February 2015

THE KEEPING ROOM

Valentine’s Day GIFT GUIDE

SpecialEAST Section:Weddings AN ELEGANT, MEMPHIS HOME

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2015

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SPECIAL SECTION VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE Celebrate with these gift ideas for him & her

30 HOME

FEATURE EAST MEMPHIS ELEGANCE

An eclectic home yields a luxurious feel

38 DESIGN WORTH KEEPING :Weddings Special Section

Designs for a functional, cozy keeping room

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. 6 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2015

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FOR YOU 16 beauty Radiant Red 18 fashion Remarkable Red 20 wellness Heart Health 22 healthy you Nutrition & Disease Prevention Diet

90 on a good note "A Table to Toast"

HOME & DESIGN 28 at home with Anita S.Vaughn 42 style marketplace The Keeping Room 44 technology What’s New for 2015 46 home trends Mix Vintage with Modern

T R AV E L & C U LT U R E 48 visit this Greenwood, Mississippi 54 getaway St. Louis, Missouri 60 travel River Cruising 66 arts Music Matters – GPAC 68 social pages 74 experience this Covington Chocolate Tour

FOOD & DRINK 76 entertaining Valentine’s Celebration 82 in the kitchen Valentine’s Day Treats 84 dining out Strano! Sicilian Kitchen & Bar 86 happy hour Chocolate Martini I N E V E RY I S S U E

60 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

12 | PUBLISHER’S NOTE 14 | CONTRIBUTORS 89 | SOURCES

FEBRUARY 2015 • VOL. 13 NO. 11 PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

EDITOR LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LAURIE A. SUMMERS | lsummers@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 JOCATHY ELKINGTON | jcelkington@athomemms.com

BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com

WEBMASTER LAURIE A. SUMMERS | lsummers@athomemms.com

CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS STEVE ROBERTS, JOHN TERRY, SARAH ROSSI, SUZIE HANSEN

INTERNS MACKENZIE ALEXANDER, SUZIE HANSEN, BAILEY HELDMAR, MORGAN PRUITT

HOW TO REACH US 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200 | 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: 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, 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, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.

10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

publisher’s note

OUT WITH THE OLD…

I

can’t believe that it is already February. January seems to have passed in a flash and was a pretty quiet month. No big ice or snow storms to speak of in our area, and even the weather overall has been mild. We rang in the New Year watching a few good football games, and lots of bad ones, while snacking on food that we promise to give up but know we won’t. And before we return to the norm that first week in January, we take down and put away our Christmas decorations. Yes, that is what we do unless you live in a certain house around the corner from me. Santa and Mrs. Claus seem to have taken up permanent residency on their front porch swing, and even elves are still scattered around the yard. The life-size snowmen stand tall in between the already budding spring flowers the milder temperatures have brought. The giant stockings are still hanging on either side of their front door, and I can only imagine they are awaiting the Easter Bunny to fill them with Cadbury eggs and Peeps. It is quite a production. I think the homeowners got a little too inspired while visiting the “It’s a Small World” attraction at The Magic Kingdom. The red lights still wrapped around the trees might be in preparation for Valentine’s Day festivities but it’s not likely. It is perfectly acceptable to enjoy Christmas decorations while watching the December bowl games, just not the Super Bowl.

This is my public service announcement to please put away the Christmas décor if you have not already done so.

With everything put away and all back to normal, you will have free time to grab our latest issue and be inspired to spruce up your home for the spring, and even plan a great Valentine’s celebration. With March just around the corner, it’s time to start planning for Spring Break. Beware, though, of the Ides of March and the random spring snowstorm that finds us only in Memphis & the Mid South. If we get snow this year, I am sure that Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the snowmen around my corner will be very happy.

12 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

contributors ANGELA MAZANTI • Entertaining is the proprietor of Angela Mazanti Design. She specializes in interior, floral and event design, and her work has been locally and nationally recognized as outstanding in the field.

Barbara May • travel Owner of Travel Leaders, has proudly served the Memphis and surrounding areas for the past 29 years. Her staff of travel professionals handles all aspects of the industry and is certified in areas that include cruises, all-inclusive Sandals properties and Disney, destination weddings and honeymoons.

Barbara's agencies have been recognized as Top Retail Agencies by Travel Leaders.

April McKinney • in the kitchen is an award-winning cook, food writer and recipe demonstrator. She has been featured on the Today show and Better TV, after her recipes won national cooking contests. You can also see her creating new healthy and simple dishes on her YouTube channel, “April McKinney Cooking,” where she demonstrates her recipes on camera.

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beauty

RADIANT RED DOLL YOURSELF UP WITH A TOUCH OF RED

1

2 3

Lip Color in Red

Bobbi Brown, $25, www.BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Pure Red Estee Lauder, $21, www.EsteeLauder.com

Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Heftiest Hibiscus Clinique, $17, Sephora.com

5

Wonder Length Mascara Clarins, $24, www.Dillards.com

4 Countless Color Pigments in Acoustic Stila, $22, www.stilacosmetics.com

6 24-7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Bang Urban Decay, $20, Sephora.com

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1 2

Make a statement with Bobbi's original formula which treats lips to rich color with a soft matte finish.

Infused with Vitamins E and C as well as beeswax, it moisturizes and comforts lips.

Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with this sensational shade. Formulated with True Vision™ technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary. Fast-drying, long-wearing formula delivers high coverage and resists chipping.

3

Tempt lips with a soft cushion of vibrant colour that's not quite sheer, not quite opaque. Loaded with mango and shea butters so lips feel comfortably soft and smooth.

4

Each pan is a breathtaking, oneof-a-kind piece of art, created with vibrant pigments and handmade using a proprietary pressing and baking process. There are endless ways to apply these three complementary shades.

5

This amazing formula promotes infinitely long, luxurious lashes, curled to perfection after just one application. Perfectly separated, lengthened and curled lashes promote a more glamorous look. Intense colours highlight the lashes and offer optimal hold.

6

Get primed and ready for action.

This long-lasting, waterproof liner glides on smoothly to prime AND define—for all-day lip color and clean lines. It glides on smoothly, stays creamy and defines lips with gorgeous color.

February 2015 • athomemms.com | 17

beauty fashion

REMARKABLE RED Create an unforgettable date night look!

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Find our favorite looks online and in stores!

Shop these styles Purchase information:

1) Black Pumps Ursilla, $135 Marmi in Germantown TN 2) Ruby Skinny Cuff in 14k Rose Gold Anthropologie, $978 anthropologie.com 3) Looped in Loveliness Necklace Mod Cloth, $10 www.modcloth.com 4) Silver & Gold Earings $159 Betty Hays in Germantown TN 5) V-Neck Dress with Sheer Overlay Analili, $262 Lori James Contemporary Boutique in Memphis TN 6) Slim Stackable Rings Ariella Collection, $58 www.nordstrom.com 7) 'Duchess' Sandal Ivanka Trump, $130 www.nordstrom.com 8) Accented Crossbody Purse J. Jansen Designs, $399 Betty Hays in Germantown TN 9) Leopard Print Bootie Zelig,$117 Marmi in Germantown TN

February 2015 • athomemms.com | 19

wellness

HEART HEALTH TEXT BY DR. MICHAEL A. NELSON PROACTIVE HEART & VASCULAR, GERMANTOWN, TN

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s spring approaches many of the New Year’s resolutions that were made only a few weeks ago are already losing their “freshness.” If you promised to exercise more for better health, keep that resolution. Sustained aerobic activity such as walking, running or stair climbing for 30 minutes at a time is helpful not only for endurance but also raises your good cholesterol (HDL) levels to reduce the likelihood of heart disease. Exercise increases production of your body’s natural pain killers, endorphins, making you feel better, so stick with it!

As you embark on a new exercise regimen, be aware of these warning signs, and if you experience any of them be sure to speak with your doctor. If you find you are more short-winded with exertion than usual and it doesn’t improve after a week of exercising regularly or if you develop chest pain at any time, you need to discuss this with your doctor. This could be a sign of a problem with heart blood flow or Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). In fact, many people with CAD never experience any chest pain; tiredness and shortness of breath with activity are their only symptoms.

