Summer Supper Lebanese Style
Finally Home MAKE A SPLASH!
Family puts down roots in Eads
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CONTENTS AUGUST 2019
30| HOME FEATURE: Warehouse 67 owner Kim Loudenbeck and her family put down roots on their “hidden gem” property in Eads.
44|DESIGN: The Kitchens Unlimited team delivers a perfect combination of functionality and beauty in this East Memphis Jewish kosher home.
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CONTENTS
For You
AUGUST 2019
26 healthy you Pain Relievers 98 on a good note A Big Green Effect
Home & Design
16 at home with Blake Dubinski 30 home feature Finally Home 44 design Ancient Traditions, Modern Design
58 82
Travel & Culture 48 getaway Greenwood, MS 58 travel Cities of Tuscany 70 experience this Backermann's Country Market 72 social Mid South Happenings 84. 78 wedding Kruse/Wherry Food & Drink
82 entertaining Summer Dinner Party 92 dining out Elwood's Shells 94 in the kitchen Roasted Peaches, Raspberries & Cream Cheese Mousse
In Every Issue 14 Publisher's Note 97 Sources
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AUGUST 2019 • VOL. 18 NO. 5 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
ART DIRECTOR ANNA HALEY | aleppert@athomemms.com
MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com BRITTANY SANDERS | brmcdonald45@gmail.com GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.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
WEBSITE: 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.
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publisher’s note Although I entered my “empty nester” phase a few years back, the hustle and bustle of getting the family back on that "in school” schedule is still fresh in my mind. The nights will get shorter. Bed times will be moved up. Melt downs over what to pack for lunch will happen and supper will need to be on the table earlier, which puts searching for the perfect easy meal on every mom’s to-do list. I recently cooked a meal for my sweet friend who was recovering from an injury and our mutual friend, Amy, found out about it and insisted I share the recipe. It is one of the quickest meals to throw together and, honestly, I couldn’t believe she had never made it. It is my Mississippi Pot Roast and I am neither sure of where the name came from nor when I first made, it but I am 100 percent positive I have never had a better roast in my life, and according to Amy she hasn’t either. In fact Amy has made it three times in the past two weeks and insisted that I share the recipe in my letter this month, so here it goes: My Mississippi Pot Roast: •
A chuck roast (honestly, I don’t know the size, I just grab the one that has a little marble but not too much)
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Small red potatoes
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A couple of sweet onions, sliced
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2-3 carrots, sliced
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One package of dry ranch dressing mix
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One package of dry Au Jus mix (you can find in most grocery stores where the packaged gravy mixes are)
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About half a jar of pepperoncinis (I pour a little of the juice in, too)
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One stick of butter (not margarine, that stuff is banned from our home, as is Miracle Whip)
Put all in a crock pot that is set on low. I put the onions down first so they can soak up all the good juice. Then place the roast on top of the onions and surround with carrots and potatoes. Pour the dry packages on top and top with a stick of butter. Toss the peppers all around the top, close the lid and do not open for 6 hours. It will look like it is burning, but it is not, trust me. Make sure you have some good, crusty French bread for soaking up the juice! Amy Howell, here is your public service announcement to make it a bit easier for our “back-to-school” mom friends and just empty nesters like us. Have a wonderful August and I hope you enjoy this issue of AT HOME as much as Amy, and others, love this recipe!
— Margaret Publisher Photo: Steve Roberts 14 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
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at home with
Meet... Blake Dubinski
Blake Dubinski: I am originally from Kansas City. I have always enjoyed the outdoors, which is one of the reasons I made the decision to move to the Mid South in 2009 to attend Ole Miss. I loved my time at Ole Miss; Oxford isn’t just my college home, it is my home. After graduating in 2013, I worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep for about a year. It didn’t take me long to realize that is not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, so I went back to Ole Miss for my MBA and graduated in 2015. The idea for GenTeal came about while I was in grad school. Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to my business partner, Brice Noonan, a biology professor at Ole Miss. Brice had created a logo of a teal winged duck and was in the early stages of formulating a business plan. We partnered and worked on the business plan while I was in grad school. Brice and I didn’t feel we were ready to launch the brand when I finished my MBA. I needed a job, and fortunately, I did well in school and made enough connections that I was offered a teaching position in the business school. I started out teaching four or five classes a semester while trying to develop the line with Brice. I have taught a wide range of classes including Business Communications, Strategic Management, and Human Resources Management. I recently accepted the Entrepreneur in Residence position in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Ole Miss. I will be teaching two entrepreneurship classes in the upcoming fall semester. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time teaching in the business school, and I am very Photos: Courtesy of Blake Dubinski thankful for the opportunity. and GenTeal Apparel
Professor of Entrepreneurship at Ole Miss and Owner of GenTeal Apparel
Story: Michelle Johns
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At Home Memphis & Mid South: Tell us a little about your background, both personally and professionally.
at home with Blake and his dog, Indy AHMMS: What inspired you to start GenTeal Apparel? BD: My business partner, Brice, approached me with the idea for GenTeal in September of 2014. Our affinity for the outdoors served as the primary inspiration behind GenTeal. Both of us have an appreciation of the fit and feel of well-made clothing, but we couldn’t find a line that represented who we were. We wanted to create products that offered high-quality fabrics and functionality combined with classic styles and a color scheme that would be unique to us. We have done this by innovating classic products with features like sewn-in collar stays in our performance polos, and choosing from thousands of swatches to find earth-toned colors that make our line stand out from others you find in retail stores. The blue winged teal, created by Brice, serves as the final touch that connects our line to those with an affinity for the outdoors and provides an additional differentiator from other brands.
AHMMS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business? BD: Starting a business is about having discipline. It’s all about holding yourself accountable. You will have to make sacrifices, and there is no time for self-pity as you build your business. To me, growing our business has been about overcoming obstacles, both expected and unexpected. It is an exercise in endurance, resiliency and, most of all, problem solving, evaluating possible solutions, making choices and implementing your decisions. The process before you achieve success is the most important part of entrepreneurship. There is a learning curve that is a lot like going to school all over again. It doesn’t matter how smart you are or how much talent you have, you have to earn every victory along the way. Most importantly, enjoy the journey. The goal is to turn an idea that you are passionate about into a career. AHMMS: What are your favorite places in the Mid South? BD: There isn’t much better than The Grove on a football Saturday. Now that I have graduated and most of my friends from school have moved away, fall is the one time of year I get to see friends from college… plus it is a good excuse for my family to come to Oxford. I relish being within half a day’s drive of duck hunting in the Delta or the trout waters of Arkansas. I grew up fly fishing with my dad, and I have developed an affinity for it over the years. There are some special places in north central Arkansas where I spend spring and summer weekends with friends and family. I also make it to four or five Grizzlies games in Memphis each year, and I always find great food in Memphis. AHMMS: What is your favorite part about your job? BD: It is an exercise in continuing education; I’m learning new things every day. I also get to design my own work environment. I have an 11-year-old lab that I bring to our warehouse every day. He might love work more than I do. The real joy is the process. Every day we are creating something new. We put so much time and effort into every garment—researching and forecasting styles, understanding fabric alternatives, sourcing manufacturing and running the production process. Seeing the finished product in a store, or better yet, seeing someone wearing it, brings a sense of accomplishment. To me, there is nothing else like it. Plus, we get to meet some really awesome people along the way. We work with retailers all over the Mid South, and we are thankful for stores like Dixie Pickers in Memphis. They have really embraced the line, and without them, we would not have seen the success we have. I feel very fortunate that at 28 I have the opportunity to truly enjoy what I do.
