A Refreshing Revamp in
Oxford, Mississippi
The “Suite” Escape: Master Bedroom Suites
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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2016
26 HOME: A historic Oxford, MS, home gets a second life with the
help of residential designer Amy Catherine Wilson and interior decorator Julie Montgomery.
38 DESIGN: Whether it’s a complete redo or a simple update, create
your dream master bedroom suite with the help of Anna Lattimore and Steve Nabers.
ON THE COVER – HOME FEATURE | p. 26 6 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
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CONTENTS 40
OCTOBER 2016
58
F O R YO U 18 healthy you Prevention for Extension 98 on a good note More Than Just Pink
HOME & DESIGN 22 at home with Karen Garner 38 design Master Bedroom and Bathrooms 44 style marketplace Bedroom Suite Accessories
26
48 home trends Stone Styles
T R AV E L & C U L T U R E 52 getaway Mobile, Alabama 58 travel Alaska and Rocky Mountain 66 experience this Fall in the Delta 68 social pages Mid South Happenings 80 arts St. George's Art Show
FOOD & DRINK
8082
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82 entertaining Fall Party 88 dining out Grit in Oxford, MS 92 in the kitchen Butternut Squash Risotto 94 happy hour Caribbean Honeymoon
IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | PUBLISHER'S NOTE 97 | SOURCES
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OCTOBER 2016 • VOL. 15 NO. 7 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
ART DIRECTOR ANNA LEPPERT | aleppert@athomemms.com
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION MANAGER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com BRITTANY MCDONALD | brmcdonald45@gmail.com CINDY SEMMES | c.semmes@aol.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athomemms.com
At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to— Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
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publisher’s note Welcome to fall! As I write this on the first day of fall, the mums and pumpkins are out and about and the temperature is a crisp 97 degrees—right on target for our area. The weather forecast is showing a “cold front” coming through next week, which should bring those temps down to a shockingly cool 90 degrees. This is perfect weather for our tailgating festivities for the first weekend in October, and the “Mid South Bowl” between the University of Memphis and the Ole Miss Rebels. Although the temperature and anxiety levels might be a bit escalated at kick off, the hour prior will be celebrated by both teams sharing food, libations and bragging rights. Of course, Southern hospitality will be flowing in abundance. Don’t let the temperatures keep you from enjoying a little tailgating, one our favorite fall activities in the South. It has never stopped us from Easter egg hunting in the snow! We take pride in our crazy people and crazy weather here. Happy fall and I will end this note with my official autumn salutation, Hotty Toddy!
Publisher
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healthy you
Prevention for Extension Text by Michelle Johns
You are your own best advocate for everyday healthy living! Taking an integrative approach to health and wellness through self-care and recommended clinical screenings is the best preventive care. Every person is uniquely made and should honor their bio-individuality by eating, exercising and integrating health and wellness in a way that makes sense for them. Research indicates the need for medications for most chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can be reduced or eliminated by making lifestyle adjustments. Preventive care is important both in the clinical sense and everyday lifestyle choices. Clinical preventive care includes annual exams to help identify potential illnesses before they become a threat to your wellbeing. Everyday lifestyle choices include eating right, regular exercise, a consistent spiritual practice, and joyful social interaction. Healthy eating - Everything you eat and drink matters. Eat whole, freshly harvested foods. Limit processed foods and sugars. Eat healthy fats and proteins from fish, vegetables and nuts. Drink plenty of water. Regular exercise - Get some form of exercise every day. Get your heart rate up at least five times a week with cardio exercise for at least 30 minutes. Spiritual practice - Every day set aside breaks for time alone with soft music, complete silence, breathing exercise—whatever works for you for a time of mindfulness. If you struggle to disconnect and slow the everyday thoughts, start with 10-minute increments. Social Interaction - Dan Buettner, National Geographic reporter, discovered the five places on the earth where people live the best and longest lives, areas he calls Blue Zones. Daily 18 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
interaction with loving family and friends is a common factor of all five Blue Zones. According to the Centers for Disease Control, starting at age 18, everyone (males and females) should have an annual exam to check body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Make sure you know and understand these numbers. If any of them are outside the normal ranges, talk to your primary care physician and make a plan to get the numbers right. Additionally, the United States Prevention Task Force (USPTF) recommends the following screenings: Women Ages 21 to 65 Pap smear Ages 40 to 75 breast exams All Adults Ages 50 to 75 colorectal exams No one knows your body better than you! Listen to what your body is telling you. Make a practice every day of sitting quietly and taking a mental body scan. Start with your toes and work your way up to the top of your head. Take note of everything you feel. Change is normal to an extent, but if you are taking notice the abnormal will more likely be evident. Share your findings with your primary care physician to discover what is normal and what needs further investigation. Work with your primary care physician, especially if you need to make major lifestyle changes in order to get on the right side of health and wellness. Always consult your physician before making any changes in regard to treatment and prevention. Prevention for Extension! Don’t just strive to live longer, strive to live the best quality of life available to you!
My Daily Detox Drink
• 8 ounces of boiled water • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar (Kills bad gut bacteria and promotes good bacteria, aids the metabolism.) • 1 lemon (Nobiletin, one of the bioflavonoids found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, tangerines and grapefruits, has anti-inflammatory and anticancer actions and the potential to suppress metastasis of breast cancer.) • A pinch of cayenne pepper (Capsaicin in cayenne pepper has the ability to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. ) • 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon (Great for clearing the arteries and promoting a healthy heart.) • 1/8 tsp of ginger (Ginger is good for digestion and has been shown to reduce cancer by inhibiting the metastatic process.) • 1/8 tsp. of turmeric (antiinflammatory) • 1 Tbsp. of local honey (Sweetens the drink. Honestly, I could not drink it without this bit of honey; additionally, local honey helps with seasonal allergies.) Enjoy - sometimes I drink this twice a day. I often add a black tea bag to the afternoon drink. :) Note: The contents of this documentation are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and lifestyle changes. Resources for the content of this piece are available upon request. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 19
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at home with
Karen Garner
President of Magnolia Homes, Inc.
Text by Ruthie Hall | Photography courtesy of Magnolia Homes
At Home Memphis and Mid South: Tell us a little about your background, both professionally and personally. Karen Garner: I was born in St. Louis and moved to Memphis when I was just a few months old so my parents could open Sue’s Bakery on Beale Street. Sometimes Elvis Presley would frequent the bakery to get his jelly doughnuts. I went to work with them every day, and one time Elvis even picked me up and kissed my cheek when I put a tap dance show on for him. My mother closed the bakery after my father, who was the baker, passed away when I was eight years old. She lost her soul mate and her career at the same time. I married at the age of 18 and a year later we opened a plumbing company with $400 cash and a pickup truck. We sold the company and we began building homes in 1976. I began my own company, Magnolia Homes, in 1987, as a single parent to Abbey and Reggie. This is how I learned the meaning of adversity, because although building homes was a male-dominated industry, I was determined to succeed for my two children. My parents were an inspiring blueprint to follow which gave me the drive and positive attitude to move forward with my business. My partner and son, Reggie Jr., has the same commitment to quality and love for custom home building. We strive to stay ahead of building trends and include all the features everyone looks for in their dream home. Coupled with our passion for building the perfect home for each person or family with that “extra touch;” I know what women want in their homes and incorporate these ideas in each Magnolia Home. Today, both
women and men share their desires for their dream home, which has brought new concepts to home building, with open floor plans, outdoor kitchens and larger garages. Memphis has been so good to us and it is so rewarding to be able to give back to the community. Make-A-Wish, Methodist Hospice and Memphis Child Advocacy Center are just a few of the organizations that I support. I am also on the Board of the West Tennessee Home Builders Association. Being selected Memphis Business Journal’s Executive of the Year for 2008 is the award I am most proud to have received. AHMMS: What do you do when you are not working? KG: I love Memphis and my husband and I often have dinner downtown. Our favorite place is watching incredible sunsets on the roof at the Terrace and then eating dinner at Paulette’s on the river at Harbor Town. My husband and I love traveling and seeing the architecture in each city we visit, or just relaxing on a beach in the Caribbean. Family is very important to me. To be able to work and play with your adult children is the dream of every mother. My daughter Abbey, who is a Realtor with our real estate company, has three children. And my son Reggie, who is my partner in business, has three boys. I fill my time by going to my grandchildren’s activities like sporting events, horseback riding shows, plays and school events—it is very rewarding and entertaining. Our entire family looks forward to going one week each year to a getaway at the beach where we can play and enjoy our time together. Watching each of my grandchildren grow is a gift from God I truly cherish. AHMMS: Do you have any plans for the future? KG: As a builder and developer my son and I are constantly looking for land to grow our business. It is such a joy to exchange ideas with my son and incorporate them in everything we do. Together we don't build houses, we build homes and create neighborhoods for families. We currently have four furnished models in our communities with homes from $300,000 to over $1,000,000. We build around 50 to 65 Magnolia Homes a year.