If you get pain and cramping in your legs, particularly in the calves, while performing activities or while walking, and it gets better when you rest, these symptoms may be because of PAD, also called Peripheral Artery Disease. PAD blocks blood flow in the leg arteries. If severe, PAD can result in one foot being a colder temperature to touch than the other, hair loss on the affected leg or foot, a bluish discoloration or even leg infections or ulcers. Many people suffer from PAD and mistakenly attribute their symptoms to arthritis or muscle cramps.

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An even more common leg problem is called Venous Insufficiency. Venous insufficiency can cause many clinical symptoms including varicose veins — the knobby, twisty veins on the surface of the legs that can become painful and swollen — and can cause legs to become tired, swollen, achy, painful, or to DR. MICHAEL A. NELSON develop a bronze color at the ankles. People with venous insufficiency can get nighttime “Charlie horses” or restless legs that keep them awake at night.

The good news is that CAD, PAD and Venous Insufficiency are easy for a cardiologist to diagnose and treat, often in the office. Many people prefer to have procedures performed in a comfortable, familiar office setting. The experience is less stressful, as well as much less expensive than an identical procedure in a hospital. Treatments for all these conditions are usually minimally invasive with little downtime so you can get back to the healthy lifestyle you deserve.

Dr. Michael Nelson treats all aspects of cardiology, PAD and Venous Insufficiency at his office, ProActive Heart & Vascular, located at 7751 Wolf River Blvd. in Germantown (901.297.4000). www.Proactivehv.com.

Dr. Nelson performed his medical training at Yale, Emory and Harvard Universities.

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healthy you

NUTRITION & DISEASE PREVENTION THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEART-HEALTHY DIET TEXT BY KRISTI EDWARDS, CLC, DIETETIC INTERN & GRADUATE STUDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

H

eart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer are four of the six leading causes of death in the United States. This is unfortunate, considering the amount of evidence indicating that a healthful diet can prevent the progression of these chronic illnesses. The typical American diet is high in animal protein, trans and saturated fats, cholesterol, sugar and sodium and lacking in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats (omega-3s, for example). This kind of diet can potentially put your body in a pro-inflammatory state, increase your blood pressure and/or damage your organs, all of which can lead to chronic illness.

Simply making healthier food choices on a day-to-day basis can significantly decrease a person’s risk of developing heart disease and other chronic illnesses. This doesn’t mean you have to put an abrupt halt to your current dietary habits, spend all of your money on organic foods and suffer through eating things you do not enjoy for the rest of your life. (A healthy diet doesn’t have to mean eating bland or expensive foods, but we will discuss those topics in a future issue.)

Small changes and baby steps are all it takes. Set a goal for the week. This goal should be something specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. It should be challenging enough to make you feel great accomplishing it, but it should not be impossible to achieve. When you achieve one goal, move to the next. If you have a bad day, resume your healthy eating the next day. Why? Because making healthy choices contributes to

improved heart health and a decreased risk of developing chronic illness.

The seven groups of food emphasized in a hearthealthy diet are: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, healthy fats, herbs and spices, fish and poultry, and low-fat dairy.

In addition, consumption of the only heart-healthy form of KRISTI EDWARDS, CLC alcohol, red wine, is permitted (in moderation!). Physical activity combined with a wellbalanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar will reduce your risk of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Instead of focusing on what you shouldn’t eat, increase your consumption of healthful choices that may not already be included in your diet, such as plant-based foods, legumes and whole grains. When you eat more of these nutrient-dense foods, you feel fuller longer while consuming fewer calories. You’ll thank yourself later!

Below is a table which summarizes a heart-healthy diet, including those foods which you should aim to consume less frequently and those you should eat more often.

LESS…

MORE…

- Fried foods and high-fat meats (French fries, salami, ham, bacon) - White, refined grains (white rice, white bread, corn tortillas, white flour) - Saturated and trans fats (butter, margarine, shortening, candy, donuts, cupcakes) - Processed foods (TV dinners, hot dogs, frozen pizza, fast food) - High-fat dairy products (whole milk, 2% yogurt and cheese) - Salt and sugar

- Lean meats (chicken, turkey, salmon, trout, mackerel, herring and tuna) - Whole grains (whole-grain bread, rolled oats, quinoa, wheat bran, brown rice) - Omega-3s and omega-6s (avocados, fish, nuts, seeds, canola oil, flax seeds and chia seeds) - Plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds) - Low-fat dairy products (skim/fat-free milk, non-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese) - Herbs, spices and citrus (lemon juice)

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special

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Gifts for him & her

Sweetheart Bento Box by Sugarfina $60, www.sugarfina.com

Red Charming Bracelet by MacKenzie-Childs $100, www.mackenzie-childs.com

Heart of Love Personalized Mug $20, www.personalizationmall.com

Diamond Ring by Demarco Call for price, Doris McLendon's in Germantown TN

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special getaway

Vintage Filigree Heart Necklace by Retrotherapy $145, La Maison in Memphis TN

Shakespeare's Love Sonnets $10, www.uncommongoods.com

12 pack Valentine’s Day Treats by Treat House $24, www.treathouse.com

Love Birch Cuff $85, uncommongoods.com

Square Bracelet, Silver Tone Small Cup Chain Necklace & Square Stud Earrings by Victoria Lynn Jewelry $98, $48, $40, Andie Grace Boutique in Corinth MS & Jackson TN

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special

Loving Heart Engraved Wine Stopper $22, www.personalizationmall.com

Antler King Crown Steak Knives by Vagabong House $315, -Social in Memphis TN

The Genuine Solingen Shaving Set

by Hammacher Schlemmer $140, www.hammacher.com

1/4 Zip Pullover by Johnnio O. $98, Andie Grace Boutique in Corinth MS & Jackson TN

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special

Men's Cologne by Peter MIllar $65, MLM Clothiers in Tupelo MS

The original fishing shorts by AFTCO $55, Dixie Pickers in Collierville TN Latitude Longitude Cufflinks by Uncommon Goods $195, uncommongoods.com

Decapitator by Corkcicle $20, www.corkcicle.com

Puzzle Heart Box by Uncommon Goods $36, uncommongoods.com

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at home with

Anita S. Vaughn CEO/Administrator, Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital INTERVIEW BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN TERRY, FOREST HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

A

nita Vaughn, a lifelong Memphian, has been with Baptist Memorial Health Care for over 40 years.

During that time, she’s gained experience in most areas of the health care industry, from the patient’s bedside as a registered nurse to leadership. Vaughn has also become a champion for raising the level of women’s health care and making quality care and information more accessible and convenient for women and their families. She currently serves as chair of the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Board.

AHMMS: What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis?

AV: Supporting the University of Memphis as chair of the National Alumni Association, the Greenline, and Overton Square is back!

AHMMS: Favorite restaurants?

AV: Buckley’s and Las Delicias AHMMS: Where do you enjoy to travel?

At Home Memphis & Mid South: You have a rich and diverse background in health care; what has been the most rewarding part of your career?

AV: Heber Springs, Arkansas

Anita Vaughn: Planning, building and leading the Baptist Women’s Hospital for the past 16 years.

AHMMS: Hobbies?

AHMMS: Biggest moment in your career?

AHMMS: What is your favorite part of your day?

AV: Winning best place to work for large employers from the Memphis Business Journal...making 500+ women happy.

AV: Mornings; walking the dog three miles gives me lots of time to think and plan my day.

28 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

AV: Gardening, canning, crafts

February 2015 • athomemms.com | 29

HOMEfeature

East Memphis Elegance TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN TERRY, FOREST HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

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travel

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“CASUAL ELEGANCE” IS HOW THIS HOMEOWNER DESCRIBES HER RETREAT IN EAST MEMPHIS. The cool, calming tones she loves evoke a fresh, light ambiance in each room. “I use different shades of white throughout the house,” she says.

The homeowner’s theory is, “you don’t have to have a 10,000-square-foot home necessarily to have a luxurious feel,” and that luxe theme is carried throughout her residence in a smaller scale. The grand feel of the compact space may be due in part to the homeowner’s love of using large-scale furniture. She says bigger pieces make rooms grander.