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spotlight
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" 22 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
— Judy McLellan
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healthy you
Pain Relievers
What’s the point of taking them and what’s the difference between types? Story & Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Johns
Everyone experiences pain at some point in life. Pain can differ in intensity and duration, but it is always useful; it is a signal that something needs attention or a warning of an underlying issue. There are three categories of pain and each is unique in character and qualification. Acute pain is defined as quick, sudden and sharp. It is temporary, usually lasting no longer than three to six months. Acute pain is typically associated with a bone break, a burn, a cut, surgery, a hit or knock to the body, labor or childbirth. Acute pain disappears once healing has taken place. Daily life activity is temporarily interrupted; once the healing or disease state has passed the person returns to their previous level of normal functioning. Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than the time it takes an injury or illness to heal. Chronic pain is often connected with disease or injury, but may also arise from a psychological condition. Though it may originate from disease or injury, it persists after the disease state has passed or the injury is healed. Chronic pain continues to disrupt the normal daily activity of the person affected after healing seems to have occurred. It is reported that 20 percent of Americans suffer from chronic pain. High-impact chronic pain is a result of high-intensity workouts or recreational activities. Approximately eight percent of the American population reports distress from high-impact chronic pain, distinguished from chronic pain in that the person affected continues with their normal daily activity despite the pain. Thus, the person is high functioning. Pain relief is generally found through therapeutic treatments, over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs. Many people are confused about which pain relievers to take for specific types of pain. The two most common types of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications are acetaminophen and non-steroidal 26 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs. Aspirin, Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen) are examples of NSAIDS. Tylenol is an example of an acetaminophen. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is used to reduce fever and pain such as arthritis. Interestingly, reports reveal a lack of clarity as to how acetaminophen actually works. One reports states, “It is believed acetaminophen sends signals to parts of the brain,” to mitigate pain. All reports note that acetaminophen is hard on the liver and may cause damage to the liver. Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are anti-inflammatory, fever reducers and inhibitors. They inhibit the production of the hormones prostaglandins, which actually both promote and heal inflammation in the body. Prostaglandins occur in virtually every tissue of the body. NSAIDS work for reducing fever, sprains, inflammation, headaches and muscle aches. They can irritate the stomach if too many are taken in a 24-hour period and if taken over long periods of time. Aleve is considered to be longer lasting and has the greater potential for gastrointestinal damage. Celebrex, a COX-2 NSAID, is a newer NSAID with fewer side effects on the heart and gastrointestinal organs. However, it is available by prescription only. All NSAIDS can increase blood pressure and cause issues with the kidneys. For chronic pain relief most health institutes are suggesting integrating complementary or alternative holistic treatments as a course of action to help mitigate symptoms. Complementary or alternative treatments include yoga, massage therapy, art or music therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, acupuncture and tai chi. Before integrating or replacing current treatment methods, you should discuss your plan with your doctor.
healthy you Following are some common chronic pain issues and the complementary or alternative treatment you might integrate: Low back pain: yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, acupuncture Arthritis: yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, acupuncture Neck and shoulder pain: yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, acupuncture Headaches: meditation, relaxation techniques, massage therapy, acupuncture Fibromyalgia: tai chi, massage therapy, acupuncture, relaxation techniques Physical therapy and occupational therapy are also good options for complementary or alternative treatments. Personally, I use somatic movements, yoga, and physical therapy to help mitigate neck and shoulder pain. They have all been extremely helpful. I do these treatments with supervision from and periodic checkups by my doctor. As always, it is a pleasure to share this information with you. If there is a topic you want to know more about, please email me, mjohns@transforming-wellness.com.
Michelle Johns is a corporate onsite health promotion specialist, integrative health and wellness educator, yoga teacher, food literacy educator and a green smoothie connoisseur. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.S. in psychology, is a certified health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition and an RYT 200 yoga teacher. Her approach to well being and living your best life every day focuses on the foundations of self-awareness, self-care and self-discovery through whole mind, body and spirit nutrition. Johns educates clients through a journey focused on the way the whole self is nourished through food, career, relationships, exercise and spirituality. Her ultimate goal is to help clients discover not only how to live longer, but to live better by honoring the unique individual with compassion and self-love as they were created.
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healthy you
Summer Skin Best Summer Survival Tips Ever Your skin’s needs change from season to season. It’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy the summer. Dig your feet into the sand, but don’t forget to take care of the skin that takes such good care of you.
Sun protection is key for summertime fun in the sun. Use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock containing physical blockers like zinc and titanium to protect against the sun’s rays as well as premature aging and sunburns. iScience’s family of sun protection, MIXTOSheer and MIXTOClear, both contain transparent zinc and titanium, plus a matte finish so your look, not your face, can shine in the summer heat without the oiliness of some sun products or the dreaded “lifeguard nose.” Get a natural, sun-kissed glow without sun exposure with iScience’s natural Antioxidant Sun Protection. All of the products in the iScience sun product family contain vitamins C and E, as well as a clear melanin compound to protect against oxidative stress from the sun and pollution, if you’re spending summer in the city. Wash away dry, rough skin. Get rid of any last bits of winter on your face with a mild glycolic wash. One of the best ways to get soft, smooth skin all over is to use iScience’s AlphaBeta Cleanser on dry skin before you shower. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash rough skin down the drain. Great for faces, elbows and knees – any place that needs a polishing before summertime activities. This cleanser also does a great job clearing small bumps and blemishes, especially along the hairline, that can result from summer heat. Change your skin-care products. Summer heat and humidity can mean more oil and breakouts. Lighten your moisturizer to hydrate and soothe skin irritated by sun, salt water or chlorine and keep your skin clear. iScience’s Hydropeptide gel contains hyaluronic acid to immediately plump and calm skin and peptides to switch on collagenbuilding properties without irritation. Its light, refreshing texture absorbs quickly, soaking into skin for a perfect summertime pick-me-up that is more refreshing than a glass of ice-cold lemonade. 28 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
Amp up your antioxidants. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to work these into your summertime routine. Start with topical vitamin C products like iScience’s Collagen Building Complex and iScience sun products with vitamins C and E. There is good evidence that applying these vitamins can minimize sun damage and even boost your resistance to sunburn when applied before sun exposure. Another way to increase antioxidants is through diet. Have a delicious summer salad filled with citrus, berries and tomatoes from the garden, and don’t forget watermelon and cantaloupe. These summertime staples get those vitamins in your system and into your complexion for a naturally radiant appearance.
