MAKE A SPLASH!
Santa is in the house!
A Mid South home filled with Christmas cheer
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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2018
24|HOME: Jim Jetton and Barry Holloway share their love of Christmas and holiday hospitality.
34|DESIGN: An East Memphis home hosts the Suburban Garden Club Biannual Christmas Tea and Cocktail Party.
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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2018
52.. F O R YO U
84.
20 healthy you Merry and Bright 98 on a good note Girls on the Run
HOME & DESIGN 16 at home with Melvin "Too Tall" Moore 24 home feature Show of Character 34 design A Simply Suburban Christmas 42 in the garden Fresh Herbs for theHoliday Season
82.
T R AV E L & C U L T U R E 44 getaway Dahlonega, GA 52 travel Villa Vacations 62 experience this Big Cedar Lodge 70 social Mid South Happenings 80 wedding Kilzer/Gabb
FOOD & DRINK 82 entertaining Office Party 90 dining out The Ivy Tea Room 92 happy hour Barrel-rested Negroni 94 in the kitchen Holiday Snowballs 10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
34. IN EVERY ISSUE 14 | PUBLISHER'S NOTE 97 | SOURCES
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DECEMBER 2018 • VOL. 17 NO. 9 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
INTERN HILLARY CLAIRE HANCOCK
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 Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all! It is that time of the year again; time to make our list and check it twice. I thought I would be really organized this year and utilize my smartphone and Siri to help me with my list. It was going well until I pulled it up to begin checking it twice. I am very glad that I did, and my gift recipients will be, as well. I forgot my “Siri” is actually an Australian man and a few, if not all, of my list items got a bit lost in translation, to say the least. I have decided to go back to the old pen and paper format and leave my Aussie friend to misdirecting me to otherwise simple driving directions—he does a really great job at that. I do think I have finally convinced him that Germantown is not just in Nashville. Now that the list malfunctions and been resolved, I have decorated and trimmed the tree...four trees, to be exact. I've decked the halls and our dogs. Gifts, for the most part, have been purchased and are currently in the holding cell, AKA guest room, waiting to be wrapped. I have even baked (and eaten) a few goodies that now will need to be made again, which brings me to the last item on my “head start” list. That would be weight gain, of course. We really do love putting together our holiday issues for you to enjoy. Looking over all the photos of festive decorations, destinations and recipes truly puts a smile on my face, holiday cheer in my heart and fills my fat pants just a bit. It’s all part of the most wonderful time of the year. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, a safe and happy season and from my Aussie smartphone friend Siri, good holiday, mates!
— Margaret
Publisher
Cooper and Rudy are ready for Christmas
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at home with
At Home With
Melvin “Too Tall” Moore Text by Aubrey Ann Monger Photography by Anna Haley
Melvin Moore, well-known to many Memphians as “Too Tall,” has made a name for himself as the hilarious, friendly bartender around town. Though initially recognized by his height (6’7”), Moore’s jovial personality and attention to customer service have gained him much success in the food and service business.
Q&A
At Home Memphis & Mid South: Tell us a little about your background, both personally and professionally. Melvin Moore: I received my bachelor of arts from The Four Flames in 1975, my master’s from Memphis Country Club in 1982 and my Doctorate from Erling Jensen in 1996. I took several “gap” years [smile] at Tennessee State University but I got my “degrees” at these fine institutions. My wife Judith and I celebrated seven years of marriage in October. We have a blended family with four sons, one daughter, three little grandsons and one ornery Rottweiler. AHMMS: What inspires you? MM: I am inspired by some of the great people in the food and beverage business who came before me, especially my late friend and mentor Lafayette Draper. One day I asked him, “How can I be like you?” and his answer to me was, “Too Tall, you’re already like me.” I don’t know whether it was true then, but now, like my dear friend, I have customers who actually schedule their events according to my availability. I guess I have achieved what I admired about this exceptional man. I am also inspired by my need to see people have a wonderful, memorable experience no matter the occasion. Whether an outdoor barbeque or a high-dollar formal event, helping customers host the event they envision is my inspiration to deliver service that is a cut above. 16 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
at home with AHMMS: What is your favorite thing about your job? MM: I think anyone who knows me knows I am a people person. By way of my business I meet a lot of people and a lot of people have gotten to know me. People say I never meet a stranger and that is true. I am excited to work with people I have known all of my career and equally as excited about meeting new people. Regardless of how long I’ve known you, quality service with a lot of personality is what I strive to deliver every time. AHMMS: What do you like to do when you aren’t working? MM: When I am not working, my second passion is golfing. However, I like just about any sport or sporting event and, of course, as you would imagine, I love tailgating. I love traveling to festivals and events in other regions of the country. But most of all, I just like spending time at home with family.
AHMMS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to open their own business? MM: What I have learned over the years and the advice I’d give new business owners is to focus on providing excellent service. You do this by being attentive, listening to customers’ requests, and then going the extra mile to more than deliver every time— not sometimes, but every time. Never promise what you are not sure you can deliver, which means only taking on what you can handle well. AHMMS: What are your favorite places in the Mid South? MM: Some of my favorite places in the Mid South are the Liberty Bowl – Tiger Lane, the National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum and FedEx Forum.
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spotlight
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healthy you
MerryBright and
Text by Michelle Johns
’Tis the season. It’s December and we are now in the final month of our year-end run of food, parties, family and friends. In the South, August to December may be the greatest time of the year; football tailgates, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas party delights are in full swing. What is meant to be a season of merriment and joy can turn into a time of great stress socially, physically and emotionally. As I consider the season I feel a mixture of all the emotions. There is much to be done and experience, and I want to experience it all, yet I also need time to myself. So, what to do? Following are a few tips to help you get through the final weeks of 2018 with holiday bliss. 1. Eat better! We often have big family gatherings with more than 20 people, and we all bring appetizers, main dishes, desserts and drinks. I have noticed in recent years the healthier items are disappearing much faster than the traditional casseroles, pies and cakes. Food is communion, it is fellowship, it is connection. It’s important to set a standard for yourself of healthy balance while participating in the love and community surrounding food. I make healthy, fresh choices most of the time, but I do allow myself an indulgence of Mexican food at least once a week. If a friend invites me to lunch at a place I don’t typically eat, I go without adding disclaimers—the companionship of a friend is worth more than a meal. Following are some ways I help keep the balance during the holidays: • • • •
I take a healthy dish to parties and gatherings. Sometimes I take two. If I am a guest in someone’s home and there is not a healthy option, I limit the portions on my plate. I find something complimentary to say about the foods I eat and I am grateful for the time with family and friends. I avoid any negative comments about weight and/or food.