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AHMMS: What inspires you? KG: A great love and passion for home building inspires and motivates me to create from the ground to a dream home for each family. Giving my best to make their home as perfect as possible and seeing their smiles and excitement moves my inspiration to the next home; giving back to my city by creating neighborhoods that families can enjoy together. The importance of a strong work ethic and maintaining high morals gets me out of bed every day! My strong belief in God has seen me through many challenges, both good and bad. AHMMS: What is your favorite thing about your job? KG: EVERYTHING! I LOVE WHAT I DO! I am involved with every aspect of my business and love it. Putting that “extra touch” on each home, which can be a combination of several items, is my favorite thing. Pulling up to each completed home and admiring how beautiful it is and opening the front door and thinking, “I am so proud of this Magnolia Home!” We put an engraved Magnolia cornerstone in the brick near each front door so the legacy will live on forever. AHMMS: What advice would you give to people who want to succeed in their dreams? KG: Always have a positive attitude and be around others who share the idea of having a positive attitude. Allow adversity to make you a stronger person and build your confidence to be the best at what you do. AHMMS: What are your favorite places in Memphis and the Mid South? KG: My favorite place in Memphis is the Peabody. I also love Downtown Memphis, Overton Square, the Memphis Zoo, Memphis in May, the Grizzlies and Beale Street. Also, I love touring the homes in Natchez, MS, Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. AHMMS: What is your favorite memory from building your business? KG: Having my children involved in the building industry and my son becoming my partner. In just a few months Magnolia Homes will celebrate our 30th anniversary: Reggie will continue the legacy I created and maybe even my grandsons! Magnolia Homes, Inc. 3023 Centre Oak Way Germantown, TN 38138 Yourmagnoliahome.com October 2016 • athomemms.com | 23
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home feature
Old Home’s New Lease
Thoughtful renovations give second life to a historic home Text by Jordana White | Photography by Hal Jaffe and Anna Leppert
T
hirty-six years ago, Patty Tatum and her family took a leap of faith—despite having three children ages six and under, and despite having just renovated a house, they purchased and moved into a historic home in Oxford, MS. “Needless to say, I was not excited to tackle another home, but houses [in the area] rarely become available,” Tatum explains. Over the years in their Craftsman bungalow, built in 1926, the Tatums made several small renovations, and 16 years ago, they undertook a major project that added a sunroom, a 1,200-square foot screened-in porch and a garage to the existing 3,000-squarefoot structure. While the various projects helped bring the home into the 21st century, Tatum recalls that still several areas in the house “weren’t functioning well, or we weren’t using them at all.” The family had also had problems with the exterior of their home—at the time of the addition, they tried to find bricks that matched the home’s originals, but hadn’t been as successful as they’d hoped. Seeking to update both the style and functionality of their property, the Tatums called in a dream team: residential designer Amy Catherine Wilson and interior decorator Julie Montgomery. 26 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
home feature
As a residential designer, Wilson’s specialty is reworking the footprint of an old house to complement the lifestyle of the owners.” The door openings in the Tatum house were lower than was in keeping with the Craftsman style, so Wilson raised them all to eight feet. For the patched-together exterior the designers chose a slurry treatment that blended the old and new sections together seamlessly with new green-grey paint. Inside, the master suite, guest suite, dining room, kitchen, office area, family room, laundry room, bar and screened-in porch were all located on the first floor. Without adding any additional square footage, Wilson’s task was to repurpose rooms and spaces to create the flow the Tatums sought. To that end, she explains, “We converted the old living room to the new dining room and transformed the old dining room into the new laundry and desk area.” Once those swaps had been implemented, the real fun could begin.” Next, says Wilson, “The old laundry room became the bar area,” with the help of new cabinets, counters and finishes (plus an existing wine tower). While the kitchen did not move from its previous location it was “a total gut job,” Wilson explains—all the appliances had to be moved, two new windows were put in over the sink to maximize natural light and, in an innovative design twist, the room got not one but two islands. The effect made the space endlessly more useful to Tatum, who loves to cook and entertain, sometimes simultaneously. One island is intended for cooking and prep work, Wilson explains, while the other, conveniently located near the newly relocated bar, is the perfect spot for family and guests to gather. “Mrs. Tatum is now able to have an uninterrupted work triangle while entertaining in the same space!” says Wilson. Pretty much every cook’s dream, in other words.
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home feature
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home feature With flow in the main living areas improved, Wilson turned her attention to the master suite. Prior to this renovation, the master bath opened onto a hallway and had one sink, one vanity, one shower/tub combo—and no natural light. The master closet, on the other hand, was situated on the opposite side of the room, on an exterior wall that allowed light to flow in. “The obvious solution,” says Wilson, “was to flip the two spaces.” Once that change had been made, the residential designer was able to accommodate the homeowners’ request for two sinks, a freestanding tub and separate shower, one vanity and a private water closet. Wilson’s clever design borrowed a bit of space from two closets and added a bay window (with 20 extra square feet of space) to house the much desired tub. Moving to the master suite, Montgomery faced the challenge of “a handsome but dark-feeling space.” To lighten up the room, Montgomery again began with art, helping the Tatums select a bright landscape by Gay Greaber Stubbs. In order to help maintain privacy in the room while keeping things bright, Montgomery installed sheer Roman shades in a trellis pattern, and white linen blackout draperies with pretty seafoam banding that echoed blue notes in the central piece of art. Finally, in the redesigned master bath, Montgomery allowed the new tub to become the focal point and inspiration for the room’s design. She chose vanity countertops in a faintly green-veined white marble, and mosaic floor tile (repeated in the new shower) to complement the counters.
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home feature
Once Wilson had worked her magic, Julie Montgomery stepped in, helping the Tatums select all the stone, tile, furniture, fabrics, wallpaper and paint colors for the house. Starting in the dining room, Montgomery’s goal was “to feature the Tatums’ art and antiques,” including a framed Greg Cartmell and a large, unframed Jere Allen. Early in the process, the Tatums picked out beautiful embroidered Lee Jofa drapery fabric, and Montgomery built her color palette around that selection, as well as the family’s existing rug collection.
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home feature
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In the kitchen, Montgomery suggested a creamy cabinet color, in keeping with the Craftsman style of the home, and a quartzite countertop that was durable enough for the family’s cooking habits and a perfect match for the room’s color scheme. Over the cooktop, Montgomery selected a framed tile installation that she says “serves as a piece of art as you come into the kitchen from the dining room.”
