REFRESH & an OUTDOOR OASIS a family home
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
26 | H O M E F E A T UR E Designer Ann Parker of Parker Design Studio helps an Eads couple adapt their beloved family home to suit their new stage of life.
40 | DE S IGN We sat down with Cindy McCord, owner of Cindy McCord Design, and her client, a Germantown homeowner whose backyard has been her family’s haven, to talk about what takes an outdoor space from routine to remarkable. 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2021
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
APRIL 2021 home & design 26 HOME FEATURE
The Evolution of a Home
40 DESIGN Outdoor Oasis 52 IN THE GARDEN
Local Plant Sales
food & travel 58 GETAWAY Hotel Effie
68 EXPERIENCE THIS
Spring Festivals in Ridgeland, MS
74 EXPERIENCE THIS Landscaping Camp at Ole Miss
84 IN THE KITCHEN
Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi with “Linguine”
for you
48 WEDDING Mr. & Mrs. Alex Robinson
80 HEALTHY YOU Essential Food 90 ON A GOOD NOTE
Vance Avenue Youth Development Center
in every issue
14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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89 SOURCES
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APRIL 2021 • VOL. 20 NO. 1 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER 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 EXECUTIVE GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@gmail.com
REGIONAL MARKETING JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 320 SOUTH WALNUT BEND, SUITE 11 CORDOVA, TN 38018 | 901.684.4155 ATHOMEMMS.COM At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
@athomemagazine
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PUBLISHER'S
Note
We have officially "sprung forward" in so many ways this year. Our restaurants are slowly but surely getting back to normal. Watching a baseball game with more than 12 people in the stands is something I never thought I would miss so much and be so happy to see again. Having friends and family over for small get togethers is now safe, especially with the vaccine (in my opinion), and planning vacations is back on our to-do list. All these great experiences are coming back and we have extra daylight to enjoy them all! If anyone has any pull to keep the time this way, I would very much appreciate you making that happen! Although 2020 made us spend way too much time in our homes, it did make me realize the updating mine needed. If you have visited a hardware store lately, you’ve surely noticed that many others must have shared that same feeling. It seems building supplies have become the new toilet paper—much in demand and very hard to find. Furniture and fabric stores are loaded with anxious customers wanting newly updated, fun and fresh change. We have a beach trip planned soon to celebrate the wedding of a dear family friend and I can not wait to smell the ocean, walk on the sand and celebrate with loved ones; things that, a couple years ago, I would have enjoyed but not treasured and looked forward to as I do now. I hope I can stay calm making my way to Goatfeathers to get my smoked tuna dip. It makes me anxious just thinking about it. That brings me to other food-related topics, like finally being able to go out and share great food and beverage with those we love. I can not wait for the day, and it will come, when we can all gather around a table and share time together. The meals when you pass plates around and share bites, tell stories and thank God for all he has blessed us with.
— Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
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H O M E F E AT U R E
STORY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOS ANNABELLA CHARLES INTERIOR DESIGN A N N PA R K E R
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H O M E F E AT U R E
DESIGNER ANN PARKER HELPS AN EADS COUPLE ADAPT THEIR BELOVED FAMILY HOME TO SUIT THEIR NEW STAGE OF LIFE.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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hen Beth and David Skudder built their home in Eads in 2003, they customized it to perfectly fill the needs of a family with three school-age children. The Skudders loved to entertain, and they had plenty of room for largescale events. Beth recalls, “I had luaus, I had prom parties, I had homecoming parties. I had game dinners. I had school functions. It was great—lots of life in the house.” As the years went by, the children grew up and flew the nest, leaving their parents to figure out how the two of them could best use the house on their own. David recently suggested that the master bath needed an update, and Beth jumped right on the idea. She enlisted the help of Ann Parker, owner of Parker Design Studio, to brighten up the space. And, as is so often the case with home renovations, a small project snowballed into a redo
that encompassed almost every room in the home, along with a screened porch. The Skudders had worked with Parker on several previous design projects, so Beth trusted her implicitly. “There were two things I wanted in this house from the beginning and again in the renovation. Every space had to be useful and the design had to be timeless. Ann helped me so much with that. There’s not one room in the house we don’t use. And I feel like the design will definitely hold up over time.” Parker says one of the main goals of the renovation was to freshen the home while still respecting its original design. “It was really important to stay true to the architecture of the house and not turn it into an alien just to update it,” she recalls. “It was about being very sensitive to what was already here while adding updated features.”