To add interest to the home, the den, the kitchen and the dining room’s ceiling are painted a soft blue, which picks up tones from the room’s artwork and accessories. The homeowner uses moss balls to fill bowls as a way to add a pop of green.

The homeowner loves to host small dinner parties, and the home’s cozy den offers a central spot for guests to gather with ample seating. The room features a large pine cabinet that holds a collection of blue and white china pieces. It is hard to believe that this room was once yellow with a brick fireplace; the current color scheme in shades of white gives the den a neutral, clean palette.

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HOMEfeature

The many original paintings hung throughout the home reflect the owner’s passion for art. An original Lindquist graces the music room between the dining room and the den.

The beautiful grand piano was a gift from the homeowner’s grandmother.

The guest bedroom is elegant and features soft, white linens on a beautiful bed that came from Arkansas. Lovely antique end tables that once belonged to the homeowner’s grandmother add a touch of charm in the guest room. More art hangs in this room, and in the hallway leading to the master bedroom.

“I mix old with the new, and really nothing matches, but all seems to go together. And I try to mix expensive items such as lamps, art and furniture with other accessories and pieces,” she says. Her look is soothing, not cluttered, with just enough on the tables to make the house seem lived in but not sparse. The homeowner explains that she also uses a little black in every room, saying that it tones everything down.

The homeowner describes the master suite as her favorite part of the house and says she enjoys spending downtime there.

The room glows with natural light from outside as well as the warmth of several lamps. The walls are painted soft white, complementing the fluffy, white bedding. Touches of gray, taupe and blue are found throughout the room, particularly in the artwork. There is a nice sitting area on one side of the room, while a desk is on the other.

February 2015 • athomemms.com | 37

design

WORTH KEEPING TEXT BY KATIE BREYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE ROBERTS

ELEMENTS OF A 38 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

FUNCTIONAL

design

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rigid temperatures lead most of us, especially Southerners, to stay indoors. It’s only natural to want to submerge oneself in a setting that is cozy and warm while hiding from the winter chill for a few months. The keeping room and hearth were designed specifically for that reason, dating back to the Colonial period.

If you’re not familiar with the term “keeping room,” you’re not alone – today this is commonly referred to as the family room. Historically it was dubbed a keeping room because it kept family members comfortably toasty when the rest of the house was too cold for sleeping. The warmth came from the fireplace, which was then located in the adjacent kitchen. Now the focal point in modern keeping rooms, the hearth has been the star of the show for centuries. While it may not be the most important aspect of a home, as it once was, the absence of a hearth can be a deal-breaker for home buyers.

Other than design, the essence and functionality of the keeping room haven’t changed from 400 years ago: it is meant to be a place where family and friends can gather, entertain and relax. These rooms are essential in modern homes with today’s more casual lifestyles; people love to multi-task without moving to separate rooms. In layout, the keeping room is always next to the kitchen, a placement that makes sense as the kitchen is traditionally the gathering place in any home. This is also why home design trends today commonly feature an open kitchen and keeping room plan with no wall between the two.

This month’s featured home is a perfect example of that design – originally the space was a great room off the kitchen with a separate, seldom-used screened porch. The homeowners love to sit around the dining table and wanted an open area for large family gatherings. To accomplish this, Steve Nabers, interior designer with Nabers Interiors, recommended they transform the great room into a keeping/dining room and open the wall to the screened porch for use as a sitting/TV area.

Keeping Room February 2015 • athomemms.com | 39

design

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design

The challenge was to create intimate spaces within the newly open plan. Knowing that the homeowners are drawn to warm wood tones, Nabers decided to incorporate cedar in an up-todate horizontal pattern to contrast with the existing limestone mantle. The design and contracting team also added cedar beams to the vaulted ceiling to emphasize its pitch and height.

The focal point of the new sitting area is the stone fireplace and hearth, which add a rustic yet elegant element. Each of the now adjoining rooms has a fireplace, a fact that challenged the designers. To ensure the pair of hearths complemented one another the team selected warm tones to surround each one, used different materials, and played up the differing ceiling heights. The results give both areas an undoubtedly homey feel.

In keeping with the goal of making the remodeled space a comfortable and inviting setting for the homeowners, Nabers kept the furnishings casual and informal, selecting an attractive yet tough fabric to upholster the seating. He seamlessly intermingled new furnishings alongside the room’s centerpiece, a reclaimed wood dining table the homeowners had custom

made from a 112-year-old apple cider vat.

This past holiday season was a true test as to how the family would use the new spaces and the homeowners were pleased to report the rooms and harmonizing design were a hit. Family members were able to separate and participate in different activities and conversations and yet still be together…which is what family is all about.

Interior design – Steve Nabers, ASID, Nabers Interiors Contractor – Greg Mitchell, Heritage Builders Custom dining table – Wade Burrus, Burrus Company Faux finishes – Diane Lee

February 2015 • athomemms.com | 41

styleMARKETPLACE

The Sophisticated

Keeping Room

ADD SOME STYLE WITH THESE ELEGANT & NEUTRAL PIECES

Greggy Leather Chair by Ethan Allen $2,099, www.ethanallen.com

Brayton Table Lamp by Ethan Allen $429, www.ethanallen.com

Cathedral-Back Entryway Bench $250, plowhearth.com

Decker Library Shelf $699, anthropologie.com

Beaumaris Knotted Area Rug $2,079 - $4,239, frontgate.com Bamileke Stool in Lattice $398 - $798, anthropologie.com 42 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

Rustic Teal Wall Clock $299, pier1.com

Scroll Fireplace Tool Set $100, pier1.com

Serenity Babar Pillow $18, kirklands.com February 2015 • athomemms.com | 43

technology

What’s NeW for 2015?

TEXT By ScoTT FuElling, PrESidEnT, PhoEniX unEqualEd homE EnTErTainmEnT

Every year in January after the holiday rush, electronics manufacturers introduce their latest and greatest new products at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. There are always highs and lows with the newest offerings, but some definitely took center stage at the 2015 show.

This was the year of the smart home at CES. With a multitude of new entries into the marketplace, manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon for the connected, web-enabled home. Here are a few general categories that saw some traction.

Smartphone irrigation controllers for lawn sprinkler systems were on display at this year’s show. These little gems are not only affordable, but also offer some really cool features like Internet weather monitoring, which will simply shut off or bypass the sprinklers in the event of a significant rain event. Not only does this save water and money, but you are no longer the neighbor watering in the thunderstorm.

Web-enabled cameras are nothing new, but the entry-level products are getting better and much more affordable. Several companies presented WiFi-enabled products which allow users to power up, configure an app and go. This is a great offering for the security-minded consumer who wants to monitor certain areas of their home (interior or exterior) without breaking the bank. While not as high in quality as the professional versions, they do a darn good job for the money.

The garage overhead door companies also got in on the action, exhibiting smartphone apps that open and close the doors, monitor their status and alert homeowners to any situation that may arise.

As expected, there was also a plethora of lighting, heat and cooling, and security system offerings shown, each with its own 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

unique spin on why consumers should use their products instead of the competitors’.

All of this is great, but as a client of mine once said, “Why would I want to do all of this and have to be constantly switching between apps to control things?” That is indeed the question. These systems offer many benefits to the consumer, however, for a truly integrated home, the best bet is still to work with a professional systems integrator.

Back to the show… 4K televisions were on display in force.

The term 4K refers to the resolution, which is more or less four times higher than the current 1080p HD of most TVs now on the market. It looks like film and is absolutely stellar in quality.

The only downside is content availability. Netflix, Amazon Prime and others are starting to run some shows in 4K and they promise to offer more, but we are still a little ways out from regular broadcast content being available. For those who are ready to make an investment in a large television, 4K may be the way to go, but a short wait before purchasing may be rewarded with a better overall experience.

In the “welcome to the future” category, 3D printing was a big showstopper. The technology allows users to manufacture their own items—custom car parts, tools, or pretty much anything someone can dream up. Online CAD files are readily available to make getting started a breeze.

No matter what your technology cravings are, I am positive something new, fun and exciting from the CES show is about to hit the market just for you. Go ahead, hit the Google search and have a ball!

