review this weekend!
(https://www.oldgilmangrill.com/orinswiftwinedinner)

KEEP IT CASUAL - CITRON ET SEL (WEST VILLAGE)
Not all of us as seasoned Valentine's couples so you always need a good option to keep it casual, easy and fun for a first (or second) date.  Enjoy the tacos then take a shot at the bell with a shot glass made of ice!
(https://www.citronetsel.com/)

Have a fantastic Valentine's Day!! Let me know in the comments what your fave go to's are!!

RSVP for February's GALENTINES Girls Night Out at Puckett's Downtown!

Dr. Bays grew up in West Virginia where she earned a bachelor’s degree from Wheeling Jesuit University. After college, she sought out experience in the medical field, becoming an EMT and shadowing various doctors. After gaining experience with the traditional medical model, Dr. Bays felt there must be a better path to health than prescription drugs. It was then that she took a job working for a local chiropractor. She immediately fell in love with the hands-on approach to healthcare and emphasis on patient education.
Dr. Bays soon found herself at Palmer College of Chiropractic where she learned about the human body, how it functions, and how to maintain optimal function without the use of drugs or surgery. During her time at Palmer, Dr. Bays served as an academic tutor and clinical teaching assistant. Her special interests include neurology and nutrition, two topics she continues to study to be able to better serve her patients. Outside the office Dr. Bays can be found doing yoga, hiking, gardening, reading, or playing fetch with her cat Indi.

Describe yourself in three words?
Organized. Goal-oriented. Compassionate.

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
Helping my patients exceed health goals and empowering them to live life with vitality.

What are your professional goals for the next six months?
Begin working on my master's degree in functional medicine so that I may better serve my patients.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would love to open a coffee & tea shop.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I don't. I live the wellness lifestyle that I preach, and I'm constantly learning. I consider myself lucky that my work is my hobby.

What are your top three favorite people/places/things to do in your city?
Hiking, brewery hopping, and checking out local events/festivals. .

What is your goal for retirement?
I see myself teaching part-time and gardening. I'm really looking forward to having time to sit in a garden all day just pruning flowers.

Do you have any advice for women who'd like to start their own company?
Pick something you love doing.

CONNECT WITH CHANNING
Website | Facebook | Instagram | E-Mail

Chattnooga SportVenue
Moxy Chattanooga

Photographer
Katie Gertler Photography

Vendors
Piphany Boutique with Marion
DoTerra Essential Oils with Melinda
Karine Joncas Skin Care with Melonie
Insagenix with Christy
Mary Kay with Wendy
Paparazzi Jewelry with Jasmine
Ruby Ribbon with Sherri
Solle Naturals with Lisa
Chattanogoa Sports Chiropractic Institute with Dr. Callie

Charity
Graysons Ladder

Food Truck
Dolly's Smokehouse

Winter in West Village (FREE)
Now - Feb. 23, 2019, Saturdays, 4 - 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy the newly created district between for a weekly street festival with live music from local bands, cocktails, beer, laser light show, and plenty of activities for kids. The district brings a European-style experience and offers public art, eateries, coffee shops, shopping, and the Westin Chattanooga.

Holiday Trail of Lights Selfie Station at the Chattanooga Visitors Center
Nov. 16, 2018 - Jan. 12, 2019, Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Stop by the Chattanooga Visitors Center at The Block (215 Broad Street) to snap a selfie with some fun props! You can even include your pet (as it’s on a leash). Post your selfie with #TrailofLighsCHA for a chance to win a $50 restaurant gift card. Winners will be chosen on Nov. 30, Dec. 31, & Jan. 14. One photo equals one entry. The more photos you post, the more chances you have to win! Limit five entries per person. Chattanooga Visitors Center is closed on Thanksgiving and New Year’s days.