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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hat was already there was a houseful of custom features with materials and furnishings both made by local artisans and brought in from far and wide. The original design team, architect Carson Looney of LRK and designer Julie Nicholson, helped the Skudders source distinctive elements including salvaged barn wood from Canada, antique light fixtures from New Orleans, French antique furnishings and large steel windows. Memphis metal sculptor Brian Russell created a stair rail that features balusters shaped like stalks of wheat and a stunning bronze head of wheat for a newel post, a nod to David’s career as a commodities trader. Parker embraced the opportunity to incorporate some of the Skudders’ existing pieces into her redesign. She says, “We reassembled the details without going too far.” She and Beth went from room to room assessing which of the pieces Beth most loved. Those favorites stayed, often with new upholstery or in a different location. The designer notes that sometimes all it takes to revitalize a space is a new light fixture, a fresh coat of paint, a little wallpaper or some cabinet hardware. A small “tweak” can make a big difference. Beth was ready for a change in her kitchen. She loves to cook and was happy with the flow of the space, but wanted to update the original green furniture-style cabinets and rework the island. She wasn’t interested in buying into the popular trend of having white walls, cabinets and countertops, however. “This house has been too custom from the beginning to all of the sudden make the kitchen generic,” she says. Parker agreed. The new look seamlessly blends the kitchen’s brick wall and wood beams with a handsome island, painted cabinets that are sleek and sophisticated, and pendant-style lantern lights with a decidedly modern flair. April 2021 • athomemms.com | 31
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he adjacent family room went from European traditional, completely furnished in antiques, to a more contemporary blend of classic pieces with new additions and reworked favorites. Parker continued with that aesthetic into the home’s central hall, where a pair of antique needlepoint chairs flank a modern painting by local artist Hamlett Dobbins. The Skudders added several pieces from David Lusk Gallery to their art collection as part of the renovation, including a commission by Tad Lauritzen Wright. The artful anagram contains 29 words related to commodities. Parker brought in art consultant Anna Wunderlich to maximize the impact of the family’s art collection. Beth remembers, “We literally took every piece of art off the walls and repurposed every single piece throughout the house. It gave everything a new life. I felt like I had new art because it was all in new places.” The designer’s “keep-what-you-love, change-the-rest” plan applied to the dining room, as well. The homeowners have always enjoyed entertaining around the large round table in their square-shaped dining room. They no longer loved the gold-leafed ceiling or the upholstery on the dining chairs, though. Parker had the ceiling painted in a quieter tone, reupholstered the chairs, brought in an oversized mirror antiqued by local framer Chris Garner, placed art over the mirror for drama, and added gorgeous silk drapes to give the room a feel that’s altogether different from before, but still in keeping with the home’s character. 32 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2021
H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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he master bedroom’s original faux finished walls received a new look thanks to several coats of paint. Parker freshened up the decor in the room with a new upholstered headboard, bedside tables, window treatments and art, giving it perhaps the most major facelift of any area of the home. In the master bath, “where it all started,” according to Beth, there’s the new shower tile David suggested, along with newly painted cabinets, new hardware, countertops, sinks and faucets. The family eschewed trends here, too: Beth had a freestanding tub, so popular in bathroom remodels at the moment, removed. “It just wasn’t functional,” she explains. In its place Parker installed a built-in tub with a granite deck. With Parker’s help, the Skudders now have a home that’s evolved to fit their current needs—the upstairs renovations even included reworking part of the guest room into a nursery nook for their year-old grandson. But even though the house is now much more suited to the couple’s current lifestyle, their relationship with the designer isn’t winding down. “We love a project,” Beth says. “We truly enjoy the whole process and I’m looking forward to working on more projects with Ann in the future.” 34 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2021
H O M E F E AT U R E
“I wanted it all very homey and inviting. Ann helped maintain that, so it didn't become too stuffy or too formal.”
—Homeowner Beth Skudder
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DESIGN
outdoor OA SIS STORY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOGRAPHY ROSS GROUP CREATIVE
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DESIGN
O
utdoor living is a trend
that has steadily gained popularity recently, but the unique situation of the past year, with its stay-at-home mandates and the lower risk of disease transmission outdoors, has placed more emphasis than ever on the importance of beautiful, practical alfresco areas. We sat down with Cindy McCord, owner of Cindy McCord Design, and her client, a Germantown homeowner whose backyard has been her family’s haven, to talk about what takes an outdoor space from routine to remarkable. April 2021 • athomemms.com | 41
DESIGN
At Home Memphis & Mid South: When you built this house in 2018 did you have a plan for the backyard? Homeowner: Yes! The architecture of the house is U-shaped around the courtyard so lots of windows face the backyard. We wanted to take advantage of the views of what we thought was a beautiful lot with lots of trees. Cindy McCord: The backdrop is fabulous with all those trees! Homeowner: We wanted different areas to gather—sunny areas by the pool and also more shaded areas for dining. And we loved the concept of a screen porch that we could use three or even four seasons of the year, depending on the weather. Our thought was that we wanted to be able to get together with family and friends in different areas at different times of year, and during COVID we really did. We moved furniture out of the screened area and we moved our outdoor dining table into the porch at different times so we could accommodate larger groups safely. We’ll do that beyond COVID because it’s a fun way to use that space; we’re able to adapt it easily by just moving some things around. AHMMS: What features maximize the screened-in porch’s flexibility of use? Cindy McCord: We installed heaters and fans on the screen porch ceiling and gave the outdoor room a beautiful fireplace covered in the same stone we used on the fireplace inside the house. We also had retractable screens put in so the homeowners can raise or lower them as the weather dictates. AHMMS: What drove your design choices for the outdoor room? Cindy McCord: Definitely nature. We went more neutral to enhance the green of the surroundings.