Till next month…

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home trends

Mixing Vintage With Modern not Your grandMa’s stYle anYMore!

W

TEXT by Robin TERRy, WEsT TEnnEssEE HomE buildERs AssociATion

hen Metra Reid decided it was time to retire from her teaching career, she knew she’d miss that moment when her students’ eyes lit up because “they finally got it”—the “it” being whatever they were struggling with in her fifth-grade classroom.

Today, in her second career as owner of Sweet Ella’s Emporium, this member of the West Tennessee Home Builder Association sells vintage clothing, accessories and antiques. And she still enjoys teaching, although to slightly older students, about ways to mix vintage with new to create their own personal style. “They finally ‘get it’,” Metra explains, “when they realize this isn’t their grandma’s decorating.”

Reid, whose business has booth space at both the Antique Gallery on Stage Road in Bartlett and Southern Vintage Co. at the corner of Altruria and Egypt Central, says she really began to understand the attraction of vintage style when several of her children and nieces and nephews all got married within one summer a few years ago. “They all wanted mid-century barware and accessories for wedding gifts,” she says, which sent her on shopping sprees to antique malls, thrift shops, estate sales and flea markets she frequents across the Mid South.

An important reason for choosing vintage style for your home is that it’s still possible to get quality items at a much lower cost than new ones. “It’s still easy to find pieces for less than $20,” Reid explains, although some of the more popular items, like full sets of 1950’s glasses and pitchers, may be priced above $100.

While vintage pieces at reasonable prices are still readily available with a little hunting, Reid admits it’s quite acceptable to shop department stores, discount stores and big crafts retailers for decorative items.

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Reid advises young adults furnishing their first homes or apartments to not turn up their noses at the hand-me-downs their families offer. Sometimes all it takes is a little paint, new pulls or knobs, or minor repairs to make a piece more appealing and adaptable for another use. A small, ho-hum bookcase can be painted and mounted on the wall as a display piece or for extra storage in the bathroom. Or an old dresser given a facelift with mirrors and new drawer pulls can do double duty as an entertainment center. Reid suggests getting a complete history of the piece, though, before painting it or making any major structural changes. If the family knows nothing, a little online research may be in order. “You don’t want to end up painting a Norman Cherner chair and ruining its value,” Metra warns.

Anyone interested in mixing vintage with modern should start by buying just a few pieces they especially like, trying “not to overdo” the balance between old and new. “And remember that pop of red,” Metra advises, because “having some red in a room makes it complete.”

Mid-century modern style refers to furniture, architecture and accessories that were originally created from about 1933 to the mid-1960s. It has been gaining popularity in recent years because of its clean lines and still-futuristic designs. Frequently used materials range from woods (even molded plywood) to plastic, chrome and glass. The style goes well with everything from today’s IKEA furniture to antique beds and armoires. Other sought-after styles, according to Reid, include anything Art Deco (items from the 1920s to 1940s) and anything with an Egyptian influence, which has been popular since the late 19th century.

“Part of the fun in decorating a home is finding your treasures,” Metra adds.

visit this design

Greenwood

Mississippi The Five Star City

TEXT and phoTography submiTTEd by grEEnwood CVb

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G

reenwood has earned a well-deserved reputation as a wonderful and accessible getaway spot.

Located in the heart of the culturally rich delta region, it offers a perfect combination of relaxation and stimulating history. You won’t be there long before you find yourself slowing down and settling into the rhythm of a place where good music, good food and good company are celebrated. Take your time and savor the pace; carry a cup of steaming coffee to the Keesler Bridge and watch the sunrise over the Yazoo’s dark waters. Stroll the brick streets and soak in the gracious old buildings and the welcoming stores. Grab a bite at Delta Bistro or Turnrow Cafe, do a bit of shopping or take a Viking cooking class before your Alluvian Spa treatment. That’s the ticket to ease you into an elegant evening at Lusco’s or Giardina’s. Relax with a nightcap in the lobby of the Alluvian Hotel or head across the delta for a taste of deep-down blues.

Delta Blues The music admired around the world first rolled out of the cotton fields of the Mississippi delta, and the Mississippi Blues Trail now marks many bluesrelated sites in Leflore County, from B.B. King’s birthplace to Robert Johnson’s grave. An Amtrak station is located in historic downtown, making Greenwood a perfect stopover on the “City of New Orleans” train from Memphis to New Orleans for those on a pilgrimage from Beale Street to the Big Easy.

Culinary Community If you leave Greenwood hungry, you have only yourself to blame. Delta Bistro’s chef snagged a James Beard Award nomination, and the Ballas family has been rolling comfort food and world-famous pies out of the Crystal Grill’s kitchen for three-quarters of a century. Giardina’s and Lusco’s feature upscale evening dining choices that range from pompano to porterhouse and Jeem’s Diner boasts the best burger in the delta. Turnrow Books’ upstairs cafe is the place to go for lunchtime soups, salads and sandwiches, and Webster’s is a cozy spot just across the Keesler Bridge in North Greenwood. Other culinary November February 2015 2014 • athomemms.com | 49

visit this

perfect

‘‘‘ a

combination

of relaxation and

stimulating histor y ”

temptations range from Serio’s open-face meatball sandwich to Steven’s barbecue and famous chocolate cake. Check out The Winery at Williams Landing, located in Greenwood’s restored Fire Station #1 at the south end of Howard Street for local wines. And if you’re inspired to try your own hand at kitchen magic, sign up for one of the Viking Cooking School’s classes, where you can become the master of your grill or the pastry chef for your neighborhood!

Downtown Greenwood For a real look into the architecture, history, and culture of the town, begin on the banks of the Yazoo River, which gave birth to an 1830s cotton port. A walking tour map is available to fill in details of the beautiful buildings.

Grand Boulevard Walk or drive across the 1925 Keesler Bridge and enjoy a mile of century-old oaks lining this street. Laid out across a cotton field in the early years of the 20th century, Grand Boulevard 50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

was the dream of a Greenwood matron who oversaw the planting of hundreds of young trees taken from the riverbanks and plantations around Leflore County. Estate-size mansions and quaint cottages line “The Boulevard,” named one of “America’s Most Beautiful Streets” in the 1950s.

Money Road At the north end of Grand Boulevard is the Tallahatchie Bridge, made famous when Greenwood’s own Bobbie Gentry captured the mystery in her 1967 song, “Ode to Billy Joe.” Across the bridge is County Road 518, a span seared into the nation’s consciousness as Money Road. This two-lane stretch of asphalt leads to Little Zion Baptist Church, the gravesite of bluesman Robert Johnson, a cryptic character infused with talent so deep that many credited it to a deal with Satan himself.

Five miles or so further up Money Road, the crumbling walls of Bryant’s Grocery are all that remain to mark one of the darkest chapters in American history. When Emmett Till stepped across the threshold of that store on an August afternoon in 1955, he

set in motion an explosion of terror and retribution that would rock the nation.

The Civil Rights movement, a landmark 20th-century social upheaval, traces its birth to that sagging store.

Perhaps it was that Money Road tradition of conflict and torment that led director Tate Taylor to utilize the Whittington House, near the Tallahatchie’s north bank, as Skeeter’s home in the 2010 movie The Help.

What better location than the south end of Money Road to immortalize this story of racial division and the power of forgiveness?

Civil Rights During the 1960s, Greenwood was a hotbed of civil rights activity, the site of visits by Dr. Martin Luther King and Stokely Carmichael, who first used the slogan “black power” at a speech on Broad Street, a location now marked on Mississippi’s Freedom Trail. Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger also made appearances to rally support for African American voter registration.

The Help in Greenwood Hollywood descended on Greenwood in 2010, bringing its stars with it.

Walking the streets of downtown during a summer of filming, it was not unusual to run into Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain or Viola Davis.

Cicely Tyson and Sissy Spacek shopped in local stores and Allison Janney and Bryce Dallas Howard might be found sharing lattes at Turnrow Books.

The locations of scenes are scattered throughout Greenwood and are best enjoyed on a leisurely drive; a tour map is available to help locate them. Viking Cooking School in Greenwood even offers a class based around Southern dishes featured in the movie.

