FAMILY ROOM REFRESH CASUAL LUXURY ON PICKWICK LAKE
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CONTENTS MARCH 2016
30 HOME EMBRACING NATURAL BEAUTY A Germantown couple enlists designer Dena Pratt to create their dream home on Pickwick Lake. 42
DESIGN
REFRESH YOUR FAMILY SPACE
The recent renovation of the Ole Miss Kappa Kappa Gamma house features casual elegance. Designer Betsey Mosby shares her inspiring ideas for this family space. ON THE COVER - HOME FEATURE | p.30
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66
42
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CONTENTS MARCH 2016
F O R YO U
T R AV E L & C U L T U R E
18 healthy you Healthier Home Cleaning
54 getaway Big Cypress Lodge
22 beauty Makeup Bag Spring Cleaning
60 experience this Cleveland,
98 on a good note St. Bernard’s Biscuits
Mississippi
66 travel New York City
HOME & DESIGN 26 at home with Missy Marshall
72 social pages Mid South Happenings
FOOD & DRINK 82 entertaining Mad Hatter Tea Party
88 in the kitchen A springtime salad
90 dining out Vicari Italian Grill 94 happy hour The Grit & Grind and The Tiger Tail
50 style marketplace Relax in Style 52 home trends Creating Home Storage
IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | EDITOR’S NOTE 14 | CONTRIBUTORS 97 | SOURCES
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MARCH 2016 • VOL. 14 NO. 12 PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
EDITOR LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com
ART DIRECTORS TAYLOR GRACE | tgrace@athomemms.com MADISEN THEOBALD | mtheobald@athomemms.com
PHOTOGRAPHY & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT SUZIE HANSEN | shansen@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
INTERNS CONNOR BRAN, MEGAN MURPHY
HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | 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: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, 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, 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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editor’s note
I
don’t know about you, but this time of year I love freshening up my house. As I am writing this letter, the Neighborhood Christian Center is on their way to pick up an old television of mine. You know, that one sitting in a cabinet that you didn‘t realize was 200 pounds until you tried to move it yourself? It was nice to effortlessly be able to put the lighter flat screen in its place all by myself. Along with freshening up the house and updating, it feels so good to declutter and get rid of unnecessary things sitting around. With so many charitable organizations in the area, it is a win-win to clean out your home.
While decluttering always makes me feel lighter and happier, the hardest part is just getting started. Despite the advice of countless articles and blogs about organizing, I find my mom’s method the best and easiest – you have to just take everything out, and only put back what you use.
Just over a decade ago, we didn’t have to worry about decluttering our electronics, but today is a different story. I can’t even begin to tell you how great it felt to delete 2,100 emails from my iPhone. It took me a couple of hours, but now my phone runs faster, and a couple of days after I had purged my emails and apps, a report came on The Today Show about decluttering emails and apps from your phone. You can imagine how glad I was to have already done that!
Now, onto tackling those closets…
L esley
Lesley Harris Colvett Editor
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contributors MATT GOSSETT • Beauty Sought out for his soft but glamorous bridal looks, Matt has made a name for himself throughout the Mid South as a professional makeup artist. With eight years in the local beauty scene, Matt makes it his number one priority to ensure that the women of the Mid South have their own kind of beauty.
JENNIFER CHANDLER • In the Kitchen Cookbook author & restaurateur Jennifer Chandler is the author of four cookbooks: The Southern Pantry Cookbook, Simply Salads, Simply Suppers and Simply Grilling. She is a wizard in the kitchen with a hint of Southern charm. While she boasts a degree from Le Cordon Bleu, this down-home Mom is about making real food for real families. For more recipes and dinner time solutions, visit www.cookwithjennifer.com.
ALEXANDRA LAUREN • Entertaining Lauren recently relocated her Hong Kong and Phoenix, Arizona based Interior Design and Event Styling studio to Jackson, Tennessee, and opened a Cut & Sew facility to manufacture her Proudly Made in America ready-made drapery and linen line. Lauren has been honored to work on a wide range of Interior Design commissions including commercial, residential and hospitality projects around the world, and is the recent recipient of the Best of Houzz 2016 Award for both Design & Customer Service.
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healthy you
Spring Cleaning... Healthy Cleaning TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT
M
arch is here, and that can mean it’s time for spring cleaning. Recently more and more homeowners are turning to the convenience of having a professional company do the job. For many, having help with the housework has become a necessity, like toothpaste or car insurance—the days of it being considered a luxury are over. Clean & Pink Residential Cleaning Company (C&P) has been serving Shelby County and beyond since 2011. According to owner Heather Donaho, the service’s employees pride themselves on being honest, easy to work with, reliable and prompt. The locally owned and operated company's experienced staff of professionals strives for complete customer satisfaction, always seeking to improve as they serve clients in the Memphis area as well as Oxford, Mississippi.
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Donaho says she looks forward to having her small business take on new customers as it grows and has openings. Licensed, bonded and insured, C & P provides services with ease and covers homes up to $5 million. A unique approach to residential cleaning sets C&P apart from other housekeeping services. Donaho says the company understands the science of chemicals. “We clean with a firm agenda, have a small staff everyone gets to know, and cater to your specific needs with our product,” she adds. More than just a catchphrase, C&P’s slogan, “Cleaning is a science...not a chore”, has become its mantra. The company takes its philosophy so seriously that employees even wear it printed on their uniforms. "Trust seems to be an ongoing problem with service companies...but not ours. We go to extreme measures not only in our cleaning process but [in] our policies that are iron clad,” Donaho says.
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beauty
Out with the old… A guide to spring cleaning your makeup bag TEXT BY MATT GOSSETT
O
K, let’s be honest, ladies. When was the last time you gave your makeup bag a good cleaning? Spring is that great time of year when everyone wants to start fresh and there’s no better place to begin than the last place any woman thinks to clean. We all have some cotton balls and q-tips that are dying to be laid to rest in the trash. Ditto for the lip gloss that was right on trend two seasons ago that you wore maybe once. In a perfectly sanitary world we would all wash our hands before dipping our tips into our favorite eye cream or cream blush. When it comes to using beauty products we just never think to do that. I admit that I’ve gone a couple of months without washing my favorite bronzer brush. Keeping some favorite beauty items over time is hardly life threatening, but we must always take caution. Knowing a product’s age is the key to keeping your skin safe and your makeup looking fresh. Foundation, creams, cream blush and mascara are the main items that you always need to keep fresh.
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Eye products: Because of where and how it’s used, mascara shouldn’t be kept longer than three months to avoid eye irritation. Dipping the wand in and out of the tube can push air into the tube, causing bacteria to build rapidly. Powder-based eye shadows are safer than creams. Cream shadows have a shorter life span than powder due to the water content. If you use eye pencils daily, spray them with alcohol and keep them sharpened to maintain freshness and ensure smooth application. Eye product life spans: mascara: three months after opening; eye pencils: two years after opening; powder-based products: two years after opening. Lip products: Lipsticks are wax-based and don’t usually contain water. It’s not likely that a lip product will pose a health threat, but if you use a lip brush you should wash it at least once a month. Treat lip glosses and pencils the same as mascaras and eye pencils. Keeping a lip pencil sharpened will make application smooth and fresh. If your lipstick starts to smell odd toss it.