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home feature
With the renovation complete, the Tatums love every part of their “new” home.. “We are so pleased with the whole project and couldn’t have done it without our experts’ guidance,” Patty says. “It is almost impossible to choose my favorite room in the house!”
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design
Pillow Talk: Smart Designs for Master Bedroom Suites Text by Jordana White Photography by Michael Boatman and Steve Roberts
Master bedroom design can be challenging: you need to set up a beautiful space that’s also conducive to getting a good night’s sleep. Combine those requirements with the task of balancing more than one occupant’s tastes and interests and you may be facing a war between the sheets! What’s a weary homeowner to do? We sat down with Memphis designers Anna Lattimore and Steve Nabers, who collaborated on this master bedroom project with his daughter Jesse Nabers Alston, to sort through the ins and outs of designing the ideal master bedroom suites. 38 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
by Anna Lattimore OctoberDesign 2016 • athomemms.com | 39
Photo by Michael Boatman
design design
Text and photos by Scott Fuelling
Design by Anna Lattimore Photo by Michael Boatman
At Home Memphis and Mid South: What should be the first step when designing a master bedroom? Anna Lattimore: I suggest starting with a soothing color palette. Analogous color schemes (colors on the same side of the color wheel) or pastel shades of complementary colors are more soothing than high contrast, saturated hues. Think pale green and blush rather than hot pink and green, for example. Steve Nabers: The master bedroom is the one room in the home that should truly reflect the homeowners' taste and style. Choosing a cohesive color palette is an important first step in a successful bedroom design. From there, furniture, bedding and fabric selections fall into place. AHMMS: What design choices do you avoid in a sleeping space? AL: Less can be more in a master bedroom—especially if you want to create a true “retreat.” I exercise more restraint, incorporating fewer patterns and colors. SN: Don’t forget to make the bed the focal point of the room. It is a bedroom, after all. Don’t go for style over comfort. Too many arranged pillows on the bed can be a hassle to place every day. On the other hand, don’t sacrifice style completely for comfort. Avoid disproportionate furnishings. Size the furniture, especially the bed, according to room dimensions. Kingsize beds are great until they take up all the floor space of a small bedroom. Remember that your bedroom furniture does not necessarily have to be a “set.” A cohesive and interesting space can be created by mixing and matching pieces. Avoid clutter. Although the master bedroom should be personal and inviting, too many family photos and keepsake collections can look untidy. Curate favorite items for a clean and pleasing display. 40 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
AHMMS: Aside from the requisite bed, what’s your top priority for a master bedroom? AL: Storage is crucial for maintaining a calming, uncluttered room. In a recent redesign, I was tasked with updating a master bedroom for a home built in the 1920s. In order to give the couple more space, we expanded the existing closet into a hall closet that formerly housed the washer and dryer, allowing us to remove a chest of drawers and a bamboo chest from the bedroom. With extra space freed up, we were able to bring in larger nightstands to offer more storage and more surface space. My clients found them in Highlands, North Carolina. Covered in canvas, they remind me of vintage French steamer trunks with leather studded trim and handles—perfect for a couple who loves to vacation in France. AHMMS: What kind of lighting would you recommend in a master bedroom? AL: When it comes to a sleeping area that will likely be shared, you have to be cognizant of both attractiveness and practicality. I recently helped clients in Memphis select large table lamps for their nightstands, bringing warm, ambient light into the room. At the same time, we installed long, slender LED reading lamps that arced over both sides of the headboard, so one person could turn on a light without disturbing the other. SN: As in all rooms, lighting sets a mood. Too much light in one place can be unpleasant and glaring. In a master bedroom, a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere can be achieved by layering several sources of lower wattage, soft lighting with brighter lights for bedtime reading or to accent wall art. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 41
design AHMMS: Steve, we know your project was a redo of a bedroom using the existing furniture rather than new. So when it comes to updating a bedroom, what aspects do you find are best to keep vs. redo? SN: In this particular bedroom redo, we liked the idea of rejuvenating the clients’ high quality traditional furniture, which they had owned and loved for years. Our goal was to breathe new life into this bedroom by creating a blend of these timeless pieces with new, more current colors, linens, and accessories. We updated the entire suite with fresh wall paint in a warm gray tone with crisp white woodwork and corresponding patterned carpeting for the floor. Simple ivory and white bedding was selected for the poster bed and colorful fabrics were chosen to reupholster the chairs and settee. New lamps and vibrantly hued wall art complete the blended, refreshed and updated look.
Design by Steve Nabers Photos by Steve Roberts
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AHMMS: What’s a current bedroom design trend that you’re loving? AL: One trend in bedroom design that I have embraced is upholstered headboards. Both pretty and practical, they are popular right now for good reason. My clients love how comfortable they are for reading and watching TV in bed. I love that I can easily customize them, choosing from an infinite number of fabrics to help create a room’s mood. Leather headboards can feel more masculine, but they can also lend shine to a glamorous bedroom. Linen is lighter and looks at home in more relaxed bedrooms. Velvet adds luxury and coziness to any scheme. SN: Although we don’t really like to blindly follow trends, we are liking the move toward a soothing oasis in the bedroom with rich and luxurious linens and calming color palettes with occasional bright accents. AHMMS: Where do you see master bedroom design heading? AL: I am noticing the revival of traditional style in home design. I am not talking about the return of conventional decorating but a fresh take on traditional that reflects today’s love of up-cycling and all things handmade. What does that mean for master bedrooms? I think we will see more floral prints, wallpaper and an artful mix of antique and new furnishings. SN: In general, the master bedroom is becoming more than just a place to sleep; it is evolving into a multipurpose space. Some like to combine the bedroom with a home office while others might add a cozy reading nook or a private place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee before facing the day. Private sitting areas with TVs, small bar spaces, and secluded outdoor rooms off the master bedroom are becoming more popular. The common theme throughout is privacy, comfort and a place for “me time.“ October 2016 • athomemms.com | 43
styleMARKETPLACE
The "suite" life Transform your master bedroom into your dream suite
Maharaja Dresser $719, Your Decor, Jackson, TN and Florence, AL
Bella Notte Linens Sloan Duvet Cover $856.99, Bella Vita, Collierville, TN
19th Century American Four-Poster Bed $3395 - $3595, www.RH.com 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
Antique Brass Metal Sante Mirror $705, Bella Vita, Collierville, TN
Antique Silver Leaf With Rub Through Bronze Table Lamp $113, Magnolia Lighting, Hernando, Oxford, Tupelo, and Ridgeland, MS
Ivory Amari Taltya Rug Call for price, Capel Rugs, Cordova, TN October 2016 • athomemms.com | 45
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home trends
Choosing Stone in a Quarry of Options Text by Bryan Hawkins
Stone as a design element continues to carve out its own niche among other architectural products in the Midsouth. There are multiple options for use among several styles that serve to enhance and set a project apart from others. 48 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
In part, geography has shaped the influence and use of stone in our area. The geographic lay of the land we call home shouts “Delta” and “Mississippi River” – low and flat farmland bordering the Mississippi from the bootheel of Missouri all the way past Vicksburg into the New Orleans area. Transportation has made it easy to move stone and stone products from eastern Oklahoma, east Tennessee, north central Arkansas, and north central Alabama, giving homeowners and designers a wide array of products from which to choose, including three very popular varieties: quarried/ field stone, manufactured stone and manufactured limestone. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 49
home trends Quarried/Field Stone Quarried and field stone come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Browns, grays, blacks or combinations thereof have been used frequently over the last ten years. This type of stone can not only be purchased in actual uncut pieces, just as it’s reclaimed, but the newest innovation allows it to be saw-cut into thin veneer pieces, eliminating the obstacle of load-bearing restrictions. Thin-veneering allows architects, designers and homeowners to use real product in both interior and exterior projects.
