OCTOBER 2010 FASHION FOR YOU • YOUR HOME • YOUR LIFESTYLE
Restoring Redesign ATHOMETN.COM
Fall’s Coolest Looks | Health Special Section Miss Tennessee Nicole Jordan
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY Mike
Boatman
contents october 2010
COVER FEATURES
54 Miss Tennessee Nicole Jordan LIVING A DREAM
22 Fall’s Coolest Looks FALL INTO THE SEASON
Jump feet first into fall with all the latest fashions from Tennessee boutiques. From this season’s best boots to military- inspired style, we’ve got the coolest looks around.
37 Health Special Section A HEALTHY LIFE
Stay up-to-date on the latest health news in your area with At Home Tennessee’s special advertising section. Here you’ll find information on topics like SottoPelle’s breast cancer therapy and an introduction to one of the Family Cancer Center’s newest doctors.
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When 21-year-old Nicole Jordan was crowned Miss Tennessee this summer, her life changed instantly. Now the Cordova resident is busy preparing for the Miss America scholarship pageant in January without ever losing sight of her lifelong passion: giving back to others.
58 Restoring Redesign MAKING NEW OLD AGAIN
In order to make Marc and Elaine Stegman’s 1920s Tudorstyle Memphis home completely their own, the couple enlisted the help of designer Keith Headley, of Headley Menzies. The finished product is a gorgeous space that fits perfectly into the Stegmans’ lifestyle.
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SELF 20 PRODUCTS THAT GIVE BACK What’s better than shopping for your favorite items? Purchasing that new scarf is even more exciting when you know it’s for a good cause: breast cancer awareness.
30 PRETTY IN PINK Look fabulous and give back this month with great beauty products benefiting breast cancer research and awareness.
32 THE F-WORD At Home Tennessee’s Mandi Gaskin reflects on years of dieting and faces her biggest nemesis: Fear.
34 HEAD-TO-TOE TONING Hit up a Pilates class this October for total body toning or grab an exercise ball and try these simple moves in your own home.
TRAVEL 48 HILL COUNTRY GETAWAY Fall is the perfect time to visit San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country. Take a trip down the wine trail, cruise the River Walk in a river 8 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
taxi and relax in luxury at the Westin La Cantera Resort on this trip.
50 STATEWIDE SPOOKS Explore the darker side of Tennessee with haunted attractions to fit every thrill-seeker ’s wants. From Ruby Falls’ Hannibal Hill to Franklin’s Carnton Plantation, prepare for a frightening experience.
HOME AND GARDEN 68 OUTDOOR LIVING
restaurants in the U.S. What started with just three items on the menu has grown into a treasured Southern landmark.
84 SUGAR, SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE Throw a birthday party your child will remember for years to come with adorable recipes and decor from some of Nashville’s finest.
IN THIS ISSUE
Memphis area contractor Jason Speed turned this backyard into a gorgeous outdoor oasis perfect for grilling or enjoying a sunset this season.
12 PUBLISHER’S NOTE
72 FASHION-FORWARD GARDEN DESIGN
92 BOOK REVIEW
High fashion isn’t just for the runway anymore. Amp up your garden’s style with these tips on plant arrangement and color rules.
94 HAPPENINGS
FOOD 82 SHILOH’S SOUTHERN SECRET On the banks of the Tennessee River in Shiloh, Tennessee is the Catfish Hotel, one of the oldest family run
76 by invitation—THE SOCIAL PAGES 90 SEE AND DO
97 SOURCES 98 ESSAY
October 2010 • Vol. 9 No. 7 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Margaret Monger - mmonger@athometn.com
EDITORIAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nikki Aviotti Hodum- naviotti@athometn.com MANAGING EDITOR Lindsey Phillips Abernathy - lphillips@athometn.com SOCIETY EDITOR Lesley Colvett - lcolvett@athometn.com EDITORIAL/PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Hallie McKay -hmckay@athometn.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mandi Gaskin, Terri Glazer, Andy Pulte, Jordana White CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mike Boatman, Sarah Dobbins, John Terry INTERNS Kelly Kriegshauser COLOR MANAGEMENT Charles Reynolds - cr@colorretouching.com WEB MASTER Donna Donald - donna@donnadonalddesign.com
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Virginia Davis - vdavis@athometn.com Hilary Frankel - hfrankel@athometn.com Janna Herbison - jherbison@athometn.com Robert Philips - rphilips@athometn.com REGIONAL SALES Melissa Hosp - mhosp@athometn.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Trip Monger - tmonger@athometn.com
HOW TO REACH US 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155, FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE athometn.com BEAUTY INQUIRIES beauty@athometn.com WEBSITE INQUIRIES web@athometn.com At Home Tennessee does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to - Lindsey Phillips Abernathy, Managing Editor, At Home Tennessee; 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe online at athometn.com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Tennessee is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Tennessee; 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 Lindsey Phillips Abernathy; At Home Tennessee; 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or by e-mail to lphillips@athometn.com.
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publisher’s note
Cherish the Good Times
O
ur Entertaining section of the magazine has always been one of my favorites. I love the creative ideas and the yummy recipes I find. This month, a birthday celebration for a little girl, is no exception, but brings back great memories of my own. I remember all the preparation that went into our children’s birthday celebrations. I planned my daughter’s first birthday party to be teddy bear themed. Everything had to be just perfect, from her pink smocked dress with teddy bears to the cake. I specifically told the bakery what I wanted over and over, down to the smallest detail. I couldn’t wait to see what I had created in my mind. But when I opened the box, I nearly died! It was the ugliest cake I had ever seen. I can laugh about it now but at the time it seemed like the most stressful event ever. Over the years, I quickly realized that an ugly cake was certainly not close to the most stressful situation that comes with raising children! Since then, my daughter has had some wonderful birthday parties with beautiful cakes. We have celebrated at our home, on farms with pony rides, in Disney World, and at hotels for sleepovers (I quickly learned that indoor pools and no mess to clean the next day is the way to go with 10-year-old girls.) We graduated to Sweet 16 dances and a girls’ trip to the beach for my daughter’s 18th. This month, my baby girl turns 21 and plans to celebrate with some college friends in the Big Easy and I don’t think a teddy bear cake will be on the menu! For all the young moms out there, enjoy the fun birthday celebrations with your children and take lots of photos, even of the ugly cakes. It doesn’t matter in the long run, and 21 years goes by very quickly. I’ve often heard that a daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend. Happy Birthday to Callie, my baby girl and my friend.
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contributors’ page
www.haljaffe.com
Lesley Harris Colvett is pleased to rejoin At Home Tennessee magazine. Her 10year career in magazines began promptly after graduating from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism as editor of RSVP magazine, where she covered countless parties in Memphis. Most recently, she was one of the founders of by invitation Kansas City, a social magazine in Kansas City. Lesley is proud to bring social pages to Tennessee!
Stephanie Alexander is a wedding and event planner and owner of You’re Invited Events in Nashville. Stephanie specializes in social events throughout the state of Tennessee. Helping her clients carry out their vision and truly making each event unique is her passion. She earned an MBA from the University of Memphis and a BBA in marketing and Spanish, and her extensive business background allows her to approach each event with the client’s budget and timeline in mind. Stephanie is also an avid entertainer, chef and baker and loves expressing her creativity through do-it-yourself projects. You can learn more about Stephanie by visiting her website at yistationery.com or her blog at yievents.blogspot.com. Becky Fox is a certified personal trainer, nutrition consultant and owner of the Knoxvillebased personal training and boot camp company, Fox Fitness. Becky enjoys helping individuals lose fat and tone their bodies through fun, efficient and challenging workouts. She has written for various publications including the Knoxville News Sentinel. Becky is an Optimum Nutrition sponsored fitness model who can be seen on the covers of Power Systems and Magazine Blu. You can learn more about Becky by visiting foxfitness.com.
Stephenie Ward is a registered dietitian who partners with clients of various medical and fitness backgrounds at Germantown Athletic Club. Her clinical experience includes pediatrics, cardiovascular disease, lifecycle changes, diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, osteoporosis and athletes desiring improved athletic performance. Outside of work, Stephenie enjoys training for triathlons, playing the violin, cooking and spending time with her family of five. 14 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
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Products that Give Back Look fashionable for a good cause this October with items that benefit breast cancer research and awareness. Whether you sip your coffee from this ceramic travel mug or work out in New Balance’s magenta shorts, pink has never looked better!
