January 2014

Custom Home Design TRAVEL Tropical Destination THE ISSUE

Wedding

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30

JANUARY

45

CONTENTS

JANUARY 2014

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TRAVEL ST. MARTIN

Honeymooners and snowbirds escape to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

• YOUR LIFESTYLE FOR YOU • YOUR HOME

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SPECIAL SECTION 2014 WEDDING ISSUE

Memphis and Mid South brides say “I DO” in four unique settings

ATHOMEMMS.COM

Custom Home Design TRAVEL Tropical Destination ISSUE THE

Wedding

56

HOME FEATURE CUSTOM HOME DESIGN

Our Jackson, TN couple’s home showcases unique and custom interior design

A unique mix of modern and classic pieces handpicked by designers reflects the homeowners' timeless style.

See page 56 6 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

January

16 36

Contents

HOME 42 at home with HEATHER Cosmetics’ owner, Heather Balkunas

54 technology Preserving photographs 68 design Home office décor 64 garden Blueberry’s beauty

LifEstyLE 16 fashion Timeless wedding traditions 18 beauty Glowing skin 20 health Personal wedding prep 22 lifestyle Money Saving Mom’s New Year’s tips

40 music Sheryl Crow

On tHE ROad 24 mid south must do The Metal Museum 34 roadtrip Little Rock weekend getaway 36 community hotspot Highway 51 to Ripley & Covington

98 a closer look Can you guess it?

68

fOOd & EntERtaining 80 entertaining Bridal luncheon 86 cooking Healthy Italian 88 chef’s corner Cakes by Mom and Me 90 cuisine Thistledome's Honeysuckle Society

in EvERy issuE 12 | Publisher’s note 14 | Contributors 72 | style marketPlaCe 74 | by invitation — the social pages

80 8 |At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

94 | haPPenings 97 | sourCes

JANUARY 2014 • VOL. 12 NO. 10 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

EDITOR MAGGIE GIFFIN WEIR | mweir@athomemms.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR BRITTANY WALLER | bwaller@athomemms.com

EDITORIAL COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

SOCIETY EDITOR LESLEY COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com

IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT

CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net

REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/CONTRIBUTOR JANNA FITE HERBISON | jherbison@athomemms.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE MEGAN EIDT

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

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

WEBMASTER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER LAURIE SUMMERS | lsummers@athomemms.com

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS MAGGIE WEIR, DR. PHILIP LANGSDON, CRYSTAL PAINE, LAURIE SUMMERS, CAMILLE PLATT, MARTY MARBRY, CHUCK DAUPHIN, SCOTT FUELLING, JORDANA WHITE, ANDY PULTE, APRIL MCKINNEY, MARTY KELMAN

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DARREN LYKES, JOHN TERRY, ANNABELLA CHARLES, LINDSEY LISSAU

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 by e-mail to tmonger@ athomemms.com

10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

publisher’s note

Thanking Thinking and

Happy New Year and welcome to 2014! I have to admit that wrapping up the January issue in the middle of the crazy time the holidays bring has left me a little overwhelmed this year.

Of course, I am writing this note the night before we go to print, not because I thrive on the last minute but simply because it has been a very busy month. With the shorter than normal time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, my schedule has been packed with cooking and celebrating with friends, working and visiting with clients, shopping and decorating.

Tonight, while thinking of what I was going to write about, I came across a video on Elite Daily that someone had posted on Facebook and now I can’t think of anything else more perfect to start my year. The video slapped me in the face with the things I complain about and how they would be perceived in a Third World country. It is a short video that shows children and adults in less-than-fortunate circumstances stating what we so selfishly complain about as Americans. One clip shows a little girl living in a village with no running water saying, “I hate it when my phone charger won’t reach my bed.” Another is a little boy in a very malnourished state saying, “I hate it when I tell them no pickles and they give me pickles anyway.” An adult male living in a makeshift twig shelter states, “I hate that my house is so big, I need two routers,” and the list goes on. I will be very honest here and very ashamed as well, but just this week I have caught myself complaining about the three pounds I have gained since Thanksgiving and five minutes later being frustrated with the amount of food in our refrigerator and cleaning it out. I have groused about being too cold and forgotten that I have the ability to turn up the heat or light a fire. I have grumbled about having to go to another party, (don’t judge me, people). I complained about having too many presents to wrap, too many clothes to wash and too many rooms to keep clean. I guess ashamed is an understatement at this point. I have spent numerous hours of my life griping about too many options and too much stuff when there are children and adults out there who don’t even have clean water to drink. However, I don’t think I am alone.

As we begin the new year, I hope that all of us try and remember just how fortunate we are.

Even when times might seem bad to some of us, they are so much better than many others have it. My New Year’s resolution will not be to give up Diet Coke or lose a few pounds, not that I don’t need to that, but it will be simply to complain less and thank more. I will try not to focus on whether the glass is half empty or half full and instead just drink it, because I have been blessed with it.

I hope you enjoy the first issue in 2014 of our AT HOME MEMPHIS & MID SOUTH magazine. I am so thankful to our family team that puts it together each month. Thank you, Laurie, Brittany, Maggie, Hillary, Janna, Harriet, Megan, Terri, Leslie and Trip for a great year and an even more spectacular one to come. And a heartfelt thank you to you, our readers who make us love what we do. Wishing you all a very thankful and continually blessed 2014!

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contributors LESLEY COLVETT

attends some of the most fabulous parties as social editor for At Home Memphis & Mid South magazine. colvett’s 10-year career in magazines began promptly after she graduated from the university of Missouri school of Journalism with her first job as editor of Memphis’ RSVP magazine. if you would like At Home Memphis & Mid South to attend your upcoming event contact Lesley at lcolvett@athomemms.com.

APRiL MCKiNNEY

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. turn to page 86 for April’s take on lightening up weeknight suppers—italian style.

ANDREW PULTE

is a gardening expert and internationally certified arborist who teaches at the university of tennessee, contributes to several gardening publications and hosts a radio show, “Garden talk.” originally from nebraska, Pulte now gardens and resides in Knoxville with his wife beccy and son Theo. Who knew blueberries could add beautiful foliage to your garden? turn to page 74 for everything you need to about growing the berries in your very own backyard.

ANGELA MAZANTi

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. This month, Angela designs a formal, party that’s fit for a queen. check out page 80 for Angela’s elegant bridal luncheon.

ChUCK DAUPhiN

has two decades of experience covering country music for both print and broadcast media. He is currently the online country editor for Billboard magazine and has worked for radio stations including WDKn and the interstate radio network. He has also written for such publications as Music City News and Roughstock, and can be heard weekly on WnKX / centerville. turn to page 40 for one of the biggest news stories out of music world where Dauphin talks with sheryl crow about her recent transition into country music.

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fashion

timeless

Traditions 6

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1 8

SOMETHING OLD

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9

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SOMETHING NEW

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SOMETHING BLUE 16 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

1) Vintage Double Strand of Pearls with Pearl Clasp

$59, His Hers Antiques in Tupelo, MS

2) Vintage 'Bobbie' Bracelets

Retrotherapy, $130-$155.00, Bella Viaggia at Laurelwood or at www.facebook.com/retro.nancy

3) 1930s 3 Muses Conch Gold Filled Cameo

$249, His Hers Antiques in Tupelo MS

4) Brass Bloom Comb Anthropologie, $68, www.anthropologie.com

5) Monogrammed Bobby Pin Set Anthropologie, $24, www.anthropologie.com

6) Ferrotype Earrings

ModCloth, $15, www.modcloth.com

7) Crystal & Pearl Statement Necklace

Ann Taylor, $98, www.anntaylor.com

8) Crystal Brooch Bracelet Ann Taylor, $59.50, www.anntaylor.com

9) Heirloom of One's Own Headband

ModCloth, $18, www.modcloth.com

10) Dancing Gleam Heel in silver Betsey Johnson, $129, www.modcloth.com

11) Cobalt Lucite Box Clutch in sapphire Anthropologie, $428, www.anthropologie.com

12) Chandalier Earings

$14, Lola B. Boutique in Southaven

13) Tanzanite and Diamond Mini Steps earrings

$3,850, Special order at Mednikow

14) Theatro Drops

Anthropologie, $38, www.anthropologie.com

15) Tayler Leather d'Orsay Pumps in BLUE

Manolo Blahnik, $735, www.saks.com January 2014 • athomemms.com | 17

beauty

Get GLOWING

Beat the winter blues with these skin brightening products

2

Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream TATCHA, $150, www.tatcha.com

1

3

Advanced Night Repair

Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil

Estee Lauder, $95, www.esteelauder.com

Shu Uemura, $81, www.shuuemura-usa.com

5

Repairwear Laser Focus

Clinique, $132, www.clinique.com

4

Triple Oxygen Ex-glow-sion Moisture Cream Bliss, $64, www.blissworld.com

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Collagenesis Essential Radiance Body Oil SKINN, $37, www.theshoppingchannel.com

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Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate AHAVA, $60,www.ahava.com

8

Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub

7

Extra Bright Advanced Foaming Cleanser and Moisturizer Lotion

Bobbi Brown, $33/$55, www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

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LUSH, $36, www.lushusa.com

10

Sugar Lips Polishing Scrub

SKINN Dimitri James, $19, www.store.skinn.com

1

Advanced Night Repair addresses all key signs of visible aging, with innovative repair technology for a more comprehensive and precise nighttime repair. This intensive boosting serum frees skin from the visible accumulation of excessive damage.

2

A rich yet weightless gel-cream of liquid silk lays a moisture-binding network on the skin while powerful anti-aging and moisturizing actives work beneath to replenish and fortify the skin from the inside out.

3

For dull skin complexion, removing melanin-filled dead cells is the first step in brightening care. Fortified with the Ultimate Removal System, the lightly textured formula effectively removes accumulated melanin and heavy make up.

4

"Glow" to extremes with the only vitabead-infused moisture cream with oxygen and micro-algae for an instant burst of youthful radiance.

Its formula helps deliver beautiful, youngerlooking skin.

5

A new formula, a second chance for every skin. Now, with new ingredients that deliver twice the smoothing as before, skin's texture is remarkably refined. Use it day and night and give skin its second chance.

6 7

Keep skin looking stunning with Skinn's Collagenesis Essential Radiance Body Oil for a soft, touchable feel. It is a mix of essential oils combined to smell great and help leave the skin soft, smooth and even-toned.

The quest for more even-toned, glowing skin starts with Extra Bright Advanced Foaming Cleanser to help get skin's glow back. This luxurious foaming cleanser thoroughly removes makeup and surface impurities as it lightly dissolves dull surface cells while the Advanced Moisture Lotion soothes visible irritation and strengthen skin's defenses against hyper-pigmentation.

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The minerals in sea salt soften as it scrubs away dirt, dead skin and blockages for a bright, fresh face.

This formula also hydrates thirsty skin, leaving it balanced and soft. The antibacterial effects are ideal for blocked pores, blackheads or blemishes and leave skin visibly brightened.

9

This serum is a groundbreaking, skin-optimizing formula that boosts hydration, clarity and luminosity and supercharges skin’s cellular functions to counteract the signs of aging immediately and over time.

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 19

health

PREPARING FOR THE Wedding TEXT BY PHILLIP R. LANGSDON, MD, FACS

A wedding—the best and most exciting reason for families and friends to come together. When one of our own is going down the aisle we approach the occasion with great anticipation, not only for the happy couple but also for the opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and family. We envision the perfect ceremony, the rehearsal dinner and the reception. Colorful flowers, beautiful attire, wonderful celebration.