For more information on a free summertime skin evaluation and to stock up on products that make you glow all summer long, call Toyos Clinic at 901.683.7255 or visit toyosclinic.com.
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home feature
Story: Terri Glazer | Photography: Ross Group Creative 30 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
home feature
Finally Home After a series of moves a family puts down roots in Eads
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home feature
Sometimes the best things in life come through unexpected turns of events. The Eads residence that Kim and Jeremy Loudenbeck and their family share proves that fact. Through a journey of patience, faith and hard work, the family has finally put down roots in their forever home.
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home feature
With church bells ringing while we watched wildlife in the distance, the peaceful beauty of the property called us home. — Kim Loudenbeck
Kim, who owns home furnishings and design shop Warehouse 67, and her husband Jeremy share a passion for homes and architecture, and are always up for a challenge. “We’ve moved 10 times in 20 years of marriage,” she says. They were always excited for the next opportunity— whether it was construction, a remodel or simply a change in scenery. Yet they knew each house was only a place to hang their hats until time to sell and move on to the next project. That was the plan in 2016 when they purchased a 1978 ranch-style house off Raleigh Lagrange Road. “We had hired an architect to do plans to renovate the house…” she says, but even the best-laid plans don’t always work out as expected. When work began and walls were opened up, the home’s plumbing and electrical systems were “shot,” Kim recalls, so updating it was no longer feasible. By this point, the Loudenbecks were becoming attached to the property and its location in relation to their daily lives. Kim describes the neighborhood as a hidden gem, just minutes from her children’s school, yet with a secluded, out-in-thecountry feel. Jeremy, who enjoys the outdoors, found “elbow room” on the four-acre site. Each workday at the job site ended with the couple sitting in the backyard while their two children explored, discovering the joy of nature. “With church bells ringing while we watched wildlife in the distance, the peaceful beauty of the property called us home,” Kim says. “The more time we spent here, the more I realized this is where I wanted to put down roots. Before we even poured the foundation, this property felt like home, unlike any other place we have lived.”
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home feature
So, down came the old house, and plans got underway for a new one, designed to stand the test of time. Kim knew she wanted a look that was traditional, but executed in a unique way. She also envisioned a layout that was wide rather than deep in order to maximize the property’s beautiful backdrop from every room. “When it came to the design I worked backwards, from the inside out,” Kim explains. “I envisioned what I wanted the home to be based on function, aesthetics and feel. It allowed me to be intentional on every selection to get the result I was after.” The couple took time to think through all the stages of their lives to come and plan based on what their future needs might be. Forward-focused amenities such as curbless showers and wider doors will offer convenience as the couple ages or should they need to care for aging parents, and a bunk room that sleeps four will be a fun escape for their future grandchildren. As a certified kitchen designer, Kim started with the kitchen, sketching conceptual plans outward from what she calls the “heart of the home.” Once she outlined the house’s flow and function, she brought architectural residential designer Charles Waters on board to help make her ideas a reality. Waters once studied under renowned architect Lavelle Walker, so his expertise was instrumental in adding architectural details that would lend character and charm to the home. The interior and exterior styles borrow from English design, but in a fresh, lightenedup way. The manicured front lawn and garden, timber entry and handsome spire with wood accents and herringbone brick pattern bring to mind an English estate. Custom molded limestone by Christie Cut Stone on exterior lintels and interior mantels adds an element of richness. In the foyer Kim incorporated details including wood inlay flooring, wainscoting and an architectural salvage mirror from Europe.
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home feature The open kitchen is the ideal blend of beauty and practicality, featuring white Shiloh brand cabinets topped with granite counters in both warm and cool tones from C & M Cabinets and Granite in Collierville. The herringbone pattern from the home’s facade reappears in the subway tile backsplash on the range wall. Large Pella windows let in plenty of natural light, while a generous island provides room for food prep and casual dining or conversation.
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home feature
A formal dining room and a cozy study with a custom cypress fireplace balance out the open living space. Kim’s attention to the detailed placement of elements such as crown molding and trim, French doors and wood beams adds to the estate feel she envisioned.
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home feature
The home’s bathrooms are a study in elegance. The white-on-white design scheme starts with subway tiles in several scales; Carrara marble, a mosaic in each niche, and a granite bench seat in every shower add interest. Then come indulgent features like a soaking tub in the master, flanked by walls holding framed antique French manuscripts, backed by a picture window with floor-to-ceiling drapes and crowned with a carved wood chandelier. August 2019 • athomemms.com | 37
home feature
A friends entry hall serves as a locker area and also holds two desks so the children can study close to the main living area. A large playroom provides plenty of open space for their son to play with friends, while the separate loft area in the daughter’s room is a cool music retreat for the teenage singer/songwriter. Jeremy’s special spot is a large workshop garage complete with heating and air conditioning. The home’s open yet separate plan accommodates large gatherings, yet gives each family member a space of their own. The back porch is as inviting as the rest of the house. With a stone fireplace, cathedral ceiling and plenty of room for conversation and dining, the outdoor room is a comfortable place for the Loudenbecks to have a meal or view backyard wildlife. A mantel designed by master craftsman Wade Burrus sits below the TV the family loves to gather around to watch their favorite shows. The furnishings, sourced from Warehouse 67, complement the house beautifully. Kim strived for a “timeless, relaxed elegance that would be consistent and cohesive from space to space.” Blending new pieces with antiques found on trips to market, she created a comfortable sophistication throughout. Most everything in the home is new, but Kim has brought a few cherished items along through her many moves, including some of her original paintings and a pair of cane chairs passed down from her late mother. 38 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
homefeature feature home
A self-professed “sucker” for hand-knotted rugs, Kim featured them prominently in her home’s design. “I found rugs and designed rooms around them,” she notes. Case in point is her son’s room. A vintage reproduction of an Indian storytelling rug serves as the foundation for the decor’s decidedly historical feel. Kim tucked other vintage rugs in passage areas such as entries, stair halls and bathrooms to add interest and authenticity.
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home feature
The home’s final touches further reflect the owner’s style. Soothing tones of light gray and beige set the perfect background to showcase standout lighting, all sourced from Kim’s shop. She worked with furniture vendors from her business to design custom pieces for her own home, some of which have become part of case good lines now sold internationally but available in the Mid South exclusively through Warehouse 67. For the eight years Kim has run Warehouse 67 in Arlington, now relocated to Germantown, she has focused on her clients’ needs, putting her own house on the back burner when it came to completing the design. She often tells clients, “Design is a balance of selections, just like music; most notes are subtle, while others are strong to create an overall pleasing harmony.” This time, she took the time to create her own music, and the finished song is harmony to her soul. The Loudenbecks are grateful for their journey. “Home is not a place,” Kim reflects, “it is a feeling you get when you are surrounded by the things you love.” Unlike any of the other places she’s lived in her married life, this house, the one that came to be unexpectedly, finally feels like home.