Eco Clean’s All Purpose Cleaner for the Cause alice.com Lindsay Phillips’ Belleview Scarf in Orange/Pink lindsay-phillips.com Juliska’s Pink Ribbon Wine Glass designsbylolita.com
Pink Ribbon & Hearts Ceramic Travel Mug Available from The Breast Cancer Site store thebreastcancersite.com Jessica Steele Pink & White Floral Apron unique-vintage.com 20 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
Pink Ribbon “NP” Shorts by New Balance in Magenta pinkribbonshop.com
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(This Page) Linea Pelle Purse, Rag & Bone Straight Leg Jean , BB Dakota Black Jacket Oak Hall; Jewelry Westwin; Sam Edelman Black Suede “James” boot Embellish Shoes; Stripe Shirt Eleven
(Opposite: Clockwise from left) Leona Plum Tiered Skirt, Hemline; Jack by B.B. Dakota Dried Tobacco Cardigan, Eleven; Sam Edelman Lace Up “Sawyer” Oxford Heel, Embellish Shoes Liquid Pattern Dress, Wood Bangles Southern Couture; Blazer, J.Crew; Belt, Westwin; “St. Germain” Oxford, 7 For All Mankind, Embellish Shoes; Frezia & Zero Earrings, Bliss Quicksilver Olive Tunic Top, Southern Couture; Black Wool Short, J.Crew; Quicksilver Legging; “St. Germain” Oxford, 7 For All Mankind, Embellish Shoes
Fall into the Season Greet cooler weather with a flirty mix of masculine-yet-feminine pieces, militaryinspired styles, metallics and, of course, the best boots in town! PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Dobbins, MODEL Victoria Chesney, STYLING Hallie McKay
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Leona Plum Tiered Skirt, Hemline; MM Couture Black Lace Top, Paisley ; Sam Edelman Lace Up “Sawyer” Oxford Heel, Embellish Shoes; Layered Pearl Necklaces, Southern Couture; Longchamp Black Clutch, Westwin
Alice + Olivia Dress, Obligato; House of Harlow Medallion Necklace, Mams’elle; Dainty Gold and Turquoise Tear Drop Necklace, Southern Couture; Longchamp Black Clutch, Westwin; MAXSTUDIO Umberto Booties, Mary October 2010 • athometn.com | 25
Piko Black Harem Pant, Muse; Shirt, scarf, Bliss; MAXSTUDIO Umberto Booties, Mary; Vintage bag, Hot Horse
Rag & Bone Army Coat, Linea Pelle Purse, Oak Hall; Recession Black Moto V. Jean, Eleven; Frye Grey Boot, Mams’elle; Earrings, Eleven; Cuff, Westwin
Tibi Purple Crop Jacket, Bangles, Quicksilver Legging, Southern Couture; MAXSTUDIO Umberto Booties, Mary
Dress, Mary; Black Tank, Southern Couture; Longchamp Black Clutch, Westwin; Enzo Maroon Mary Jane Pumps, Muse; Sherry Dixon Necklace, Freshie & Zero earrings, Shelley Cooper Ring, Bliss
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Pretty in Pink We all know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This month, in honor of breast cancer awareness, we’ve chosen products that not only look great, but also give back to help fund breast cancer research, treatment and/or patients. So why not get out there and do your part? You can’t go wrong with these great beauty items, and you are helping out when you purchase them. Shopping just got a little sweeter! TEXT Nikki Aviotti Hodum
Josie Maran Give One Get One (GOGO) Natural Volume Argan Mascara josiemarancosmetics.com
Kimara Ahnert Cosmetics Pucker Pink Ribbon Lipstick kimara.com
AHAVA Hope Blossoms Mineral Bath Salts AHAVA.com Sonia Kashuk’s Primping for a Cause Eyelash Curler and Tweezer set target.com
Tigi’s Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo tigihaircare.com
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VMV Hypoallergenics Meringue Makeup set VMVHypoallergenics.com
The Body Deli’s Botanic Body Scrub in Pink Grapefruit thebodydeli.com
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The F Word At Home Tennessee columnist Mandi Gaskin discovers that the key to unlocking the door to permanent weight loss is through facing her biggest nemesis: Fear. TEXT Mandi Gaskin | PHOTOGRAPHY Melissa Schipper
I
have never been a skinny girl. As my grandmother often put it, I am “built strong,” which always brought to mind disturbing images of an ox. But I never thought about my weight until I went to the doctor for a checkup when I was 12 years old. The doctor looked down at me as he tapped the chart in his hand and proclaimed, “Your weight is off the charts.” I could still taste the remnants of the Snickers bar that I had eaten only an hour before while I stared at him in horror. Up until that point I had been enjoying a heavenly diet of sausage biscuits, French fries and candy bars. My friends would come to my house and raid our cabinets like it was the 7-Eleven because my mother believed that Little Debbie was part of the food pyramid. But from that day at the doctor, one message stayed with me for the next 15 years: Fat = Failure, Thin = Success. And from that moment on, food and I became frenemies. We would go weeks loving each other in a blissful relationship of pasta and fried chicken to breaking up for days while I shamed myself into eating carrot sticks for a “cleanse.” By the time I reached my twenties this obsessive behavior was like a full-time job. If there was a bandwagon, I was normally driving it and yelling from a bullhorn for people to hop on. Nothing excited me and tortured me more than a diet. I would plan for it like I was training for the Olympics, buying grapefruit juice by the case in order to gear up for my grapefruit juice and soup diet. By the seventh day I was five pounds lighter and so irritable that I almost picked a fight with the sweet Wal-Mart greeter who didn’t hand me my shopping cart fast enough. And then I tried jumping rope—like, for hours—because I once heard Naomi Campbell say that it helped your cheeks have that sunken in look, or maybe it was from her steady diet of cocaine and cigarettes. But even when the numbers on the scale descended 30 pounds, the fear and self pressure to maintain my new weight would feel like climb32 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
ing Mount Everest and cause me to dive into a cheesecake and avoid the gym like I was Howie Mandel at a handshaking convention. The cycle grew stronger and stronger with each new diet plan that I committed to and inevitably failed. It wasn’t until I was almost 30 and took a step back to really look at my 10 years of losing and gaining the same 30 pounds that I saw the pattern that had evolved. And what I found had nothing to do with the food, or even my thighs (gasp!). I have always known I was an emotional eater, choosing food to fit my mood like many people pick a fine wine with their dinner. But what I didn’t realize was that I was using food as an escape door from something that I didn’t want to face. Whether it was stress from a job or from feeling hopeless about my expanding waist or from disappointment that I haven’t yet won the Nobel Peace Prize (Did I mention that I have ridiculous standards?) I would use the food to escape—even if it was just for 10 minutes—from a reality that I wasn’t happy with or felt like I couldn’t control. Now I would love to tell you I am as Zen as a Buddhist monk since learning this revelation but sadly I am a slow learner and am not very good at change. And so I still have my days where I look at the lovely paunch that remains from childbirth with disdain or feel hopeless and start looking for the nearest chocolate chip cookie, but I also have those times of awareness where I can stay present and really try to understand my fear and listen to my body instead of bolting from reality. And that, my friends, is a step in the right direction. Mandi Gaskin wishes she was a Zen master in a constant state of bliss. In reality she is an anxiety-ridden mom and writer living in a blissful world of chaos. Read about her funny life adventures at www.freedingo.blogspot.com.
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Head-to-Toe Toning Tone up this month by enrolling in a Pilates class. At home you can do some simple yet rewarding exercises on the workout ball and amend your diet to include heart-healthy meals.
Nurture a Healthy Heart TEXT Stephenie Ward, registered dietitian, LDN, Germantown Athletic Club
Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, and high cholesterol is a significant contributor to heart disease. The good news is for every one percent reduction in cholesterol, the risk of developing heart disease is decreased by two percent. With every one milligram, an increase in good cholesterol lowers the risk of heart disease two percent to five percent.
Practicing Pilates Balancing Act Developed by Joseph Pilates in the first half of the 20th century, Pilates is meant to help bring balance back to the body. “The main benefit of Pilates is a powerful and injury free body,” says Michael Feigin MS, CSCS with the Fitness Guru in New York City. “Injuries develop out of imbalances between the muscle groups. If you take the time to rebalance the body, it alleviates stress and cuts down on the opportunity for back, neck and other joint pain.” People who practice Pilates regularly usually see an improvement in posture, Michael says. All-inclusive Michael says he has trained everyone from age eight to 80, from pro football players and boxers to business people and new moms. “Everyone can participate in Pilates,” he says. “However, if you have injuries or any sort of preexisting condition, always let the instructor know because some of the exercises are not recommended for certain problems. But even in those cases there are always alternative exercises.” Total Toning Workout “Pilates is brilliant for building muscle and toning,” Michael says, adding that it helps to lengthen and strengthen muscles while also increasing power and flexibility. And while it’s not a fat-burning cardiovascular workout, those who practice regularly usually see their waistline shrink because of the focus on the abdominal muscle. Considering classes? “Classes are always better because a trained professional will see what you are doing and make corrections,” Michael says. The average mat class consists of about 20 to 30 Pilates exercises and lasts about an hour. And because this workout can be done barefoot or in socks, all you need to bring to class is an open mind, good listening skills and comfortable clothing. However, if classes aren’t available, try working out with a DVD in your own home. Fitness Guru has recently released its first DVD, “Everyday Pilates,” available on Amazon.com. For more information on Pilates or other forms of exercise visit fitnessgurunyc.com. 34 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
Learn the Lingo •Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. The higher the number, the more likely it is affecting your health. •High-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries excess cholesterol out of the blood and away from the heart. This is also called “good” cholesterol. •Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is called “bad” cholesterol because it can stick to vessel walls, reducing or blocking blood flow, which can contribute to causing heart attacks. •Triglycerides are fats in your blood that increase after you eat. High triglycerides in your blood with high LDL cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease. •LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels make up the total cholesterol number. The desirable level is 200 mg/dl or below. Anything above puts you at risk for heart disease. What can you do? Smart Substitutes Limit your saturated fat and trans fat intake. Avoid high-fat animal sources. Instead of whole milk, opt for skim or low-fat milk. Choose more skinless chicken and turkey and low-fat beef. Instead of whole eggs, try egg whites or egg substitutes. Coconut and palm kernel oils should be avoided in addition to fried foods. Avoid trans fat (also known as partially hydrogenated oils), which are listed on food labels. Substitute fresh fruits and veggies for processed snacks. Rethink Your Fats Opt for healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat beneficial to achieving heart health. Choose salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, canola and soybean oils. Choose monounsaturated fats. Avocados, olive oil, peanut butter, many nuts and seeds are good sources. Amp up the Fiber Eat enough fiber by choosing wholegrain foods, fruits and veggies. Get Movin’ Exercise regularly. This can help raise the good blood cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. At least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week may also help with weight loss. Losing five to 10 percent body weight for an overweight person can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Live a Healthy Lifestyle This includes managing stress, avoiding tobacco smoke, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and eating a healthful diet.
Stability Ball Workout
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Stability balls are an excellent piece of equipment because they are so versatile and inexpensive. They also recruit stabilizer muscles which leads to a stronger body, better balance and more calories burned during your workout. Complete two to three sets of 12-16 reps of each exercise. TEXT Becky Fox | MODEL Becky Fox
Ball Push-Up Works: Chest, Shoulders Beginner exercisers should start with knees on the floor while more advanced exercisers can start on toes for increased difficulty. Place hands about shoulder width apart on the ball. Keeping abs tight, lower body toward the ball stopping about an inch from the ball. Push body back to start and repeat.
Ball Crunch Works: Abs Start by sitting on the ball. Slowly roll out until your lower back is on the ball. Feet should be flat on the floor under your knees. Hands should touch lightly behind the ears. Raise shoulder blades off the ball in a crunch position engaging the abs. Lower back down and repeat.
