July 2023

26 | HOME FEATURE

Designer Ashley Brewer transforms a historic Cooper Young house into the ultimate 901-style vacation rental.

56 | IN THE GARDEN

Dixon Gallery & Gardens enlightens us on the renaissance of hydrangeas in the Mid South over the last few years.

JULY 2023 • VOL. 22 NO. 4

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

MANAGING EDITOR

AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com

COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

IMAGING

COLOR MANAGEMENT

CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

ADVERTISING

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com

CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@gmail.com

REGIONAL MARKETING

JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com

BUSINESS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION

HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com

HOW TO REACH US

7776 FARMINGTON BLVD, # 1321 GERMANTOWN TN 38183 | 901.684.4155

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At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South : 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown TN 38183

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Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com . Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South , 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183 . We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South , 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.

@athomemagazine

July is known to all as America’s birthday. It is also the most popular month of summer for vacations. I love that the home we are featuring this month is a vacation home.

With more and more people working remotely, our homes have become more like vacation homes. In the past three years, so many of us have enjoyed more recreational time at home and have or are remodeling vacation homes to accommodate more friends and growing families. In the process of updating our very modest vacation home on the Spring River in Hardy, Arkansas, we recently started that “glorious, stress-free, super-fun” task of remodeling the cabin’s kitchen. The countdown is on; it is scheduled to be completed in less than two weeks. (If it’s not, my next note to you might come from a padded cell:) In all the craziness, I admit I have loved cleaning out and rediscovering memories from 25 years of watching our children enjoy their time there.

As part of our last 4th of July celebration, we marked Baby Miles’ first visit to Hardy and this year Crawford will make her debut! Later this summer, I hope to get both of them there to break in the new LARGE kitchen sink for their bath time. Afterwards, I can already envision them snuggled up together watching lightning bugs through the windows—the same windows their parents glued “shrink art” and other masterpieces to years ago. Those pieces of art are priceless and would never be removed in any renovation. Our homes are wonderful not because of the structure, but for the true masterpieces they contain.

Wishing you all a safe and blessed July! Happy second birthday to our precious Crawford girl and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

— Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

Whether they are visitors to the Bluff City or Mid Southerners on a staycation, the future guests at this upscale rental will be surrounded by pure Memphis style. Local designer Ashley Brewer stepped outside her usual realm of residential work to help the owner, an out-of-town investor, create a comfortable and cool vibe while maintaining the character of one of the city’s most storied neighborhoods.

The house was a real jewel, well maintained both inside and out, so the owner decided to keep the colorful paint scheme and charming gingerbread accents on the exterior of the cottage. The interior had been updated over the years and had a semi-open floor plan,

perfect for entertaining. The place was in good condition overall, but in need of a major style infusion in order to fulfill the owner’s vision of an upscale vacation rental property.

A cozy front porch is typical of homes of the early 20th century, and this one is no exception. With two updated Adirondack chairs, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee and make plans for a day of Memphis fun.

Brewer

began the transformation by adding molding to the walls in the living room, dining area, kitchen and primary bedroom. She says, “My premise was to punch up the character of this older home with an element that could have been there originally.” Thanks to a remodel done by previous owners, the living room flows to the combination kitchen and dining area. Brewer chose a soft neutral for the walls and drapes to create a sophisticated backdrop on which the furnishings take center stage.

The living room decor is a masterful blend of elegant and casual, traditional and contemporary. The sofa, covered in lush green velvet, sits on antique-style legs with casters. By its side, a round marble-top table with a temple jar lamp continues the homage to the classics. They pair perfectly with the more of-the-moment pieces Brewer selected to round out the room, a pair of Four Hands leather armchairs, a set of lucite nesting tables and a cocktail ottoman upholstered in white cowhide. Below the fireplace, a pair of matching stools in a bold geometric pattern provide extra seating and visual punch. A Memphis skyline pillow from Mrs. Post, a series of watercolors of city scenes by Cat Lencke and a trio of framed albums and covers by area music legends display the local love that’s evident in every room. “For all the artwork in this home, we tried to use local artists. We went to Goner Records that’s right around the corner,” Brewer says.

Just off the living area is a half bath that puts the “pow” in powder room. The only spot in the house completely redone in the renovation, it boasts boldly lined wallpaper, brass and black fixtures, a classic gold and marble vanity, and an appearance by The King himself—a pop art faux mugshot proves Elvis has not left the building.

