June 2015

CONTENTS JUNE 2015

26

26 HOME A SITE TO SEE: RECLAIMING HISTORY IN CORINTH, MISSISSIPPI Tammi and Dr. Randy Frazier renovated a historical downtown home for their family and entertaining

70 SPECIAL FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE Celebrate Dad’s special day with these fabulous finds

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! 6 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

CONTENTS JUNE 2015

F O R YO U 18 wellness Varicose Veins Facts 19 healthy you S. Epatha Merkerson’s Health Journey 22 beauty Summer Hair Care 98 on a good note Woodstock Bakery

HOME & DESIGN

60

24 at home with Marie Pizano 38 design Outdoor Living Trends 46 style marketplace Outdoor Decor 48 technology Quality Audio in the Home 50 home trends What’s Hot in New Homes

T R AV E L & C U L T U R E 52 visit this The Dixon Gallery and Gardens 56 getaway Atlanta, Georgia 60 travel Denver, Colorado 68 arts Amy Keys 72 social pages

82

76 experience this Collierville Sunset on the Square

FOOD & DRINK 82 entertaining An Elegant Birthday 90 in the kitchen The Outdoor Table 92 dining out Smith. Restaurant 94 happy hour Lafayette’s Music Room “Uptown Girl” Cocktail

IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | PUBLISHER’S NOTE

90 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

14 | CONTRIBUTORS 97 | SOURCES

JUNE 2015 • VOL. 14 NO. 3 PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

EDITOR LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LAURIE A. SUMMERS | lsummers@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 JEANNETTE MYERS | jmyers@athomemms.com

BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com

WEBMASTER LAURIE A. SUMMERS | lsummers@athomemms.com

CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS STEVE ROBERTS, RALPH CRAFTON, PETER CONREY, SUZIE HANSEN

INTERNS MACKENZIE ALEXANDER, SUZIE HANSEN, MORGAN PRUITT, EMRY HAYES, CLAIRE PEELER

HOW TO REACH US 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 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: 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 877.684.4155 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, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, 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, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.

10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

publisher’s note

Happy Summer!

T

he month of June is one of my favorites for many reasons.

It marks the start of summer and longer days. We are able to spend more time at our place on the Spring River, and soak up the sun with friends and family. I love the sound of the ice cream van that patrols our neighborhood just at that right time of day playing the “ice cream truck” music that puts me in a temporary state of insanity where I believe that spending eight dollars on a bomb pop and a nutty buddy is perfectly normal.

There are many reasons to love June, but my main reason is that June is my birthday month. I don’t understand why some people don’t like birthdays or growing older…it is certainly better than the alternative. I look forward to this year more than ever because I will be turning the big 50! Yes, I will officially be over the hill and hitting the half -century mark, and I plan on celebrating. I am not talking about what some might expect to be the “normal” 50-year-old celebration. I don’t want a luncheon or a “paint-a-piece” party. My birthday night will kick off with Aretha Franklin playing at Live At The Garden. From there, I plan on scratching a couple of more items off my bucket list and making my way to Raiford’s Disco and ending the night, or morning, at Earnestine and Hazel’s with a soul burger.

I just hope my kids can keep up with us!

I plan on celebrating these last days in my 40s and pray the next 50 will be just as wonderful. I am half way to the day I get my picture on a Smucker’s jar!

12 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

contributors ANGELA MAZANTI • Entertaining is the proprietor of Angela Mazanti Design. She specializes in interior, floral and event design, and her work has been locally and nationally recognized as outstanding in the field.

Barbara May • Travel is the owner of Travel Leaders, which has proudly served Memphis and the surrounding areas for the past 29 years. Her staff of travel professionals handles all aspects of the industry and is certified in areas that include cruises, all-inclusive Sandals properties, Disney, destination weddings and honeymoons. Barbara's agencies have been recognized as Top Retail Agencies by Travel Leaders.

April McKinney • In The Kitchen is an award-winning cook, food writer and recipe demonstrator. She has been featured on the Today show and Better TV, after her recipes won national cooking contests. You can also see her creating new healthy and simple dishes on her YouTube channel, “April McKinney Cooking,” where she demonstrates her recipes on camera.

14 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

16 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

Corinth

June 2015 • athomemms.com | 17

wellness

VARICOSE VEINS MYTHS DEBUNKED TEXT BY DR. MICHAEL A. NELSON PROACTIVE HEART & VASCULAR, GERMANTOWN, TN

Myth: Spider veins are just cosmetic and part of getting older.

There are no good treatment options.

Fact: Spider veins appear as a nest of blue or red veins just under the surface of the skin and do not protrude from beneath the skin. Although they do not pose a medical risk, spider veins can be effectively treated with minimally invasive cosmetic treatment called sclerotherapy.

Sometimes spider veins are a reflection of an underlying problem called venous insufficiency within the layer of veins below the surface of the skin. Symptoms such as charley horse, tired legs, swelling or night cramps are often associated with venous insufficiency.

Myth: Varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, “battle wounds” from my pregnancies or long hours standing on my feet at work.

Fact: Varicose veins, though often thought of as a cosmetic nuisance, are usually reflective of a disease of the internal veins called venous insufficiency. Symptoms such as tired legs, swelling, night cramps or charley horse in addition to itching over the varicose vein, restless legs, leg pain or ulcers may be present. A bronze, red or blackening appearance of the skin around the ankles is highly suggestive of advanced venous insufficiency. While not life threatening, symptoms of venous insufficiency can sometimes lead to bigger problems and if left untreated, symptoms will get progressively worse over time.

and calves. Nighttime leg cramps and charley horses are very frequent complaints.

The good news is that venous insufficiency is easy to diagnose with a simple office-based ultrasound and also easily treated in the office setting with a laser therapy called EVLT. Best of all, it is very frequently covered by insurance.

DR. MICHAEL A. NELSON

Myth: Varicose veins are not a result of prolonged standing.

Fact: People who spend significant time on their feet are at higher risk for developing varicose veins. It is recommended that those with careers where they are often on their feet such as nurses, teachers and factory workers invest in good compression stockings and that they try to elevate their legs during their breaks.

Myth: Genetics and age do not factor into the development of varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

Fact: Family history and previous pregnancies as well as being overweight are known risk factors for the development of varicose veins as well as venous insufficiency. The old saying actually does apply here: “You can blame most of your medical problems on your parents or your children or your career.”

Myth: My leg cramps at night are just a sign of low potassium and dehydration.

Myth: Surgery is my only treatment option if I suffer from varicose veins.

Fact: Many people attribute their night leg cramps to low potassium or dehydration when in reality very commonly they are due to venous insufficiency. Very few people who suffer from venous insufficiency actually have the knobby, twisty varicose veins on the surface of their legs, a source of aesthetic dissatisfaction. Most people with venous insufficiency don’t develop varicose veins or spider veins but instead have legs that get extremely tired after a long day, or legs that become swollen, achy, painful or develop a bronze color at the ankles

Fact: Laser therapy (EVLT) to treat underlying venous insufficiency is highly effective and often eliminates the need for surgery. Many providers offer light IV sedation for added comfort and utilize the most advanced laser technology available, resulting in minimal bruising and little to no downtime. People with very large varicose veins sometimes need an additional in-office procedure called phlebectomy after completing EVLT.

18 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

healthy you

Law & Order’s S. Epatha Merkerson’s health journey Text by MacKenzie Alexander | photo courtesy of Jason DeCrow/AP Images for Merck

W

hen you hear the name S. Epatha Merkerson, you might think of her as the Emmy and Golden Globe winner who portrays Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Law & Order or possibly as the two-time Tony Award nominee. But what many fans don’t know about the talented actress is that she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At Home Memphis & Mid South magazine had the opportunity to discuss with Merkerson the diagnosis and her newfound commitment to adopting a balanced and lively lifestyle.

Merkerson first discovered that something was wrong when, at a health fair, she learned that her blood sugar was high.

Being cautious, she then paid a visit to her doctor where she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Merkerson describes the health fair and the doctor’s visit as “a real wake-up call.” When asked how she reacted to the news, Merkerson responds, “I got serious about my health so I could get my blood sugar under control.” A1C measures a person’s blood sugar over a period of a few months to evaluate how well he or she is managing the diabetes.