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We didn’t want to put a lot of color in the room; we kept everything natural to keep the emphasis on the beauty of the landscape. We chose a light fixture with a fabric drum shade to make the room warm and inviting. The big square coffee table is actually two rectangular tables grouped together. It’s practical because if you need to separate them and use them in other ways you have that option. AHMMS: Was the pool on your original list of backyard must-haves? Homeowner: We definitely wanted the pool and a water feature as part of the pool. Jay R. West Pools did the pool. While the house was under construction Jay and I walked the lot many times to get an idea of exactly where the pool should be placed. Jay also had great ideas about the finishes. We chose ice blue flagstone for the decking so it wouldn’t get too hot in the summer, but the water feature has sandstone, so it’s a nice blend of cool and warm tones. AHMMS: Was a firepit a feature you knew you wanted from the start? Homeowner: Absolutely. The idea of having a natural wood pit with a gas starter really appealed to us. And we knew we wanted it in a position where it was further back so smoke wouldn’t be coming towards the house. We ended up putting it in a back corner area, which I think is fun. Our homebuilder, Thomas Wirth, gave us the idea to build benches around it, which made it a fun conversation area to have fires by. AHMMS: What part of the backyard do you and your family use the most? Homeowner: We congregate according to the number we have and shade or sun or temperature. If it’s just the two of us having a glass of wine we may be seated in the two chairs that face the pool. If there’s four of us we might be around the round table having a meal. Thanksgiving evening we sat in the screen porch and watched a movie with the fireplace going.
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DESIGN
“I love the outdoors. I grew up camping; that’s how we vacationed. The outdoors was our playground and I feel the same way about our home. It’s God’s beautiful playground and we get to enjoy and take in the beauty of His creation. To be outside to me is just the biggest blessing.” — Homeowner
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AHMMS: Who else had a hand in making your backyard
DESIGN
such a showplace? Homeowner: Johnny Deniston and his company, Agriscapes, designed and installed the landscaping. They did such a great job. I especially love the area between the back door and the pool, where he placed stone pads surrounded by grass borders. It combines two elements, organic and stone, and keeps the area from being just a huge expanse of concrete. Audio Video Artistry (AVA) installed speakers in the screen porch and all around the yard. It’s so relaxing to be able to sit anywhere and enjoy music. Michelle Bolton and Margaux Bartosch of June Wren Flowers are responsible for the beautiful color that we have in the backyard and also in the front of our home. Michelle has a great eye for color and flowers. She loves to walk the property with me and talk about colors. I look to her for inspiration; she just has such a knack for bringing out beauty in flowers and plants. AHMMS: If you had to sum up the appeal of this backyard in a sentence what would you say? Cindy McCord: They have so many conversation areas— it’s great for entertaining. Homeowner: It’s nice to have a spot for everything.
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WEDDING
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Caroline Hughes & Alex Robinson S E PT E M B E R 26, 2020 | M E M P H I S, T N
Parents of the Bride: Laurie Hughes & Allen Hughes Jr. Parents of the Groom: Kay & Steve Robinson
REHEARSAL DINNER: MEMPHIS COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING & RECEPTION: ANNESDALE MANSION EVENT PLANNER: MONA DUNLAP FLORIST: DEEDRA STONE DESIGNS PHOTOGRAPHER: MAGGIE BRAUCHER PAPER: MENAGE STATIONERS & FRESH INK ENTERTAINMENT: EVEN ODDS BAKER: CAKES BY MOM & ME CATERER: ELIZABETH HEISKELL WEDDING DRESS: MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL RINGS: BETSY GARDNER JEWELRY MAKEUP: HEATHER BOUTIQUE
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IN THE GARDEN
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Local Plant Sales T E X T A N D P H OTO S BY DA L E S K A G G S, D I R EC TO R O F H O RT I C U LT U R E AT D I XO N G A L L E RY & G A R D E N S
The local plant sales at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis Botanic Garden and Lichterman Nature Center have become a spring tradition in Memphis, with lots of diversity in the plants offered. Not only are these sales fundraisers for public gardens, they are a real asset to the horticultural community, as well. The Dixon Garden Fair introduces new plants to Memphis horticulture and broadens the offerings of quality plants available to local home gardeners, a purpose which is at the core mission of the organization. This year the Dixon plant sale will be held Apr. 1617 with a members’ only sale on Apr. 15. Pandemic protocols will be in place; visit www.Dixon.org to learn more and to sign up for a shopping time. April 2021 • athomemms.com | 53
IN THE GARDEN
Disporopsis pernyi
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t
he Dixon sale began in the early 1980s and was originally a wildflower plant sale. During that era in horticulture there was a huge demand for native plants and woodland forbs. Commercial nurseries did not respond to the demand and the Dixon sale filled that niche for years. Native plants are still in vogue today, but while newer cultivars have largely replaced wild-growing species, the event still offers a fair number of natives. One of the wildflowers that has stood the test of time is the highly sought-after ‘Dixon Strain’ foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia var. wherryi). This is a superior seed strain of the foam flower, which a garden cannot have too many of when it blooms in early spring. As the name implies, it resembles big swaths of foam and makes a statement when planted en masse. This plant has been grown from seed at the Dixon since the early years of the sale. A few other wildflower staples at the Dixon are the woods poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) with its happy yellow blooms that look great with another favorite, the wild blue woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), or wild Sweet William, as our grandmothers