Lip products have a life span of up to two years after opening. NEVER leave lipsticks in the car in the summer months. Skin products: Foundations, BB creams and tinted moisturizers which are non oil-based won’t last as long as the oil-based varieties. If a product smells or the ingredients look separated it needs to be tossed. Make sure to use clean fingertips or a brush when applying cream blush to cut down on contamination risks. Foundation’s life span is 12 months after opening. Makeup bag and brushes: Clean makeup brushes bi-weekly or monthly to reduce the chance of cross contamination from product to face. Clean brushes also make makeup application smoother and more fresh looking. Sponge brushes and beauty sponges need to be cleaned frequently, and don’t forget to clean your makeup bag itself. Toss it in the washer, wipe it down or replace it if need be. Makeup
bags tend to go with you everywhere and who knows what “friends” they may have picked up along the way. To clean makeup brushes use a mild shampoo or a shampoo formulated especially for brushes. Don’t allow brushes to dry standing up; lay them flat on a towel to air dry and to better keep their shape. There is nothing like cleaning out and making a trip to your favorite makeup place to get spring started off right.
Matt Gossett’s makeup concierge service is the perfect way to spring clean. Get your vanity and makeup bag organized by Matt and have him take out all the guess work. To book makeup concierge appointments, look Matt up at About Face Artistry on Facebook, and follow him on Instagram @aboutface_87. March 2016 • athomemms.com | 23
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at home with
MISSY MARSHALL
Executive Director of Keep Tennessee Beautiful TEXT BY JANNA FITE HERBISON
At Home Memphis & Mid South: What’s your background? I am originally from East Tennessee, graduated from MTSU, and then worked for the state of Tennessee in Nashville for over 20 years before accepting the opportunity to lead Keep Tennessee Beautiful. AHMMS: How would you describe your current role as executive director of Keep Tennessee Beautiful? My role is to work with nearly 30 of our Keep America Beautiful affiliates statewide, along with a 21-member citizen advisory board. I also provide direction, management and supervision for the KTnB staff. The mission for KTnB is to educate and encourage citizens to take a greater responsibility for their community environments through litter prevention, community greening and recycling & waste reduction education programs. AHMMS: Describe the affiliation between your organization and the University of Memphis.
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Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB) is a University College department of the University of Memphis sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Transportation with a funding source through the Tennessee Malt Beverage Association. Since 1983 KTnB has served as a state resource center for litter prevention, community greening and recycling & waste reduction education. AHMMS: March is a special month for KTnB. What’s the significance, especially here in Memphis? Gov. Bill Haslam has designated March as Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month. Each year we kick off the month with an event in one grand division of the state. This year we are honored to have the event in West Tennessee at the new Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Downtown Memphis! This spring also marks The Great American Cleanup nationwide from March 1 to May 31. AHMMS: Your organization recently produced a children’s book called Nancy & Sluggo Love Tennessee. How did that project come about?
I was put in contact with legendary cartoonist and famed illustrator of NANCY, Guy Gilchrist, who now lives in Tennessee. (Ernie Bushmiller created NANCY in 1933) We first met to discuss a comic book concept. After some thought, however, I believed a children’s book would be a better fit for what we wanted to accomplish, and Guy agreed. Nancy & Sluggo Love Tennessee: A Story About Keeping Tennessee Beautiful was published last November, and we are very excited about it! This book makes a wonderful keepsake, and we hope it can become a source of pride for children and families throughout the state. Hopefully, it can also help bridge the generation gap when it comes to appreciating the beauty of Tennessee. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to the University of Memphis/Keep Tennessee Beautiful Foundation to establish scholarships for students in the environmental/sustainability field and to provide community environmental education grants in the areas of litter prevention, beautification and recycling. Nancy & Sluggo Love Tennessee can be purchased on our website, keeptnbeautiful. org. We are excited that The Brooks Collection in Collierville is now the first West Tennessee retailer to sell the books, and they are also available at Food City Stores in East Tennessee. AHMMS: What is a typical week for you?
means a great deal of travel across the state, whether it’s meeting with affiliates or attending/organizing events. I love getting to visit all three regions of Tennessee on a regular basis, but it also means a hectic schedule sometimes! My husband is an American Airlines pilot, so travel is a big part of his schedule, as well. We just balance it out as best as we can. AHMMS: What are your favorite places in Memphis and what do you enjoy doing outside work? One place in Memphis that really means a great deal to me is the Civil Rights Museum. It’s such an amazing place of rich and significant history. My husband and I also love watching sunsets at Terrace Grill in Harbor Town. We have four children, so we love visiting places such as the zoo and Shelby Farms, along with the Orpheum downtown. AHMMS: What’s next for you? I love living in the Memphis area and I love my job—so I plan to stay in both for a long time! I feel very blessed and thankful for all my experiences over the years, and especially for my family. I hope to get even more involved in the community and continue to grow our roots here for years to come.
My office is headquartered in Memphis, but my job often
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731.256.8121
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home feature
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EMBRACING NATURAL BEAUTY TEXT BY RUTHIE HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAD HOLMAN
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home feature
W
hen Cathy and Greg Hankins of Germantown wanted to update the look of their Pickwick Lake house to better fit their lifestyle they turned to Dena Pratt, a designer with Ethan Allen.
learned that the Hankins's oldest son would be married in the home the following May, only six months away. The homeowners aimed to have the renovation completed in time for the wedding. Fortunately, Ethan Allen Furnishings, primarily made in Hickory Mills, NC, produced wonderful results well within the time frame.
The couple bought a 35-square-foot oil painting from famed Memphis artist Paul Edelstein. The vivid colors and ethereal feel of the piece helped to set the tone for the entire home. When the house was originally built, the architects positioned it to take advantage of the beauty of its surroundings; it spreads out from a large center great room that rises three floors to a domed crow’s nest. An octagon shape anchors the southern end of the home, affording the best possible view. Breathtaking vistas in all the main rooms of the house allowed Pratt to draw unique design inspiration.
Pratt found effective assistance in Chad Holman, the manager of the Cordova Ethan Allen store. “This was such an amazing project and I couldn’t have done it without Holman, who was instrumental in the finishing touches and personal service,” says Pratt. “Driving down to Pickwick several times a month was such a wonderful way to go to work! I loved seeing this home come to life each day and I felt the excitement of my clients, who wanted to have everything ready for their guests.”
