Healthy living it's not all about food. If your primary foods are out of balance, chances are, your food choices are too.

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By: Kimberley Alexandria-Day

For many years mental illness and retardation were looked at as a hush-hush issue. No one wanted to talk about it and people just brushed it off as though it was no big deal.

When I was younger, I noticed that some of my family members were what people used to say—a little “off”. I had a cousin that dealt with not only a mental illness, but physical ailment as well. I also took notice as to how some of my family members acted—how short they were when it came to talking about certain subjects, how easily upset and discontent they became. I also took notice of how sometimes erratic their behaviors were at times, which led me to become even more curious. So I, as an inquisitive child, asked a lot of questions because I wanted to know the root of the problem. I wanted to know what caused mental illness. Was it something genetically inherited or passed down through generations? Of course, I was hushed because no one wanted to talk about it, and I became emotionally disconnected from my own family.
 

I would want to talk to someone, especially about the way that I was feeling. You would think that the people in your family would be the ones who you could truly turn to, that they would hear you out. But on many occasions, my feelings would be met with backlash, the same response: "Ain't nothing wrong with you."

I remember wanting to commit suicide at 15, unbeknownst to many people, because I made it a point to not talk about it. I felt alone and depressed. I was constantly in the midst of unnecessary drama at school, and I always wanted to run away. But what drove me to that point is the real question. How could that have
been prevented?

Think of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The main character, Hannah Baker, is exactly who I was. The series resonates with me so much because it highlights everything wrong with society, including the so-called adults that we were supposed to look up to for help. The moment we voice our opinions or our feelings we're scolded, much like Hannah in the series.

That's what led me to want to create a space for women - especially young women - to help prevent those things from happening and know that they CAN talk to someone about whatever it is that they're going through. I needed someone to be there for me and I decided to be that person to be there for someone else. My wish is for young women (and men, too!) to reach out to me through OTS by email or by calling us. The reality is everyone needs someone to talk to and be confident, whether they make it known or not.

As the store opens in June, I want Ode to Self to become a safe haven for people. Yes, we sell beauty and lifestyle products, but the purpose is to help you create a calm space so that you can properly care for yourself, get into a self-care routine, and remember to check in with yourself.

At OTS, we're promoting a positive, healthy lifestyle. We're combating mental illness through our "Mind Your Wellness" initiative, which helps people get in tune with themselves through their physical, emotional, and mental feelings. We're making it our mission to remind people to start checking in with themselves and
each other.

It all starts with a simple question: "How are you REALLY doing?"

With the opening of the store, I am offering the readers here on Nashville Guide 10% off their first purchase with us, using code: OTSNASH10 when we launch! I want you all to experience what we have to offer and get ready to treat yourself.

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Kimberley Alexandria-Day is a serial entrepreneur whose interests and ventures span beauty, skincare, art, photography, fitness, health, and wellness. Kimberley is the proud owner of Ode to Self, a skincare and wellness boutique dedicated to self-care for women. Kimberley also blogs on her personal website, Alex René Lifestyle, and does freelance photography under Alex René Creative.

Instagram: @odetoself | @kimberleyalexandriaday
Website: www.ode-toself.com (launch June 15th) | www.alexrenelifestyle.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/odetoself

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By: Camille Barron

South Nashville has a new gym, but it’s not the kind to facilitate a typical workout. The Crag is a climbing gym, that is, it emulates the experience of rock climbing.

I went there for the first time on a Friday evening, shortly after it had opened. Michael Kidder, one of the gym’s owners and cofounders, was there to walk me through the climbing process and explain some of the techniques and nuances of skilled climbing.

Camille Barron: What are the three most important rules of rock climbing?

Michael Kidder: First, have fun. Climbing can provide a very deep connection between the mind and body as you learn how to control your (somewhat natural) fear of falling, but if you’re not having fun, you won’t keep doing it, so always remember to keep it enjoyable. Second, find a great community of others to help get through the learning curve and keep you safe as you learn the ropes (pun intended). Finally, but not necessarily immediately, you will have a better experience when gear and clothing is matched to your activity (you don’t run in your work shoes!) so make sure you understand and get the right stuff.

CB: You already own and operate a successful climbing gym in Franklin. Why did you expand to a second location, and what made you choose South Nashville?

MK: We have lived and worked in Nashville for 20+ years (as an ownership group). We built a community in Franklin that was thriving, but wanted to extend that community to both serve those who were traveling to get to us as well as expand the facilities and services we offered. We wanted to grow our presence in Nashville because we knew what we were doing would work there too. We built the biggest climbing gym in the city and I think our newest location serves both current customers and our new neighbors alike.

CB: Outside of the known physical & mental health benefits of exercise - Why is rock climbing good for a city like Nashville? 

MK: Climbing has been exploding as a sport. It will be in the Olympics in 2 years! Tennessee has great outdoor resources for climbing, and I think gym climbing is a gateway to outdoor experiences. I think that diversity in urban recreation opportunities is good for a city like Nashville and good for the sport. I also believe The Crag has a great history of inclusion in our community. We have always tried to make what can be an intimidating sport approachable.

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Besides the mock-rocks to climb, The Crag also offer familiar equipment you might see in a standard gym or weight room, so that one may pursue alternate workouts before or after their climb. They also offer yoga, HIIT, and bootcamp classes, thus making a nicely rounded out one-stop workout shop.

