DESIGN:
HOME FEATURE:
2 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 3
4 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 5
6 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 7
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
26 | HOME FEAT U R E House of Chic owner Jennifer Jones Landrum tackles a total renovation with her new husband in East Memphis. 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
40 | DE S IGN Longtime Memphis homeowners turn to M. Steffens Interiors to refresh their compact kitchen without the hassle or expense of a major addition.
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 9
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
AUGUST 2021 home & design 26 HOME FEATURE Timeless with a Twist
40 DESIGN
Well Loved, Once Again
food & travel 62 GETAWAY
Honoring the Past and Embracing the Present
72 IN THE KITCHEN
Watermelon Wedge Salad with Cucumber Purée
for you
50 WEDDING
Mr. & Mrs. Peyton Klawinski
52 WEDDING Mr. & Mrs. Matt Pounders 54 WEDDING
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Westbrooks
76 HEALTHY YOU Back to Basics
in every issue
14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE
10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
81 SOURCES
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 11
AUGUST 2021 • VOL. 20 NO. 5 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 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 7776 FARMINGTON BLVD, # 1321 GERMANTOWN TN 38183 | 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: 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown TN 38183. 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, 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown, TN 38183. 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, 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown, TN 38183 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
@athomemagazine
12 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 13
PUBLISHER'S
Note
It always makes me so happy to bring you another issue of AT HOME but absolutely nothing fills my heart more than introducing to you our first grandchild, Crawford May Ellis. She entered our lives at 4:03 a.m. on July 9th and I know our world will never be the same. There are no words to describe the happiness in holding your baby’s baby and it’s even more special when she is wearing the day gown her mother came home from the hospital in over 31 years ago. It’s pure joy on a level I have never experienced. When she is in my arms, the world is perfect, pure and full of love. On another level of love is the story of Jennifer and Mike Landrum’s marriage and renovation of their 30+-year-old East Memphis home. Together the couple transformed the house into their home and made it perfect for them and their new life together. I love the way Jennifer describes the home as “their story.” All homes have a “story,” although the length of the story is very different from one home to another. Some are short and temporary, a stop before moving on to another home that fits a family’s life at the time. Our home story is a 28-yearold one with lots of chapters. Our first chapter included moving in with babies during “the” ice storm and with no electricity. Other chapters included meeting neighbors who soon became lifelong friends and watching our babies grow up together. There were happy and sad chapters in between as we celebrated birthdays, graduations and weddings but also mourned the passing of two of our close neighbors’ children. Through all of our chapters, our home has remained our shelter, our refuge and most importantly our story. I can’t wait to see the next chapter of our home’s story—the one that starts with Crawford and I hope will continue with many more grandchildren. Lots of forts under the dining room table (I mean, what else is that thing good for?), numerous hide and seek games and days that start with pancake breakfasts and sticky, messy kitchens and end with giggles, sleepy eyes, endless snuggles, bedtime stories and many “I love yous.” This might be my favorite chapter ever. Thank you for inviting us into your home each month and I wish you many happy chapters ahead.
Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
14 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 15
16 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 17
18 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 19
20 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 21
22 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 23
24 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 25
H O M E F E AT U R E
STORY TERRI GLAZER S TA G I N G & R E D E S I G N HOUSE OF CHIC PHOTOS ANNABELLA CHARLES
26 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
H O M E F E AT U R E
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 27
H O M E F E AT U R E
28 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
H O M E F E AT U R E
jennifer
property she describes as “sleepy, but with great Jones Landrum says that
bones.” Despite delays brought on when the COVID
when she and her now-husband Mike Landrum
pandemic hit two months later, the Landrums
were introduced a year and a half ago, they were
moved into their home in November, and they
“instant soulmates.” They married within a year
couldn’t be happier. Jennifer’s design aesthetic
of meeting, and why not? They knew they were
produced a fresh setting, the ideal backdrop for all
meant to be together.