Ball Hamstring Curl Works: Hamstrings, Butt, Hips Lie on the floor with legs straight and heels on the top of the ball. Hands can be placed on the floor at your sides for increased balance. Lift the hips and back off the floor creating a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. Slowly roll the ball in towards your glutes. Return back to start, keeping your hips off the ground during the entire movement, and repeat. October 2010 • athometn.com | 35
A Healthy Life At Home Tennessee’s Health Special Advertising Section
October 2010 • athometn.com |37
Special Advertorial Section
38 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
Special Advertorial Section
Breast Cancer Breakthrough: Could Testosterone Replacement Be the Key? TEXT courtesy of SottoPelle | PHOTO dreamstime.com
Breast cancer. Simply hearing the words can spark a range of emotions, especially if your life or the life of someone you love has been changed by this all-toocommon disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in eight women will be affected in her lifetime. Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any other cancer except lung cancer, and the older a woman gets, the higher her risk of developing breast cancer. Those are sobering statistics, to be sure—and to Dr. Gino Tutera, they’re a call to action. Dr. Tutera is not only a respected physician, but a pioneer in the field of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). He developed SottoPelle, a revolutionary method of delivering precisely the right balance of hormones when the body needs them most. And as a doctor who has tested the hormone levels of a countless number of patients, he knows a correlation when he sees one. “Around age 40, there is an increase in fibrocystic disease of the breast,” Dr. Tutera says. “It coincides with women losing 50 percent of their testosterone production.” Testosterone, long thought of as a “men’s hormone,” is equally important to women in maintaining normal physiology. In fact, pre-menopausal women produce 300 milligrams of testosterone per day: a bucketful as opposed to a thimbleful. Still, says Dr. Tutera, it has been uniformly ignored. But for women at risk for—or suffering from— breast cancer, a restoration of normal testosterone levels can produce results that are nothing short of miraculous. “Testosterone therapy helps decrease over-activity of cells in the breast,” Dr. Tutera asserts. “And if you decrease cell proliferation, you cut down on the occurrence of cystic disease.” But if you think that’s all testosterone replacement therapy can do, think again: this powerhouse also maintains bone density and prevents muscle loss, decreases cholesterol and triglycerides, lowers high blood pressure, decreases the risk of heart disease and helps to provide an overall sense of well-being. What’s more, testosterone stimulates receptor sites in the parietal, temporal and frontal lobes of the brain to stave off dementia and decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The proper level of testosterone benefits anyone, and can be a literal lifesaver for breast cancer patients who see not only a higher level of survivability, but a lower chance of recurrence. 40 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
“Breast cancer patients are uniformly subjected to the usual treatment of no hormones whatsoever, which actually shortens the life span,” says Dr. Tutera. “Through testosterone replacement with SottoPelle, we have the capability to help patients get their quality of life back.” Dr. Tutera founded SottoPelle in 2002 after years of research in bio-identical pellet therapy and with more than 30 years as an OB/GYN specializing in the treatment of PMS, menopause and hormonal imbalance. Converging his practical experience with a unique approach of individually dosing biologically identical hormones, Dr. Tutera developed a proprietary and unparalleled therapy that has since become world renowned. SottoPelle uses pellets that are comprised of the highest quality botanical ingredients, formulated to precisely match the hormones which naturally occur in the body, with no unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients to hinder the assimilation process. This fully customized form of BHRT delivers the exact dosage of hormones that the body needs, efficiently recreating the natural physiological balance. After nearly a decade, SottoPelle Therapy is now available in Middle Tennessee. The practice, located in the heart of Nashville’s medical district, opened in mid-June, with additional office openings to come in future months. “As I enter the Nashville market, I look forward to having opportunities to provide insight and education to anyone interested in feeling better and being healthier,” says Dr. Tutera. “That’s why I encourage initial consults and give seminars open to the public for anyone seeking facts about bio-identical hormone therapy. There’s much to learn and everything to gain with this treatment.” No one wants to be the one woman in eight who is affected by breast cancer – and certainly not more than once. Testosterone replacement therapy with SottoPelle could be the protection that you need. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tutera, please contact SottoPelle at 2201 Murphy Avenue, Suite 202 Nashville, TN 372-3 615.822.1616 www.sottopelletn.com
Special Advertorial Section
Aesthetics in Today’s Market TEXT courtesy of Langsdon Clinic | PHOTO courtesy of Langsdon Clinic
When searching for any kind of service, the consumer has many choices. Having options can be a good thing. Unfortunately, when one is considering facial aesthetic surgery, Botox injections or procedures to smooth the skin, it seems that every kind of doctor (not just plastic surgeons), nurse and even “spas” are offering treatments that sometimes can seem too good to be true. This can confuse the person searching for an aesthetic medical service. It stands to reason that not everyone providing a particular type of service will have the same degree of education, talent, experience and ability. For instance, a fine finish carpenter is usually going to do a better job with molding, bookshelves and cabinets than a frame carpenter, and a framing expert will usually be better at helping ensure that one’s home is framed in a structurally sound manner. The same comparison might be made for an auto mechanic, dentist or plumber. Why should physicians be any different? Some types of doctors are becoming more and more specialized. For instance, some orthopedic surgeons specialize in fractures of the hand, some specialize in back surgery, while some specialize in hip fractures, etc. It’s only logical that these specialized physicians can offer superior care in their fields of expertise. Despite this, the license to practice medicine does not limit what a doctor can do, nor does it guarantee the doctor is practicing what he/she is most trained and experienced to perform. Likewise, board certification does not guarantee that a doctor has a lot of experience in a particular surgical procedure. Still of more concern, the state of Tennessee does not determine who can purchase a laser, inject Botox or inject facial fillers. There are rules, but they are being bent. Many non-physicians and non-plastic surgeons are suddenly proclaiming that they are “experts” in aesthetic treatments. Botox injections, facial filler injections and laser treatments are being offered by almost everyone. Would anyone expect their facial plastic surgeon to fix their broken hand or perform a hysterectomy? So why would anyone expect an emergency room doctor to be an expert at Botox injections? How do you know that one will obtain the maximum benefit for the Botox purchased from someone that studied gynecological surgery? The facial muscles are otherwise only briefly covered during one’s anatomy course in medical school. So how does the consumer determine that they are in good hands? The simple answer is this; look at the practitioner’s practice focus, background, training, certification, level
of experience and results. About the Langsdon Clinic Since 1986, the Langsdon Clinic has specialized in “Facial” Plastic Surgery, offering the highest degree of specialization, service and care, both surgical and nonsurgical, to the region of the face. Phillip R. Langsdon, MD, FACS has specialized in and limited his practice to Facial Plastic Surgery for over 25 years. The Langsdon Clinic specializes in “facial aesthetic surgery”: nose jobs (rhinoplasty) facelifts, eyelid surgery, hair transplantation and other “non-surgical facial aesthetic procedures”: skin treatments, chemical peeling, facial fillers and facial injections. The unique and super-specialized “boutique” atmosphere at The Langsdon Clinic allows Dr. Langsdon and staff to provide focused, world-class expertise in the treatment of the face with both personal attention and compassionate care. Most facial plastic surgical procedures are performed in the clinic’s private, state licensed surgical center, using state-of-the-art equipment, providing natural looking results in a comfortable and convenient atmosphere. Non-surgical treatments and facial injections are also performed right in the office. Dr. Langsdon is a frequent lecturer throughout the U.S. He has given more than 100 medical presentations on topics related to the face, such as rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery, chemical peels, etc. He directs a national medical education course that teaches facial plastic surgery. He has numerous facial plastic surgery publications and participated in early research projects involving chemical peel, injectable facial fillers and Botox. He has appeared on the Today Show, Headline News (worldwide) and CSPAN and has been quoted in several national publications. He has been selected for inclusion in Best Doctors in America, the Guide to America’s Top Physician, and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons (Facial Plastic). The Langsdon Clinic was recently selected as 2010 winner of the Commercial Appeal’s “Memphis Most” for “Best Cosmetic Surgery Clinic.” Dr. Langsdon is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, as well as the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He is a member of the Tennessee Medical Association and the Memphis Medical Society. The Langsdon Clinic is located in Germantown, 901.755.6465 and on the web at drlangsdon.com. October 2010 • athometn.com | 41
Special Advertorial Section
Family Cancer Center: Community-Based, WorldClass Treatment Center TEXT courtesy of Family Cancer Center | PHOTO courtesy of Family Cancer Center
Founded in 1997, Family Cancer Center has six practices employing 65 health care professionals, including eight physicians and 18 nurses, all who serve the Center’s estimated 15,000 patients. The practice locations cover much of the Mid-South including Bartlett, Dyersburg, Memphis, Oxford and Southaven. The distribution of the offices makes the Family Cancer Center unique. As a communitybased cancer center, Family Cancer Center has been dedicated to delivering world-class care in a compassionate, friendly environment. They provide treatment services in the areas of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hematology and rheumatology. One of the Center’s newest members, Peter W. Carter, M.D., joined Family Cancer Center in October 2009. He has been in practice since 1989. Dr. Carter states, “Since I started practice, numerous changes have taken place but through all these years one thing has remained constant—there is never enough time. Obviously, it is beyond the scope of my expertise to create additional time so I have learned to make the most of what time I do have to spend with the patient and their families. What a person with cancer needs is an opportunity to ask questions and to be given answers. This requires my time and patience and giving this to a patient can be just as valuable as the treatment I recommend for their tumor.” The approach Dr. Carter has toward each patient is to first regard them as an individual with needs, concerns, questions and even fears that are unique and exceptional. Secondly, he makes it clear that they will be provided with the latest treatment options which represent the current state of the art and this includes the potential option to participate in a clini42| At Home Tennessee • October 2010
cal research study. As a community-based cancer center, Family Cancer Center’s core commitment in offering complete care includes clinical trials for most cancers among our five research offices. The Center is a member of Oncology Research Consortium through Sarah Cannon Research Institute, one of the largest clinical research programs in the nation. Third, Dr. Carter offers advice with respect to their other medical problems and tries to assist them with their nutritional and emotional well-being. Fourth, but in many ways primary for many individuals, is attention to spiritual matters. “Spiritual beliefs can go a long way in giving hope and providing optimism for patients and family. I frequently acknowledge my spiritual beliefs and the effect has always been a positive one. Even though I am the physician I do not have all the knowledge and there is an upper limit to what I can do. Understanding and accepting the reality that much of what happens is in the hands of a higher power can make a meaningful difference in the approach to, and care of patients with cancer. Faith and trust therefore seem to become the ultimate word in the end.” Dr. Carter received his undergraduate education and medical training from the University of Tennessee. After his internship and residency, he completed fellowships in the Department of Medical Oncology and the Department of Hematology at Duke University. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. He sees patients at our Park Avenue (901.685.5655) and Baptist East (901.747.9081) offices. Visit familycancercenter.com to learn more about Dr. Carter and Family Cancer Center.