called it. We still love and promote these great natives for the Memphis garden, and they are consistent bestsellers every spring. The Dixon is also known for ferns, another plant that we have specialized in over the years. Originally offering mostly native ferns, we now have some of the most unusual ferns that also grow well in the Mid South. In the past we taught classes on how to grow ferns from spores, which was the only way to get some of the more unusual plants. Specialty growers now offer a wide selection of ferns in plugs—during our last sale we offered over 20 species and cultivars. Much of the Dixon grounds is well suited for growing ferns, and we are constantly seeking out and trying new cultivars for the Mid South. Our focus now is searching out and providing choice, hard-to-find plants at great prices. We have dedicated our efforts to the mission of expanding the selection available to local gardeners. We have used the sale to promote evergreen Solomon’s seal (Disporopsis pernyi) which has proven to be an excellent, easy-to-grow, woodland evergreen with arching stems and small bell-shaped, pendulous flowers. In terms of shrubs, the paper bush (Edgeworthia sp.) is in full flower now and it is an excellent addition to the Memphis plant palette. It sports silver-dollar-sized white and yellow flowers, borne on naked branches in February and March, and it is powerfully fragrant. These plants are usually among
the first ones to sell out at our members’ only preview sale. Since the sale did not take place last year due to Covid restrictions, we have up potted and divided many of the plants we planned to offer in 2020, which means this year’s plants are husky, full, robust and acclimated to Memphis. We have a fair number of native azaleas in our living collections on the Dixon grounds. While most of the azaleas are hybrids from Asian species, there are roughly 15 species of native azaleas, 14 of which are native to the southeastern United States. These plants have long, tubular flowers that look more like giant honeysuckle blooms than typical evergreen azaleas. They are hard to find in commerce, but we will be offering a wide assortment of these southern gems. The various public garden sales in the area are not in competition with one another; instead they tend to support each other and have different offerings. While the Dixon is known for rare, hard-to-find, new and unusual plants, the sale at Memphis Botanic Garden has the widest selection of plants from veggies and herbs to annuals, tropicals and hanging baskets, many offered by vendors. There is always a good selection, with more trees and shrubs than the other sales. The Botanic Garden’s sale is set for Apr. 22-24, with online ordering continuing. Visit www. memphisbotanicgarden.com for details. Lichterman Nature Center’s plant sale consists mostly of plants propagated with the help of volunteers. This sale too originally sold only native varieties, but its offerings have evolved, as well. Shoppers will now find a mix of plants from natives to fuchsias and many other pollinator plants, both tropical and hardy. In the tradition of the original Lichterman plant sales, they offer a fair number of plants for which the seed source is local. This year’s Lichterman sale will give customers two times to shop: Apr. 16-17, and May 15. You will need an appointment to shop, so visit www. memphismuseums.org/lichterman-nature-center/ events/annual-plant-sale/ for more details. None of the local plant sales would be possible without the help of the UT Master Gardeners who donate countless volunteer hours. Shelby County has the largest Master Gardener program in the state, and volunteers have a huge beneficial impact on our communities. In fact, the local plant sales are mostly run by volunteers. They are essentially helping to fund Mid South horticulture.
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G E TA W AY
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G E TA W AY
HOTEL EFFIE
EXPERIENCE SOUTH WALTON BEACHES FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE BY T R A C Y LO U T H A I N | P H OTO S BY G A RY B O G D O N
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G E TA W AY
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L
ooking up from my cosmopolitan, I can
see for miles. The view of rooftops, treetops, golf courses and the Choctawhatchee Bay, among other points of interest, is breathtakingly scenic and serene. The air is cool and has a faint smell of salt. I’m accompanied by other rooftop patrons who have made their way to the 10th floor of Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort’s new luxury lodging—The Hotel Effie. With the honor of being “the only rooftop bar and pool” in South Walton, it’s the newest way to experience luxury and relaxation at the beach. “Attention to detail, cohesive design and a Southern flair are what sets this hotel apart,” says Kyle Campbell, a member of the Hotel Effie Opening Taskforce. South Walton and Destin, with their soft whitesand beaches, are an annual tradition for many Memphians. Now beach lovers can experience their favorite destination in a fresh way. The new hotel, located near the Grand Sandestin adjacent to the vibrant Village of Baytowne at Sandestin, is the vision of Tom Becnel, chairman of Sandestin Investments, and his daughter, Sara Becnel, VP of Development for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Becnel named the hotel in honor of his grandmother, Effie Burns, and the luxury lodging does her memory proud. With a wealth of personal touches and attention to detail, the lavish hotel fuses modern and retro styles, accented with Southern hospitality. Its simple, contemporary décor is complemented by coastal hues, which are infused throughout the property. From the pure quartz crystal accents in the chandeliers, which pay homage to the crystal sand beaches, to the corridor carpet design, inspired by waves lapping the shore, Hotel Effie embraces effortless luxury. Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted and ushered to the registration desk, where wave-inspired artwork begins to wash away preconceived notions of typical beachfront accommodations. The nearby Lobby Bar welcomes weary travelers with delicious libations. Bartender Ray Spencer has earned a reputation for his perfectly hand-shaken martinis and craft cocktails, including the Hotel Effie’s signature Aqueduct and the Vesper, inspired by James Bond’s libation of choice in the film Casino Royale.