The Civil War Just west of Greenwood is the site of Fort Pemberton, one of a series of cotton bale fortifications placed to stop Federal boats from making their way down the delta’s river network to Vicksburg in 1863. Deep in the Tallahatchie’s muddy bottom are the remains of the steamship Star of the West, fired on at Fort Sumter in 1861.

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getaway

Photo Courtesy of The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art

ST. LOUIS

CHARM & CULTURE IN THE MIDWEST TEXT BY FRANCES J. FOLSOM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. LOUIS CONVENTION & VISITORS COMMISSION

The statue of the city's namesake, St. Louis

Running Man statue on Kiener Plaza

F

ounded in 1764 by French fur trapper Pierre Laclede, what would become the city of St. Louis started as a wilderness trading post at the confluence the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

OUTDOOR SPACE

President Thomas Jefferson acquired the territory from France in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. A year later his Lewis and Clark Expedition started from St. Louis.

At 1,371 acres Forest Park is larger than Central Park in New York City. The site of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair – the Louisiana Purchase Exposition – the park is home to the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Zoo and the Jewel Box, an Art Deco glass hothouse filled with seasonal plantings.

Its location and the arrival of immigrants who set up businesses made St. Louis a commercial hub in the 1800s. Settlers heading west stopped here to replenish their supplies. It was the last bit of civilization they would see for hundreds of miles.

There’s a lagoon for paddle boating and fishing, waterfalls, a tennis center, a golf course and miles of trails for biking and walking. The visitors’ center on the park’s north side can assist with arranging tours, maps and trail guides.

Today St. Louis has risen far above its wilderness beginnings.

The city sparkles and is full of world-class cultural, educational and musical venues, historical sites and restaurants.

For more flora and fauna visit the 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden, a National Historic Landmark with hundreds of varieties of horticulture.

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Downtown anD Shopping Admire the gorgeous 19th-century architecture and outdoor art from a horsedrawn carriage or strolling the cobblestone streets of Laclede’s Landing. Download the free mobile app at landingtour.mobi/ Peruse shops and galleries along Cherokee Street including Purple Cow Antiques, Lady Jane’s, Boheme Atelier and Bella, a boutique specializing in vintage clothes and furnishings. Be forewarned: it’s possible to spend hours browsing through the shelves of Hammond’s Books.

Culture St. Louis has the largest number of free museums in the country outside of Washington, DC. The people of St. Louis are proud of their city’s humble beginnings and the part it played in shaping our country. That pride extends to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, also known as the Gateway Arch. Architect Eero Saarinen designed the 630-foot-tall monument in 1965 to honor Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

On the ground floor is the Museum of Westward Expansion with interpretive exhibits depicting the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Native American arts and crafts, and murals showing what life was like in the early days of St. Louis.

TIP: Six million people a year visit the Arch; make reservations well in advance. The view from the top is stunning but a ride in one of the capsules is not for the claustrophobic or acrophobic.

The St. Louis Art Museum, housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building, has more than 30,000 artifacts including an impressive collection of American, Oceanic, Asian, Pre-Columbian and European art. Architectural elements designed by Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright and George Grant Elmslie are on display in the Decorative Arts and Design galleries.

Visitors to the City Museum must watch out for sea serpents inside and dangling school buses on the roof.

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getaway

”

THE CITY

sparkles.”

Samuel Cupples House

The Jewel Box in Forest Park

locally recycled from St. Louis; the 600,000-square-foot structure was the International Shoe Company, the marble floors came from department stores, and the banister is made from the shoe factory’s conveyor belt spokes. The “sea grass” in the Enchanted Caves is shredded parachute silk from the Boeing Company.

On top of the caves is a hulking industrial boiler dubbed by schoolchildren as the “puking pig.” When it fills with water there’s a thunderous roar as it tips, dumping water through the caves into the mouth of a whale sculpture. Yes, there really is an airplane, along with a dangling school bus, on the roof.

STAYING Set in one of St. Louis’s historic districts, the Fleur-De-Lys Mansion is the ultimate in privacy (only four rooms) and luxury.

Tripadvisor has consistently given this restored century-old home five stars. It’s all here; 600-thread-count sateen sheets, king-sized poster beds, Jacuzzi tubs, complimentary Wi-Fi, parking and full gourmet breakfasts.

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The Westin St Louis, housed in three beautifully restored buildings is 21st-century chic in style. High-speed Internet access ($11.95 per day) is available in all guest rooms. On site are a fullservice spa, fitness center and Avis car rental agency. The Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium and the shops and restaurants of Ballpark Village are nearby.

Offering easy access to the airport and downtown, the Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites is across the street from the MetroLink light rail. Amenities include complimentary broadband Internet, fitness center, indoor pool and sundeck. The Scottrade Center Sports Arena and the Peabody Opera House offering live theater performances are within walking distance.

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE Copia, in the re-gentrified Washington Avenue district of downtown, has been serving wonderful wine and cuisine since

2006. Exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings and wine barrels give Copia the look and feel of a country vineyard. The house specialties are the hand cuts including steak Oskar with grilled beef tenderloins, crab, asparagus and mushrooms in a sherry cream sauce. The pork French center cut rib chop is topped with beer and pork belly gravy and served with apple casserole with Tennessee bourbon.

TIP: Ask for a table in the Wine Garden.

With its open fire pit, babbling fountains and lush greenery it’s a quiet oasis.

Sample St. Louis brews at the Schlafly Tap Room. Choose from oatmeal stout, pale ale, dry-hopped APA, Hefeweizen or Kolsch. Pair a brew with an order of lamb and beef shepherd’s pie, pork schnitzel or a plate of swine (bratwurst and bacon).

The Delmar Loop is six blocks of live music venues including Blueberry Hill where Chuck Berry plays a monthly gig.

Laclede’s Landing is another hot spot for blues clubs, bistros and theater.

Historic Houses Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site The family home of President Grant and his wife Julia over a 40-year span, the farm was owned by Julia’s father, Frederick.

National Park Service rangers give tours of the house and slave quarters.

Samuel Cupples House Built in 1890 by noted architect Thomas Annan, this Romanesque Revival style house sits on the campus of St. Louis University. Philanthropist Samuel Cupples spared no expense in its design and furnishings; 42 rooms are filled with Tiffany & Company windows, Murano light fixtures and 15th- and 16th-century works of art.

TIP: Reservations are necessary for a docent-led tour.

For further information contact the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission at 800.916.0092 or go to www.explorestlouis.com.

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travel

RIVER CRUISING

Where will your next adventure take you?

TEXT BY BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRAVEL LEADERS

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travel

A

re you ready to take an unscripted journey to new and exciting destinations and cruise in waters less traveled? Lately, more travelers are choosing river cruise vacations which provide a unique perspective from which to visit the natural landscapes, historical landmarks and hidden treasures that make each destination distinctive. Viking River Cruise line offers itineraries to the world’s most fascinating destinations. Unpack once and immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences; everything from meals to shore excursions is included in the price. River cruising is the most intimate way to experience off-the-beaten-path Europe with a little hand holding from the experts.

River cruises are an unparalleled way to explore the world.

Where else could you be gently carried along on an elegant, intimate ship, dock in the center of town, then stroll off to begin your adventure? It’s comfortable and convenient. River cruising provides the opportunity to go beyond the cities and see quaint riverside towns, breathtaking landscapes and wide-open skies.

The experience is quite different from a typical ocean cruise on a “mega ship” with 3,000 or more passengers, massive buffets and lines. The smaller number of guests on a river cruise allows passengers to sample the regional cuisine and to start the mornings sipping coffee while cruising the scenic rivers and interacting with the captain to learn about the local culture.

River cruisers relax and enjoy the scenery while the ship delivers them right to the doorstep of each town. There’s none of the wasted travel time or frustration that a traditional land-based vacation can entail.

Although many companies offer river cruising, Viking River Cruises, established in 1997, is Travel Leaders’ preferred partner and is the world’s leading line. Viking was named “Best River Cruise Ship” by Cruise Critic editors and Conde Nest Traveler’s Reader Poll. The all-inclusive experience includes meals, soft drinks, coffee and tea, as well as complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner. Shore excursions are included in the ports of call, but passengers are also welcome to explore each destination on their own.