She says, “I drew my inspiration for the design and decor from [the home’s] expansive views of Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River beyond. I wanted to blend the natural beauty of the secluded point the home enjoys with casual luxury.” Pratt loved the panoramic views from the octagonal shaped rooms in the home: the crow’s nest, the keeping room, and the bedroom of David, the Hankins’s youngest son. During Pratt’s first meeting with the family in November of 2014 she
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The in-depth project included completely refurnishing six large bedrooms, the great room, two family rooms, a game room, a home theater and a very large wrap-around porch. Crews repainted the entire interior, installed new flooring and removed a columned wall to expand the view from the kitchen, bar and breakfast room. The biggest challenge this home posed was its massive expanse of wood finishes. An extensive banister wrapped the great room and sweeping
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home feature
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“I WANTED TO BLEND THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE SECLUDED POINT THE HOME ENJOYS WITH CASUAL LUXURY.”
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home feature
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“MY DEAREST WISH IS THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL LAKE HOUSE WILL PLAY A SUPPORTING ROLE AND [BE THE] BACKDROP TO CREATING THOSE PRECIOUS MEMORIES.”
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home feature
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staircase in a way that didn’t mesh well with the rest of the home. Pratt solved the issue by replacing the wood balusters with wrought-iron ones and painting the treads of the staircase. The home exude a contemporary feel thanks to Pratt’s fresh take on colors and textures. She chose grays and driftwood finishes as well as white lacquer and exotic African woods to achieve the desired tone. Custom linen bedding and draperies enhance the comfort without sacrificing Pratt’s design aesthetic. Pratt says the room that best characterizes the home is David's bedroom. With 10 floor-to-ceiling windows it juts out onto a peninsula toward the lake. Pratt’s design for the unique space includes blue walls, white leather and embroidered sea glass green linens to mirror the summer sky over the late. A crystal sphere chandelier in
the trayed ceiling produces the effect of a lighthouse lens in the evenings, a sight that often surprises the tug boat captains and those enjoying the beauty of the lake. What makes this house truly special, however, is the people who live there. Everything about this home is focused on sharing joy and love with family and friends. After enjoying successful careers, the couple’s reward has been enjoying what they love to do best: making their loved ones happy. The Hankinses christened their lake house “The Point of it All,” a name that aptly summarizes the special nature of their home. “As time goes by the only things that we treasure are our loved ones and our memories,” says Pratt. “My dearest wish is that this beautiful lake house will play a supporting role and [be the] backdrop to creating those precious memories.” March 2016 • athomemms.com | 39
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design
REFRESH YOUR FAMILY SPACE INSPIRING IDEAS FOR THIS FAMILY SPACE
F
TEXT BY MADISEN THEOBALD PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZA KENNARD PHOTOGRAPHY
resh paint, silky neutrals and pops of color from vivid artwork and rugs are some of essential elements to the design aesthetic for redecorating a family room. At Home Memphis & Mid South got the chance to chat with Betsey Mosby, principal interior designer at Betsey Mosby Interiors and Mississippi Member of the Southern Living + Coastal Living Designers Network in Jackson, MS, who recently renovated the living room of the Kappa Kappa Gamma house at the University of Mississippi. At Home Memphis & Mid South: What color themes did you use to achieve the lively, sophisticated style of the Ole Miss Kappa house’s family room? Betsey Mosby: My objective with this space was to create a youthful but elegant room that the girls could enjoy on a daily basis but the alumnae could be proud of as well. The room was previously a bit dark with worn fabrics and dated paint colors, so I first livened it up by painting the walls, trim and ceiling all in the same shade of warm white. The different satin, flat and eggshell finishes required for these areas read a bit differently, which provided great dimension for the room. The bright white cleansed the space and allowed the architecture of the house to shine. Paint is not always my first choice when looking at a room; in fact it's normally the last after I've selected the other elements and know what would best complement that design. But in this case, we wanted to freshen and lighten, and this beautiful white was our starting spot.
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design
I really wanted to accent the room with shades of blue, since those are the Kappa colors but also add in pinky corals that could be complemented by other parts of the beautiful house. We kept most of the upholstery pretty neutral with grays and creams that would allow the color to pop and could easily be updated with new accents in the future if the chapter wanted to add in another color scheme. I always encourage my clients not to shy away from lighter shades they worry may easily stain; they can be beautiful if the appropriate fabric application is chosen. AHMMS: How would you describe the style of this room? BM: This is kind of a catch-all room; it's where the girls watch TV, but it's also used for study and sometimes as a waiting spot for guests, so I took that into account when rethinking the space. Previously, the room was segregated by several different area rugs, but I removed all of those and chose one large rug to anchor and unify the space. We doubled the seating space in the den portion of the room by adding swivel chairs in front of the TV that can easily turn for viewing, benches that can provide extra seating, and more upholstered pieces. I tried to make every square inch of space usable for these girls since the sorority is rapidly growing! I also designed a huge table that can seat up to 12, which doubled their study space in this room and gave them room to spread out. Finally, there was a small entrance area to the room that we redesigned to be a sitting space for guests waiting on the girls to come down. It's a bright and cheery little spot that coordinates with the rest of the room, and the chairs can be moved over to the TV area when lots of girls are cramming in! AHMMS: How can readers recreate this look in their own homes? BM: The same fresh feeling can be accomplished by choosing any paint color and applying it to both walls and trim to create a seamless backdrop. This is a more modern approach to painting spaces that allows the 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2016
pieces in the room, not the walls, to be the focal point. It doesn't have to be done with white; I just completed a sweet little girl's bedroom where we used an ice blue that served as the perfect backdrop for the bright colors we wanted to highlight in the room. Focus on neutrals for larger investment pieces like upholstery, and choose a fabric that’s strong and can handle a lot of wear and tear—always upgrade if you are able by adding stain protection or knit backing the fabric to make your upholstery last more than twice as long! Don't be afraid to incorporate color, though. Choose a scheme that you love and implement it with pops in your artwork, rugs and pillows. And rethink your window treatments, also. Here we took down the heavy drapery that had previously darkened the room, and replaced it with an ivory silk that we accented with a gray border and blue Greek key tape. AHMMS: Where should a reader begin with renovations? BM: Room remodels can happen at any budget and at any level. My best advice when designing a space is to think of how you utilize the room and make it work for you. If you have young children, consider a storage ottoman in place of a coffee table to hide toys and clutter, or if you love to entertain, think of maybe adding a bar area and a great sound system. The best designs are those that function for you, so don't just make a room look pretty; make it functional first and foremost. AHMMS: What key pieces would you recommend for a family room redo? BM: One of my favorite things that we did in the Kappa TV room was adding a pair of study benches upholstered in a bright, geometric fabric rather than a traditional coffee table. Ottomans or benches can be great replacements for coffee tables in family rooms; choose either an indoor/outdoor fabric or a leather upholstery for easy cleaning. Top with a tray for everyday items you need close by, but less is definitely more—make sure there is still plenty of space to kick your feet up and relax! AHMMS: What other advice can you share on how to freshen up a home’s family room? March 2016 • athomemms.com | 45
design
“IT'S A BRIGHT AND CHEERY LITTLE SPOT THAT COORDINATES WITH THE REST OF THE ROOM.”