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home feature
"Design is a balance of selections, just like music; most notes are subtle, while others are strong to create an overall pleasing harmony."
This time, she took the time to create her own music, and the finished song is harmony to her soul. August 2019 • athomemms.com | 41
design
Shedding a Light on Lamp Selection
Story: Terri Glazer Photos: Courtesy of Lamp Shade House 42 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
design
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Ancient traditions, modern design
Story: Terri Glazer | Photography: Steve Roberts 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
design
East Memphis kosher kitchen accommodates religious requirements of modern family “This is one of those kitchens where everything has its place; you don’t have to dig things out. It makes it easy to entertain.” That’s how Karen Kassen describes the East Memphis project she and her Kitchens Unlimited team recently completed for a busy family of six. Isn’t that the kind of kitchen everyone dreams of? The combination of functionality and beauty is never an easy goal to achieve, and even more of a challenge when the kitchen is part of a Jewish home with a Kosher kitchen, meaning meat and dairy products are kept completely separate. Practicality is also a must—because of religious beliefs, most of their meals are prepared in this kitchen. Add in the fact that the homeowners entertain 20 to 30 guests for most Sabbath dinners and serve large crowds on religious holidays, and it’s easy to understand the need for large-capacity appliances and abundant storage. “Not every kosher kitchen can have two of everything. Think of a small New York apartment. But if you have the luxury and the space, it makes things a lot easier,” says Kassen, a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer.
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design She recalls that once she worked out a design for a single side of this kitchen, with SubZero and Wolf appliances, she merely doubled it to accommodate duplicates of everything. Creative design allowed placement of four ovens, two cooktops, two large refrigerators and four dishwashers in the kitchen, along with a gourmet beverage station including a Miele built-in coffee machine and a nugget-style ice maker, a challenge due to the lack of wall space inherent in the open design the homeowners requested.
Kitchen Island Before
Kitchen Island After
Because the kitchen flows into the living space, Kassen says it was aesthetically important that the appliances have a subtle appearance, which she achieved by covering most of them with the same high-gloss acrylic facing as the QCCI Eurostyle cabinetry. Pops of color come from the signature red knobs on the Wolf cooktop controls, as well as from two of the homeowner’s favorite pieces from her extensive art collection. “She says she can’t look at them and not smile,” says Kassen. Two wide aisles flank the kitchen island, allowing easy flow for the high traffic that passes through the area daily. One of the largest islands Kassen has ever designed, the structure is topped with Cambria quartz. Its vast size can accommodate large buffetstyle gatherings, and the seating area at one end is the perfect place for the family’s four school-age children to have a quick breakfast before heading out to soccer practice. Luxury vinyl tile flooring throughout the area stands up to wear and tear from soccer cleats and the rest of the hustle and bustle the active family provides. Kassen carried the ideas of beauty, organization and practicality through the renovated space into the newly configured dining room. A custom floating buffet houses not only dedicated storage for silverware and serving pieces; two warming drawers cleverly integrated into the handsome walnut piece ensure food stays hot, even during lengthy ritual celebrations.
Forsyth Fountain 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
Asked about current trends that influenced this kitchen, Kassen first mentioned her selection of quartz products for the countertops, including the stunning waterfall treatment on the kitchen island. The manufactured materials are easy to clean, come in oversized slabs and are available in a large variety of beautiful colors. She also noted that installing cabinets up to the ceiling not only maximizes storage space, but gives the ceiling a higher feel, as well. Budgetfriendly options such as cabinets with slab-style doors in a painted finish can achieve a similar effect. Paneling as many appliances as possible gives any kitchen a sleek, streamlined look, a trend that is in keeping with today’s move toward simplicity in all aspects of design. An added benefit to covering appliances is that it helps keep a kitchen looking up to date, she says. Says Kassen, “Appliances date a kitchen first.”
design
This kosher kitchen will surely stand the test of time and hold cherished memories of family and friends gathered together to celebrate the ties that bind them.
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get away
When you think of getting away, Greenwood, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, may not be your first thought. However, there are many reasons to include it in your grownup getaway plans. Greenwood has a history and culture as rich as the alluvial soil of the Mississippi Delta. It is slow and soulful, warm and relaxed, unexpectedly cosmopolitan, yet never too hip. It is a place where you can truly relax, be pampered and take in all the unique qualities that make the Delta like no other place on Earth. One of the best parts about visiting the Delta is the laid-back vibe—no pressure to constantly see and do. Good food and drink, fun and conversation are the order of the day. And in Greenwood, relaxation is elevated to an art form. 48 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
Greenwood, Mississippi
Getaway
Walmart Museum
Story: Danielle Morgan Photos: Courtesy of Visit Greenwood
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getaway If eating your way through the Silver Dollar Delta is your travel style, there is ample opportunity in Greenwood. The area’s culinary tradition rose from humble roots to seduce the most discerning palates while simultaneously comforting the soul. From the Viking Cooking School to fantastic local restaurant offerings, Greenwood’s culinary scene is reason enough to make the trip.
Start your three-day Greenwood getaway with a Thursday afternoon happy hour, complete with live music, in the lobby lounge of the Alluvian Hotel & Spa, the Mississippi Delta’s first boutique hotel. The Alluvian happy hour is a great way to get a feel for the community. Usually you’ll find locals and visitors alike enjoying tunes, libations and the comradery that is one of the region’s finest traits. Order a Delta Gem or the weekly cocktail special, then sit back, relax and take it all in as your troubles melt away like lemon drops. 50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
Photo courtesy of Luc Balesman with the International Hydrangea Conference
After happy hour, enjoy Chef Cam Shaw’s creations at Giardina’s restaurant on the hotel property, or try out Greenwood’s newest restaurant, Station 222, just down Howard Street from the hotel in the old WGRM radio station; it’s the site where B.B. King was first recorded on the radio, playing with a gospel group. To indulge your sweet tooth, stop in for dessert at the Crystal Grill. The eatery’s pies with mile-high meringue are legendary, but you truly can’t go wrong with anything on the extensive menu.
