June 2024

HOME FEATURE FEATURING LINDSEY BLACK INTERIORS

DESIGN FEATURING WAREHOUSE 67

26 | HOME FEATURE

A Pickwick retreat created by designer Lindsey Black takes inspiration from its lakefront surroundings.

40 | DESIGN

Warehouse 67 Design teams up with Southern Serenity Homes to create a masterpiece for the 2024 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway.

JUNE 2024 • VOL. 23 NO. 3

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

MANAGING EDITOR

AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com

COPY EDITOR

TERRI GLAZER

IMAGING

COLOR MANAGEMENT

CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

ADVERTISING

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com

CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@gmail.com

BUSINESS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION

HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com

HOW TO REACH US

7776 FARMINGTON BLVD, # 1321 GERMANTOWN TN 38183 | 901.684.4155 ATHOMEMMS.COM

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Junejust brings on so many special things. It is the beginning of summer, the month with the longest day of the year, June brides and June roses. Truly a month full of days special for so many reasons. Besides Father’s Day, two other June celebrations that are special for me are the annual St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway and, well, my birthday.

The St. Jude Dream Home is very special to me for many reasons. Their mission statement perfectly describes it: “[The mission of] St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.” Many say that some things are too good to be true but our family can confirm this fine institution as the eighth wonder of the world. With God’s guidance and financial contributions from so many, they have comforted and saved many, many lives. My sweet niece, Julia, is one of those precious lives. Despite many hills and push backs, sweet, beautiful and SMART Julia is cancer free, healthy and pursuing a career in medicine. Although only two years old when diagnosed with MLL, she remembers the love, care and her St. Jude family. For her to pursue a career to help people was just second nature.

On the birthday note, let’s just say it’s my last rotation in my 50’s and that is perfectly fine. Another year of great memories and I look forward to the years I am blessed with to come. Age is just a number. I believe we never know when our time is up, so 59 is no different than 29, except I can’t see, stand up straight, remember what I came in the room for and so on, but I can still crawl around on the floor with my precious grands so nothing else matters!

This year’s Dream Home is just beautiful and I hope you get the opportunity to go tour it for yourself. Whether you are looking to build, remodel or, like me, just enjoy looking at beautiful home design and decor, you will not be disappointed. More importantly, you will make a difference that could be the reason another precious child, like our Julia, is here to pursue a degree to help others and possibly save further lives.

Wishing you all a safe and memorable summer! We only get so many, so make it count!

- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

Natural Beauty

A Pickwick retreat created by designer Lindsey Black takes inspiration from its lakefront surroundings.

TERRI GLAZER

Whenplanning a new lake house for her client, designer Lindsey Black knew just the feel the home needed. The family’s main residence in Memphis reflects the owner’s classic, polished sense of style. The Pickwick place needed to respect the traditional, but in a relaxed way that would blend with the beauty of its waterfront setting.

“She really wanted it to feel comfortable for her family, not like anything was too precious, but at the same time not so casual that it didn't feel like her,” recalls the designer, owner of Lindsey Black Interiors.

Black achieved the goal by employing a mostly soft and subdued color palette paired with plenty of wood and other natural materials. Her emphasis was not only on style, however. The client’s family includes four school-age children as

well as a host of out-of-town relatives, so the lake house had to be beautiful, indestructible and able to hold a crowd.

The five-bedroom home built by RKA Construction coexists seamlessly with its gorgeous surroundings on the Alabama side of Pickwick Lake thanks to its charcoal gray facade with dark stained cedar and natural stone accents. Black reprised the saturated color and light neutral theme throughout the interior for continuity.

The large family room boasts a fabulous lake view which Black wanted to keep unobstructed. She chose low-profile seating for the space; two comfortable sofas in blue, one of her client’s favorite colors. She added a couple of dark rattan swivel chairs with a linear look that speaks to the room’s largest work of art, a painting of stacked logs commissioned for the house from Memphis artist Pam McDonnell.

Thelimestone fireplace’s simple, clean-lined design gives no hint of the construction challenge it presented. A woodburning fireplace was a must-have for the homeowners, but with a basement underneath the family room, the element required a lot of extra structural support. Black is quick to credit the RKA team for giving the clients their bucketlist item.