Fortunately, the hardwood floors throughout the house as well as the kitchen cabinets and countertops were all in great condition and left intact. Not having to replace two high-dollar elements saved both time and money in the renovation. In the kitchen, Brewer added a marble subway tile backsplash and repainted the center island in a subtle blue gray. Punch comes from the modern pendant lights and chandelier, sleek marble dining table with its woven leather and wood chairs, and the zebra rug beneath.

thehome's absolute statement pieces anchor a kitchen wall. Visible from the first step in the front door, the vignette features a stunning Gabby console in dark wood, topped by a large black-and-white photo of Main Street circa 1950s. Crowning the scene is an LED “Walking in Memphis” sign that immediately brings the city’s unofficial theme song to mind and sums up the home’s aesthetic completely.

“I created a different atmosphere and aesthetic in each of the three bedrooms,” Brewer says. As my family travels, my kids always have fun picking out which room they want. That's how I wanted guests to feel here. One [of the bedrooms is] a little more feminine

and one definitely has a masculine feel. I think the primary is right in between.”

She explains that her design process in the primary began with the addition of the wainscoting. “It needed molding for more character, but I didn't want to do the same thing in every room. The green ceiling was next. I knew that I wanted something bold.”

The updated canopy bed is a fresh take on a classic, made even more modern by pillows in a reprise of bold geometric accent theme. Pretty floral drapes offset the sharp angles. This room’s love song to Memphis comes in three geographic plates depicting the ancient flow of the sections of the Mississippi River in the local area.

thesecond, more feminine-styled bedroom, feels like a serene retreat just right for a relaxing getaway. Muted robin’s egg blue covers the walls, giving the white trim and bedding a clean, fresh pop. Cyan ikat pillows and fun red table lamps provide just the right amount of excitement, while extra-tall mirrors flank the bed with stately style.

Black velvet drapes and a dark wood campaign-style dresser sourced from online furniture consignment site New to Me Tn create the manly aura in the third bedroom. “I used a neutral palette here to keep it clean and fresh. I wanted to give this room a comfortable feel but not make it feel stuffy,” says Brewer. Leopard accent pillows add interest to the handsome gray bedding and a dimensional rug brings back a touch of geometry.

Although the owner was not on site for the project, Brewer says they worked extremely well together long distance, and he was thrilled with the finished product. “I have ten wonderful rental homes in terrific areas of the U.S., but Ashley’s imaginative design makes this Cooper Young home a standout. I stayed there recently, and the warmth and ambiance are incomparable,” says the owner. The designer is happy to have had the chance to flex her bold design muscles with a vacation rental property. “I love it. It's been a personal, fun project for me because it was different, and I was basically given free rein. So I'm pretty proud of it. Because I was the one here all the time during the renovation, I almost feel like it's my home. I've told the owner it's going to be hard to let this go.”

Arkansas native Ashley Brewer is a Marion-based designer whose projects include homes all over East Arkansas and West Tennessee. She transitioned her lifelong love of beautiful homes into a career in 2019 when she opened a full-service design firm, Ashley Brewer Interiors. Brewer holds degrees in marketing and advertising and has studied at the Chandler School of Interior Decorating in Little Rock.

Jaquelyn & David FLORES

MARCH 25, 2023 | MEMPHIS, TN

PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: MARIA AND STEVEN ZOINE

PARENTS OF THE GROOM:

ELMER ROJAS AND CARMEN SOLIZ

PHOTOGRAPHER: SMASH STUDIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

GETTING READY VENUE: HYATT CENTRIC

WEDDING: ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

RECEPTION: BEALE STREET LANDING

FLORIST: SNAPDRAGON FLORALS

COORDINATION: PINEAPPLE PROCESSIONS

CAKE: CAKES BY BECCA

MAKEUP: BEAUTY BY BRADY

HAIR: RAMONA WEBB

CATERING: CFY CATERING

ENTERTAINMENT: DJ BORI

WEDDING DRESS: THE BAREFOOT BRIDE

GROOM'S SUIT: MEN'S WAREHOUSE

RENTALS: PARTY CONNECTION

TEXT BY BARBARA MAY | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREW FRASER

ICELAND… THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

ICELAND

has become a popular travel destination over the past few years because of its natural wonders: glaciers, active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, geothermal areas, beautiful lakes, roaring rivers, majestic waterfalls, and the northern lights. These natural wonders make it easy to see why travelers are escaping to the edge of the world.

Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet. The nature of eruptions in Iceland is diverse, from small, effusive flare-ups where lava flows quietly from fissures and crater rows to significant, explosive blasts in ice-covered central volcanoes that produce large ash plumes—literally where fire meets ice.

The reason for Iceland's intense volcanic activity is the country's geological position; dynamic geological forces are at work between the spreading plate boundary on the MidAtlantic Ocean ridge and a powerful mantle plume creating a hot spot on the surface. Together, they produce large amounts of magma, filling the gaps in the crust made by the spreading plates, resulting in frequent eruptions along the rift zone.

FACTS ABOUT ICELAND:

Over 60 percent of the country’s population lives in the capital city, Reykjavik. Although small, Reykjavik is the most northern capital city in the world. This colorful and quirky city is packed with restaurants, cafes, bars and museums and is extremely walkable, making it a perfect destination to explore by foot.

Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls. The belief in mystical creatures can be traced back to the Viking age.

Iceland is full of hot springs in all shapes and sizes, and Icelanders love bathing in these volcanically heated pools.

Studies show that 11 percent of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, which is three times the size of Rhode Island. The country’s 269 named glaciers are one of its main attractions.

The Icelandic horse, the only horse breed in the country, has played a very important part in Iceland’s history. The breed is believed to be one of the purest in the world and is known for its muscular body and the ability to grow long hair in the winter and shorter hair in the summer. Icelandic horses can be found all around the country and are characteristically friendly and curious.

Every day is an adventure waiting to happen in Iceland; the country is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. In this land of extreme contrasts long summer days with 24 hours of sunlight are offset by short winter days.

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS:

Iceland is a spectacular destination to experience the Aurora Borealis. September to March is the best time for this natural light show. The incredible natural wonder occurs when solar particles interact with the atmosphere in the Earth’s magnetic field.

THE BLUE LAGOON:

Iceland’s magical Blue Lagoon is one of 25 wonders of the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Situated in a lava field not far from the airport, its superheated water flows from underground and is used to run the turbines of a nearby geothermal power plant. An employee actually discovered the healing nature of the waters, and the Blue Lagoon was born. The water is now redirected into pools where bathers can enjoy the pure, mineral-rich baths. Silica gives the water its milky blue-green color, and eventually precipitates as white mud on the lagoon's floor. Studies have shown that this mud helps skin conditions, including psoriasis. A wellness clinic and a spa are attached to the lagoon. Icelanders love soaking in geothermal hot water no matter the weather, as evidenced by the multitude of spas around the country, many with luxury amenities and breathtaking views.

The oldest pool in Iceland is just off the famous GoldenCcircle, in the village of Flúðir. The Secret Lagoon dates to 1891. Less developed and with fewer facilities than the Blue Lagoon, it’s a perfect retreat for those seeking a more pared-down experience. The rolling landscape nearby is strewn with jets of steam, including a small geyser that erupts every five minutes.

THE GOLDEN CIRCLE:

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that includes the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few spots in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is seen above water. The picturesque canyon that runs through the park is a meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates. Situated by Iceland’s largest lake, the park is also the site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament, founded in 930 AD.

The Golden Circle Classic is a full-day tour around some of Iceland's best-known destinations. The popular excursion introduces historical sites and natural phenomena, all with the commentary of a knowledgeable guide.

Another must see is the Haukadalur Geothermal Area. Some of the most famous sites in Iceland are found in this valley, including its two biggest geysers, Strokkur and Geysir.

Geysir, sometimes called The Great Geysir, is the source of the English language word geyser. The name comes from the Icelandic verb geysa, meaning “to gush.” Geysir doesn’t erupt too often these days—it’s been active for 10,000 years and it’s slowing down. Strokkur, on the other hand, is incredibly dependable, erupting every five to ten minutes.

WHALE WATCHING:

A whale watching tour from downtown Akureyri is a great opportunity to see humpback whales. Iceland’s longest fjord is known for attracting these massive mammals for summer feeding. Board a high-speed, specially adapted ship capable of covering all the likely viewing areas, and watch for whales from the viewing platforms and decks. Visitors to Hólmavík can experience whale watching without the crowds and perhaps view a rare sight: humpback whales and orcas feeding together. The two species are not spotted together on every tour, humpbacks are more common, but the possibility makes Hólmavík a very promising destination for whales.