2. Move more! No matter the weather, a majority of our family members go for a walk after a big holiday meal. It’s become a special tradition. Taking time to make sure you exercise three to five times a week will help you feel better throughout the holidays; it’s a gift you can give yourself. Schedule 30 minutes to walk, run, do yoga or go to the gym. Elevate your heart rate to a manageable but challenging level to burn calories and increase stamina. Exercise has been proven to improve both physical and emotional health. Here are my three best fitness tips: • On Sunday afternoons I schedule time for working out during the week ahead. • If I need to adjust the schedule, I do without beating myself up. • If a friend invites me to lunch or coffee and it’s during a workout time, I either adjust the schedule or suggest we go do something physical together. The workout with a friend may not be as robust as it would be on my own, but it’s always fun and brightens my day. 3. Socialize more! Enjoy the season without making it so much about gifts. I love to give gifts, but most importantly, I love the time spent with family and friends. In the spirit of transparency, I acknowledge that there are always a few encounters I dread and could do without. I am not alone—scientific research shows that everyone has social challenges. It’s a part of life. However, there are ways to enjoy the holidays and avoid the drama. 20 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
Following are some tips to help make the season merrier and brighter: • Accept the things you cannot change. No need to give advice or make judgements. Be kind and keep the conversations simple. • Be prepared. The people and situations that have challenged you in the past will likely be the same at every gathering. • Remove yourself from a confrontational conversation. Let the other person have the last word. Silence does not mean concession; it may mean a higher level of emotional intelligence. • Plan to stay calm. When you feel the internal heat rising, step away, go to the nearest bathroom and breathe 10 deep inhales and exhales. Count four seconds on the inhale, take a two-second pause and count four seconds on the exhale. • Stay focused on yourself. I don’t know about you, but I have a few imperfections of my own that I am working on, and while focusing on someone else’s faults may make me feel better temporarily, it stifles my personal development and feeds my pride. Grace and mercy are reflected in humility. • Avoid excessive subtleties, as one of my favorite authors would say. Excessive subtleties are passive-aggressive comments. There is nothing passive or subtle about aggression and one comment in such a manner is excessive. Merry Christmas, At Home readers! I truly enjoy sharing my thoughts on wellness with you and I genuinely love hearing from you. It gives me great pleasure to receive your feedback. Please email me with suggestions as we move into the new year. What do you want included in our wellness topics? Email me at mjohns@transforming-wellness.com. Michelle John is a corporate onsite health promotion specialist, integrative health and wellness educator, yoga teacher, food literacy educator and a green smoothie connoisseur. Michelle 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. Michelle 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. Michelle Johns
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home feature
Show of
Character Jim Jetton takes Christmas decorating to a whole new level in Walls, MS
Text by Jordana White Photography by Anna Haley 24 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
home homefeature trends
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home feature
F
or the past 10 years, Jim Jetton and Barry Holloway have been in the Christmas business. Each year they throw an epic holiday party at their home in Walls, and they punctuate the event with even more epic Christmas decor. With the party’s milestone anniversary this year, they knew they had to bring their A-game—and boy, did they deliver! The party invitation, a full page of poetry to entice guests into the winter wonderland, perfectly described the scene set inside Jetton and Holloway’s home: “It’s hard to describe all the things that you’ll see; you will be amazed because it’s hard to believe.” Indeed, it is hard to imagine. Although Jetton says that decorating the house only takes about six days—a process that begins in October—the result leaves an impact that lasts far longer. While no theme other than Christmas unites the installations in each room, for this year’s 10th anniversary edition, Jetton and Holloway placed a heavy emphasis on their Christmas characters. “We are really partial to our lifesize figures,” admits Jetton.
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home feature
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home feature
A walk through the house proves that fact. Santas and Saint Nicks are peppered throughout the home. In fact, in one particularly dreamy installation, Santa stands on a pillow-soft bed of “snow,” surrounded by elves and a life-sized reindeer dancing on its hind legs!
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home feature
While the giant Santas are a nod to tradition, Jetton and Holloway also include some fairly saucy characters in the mix. A woman, dressed in her finest holiday attire, sits jauntily atop a guest bed, ready to toast the season with a well-filled glass of vino. Another lovely lady is stationed between two display cases filled with mini Santa Clauses. While she would stand out for her size and smile alone, her dainty pillbox hat, sequined pocketbook and extra-fancy heels make her a not-to-miss stop on the decor viewing tour.
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home feature
The Christmas tree is always the centerpiece of holiday decor, a fact not lost on these homeowners. Jetton says, “We generally have between 21 and 30 trees each year, ranging in size from four feet to 12 feet. There is at least one tree in every room, and this year our dining room sets the record with five trees total.” These aren’t just any trees, as Jetton explains; each has a unique set of decorations, carefully selected to coordinate with its room’s furnishings. The dining room’s trees are all decked out in pink, highlighting subtle notes in the elaborate wallpaper. The largest tree even has pale pink foliage instead of green!