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G E TA W AY
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Head up to the 10th floor and step into Ara, the rooftop bar, for a breath of fresh air (literally). Garage-style doors open to welcome warm coastal breezes and expansive views. The simple décor and modern stylings create understated elegance that allows the views to take center stage. Ara is located alongside the only rooftop pool in the area, lined with white cabanas that bring Monte Carlo and Miami to mind. Adjacent to the pool, a turf lawn with white art-deco seating creates a chill spot high above the Choctawhatchee Bay. The Effie’s Spa Lilliana transports weary travelers to a world of comfort and bliss. A visit begins with a plush bathrobe so soft and snuggly, it feels like a warm hug. Tension melts away as spa goers nestle in on chaise lounges in the aptly named Relaxation Room. Its oval design and sheer curtains between each chair create a tranquil environment to calm the mind and leave worries behind. The spa’s co-ed waiting area is ideal for couples massages as well as wedding parties. There is also a private, women’s only waiting area within the women’s lounge. Using time-honored techniques and responsibly sourced, effective ingredients to nurture and transport clients, the spa offers a full range of services. Facials, massages, body treatments and salon services can be customized to the individual’s needs. Massage therapist Theresa Gardiner shares, “Not only is it luxurious, but you see actual results. Our treatments go beyond relaxation to generating real results.” Seeking rebirth and renewal, I selected the Earth and Sea Scrub treatment. This 60-minute service begins with an invigorating full-body scrub featuring organic algae and sea salts harvested from around the world to exfoliate skin. “We begin with dry brushing the legs, arms, back and stomach toward the heart with warmed Gigartina seaweed,” says Gardiner. Next, a soothing application of anti-aging coconut oil is applied. Each section of the body receives a thorough scrub and moisturizing treatment, leaving clients with a radiant glow. The Vitamin Sea Radiance Facial makes the perfect complement to the service for a head-to-toe refresher. When it’s mealtime, Ovide is ready to satisfy. Ovide blends Gulf Coast flavors and classic French technique under the skilled guidance of acclaimed Georgia chef Hugh Acheson. A James Beard Award winner and Top Chef judge, Acheson takes inspiration from the locale, combining Gulf-caught fish with seasonal fresh produce. Diners will April 2021 • athomemms.com | 63
G E TA W AY
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discover choices including pan-roasted red snapper with Thai chili emulsion, pigeon peas and rice and charred greens, roasted grouper with Anson Mills farro verde and pickled satsuma gremolata, and Grilled Mahi Mahi complemented with spring panzanella salad and soy vinaigrette. Other options include creative preparations of eggplant, chicken, pork and filet mignon. The menu even pays homage to Grandma Effie, whose signature homemade biscuits are served with sorghum butter. At Ovide, every dish is fueled by passion for sustainability and seasonality. The hotel’s beautifully designed guest rooms provide breathtaking views of the bay or Sandestin. With luxurious beds, black-out curtains, plush blankets and cozy robes, the comfortably elegant rooms make it tempting to stay inside. But when guests are ready to head out, Hotel Effie’s prime location within the 2,400acre Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort with access to miles of soft, white-sand beaches makes exploring effortless. Vacationers can see Sandestin from a new angle aboard a beach cruiser by taking advantage of the two complimentary bicycle rentals per day. Pedaling along tree-lined streets through Sandestin’s exclusive neighborhoods, along the Bay or through the tunnel to the beach, it’s freeing to cruise on two wheels and feel like a kid again. Each stay also includes a free onehour kayak rental, one-hour boogie board rental, and one hour of tennis court time. Thanks to its location within walking distance to the Village of Baytowne Wharf, guests of Hotel Effie can easily enjoy boutique shopping, delectable restaurants and the family-friendly Adventure Zone.
Even if you’ve been visiting the beaches of South Walton, Destin and 30A for years, Hotel Effie is certain to bring a fresh perspective to a place that has long been a favorite. Simply put, it’s a new way to enjoy unpretentious luxury and fresh views within a familiar and beautifully scenic setting. Learn more at hoteleffie.com.
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EXPERIENCE THIS
Spring Festivals in Ridgeland, MISSISSI PPI
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Spring festivals are safely returning and Ridgeland looks forward to hosting visitors and locals alike at its Art, Wine and Wheels weekend Apr. 30-May 2. Over the last 12 years, this exciting weekend has grown to include fine arts and wine festivals with live music and great food, a 5K race and a bicycle ride that brings in thousands of folks from across the U.S. All the fun takes place at the beautiful, open-air Renaissance at Colony Park.