The Crag is a great place for beginners (like me). Yes, the steep facades are a little intimidating, but the friendliness of the gym is welcoming. Shouts of groups of strangers encouraging and guiding each other are echoed across the cavernous room. There is lots of hands-on training available. Being here is, as Michael puts it, a gateway experience into the climbing world. And I have to say, despite the fact that my hands were quick to tire, I was determined to come back and overcome some of the walls I wasn’t quite able to conquer (or even start). As we were leaving, my group was already talking about when we could go back.

Photos: @cragnashville
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Camille Barron is a 25-year-old Nashville transplant from New York. By day, she works as a Social Media Consultant at Nashville-based social marketing startup JumpCrew. By day, she also blogs about minimalist, classic fashion on her personal blog serialoutfitrepeater.com and writes local restaurant reviews at musiccityhighway.com.  Follow her on Instagram @SerialOutfitRepeater. 

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Below are what I consider to be the top three workouts offered in town. The great thing about all of these workouts -  besides being completely free - are that they welcome all stages of fitness, age, and experience. Their welcoming environments encourage improvement and foster positivity among all of the participants. 

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By: Savannah Sturgeon

Eating healthy and supporting the local businesses and farmers that make your diet possible.

Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about eating healthy, exercising and rocking that new pair of black mesh leggings. It’s also about living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving. There are so many small businesses and farmers who work hard to bring us the great food we love. And Nashville is home to some of the best produce out there! Today I want to share some of my favorite little spots in Nashville that make delicious healthy food made by small businesses and farmers. Visit any of these spots to fill your tummy with good stuff and show some love to the people who bring you all the organic, vegan, gluten free, fair trade food you crave.

Photos: @franklinjuice

Franklin Juice Co.
230 Franklin Rd. STE 11W
Franklin, TN 37064
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm  |  Sat: 8am-4pm

2301 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204
Everyday 7am-7pm

Bellevue YMCA
8101 TN-100   
Nashville, TN 37221
Mon-Sat: 7am-2pm

Founded in 2013 in Franklin Tennessee, this juice company now has three locations and a juice truck! The founders believe in “being diligent stewards of the bodies we've been given.” And that is exactly what they do! Providing Nashville with juices and Acai bowls made with ingredients that taste good and are great for you, The Franklin Juice Co. is one thirst quenching spot you want to support! 

Photo: @12southfrmsmkt

12 South Farmer’s Market
3000 Granny White Pike
Nashville, TN 37212
Tues: 3:30pm-6:30pm

Located in arguably the trendiest place in Nashville, the 12 South Farmers Market is one of the must visit spots during the summer and fall. This famers market sells the freshest produce and handmade products from local businesses all over Nashville. Get your berries and your lip balm in one place and then take a stroll through the beautiful Sevier Park. This is a great activity for you and your friends to enjoy the sun and support Nashville businesses at the same time. A win-win! And they allow dogs. So if your pup loves a good deal on carrots and woven handbags, bring em along.

photo: @greendoorgourmet

Green Door Gourmet
7007 River Road Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
Tues - Fri: 10am-6pm
Sat: 9am-4pm
Sun: 10am-4pm

Green Door Gourmet just might be Nashville’s best kept secret; although, it won’t be a secret for long. It’s a 350-acre farm, country store and event venue with tons of public events held throughout the year including cooking classes and festivals. They sell everything from jams and jellies to flowers and breads, making it easy support this local business. You can visit the farm or the store, or book your own event in their gorgeous farmhouse. They also have a wonderful blog with cooking videos and recipes to help you prepare your freshly bought produce.

photo: @theturniptruck

The Turnip Truck
701 Woodland Street
Nashville TN 37206
Mon-Sat: 7am-9pm
Sun: 8am-8pm

This is one of my personal favorite grocery stores. I love eating healthy and maintain a primarily all-natural and gluten-free diet. On top of that, I have an allergy to green peas, which is irrelevant to this article, but makes for an interesting fact. The Turnip Truck has an impressive array of delicious goodies and snacks that make eating right super easy. I often hop in the East Nashville store to grab a kombucha and whatever fun snack their friendly employees recommend. They also have a juice bar, hot bar with breakfast sandwiches, and salad bar, all with menus online. The Turnip Truck is one of the few grocers that sell locally grown produce and sustainable meat and seafood. I know when I shop here I am supporting the farmers and local businesses that make my diet easily maintainable.

photo: @sunflowernash

Sunflower Vegetarian Café
2834 Azalea Pl, Nashville TN 37204
Mon-Thurs: 11am-9 pm
Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm

I am not vegetarian, but that doesn’t mean I won’t get down and dirty with a veggie burger every now and then. The Sunflower Café is a true gem when it comes to making good vegan eats. Not only does this café make delicious vegan, vegetarian, dairy free or gluten free foods, they also use fresh locally grown produce in all their dishes. They are, as their website says “Vegetarian and vegan food done right!” They also have amazing daily specials and party platters so you can throw all the vegetarian and vegan parties your heart desires. Lettuce eat! 

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Savannah Sturgeon is the founder of the young adult ministry The Good Fruit. Her ministry publishes weekly online devotionals with topics that address the struggles and celebrations of the young adult life. The Good Fruit also creates small group curriculum that is used by universities and churches around the country. Savannah is currently pursuing her Masters of Divinity in Los Angeles and will choose Waffle House coffee over gourmet coffee any day of the week. 

Website: http://www.thegoodfruit.org/
Email: youaregoodfruit@gmail.com
Instagram: @savannahsturgeo

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