things newly married. She and Mike both brought
Eager to find a new home to start their life as a married couple, the pair purchased a 30+-year-old house in an East Memphis gated community in January 2020. Jennifer wasted no time in coming
favorite furniture, art and accessories into their combined home, completed by a few special pieces they acquired together to make the place truly theirs.
up with a total renovation plan to wake up the
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 29
H O M E F E AT U R E
having been somewhat neglected for the past few years, the house needed a head-to-toe update, and no one was better prepared to take on a project of that scale. The owner of Staging & Redesign by House of Chic, Jennifer is an Accredited Staging Professional and a member of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. “I always tell my clients ‘fresh is in,’” she says, and she heeded her own advice in her personal project. To revitalize the facade, she reworked the front porch, changed the front door, and painted the brick. All new landscaping completed the transformation. The interior, once dark and multi-colored, has new life thanks to fresh white paint throughout. Says Jennifer, “I wanted an all-white house because we have quite a bit of art, and white really makes artwork pop.” To achieve a more open feel, the reno plan also included raising every door header to 10 feet high, and replacing all the light fixtures. Taking furnishings from two mature people who have spent years acquiring their own pieces and meshing those into one cohesive design could present a real challenge, but Jennifer says that was not the case when it came to marrying her things with Mike’s. She points out pieces in the home’s entryway as a perfect example. “The chest was his, but the mirrors above it were mine,” she says, adding that the ease with which their items blended affirms that fact that they were meant to be together. The dining table is new, purchased from The Back Room by Bella Vita to fit their current lifestyle. “Our whole key with this house and this time in our lives was to make everything user friendly. We use this dining room all the time for everything from parties to pizza night,” Jennifer says. Much-loved upright hutches from the couple’s previous homes play well with the pedestal table’s washed finish. The room gets a punch of pizzazz from the ceiling, papered in a metallic geometric pattern from Thibaut. She explains, “I love accent walls. I often suggest them for my clients, so I decided this ceiling was the perfect place for some interest.” 30 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
H O M E F E AT U R E
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 31
H O M E F E AT U R E
before 32 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
HO OM MEE FFEEAT ATU URREE H
the
kitchen that was dark and closed in is now light-filled and inviting. New white cabinets, a massive white quartz island and a couple of show-stopping light pendants in champagne gold are the stars of the show. The island’s acrylic barstools are the perfect perches for morning coffee thanks to their placement across from a large picture window. Once closed off by shutters, the window now opens to a lovely garden vignette. Jennifer designed the keeping room adjacent to the kitchen with a rather unconventional furniture layout, but she says it’s a big hit. She grouped an assortment of swivel chairs in what she calls a “conversation circle” so family and guests seated there can easily turn to face one another, focus toward the kitchen, or view the pool and the new open-air porch outside the room’s back window. Jennifer designed the cozy veranda, repurposing plantation shutters removed from the kitchen to provide privacy.
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 33
H O M E F E AT U R E
34 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
past
the keeping room sits the
home’s comfortable family room, a large space with an inviting sectional sofa, a hammeredsteel top dining table that Mike brought, and an original diptych by local painter Katie Toombs. “It’s of Shelby Farms,” Jennifer says, “Mike and I love to walk out there so it was fun to find those two paintings.” “Marrying” the two gathering areas is a wine bar area Jennifer conceived to provide a segue as well as easy beverage access from the pool. The granite countertop came as a happy surprise, a perfect fit repurposed from the master bathroom vanity, and the wallpapered panel on the wall gives the spot depth and dimension. The downstairs master bedroom is a tranquil retreat, but the adjoining bathroom is the part of the home which underwent perhaps the most major transformation. Its unusual “his and hers” layout and long, narrow configuration had turned away previous would-be buyers, but Jennifer, aided by architect S Berry Jones, reimagined the area and created a luxurious spot that suits her needs and Mike’s to a T. Gone are the two tiny shower stalls and two separate water closets. A stunning oversized shower area and a soaker tub across from it now anchor the room. Jennifer repeated marble rectangles accented with coordinating penny tile trim to create visual flow between the fixtures. To-the-ceiling mirrors with lighting embedded over two vanity areas give the room a soaring feel. And Jennifer says separate vanities, as well as closets, are a godsend, given her and her husband’s opposite organizational styles. “He’s neat. Everything is perfect in his area. The first time I saw Mike’s closet [in his previous home] I laughed and said ‘If we ever get together, we’re going to need separate bathrooms.’ Fast forward and here we are!” As a seasoned home stager, Jennifer knows well that taking things that have been in separate places for years and throwing them together could result in a design disaster, so she called on all her professional skills to create a cohesive look in her own house. “We both agreed to take our best things, our favorite things, blend them, and still try to get a fresh look.” Asked if it was hard for either of them to let go of anything, she replies, “Both of us were in a place where we were ready and we really wanted this to be our home.” August 2021 • athomemms.com | 35
H O M E F E AT U R E
before
art
is important to the Landrums and holds a place of pride in their house. In addition to the paintings by Katie Toombs, their collection includes pieces by Rana Rochat and others. In the home’s main hall a large commissioned work by Florida collage master Debo Groover is yet another example of the effort the couple made to knit their decor together. Through countless photos and multiple Zoom meetings, Groover was able to incorporate the exact colors of beloved pieces in their home into the work. It’s clear that Jennifer loves her house and the happy new phase of life it represents for her and Mike. “This is our story. The way I look at it is, it’s timeless with a twist. It was fun to take it through renovation to what it could be,” she says. “It had great bones; it just had to be rediscovered and given a fresh feel.”
36 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
H O M E F E AT U R E
ex p e r t t i p :
Jennifer’s rule of thumb when working with an all-white paint palette is to use the same color, in different finishes, on the walls and the trim. “White oxidizes over time, so if you choose different colors the trim and the walls will eventually change differently. For a clean, sleek look I use one color so everything oxidizes the same.” She chose Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore for her home. August 2021 • athomemms.com | 37
38 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 39
DESIGN
40 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
DESIGN
WELL LOVED, ONCE AGAIN
when
a young couple with four small
children was house shopping 33 years ago, the kitchen was one of the main selling points that drew them to the East Memphis house they ’ve called home ever since. It was all brand new and spiffed up. Years go by, though, needs and styles change, and the kitchen that originally wowed the homeowners was in need of a refresh after constant use by a busy family. Local designer Missy Steffens stepped in, along with architect Charles Shipp, to give the couple an updated space without the hassle or expense of a major addition The family couldn’t be happier with their new kitchen. Both Steffens’ design and Shipp’s guidance score high marks with the homeowner. “Charles is wise and he believes in not overdoing where it ’s not necessar y. We trusted him; ever ything he does is always in proportion,” she says, adding that Shipp dissuaded them from the idea to do away with their breakfast room in favor of a major kitchen expansion. Instead Steffens spruced it up, adding both flair and practicality. We sat down with Steffens, owner of M. Steffens Interiors, to hear her thoughts about the key elements she employed in this stunning kitchen transformation.. D E S I G N M. S T E F F E N S I N T E R I O R S S TO R Y T E R R I G L A Z E R P H OTO G R A P H Y R O S S G R O U P C R E AT I V E August 2021 • athomemms.com | 41
DESIGN
before 42 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