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T h i s y e a r ’s c e l e b r at i o n b e g i n s w i t h t h e f i r s t - e v e r K i c k- O f f P a r ty, a f r e e - t o - at t e n d e v e nt a t t h e R e n a i s s a n c e f e a t u r i n g a l i v e p e r f o r m a n c e b y D r. Z a r r a n d t h e A m a z i n g Fu n k M o n s t e r B a n d . T h e A r t / R i d g e l a n d F i n e A r t s Fe s t i v a l / F r i . , A p r. 3 0 ( e v e n i n g ) - S u n . , M a y 2 Some of America’s most talented artists will converge on Ridgeland for this juried art festival that includes clay, drawing/pastels, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media 2D and 3D, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. The free event provides art enthusiasts and shoppers the opportunity to interact with the artists personally. For a complete list of participating artists, visit RidgelandArtsFest.com. Members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi will demonstrate their various talents and they’ll be on hand at the Children’s Creative Craft Corner to help budding artists create their own “make-and-take” masterpiece. All Art, Wine & Wheels events are dog-friendly, and this year’s Fine Arts Festival features a new green space dedicated to furry friends. Stop by Pup Park to take a selfie with your canine sidekick at the photo booth and receive a free bandana for Fido. Dining options will include a variety of food trucks that will be at the festival, as well as Ridgeland’s many top-tier restaurants. Local boutiques and brand-name merchants will offer ongoing weekend specials during the festival – there will be no shortage of shopping!
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The Wine / Sante South Sampling Palate / Sat., May 1-Sun., May 2 The Sante South Wine Festival, the largest wine and culinary extravaganza in Mississippi, will return in 2022, but in the meantime, the wine (and select craft beer) will flow at the Sante South Sampling Palate kiosk during the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival. Guests 21 and older can purchase a punch card at Information Tents on the festival grounds and take it to the Sampling Kiosk for some fabulous adult beverages. Sante South will still host the Run Now, Wine Later 5K, the only race in the area at which runners get to enjoy wine and cheese at the finish line. Held Friday evening, the race begins and ends near the Fountain at Renaissance. Race registrants can purchase tickets to attend the special VIP Social at Friday’s Kick-Off Party.
The Wheels / Natchez Trace Century Ride / Sat., May 1 The Natchez Trace Century Ride has quickly become one of the largest spring cycling events in Mississippi. Each year, more than 700 participants have jump-started their cycling season while discovering Ridgeland’s small-town charm and hospitality and pedaling on stretches of national scenic byway. With a choice of distances including eight, 25, 50, 62 and 100 miles with mild to moderate elevation, the event is suitable for riders of all levels. The Natchez Trace Century Ride will take place on Sat., May 1 at 7 a.m., and will start at the Ridgeland Recreation Center. All Century Ride registrants will have access to the VIP Social at the Kick-Off Party.
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Landscaping Camp at OL E M I SS BY MICHELLE MAUTHE HARVEY | PHOTOS BY ROSIE VASSALLO
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JEFF MCMANUS
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S pring in the Mid South is like
nowhere else. In 2021, the area has had enough ice and snow to prompt deep appreciation for the daffodils, azaleas, dogwoods and redbuds. The beauty of nature has been a bright spot in a year like no other, and many folks are reemerging right along with the landscape’s green tendrils. There’s no better time to learn more about gardening in an immersive experience.
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EXPERIENCE THIS Landscaping Camp at the University of Mississippi (UM) will return for its fourth annual installment May 28-29. The event is hosted by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber (MS) and Economic Development Foundation. Ole Miss is a perennial on lists of both most beautiful campuses and best tailgates. While fall can be stunning in north Mississippi, if you’ve only experienced UM during football season, seeing the grounds in spring is a must do. Camp weekend will feature exclusive insider’s tours, and its outdoor venues offer a pandemic friendly getaway. Every exceptional campus is the product of expert grounds crews. For more than 20 years, UM’s Director of Landscape Services Jeff McManus has worked with skill and vision to create an unparalleled outdoor setting on the campus four seasons a year. McManus has garnered such accolades as Auburn University’s Outstanding Alumnus in Horticulture, UM’s Outstanding Staff Member, and the Professional Grounds Management Society’s President's Award. Join him behind the scenes, and in two days glean some of his best advice, from favored camellia and other landscape varieties to tips on how to perfectly shape shrubs and trees. Landscape Camp offers the best of Oxford and Ole Miss. This year’s weekend opens with a city tour aboard Oxford’s famed double-decker bus; bring your hat to enjoy the open-air top level. Then it’s on to one of Oxford’s most outstanding garden estates, the home of Dickie and Diane Scruggs. Outof-town campers will find the Inn at Ole Miss a convenient and comfortable home base—no tents at this camp! All will enjoy the Inn’s hospitality at the evening reception and dinner; keynote speaker McManus will sign copies of his books, included with camp registration. Following breakfast at the Inn, put on your walking shoes for the expert’s content-rich landscaper’s-eye-view campus tour. Discover the artistry behind the scenic spaces that leave lasting impressions on UM students, alumni and visitors alike. Prior to lunch, McManus will lead campers in “Pruning Like a Pro” from his book of the same name; what you learn in this session will have a beneficial impact on every plant you nip. April 2021 • athomemms.com |77
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W
hat’s camp without a field
trip? The bucolic 128-acre Farmstead on Woodson Ridge is home to Farmstead Florals, the area’s largest working flower farm. Its open-air pavilion, a favored wedding site, will be the setting for lunch and the afternoon sessions. Katherine Sharp Webb of Farmstead Florals will lead a walking tour of the flower farm while sharing her experiences and insights on growing a cutting garden. Also on the agenda is a talk on home landscaping and wildlife by Mississippi State University extension agent and wildlife specialist Steven Tucker. Oxford is renowned for its lovely and historic downtown square; Greg Pinion, City Superintendent for Buildings and Grounds, is responsible for its upkeep. His “Hands-on Container Gardening” program will be a revelation for novice and experienced landscapers alike. McManus will close out the final day with some additional gardening tips. Camp is guaranteed to be both memorable and educational for every attendee; gift registrations make wonderful Mother’s or Father’s Day presents. To register call the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber at 662.234.4651 or visit oxfordms.com/ retire-in-oxford/landscaping-camp. Camp cost is $300, not including hotel accommodations. The Inn at Ole Miss offers special rates of $109 to $149 per night; use group code 5012 prior to April 28. Make reservations online at www.theinnatolemiss.com or by calling 888.486.7666. Presentation sponsors include UM, the Inn, Visit Oxford, Grace Realty Group, Stages MS Magazine, Dabney Nursery, North East MS Electric Power Association, SeniorKare and NE SPARC.