It’s the experience that sets a Viking vacation apart from traditional cruises. For example, the way the bartender has your drink prepared at just the right moment. The gentle guidance February 2015 • athomemms.com | 61

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travel from the tai chi master during a lesson in China. Handwritten directions from the concierge to the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna.

Every aspect of a Viking cruise, from expertly prepared meals to carefully created enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships, is planned to bring guests closer to experiencing the most from each destination. On all Viking River Cruises, onboard entertainment is designed to help passengers understand the cultures and regions visited. Expect to find lectures, local musicians and themed dinners with regional specialties.

Viking operates the largest fleet along rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia, featuring deluxe accommodations, top-notch cuisine, friendly English-speaking staff and free WiFi while aboard. The award-winning Viking Longships were made for river cruising. These sleekly Scandinavian-designed vessels carry from 66 to 264 passengers. They feature all outside staterooms, two-room suites, real balconies and several dining venues where the cuisine ranges from formal to light fare. The Aquavit Terrace, a special feature of the Longships’ design, functions as an indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge. With the largest veranda staterooms on Europe’s rivers, al fresco dining and more, Viking vessels are setting new standards in style and comfort!

Viking’s 35 ships offer over 24 itineraries to choose from.

Cruises range from eight to 23 days in length throughout Europe, Russia, China and East Asia. Travel Leaders can design pre- and post-stays in various cities to make the most of a journey abroad.

One of the most popular itineraries is the “Romantic Danube,” an eight-day cruise with six guided tours in three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. This magnificent journey allows guests to encounter the grand cities and quaint villages along the Danube River. Discover both sides of Hungary’s capital – traditional “Buda” and more cosmopolitan “Pest” – and from Fisherman’s Bastion see how the river divides this fascinating city. Experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture, and tour riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley. Explore a baroque cathedral in Germany and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. All along the way savor the tastes of authentic dishes, learn about local legends and understand why Strauss immortalized the “Blue Danube” in his famous melody.

During the 12-day “City of Lights” cruise, passengers experience ten guided tours in four countries which include France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Czech Republic.

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‘‘‘

an unparalleled

way to

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the

Discover the romance of Paris and Prague in addition to all the quaint small towns in between. Excursions include a city tour through Paris, a visit to the Eiffel Tower or the storied Louvre Musuem, and stops at Porta Nigra and Trier Cathedral. While in Rothenburg, passengers can take a romantic road tour, learn how to make bread pudding and Rudesheimer coffee, and get to know a local glassblower and his craft.

A new itinerary for Viking in 2015, “The Legends of the Rhine” is an eightday journey which provides a window into historic eras and events that have shaped northern Europe. Cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley, lined with medieval castles; visit the remains of the legendary Bridge at Remagen, captured by the U.S. soldiers in the closing weeks of World War II, and to Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, for a guided visit to the Overloon War Museum.

The new 10-day “Rhine Rhapsody” introduces the timeless elegance of Paris and the breathtaking scenery along the Rhine, Main and Moselle Rivers. Take a guided tour of the French capital, exploring its neighborhoods, museums and cafes. Then venture to Luxembourg, Trier, Rudesheim and Cochem, right through the Rhine Valley, famous for its imposing riverside castles.

RiveR CRuise stats • Passengers are usually 55+ years of age.

• They are often well-traveled cruise veterans who want a different experience.

• Passengers are generally Englishspeaking.

For more information on planning your next trip, call Travel Leaders at 901.377.6600 or stop by their office at 2765 Wolf Creek Parkway, Ste. 104, Memphis. This year marks Travel Leaders’ 30th year in the vacation business.

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arts

Music Matters

TUNING CHILDREN INTO MUSIC AT GPAC TEXT BY EMILY HEFLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YASMINE OMARI

On selected Saturdays in the Black Box Studio at the Germantown Performing Arts Center, you can find very unique musical happenings called Peanut Butter & Jam. Children ranging in age from infants to eight years can experience music in an informal environment where spontaneous dancing, belly giggles, rhythmic clapping and loud singing are encouraged.

These sessions designed “just for kids,” feature all styles and genres of music. From rock to jazz to African drum and dance to mariachi, brass band and classical, Peanut Butter & Jam continues to make an impact on young children and their families year after year.

It is widely known that introducing music at a young age can make a huge difference in a child’s development. According to the organization Zero To Three, “The first three years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a baby’s development.

A newborn’s brain is about 25 percent of its approximate adult weight. But by age three, it has grown dramatically by producing billions of cells and hundreds of trillions of connections, or synapses, between these cells.” More importantly in this age of technology, introducing little ones to live music shows them that music doesn’t just come out of a television, smart phone or mp3 player. It is a living, breathing, changing art form that is created through human and instrument interaction.

Peanut Butter & Jam was first introduced at GPAC in 1997 by founding Executive Director Albert Pertalion, who modeled the program after one in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pertalion’s wife, Susan, narrated the sessions, which were geared toward introducing classical music to young children ages two to six. At the end of the programs children could take part in a “petting zoo” with most of the instruments, allowing them to touch, see and hear up 66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

close. Since then GPAC has expanded the format to include other musical genres and widened the age range.

At a recent session, a two-year-old met his musical idol – Farmer Jason (Jason Ringenberg of alt-county 90s band Jason and the Scorchers). Much like a groupie after a concert, the little boy (and his parents) stuck around until everyone had left and was starstruck when he finally got to meet and talk with Farmer Jason.

The musician treated his young fan to an acoustic version of his favorite song, “Moose on the Loose,” took a photo with him and then gave him his prized guitar pick. Such small exchanges between musician and child make Peanut Butter & Jam unique.

Sessions inspire creativity, promote cultural exchange and create a positive image of self and community. Parents and grandparents have the opportunity to spend time with their children nurturing their imagination, fostering a love of music and creating special moments to last a lifetime.

The city of Memphis is known around the world as a place with a rich musical heritage and exciting, diverse culture. On any given day, there are opportunities to introduce young children to the arts. Music for Aardvarks (established in Memphis by Joe and Virginia Murphy) hosts weekly classes for children and caregivers where dancing, singing and instrument playing are explored through great music that even parents will enjoy. Other programs of note are IRIS Orchestra’s Family Saturday Series which features an Instrument Petting Zoo and the Magic Carpet Ride at the Buckman Performing Arts Center. For more of a concert feel, Memphis Rock-n-Romp is a series of shows often held outdoors that allow kids to jump, dance and rock out in a safe environment while parents can stay connected to the local music scene and socialize with friends.

HOMEfeature

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social

Nashville artist Christina Cohn

Dr. Alexandra Garrett & Steven Garrett

Lisa Ayerst & Julia Horne

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Katie & Ward Collier

social

Danny Broadway painting live on Opening Night

ST. GEORGE’S INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Fine Art Show & Sale

S

St. George’s Independent School held its 11th annual Fine Art Show and Sale November 6 - 8, showcasing the works of more than 60 local and regionally known artists. The original art, including sculpture, photography, jewelry and paintings, was offered for sale at the Collierville campus. On opening night local food trucks FUEL and Gourmet Grillers dished out wonderful meals while the Hot Memphis 3 played inside. Proceeds from the show benefitted the arts programs at St. George’s Independent School.

Katie Toombs (artist) & Beth Skudder

Francesca Rozbicki, Terri Smith & Lynn Buck

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social

Nancy Boatright, Heidi Shafer, Jean Drumwright

THE SKIN CLINICS

Grand Opening TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT

T

The Skin Clinics, Germantown, Tennessee's newest skincare destination, marked its grand opening with a festive celebration the afternoon of Thursday, January 22, 2015. The Skin Clinics is located at 7655 Poplar Avenue, near Methodist Hospital in Germantown. Attendees toured the beautiful facility, entered prize drawings and were able to chat with the specialists on hand about their skin and beauty needs. The Skin Clinics specialize in anti-aging, sun damage repair, hair growth and many other services. The Clinic is on the forefront of microneedling, using the revolutionary Collagen PIN to reverse the effects of time and sun.