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healthy you Aside from working to keep her A1C levels in check, Merkerson also says the diagnosis pushed her to institute healthy habits into her everyday life. She says, “Getting the type 2 diabetes diagnosis from my doctor was all I needed to hear to get serious about my health. I made sure to learn my A1C number and worked closely with my doctor to set an A1C goal and develop a personalized treatment plan to help me reach that goal, including diet, exercise and medication.

To keep track of my blood sugar levels, I make sure to check my blood sugar twice a day and track my A1C every three months when I see my doctor to make sure my plan is still working for me.” In terms of lifestyle changes, Merkerson explains, “I keep a log of my weekly progress and make regular appointments with my doctor to help keep on top of my eating habits, exercise routine and medications.”

Because of Merkerson’s positive attitude as well as her commitment to leading a healthy and active life, we asked if she has any advice for those facing the same diagnosis.

Merkerson responds, “What I’ve learned is that A1C is a very important number that allows your doctor to see how well you are managing your diabetes. A higher or lower A1C may

20 || At At Home Home Memphis Memphis & & Mid Mid South South •• January June 2015 20 2015

be more appropriate for certain individuals, so I think the most important thing to do is to work with your doctor to set your A1C goal and create a treatment plan to help you reach that goal.” Merkerson also adds a final supportive note, as she says, “You also need to keep in mind that diabetes is a progressive disease, so your doctor may need to adjust your A1C goal and treatment plan over time, and that is OK. Don’t get discouraged and stay proactive in your diabetes management.”

In addition to focusing on her own health, Merkerson has also become involved in efforts to raise awareness about type 2 diabetes. “I’m excited to be teaming up with Merck and the American Diabetes Association on the America’s Diabetes Challenge program to help other people with the condition learn about proper blood sugar management. I hope that the program’s mission and my personal story will inspire them to achieve their own A1C goal,” she says.

For more information about Merkerson, type 2 diabetes, and how you can get involved visit www.AmericasDiabetesChallenge. com or www.facebook.com/americasdiabeteschallenge.

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beauty

Summer Hair care

Cleanse

Treat your tresses well with these products

Surf Foam Wash Shampoo

Blousey Shampoo

Bumble & Bumble, $25

LUSH, $26

Perk Up Dry Shampoo Amika, $22

Be Gentle, Be Kind Cleansing Shampoo Briogeo, $19

Treat

Rare Blend Oil Moisture Therapy Ojon, $35

Treatment Before Shampoo

22 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

Leonor Greyl PARIS, $59

Weekly Remedy Hair Repairing Treatment Set Rita Hazan NEW YORK, $42

Nourish

Don’t Despair, Repair!

Deep Conditioning Mask Briogeo, $26

Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque Aveda, $27

Mudslide Nourishing Hair Mask Drybar, $38

June 2015 • athomemms.com | 23

at home with fashion

Marie Pizano

Memphian, author and Chicago native Marie Pizano is on a mission to merge film, music and community in the Mid South.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE TROBEE & HAL JAFFE

At Home Memphis & Mid South: Tell us a little about your background and your move to Memphis in the late 90s.

Marie Pizano: I grew up on the south side of Chicago and my experiences back then included living with food stamps and seeing gang activity firsthand. You could definitely say I overcame some obstacles, including a motorcycle accident that nearly took my life when I was younger. But all those things made me stronger and shaped me into the person I am today. After I was married, my husband got a job here in Memphis and we moved to the South. It was a culture shock, to say the least! Let’s just say I sympathized with Kevin Bacon’s character in Footloose at first (or Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny). But I eventually overcame that, as well. I have been here more than 15 years, and it’s home now.

24 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

AHMMS: You have formed a company called MVP3 Entertainment Group, based here in Memphis. What makes it unique, and what are some upcoming projects?

MP: MVP3 was born out of my vision to bring together three elements: films, music and community. We want to build an entertainment powerhouse here in Memphis that celebrates these arts, but also gives back to – and brings together – the local community. We have a lot of exciting projects coming up. We’ve recently announced the release of MVP3 artist Chris Hill’s new CD, A True Story, we’re about to start shooting the film version of my book, From Barefoot to Stilettos: It’s Not for Sissies, we’re gearing up for our big Cinema Celebration Memphis in August, and we now have the film rights to several more books, so we’re excited about what’s on the

at home with

horizon! You can also catch our TV show Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. on CW30.

you for help, and keep your priorities straight. My kids are so supportive, and I am a very lucky and blessed mom.

AHMMS: Speaking of your book, From Barefoot to Stilettos: It’s Not for Sissies, what inspired you to become an author, and what is the primary message?

AHMMS: What are your goals for the future?

MP: I wanted to share my experiences with others as inspiration for overcoming any obstacle life throws your way and coming out of it on the other side even stronger. I want to show women they can own their lives and not to give up when things get tough. I no longer take “no” for an answer – I always find my “yes!”

AHMMS: What are some words of wisdom you can share with other women about balancing career and family?

MP: To keep my family happy and healthy, number one – but I also look forward to growing my business in Memphis and beyond through new projects, new artists and continued partnerships with other organizations in this community. I’m planning to build an empire – brick by brick!

AHMMS: Tell us five of your favorite hangouts in Memphis.

MP: Let’s see – that’s tough because there are so many. If I had to choose, though, I’d say Jim’s Place, Russo’s Pizza, Bar Louie, the Malco movie theaters, and my kids’ games, of course.

MP: It’s always a challenge…. just be sure to plan ahead, keep your life organized, keep positive, drama-free people around

June 2015 • athomemms.com | 25

HOMEfeature

RECLAIMING HISTORY TEXT BY JORDANA WHITE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE ROBERTS & RALPH CRAFTON

DR. RANDY AND TAMMI FRAZIER EMBARK ON A 15-YEAR JOURNEY 26 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

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TO RESTORE AND REVIVE A CLASSIC HOME IN CORINTH June 2015 • athomemms.com | 27

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W

hen Dr. Randy and Tammi Frazier first moved to Corinth, MS, from Memphis so Randy could build a surgical practice, the couple lived just two blocks away from the place they now call home. An older house in need of renovation, Tammi recalls their first residence as the jumping off point for their future.

After the first of their four children was born, she would “stroll past (their current) house and basically stalk it, wishing and wondering what I would do if I owned it.” Although that dream would not become a reality for quite some time, Tammi firmly believes that the process of renovating their initial Corinth house let them “cut their teeth in preparation for something much larger.”

That greater calling became a possibility in 2001, when the Fraziers were finally able to purchase the home they’d admired for years.

Originally built in 1906, the 10,000-square-foot home was a standout in its original glory. Constructed from George F. Barber architectural plans, it was crafted for a physician and his family from the most precious of

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lumber choices, then passed to just one other caretaker before the Fraziers took ownership.

The evolution of the property from that point until today is truly incredible. The first stage of renovations was a two-year endeavor. During that time, the couple made authentic additions and loving restorations, transforming the original 3.5-bathroom, four-bedroom layout into a 6.5-bathroom, 6 -bedroom home by converting a secondfloor apartment into bedrooms for their children, with an additional guest room.

With the exception of technological updates—Randy, something of an electronics guru, made the house a “smart home”—any other additions or changes were painstakingly designed to keep the integrity of the era in which it was built.

Within two years of completing the first wave of updates, the family added a home theater to the structure, making sure it spoke to the 1900s aesthetic with its gilded décor, heavy tapestries and a color palette of ruby with gold trim. Never ones to skimp on detail, the Fraziers included a concession stand with a dedicated “ticket taker,” even managing to track down a period usher’s costume for authentic entertaining opportunities.

The Fraziers also decided to transform the outdated kitchen into a kitchen/family room, with the addition of an attached two-car garage off the back of the house.

While they modernized the house, the homeowners stayed true to its roots, searching out wood varieties that were available at the time of original construction, like the stained cherry they selected for the kitchen cabinetry.