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H E A LT H Y Y O U
Essential Food
STORY MICHELLE JOHNS
MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT
“Let food be thy medicine.” —Hippocrates 460-370 BC
it
is just about impossible to avoid illness altogether, and to be honest, it’s okay to catch a little cold or virus if your immune system is up to the task of battle. As in every aspect of life, things that challenge us make us stronger. I am always interested in hearing people describe a healthy person. Being healthy is more than working out every day and having a lean, muscular body build. Being healthy is about eating right and getting the daily nutrients that feed your body’s cells. Eating the right foods and taking the right vitamins are your body’s best lines of defense against viruses and bacteria. A diet filled with foods that contain essential vitamins and nutrients can make all the difference in your body’s ability to fight off disease. Research dating back to Hippocrates has shown that health and well-being are powered by food and the nutrients foods possess. The people who live the longest, healthiest and most vibrant lives eat several meals a day. Their diet consists mostly of plant-based, whole foods including raw vegetables, raw fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, along with some seafood, meat and poultry. The following are a few key considerations to help you move toward healthier eating. Sometimes, along with a change in diet, a new eating plan also requires a shift in mindset. - Consider what you will eat and like to eat. Instead of focusing on foods that are restricted, think with a mindset of inclusion. For example, I may love a candy bar, but instead of thinking about not eating the candy bar, I think about what I can eat that will satisfy that craving. - When you eat, try to chew each bite for 20 to 30 seconds savoring the flavors and fully processing 80 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2021
food before you swallow it. Slower eating helps the digestive system break down and absorb more nutrients. - Instead of eliminating foods, change the way you prepare them. I bought an air fryer (Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven). I am crazy about fried chicken, but it’s the taste I love, not the batter. Coating my chicken with avocado oil, salt, pepper, flavorful spices and herbs and baking in the oven or in the air fryer gives me the same delicious taste and it’s healthier. Essential foods and some of their key benefits: Nutritious Nuts: Nuts are fuel for the brain. Some people find nuts can be hard to digest, but that is largely because they don’t chew them completely before swallowing. The value of nuts cannot be overstated. They are packed with nutrients such as copper, zinc, selenium, iron, thiamin, manganese, potassium and calcium. They help red blood cells develop hemoglobin and oxygenate red blood cells. Studies show that eating as little as a ¼ cup of nuts a few times a week can help prevent most cancers. Walnuts have been shown to be influential against the growth of cancer cells in a few studies. *Research is ongoing and continuing to develop. My favorite nuts include walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews and barukas. Fabulous fruits: Fruits are powerful antioxidants and help relieve inflammation. Include berries, citrus fruits, apples, pears and avocados in your daily meals. The list of vitamins and nutrients in fruits is extensive as is their protective power against viruses and other causes of illness. Most fruits are a treasure trove of Vitamin C, which is crucial to a strong immune system. Fruit smoothies are my favorite way to pack a variety of fruitful benefits into one sitting. Valuable Vegetables: Vegetables, like fruits, provide potent protection against all illnesses. Vegetables can be a primary source of Vitamin A, another essential and often overlooked necessity for a healthy immune system.