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getaway Start off Friday morning with a treatment at the Alluvian, Greenwood’s 7,000-square-foot luxury spa. Choose from an array of offerings and let yourself be pampered. After a morning full of self-care, have lunch and stroll downtown for unique shopping. You’ll find many great shops downtown such as Mississippi Gift Company, Turnrow Books, Fincher’s, Viking Retail Store, Smith & Company, The Melon Patch, Howard & Marsh, Monograms and More, Russell’s Warehouse Antiques and Jewelry, Delta Boutique, Delta Emporium and more. After soaking in the downtown charm, check out the Museum of the Mississippi Delta to learn about the area’s first inhabitants and Greenwood’s fascinating Civil War story, and have a look at the collection of regional art. Friday evening walk to historic Keesler Bridge and watch a picturesque Delta sunset over the Yazoo River. Afterwards, grab your favorite bottle of wine and pop into Fan and Johnny’s or Lusco’s for dinner. BYOB, or “brown bagging,” is a Delta tradition that harkens back to prohibition days. James Beard semifinalist Taylor Bowen Ricketts is at the helm of Fan and Johnny’s, named after her maternal grandparents who inspired her love of cooking. Lusco’s, with its curtained booths, has been a Delta favorite through five generations, since 1933.
Raleigh Beer Garden
Greenwood Boutique | Alluvian Spa | Fan and Johnny's 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
getaway
Greenwood is home to Viking Range Corporation, known for bringing commercial cooking technology into the home, and also the site of the original Viking Cooking School. Be sure to book before your trip as classes fill up in advance. Choose a casual lunch or brunch menu, or try your hand at a Saturday evening dinner class. No need to worry about a stuffy atmosphere; this “school” is all about fun! Have a glass of wine and prepare to learn something new and meet like-minded people. You will inevitably pick up a few tricks of the trade, but mostly you will make great memories.
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getaway
Another great way to experience Greenwood is to jump in the car and hit the backroads. No visit is complete without paying homage to blues legend Robert Johnson’s final resting place, one of ten stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail in the area. Take in the sites where Dreamworks’ blockbuster film The Help was filmed. Walk over the Tallahatchie Bridge and see Bobbie Gentry’s country music marker or visit Bryant’s Grocery in Money and civil rights sites in the area. You can pick up self-guided tour maps to help you find your way at the Greenwood tourism office on Howard Street.
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Whether you visit with friends, family or your significant other, Greenwood promises a little bit of Delta spirit for everyone— a guarantee that you’ll leave with your worries a little lighter and your soul a lot fuller. And remember, nobody leaves hungry. Greenwood offers an incomparable glimpse into the enduring legacy of the Delta, the soul of the South and the unquenchable spirit of a people whose hearts are as vast and open as the horizon.
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travel
Cities of
Story: Glenda Owen | Photos: Courtesy of Regency Travel, Inc. 58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
hometravel travel
Tuscany
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travel From historical sites to beautiful churches and cathedrals, from exceptional works of art in world-class museums to delicious food and wine, not to mention its warm, friendly people— Tuscany has it all!
Florence
This is one of the most visited regions in central Italy because it is so enchanting. The mass appeal of the book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun popularized the destination and inspired people to visit this special area of Italy. The name Tuscany was first used in the 10th century. Derived from the Latin word Tuscia, which was used to describe the region then known as Etruria, the territory of the Etruscans is situated between the Tiber and Arno rivers. The largest of Italy’s 20 regions, Tuscany is located slightly north of the center of the peninsula and boasts a long stretch of Mediterranean coast. The Apuan Alps and Apennines form its northeastern boundary. The region is divided into 10 provinces: Massa Carrara, Lucca, Pistoia, Prato, Firenze, Pisa, Grosseto, Arezzo, Siena and Livorno. Firenze, or Florence, is the regional capital. Frequently, the scenic countryside captures the most interest from visitors, but Tuscany has worthwhile cities, as well, that are not to be missed on a trip to this picturesque region. Lava Coastline 60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
Florence is home to some of the world’s most recognizable Renaissance art and architecture. Artistic highlights of the city include Michelangelo’s David statue, found in the Galleria Dell’ Accademia, as well as works by Giotto, Botticelli, Caravaggio, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and other artists found in the Uffizi Gallery. Originally built as a suite of offices, the space was used to house the Medici family’s private art treasures. This makes the Uffizi Gallery the oldest art gallery in the world. The Museo Bargello is a medieval palazzo with sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello and others. The palazzo/ museum is often open in the evenings, which is delightful. The Pitti Palace is a huge Renaissance structure which houses the Palatine Gallery, full of art from the 13th to the 17th century, the Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Silver Museum, and a Costume Gallery. To the left of the palace are the beautiful Boboli Gardens. The city also has many noteworthy churches to visit which are filled with famous paintings and sculptures. If art is your passion, you will enjoy Florence.
Statue of David | Boboli Gardens Uffizi Gallery | Cathedral of Florence The Plaka August 2019 • athomemms.com | 61
travel At the center of the city stands a remarkable group of historic buildings in white, green and pink marble—the cathedral, bell tower and baptistery. An integral part of the Florentine landscape is the cathedral or Duomo Basilica with its spectacular dome, the work of Brunelleschi. (Ascend the dome for a breathtaking view into the cathedral below and a close-up view of the remarkable stained glass windows and the frescoes on the dome walls, as well as a magnificent panoramic view of Florence!) Next to the basilica are the Campanile (bell tower) and the Battistero (baptistery).
Besides many cultural heritage sites, Florence offers charming streets and neighborhoods to explore. Traditional restaurants and trattorias invite visitors to sample authentic Tuscan cuisine. Perhaps try famous ribollita, a white bean stew, or bistecca alla Fiorentina, a succulently prepared steak. Cantuccini and vin santo is a dessert of almond biscotti served with sweet wine, and, of course, there is the gelato! Florence is full of exceptional shops. A stroll over the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s oldest bridge and one of the most famous structures in Tuscany, is a must. Jewelry stores line the span of the ancient bridge, excellent examples of the craftwork for which Florence is known; handicrafts have brought prosperity to the city since the Middle Ages. The streets around the Piazza Santa Croce are famous for their leatherwork; leather factories in the area offer quality goods at exceptional prices. The area around the Franciscan Borgo Ognissanti and Via de’ Fossi is home to embroidery and antique shops. Paper is another specialty in Florence. The finest paper goods are found in the main square in Florence, the Piazza della Signoria and near the Piazza Pitti. The city also has a long-standing reputation for articles made of silk, wool and other beautiful fibers and these items are in the many luxury boutiques in the city center. As in most European cities, Florence has its share of markets full of bargains—what fun to explore! Panathenaic Stadium 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
Gelato
The gentle city of Siena is a center of art and architecture in Tuscany. Visitors enter through the Camollia Gate, inscribed with the motto: “Cor magis tibi Seni pandit” which means “Siena opens its heart even wider to you.” Whereas Florence is a great Renaissance city, Siena enjoyed its main period of artistic development with the flowering of Gothic art. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower which provides sweeping views of Siena and its surroundings. The city’s historic “contrade” (districts) extend outward from the piazza. Inside the Palazzo Pubblico, the Museo Civico exhibits medieval frescoes and paintings by well-known Sienese artists. Near this main square, the opulent marble Siena Cathedral houses sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo. In the cathedral, the splendid carved marble pulpit is a masterpiece. With grandeur and power seven panels of the pulpit depict episodes from the life of Christ. The city is home to several museums, but the most important are the Museo dell’Opera (Cathedral Museum) and the Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery) which is housed in the Buonsignori Palace.