Special Advertorial Section
New Hip Technology May Reduce the Risk of Dislocation TEXT Christopher Ferguson, M.D.| PHOTO courtesy of Memphis Orthopaedic Group
Total hip replacement surgery has been one of the most successful orthopedic procedures over the last 50 years. Approximately 250,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. Despite its success in relieving pain and restoring function, hip dislocation after surgery occurs in approximately four percent of Medicare total hip patients each year. Depending on a number of risk factors, the risk of dislocation can be as high as 10 percent. Once a hip has dislocated, the risk of recurrence is 20 to 30 percent. Treatment of a dislocated total hip usually involves a return to the operating room to put the hip back in place or change one or more of the components. This exposes the patient to increased risk of other complications and additional recovery time. In an effort to reduce the risk of dislocation, conventional total hip designs have focused on the use of metal-on-metal large femoral head (ball) technologies. The larger the “ball” part of the ball and socket joint, the less likely it is to dislocate. Recent studies suggest, however, that the metal-on-metal systems release metal ions that may be harmful to the patient over time. For this reason, many orthopedic surgeons choose to avoid using metal-on-metal total hips. A next-generation technology for total hip replacement surgery recently developed by Stryker Orthopaedics is called the Anatomic Dual Mobility (ADM) X3 Mobile Bearing Acetabular System. The system was designed to minimize the risks of total hip replacement surgery, particularly dislocation. It
consists of a metal cup, a femoral head, and a polyethylene (plastic) insert. The major difference between this system and conventional systems is that the polyethylene insert is ball-shaped and actually moves within the cup instead of being fixed to it. The femoral head, in turn, fits within the insert and is essentially a “ball within a ball.” The dual mobility allows for improved range of motion, improved stability and should minimize wear and improve longevity of the component. I was one of the first orthopaedic surgeons in the Memphis area to utilize this system. I am also an engineer. I have been impressed with the technology, as it makes sense from both engineering and medical perspectives. Dual mobility systems have been used in Europe since 1975 and their reported dislocation rate has been less than one percent. This system is an improvement over previous dual mobility designs in that it utilizes Stryker’s X3 highly crosslinked polyethylene, a “super plastic” with very low wear. So far, patient satisfaction has been very high. Christopher Ferguson, M.D., of the Memphis Orthopaedic Group, received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a fellowship in Chur, Switzerland. He is boardcertified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
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Special Advertorial Section
Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care at Baptist TEXT courtesy of Baptist Memorial | PHOTO courtesy of Baptist Memorial
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Baptist Memorial Health Care, the premier breast cancer resource in the Mid-South, is committed to offering the highest quality, most comprehensive breast cancer treatment approach available. One facet of this care continuum is identifying breast cancer risk. For women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, Baptist’s Breast Risk Management Center gives them options. “We want to provide women the tools they need to manage their risks and take appropriate steps for prevention,” says Anita Vaughn, CEO and administrator of Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. At the first visit to the Breast Risk Management Center, a nurse assesses the patient’s level of risk, possibly referring her to genetic counseling and/or genetic testing. The patient has a clinical breast exam every six months and, if necessary, an MRI and mammogram are ordered. Early detection is the second part of breast cancer defense. The Baptist Women’s Health Center was among the first centers in the nation to offer full-field digital mammography. The digital mammogram offers better visibility of dense breast tissue and hard-to-see areas, and physicians can magnify and manipulate these images in real time. This technology reduces radiation by 20 to 80 percent compared to the older technique using film. Also at the Women’s Health Center is Second Look ®, a detection system providing a computerized second review of mammograms, showing radiologists subtle changes in breast tissue that might indicate the presence of cancer. Mammography is also provided through a mobile 44 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
unit canvassing local businesses, community centers and churches. “The mobile units provide services for thousands of women, many of whom have limited access to health care,” says Vaughn. In addition to the Women’s Health Center services and mobile unit, Baptist offers mammography at a satellite location at the Macy’s store in Oak Court Mall. The third part of breast cancer intervention is treatment. A weekly interdisciplinary conference of professionals representing radiology, gynecology, medical oncology, pathology, surgery, plastic surgery, radiation oncology, internal medicine, genetic counseling and nursing reviews individual patient cases through the Multidisciplinary Breast Conference. The process provides second, third and even fourth opinions without additional physician visits or cost. In addition, each breast cancer patient receives a nurse navigator to assist her in scheduling appointments or even accompanying the patient to testing. These nurses answer questions and chart the physicians’ recommended treatment options, so the patient can make the best decisions. The American Hospital Association awarded Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women a Citation of Merit as part of its Quest for Quality prize™. It was one of only three hospitals in the country to receive the designation. Baptist Women’s Hospital was also recognized by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as the first facility in its Centers for Comprehensive Women’s Care program—citing facilities providing the highest level of women’s care.
Special Advertorial Section
I Laughed So Hard I Wet My Pants ... No Really!
TEXT courtesy of the Jackson Clinic Department of Urology| PHOTOS courtesy of the Jackson Clinic Department of Urology
Urinary incontinence or “leakage” is a very common condition in the United States. Approximately 17 million Americans have some degree of incontinence, with 85 percent of them being women over the age of 30. Despite its prevalence, many people do not seek a doctor’s opinion or find out their options for correcting this issue. Many people simply accept this as a routine consequence of childbirth, or mistakenly assume that this is something they must live as they advance in age. Fortunately, there are many options for treating incontinence, and the success rate for those who choose treatment is very high. There are two main causes for incontinence in the general population. The first is known as “urge” incontinence. This manifests with irritative urinating symptoms, such as frequency, waking up several times at night to go and urgently seeking a restroom on a regular basis. In many cases, we attribute this to an “overactive bladder,” a condition where your bladder seems to have a mind of its own, regardless of where you happen to be or what you are doing. The other main type of urinary leakage is “stress” incontinence. People with stress incontinence often describe leakage with coughing, sneezing, exercising, lifting and even laughing. This is usually an anatomical problem involving the urethra or the muscle complex that controls continence. It is not uncommon for both conditions to occur in the same patient. 46 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
This is called mixed urinary incontinence. Our incontinence evaluation is relatively easy. On the initial visit to our office, your individual history and symptoms are discussed. Any non-urologic causes of the condition such as neurological disease, gastrointestinal dysfunction, medication side effects or pelvic organ prolapse are ruled out. We will commonly screen for urinary tract infection or blood in the urine. Occasionally, a patient is asked to keep a voiding diary to help us better understand how this affects their life and to determine the precise pattern of their incontinence. This also assists us in therapeutic decision making. In order to discern between urge and stress incontinence, the urologist will often utilize a procedure called a urodynamic study. This is a computerized, quantitative office procedure that gives us real time feedback as to the type and degree of incontinence. This entire workup can be done in the office with minimal discomfort. Most health insurance providers cover the evaluation and treatment options that we offer. Urge incontinence is typically treated with medication and behavioral modification. The medications used typically will aim to “relax” the bladder and decrease its overactivity. Some examples of behavioral modification include urinating on a schedule, avoiding foods which irritate the bladder and even decreasing fluid intake. The urologist tailors the be-
Special Advertorial Section
havioral modification regimen to each patient’s needs. Stress incontinence is generally treated surgically, as medication has a limited role. Often, the issues responsible for this stress leakage can be corrected with either injection of a urethral bulking agent such as collagen, or by placement of a urethral sling. During a sling procedure, the urologist places a sling beneath the urethra through a small hidden incision in both women and men. This procedure is performed as an outpatient or with an overnight hospital stay. Both of these options are minimally invasive and generally well tolerated. In a recent research study reviewing results with two types of slings available, 93 percent of patients considered their incontinence cured or improved. Urinary incontinence does not have to be a reality for most people. Evaluation of this condition is easy and safe. If we can help you or your family members in the treatment of urinary incontinence or any other urologic disease, please contact us at The Jackson Clinic Department of Urology at 731.422.0330.
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travel
Hill Country Getaway The Texas Hill Country is filled with gorgeous scenery and activities unique to the region. Stay in luxury at the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio and explore nearby areas for great shopping, dining and recreation. TEXT Lindsey Phillips Abernathy | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of the San Antonio CVB
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s the leaves begin to change and the air cools, there’s no better time to visit the breathtaking Texas Hill Country. Set up your home base in San Antonio, where city living and rich history abound, but pencil a few day trips to nearby Boerne and the Texas Wine Trail into your itinerary. This family friendly destination is a must for fall travels.
Stay in Style Book a room (or a private villa-style space, for that matter) at San Antonio’s Westin La Cantera Resort and you may never want to leave the picturesque hilltop property. With gourmet dining, lagoon-inspired Lost Quarry pools, golf courses, a nature trail and the Castle Rock Health Club and Spa, this Texas Colonial-style resort blends history and high-class living for the ultimate Hill Country experience. Be sure to enjoy at least a few meals at the resort’s on-site dining establishments. Francesca’s at Sunset (named for “the most beautiful girl in all the country,” according to local lore) offers a regional farm-to-table menu that changes seasonally, and Brannon’s is a great spot to grab lunch or chips and salsa. Looking to unwind with a hot stone facial or a round of golf on the 6,926-yard, par 71 Arnold Palmerdesigned course? Make a reservation for the younger members of your family at the Westin Kid’s Club— where guests four to 12 can take part in scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and tons of other age-friendly programs—and prepare for a day of relaxation. For nearby shopping, hop on the Westin’s shuttle and head to the Shops at La Cantera, featuring 150 48| At Home Tennessee • October 2010
shops including San Antonio’s first Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Or opt to visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas, to which the resort also offers transportation.
Explore No trip to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the Alamo (thealamo.org). Spend the morning reliving some of Texas’ richest history before heading a few streets over to the bustling River Walk for shopping and sightseeing. Explore the recently expanded River Walk and view outdoor art installations aboard a river taxi. For lunch, grab a Blue Crab Tostada at Boudro’s on the River Walk, where fresh guacamole is made tableside and a prickly pear margarita (or two) is a must. While in the area check out attractions like the San Antonio Museum of Art (samuseum.org) and the Pearl Brewery (pearlbrewery.com), with its 22 acres of shopping, restaurants and special events.
Day Trippin’ Just a 20 minute drive from San Antonio is Boerne (visitboerne.org), an arts community settled by German immigrants 150 years ago. Set on the Cibolo River, visitors can take in scenery and European architecture while they browse the galleries, shops and restaurants lining Hauptstrasse, the town’s main street. Stop to catch your breath at the wine bar or local brewery before heading over to explore natural attractions like Cave Without a Name (cavewithoutaname.com) or Cascade Caverns (cascadecaverns.com). A visit to the Texas Wine Trail (texaswinetrail.com), about 70 miles north of San Antonio, is a must on your
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Opposite: Westin La Cantera Resort, The Alamo; This page: River Walk River Taxi
itinerary. With 27 wineries all offering regional flavors, gourmet foods, entertainment and, of course, those gorgeous Hill Country views, there’s no wonder why the trail attracts more than five million visitors annually. Be sure to stop by Becker Vineyards (beckervineyards.com) to stock up on local wines and browse a gift shop full of soaps, lip balm and other products made from lavender grown on the property’s three-acre lavender field. Visitors can even spend the night in the Homestead Bed and Breakfast, a log cabin built in the 1890s and located next to Becker Vineyards. Just 10 miles outside of Fredericksburg (another Hill Country area worth visiting if you get a chance) is Torre di Pietra (texashillcountrywine.com), a winery owned by the Maxwell family. Enjoy gourmet cheeses, local wine and live music and dancing during your visit and don’t be surprised if a resident cat comes to greet you.
