June 2014

ST. JUDE DREAM HOME

Outdoor Grilling WITH DAD

SPECIAL

FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Photo by H. Michael Frase – INSPIRATION Marketing & Design

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JUNE 2014

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ST. JUDE DREAM HOM

Outdoor Grilling WITH DAD

• YOUR LIFESTYLE FOR YOU • YOUR HOME

SPECIAL

FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

June 52

CONTENTS

HOME FEATURE ST. JUDE DREAM HOME

Take a peek at the newly constructed, state-of-the-art St. Jude Dream Home in Eads, Tennessee

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ENTERTAINING CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Summertime grilling party — perfect for Father’s Day ATHOMEMMS.COM

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SPECIAL FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Thoughtful, unique gift ideas that will surprise Dad on his special day

Entertaining ideas to take the party outside this summer, just in time for Father’s Day See page 78 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. 6 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

JUNE

20

Contents

HOME 48 at home with The Bar-Kays 50 technology Home Entertainment for Dads 62 design Media Rooms & Home Theaters 68 garden All About Sites 70 outdoor living Outdoor Health Benefits

Lifestyle

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20 fashion His and Hers Beach Wear 22 beauty Fresh & Floral Fragrances 24 health Plastic Surgery 46 music Josh Turner 92 finance Gender Inequality

On the Road

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28 mid south must do Tupelo, MS 34 travel The Beauty of Alaska 40 roadtrip Fairhope, AL 42 community hotspot Memphis is Midtown 98 a closer look Can You Guess It?

Food & Entertaining

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84 cooking Summer Pasta Salads 86 chef’s corner The Woman’s Exchange 90 cuisine Flight

In Every Issue 12 | Publisher’s Note 14 | contributors 66 | style marketplace 72 | by invitation — the social pages 94 | Happenings 97 | Sources 8 |At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

JUNE 2014 • VOL. 13 NO. 3 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

EDITOR LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR BRITTANY WALLER | bwaller@athomemms.com

EDITORIAL COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

SOCIETY EDITOR LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com

IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT

CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

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

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEs MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com COURTNEY ALLEN | callen@athomemms.com

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 ANDY PULTE, CLINT M. WAYMAN, APRIL MCKINNEY, CHUCK DAUPHIN, BARBARA MAY, NICOLE HUGULEY, JORDANA WHITE, MAGGIE WEIR, CAMILLE PLATT, MICHAEL DEUTSCH, LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT, JENNIE BRADFORD CURLEE, RENAISSANCE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, PHILLIP R. LANGSDON, MD, FACS, SCOTT FUELLING

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS H. MICHAEL FRASE, AMANDA EVAUL WRITESMAN, JOHN TERRY

INTERN NICOLE HUGULEY

HOW TO REACH US 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athomemms.com At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@ athomemms.com.

10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

publisher’s note

Back to the

BEACH

Let the vacation season begin! Many of us will travel nine hours southeast to the beach.

We will join the thousands of other families from the Mid South on the journey to the promised land of the Gulf Coast. This will be our 23rd year of making this pilgrimage.

When my husband’s siblings started their families, our Destin adventure turned into a tradition not to be reckoned with as even two hurricanes could not run us out. Even our travel route stayed the course over the years.

We always met cousins from Knoxville in Montgomery where we spent the first night so we could wake up and eat breakfast at the “best place ever,” according to the kids, but we know it as Waffle House. From there we made our way to meet up with the others at Buster’s, because what would a vacation be without eating every three hours?

crammed them all into Gigi and Dockey’s tub to soothe their hives.

After being in the sun all day, nights were enjoyed playing hide-and-go-seek in the house, made even more fun because of all the secret places the house had to offer, including the trash chute. The game usually ended with a larger cousin trying to convince a younger one to try and make it down the chute without an adult finding out. This went on for years.

As with all extended families, they grow up and situations change. We all continued taking beach trips, just not with each other.

This year, however, we will be back. We will all gather once again at that large home on the beach we know as “Casablanca.” All the children and grandchildren will return for a reunion and the oldest grandchild, our daughter, will be bringing her husband.

Although it is bittersweet to see them grow up, I have a vision of the parents on the beach that afternoon and the grown-up kids hauling the luggage and fighting the crowds at the grocery store. That makes me happy.

Once there, the rest of the family would take our children, go check in and hit the beach. All of them, that is, except for our son who was determined to eat the “grown-up Buster burger” from the age of five on and spent that first afternoon of our vacation for years inside with a stomachache. My husband and I were always the ones to conquer the grocery store during this time. Two carts full They say some things change and some stay and about $600 later, our family was set for the same. This is true as all of the cousins are groceries for the next 48 hours, maybe. talking about playing hide-and-go-seek that first night back. This will be quite a sight The first few years, we rented the same two but I believe they will give it a try. I know condos, side by side. As our family grew, one thing that will change: Uncle Trip will our need for a larger lodging did too, and no longer be in charge of the sunscreen— so the “Casablanca home” became our go- they are a bit too old to all hop in Gigi’s tub to spot for years, right on the beach with together now. a private pool and a bathtub that would hold six grandchildren. We discovered the Wishing all of you safe and happy travels tub’s capacity when my husband decided this summer; remember to savor every that sunscreen didn’t expire and covered moment as 20-something years are just a all six children with his bargain brand. blink in life.

Within minutes of being in the sun, all of them broke out into a horrible rash and we 12 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

contributors 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. This month, on page 68 Pulte gives tips on finding the best spot on your property to plant a garden that will thrive.

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 brings natural accent pieces to the table. Create a memorable Father’s Day feast with inspiration provided by Mazanti, on page 78.

jordana white

is a lifestyle writer and editor. In addition to contributing to At Home Memphis & Mid South magazine, she writes for nationally distributed Life & Style magazine and several online outlets.

Once a resident of Nashville, she now lives in New York with her husband Ian and two young sons, Brayden and Cooper.

White gives us an insider’s look at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 2014 Dream Home in Eads on page 52.

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. McKinney shares a couple of simple, Italian-inspired pasta salad recipes that feature summer’s freshest ingredients on page 84.

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 46 to read Dauphin’s interview with singer/author Josh Turner.

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fashion

make a splash His and hers style for the pool and beach

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Find our favorite looks online and in stores!

Shop these styles Purchase information:

1) Sea Breeze Sun Hat Anthropologie, $42 www.anthropologie.com 2) Assorted Bracelets Lily & Laura, $12 each Mam'selle in Jackson,TN 3) She Sells Sea Shell Earrings $10, www.modcloth.com 4) One-Piece Bridgette Draped Swimsuit Badgley Mischka, $124 www.saksfifthavenue.com 5) Tilda Sunglasses House of Harlow, $132 Indigo at the Shops of Saddle Creek 6) Cookoo Watch $129, www.dailygrommet.com 7) Apex Carrier Tote Jack Spade, $178 www.saksfifthavenue.com 8) Mermaid Nobadeer Swim Trunks Castaway Clothing, $70 Dixie Pickers in Collierville TN 9) Devoe Sunglasses GRAN, $125 www.us.gant.com 10) Sunshine Lacquered Cork Sandals GB Gianni Bini, $60 www.dillards.com 11) When in Venice Beach Bag Darling, $90 www.modcloth.com 12) Stoli Thong Sandal Clarks, $50 www.clarksusa.com June 2014 • athomemms.com | 21

beauty

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Mally The Fragrance

Mally Beauty, $65, www.mallybeauty.com

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Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Estee Lauder, $62, www.ulta.com

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Happy in Bloom

Clinique, $48, www.macys.com

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Essence of Rose Roll-On Fragrance Oil

FLIRTY & FLORAL

Jurlique, $22, www.jurlique.com

SCENTS

Light and airy fragrances that are inspired by the summer season

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Inner Peace Transformative Perfume

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Lotus Wei, $45, www.lotuswei.com

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Midnight Romance

Ralph Lauren, $74, www.sephora.com

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This scent is everything you love about spring in a bottle. Clinique's upbeat floral fragrance makes your world sweeter, softer, brighter, and it captures the feeling of a garden suddenly in bloom.

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This multi-layered fragrance wraps you in the love, happiness and hopeful energy. The scent is introduced by the juicy and tantalizing mandarin citrus, with notes of tangy red currant and lush green bamboo.

Then spirited tropical fruits mingle with the airy and fresh quality of the sampaguita flower that is further complemented by notes of freesia, lily of the valley and pink peony in the heart. As the skin warms, back-notes of creamy coconut milk and soft peach merge with enduring sandalwood and previous musk to create a tropical sunwarmed effect on the skin.

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The fragrance that worships every inch of you. A sensuous, sundrenched blend of bergamot and mandarin, cooled with Tahitian gardenia petals and coconut, warmed with amber, sandalwood and vetiver.

4

This signature Jurlique fragrance captures the essence of the world’s finest rose oils, shea butter and the purity of Jurlique’s very own organically grown rosa gallica in a sleek, pop-in-your-purse sized bottle. Alluring, feminine, floral and modern.

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The classic love story of Romance takes a daring, sensual turn with this mysterious and seductive new facet of the fragrance. The passionate embrace of pink peony and rich black vanilla captivates the senses and speaks of a forbidden love and the sensual side of femininity.

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A calming aromatherapy perfume with lavender, geranium and vetiver, infused with flower remedies that work through your acupuncture meridians to de-stress. Experience more peace within minutes with lupine, hibiscus and pink lotus with gem essence of emerald. In a base of organic grape alcohol, perfume lasts two to three hours and is free of any artificial fragrances, phthalates or chemicals.