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home feature In the grand entryway, the gracious tree is adorned to match the wreath that greets guests over the front door (both coordinate perfectly with the little elf that stands beside the main entrance, welcoming guests to the North Pole.) In the rooms with the lifesized women, tree decorations were carefully selected to pick up on colors in the ladies’ outfits. And in a den with pinstriped, multicolored club chairs sits perhaps the most spectacular tree in the house. Atop a velvet-covered table, the narrow tree stands tall and proud. With a base draped in white brocade and all-white foliage, the colorful balls and multi-leveled ribbon topper transform it into a larger-than-life tribute to the perfect present. The myriad decorations throughout the home are more than mere ornaments, Jetton says. “We are able to tell where each one came from, and we can remember any related story for it.” And you can bet there’s a lot of relating at the couple’s annual party. The holiday wonderland created each year by Jetton and Holloway is truly a labor of love, as Jetton explains. “Our favorite thing about the holidays is being able to do all that we do and allow others the enjoyment of seeing our work. We have been told on many occasions that if you see our house at Christmas, there is no way that you can leave it not in the Christmas spirit. We only hope that the enjoyment we get from decorating will inspire others, and when they see our finished products, possibly remind them of their childhood or other special times, when things were simpler and lives were less hectic and stressful.”
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design
Text by Jordana White | Photos courtesy of Anna Haley 34 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
AChristmas Simply Suburban
design
The Suburban Garden Club demonstrated the limitless possibilities of decorating with foliage.
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home feature design
When it comes to creating a festive holiday party atmosphere, the Suburban Garden Club’s Biannual Christmas Tea and Cocktail Party, held at the home of one of its members, sets the gold standard for elegance. The theme for this year’s Christmas Tea, “A Simply Suburban Christmas,” emphasized traditional decorations in the classic style for which the club is known.
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home feature The Suburban Garden Club was founded in 1930; its approximately 140 members are a unique group of women who come together to study, preserve and promote a love of gardening and floral design and to foster a sense of community awareness. In order to create an eclectic yet cohesive design for the party, a different club member takes on each room in the home, choosing one special focal point for her assigned location. Since Christmas decorating traditionally centers on the tree, the main feature of the home’s library was a 17-foot tall Fraser fir, adorned with clear lights. Antlers and pheasant feathers topped the tree in addition to three hand-tied, red silk bows, trailing the length of the tree and tucked in various places. Cotton bolls and pine cones served as ornaments.
At the front door, greeting guests as they arrived, was a heavy garland roping of Cryptomeria, Leyland cypress and magnolia adorned with pomegranates, lemons, limes and oranges for holiday color. The garland, 65 feet in total length, stretched the entire span of the slate entry, over the limestone double doorway. On the doors themselves hung wreaths of sweet bay magnolia and antlers. In preparation for evening events, the team threaded the entire garland with silver ribbon and white twinkle lights. December 2018 • athomemms.com | 37
design
Inside the entry hall members embellished sconces with arrangements of 'Big Happy Fun' and ‘Mr. Lincoln’ roses with airy greenery, including asparagus fern and nandina, and draped the sideboard with a garland of Cryptomeria and sweet bay magnolia, anchored on both sides by knife boxes. For extra drama, large floral arrangements popped out of open drawers on either end of the sideboard, flanking the nativity scene. To line the grand staircase, club members installed an urn with an arrangement of nandina berries, Cryptomeria, cedar, deciduous holly and ‘Little Gem’ magnolia. To complement the arrangement, the garland on the stairs was composed of ‘Little Gem’ magnolia, Cryptomeria and cedar.
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home feature
While not everyone thinks about the powder room when decorating for holidays, it is always a high-traffic area, especially during parties. For this event, the ladies lent the space a woodland feel adding pine cones, ivy, magnolia and pink camellias to the swag over the mirror. They adorned the chandelier with greenery and hung tiny angels in it. On the vanity sat an angel figure surrounded by greenery and camellias.
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design
Of course, the highlight of any garden club party is the conservatory, and this event was no exception. In the home’s atrium dining area, one creative club member installed 50 feet of handmade boxwood roping. Additionally, a six-foot wide evergreen wreath, filled with boxwood, magnolia, cedar and pine boughs, surrounded the room’s dramatic chandelier. Hanging the wreath was no small task: it took four people to carefully lift the massive piece over the crystal and suspend it by chains from the support beams of the conservatory. Finally, to complete the space, five long-necked crystal bubble vases filled with white tulips adorned the table as 40 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
design Finally, despite chilly weather, club members paid special attention to the home’s back porch. The focus for this space was delicate white Christmas lighting attached to curbside tree debris found in the various members’ neighborhoods! After collecting brush, branches and other cast-off items, members sized their collectibles and determined the flow the branches would take. Using buckets for containers, sand, rocks, fishing line, zip cords and a hook, they secured the branches to the wall. Wrapped Christmas gifts mounded the festive table. The mantel was decorated with fresh evergreens.
From the traditional to the foraged, the exotic to the local, the decor at the Suburban Garden Club Christmas Tea proved the limitless possibilities of decorating with foliage. With all the variation available in the natural world, and an extra-large helping of creativity, club members can inspire all of us to ditch the store-bought decor and grow our own!
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in the garden
Must-have fresh herbs to have on hand this holiday season Text by P. Allen Smith | Photography courtesy of Karen Segrave and Hortus, Ltd.
I was sitting in my kitchen earlier today putting together menus for the upcoming holidays. I try to create meals that combine some of my family’s classic traditional recipes—think Reverend Smith’s Holy Duck Gumbo and Aunt Jamie’s Cookies—along with a few new dishes that I hope will dazzle the crowd. One thing most of my holiday menus have in common is the use of fresh herbs. You just can’t deny the enhanced flavor and improved presentation that you get when you cook with fresh ingredients. You can usually find fresh herbs at the grocery store, but if you’re really lucky, you’ll have your own herb garden on a windowsill or in a bright corner of the kitchen. There’s something special about being able to say, “Thanks, I grew it myself.” (This reminds me of an occasion when I served fresh lemon squares to friends and was able to say that, in addition to baking the dessert, I also grew the lemons myself. A boast I was thrilled to make!) I try to always keep several different fresh herbs on hand this time of year because so many recipes call for them, and not just main dishes, but also appetizers, desserts and even cocktails. In addition, herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage look good on the kitchen counter or dinner table as part of a bouquet.