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Carnton Plantation
Statewide Spooks Experience fear this month as the spooks of Tennessee come out to have a little fun. From ghost tours of the state’s historic plantations to manmade thrills like haunted hayrides, there’s frightening fun to be had everywhere. TEXT Lindsey Phillips Abernathy | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy Carnton Plantation, Ruby Falls, Rock City
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et into the spirit of Halloween this month with all of Tennessee’s spooky offerings. With ghost tours, haunted hayrides, cursed corn mazes and other thrills all around, we’ve picked some favorites to get your terrifying trip started! Blowing Screams Farm At nightfall, Blowing Springs Farm, located at the base of Lookout Mountain, is transformed into a horrifying haunt with multiple hairraising attractions. Brave the Forest of Fear, the world’s only outdoor 3-D haunt, and wind your way down multiple pathways to explore haunted woods and swampland, a family crypt, a haunted cornfield and a 165-year-old Civil War hospital on this nearly half-mile trip. While you’re there, don’t miss the Ghost Ride, a haunted hayride packed full of eerie tales. You’ll even see a battle of the spirits. With tons of seasonal entertainment and roaming monsters, even waiting in line is a thrilling treat at Blowing Screams Farm. Tickets range from $15 to $39 with packages like the All You Can Scream 50 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
unlimited pass, VIP Front of the Line Fast Pass Combo and Forest of Fear and Haunted Hay Ride combinations. 271 Chattanooga Valley Road, Flintstone, GA 30725, 706.820.2531, blowingscreamsfarm.com Carnton Plantation Even in the daylight, the history behind Carnton Plantation in Franklin will send chills down your spine. Built in 1826, it was not until after late 1864 that Carnton was propelled to the forefront of haunted properties. Now considered by many to be “the most haunted building in Tennessee,” Carnton became the largest field hospital in the area following the November 30, 1864 Battle of Franklin, a five hour battle described as “the bloodiest five hours of the Civil War.” It resulted in about 9,500 soldiers being killed, wounded, captured or missing. Today, though restored, Carnton’s floors are still stained with blood from the aftermath of that battle. The property is also the site of the largest privately owned military cemetery in America. In October, visitors can tour the property by candlelight and learn about the historic haunts
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Ruby Falls from a knowledgeable, costumed guide. 1345 Carnton Lane, Franklin, TN 37064, 615.794.0903, carnton.org. Sam Davis Home Built in 1810, the Sam Davis home in Smyrna is overflowing with spooky history this month. From October 4 through November 1 experience the “Cult of Mourning,” firsthand, during which the two-story house will be prepared for an old-fashioned funeral. View everything from clocks stopped at the time of death to covered mirrors and mourning artifacts during this seasonal event. On select dates in late October brave guests can also tour the 160-acre plantation aboard a haunted hayride filled with ghostly tales and frights. And don’t miss the Sam Davis Home’s “A Frightful Night” on October 22—$25 will buy you a haunted dinner in the Creek House followed by a viewOctober 2010 • athometn.com | 51
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ing of a classic horror film in the Henry King Theatre. Top off the evening with a haunted hayride ghost tour. 1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna, TN 37167, 615.459.2341, samdavishome.org. Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Haunted Cavern at Ruby Falls, now in its seventh year, is a must for thrill-seekers. Upon entering the attraction, guests will find themselves in the nightmarish Hannibal Hill—a quarantined town on Lookout Mountain in which the deadly Cerberus Virus is spreading quickly and the infected are around every corner. There are four stages of the virus, ranging from the first stage Infectids to the Sliders (those infected with the fourth stage of Cerberus). This three-part haunt includes a haunted bus ride, a journey deep into Lookout Mountain’s cave and an abovethe-ground haunt portion. It takes about 30-45 minutes to complete—if you make it out at 52 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
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Forest of Fear House all. The attraction is open on select weekends in October, so check for dates. Tickets are $20 online or $22 at the door. 1720 S. Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37409, 423.821.2544, hauntedcavern. com Trail of Doom at Oakes Farm Now in its 10th year, the Trail of Doom at Oakes Farm (located just outside of Knoxville) continues to grow scarier and scarier each year. Located in a corn maze atop a hill, the Trail of Doom features bone-chilling sound effects, plenty of props, claustrophobia areas, a vortex tunnel and tons of other terrifying fun. The Trail is open Thursday through Saturday, October 1-October 30 and Monday-Saturday October 25-October 30. Visit on Thursday for $2 savings. 8240 Corryton Road, Corryton, TN 37721, 865.688.6200, trailofdoom.com
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at home with
Living a Dream After earning the Miss Tennessee crown this summer, Cordova resident Nicole Jordan is in full-on preparation mode for January’s Miss America Scholarship Pageant in Las Vegas. Find out what makes this young woman so outstanding—from her philanthropic projects to her performing talent—here. TEXT Lindsey Phillips Abernathy | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Miss Tennessee Scholarship Foundation
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hen Nicole Jordan was crowned Miss Tennessee at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson this summer, it felt like a dream. And with good reason—Nicole was participating in the scholarship pageant for the third time; previously she had not even made it to the final rounds. But on June 19, the 21-year-old Cordova resident went all the way to the top. “Every single time my name was called to be a finalist it felt so surreal,” she says. “I had been watching [the pageant] for so long and that had been my dream for so long. I had to pinch myself.” Since earning the crown, Nicole’s already busy life has become a whirlwind of preparations for January, when she will compete against 52 other contestants in Las Vegas for the title of Miss America. “My life has changed drastically,” Nicole says. “Right now I’d be in school, I’d be a senior at the University of Alabama.” But instead of traveling back to classrooms in Tuscaloosa, where she is a musical theatre performance major, Nicole has instead been to Atlanta to begin picking out her Miss America wardrobe and to Orlando to meet her fellow contestants. “That was fun,” she says. “I’ve heard that you really create a bond, a sisterhood with the girls that you compete with.” As part of her preparations for Las Vegas Nicole has even purchased a new television, an important part of her training. “I can TiVo the news stations,” she explains. “You have to stay really, really on top of current events and news and what’s going on in the world.” And don’t forget about the philanthropic projects that have kept her busy since she was a freshman at Briarcrest Christian School. In addition to the responsibilities that come with the Miss Tennessee crown (Nicole is now spokesperson of Character Education for the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Foundation), she also serves as Goodwill 54 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
Ambassador for Tennessee’s Children’s Miracle Network. Additionally, she is deeply involved in America’s Promise Alliance and has developed, established and participated in multiple programs targeting the APA’s goals: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Effective Education and Opportunities to Help Others. “Service has always been something that has been instilled in me from my family,” Nicole says. “I saw my parents lead by example. It became so close to my heart that I wanted to be involved and I wanted to make a difference. Literally a generation at risk is a nation at risk.” In addition to extensive philanthropic involvement (her work with the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals led her to be named one of Memphis’ Most Outstanding Women), Nicole has established programs of her own. She implemented the Girl Talk mentoring program in 2005 at Memphis’ Youth Villages to address APA’s “Caring Adults” mission and has since spoken with more than 600 young girls about a variety of issues. “I started talking to elementary and middle school cheerleading teams when I was a freshman in high school,” Nicole says. “I don’t tell them what message to send, I just make them aware of what it does send. I believe education is the bulk of everything.” It was during a 2007 Girl Talk mission that Nicole got the idea for the Shoes for Souls program when she saw a group of children attempting to run without proper footwear. “They were implementing a running program,” she says. “Some of those kids are trying to run and trying to gain miles to get rewarded but they’re in flip flops. This doesn’t seem fair. It really opened up my eyes to how many kids couldn’t have a healthy lifestyle because they didn’t have the right necessities.” Working with international company ASICS, Nicole has distributed about 1,800 pairs of shoes to date to Nashville flood victims, Youth Villages, the Carl Perkins Child
at home with Abuse Center and other Tennesseans in need. It was initially her interest in community service combined with an opportunity to perform on stage that prompted Nicole to compete in pageants. As a child she participated in only one pageant (she was crowned Little Miss Libertyland at the age of seven) but it had a lasting impact—it was this pageant that helped her realize the love of performing. “When I gave up my little crown for that pageant they said, ‘We’re going to need you to sing a song when your year is over,’” Nicole recalls. “I just piped up and sang Would You Like to Swing on a Star? I’ve been taking voice lessons and doing that ever since.” She participated in her second pageant, Miss Teen Collierville, at 14 years old and in the Miss Memphis pageant when she was 17, earning her first crown since Little Miss Libertyland. “It was an opportunity for me to have an outlet into service, and it was an opportunity to sing on stage,” Nicole says. “As I got older, the scholarships became more and more important to me. I realized I could have the opportunity to perform and get a scholarship at the same time.” And while she’s busy doing all she can for the youth of Tennessee, Nicole has a mentor of her own—her father, Gary. “My dad is truly one who has integrity in every single moment of his life and lives that day to day,” she says. “Integrity to me is what you do behind closed doors.” Nicole ran and finished the New York Marathon this year with her father—unknowingly on a broken foot. “It was very painful,” she laughs, adding that it wasn’t until the following Monday in her dance class that she realized the severity of her injury. But that experience has given her a great new mantra to take with her to Las Vegas in January: “I keep reminding myself, I can run the New York City Marathon on a broken foot, I can do anything.”