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health

Before Lip Filler

After Lip Filler

in search of

natural looking results Text by Phillip R. Langsdon, MD, FACS

The thought of having a cosmetic procedure can be a little daunting in view of what we see some Hollywood celebrities doing to themselves. Even here at home, most of us know someone who has had Botox, dermal fillers, a nose job, eyelid surgery or a facelift, who might not look exactly as they had hoped. You know what I’m talking about; those frozen eyebrows, blown-up faces, rounded eyes, a mouth that won’t move properly, that “Spock” eyebrow look...

it is unlikely a doctor who is not properly trained could obtain credentials to perform a facelift in a Tennessee hospital, they can still do it in their own office because they are self-regulating. So, research the type of medical training the provider received such as board certification or fellowship training; make sure they state by which board they are certified. I’m not talking about a weekend course certificate or some manufacturer company certificate in my opinion these mean nothing. Also keep in mind that anyone can post anything they want on their own website—they are not regulated. Sites such as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (www.abfprs.org), the American Board of Plastic Surgery (www.plasticsurgery.org), the American Board of Dermatology (www. abderm.org) or the American Society of Oculoplastic Surgery (www.asoprs.org) may be good sources of information.The State of Tennessee Department of Health website also lists physicians’ actual specialties.

Ask to see before-and-after photos of the provider’s actual patients as this will allow you to get some idea of what kind of results to expect. Go into the consultation with realistic expectations; there are no miracles out there.

Be sure you have the opportunity to ask questions, find out the risks and benefits.

So, how does someone figure out how to achieve natural-looking results? Here are In some states nurses must be supervised some things to consider. by a doctor in order to provide Botox, facial filler or laser treatments. It might be good Find the right provider and facility. Make to make sure that the overseeing doctor sure the doctor or provider specializes. is actually present in the facility, and it is In Tennessee, almost anyone can give an also reassuring when the overseeing doctor injection and any doctor can perform any is trained in facial plastic surgery, plastic kind of surgery, even if they haven’t received surgery, dermatology or oculoplastic surgery. formal medical training in the procedure (in a residency or fellowship overseen by a If I were to have surgery I’d prefer a stateuniversity, national organization peer review licensed surgery center or hospital (they program, or the ACGME [Accreditation are listed on the Tennessee Department of Council for Graduate Medical Education]). Health website). Although we are seeing That’s right, any MD could perform a Botox, fillers and laser treatments done facelift if they could obtain privileges to carry in hair salons, I personally prefer to have out the procedure in a hospital. Although injections in a clinical setting.

Phillip R. Langsdon, MD, FACS, Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery, UT; Southern Regional Director, American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery; and director of The Langsdon Clinic. www.drlangsdon.com

The truth is, no one has to look overdone or distorted. While there can be unexpected risks from any treatment, most abnormal results happen for a reason. Perhaps the provider isn’t very experienced or not trained to offer all options. In some instances the person might be getting filler when they really need surgery, or vice versa. Sometimes too much product is injected. Sometimes the doctor overdoes the surgery or uses lessthan-ideal techniques.

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One last thing: the Internet is a good way to learn about treatments, but remember, the Internet is unregulated and anyone can appear to be an expert by providing a lot of verbiage or listing organizations or diplomas that are not mainstream medicine.

Consumers are easily fooled. Beware of Internet photos—photographic exposure techniques are sometimes deceiving.

Aesthetic treatments can be both satisfying and natural. We are blessed to have them available. For optimal results do your homework, check credentials, see results and talk to other patients.

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OXFORD, MS

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mid south must do

A Festival Fit for

A KING Tupelo Elvis Festival pays homage to the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll TEXT BY JENNIE BRADFORD CURLEE, TUPELO CVB PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR 28 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

F

Festival season in Tupelo, Mississippi, begins in early March, celebrating everything from barbecue and beer to art and film. This season of fun culminates with the city’s flagship festival, the Tupelo Elvis Festival, held the first full weekend of June in Downtown Tupelo. Named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for 2014, the celebration of all things Elvis pays homage to the boy who would be king and to the music that influenced Presley on his rise to international superstardom.

“Even 37 years after his death, Elvis Presley remains one of the top icons of our culture.

His music forever changed the world of rock and roll,” says Debbie Brangenberg, executive director of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, producers of the annual festival. “It is only fitting that the Tupelo Elvis Festival celebrates our hometown son. Our celebration features the many musical styles that shaped Elvis as an entertainer.”

A highlight of the four-day festival is the Elvis tribute artist competition. Performers from across the globe show up to compete in this preliminary event for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest held during Elvis Week each August in Memphis. The event kicks off Thursday, June 5, with a concert by Cody Slaughter, 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition winner, with DJ Fontana, Elvis’ longtime drummer.

Competition begins Friday morning, followed by a performance featuring past Ultimate champions Brandon Bennett and Bill Cherry. Sonny Burgess and the Pacers will open Friday night’s show. Round two of the contest begins Saturday, June 7, culminating in the competition finals at 7:00 p.m. and followed by a performance

by Victor Trevino and 2013 Tupelo competition winner Jay Dupuis.

This year, the competition moves to the BancorpSouth Arena, enabling even more fans to enjoy the show. “The move to the BancorpSouth Arena has made it possible to grow the festival. We have been in a venue that had limited seating and tickets have sold out quickly. With the move we are able to sell twice the number of tickets and promote the festival to Elvis fans,” says Brangenberg. “We have already seen an increase in ticket sales over 2013 and the connection to the Fairpark site makes for a more cohesive offering to festival goers.”

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mid south must do

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The music that influenced Presley during his 13 years in Tupelo can be heard at the Fairpark Stage throughout the weekend festival. This year’s line-up includes Friday night entertainers Sister Hazel and Ingram Hill. Saturday night is headlined by Joe Nichols, with Dustin Lynch and Brandon Bennett. Presley was an extremely generous man, giving of his talents, funds and time to myriads of charities during his lifetime.

This year’s festival will channel the giving nature of the King by hosting a Thursday night concert called “Band Together,” benefiting relief efforts following the April 28 tornado in Tupelo.

The grand finale of the Tupelo Elvis Festival is Sunday’s Gospel Brunch. Held at the BancorpSouth Arena, the event showcases the quintessential elements of Southern culture: food and music. Hosted

by Memphis Jones, participants will be moved by the harmonies of the Tupelo Unity Choir, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Victor Trevino, all while indulging in a traditional Southern breakfast. The only thing sweeter than the jelly melting atop the hot, buttermilk biscuits is the gospel music that inspired Elvis from the day he was born to the day he died.

The festival offers something for everyone.

From the Running with the King 5K race and Elvis’ movie poster exhibit at the Tupelo Automobile Museum, to the Elvis LookA-Like pet parade and pageant, Elvis fans can immerse themselves in the town that molded the future king. The festival provides an avenue for music lovers to gain a deeper appreciation for the influence that Presley had on music past, present and future. It invites participants and guests to return year after year. “When the entertainers and the festival attendees have had a good time and want to come back, we have accomplished our goal,” says Russell Conerly, 2014 Tupelo Elvis Festival chairman.

Tickets and ticket packages are available by visiting tupeloelvisfestival.com. The “All Elvis VIP Package” provides the complete experience including a private meetand-greet with the Elvis tribute artist competitors and a commemorative festival poster and t-shirt. For more information contact the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association at 662.841.6598. For hotel and restaurant information in Tupelo visit www.tupelo.net.

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travel

ALASKA the beauty is unforgettable TEXT BY BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRAVEL LEADERS AND TRAVEL LEADERS CLIENTS

Alaska... it’s like NO other place you’ve ever seen— from the national parks to the glaciers, from whale watching to dog sledding, salmon fishing and everything in between!

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I

f you’ve ever been to Alaska or talked to anyone who has, the comment you’ll hear most is that it’s overwhelmingly beautiful. Almost everyone who has visited wants to go back again and stay longer. Have you ever dreamed of going to Alaska? By air, sea or land, the 49th state is an amazing place, where caribou outnumber people by nearly two to one, and aquamarine glaciers are more common than motor homes. Alaska is different from any other place on earth, and getting there is easy. You can be there in just a few hours.

CHOOSE YOUR SEASON TO TRAVEL TO ALASKA Peak season is from mid-May to midSeptember. This is when Alaska hosts the largest number of visitors. The days are longest and the temperatures warmest.

Some activities or accommodations may only be available during this time frame. Shoulder season is early May, late September and October, with fewer visitors during this time. Winter season runs from November to April. If you want to see the Northern Lights, go skiing or snowshoeing, attend a Fur Rendezvous, or share in the excitement of championship dog sledding races, winter is the season for you.

Finding your way in the Last Frontier Part of what makes Alaska so interesting is the varied terrain and geographic diversity.

Parts of Alaska, including Juneau, the capitol city, are not accessible by road. You can only get there by sea or air because these locales are surrounded by mountains and water. But you can drive to most of Alaska’s larger cities, as well as many smaller communities located near the highway.

SOME OF ALASKA’S FANTASTIC PLACES TO VISIT: Alaska’s Inside Passage is a narrow waterway surrounded by 1,000-foot icy cliffs. You’ll find water and wildlife mix quite nicely in this haven for kayakers, anglers and glacier gazers.

The Hubbard Glacier is one of the most active and longest tidewater glaciers in North America with 1,350 square miles of blue ice.

Icy Strait Point is nestled in an old-grow rain forest and offers whale watching, grizzly gazing and seal spotting as well as a taste of Tlingit culture.

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travel

Juneau is home to shops, cafes and the cruise down the Chena or visit the working storied Red Dog Saloon. Just outside of town El Dorado Gold Mine where they can pan is the famous urban Mendenhall Glacier. for gold. Nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer allows extended exploration.

Ketchikan is the self-proclaimed Salmon Capitol of the World and is situated around Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and a vibrant harbor and famous Creek Street, is home to nearly half the state’s population. where shops and cafes are abundant along Anchorage is surrounded by the rugged with totem poles and the Great American Chugach and Alaska mountains, yet is Lumberjack Show. completely cosmopolitan. You can browse the shops, see the world’s largest seaplane Skagway is known as the Gateway to base at Lake Hood, or even visit the Captain Klondike. Preserved as a National Historic Cook monument where Beluga whale Site, Skagway has retained the flavor of the watching is popular. Another interesting boom-town Gold Rush days. You can walk attraction is the 26-acre Alaska Native the wooden sidewalks of this historic burg Heritage Center where native villages have or take a ride on the White Pass Scenic been restored and recreated.

Railway, one of the oldest narrow-gauge railroads in existence.