Here are a few of my favorites, along with some ideas about how you might work them into your dinner (and dessert) repertoire. Rosemary: Use this especially versatile herb to season fruit salad, lamb, chicken and pork, as well as stews, soups and
sauces. Because it has such a strong flavor, it’s best to add rosemary to dishes sparingly, then build up the taste as needed. I have a favorite Rosemary Cookie recipe that uses a butter or sugar cookie recipe as its base, combined with two small-butForsyth Fountain mighty teaspoons of chopped fresh rosemary. Serve these little delights to guests with hot tea or coffee and be a hero. 42 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
in the garden Thyme: As useful in the kitchen as a microwave oven, fresh thyme El can enhance nearly all meats and vegetables. It’s a true utility player. Sauté cubed butternut squash in a pan with some butter and chopped thyme; the clean simplicity of this dish is elegant and filling, as well. Parsley: I hardly need to say it, but parsley is the cornerstone of the
herbal kitchen. Flat-leaf (or Italian) parsley is what you’ll find listed in most recipes as an ingredient; its curly-leafed sibling most often plays the role of garnish. But this herb can be so much more than just a dash of color. Its light, fresh peppery and anise flavor complements most dishes. I recommend chopping up a cup or two and adding it to any salad for a boost of vitamin A and folic acid.
Sage: This herb is the one most often associated with the holidays because it's a matchmaker’s dream with turkey and dressing. In addition, it works well with roasts, stews, and many meat and dairy dishes. It can also be a surprise ingredient in a before- or after-dinner beverage, like the delightfully named Sage Bee’s Knees Cocktail, which includes honey, gin, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and fresh sage leaves. I’d try that cocktail based on the name alone! Just thinking about some of these ingredients has inspired me to up my game in the kitchen this holiday season. Wouldn’t it be fun to have an herb-inspired meal where every course, including cocktails, features dishes with fresh herbs? I’m going to add that idea to my entertaining list, and I hope you do, too.
Is there anything that can’t be made better with a little thyme? There are so many uses for this herb.
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get away
Dahlonega,
Georgia
Text by Claire Hancock Photos courtesy of Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
get away
Hidden among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia lies the quaint town of Dahlonega, home to the United States’ first major gold rush. The town is particularly proud of its history and remembers it well with its motto, “Pure Gold.” Full of exciting things to do, Dahlonega is a hidden gem tucked into the mountains. December 2018 • athomemms.com | 45
get away
Downtown Dahlonega boasts many buildings
on the National Register of Historic Places. From shopping in local boutiques such as Cranberry Corners and The Pig and the Poppy, to grabbing a bite at one of its many restaurants like The Crimson Moon and White Oaks Barn and Bistro, the district offers something for every visitor to enjoy. One of Dahlonega’s most popular annual events is the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration, slated for Nov. 23 to Dec. 23 this year. It begins with the lighting of downtown and the town Christmas tree, followed by an encore lighting by Santa himself on Dec. 1. Then, special events occur every day until the end of the festival. The Broadway musical Annie will run from Nov. 30 until Dec. 16 at the Holly Theater. Other activities include regular visits with Santa Claus at the Visitors Center Plaza downtown, a Mistletoe Market downtown on Dec. 8, a sleigh bell tour of the inns around Dahlonega on Dec. 9, and a live nativity on Dec. 15. Although the event ends just before Christmas, the lights and decorations stay up until January 13. For more information about the Old Fashioned Christmas festival, please visit dahlonegachristmas.wordpress.com.
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Christmas is far from the only occasion the city celebrates. Dahlonega boasts of over a dozen town-wide festivals throughout the year, ranging from a Trail Fest and a Literary Festival, both in March, to the Hemlock Fest in November. These events draw both locals and visitors, creating a chance for people from all walks of life to come together to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the town and surrounding areas. Dahlonega is a nature lover’s dream with its many and varied outdoor marvels. The area is home to Cane Creek Falls, DeSoto Falls and Anna Ruby Falls, the Chattahoochee National Forest, the George E. Coleman, Sr. Planetarium and Observatory, and Lake Lanier.
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get away
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Photographer: Persuasion Photography
At the Dahlonega Gold Museum visitors learn the story of the first American gold rush in 1828. A visit to the Crisson Gold Mines and Consolidated Gold Mines delves deeper into the area’s history. Another local do-not-miss is the renovated Chestatee River Diving Bell, a six-ton maritime artifact from the gold rush period, located in downtown Dahlonega’s Hancock Park at Hawkins Street. Dahlonega is the heart of Georgia’s wine country. For a decidedly grown-up getaway, tour five different wineries, or sample vintages at the six tasting rooms that downtown Dahlonega has to offer. Varietals produced in the area include cabernet, merlot, tannat and several others, and all are available to taste during a visit. The arts and music scene in this Georgia getaway is vibrant. Musical artists are drawn to the area—Zac Brown owns a distillery in town and Shawn Mullins began his musical career while a student at North Georgia College. This town offers plenty of venues to check out rising talent, such as the Historic Holly Theater. The visual arts in the area are equally great; visitors can bring home a unique piece from one of the local vendors that are located throughout the town. Dahlonega is a jewel nestled in the northeast Georgia mountains, full of exciting adventures for young and old. There is no better place to experience a Christmas full of nostalgia or to discover something memorable any time of the year. December 2018 • athomemms.com | 49
gift guide
Forsyth Fountain 50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
getaway gift guide
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getaway travel
Punta Mita, Mexico 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
Dallas, Texas
Text by Marsha W. Strickland Photos courtesy of Regency Travel, Inc.
travel
VILLA VACATIONS
Enjoy the privacy of a “home away from home” where accommodations, activities and meals are customized to your preferences. You are in charge- for the duration of your stay!