Of course, this all requires lots of planning... and many planners put significant thought not only into the wedding process but also into personal dress and appearance.

I’ve treated many patients over the years who were preparing for a wedding, either their own or a child’s. As a surgeon who provides both facial aesthetic surgery and full-service non-surgical treatments like Botox®, injectable fillers, laser and chemical peels, I’ve helped many tune up their appearance for the big day. Recently, I went through the wedding experience myself as our oldest daughter took the trip down the aisle. As my own family undertook the planning process with the church, reception site, music and flowers I saw firsthand the impact of the personal preparation. My wife was looking for the perfect dress to wear as well as spending time in front of the magnifying mirror in our bathroom, asking for a little injection, a tiny bit of filler, and as the time neared came the question, “Do you think it is too late for a chemical peel?”

I have always heard what others were going through when it came to weddings, but

experiencing one in my own family made it even more personal. So, I’d like to share some general guidelines regarding the quest for personal preparation one goes through in an attempt to look one’s best for the big day.

Patients request a whole host of treatments.

Usually, a young bride won’t need any, but in the instance that something might be needed, perhaps it is only a light peel or microdermabrasion to freshen the skin, a tiny bit of filler in the smile lines or some Botox® for the vertical lines between the brows.

time for the pinkness to go away. The length of time will be different depending on the type of peel. Superficial glycolic peels may take two weeks. Mid-level TCA peels might be ready in two or three weeks, but if a patient hasn’t had a TCA peel before, I recommend a month— extra sensitive skin can sometimes remain red a while longer than most. Peels designed for deep wrinkles should be done at least four to six months ahead of the wedding to ensure things have settled down.

Some laser treatments can also cause bruising, redness and crusting. Depending on the type Brides or mothers in their 40s, 50s, and on and intensity of the laser treatment, most may request eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) patients need to do these one to six months for heavy eyelids, or a face lift or mini face lift before a wedding. (rhytidectomy) for sagging cheeks or neck. The most important thing, no matter the treatment, The most important thing is to talk to is to start early. It is never a good idea to wait your doctor early so you can plan ahead of until just before the big event. I’ll never forget time. Having just gone through our family’s the mother who wanted a face lift two weeks first wedding process I can now say with before her daughter’s wedding; I declined to do EXPERIENCE...there is just too much to the procedure that close to the date. Four to six plan and too much to do when putting on a months prior would have been better. wedding; you do not need the added stress of worrying about last-minute treatments. Plan Even facial injections can cause some swelling ahead to look your best! and bruising, so I would recommend at least four to six weeks ahead of the big event for a Phillip R. Langsdon, MD , FACS dose of Botox® or facial filler, just to be safe. Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery, UT; Southern Some people don’t bruise at all, but if you do Regional Director-Elect of the American it may take a while for the discoloration to Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery; and director of The Langsdon Clinic subside and it is different in everyone. www.drlangsdon.com Facial peels can help smooth and tighten the skin, but again, it is important to allow enough

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lifestyle

SAY GOODBYE TO

SURVIVAL MODE TEXT BY CRYSTAL PAINE (RELEASES JANUARY 21, 2014) USED WITH PERMISSION FROM THOMAS NELSON

EDITOR’S NOTE: Crystal Paine is mom • “Sure, I’ll take on that project.” of three, homeschool teacher, follower of Christ, • “Sure, I’ll meet that deadline.” author and speaker. In 2007, she founded • “Sure, I’ll bake those brownies.” moneysavingmom.com, a site that has grown to • “Sure, I’ll meet you for lunch and help you be one of the most popular on the web, averaging figure out how to start a blog.”

1.5 million readers per month. Crystal’s mission is to help others manage their time and resources As time marched on and my rope grew wisely. The new year sparks within us all a desire thinner, I kept piling on more projects and to start fresh, to get organized and set goals that responsibilities, ignoring all the warning signs. make life more manageable. Paine gives At Home a look inside her personal journey toward saying But that spring day when I had to make the no to survival and yes to a balanced life. phone call telling our friends we were running behind and going to be dreadfully late, I had to make the call. And I was seriously something snapped inside me. For the first dreading it. I was supposed to meet some time, I realized how badly my life was spiraling friends for a fun outing that afternoon. I had out of control—I didn’t make any outward been looking forward to it. Problem was, I changes yet, but my mindset started changing. was already 15 minutes late. And I wasn’t even I just wanted to be free again. Though I had close to getting out the door. I looked at my a long way to go to find total freedom, I had hopelessly long to-do list I had scribbled on taken the first step. a scrap of paper. My palms shook with the The Words That Sparked the anxiety of way too much to do. It was the first Ultimate Change moment I felt at the end of my rope.

I wanted to run away from it all. I felt stuck. A few weeks later, an offer on a home my I desperately fought the urge to yell, throw husband and I had saved for was accepted and a moving date was set for five weeks later. something and cry—all at the same time.

I reveled in the joy, then the reality of the Picking up the phone and admitting that I situation finally hit. What am I thinking? I was in such an overwhelmed state seemed to can’t add the responsibilities of moving to my cement the fact that I was failing. Sure, I loved plate! Finally, I sat down with my husband and God, my husband Jesse and my kids. And yes, tearfully told him, “I can’t do this anymore. I’m there were still times when I felt happy and overwhelmed. I’m exhausted. Help!” fulfilled. But more and more, those stretches were a thing of the past—experiences and My husband looked at me and uttered some of feelings that seemed unfamiliar and scarce. I the wisest words he’s ever said to me. “Crystal, you know that you are the one who is bringing wasn’t living. I was merely surviving. most of this on yourself.”

felt the weight of all the burdens I was shifting around release. I had more control over my life than I realized. I could stop the madness.

I could start setting boundaries. I could start saying no. Yes, I was the problem. But I was also the solution.

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

In the days that followed, I made some drastic changes. I stepped down from an event planning project. I said no to pretty much all business offers that came my way. I shut down almost all my social media channels. I stopped feeling obligated to other people. I started making sleep a priority. I hired on more help with my business. I stopped trying to be Superwoman.

Within a month, my health had improved dramatically. Even in the craziness of moving I felt calm, not frazzled or frantic.

Just Say No

Time doesn’t expand limitlessly. When I say yes to one thing, I must say no to something else. If you want to stick with and accomplish your goals, you’re going to have to get good at saying no. This is a foreign concept, I know.

We are taught that we need to be “yes women.”

But how can we stress less, sleep more and restore our passion for life while trying to balance a full set of spinning plates? We can’t.

Living with intention means saying no to the things that aren’t important to us so we can say yes to what matters most. If you’re used to saying yes to everything and everyone, making Facades and Glimpses of Freedom Me—the Problem and the Solution the change to choosing well is going to be a challenge in the beginning. But once you In the midst of so much change and upheaval, type-A me wanted to keep up the persona of As much as I didn’t want to admit it, my start doing it, the benefits you’ll reap will be perfection. I didn’t stop the insanity. Instead, I husband was right. Finally, I had reached my so worth it that I promise you’ll begin to do it tipping point. Relief washed over me, and I even more! wore a plastic smile and continued to say yes.

22 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 23

mid south must do

Industrial Art:

the Metal Museum Text By Laurie A. Summers | Photos courtesy of the Metal Museum

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There are quite a number of great museums in the Memphis area, ranging from classic art galleries to historic landmarks to children’s museums. If you’re looking for something different and the chance to support local artists, the Metal Museum in downtown Memphis is a unique hidden gem you don’t want to miss.

As the only U.S. institution exclusively devoted to the advancement of the art and craft of fine metalwork, the Metal Museum offers much to visitors and the community, including exhibitions, collections, conservation, restoration, consulting services, classes, internship opportunities, artist residencies, apprenticeships, research and onsite fabrication.

Overlooking the Mississippi River, the grounds and buildings boast a fascinating history all their own. A marine hospital established by President John Adams on the property in 1798 was washed away in 1870 when the Mississippi River changed course.

What stands today was part of the 1881 reconstruction of the hospital which was initially used to treat Civil War soldiers and conduct research for a yellow fever cure. The hospital closed in 1965 and the western half of the property was purchased by a group of businessmen with a dream to develop a museum dedicated to the collection, exhibition and preservation of ornamental metalwork. Fourteen years later, the Metal Museum opened and has been bringing excellent metalwork to Memphis and the Mid South ever since.

The Metal Museum’s rich history is evident from the moment you arrive. Visitors are greeted by the largest of the historic buildings, a three-story, neo-classical brick hospital building with slate roofing, a copper cupola on pedestals, and large limestone columns, capitals and gutters.

Once inside, visitors can peruse a broad spectrum of metalwork. Every year the museum hosts nine to 12 exhibitions of national and international significance that draw local as well as out-of-town audiences. Currently, the featured exhibit is Ha! Metalsmiths At Play, which showcases the irreverence and humor of metalsmiths in three sections: “Loco Motion,” “Funny Looking” and “Game On!” Displayed alongside contemporary pieces from the museum’s permanent collection, this exhibit is a fun experience for visitors of all ages. Ha! Metalsmiths At Play will be open for viewing until March 9.

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 25

mid south must do

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One exhibit exclusive to the Metal Museum that you don’t want to miss is the annual Master Metalsmith exhibition. Each year, the institution honors a master artist whose work and influence extend well beyond the metal arts field. Since its inception in 1984, this tradition has brought the work of more than 30 internationally acclaimed metalsmiths to Memphis for solo exhibitions.

Another newer exhibit is the Tributaries series, a collection of small solo showings featuring emerging and mid-career artists whose work is beginning to have a significant impact on the metal arts community. The current feature in the Tributaries series is Andrew Hayes’ paradoxical sculptures.

In addition to the Master Metalsmith and Tributaries exhibitions the museum's permanent collection features traditional and contemporary examples of fine metalwork by national and international smiths including Renaissance-era door knockers, hand-forged wrought iron farm tools, contemporary hollowware, and sculptures created by artist blacksmiths. The permanent collection can be viewed in the museum, library and throughout the grounds. The Metal Museum has a beautiful sculpture garden with work by internationally recognized metalsmiths from the Artist Blacksmith’s Associations of North America and Great Britain as well as temporary installations. Take the time to check out the 10th Anniversary Gates, which are comprised of mounted rosettes contributed by nearly 200 different metalsmiths from 17 different countries. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by the museum store to find handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items and support local and talented artists.

As the only institution of its kind, the Metal Museum is foremost in supporting the education and careers of metalsmiths.

In addition to providing resources for artists and researchers interested in particular forms, processes and techniques, the museum offers innovative and affordable classes for aspiring metalsmiths of all skill levels. They also provide a variety of opportunities for emerging artists and museum professionals, including the two-year Blacksmith and Museum Apprenticeship, general museum internships, artists' residencies and library research residencies. For more information, visit their website at www.metalmuseum.org.

If you are fascinated by metalwork, want to support local artists or simply want to discover a unique and treasured Memphis landmark, head downtown to the Metal Museum. You won’t be disappointed.

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 27

travel

St. Martin Island Getaway Text by molly marshall photography courtesy of Grand Case beach club

30 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

travel

If the cold winter months find you craving sun, crystal clear water and fine cuisine, why not escape to the warm, friendly island of St. Martin? Located in the French West Indies, St. Martin offers vacationers (and honeymooners) some of the world’s most breathtaking views.