Manufactured Stone The ability to simulate and manufacture stone size, texture, color and authenticity continues to evolve in the world of stone. Fabricators can create stone products in typical colors along with reds, whites, greens, blues, oranges and deep maroons. Manufactured stone allows different patterns to be used in walls, from stacked stone looks to ledgestone to large-to-small geometric design. Accessory products such as hearthstones, column caps and trim stones are available in manufactured stone.
Manufactured Limestone Innovations in manufacturing processes have made limestone-looking products an option for design and use in residential and commercial construction. Products are available in chiseled, rocked and smooth texturing, and some include the distinct veined coloring normally associated with real limestone. Color and texture options cover a range of style considerations. This type of product also allows a mason to transition from a brick to stone install without any adjustment in the labor process.
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The uses for stone vary widely. Long associated with outside landscaping, stone has become a popular design option on the home itself, often used around bay windows, in gables and in linear wainscoting around a home’s perimeter. Interior application continues to center on fireplace profiles, hallways, entry areas, stand-alone walls, and multiple uses in a kitchen. Using stone on the entire exterior of a home is certainly within the realm of possibility. As design creativity continues to evolve, the use of stone will certainly follow in step thanks to its unmatched array of color, texture and appeal.
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getaway
Mobile, Alabama Text by Stacey Hamilton | Photography courtesy of Tripp Gustin
Just six hours south of Memphis, historic Mobile, Alabama, is a quirky, colorful and historic destination made for a long weekend getaway. This 300-year-old coastal port city has long attracted travelers from near and far with its stunning architecture, lush parks, gardens and squares, historic neighborhoods and a bounty of both traditional and contemporary Southern seafood on just about every corner. Mobile’s historic entertainment district is home to over 40 restaurants, bars, shops and galleries and a variety of accommodations from the grandest of historic hotels' to limited-service brand names to quirky inns and B&Bs. Whether Mobile is your final destination or you’re driving through on the way to the beach, you’ll be happy you stopped in The City of Six Flags. Symphony, ballet, theatre, festivals, live music, street parties, art markets… Mobile is flush with activities most weekends, and there’s something to fit any style. This fall, the historic Saenger Theatre welcomes a diverse lineup of performers including Jason Isbell, Evanescence, the Fab Four Beatles Tribute Band and Bob Dylan. Check out Visit Mobile’s calendar of events at www.mobile.org to plan a weekend around an event, and while you’re in town be sure to enjoy one of the city’s many unique experiences. 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
History and Culture Lovers: Begin your visit by taking a city tour by car, van, trolley or duck boat. Tours start at Fort Conde Welcome Center and usually last an hour to an hour and a half, which leaves plenty of time to explore historic downtown Mobile on foot. Don’t miss the History Museum of Mobile, the Mobile Carnival Museum and, across the Mobile River, the authentic World War II battleship the USS Alabama. Have lunch along the bay at one of several Causeway restaurants. The crown jewel of Mobile, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, is about 45 minutes west of downtown. Plan to wander amongst the blooms (something is blooming any time of the year) for a few hours. Five historic homes in or near downtown offer guided tours. Pick up a brochure at Fort Conde Welcome Center and plan to visit all of these landmarks. The largest art museum on the Gulf Coast, the Mobile Museum of Art, is a must see as are the Mobile Medical Museum and the Archaeology Museum at the University of South Alabama. The Doris Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail, which offers self-guided walking and driving tours (guided group tours can be booked in advance) and the African American Archives offer a glimpse into the lives of the African American families who have helped shape Mobile into who she is today.
Shopaholics: Several new locally owned clothing boutiques, gift shops, vintage and antique stores and art galleries are located within blocks of each other downtown, making it easy to take a little bit of Mobile home with you. The Shoppes at Bel Air, a mall with over 100 stores near I-65, is getting a makeover with lots of new additions.
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getaway
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Family Fun: The Gulf Coast Exploreum offers rotating exhibits and permanent activities designed to bring the scientist out in everyone. The large “Sweet Home Alabama” oyster out in front of the Exploreum is a great starting point to walk the Oyster Trail through downtown Mobile (how many of the colorful painted statues can you spot?). The newly opened and one-of-akind Gulf Quest National Maritime Museum is the first and only facility dedicated to the Gulf Coast's rich maritime traditions, from its discovery in the 1500s to the present day. Before you head out to the Gulf, learn all about the area at one of the only interactive maritime museums in the country.
The Great Outdoors: Living and playing on the water is a way of life in Mobile and after visiting you will understand why. The area is home to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the largest river delta and wetland in Alabama and one of the largest in the country. Few places in the world hold the eco-diversity of the bayous, bays and beaches of Mobile. Just a few minutes from downtown, you can take an airboat ride, a sightseeing cruise or a guided kayak or canoe tour. If you want some exercise along with your experience, Chickasabogue Park and Meaher State park boast an array of trails, launches, picnic and camping sites for you to explore. With so many options, it may be hard to decide how to spend a day in Mobile's great outdoors. Finish a day in beautiful Mobile on the bay with a cold beverage and some fresh seafood at one of several restaurants located along the Causeway, offering incredible views of the delta and the bay. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 55
Finish a day in beautiful Mobile on the bay with a cold beverage and some fresh seafood at one of several restaurants located along the Causeway offering incredible views of the delta and the bay. 56 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
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travel
Explore Alaska the Last Frontier
Text by Barbara May, owner of Travel Leaders Photography courtesy of Travel Leaders and clients of Travel Leaders
Alaska possesses a mystery and magic not found in many tourist destinations. The lure of Alaska’s pristine and beautiful wilderness, abundant wildlife and the romance of “the Last Frontier” account for this, no doubt. By air, sea or land, the 49th state is an amazing place where caribou outnumber people by nearly two to one and aquamarine glaciers are more common than motor homes. Alaska is different from any other place on earth and getting there is easy—Anchorage is just a few hours away by plane. People who have visited Alaska rave about its overwhelming beauty. Everyone wants to go back again and stay longer so they can visit the national parks and the glaciers, go whale watching, dog sledding, salmon fishing or take part in the state’s myriad of other outdoor activities!
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travel
Alaska’s newfound popularity can be credited at least partially to the variety of activities available for all ages. It is the perfect destination for multi-generational travel because it offers something for everyone. The number of active adventure vacationers has grown over the past decade, and those who choose Alaska can get an up-close experience while whale watching, hiking stunning glaciers or climbing the tallest peak in the United States, Denali, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet. Those who prefer a more passive experience can sit back and relax on a rail tour or go wildlife watching (including grizzly bears, wolves, moose and caribou). Compared to Europe, Alaska is quite affordable, and there is no exchanging money or dealing with a language barrier. All in all, it’s great for budget travelers, luxury travelers and adventurists. No one is left out. Alaska was recently named the number five destination in Lonely Planet’s Best in the U.S. for 2016. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 59
travel
When to go to Alaska
The best time to visit Alaska is from May to September when the days are long and the temperatures are comfortable. Peak season is mid-June to mid-August. June 21 is the longest day of the year, with 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, 22 in Fairbanks and 18 in the Southeast. On average, Alaska’s summers are slightly rainier than the rest of the U.S. however, the month of May is dry, with only a 25 percent chance of measurable rain on any given day. Alaska gets rainier as the summer progresses. By August, the chance of rain is just over 50 percent. Alaska’s summer temperatures are surprisingly pleasant. Daytime highs range from 60 to 80°F. Nighttime lows are refreshingly cool, dipping into the 40s and 50s. May and September are five to 10 degrees cooler. However, temperatures vary widely across the state’s many regions. Winter season, November to April, is the perfect time to see the northern lights, go skiing or snowshoeing, attend a Fur Rendezvous event or share in the excitement of championship dog sledding races.