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travel
Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
A
villa vacation allows you to create a tailor-made trip to fit your particular needs. It is a great option for multigenerational families with grandparents and grandchildren. Families can come together to share old memories and make new ones at a reunion. A villa is the perfect spot to commemorate a special event such as a birthday, anniversary or graduation. Friends will love staying in a private house for a couples’ getaway, a ladies’ retreat or a men’s golf holiday. Villa accommodations are also ideal for members of a destination wedding party as well as wedding guests. Finding the best time for a group vacation can be challenging. Communication is key when coordinating travel dates around school schedules and work commitments. Villa rentals offer flexibility, allowing participants to come and go according to personal travel schedules. As with all vacation planning, a wider choice of rentals is available to those who book early. Plan to secure a villa at least eight to ten months in advance, especially if your vacation falls during popular periods such as spring break and the holidays. During these heavily booked times, some rentals require a minimum number of nights, most often a seven-night stay from Saturday to Saturday. Villas can also be rented for multiple weeks or a month. When researching accommodations, determine which amenities are important to you and your guests. How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need? Clarifying the actual number and types of beds in the bedrooms can prove helpful for large groups. Will your guests need a private bathroom for each bedroom? Do you require cribs and high chairs for babies and toddlers? Are there mobility issues for any of your house guests? Do you need a cook on a daily basis or only on pre-selected dates? How often will you require maid services? Do you want a private swimming pool? 54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
getaway Examine the floor plan carefully, paying attention to the size of the kitchen and dining areas inside the villa and on the patio or poolside. Be certain there is ample room for communal gathering space. Air conditioning is a top priority for most Americans traveling in Europe. Of course, the time of the year will determine if this is a requirement. Villa concierge services are available for personal requests such as pre-stocking food and pantry provisions before your arrival as well as supplemental deliveries during your stay. Guests can request linens including bath and beach towels when needed. Personnel can prearrange rental cars to accommodate guests and their luggage, in addition to restaurant reservations, sightseeing excursions, golf tee times and spa appointments.
Beach Yoga A perfect villa vacation balances planned and impromptu activities for guests. Consider unique experiences and opportunities that can be found in oceanfront escapes and wine regions. Will your group want to take part in outdoor activities like golf, tennis, biking and hiking? If the group includes wellness enthusiasts, staff will make sure they have access to fitness and exercise programs as well as spa and beauty treatments near the accommodations. December 2018 • athomemms.com | 55
travel
Oahu, Hawaii Villas are available across the globe. The Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii are popular for a vacation filled with sun, sand and sea. Many different house styles are available, some with open-air features perfect for enjoying tropical breezes. Colorful appointments and art can set the mood for your trip. Whether you want to take it easy and savor long days at the beach or stay on the move exploring the sights and shopping for local crafts, there is something for everyone. Adventurers will enjoy renting jet skis, paddle boards, snorkeling and scuba equipment, fishing and sailing charters, etc. A yoga class on the beach at sunrise makes a great way to start the day.
Forsyth Fountain 56 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
The American Orlando, FloridaClub
getaway Perhaps your group wants to spend time together in a winter wonderland. Rental options for ski and snow enthusiasts abound in Colorado and Utah, Canada and Europe. From your private chalet, enjoy magnificent mountain views while you sip hot chocolate by the fireplace. Ski trails and lifts to the slopes are just minutes away with easy access from ski-in and ski-out communities. Non skiers in the group will enjoy snowmobiling or snowshoeing. Whether you are new to snow sports or you just want to touch up your skills, lessons can be arranged for all ability levels, and equipment rentals can be prearranged.
Kid-Friendly Fun Europe is a great choice for a villa holiday in picture-perfect surroundings. Tuscany in central Italy is an outstanding option for a house in terraced hills neatly planted with grapevines and olive trees. Day trips to Florence and Siena along the winding country roads are ideal with sightseeing, authentic dining and breathtaking countryside. Private accommodations throughout Provence, in the south of France, offer a scenic retreat situated amid fields of lavender and sunflowers. From your charming farmhouse rental explore Arles, Nimes and Avignon to shop markets and taste the local flavors. Demand for accommodations in these areas is high from May to September. Plan accordingly if you want to be within walking distance of a village or town center where you can stroll a couple of blocks or ride a rented bike or moped to the produce market, attend a church service in the neighborhood, and walk to local bars to enjoy drinks. Perhaps you will want to investigate a cooking school for a first-hand experience with food and fun! December 2018 • athomemms.com | 57
travel Utah
A villa vacation promises more space, comfort and privacy than a hotel or resort. Careful planning and attention to the details are key whether your group is large or small. No matter where you decide to go or the activities you choose to participate in, you can have more control over the overall trip experience.
Tuscany, Italy
For more information on planning a villa vacation contact the travel advisors at Regency Travel, Inc. at 901.682.9065 or www.regencytravel.net. 58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
home trends El Cosmico
December 2018 • athomemms.com | 59
60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
St. Charles Streetcar December 2018 • athomemms.com | 61
experience this
Big Cedar Lodge Text by Alice Fugate | Photos courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge
The luxury wilderness resort in America’s heartland will enchant and delight you this winter season 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
experience this
F
ind your next big weekend getaway nestled in 4,600 acres of natural beauty in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri. Big Cedar Lodge offers something for everyone from the wilderness lover who wants to fish and hike, to the golfer looking for state-of-the-art courses, to the glamper who wants access to the spa. Owner and founder Johnny Morris, also founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, opened the resort in 1988, inspired by the beauty of Table Rock Lake and his memories of childhood fishing trips with his family. His vision for Big Cedar Lodge was to preserve the gorgeous natural landscape of the Ozark Mountains while providing a place for families to connect with nature and with each other. Big Cedar has grown and expanded to fulfill Morris’ vision. Hailed as the premier wilderness resort in America’s heartland, it is the perfect spot for a winter vacation. December 2018 • athomemms.com | 63