EFFICIENT FLOOR PLAN: “ They have an efficient layout , so we kept the appliances in their current locations. Smaller kitchens can be a challenge to design, though.” she says, “to find a place for ever ything. For me it 's always about fine tuning and getting the cabinetr y really symmetrical. Getting those lines of sight and vignettes right makes the day-to-day feel nice and buttoned up.” MOVED MICROWAVE: Formerly placed over the range, the microwave is now undercounter, making way for a custom vent hood built by Posey Hedges of Old City Millwork , who also constructed the custom cabinets. TALL CABINETS: Steffens removed soffits and opted for full-height upper cabinets to increase storage and create a more streamlined visual effect. To fur ther simplif y the lines, she chose integrated panels that match the cabinets to cover the dishwasher and built-in refrigerator. CLASSICAL COLOR: “ We went with a really soft color of paint for the cabinets; we tried to move into almost a putty color to match the counter tops, not crisp white. I wanted a hint of gray in it to keep it fresh.” WINDOW THAT WOWS: The new plan removed a wooden valance over the top of the window and replaced the original 16-pane window with an updated six-pane model. Although Steffens would have liked to increase the size of the window, a roof gable above prevented that. Instead she cleverly placed a Roman shade to give the illusion of a taller window. Decorative sconces mounted on the cabinets’ side faces give the work station symmetr y and style. FARMHOUSE SINK : Steffens replaced the double-bowl stainless sink with a porcelain farmhouse model. The homeowner loves how large and deep it is. MIXED METALS: The decorator chose unlacquered brass cabinet knobs and handles. “I love the patina of them,” she says, noting that they were bright and shiny when they were installed, but with use they ’ve aged to a mellow finish. August 2021 • athomemms.com | 43
DESIGN
Civil War Relief Sculpture 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
Alongside, polished nickel sink fixtures blend perfectly, adding interest to the palette. MINIMIZED MATERIALS: Taj Mahal quar tzite counter tops have movement without busyness. Steffens opted for the same stone for the backsplash and carried it to full height for simplicity ’s sake. “Since it ’s a smaller kitchen I used fewer materials to keep the look clean,” she explains. WOOD WITHOUT WORRY: While some kitchen renovators shy away from hardwood, Steffens encourages her clients to use the classic floor covering, with a condition. The finish must be polyurethaned to protect from spills and scratches. FORM AND FUNCTION: In the space that formerly housed the laundr y closet Steffens designed a breakfast ser ver that ’s as practical as it is beautiful. “I felt like that area really takes the pressure off her kitchen. It gives her more storage and it ’s great to set up a bar or ser ve there, too,” Steffens says. NEW HEIGHTS: Homes built in this era usually don’t have ceilings as high as those often found in newer residences, but Shipp suggested a way to give this house the illusion of height. He raised all the cased openings as high as possible and replaced a window in the breakfast area with French doors that extend to the full height of the wall. WALLPAPER FOR THE WIN: Steffens warmed up the breakfast room walls with wallpaper in a just-right color. “I wanted a pattern, but also wanted it to be saturated enough to come off the family room, where the walls are paneled in original dark wood. I also wanted it to kind of seem like it had texture. The scale of this pattern and how it ’s printed feel a little bit Old World and I thought it fit in nicely.” APPEALING ART: “ The homeowner collects por traits,” says Steffens. She saw this piece at David Lusk Galler y and she loved it. It ’s by Anne Siems, an ar tist from Seattle. I love it , too. With por traits, you always have to be drawn to the faces. This one is anonymous, yet with a soft , inviting expression.” August 2021 • athomemms.com | 45
46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 47
48 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 49
50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
Allison Ann Gusmus & Peyton Klawinski
A P R I L 24, 2021 | M E M P H I S, T N PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: Ann and Frank Gusmus PARENTS OF THE GROOM: Karen and Larry Klawinski WEDDING: ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH RECEPTION: THE PEABODY MEMPHIS EVENT PLANNER: MONA DUNLAP FLORIST: THE GARDEN DISTRIC T PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHER: LYNN PRODUC TIONS ENTERTAINMENT: INFINITY SHOW BAND & WILL TUCKER BAND BAKER: CAKES BY MOM AND ME INVITATIONS: RSVP STATIONERS WEDDING DRESS: MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL MAKEUP: HALEY PUTMAN HAIR: VANESSA HOLCOMBE AND ANNIE COATES RENTALS: WHITE DOOR EVENTS
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 51
52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
Katie Lipscomb & Matt Pounders
M AY 1 , 2 0 2 1 | O X F O R D , M S PARENTS OF THE BRIDE:
Samantha & Kenny Jefferson, Mike Lipscomb PARENTS OF THE GROOM: David Pounders and Nancy Pounders
WEDDING & RECEPTION: THE JEFFERSON REHEARSAL DINNER: THE CHANCELLOR'S HOUSE EVENT PLANNER: KATIE LIPSCOMB EVENTS FLORIST: JOHN MARK ENTERPRISES PHOTOGRAPHER: KELLY GINN PHOTOGRAPHY ENTERTAINMENT: ALMOST FAMOUS BAKER: THE FLOUR GARDEN INVITATIONS: CARLSON CRAFT WEDDING DRESS: LOW'S BRIDAL MAKEUP: KASEY ACUFF HAIR: EMILY COHEN RENTALS: DETAILS SPECIALTY RENTALS AND ILA VIVIAN RENTALS