This village of 350 people claims “folklore” as a major industry and occasionally offers land-based viewing of whales feeding close to shore in the large Steingrímsfjörður fjord. Hólmavík has been traditionally a fishing village and service town for the Strandir region. In more recent years, however, the town has reinvented itself by telling stories from the past. The Sheep Farming Museum tells the story, surprisingly complex and layered. Only a 10-minute drive from Hólmavík, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions on local issues such as the whereabouts of elves and incidents of polar bears arriving from Greenland.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Riding a horse is the perfect way to explore Iceland’s incredible scenery without being stuck on a crowded bus. Ride an Icelandic horse from the stables in Vik to a picturesque black-sand beach, or travel over Iceland’s volcanic fields by horseback. This small-group tour covers four miles of natural riding paths along the Redhills or around scenic Lake Rauoavatn.

OTHER ICELAND HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Vatnajökull National Park: A vast wilderness area that includes Europe's largest glacier and many other stunning natural features.

2. Jökulsárlón: A glacier lagoon in Southeast Iceland where visitors can see icebergs floating in crystal-clear water.

3. The Westfjords: A remote and rugged region of Iceland that is popular with nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4. Snæfellsnes Peninsula: A scenic region that includes a national park, charming fishing villages and stunning coastal landscapes.

These are just a few examples of the many amazing places to visit in Iceland. The country offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from hiking and skiing to whale watching and hot spring bathing, making it a popular destination for travelers of all interests.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A VACATION TO ICELAND CONTACT TRAVEL LEADERS AT 901.377.6600 OR 901.853.6200, OR VISIT WWW.GOTRAVELLEADERS.COM.

OFFICES, OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, ARE LOCATED AT 2765 WOLF CREEK PKWY., STE. 104, MEMPHIS, AND 155 N. MAIN ST., STE. 101A, COLLIERVILLE.

BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS, HAS BEEN IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY FOR OVER 36 YEARS AND SPECIALIZES IN ALL TYPES OF TRAVEL.

PANICLE HYDRANGEAS FOR THE MID SOUTH GARDEN

BY ROGER DALE SKAGGS, ASLA, DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE AT DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS

hydrangeas

have experienced a bit of a renaissance in the past few years. This is probably due to several factors: familiarity to most people; newer breeding and cultivar introductions that are patented and heavily marketed in colored containers; and promotion and celebration of this great group of plants by specialist groups like the Mid-South Hydrangea Society.

Six main types of hydrangeas grow in North American gardens. The mention of hydrangeas probably evokes visions of the large, snowball-like flowers of the big-leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla). They are indeed fantastic plants. Despite recent breakthroughs in the breeding of these June-blooming plants, they still tend to be a little fickle. Pruning at the wrong time could eradicate a whole year’s flowers because many bloom on old growth from previous seasons. Many cultivars are sensitive to soil pH; the pink or blue color of the flowers can indicate if soil is acid or alkaline. A lesser-known group of hydrangeas, the panicle varieties (Hydrangea paniculata), bloom in July and flower on the current season’s growth. They are easy to grow, well suited to the Mid South and can tolerate full sun. In addition, almost all these plants can be pruned any time, even down to the ground, and still reliably produce flowers. The flowers are held together in a panicle, hence the name, and are mostly cone shaped. Some blooms can be quite large, well over a foot. Though they may have greenish and pinkish hues, most are predominately white prior to fading to a rosy color as they mature. The blooms finish with a russet brown color.

theoriginal paniculata that came on the scene over 30 years ago was the grandiflora, commonly known as the Pee Gee. It pales in comparison to all the new, exciting cultivars that flood the nursery trade today. I remember seeing a cultivar ‘Tardiva’ grown at the Memphis Botanic Garden in the late 1980s. It was a tall columnar plant 15 feet high, covered in loose, coneshaped bloom panicles and growing in full sun.

Nurseryman Ken “Digger” O’Dell propagated this plant for sale at his nursery. Though its size limited its usage in smaller gardens, it was attractive and piqued my interest in this group of plants.

Many years later paniculatas like ‘Limelight’ with bigger, fuller flowers emerged. The flowers were so big they would weigh down the branches when wet. Breeders also started developing plants like ‘Unique’, whose smaller stature increased its potential uses. Growers saw market potential and have introduced over 80 varieties in the past two decades. These newly developed plants have earlier bloom times, smaller stature and more color as the blooms start to fade. This has resulted in an explosion of hydrangeas available today, often with only slight subtleties.