The northern part of the island, the French side, is perfect for those in need of a relaxing escape—a place where you can be as carefree as you wish. Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in St. Martin is the charming village of Grand Case, which also happens to be the culinary capital of the island.

Where to Stay Located only a few hundred yards from the village of Grand Case, along the two best swimming beaches on St. Martin, is the secluded and serene Grand Case Beach Club.

The resort features breathtaking views of Anguilla, the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, as well as a unique glimpse of Caribbean culture. This boutique-style resort is the perfect getaway for honeymooners and anyone else seeking an escape to paradise. The charming 71-unit oceanfront resort continues to win awards for its service and hospitality. Private beaches and a romantic island atmosphere await guests at the Grand Case Beach Club.

You can start your day sipping coffee and indulging in decadent chocolate croissants at the oceanfront Sunset Café—a fabulous dining spot on the property noted for its cuisine. If

you are ready for a little adventure, or want to work off those chocolate croissants, grab your snorkeling gear and venture over to Creole Rock, which is just a short kayak ride away. There you will find a wide variety of underwater wildlife. Visibility in the waters around the island extends to about 100 feet and sometimes can even reach up to 200 feet, allowing for an incredible snorkeling or scuba experience. Grand Case Beach Club staffs experienced guides so guests won’t miss out on seeing any creatures.

After swimming in the warm waters, venture back to the resort for a well-deserved nap in a hammock overlooking the ocean or soak up rays by the sea. You can grab a quick bite for lunch at the resort or go for a walk in town to one of the many restaurants and do a little shopping. Regardless of how you spend your day, every day at Grand Case Beach Club should include taking in one of the amazing sunsets with perhaps, a specialty cocktail.

Around the Resort If the snorkeling around the resort and Creole Rock leaves you yearning for more, Grand Case Beach Club has numerous options to add to your snorkeling experience, including scheduled and private tours to neighboring islands, such as Pinel, by boat. In Pinel you can relax on the beautiful beach, swim with amazing underwater critters and dine on fresh seafood. Chances are high if you order the lobster you’ll get to see the delicacy caught live from your oceanside table.

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 31

travel

32 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

For an olfactory treat, be sure and visit TiJon, where you literally “invent your scent” while taking part in a workshop to produce your own custom fragrance. You will learn the basics of oil mixing to create a scent of your own. After you’ve created your scent, you’ll have the opportunity to name your aroma and have the recipe recorded so that you are able to re-order it in years to come.

Where to Eat There is not a simple answer to this question. St. Martin is home to over 500 restaurants serving up delicacies from around the world, and Grand Case is the capital of this gastronomy. Bacchus is a local restaurant, wine cellar, gourmet market and cigar bar all in one location. The building has warehouse capacity for 80,000 cases of fine wines. Bacchus also has a pastry chef who creates a wide variety of fine delicacies every day.

Located in restaurant row in Grand Case village is Bistrot Caraibes. Brothers Thibault and Amaury Meziere’ have been creating culinary treasures for over 15 years. House specialties include several appetizers for garlic lovers, hot goat cheese and pastry crust with smoked duck breast, or simply choose and savor one of the traditionally prepared fresh lobsters for which Bistrot Caraibes is so famous.

Another fine French restaurant located on the water, Ocean 82 is a stop you don’t want to miss. Chef Frank Vuillemin’s creations will entice you to return again and again.

After a delicious evening out, imagine waking up to the calming sounds of rhythmic waves splashing against the snow-white sand, local island music strumming gently in the background of your island dream, warm air washing over your sun-kissed face as you open your eyes to breathtaking views of crystal clear, turquoise water. Don’t miss out on visiting one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you are on the lookout for a perfect honeymoon spot or in need of some rest and relaxation, awaken your senses and recharge for the new year at Grand Case Beach Club in St. Martin.

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 33

roadtrip

Little Rock Charm

text by Camille Smith Platt | photography Courtesy of Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

As the crisp winter air drifts across the Arkansas River, shoppers buzz through the River Market District sampling artisan breads, gourmet ice lollipops, tabouleh and steaming Italian coffees. An electric trolley tours through downtown. From atop Junction Bridge, cyclists take a break to watch children run through underground tunnels, balance on a climbing net and glide down the giant tube slide at Peabody Park. And on the far bank, the USS Razorback, a submarine that served in World War II, the Vietnam War and the Cold War, peeks out of the water at the Inland Maritime Museum.

This is downtown Little Rock.

The state’s epicenter for culture, commerce and the arts, Little Rock gets its name from a rock formation on the Arkansas River’s south bank called la Petite Roche. Once used as a landmark for French travelers and traders sailing downstream, the stones indicated the end of the Mississippi Delta and the start of the Ouachita Mountain foothills. There’s nothing little about the food and fun offered around town, though.

drawings from the Renaissance to present day, The Arkansas Arts Center’s permanent collection includes watercolors by French neo-impressionist Paul Signac, colorful blown glass, Impressionist Paul Cezanne’s “Farm at Montgeroult” and silver prints by 20th Century American photographers. It is not just a museum but also a hub for a theater company that performs plays based on children’s literary favorites. Check out the colorful costumes and magical characters in Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type Jan. 24-Feb. 9 and The Boy Who Cried Wolf March 7-28.

Priding herself on finding valuables in unexpected places, Little Rock collector Anita Davis has assembled one of Arkansas’ most unusual and amusing galleries. ESSE Purse Museum & Store explores how a ladies handbag and its contents reveal the evolution of American women decade by decade. A traveling exhibit entitled “The Purse & the Person: A Century of Women’s Purses” from 2006-2011, ESSE is now housed in a historic building in SoMa, an up-and-coming, hip neighborhood in downtown Little Rock.

Park for the Arts celebrates the first full moon of the lunar year. LANTERNS! (Feb. 14-16) is a festival of fire pits, entertainment, food and décor representing a taste of cultures like Venice and the Caribbean.

Wine & Dine Located just south of Allsopp Park is Brazilian restaurant Café Bossa Nova. Heralded for her chicken crepes with a creamy cheese sauce, smoked salmon canapés, and black beans and rice served with eggs, founder Rosalia Monroe opened the eatery in 2002 with only a single hot plate burner and a convection oven.

Monroe also owns Rosalia’s Family Bakery next door, offering international coffees, pastries and desserts with a South American twist.

Arkansas’ first legal distillery since prohibition, Rock Town Distillery offers tours of the entire spirit-making process “from grain to glass” seven days a week with no reservations required. Located in a 1950s-era warehouse remodeled for imbibing, you can learn about the makings of gin, vodka, bourbon and Arts & Culture more, and then taste award-winning spirits The winters in Arkansas may be chilly, but like Arkansas Lightning, Brandon’s Vodka and Showcasing works by Old Masters among you will not want to miss a chance to warm Arkansas Hickory Smoked Whiskey on your more than 5,300 American and European up with dancing and drinks when Wildwood way out the door.

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If you prefer to hang with the locals, you can find salads, calzones, pizza and up-andcoming bands playing until midnight on weekends at Vino’s, Little Rock’s original brewpub. Attracting hipsters to businessmen and everyone in between, in-house brewer Josiah Moody was described as “inventive, ambitious, experimental and enthusiastic” by the Arkansas Times.

Step Back In Time Built in the early 1870s, The Capital Hotel was once famous for having electricity. Fully updated through a multi-million dollar renovation in connection with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the large, luxurious building features floor-to-ceiling windows, towering marble columns, a stained-glass skylight, and the quirks and charm of a 140-year-old structure. The huge elevator is rumored to have carried former President and Union Army leader Ulysses S. Grant—and the horse he rode in on—to his room during his April 1880 visit to Little Rock on a book tour. With views of both the downtown skyline and the Arkansas River, the hotel is walking distance to the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Vogel Schwarz Sculpture Garden.

If politics pique your interest, stroll from the hotel just beyond Riverfront Park to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, where you can peruse hundreds of declassified documents related to policy making during the Bosnian War, the daily schedules of the nearly 3,000 days Clinton held office and a full-scale replica of the White House Cabinet Room. The building also archives 20 million emails and 2 million photos from the life and career of the 42nd president of the United States.

Created by the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., the temporary exhibit “Spies, Traitors, and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America” will be on site until April 27.

This is just a touch of what Little Rock has to offer travelers looking to play, relax and learn in Arkansas. For sample itineraries and a digital trip planner to map out your upcoming vacation, visit www.littlerock.com.

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 35

community hotspot

Highway 51 Hotspots:

Ripley & Covington

TEXT BY MARTY MARBRY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RIPLEY DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AND COVINGTON MAIN STREET.

36 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

Need a quick getaway, an escape for the day or a long weekend? Then set your sights to 51, Highway 51 that is. A short drive out of Memphis you will find pure Southern hospitality, breathtaking farmscapes and genuine main street experiences. Covington and Ripley, towns located a straight shot out of Memphis, offer visitors unique experiences and loads of fun.

A beautiful agricultural area in West Tennessee, the drive along Highway 51 offers guests a variety of escapes from the hustle and bustle of city life. Museums, farms, shopping, music and history are all listed on the State of Tennessee Great River Road National Scenic Byway and Trail. One of 16 trails developed by the Department of Tourist Development, the Great River Road Trail is a part of the 10-state Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

Covington boasts one of the best courthouse squares in West Tennessee. Carefully restored, the historic 1889 courthouse is the centerpiece of shopping and dining.

Stores such as Le Chic Boutique offer the latest styles of women’s clothing along with accessories and jewelry. Extraordinary home décor shops include Upscale ReSale and Something Special, where you will find everything from antiques to pottery to jewelry to candles and artwork. The square is also home to Jezabel’s Gift and Bead Emporium – the go-to spot for jewelry making. For cute children’s clothing be sure to stop in and check out the Freckled Frog.

History buffs will discover military objects while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy wildlife, nature trails, gardens and exceptional educational programs at the Tipton County Veterans Memorial and Nature Center.

The facility is located in the largest urban park in the county and includes a 20-acre wildlife sanctuary and a .5 mile nature trail.

The museum houses a collection of military history and artifacts. The educational programs are some of the finest and include the annual February gardening series. Topics include landscape design, correct plantings for the region and proper pruning. Classes are appropriate for all levels of expertise.

While in Covington you must be sure to go and explore the South Main Historic District. At one time this was Covington’s most affluent neighborhood; today it is a collection of restored homes, churches and a 1930s Art-Deco style theatre. You can spend your day exploring the district and the architectural gems.

January 2013 • athomemms.com | 37

community hotspot

Meal time in Covington might not be what you expect. Located in the heart of the historic downtown district, Marlo’s Down Under is a unique dining experience where you can enjoy a relaxing romantic dinner or a meal with the entire family. The menu is a tasty blend of prime-cut steaks, fresh seafood and pastas as well as unrivalled appetizers and desserts. The parmesan crab dip and ahi tuna nachos are two appetizer twists and the spicy chicken jack pizza is another must try. The lunch menu includes a couple of yummy deli delights, the lobster roll and the chicken and pear panini. An additional option for tasty dining in Covington is The Bald Butcher. The country-fried steak and catfish platter are two local favorites.