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BM: So much can be done with existing pieces to change up the look of a room, rather than a complete overhaul that calls for all new furnishings. In the Kappa house, we took an old hutch that was looking a bit tired and painted the inside a pale blue and the outside the same white shade as the walls. To accessorize I dropped in really fun fashion books, small, bright art prints, and more modern accessories that the girls would enjoy, but mixed it up with china and old trophies I found throughout the house. Sometimes taking things away can be more effective than adding new things. I love adding in special family pieces that might currently be locked away in a china cabinet or linen closet and bringing them out to shine! Bring out your grandmother’s vintage linens for your bar and polish pretty silver pieces you’ve hidden away to accessorize your bookshelves. Don’t wait for special occasions to enjoy your things! The thing that made the biggest difference in the room was taking the large built-in bookshelves that completely cover one entire wall and making them appear like a custom furniture piece by adding beautiful mirrored doors. This made the room feel so much larger and open, but it also added extra storage and became a spot for the girls to drop off their book bags, etc. This can be replicated in any family room where there are built-ins; rethink those older pieces to revitalize your space! It’s an easy way to freshen a family room without a huge overhaul. AHMMS: Where do you shop for all your fab living room décor finds? BM: Oxford is full of great sources to help spruce up a space. One of the easiest and cheeriest ways to wake up a room is fresh flowers or plants; a room is not complete without them. I always turn to Oxford Floral when working on jobs in the area because they are second to none when it comes to arrangements and decorations. Provision, owned by my good friend Doug Self, was such a fabulous addition to the Oxford design community—look to them for great upholstery and pillows, coffee table books and barware, and too many other things to list! And Katherine Beck is always a favorite stop of March 2016 • athomemms.com | 47
design
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mine on the square to pick up great accessory pieces. The owner (a UM Kappa) has a great eye for picking a mix of traditional and modern accessories, which makes this the perfect spot when you’re looking to add a punch to your room! AHMMS: What was it like for you to work on this project? BM: Coming back to Oxford and working on campus with the Greek system has been a special experience for me. I grew up coming to Ole Miss as I come from a long line of Ole Miss grads, my parents and older brother included. I met my husband in my very first class at college, and we were both very involved in the Greek system while at Ole Miss. When we got engaged four years later we knew we wanted to get married in Oxford. I became involved with the Kappas at Ole Miss because my mother-in-law is an alum of the chapter, and a dear friend of hers from college reached out to me regarding the work. Apart from working with a sorority obviously being so fun, I can't say enough positive things about the Kappa chapter, their house corporation, chapter advisors and alums; everyone I encountered was so gracious! I also worked closely with Mrs. Jean, the housemother, who was also so dear and helpful.
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style marketplace home trends
2
1
Relax in
Style
pieces to elegantly furnish your family room
3 1. Walnut Stained Wood Sunburst Mirror, $439, Warehouse 67, Arlington, TN
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2. Cotton Floral Painting, $256, Warehouse 67, Arlington, TN 3. Augusta Bench, $979.60, Worlds Away, Memphis, TN 4. Navy and Linen Pillow, $89.99, Stash Home, Oxford, MS 5. Gallery Designs Lamp, $299, Provision Oxford, Oxford, MS 6. Turquoise Cow Ottoman, $358, Magnolia Lighting, Inc., Oxford, MS 7. Copper Tray, $ 74.95, Southern Avenue Company, Germantown, TN
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hometrends
CREATING STORAGE increases home values TEXT BY ROBIN TERRY, WEST TENNESSEE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
As someone who lives in 108-year-old home, I appreciate the value of closets. While home builders in the early 20th century, the age of freestanding wardrobes, may have given little thought to building closets, designers today know you can never have too much storage. One of the most sought-after features in new homes is the master walk-in closet; plenty of kitchen and bath storage follow close behind. If you’re planning to build a new home, spend a few minutes with your designer and builder specifically looking at ways to include extra storage. Take advantage of hidden spaces like the area under a stairway to increase usable space. Planning during construction for closet and pantry organization systems and ample shelves and 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2016
cabinets in the laundry room will make your home much more functional once you move in. It’s never too late, however, to increase the organization and storage space in an existing home. If you’re planning a home renovation project, it’s a good idea to focus on storage needs in any new spaces. Storage kits are available at big-box home improvement stores for skilled do-it-yourselfers, but for most of us, it’s a good idea to consult someone like West Tennessee Home Builders Association member Custom Closet Creations of Memphis. Professional closet companies have the expertise to look at space and plan ways to increase storage. Sometimes it’s not a lack of space but a lack of organization or space utilization that’s the real problem, and
professional space designers are experts at identifying ways to increase and organize storage in any room of the house. Homeowners who want to put their homes up for sale should consider an organizational overhaul as one way to make their home stand out from all the others on the market. Just as Realtors advise sellers to spruce up the landscape to enhance a home’s curb appeal, sprucing up storage areas, especially in the master bedroom and kitchen, with built-ins and custom storage solutions can lead potential buyers to see themselves in a more spacious and well organized home. Especially in older homes, adding a closet to a room where there isn’t one may qualify that room as additional bedroom space. Contractors experienced in home renovations are well versed in codes and construction techniques, especially for room renovations and home additions. Don’t forget another option for increasing storage and usable space in your home: the garage. In many homes, the garage becomes the “catch-all” location for garden tools, lawn maintenance machinery and sports equipment. It’s also the room that can benefit the most from an organizational overhaul. One surface to consider that can easily increase the garage’s functionality is the floor: if it’s grease-stained and dirty, it’s not very appealing or usable for anything other than parking cars. West Tennessee Home Builders Association member Brian Deas, with Deas Floor Décor in Arlington, says homeowners are realizing that providing a more attractive, durable and easily cleanable surface for the garage floor increases the use of that space. New epoxy floor surfaces can be added to existing garages or during new construction, and make it easy to convert the room from garage to extra entertaining space, craft space or an artist’s studio when needed. Another member, Jordan Hart, with Monkey Bar Garage Storage in Hernando, MS, agrees. Organizing for ultimate storage with shelving, cabinets, wall storage and lifts to take advantage of empty space overhead will help the garage serve multiple purposes for homeowners, Hart adds. Whether you are of the do-it-yourself bent or are looking to hire professionals, you can get ideas for increasing home storage at expos produced by the West Tennessee Home Builders Association. March 2016 • athomemms.com | 53
getaway
BIG CYPRESS LODGE an adventure in downtown Memphis TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED BY BIG CYPRESS LODGE
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is more than a retail experience; it’s an adventure. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be surrounded by towering 100-foot cypress trees and an expansive swamp environment inspired by the Mississippi Flyway. As if the country’s most dynamic retail experience weren’t enough, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid has even more to offer. Located on the second and third floors of the massive Pyramid is Big Cypress Lodge, the second leisure resort operated under the Bass Pro brand. Suspended among the massive cypress trees in the Pyramid, some of the rooms at Big Cypress Lodge are designed to resemble tree houses. Others are decked out like vintage duck hunting camps and decorated with Ducks Unlimited artwork. The centerpiece Governor’s Suite offers commanding views of the Pyramid, vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen and a private terrace overlooking the expanse of the entire facility. In every room guests find fireplaces, handcrafted furniture and attention paid to every detail. Most rooms feature porches or balconies that overlook the indoor cypress swamp or the nearby Mississippi
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River and Downtown Memphis. Entertainment options abound during a stay at Big Cypress Lodge. Explore the swamp with its 84,000-gallon alligator habitat and underwater ecosystems including aquariums teeming with more than 1,800 fish from largemouth bass to lake sturgeon and alligator gar. Folks looking to practice their sharp shooting can take aim in the 25-yard live fire pistol and archery ranges. Another signature experience is the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center. This interactive wetlands education museum is the perfect place for families staying at Big Cypress Lodge to explore. Created in partnership with Memphis-based Ducks Unlimited, the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, the Center allows visitors to learn more about the diverse wildlife found along the Mississippi Flyway and the importance of conserving wetlands. The 4,300-square-foot museum displays some of the highest quality artifacts in the world. If you’re lucky, you may catch one of the special traveling exhibits featured throughout the year, as well.