A trip to Alaska without a visit to Denali National Park, home of spectacular Mt. Tracy Arm Fjord/Sawyer Glacier is home McKinley, is incomplete. Known as “The to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Here you will Great One” by Athabaskan Indians, majestic witness some of the most awe-inspiring Mt. McKinley reigns as North America’s tidewater glaciers and cascading waterfalls. highest peak at 20,320 feet above sea level.

The peak encompasses an amazing six Fairbanks is Alaska’s second largest city and million acres and hosts an array of wildlife. the hub of the state’s great interior. Known as the Golden Heart City, Fairbanks was Taking an Alaskan cruise is a perfect way to established with the discovery of gold on discover all the state has to offer, including the Chena and Tenana Rivers. Visitors often whales, bald eagles, gold rush history, Native 36 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

cultures and spectacular coastal scenery.

Many travelers take a cruise for part of their vacation, and then get off the ship to further explore the state.

Alaska cruises are generally divided into three types, Inside Passage cruises, Gulf of Alaska cruises and small-ship expeditionstyle cruises. The Inside Passage has been the traditional way to cruise Alaska, with most ships sailing round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, through glacier country as far north as Skagway or Juneau. Gulf of Alaska cruises cover more territory as they travel from Vancouver through the Inside Passage and up to Seward/Anchorage (or the reverse). Small expedition-style ships explore isolated ports and remote waterways inaccessible to large vessels, and enable travelers to see glaciers and wildlife up close.

The cruising season in Alaska begins in May and lasts through September, and cruises usually last between seven and 12 days.

Some cruise lines also offer combination cruise and tour vacations, with the land tour often including a journey inland by train or motor coach to visit scenic destinations like Denali National Park, the Yukon Territory or the Canadian Rockies.

LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT ALASKA: • Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 tallest mountains in the U.S. • Although the community is 1,700 miles south of the Earth’s geographic North Pole, Alaska is home of the world’s largest fiberglass Santa.

Located 14 miles from Fairbanks, North Pole is a community of 2,200 people with candy-cane street lights and green and white police cars. A former trading post is now Santa Claus House, a gift shop specializing in all things Christmas.

• Only 20 percent of Alaska is accessible by road. Despite a land mass of 586,412 square miles, Alaska has only 12 numbered highways, Alaska Routes 1-11 and 98.

• During the Klondike gold rush in 1897, potatoes were so highly valued for their Vitamin C content that miners traded gold for them.

• The state sport is dog mushing, which was once the primary mode of transportation in most of Alaska.

• An estimated 100,000 glaciers cover almost five percent, over 25,000 square miles of the state. There are more active glaciers in Alaska than in the rest of the inhabited world.

• The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, can be seen an average of 243 days a year in Fairbanks. The Northern Lights are produced by charged particles from the sun striking the earth’s upper atmosphere.

These particles cause gases in the upper atmosphere to glow much like the gas in florescent lights.

• At its closest point, Alaska is less than three miles from Russia. If Sarah Palin lived on Little Diomede Island she would have been telling the truth about seeing Russia from her home!

• Giant vegetables are common due to the extremely long summer days which account for a record cabbage weighing in at 94 pounds.

• While it is legal to shoot bears, waking a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a photograph is prohibited. Say cheese... then run!

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travel

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Alaska possesses a mystery and magic not found in many tourist destinations.

The lure of Alaska’s pristine and beautiful wilderness, abundant wildlife and the romance of “The Last Frontier” account for this, no doubt.

The Whales in Alaska There are eight species of whales that frequent the cold and icy waters of Alaska.

They are the Beluga, Humpback, Gray, Orca, Bowhead, Blue, Right and Minke whales. Like all mammals, whales breathe air into lungs, are warm-blooded, breastfeed their young, and have some (although very little) hair. The graceful, magnificent Humpback whale inspires awe in young and old alike. These marine mammals travel great distances to take advantage of the best breeding grounds and feeding spots. North Pacific Humpbacks, for example, mate and give birth in Hawaii and then travel to Alaska each summer to feed.

Why is glacier ice blue?

Glacier ice is a different color from regular ice. It is so blue because the dense ice of the glacier absorbs every other color of the spectrum except blue—so blue is what we see! The more light a glacier is exposed to the whiter it gets. And the glaciers above the water are equally as large beneath the water.

Traveling Within Alaska Traveling in Alaska is unlike just about anywhere else: getting from point to point is a worthy endeavor of its own. Whether circling Mount McKinley in a bush plane or watching miles of untouched tundra roll by from the window of a train, you can’t go wrong in selecting a mode of transportation. In fact, the best itineraries include a mix of travel modes.

Whether you want to get up close with glaciers, explore the wilderness, catch gold fever, get to know native cultures or watch wildlife, Alaska is truly a land of adventure that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime!

For more information on planning your next vacation, give the travel experts at Travel Leaders a call at 901.377.6600 or 800.264.1824 or stop by their office at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104, Memphis.

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roadtrip

Photo by Maggie Weir

Fairhope, Alabama

a taste of paradise Text by Maggie Weir photography courtesy of Eastern Shore Chamber of commerce

Fairhope, Alabama, often referred to as Mayberry or Utopia by locals, is located along the cliffs and eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay. Take a weekend and travel down south for sun, water and sand with great shopping and gourmet dining.

The city began as a dream of individuals who were seeking their own special utopia and in 1908 Fairhope was established with around 500 residents. Since then, the population has grown to 17,000 but the town has remained a piece of paradise.

Fairhope encompasses Southern charm and inspiring scenery. One visit and you’ll be wishing for a bay home overlooking the gulf or a cottage nestled in downtown Fairhope.

When my husband and I were moved further south for his work we knew Fairhope was exactly where we wanted to be.

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In 1973, Fairhope Mayor James P. Nix served the first of his seven terms. He envisioned the town as something similar to a quaint European village, and with the help of volunteer organizations and dedicated city employees his dream has come to fruition. Fairhope has been featured in many notable publications as one of America’s best small towns. The city is also very progressive in working to preserve the area’s resources. Fairhope leads the way in recycling programs, boasts state-of-theart water treatment and also has a new Comprehensive Plan that seeks to maintain the city’s high quality of life through controlled growth and development. With over 70 percent of Fairhope’s citizens doing volunteer work, it’s evident why the town is one of the most desirable vacation and living locations in the country.

Photo by Maggie Weir

roadtrip

Photo by Maggie Weir

Enjoying the outdoors and soaking in the sun are part of the enjoyment of Fairhope.

Rent bikes for the whole family and spend a morning cruising along the bay and strolling under the weeping willow trees.

One of the most charming parts of Fairhope is the flowers that line the streets; the city take great pride in dressing up the streets every season. Panini Pete’s located in the French Quarter of downtown is the perfect place for families. Enjoy the breeze and sounds of seagulls as you nosh on delicious beignets or stop by Wind Mill Market to shop from local vendors and have a madefrom-scratch, organic breakfast at Sweet Olive artisan bakery.

Lunching outdoors is one of the highlights of summer days. Check out Dragon Fly Café for crispy oyster tacos or a lobster udon noodle bowl with fresh Thai chili truffle pesto.

Spend an afternoon walking the flowerlined streets of the quaint downtown area.

Shopping in Fairhope is one of the main attractions for many who visit. Stop by East Bay Clothiers for the latest styles from top designers including Robert Talbott, Billy

Reid, J Brand, Koral, Peter Cohen and more.

The welcoming corner boutique has been a staple for men’s and women’s clothing and sportswear on the Eastern Shore since 1994. Fairhope is an antique lover’s dream destination. Crown and Colony Antiques located in downtown Fairhope are direct importers specializing in French, Italian and English antiques.

One can’t mention Fairhope without including Master Joe’s. Chef and owner “Master Joe” spent 10 years under a formal sushi program in Japan, and the proof is in the rolls. Must-try dishes are the Russian Revolution, a roll filled with shrimp tempura and crab, topped with shrimp, crab, cream cheese, jalapenos, cheddar cheese and spicy mayo, oven baked and dressed with eel sauce, and the Ocean’s Eleven roll filled One of Fairhope’s most notable landmarks with spicy tuna, crab and cucumber, topped is the Grand Hotel. For more than 165 with salmon, tuna, yellowtail and avocado, years, this luxury lodging overlooking dressed with eel sauce and ponzu.

Mobile Bay has been treating guests to posh accommodations and true Southern If you enjoy outdoor shopping and beautiful hospitality. Just a few miles down from the art, plan on visiting Fairhope in the spring to expansive property is The Wash House participate in the internationally acclaimed restaurant. For fine dining and fresh Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. The seafood, The Wash House is a “must do”— three-day event is fun for the whole family, their key lime bread pudding is soon to be with live entertainment and tent after tent of world famous! locally made art and goods for sale.

Located in the heart of downtown Fairhope is the beautiful Fairhope Inn and Restaurant. Chef/owner Tyler Kean offers diners in expertly prepared menu that changes seasonally. Menu standouts include the Fairhope Inn Crab Cake and Shrimp and Grits with spicy white wine and garlic sauce.

Fairhope invites you to come see and taste all that the beautiful Eastern Shore has to offer.

Whether you spend the weekend outdoors on the water or shopping downtown, you’ll leave Utopia planning your next visit back.

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community hotspot

A HAPPENIN’ ZIP CODE TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT

The Salvation Army Kroc Center Photo copyright Jeffery Jacobs me & mrs. jones

The Children’s Museum of Memphis The Memphis Zoo

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M

idtown Memphis has always been a place where the arts abound as well as a destination for unique restaurants and charming antique shops. Now the Midtown Memphis zip codes have even more to offer the Mid South: the new Salvation Army Kroc Center, the always exciting Children’s Museum of Memphis and the first-class Memphis Zoo—it’s always abuzz with something new!

The Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM) opened to the public on June 16, 1990. Located at 2525 Central Avenue, the museum’s mission is to create memorable learning experiences through the joy of play in hands-on exhibits and programs.

For years, parents throughout the Mid South have brought children to enjoy the creative play and imaginative exhibits that the CMOM has to offer.

On January 13, 2012, the Children’s Museum of Memphis and its board of trustees honored Katherine and John Dobbs by naming the museum’s campus “The Katherine & John Dobbs Family Center” in honor of the Dobbs’ partnership, commitment and generosity to the museum and the community.