Cruising is a wonderful way to see Alaska Part of what makes Alaska so interesting is its varied terrain and geographic diversity. Many areas of the state are not accessible by road. For example, the capital, Juneau, can only be accessed by sea or air because it is surrounded by mountains and water. Alaskan cruises give vacationers the opportunity to see whales, bald eagles and spectacular coastal scenery, or learn about the gold rush and native cultures while having wonderful accommodations and a carefree, all-inclusive holiday. Many travelers find that combining a cruise and land tour provides a great way to explore all aspects of the state. It also offers unique itineraries that deliver bucket-list wonders like the Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord.
Choosing the right cruise There are three options for cruising Alaska: the Inside Passage, Cross-Gulf and small ship expedition-style cruises. The Inside Passage is considered the classic—it’s the choice of about two-thirds of Alaska cruisers—but many experts say the Cross-Gulf itinerary is a fuller Alaska experience. 60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
The Inside Passage: Typically, this is a round-trip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver, with stops at three or four port towns such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines and Victoria, B.C. Seven-day cruises usually spend a day in Glacier Bay or another glacier area, and two days at sea. Cross-Gulf of Alaska: These cruises usually sail between Vancouver or Seattle and Anchorage (via the port towns of Whittier or Seward). Itineraries include many of the same stops that a round-trip Inside Passage cruise does, plus extras such as Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord or another town in the gulf. One-way flights to or from Anchorage and Seattle or Vancouver are often more expensive than flying round-trip into Seattle or Vancouver. • It’s a good choice for: Travelers who want to add a land tour onto their cruise. Since these cruises disembark in either Seward or Whittier, transitioning into a land tour after, or taking one before, is very simple. There’s no better way to explore Alaska’s mountains and vast tundra, view big land mammals and get to know the state’s friendly people. • Also good for: Those who want to see more coastline and glaciers. In fact, almost half the people who take this route do so for the scenery and don’t even add a land tour. Small expedition-style ships explore isolated ports and remote waterways inaccessible to large ships, and enable guests to see glaciers and wildlife up close. These nimble vessels carry fewer passengers than large ships, offer more frequent and more up-close glacier viewing, and make unplanned stops whenever wildlife appears. Itineraries call on less-visited ports where large ships can't go. Expect to explore wild, secluded coves and go ashore for nature hikes, custom excursions and intimate wildlife viewing. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 61
travel
All Alaska cruises are not created equal. Here are some differences to consider before booking: There are different options for cruising in glacier areas. Some cruise lines (Holland America and Princess mainly) have access to Glacier Bay National Park, some go to Hubbard Glacier, some to Tracy Arm. • The duration of docking at individual ports varies between cruise lines and should be considered. Travelers with specific interests such as fishing, bear viewing or ice climbing need to research the amount of time available for these activities. • Some cruise lines have better children’s programs than others, and dining options also vary widely, from “freestyle” to formal nights. Disney offers the best options for the younger brigade. Other lines include amenities like rock climbing walls and basketball courts to appeal to teenage guests. • Some cruise lines cater more to food connoisseurs, with menus, activities and entertainment that may not appeal to children.
Adding a land package to an Alaska cruise A land-based tour of Alaska affords the chance to see North America’s highest peak, visit charming pioneer towns, hike through Denali National Park or go rafting. Many vacationers want to check out Alaskan cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks. Turning a cruise into a cruise/tour provides the best of both worlds—land and sea. Land tours by train and motorcoach before or after a cruise generally last two to nine days. 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
travel
Must-see Alaskan destinations Alaska is an ideal place to get off the beaten path and experience the landscape. Luckily, the cruise lines make it easy with shore excursions that range from the sublime to the extreme; from a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad to see the beautiful scenery to a hike in crampons on the crevices of a glacier. • Juneau offers four glaciers by helicopter and dog sled adventures. Without exaggeration, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During an exhilarating helicopter ride, guests get up-close views of the advancing Taku Glacier, the cascading Hole-in-theWall Glacier, the floating Dead Branch Glacier and the river-like East Twin Glacier. Land on the Norris Glacier, home to a mushing camp. Guides lead participants on a dog sled ride over the snow-covered glacier and describe the 1,000-mile Iditarod Race from Anchorage to Nome. The helicopter also reveal bears, moose, mountain goats and other wildlife in their natural habitats. In Alaska’s capital city visitors also enjoy shops, cafes and the storied Red Dog Saloon. • Sitka is a fisherman’s paradise. On fullday excursions anglers hit the water in search of king, silver or chum salmon, as well as halibut. Explore the captain’s best fishing spots to salmon fish by trolling with downriggers or anchoring and mooching. • Skagway is known for the White Pass Scenic Railway, a must-do, especially on a clear day. Take a ride on the narrow-gauge railway built into amazingly rugged and beautiful terrain 100 years ago. It’s the same route a steady stream of gold prospectors took seeking to strike it rich in the Yukon gold rush of the late 19th century…except they did it on foot and in temperatures as low as -50˚ in winter. Modern travelers ride in the comfort of old-fashioned parlor cars up the 2,800-foot summit of White Pass, through tunnels and over sky-high trestles, past remote valleys and such sights as Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch (so named because many miners lost their horses there). October 2016 • athomemms.com | 63
travel • Ketchikan is the self-proclaimed Salmon Capital of the World and is situated around a vibrant harbor and famous Creek Street, where shops and cafes abound, along with colorful totem poles. The town is also home to the entertaining Great American Lumberjack Show. • Icy Strait Point is nestled in a rain forest and offers whale-watching, grizzly-gazing and seal-spotting as well as a taste of Tlingit culture. The ZipRider zip line is sure to produce an adrenaline rush. It’s the longest and highest zip line cable ride in the world, at 5,330 feet long and with a vertical drop of 1,300 feet. • The Hubbard Glacier is one of the most active and longest tidewater glaciers in North America with 1,350 square miles of blue ice. • Tracy Arm Fjord / Sawyer Glacier is home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers, among the world’s most awe-inspiring tidewater glaciers with picturesque cascading waterfalls. • Fairbanks is the state’s second largest city and the hub of Alaska’s great interior. Known as the Golden Heart City, Fairbanks was established with the discovery of gold on the Chena and Tenana Rivers. Visitors here often cruise down the Chena River or visit the working El Dorado Gold Mine to pan for gold. • Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is home to nearly half the state’s population. Although it’s surrounded by the rugged Chugach and Alaska mountains, Anchorage is completely cosmopolitan. Browse shops, see the world’s largest seaplane base at Lake Hood, or visit the Captain Cook monument to watch Beluga whales. Learn about the area’s indigenous people at the 26-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center, where six authentic life-size native villages have been recreated. • Denali National Park, home of spectacular Mt. McKinley, is a perfect spot to view the northern lights from late September through mid April. No trip to Alaska is complete without a visit to Denali. The park encompasses an amazing six million acres and hosts an array of wildlife. It’s no wonder the Athabaskan Indians named this land Denali; the term means Great One in their language.
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Alaska is like no other place on earth. From the national parks to the glaciers, from whale watching to dog sledding and salmon fishing, it has something for everyone! October is National Cruise Month, the perfect time to start planning a cruise for next year. For more information on planning a vacation, call the travel experts at Travel Leaders at 901.377.6600 or 800.264.1824 or stop by their office at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy, Ste. 104, Memphis.
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experience this
FALL IN THE DELTA Text by Claire Peeler
Bundle up in a cozy sweater and welcome the changing seasons with good food, good tunes and good company at one of the many Mississippi Delta fall festivals. Take the family to the Yazoo County Fair, a classic carnival where kids can enjoy old-fashioned fair foods and rides. Taste Greenville’s favored dish at the annual Delta Hot Tamale Festival. Enjoy the familiar smell of hay and the sight of children with pumpkins painted on their checks at the Greenwood Fall Festival. Hear the sounds of the region in Clarksdale—there’s nothing but blues at the Hambone Festival. Enjoy delicious BBQ and stroll down the artisan filled sidewalks of Downtown Cleveland's Octoberfest.
Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville The citizens of Greenville, MS, take the town’s designation as “Hot Tamale Capital of the World” seriously. They honor the local favorite food with an annual three-day festival that celebrates tamales and much more. Local and regional artists, musicians, writers and chefs come to Greenville to help celebrate the annual Delta Hot Tamale Festival. The main event will take place Sat., Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Along Washington Avenue vendors will set up booths filled with everything from local crafts to food and drinks. Top Southern chefs will test their skills in a tamale cooking competition, and the corn-husked masterpieces will be for sale after the contest. Other festival events will include a welcome dinner and book signing, a panel discussion and lunch, a street party and a tamale tasting. For tickets and more information go to: www.mainstreetgreenville.com/delta-hot-tamale-festival.html.
Greenwood Fall Festival Greenwood, MS, will welcome the changing season with the town’s 12th annual Fall Festival at Bell Park Sat., Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. With over 90 vendors, food, pony rides, bounce arounds, carnival games and face painting, the fair promises something for everyone. Local bands will provide entertainment all afternoon. Admission is free for all ages. 66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
experience this Yazoo County Fair Held annually since 1928, the Yazoo County Fair is the second oldest event of its kind in Mississippi and a must-do this fall in the Delta. The festival offers classic carnival rides, arts and crafts, and plenty of informational and commercial exhibits. Traditional fair foods such as funnel cakes, corn dogs and cotton candy are never far away, so there’s no need to leave feeling hungry. Scheduled for Oct. 14-22, ticket prices range from $8 to $12 depending on the day. Tickets include free parking and unlimited amusement rides. Yazoo County Fair, Photo courtesy of Visit Yazoo
Hambone in Clarksdale More than just a small-town fair, the Hambone Festival in Clarksdale, MS, is also a birthday present to Stan Street, owner of the town's Hambone Gallery. A combination art gallery and bar, the Hambone hosts weekly concerts by local musicians. The festival, set for Oct. 27-30, represents the one weekend of the year when the culture and spirit of the Hambone Gallery enter the streets of town, allowing everyone to enjoy blues, folk and Southern art. Events include a Friday night Art Gallery Walk to Hambone Gallery, Gordon Gallery, Foxtrot Gallery and other nearby art spots. Saturday visitors can experience live blues music starring Reverend Robert, Grace Askew, All Night Long Blues Band and a grand finale with Stan Street and the Hambone Blues Band. The weekend will wrap up on Sunday at the Hambone Gallery with a final live blues session. Festival admission is free for all ages. Photo courtesy of Hambone Festival Facebook Page
Downtown Cleveland’s Octoberfest Octoberfest will celebrate its 34th anniversary on Oct. 7 and 8 in downtown Cleveland. The annual festival will begin Friday evening with the lighting of the ceremonial grill marking the beginning of the BBQ competition. Artisans will line the sidewalks downtown, showing off their crafts and selling their goods. Live entertainment takes places throughout the festival along with children’s activities of face painting, a rock wall, inflatables, train rides and other fun entertainment. For the kids, the most anticipated event is, however, the chance to see their school principals kiss a live pig as part of a fundraiser for the schools. Drawing over 15,000 people to the area each year, Octoberfest is bound to be an exciting event for all ages. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 67
social
Debbie Marshall, Ed Galfsky, Jeff Box
The 18th Annual Spirit of SRVS event was held on August 20 at the Hilton Memphis. Known as Memphis' premier auction and wine tasting event, the night was one to remember. With silent auctions, live auctions, musical entertainment, food from local resturants and wines from around the world, the event benefitted more than 1,000 children and adults with disabilities. Photos courtesy of Jeff Tallant
Steve and Jeanie Conley
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Melinda K. Ray and Cindy DeBardelaben
Barbara Parham, LouAnn Dattilo and Barbara Benstein
social
Harvey Middleton and Frances Metheny
Chris Pratt and Neely Draughon
Evelyn Roughton's Cookbook signing & food tasting About the South, in Tupelo MS, recently held a book signing and tasting with cookbook author Evelyn Roughton, one of the owners of The Crown Resturant in Indianola, MS, which opened in 1976. Her cookbook is called The Crown of Southern Cooking, Recipes from the Birthplace of the Blues.
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social
Jennifer Kruchten and Nicole Wood
Dr. Rachel Dickens and Mark Ramirez
{Stock Exchange Preview Party} Les Passes President Joyce Carter and Ray Gill, property owner, kicked off the opening of the consignment store at 6600 Stage Road with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Food and drinks were prepared and served to the 450 guests by members and volunteers who wore black and pearls, the theme for the 30th anniversary opening of the store. Shoppers listened to violinist Donna Wolfe as they perused the vignettes filled with antiques, new and used household items, jewelry and furs. Doors close October 30. Beneficiaries are the Harwood Center and Kids on the Block. Photos courtesy of Anna Leppert Susan Daniel, Paula Burton and Teresa Moore
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Jack and Roxie Conway
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social
F O R R E S T 5K
SPENCE
The ninth annual Forrest Spence 5K was held on September 27 at the Memphis Botanic Garden. It was definitely a sunny and warm day, but 1,600 participants braved the weather, making it the biggest Spence 5K yet! In the end over $120,000 was raised for the Forrest Spence Fund, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 in memory of Robert Forrest Spence that strives to support families dealing with difficult situations and to give back to the regional children's hospitals like Le Bonheur.
photos courtesy of Ndiaye Photography 72 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
social
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wedding
Tatum Emmons Preston Cline May 28, 2016 Tupelo, MS
Parents of Bride: Lorrie and Allen Grimes Parents of Groom: Marea and Tommy Wilson & Michelle and Craig Cline 74 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
SOURCES:
wedding
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Antler in Tupelo, MS Rehearsal Dinner: The Antler in Tupelo, MS Planner: Jennifer McMeans Photographer: TeeRage by Rob Brown Videographer: E & E Productions by Eric Ewing Florist: Jennifer McMeans Caterer: Betts Catering and Wanda Spencer Baker: Cakes by Memori Applegate Band: The Spunk Monkeys Rentals: Pontotoc Event Rentals Hair/Makeup: Fu Meng Dress: Anne's Bridal in Paducah, KY Bridesmaid Dresses: Kay's Kreation in Tupelo, MS Rings: Little's Jewelers in Corinth, MS
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PostureWhat is posture? If your mom is over the age of 60, you likely have flashbacks of childhood scoldings when you slouched forward. When women of that generation were young it wasn't uncommon for them to go to finishing school and men into the military. Both had structured posture requirements. Posture is important because the spine is strong and stable when in proper position. When you slouch or stoop your muscles and ligaments are under strain to keep you balanced. This can result in back pain, headaches and even permanent structural damage if it continues over a long time. Check your standing posture in a mirror or have a friend snap a picture. Stand straight and tall with your shoulders back. Your head should be level and in line with your body. (I recall my mother balancing a Kleenex box on her head as she walked through the house.) Pull in that abdomen. Keep your feet approximately shoulder width apart and don't lock your knees. Bear weight more on the balls of your feet than the heels. The wall test is helpful for establishing standing posture. Stand with your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching the wall and your heels about two to four inches away from the wall. Adjust your posture so that there is just enough space for a hand to slide between your lower back and the wall. Maintain this posture as you walk away from the wall.
while carrying the pack. It was a major breakthrough when they put wheels on luggage—the same is true of book carrying devices! Wheeled backpacks are major posture savers. Workplaces have become more flexible over the years. Casual Friday, working from home and standing desks all reflect individuality. Standing desks were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. They have experienced a resurgence in popularity due to reports of health benefits and people’s wish to vary work posture. Postural variations are effective in promoting internal organ function as well as more balanced skeletal performance. Can you buy posture? Well, if you get on Amazon right now… You would think you could. Regrettably, the devices that encourage good posture are like training wheels for a bicycle. Eventually, you have to learn to ride the bike on your own; the training wheels won’t do it for you. The tips listed here can help improve your posture and your quality of life. Getting a "posture buddy" to keep you honest and taking photos of your posture can provide wonderful feedback on your journey to getting it right!