Raleigh Denim
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travel Siena's steep and winding cobblestone streets are lined with gourmet shops, bakeries, fashion boutiques and cozy osterias. Local specialties include a thick hand-rolled pasta called pici and a spiced panforte fruit cake.
The Palio, a centuries-old horse race with colorful costumed processions, takes place in the Piazza del Campo on July 2 and Aug. 16 every year. During the event, considered the most important event in Siena, teams from the various areas of the city compete against each other in a passionate horse race within the walls of the Piazza del Campo.
The Leaning Tower in Pisa has made the city famous all over the world. Don’t just view it from below; climb up to the top for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Within the perimeter of the square are two other important sites to visit, the cathedral and the baptistery. Walk along the Arno River and pass the Clock Palace to enter into Piazza dei Cavalieri, which was once the heart of the power of the city and later the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. While in Pisa be sure to try the local specialty cecina, a very thin, gluten-free bread made with chickpea flour, water, oil, salt and pepper. Eat it alone or in a schiacciata, a flat bread, and wash it down with a glass of local wine.
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El Cosmico
Lucca, another interesting city in northern Tuscany, is located on a plain at the foot of the Apuan Alps. Most of the attractions in Lucca show its ancient history: from the traces of the Roman amphitheater that can be seen in the shape of the Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, to the archeological remains under the 12-century church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata (the first city cathedral, located just around the corner from the present-day Cathedral of San Martino). Lucca is also the site of medieval towers and villas dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries.
As the city grew and modernized, the walls that surrounded the old town were maintained, which was not the case for many other cities in Tuscany, including Florence. As they lost their military importance, the top of the walls became a pedestrian promenade, today one of Lucca's main attractions. The walls and the beautifully landscaped area around them have in essence become a park that surrounds the city and blocks out modern life. Enjoy a stroll around the entire perimeter and stop to enjoy a gelato or simply a period of rest from sightseeing on one of the many shaded benches that line the main walkway.
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travel Mykonos Windmill
Arezzo, located in southeastern Tuscany, sits atop a hill at the crossroads of four valleys: the Val Tiberina, Casentino, Valdarno and Valdiciana. Its ancient origins are verified by the stone tools and the so-called Man of the Elm discovered here that dates back to the Paleolithic era. Once one of the most important cities in Tuscany, Arezzo played an important role over the centuries due to its strategic position along the Roman Via Cassia. Even though the Medieval center was destroyed during World War II, Arezzo still has plenty of monuments, churches and museums that offer visitors a chance to step back into history. The Church of San Francesco is probably the most famous with the early Renaissance fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca depicting the Legend of the True Cross. Also visit the Church of San Domenico with the wooden Crucifix by Cimabue, and see the Roman amphitheater. Proceed up the hill to the Piazza Grande, the Medici Fortress and the Gothic cathedral dedicated to San Donato.
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Although Arezzo has much to offer, it generally is not included in the main itineraries of Tuscany. However, once you've seen the more popular sites in the region make your way to Arezzo and the surrounding countryside for a day. You'll find fewer visitors and more locals, as well as many treasures in the towns and castles that played an important role in the history of Italy. Visit Cortona, Anghiari, Monterchi and Sansepolcro, as well as the beautiful castle of Poppi to encounter memorable sights and friendly people.
For more information on a trip to Tuscany, call the travel advisors at Regency Travel, Inc., at 901.682.9065 or visit www.regencytravel.net.
travel
Visitors are drawn to the historical and artistic sites found in the important cities of Tuscany. It is also the beauty of its rural countryside with soft rolling hills, olive groves and manicured vineyards that keeps them in this beautiful, charming area of Italy. We will explore the Tuscan countryside in a future travel feature.
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travel
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experience this
Story: Lesley Harris Colvett | Photos: Courtesy of AHMMS
A Tennessee Grocery To-Do Take a trip to Backermann’s Country Market in Whiteville, TN, about a 40-minute drive from Memphis, and you will experience a grocery shopper’s dream— every kind of spice, candy and condiment, all neatly packaged, fresh-baked breads, and meats—everything to stock your pantry and refrigerator. Backermann’s has been in business since the late 1970s, when it was started by Simon Beachy. For years, Backermann’s was a bakery that also sold deli meats and bulk foods, but now it is a country store that is also a destination for a short day trip.
Story: Alice Fugate Photos: courtesy of Anna Haley 70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
“We feature a café serving sandwiches and deli salads, as well as fresh, personal-sized baked items and a soup buffet,” says Jamison Overholt, manager. The store itself sells deli meats and cheeses, bulk foods, salt-water taffy and other candies, a full line of pickled goods, jams, jellies and preserves, and the largest spice selection anywhere. The meat freezers and fridges are well stocked with locally grown and processed beef, naturally raised chicken and pork, uncured sausage and bacon, grass-fed beef, an impressive selection of cheeses and Amish butter.
experience this
“Our aim is to show the love of God in action and to provide a family-friendly environment where people can come to have fun and enjoy spending time together as families,” Overholt says. Included in that family fun is the on-site petting zoo behind the store. The enclosure is home to an assortment of adorable farm animals, most of which were donated to Backermann’s by people who either didn’t want them or could no longer care for them. Pulling up to Backermann’s on a Saturday is a real treat. That’s the day area vendors set up shop on the porch and sell everything from soaps, lip butters and bath bombs from Faith Farms in Moscow, TN, to freshly picked blueberries from Jones Orchard, to the most delicious, melt-in-your-mouth tamales from Maria’s Tamales, to A New Life Herbs organic herbal formulations to assist in health and wellness. Backermann’s should be on every cook’s and grocery shopper’s to-do list; whether you want to stock up on spices, jellies, fresh breads or meats, or find the perfect little gift for someone who has everything, this country store and more will not disappoint.
Backermann’s is open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sundays. 260 US Hwy. 64, Whiteville, TN, 38075. August 2019 • athomemms.com | 71
social
Hu. Hotel Tour & Industry Social Text: Jacquelyn Cummins Photography: Traci Brothers McDoniel
The Memphis chapters of ASID, IDS, IIDA, NEWH and NKBA came together on June 19 for an architectural tour of the recently opened Hu. Hotel. Members learned how the 1906 Beaux Arts details were carefully preserved in the building’s redesign and coupled with local design references. After the tour, members retreated to Hu. Roof for an industry-sponsored cocktail party and Mississippi River sunset.