The town of Covington hosts two special events that are regional favorites. Each October Covington rolls out the red carpet for hog royalty as it hosts the Tipton County Barbeque Festival – billed as the “World’s Oldest Barbeque Cooking Contest.” The contest is held in Cobb Park and includes three categories: whole hog, pork shoulder and pork ribs. About the time the smell of delicious barbeque clears the air the town gets ready for the essence of the holidays.

The Annual Festival of Trees is another classic reason to make the trip to Covington.

A little further up Highway 51 is Ripley.

Located in Lauderdale County, the town is home to the Ripley Tomato Festival. Held for two days every July, one of the most popular events during the festival is the Tomato Tasting. You

can sample some of the best recipes using the Ripley tomato. Great tasting Ripley tomatoes have clearly become the celebrity of this area and are shipped to chefs across the country to be used in everything from salads to sauces. Make sure you stop by the Ripley Farmers Market during growing season and pick up a basket of the famous tomatoes for your own.

Ripley also has a historic town square that has recently undergone extensive eco-friendly renovations. The 1930’s Art Deco Lauderdale County Courthouse is unique in West Tennessee. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was erected in the 1930s. This architectural gem was part of the town’s $8 million renovation and revitalization project. Created in 1835, Lauderdale County was named for Colonel James Lauderdale and Ripley was named the county seat. Walking around the square is an engaging experience with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, music and a splash fountain kids love. Shopping at specialty stores such as Accents Gifts and Antique or Birdie’s Boutique and Gifts and dining at John Craig’s restaurant round out your day of fun on the square. The square is also a popular place to sit, relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of downtown Ripley or experience a summertime concert at the amphitheater. The nearby Lauderdale County Museum is housed in the 1842 Sugar Hill Mansion and has an engaging collection of objects that tell the story of the area’s history. Also located near the square on Washington Avenue is Outside the Box, a

38 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

collection of more than 30 vendors with over 12,000 square feet of antiques, home décor, candles, jewelry and accessories it is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Something Special Gift Shop is also located on Washington Avenue and is the ideal place to find that special gift.

Ripley City Park is the perfect spot for picnicking and spending the day enjoying outdoor activities. The park features six covered pavilions along with tennis courts, volleyball areas, playgrounds and walking trails.

The centerpiece of the park is an over-sized swimming pool with three large waterslides. In addition to Ripley City Park there are numerous ways to experience the outdoors close by and around the Mighty Mississippi River. Ripley is the perfect place to hike, run or bike the trails near the river.

Chisholm Lake Store and Restaurant, located on the banks of Chisholm Lake, is the go-to place in Ripley for delicious crab legs and steaks. Be sure you plan accordingly because this local favorite is only open on Friday and Saturday nights. The owners do open the first Thursday of every month for a special treat of fried fish. Vert’s Kitchen Inc. is another dining option in Ripley offering fresh farm selections at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It comes as no surprise that the sights, sounds and stops along the Great River Road Trail and Scenic Byway keep visitors coming back for more.

music

SHERYL CROW

CROSSOVER TO COUNTRY TEXT BY CHUCK DAUPHIN

Photo courtesy of Jim Wright

section – from Brad Paisley. “Brad instantly understood how to approach this,” says Crow.

“He said, ‘Let’s just do what you do. Bring your influences with you. Just turn your vocal up and make your stories a little more concise and you’re already there.’ That realization that I already was at home here is really the reason this album ended up being made.” Paisley also helped out on the album by co-writing “Waterproof Mascara,” which should silence Needless to say, country welcomed her into any doubters about Crow’s street cred! its world with open arms. Her first single, “Easy,” made the Billboard Top 20, and the To kick off 2014, the singer has just released magazine named the disc as one of 2013’s ten the second single from the album, “Callin’ best country albums. Crow says there was a lot Me When I’m Lonely.” Crow says it’s a song to live up to in making a country album, but that she feels many can relate to. “This is a one thing she didn’t want to do was overthink song I love, but did not write. When I initially started the album, I sat around with Brad the recording process. and his longtime producer Frank Rogers, and “I had a lot of trepidation about trying too Frank played me this song he’d heard. I loved hard to make an album within the country it right away, so I said, ‘What the heck? Let’s format,” she tells At Home Memphis & Mid cut it.’ I really liked the idea of ‘Callin’ Me South. “Because I do love it, and between my When I’m Lonely’ because it’s very true how friends in Kansas City, and California and when you’re out of a relationship, people will even New York, it is what anyone who wants call you. Right until the embers are completely to hear songs and wants to hear guitar solos burned out, there’s still a little smoke.” and storytelling basically listens to now. But over the years, I’ve seen lots of artists try to make this transition and to me the only way I wanted to do this was authentically.”

One of the biggest news stories to come out of the country music world of late was Sheryl Crow’s decision to release a full-fledged country album. Though the Missouri native has enjoyed hits on the charts before with “The First Cut Is the Deepest” and the Kid Rock duet “Picture,” the September release of Feels Like Home marked Crow’s first jump into the format with both feet.

As it turned out, the one-time elementary school teacher had a little bit of a cheering 40 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

at home with

Heather Balkunas A leap of faith for one area resident has proved profitable for both HEATHER Cosmetics and the women of Memphis.

TexT by Maggie Weir | phoTography by ruperT yen

cosmetics, skin care, brushes and accessories. In an effort to empower the American economy and support our country, she partners with manufacturers in the States for the production of her products. “HEATHER Cosmetics was created to employ Americans,” shares the owner. “Nearly every single item at HEATHER Born and raised in Memphis, Balkunas has Cosmetic Boutique including cosmetics, skin been doing makeup since she was 10 years old. care, bath, body, home fragrance and jewelry is She began her professional cosmetics career from American manufacturers.” at age 19 and has been invested in skin care and cosmetics ever since. After 16 years of “Our goal was to offer paraben-free products,” working as a makeup artist, she saw a need in says Balkunas. “I didn’t want my clients to have the industry that wasn’t being met by makeup to choose between safety and beauty, so my companies in Memphis, or most anywhere else cosmetics and skin care are made with pure, for that matter. Balkunas sought to provide preventative, corrective, safe ingredients while clients with products that are FDA approved remaining runway-ready (or carpool lineparaben free, sulfate free and eco-friendly. ready!).” The wooden brushes in Heather’s line are vegan and the handles are made from In December 2012, HEATHER Cosmetics a managed wood reforestation program in the opened its doors for business. HEATHER U.S. “If I wouldn’t wear it, it won’t be a part of Cosmetics features Balkunas’ private label this line,” she shares.

Heather Balkunas will tell you she’s been doing makeup for at least 150 years—judging by the appearance of her perfectly toned complexion, we know this can’t be true. However, the Memphis-based makeup artist has found a beauty formula for success and it’s working.

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“Animal brushes can grow bacteria because they are porous; our non-porous synthetic bristles won’t collect bacteria and debris over time,” she says. Balkunas doesn’t claim to be vegan or follow a strict animal-free diet, but she does believe in using cruelty-free makeup and brushes. “It’s so much better for your skin,” she says.

Along with a broad selection of eye-catching pigments and palettes, HEATHER Cosmetics provides customers with treatment-based products. The makeup and skin care line products contain vitamins and minerals to nourish and protect skin from environmental and aging conditions. The mineral-based products contain hyaluronan, a natural component that aids in improving skin’s elasticity and moisture-retaining qualities.

Prices are favorable to upscale cosmetics boutiques as well as one nationally recognized makeup store.

HEATHER Cosmetics packaging is not only eco-friendly but user-friendly, too.

Compacts and palettes are both refillable and interchangeable. Designed to cater to the stylish woman on the go, the line’s makeup bags can be zipped down to carry a few products or snapped back with individual bags to tote all your makeup. Monogramming is also available at the store.

Balkunas is the 2014 featured makeup artist for Southern Bride magazine. When asked her number one makeup tip for brides to be, she offers this advice: “Healthy skin provides the foundation for flawless foundation.”

She believes in this statement so much so that she created her own line of skin care.

This health-first attitude to beautiful skin is proving popular. In just under a year of business, the skin-care line has already gained quite the following. “Every day that I place replenishment orders with my manufacturers and the brilliant chemists who work there, I know more Americans are going to work. Every day that I get someone started on my brushes, it’s another step towards eliminating animal cruelty. Every time I sell my products, I know a client is not being misled by a pretty label on an overpriced jar.

At HEATHER Cosmetic Boutique customers are offered very competitively priced, safe products that serve them well,” says Balkunas.

A visit to the East Memphis boutique is a personal shopping experience. The space is both intimate and welcoming with associates waiting to tailor their product to customers’ needs. Balkunas takes pride in knowing her shoppers and offering them the highest quality products with the highest quality of service— it’s the passion behind her business. Looking back on the store’s first year, Balkunas feels grateful her purpose in starting HEATHER Cosmetics is being accomplished. “I began HEATHER Cosmetics with a mission,” she says. “I believed in what I was doing and the causes behind it.”

HEATHER Cosmetic Boutique 4646 Poplar Avenue, Suite 102 Memphis, TN 38117 901.249.5018

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 43

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WEDDINGS January 2014 • athomemms.com | 45

weddings

Kelly Rash & Dusty Warren SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

weddings

How They Met: Dusty and Kelly met through a mutual friend the bride has known since kindergarten, and who is Dusty’s fraternity brother. When the couple went out for the first time after having been introduced, Dusty and Kelly immediately connected, laughed and talked for hours. “I instantly knew that Dusty was something special. Luckily, the feeling was mutual, and the rest is history!” the bride says.

The Proposal: On New Year’s Eve 2012, Dusty and Kelly wanted to do something fun together during the day, before watching the legendary ball drop at midnight. They originally planned to go to a painting class, but when that didn’t work out they ended up spending the day at the Pink Palace. Little did Kelly know that later she would receive a special painted surprise. When she arrived home and opened the door, she discovered new wall art that read, “Will you marry me?”

Dusty dropped to one knee, and she said YES! The Dress: Kelly found “the dress” on her first day of shopping. After a long, unsuccessful day of bridal shop hopping in Nashville, Kelly, her mom and sister decided to stop by The Spoiled Lady in Franklin on their way home. “Not only did I find my dream wedding dress there, but the sample was brand new and in my size!

Fate had its way and I went home with my dress that night!”

The Ceremony: The bride and groom were looking for a venue that could hold both the ceremony and the reception. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art offered an enchanting outdoor courtyard for the ceremony and a spread of indoor and outdoor space for the reception; the bride loved the exquisite building. Kelly wanted to use shades of purple and a lot of sparkle in the decor, and as the planning process continued, a theme emerged—Art Deco, a perfect fit for the museum venue! Stacy Wright, Brooks’ special events director, made sure every step of the planning process was stress-free.

One of Kelly’s favorite moments was the couple’s private dinner. The Brooks staff set up a sweetheart table in the bridal room, with two plates piled high with a sampling of every menu item. In the whirlwind of the wedding, it was so nice to have an intimate dinner together, as husband and wife. Another awesome moment Kelly enjoyed was when she changed from her blinged-out heels to her beloved Nike high tops. “All of my dance teammates were ecstatic when I lifted up my dress to show my sneakers,” she says. Also, Dusty (who is a musician on the side) performed his original song, “Crush on You,” at the reception.

The couple loved having a photo booth at the reception, and they opted to have a scrapbook

made with all the photo strips. Dusty and Kelly enjoyed looking through it the day after the wedding.