experience this
Cedar Creek Spa
The lodge’s accommodations are top-notch year-round, but dressed in holiday decor they are guaranteed to make spirits bright. Cozy up in a spacious lodge, a rustic log cabin, or a peaceful lakeside cottage, each of which will feature its own Christmas tree. Every log cabin and lakeside cottage has a wood-burning fireplace and spa-style bathroom, complete with a jetted tub and glass-enclosed shower. They’re cozy enough to stay in all day, but there’s plenty to do around the resort. Take a stroll through the grounds decked out for the holidays in twinkling lights, glide around the pop-up ice skating rink overlooking Table Rock Lake, or sip hot chocolate and munch s’mores around a bonfire on a chilly night. Little ones will love holiday-themed scavenger hunts (the Sleigh-Bell Scurry), story time with Mrs. Claus, bedtime cookies and cocoa with elves direct from the North Pole, and breakfast with Santa. The fun goes on after the holidays are over at Big Cedar Lodge and the surrounding area. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a sister park to Big Cedar Lodge and another of Morris’ passion projects. Its 10,000 acres of preserved wilderness can be enjoyed through fishing, hiking, horseback riding, safari tram rides, and visits to the park’s science and nature centers. In the winter, the snowed-over trees become home to bald eagles. Visitors can also view American bison, whitetail deer, elk, foxes, coyotes, river otters and Texas longhorn. Additional attractions in the areas surrounding Big Cedar Lodge are Table Rock State Park in Branson, Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium and the Bass Pro Shops flagship store, both in Springfield, and the Bass Pro White River Outpost at Branson Landing. Mountain Top Course
64 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
Big Cedar Lodge affords access to world-class golf year-round at the Top of the Rock, Buffalo Ridge Springs and Mountain Top courses, and two new courses are opening at the resort soon. The Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy offers hunters an opportunity to sharpen their shooting skills, and fitness enthusiasts will enjoy walking and running on a variety of trails, or taking a fitness class or a personal training session at the fitness center. The spa center and salon are fullservice, complete with an indoor pool and hot tub; guests can even stay overnight in a spa cottage. With a bowling alley, laser tag and more, Fun Mountain brings out the kid in everyone. Work up an appetite, then enjoy a meal at one of Big Cedar’s many on-site restaurants. A winter visit to Big Cedar Lodge and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park will surely spark the desire to come back again, and no two visits to the growing resort are ever the same. Spring of 2019 will mark the debut of a new lakefront “glampsite,” billed as the perfect spot to disconnect from the world and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you prefer to “camp in the city,” book a room at the sister to Big Cedar Lodge: Big Cypress Lodge. Located in the Memphis Pyramid, promises an indoor wilderness experience complete with an archery range, 100-foot-tall replica cypress trees, and guest rooms that look like log cabins. The lodge’s rooms overlook the Mississippi River and Downtown Memphis on the outside, and inside overlook the Bass Pro Shops on the Pyramid’s ground floor, which features ponds filled with live fish and ducks. View from Lakeside Cottages
December 2018 • athomemms.com | 65
experience this
Memphis Happenings Your guide to December Holiday events in the Bluff City!
• Starry Nights
November 22-December 28 shelbyfarmspark.org/starry-nights
• Zoo Lights
November 16-December 30 www.memphiszoo.org/suntrust-zoo-lights
• See Santa at Bass Pro Pyramid
Until December 24 facebook.com/BassProShopsPyramid/
• Deck the Paws (Memphis/Shelby Co. Humane Society)
December 1 memphishumane.org/calendar-event/deck-thepaws-day-1/
• Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Concert at Orpheum December 16 ticketmaster.com
66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the Musical, Orpheum
December 15 at 11 a.m, 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. orpheum-memphis.com/event/rudolph-the-rednosed-reindeer-the-musical
• Christmas in Soulsville
December 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. staxmuseum.com/event/christmas-in-soulsville/
• Little Mini North Pole
December 8 and December 15 Little Studio on the Square; Arlington, TN
• Stumbling Santa Pub Crawl, Dec. 1
December 1 www.beerknurd.com/locations/memphis-flyingsaucer
experience this • Chanukah Broadway Musical Program at Temple Israel December 6 from 7-9 p.m. www.timemphis.org
• The Polar Express at the Pink Palace
November 17-December 24 www.memphismuseums.org/cti-giant-theater/ programs/the-polar-express-3d
• Ballet Memphis's Nutcracker December 7-9 balletmemphis.org/nutcracker
• Memphis Symphony Orchestra Magic of Memphis
December 22-23 memphissymphony.org/default.aspx?p=42167 &evtid=1180446:12/22/2018
• Memphis Maker Holiday Market December 15 www.memphismakermarket.com/
• Deck the Gingerbread House
December 2 churchhealth.org/event/gingerbread2018/
• Children's Ballet Theater Nutcracker December 15-16 www.balletchildren.com/nutcracker.html
• New Ballet's Nut Remix
December 14-16 www.newballet.org/events/nut-remix-2018/
• Shopping with Santa Paws
December 6 and 13 www.shopsofsaddlecreek.com/event/ shopping-with-santa-paws-at-saddle-creeksouth/2145515678/
• Holiday Wonders at the Garden
November 23-December 30 www.memphisbotanicgarden.com/wonders December 2018 • athomemms.com | 67
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social
Church Health Party on the Plaza Text by Alison Futris Photos Courtesy of Creation Studios
Thanks to an outstanding team of sponsors, hosts, in-kind donors and volunteers, Church Health's second annual Party on the Plaza was a huge success. This year's event featured music from Mark Edgar Stuart and The Blackjacket Symphony and food from an array of local restaurants. Attendees and sponsors helped raise critical funds to care for those who lack health insurance.
70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
social
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social
John Mark Christmas Open House
Text by Aubrey Ann Monger | Photos Courtesy of AHMMS
Guests gathered at the beautiful Cedar Hall to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with John Mark Sharpe of the Greenhouse Memphis. Each room was filled to the brim with breathtaking Christmas decorations, the perfect stop for decorating inspiration! The Greenhouse Memphis is located next to Cedar Hall in Bartlett, at 3712 Broadway Road.
72 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
social
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social
Art at Annesdale Text by Alice Fugate | Photos courtesy of Anna Haley and Monica Hudson
On November 18, the enchanting Annesdale Mansion opened its doors to artists and those who’ve always wanted try their hands at painting as it launched a new program of seasonal classes on its beautiful grounds. Taught by local artist Shelley Bolton the classes, focused on the ginkgo tree, one of the oldest of the species in Memphis. There will be three more other classes in the series, with the second set for Feb. 2. Register by emailing annesdalestaff@gmail.com or calling 901.494.4471.