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social
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social
Blossom Within Text: Elaine Hare Photos: Courtesy of AHMMS
Baptist Hospital for Women and Susan G. Komen MemphisMidSouth Mississippi recently sponsored the inaugural Blossom Within. A complimentary program for those undergoing treatment for cancer, Blossom Within is a time for renewal from the inside out. Joining Baptist and Komen in sharing ways to accentuate the ladies’ inner and outer beauty were Kendrick Carothers Simpson, Alexandra Nicole, The Ivory Closet, Belinda and Abby Durham, A Fitting Place, Queen Taliaferro with Baptist Nutrition and Crestwyn Behavioral Health, Sara Gatlin and support from Trader Joe’s. The ladies had a great time learning and sharing, and each participant took home a makeup bag full of items.
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The next gathering is set for Fri., Oct. 18. Call 901.226.0826 to register.
social
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social
ANF Architects reception for Swiss-American artist
Kelly Fischer Text: Courtesy of Howell Marketing Photography: Mark Ramirez
Friday evening, July 12, ANF Architects hosted a reception for Swiss-American visual artist, Kelly Fischer. Fischer is originally from Tennessee and has lived in Switzerland for the past 30 years. She maintains strong connections in both countries, sharing her time between her Bern and Memphis studios. In addition to creating art, Fischer has published 11 children’s books and is the founder/former headmaster of the Bern English Montessori School. This is the third exhibition of the Street Art Urban Project Series, presented in collaboration with Howell Marketing, LLC, and HG Contemporary Art Center New York following the Venisart Gallery Spain and HG Contemporary Art Center New York, Switzerland shows.
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social
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wedding social getaway
Garland Kruse Kyle Wherry November 3, 2018 Memphis, Tennessee Parents of the Bride: Ms. Karen Kruse & Mr. Mark Kruse
ForsythParents Fountainof the Groom: Mrs. Debi & Russ Wherry and Mrs. Teresa & John Simmons 78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
getaway wedding social
SOURCES Rehearsal Invitations: Fresh Ink in Jackson, MS Rehearsal Dinner: Rizzos by Michael Patrick Wedding: Independent Presbyterian Church Reception: Dixon Gallery and Gardens Event Coordinator: Rebekah Page Photographer: Taylor Square Photography Florist: Kevin Griffin Wedding Rings: Albrittons Jewelry, Inc. in Jackson, MS Hair: Misty Davis and Ronald McKnight Makeup: Kendrick Simpson Entertainment: The Soul Shockers Caterer: CFY Catering Baker: Lee Sanders Wedding Invitations: Fresh Ink in Jackson, MS Rentals: Mahaffey Event and Tent Rentals
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Summer Dinner Party
entertaining
A Family Affair
Story: Lesley Harris Colvett | Photography: Courtesy of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/Peter Barta
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entertaining
Ricky, Catherine, Anita, and Fred Harris
I remember when I was growing up, every June my parents, Anita and Fred Harris, hosted a dinner party for St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital board members who were in town for the meetings. St. Jude Hospital founder Danny Thomas, his wife Rose Marie, and their children Marlo, Tony and Terre attended along with 60 board members and their spouses from all over the country, St. Jude senior staff and doctors. My mother and father, a second-generation board member, along with my brother Dr. Ricky Harris (a third-generation board member) and his wife Catherine hosted the dinner party this year at my parents’ home on June 20. When we were kids, my siblings and I would greet guests as they arrived, and pass out the dinner plates and napkins as they were ready to eat. This year, the next generation, Fred and Anita’s grandchildren, greeted the guests at the front door, and my daughter Ella and her girl cousins graciously handed each guest a monogrammed glass, a 13-inch buffet plate, and utensils that were rolled up in linen-like napkins with silk-floral embellished napkin rings that my mom and Ella made. EVENT DESIGN & TEXT BY GINNI JONES
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entertaining
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entertaining
The Menu The Lebanese buffet was prepared by my mother, and the guests always look forward to enjoying her traditional foods, including spinach pies, tabbouli in Belgian endive leaves, rolled grape leaves, fried kibbeh, meat and rice dressing with grilled chicken kabobs, green beans and tomato sauce over Lebanese rice, marinated grilled asparagus with marinated artichokes, hummus, boiled shrimp with cocktail sauce, and lamb chops with mint jelly. Hog Wild Catering provided the lamb chops.
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entertaining entertaining
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Desserts
Desserts included Lebanese delicacies, my mom’s renowned German chocolate cake, individual banana pudding parfaits, and fruit kabobs displayed with a garden theme that my mom and Ella had so much fun creating.
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entertaining entertaining
Decor
Linen tablecloths covered tables in a back room for guests to sit and dine. The linens were complemented with painted clay pots accented with beautiful fresh floral arrangements by Tamara Krausser Foster, owner of Bloom Farms. Bloom Farms also created all the flower arrangements for the party.
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dining out
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dining out getaway
Elwood's Shells Elwood’s Shells, a laid-back dining establishment in the Cooper-Young neighborhood, brings a taste of Cajun country to Memphis. With its expansive menu of house specialties and tasty classics, the midtown restaurant is sure to satisfy any seafood craving. Story: Jordan Nettles Photos: Courtesy of AHMMS
Owner Tim Bednarski drew inspiration from his childhood when developing the idea for Elwood’s Shells. As a child, Bednarski often visited his sister in Louisiana, where he cultivated a love for Cajun food. Years later he turned that love into a casual, friendly restaurant with an impressive menu of seafood and other Cajun staples. Elwood’s Shells officially opened its doors in February, but its earliest iteration appeared for less than one day almost two years ago. The original Elwood’s Shells was housed in a food truck in the parking lot of sister restaurant Elwood’s Shack. Very quickly, the owners realized they needed a permanent location. Managing partner and co-owner Mandy Edwards says, “We were open for four hours before we realized that was not going to work and we needed more than a tiny food truck to execute this menu properly.” 92 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
dining out The midday crowd can enjoy lunch specials like El Cosmico
fried green tomato tacos, blackened salmon salad, and bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp. These delectable highlights are just the smallest tip of the iceberg at Elwood’s Shells. The complete menu is extensive, expanding beyond seafood to other favorite dishes like chicken alfredo pasta and muffalettas. From sandwiches and po-boys to a soup menu that includes staples like shrimp and corn chowder, seafood gumbo and lobster bisque, there is truly something for everyone. After a spice-packed meal, a slice of homemade key lime pie is a must. In-house baker Maria makes it fresh every day. The interior of the restaurant features bright, funky decor in blue, red and yellow. The striking tie-dyed tables were all handmade and crafted by Bednarski.
