COASTAL CASUAL ELEGANCE
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
26 | H O ME FEAT U R E
Germantown home exudes "coastal casual elegance," expertly outfitted by Cindy McCord of Cindy McCord Design.
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46 | T R A V E L
Regency Travel brings vacation dreams to life in Bermuda, a tiny island paradise.
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
M AY 2 0 2 0
home & travel 26 HOME FEATURE A Fresh Start
36 EXPERIENCE THIS
Central Station Hotel
46 TRAVEL Bermuda
food & drink 56 DINING OUT Owen Brennan's
58 IN THE KITCHEN Sundried Tomato & Chicken Pasta
60 HAPPY HOUR
Spring & Summer Cocktails
for you
34 GIFT GUIDE
Mother's Day
38 WEDDING Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Hays 62 HEALTHY YOU
COVID-19 & Respiratory Health
66 ON A GOOD NOTE
Palmer Home for Children
in every issue
14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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65 SOURCES
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MAY 2020 • VOL. 19 NO. 2 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com
REGIONAL MARKETING JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 320 SOUTH WALNUT BEND, SUITE 11 CORDOVA, TN 38018 | 901.684.4155 ATHOMEMMS.COM At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
@athomemagazine
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PUBLISHER'S
Note
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ay 1st—some refer to it as May Day. Although there are many explanations behind why we celebrate May Day, the common link that I found was that it is a day we come together to sing, dance and commemorate the changing of the seasons. Some even say it is to celebrate the removal of evil spirits. I don’t know how anything could be more relevant to what we have just encountered in our world. What has just happened to us? I have found myself asking that several times a day over these 40 or so days of quarantine. Not to make light of this pandemic at all, but sometimes I have to look at the positive side of tragic situations in order to cope. There has been fear, for sure. Fear for some of our children on the front lines. Fear for our friends and family members who could catch this horrible sickness. Fear for our economy and financial future. But what has it taught us? I am a type A personality and, in the past, never really rested or napped. Well, I have rested and napped and the world still went on! I have enjoyed taking walks with my husband, or rather, having our very high-strung black lab, Cooper, take us on walks that we never seemed to have time for before. It has been so promising to watch families play together in their yards. We have had family dinners; whether we picked up “family-style” meals from our local restaurants or cooked at home, we did it together. Puzzles have been done and games have been played. Trip and I have even enjoyed watching old home videos of our children that brought us so many happy tears. In the past, we didn’t have “time” for any of this. Parents of school-age children are realizing that they actually do have time to take part in teaching their children. No doubt, they have learned just how vital our educators are and have a new respect for their love of our children. While we are still “at home” during all of the uncertainty, I hope you are taking advantage of this special time and realizing we do have time for those things so many of us took for granted. We would love for you to go to our Facebook page and share with us the positive ways you and your families have spent this time. Whether we are still staying home or we’re able to venture out a bit, let’s all remember May Day and celebrate it as a new season that leaves evil ways behind. May we remember that time is actually all we truly have while on this earth, and resolve to spend it doing what matters and with those that matter most, the ones we couldn’t imagine not singing or dancing with. Stay healthy, stay safe, and take advantage of, but never take for granted, this time.
- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER PHOTO BY STEVE ROBERTS 14 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2020
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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heir nest was empty and their home was new—it seemed like the perfect time for a complete redo. Interior designer Cindy McCord recalls that the owners wanted their recently constructed Germantown home to have a totally new environment. “They didn’t bring any furniture with them from their previous place; they started fresh. She wanted a light, simple, airy and timeless feel.” Built by Tayloe Company, the transitionalstyle residence has plenty of curb appeal thanks to its painted brick exterior. From the first step into the entryway, the design tone is set, a look McCord calls “coastal casual elegance,” that flows throughout the house. Crisp white walls play off handsome hardwood floors in a perfectly medium stain; not so dark as to be imposing, but dark enough to anchor an otherwise cool palette. A traditional style chest in an updated finish—distressed blue/gray—sits beneath a subtly antiqued mirror to form the focal point. A large original painting
of a tranquil landscape by Atlanta artist Thomasa Seymour greets guests as they enter the home. McCord says she chose the entryway’s Dash & Albert rug with both durability and simplicity of style in mind. Its relaxed striae pattern features flecks of neutral colors and precisely the right amount of blue. Just off the entryway, the dining room is one of McCord’s favorite parts of the house. “I love the dining room; it’s so pretty and simple,” she says. The table is dressed-up farm style with graceful curved pedestals and a soft oak finish. It offers ample seating for eight in distressed, antique-white chairs. The table and chairs are the true stars here. In keeping with the simplicity of the overall design plan, McCord put no other furniture in the space. The pared-down furniture placement and simple sisal rug allow the room’s “jewelry” to shine. The chandelier blends classic crystal features with metal in a fashionable bronzy gold finish for a look that is formal without being fussy. A grouping of six framed intaglios adds an elegant touch, while full-length custom drapes frame the room’s large arched window.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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he family room gives the homeowners and their guests plenty of room to relax. A pair of handsome sofas with exposed legs and English rolled arms face each other, separated by an oversized custom ottoman upholstered in blue fabric with Greek key tack accents. Design symmetry is important here, from the twin reclining armchairs to the pairs of blue velvet throw pillows on both sofas, to the charming garden stools McCord selected in place of standard end tables. Built-in bookcases that adjoin the fireplace are backed in grasscloth in tones that echo the rich linen of the sofas. . The space opens into the kitchen, where elegance abounds. To-the-ceiling cabinets and a curved range hood draw the eye up while a pair of tall windows allow light to flood the room. Classic features like white Shaker cabinets, subway tile and quartzite countertops add to the appeal, but the kitchen is more than a pretty face. A spacious island does triple duty, holding the kitchen sink and dishwasher, providing work and seating space, and giving the homeowners sought-after storage that’s even accessible from the side and under the counter ledge that serves as a casual dining or conversation spot. 28 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2020
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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he sunny breakfast room adjacent to the kitchen is the perfect place for morning coffee or a casual lunch. For a more private feel, the homeowners can close the cleverly-placed cafe curtains on the room’s large windows.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
“[The homeowner] approached me to help after the project had started. I was super busy at the time, but I am so glad I took it on! She was a great client and I loved working with her. We worked closely together—she trusted me and it worked out well!”
- Cindy McCord, Interior Designer
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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fter a busy day, the master bedroom is the ideal relaxing retreat. Simplicity and serenity were foremost in the design, McCord remembers. A light-filled nook off to the side of the room that holds a pair of chairs and an ottoman seems meant for a book and a cup of tea. Mother Nature provides a stunning view out the windows. “The house backs up to an area with lots of beautiful trees, so that nook is well used,” the designer says. The powder room, featured on our cover, may be one of the smaller spaces in the house, but is not to be overlooked. In fact, a picture of the half bath that McCord posted on her social media had her followers buzzing. “That room has gotten over 1,000 likes on my Instagram,” she exclaims. This is the spot in the home where she made the boldest design choices. From the custom vanity in a deep blue to the moire watermark wallpaper to the rich gold accents to the pops of orange, the room is a true showstopper.