Panicle hydrangeas come in all sizes from the tree form ‘Phantom’, which grows to 12 feet, to the dwarf-like ‘Bobo’, up to three feet, which works for all gardens.

Market saturation, combined with patented and trademarked plants, has created a great deal of confusion. Public gardens are great resources to sort out plants through trial and evaluation. Groups like the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in England have spent time sorting these plants, but the best performers in the UK are not the best for the Mid South due to climate. Local public gardens are the best sources of information about the best hydrangeas for our area.

Frozen Lemon Pet Milk Pie

RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF SISSY EIDT AKA MOM

FROZEN LEMON PET MILK PIE

THERE IS NOT MUCH MORE REFRESHING ON A HOT JULY DAY THAN A COLD SIP OF LEMONADE. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS THIS EXTRA EASY AND EXTRA EXTRA REFRESHING FROZEN LEMON DESSERT.

THIS WAS A GO TO FOR MY MOM’S MOM, MY NANNY CRAWFORD, WHEN I WAS GROWING UP. DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE FANTASTIC TASTE OF THIS MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH PIE! IT IS QUICK AND EASY TO MAKE. GARNISH WITH A LITTLE FRUIT AND MINT AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE A LEFTOVER IN SIGHT! PLAN ON A NORMAL PIE SLICE PER PERSON IN PUBLIC WITH THE REMAINDER OF THE PIE TO BE EATEN FROM THE FREEZER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. IT’S THAT GOOD!

INGREDIENTS:

1 12-oz. can evaporated milk (we use Pet brand)

1 cup sugar

Juice and zest of two lemons

1 ready-made vanilla wafer or graham cracker crust

DIRECTIONS:

Freeze the can of evaporated milk overnight. With a mixer, whip the frozen milk. It will fluff like cream. Add the sugar, lemon juice and zest. Pour into pie crust and freeze for several hours or overnight. Share and enjoy!

Female Hormones

STORY MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT

Hormones

help regulate the body’s metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, sleep-wake cycles, and stress response. They act as chemical messengers that communicate information between organs and tissues to ensure proper functioning. To maintain overall health and well-being, hormones must perform optimally and in harmony with each other and with the body’s organs and tissues.

The primary hormones necessary for women:

• Es trogen is responsible for breast development, growth of pubic hair and regulating the menstrual cycle, the monthly process in which the uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy. It contributes to maintaining bone density and also affects mood, cognition and skin health.

• P rogesterone works with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining to make a suitable environment for a fertilized egg to develop. It is also involved in maintaining pregnancy.

• F ollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and helps stimulate the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs. It plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and fertility.

• Lut einizing hormone (LH) is also produced by the pituitary gland and works alongside FSH. It triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

• P rolactin is primarily known for its role in stimulating milk production in breastfeeding women. It also plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining reproductive function.

• Th yroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) regulate metabolism, energy levels and body temperature.

•

• Testosterone plays a role in maintaining muscle mass and bone density, promoting sexual desire, and influencing mood and energy levels. It also supports the production of red blood cells and regulates certain aspects of the menstrual cycle.

Female hormones are crucial for reproductive health and overall well being. Throughout a woman’s life, hormone levels fluctuate. Hormonal changes can cause various symptoms and changes in a woman’s body. They typically begin during the perimenopause phase of a woman’s life after age 40.

Perimenopause eventually leads to menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause typically occurs in women in their late 40s to early 50s and marks the end of the reproductive years. Both perimenopause and menopause may include a time of irregular periods (they may be longer, shorter, heavier or lighter than usual), hot flashes (sudden feelings of intense heat and sweating), night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in skin and hair. Hormonal changes can increase the risk of certain health conditions. These risks are primarily associated with the decline in estrogen levels, which has various effects on the body.

Following are some common health risks that may be associated with menopause:

• Os teoporosis: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, women become more susceptible to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. This increases the risk of fractures and bone-related injuries.

• Heart d isease: Estrogen helps protect the heart and blood vessels, so its decline during menopause may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. Menopausal women may experience changes in cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure and a higher chance of developing cardiovascular problems.

• W eight change: Many women notice weight change during menopause. Hormonal changes, along with a decrease in muscle mass and a slower metabolism, can contribute to this. Weight change can further increase the risk of health conditions like diabetes and joint problems.