After two years of searching for a space, they discovered the perfect location at the site of the old Jasmine restaurant. Located at 916 South Cooper Street, the charming, freestanding house invites diners to relax and enjoy themselves indoors or outside on the comfortable patio. Edwards says, “We fell in love with it as soon as we walked in. We could not be more grateful to be a part of the Cooper-Young area.” Memphis may be a six-hour drive from the coast, but the seafood at Elwood’s Shells is fresh. The restaurant’s main entrees, such as croaker, redfish and grouper, are flown in daily. An adept kitchen staff takes over from there, preparing hearty, mouthwatering dishes. According to Edwards, Elwood’s chef and kitchen staff, “put every ounce of themselves in each and every dish they make. Our kitchen is not afraid to season!”
The walls are punctuated by original works by local artist Lamar Sorrento, who gets high marks from Edwards. “He is just the best and knew exactly what the place needed before we even did,” she says. “He blows us away with every new piece he paints.” Elwood’s Shells is a great place to dine any time of the day. In addition to lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves breakfast daily and brunch on weekends. These menus include unique offerings like the debris burrito, stuffed with New Orleansstyle roast beef, eggs, veggies, hash browns and cheese, and traditional breakfast and brunch dishes, made with an Acadian twist.
One popular menu item is Grouper Pontchartrain, topped with lump crab meat, mushrooms, and gulf shrimp. Another specialty is pan-seared lemon croaker, topped with crab meat, shrimp, spinach, heirloom tomatoes and lemon meuniere sauce. Of course, no Cajun restaurant would be complete without jambalaya. Elwood’s Shells’ delicious recipe combines shrimp, andouille sausage, jumbo crawfish, mussels, smoked tomatoes and white rice.
Elwood’s Shells is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday. The Resturant also offers catering. August 2019 • athomemms.com | 93
in the kitchen
Roasted Peaches Raspberries and Cream Cheese Mousse with
If you love peaches, this dessert is for you. Roasted peaches combined with the crunch of cookies and creaminess of cream cheese mousse is “off-the-charts” delicious. And adding raspberry jam...insane! It’s the perfect dessert to top off a hot summer night dinner party.
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Ingredients 8 peaches, peeled and sliced into ¼- to ½-inch wedges
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½ cup packed light brown sugar
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4 Tbsp. melted butter
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2 Tbsp. sugar
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18 vanilla sandwich cookies
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½ cup sliced almonds
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Raspberry jam (warmed to room temperature so it spreads easily)
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Fresh raspberries
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Mint for garnish Instructions Preheat oven to 400˚. In a mixing bowl toss peach wedges, brown sugar and melted butter until the peaches are well coated. Spread the coated peaches evenly on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. sugar. Roast peaches 20 mins. Remove from the oven and let cool. Place in airtight container and refrigerate until cold or overnight. In a food processor, pulse cookies into small crumbs. Place in an airtight container and stir in sliced almonds. Cover and set aside.
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Recipe and Photo: Jim Norton
For the Cream Cheese Mousse • 8 oz. softened cream cheese •
½ cup sugar
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1 tsp. vanilla
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1½ cups heavy whipping cream
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Zest from one lemon Instructions Using a hand mixer, cream the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add heavy whipping cream and beat on high until the mixture reaches the consistency of a mousse. Fold in lemon zest. To build individual desserts Layer the elements in six clear glasses. Start with a layer of crumbed cookie mixture in each individual glass. Next, add a layer of raspberry jam. Top with a layer of cream cheese mousse, then roasted peaches. Repeat this process, layering evenly between all the glasses. Top each with a dollop of cream cheese mousse, a few raspberries and a mint leaf or two. Enjoy!
Check out Jim Norton on social media! www.thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @the_norton_recipe August 2019 • athomemms.com | 95
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SOURCES 16 | AT HOME WITH
Special thanks - Blake Dubinski of GenTeal Apparel gentealapparel.com
26 | HEALTHY YOU
Special thanks - Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
30 | HOME FEATURE
Special thanks - Warehouse 67 warehouse67design.com
44 | DESIGN
Special thanks - Kitchens Unlimited kitchensunlimited.net
70 | EXPERIENCE THIS
Special thanks - Backermann’s Country Market backermanns.com
82 | ENTERTAINING
Special thanks - Anita and Fred Harris & St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
92 | DINING OUT
Special thanks - Elwood’s Shells elwoodsshells.com
94 | IN THE KITCHEN
Special thanks - Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
98 | ON A GOOD NOTE
Special thanks - Big Green biggreen.org
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on a good note
A Big Green Effect
Story: Alice Fugate Photography: Breezy Lucia
If you take a school tour around the Bluff City, you’ll find delightful green spaces in a surprising number of schools, 128 and counting! Primarily in Shelby County and charter schools, these Learning Gardens are sponsored by Big Green, a national nonprofit that installs plots of edibles in low-income, underserved schools and incorporates experiential learning into academic curricula. School gardens, according to Big Green’s website, are known to “help kids increase their preference for nutritious foods, develop healthier responses to stress, and improve their academic performance.” The more than 300,000 students across the country served by Big Green know this to be true. Founded in Denver, CO, in 2011 and bolstered by the “eat local” and “farm-to-table” movements, Big Green aims to support schools and their communities by teaching the value of eating “real” healthy food that is sustainably, fairly produced and priced, and environmentally responsible. The organization also stresses food literacy, informing consumers so they can choose what they eat, grow and buy with the well-being of the individual and the community in mind. Food literacy with Big Green starts with Garden Bites, the science-incorporating health and nutrition curriculum for grades K-8. Students learn about sustainability and healthy diets, gardening, cooking with foods from the garden, and more. Real Food Lab continues the program into a high-school curriculum, which “walks students through what it means to be a social entrepreneur and develop a business plan focused around sustainable agriculture.” The Learning Gardens provide real food—herbs and produce—for school cafeterias, for students’ families and for lab participants to sell or donate to community members. The benefits to this kind of engagement are numerous. Time spent in natural, outdoor spaces at school is shown to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety in students. Gardening connects classroom lessons to tangible objects and physical activities in the garden. Regional Director of Big Green Memphis Lisa Ellis describes how Learning Gardens benefit students, particularly those who may be struggling in the classroom: “The hands-on experiences work for those students, and give them an outlet to think outside the box, take ownership of the plants they grow, and develop relationships with the natural world and their peers in ways that might not be happening inside the schoolhouse.” The gardens are also excellent gathering places for school and community events, a place for kids to connect with non-teacher adults and with other students’ family members. Memphians can support Big Green’s local efforts by donating directly online at BigGreen.org/donate or by volunteering at a school. The 128 participating local schools offer a lot of opportunities for committed community volunteers, whether or not they have a child at the school. Donating or volunteering will help Big Green grow and reach students at more Memphis schools. Ellis says, “We encourage locals to reach out to Shelby County Schools Family and Community Engagement Office, and become a registered volunteer at a school!” In other words, get messy, eat well and give back to your community! 98 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019
August 2019 • athomemms.com | 99
100 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2019