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M O T H E R ' S D AY G I F T G U I D E
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M O T H E R ' S D AY G I F T G U I D E
-Mother's Daygift guide
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EXPERIENCE THIS
Story by Lesley Harris Colvett | Photos courtesy of Central Station Hotel
C E N T RA L S TAT I O N H O T E L music + fine dining + boutique hotel
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emphis, a city known for music and Southern hospitality, welcomed the Central Station Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton™ property, in October 2019. The boutique lodging features 123 luxury rooms and offers one of the most unique Memphiscentric musical experiences to date. It is designed to provide unparalleled, first-of-its-kind music listening complete with a private listening room, thematic art installations, custom premium speakers, daily curated playlists, an extensive vinyl collection and regular music programming. Central Station Hotel is located downtown in one of Memphis’s most historic and famed neighborhoods, South Main Street. This popular area is known for restaurants, locally owned shops and communityoperated music festivals. “We hope guests walk away from their stay with the feeling that they have experienced something unique that only we can provide, not just as a hotel, but as a part of Memphis and the South Main neighborhood. The authenticity, design and careful 36 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2020
curation of the experience we provide is something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the country,” says general manager Jeremy Sadler. The decor is mid-century, enhanced with cuttingedge sound technology throughout the hotel and in-room features, making Central Station a perfect destination for music lovers. Sound engineers and acousticians worked with architects to ensure perfect sound quality and exceptional listening via speakers specifically designed for each of the hotel spaces. The music program was born from the vision of Memphis native McLean Wilson, a principal of the hotel’s development company, the Kemmons Wilson Companies. Thanks in part to Memphis arts organization Crosstown Arts, Wilson and his team formed a collaboration with EgglestonWorks, a renowned maker of premier sound systems. EgglestonWorks crafted customized speakers and installations for Central Station, along with a rotating playlist of Memphis-connected music that resonates throughout the hotel.
EXPERIENCE THIS
"Music is what Memphis does,” says Jim Thompson, president and chief designer of EgglestonWorks. “Everyone is in a band growing up (or wants to be) —not with any intention of being famous—it’s just in people. Memphis is doing something musical all the time. It’s the great equalizer, bringing people together in shared interest.” The hotel’s Eight & Sand Bar is the ultimate place for patrons to enjoy a finely crafted cocktail and conversation. An exclusive EgglestonWorks sound system is suspended above the seating area to create the perfect acoustics for guests to be able to hold conversations while enjoying music. Five-time James Beard Award finalists Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, known for their Southern-influenced Italian cuisine restaurants, operate Bishop restaurant inside the Central Station Hotel. The modern-French brasserie features authentic snacks typically found in neighborhood bars in Paris: oysters, seafood, salads, terrines, pates and tinned seafood. The bar and lounge area are complemented by an impressive double-level wall of vinyl, with the train station’s original ladder leading up to the second level of records. Behind the wall of vinyl is another element of surprise: an unmarked Listening Lounge that seats six guests. The sound-proof lounge features EgglestonWorks speakers, designed specifically for a stunning auditory experience. Music continues as DJs spin the sounds of Memphis daily in the bar area starting at 4 p.m. from “Elmertha,” a redesigned DJ booth creatively constructed from an old church organ and named after Booker T. Jones’ piano teacher, Elmertha Cole. A daily playlist resounds through the common spaces and in the hotel's guest rooms. “People from all over the world come to Memphis for the music,” says Wilson. “We want our guests to know they’ve arrived in the heart of it all the minute they walk through the doors. We’re excited to partner with such great local companies to offer a one-of-a-kind audio experience.” Plenty more is in the works for this downtown gem accommodation. According to Sadler, Central Station management is working on plans to offer a personalized package. “The details are in motion, but the idea is a private experience, designed for two to four people, similar to that which you would have on a date night at a cooking class, dance class or escape room experience... The experience will include personal time with the DJ, a private listening room experience and the ability to choose a playlist, along with drinks and appetizers,” he says.