Wedding Planner Stacy Wright at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Photography Kelly Ginn Photography Florist Lynn Doyle Flowers Bakery Miss Muff ’n Caterer The Brushmark Restaurant Band / Entertainment Brady Johnston—Unbelievable Entertainment Wedding Dress Casablanca, The Spoiled Lady (Franklin, TN) Bridesmaids Dresses Bill Levkoff, Low’s Bridal Videography Shelby Wilson Photo Booth Keepsake Photo Booths January 2014 • athomemms.com | 47

weddings

Angela Moss &

Robert Schrier JULY 13, 2013

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weddings

How They Met: Rob and Angela met at the Bristol Apartments on Union Avenue in Memphis in 2008. Angela kept noticing Rob’s smile and signature nod. Rob is a former baseball player and now a baseball coach at Rhodes College, and according to the bride, whenever he notices his family or friends in the stands, he gives a head nod and handsome grin. One day, as Angela passed him in the hallway as usual, she worked up enough courage to turn around and ask, “Would you like to hang out sometime?” Rob’s smile turned into the biggest grin Angela had ever seen. “He is the same gentleman to me today as he was way back then,” the bride recalls.

The Proposal: Home sick from work the day of the proposal, Angela kept thinking about how she and Rob would one day get engaged.

When Rob got home from work that night, he said he was going to the back to shower and get ready for bed. Angela was still eating dinner and watching The Bachelor, and as the TV bachelor got all dressed up to go propose to the love of his life, Rob was actually in the back getting dressed in a suit to do the same.

Rob called Angela’s phone and asked her to meet him out back. Rob was standing in his nice suit and tie in the middle of the gazebo, with 50 tealight candles lit all the way around.

He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him; and she said yes as tears of joy streamed down her face.

The Wedding Date: Angela has always thought that the number 13 was her special number. When the couple chose July for the wedding, she insisted that the wedding be 7/13/13 at 7:13 p.m.

The Ceremony: Raised by her maternal grandmother, it was “Nanny” who walked Angela down the aisle at St. Peter Catholic Church in Downtown Memphis. She kissed Angela on the cheek, beamed at the couple and gave Angela’s hand to Rob. Fr. Tom Condon returned from his new assignment in New Orleans to perform the ceremony. The setting sun illuminated St. Peter’s elegant stained glass windows with soft light.

The Reception: A South Main Street venue was the perfect setting for the reception since Rob and Angela’s first date was a Trolley Night art gallery tour. Special lighting effects designed by the groom’s mother transformed the room into a fairyland of accent lighting flooding the walls, the stairways, tables and balconies, creating a three-dimensional sculptural space.

On the main floor, dance music by the Memphis band 240 Loop rocked the party.

The bar was a baseball field-inspired surface, covered with artificial grass turf and two home plates for the bartenders. Bistro tables were decorated with clear vases of baseballs stacked atop peanuts in the shell. On the second floor, amid five food stations and two cake tables, guest tables glowed and sparkled from white net lights hidden underneath the tablecloths.

The table decorations were all about the lighting. Atop circular mirrors, flowers floated in cylinders of water lit from the base. The mirrors reflected the glow of candles and silver-wrapped Hershey’s kisses strewn across the table sparkled like diamonds. Taking the final set of stairs to the top balcony, guests came to a photo booth and gallery.

The Theme: The event’s theme, “lighting up a new life,” flowed through the weekend, starting at the rehearsal dinner at No. 2 Vance in Downtown Memphis. For the rehearsal dinner, the centerpieces were designed to coordinate with the bridesmaids’ color scheme.

Everyone received a sky lantern paper balloon to fill with hot air and launch into the night sky to wish the couple well. From the bluff of Vance Park, 50 Caspian blue balloons lifted off with good wishes, sailing off for several miles into the horizon. For Angela and Rob especially, it was a magical night in Memphis, designed just for them.

Makeup Artist ADÉL AMOR® Cosmetics, by professional makeup artist Alexandra Nicole Photography Shannon Fulton Photography Photo Booth Pixies Photo Booth Florist Holliday Flowers and Events Bakery and Caterer Draper’s Catering Band/Entertainment 240 Loop Wedding Dress David’s Bridal, Wolfchase Galleria Area Bridesmaids’ Dresses Bella Bridesmaids January 2014 • athomemms.com | 49

weddings

Photo by Lindsey Lissau

Callie Monger & Tyler Ellis JUNE 8, 2013

Photo by Lindsey Lissau

50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

weddings

Photo by Lindsey Lissau

How They Met: Tyler and Callie first met in eighth grade at Briarcrest Christian Middle School in Memphis. In ninth grade, Callie’s friends told her that Tyler had a crush on her, and they had their first dance in October of their freshman year. “We talked every day from then on, and finally in March, 2005, he asked my best friend permission to ask me to be his girlfriend. We’ve been together ever since!”, the bride says.

The Proposal: The proposal took place in Natchez, Mississippi, where Callie’s mother’s family is from. Tyler told Callie at the last minute that he had decided to spend Easter with her family in Natchez, but the whole family actually knew weeks before that he was coming to propose. They went to look at some new renovations to the church that Callie was baptized in and her mother’s family attends. As they were coming out of the church, Callie mentioned how she always wanted to get married there. Tyler then got on one knee, and said, “we can still make it a part of our marriage and get engaged here,” and he popped the question in front of the church.

The Dress: Callie says that finding the dress was hands-down the easiest part of the entire wedding planning. I had my dress picked out within an hour! “Molly Lambert, owner of Maggie Louise Bridal, was so helpful. She’s young, adorable, so nice and picks out the most beautiful dresses. I recommend her to any bride-to-be,” Callie says.

Tradition: Callie’s “something old” was a beautiful diamond and sapphire ring that belonged to her grandmother. “Something

borrowed” came from Doris McClendon’s jewelry store. “They were the most gorgeous earrings I had ever seen!” exclaims the bride.

And last, Callie had a light blue garter with lace around it for her “something blue.”

The Wedding Theme: Callie has always loved the idea of classic, Southern weddings. She loves the rustic, but traditional look.

The Ceremony/Reception: Callie and Tyler’s proposal happened in Natchez, because it’s somewhere the bride had always talked about getting married, but the couple decided to get married in Memphis because that is where they are both from and where most of their family and friends live. I always dreamed of my reception being at an antebellum home. When we were looking for reception areas, our good family friends were sweet enough to offer their home. I went with my mom to look at the home, and it was modeled after an antebellum home in Natchez so it was absolutely perfect. Callie says that her favorite part of the ceremony was definitely walking down the aisle. “I was just so happy and I was surrounded by so many people who were happy for us. Tyler looked so happy, we were both crying and laughing. I knew once the doors opened, I had nothing else to be stressed about because everything was done, there was nothing else to do but enjoy our day!” Callie had not really seen what the reception was going to look like, so she was blown away. ”It was gorgeous! Angela Mazanti did an amazing job. My grandmother, Sissy, is a caterer from Natchez, MS and I wanted her to do the food because I knew it would be wonderful and all of our favorites. Our friends at Ziparo’s catering

passed several items and created a beautiful cheese and fruit display on a antique cart. The band was amazing! Every detail we wanted, down to a bourbon bar with Hotty Toddy shot glasses, was accomplished. Having so many people there for us was amazing, I believe about 600 people showed up,” says the bride.

Wedding Planner Angela Mazanti Designs Invitations The Stovall Collection Photography Forest Hill Photography Florist Church flowers by Holliday’s Flowers Reception flowers by Angela Mazanti Designs Bakery Cakes by Mom and Me Caterer Passed hors d’oeuvres and fruit and cheese display by Ziparo’s catering Food stations by Everything Fancee Catering, owned by the grandmother of the bride Band / Entertainment Resource Entertainment Group THE SOUL SHOCKERS Wedding Dress Maggie Louise Boutique Bridesmaids’ Dresses Bella Bridesmaid Tent and Rentals Amerispan Tents January 2014 • athomemms.com | 51

weddings

Mary Lauren Walden & Daniel Teague AUGUST 11, 2012

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weddings

How They Met: The couple met when Daniel's best friend and one of Mary Lauren's best friends were dating. The two friends set them up on a blind double date and after dinner and a movie, Daniel and Mary Lauren knew there was something special about their relationship.

The Proposal: The couple got engaged Saturday, July 16, 2011. Mary Lauren spent that day working on an article to submit to be considered for the Tennessee Law Review journal, and Daniel spent the day studying for the GRE. They had plans to go to dinner with Daniel's boss at the time, but Mary Lauren tried to cancel dinner so that she could get her article finished. Daniel insisted that the two HAD to meet his boss for dinner at Cantina Laredo at the Gulch in Nashville. They valet parked the car at Cantina Laredo, and Daniel said that he had something to show her in the Icon Building. Daniel lied and said that one of his insurance customers had purchased a homeowner’s insurance policy so he still had the access key to the high-rise condo. Mary Lauren and Daniel got on the elevator and rode to the top of the building to the beautiful rooftop deck. While Mary Lauren was taking in the view of the city, he got down on one knee and proposed. Of course, Mary Lauren said yes! Daniel told Mary Lauren to look down, and all of their closest friends were waiting on the street with a "Congratulations!" sign. Everyone had dinner at Cantina Laredo to celebrate.

The Dress: Mary Lauren knew that she wanted to shop at Low's Bridal in Brinkley, Arkansas,

because that's the only place she ever heard about growing up in West Tennessee. “All of my friends from my hometown of Selmer got their dresses from Low's, and I knew that I would find something that fit both my curves and my budget. The service and selection were incomparable. Highly recommend to any bride—no matter what size or what budget,” the bride says.

Tradition: Mary Lauren’s “something old” was a brooch that was given to her by her grandmother, Fran Bolton; “something new” – a monogrammed handkerchief that was used in her bouquet, given to Mary Lauren by her close family friend and kindergarten teacher, Kay Donaldson; “something borrowed” – a garter that belonged to the bride’s mom; and “something blue” was sapphire earrings.

The Wedding Theme: The couple knew that they wanted the wedding to be both Southern and classy. Some of their favorite Southern dishes, including shrimp and grits and hamburger sliders, were served at the reception. “Our colors were navy, ivory and gold. We wanted to show enough of our personalities but still be timeless so that we can still be proud of our wedding theme/color selections 30 years from now,” the bride says.

The Ceremony and Reception: The ceremony was at First Baptist Church in Selmer. “We both knew that we wanted to get married in a church. With both of us being from Selmer and going to First Baptist Church before moving to Nashville, we knew that First Baptist would be the perfect location for

our wedding ceremony,” the bride says. The reception was at the bride's father's home in Jackson. “We knew that we wanted to have a band at our reception and wanted to pick a place that had plenty of accommodations for our out-of-town guests. With a big yard, huge tent and unusually cool and beautiful weather for August 11, 2012, the reception was perfect!” the bride says. Mary Lauren's favorite part of the wedding –the gospel choir Psalms, from Guys, TN, singing "Oh, Happy Day" as the recessional at the ceremony. Daniel's favorite moment was the couple’s first dance to Lady Antebellum’s "Heart of the World" sung by the songwriter himself and family friend, Scooter Carusoe. Another neat moment during the reception was when the bride sang "Knock On Wood" with the wedding band– choreography included–to her groom.