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 53
54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
Yesha Banaji & Tim Westbrooks
M AY 2 9 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 1 | M E M P H I S , T N
PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: Purnima and Sudesh Banaji PARENTS OF THE GROOM: Joanne and John Westbrooks CATHOLIC CEREMONY: ST PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH INDIAN CEREMONY & RECEPTION: THE CADRE EVENT DESIGN/ WEDDING PLANNER: ANGELA MAZANTI PHOTOGRAPHER: SMASH STUDIO PHOTOS LIGHTING: MARK MAZANTI WITH EVENTPRO LIGHTING ENTERTAINMENT: DJ DINGO, PRIME DJS AND ANIS ALI BAKER: THE FLOUR GARDEN CATERING: ECLEC TIC CATERING INVITATIONS: ZOLA WEDDING DRESS: TWIRL BOUTIQUE IN LEXINGTON, KY SANGEET YELLOW DRESS: SUSHMA PATEL INDIAN CEREMONY AND RECEPTION DRESSES: INDIA MAKEUP: MAT T GOSSET T AND BOMBAY SALON
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 55
56 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 57
58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 59
60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 61
EGNE TTA EW R TA AYI N I N G
TEXT TRACY LOUTHAIN PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT MOBILE
62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
HONORING THE PAST & EMBRACING THE PRESENT A LOOK AT HISTORIC MOBILE, AL & THE ADMIRAL HOTEL
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 63
EGXEPTA E RWI EAY NCE THIS
64 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
With its long, oak-lined streets and parks filled with statues of fallen heroes, Mobile, Alabama, evokes a special charm. It’s a walkable city that honors the past and celebrates the present. Long known for international shipping, Mobile’s thriving downtown is a hotspot that combines time-honored local traditions with a modern touch. An exceptional example of preserving history while infusing the present is The Admiral Hotel. Originally built in 1940 as the “Admiral Semmes Hotel,” the building represents some of the finest Art Deco architecture of the era. In addition to its progressive design, the hotel was the first in Mobile to provide air conditioning and a telephone in every room. It was a mecca for travelers seeking luxury and opulence, attracting celebrities including Elvis Presley and Bob Hope. After an extensive renovation in 2014, the hotel experienced a rebirth as “The Admiral Hotel.” Under the direction of architect James Flick, the project restored the structure’s grand historic character. Situated on the corner of Government Street and Joachim Street in downtown Mobile, The Admiral Hotel’s façade visibly embraces the Art Deco style of the post-Depression era. Subtle bronze trim and piano black elements play over granite and brick to transport visitors back in time to the late 40s and early 50s. Entering the main lobby, guests are greeted with marble floors, mirrored walls, gold architectural accents and decidedly retro décor. The grand spiral staircase off the lobby and opulent chandelier overhead provide a luxurious feel. On the ground level sits Corner 251, a fine-dining restaurant that specializes in craft cocktails and delectable fare. August 2021 • athomemms.com | 65
EGXEPTA E RWI EAY NCE THIS
66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
Steps away is a quaint cafe for a cup of coffee or tea and a pastry. The street-level pool is a novelty. Nestled behind a tall wrought-iron fence, the hustle and bustle of downtown seems far away. The surprisingly private space is an oasis with vibrant green turf and comfortable lounge chairs lining the oblong pool. Wyndham, the managing partner of The Admiral, has gone to great lengths to completely update every aspect of the space, including the fit and finish of the guest rooms. As they walk through their guest room doors, travelers will recognize the strict cohesiveness to the Art Deco theme of the hotel. Elements are clean, surfaces are glossy and the wallpaper is right off the set of a classic movie. Bronze, dark gray and bright white combine to create an elegant mood from a simpler time. The rooms are large, quiet and comfortable with deep windows and the beds are adorned with plush duvets. The furnishings have been perfectly curated to present a timeless environment that complements the hotel’s overarching historic feel. Just outside the Admiral’s doors, walkable adventures that weave the past with the present await. From historic Spanish Fort to the Saenger Theatre, walking through the myriad city parks leads to many treasures. Just two blocks away, the remnants of Fort Conde honor the Mobile’s past. The original fort was built in 1723 by the French explorers and until its destruction in 1823, the structure was occupied at times by France, Great Britain, Spain and the U.S. Now on the site is a smaller replica of the original fort, complete with interpretive exhibits that provide history buffs a special glimpse into the city’s rich past.