For more information, visit www.centralstationmemphis.com and follow Central Station Hotel on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. May 2020 • athomemms.com | 37
WEDDING
REHEARSAL DINNER: ITTA BENA | WEDDING: HAYES HOME | RECEPTION: MEMPHIS COUNTRY CLUB EVENT PLANNER: MONA DUNLAP | FLORIST: DEEDRA STONE DESIGNS | PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY HUTCHINSON ENTERTAINMENT: MEMPHIS SOUL REVUE | BAKER: CAKES BY MOM AND ME | INVITATIONS: MÉNAGE STATIONERS WEDDING DRESS: MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL | MAKEUP: KENDRICK SIMPSON | RENTALS: WHITE DOOR EVENTS
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WEDDING
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F
ine jewelry is timeless. Unfortunately, fashion trends are not. Heirloom jewelry is sentimental, but not always the right fit. Engagement rings come in all styles and sizes, but sometimes the rings in stock don’t match the future bride’s dreams or capture her sparkling personality. Custom jewelry design to the rescue! Whether it’s bringing new life to a treasured heirloom piece or designing a unique engagement ring to last a lifetime, a custom piece may be your perfect fit. Let’s take a look at the steps. First, bring your vintage jewelry, or your dreams of the perfect new piece, to your nearest Sissy’s Log Cabin. We’ll learn your personal style and walk you through your options. Then one of our designers will bring your custom piece to life with a rendering. After you’ve tailored the drawing to your exact desires, we’ll create a wax mold for you to try on. Once you approve the wax mold, we start casting and creating your custom piece. Discovering your perfect engagement ring design can be a challenge. Brides who are searching for their dream ring and seeking to try out different styles find the Perfect Ring Builder on SissysLogCabin.com invaluable. Found under the “Bridal” tab on our website, the Perfect Ring Builder is a great way to explore your ideal ring style from the comfort of your own home. Choose your setting, lifestyle and diamond cut to see rings matched specifically to you. Brides with a passion for sparkle may be drawn to Fire Polish diamonds, a new cutting technique that allows the stone to gather and reflect a more vibrant array of light. All it takes is a few clicks to begin your search for the perfect ring. As always, our jewelry experts are just a call away to answer any of your questions throughout the process.
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e x t ra o r d i n a r i l y
CUSTOM
Text and Photos courtesy of Sissy's Log Cabin
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hether you’re looking to add some new sparkle to your jewelry collection or you want to give new life to older pieces, the answer you’ve been looking for may be custom design. The Sissy’s Log Cabin team would love to create a one-of-a-kind piece just for you. Give your nearest Sissy’s showroom a call or visit our e-commerce store at SissysLogCabin.com. Be sure to keep up with us on Facebook for updates on store hours and at-home shopping options. Founded in 1970, Sissy’s Log Cabin is a family-owned and operated jewelry store with locations in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro and Conway, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee. Our Memphis location opened in 2014 and is located in the Laurelwood Shopping Center. For more information, please visit SissysLogCabin.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 404 S. Grove Park Road | 901.834.0067 | michael@sissyslogcabin.com
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T R AV E L
travel
A T I N Y I S L A N D PA R A D I S E
Text by Marsha Strickland | Photographs courtesy of Regency Travel, Inc. 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2020
T R AV E L
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T R AV E L travel
veryone assumes Bermuda is just a stone’s throw from Jamaica or Cuba: in fact, it’s much farther northeast. At roughly the same latitude as Charleston, South Carolina, it is located over 750 miles from the nearest Caribbean islands, the Bahamas. Bermuda is 21 square miles of natural beauty. The island archipelago consists of seven main islands clustered together and connected by bridges. Due to the Gulf Stream, Bermuda enjoys a subtropical mild climate. August is the warmest month to visit with an average daytime high of 86 degrees. February is the coldest month with an average nighttime low of 57 degrees. There is no rainy season. Visitors love the “Bermuda high,” the locals’ term for their country’s sunny days and clear skies. First inhabited by the English in 1609, the island was a trading hub for hundreds of years. This British territory has attracted visitors for decades, many of them regulars for generations. Influenced by its English
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colonial past, the charming towns show off pastel walls and whitewashed cottages. A rich maritime heritage is also on display with great fortresses left over from the times when Her Majesty’s Navy docked here during the wars. British traditions are still observed: high tea with scones, the sport of cricket, rum sundowners, famous knee-length shorts (based on the military uniform) and driving on the left side of the road. By law, tourists can’t rent cars in Bermuda, but not to worry. It’s more fun to explore the narrow and winding roads by moped! Influences from West Africa, the Caribbean and the North American Indians also permeate the island’s culture. Perhaps you will see a traditional Gombey performance of colorfully dressed, masked dancers and drummers.