Even new doors were carefully sourced—for the back

30 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

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and mud-room entrances, the couple tracked down arched Gothic pieces from a monastery and bell tower in New York, since they were “consistent with the staircase spindles” in the home’s main entryway.

In 2008, just when the restoration seemed complete, the couple was presented with the opportunity to purchase the neighboring property, allowing them to add a pool, a formal garden and an outbuilding to their existing landscaping.

32 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

They quickly decided to renovate the 20-year-old home on the newly acquired property so that its design would be more in keeping with the older home. Since that structure would be used primarily for entertaining, it needed a pretty major overhaul—“we removed as many walls as we could without the house falling in,” Tammi explains. When all was said and done, thanks to the guidance of contractor Scotty Smith, the “pool house” had morphed into a three-bedroom home with three full and three half baths, an upstairs and downstairs master,

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”family

SPENDING TIME WITH

friends IS WHAT BRINGS US joy.”

AND

34 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

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a larger, open kitchen and a main room equipped with a full wet bar.

crane and levitate each column, one by one, over the tower and into place.”

Meanwhile, the couple was also at work connecting the new pool house to the main structure and, of course, the lavish pool and cabana area that Bob Mercier had designed.

Since the main home had round columns, the Fraziers decided to incorporate pillars into the pool design as well, but as Tammi explains, “This was no small task. The cabana and brick wall were already constructed when we decided to add limestone columns, so we needed to use a

Tammi admits moments like those have made the extended renovation project somewhat “nerve racking,” but the family could not be happier with the (never-quite) finished product. “We have had several parties here, from engagement and back-to-school swim sessions to Christmas gatherings. Spending time with family and friends is what brings us joy and now we have the perfect space in which to do that.”

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Photo Courtesy of Greg Mitchell

WHAT’S HOT...

FOR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREG MITCHELL, STEVE ROBERTS AND MORGREEN LANDSCAPE & NURSERY

Photo Courtesy of MorGreen Landscape & Nursery

38 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

design

I

t’s that glorious time of year when homeowners are spending more time outside with their family and friends – swimming, grilling and entertaining on their patios. At Home Memphis & Mid South chatted with Greg Mitchell, President/Owner of Heritage Builders, Memrie Lary-McGovern, Director of Client and Public Relations with Heritage Builders, and Mike Omar, Owner of MorGreen Landscape & Nursery, about current trends in outdoor living spaces.

According to McGovern, outdoor living areas are becoming much more commonplace and many homeowners view their exterior space as a bonus room, a very desirable feature to home buyers, as well.

Mitchell adds that covered entry porches are currently popular, along with “friend entrances” and covered rear patios. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits remain at the top of the list as do courtyards, retaining walls, pergolas and decks.

Also, natural stone decking is a big trend this year.

Photo Courtesy of Steve Roberts

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design

“Trending colors right now are more subdued, a lot of earth tones,” says McGovern.

Omar says that some of the popular looks include incorporating the indoors with the outdoors by combining hardscape additions with plantings. Examples include stone fireplaces, upgraded patio areas, use of containers within the landscape, walkways and paths, and water features. Omar suggests keeping landscaping short and neat around pool areas to minimize the amount of shed leaves in the water. In

40 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

place of mulch, ornamental stone or gravel is much easier to maintain. Plants in large pots and urns can add a pop of color without moving dirt around. Pergolas around pools have become very popular as people want a covered yet open space to sit and enjoy the outdoors. “We also like adding or creating stone hardscape areas to tie everything together,” says Omar.

As the phrase goes, “the party always ends up in the kitchen” and these experts agree that outdoor kitchens

Photo Courtesy of MorGreen Landscape & Nursery

are functional, practical and a top trend. “Outdoor kitchens bring the whole experience of ‘exterior living’ together allowing everyone, including the chef, to be included. Guests and family will naturally be drawn to this area; therefore it’s very popular for entertaining,” says Mitchell. He and McGovern agree that a covered exterior area that includes an outdoor kitchen, built-in seating such as benches and sectionals, ottomans with storage space, and tables provides a perfect gathering spot around a pool and serves many purposes.

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design

Omar says outdoor kitchens are functional and practical, and have become a standard in many new homes. “Every client we have raves about their usage. We’ve seen a growing trend in people staying home to grill and entertain in their own outdoor living space,” he says.

Outdoor lighting is another significant trend for homeowners. “Accent lighting really enhances the most attractive features of a home and can add a lot of ambiance to any project. It’s very warm and welcoming. Additionally,

42 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

outdoor lighting is a critical element for your project as it ensures safety for your guests and family,” says Mitchell.

“By lighting architectural elements of your home, landscape and garden features, you can significantly change the feel and mood of a space. And using different types of lighting, such as uplighting, downlighting, pathway lights, moonlighting, et cetera, can give different effects to your spaces,” Omar says. Technology makes it easy to brighten and dim outdoor lights. Low voltage lighting is attractive in

Photo Courtesy of MorGreen Landscape & Nursery

trees and in water features to give depth and show off features at night.

Mitchell, McGovern and Omar agree that improving the curb appeal and adding an outdoor living space will increase your home’s resale value. “It always provides instant gratification every time you pull in your driveway,” Omar says. Mitchell adds that home

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design

Photo Courtesy of Steve Roberts

Photo Courtesy of MorGreen Landscape & Nursery

44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

Photo Courtesy of MorGreen Landscape & Nursery

buyers are really drawn to a home with an additional exterior space where they can relax, entertain and connect with the outdoors. The experts also advise homeowners to consider working with a company that has a designer on staff to create the perfect plan prior to starting an outdoor project. “Professional work may seem expensive up front, but it saves you time and money down the road because you do it once and you do it right,” Omar says.

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design style MARKETPLACE M ARKETPLACE

Vintage Patio Light Set $150, www.frontgate.com

Outdoor

Decor

PIECES TO ACCESSORIZE YOUR YARD AND PATIO THIS SUMMER

'Outdoorsy' Printed Sign $14, A Southern Charm in Covington,TN

Biscayne Adjustable Chaise $1,360 - $1,436, ethanallen.com

Sonoma Fountain $3,100, frontgate.com 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

Garden Stool in Clay & Indigo $200, pier1.com

Chinoiserie Garden Stool $199, frontgate.com

Dog Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker $200, Ginger's in Corinth, MS

Large Eden Hurricane $100, www.frontgate.com June 2015 • athomemms.com | 47

technology

Music the way

I

it was meant to be TEXT By ScoTT FuElling, PrESidEnT, PhoEniX unEqualEd homE EnTErTainmEnT

enjoy writing this column each month and eagerly look forward to my next topic. This month’s article is going to be a bit of a departure for me as I am feeling the need to reminisce a bit.

I have been drawn to high-performance audio my entire life. It started when I was very young, listening to some of my parents’ records. Then came the radio and I started to form my own musical tastes. During this time, I searched continually for better quality reproduction. I wanted to experience every subtle nuance the artist and recording engineer put into the master tape.

This was a far loftier goal than I ever could have imagined. Not only did I have limited exposure to the gear necessary for such a task, I was sorely lacking in funds. But I trudged on, searching for knowledge and experience to help better understand the fundamentals of audio recording, reproduction, acoustics and human hearing.

My quest led me into many different professional positions, each allowing me to garner vastly different knowledge and more importantly, professional experience. I was able to obtain experience in live sound reinforcement, night club/ bar sound and lighting, live event recording, commercial sound installations, distributed audio systems in medical, retail and entertainment venues and of course, the proverbial residential listening room.

As I grew in the industry and achieved success, I realized my true passion, still, was identifying the best listening experience in a private home setting. This was when I started my real career and what drove us to start Phoenix 21+ years ago.

We strived for providing the best possible solutions in the luxury marketplace. I wanted our clients to re-experience the music, not only of their youth, but also of present day in a manner that would impact them at an emotional level. I was also 48 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

careful not to waste resources on fads or trends that truly had no value except to increase the sale amount.

I quickly discovered this would be a bit of a struggle. Not only was there a rather large educational curve, as most had no idea what quality and performance really sounded like, but there was plenty of misinformation being communicated in the market, lowering overall expectations. Unfortunately this is still the case today...