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Making New Old Again This Memphis renovation restored a 1920s Tudor home to a more authentic structural and design aesthetic. With lots of personal involvement from the homeowners and expert supervision by designer Keith Headley, the home is a beautiful illustration of new-made-old. TEXT Jordana White | PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Boatman
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hen Elaine and Marc Stegman began their home search, they had one very specific requirement in mind—their new house would have to accommodate their massive, over 100-yearsold Oriental rug. When they found a 1920s Tudor-style home with a living room measuring 30’x 42’ they knew they’d struck gold—but also knew they’d need to make a few changes. The Stegmans’ new home had already undergone a substantial renovation in 1996 when a large, modern addition, including a family room, kitchen and breakfast room, had been built onto the existing structure. While the Stegmans enjoyed the additional space, they wanted to bring the house back to its roots and create “a home that was warm and comfortable and great for entertaining,” says Elaine. That’s where Keith Headley, principal designer and CEO of Headley-Menzies, entered the picture. The Stegmans were heavy into search mode, looking for a designer to help them translate their vision for the home into reality. As luck would have it, they called Headley, and he “had a vision for the house that they just got,” Headley says. His plan? “To bring the addition back into the fold of the original architecture and to improve the design flow of the rest of the home,” he explains. Thus began a more-than-year-long process, much of which was planned out on paper long before construction ever began. For five and a half months, the Steg-
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mans and Headley were heavily involved in planning. In fact, “We had 90 percent of the renovation on paper before anything got started,” Marc says. “Of course, we made a few changes along the way after that, but not many. Changes mean money.” Since so much of the renovation was planned in advance, actual construction time was limited to just over six months, making the entire experience quite painless for the Stegmans. And, when the renovations were done, the results were entirely pleasing. “We were never looking for something ostentatious,” says Marc. In the newly finished home, “our dog Daisy (a long hair dachshund) can sit on every piece of furniture that people can.” “When our friends come in to the house,” Elaine adds, “they tell us how warm and comfy everything feels. That’s the biggest compliment we can get.” Despite the quick process and easily livable results, the renovation did result in major changes to the home. In the large family room, which was the initial focus of the renovation, Headley added beams to the ceiling, lending more weight to the space. He also replaced the wood mantle with stone—a choice not necessarily authentic to the 1920s, but certainly, “more of the period,” says Headley. In keeping with that theme, Headley updated the kitchen as well. The Stegmans didn’t want to replace the cabinets or flooring in the room, so Headley came up with a solution to return to a more authentic design without making any structural changes. “The
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feature cabinets in the kitchen were painted white, so we gave them a faux bois (false wood) finish to brighten up the room and give it a more aged feeling,” Headley says. Even parts of the home that had not been added in the renovation of ‘96 received some attention during the more recent renovation. One of the big focuses was the lighting in the home. By the end of the renovation, says Marc, every light fixture in the home had been replaced or moved. “There was literally only one light fixture that stayed in the same place,” he laughs; “the one in the foyer.” Also receiving a complete makeover was the master suite. In the master bathroom, Headley gutted the existing structures, designing a unique back-to-back double vanity for the couple. The new design also left plenty of space for a large dressing area, complete with a table perfect for morning preparations. The master bedroom was original to the home, but had been extended during the renovation. In this room, Headley removed a beam from the ceiling to create a calm, soft environment. He replaced the hardwood flooring to maintain the flow between the master and the other rooms in the home. And, as a final touch, Headley installed a carved wood, custom stained and antiqued mantle—a real focal point for a room decorated in restful colors, lush fabrics and rich velvet draperies. In other areas of the home, rooms that were entirely original to the structure still received attention. The sunroom, formerly a screened-in porch, was a great space for the Stegmans to unwind and enjoy views of their garden. To accentuate the experience, the room was painted, draperies were added and, to create the perfect opportunity for relaxation, two custom rattan chairs—exact replicas of those that furnished Roosevelt’s boat—were placed right by the window, upholstered in indoor/outdoor fabric to prevent color change 64 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
due to sun exposure. Headley also took on the home’s true outdoor space, beside the family pool. It was furnished with an outdoor table, chairs and several chaises, alongside their working outdoor kitchen. “They do a lot of entertaining, so this space was very important to them,” says Headley. Finally came the space that was, perhaps, most important to them—the dining room. “The paneled dining room was original to the home and truly rare,” Headley says. To allow it and the Stegmans’ extensive art collection to shine, Headley designed a peaceful space, without a lot of patterns. The Stegmans’ focus in the room, entertaining, was facilitated by their dining room table, a custom-built piece that they knew needed to seat at least 10. “That table is just a masterpiece,” Marc says. And it should be—he made a special trip to Atlanta to speak with the table’s designers, compare similar pieces and personally select every detail of the finished product. The result? A table that was new but felt old, with perfectly designed, subtle details like a rich patina, scalloped edges and barley twist legs. Much like the Stegmans’ dining room table, their entire home renovation turned new into old, modern into period piece. In doing so, the house could have gone the way of so many other fine homes, becoming more of a museum than a place for real people to live. But thanks to careful planning and the involvement of true experts, the Stegmans’ newly renovated house is one that welcomes all who enter with warmth and comfort. According to the Stegmans, everything turned out perfectly. And their designer, Keith Headley? “He batted 1,000,” Marc says. See Sources for Details
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home and garden
Embracing Outdoor Spaces When general contractor Jason Speed was called to redesign this pool house in Germantown, he knew just what to do. The end result is a functional outdoor living space with plenty of aesthetic appeal. TEXT Lindsey Phillips Abernathy | PHOTOGRAPHY John Terry, Forest Hill Photography
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ntertaining poolside may not be the first idea that pops into your head as October progresses, but a great outdoor living space is one that can be used all year round. This pool house in Germantown is just that— a cozy spot to enjoy changing leaves in the fall and for hosting a cool-weather barbecue. Constructed by general contractor Jason Speed of Speed Enterprises, Inc. in Memphis, the pool house features a kitchen/ living space, a bathroom with a shower and an outdoor grilling
area with an arbor, making it a functional yet aesthetically appealing addition to the property. When the homeowner first sought out Speed’s help, the original design of the pool house, as drawn up by an architect, would not work on that particular lot for technical reasons. While the 740-square-foot pool house had to be redesigned and englarged by Speed, the homeowner liked many of the components in the original plan so Speed made sure to keep those elements and enhance them. One of these enhancements was the addition October 2010 • athometn.com | 69
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of more French doors, which now affords a great view of the main house.“[The original plan] did have doors on the pool side but not the yard side and it was just a solid brick wall,” Speed says. “I thought, you know, if I was going to do that that I’d want it done the way that adds a lot of value to this. That’s being able to open it up and see and have access to the yard and enjoy the views.” Speed used the materials from the pool deck, which was already installed, as the flooring in the outdoor living space to create consistency. A neutral color scheme and season-appropriate furnishings and décor from Vignettes in the Memphis area help transition this pool house from summer to fall. The homeowner is happy with 70 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
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the outcome of the space, a common characteristic of Speed’s clients. He credits this to his experience and his values—“It’s treating people like you want to be, doing things the right way whether they know it or not.” Speed specializes in projects both residential and commercial, from simple maintence issues to larger additions and new construction. He has been in the business since he was 15, and started Speed Enterprises, Inc. in 1989. Since then, his popularity has grown by word of mouth.“I’ve got a lot of clients that I’m their guy. Deck, arbor, reroofing, gutters, windows, columns, if it has to do with the house, they call they guy they trust,” Speed says.
Behind the Scenes Staging—Vignettes, Germantown, 901.753.0010, designervignettes.com General Contractor—Speed Enterprises, Germantown, 901.755.0507, speedcompanies.com Pool—Pools By…, Memphis, 901.384.4808, poolsby.com Landscape—Gurley’s Azalea Garden, Memphis, 901.794.7370, gurleysmemphis.com
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home and garden
Fashion-Forward Garden Design A good color scheme isn’t just for the interior of your home anymore. Plan next year’s garden with these tips from At Home Tennessee’s Andy Pulte and learn how to create curb appeal with stems, fruit and blooms. TEXT Andrew Pulte, gardening expert and faculty member, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of dreamstime.com
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ven if you were in eighth-grade art class the last time you looked at a color wheel, now is the time to step back and take a good look at the plants you used to add seasonal color to your garden this year. Evaluate your successes and learn from your mistakes. How did you do? Are your color combos worth a repeat next season? In the excitement of spring, many of us rush out to the nursery or garden center with renewed excitement. Pairing different sizes, shapes, flower colors and textures is all a part of the fun in the spring. Now is a great time to consider a few modern ways to look at color in the garden.
Cool colors are some of the most relaxing colors. These hues are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of indifference. While hot colors scream “look at me,” cool colors tell your brain to wind down. Shades of pinks, soft oranges, purple, whites and even silver can make a compact yard look larger. They are great for that small back patio where you unwind after work. Many people who work long hours may only be able to enjoy their garden at dusk. Whites and silvers shine in the moonlight and give even late night gardeners something to look at when they arrive home.
Using Color Echo Let’s Talk Color Many gardeners don’t realize that plant colors evoke specific emotions. Hues can be beautiful in peaceful, happy, soothing, energizing and even sad ways. The colors you choose for a garden should reflect the mood you want to express. Many studies have been done that show the colors we choose in our bedrooms, kitchens, offices and other places we spend time do indeed effect our mood. The same is true in the garden. By simply altering our color schemes we can create entirely new spaces.
Keep It Hot Or Make It Cool One of the most basic ideas when selecting colors for the landscape is choosing hot or cool tones. Hot colors are just as you expect and have been used to the advantage of fast-food giants since the advent of the drive-thru. Reds, yellows and oranges jump out at you in the landscape. They scream at you to look in their direction. These colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of fiery passion. They also can serve a very utilitarian role. Often you will find gardens laden with hot colors like yellows and reds tend to look smaller. This can be used to your advantage if you want to shrink the look of a space that seems too large. 72 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
The garden writer Pamela Harper is often sited as having coined the term “color echo.” This is one of the best ways to use color in the garden. It takes into consideration that sometimes the lines are blurred between solid colors and recognizes that flowers are not the only things worth combining. It’s based on pairing plants with shared color characteristics in the garden. For example, you may choose to place a plant with red flowers next to a plant with red stems. Or place a plant with yellow foliage next to a plant that has complementary fruit color. Again, look at plants for shared color characteristics. Don’t just think about flower power; think about leaf, stem or even fruit color.
Evaluation Time This week take a slow walk through your garden. Evaluate your use of hot or cool colors. Look for color echoes and make notes of successes and failures. Every year you will find things that are worth repeating and things that didn’t turn out as planned. You’ve worked hard all year! Celebrate what you did right in the garden and make plans for next year’s best plant combinations.
Around the Garden: October Shrubs and trees October is the beginning of the ideal season to install trees and shrubs. If you do plant in October, definitely water plants well until rainfall picks up in November and December. Perennials, annuals and bulbs One last effort at weeding will help to improve the appearance of your garden throughout the winter. Divide perennials that have become overgrown. Lawn care Seeding and mulching bare areas in cool season lawns will provide erosion control and reduce the potential for weed problems. Fruits and veggies Pumpkins, summer squashes and gourds you plan on storing should be harvested before the first frost. Pumpkins that have begun showing color will continue to ripen after harvest. Use great care not to nick the rind during harvest since this will lead to more rapid deterioration. Odds and ends Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti should be placed in an east or north window, watered and fertilized one last time. Start letting them dry out more between waterings. This plus cooler night temperatures will stimulate blossom production.
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food
Shiloh’s Southern Secret Off the banks of the Tennessee River, just outside Shiloh National Park, sits one of America’s oldest family owned restaurants—the Catfish Hotel. Since the 1930s, patrons of the famed establishment have journeyed far and wide for a taste of Tennessee’s finest. TEXT Hallie McKay | PHOTOGRAPHY Hallie McKay
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n a town known for its historic battlefields, national cemetery and ancient Indian mounds lies another landmark of relatively unknown fame— the Catfish Hotel. Located in Shiloh, Tennessee, this family-owned institution began with just three items on its menu in the late 1930s. While it has certainly grown, the attention to quality ingredients and, of course, secret family recipes, remains as strong as ever. At Home Tennessee visited with owner Jim Hagy to sample the Southern fare and learn the secret to the restaurant’s success.