he Royal Naval Dockyard is a massive complex that combines modern attractions like the interactive Dolphin Quest with maritime history at the National Museum of Bermuda. The complex anchors the West End and serves as a hub for sightseeing and shopping. Dining options include island specialties like spiny lobster and fish chowder. Shop for local handicrafts at The Craft Market and bargains at Clock Tower Shopping Mall. Visit the Commissioner’s House and learn about Bermuda’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars. Nearby you’ll find many of the renowned South Shore beaches, including picturesque Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay. Climb up Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for panoramic views of the South Shore. Explore the village of Somerset, home to calm bays, candy-colored churches and a photogenic drawbridge—the smallest in the world.
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T R AV E L
xplore the pretty capital city of Hamilton on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or on a train trolley ride. With soaring arches, stained-glass windows, and details carved from stone imported from France, Bermuda’s Anglican cathedral is not to be missed. Enjoy Queen Elizabeth Park and the Waterfront Square. Proceed to the city’s main thoroughfare, bustling Front Street. On Wednesday nights join in a weekly street party called Harbour Nights. Between 7 and 10 p.m. officials shut down Front Street and stop all traffic. This allows visitors to explore the artisan shops, chow down on street food, take in the cultural performances, as well as dance and mingle with fellow travelers and locals alike. Indulge with a fried fish sandwich served on raisin bread, an island favorite.
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T R AV E L
roud East Enders have been welcoming visitors for centuries. Stroll the centuries-old brick streets of St. George with many historic treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest continuously inhabited town of English origin in the New World. Visit St. Peter’s Church and Kings Square, including the stocks and pillory, town hall and Fort St. Catherine. In neighboring St. David’s Parish, tour pristine nature reserves and visit the very first home on the island. Signature beaches may be the island’s most famous trait. Bermuda’s shoreline is known for its soft, pink sand that ranges in tone from blush to coral. Off shore, tiny single-celled red organisms grow beneath the coral reefs. When these organisms die, they fall to the ocean floor and mix with tiny bits of broken coral and crushed shells. The white sand turns pink when this mixture washes ashore. Bermuda is a water wonderland for those who love kiteboarding, jet-skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, standup paddle boarding or kayaking. Snorkelers and scuba
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divers can look for more than 300 sunken shipwrecks in the area as well as sea turtles and spotted eagle rays. Enjoy sailing on a sunset cruise. Anglers can sample some of the best deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic, casting for marlin, bluefin, tuna and wahoo. The best opportunity to watch whales is in March and April when the humpbacks migrate from the Caribbean to the North Atlantic. With ocean coves and bays, cliffs, caves, gardens, parks and preserves, opportunities for adventure are overflowing. Visitors enjoy cliff diving, cliff climbing, mountain biking and hiking. For incredible views, navigate the 18-mile Railway Trail that winds past the rocky coastline. This tiny island is also a golfer’s dream. Bermuda has the highest concentration of golfing opportunities per square mile in the world. Stunning championship courses are defined with dramatic oceanfront fairways. From historic hotels and sprawling oceanfront resorts to intimate cottage colonies tucked into the hillsides, there are many choices for accommodations. The near perfect year-round climate makes Bermuda a vacation spot for great adventures with plenty of things to do and see. It’s a destination within easy reach.