Fairly new to the CMOM is the H2Oh! Splash Park, open during the summer months for children to enjoy cooling off and having fun in a safe, kid-friendly environment. This garden themed attraction provides over 7,700 square feet of cool fun. Boasting over 40 sprayers including flowers, leaves, split and jet streams, magic mist, turtle, crab, snail, water jelly, geysers, aqua dome, spray loops, cylinder spray, and water tunnel—the park provides a refreshing break from Memphis’ oppressive summer heat for children and families. For more information about the Children’s Museum of Memphis and its summer hours visit www.cmom.com.

The Memphis Zoo, located at 2000 Prentiss Place, is a sight to see. Home to more than 3,500 animals, the facility has garnered a lion’s share of accolades in the past few years. In 2008, the Memphis Zoo was ranked America’s No. 1 zoo by TripAdvisor.com, and the following year it was rated the top zoo in the country in a national survey by Morey Associates.

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community hotspot

The Memphis Zoo

me & mrs. jones The Salvation Army Kroc Center Photo copyright Jeffery Jacobs

The Children’s Museum of Memphis

The Children’s Museum of Memphis 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

Visitors to the Memphis Zoo can enjoy Cat Country, Penguin Rock, the Tropical Birdhouse, the Northwest Passage, and so much more, including a farm train and children’s rides. An accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Memphis Zoo works with animal facilities and organizations around the world in order to further its mission of preserving wildlife through conservation, education and research.

In a charming former home on Cooper near Young at 889 South Cooper Street sits me & mrs. jones, a DIY boutiqu and the exclusive regional stockists for Annie Sloan’s revolutionary mixable, zero-VOC Chalk Paint®, as well as Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint-two incredibly versatile, earth friendly paint lines. Customers can experiment at their paint bar, find brushes, stencils, books, gilding supplies, fabrics and other specialty sundries to complement the paints, and learn techniques to transform that attic or flea market treasure. They also offer painted furniture and handselected vintage finds. me & mrs. jones holds workshops several times a month in paint and finish techniques, taught by veteran artisan Stephanie Jones. For more information and inspiration visit www. mrsjonespaintedfinishes.com.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center is located at 800 East Parkway South in Midtown, and is referred to as a “new kind of community center,” with memberships open to the entire community. In 2003, Joan Kroc gave the Salvation Army $1.5 billion of matching funds for the construction of 30 Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers across the United States. After undergoing a rigorous application and selection process, Memphis became eligible to receive a matching gift from the Kroc Trust in 2005. The Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center features 100,000 square feet of space for recreation, education, worship and the arts. Amenities included in this amazing facility are NBAquality basketball courts, soccer fields, aquatic features, a fitness center, a worship area, art rooms, a theater, classroom facilities and food services.

Every aspect of the Kroc Center facility in the Memphis community is designed to create an environment of collaboration, mentorship and personal growth. For more information visit www.krocmemphis.org.

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music

Photo courtesy of Thomas Nel

son Publishing

FROM SINGER TO AUTHOR

MAN STUFF: THOUGHTS ON FAITH, FAMILY, AND FATHERHOOD TEXT BY CHUCK DAUPHIN

Josh Turner has had undeniable success as a singer and songwriter, with hits such as “Your Man” and “Everything is Fine” to his credit. But for his newest project he tries on a different hat.

The MCA Nashville recording artist has just released the new book Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood (Thomas Nelson), a collection of writings that detail his feelings on the aforementioned subjects.

The father of three, the South Carolina native knows he’s not perfect, however, he tries to make each stumbling block a learning experience. “As a parent, you make mistakes.

I continue to do that. But the key is to learn from those mistakes, talk to your children, and listen to them. Luckily, I’ve been able to take my family with me on the road. I just can’t imagine how my boys would be if they didn’t spend that much time with me. I feel like they have benefited from that. They’ve taught me so much about myself and about life. The saying is true – you learn more from your children than they learn from you.”

Memphis & Mid South. “I had always wanted a bloodhound, and my parents and grandparents had always talked me out of it.

Finally, when I got married, I thought it was due time. I cherished every moment I had with him. He was such a great dog and had such a great spirit. I never saw him growl at anyone. I don’t think he had a mean bone in his body. People call them ‘man’s best friend,’ and that’s exactly what he was. He taught me a lot about patience and being a parent long before I became one. I didn’t realize until we had our first child how much Moses had prepared me for being a father. He was a great dog and taught me a lot.”

Turner also admits that he feels he has become a better friend over the years. “When I was growing up, I was the oldest of three.

I had friends growing up, but if you were a friend of mine and you did something wrong by me, I would scratch you off my list. I was very unforgiving when it came to friendships.

It was something that I never really felt like I should fight for. I learned from my sister, who was the exact opposite – she was very forgiving and gave people a second chance.

Turner gives credit to his wife Jennifer and She set the example for me in that area. Later to God for making him a better parent, but in my life, I finally decided that friendships he also takes time to mention an old friend are worth fighting for. I would want someone named Moses. to fight for me if I had made a mistake or hurt somebody. It’s paid off for me.”

“He was a bloodhound that I bought back in 2004,” Turner tells At Home Man Stuff is in stores now.

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at home with

Photo by Rodney Adams

The Bar-Kays’

Larry Dodson text by Camille Platt

After much of the band was killed in a tragic plane crash in 1967, the two surviving members of soul group The Bar-Kays returned to Memphis to grieve and reestablish their careers. Now celebrating their 50th anniversary with a new album set to release on August 29, lead singer Larry Dodson reflects on joining the group in its rebuilding years and the mentor responsible for their rise to fame.

When Larry Dodson was recruited to join funk, soul and R&B band The Bar-Kays as its first-ever vocalist in 1970, he was just 19 years old and had big shoes to fill. The house band backing major artists at Stax Records, The Bar-Kays’ talent had been proven ever since “Soul Finger” topped the charts three years earlier. But soon after the song became a hit, band members Carl Cunningham (drums), Jimmy King (guitar), Ronnie Caldwell (organ) and Phalon Jones (saxophone) lost their lives when the touring plane they shared with Otis Redding crashed into Lake Montana.

Straight from a doo-wop quartet named The Temprees, Dodson teamed up with surviving band members Ben Cauley (who was saved from the icy water) and James Alexander (who was on a different flight) to keep the music alive. Now with five gold albums, one platinum album and more than 20 top ten singles to the band’s name, they aim to honor the original group with every song they pen.

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“When they got together on stage and those six guys did what they did, there was no band that was better than them. Not doing what they did,” Dodson says. “And I really mean that. That’s what has inspired every set of guys who have been in The BarKays. We have to meet that standard.”

”

Being around the house, music was always in my heart, you know. It was always something that was embedded in my soul, so to speak

“

Growing up in South Memphis, Dodson says his love for music formed from an early age. “Being around the house music was always in my heart, you know. It was always something that was embedded in my soul, so to speak,” he says, noting his father was

a saxophone player. “He didn’t really make it or have a big career. He kind of played around town then sort of gave it up, but he was a big jazz lover and he played music all the time.” Modeling his vocals after Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone, Dodson was a good fit for transitioning The Bar-Kays to full-on rock/funk fusion.

In the 1970s and 1980s, The Bar-Kays were known for charismatic live shows as they celebrated hits like “Shake Your Rump to the Funk,” “Anticipation” and “Freakshow on the Dance Floor.” But Dodson stresses it was Stax staff writer Allen Jones who taught them how to shine. “He single-handedly guided us in our career. We didn’t know much about writing songs; he pulled all that out of us,” Dodson says. “If you start to do this thing for a living, you’ve got to know what’s gonna turn the listener on, what you are trying to make the listener feel. Allen Jones brought a lot of stuff out of me that I didn’t really know I had.”

Dodson remembers Jones, who died in 1987, as the driving force behind the band’s style. “He lived, breathed for The Bar-Kays. He was a father figure for us.

He understood what show business was all about. He always told us, ‘You’re not gonna always have hit records, so make your show be tip-top so when you don’t have hit records you can still work. Trust each other.

Give each other space. And always respect each other so you’ll stay together in good times and bad times.’” And it was Jones who came up with The Bar-Kays’ legendary costumes and hairstyles, even hand-drilling a drummer’s vest made out of silver dollars.

“He always said, ‘When you guys are daring and you think you’ve gone too far, you’re halfway there,’” Dodson remembers.

Today The Bar-Kays is made up of Dodson (lead vocals), Alexander (bass), Ezra Williams (keyboard), Carlos Sargent (drums), Mark Bynum (keyboard), Darrel Stanley (background vocals), Archie Love (background vocals), Mike Anderson (guitar), Angelo Earl (guitar) and Bryant Nesbitt (sound engineer). Their 2012 hit “Grown Folks” was produced by Alexander’s son, award-winning rapper and record producer Phalon “Jazze Pha” Alexander. Dodson and Alexander also own Memphis-based Testimony Records and JEA Right Now Records.

Always remembering the mentor who molded them, The Bar-Kays honor Jones with a scholarship fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis that helps area students attend LeMoyne-Owen College. They plan to further their generosity at a 50th anniversary celebration concert at the Cannon Center December 4, donating proceeds to The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis, United Way of the Mid-South, Stax Music Academy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Allen Jones/Marjarie Barringer/Bar-Kays Scholarship Fund. Dodson has challenged musicians across the country to join in giving back. “Pick one kid and send that kid to any historical black college that they want to go to,” he says, “and we’ll fly you in to our event and you can present that scholarship on our stage.”

For more information on The Bar-Kays’ album release and December concert, visit www.thebar-kays.com.

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technology

Home Entertainment What’s Really Important?

TEXT BY SCOTT FUELLING, PRESIDENT, PHOENIX UNEQUALED HOME ENTERTAINMENT

With Father’s Day coming up, I have been receiving phone calls from families wondering what new home entertainment item to get their husband/father. Like so many, they just want the simple answer that will wow Dad and make him happy. After 30 years in this industry, I am always willing to help and more than excited to offer suggestions based on my knowledge of their interests and how they tend to view home entertainment overall.

a reason to bring families together. As I get older, I have noticed time has flown by.