Beneath Big Cypress Lodge at the heart of the Bass Pro Pyramid, lies one of the most dynamic, immersive retail adventures in the world. This one-ofa-kind experience offers something for everyone from the serious outdoor enthusiast to families who just want to have fun. The Pyramid is home to the largest assortment of waterfowl hunting equipment ever assembled, and an array of high-quality hunting gear, fishing and boating equipment, camping and outdoor cooking supplies, outdoor apparel and footwear, and naturethemed gifts. Boaters and anglers can peruse a wide selection of watercraft from brands including Tracker, Nitro, Tahoe, Sun Tracker, Mako and Ascend. Thrill-seekers have the opportunity to experience the tallest freestanding elevator in America at the center of the Pyramid. The 28-story ride to the top takes guests to outdoor, glass-floored observation decks patterned after the Grand Canyon Skywalk, overlooking stunning views of Memphis from 300 feet in the air. Big Cypress Lodge offers multiple dining options unlike anything else in Memphis. Once at the top of the Pyramid, guests find craft cocktails, fantastic food and breathtaking views awaiting them at The Lookout. The unique, steampunk-style décor is complemented by an aquarium in the middle of the restaurant and multiple glass observation decks looking over Memphis and the Mississippi River. This one-of-a-kind dining venue must be seen to be believed. To spice up dinner with a little friendly competition, Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill is just the place. Enjoy food and fun with tasty meal offerings and a unique “underwater” dining and bowling area. Custom bowling balls that bear the likeness of sea critters and “dock” wooden lanes that feature underwater scenery all contribute to an unforgettable experience. Hand-painted murals and fish hanging from the ceiling bring everything together for a deep sea dive like no other. Located adjacent to Uncle Buck’s, The Trophy Room, a unique billiards parlor, features a fireplace, luxurious dark wood paneling and a tournament table for March 2016 • athomemms.com | 55
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the ultimate in gaming fun! This space is also available to book for private events. Big Cypress Lodge is the perfect world-class facility to host a group event or meeting. Private facilities include a large banquet room which holds 350 guests, breakout spaces seating between 40 and 60 guests, and a boardroom that accommodates 10. The Mississippi Terrace can host larger events. For extra special occasions, private rental of The Lookout at the Pyramid makes for an unforgettable evening. For a romantic retreat for two, a funfilled family getaway, or an unforgettable group gathering, Big Cypress Lodge inside the Pyramid is the ideal destination. Visit www.Big-Cypress.com to learn more or book a visit. March 2016 • athomemms.com | 57
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experience this
Cleveland, Mississippi DOESN'T MISS A BEAT TEXT BY KELLI CARR, DIRECTOR, CLEVELAND TOURISM PHOTOGRAPHY BY RORY DOYLE & KELLY CARR
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he Mississippi Delta has always carried a sense of mystique. The number of authors, musicians, storytellers, artists and characters who are cured and cultivated by the land is almost too many to count. There’s just something in the water, as they say. Right in the middle of the Mississippi Delta just two hours south of Memphis on Highway 61, Cleveland is a hub of all the best the area has to offer. Recognized as Smithsonian magazine’s #2 Small Town to Visit in 2013, Cleveland, home to Delta State University, is a vibrant community that keeps in step with the pace of modern life. Visitors come each year in search of a glimpse into the rich history and easy nature of the Mississippi Delta. To their delight, they also discover delicious and plentiful local dining options, specialty shopping, entertainment and a thriving arts and cultural scene. Long ago, farmers scattered across the Delta would congregate on Cotton Row in downtown Cleveland to bring their finest harvest to market. Today, this area is known as the Crosstie Shopping District and offers a diverse array of boutiques for men, women and children, along with antiques and gift shops for the home, art galleries, jewelry stores and much more. It’s no wonder people travel from all over the region to shop Cleveland’s bustling retail district. And who can forget the pottery just outside of town? Two studios in particular draw in thousands of people each year: McCarty’s Pottery in Merigold and Peter’s Pottery in Mound Bayou. The unique pieces and collections continue to be popular with visitors year after year. Not only is the shopping in Cleveland second to none, the restaurants draw a crowd of their own. Check out a happening, farm-to-table lunch spot, the Delta Meat Market, as well as fabulous fare at The Warehouse, Hey Joe’s and Crave Bistro and Cupcakery. Cleveland might be known for its charm, but it is also home of the new GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, slated to open March 5. This state-of-the-art music March 2016 • athomemms.com | 61
experience this
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museum celebrates not only Mississippi artists, but also GRAMMY winners throughout the decades. Displays include the history of the GRAMMYs, rotating red-carpet gowns, and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to write and record their own songs, learn dances through the ages, play instruments and more. Traveling exhibits will rotate quarterly. “Ladies and Gentlemen ... The Beatles!” will be on display until late June. While the modern aspects of Cleveland are appealing, the history and culture also draw visitors to the town. The early 1900s saw an influx of migrant workers in the Delta. Aspiring musicians gravitated there because Charley Patton called it home. More specifically, he called Will Dockery’s plantation home. Dockery Plantation is a fabulous place to feel the spirit of the blues. The area between the Mississippi River Road Highway 1 and the Blues Highway 61 is particularly rich in music history; 18 Mississippi Blues Trail markers dot the area. And it’s not a complete Thursday night in the Delta without a visit to Po Monkey’s juke joint in Merigold, just outside of town. It’s an authentic Mississippi experience. For information on events, itineraries and more, go to www.visitclevelandms. com.
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travel
New York City FOR FAMILIES
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tepping out of the subway station produces sensory overload. Bright lights flashing as far as the eye can see. Crowds of people walking purposefully to their next destination. The sound of sirens roaring in the distance and horns honking in every direction. It is the symphony of the city. We had arrived in the Big Apple, and we came to discover it is a great destination for a family vacation. Since it is impossible to experience all there is for families to do in New York City in one visit, the key is organizing the trip by area and by interest. Even though there are five boroughs in NYC (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island), most visitors come to see the sights of Manhattan. In preparing for our trip we found gonyc.com and a children's book by Kathy Jakobsen titled My New York to be particularly helpful. For younger children, gonyc.com has introduced "Explore NYC with Dora the Explorer" with the beloved character as the guide to the city.