T R AV E L
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DINING OUT
OWE N B RE NNA N'S
Story by Lesley Harris Colvett | Photos courtesy of Owen Brennan’s
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DINING OUT
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e all know and love Owen Brennan’s Restaurant for its delicious Creole and Cajun food, amazing Sunday brunch and festive Fat Tuesday celebration each year, but did you know this New Orleans-style restaurant is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year? Owen Brennan’s opened in February 1990 in East Memphis’s Regalia Shopping Center. Owners are Jim Baker and Austin Baker. The restaurant’s founder, Burt Wolfe, originally brought the idea to Jim, owner of Sunbelt Financial Securities, Inc., who brought the lawyers, accountants and about 80 percent of the initial funding. Approximately one year later, when the restaurant was failing due to poor management, Jim stepped in, closed the original partnership and started a new one with new funding. About half the original investors made a second investment into the new partnership with Jim, who supplied a substantial amount of his own money as the new general partner. Voted best brunch in the Memphis Flyer's Best of Memphis poll for 25 years, Brennan’s also specializes in catering to help any host create a perfect party. Perennial customer menu favorites are Redfish Perez, Pasta Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffee, Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice, Bread Pudding with Myers’s Rum Sauce, Bananas Foster (Brennan’s original recipe), Oysters Rockefeller, and the salads, all of which have homemade dressings. Jim’s daughter Becky Baker Crucifixio, oversees catering, private dining and the front of house at Owen Brennan’s. She says consistency and maintaining the time-honored classics on the menu are some of their keys to success. “We have kept over 70 percent of our original menu and have not strayed from those made-from-scratch recipes. It also helps that a large portion of our kitchen [staff] has been with us for over 20 years.” It’s those long-term relationships that come to mind when Becky reflects on 30 years of Owen Brennan’s. Employees who have been with the restaurant for decades not only maintain the authenticity, but have become like members of the Bakers’ extended family, providing a lifetime of memories. “The Lannie McMillan Trio has been with us for 28 years. We have regulars that have also been here from the beginning. We have all grown together under this roof. We have generations of families that work here and generations of guests that have been coming here. These walls hold memories of the past and hopes and dreams of future generations to come,” she says. Jim recalls a favorite memory when the 1993 movie The Firm filmed on location at Owen Brennan’s for two and a half days. Tom Cruise and Gene Hackman sat at one of the restaurant’s cocktail tables discussing business in the scene. “Tom Cruise would always go out to his trailer in between takes, but Gene Hackman would go to the kitchen to cook and just hang out with our employees,” Jim remembers. During the mandated shutdown due to Coronavirus, Owen Brennan’s is offering curbside pick-up and delivery. Staff wear masks and gloves and maintain proper social distancing. Also during this time, the menu is being updated and the restaurant is being cleaned. Becky and Jim both say that once the mandated shutdown is lifted, they plan to reopen bigger and better than ever.
6150 Poplar Ave., Ste. 150 Memphis, TN 38119 901.761.0990 | www.brennansmemphis.com
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IN THE KITCHEN
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IN THE KITCHEN
S U N D R I E D T O M AT O & C H I C K E N PA S TA If you like pasta and goat cheese, you’re going to love this! We have a favorite Italian restaurant we go to from time to time and I always order the same dish. I love it so much I thought I would create my own version and share it with you. I hope y’all like it as much as I do. Enjoy! -Jim Recipe and photo courtesy of Jim Norton
INGREDIENTS 1 lb. penne pasta 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 12 oz. goat cheese, at room temperature 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 1 8.5-oz jar sun-dried tomatoes with oil and herbs 2 bunches of scallions or green onions 2 10-oz. packs red grape tomatoes, halved Olive oil
DIRECTIONS Cook pasta as directed on the box. Drain and set aside. Cut chicken tenderloins into approximately 1-inch pieces. Set aside. In a large skillet, over medium high heat, add 1-2 Tbsp. of olive oil. When the oil is hot add chicken. Stirring often, cook chicken until done, approximately 7-8 minutes. Turn heat to low-medium and add salt and pepper to season chicken. Add goat cheese and cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Add sun-dried tomatoes (including the oil and herbs), chopped green onions and halved grape tomatoes. Fold together and cook for 2 minutes. Add cooked pasta. Fold ingredients together, coating the pasta with the sauce. Plate and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onion. Enjoy!