My daughters have grown into fine young women and my wife and I celebrated our 25th year of marriage this past May. It seems like yesterday when we were walking down the aisle, and having children was but a distant vision on the horizon. If I could have changed one thing, it would be to have slowed down and made more time to enjoy family and friends.

of refreshments. Now there is no question this is an awesome use of a theater system, but what makes it particularly great in my eyes is the fact he has turned it into a regular event that is actually looked forward to by all who have attended. This is precisely what I am talking about—a reason to have family and friends around and using the home entertainment aspect as a catalyst for a great get together.

My advice to everyone is to spend as much time as you can with your loved ones and friends. It is great to have the technology to enjoy home entertainment to its fullest, just don’t forget to enjoy it with others. Having a great media room or home theater is awesome. I cannot imagine having a home without a media room at some level. Just remember sometimes to make it a place to create memories. Movies, music, sporting events, even favorite television shows are always better with those you care about.

We should all look at our homes differently. We should use them to enjoy time with our family and friends and host events for any reason or no reason at all. Just One of our employees hosts a party at remember the importance of each other and While answering these questions, trying our facility on Sunday nights for his closest the memories that will be made for all. to personalize the option to the individual, family and friends. They view Cosmos in it dawned on me; something was missing: our theater and everyone brings some sort Till next month…

There are many new hot items on the market today and they all offer some features and services desired by a large group of individuals. The newest media streaming box provides access to an abundance of movies, some free, some you have to pay for.

The latest wireless speakers bring music to areas of the home not currently being served.

There are weatherproof, portable products that allow you to take your music to the pool or an outdoor gathering away from your home. These can even be customized in Dad’s favorite team colors and logos, perfect for the next tailgating event. The list is endless…

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We spend a significant amount of time getting to know our clients, their lifestyle, how they view and want to interact with technology. Not everybody is a tech geek.

Most people just want their systems to be enjoyed and to provide easy, reliable operation. Don’t get me wrong, we also cater to the technologically savvy who like to stay on the top end of the curve, no matter what. But ultimately, it is not necessarily about having the most current technology, the newest gadget or even the most aweinspiring system. It is about enjoyment and spending time with those who matter to you.

HOMEfeature

DREAMING for a cause

An insider’s look at Memphis’ St. Jude Dream Home TEXT BY JORDANA WHITE

52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

Photo by H. Michael Frase – INSPIRATION Marketing & Design

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Photo by H. Michael Frase – INSPIRATION Marketing & Design

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HOMEfeature

54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

Photo by H. Michael Frase – INSPIRATION Marketing & Design

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Any time a new, state-of-the-art home is constructed, a lot of care goes into the project, but when sick children stand to benefit from the finished product, people are willing to go the extra mile. Nowhere is that more evident than in the just-completed St. Jude Dream Home in Eads, Tennessee.

First, some background. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a non-profit research hospital that seeks to advance the treatment and prevention of childhood catastrophic illnesses. In order to support the hospital, which never bills families, Dr. Donald Mack, a pediatric physician from Shreveport, Louisiana, created the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway contest in 1991. Dr. Mack was the first physician to send an out-of-state patient to St. Jude for treatment.

The first St. Jude Dream Home was constructed in Shreveport. By selling raffle tickets that offered a chance to win the house, the contest that year raised $160,000 for the

Photo by H. Michael Frase – INSPIRATION Marketing & Design

hospital. Since that first giveaway, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Shreveport has become an annual fundraiser, raising more than $23 million for the hospital.

With the success of the Louisiana efforts, the idea spread to other states; Memphis’ Dream Home was the first to be built outside of the originating state, says Dr. Susan Aguillard, the St. Jude representative involved with the Eads project. The funds raised by the giveaways are crucial, she explains, because it costs $1,900,000 to operate the hospital each day. Thanks to the Dream Home project and other fundraising activities, “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (can) continue to be the world leader in curing childhood catastrophic disease without ever sending a bill to the patient or patient’s family,” Dr. Aguillard adds.

For the third year in a row, Doug Swink of Renaissance Development Company happily provided the estate lot for the home free of charge. The decision has been a simple one for him, since he is proud to help support an organization that he says “truly changes the world.” Located in Renaissance’s Canterbury Manor development, the Dream Home’s neighborhood is reminiscent of an old European garden with its rural vistas and gently winding roads set against the backdrop of the majestic woods of Fayette County—definitely a dream location.

Once the land for the project was secured, Greg Bridgers, Kevin White and their team at Southern Serenity Homes began to work their construction magic for St. Jude for the seventh year in a row. With a brick exterior that complements its traditional setting, the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home With such important work at stake, local was built with approximately 4,100 square vendors are always eager to help keep the feet of living space for the lucky future costs of the Dream Home build down. owner to enjoy.

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56 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

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Photo by H. Michael Frase – INSPIRATION Marketing & Design

Photo by H. Michael Frase – INSPIRATION Marketing & Design

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HOMEfeature

58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

HOMEfeature

Photo by H. Michael Frase – INSPIRATION Marketing & Design

From an energy efficiency standpoint, Bridgers says the house is “about as good as you can get”—the structure is well sealed down to its insulated garage doors.

Best of all, in order to help the Dream Home project reach its fundraising goal, Quality Insulation donated top-of-theline materials which will also keep the heating and cooling costs of the home to a minimum.

Moving inside the home, you can’t help but gasp at the beautiful kitchen, where wood cabinets and range hood and a unique cedar-paneled island provide a warm, rustic offset to sleek Frigidaire stainless steel appliances, pale granite countertops and a modern gray-tone tile back splash. In keeping with the goodwill efforts of the project, the appliances, sink and even doorknobs were donated by Ferguson’s; the backsplash, brick pavers and fireplace materials were donated by General Shale; the plumbing supplies were donated by Winnelson and the plumbing labor was provided, free of charge, by All About Plumbing.

Noticeable in the kitchen and carried over throughout the rest of the house, arches feature prominently, coming into play in openings between rooms as well as in the built-in cabinetry of the family room. Exposed cedar truss wood beaming inside the house and over the patio of the outdoor kitchen continues the rustic/ modern ambiance begun inside.

The home also holds some sweet surprises not visible to the naked eye. Back in April, major sponsors of the Dream Home gathered together during the construction phase and signed good wishes to the new homeowners as well as to St. Jude patients onto the kitchen’s sub-floor.

From bottom to top, creating the Dream Home was a labor of love for all involved.

So many people have donated their time and effort to help make the project a success that they cannot be individually named in this article, but Bridgers urges readers to visit the house and pick up a brochure in which every vendor is listed.

“Without all of the suppliers,” Bridgers explains, “we could not give St. Jude as much as we do.” That amount is $7.5

million in just the six years Southern Serenity has been involved and organizers hope to bring the total to $9 million by the time this year’s lucky winner is announced. The house will be a dream come true not only for the owner, but also for the children and families who rely on St. Jude in their time of need.

SOURCES DEVELOPER

Renaissance Development Company ARCHITECT

Classic Home Design BATH FIXTURES

Brizo KITCHEN

Batesville Cabinet Backsplash-General Shale Granite-Triton Stone installed by F&H Stone APPLIANCES

Ferguson Bath & Kitchen BUILDER

Southern Serenity Homes, LLC HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING:

Absolute Comfort LIGHTING

Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Manufacturer-Progress Lighting DOORS

Thrifty Building Supply WINDOWS

Thrifty Building Supply Manufacturer-Plygem FLOORING

Shaw Floors installed by J & D Tile & Hardwood Installers INTERIOR DESIGN

Southern Serenity Homes, LLC FURNISHINGS

Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Stash HOME TECHNOLOGY

Banks Electric LANDSCAPE Southern Landscape Services, LLC June 2014 • athomemms.com | 59

COVINGTON, TN

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design

Home Theaters and

Media Rooms

TEXT BY Lesley Harris Colvett & Scott Fuelling, President, Phoenix Unequaled Home Entertainment photography courtesy of scott fuelling 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

H

Having a home theater gives you the flexibility to enjoy a full-scale cinematic experience anytime you choose and with whomever you desire. You are not bound to specific show times, crowded theaters and limited refreshment options. As recreational time becomes more limited, having the ability to get together with friends and family to enjoy a movie or even a special sporting event is truly a luxury worth having. With today’s technology, even first-run movies are available at home on a limited basis. Video gaming, Internet surfing and even home movies have become standard fare as well in most home theaters and media rooms today.

Scott Fuelling, President of Phoenix Unequaled Home Entertainment, gives us valuable information on today’s home theaters and media rooms.

Is there a difference between a home theater and a media room? Is one more important to have than the other for growing families in the Mid South?

There is a definite difference between a dedicated home theater and a media room. A home theater generally refers to a specific area designed to give a true cinematic experience. Special attention is paid to room acoustics, seating placement, screen size (most of the time a video projection system is utilized to provide the best possible image) and, of course, the audio system selection and layout. The room is also generally designed around a themed décor of some form. Sometimes it includes architectural elements such as columns or beams. Generally there will be seating risers, providing the best sight lines. The color palette is selected to enhance the experience. Acoustical panels, curtains, specific lighting and even specialized HVAC installations become a critical component of the finished product.

A professionally designed home theater will provide a true cinematic experience that will rival even the best commercial theater around.

The term media room generally refers to a multi-purpose room with a larger television or projection system and a surround sound system. These can be installed in family rooms, dens, playroom areas or pretty much anywhere with enough space to accommodate the desired system.

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design

The rooms typically have a relaxed seating configuration, and may have additional furniture such as tables, chairs, etc. They are also used for casual viewing, such as day-to-day television as well as movies, sports and special events. The décor is not designed around a cinematic experience and can be pretty much anything. Acoustical considerations, specialized lighting and other details associated with a home theater may be incorporated, but are not the typical norm.

How does having a home theater/ media room add value to a home?

These entertainment spaces add value to the homeowner’s lifestyle by providing a dedicated space to get together with family and friends. If the design and installation have been performed by a reputable professional, they tend to become a selling point for most buyers, who will appreciate the enjoyment the room will bring to their family. Some buyers do not find added value in these areas because their lifestyle is such that they would not utilize the space frequently, but most buyers do find them to be desirable assets to the home when making a purchasing decision.