Reception Planner Jim Norton Wedding Coordinators Inez Hawkins, Melinda Henry and Quinnie Bell Caterer Me & My Tea Room, Stanton Band The Soul Searchers, Nashville Event Rentals All Needz Rentals, Huntsville, AL Photography Evin Photography, Franklin January 2014 • athomemms.com | 53

technology

Preserving

Personal Moments

TEXT BY SCOTT FUELLING, PRESIDENT, PHOENIX UNEQUALED HOME ENTERTAINMENT

With this month’s issue being dedicated to weddings, I started thinking about my own daughters and the fact that at some point, my wife and I will be preparing for the day one or both of them decide to start a life with a significant other.

filed the negatives, slides and photos in file boxes by date and event description. His videos were stored in file boxes but he did take the time to go through and label each tape with dates and appropriate content information so he had everything in one place and ready to go. He indicated this system worked for him This made me think of both my girls in and that he and his wife were faithful in the their younger days. Being the geek I am, a efforts to keep the organization going. condition I am sure started the day I was born, I have always taken pictures, shot videos and This is great: he has everything in one place tried my best to preserve special moments as and can find what he needs. However, photos, well as everyday life so we could look back and negatives, slides and videotapes degrade over treasure them over and over. I used to wonder time. He also has videotape formats without how to catalog these snapshots of life to easily the appropriate player for them, so he couldn’t access them in the future when we wanted: view them after all, even if he wanted to. how to find a specific moment without spending all day going through mountains of As we continued to talk, he told me that he photos and hours of video footage. had begun researching digital file servers for his home. Today, storage space for files is very I have a good friend who leads a busy life, but inexpensive and there are so many different has always taken the time to properly catalog manufacturers and platforms, I could not even and track these things. You can ask him about begin to cover them in this column. any moment in his family’s life and he can pull it up and show it to you in minutes.

He purchased the solution he liked best and indicated the setup and configuration were So I spent some time talking with him about very easy, only taking an hour or so. He took how he handles this and how much of a time the photo albums, negatives and slides to a burden it has been. My friend started off scan service and had them converted into back in the days of film for pictures and has individual digital files. The service actually put also gone through a variety of video formats appropriate file names and extensions on the through the years. He and his wife took the individual images so when he got them back time to put together photo albums and then they were very easy to catalog into the server.

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He followed suit with the hours upon hours of video footage he shot. He found an out-oftown service that he could ship his cassettes to, had them converted in a similar manner and filed accordingly when he received them back.

Additionally, he commented that his entire family uses their smartphones as cameras on a daily basis. He has set up an easy way for these photos to be backed up by device on the server one evening a week so the images are never lost and always accessible.

The best feature of this type of setup is the ability to view all of the stored photos and videos on a television in the home. A simple media player, compatible with these formats, attached to the television provides a pathway to the server, the individual fi le names and ultimate easy viewing for anyone in the family at their convenience.

If you are Mac based, you should look at the Time Machine and an Apple TV as a basic setup. If you are on a Windows platform, do your homework and fi nd out what makes the most sense for you. In any event, spend the time to round up these precious moments in time and make them easy to enjoy with family and friends. You will never fi nd a better time than the present.

Till next month…

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Custom Design Designers Jim Norton and Robert Walden of Robert James Home uniquely appoint a special house in Jackson, TN TEXT BY JORDANA WHITE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN LYKES

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“So many homes today don’t look like they’ve really been lived in,”

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says Jim Norton, who together with Robert Walden, runs the show at Robert James Home Design Company. “It looks like they just went to one furniture store and bought a bunch of stuff. When Robert and I work with you, we don’t want your home to look like anyone else’s. We want the home to feel unique and individual to you.”

With that goal in mind, the dynamic duo embarked on this ground-up project in Jackson, TN, on behalf of a young family who wanted a home that would meet their needs now and continue to grow along with them.

When the homeowners first approached Norton and Walden, the house was just an architect’s vision, but the designers wasted no time in getting to work.

Even as the 5,000-square-foot home was under construction, the two were already picking out the pieces that would make it special. “Most of the clients’ existing furniture had been purchased in their 20s,” Norton explains, “and there wasn’t much they wanted to hold onto. That gave us a chance to do everything—pick flooring, finishes, furniture, art, even light fixtures.”

When the project was completed in September 2013, less than a year after breaking ground, the result was just what the design duo and their clients had hoped for—an eclectic, unique mix of modern and classic pieces that was edgy enough to reflect the owners’ youth but timeless in a way the family would never outgrow.

Nowhere is this balance more evident than in the home’s grand entryway. The sweeping staircase in the foyer is equipped with a custom banister that is gilded along the handrail to really make the architectural features “pop,” according to Norton. Anything sitting in the shadow of a gilt railing would need to be impressive, and Robert James was up to the challenge of delivering those pieces. The chairs that rest beneath it are 19th century French, covered in the softest platinum silk velvet. Adding a touch of comfort are alwayssought-after Scalamandre pillows. Between the chairs sits an 18th century English fauxfront chest with an antique French terra cotta satyr resting on top.. With all that tradition in the mix, the designers wanted to keep things fresh, so a mirror by LaBarge, a brand known for modern style with classic lines, completes the picturesque vignette.

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The home spreads out on both sides of and upstairs from the grand entry. To the left of the foyer is the attractive guest suite, which could also be used as a downstairs master in the future. The focus here is on guests’ comfort: “We want visitors to feel like they are staying at a five-star hotel,” Norton explains. To that end, the room features a lush king-sized bed, with luxurious high-end sheets for added comfort.

Stepping onto the deep cut-pile carpeting in the room, guests will be ready to wiggle their feet and relish the warmth; as they enter the guest bathroom, appointed in Carrera marble, the ambiance of welcoming luxury becomes complete.

Guests may revel in the perfection of their personal space, but the rest of the home will surely call them out of their suite. Moving back through the foyer and to the right, visitors arrive in the dining room, welcomed by a formal arch. The room is a point of pride for the designers. “So many homes today just have your typical 10x10 dining room. Who can

entertain in that?” points out Norton. Before construction began he and Walden suggested expanding the room to accommodate the 1930s English Earl mahogany dining table, Louis XVI chairs and the numerous guests the homeowners invite in for family gatherings and monthly supper clubs. Even with all the elegant furniture in the room, the new/old balance remains, thanks to modern artwork, also procured by Robert James.

From the dining room, the home flows directly to the formal sitting room, another space in which the designers left their unique imprint. “Coffered ceilings are very in right now,” Norton explains, “and we love that look, but want our clients’ homes to stand out. To create our own spin on the design element, we turned the pattern on the diagonal and adorned the ceilings with diamonds.” Building on the lavish backdrop, the draperies are custom striped hand-loomed silk in soft shades of coral, green and gold. The vintage convex mirror in the room, designed in a sunburst

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pattern, is made of carved wood and is gilded.

Sconces framing the hand-picked fireplaces are

by Chapman, reflecting the highest level of design opulence.

While the kitchen is the exclamation point in the impact of the home’s main level, the keeping room just off it, with its warm woodbeamed ceiling, provides a nice reminder of the family life that takes place within the grand framework of the space. That balance extends to the second story as well, where children’s bedrooms reflect evolving tastes (including a four-year-old’s passion for vibrant green and a two-year-old’s need for play space). Alongside these child-friendly rooms is an epic ‘mancave,’ designed to give the impression of a “Ralph Lauren ad,” complete with a tufted Chesterfield sofa and a shoulder mount of a South African wildebeest. Once Norton and Walden added in a Henredon bunchingcabinet-cum-wet-bar, the room quickly became a favorite retreat for the owners’ post supper club festivities.

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And just down the hall from this plush office is the piece-de-resistance of the home—the divine upstairs master suite. The bedroom itself is done in calming neutral tones—think taupe and brown—and the floor is a gorgeous hardwood. In order to soften the potential starkness of the flooring, Norton and Walden custom-ordered a cut leopard-print rug that exactly traces the shape of the room, offering comfort but still allowing the beauty of the wood to shine.

Inside the master bath, soft blue-gray Carrera marble soothes the spirit while allowing the homeowners to enjoy the same luxury they offer their guests. Norton says, “When people start building a home, the money starts adding up. They don’t know where to stop and often the first place they think of is in the bathroom tile. That’s such a mistake.”

Experts like he and Walden, Norton explains, can usually source marble for clients at a lower cost than man-made ceramic tiles.

And even in instances where it does cost a bit more, the design team believes the money is well worth it. As in the rest of the spaces they design, the Robert James team wants their clients to have the best possible experience in their bathrooms.

Sources BUILDER Brad Horner Construction — Jackson, TN 731.668.3236

DESIGNERS Jim Norton and Robert Walden of Robert James Home Design Company — 731.610.3162

LIGHTING Chandeliers: 19th century continental from various antique shows /and custom made

ART RM Walden Fine Art — Jackson, TN

FURNITURE Select pieces: Hoity Toity in Market Central, Memphis, TN 901.276.3809, www.thepalladiogroup.com

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garden

LITTLE BLUE DYNAMO TEXT BY ANDY PULTE

When thinking about blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), the mind often goes first to a favorite dessert or eating fresh berries from a farmers market stand. However, blueberries bring a unique combination of a beloved fruit plus remarkable ornamental beauty. Blueberries, though underused in the landscape, are fairly easy to grow and are historically known as plants seldom bothered by pests.

Vaccinium is a relatively large genus of plants with representative species in several parts of the world. They range from what we often refer to as a blueberry to the tart cranberry. Americans in general are in love with the blue fruits that are likely to show up in a pancake or muffin.

In fact we now consume three times more fresh blueberries than we did 10 years ago. Interest has been sparked, in part, because blueberries are packed with antioxidants, are low in calories and rich in vitamin C. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and its partners are currently looking at blueberries for their potential positive impacts on cardiovascular health, strong bone formation and prevention of breast cancer.

However, focusing solely on the fruit is a mistake for the home gardener. Blueberries have beautiful foliage, ranging from dark green to powdery blue during the growing season. This is followed by top-notch fall color. In many locations, the foliage is nearly semi-evergreen, sometimes persisting into late November and December. In milder years, and depending on the variety, foliage can remain into the new year.

When foliage becomes sparse, beautiful, often

red-hued, stiff stems and branches are revealed, to pick berries when they ripen in summer. adding color and interest to the winter garden. Always plan for a plant’s ultimate mature height and width. Mulch blueberries with a When selecting a blueberry, make sure to three-inch layer of pine needles or bark mulch choose one that is suited to the Mid South for good moisture conservation during the area. Varieties of blueberries are distinguished growing season. by their suitability to specific climates and their ripening season. Many are best paired with Your first couple of years growing blueberries, another similar variety to maximize fruit set. you are going to feel like a child who has been While it is possible to have only one blueberry told he can eat one marshmallow now, or 20 plant and get fruit (look for varieties that are if he can wait for an hour. When adding new promoted as being highly self-fertile), you will blueberries, it is important to give plants time not get as much. Before buying one or several to establish. This is aided by removing all (yes, blueberry bushes, do your research—talk to ALL) the blooms for two springs in a row. You other gardeners or your county extension will harvest more fruit over a five-year period office. Look for different varieties that bloom when you make this early sacrifice. So be at the same time for cross-pollination. Adding patient now and enjoy more fruit later. groupings of blueberries with fruit that ripen at different times is a way to extend the harvest Blueberries have been historically pest free for the home gardener. and are often rated as the fruit you can grow with the least amount of inputs like chemical Blueberries thrive in acidic soil in sunny sprays. However, a new threat has emerged for locations. They are adaptable to some shade both homegrown and commercially produced but this can impact fruiting. When planting blueberries. The spotted wing drosophila blueberries, the American Blueberry Council (SWD) is an invasive pest of small fruits that recommends working up a planting area has become established in Tennessee and the approximately 2-1/2 feet in diameter and one Mid South. The fly lays eggs in fruits and the foot deep. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil, and resulting maggot infestation causes premature then add an equal amount of pre-moistened fruit drop that renders the crop unsuitable for peat moss to the hole and mix well. If gardening human consumption. Both conventional and in raised beds, mix equal parts peat moss with organic methods are currently being studied to compost or planting mix and garden soil. determine how to best control this pest. Look for reliable sources like university extension When planting blueberries, many varieties programs to keep up-to-date on control and can be spaced relatively close together to other recommendations. form a tight hedgerow. However, try and allow adequate air circulation and leave room

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Photo by John Terry

design

THE INSPIRED

OFFICE SPACE TEXT BY MAGGIE WEIR

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Photo by John Terry

The home office serves its purpose in functionality, of course, but how about jazzing up your work space for a change of pace? Setting goals for the new year won’t seem nearly as hard to accomplish in a stylish setting like these home offices. Transform your space into a welcoming workplace with At Home’s design tips.