Check out Jim Norton on social media! thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @thejimnorton May 2020 • athomemms.com | 59
HAPPY HOUR
spring & summer cocktails with COOPERS’ CRAFT K E N T UC K Y S T R A I G H T BOURBON WHISKEY During these uncertain and unsettling times, Coopers’ Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey knows the best way to celebrate is with fun and unique cocktails. From a bourbon-based tiki to a spritz variation and a golden boulevardier, here are a few Southern-inspired spring and summer cocktails from Coopers’ Craft mixologist Fitz Bailey. Recipes courtesy of Fitz Bailey | Photography by Dominic Episcopo
AHOY HOY! Say “Ahoy!” to white sand, blue water and 75 degrees as you’re instantly transported to the tropics with this bourbon tiki cocktail. 1 oz. Coopers’ Craft Bourbon 1 oz. Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve 4 oz. pineapple juice 1 oz. cream of coconut 1 oz. orange juice Instructions: Combine all ingredients. Shake with ice, strain into an ice-filled tiki mug and garnish with nutmeg. 60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2020
HAPPY HOUR
AN AMERICAN IN VENICE A Southern take on an Italian classic, this aperitivo boasts Campari, prosecco… and bourbon! 1 ½ oz. Coopers’ Craft Bourbon 1 oz. Campari 4 oz. prosecco ½ oz. sparkling water Instructions: Add all ingredients but the sparkling water into an ice-filled shaker. Shake until chilled, strain and pour into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with an orange wedge.
COOPERS’ SUNNY BELLE A Bloody Mary, but make it bourbon… and yellow. 2 oz. Coopers’ Craft Bourbon 6 oz. yellow tomatoes or yellow tomato juice 3 sprigs of cilantro A squeeze of lime Dash of soy sauce Salt Pepper to taste Dash of your favorite hot sauce Garnish: Speared small mozzarella, celery stalk Instructions: Puree the cilantro and tomatoes, then combine all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Vigorously shake, strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Garnish with a small ball of fresh mozzarella cheese on a spear and a celery stick. May 2020 • athomemms.com | 61
H E A LT H Y Y O U
COVID-19 and Respiratory Health Text by Michelle Johns
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs and to determine whether making a lifestyle change or decision based on this information is appropriate for you.
I hope you are doing well and that this surreal time of COVID-19 has brought you some clarity of mind and helped you to discover a renewed strength, faith and belief in God. As we continue to see the numbers of those impacted by the virus increase, and a number of deaths are certain, I hope this article can provide knowledge to help you better your chances of protecting yourself from not only the Coronavirus, but all respiratory illnesses. Last month’s article laid the foundation for this month’s part two, concerning breath and the respiratory system’s impact on wellness. Respiratory illnesses are among the leading causes of death. The way we breathe impacts the way blood distributes oxygen to every part of our body. COVID-19 is a viral infection impacting the respiratory system and the ability to breathe. Pneumonia, asthma and COPD are some other common illnesses that impact the respiratory system. This article will address the way the breath and the respiratory system impact your body’s ability to fight viral infections. Note that I use the words “impact your body’s ability.” You may still obtain an infection, you may still need the help of a medical professional, but your body’s ability to help itself is impacted by its ability to take in breath and distribute oxygen. Medical professionals all around the world are looking at nitric oxide and how it can inhibit the replication of Coronavirus. If you google “nitric oxide” you will find a plethora of research dedicated to understanding its influence on respiratory infections, heart disease and mental well-being. Nitric oxide is naturally produced in the human body. However, the way you breathe has a direct effect on its availability and effectiveness. Nitric oxide has anti-viral, antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. Created in the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity, it is your first line of defense against viruses. The only way to harness its anti-viral properties is by breathing in and out through the nose. Adding a hum to a prolonged exhale increases the production of nitric oxide immensely. Nitric oxide sterilizes the air and increases oxygen uptake as much as ten to 15 percent by redistributing the blood through the lungs. It also influences the production of surfactants in the lungs. Surfactants are very important to maintaining elasticity in the lungs and decreasing tension. We breathe so that we can generate oxygenated blood to be distributed throughout the body. The way we breathe influences the body’s ability to exchange gases optimally for overall functioning and health. The cadence and depth of the breath are key. You want to breathe in and out of the nose with LSD—light, slow and deep breaths. When you breathe through the mouth or in a breathless manor you release too much carbon dioxide. Your body needs carbon dioxide in order to release oxygen to the blood and make it available to the rest of the body. We tend to think of carbon dioxide as waste, however, the release of oxygen to cells is dependent on carbon dioxide. As part of an annual physical or when you are ill, you might notice that your doctor places a pulse oximeter on your finger to determine the level of oxygen in your body. You can improve blood oxygen levels by breathing LSD style.