TEXT BY TRACY LOUTHAIN PHOTOS BY NYC & COMPANY
One of the joys of NYC is that it is a window into our nation’s melting pot, allowing families to experience many cultures, interests and landmarks in one place. In order to cover more ground, we stayed in three different areas—Lower Manhattan, Times Square and NoMad between midtown and downtown.
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RECOMMENDATIONS: Get the kids involved early – We learned that children are more excited about places that are familiar. We had been reading Kathy Jakobsen’s My New York prior to our trip and finding the places in the book made the visit even more fun. Make it a game – There is a lot of walking so our kids played a variety of games. From counting taxis to “don’t step on the cracks,” games made trekking many city blocks easier. Plan treats along the way – To break up the sightseeing, each day we aimed to include a candy shop. Our kids loved the M&M Store, Hershey’s Store and Dylan’s Candy Bar. Based on the popular children's character, "Eloise at the Plaza" is a treat for little ladies. With a tea room, book room and fashion room, there is always plenty to do at the Eloise Shop. Upstairs, girls of all ages will delight in afternoon tea in The Palm Court.
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LOWER MANHATTAN The Conrad Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to Battery Park, the 9/11 Memorial, the Financial District and Tribeca. Upon entering, we found ourselves in a grand lobby with Sol LeWitt's stunning 10-story "Loopy Doopy" artwork as the focal point. The art installation with rotating colored lights provided photographic fun for our kids, ages 11 and six, each evening. A short walk or bike ride along the Hudson River Walk brings families to Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Harbor boat tours. We opted for the CityPASS, which offers discounted admission with dedicated access to six attractions as well as discounts for shopping and additional tours. Lady Liberty is a great place to start a NYC adventure. The symbol of our nation’s freedom, her story is rich with challenges and successes, and the audio tour shares the details of her arrival and fun facts. The CityPASS includes a boat tour and walking/audio tour around the grounds of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Families can upgrade to enter the monument and/or the crown, which is reached by climbing 393 steps. After a full day of sightseeing, the Conrad’s spacious, comfortable suites are ideal for an in-room dinner. Located immediately behind the hotel are a variety of quick meal options, including burgers at the famed Shake Shack. A must-do while staying at the Conrad is a trip up to the Loopy Doopy Rooftop bar to look out over New York Harbor and the Lower Manhattan skyline. ATRIO restaurant is conveniently located adjacent to the hotel lobby for breakfast. Also within walking distance of the Conrad Hotel is the 9/11 Memorial and the One World Observatory (aka Freedom Tower). A heartbreaking but important part of American history, the memorial provided a beautiful tribute and educational experience for our family. The CityPASS includes access to the 9/11 Memorial Museum or the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. For an additional fee, head to the top of One World Observatory for a bird’s-eye March 2016 • athomemms.com | 69
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view of the city atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Museum. The museum’s app features a self-guided tour itinerary Nearby, the Financial District and Wall Street provide another which directs guests to the real exhibits behind characters from the learning opportunity. For those who prefer a guided tour, a variety movie, including the Head from Easter Island (Larry “Dum Dum”) AMAWaterways of bus companies offer hop-on/hop-off tours of the city. While the and the capuchin monkey. As the day came to a close, we toasted tour provided great information, traffic made the going slow and it our adventures over dinner at Guy Fieri’s Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar in Times Square. was instantly nap time for our son.
TIMES SQUARE
NOMAD DISTRICT/GRAMERCY PARK
Located on 42nd Street across from the B.B. King Blues Club, the Hilton Times Square is in the heart of the action. From this location, the family walked to the special Star Wars Exhibit at the Discovery Times Square exhibition center, the giant Toys "R" Us and three-level M&M store, as well as to a Broadway show.
Next stop, the Hotel Giraffe located within the Madison Square Park North Historic District (aka NoMad). Coming from the flashing lights and excitement of Times Square, the NoMad neighborhood is a welcome reprieve. Upon entering this charming boutique hotel, we found an urban oasis. After a full day of adventure, the daily reception from 5-8 p.m. featuring wine, fruit and cheeses along with live music by a talented pianist was a relaxing break.
Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall provide an exciting connection to media and entertainment. Whether taking a tour or watching the Rockettes live on the Grand Stage, simply stepping inside Radio City Music Hall with its grand entrance, art deco masterpieces and star-studded list of past performers, is unforgettable. The CityPASS includes entrance to the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock Observatory. We discovered visiting each at a different time of day was a great choice. Reaching the Empire State Building at sunset, we quickly made our way to the top. What a treat! The orange hues set the buildings aglow and a flaming trail of red, orange, pink and purple lit the sky as the sun set. In contrast, we visited the Top of the Rock early in the day and enjoyed the view of the city lit by the morning sun. Our next CityPASS stop was the American Museum of Natural History, which is the setting of the popular family film Night at the
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Conveniently located downstairs from the Hotel Giraffe, Bread & Tulips is a cozy Italian kitchen. Whether dining in or enjoying room service, the menu blends local and seasonal ingredients to create rustic Italian favorites along with signature pizzas, pasta and salads. Weather permitting, the Rooftop Garden at the Hotel Giraffe is another highlight for a refreshing drink, light bites and a sky view. Another CityPASS stop was the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to the gargantuan size and breadth of the Met’s collections, each family member selected one exhibit. Our daughter was studying ancient Egypt so the display brought her textbooks to life. We chose the Impressionist art exhibit and our son couldn’t wait to see “Arms and Armor.” Walking through the halls of the European Sculpture Court, which features work from masters including
Bernini and Rodin, was also a treat. South of the Met, families will enjoy the Central Park Zoo. Not as large as the Bronx Zoo, the Central Park Zoo is a fun diversion in the heart of the city, and to our delight, Charlie the seal’s performance was charming. Another must-stop was Grand Central Station. At the historic terminal, we headed downstairs to the whispering room in front of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant. The kids enjoyed whispering secrets into the corner to be heard by the person in the opposite corner. It was also exciting to explore the many ethnic neighborhoods. Chinatown provided a glimpse into Asian culture with open-air markets featuring everything from live crabs to exotic produce. Nearby Little Italy is home to authentic Italian cuisine. Our family especially enjoyed exploring Brooklyn, which includes four traditional Hassidic Jewish neighborhoods. Our New York City vacation was a wonderful family adventure that left our kids eager to return and take another bite out of the Big Apple.
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social
1. 3. Whiskey, Wine, 6. and Chocolates PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE GODFREY
On February 12, The Memphis Botanic Garden held Whiskey, Wine, and Chocolates. Presented by Strategic Resource Management , the event featured a unique evening of fabulous
fare, paired with delicious creations by chocolatier Phillip Ashley along a variety of whiskey, beer, wine, cocktails, and champagne.