While it is easy to be thrilled by experiencing an inexpensive system that performs much better than what you currently own, truly experiencing a performance solution changes the reference point dramatically.

Sure, I completely understand not every budget includes luxury items and most of us have to make our buying decisions around what we can afford. I am sensitive to this dilemma. However, you do not have to settle for low-quality performance. Most luxury brands offer some cost effective options that will provide years and years of enjoyment.

During my 30+ years in this industry, I have had many clients come to me completely disenchanted with their existing systems.

Sometimes it is a performance problem, sometimes the issue lies with the quality of installation, but more often than not, it is the fact they recently had a different experience outside their home that made them realize a better solution existed and they wanted to have it for themselves.

If you are the type who doesn’t settle for average and you enjoy music in a serious way, it is time to explore a whole new world of performance for your listening pleasure.

Till next month…

November June 2015 2014 • athomemms.com | 49

home trends

THE BEST IN

NEW CONSTRUCTION

J

TEXT BY ROBIN TERRY, WEST TENNESSEE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

une is National Homeownership Month. The annual celebration of the American dream is sponsored by local building industry associations like the West Tennessee Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). It’s a good time to think about the benefits of homeownership to a family’s economic security.

Most Americans still recognize that owning a home has many benefits including a sense of community, the pride of ownership and multiple tax advantages. While housing markets are cyclical, time and again, studies have shown that real estate consistently appreciates in value over other types of investments. Today, with mortgage rates at historic lows, it’s a great time to invest in a home. New homes have certain advantages over existing homes: a study by NAHB shows maintenance costs for homes built before 1960 average $560 per year, whereas homes built after 2008 have $241 in yearly maintenance costs.

From young professionals just starting to think about a first home to empty nesters wanting to downsize, most homebuyers today look for some common features, according to home designers Janne Zaccagnino with Ralph Jones Home Plans and

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Gary Gardo with Gardo Design Group. Buyers want open floor plans, flexible spaces and as many upgrades as they can afford.

Gardo says open floor plans are practically standard features today, with families opting to forgo seldom-used spaces like formal dining rooms in favor of areas that function well for large family gatherings. People often increase their home’s functionality by locating an outdoor kitchen and entertainment area adjacent to the indoor kitchen.

Some homebuyers are looking for plans to build smaller homes, Zaccagnino says, a trend that’s popular across the country. “They may want smaller, but they don’t want cheap,” she explains, saying savvy homebuyers are willing to sacrifice some space for top-of-the-line features. Younger couples, especially, want increased energy efficiency and use of recycled materials. They regularly choose options for inside and out that require less maintenance, as well as plans that fit well on smaller lots.

Zaccagnino says smart built-in storage is in high demand because open concepts can have a relative lack of closets.

Homeowners want to take advantage of every inch of available space, so they request built-in shelving for storage under stairways or in hallways. Gardo agrees, saying that homeowners

may want an open-concept kitchen and hearth room, but compensate for any loss of upper cabinetry with large walk-in pantries.

Media rooms are still popular, Zaccagnino says, but are often planned for the bonus space over a garage, and may even be left for future upgrades to the home.

House plans no longer feature various sized rooms on the second level. “More couples are requesting equal sized rooms on the second floor that share a Jack and Jill bath,” Zaccagnino explains, adding that these spaces often must do doubleduty as guest rooms, offices or home gyms.

Zaccagnino says that when she’s working with young families, she asks about any potential future needs and steers them toward plans that would be easy to add onto in the future if, for example, they were to need a mother-in-law suite or another bedroom.

One new feature that’s frequently requested, Zaccagnino comments, is a “pet room” specifically designed to comfortably house Fido or Morris overnight or when the owners are at work. Dedicated spaces with special features like pet doors or bathing stations make caring for a family’s best friend more convenient.

Gardo says most modern plans include a master wing on the first floor. While many couples still request a large master bath, both Zaccagnino and Gardo say some don’t want a tub at all; large walk-in showers with overhead fixtures and adjustable body jets are becoming more the norm.

Considering the wealth of resources available, Zaccagnino says it’s not unusual for homebuyers to bring in their own sketched-out design. That’s a great starting point, she explains, but unless the buyers have experience in construction, they’re often surprised when the home they planned as 2,500 square feet becomes more than 3,000 square feet because they didn’t take into account space for studs, insulation and plumbing.

That’s why it’s important for homebuyers to consult a professional home designer, Gardo says. He encourages those who want to build a custom home to find a lot to build on before they fall in love with a “perfect” home plan. “A significant portion of a home’s cost comes from the lot,” Gardo explains, “and the topography of a lot always affects the design of the home that can be built on it.”

June 2015 • athomemms.com | 51

visit this

JUN KANEKO SCULPTURE

AT THE DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS TEXT BY BY VICKI TYLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS

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iant ceramic Japanese raccoon dogs and huge sculpted vases and heads now dot the landscape surrounding Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Jun Kaneko’s powerful sculptures will be in Memphis at the Dixon until Nov. 22.

The exhibit includes 24 works placed outside the Dixon in each of the garden areas. Visitors can touch the giant ceramic art and the facility’s staff will be planting geometrical displays of colored annuals around the gardens to complement the artwork. Throughout the summer, the Dixon will host special events coinciding with the exhibit including Ikebana flower workshops each Saturday and guided tours on Sundays and Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

The three Japanese raccoon dogs (tanukis) on display in Memphis are Kaneko’s interpretation of the animal popular in Japanese folk tales. The brightly colored and whimsical patterns will capture the attention of children and parents

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alike. Twelve of Kaneko’s tanuki sculptures are on permanent exhibit at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. His work has been displayed in Chicago’s Millennium Park, in the parkway along Park Avenue in New York City and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Kaneko is an internationally renowned artist with work in more than 70 museum collections around the world. He has lived in Omaha since the 1980s. After more than two years of technical research, he created dangos, “dumplings” in Japanese, that look like giant closed vases. As he became more well known, Kaneko began making other large pieces like a six-foot, 1,200-pound head and the seven-foot, 900-pound tanukis.

His interest is not only the impressive impact of gargantuan sculptures, but also the effect they have on the space around them—a concept that combines Japanese aesthetics and consciousness of space with American appreciation of scale.

“My main concern is with the space itself,” says Kaneko,

“not the object—that thing doesn’t exist, actually, if there is nothing around it. So the point to the scale is just to pull [people] into it. Then, they just don’t have a chance to compare.”

The dangos placed throughout the Dixon’s 17 acres encourage visitors to experience the space like never before: the works in the Cutting Garden occupy their environment in a wholly different way than those on the South Lawn.

Jun Kaneko was born in Nagoya, Japan, soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. At 21, he came to the United States in 1963 to study painting, but his host family June 2015 • athomemms.com | 53

”

visit this

MY MAIN CONCERN IS WITH THE ITSELF ”

space

Jun Kaneko glazing Head sculpture at Mission Clay Pittsburg Project - Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama 54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

collected ceramic art. He met and studied with ceramic artist Jerry Rothman and found a desire to create ceramics in ways that had never been tried.

visit this

Within 10 years of Kaneko’s arrival, he had taught at some of the country’s leading art schools including Rhode Island School of Design, Scripps College and Cranbrook Academy of Art. His monumental ceramic sculptures challenge preconceived notions of size, context and composition.

“It takes so much effort to make a big piece, so you better make sure the piece is going to be good,” Kaneko told CBS News in 2013.

At 73, he has assistants who help lift and form the sculptures, but he hand paints each piece in his studio in downtown Omaha.

“He is one of the key figures in the emergence of ceramic as an expressive medium,” says Kevin Sharp, director of Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

Kaneko uses colored slips and masking tape to create motifs and patterns on his works after the firing process is done. This allows him to treat the surface as a curvilinear canvas and produce objects that are equal parts sculpture and painting.

Kaneko also works in bronze, glass, textiles and prints.

Kaneko spent two years designing the costumes and scenic backgrounds for the San Francisco Opera’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. The groundbreaking design had no physical sets but was projected onto screens.