What kind of space would one need in their existing home to build a theater/media room? Do 64 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

most people add on to the home a system that can provide a premium or use an existing space? experience in even the most difficult space. We see more multi-purpose media Home theaters require more planning rooms being added to existing homes these and specific spaces than the typical media days than true home theaters due to space room due to the architectural considerations constraints and usage needs. for seating placement, viewing distances, etc. Depending on the desired seating What are some trends you capacity, most often an existing space in the are seeing in the world of home home such as a playroom or bonus room can theater/media rooms? be repurposed for a true home theater. We typically will take the existing space down We are seeing more and more of our to the bare studs and install acoustical dedicated home theater projects being dampening material that not only helps designed with higher-end finishes. Premium isolate the room and prevent outside noises fabrics and leathers, custom seating, specialty from interfering with the viewing experience, finishes on the surfaces, real hardwood but also reduces the amount of sound and even extras such as bar-type seating in transmitted from the theater to the rest of the back of the room are becoming very the home. The rest of the theater design is common. Requests also commonly include then built upon this starting point. We also specialty lighting with integrated control see clients add new space to an existing home and specific scenes that activate with play, to accomplish the desired experience and pause and stop commands on the remote during new construction the planning for a control as well as remote climate control home theater is part of the front-end process of the HVAC thermostat. Larger rooms with the architect, ensuring everything with bigger projection screens and audio is properly planned from the beginning systems are also becoming more and more without sacrifice. prevalent with the luxury buyer who desires total performance of the entire room. We Almost any available space in the home have done some “themed” theaters centered can accommodate a media room. Audio/ around a specific topic such as a sports team, video systems can be scaled to fit most movie genre or even aesthetic concept, rooms and budgets. With today’s breadth however, these are not as common as they of technology options, there is usually were several years ago.

In media rooms we are seeing the desire for the footprint of the technology to be less and less pronounced; buyers are opting to hide speakers in cabinetry or even utilizing in-wall components. The display is generally the only component visible all of the time.

In both types of rooms streaming media solutions such as Netflix, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV are popular. Video gaming is also a driving factor for many clients as they want to have the large-screen, surround-sound experience that really makes a huge difference with the software available today. For true movie buffs with large collections, dedicated movie servers such as the Kaleidescape line of products are a must have.

How long does it generally take to construct a home theater?

The time frame to build out a dedicated home theater varies greatly depending on the construction required, size of the space and the specific details requested by the client. If we start with a rough finished space, generally two to six months. This timeline is driven by the design process and then the construction timetable required. The process starts with meetings to determine the client’s needs, wants and desires as well as space evaluation and setting appropriate budgets. From there the design process includes acoustics, aesthetics, performance level and specialty finishes. Once the design has been approved, the construction plans are issued and the work begins. We are fortunate to work with a specific set of tradesmen who are familiar with the needs of home theater construction, which makes for a faster process and much more professional product in the end.

Since a media room can be as simple as adding a video display and surround sound system to an existing space or as elaborate as designing a complete room to fulfill multiple needs, the timeline can vary greatly. Typically a few weeks to a few months would be commonplace, but the amount of time depends on the design and concept for the space.

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styleMARKETPLACE

Game Rooms & Home Theaters Entertaining is at its best with these fun games and unique decor

Tiffany Game Room Island Light in Red ELK Lightin, $790, www.bedbathandbeyond.com

Pac Man Arcade Machine $2,500, www.sharperimage.com

Pocket Projector Mobile $300, www.brookstone.com

Coca Cola Vending Fridge $190, www.sharperimage.com

Red Movie Ticket Accent Pillow Kirkland's, $13, www.kirklands.com

Gatsby Series Kettle Popcorn Maker Nostalgia Electrics, $60, www.bedbathandbeyond.com

66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

2 in 1 Flip Top Game Table

Sharper Image, $770, www.sharperimage.com

Electronic Talking Dartboard

Sharper Image, $150, www.sharperimage.com

The Handicapping Foosball Table $700, www.hammacher.com

iPod Table Top Jukebox

Crosley, $230, www.sharperimage.com

October June 2013 2014 • athomemms.com | 67

garden

SITE KNOW HOW TEXT BY ANDY PULTE & CLINT M. WAYMAN

If you love gardening you’ve been there, standing beside a long row of plants at a local nursery or plant sale, reading the plant tag and wondering, “Where is this going to go.”

When glancing down at a plant tag, it takes a keen eye to decipher diagrams of the plant’s size at maturity, planting depths, hardiness zones and often-oversimplified diagram of sun exposure requirements.

Understanding this information is not just important for keeping your plants alive, it’s critical if you want them to thrive! Every garden is diverse in its site conditions.

Site is comprised of several things – soil conditions, available space, sun/shade patterns and temperature extremes, among others. Without a doubt, site is one of the most misunderstood elements of planting and landscape design. On a given afternoon, you can drive through Anywhere, USA, and within five minutes point out at least 10-20 wrongly-sited plants: junipers are holding a residential garage under siege, ready to overtake it in sheer mass, or a gorgeous river birch has to be cut down because it was planted against the foundation of a house.

KNOW YOUR PROPERTY Go outside and take a moment to move around and really look at your property.

As you walk, pay attention to what you are seeing, feeling or hearing. Which direction does your garden face? From which direction is the wind blowing? Do you notice areas that are consistently more wet or dry than others? Where are the sunny or shady spots?

Are they always like this? Are there a lot of A full-sun site is defined as one receiving more than six hours of direct sunlight cars nearby? A lot of people? Birds? throughout the day – it does not have to Make notes, take photos. Record the be continuous. A full-shade site means that dimensions of your planting beds. Having the site receives less than two hours of direct this info handy can help a lot when shopping sunlight daily. Part-sun and part-shade fall for plants. No matter how familiar we are between those two. Placing plants in areas with a space, often it is hard to imagine when with proper sun exposure can lead to lowermaintenance landscapes. we are somewhere else.

KNOW YOUR ZONE

KNOW YOUR PLANT’S SIZE

The USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map should be a stranger to no gardener.

The Southeastern United States covers approximately 12 Plant Hardiness Zones, 5b-11a. Each zone can be defined by distinct temperature extremes, plant communities, etc., and should be understood by anyone wanting to invest in their landscape. This information should be listed on each plant tag, whether annual or perennial. A large portion of the Mid South is in Zone 7. This means we can expect annual lows somewhere between 0°F and 10°F. This, however, is not a foolproof guide for choosing plants. Changes in elevation, nighttime temperatures, soil conditions and duration of cold and hot in the Mid South require attention beyond Hardiness Zone.

One of the best ways to cut out hours of needless maintenance is to select plants that fit in their spaces. This pertains specifically to woody plant material. A full, well-blended mixed garden where plants drift, blend and transition smoothly one into the other can be absolutely beautiful. But if you don’t want to be in your flowerbeds every weekend shearing shrubs and carving hollies into moving-box shapes, take the time to match plants with the space you have available.

KNOW YOUR SUN Sun-loving plants often get leggy and weak-stemmed as they search for light when planted in too much shade. Conversely, shade-loving plants will quickly shrivel up and wither as they burn to a crisp in the sun.

68 2014 68 || At At Home Home Memphis Memphis & & Mid Mid South South • • February June 2014

Seek to garden and design for the longterm, understanding that while there might be instant gratification, a well-tended, mature landscape is far more impressive.

Coming to a fuller understanding of site is imperative to developing and maintaining a successful landscape. These factors must be taken into account in conjunction with each other. Certainly, these are not the only points that can be made in regards to site, but with these thoughts in your back pocket, you can see with fresh eyes and a new outlook as you walk the rows at your favorite nursery.

outdoor living

WHY DO WE CRAVE

THE OUTDOORS? TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF RENAISSANCE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

The sounds of birds in the trees, the smell of fresh flowers in the garden, the warmth of the sun on your skin – stepping outside can help anyone feel instantly better. The good news is that today, there is increased awareness of the advantages and benefits of the natural environment. Long passed are the days when new homes only offered a small concrete slab for outdoor living, and shopping centers were completely enclosed under one roof. Today, new homes of all price ranges include a more inviting outdoor living space – some with options for outdoor kitchens and even fireplaces to help extend outdoor living into winter. Shopping mall developers have answered the public’s outcry for more intimacy with nature by turning to “lifestyle centers” which include gardens and walkable social areas outdoors.

happy. Scientific studies have shown that which arguably is a healthier exercise than a natural environments can have remarkable treadmill or elliptical trainer can provide. benefits for human health. Being close to nature is not only more likely to promote YOUR CONCENTRATION WILL positive emotions, but also to create a IMPROVE more heightened physical and mental energy. Here are a few benefits of spending Many studies have shown how being more time outdoors. outdoors in nature can improve the ability to focus. In fact, a recent study found that children with ADHD scored higher on a LIGHT TENDS TO test of concentration after a walk through a park than after a walk through a residential ELEVATE PEOPLE'S neighborhood or downtown area – in MOOD, AND USUALLY essence, children with ADHD seem to focus MORE LIGHT IS better after being outdoors.

”

AVAILABLE OUTDOORS THAN INDOORS

“

YOU’LL GET BETTER EXERCISE WHY DO WE CRAVE THE OUTDOORS?

Although you don’t have to be outside to be active, being outdoors generally leads The perks of greener environs reach to walking, biking, gardening and other far beyond simply making us feel activities that put the body in motion, 70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

YOU MAY HEAL FASTER The effects of being outdoors where you have the ability to absorb natural light can improve the healing process. Studies have shown that surgery patients experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications during their recoveries if they were exposed to natural light.

Your Vitamin D levels will rise… Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because sunlight hitting the skin begins the process that eventually leads to the creation of the biologically active form of the vitamin. Epidemiologic studies indicate that Vitamin D may have protective effects against everything from cancer to depression to heart attacks and strokes. Too much of a good thing can be bad for you, though. The ultraviolet B (UVB) light that causes the generation of Vitamin D in the skin is the same UVB light that causes sunburn. The liberal use of sunscreen when you are outdoors for extended periods of time is advised, however, limited sun exposure on short walks and the like is necessary for production of the “sunshine vitamin” that we so naturally crave for our health.