At Home Tennessee: To be one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in America is a huge accomplishment by anyone’s standards. What do you think it is about the Catfish Hotel that keeps people coming back? Jim Hagy: The restaurant business is tough and takes a level of devotion many folks aren’t up for. The unique thing about the Catfish Hotel is that everyone involved in its current success virtually grew up in this very building watching customers and the business being nurtured by people we loved and respected. Because of their mentoring, all of us have an almost instinctive restaurant sixth sense of how to make our food taste amazing and our service great. But the responsibility we have to this place and our guests comes from a deeper desire to honor the folks, now gone, who taught us and invested so much of their hearts into the restaurant. You could say both commitment and the Tennessee River run deep at the Catfish Hotel. AHT: The food was amazing! By all accounts the Hagys are the genesis of Tennessee catfish. Why are we just now hearing of you guys? JH: It could be because we are in the middle of nowhere, 82 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
but then, that is part of the charm. Who would expect to find a restaurant this busy and with this great of food at the end of a winding country road? To be honest, I think our remote location drives us to be our very best. When folks visit us, we know they have traveled a distance just to eat here and we want their experience at our restaurant to be more than worth the trip. AHT: There were so many items on your menu. What is your personal favorite? What’s the most popular overall? JH: I have a great photo taken about 1960 of two cousins and myself at about age four wearing only our underwear (why, I’m not sure) in front of the Catfish Hotel proudly holding a sign with the menu. If it hadn’t been for that old photo I would probably have forgotten that back then where only three items on the menu— catfish, country ham and chicken. The remote location and lack of refrigeration forced Pap-paw to keep the menu small. In fact, if someone ordered fried chicken it took a while for their dinner to arrive. The cook would have to go to the hen coop behind the kitchen, kill, dress and then fry the chicken. It seems every generation has added new winning items to the menu. Over 30 years ago my mom added her famous German Chocolate Pie, Dad added steaks with herb butter and Mam-maw Hagy added the Lemon Rub Pie circa 1945. The list goes on. I am most proud of the barbecued ribs. I added those about 15 years ago. They are a fusion of the best of Nashville and Memphis style barbecue. Classic Memphis dry rub, oven smoked, slow roasted and caramelized with a homemade Nashvillestyle barbecue sauce. The ribs are a hit and I’m proud of them, but my favorite and everyone else’s will always be Pap-paw’s fried catfish with hushpuppies and his bread and butter pickle tartar sauce.
food AHT: The Catfish Hotel encompasses everything we love about the South. It’s one of those hidden gems that reminds us that there’s no substitute for a Southerner’s time-tested family recipe. Are you willing to divulge any of your secrets for our readers? JH: Our recipes are secret, so secret that we don’t dare write them down. They are verbally passed from generation to generation of our amazing culinary team. AHT: If you can’t tell us any secrets to your seasonings or sauces can you let us in on your methods? JH: Although our recipes are important, having the freshest and best quality product is critical to bringing our customers the same amazing food we’ve been serving for 65 plus years. For example, our catfish is delivered fresh from North Mississippi’s best fish farms and although they arrive expertly cleaned, our talented kitchen staff spends hours every day dressing them even more. It’s details like this that make a big difference in how this menu item and others taste. AHT: You guys were hopping on a Tuesday night when we visited. We weren’t expecting to see the place (which is quite big) so busy. What would you say is your busiest time of the week or year? JH: Years back the summer months were by far the busiest and although it is still our busiest time of year, spring, winter and fall are now only slightly less busy. Folks are discovering there is nothing as heartwarming as sitting in front of our roaring fireplace on a chilly night and watching the moon reflect off the beautiful Tennessee River while enjoying an awesome plate of catfish. See Sources for Details October 2010 • athometn.com | 83
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Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice Who doesn’t love a posh party? Vendors and family members went above and beyond to make sure this birthday girl’s day was extra special, right down to the last detail. TEXT Stephanie Alexander, You’re Invited Events | PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Sisemore
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Setting the Scene This month, I created a birthday party for twoyear-old Katie. We held the event at her parents’ home, Front Porch Farms, in Ashland City, Tennessee. Front Porch Farms is not only Kathy and Brian Best’s family home, but also a wedding and event venue. Because the scenery is so amazing, I knew Katie’s party would be great for the outdoors.
Dessert Buffet Marshmallow Pops Dipped in Pastel Chocolates Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispies Treats Ice-Cream Cone Cupcakes White Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Who’s Who Event planner: Stephanie Alexander, You’re Invited Events Photography: Heather Sisemore with photo shoot assistants Anna Peebles, Bronwen Dunn and Mary Willett Custom Birthday Cake: Jay Qualls, Maple’s Wedding Cakes Florals: Terry White, the English Garden Graphic Design (cupcake toppers, candy jar labels, birthday banner and lemonade label): Lisa Sarmento Venue: Front Porch Farms See Sources for Details
For Katie’s party, I used soft pastel colors including pinks, greens and yellows. In addition, I wanted to create a unique outdoor party by utilizing indoor furniture pieces. Don’t be afraid to bring indoor pieces outside and use them in your party décor!
About Front Porch Farms: Kathy and Brian Best completed Front Porch Farms and opened it as a Nashville wedding venue in 2007. Kathy has also worked as a publicist in the country music industry for more than 16 years. She moved to Nashville in 1993 and started her artist management company, FrontPage Publicity, in 1997. Kathy has been the publicist and manager for some of country music’s biggest superstars including the Dixie Chicks, The Judds, Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley and many others. Currently, Kathy represents George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Rodney Atkins, Patty Loveless, Joey + Rory, and Stealing Angels. Brian is the landscape artist and estate developer at Front Porch Farms. He was in charge of designing and constructing the three-story main house as well as other facilities on the estate. Brian is also a proud Nashville firefighter, continuing a rich family legacy of firefighting. Together they have raised their beautiful family at Front Porch Farms. If you stop by, you may see them outside tending to the gardens and landscaping or just spending time together with their children. Either way, you will always be welcomed into their home as part of their family. October 2010 • athometn.com | 85
Do-It-Yourself Décor
Papier Mache Letters Wooden letters Spray paint Hot glue Button mums or carnations 1. Spray paint wooden letters (I purchased two different-sized “K” letters for “Katie.”) 2. Hot glue flowers to fill the entire letter. (On the smaller K I hot glued green button mums. On the larger I hot glued pink carnations to fill the entire letter.)
Drink Tags Straws Cardstock or scrapbook paper Scissors Double-sided tape Custom scrapbook Custom hole punches of various shapes Variety of color-coordinated stickers Ribbon 1. Cut circles out of various scrapbook papers. 2. Punch a smaller shape and affix to the larger circle with double-sided tape. 3. Place a sticker in the center of the smaller shape. 4. Punch a hole and string ribbon through. Tie around drinking glass with ribbon. October 2010 • athometn.com | 87
food
Recipes: Marshmallow Pops Dipped in Pastel Chocolates Large marshmallows Wilton chocolates, (I purchased a brand new product called “Colorburst Pastel Chocolates”) Pink cake sprinkles Lollipop sticks Ribbon
1. Melt the chocolate according to package instructions. 2. Dip a skewered marshmallow in the chocolate. Gently tap over a bowl to remove the excess. 3. Immediately coat with sprinkles. 4. Allow to stand upright in a block of foam to dry. 5. Tie with a ribbon to finish it off.
Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispies Treats 6 c. Rice Krispies 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine 1 package regular marshmallows (10 oz.) or 4 c. miniature marshmallows Cookie cutters in a variety of shapes Lollipop sticks Chocolate, various colors, melted
1. Make Rice Krispies treats according to package directions (with marshmallows and butter or margarine) and pour in a jelly roll pan. Once cooled, cut using assorted cookie cutters. 2. Place treats on lollipop sticks and dip 88 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
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in melted chocolate. 3. Tie with a ribbon to finish it off. These can be done using a variety of shapes and different colors of melted chocolate. Kids are great helpers with this recipe as well.
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes Store-bought cake mix Ice cream cones Whipped frosting Sprinkles
1. Prepare the cake mix according to directions on box. 2. Fill ice cream cones 3/4 of the way full with mix. 3. Place cones in a muffin pan so they will stand upright in the oven. Bake according to cake mix package. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. 4. Frost with icing and top with sprinkles. 5. Display in ice cream cone holders.
White Chocolate Pretzel Rods Wilton’s Melting Chocolate Pretzel rods Assorted toppings such as sprinkles, coconut, nonpareils, etc. 1. Melt chocolate according to package instructions and dip one end of the pretzel rod into the melted chocolate. Immediately roll on your toppings and place on wax paper to cool and harden.
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see and do
Oxford’s Holiday Market Torn between a fun weekend getaway and checking holiday shopping off your todo list? Visit Oxford, Mississippi, for an all-in-one experience and browse tons of unique gift items at the town’s first-ever Holiday Market on November 13.
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he Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau and Fete et Cie event planners will be hosting the First Annual Holiday Market on November 13 at the Oxford Conference Center in Oxford, Mississippi. “Visitors are always looking for holiday activities in Oxford and we felt this event would help give our visitors, and locals alike, another holiday activity to participate in,” says Mary Kathryn Millner, director of tourism and marketing. The Holiday Market will consist of more than 40 vendors from the region. There will be vendors featuring a variety of gift options, ranging from jewelry and clothing to home furnishings, accessories and paintings. There will also be a “Cookies with Santa” event during which children can meet Santa and have a picture taken with him. “We hope this event grows 90 | At Home Tennessee • October 2010
and becomes an annual holiday attraction in Oxford,” Millner says. For more information on the First Annual Holiday Market call 662.232.2367 or visit the CVB website at oxfordcvb.com.
What: Oxford Holiday Market When: November 13, from 9 AM to 5 PM Where: Oxford Conference Center 102 Ed Perry Blvd. Oxford, MS 38655
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book review
An Interview with Author River Jordan At Home Tennessee: What inspired you to write The Miracle of Mercy Land? River Jordan: There was an image that came to mind of a man standing on a street with pages falling at his feet from this book of sorts. That was all. But it really stuck with me and wouldn’t go away. Later, the voice of Mercy Land shows up and starts telling her story, about how she was born in a bolt of lightning on the banks of the Bittersweet Creek. Somehow, I knew both the image and her story went together and began from there.