SIMPLICITY IS KEY If organization matters anywhere in your home, the office space should be at the top of the list. Whether you use this room to catch up on work, pay bills or manage your family’s activities—keeping the office clean and organized is essential. “A place for everything and everything in its place” is a must in home office design. Clean out clutter and use storage and shelving to maximize function and style. Store frequently used items at eye level for easy access.

Desk organizers, storage bins and pencil holders should be similar in texture and/or color: using the same look throughout will keep the office simple and stylish. Vertical storage is a great way to keep your desk clutter free. Lining up one type of bin or box along a shelf adds interest while hiding paper and products.

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design

Photo by Linsdsey Lissau 70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

For a contemporary feel, acrylic bins and holders add a sleek, modern touch. Woven and wooden materials complement a rustic room that’s relaxed and welcoming. Clean lines and a neutral palette play an important role in office design. Dark wood and a natural woven rug look handsome in any home office.

Key elements No office is complete without a comfortable chair and sitting area. Many a late night will likely be spent hovering over a computer, so keep in mind your sitting space or office chair should be as cozy as possible without compromising style. A woven rug adds warmth to a small space as well as function for barefoot morning email checks. Desk, shelves and storage should serve a purpose as well as enhance design elements in the room. Think outside the box when choosing storage options—woven baskets are a softer alternative to metal filing cabinets. Lighting does double duty in the home office. Not only is proper lighting essential for productivity, but it’s also a way to add a touch of style.

Table and task lamps lend color and texture. maKe it Personal Creating an area that reflects your personality is important. One of the offices featured this month belongs to an avid outdoorsman; by adding a touch of his hobby through antlers and an iron moose table lamp, the room instantly becomes personal. Cover walls with your favorite artwork—use this space to cater to your likes and inspire your creativity.

Ashley Toney, designer and owner of First Fruit Collection in Collierville gives At Home an inside look at the journey to personalizing her home office for her husband. “We based the room design off my grandfather's 1978 desk and credenza (pictured left). It is a mod-style desk with burled wood and a leather top,” she says. “My husband loves to hunt so we hung his deer on the wall for a personal touch.” Toney also chose a painting to inject color into the space. “I used wool embroidered curtains to add warmth to his office,” Toney shares. “The print on the left is a photo of John Wayne—it first hung in my grandfather's office and then my dad’s office.

Brandon fell in love with the photo, so my dad graciously handed down the keepsake for our home office.”

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styleMARKETPLACE

InspIrIng OffIce DécOr Organize your home office for the new year with these stylish & practical pieces

Traditional French Country Style Vinyl Memo Board Woodland Imports, $67, www.wayfair.com

Mukkara Leaf Bookends IMAX, $92, www.wayfair.com

Sawhorse Desk Pier 1 Imports, $200, www.pier1.com

Logan Console Table Pier 1 Imports, $280, www.pier1.com

Coventry Mid-Back Office Chair Riverside Furniture, $580, www.wayfair.com

Leather Look Desktop Supply Organizer Safco Products, $122, www.wayfair.com

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"The Guitars" $500, www.katieballart.com

Carmen Chair Pier 1 Imports, $600, www.pier1.com

Daffodil Bell Table Lamp Meyda Tiffany, $110, www.wayfair.com

Calcutta Decorative Wall Clock Kirkland's, $40, www.kirklands.com

Combo Dry Erase and Cork Station Mastervision, $26, www.wayfair.com

Luminous Interiors by Brian J. McCarthy $60, www.abramsbooks.com

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social

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social

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social

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social

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entertaining

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entertaining

Bridal Luncheon TEXT BY MAGGIE WIER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNABELLA CHARLES

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entertaining

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Angela Mazanti, event designer and planner, creates a bridal luncheon fit for royalty. Mazanti gave At Home all the details to elegant affair.

1

IN THE DETAILS

The setting for the bridesmaids’ luncheon is one of the designer’s most favorite places on earth, the Annesdale Mansion. In keeping with the timeless beauty of the home and not wanting to compete with the surroundings, she used feminine, soft blooms such as peonies, garden roses and hydrangeas. Mazanti also incorporated antique and unexpected vessels to display the flowers like vintage silver serving pieces, stemware and cordial glasses that the designer found in antique stores.

2

A SPECIAL TOUCH

The setting set this event apart from the rest. “When planning a luncheon, make use of your surroundings by incorporating a theme around the type of backdrop you have chosen,” says Mazanti. “The menu was designed by Chef Skip Cocci based on my request to do something that would have been served in the Victorian era but yet still (would be) relevant today,” she adds.

3

MAKE A MEMORY

Mazanti focused on keeping with the theme of the day even as guests were leaving. They took away a special and fond parting gift as a memory of the occasion— cookies were specially made to resemble Victorian cameos in pastel and feminine colors. Each individual cookie was wrapped in a vintage cloth embroidered napkin and tied with a ribbon. They were served on a beautiful antique wood-inlay teacart in the garden.

MENU • The Colonial French Lamb Chop served with Skin-on Smashed Potatoes and Asparagus • Starfruit and Pomegranate Salad with Balsamic and Fig-infused Chevre Goat Cheese with Starfruit Vinaigrette • Crepe Canapé with Shaved Country Ham, Brie and Asparagus & Crepe Canapé with Smoked Turkey and Roasted Red Pepper and Brie • Coconut Cream Tartlet January 2014 • athomemms.com | 83

cooking

Healthy Weeknights: Italian Style

CONVENIENTLY HEALTHY with April McKinney SKILLET CHICKEN PARMESAN INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ pounds chicken cutlets • ½ cup all-purpose flour • ½ tsp. garlic powder • ½ tsp. onion powder • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning • ¾ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. black pepper • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup marinara sauce • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese • 2 Tbsp. fresh basil DIRECTIONS:

It's the season for new beginnings, and for many of us that means getting back on track with a healthy diet after the holidays. I have always believed that being healthy is a lifestyle choice: a strict diet is a great way to lose weight, but maintaining the weight loss seems to be the toughest part for most of us. I have discovered that restricting yourself completely from foods you enjoy can lead to overeating and eventually giving up on the diet completely. This is why I believe cooking at home is so important. By cooking your own meals and staying away from overly processed foods, you are able to control your diet and still enjoy the foods you love.

This chicken parmesan recipe is a perfect example of a comfort food that's lightened up and still tastes delicious. Oh, and did I mention it takes about 15 minutes to prepare? The typical restaurant version of this dish would be death to any diet, but by making chicken parmesan at home you can enjoy it without feeling like you have blown your healthy eating streak.

To go along with this main dish, make a fresh salad with romaine, carrots, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. I also like to add some dried cranberries and sliced almonds. Instead of using store-bought dressing full of ingredients you can't even pronounce, shake up your own vinaigrette.

Once you realize how easy it is to make your own salad dressings, you may never go back! And once again, by doing it yourself you can use real ingredients and control what goes in. Many times the "low-fat" or "fatfree" commercial dressings are loaded with salt and sugar, not to mention all of the preservatives. This simple balsamic vinaigrette recipe is a good template to follow for whatever kind of vinaigrette you like. My answer to getting healthy—cook your own real food, it works wonders!

For more recipes visit www.AprilMcKinney.com 86 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

In a shallow bowl or dish, stir together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Place a large skillet over medium high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Place the flour mixture beside the skillet and dredge each cutlet through the seasoned flour on both sides, then place the cutlets in the hot skillet.

Cook for 5 minutes; add the remaining tablespoon of oil and flip the chicken. Cook for another 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to low and spoon some of the marinara sauce onto each cutlet, then sprinkle each evenly with the cheeses. Place the lid on the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Top with the fresh basil and serve with a fresh salad.

MASON JAR BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar • 1 cup canola oil • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning • ¾ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. sugar DIRECTIONS:

Add all the ingredients to the jar, close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well combined. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

JACKSON, TN

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chef ’s corner

See below for recipe

Cakes by Mom & Me

A passion for cake decorating and a push from a family member have grown this bakery into an award-winning custom cake design company.

TEXT BY LORI LAIRD

I am the “Me” in Cakes by Mom and Me and my mother, Pam Reed, is “Mom.” Mom has decorated cakes for friends and family since 1970.

She took early retirement from Hershey Foods and I encouraged her to start making cakes again; she had taken a hiatus during my cancer treatment at St. Jude. At the time I worked as a fundraiser for ALSAC/St. Jude. I had never taken an interest in cake decorating until I began making handmade gum paste flowers. I convinced Mom to create a website for her cakes and not long after its launch I received the phone call that changed everything.

In her motherly tone she said, “Young lady, this is all your fault. I can’t keep up the orders, so you’ve got to learn to sling icing.” Of course I wasn’t really in trouble and I didn’t have to help, but I did and here we are some 10 years later with the unexpected business God has blessed us with. We never sat down at the kitchen table and said, “Hey, let’s make cakes for a living.”

Our company is not a retail bakery. We don’t mass produce anything. There is nothing ready for you to pop in and buy. Everything we do is planned and custom designed for each customer.

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CINNAMON

TOAST ROLLS INGREDIENTS: • 1 loaf white bread • 8 oz. softened cream cheese • melted butter • cinnamon sugar DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350˚. Cut crusts from bread; roll each slice as flat as possible with rolling pin. Spread cream cheese on one side of each slice and roll into a stick. Roll stick in butter and then roll in cinnamon sugar. Place sticks on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp.

Our specialty is 3D sculpted cakes and our reputation is built on the quality of both the design and taste. Our proudest achievement is having the honor of creating the official Elvis Presley birthday cake for five years now.

Cakes by Mom and Me focuses on customdesign cakes; though we also offer petit fours and iced cupcakes, design is our specialty. We work in all styles, from very traditional to the totally extreme crazy cakes. We make everything for our cakes including the actual cake, the icing, the boards and the decorations—it makes all the difference! Cakes by Mom and Me understands budgets and works with customers to provide a cake that can meet all of their needs.

We are a family-owned, family-operated company. Our husbands and even my two girls help us out in the shop. Above all, we take a lot pride in every cake that leaves our shop. One of our favorite recipes to make together as family is these cinnamon toast rolls. The rolls are both easy and delicious—the perfect meal for a chilly Saturday morning!

cuisine

Thistledome's

Honeysuckle Society text by maggie weir

for the first time she stated, "This will do me.”