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Ann Knox & Carolyn Perry

Lee Sellers & Alison Franklin

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COVINGTON, TN

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MARKETPLACE

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experience this

Covington’s HistoriC Court square annual

CHoColate tour TexT and phoTography by robin Sealy

If you are looking for a sweet way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, make plans to attend the annual Chocolate Tour on Covington’s Historic Court Square. Each year on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, Covington’s downtown small business community hosts the decadent event. Purchase a $5 ticket, with the proceeds benefiting the Covington Economic Development Corporation, and tour the square while tasting a variety of gourmet chocolates. The 2015 Chocolate Tour will be Saturday, February 7, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

This marks the fourth year for the event which has quickly become a favorite of visitors from all around the Mid South.

What could be better than chocolate and shopping? As visitors travel from shop to shop to taste the chocolates, they also have the opportunity to pick out that special Valentine’s gift.

Attendees will be eligible to win a gift basket filled with samples of the chocolates and items from merchants around the square, 74 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

including clothing boutiques for men, women and children, shops with home decor and local art, and antique shops.

Covington’s charming square is home to six antique shops with a wide variety of offerings, from beautiful fine china to rustic pieces — everything from original finds from local historic homes to repurposed items turned into something new and beautiful. Boutiques on the square are the perfect spots to browse vintage apparel or find the latest trends in clothing and accessories, from fine jewelry to inexpensive, fun items.

Paintings, pottery and unique jewelry made by local artists are featured in shops along the square, and several new stores have added great choices for men’s gifts. Covington’s square has something for everyone.

The best thing about shopping in Covington is the customer service. The merchants love to meet new patrons and visit with returning ones. Visitors who haven’t shopped in Covington

before leave feeling as if they have made new friends. Make plans to take a break from the chocolate during the tour and enjoy lunch at one of the variety of restaurants on or near the square. Notable options include a tea room and a coffee shop that serves great sandwiches and soups. Other nearby eateries feature authentic Italian fare, plate lunch specials, burgers and barbeque.

The Chocolate Tour event also includes a competition for the merchants, so after visiting all the stops and sampling the chocolates, guests are encouraged to vote for the top treat. The People’s Choice trophy is proudly displayed throughout the year in the winning shop. For the first two years the coveted prize went to Hatchie River Emporium and Haberdashery for their delectable chocolate dipped strawberries.

Last year, Old Town Hall took the trophy with a chocolate cobbler. Other favorites have been Oreo truffles, chocolate dipped potato chips, gourmet chocolate cake and salted caramel chocolate.

Advance tickets for the Chocolate Tour are available at the Covington Tipton County Chamber of Commerce. On the day of the event ticket booths will be set up around the square. Proceeds will support Covington’s Economic Development Corporation with projects such as the Court Square Farmer’s Market.

Covington is just a short drive from Memphis on Highway 51 North or from Jackson just off Interstate 40, making it a perfect day-trip destination. The town hosts events throughout the year including Music on the Square in May and June, Art on the Square in July, Heritage Day Arts and Crafts and Antiques Festival on the fourth Saturday in September, Scarecrows on the Square in October, Holiday Open House in November, and Dickens on the Square the second weekend in December.

The downtown merchants’ group and others work with the Covington Tipton County Chamber of Commerce to fill the year with fun activities.

For more information about the Chocolate Tour or Covington, contact the chamber of commerce at 901.476.9727, visit www. covington-tiptoncochamber.com, find them on Facebook at Covington Tipton County Chamber of Commerce, or stop by the office at 106 West Liberty.

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entertaining

A VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION

to Love

TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH ROSSI | STYLIST ANGELA MAZANTI

WHETHER YOU ARE SWEET & SASSY OR FUN & FANCY, follow designer Angela Mazanti’s lead on crafting a festive & memorable Valentine’s Day this year!

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entertaining

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entertaining

”

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azanti shares her design expertise in fashioning a fabulous Valentine’s Day celebration. “I wanted to create an atmosphere that would be just as appropriate for a group as it would be for a couple. It’s wonderful to spend a romantic evening with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, but it’s also wonderful to celebrate with all the friends and family that you love, too!”

InspIratIon “My inspiration for this ‘Oh, How Sweet It Is’ Valentine’s Day party was sweetness, romance, whimsy and touches of Parisian ‘ooh la la’ eye candy for girls, like beautiful flowers, perfume bottles and French manicure nail polishes. When I think of Valentine’s Day, I think of sweet food, sweet emotion,” Mazanti says.

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entertaining

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Menu ideas Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to host a dessert party. Mazanti suggests serving a variety of sweet noshes like chocolate-covered pretzels and strawberries, decadent cakes and truffles, as well as cake pops. Vintage bottles filled with white or chocolate milk embellished with decorative straws provide a whimsical touch. set the scene at hoMe Select a room like the dining room, breakfast room or kitchen to display all the tasty treats, Mazanti says. “The goal for this kind of party is to make your guests’ mouths water like they have just entered Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Use fabric or table linens in shades of red, purple or pink to create a colorful backdrop for the treats you will serve,” she adds. Choose clear or white serving trays and pedestals to display the desserts like pieces of art. Form groupings; for example, serve the bottles of milk from a white pedestal and artfully display a beautiful grouping of tarts or truffles on rectangular white platters. This is the kind of party where you can really have fun with the display. color theMe “I automatically think of gorgeous pops of color like red, lavender and pink when I imagine what Valentine’s Day looks like. Lots of whimsical shapes, color and texture,” Mazanti says.

Flowers Go to your favorite florist for small bunches of flowers in the colors you are working with or pick up some gorgeous blooms from the grocery store and do them yourself. There’s no need for large, fussy arrangements – just enough to add fun pops of color and texture to really set off the whole look, Mazanti advises.

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in the kitchen

CREAMY RED HOT CHOCOLATE MAKES 6 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

Red Hot Valentine's Day!

4 cups low-fat milk • 1/3 cup red hot candies 2/3 cup white chocolate chips • 1 tsp. vanilla Optional red sugar sprinkles DIRECTIONS:

1. Place the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat and let it come to a low simmer.

2. Whisk in the white chocolate chips, vanilla and red hot candies. Continuously stir until the candies and chocolate have melted.

3. Once everything has melted together, serve this warm in mugs, sprinkled with the red sugar if desired.

TEXT BY APRIL MCKINNEY

I know, I know, it’s the cheesiest holiday of the year, but I can’t help but secretly love all of the pink and red that come in the middle of the cold and otherwise uneventful month of February.

Every year I try to come up with a recipe or two to celebrate this Hallmark holiday, and for 2015 I’ve made it all about red hots! Whether you are looking for ideas for your kids’ school Valentine’s Day parties or you’re having a cozy night at home, these recipes are fun, colorful and sure to please!

First up is my Cinnamon Candied Popcorn. Let me warn you, this stuff is extremely addictive! Microwavable popcorn gets coated in melted red hots and white chocolate. It’s a sweet and salty combination no one can resist, plus, it just looks so festive.

The perfect snack to make in a snap and package up for your children’s classmates, it would also be ideal for a movie date at 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

home. Fun treats like this make an evening in with your sweetheart just a little more special.

To wash it all down try my Creamy Red Hot Chocolate. Talk about a sweet drink to warm you up from the inside! The pink color is so fun, and I love the spice from the melted red hots. You can even double or triple this recipe and warm it in a slow cooker for a party. Kids will go crazy for the fun color and unique flavor.

For more festive Valentine’s Day recipes, visit my website at www.AprilMcKinney.com.

CINNAMON CANDIED POPCORN MAKES 6-8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 bags microwavable “light” popcorn, • ¾ cup red hot candies • ½ cup water • 1 cup white chocolate chips • 1 tsp. shortening DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 250˚.

2. Pop the popcorn according to the package directions, and then spread it onto two large baking sheets.

3. In a medium saucepan, bring red hot candies and water to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Allow the candies to fully melt into the water (about 15 minutes).

4. Immediately pour the melted candy mixture all over the popcorn. Toss the popcorn around until it is all well coated, and place it in the oven for 10 minutes.

5. Meanwhile melt the white chocolate and shortening in a saucepan over medium low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. If the chocolate gets thick or clumpy, add a little more shortening to smooth it out.