Good seated posture starts with adjusting the height of your chair so that your feet rest flat on the floor or on a foot rest with your thighs parallel to the floor. Ankles should be in front of your knees and if there is no lumbar support, the proper space behind your back should be equivalent to the size of a small pillow or rolled towel. Keep your upper back and neck comfortably straight and shoulders relaxed in neutral position. Backpacks have been associated with a good education, but also with a lot of back pain. Backpack weight should be limited to 15 percent of the bodyweight of the person carrying it. Proper fitting and consistent use of both straps are important. Placing heavier objects on the bottom and even distribution of the remaining items can improve posture October 2016 • athomemms.com | 79
arts
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hoo c S t n e d epen d n I s ' e g St. Geor Art Show d Text an
In November, artists from around the region will come together to participate in one of Memphis area’s most talked-about art events the St. George’s Independent School Art Show, a public art exhibition and sale. Now in its 14th year, the Art Show delights area art lovers and serves as a launching pad for many local and regional artists. Since the show debuted in 2003, more than 250 local and regional artists from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas have exhibited everything from glass, pottery and wood to acrylics and oils to mixed media, jewelry and even “found” and “repurposed” objects. This year’s featured artist, Teresa Rae Brown, is well known for her abstracts, impressions and landscapes, as well as the variety of mediums she uses, including plaster, stone, metallics, pigments and stains. “I am so honored and grateful for the wonderful opportunity to be this year’s featured artist,” says Brown. “The transformation of school halls into a gallery showroom is nothing short of amazing. I love the energy in the rooms––from the artists who proudly display their labors of love to the excited guests selecting pieces for their homes. It is a wonderful venue for conversation between artists and guests.” 80 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
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Katie Toombs, 2013 featured artist, has been exhibiting for five years. “It is hands down one of the best run shows that I do. Everyone is very helpful and there is such a variety of art displayed. I love meeting the people who purchase my art and discussing my process with them. It makes it so personal,” she shares. “The St. George’s Art Show gets better and better which each passing year, which is why I have been exhibiting for more than 10 years,” says Judy Vandergrift, the featured artist in 2012. “Opening night is great fun for all and it’s exciting to watch for the red dots, indicating pieces have been purchased.” Danny Broadway, the show’s 2009 featured artist, believes that the inclusion of participants from the broader region has been a key component to the show’s success. “Each year I meet new artists from other cities and that keeps the show fresh,” he says. The show changed Broadway’s life in ways he never could have imagined. When he dropped off his artwork before the 2005 show, he made such an impression on St. George’s Art Department Chair Rose Doherty that she insisted he come speak to her art classes. The school hired Broadway a year later as Artist in Residence and he continues to inspire his students to express themselves creatively through art. “You just never know what to expect at the Art Show!” Broadway says. “Most days, I’m talking to students about techniques, history and class projects. The Art Show gives them the opportunity to see me as an artist. They get to view my work and give me feedback.” GENERAL INFORMATION Visitors may preview art the week of Oct. 31 during school hours. Show hours are Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. (Opening Night), Nov. 4 at 6 p.m., and Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit SGISArtShow.org for more information. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 81
entertaining
Celebrating a 50/50 Milestone Text by Lesly Harris Colvett Photo's by Michael Allen Photography
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entertaining Frank Watson, Jr., and Frank Watson, Sr., celebrated milestones the month of October, and to festively mark the momentous occasion, event designer Angela Mazanti drew upon the beautiful fall season to create an unforgettable evening for the Watsons to celebrate with family and friends.
The Theme:
The inspiration for the party was father and son, Frank Jr. and Frank Sr. They were celebrating the elder Frank's 50th year of practicing law, and the younger Frank's 50th birthday. It was called the 50/50 party!
The Menu:
The dinner, catered by Erling Jenson, featured a mashed potato and macaroni and cheese bar, with toppings including jumbo lump crab meat, bacon, sour cream and chives, butter and gourmet cheeses; mini lamb and beef hot dogs, salt and herb-encrusted whole baked Atlantic salmon; roasted buffalo "balls" with fall vegetable ragout; and crispy risotto arancini with a butternut squash emulsion. Laura Jackson with the Flour Garden made the cake to look like a chalkboard, and there were lots of mini cupcakes to display.
The Decor:
Mazanti says the decor was based on the beautiful fall season. “We set the party up outside on the front patio and front lawn area. We decorated the front entrance with lots of heirloom pumpkins and plants in the host's existing urns, and used farm tables and custom gray square tables for guest seating.” Mazanti and her team used heirloom pumpkins with lanterns and moss on the tabletops, and created a beautiful warm glow with lots of candlelight. “We used whisky barrels and door tops for bars to create a custom chic, but masculine, cigar lounge for the gentlemen with the guests of honor’s favorite cigars. We had a custom chalkboard sign created with the cigar branding painted on it. We used custom painted pumpkins in metallic silver, gold and copper to decorate the food tables along with lots of lanterns, moss and beeswax candles. The decor was a very masculine but chic twist on the typical fall soiree,” Mazanti adds. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 83
entertaining
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Create Your Own “You could re-create this party by scouting out unusual pumpkins from the market and stacking them. You can fill the uneven spots with moss or to flank your door, and use them to decorate food or guest tables. Use lots of candles. I love beeswax candles because they give off the most beautiful amber glow and they are very slow burning. Scatter lots of lanterns throughout. You can opt to have a tent set up in case of rain, and it makes a great area to put tables and chairs and even a dance floor for guests to have a great time,” Mazanti says. As for entertainment, this party had a live band, but you could hire a DJ instead to play your favorite songs. Mazanti says that either way creates fun, upbeat evening your guests will never forget! She advises to consider the guest of honor and use things that are unique to them in order to add a custom element that will make the party extra special. “We did this through the gentlemen's cigar lounge, Mazanti explains.
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dining out
I
n Taylor, MS, a new restaurant is getting some well-deserved buzz. Grit, launched in May, is owned by a husband and wife duo. Nick Reppond and Angie Sicurezza use locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are simple yet thought-out in flavor, while true to the seasons in which they are served. Sicurezza commented on the reason they chose such a unique name for the restaurant. “We had been struggling with coming up with a name for weeks. We were on a train in New York and we said, 'What about Grit?' And so we looked it up by definition and it resonated with us both. It was perfect. Grit in psychology is a positive, non-cognitive trait based on an individual's passion for a particular long-term goal or endstate, coupled with a powerful motivation to achieve their respective objective.”
Food
Feels
that
like coming
home
Text by Ruthie Hall | Photography courtesy of Brandall Atkinson
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Photo courtesy of Julie Wage Ross
88 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
The couple is not new to the food industry. Their “first born” is A&N Catering. Rippond and Sicurezza consider both Grit and A&N Catering to be their children, and look after them accordingly. Sicurezza says, “A&N gave us the ability to open the restaurant sooner than we anticipated. Both companies play off one another. We still do our best to use seasonal, local ingredients for A&N, even when cooking for a large crowd. We never want to compromise the integrity of our food by cutting corners. That's something we live by.”