.
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 67
EGXEPTA E RWI EAY NCE THIS
68 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
a visit
to the Trustmark Bank building also reveals hidden gems,
including a rooftop bar and a modern-day speakeasy. On the top floor
is Dauphin’s, a modern fine-dining restaurant, and the perfect rooftop perch for capturing spectacular views of the city or the sunset over Mobile Bay. It’s a popular spot to order scrumptious appetizers or a full meal and enjoy one of the best vistas in town. After enjoying the heights, guests can descend to the basement and step back in time. Beneath the lobby sits Las Floriditas, a modern speakeasy. True to the illicit establishments of the prohibition era, revelers must provide a secret password to enter (which is available at The Admiral Hotel's front desk for those who ask nicely). The dimly lit bar, situated in an old bank vault, exudes a Hemingway-esque, Cuban vibe with craft cocktails, interesting people and live entertainment most evenings.
Downtown Mobile, The Admiral Hotel and other unforgettable destinations in the city reveal the benefits of preserving the past while embracing the future. Whether visitors come for a convention in the fall, attend the nation's oldest Mardi Gras festival in the winter, escape for a romantic rendezvous in the spring or take a fun-filled family vacation in the summer, Mobile is ready to delight travelers with modern sophistication that honors its historic foundation.
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 69
70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 71
IN THE KITCHEN
Watermelon Wedge Salad with Cucumber Purée RECIPE & PHOTO JIM NORTON
72 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
IN THE KITCHEN DIRECTIONS:
Beautiful and delicious…here is a fun, fresh spin on a traditional watermelon
Cut watermelon into individual wedges or
salad. Each time I serve this, guests just
slices and set aside. Place one of the chopped
love it!
cucumbers in a blender. Add the salt, pepper, red wine vinegar and olive oil. Blend until
INGREDIENTS: S E RV E S 4
puréed. Using individual serving bowls or plates, pour
Small watermelon
a small amount of the cucumber purée onto
2 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
the dish. Place a piece of watermelon directly
¼ tsp. salt
on top of the purée. Top with desired amount
¼ tsp. pepper
of remaining cucumber, red onion and tomato.
¼ tsp. red wine vinegar
Sprinkle about a tablespoon of crumbled feta
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
on top. Drizzle with your favorite balsamic
½ red onion, finely chopped
glaze and garnish with fresh julienned basil and
1 tomato, cut into small cubes
a few pine nuts.
Crumbled feta cheese Balsamic glaze
Your guests will not only be wowed by the
Fresh basil, julienned
presentation but the combination of flavors is
Pine nuts
also sure to please. Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the best dishes. Enjoy!
thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @thejimnorton
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 73
74 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 75
H E A LT H Y Y O U
Back to Basics
STORY MICHELLE JOHNS
MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT
Please note: The contents of this article 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 or lifestyle changes. Resources for the content of this piece are available upon request.