You’ll be happier Light tends to elevate people’s mood, and usually more light is available outdoors than indoors. Physical activity has been shown to relax and cheer people up—so if being outdoors replaces inactive indoor pursuits with active ones, then naturally there will be more smiles and laughter.

Summer is here The time when the outdoors beckon. Go on – enjoy your backyard, take a walk in your neighborhood park, stroll in the sun while shopping at a lifestyle center – you will not only feel better, you’ll also reap great physical and mental health benefits.

Douglas Swink with Renaissance Realty

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social

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entertaining

Father’s Day COOKOUT TEXT BY ANGELA MAZANTI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA EVAUL WRITESMAN, BEL MOMENTO PHOTOGRAPHY

Take the Father’s Day celebration outdoors this year! Event designer and planner Angela Mazanti creates a Dad’s Day cookout any man would love.

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entertaining

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entertaining

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Setting the stage at an incredible outdoor kitchen at Morgreen Nursery in Collierville Mazanti says “They have such an amazing setting with multiple patios to entertain on.” She adds “I have a tendency to want to go over the top whenever I am putting together any kind of event, but I wanted this to be something uniquely for and about the All-American dad. He doesn’t need or ask for much—just a natural relaxing, day in an easy atmosphere surrounded by the people who love him most; his family.”

Mazanti utilized the beautiful plants and great furniture at the nursery. She also took advantage of being surrounded by all of the sounds, smells and textures of nature.

Most dads love a simple good oldfashioned American hamburger, and that’s exactly what’s on the menu, along with grilled corn on the cob with savory cilantro butter on top, baked mac and cheese, a tasty salad and local beer.

“The best food is sometimes a simple meal that doesn’t take all day to create and allows you to spend quality time with the ones who mean the most you.

And after a great meal like that, the Adirondack chairs by the fireplace make the most wonderful place to just sit and relax, which, if I had to guess, would be the one thing I think most dads would agree is the best gift imaginable on their special day,” says Mazanti.

“If you want to create that same atmosphere for a special man in your life you can take inspiration from some of the details I included. You don’t have to have a beautiful state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen like we were fortunate to have.

You can create a wonderful atmosphere in your own backyard,” the designer shares.

Mazanti suggests that instead of plain paper napkins you use bandanas in fun colors, and another nice touch is to ice down some old-fashioned bottles of soda and/or local craft beers. Make sure to create an area where Dad can do nothing but relax and enjoy the day and the food.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the wonderful dads in our lives!

June 2014 • athomemms.com | 81

special

FUN AND THOUGHTFUL WOW DAD THIS FATHER'S DAY WITH THESE FABULOUS FINDS

Alabama Cufflinks made from recyled helmet $170, Dixie Pickers in Collierville TN

Edifier Bric Connect

$100, www.edifier.us.com

Mammoth Series Knife

William Henry, $375, Doris McLendon in Germantown TN

The No Glasses 3D Tablet

$350, www.hammacher.com

82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

Travel Charging Kit

$50, www.sharperimage.com

Mid 1900's Gerz German Stein

$49, His Hers Antiques in Tupelo MS

M.O.C Board - Hanging Magnetic Strip in Maple M.O.C. Woodworks, $45, www.mocwoodworks.com

Black Matte Money Clip

$20, www.thingsremembered.com

Vintage Biltmore Fedora Tribly Hat $50, His Hers Antiques in Tupelo MS

Two Person Basketball

Sharper Image, $250, www.sharperimage.com

On the ROCK Glass with Ice Ball Maker $20, www.brookstone.com

special

Mini Keg Cooler with Tap

$200, www.sharperimage.com

The Golfer's Personalized Travel Map $150, www.hammacher.com

Go Travel Heated Mug $15, www.wayfair.com

Men's Italian dress socks

UNplugged, $29, MLM in Tupelo MS

Sawgrass Bottle Opener

$75, Dixie Pickers in Collierville TN

The 100 Greatest Classics Audio Book $100, www.hammacher.com

Cardinals Bottle Opener made from recycled bat $125, Dixie Pickers in Collierville TN

Bullhide Officer's Briefcase Orvis, $450, www.orvis.com

Virtual Keyboard

$120, www.brookstone.com

Dorset Limit Shoe

Clarks, $165, www.clarksusa.com

Personalized Skeleton Pocket Watch $65, www.thingsremembered.com

Electronic Return Putting MatPompidoo, $70, www.sharperimage.com

April June 2014 • athomemms.com | 83

cooking CONVENIENTLY HEALTHY WITH APRIL MCKINNEY

Italian Pasta Salads FOR SUMMER

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD SERVES 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 ounces whole-wheat rotini pasta • 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 tsp. honey • ¾ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. black pepper • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, balls or cubed • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved • 3 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped • 1 garlic clove, minced DIRECTIONS:

Boil the pasta according to the package directions; be sure to add a tablespoon or so of salt to the water to season the pasta.

While the pasta cooks, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.

There are so many things I love about summer, but my favorite thing about this time of year might just be the food.

It's so simple and low maintenance, especially when you use lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. The two pasta salads I am sharing with you this month are perfect for summer and they both have a delicious Italian twist. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they are packed with flavor and can be made ahead of time. Both of these salads can also be served chilled which makes them perfect side dishes for picnics and backyard dinners on the grill. Since they get even tastier as they sit, I like to make a big batch, and then my lunch is ready to go for the next few days.

Nowadays pasta comes in many varieties so you can experiment with different shapes and sizes. I like to use wholewheat pasta because of the extra fiber; it’s filling and I actually prefer the heartier texture. Also, since these pasta salads are mayo free you won't have to worry so much about them sitting out — an added bonus to these healthy sides.

For more healthy summer dishes be sure to check out my website www.AprilMcKinney.com 84 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

Drain the pasta as soon as it cooks and immediately toss it with the vinaigrette, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and garlic. Enjoy it warm or chill it until you are ready to serve.

PESTO, PROSCIUTTO AND ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD SERVES 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 ounces whole-wheat rotini pasta • ¾ pound asparagus, trimmed • 3 Tbsp. pesto • 4 thin slices prosciutto • 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese DIRECTIONS:

Cut each asparagus spear into 3 sections. Boil the pasta according to the package directions, and then add the asparagus for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and asparagus, and stir in the pesto while the pasta is still warm. Tear or cut the prosciutto into strips, and then toss it and the feta in the pasta salad as well. Chill until ready to serve.

Photo courtesy of the Woman's Exchange of Memphis

chef ’s corner The Woman’s Exchange of Memphis

Tea Room TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT

Rev Bailey, better known as “Chef Rev,” has been cooking delicious lunches for diners at the Tea Room, located in the Woman’s Exchange of Memphis, for 20 years. It really is a treat to eat one of Chef Rev’s delicious dishes, and Chef Rev really cares about his customers’ enjoyment. “My favorite part is meeting and being with the guests, and to see them enjoy the food I prepare, and the repeat customers,” Chef Rev says with a smile.

He’ll tell the customers “you’ve got it” when they ask for something. Between the diners, regular bridge players and volunteers of the Woman’s Exchange, Chef Rev is surrounded by many friendly faces as he cooks lunch Mondays-Fridays at the Tea Room.

On the job, Chef Rev’s favorite time of the year is in November and December, during the holiday season. In addition to cooking for the Tea Room’s regular patrons, he prepares his famous beef tenderloin for Christmas parties. His catfish and special Seafood Charleston, a light dish that Chef Rev says everyone enjoys, also keep Tea Room guests coming back.

Chef Rev’s career goes back to the 1970s and 1980s when he was cooking at the University Club of Memphis. Working at the Tea Room is like being with family for Chef Rev, and he really pours his soul into the food he creates. “We’re like a family The Seafood Charleston recipe may be here; I know what the customers like,” he found in the Tea Room Treasures cookbook, says. “I try to cook what the diners ask me along with many other recipes submitted by to fix, anything that my guests like, I can Woman’s Exchange members. fix. I love when they love it,” Chef Rev says.

CHICKEN, RICE AND ARTICHOKE CASSEROLE • 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise • 1 diced onion • 1 small jar of artichokes, drained and diced • 1 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. black pepper • 1 tsp. curry powder • ½ cup white wine DIRECTIONS: In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup with the mayonnaise, diced onion and artichoke.

Then add the salt, pepper, curry powder and white wine and mix together. In a 9x13 baking dish, take the cooked white rice and fill INGREDIENTS: the bottom of the pan, then put the chicken • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled on top, then the sauce mixture, repeat with and cubed the rice, chicken and sauce mixture. Repeat • 2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup the layering two times, then sprinkle with • 1 pound of cooked white converted rice (Chef paprika on top. Bake in the oven at 325˚ for Rev prefers Uncle Ben’s) about 45 minutes.

86 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

cuisine

Flight

Restaurant and Wine Bar Taking Dining to a Higher Level text by Lesley Harris Colvett

Located on a prime corner on South Main Street in Downtown Memphis, Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar offers a fabulous dining experience. Whether you want a quick bite at the bar or a memorable meal on the balcony level overlooking Main Street, Flight serves up a variety of dining options with the common theme of remarkable food with exceptional service. Flight Chef/Partner Josh Perkins strives each day to create dishes that reflect the region’s fresh local fare.

A meal at Flight is a truly unique food and wine experience. Long popular in the wine world, a “flight” is a selection of small portions intended to allow tasters to sample several vintages. Flight has expanded the concept to include everything from salads to main dishes to desserts, along with traditional wine flights. Entrée flights include three three-ounce servings from a single menu category like loin or feathered, or diners can mix and match their own combination. Guests may also order a larger portion of a single entrée. “I want the

customer’s experience to be superb,” Perkins says, and he feels this flexibility in dining choices allows for that.

Perkins says his cuisine style is “Southeastern United States classics modernized.” He grew up in the region – Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina – and his food reflects his family’s geographical roots. Perkins enjoys looking through older cookbooks from the East Coast, particularly those from Georgia. He incorporates his grandmother’s fried chicken recipe in the chicken and waffles dish served at Flight.