From that moment her children, namely her son Malcolm, began making fun of her statement and saying, “Thistledome, Thisledome.” The name has stuck with the house ever since. Some notable guests have shared patronage in the house, including Jefferson Davis, who was one of Mr. Joseph and Fannie "Winnie" Chalmers’ good friends. Another famous person to visit the house was William Faulkner. He would visit the ladies while he was in town. The house Tell me about the history surrounding was later sold to Jay and Susan St. John, who began the renovations to Thistledome. Todd Thistledome, which is listed on the and I purchased the home from Jay and Susan National Register of Historic Places. in 2012.

My husband, Todd, found the original contract at the Holly Springs courthouse; it was built by a How did the idea of opening a man named Joseph Chalmers. Mentions of the restaurant at Thistledome come owner’s son, Brigadier General Chalmers, can be about? found in the memoirs of Nathan Bedford Forrest as he speaks of meeting General Chalmers and After Todd and I purchased the house there his wife at their home and retiring to discuss and were two weddings booked that we inherited. strategize the battle of Shiloh. Several decades We completed the task of the weddings and later, the house changed hands again, this time thought this was something we could do and use to Senator/Postmaster Malcolm McCauley in the money to help us renovate the house back 1938. When he escorted his wife to see the house to its original state. I came up with the idea of In December 2011, Todd and Jill Maxwell set out a new journey that has become one of the most exciting ventures of their life.

The proprietors of the antebellum mansion Thistledome set out to restore the home and entertain guests while doing it. At Home catches up with the couple as they reflect on the success of the restaurant at Thistledome and the many weddings they have had a part in since owning the home in Byhalia.

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Murder Mystery Dinner Theaters, which have been a big success. We also hosted several parties and catered for several different businesses.

When someone suggested that the food was so good that we should open a restaurant, we took that to heart. We created the menu from good Southern food and the servers’ dresses are from the 1840s-1850s. We felt this added a unique touch to what the house had to offer. We then proceeded to purchase antique furniture from the time period and continue to this day to change the house and the decor to take our customers back to 1840.

Describe the atmosphere at the restaurant.

I can think of nowhere else where you can go into an1840 Antebellum home and sit down and have a meal or plan a wedding or a party.

Guest are served by our staff dressed in 1840 time period gowns and after enjoying a delicious meal, diners are able to walk all around the house and touch handrails that Jefferson Davis or Nathan Bedford Forrest or any number of other dignitaries have touched.

Tell me about the cuisine you serve at Thistledome and why.

Thistledome is an old Southern house and should serve Old South food. We pride ourselves on fresh vegetables and meat cooked the old-fashioned way. We wanted to offer something that when the dinner bell rang you could come in and sit down to an old Southern meal.

How did you get involved in the wedding and special events hall?

When we purchased the house we inherited two weddings; little did we know it was going to keep growing into other things. We hope to open a Friday Night Steak Night and have reservation-only dinners.

What event services does Thistledome offer?

We offer all types of services for our special events hall and weddings. For example: a bride can come in and say, “I want Thistledome to do my entire wedding, how much will that cost?” We make it simple: for a reasonable price, the bride has access to the house from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. as well as use of Thistledome’s own photographer, Jennifer Wellborn, who is with the bride the entire day; a florist, June Collins, who can make the floral arrangements; a graphic designer, Mitchell Dunnham and Digital Simplicity that can customize the invitations, and, of course, we do the catering from heavy appetizers to New York strip steak.

All the bride has to do is show up with her dress and leave on her honeymoon. We also cater to a variety of parties from large groups to women’s Sunday School classes and church leaders getting away and relaxing in a quiet atmosphere.

In closing I would just like to say Thistledome is far from a finished project; everything we do is to restore the home to its original condition. Thistledome is a significant part of history not only for Northeast Mississippi but for West Tennessee as well. We encourage all to come and enjoy the rich history surrounding Thistledome.

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 91

finance

SOCIAL SECURITY

101

TEXT BY MARTY KELMAN, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ AND CHAIRMAN OF KELMAN-LAZAROV, INC.

(their own benefits), and one spouse needs to continue working past his full Social Security retirement age.

Most of us look forward to retirement, whether we intend to travel, take up a new hobby or just sleep in on a rainy Monday.

There are many things to consider prior to retirement, such as what your retirement expenses will be and what income will be available to meet those expenses. Evaluating your IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions and other potential income sources is important. One key income source is Social Security. You pay into the system while you work and, once eligible, collect benefits for life. It sounds simple, but there’s room for strategizing.

spouses who are at least 62 may qualify for benefits if married to the ex-spouse at least ten years, are currently unmarried, and the benefit under the ex-spouse is greater than what they could collect on their own. Unmarried children (typically minors, secondary school students or those with qualifying disabilities) are also potentially eligible for benefits.

You need to know your full retirement age (when you are entitled to your full Social Security primary insurance amount). Many people collect Social Security before full retirement age, typically at 62, but at a monthly benefit reduced for life. Postponing the benefit, up to age 70, increases the monthly benefit to higher than at full retirement age. Just because you CAN take your benefits at a certain age doesn’t mean you SHOULD. Consider your health, genetics and need for income. The goal is to optimize benefits throughout your and your spouse’s lives.

The ability of spouses to take benefits under These strategies are not appropriate for each other’s Social Security allows for strategies everyone. Keep in mind, Congress can change to optimize total Social Security benefits. Here laws at any time and this material is based on current laws. It is provided for educational are two examples. purposes and does not constitute legal, tax Example One: John, age 66, plans on or investment advice. Do not take any action working until age 70. His wife, Jane, 62, has without consulting a professional specializing in retired and is eligible for Social Security. One this area. It is best to schedule an appointment possible strategy to optimize benefits is for with Social Security to verify your options, Jane to take early benefits at age 62 (assuming and a financial planner can help you develop her own retirement benefit is greater than her a comprehensive retirement plan. As Franklin spousal benefit), and then John can apply D. Roosevelt said, “It isn’t sufficient just to for SPOUSAL benefits. Since John is full want—you’ve got to ask yourself what you are retirement age (66), his benefit will not be going to do to get the things you want.” reduced due to his salary. When John turns 70, he can reapply for his own maximum benefit, Please refer to www.ssa.gov for detailed and Jane can request her SPOUSAL benefit, information, restrictions, limitations and the entitling her to roughly half of the benefit John most current laws. would have received at his full retirement age.

By choosing this option, both spouses get paid now and the spouse who defers collection can earn extra benefit credits by postponing his own benefits. Both spouses need a work history

Why your spouse’s life? According to the Social Security website, www.ssa.gov, as of December 2013 if a worker files for retirement benefits and the spouse is at least 62, or cares for a qualifying child (based on age and whether the child is disabled), the spouse may be eligible for spousal benefits, potentially as much as half the worker’s benefit. Widow(er)s may receive benefits at 60, or earlier for qualifying disabilities. Divorced

92 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014

Example Two: Mary, age 66, intends to keep working until age 70. She was married for ten years prior to divorcing. Her former husband, who is 66, has remarried. She was briefly remarried, but is not currently married. If it is greater than her benefit, she may be eligible to take half of her ex-husband’s benefit (and since she is full retirement age the benefit will not be reduced because of the salary she continues to earn).

MARKETPLACE

January 2014 • athomemms.com | 93

January

happenings

SUN

MON

TUES 1

To submit an event to be included in At Home Memphis & Mid South Happenings, please email editorial@athomemms.com

5

Shen Yu Canon Center for the Performing Arts

6

WED

THUR 2 Jan. 2-4 Skate Party The Memphis Zoo 901.333.6566 www.memphiszoo.org

7

8

9

Munch & Learn: Memphis in 1914 The Dixion 901.761.5250

www.thecannoncenter.com

Bridal Rhapsody Extravaganza The Agricenter Memphis, TN 901.757.7777

www.dixon.org

www.thecannoncenter.com

12

13

14

B.B. King Newby's Memphis, TN 901.452.8408

www.newbysmemphis.com

The Mikado by Opera Memphis GermantownPerforming Arts Center

15 Munch & Learn: Journey to New Zealand The Dixion 901.761.5250

16 Art After Dark: Haley Morris-Cafiero The Dixion 901.761.5250 www.dixon.org

www.dixon.org

www.gpacweb.com

19 The Mid-South Wedding Show Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center www.midsouthweddingshow.net

20

21

Martin Luther King Jr. Day National Civil Rights Museum Memphis ,TN 901.521.9699

22

23

Munch & Learn: Gardens of England The Dixion 901.761.5250 www.dixon.org

www.civilrightsmuseum.org

26

27

Holly Springs Bridal Expo Kirkwood National Golf Club 662.252.9110

94 | At Home Memphis Tennessee&•Mid October South2012 • January 2014

28

29 Jan. 29 - Feb. 16 Wicked The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000 www.orpheum-memphis.com

30

happenings

FRI 3

SAT 4

IBRA Barrel Race The Agricenter Memphis, TN 901.757.7777

Downton Abby Preview Tea Party WKNO www.wkno.org

David Grisman's FolkJazz Trio Germantown Performing Arts Center www.gpacweb.com

10

A.J. Croce The Ned, Jackson, TN 731.425.8397 www.cityofjackson.net/

The Musical of Musicals Theatre Memphis 901.682-8323 www.theatrememphis.org/

17

Walking Tour St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Elvis Birthday Pops Canon Center for the Performing Arts 901.576.1201

www.thecannoncenter.com

Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000

18

www.stjude.org

Memphis Flea Market "The Big One" The Agricenter 901.757.7777

Spirit of America Symphony Concert First Baptist Church, Jackson, TN

www.cbrbull.com

www.thejacksonsymphony.org

25

Sid the Science Kid The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.300 www.orpheum-memphis.com

Jan. 29 Wicked

11

January 17-18 Championship Bull Riding Classic Oman Arena, Jackson, TN 731.425.8580

24

Jan. 25 Johnathan Batiste

Johnathan Batiste Germantown Performing Arts Center

Jan. 31 - Feb. 2

Annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival

www.gpacweb.com

Justin Moore, Josh Thompson, Randy Houser Landers Center, Southaven www.landerscenter.com

31

Wine Down The Dixion 901.761.5250 www.dixon.org

Jan. 31- Feb. 2 Annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitor Center, Tiptonville, TN www.reelfoottourism.com January 2014 • athomemms.com | 95

sources 22 | Lifestyle Special thanks to — Crystal Paine moneysavingmom.com

www.

30 | Travel www.grandcasebeachclub.com Toll free 1.800.344.3016 54 | Technology Phoenix Unequaled Home Entertainment www.phoenixcommcorp.com 68 | Design Special thanks to — Ashley Toney, owner and designer, First Fruit Collection www.firstfruitcollection.com Photography: John Terry, www.foresthillphoto.com Lindsey Lissau, www.lindseylissau.com 80 | Entertaining Annesdale Mansion — Ken Robison (owner), 901.490.9460, www.annesdalemansion.com Event Designer and Planner — Angela Mazanti Design, www.angelamazantidesign.com Photography — Annabella Charles, www.annabellacharlesblog.com/blog/ Caterer — Ziparo’s Catering, www.ziparos.com January 2014 • athomemms.com | 97

a closer look

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98 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2014