The owners’ commitment to quality is evident in everything they serve. Two of the most popular dishes on Grit’s dinner menu include mint tea-brined, chargrilled chicken, and wild mushroom ragout with crispy grit cakes. The current fall menu features items sourced from nearby Home Place Pastures, The Peeples Farm, Falkner Farms and others. The atmosphere at Grit is cozy and unique, unlike any other in the Oxford area. “It's rustic, it's industrial, but it has elements of softness throughout,” describes Sicurezza. Grit is a family-owned business and love of family and home shows through every element of the restaurant. Reppond recreates dishes from his grandmother's table in Memphis, while incorporating bold flavor combinations from Old World and international cuisine. “We want people to feel like they are coming into our home, so we want everyone to feel comfortable,” explains Sicurezza. “We tapped into the surrounding communities to help us make Grit as special as possible. When looking around the restaurant, we believe (and we hope!) that it shows,” she says, alluding to the local works that pepper the restaurant. Grit’s tables were built by by Obie Clark, a Taylor artist, and potter Keith Stewart made most of the plates. The restaurant also serves as a gallery, featuring a different artist every quarter. Works by Bradley Gordon are currently on display. Sicurezza says, “We love being able to [be a gallery] as it transforms our space every time a new artist showcases his work!” The restaurant hosts special events most Tuesday evenings. Recent events have included prix fixe wine dinners, and bourbon and cigar dinners on the patio, which features covered seating and a cozy, wood-burning fireplace.
Grit is located at 2 Town Square Lane, Taylor, MS 38673. The phone number is 662.638.3922. Business hours are: Tuesday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; and 5:30-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 89
90 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
October 2016 • athomemms.com | 91
in the kitchen
It’s October, and that means winter squash time!
Pumpkins and winter squashes like the butternut and acorn varieties are all in the gourd family and can be used interchangeably in most cases. I love the flavor of the sweet “meat” of butternut squash; it’s my favorite of the winter squashes. I use it in soups, salads and dishes like this risotto. 92 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
Butternut Squash Risotto Excerpted from Simply Suppers by Jennifer Chandler Photo and food styling by Jennifer Chandler
Risotto sounds complicated, but it is actually very easy to make. All it takes is a little patience to wait for the rice to absorb the liquid. •
1 medium butternut squash (about 1 pound)
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5 cups chicken stock
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2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
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1 Tbsp. olive oil
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¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion (half a small onion)
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1 ½ cups Arborio rice
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½ cup dry white wine
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¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Peel, halve and remove the seeds from the squash. Cut it into ½-inch pieces. In a medium saucepan place the squash and enough water to cover it by 1 inch. Over high heat, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until fork-tender, but not too soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepot over high heat, bring the stock to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. In a large saucepot over medium heat, melt the butter and oil. Add the onions and cook, stirring until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir with a wooden spoon, making sure all the grains are coated. Cook until translucent, about 1 minute. Add the white wine and simmer uncovered until the liquid has almost evaporated, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the simmering stock, ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is almost completely absorbed before adding the next ½ cup of the stock. The risotto is done when the rice is tender, but still firm. Stir in the cooked squash and the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the squash is reheated and the cheese is melted, about 2 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately. Serves 4. Cooking Tip: This is the basic recipe for making risotto. Once you have mastered this simple recipe, you can make any flavor combination you are craving. October 2016 • athomemms.com | 93
happy hour
Caribbean Honeymoon
Ingredients
Directions
• 1 ¾ oz Admiral Nelson’s coconut rum
• In a shaker filled with ice, shake the first three ingredients and strain into a martini glass. Pour a small amount of blue curacao down the side of the drink and it will float on the bottom of the glass.
• ¾ oz Pineapple Juice • ¾ oz sweet and sour • Blue Curacao
Recipe courtesy of Belmont Grill, Germantown
94 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
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96 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
Sources
26| Home Feature
Special thanks to Julie Montgomery Interiors Julie Montgomery, Allied ASID 662.801.6731 jmontgomery25@bellsouth.net Residential Designer: Amy Catherine Wilson Builder: John Abernathy Kitchen: Counter tops: Taj Mahal Quartzite Backsplash: Jeffrey Court Bell Jars: Julie Montgomery Interiors Barstools, fabric: Robert Allen Cabinets: Pierce Cabinets in Tupelo, MS Dining Room: Custom draperies and hardware: Julie Montgomery Interiors, Fabric: GP&Baker Dining chair fabric: Cowtan and Tout Art over mantel – Greg Carmell Master Bedroom Art: Eric Abrecht Custom Draperies: Julie Montgomery Interiors Fabric: Duralee Master Bathroom: Counter tops from Triton Stone Tile: Jeffrey Court Den on the back of the house Art: Jere H Allen (Oxford) Pillow Fabrics: Cowtan and Tout and Jane Shelton
38| Design Special thanks to Steve Nabers and Jesse Nabers Alston Master Bedroom Suite Flooring: Kiser’s Floor Fashions Contractor: Heritage Builders Accessories, Artwork, Fabrics: Nabers Interiors Installation: Chuck Bogan Special thanks to Anna Lattimore Master Bedroom Suite Tile: Estella Mosaic by Artistic Tile through Gray’s Creek Natural Stone Counter top: Snow storm marble, Gray’s Creek Natural Stone Wall color: Benjamin Moore, Pelican Gray Trim color: Benjamin Moore, Chantilly Lace Cabinetry: Old City Millwork Lighting: Graham’s Lighting Bench: Lee Industries through Blu D’or Headboard and bed linens: Anna Latimore Interior Design Bedside Chest: Anna Lattimore Interior Design Lamps: Chestnut Hall Interiors Paint Color: Pratt and Lambert, color Nickel 25-25 October 2016 • athomemms.com | 97
on a good note
Breast Cancer Awareness Month -it is MORE THAN PINK Text and Photo courtesy of Elaine Hare
Every October the colors of autumn are joined by a color that typically signifies spring. Pink, the color of breast cancer awareness, shows up painted on Halloween pumpkins and pink tutus are in the costume aisle. Why? Because other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the U.S. The staff of Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth® wants to spread the message: pink is a great reminder that their organization is “More Than Pink.” In the United States: •
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
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Every two minutes a case of breast cancer is diagnosed
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In 2016 more than 240,000 cases will be diagnosed in women and 2,600 in men
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In 2016 about 40,450 women and 440 men are expected to die from breast cancer
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Early detection and effective treatment have led to a 37% decline in mortality since 1990
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There are more than three million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
The breast cancer awareness movement grew from Suzy Komen’s experience at a time when breast cancer was not discussed in public and there were few resources or social support systems. Pink became the color of the movement over time. The organization that now bears Komen’s name focuses on what pink has made possible—raising funds. More than 80 cents of every dollar Komen raises goes to research and programs that helped women and men who are battling breast cancer. Donations in the Memphis area go to grants locally and the Mid-South Race for the Cure has provided over $10 million to local hospitals and physicians for screenings, mammograms, diagnostics and treatment. Funds have benefitted education programs and support groups for members of the local community, and over $2.6 million has gone to breast cancer research. Over 75% of the local Komen affiliate’s income stays here and the remaining funds support breast cancer research. Nationally, 100 Komen affiliates and Susan G. Komen® have invested over $2 billion over 34 years in programs aimed at uninsured, underinsured and medically vulnerable populations. Susan G. Komen is the largest non-profit funder of breast cancer research, investing over $920 million since inception. It’s easy to see why Komen wants everyone to know they are “More Than Pink.” Our message: •
Know your risk
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Get screened
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Know your body
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Make healthy lifestyle choices As you decorate your home with the warm colors of fall, add some pink and join Komen in the fight against breast cancer here at home. For more information go to komenmemphis.org.
98 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016
Sources
October 2016 • athomemms.com | 99
100 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • October 2016