The Miracle of Mercy Land By River Jordan Waterbrook Press, September 7, 2010 TEXT Nikki Aviotti Hodum
“I was born in a bolt of lightening on the banks of Bittersweet Creek.” With this type of opening, the reader can’t help but be drawn into the tale of Mercy Land. Mercy is a spunky, fearless hard working young woman living in the South in the 1930s. Though she grew up in Bittersweet, a tiny cluster of homes on the Bittersweet Creek, Mercy moves to Bay City and works at the Banner newspaper as the go-to girl for the owner, Doc Philips. She loves her job, her family and her life, but one day everything changes when a mysterious book shows up on Doc’s desk. The book is the biggest news ever for Bay City, but Mercy and Doc have to keep it a secret because of its mystical ability to depict the entire lives of people in Bay City. The book becomes an obsession for Mercy and Doc, and coupled with the appearance of a stranger coming to town to supposedly take Doc’s place as editor of the Banner, Mercy’s world is turned upside down. Mercy is forced to discover the purpose of the book and her own purpose.
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AHT: Do you relate to the main character Mercy? RJ: I grew up in Panama City, Florida but my grandparents lived in areas very much like Bittersweet Creek. I can really see the influence of those two worlds, the backwoods and the Gulf Coast, in the two places that Mercy lives and treasures. I had a small scholarship for journalism and had considered really embracing journalism as my life work at a young age. Mercy takes that position at the local newspaper with Doc Philips and then falls in love with everything about the news business. I can really see me in her in that way. AHT: What was your favorite part about writing the book? RJ: Shedding my skin, so to speak, and stepping into an entirely new world. I really get lost in the stories I am writing. It’s as if I sit right there at the computer and disappear into 1938, the Gulf Coast of Alabama and a late night at the newspaper when something amazing happens. AHT: What was the most challenging part of the writing process? RJ: Really? The truth? OK, since the book is so much about truth in different ways— the hardest part was that a dear friend had loaned me her cabin in the woods along the North Carolina border for me to hide for a month and finish the novel. A very undisclosed, removed, kind of location that is perfect for a writer to focus on completing a project. The only problem was that unknown to the owner who didn’t live nearby, the cabin became infested with scorpions upon my arrival. I fought scorpion every day for a month. And yes, staying was a challenge but I wouldn’t give up or give in. Amazingly, I wasn’t stung even once although I even woke up with them by my pillow. Sometimes I killed six a day. AHT: Who is your favorite character? RJ I honestly can’t pick just one. I love Mercy of course, and her Aunt Ida is just so much fun. The character of old, Doc Philips holds a very special place. Readers have really been reacting to Doc’s character and saying how much they loved him. I think everyone is really craving this grandfatherly mentor and friend in their lives right now. As a matter of fact, I wish I could pull up a chair right now in that big office of his and ask his advice this morning on a few things. Doc makes mistakes in the story but he is always trying to do the right thing. AHT: What are you working on now? RJ: I’m working on the final rewrites for a non-fiction narrative, Praying for Strangers, An Adventure of the Human Spirit, due out with Penguin-Berkley in hardback April 5, 2011. It’s a book that is based on a resolution I had for 2009. I never meant for it to be written down or to become published but the real life stories that took place over the course of that year were so amazing my husband kept telling me I needed to write them down. Everyone can find out more about that work on my website, riverjordan.us. I’m also working on the completion of a Southern Gothic novel that I began 10 years ago.
happenings
October 2010 October 2 Annual Stomp Out Breast Cancer Rocky Top Wine Trail, Pigeon Forge 866.453.6334, moutainvalleywinery.com October 7-10 Holiday Open House Bobby Todd Antiques, Sweetwater 423-.337.3837, bobbytoddantiques.com October 7-10 Pink Palace Crafts Fair Audubon Park, Memphis 901.320.6408, artsandcraftsfestival.org October 8-10 Goats, Music & More Festival Rock Creek Park, Lewisburg 931.359.1544, goatsmusicandmore.com October 8-10 Tennessee Fall Homecoming Museum of Appalachia, Norris 865.494.7680 museumofappalachia.org
October 9 PurpleStride Fundraiser Coolidge Park, Chattanooga 423.894.2744, purplestride.org October 12 The Art of Jack Daniels Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville 615.782.4040, tpac.org
October 26-29 Menopause the Musical Tivoli Theatre, Chattanooga 423.757.5050
October 15-16 Needles-N-Pins Quilt and Craft Show Bethel Springs 731.934.4541
October 28-30 Annual Pumpkin Lights Festival Park in Downtown Cumberland Gap 423.869.3860
October 16 12th Annual Fall Folklore Jamboree Milan 731.686.7362, milan.tennessee.edu/FFJ
October 29-31 Zoo Boo Memphis Zoo 901.276.9453, memphiszoo.org
October 16 October Sky Fall Festival Oliver Springs 865.435.0384, oshistorical.com
October 30 Haunted Tour of Jonesborough Historic Jonesborough 423.743.9255
October 19-20 STYX Tivoli Theatre, Chattanooga 423.757.5050
October 30 Pumpkinfest Historic Franklin 615.591.8500, historicfranklin.com
October 8-10 Foothills Fall Festival Downtown Maryville 865.273.3445, foothillsfallfestival.com
October 21 Wild Night Out Memphis Zoo 901.276.9453, memphiszoo.org
October 9 31th Annual Oktoberfest Historic Germantown, Nashville 615.818.3959, nashvilleoktoberfest.com
October 22-23 Zoo Boo Memphis Zoo 901.276.9453, memphiszoo.org
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October 23-24 Mountain Makins’ Festival Rose Center, Morristown 423.581.4330, rosecenter.org
October 30-31 Fall Color Cruise Festival Hales Bar Marina on Nickajack Lake 423.942.4040, halesbarmarina.com October 30-31 Spooktacular Train Ride Southern Appalachia Railway Museum 865.241.2140
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sources 22 Fall into the Season Boutiques: Bliss, Knoxville, 865.329.8868 Eleven, Knoxville, 865. 474.1416 Mary, Knoxville, 865.450.9242 Muse,,Franklin, 615.771.0076 Mam’selle, Jackson, 731.668-2420 Oak Hall, Memphis, 901.761.3580 Paisley, Collierville, 901.853.4911 Obligato, Knoxville, 865.558.0822 Southern Couture, Memphis, 901.682.1128 Westwin, Jackson, 731.664.8686 Hemline, Nashville, 615.298.9215 Shoot locations: Coolato Gelato, Knoxville, 865.971.5449, coolatogelato.com The Book Eddy, Knoxville, 865.573.9959 Hot Horse Records, Knoxville 58 Making New Old Again Design—Headley-Menzies Designs, Memphis, 901.761.3161, headleymenzies.com Renovator—Mann Builders, Inc., Memphis, 901.762.6266, mannbuildersinc.com Bath Cabinetry—Gallery Kitchens, 901.761.4600 gallerykitchensllc.com Tile—Venice Tile, Memphis, 901.547.9770 venice-tile.com Special finishes—Andy Cooper 82 Shiloh’s Southern Secret Catfish Hotel, Shiloh, 731.689.3327, catfishhotel.com 84 Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice Event Planner—You’re Invited Events, Nashville, 615.353.5520 yievents.blogspot.com Photography—Heather Sisemore Photography, Nashville, heathersisemore.com Birthday Cake—Maple’s Wedding Cakes, Murfreesboro, 615.867.2229 maplesweddingcakes.com Venue—Front Porch Farms, Nashville, frontporchfarmstn.com Graphic Designer—Lisa Sarmento, lisasarmento.com
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essay
Spreading the Hope In 2004, Deanna Favre, wife of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Farve, battled breast cancer in the public eye and emerged from the fight with a mission—to help other women in similar situations. This month, At Home Tennessee sat down with Deanna to talk hope, faith, love and the future. PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Deanna Favre
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hen Deanna Favre was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35, it shook her world. But through the Favre 4 Hope Foundation she turned her struggle into a positive experience and came out stronger
than ever. At Home Tennessee: Tell us about the inspiration behind the Favre 4 Hope Foundation. Deanna Favre: Brett and I grew up together. We both had strong families that loved us and a lot of great childhood memories. Brett’s mom, Bonita, was a special education teacher and both of us spent time with her special needs students growing up. Some of the friendships we made with her students carried over into our adult lives. When we began talking about setting up a foundation and our outreach, these were the things in our hearts that we remembered having the biggest impact on our lives. Because of our faith, we both felt God’s hand was involved in our decision-making process. Our foundation’s mission began with helping organizations that provide support for disadvantaged and disabled children. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I prayed about it and it was clear to me that God was calling me to help other breast cancer patients who were going through the same thing I was going through. God knew that I would have cancer and he knew he could use me in some way to minister to other women who were less fortunate. Instead of thinking, “why is this happening to me?” I felt that this was my opportunity to be used. So in 2005, we adjusted our mission statement to include helping underinsured or uninsured breast cancer patients. AHT: Was there one single moment/experience during which you knew that it was your mission to turn your battle with breast cancer into something to help other women? DF: While in the waiting room to receive my treatments, I often overheard women talking about not knowing how they were going to pay for medical expenses. Some had no insurance or had lost their jobs and were in an insurance plan that covered very little of their medical costs. Many were young mothers worrying about their families and how to make ends meet. I remember thinking this could have happened to me when I was a single mom. It tugged at me for the longest time until I decided to do something to help. I have always had a very strong faith in God and I realized that this was his way of guiding me to create good out of my challenge with the disease.
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AHT: What are your plans for the future of your foundation? DF: My immediate mission is to continue my efforts to create awareness of the disease and to continue financially supporting our charity partners that help underinsured breast cancer patients. I want to make sure women are knowledgeable about the disease and the importance of early detection. I feel sternly that is what saved my life and I want this for other women. For the distant future, Brett and I hope that one day our daughters will become involved in the running of the Favre 4 Hope Foundation. Right now both are still in school, so it will probably be a while before I can count on them to carry on the torch! Our children have grown up watching Brett and me giving our time to visit with special needs children or attending events to raise money for our mission. I think they have an appreciation for how blessed their lives are and know the importance of giving back. That will be our most important legacy … our children carrying on the spirit of giving. AHT: What is the number one piece of advice you offer a woman who is battling breast cancer? DF: Stay strong, know the disease is curable, focus on getting through your treatments and know that you have your faith, family and friends to support you. AHT: What advice would you give women who are generally healthy and think that something like getting cancer would never happen to them? DF: Stay vigilant. If you are not doing self exams, learn how and start. Notice any changes in your body and do not put off visiting your doctor if you find a lump. Early detection saves lives. I was 35, lived a healthy lifestyle, didn’t drink or smoke, had no history of breast cancer in my family and it happened to me. So it can happen to anyone. AHT: Do you have any other projects in the works? DF: I just finished a second book that I co-authored with Shane Stanford, The Cure for a Chronic Life. The new book encourages readers to live beyond their chronic hopelessness and experience joyful living. The book was published by Abbington Press which is located in Nashville. I will probably just be returning to Minnesota from my book tour stop in Nashville when this article is published!