He and his wife, Ree, who is a native of Omaha, set up a nonprofit cultural organization called KANEKO in 1998 to foster design, ideas, performance and innovation.

They offer numerous classes and exhibits throughout the year.

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Atlanta

A CITY THAT AROSE FROM

THE ASHES OF THE CIVIL WAR TEXT BY FRANCES J. FOLSOM | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A

tlanta, founded in 1837, had a population of 9,000 at the time the Civil War began.

Its location at the crossroads of two major railroads meant it was an important city for the Confederacy to hold on to, which they did until the end of a four-month siege, the Battle of Atlanta. On September 1, 1864, Gen. John Bell Hood retreated laying the city open to Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman. On November 11, 1864, Sherman, starting his march to Savannah, gave the order to burn Atlanta to the ground.

Fast forward 151 years and Atlanta has risen from the ashes.

Today the population in the city proper is 440,000; over 5 million people live in the greater metropolitan area. Along with being a transportation hub Georgia’s capital city is a center of commerce, technology, education and culture.

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OUTDOOR SPACE Golf is big in Atlanta; several courses lie within a few miles of downtown. Get in a quick nine holes at the Charlie Yates Golf Course. This Rees Jones-designed course has been named to Golf Range Magazine’s list of top 10 short courses.

Spend a few hours at Stone Mountain Park walking or hiking miles of trails through the park’s 3,200 acres. The Summit Skyride, a high-speed cable car, whisks you 825 feet above ground to the summit, bringing you close to the Confederate Memorial Carving depicting Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson and President Jefferson Davis.

Tip: The Summit Skyride is very popular, order tickets in advance at www.stonemountainpark.com

getaway

TRAILS AND TOURS Fans of the classic novel and movie of the Civil War South will want to explore the Gone With the Wind Trail. Stops on the self-guided route include author Margaret Mitchell’s home, her final resting place in Oakland Cemetery, and the Gone With the Wind: Scarlett on the Square Museum in the charming suburb of Marietta which houses original scripts, costumes and other memorabilia from the movie.

Fans of Scarlett and Rhett will also be interested in seeing the Atlanta Cyclorama, a 360-degree mural depicting the Battle of Atlanta, and the Fox Theatre where the movie premiered in 1939.

For more Civil War history in the Atlanta area pick up a map of Marietta’s Civil War Trail at the town’s Welcome Center on Depot Street or download the app to your iPhone or iPad.

Atlanta Specialty Tours offers driving tours of the city’s historic neighborhoods. The Civil Rights Tour brings you to Auburn Avenue where Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., had his office, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site.

DOWNTOWN AND SHOPPING Between them Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza have 300 stores. All the usual suspects are here: Neiman-Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. The trendy neighborhood of Buckhead is home to upscale art galleries and designer clothiers. New York-based Alice & Olivia, carrying the colorful clothes of designer Stacey Bendet, recently opened here. At Bella Bag you can salivate over purses from Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada. The Galleries of Peachtree Hills is a collection of 30 antiques, fine art and interiors galleries open to the public. The Tew Gallery specializes in contemporary works by nationally known artists.

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getaway

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

World of Coca-Cola

High Museum

CULTURE At which other museum can you spin in a giant top? You get to do that at the High Museum’s Los Trompos, an outdoor art installation of colorful tops. Fan of Hudson River School painters Thomas Cole, Asher Brown Durand and Albert Bierstadt will particularly enjoy the High’s impressive collection.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the bottling of Coca-Cola. Exhibits at the World of Coca-Cola give the history of the syrup (invented in 1886) and its mass marketing in the iconic pot-bellied bottle. Take a trip through the home of the secret formula – the gigantic Bank Vault.

View a multitude of exhibits ranging from the Civil War to folk art to golf at the Atlanta History Center. Although it may be impossible to see everything on a single visit to the expansive facility, be sure to carve out time to tour the museum’s historic houses. The Swan Mansion ca. 1928 was home to cotton industrialist Edward Inman. And the Smith Family Farm, a ca. 1840 plantation plain house, includes slave quarters, a blacksmith shop and smokehouse.

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Housing the personal books and papers of the former governor of Georgia and U.S. commander in chief, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is a must see. The museum also holds a reconstruction of the Oval Office, Carter family memorabilia and the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the 39th president in 2002.

STAYING A stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Buckhead is worth every penny. Everything here is top-notch and luxurious, from the sumptuous rooms and suites to the gourmet restaurants to the sophisticated spa with its salt-water pool.

The Artmore Hotel offers guests comfortable contemporary-style rooms, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. The hotel sits in the middle of midtown Atlanta’s Cultural District. Across the street is the High Art Museum, the Bremen Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum, and Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Atlanta Symphony and several theaters hosting live performances.

At the Aloft Hotel, rooms are minimalistic in design and furnishings are, as the younger crowd would say, “hip.” The glass-enclosed lobby, billiard room and bar also exude a hip vibe.

DINING Like its name suggests Southern Art & Bourbon Bar is all about bourbon, 70 varieties of it. They boast private-label barrels from Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Four Roses and Heaven Hill.

Pair one of the bar’s signature bourbon cocktails with a braised lamb shank or pan-seared Carolina trout with sides of roasted Brussels sprouts and cheddar grits.

If Highland Bakery sounds familiar it may be because its cake team has appeared on the Food Network, The café’s five locations in Midtown, Buckhead, Old 4th Ward, Georgia Tech and Emory, show how popular it is with locals. Breads, baked goods, pastries and salads are all made from scratch.

When the mood strikes for Mexican food head to Alma Cocina for some distinctive butternut squash guacamole, braised goat huarache or fried avocado tacos.

TIP: Alma Cocina offers a gluten-friendly menu for patrons on a restricted diet.

HISTORIC HOMES In 1925 Margaret Mitchell lived with her husband John Marsh in a tiny threeroom apartment affectionately nicknamed “The Dump.” It was there, in the 19thcentury Tudor Revival building then known as the Crescent Apartments, that Mitchell wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning book Gone With the Wind. Today tour guides at the Margaret Mitchell House detail her life in Atlanta while walking guests through her apartment with original furnishings, her typewriter and other personal belongings.

EVENTS Virginia-Highland Summerfest – featuring 250 juried artists – Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday, June 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tunes from the Tombs at Historic Oakland Cemetery – Saturday, June 13, 1 p.m.-8 p.m.

Atlanta Summer Beer Fest – Saturday, June 20, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

For further information contact the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800.285.2682 or 404.521.6600 or go to www.atlanta.net.

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DENVER THE MILE-HIGH CITY

TEXT BY BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRAVEL LEADERS

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travel

W

hat’s the first thing that you think of when you hear someone mention Denver?

The Rocky Mountains, right? Well, there’s a lot more to Denver than that! You can find everything from kid-friendly activities to outdoor adventures when you visit Denver, Colorado.

Denver is nicknamed the Mile-High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5,280 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest major cities in the United States.

Located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is the capital of Colorado. Thanks to its proximity to the mountains and generally sunny weather Denver has gained a reputation as being a very active, outdoororiented city.

Outdoor adventure is the foremost activity for travelers visiting Denver. You can enjoy hiking and biking on more than 650 miles of paved trails, fishing, golf and a multitude of professional sports including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, horse and dog racing and one of the world’s largest rodeos, the National Western. In the winter, the region is unmatched. Snowmass, Keystone and several other ski resorts are located just outside the Denver area.

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travel

Elitch Gardens

PLACES TO VISIT Denver and the surrounding cities of the Front Range are home to a large number of local and national breweries. Many restaurants in the region have on-site breweries, and some of the larger brewers, including Coors and the New Belgium Brewing Company, offer tours. The city also welcomes visitors from around the world when it hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival each fall.

The legendary Coors Brewery, which is a 30-minute drive from Denver, is the biggest single-site brewer in the world. You can tour the brewhouse, malthouse and packaging complex to view firsthand how more than 100 work teams make some of the most popular beer in the world.

Union Station

Denver is home to many nationally recognized museums, including the Denver Art Museum, with a new wing designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the second largest Performing Arts Center in the nation and bustling neighborhoods such as LoDo, filled with art galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs. It’s no wonder that Denver was recently recognized for the third year in a row as the nation’s best city for singles.