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2.
3.
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5.
1. Amber Reap & David Reap 2. Tiffany Banks & Ashley Landers 3. Steve Esterman, Lorelei Scatamacchi, Carolyn McCormick & Scott McCormick 4. Angelique Skaggs & Mark Daugherty 5. Arielle Fair & Byron Brown March 2016 • athomemms.com | 73
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1. 2.
The Delta Supper Club The Delta Supper Club is a members-only social culinary circle in Clarksdale, Mississippi, that provides once-in-a-lifetime taste experiences. Their ultimate goal is to preserve and celebrate the rich culture that the Mississippi Delta has to offer. The organization’s second event was held February 5, and guests enjoyed fabulous food prepared by an acclaimed chef along with libations from brewmasters, distillers and sommeliers. These special events are hosted at culturally significant sites in the
plains of the Mississippi Delta, and part of the proceeds directly benefit Mississippi Culinary Arts students. Proceeds also provide funding to the Delta Seed Bank. This organization seeks to fill private gardens in the Delta with heirloom, organic seed in exchange for the opportunity to buy a portion of the yield. The goal is to revitalize “forgotten” seeds using some of the richest soil in America and to bring the highest quality produce to local tables.
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3. 1. Kimme Hargrove, David Crews, Cory Bahr, & Stewart Robinson 2. Francine Luckett, Mayor Bill Luckett & Kappi Allen 3. Mary-Kathryn Herrington, Kappi Allen, Kimme Hargrove & Rochelle Hicks
Cirque du CMOM TEXT BY CONNOR BRAN PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE GODFREY
The Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM) hosted their annual fundraiser, Cirque du CMOM, on Feb. 6 with a lively yet elegant “Havana Nights” theme. Vintage cars, lights, palm trees, art displays and graffiti walls transformed the inside of the museum into a vibrant Cuban street scene that truly brought Havana to Memphis—or as event organizers said, “Sol to Soul.” Three glowing dance floors and energizing salsa and rumba music made for a deliciously fun evening. Throughout the museum 10 bars served a variety of drinks reflecting both local and international flavors. Alongside the bars
were platters of entrees, snacks and desserts catered to the event by 17 Memphis restaurants. Many of the food options were creatively fused blends of soul food classics and Cuban cuisine. CMOM, unlike a majority of museums and nonprofits, receives no funding from the local government. Admission and membership revenues alone do not cover the costs of museum operation or fully fund the facility’s high-quality exhibits that are both educational and fun. Fundraisers like Cirque du CMOM are vital to the museum’s operation, in addition to being among the most entertaining social events in the city. March 2016 • athomemms.com | 75
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3. 1. Marti Mashburn & Pam Marti 2. Margaret Polanchich, Lauren James, & Craig Polanchich
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3. Josh Tribo & Allison Tribo 4. Tim Mashburn Jr. & Tim Mashburn Sr. 5. Lynne Heatcott & Phyllis Taylor 6. Molly Weinlein & Krista York 7. Patricia Daugherty & June James 76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2016
7.
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12. 8. Kavita Dalsnia MD, Dimple Kumar, Shala Wagh, & Nimka Patel 9. Mac McFarland, Devon McFarland, Terry McFarland & Stephanie McFarland
10. Cynthia Saatkamp & Lisa Sullivan 11. Chris Wicker, Kirstin Wicker, Casey Lawhead, & Kerri Campbell 12.Margaret Polancich, Finy Shirley, Marti Mashburn Courtney Stamps & Devon McFarland
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social
A Taste of Oxford PHOTOS BY JOEY BRENT
Oxford, Mississippi, was the place to be Feb. 10, at the ninth annual Taste of Oxford held at the Library Bar and Grill. Guests enjoyed delicious food provided by local restaurants, dancing and donating to St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital. As of this year the event has raised a total of $1 million dollars for St. Jude. Emcee for the event was Richard Cross, and the evening was hosted by Peter Costa, CNBC Market Commentator.
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9.
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entertaining
Madtea Hatter party
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vent stylists and interior designers Alexandra Lauren and Jennifer Wright created a festive bridal shower to celebrate the wedding of Risa Bjork and Ryan Prosser. Featuring the black-and-white checkered pattern of MacKenzie-Childs dinnerware, the Mad Hatter theme reflected Alice’s journey through the rabbit hole. The Swan River in Bigfork, Montana, provided the perfect backdrop for this magical afternoon tea honoring two people who are “totally bonkers” for each other.
The Inspiration
The Mad Hatter: “Have I gone mad?” Alice: “I'm afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret... All of the best people are,” from the Alice In Wonderland movie by Tim Burton. The world of Alice in Wonderland came alive for this bride-and groom-to-be with decorative food and dinnerware to make the guests feel as though they had fallen through the rabbit hole into a land of enchantment. Lauren found this theme absolutely fitting. “Jennifer and I own our own interior design and event styling business, so we had a wonderful time planning and hosting this event for my best friend, Risa,” she says.
Décor TEXT BY MEGAN MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIANNE WIEST PHOTOGRAPHY STYLING BY ALEXANDRA LAUREN EVENT STYLING & JENNIFER WRIGHT
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entertaining
rabbit’s food. Alexandra and Jennifer combined mismatched teacups, checkered MacKenzie-Childs dinnerware and Blue Willow pieces to bring the enchanted world to life. She adorned the tables with large playing cards and ribbons danced in the trees. The most creative piece was the tailgate of a red 1948 Ford truck which displayed the bar and dessert table. The party’s site in a clearing in the woods truly immersed guests in the wonderful world of Wonderland.
Host Your Own
“Guests were encouraged to dress for a Mad Hatter’s Tea,” says Alexandra Lauren. “We announced that there would be a gift for the best hat and the ‘most bonkers’ costume. It’s hard to have a bad time
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when you are dressed silly and fun!” she admits. During the shower, guests can create a vintage photo album made from old book pages. Ask attendees to bring a photo and a message about the couple and how they are “bonkers” for each other. Make the food and décor represent the different Alice in Wonderland characters with fun, whimsical colors.
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entertaining
“I'M AFRAID SO, YOU'RE ENTIRELY BONKERS. BUT I WILL TELL YOU A SECRET... ALL THE BEST PEOPLE ARE.”
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On the Menu Edible flowers such as pansies and lavender frozen into ice cubes Champagne Cupcakes topped with edible butterflies Cucumber sandwiches Mozzarella and tomato skewers garnished with basil, drizzled with walnut balsamic demiglaze Vegetable platters Carved cabbage filled with dressing Bell peppers filled with hummus
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in the kitchen
Asparagus and Cherry Tomato Salad RECIPE EXCERPTED FROM SIMPLY GRILLING BY JENNIFER CHANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS
This is my favorite spring salad! The combination of asparagus, cherry tomatoes, tangy vinaigrette and salty capers is absolutely delicious. Grilling the asparagus gives the salad a wonderful smoky twist, but it’s just as good if you simply blanch it. Whether you grill or blanch it, be sure not to overcook the asparagus.