H E A LT H Y Y O U
You can maximize the powerful benefits of vegetables a few ways. Eat them raw as a snack. I usually eat a small bowl of raw veggies every day. Cook them lightly, leaving them crunchy so as to retain as much nutrition as possible (cooked foods tend to lose some of their nutritional elements). Add grass-fed butter (added protein) and unrefined (Celtic) salt toward the end of the cooking period. The human body is powered by sodium chloride. It helps keep us hydrated. The key is to not use too much and to use the right kind of salt. Glorious Grains: Grains are a great source of magnesium, selenium and zinc. The right grains are beneficial to a strong gut microbiome. The key is to make sure you are eating whole grains: look for the whole-grain certified label on packaging. A whole-grain product is one that retains the bran, germ and endosperm, all essential to the nutritional value of grains. Refined grains eliminate the germ and bran, which contain key elements such as fats, fiber and other nutrients. Oats and quinoa are wonderful substitutions for cereals and rice. Fantastic Fish and Meats: Wild-caught seafood such as
salmon, sardines, herring, tuna and mackerel are valuable sources of protein and essential nutrients. Two to three servings a week suffice! Poultry such as chicken and eggs can also provide beneficial nutrients. Last but certainly not least, drink about half your body weight in ounces of water every day! My daily food intake typically includes: Breakfast: Green smoothie and a bowl of berries Snack: Matcha green tea and whole-grain toast with almond butter, walnuts and goji berries Mid-day meal: Raw vegetables and a protein (sardines, eggs, chicken) Snack: Raw nuts End of day meal: Cooked veggies and a plant protein such as legumes. Some of my go-to resources for healthy and creative dishes include a couple of great books, Simple Green Smoothies by Jadah Sellner and Jen Han, and Deliciously Ella: Smoothies and Juices by Ella Woodward, and the website cookieandkate.com.
Stay well, At Home friends!
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IN THE KITCHEN
Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi with “Linguine”
If you’re trying to cut the carbs and drop a couple of extra pounds before summer is in full swing, you’re definitely going to want to add this recipe to your list of favorites! Whether you’re trying to lose weight or not, this is delicious and definitely a keeper! I have replaced the traditional linguine pasta with Palmini noodles. Palmini is a product that does a great job replicating pasta using hearts of palm. Trust me...it’s delicious! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. RECIPE & PHOTO JIM NORTON
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IN THE KITCHEN INGREDIENTS: 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter 3 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. minced garlic 2 lbs. medium/large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 Tbsp. salt 2 tsp. ground pepper ½ cup chopped Italian parsley ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 5 lemons) ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 3 12-oz. packages Palmini Linguine (located in the pasta aisle) 2 10-oz. cartons colorful snacking tomatoes, halved DIRECTIONS: In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. When hot add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add prepared shrimp, salt and pepper. Stirring often, cook approximately 4 minutes or until shrimp is just pink. Remove from heat and add parsley, lemon juice and crushed red pepper. Toss to combine, transfer to a bowl and set aside. Using the same skillet, return to heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the Palmini and tomatoes. Toss to combine and heat the noodles. Add shrimp mixture back to the skillet. Toss to combine and heat throughout. Top with additional fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!
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April 2021 HO M E F E AT U R E Special Thanks Parker Design Studio parkerdesignstudio.com Annabella Charles Photography annabellacharles.com
DESIGN
Special Thanks Cindy McCord Design cindymccord.com Ross Group Creative rossgroupcreative.com
EXPERIENCE THIS Special Thanks Foster Relations for Ridgeland, MS fosterrelations.com Rosie Vassallo for the Landscaping Camp at Ole Miss oxfordms.com/retire-in-oxford /landscaping-camp
GETAWAY Special Thanks Hotel Effie hoteleffie.com
IN THE GARDEN Special Thanks Dixon Gallery & Gardens Dixon.org
IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
HEALTHY YOU
Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
ON A GOOD NOTE Special Thanks Vance Avenue Youth Development Center youthdevcenter.org
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ON A GOOD NOTE
STORY BY KATIE FLYNN | PHOTO BY JULIAN HARPER
T
he Vance Avenue Youth Development Center (VAYDC) is located in the heart of the South City Neighborhood, just east of Downtown Memphis. Barbara Nesbit organized and chartered the center, which consists of two singular modular structures, in March 1994. She established the center to enhance the learning potential for children born into one of the poorest ZIP codes in Memphis. As stated in the VAYDC mission statement, the center’s goal is “to help underprivileged children and youth by maximizing their learning potential through programs that reinforce core academic studies, healthy living, high self-esteem, decision-making, and alcohol and drug prevention.” Prior to and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Nesbit and her husband have been an anchor in a neighborhood of high poverty and low employment rates, organizing clothing drives, an annual Christmas gift drive, tutoring, food drives, and cooking 100-150 hot meals per day, free to South City residents. Outside of her everyday work, Nesbit is constantly looking for broader funding opportunities to better her community and the quality of life for the children in the neighborhood.
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Due to the number of people VAYDC serves each day, the center has quickly outgrown its space. Nesbit’s long-term goal is to replace the modular structures with a single, larger building. The center runs completely on donations and with volunteer staff. Most recently, VAYDC was awarded a South City Good Neighbor Grant through the Downtown Memphis Commission in partnership with the Memphis Housing & Community Development Office for exterior improvements. The funds will cover 90 percent of the cost to renovate the building’s rotting wood, replace broken windows and a deteriorated fence, and to add new landscaping and concrete for a youth basketball court and parking lot. Says Nesbit, “What we got from the Downtown Commission’s Good Neighbor Grant is teaching our children to give back. It’s teaching them to help somebody do something that they see are trying to do things for the neighborhood. That’s our main concern, doing things for the neighborhood; it’s not for us, it’s for the people, the children, the grandparents, and the neighborhood.” For more information on VAYDC to go youthdevcenter.org. To make a donation visit youthdevcenter.org/donate.
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