The city acquired the estate of abstract expressionist painter Clyfford Still in 2004 and built a museum to exhibit his works near the Denver Art Museum. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science currently holds an aquamarine specimen valued at over $1million, as well as specimens of the state mineral, rhodochrosite.

Every September the Denver Mart hosts a gem and mineral show. The state history museum, History Colorado Center, opened in April 2012. It features hands-on and interactive exhibits, artifacts and programs about the state’s history. In 2013 True West magazine named it one of the top 10 “must-see” history museums in the country.

Union Station is the main railway station and central transportation hub in Denver.

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It is located in the present-day LoDo district. Denver's early years as a major train hub of the west are still very visible today. Trains stop in Denver at historic Union Station, where travelers can access RTD's (bus) at 16th Street Free Mall Ride or use the FastTracks (train) to tour the city. FastTracks was renovated in 2012 and re-opened in the summer of 2014 with the addition of the Crawford hotel, several restaurants and retailers, and a train hall.

Highlights of the Denver Zoo include komodo dragon and primate exhibits, and a magical carousel with 48 hand-carved animals, all endangered species. Like thrill rides?

You may want to visit Elitch Gardens; it’s America’s only downtown theme and water park. The park is open May through October with 54 rides and attractions, live shows, thrilling roller coasters and a water park. The facility’s popular Fright Fest in October includes everything from trick or treating to a zombie apocalypse.

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travel

Winter Park Ski Area

SPORTS TEAMS Denver is one of only a few U.S. cities with five major sports teams. The Denver Broncos of the National Football League have drawn crowds of over 70,000 since their American Football League origins in the early 1960s, and fans continue to flock to their current home, Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver is also home to the Colorado Avalanche, a National Hockey League team that relocated from Quebec City in 1995. They play at Pepsi Center, along with the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association. The Major League Soccer Colorado Rapids play in Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, an 18,000-seat soccerspecific stadium opened for the 2007 MLS season, located in the Denver suburb of Commerce City. The Colorado Rockies, members of Major League Baseball’s National League West division call Coors Field home.

Coors Field

PARKS IN AND AROUND DENVER Denver boasts over 200 parks, from mini-parks all over the city to the giant 314-acre City Park, the area’s most visited. Denver also has 29 recreation centers providing places and programming for residents’ recreation and relaxation.

In addition to the parks within Denver itself, the city has acquired approximately 14,000 acres of land for mountain parks. Over the years, Denver has built and maintained several mountain parks, including Red Rocks, known for its scenery and musical history revolving around the unique Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

The city also owns the mountain on which the Winter Park Resort ski area is operated in Grand County, 67 miles west of Denver. A large network of beautiful public community gardens, most of which are managed by non-profit Denver Urban Gardens, dots the city.

Denver serves as an excellent gateway to the wonders of the nearby Rocky Mountain Front Range. The short drive to these landmarks is time well spent.

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travel

The Dinosaur Ridge is a natural landmark near Morrison, Colorado, about a 35-mile drive from Denver. It features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877.

If you like scenic drives be sure and take the Lariat Loop, which circles the foothills of west Denver. On the loop, you can experience more than a dozen enchanting historic attractions, including the Colorado Railroad Museum, Boettcher Mansion, Lookout Mountain Nature Center, Mother Cabrini Shrine and The Fort Restaurant.

DENVER’S WEATHER Denver has four distinct seasons and receives a modest amount of precipitation spread through the year due to its inland location on the High Plains at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Like all cities along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, Denver’s weather is subject to sudden changes. The climate is very sunny, averaging 3,106 hours or 300 days of sunshine a year. July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 74.2°F. Summers range from mild to hot with occasional afternoon thunderstorms and high temperatures reaching 90°F on 38 days annually.

Occasionally the mercury soars as high as 100°F. December, the coldest month of the year, has a daily average temperature of 29.9°F. Winters range from mild to occasional bitter cold; periods of snow and very low temperatures alternate with relatively mild days. In winter, highs can reach up to 65°F, but can also sometimes fail to reach 0°F. Snowfall is common throughout the late fall, winter and early spring, averaging 53.5 inches. The average window for measurable snow is October 17 through April 27, although Denver has recorded snow as early as September 4 and as late as June 3.

Dinosaur Ridge

There’s always plenty to see and do in Denver. For more information on a Colorado vacation contact the travel professionals at Travel Leaders located at 2765 Wolf Creek Parkway, Ste. 104, Memphis, 901.377.6600.

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arts

Painting For the and with amy Keys

Home

Heart

TexT by Morgan PruiTT PhoTos courTesy of aMy Keys

L

ocal freehand painter extraordinaire Amy Keys loves the feeling of a brush in her hand and craves time in her home studio creating brilliant pieces for fans all over the country. Her passion for creating works of art blossomed in 2000 when she started her business, Painting for the Home and Heart. Her love of art began much earlier, however. “I can’t remember a time that I didn’t like to color, draw and paint!” she says.

Keys’s talent came naturally to her, even though she hesitates to call herself a natural artist. She states, “I am self taught, but really I just paint what I see or paint the things that come to my mind.” Her one-of-a-kind pieces are painted with acrylics on wood or canvas. The wood that she uses is cut in the Ozarks in Arkansas by her father-in-law, Donald Keys.

Keys paints a wide variety of subjects, including pets, homes, churches, chapels, businesses, flowers, Biblical and inspirational quotes, holiday-inspired themes, abstracts and many more. Her favorites, though, are the houses, churches, and chapels. To the artist, these pieces “really bring something special to life for a client.” Keys adds flags, children and pets to these pieces to depict the client’s life and to add character to each piece. Keys also paints custom commissions upon request.

Not only is Keys an accomplished painter, she is also a wife and a mother of two boys. She states that her family is 68 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

extremely supportive of her work. “My husband is my most honest and biggest critic. He loves it when I paint abstracts. I have often heard him say ‘that’s your best piece yet,’” she says.

Keys’s younger son calls her a “fancy artist” and her older son produces impressive sketches of his own.

Keys’s inspiration comes from her love of painting, her love for her clients and her clients’ love for her art. She says, “I love to paint and I love that my clients come to me via word of mouth. That inspires me to keep evolving and keep pleasing.”

She paints by her personal philosophy that art should be affordable for everyone. “If it catches a person’s eye the first time they see it and they love it, they should be able to buy it.

It doesn’t have to be expensive to be loved,” she explains.

The artist loves giving back to the community almost as much as she loves painting. Keys donates many pieces to charity auctions; she helps worthy causes and organizations solely because it brings her joy to know that she is assisting those in need.

The prices of Keys’s works vary, starting as low as $5. She prides herself on creating long-lasting, affordable pieces that warm her clients’ homes and hearts. To view more of her artwork, visit Keys’s Facebook page, Painting for the Home and Heart by Amy Keys.

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special

Father's Day

Knife by William Henry

Call For Price, Doris McLendon's in Germantown, TN

GIFT GUIDE Gifts he will enjoy all year

Golf Club Bottle Opener by Two's Company $25, Southern Avenue in Germantown, TN

Leather Clad Flashlight by Henley $40, Southern Avenue in Germantown, TN

Tundra Cooler by YETI

$300, Dixie Pickers in Memphis & Collierville, TN

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Handsewn 100% Silk Ties

$85 - $155, MLM Clothiers in Tupelo, MS

special Grooming Kit

$122, A Southern Charm in Covington, TN

Caffeinated Shaving Cream

by Pacific Shaving Company $8, paciďŹ cshavingcompany.com

The Red and Blue Carrington Check by Ledbury $135, ledbury.com

Homemade Gin Kit

$50, www.crateandbarrel.com

No. 18 Tablet Portfolio $198, www.orvis.com

Premier Edition Scrabble

$199, www.restorationhardware.com

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social

Sarah Gaye Sneed, Sally Mercer & Libby Patterson

Spring

FLOWER SHOW

T

STORY & PHOTOS BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT

he Grandview Garden Club in Memphis hosted a lovely spring flower show at the beautiful home of Miriam and Bob Smith on April 23.