the
complexities of healthcare and wellness to prevent illness have been tough to navigate the past 24 months. While many advancements toward prevention have been discovered, just as much remains unknown as to how to completely protect ourselves from all forms of illness and inflammation. A few things, however, remain constant. The basic principles of self-care still apply to help the body prevent and fight illness. As fall approaches football games will start and tailgates will commence. In addition to vaccinations and masks, the following basic care is still essential to good cardiovascular, immune system, brain and psychological health as well as diabetes prevention, hormonal balance and weight maintenance. SLEEP Sleep is the body’s opportunity to reset, restructure and repair damage. It is vital to overall quality of life. Sleep affects memory, heart health, contributes to weight gain (lack of sleep), regulates emotions and affects the ability to be alert, focused and aware. The average American reportedly gets approximately six hours of sleep per night. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Following are some tips to facilitate quality sleep. - Turn off cell phones, computers and televisions about an hour prior to going to bed. - Develop a nighttime routine that begins approximately an hour prior to going to bed 76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
that includes some of the following: a time of contemplation of the day’s events, a written to-do list for the next day, prep for the next morning/day, journaling and a time of gratitude. - Try going to bed at the same time every night and waking at the same time every morning to help your body develop a circadian rhythm. - Try to sleep in a neutral position to keep from tossing and turning throughout the night. - Turn off all lights and make the sleeping room dark. - Make sure it is quiet. White noise, televisions and music playing during sleep keep your brain stirred. You want to give your brain the opportunity to turn off. - Keep the room temperature between 60 and 70 degrees. Cooler temperatures are better for sleep quality. DRINK WATER Hydration is extremely important to your body. On average, you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. However, if you exercise and sweat a lot during the day, you may need a little more water. Caffeinated drinks do not hydrate your body; drink water instead. Add fruits, vegetables and herbs to water to make it taste better and supplement your food intake if you eat them after you drink the water. Try this infused water recipe: - A sprig of rosemary (great for the brain and memory) - A slice of lemon - A few slices of cucumber
H E A LT H Y Y O U EAT WELL Eat a well-rounded course of nutrition throughout the day that includes fruits, vegetables, a healthy dose of dark, leafy greens, fats, carbohydrates and proteins. A good rule of thumb is to be sure you have at least a fistsized portion of each major food group on your plate three times a day and eat a couple of healthy snacks between meals. Your body needs food. A restrictive diet is damaging to your overall system, as is overeating. Healthy eating can help prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of stroke. Healthy fats include: avocado, walnuts and other nuts, olive oil and other oils, sardines and other small fishes Proteins include: beans, lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts and seeds, nut butters, dairy *notice the overlap in fats and proteins. EXERCISE Move your body throughout the day. The more you move the more you activate the body’s cellular and muscular systems. These systems moderate the functioning of hormones and fat burning, and create energy that affects the heart, lungs and brain activity.
In order to regulate cholesterol and triglycerides, you need to move. After sitting for 30 to 45 minutes, get up and walk for as little as two minutes. Engage in moderate to vigorous exercise 30 minutes a day. You do not have to do all 30 minutes at once; you can break it up into three 10-minute segments. 10 minutes of upper body workout 10 minutes of lower body workout 10 minutes of cardiovascular workout *If you have health issues, talk to your doctor and work with a personal trainer to develop an exercise protocol that is right for you. Everything included in this article has a direct impact on key health indicators such as cholesterol, triglycerides, free radicals and blood pressure. Given half a chance, the body has an amazing ability to heal itself. The body is designed to fight disease and remove toxins; however, unhealthy lifestyles keep the body in overdrive mode and limit the opportunity for its systems to ebb and flow in the manner for which they were created.
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 77
78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 79
80 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 HO M E F E AT U R E Special Thanks House of Chic houseofchicstaging.com Annabella Charles annabellacharles.com
DESIGN Special Thanks M. Steffens Interiors msteffensinteriors.com Ross Group Creative rossgroupcreative.com
GETAWAY Special Thanks Tracy Louthain Communications tracy@tlc-pr.com
IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
HEALTHY YOU Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 81
82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2021
August 2021 • athomemms.com | 83
78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2020