• Mood disorders: Menopause can bring about emotional and psychological changes. Some women may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety or depression during this transition. Hormonal fluctuations, coupled with other life factors, can contribute to these mood disorders.

• Urinar y incontinence: The decline in estrogen can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and lead to urinary incontinence or leakage. This can cause inconvenience and affect a woman’s quality of life.

• Se xual health changes: Vaginal dryness and decreased libido are common symptoms during menopause due to hormonal changes. These changes can impact a woman’s sexual health and may cause discomfort or a decline in sexual desire.

While menopause is a natural part of aging, the symptoms associated with it can be managed and treated with lifestyle adjustments, hormone replacement therapy or other medications.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) refers to the use of hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. These hormones are derived from plant sources and are designed to closely match the structure of natural hormones.

Common BHRT options include:

• Bioid entical estrogen can be prescribed as oral tablets, transdermal patches, gels, creams, pellets or sprays. It is available in various forms, including estradiol, estriol and estrone. Bioidentical estrogen is typically used to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.

• Bioid entical progesterone is often used in combination with bioidentical estrogen in women with an intact uterus to protect against endometrial cancer. It can be prescribed as oral capsules, topical creams,

pellets or vaginal suppositories. Bioidentical progesterone is also used to manage sleep disturbances and mood changes.

• Bioid entical testosterone is sometimes used in women to address symptoms related to low testosterone levels, such as low libido, fatigue and decreased muscle mass. Bioidentical testosterone can be prescribed as transdermal patches, gels, pellets or injections.

• DHE A (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone that can be converted to other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Bioidentical DHEA supplements are sometimes used to help optimize hormone levels and support overall hormone balance.

• Man y consider hormone replacement therapy important because it provides relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and sleep disturbances. Replacing the declining levels of hormones may restore hormonal balance and improve quality of life by preventing osteoporosis, maintaining cognitive function and improving energy levels, mood, sexual function and overall well being.

While hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial, it is not without risks or side effects. It is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess individual health factors and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan may also be necessary. Treatment should include a blood hormone panel to assess hormone levels and provide helpful insight on how your hormones are processing.

MICHELLE R. JOHNS, MA, TLPCA-MHSP, NCC, 500RYT/200E-RYT

HOME FEATURE

Special ThanksAshley Brewer Interiors ashleybrewerinteriors.com

Annabella Charles annabellacharles.com

TRAVEL

Special ThanksTravel Leaders 901.853.6200, 901.377.6600

IN THE GARDEN

Special ThanksDixon Gallery & Gardens dixon.org

WEDDING

Special ThanksSmash Studios Photography smashstudiosphoto.com

HEALTHY YOU

Special ThanksMichelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com

Wellness MD wellnessmd.clinic

IN THE KITCHEN

Special ThanksSissy Eidt

ON A GOOD NOTE

Special ThanksRISE Memphis risememphis.org

RISE MEMPHIS

Since 1999, RISE Memphis has been working to break the cycle of poverty and its effects, including bankruptcy, foreclosure, unemployment and crime across the city. The organization was created to help public housing residents achieve financial selfsufficiency, thereby making the city a healthier place. Now with support from the community, RISE has expanded tremendously to serve a broader demographic.

The 501(c)(3) organization seeks to improve the community by providing financial literacy tools and incentives to help families build assets and make better financial choices. RISE empowers people to become self-sufficient by building and sustaining human and financial assets. The group’s vision is to transform the financial well-being of low-income working people, thereby improving the community.

More than $10,000,000 in assets has been created for families across Memphis since the inception of RISE. Each of its programs (Save Up, Goal Card, Common Cents, Silver Neighbors and GMFEC) breaks generational poverty and builds wealth across the Bluff City. RISE helps clients develop spending plans, repair credit, birth businesses, purchase homes and reliable transportation, acquire post-secondary education, and eliminate nonmortgage debt. A client recently remarked, “RISE has shown me that if you acquire the knowledge, put your knowledge into action, and be persistent, your dreams and aspirations can come true.”

Over the past two decades, RISE Memphis has developed unique expertise in helping entry-level wage earners to budget, save and accumulate assets. The organization’s work has led to a deep understanding of the larger community issues working against families in Memphis and Shelby County.

TEXT BY SHELIA TERRELL, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF RISE MEMPHIS | PHOTO COURTESY OF RISE MEMPHIS