74 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
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social
Howl at the Moon Text by Laura Lines | Photos Courtesy of Streetdog Foundation
Streetdog Foundation’s Sixth Annual Howl at the Moon proved to be an epic event with great food from over 50 local restaurants, barkin’ good beverages, music, live and silent auctions and an all-around good time. The funds raised help Streetdog Foundation rescue, rehabilitate and rehome stray and abandoned dogs from the streets of Memphis throughout the year. Learn more at www.streetdogfoundation.com.
76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
social
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78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
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wedding getaway
Leslie Kilzer Stewart Gabb May 12, 2018 Memphis, Tennessee Parents of the Bride: Ellen and Ken Markwell & Reggie Kilzer Forsyth Fountain Parents of the Groom: Kiki and Ralph Gabb 80 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
getaway wedding
SOURCES
Rehearsal Dinner: Kooky Canuck Wedding: Colonial Park United Methodist Church Reception: The Great Hall in Germantown Event Coordinator: Pineapple Processions Photographer: Jon Sharman Photography Videographer: Nick Barnes of Test Video Studios Florist: Heaslett Design Studio Wedding Dress: Low’s Bridal and Formal Shoppe Wedding Rings: Diamond Brokers of Memphis Bridesmaids' Dresses: ASOS, JJ’s House and Azazie Hair: Peyton Cheatham Makeup: Isabella Allen Entertainment: DJ1Luv Entertainment Cake: Kipp Cakes & Gibson’s Donuts Caterer: Germantown Commissary Tent & Rentals: Party Concepts &
GYT Draping Design Studio
December 2018 • athomemms.com | 81
entertaining
At Home Memphis & MidSouth Christmas Party
Brunch
The staff of At Home Memphis & Mid South gathered together for their annual holiday celebration. 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
entertaining
The Decor Simple, fresh greenery with pops of red set the backdrop for a classic Southern supper.
December 2018 • athomemms.com | 83
entertaining
The Inspiration To add a touch of fun, milk punch was served from the family’s moose mugs. Classic Christmas china, pops of blue and white, and heirloom silver pieces tied together the holiday meal.
84 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
Marinated Blue Crab Claws from Emeril’s Table: Quick and Easy Hors D’Oeuvres
Ingredients •
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
•
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
•
2 tsp. minced garlic
•
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano or thyme leaves (optional)
•
1 tsp. Emeril’s Italian Essence
•
1 tsp. salt
•
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
•
½ tsp. hot pepper sauce
•
1 pound cooked blue crab claws, outer shells removed from claw meat
•
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
•
In a large, nonreactive bowl, combine all ingredients except crab claws and garnish herbs.
•
Whisk to mix well.
•
Add crab claws and toss to coat.
•
Cover and refrigerate at least 20 to 30 minutes or up to overnight.
•
Garnish with parsley and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Directions
December 2018 • athomemms.com | 85
entertaining
The Menu • Milk Punch • Fresh Crudités • Curry Ranch Dip • Layered Mediterranean Dip • Brie with Rosemary and Fig Crackers • Marinated Blue Crab Claws • Prime Rib Roast • Potato Souffle • Roasted Asparagus • Pimento Cheese Biscuits • Assorted Desserts 86 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
Pimento Cheese Biscuits Ingredients •
½ cup butter (1 stick), frozen
•
2 ½ cups self-rising flour
•
1 cup chilled buttermilk
•
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
•
½ cup pimento cheese, frozen
•
Preheat oven to 475°.
•
Grate frozen butter using large holes of a box grater.
•
Toss together grated butter and flour in a medium bowl. Chill 10 minutes. Make a well in center of mixture.
•
Add buttermilk, and stir 15 times. Dough will be sticky.
•
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly sprinkle flour over top of dough. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough into a ¾-inch-thick rectangle (about 9 x 5 inches).
•
Fold dough in half so short ends meet. Repeat rolling and folding process 4 more times.
•
Roll dough to ½-inch thickness.
•
Cut with a 2 ½-inch floured round cutter, reshaping scraps and flouring as needed.
•
Place dough rounds on a parchment paper-lined jelly roll pan.
•
Bake at 475° for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
•
Brush with melted butter.
Directions
December 2018 • athomemms.com | 87
entertaining Milk Punch
Simple syrup:
•
1 750 ml bottle bourbon or brandy
•
1 cup water
•
3 quarts half-and-half
•
1 cup sugar
•
4 Tbsp. vanilla extract
•
Simple syrup (recipe follows)
•
Grated nutmeg
Ingredients
Ingredients
Directions •
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
•
Combine the bourbon, half-andhalf and vanilla in a one-gallon container.
Boil until the sugar dissolves and liquid becomes slightly thick.
•
•
Add simple syrup to attain desired sweetness.
Cool completely before using.
Yield: about 1 gallon
•
Chill well in the refrigerator.
•
Serve in chilled glasses (not over ice) and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Directions •
88 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
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dining out
The Ivy
Tearoom at
Cedar Hall Text by Aubrey Ann Monger | Photos Courtesy of AHMMS
Cedar Hall is bustling most weekends with weddings and events, but Suthoff wanted to find a way for the public to enjoy the beautiful venue during the week. After recognizing the need for a classic tea room in Memphis, she opened the Ivy Tearoom in March.
Set inside the Manor House at Cedar Hall in Bartlett, Tennessee, lies a lunch spot unlike any other in the Memphis area. For owner Denise Suthoff, the Ivy Tearoom is a childhood dream come to life.
The historic home was built in 1840, but a fire prompted a rebuild in 1846. Suthoff operates the upstairs as a bed and breakfast, with four rooms named for friends and family members who are special to her. The Rainey Room serves as the bridal suite, a picturesque spot highlighted by the original homeowner’s wedding gown on display. The Ivy Tearoom’s staff encourage lunch guests to tour the house and learn the history of the property. While the setting is charming, the fresh, homemade meals are the Ivy’s real draw. Every item is made from scratch and served on vintage china, a testament to the passion both Suthoff and her staff put into their work every day. Head Chef Kristie Smith offers patrons two daily specials, one hot and one cold. Each includes a delicious homemade dessert. Some customer favorites include Chicken Lasagna Florentine, Honey Ham with Apple Compote, and Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. A chicken salad croissant served with tomato basil soup and signature salad of fresh romaine, baby spinach, sliced strawberries, feta cheese, glazed pecans, and a housemade poppyseed dressing is always available. Lunch is priced at $20, which includes tax and gratuity. 90 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
home trends Suthoff, who also owns Heartwood Hall in Rossville, says she loves every event at at her venues, no matter the scope. “(From) getting to be part of something as monumental as someone’s wedding day to simpler events such as lunch between good friends at the Ivy Tearoom makes my job even more enjoyable,” she says.