Guests enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres, visited with one another and admired the unique flower arrangements created by the garden club members.

The flower show is a tradition that the club hosts every other year.

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social

Shirley Howell, Kim Stallworth & Miriam Smith

Brannon Schroerlucke, Missy Steffens & Anna Wunderlich June 2015 • athomemms.com | 73

social

Gary & Ann Meyer, Jim & Denice McMahon

Cyndy Taylor, Eileen Adams & Laurie Hudson

Jeff & Kathy Fedorchak

Live AT THE GARDEN 2015

M

STORY & PHOTOS BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT

emphis Botanic Garden recently announced the lineup for this year’s Live at the Garden concert series, which kicks off June 26 with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The highly popular Live at the Garden series, now in its 15th year, is held on the grounds of the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden. “We are so very

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excited about this year’s lineup because of the diversity of music. The great thing about Live at the Garden is that it is truly a unique Memphis summer experience, not just a concert,” says Sherry May, Co-director. The series continues with: July 17 – Rob Thomas, August 15 – ZZ Top, September 4 – Martina McBride and September 18 – Daryl Hall & John Oates.

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experience this

Sunset on the Square TEXT BY KATIE BREYER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAIN STREET COLLIERVILLE

S

ummer is here, a season that brings a grab-bag of musical and social gatherings to the Mid South.

In the mix is the Sunset on the Square Summer Concert Series on Collierville’s quaint town square.

Presented by Main Street Collierville, a non-profit organization with the mission to “preserve and enhance the Town Square Area as the Heart of Collierville,” 2015 marks the concerts’ 24th year of bringing people together to listen to great music. Typically the events feature a range of genres including rhythm and blues, country, Americana, classic rock, acoustic soul and, new this year, dueling pianos.

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Laura Todd, executive director of Main Street Collierville, has helped to plan and organize the series for 15 years.

“Originally there were a handful of folks that attended; now the summer concerts are a signature event in our community,” she says. Since year 2000, Main Street Collierville has put on 116 summer concerts, drawing over 195,000 people to the Historic District with an average of 1,700 people per concert.

Todd explains that much thought and precision go into planning the concerts. The committee begins planning in January and selects the entertainment by March. They start promoting in May, and when one year’s series ends they recap

immediately and start brainstorming for next. In 2014, it took 750 volunteer hours and 200 staff hours to produce the concerts, at no cost to the public. Although the Summer Concert Series is a free family event, it costs Main Street Collierville tens of thousands of dollars. The committee welcomes community partners to become sponsors; First Tennessee Bank has been the event’s title sponsor since 2005.

The series opener is set for June 4, and concerts continue every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. throughout June and July (with the exception of Independence Day weekend). The concerts take place in the heart of Collierville’s square at 125 N. Rowlett St.

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experience this

Photo courtesy of State of Tennessee Tourism Dept.

The concert series isn’t the only summer event hosted by Main Street. In an effort to focus on other aspects of local arts, the organization is partnering with non-profits to showcase the non-musical talent in the community, as well. Other events include a mixer for Main Street’s members and sponsors that will feature a sneak peek at one of the Collierville Arts Council Harrell Theatre productions, an event called “ARTS Builds Communities,” Picnic in the Park and the Cruise In car show.

Visit their website, mainstreetcollierville.org, for dates and times. The website also has a “walking tour” link that lists various hot spots worth visiting around Collierville.

Many local residents are unaware of the accolades the town and the Main Street organization have received, including

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having been named Parade Magazine’s “Best Main Street in the Country” in 2014 from among more than 2,000 nominations.

As a certified National Main Street Community – the only one in Shelby County, in fact – Main Street Collierville follows design, economic restructuring, promotion and organization guidelines set by the National Main Street Center.

Although sponsored events create a sizable economic impact and raise awareness for Main Street, they are only a part of what the organization does. Since 2008, Main Street Collierville has invested more than $50,000 in grants in the Historic District to fund murals, historic church markers, bicycle racks and other improvements.

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An Elegant

Birthday

TexT by LesLey Harris CoLveTT | sTyLisT angeLa MazanTi PHoTograPHy by PeTer Conrey wiTH CreaTion sTudios

AngelA MAzAnti creAtes A picture-perfect evening 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

entertaining

celebration for Karen Johnston and friends!

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entertaining

THE THEME The theme for this party was “Embracing Fifty With Style.” “Fifty is the new forty for today’s beautiful and savvy ladies!” Mazanti says.

THE INSPIRATION Mazanti says that the inspiration for this celebration was Karen Johnston herself.

“She embodies style, beauty and is such a savvy lady. I wanted to design a party for her that would reflect her as well as complement the incredible estate home where we held the party.” According to Mazanti, the house is one of the oldest in the East Memphis area and is named “Walnut Grove.” The home will be featured in an upcoming special documentary on WKNO. SET THE SCENE The gorgeous pool area served as the backdrop. Mazanti brought in luxurious linen-covered lounge furniture and pillows, along with bistro tables with blush sequined linens. Guests lounged around the pool and listened to the fun sounds of Motown provided by the deejay, who was positioned in the pool house.

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Menu The menu was a group effort from Johnston’s friends. A trained CIA chef, she is fortunate enough to have other ”foodies” and restaurateurs as friends. They all chipped in and brought their favorite dishes. Among the gourmet selections were lamb lollipops, side of smoked salmon, a cheese display, veggie bundles, mini BLTs, Ahi tuna on cucumber and Greek seven layer dip.

“We created a self-serve raspberry martini and prosecco display in the foyer so that guests could grab a cocktail on their way to the pool. Red and white wines were served at the bar. We did a dessert display with petit fours, Whimsy cookies, gluten-free mini bundt cakes and French macaroons,” Mazanti says.

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entertaining

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Decor & Style elementS According to Mazanti, the style and decor for this party were chic and beautiful with lots of blush-toned florals. “We used a charcoal, sequined linen on the martini and prosecco display with a large, beautiful floral arrangement accented with raspberry hydrangeas to complement the raspberry martinis,” she says.

As guests stepped out of the house onto the patio they were met with the food station that was topped off with a large trough arrangement of lush ivory and blush blooms.

Julia O’Keefe, one of the party’s hostesses and the homeowner, says that she loves her pool area but sometimes finds it challenging to get guests to go there during a party because there is a step-down from the backyard. Putting the deejay in the pool house along with bistro tables and the dessert display table on the pool deck drew guests to the area.

“Julia was such a good sport that she let us fill her pool with gorgeous floating flowers,” Mazanti shares. The entrance to the pool was flanked with two large, lush, blush-toned floral arrangements in stately silver urns.

The party started in the late afternoon, so by the time the sun was setting the theatrical lighting that had been installed for the event on the front and back of the house and along the pool house really started to come alive. Mazanti and her team used lighting to project a mosaic pattern on the front of the house in a beautiful teal color. On the back of the house lights cast a wide chain-link pattern in an amber color, and deep purple illumination set off the textured plaster walls of the pool house beautifully.

Mazanti says the setting truly looked like an upscale party in Miami or Los Angeles. color theme The color theme for the party was blush, ivory and green pastels with pops of raspberry, a nod to the honoree’s favorite cocktail, raspberry martinis.

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entertaining

in the kitchen

LIME SURPRISE BARS MAKES 9 SERVINGS

The Outdoor Table TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY APRIL MCKINNEY

J

une is here, which means Sunday picnics, backyard barbeques and sipping cold drinks poolside. With that in mind, I am thrilled to finally announce the release of my first cookbook, The Outdoor Table.

The cookbook features over 175 exclusive recipes for mouthwatering foods that travel well and are perfect for any outdoor gathering. You won't find these recipes on my blog or anywhere online, they were created specifically for this book!

My hope is that as you flip through the pages of the book you will be excited by the recipes and motivated to host a “just because” barbeque or pack up a picnic and make some priceless memories with the ones you love.

The Outdoor Table will be available June 2 wherever books are sold.

Here are a couple of exclusive sneak peek recipes from the book.

Be sure to grab your copy and let me know what you think at www.AprilMcKinney.com.