6. Pour melted chocolate over candied popcorn, and toss it around once again. Allow the popcorn to cool and the chocolate to harden on the baking sheets, and then break into pieces and place it in large zip-top bags to store.

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dining out

StrAno!

Sicilian Kitchen & Bar IntervIew by MaggIe weIr PhotograPhy subMItted by strano! sIcIlIan KItchen & bar

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uthentic Sicilian cuisine comes to Memphis by way of local Chef Josh Steiner. Located in the popular Cooper Young neighborhood, Strano! is serving up Italian comfort food in an upscale atmosphere. Menu standouts include Grandma’s Meatballs made with beef and veal, in-house tomato sauce and pecorino, wood-grilled sea bass with St. Germain risotto, and pistachio-crusted lamb rack with a pomegranate rosemary reduction. We caught up with the inventive chef for an inside look at the inspiration behind his signature dishes.

JS: The Cooper Young neighborhood is known for its young as well as older and sophisticated foodies. The neighborhood has a critical mass of interesting non-corporate restaurants that complement (each other) without having any competition. This allows visitors to view Cooper Young as a destination so they can decide where and what they want to eat and drink once they get there.

At Home Memphis & Mid South: Strano! is a wonderful addition to the Memphis dining scene! What made you want to open a Sicilian restaurant?

JS: I took recipes from my Sicilian grandmother and added my own modern culinary interpretation. The Sicilian and north African cuisines may appear different, but they are in fact quite similar. Sicily was conquered and inhabited by many different peoples including the Greeks, Romans, Moors from north Africa, Spaniards, Normans and, of course, the Italians. As a result, Sicilian dishes borrow from all of these cultures making for a great restaurant concept.

Chef Josh Steiner: After culinary school I went to Sicily to explore Sicilian cooking. I chose Sicily because my mother’s family is from Sicily and (my) father’s family is from north Africa. Having grown up with these kinds of foods, I wanted to see for myself how the people that I was connected to actually cooked and how it related to the history of this tiny but very influential island.

After traveling, visiting wineries and olive tree orchards, and actually cooking with local chefs in different regions of Sicily, I fell in love with Sicilian cuisine.

AHMMS: What about the Cooper Young neighborhood appealed to you in deciding where to open Strano!?

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AHMMS: What is the restaurant concept behind Strano!?

AHMMS: Define your restaurant’s cuisine for our readers.

JS: Instead of your standard Italian restaurant, I chose Sicilian regional cuisine that is a mix of fresh, simple flavors using a variety of foods from Europe and north Africa. It’s not unusual for a typical Sicilian dish to feature fresh fish, pasta, olive oil and tomatoes as well as chick peas, raisins and oranges served with couscous, for example.

dining out AHMMS: What are some of the most loved dishes at Strano!?

JS: The meatballs. You have to try them to know what I am talking about.

AHMMS: Tell us about your culinary background; what inspires you as a chef?

JS: My formal training was from L’ecole Culinaire where I earned an associate degree in culinary arts and restaurant management. I also spent time in Sicily training with several local chefs in different regions. What inspires me as a chef is the customers! They keep me pushing myself to new boundaries time and time again.

I’m also inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. The sun-washed shores, the olive groves, the abundance of fresh herbs and spices, and garlic.

AHMMS: How would you describe the “feel” of the restaurant to our readers.

on the corner of Cooper and Young Ave. and is lined with large windows. The interior has high ceilings and a rustic brick wall. There are large windows so that every seat in the house can see the eclectic and vibrant Cooper Young neighborhood. The restaurant has a cozy, warm feeling… it feels like a Sicilian restaurant.

It has a spot for everyone. For people who wish to be less formal, the bar area has high tops and nice bar seats. The dining room was designed so the diner would have a similar environment that one would experience in any restaurant in a typical town in Sicily. The outdoor patios are also similar to those found in cafes throughout Sicily.

AHMMS: What would your ultimate dining experience at Strano! entail?

JS: The ultimate dining experience is like taking a step into Sicily with the fusion of the old-country time mixed with the new, modern service and drinks you would get in high-volume cities like New York.

JS: We were able to create a restaurant that would be an authentic picture of a typical restaurant that one would find in Sicily. We are fortunate that the restaurant is located

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happy hour

Michael Luckey, Bar Manager

Chocolate Martini RECIPE COURTESY OF INTERIM RESTAURANT & BAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUZIE HANSEN

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INGREDIENTS: • 1.5 oz Vanilla Vodka • .5 oz Godiva Chocolate Liqueur • 1 oz. Half and Half • .25 oz Nocello Walnut liqueur

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sources 20| WELLNESS Special thanks to - Dr. Michael A Nelson, ProActive Heart & Vascular www.Proactivehv.com

22| HEALTHY YOU Special thanks to - Kristi Edwards, MS, CLC

28 | AT HOME WITH Special thanks to – Anita Vaughn

38 | DESIGN Steve Nabers www.nabersinteriors.com/about/

46| HOME TRENDS Special thanks to - Robin Terry, West Tennessee Home Builders Association

48 | VISIT THIS Greenwood, Mississippi www.visitgreenwood.com

54 | GETAWAY St. Louis, Missouri www.explorestlouis.com

60 | TRAVEL Special thanks to – Barbara May, owner of Travel Leaders

66| ARTS Special thanks to - Germantown Performing Arts Center www.gpacweb.com

74| EXPERIENCE THIS Covington’s Historic Court Square Annual Chocolate Tour www.covington-tiptoncochamber.com Special thanks to – Robin Sealy

76| ENTERTAINING Special thanks to - Angela Mazanti Design angelamazantidesign.com Sarah Rossi http://sarahrossi.net/

84 | DINING OUT Strano! Sicilian Kitchen & Bar www.stranoskitchen.com

86 | HAPPY HOUR Special thanks to – Interim, www.interimrestaurant.com

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on a good note

A Table

to Toast TEXT SUBMITTED BY MADONNA CIRCLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMP LOVE & LEARN

Madonna Circle members Gianna Soefker & Victoria Saig with campers

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Table to Toast, sponsored by Madonna Circle, will light up the Memphis Botanic Garden on Feb. 6, and proceeds from the luncheon will brighten the coming summer for scores of at-risk Memphis children.

Catered by Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, the event will feature table decorations inspired by various Mid South designers. Susan Ferrier of McAlpine, Booth & Ferrier Interiors in Atlanta is the featured speaker. Following her presentation Ferrier will sign copies of her latest book, Art of the House, Reflections on Design, a collaboration with architect Bobby McAlpine.

Madonna Circle, a local Catholic women’s organization, is teaming up with Catholic Charities of West Tennessee (CCWTN) to support Camp Love & Learn, an eight-week intensive summer day camp for at-risk children representing over 14 different ZIP codes within the Memphis community.

Camp Love & Learn is committed to learning, nutrition and fun. The campers receive instruction in math, reading and writing skills by degreed, certified teachers with the goal to improve grade-level performance over the summer. Enrichment activities include arts and crafts, games, swimming, free play and weekly field trips to local Memphis attractions. Camp 90 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2015

Love & Learn also focuses on good nutrition by serving healthy meals and snacks. The CCWTN mobile food pantry provides campers and their families weekend food packs. The 2014 summer program hosted a total of 189 kindergarten through fifth-grade students at locations in the Hickory Hill and Whitehaven areas. Many older siblings of campers served as camp counselors.

Founded in 1936, Madonna Circle’s mission is twofold: to provide Catholic women the opportunity for service, fellowship and spiritual growth and to improve the Memphis community by stewardship and charity in the gospel tradition. The group’s 335 members take part in service projects benefitting St. John Catholic School, Catholic Charities, St. Peter’s Manor, Birthright, Martha’s Manor, SVDP Soup Kitchen and other organizations.

For tickets / sponsorship information, contact 901.568.8133 or email atabletotoast@gmail.com. To sponsor a camper for the 2015 Camp Love & Learn summer session, contact Stacey Sears at 901.722.4733 or email Stacey.Sears@acc.cdom.org.

For more information on Madonna Circle, visit the website at www.madonnacircle.org.

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