“There’s a trend of Southern food right now, the farm-to-table, but that’s the way we’ve always cooked in the South,” Perkins says, referring to the fact that he uses local meats and fresh, in-season produce.

Patrons comment that aesthetically Flight looks like an out-of-town restaurant, and Perkins says that customers come from as far away as Los Angeles and Minnesota; about 65 percent of Flight’s business in the summer is from tourists.

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The patio is a popular spot and seats about 40-45 guests. The Brodnax Room/ Wine Cellar downstairs at Flight seats 110 customers. With an exquisite yet cozy ambiance it provides a perfect setting for private celebrations such as birthday or anniversary parties, corporate functions or rehearsal dinners. The Brodnax Room features a handsome bar and tile floors that are original to the building, which is more than 100 years old. “We did as little as possible to change the bones of the restaurant,” Perkins says.

Flight has received OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards for Best Overall, Best Ambiance and Best Food. The reviews online are astounding, deeming Flight a “local treasure” and “top-notch” experience.

But Perkins just looks at the accolades as a residual benefit of what he strives to do every day – to provide customers delicious food with fabulous service.

cuisine

”

There’s a trend of Southern food right now, the farm-to-table, but that’s the way we’ve always cooked in the South.

“

May 2014 • athomemms.com | 91

finance

The Women iN Our Lives

Deserve Better How attacking the issue of gender inequality will improve their chances of achieving financial success text by Michael Deutsch, CFP®, CDFA™, Managing Director – United Capital Financial Advisers, LLC

With all of the important women in my life, I have earned numerous titles including husband, colleague, son, grandson, uncle and dad. As a dad, I am so excited to be sharing my life with my three daughters, but as my oldest moves closer to college, I have become very concerned about her having a level playing field in Corporate America.

Life is tough enough, but as we move through 2014, it is still quite apparent that women will continue to face significant challenges simply because they are women.

As men with many titles connecting us to them, we have a deep responsibility to expand our love and/or respect for them by trying to finish off the last portion of gender inequality in the workplace.

By this I mean, we need to step in front of the established business environment that hosts gender inequality and finish it off. This is a daunting challenge considering the bullets one may get hit with in his professional circles. But what is the alternative? Watching your daughter or your best friend’s niece suffer professionally because you lack guts?

Are you going to watch as your daughter, niece, or colleague gets paid 84% as much as the man doing the same job sitting next to her?¹ In Tennessee, it is even worse as a recent study by National Partnership for Women & Families noted “women in Tennessee are paid 77 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a yearly wage gap of $9,430 between men and women who work full time in the state.”² Women in our lives continue to make less and have fewer opportunities to advance in their careers. According to Catalyst.org, a 92 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014

Canadian research firm, for the ninth straight year there has been no significant change in women occupying corporate board seats.

That number has been hovering around 15 percent for nearly a decade.³

In 2012, the median hourly earnings of women as a percent of men's was 84%

we are doing in our careers and that we can be a resource for them as they develop their own paths. You can start by simply trying the Business Card Promise.

1.) Make a list of college-bound or other women comprised of family, friends and co-workers who need mentoring, networking support, or should simply to know you are there to help.

2.) Take out a dozen of your business cards We also cannot simply write a tuition and write the following or something check and wave goodbye as our daughter or similar on the back. “Dear Lisa, Please granddaughter goes off to college. Are you let me know if I can be of help with your comfortable sending them off into the world college application – Mr. Smith” or “Please knowing she will most likely start out being feel free to use me as a resource as you paid less and have fewer opportunities to move forward in your career – Michael” succeed, because you failed to challenge the 3.)Mail them out today. system? If something happens to you today can you comfortably say you did everything you thought possible to help your daughter Progress is being made in creating a working or female co-workers from losing out on environment that is supportive to women in hundreds of thousands of dollars in earnings developing their careers on a level playing field, but the pace is unsettling. In 2012, over their lifetimes? women were earning 84 cents for every dollar a man made. In 1980, it was under 70 A Simple Call to Actcents.4 Do you want your granddaughters, The Business Card Promise daughters, nieces, co-workers and other It is time to do more. Lead by example and important women in your life to wait another challenge the status quo. A simple first step two decades to receive equal pay for equal is to let the women in our lives know that we work? Pull out a few business cards and get are going to be taking on this business culture writing. That card could be worth $500,000 and do whatever we can to challenge it. This to current or future professional. I call that includes changing our conduct as it relates a pretty good return on your investment. to our own career, the employees we may 4 supervise or work alongside and any other ¹, “On Pay Gap, Millennial Women Near Parity – For Now” www.pewresearch.org, December 11, 2013. p. 2. activity that will enable us to achieve gender ² “Tennessee Women and the Wage Gap” neutrality at work. A clear message can be nationalpartnerhsip.org. April 2014. immediately sent in the form of letting the ³ Catalyst.org. Women in U.S. Management and women around us know that we are here to Labor Force. December 10, 2013. help. They need to know more about what

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June 2014

happenings

SUN MON TUES WED THUR 1 2 3 4 5 "The Big One" Memphis Flea Market

The Agricenter Memphis 901.757.7777

Memphis Knights Big Band at the Garden

Memphis Botanic Garden www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

June 2-13 Performing Arts Camp

The Ned, Jackson, TN 731.425.8397

June 3-30 Allison Mayhan Art Exhibit

Kaleidoscope Club

Memphis Botanic Garden www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

The Dixon Gardens & Gallery 901.312.1272 www.dixon.org

June 5-8 Tupelo Elvis Festival

BancorpSouth Arena 662.841.6528 www.bcsarena.com

www.cityofjackson.net

8 Downtown Paris Art Walk

Downtown Paris, TN 731.653.7274

15

9

10

11 12

June 9-13 Nature Scene Investigators

Food Truck Garden Party

Memphis Botanic Garden

www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

Memphis Botanic Garden

www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

16

2014 Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant

June 16-20 Summer Dance Intensive

Carl Perkins Civic Center Jackson, TN 731.425.8590

Ballet Arts Jackson, TN www.balletartsjackson.org

www.misstennessee.org

Kaleidoscope Club

Cocktails in the Garden

The Dixon Gardens & Gallery 901.312.1272

Memphis Botanic Garden www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

www.dixon.org

17

18

Dinner Entertainment by the Casey Jones Barbershop Chorus

The Old Country Store Jackson, TN 731.234.0360

19

Kaleidoscope Club

The Dixon Gardens & Gallery 901.312.1272 www.dixon.org

Art After Dark

The Dixon Gardens & Gallery 901.312.1272 www.dixon.org

Ladies Night Out

Covington Historic Square 901.476.9727 covington-tiptoncochamber.com

22

23

Downtown Cruise In

25 26

June 23-27 Summer Hoop Camp

Paris, TN 731.653.7274

Stars & Stripes Festival

Memphis Botanic Garden

June 24-29 The Book of Mormon

www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

24

The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000

Greenwood, MS www.greenwoodmschamber.com

June 26-27 You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

The Ned Jackson, TN 731.425.8397

www.orpheum-memphis.com

29

30

"Can't Stop Singing"

by Sesame Street Live

Lendon Noe Art Exhibit

FedEx Forum 901.205.2525 www.fedexforum.com

The Ned Jackson, TN 731.425.8397

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

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

happenings

FRI SAT 6 7 B.B. King

Gold Strike Casino & Resort 662.357.1111

Relay For Life 2014

Halle Park, Collierville 901.378.1983

www.bbking.com

June 6-7 Shannon Street Music Fest

Court Square Downtown Jackson TN

Paws for a Cause

The Shops of Saddle Creek 901.753.4264

13 14 Movie Mania: The Incredibles

Carriage Crossing.

901.854.8240

www.shopcarriagecrossing.com

Jim Gaffigan

Horseshoe Casino Tunica, MS 800.303.7463

20

Playing For Change

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art www.brooksmuseum.org

Creative Aging's 5th Annual Variety Show

Kirby Pines Retirement Community 901.272.3434

27

Art & Soul

The Dixon Gardens & Gallery 901.312.1272 www.dixon.org

Movie Mania: Tarzan

Carriage Crossing 901.854.8240

June 10 Food Truck Garden Party

www.shopsofsaddlecreek.com

11th Annual Street Fiesta

June 13 Movie Mania: The Incredibles

Tupelo Community Theatre 662.844.1935 www.tctwebstage.com

Rockabilly Highway Revival

Downtown Selmer, TN 731.645.6360

21 Hairspray

Playhouse on the Square 901.729.7044 Little Big Town

Live at the Garden 901.636.4107 www.liveatthegarden.com

28

June 23-27 Summer Hoop Camp

Stooges Brass Band

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art 901.544.6200 www.brooksmuseum.org

www.shopcarriagecrossing.com

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sources 24 | Health Dr. Phillip Langsdon Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery, UT; Southern Regional Director, American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Director of The Langsdon Clinic www.drlangsdon.com 28 | Mid South Must Do Special thanks to — Debbie Brangenberg, Executive Director, Downtown Tupelo Main Street Assoc.

34 | Travel Special thanks to — Barbara May, Owner Travel Leaders www.gotravelleaders.com 42 | Community Hotspot Special thanks to — Stephanie Jones mr. & mrs. jones The Children’s Museum of Memphis The Memphis Zoo The Salvation Army Kroc Center 48 | At Home With Special thanks to — Larry Dodson www.thebar-kays.com 50 | Technology Phoenix Unequaled Home Entertainment www.phoenixcommcorp.com 52 | Home Feature Special thanks to — Dr. Susan Aguillard, St. Jude representative, Eads project

62 | Design Special thanks to — Scott Fuelling, President Phoenix Unequaled Home Entertainment www.phoenixcommcorp.com 78 | Entertaining Event Design Planner — Angela Mazanti Design, www.angelamazantidesign.com Photographer — Amanda Evaul Writesman, Bel Momento Photography 86 | Chef's Corner Special thanks to — Chef “Rev,” The Women’s Exchange of Memphis 90 | Cuisine Special thanks to — Chef Josh Perkins, Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar www.flightmemphis.com June 2014 • athomemms.com | 97

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