NorthShore Merchants Collective’s Annual Holiday Window Treasure Hunt
Nov. 16, 2018 - Jan. 7, 2019
The Holiday Window Treasure Hunt kicks off the weekend of the NorthShore's Holiday Open House. Similar to those Highlights Magazine’s hidden object games, this version has you looking for hidden items in holiday-themed windows. Pick up a game card from 1 of 25 participating businesses, start hunting, then turn in completed game card (along with a minimum $1 contribution) at 1 of 3 NorthShore businesses for a chance to win a gift basket valued at $1,500. Great for families or adults.

The Polar Express 3D at the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX Theater
Nov. 23 - Dec. 27, 2018, daily, times vary
Even if you have seen this heart-warming classic before, watching it on the giant, six-story IMAX Theater screen with Laser creates a brand and magical new experience. The Polar Express is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg and takes audiences on an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. Viewers fall in love with a doubting young boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Gingerbread Workshops at the Creative Discovery Museum
Nov. 23 - 25, Dec. 1 - 2, 8 - 9, 15 - 16, 22 - 23, 2018, times vary
Kick off the holiday season with this sweet tradition. The whole family will enjoy creating sweet and sticky houses from gingerbread, icing, candy, and other sugary confections. The workshop includes hot chocolate, cookies, pre-built houses, icing, candy, and holiday music. Admission to the Museum is included for non-members participating in the workshop. Reservations are required in advance.

MainX24 24-Hour Festival in the Southside District (FREE)
Dec. 1, 2018
Celebrate Main Street & the Southside District for a 24-hour long festival held the first weekend each December. The packed schedule of entertainment includes fashion shows, parades, parties, live music, Big Wheel contest, chili cook off, an ice-skating rink, and so much more. Some special events require a charge.

Southern Belle Riverboat’s Breakfast with Santa Cruise
Dec. 1 & 15, 2018, 9:30 a.m.
Start the day with a pancake breakfast on the Southern Belle! After breakfast, be razzled and dazzled by a magic show and enjoy a visit with the man in the big red suit to find out if you’ve made the naughty or nice list this year.

Bluff View Art District’s River Gallery Demo Days (FREE)
Dec. 1, 2-4 p.m.; Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m.
Interact with some incredible artists as they demonstrate their work at River Gallery. Schedule: Dec. 1, 2-4 p.m./Scott Hill Block Party; and Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m./Wearable Extravaganza with artists Christina Goodman, Theresa St. Romain, Goddess Rags, and Gina Pannorfi; Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m./Dennis Heckler Plein Air.

Tennessee Valley Railroad’s Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train
Dec. 1, 8, 15-16, 22-23, 2018, times vary
All aboard for a Hiwassee Holiday Adventure!  For the second time, "Santa Trains" will operate along the beautiful Hiwassee River from Delano to Reliance. Upon departure, riders will enjoy light refreshments, storytelling, and Christmas carols.  When the train arrives at the turn back location in Reliance, Santa will board and walk through the train greeting children during the return trip.

Chattanooga Holiday Market at the Chattanooga Convention Center (FREE)
Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 2018
As part of the Chattanooga Market, this market offers a special holiday theme with live music, caroling, festivities, and more than 200 vendors providing a great assortment of unique, locally hand-made items, holiday décor, and artisan foods for all those holiday gifts.
Tennessee Valley Railroad’s Summerville Santa Special
Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 & 23, 2018, times vary
All aboard for a Georgia holiday adventure: The Summerville Santa Special Train Ride!  Trains depart from the festively-decorated, historic Summerville Depot for a one-hour and 15-minute ride to Trion and return. Along the way, riders will be treated to light refreshments, storytelling, and Christmas carols.  As the train pulls into Trion, Santa Claus will climb aboard and walk through the train greeting children during the return ride to Summerville.

PJs and The Polar Express at the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater
Dec. 15-16, 2018
Choo! Choo! All aboard the Polar Express for a trip to the North Pole! Dress in your favorite pajamas and enjoy a special screening of The Polar Express 3D. Before the movie, guests will get the chance to meet the “real” Conductor, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy pastries. Fun for the entire family and all who truly believe!

AND we all know Santa is a busy man this time of year, but somehow he still finds time to visit several places around Chattanooga. Check out the list HERE on where to see Jolly Old Saint Nick!