El Cosmico
To check out the tea room’s daily menus, visit their Facebook Page, “The Ivy Tearoom at Cedar Hall.” Lunch will be served through the 2018 holiday season on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. seatings. Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling 901.377.4099 or emailing info@cedarhall.com.
December 2018 • athomemms.com | 91
happy hour Lately you may have noticed the term “barrel-rested” used to describe a drink on a cocktail menu. While they aren’t exactly “barrel-aged” like whiskey, rum or brandy, the time these concoctions spend inside a barrel can be just as crucial to the end result. When spirits “rest” in a barrel, the contact with the wood serves to mellow any harshness and enhance the overall flavor profile. The same is true for a beverage made from a blend of complex ingredients. Barrel resting a basic Negroni—gin, a bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth—can create a unique and elevated cocktail experience. Batch these ingredients ahead of time, let them rest in a small barrel for a week and you’ll find it was worth the wait. Cheers!
Barrel-rested Negroni By Brad Pitts Photos courtesy of Brad Pitts
92 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
Ingredients
• 2 oz. Corsair Barrel-aged Gin • 1 oz. Luxardo Bitter Bianco Liqueur (or Campari) • 1 oz. Dolin Sweet Vermouth • 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
Directions
• Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir. • Strain into a coupe and garnish with an orange peel. • To batch this drink, multiply quantities by six and add to a small barrel. Let sit for one week at room temperature. • To serve, transfer into a glass bottle, seal and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Photo by Yasmine Omari
Brad Pitts is an awardwinning Memphis mixologist and beverage manager at Germantown Performing Arts Center. December 2018 • athomemms.com | 93
in the kitchen
Holiday
These simple yet delicious holiday treats are a cross between a cookie and candy. So easy to make and oh so delicious, they are sure to be a hit with the entire family. My friend Lori and I used to make them every December.
Snowballs Attending a festive cookie exchange? Holiday Snowballs are the perfect thing to take and they cost less than $10 a batch to make.
Text and photography by Jim Norton 94 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
Ingredients • 2 lbs. vanilla flavored melting chocolate or candy coating
getaway
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter • 3 cups rice cereal • 3 cups mini marshmallows
Directions • In a medium-size, microwave-safe bowl melt the chocolate on high for approximately two minutes. • Stir until fully melted and smooth. • Add peanut butter. Stir to combine. • Add rice cereal and stir. • Add mini marshmallows and stir well to incorporate. • Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop dollops of the mixture onto waxed paper. Size can vary and it’s totally up to you as to how big you would like them to be. • For a more festive look, sprinkle snowballs with red and green sprinkles before they set up.
To learn more about Jim Norton follow him on his social media: www.thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @the_norton_recipe December 2018 • athomemms.com | 95
Forsyth Fountain 96 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2018
getaway
SOURCES 16 | AT HOME WITH
Special thanks - Melvin Moore Tootallmoore.mm@gmail.com
20 | HEALTHY YOU
Special thanks - Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
24 | HOME FEATURE
Special thanks - Jim Jetton and Barry Holloway
34 | DESIGN
Special thanks -The Suburban Garden Club
90 | DINING OUT
Special thanks - Denise Suthoff of The Ivy Tearoom at Cedar Hall 901.377.4099
92 | HAPPY HOUR
Special thanks - Brad Pitts bradpitts@me.com
94 | IN THE KITCHEN
Special thanks - Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
98 | ON A GOOD NOTE
Special thanks - Girls on the Run girlsontherun.org
December 2018 • athomemms.com | 97
ongetaway a good note
Girls on the Run Text by Claire Hancock Photos courtesy of Stephanie Ramirez with Sprinkle Creative
Growing up is hard, and growing up a girl is even harder. Girls face overwhelming societal pressures to look and
act a certain way, making their journey to adulthood a tough process. The women behind the Memphis chapter of Girls on the Run are looking to change that. They have brought this organization to the local area to help build the confidence of young girls through the simple act of running. Founders Jenny Koltnow, Paula Jacobson, Joanna Lipman, John Payne, Ileanette Rosado Wilson and Joyce Johns want to empower girls to believe that they can accomplish their dreams. With over 210 councils across America, the organization serves girls in third through eighth grades, teaching them to be “happy, healthy and joyful,” says Meagan Nichols, a local board member and the Marketing and Communications Committee chair for the Memphis council. During this inaugural year Girls on the Run is operating at three locations in the Memphis area: Sharpe Elementary, Kate Bond Middle School and the Center for Excellence at Hutchison, but all programs are open to girls from any school. Trained coaches lead after-school practice sessions that focus not only on running; the curriculum is also aimed at helping the girls achieve personal growth. The runs are accompanied by lessons on topics including character, confidence to care, competence and connections. Each 10-week session ends with a celebratory 5K race in which the girls showcase the hard work that they have put in over the course of the program. According to Nichols, “Our program reaches girls at a critical point in their lives when self-esteem and confidence start to dip. Girls on the Run builds them up and shows them what they are capable of. The celebratory 5K might conclude the 10-week curriculum, but we always tell our girls, ‘The finish line is just the beginning.’ The 5K is simply a way to show girls what they are capable of achieving.”
Nichols says that the group’s goals for the upcoming year include expanding to more schools, thus reaching more girls and helping them build confidence and strength in both their physical and mental capacities. They would also like to increase funding through donations. Participation fees are $175 per girl girl, but Girls on the Run never turns interested girls away, regardless of finances. Therefore, donations are key in helping local students create brighter futures for themselves. To donate or volunteer with Girls on the Run go to www.gotrmemphis.org.
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getaway
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