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INGREDIENTS:

• 8 (5x2-inch) honey graham cracker sheets • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar • 4 Tbsp. butter, melted • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened • ¼ tsp. salt • ½ cup sugar • 1 large egg • 1 egg yolk • 1 tsp. lime zest • ½ tsp. vanilla • ¼ cup lime juice • ½ cup white chocolate chips DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚.

2. Place the graham crackers in a food processor or sealable bag and pulse them or crush them until fine crumbs form.

3. Pour the crumbs in a bowl and then add in the brown sugar and melted butter.

4. Stir together until the crumbs are moist, and press mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish.

5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, and then let it cool completely.

6. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy.

7. Beat in the egg and egg yolk until they are well blended, and then mix in the lime juice, zest and vanilla.

8. Place the white chocolate chips in an even layer on top of the crust, and then pour the cream cheese mixture over them; use a spatula to spread the batter evenly if needed.

9. Bake for 26-28 minutes, let cool completely, and then chill until you are ready to slice and serve.

JERK CHICKEN WRAPS MAKES 4 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¼ lb. chicken breasts • 1 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. cumin • ½ tsp. ancho chili powder • ½ tsp. black pepper • ¼ tsp. allspice • ¼ cup light mayonnaise • 4 sandwich wraps • prepared nectarine salsa DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat a grill to medium high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, cumin, chili powder, black pepper and allspice.

2. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with the spice mixture. Place the chicken on the grill for 5-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

3. Remove the chicken from the grill and slice it against the grain into ½-inch strips.

4. Spread a tablespoon of mayonnaise onto the center of each wrap.

5. Place equal parts of the sliced chicken onto the mayonnaise, and then top the chicken with equal parts of the salsa.

6. Fold two sides of the wraps in, and roll them up tightly like a burrito.

7. Slice them in half, diagonally, and then chill the wraps until you are ready to serve them.

NECTARINE SALSA FOR JERK CHICKEN WRAPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup nectarines, chopped • 1 cup tomatoes, chopped • 1 Tbsp. jalapeno, minced • 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro • 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice • ¹⁄8 tsp. salt DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine the nectarines, tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a bowl and gently toss the ingredients together.

2. Chill the salsa until you are ready to assemble the wraps.

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dining out

Smith.

Not youR oRdiNaRy eateRy

R

TexT by STacy HarriS LuccHeSi | PHoToS courTeSy of ruSSeLL SmiTH

ussell Smith wanted to bring “something different” to the culinary scene in Corinth, Mississippi. In 2013, the doors to his dream opened. Smith. From the distinctive period after the name to the cuisine and atmosphere, this restaurant is nothing of the ordinary.

Smith and his wife Julia worked together at a restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi. After the two married, they moved to Corinth to help Russell’s grandfather with his business, Russell’s Beef Steakhouse, a north Mississippi fixture since 1978. With Julia’s help, Russell found the perfect venue for the restaurant he envisioned. Smith. is located in the old

92 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2015

Rankin Printery building in downtown Corinth. Built in 1869, the building originally housed a bank, then from 1905 until the 1990s it was home to a print shop. Russell made a point to conserve the historic impression of the building.

Original floors, complete with old cigarette burns, add to the charming effect along with an original sign that still hangs.

The downstairs has an industrial look, while upstairs has a full bar and a balcony that overlooks downtown Corinth.

Live bands play upstairs on weekend nights.

The motto for Smith. is fine dining done casually.

Customers are made to feel welcome and come “as they are,” according to Russell. After a day on the lake or a day at the

dining out

office, the laid-back atmosphere at Smith. salutes all.

Russell aspired to bring a different type of cuisine to the area by offering a mix of traditional and Southern dishes with a Cajun twist. The menu at Smith. includes an array of items to satisfy any palate. Diners may choose something on the more familiar side such as the flat iron steak with chimichurri sauce, fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits or trash wings, just to name a few. Trash chicken at Smith. is double fried. “The trash wings are incredible,” according to a Memphian who made a visit to Smith. “I even had to bring some back for my husband to try!” she confesses.

The restaurant’s rabbit confit or grilled swordfish are good choices for those feeling a bit more adventurous.

Smith. is open for lunch and dinner and is available for party bookings. The restaurant draws a crowd of locals and travelers from various Mid South areas such as Tupelo and Pickwick Lake.

When questioned about the period after Smith., Russell states, “I just didn’t want it to be Smith restaurant.” Smith. certainly lives up to its unique name; it has already become a culinary landmark in historic downtown Corinth.

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happy hour

UPTOWN GIRL

RECIPE COURTESY OF LAFAYETTE'S MUSIC ROOM PHOTO BY SUZIE HANSEN

INGREDIENTS: • 1½ oz. Bombay Sapphire gin • Freshly squeezed lime juice • Basil leaves

DIRECTIONS: 1. Mix lime juice with gin.

2. Garnish with basil leaf.

FUN FACT Having played at the Music Room six times in the 70s, Billy Joel is considered a Lafayette’s alum.

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Covington

marketplaCe

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sources 18 | Wellness Special thanks to – Michael A. Nelson, MD, FACC Proactive Heart & Vascular, memphisveindoc.com, proactivehv.com

24 | AT HOMe WITH Special thanks to – Marie Pizano

26 | HOMe Special thanks to – Tammi and Dr. Randy Frazier

38 | DesIGn Special thanks to – Heritage Builders, LLC, HBGDesignBuild.com Special thanks to – MorGreen Nursery & Landscape, morgreenlandscape.com

50 | HOMe TRenDs Special thanks to – Robin Terry, West Tennessee Home Builders Association

52 | VIsIT THIs dixon.org

56 | GeTAWAY Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, atlanta.net

60 | TRAVel Special thanks to – Barbara May, owner of Travel Leaders

76 | eXPeRIence THIs mainstreetcollierville.org

82 | enTeRTAInInG Special thanks to – Angela Mazanti Design, angelamazantidesign.com Photographer Peter Conrey, Creation Studios

92 | DInInG OUT Special thanks to – Julia and Russell Smith, smithcorinth.com

94 | HAPPY HOUR Special thanks to – Lafayette’s Music Room, lafayettesmusicroom.com

98 | On A GOOD nOTe woodstockbakeshop.com

June 2015 • athomemms.com | 97

on a good note

Cupcakes

& the Community WoodstoCk Bake shop &

the poWer of giving

TexT by Morgan PruiTT PhoTos courTesy of WoodsTock bake shoP

W

oodstock Bake Shop in Jackson, TN, is a family-owned business that opened its doors to the public in September of 2012. Owners Matt and Dale Childress are a son and father team whose goal from the very beginning was to bring peace, hope and love to the community.

Woodstock Bake Shop takes its name from the legendary music festival in New York. The theme of the 1960s and 70s dominates the bakery, as its interior is filled with vintage furniture, posters and thousands of signatures on the walls from satisfied customers.

The bakery offers dozens of homemade treats including specialty cupcakes named after songs from the 60s and 70s.

Customer favorites include cake balls, pies, breads, people puppy chow, cookie dough balls and salted chocolate bars. The shop is widely known for the $5 lunch boxes, which include a sandwich, a soft drink and a cupcake.

The delicious baked goods are only one aspect of Woodstock Bake Shop’s appeal. The Childresses pride

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themselves on the shop’s commitment to service, both to their customers and the community.

In an effort to make each customer’s experience at the bakery a long-lasting memory, Woodstock’s staff places a handwritten message of hope and love inside every package of food.

Each morning Dale records an inspirational message and posts it to Facebook to uplift customers who follow the bake shop’s page.

Not only do the Childresses inspire people with uplifting messages, they also extend generosity to the community.

Any tips left by customers go to charity and on Saturdays, 25 percent of the shop’s total sales goes to a specified charity selected each week to receive the profits.

The staff of Woodstock Bake Shop believes in emphasizing who they are instead of what they sell, and every day they want to be the reason that someone smiles.

For more information on Woodstock Bake Shop, visit them online at woodstockbakeshop.com, on their Facebook page, Woodstock Bake Shop, or at their shop in Jackson.