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INGREDIENTS: • Vegetable oil, for the grates • 1 bunch (about 1 pound) asparagus, tough woody ends snapped off and discarded • 5 Tbsp. olive oil, divided • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters • ¼ cup finely diced red onion (½ small onion) • 3 Tbsp. capers, drained • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar • 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
DIRECTIONS: Preheat a clean grill to mediumhigh with the lid closed for 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly brush the grates with oil. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tbsp. olive oil and toss until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the asparagus on the grill. Cook, turning once or twice, until tender and slightly charred, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the grill and let cool to room temperature. Cut the stalks into 1½-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, onion, capers, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice and remaining olive oil. Toss until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Serves 6. Do-ahead: The asparagus can be grilled in advance and chilled until you are ready to prepare the salad.
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dining out
V
icari Italian Grill
CORINTH, MS
TEXT BY CONNOR BRAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF VICARI ITALIAN GRILL
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here once was a quaint Mississippi town that served as a major junction for north and eastbound railroads in the late 1800s. That town, originally known as Cross City, would be later renamed for a famous crossroads in coastal Europe: Corinth. With the city’s history in mind, it’s fitting that Vicari Italian Grill is right at home in downtown Corinth, Mississippi. Named after a small town in Sicily similar in size to Corinth, Vicari provides delectable Italian favorites, choice grilled meats and highest quality seafood that Head Chef John Mabry is proud to serve. “The heart of the menu comes from our grill. Our dry aged beef, lamb chops and grilled fish are center-of-the-plate favorites, and we take great pride in serving tremendous Black Angus beef and fresh seafood,” says Mabry. Although grilled entrees are the core of the menu, the most popular item at Vicari was created as an afterthought. This happy accident occurred one day as the chef was playing around in the kitchen in
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hopes of creating a dish to fill the final space on the menu. The result was Vicari’s famous Crab and Shrimp Manicotti with an asiago red pepper cream sauce. “It is over-the-top rich, but the number one selling item on our menu,” the chef says. Sauces are the hallmark of many great Italian dishes, and Vicari’s do not disappoint. Well tested and travelled, many of the restaurant’s sauce recipes come straight from Italy. Mabry shares, “Our red sauce recipe is from the late 1800s and [was] graciously shared with us by our friends in Vicari, Italy.” While tradition is certainly honored at Vicari, the kitchen staff happily embraces new dishes. The menu changes every six months, and this spring diners can expect a version that boasts a variety of great seafood, summer-dressed salads with lots of kale, seasonal vegetables and fresh fruits. The restaurant is elegant yet bold with a rustic-meets-modern style. “Our owners,” explains Mabry, “restored a wonderful building
Opposite page: The Vicari Restaurant entrance in Cornith, Mississippi. Above: Delectible slice of Vicari's Tiramisu. Right: Vicari's speciality lamb chops.
from the late 1800s that was in great disrepair. The exposed brick walls paired with the beautiful Italian marble floors make for an environment that is absolutely stunning.” And he’s absolutely right. Vicari’s impressive setting captivates guests the moment they enter and take in the 30-foot high ceilings and centerpiece staircase that leads to a stylish upstairs lounge. The “Libations” menu at Vicari features a balanced selection of adult beverages. While the bar has become well known for its extensive bourbon selection, the wine list is equally strong, featuring familiar labels as well as highly rated new vintages that are sure to delight palates and provide a great complement to any diner’s experience. From European origins to its setting and recipes dating back to the late 1800s, this exceptional Italian grill fits with Corinth like two puzzle pieces. There’s a great story to experience and an unforgettable meal to enjoy at Vicari.
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happy hour In addition to the Mesquite Chop House’s full list of signature cocktails, the Grit & Grind and the Tiger Tail are festive drinks that celebrate Memphis sports—perfect for March Madness. RECIPE COURTESY OF MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE GERMANTOWN PHOTO BY SUZIE HANSEN
THE GRIT & GRIND INGREDIENTS: • 1.25 oz. Absolut grapevine vodka • .75 oz. blue Curaçao • 1 oz. cranberry juice • Splash of Sprite Mix and garnish with a lemon wedge for those colors we love!
94 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2016
THE TIGER TAIL INGREDIENTS: • 1.25 oz. Grey Goose vodka, shaken with 1 oz. pineapple juice • .5 oz. blue Curaçao • Splash of Sprite Mix and complete with an orange garnish.
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SOURCES 18 | HEALTHY YOU Special thanks to — Clean & Pink Residential Cleaning Company
22 | BEAUTY Matt Gossett, About Face Artistry on Facebook, aboutface_87 on Instagram
26 | AT HOME WITH Special thanks to — Missy Marshall
30 | HOME Special thanks to — homeowners Cathy and Greg Hankins and Designer Dena Pratt www.Ethanallen.com
42 | DESIGN Special thanks to — Betsey Mosby Eliza Kennard Photography
52 | HOME TRENDS Special thanks to — Robin Terry, West Tenessee Home Builders Asociation
54 | GETAWAY www.bigcypress.com
60 | EXPERIENCE THIS www.visitclevelandms.com.
82 | ENTERTAINING Special thanks to — Alexandra Lauren and Jennifer Wright AlexandraLauren.com, Jennifer Lenz Wright Interiors
90 | DINING OUT http://www.vicarigrill.com
94 | HAPPY HOUR Mesquite Chop House in Germantown, TN, (901) 249-5661
98 | ON A GOOD NOTE Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, ccwtn.org
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on a good note
St. Bernard's Dog Biscuits
TEXT BY CONNOR BRAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. BERNARD'S DOG BISCUITS
W
hen people hear the name St. Bernard a few images might come to mind. One is of the iconic image of a St. Bernard dog walking in a mountain ridge wearing a first aid barrel around its neck. The other is of that family movie series starring the friendly yet wild St. Bernard called Beethoven, who somehow, some way, always managed to save the day. Whatever image may come to mind—even if it’s none of the above—it will likely have something to do with the rescue qualities of the dog breed. St. Bernards, and rescue, are exactly what a new Memphis social enterprise is embracing. St. Bernard’s Biscuits, a Catholic Charities of West Tennessee (CCWTN) communal initiative, is a small business offering a line of high-quality, handmade biscuits for dogs. While producing these 100 percent natural treats locally, St. Bernard’s Biscuits is helping the Memphis community in more ways than one. Rather than employing experienced food professionals, St. Bernard’s Biscuits hires clients of CCWTN’s homeless shelter, Genesis House, to work as bakers and packagers of the dog treats. These clients receive fair wages for their work hours, the chance to learn modest trade skills, strengthen their communication skills, and build a valuable work history to allow them a better shot at gaining employment in the future. All revenue earned through sales of the treats goes back into Genesis House. CCWTN hopes that soon the name St. Bernard will conjure a new image in the minds of Memphians: an image of a social charity that’s bringing smiles to man and, of course, man’s best friend. 98 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2016
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