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H E A LT H Y Y O U
HOW CAN YOU STRENGTHEN YOUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM?
The following are some breath exercises to help your respiratory function and increase oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide and surfactants: Take slow, deep breaths in and out of the nose. Breath should be light, slow and deep (LSD). Place hands on either side of the low ribs just where the lungs also end. Close your lips. Breathe in and out of your nose. Slow the inhale breath through the nose. Slow the exhale breath through the nose. With your hands on your ribs you should feel your ribs expand with the inhale and come closer together with the exhale. Always take the air into the lower part of the lungs. The greatest concentration of blood is in the lower lungs. It’s not in the upper lungs. Breathe a few rounds with normal breath and your hands on your ribs (30 seconds). Mini breath holds Take a normal breath in and a normal breath out. At the end of the exhale, hold for three to five seconds then breathe in through the nose. Breathe normally for ten seconds. Then repeat a normal inhale and exhale. Do this for 5 to 10 rounds. You can try this exercise even if you are feeling breathless; just start with a three-second hold. Humming breath Breathe a normal breath in through the nose. Breathe an extended breath out through the nose as you hum. At the end of the exhale, breathe in through the nose. Make sure you are always breathing through your nose during rest, during exercise and during sleep. If you are in the presence of someone coughing or sneezing, hold your breath. Do not take that air into your lungs. When someone is coughing or sneezing, they are releasing an aerosol of water particles into the air. That aerosol can travel 1.5 to two meters and if you are in that proximity you are inhaling those particles into your lungs. When virus particles come into your body, the virus can replicate. Whenever you are in the presence of others, slow down your breathing, almost to the point that you hardly feel air coming into your body. Breathe in and out through the nose and breathe light. Don’t take as much air in. The slower your breath, the higher the concentration of nasal nitric oxide. Of course, continue to breathe into the lower lungs, just breathe fewer breaths. Stay well, friends! Michelle Johns
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SOURCES
sources M AY
HO ME FEATU RE Special Thanks Cindy McCord Design cindymccord.com Ross Group Creative rossgroupcreative.com
EXPERIENCE THIS Special Thanks Central Station Hotel centralstationmemphis.com TRAVEL Special Thanks Regency Travel, 901.682.9065 IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Jim Norton, thenortonrecipe.com HEALTHY YOU Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com DINING OUT Special Thanks Owen Brennan’s brennansmemphis.com HAPPY HOUR Special Thanks Cooper's Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey cooperscraft.com ON A GOOD NOTE Special Thanks Palmer Home for Children palmerhome.org
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ON A GOOD NOTE
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almer Home is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year! Since 1895, Palmer Home for Children’s mission has been to provide superior care for children while introducing the love of God through service to each individual child. Palmer Home offers a range of restorative environments where children feel safe, connected and supported, and serves children through a spectrum of settings including residential campus care, foster care, transitional care and family care. This empowers children in critical situations to reach their true potential in an environment that supports healthy development and nurtures resilience. Palmer Home accepts children from anywhere. The residential campus is located outside of Hernando, MS, and the organization has foster families and transitional youth (ages 18-24) throughout Mississippi and Tennessee. Whether on campus or off, each child served by Palmer Home has a safe place to call home with trustworthy, supportive adults to guide them as they grow and develop into all that God created them to be. In 2019, Palmer Home was a beneficiary of the Carnival Memphis Children’s Charities Initiative and was named Non-Profit of the Year by the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. Congratulations, Palmer Home, for 125 years of serving God’s children! 66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • May 2020
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