Filling graceful arched spaces on either side of the mantel are floating walnut shelves. The reeded treatment on the doors of the cabinets below speaks to the swivel chairs and painting. The rich walnut appears throughout the home, always with only a clear coat finish that allows the grain of the wood to take center stage. Dark stained white oak floors create a visual tie with the walnut’s natural beauty.

The family room opens to the kitchen, where Black created an ambiance that exudes relaxed elegance. “It's a little more modern but not so modern that it didn't feel like [my client],” explains Black. Custom cabinetry from BylerCraft in Whiteville, TN, features inset doors with soft rolled edges. “Doing the inset, and also panel-covered appliances, helps keep it feeling a bit traditional,” she adds. The designer chose Sherwin Williams Night Owl, a deep gray with a hint of green, for the perimeter cabinetry, and introduced a natural element with the stained-wood island. Caesarstone countertops in Black Temple top all the cabinets and provide a counterpoint to the marble backsplash that brightens the space without taking away from the moody character. The evolving patina of the Rohl unlacquered brass faucet brings another element of interest.

"Natural

gas wasn’t an option, and they didn’t want a traditional electric range, so we used an Aga, from Sweden. It’s induction and it’s just beautiful,” says Black.

“There's definitely been a shift in general to people being more open to induction cooking because of concerns about health with natural gas. It’s great if you’re in a place where you don't have access to natural gas, and it’s really safe too because if you touch it, it’s not hot.”

Just off the kitchen, the fully-equipped scullery makes cooking for the large groups the family often hosts at the lake a breeze. The compact space packs a lot of bang per square foot, with an additional refrigerator and wall oven, plus a microwave.

Plenty of dining space was a must and Black’s plan made sure there’s a place for everyone to enjoy a meal. Three separate dining areas—the dining room, the deck and the screen porch— can accommodate family and friends for anything from a breakfast al fresco to a large cookout. “The dining room feels polished, but not too formal,” says Black, noting that the overscale caning on

the chairs creates a more casual look than a solid wood chair. Dual plaster and brass bowl fixtures provide panache, and an antique map of the homeowners’ native Canada, cut apart and hung as a grouping, adds a personal touch.

Just off the room, an expansive covered porch has room for everything. Guests can relax on one of two comfy sofas, help with cooking in the outdoor kitchen or admire the lake view from the dining table that seats 10. A coffee table with a built-in fire pit between the sofas allows the family to enjoy the deck even when a chill is in the air.

To the side of the covered porch an open deck is just right for morning coffee or an afternoon beverage. The spot is also accessible from the primary bedroom by a wall of window doors that spill light into the bedroom and provide more of the water views the homeowners love. Black kept the mood relaxed in the owners’ suite, again employing natural and textural elements. A cotton ticking stripe on the upholstered headboard and footboard feels at home in the rustic setting; polish and bold color come from accent pillows. An inviting chaise lounge offers an ideal place to relax after a day of fun on the water.

Withfour children, Black’s clients knew their lake house would often be full of young people, and they outfitted it to welcome them warmly. Two bunk rooms, one for girls and one for boys, are equipped with two sets of twin-over-queen bunks apiece. Built to handle a crowd, the rooms aren’t lacking in style. The designer chose dramatic Benjamin Moore Storm Cloud Gray paint for the girls’ area, punched up with pillows and a Roman shade in a cute Schumacher block print. Each bunk room has its own bath, as do two other guest bedrooms in the home.

While the main-floor living room is a more sophisticated spot for adults, the basement is designed as the kids’ hangout. A large sectional lets everyone pile on to watch TV, and a barheight table and stools behind the sofa mean no one has to miss out while having a snack. Fierce competition comes at the air hockey table; the winners can pose for Polaroid pictures that will add to the growing collection of snapshots on the nearby grid wall.

Because a lake house is meant for relaxing, Black saw to it that the materials used in it are as carefree as possible. From the composite decking used on the outdoor areas, to the performance upholstery on the indoor and outdoor furniture, to painted vertical wood planks instead of sheetrock in areas most likely to be wet, to stained concrete floors in the basement, she made choices with both style and durability in mind. All that’s left is for the family to relax and enjoy their guests, the lovely home and the beauty of its natural surroundings.

Katie & Ford HOWELL

APRIL 6, 2024 | MEMPHIS, TN PARENTS OF

REHEARSAL

RENTALS:

A DREAM ELEVATED

DESIGN BY WAREHOUSE 67 | STORY BY TERRI GLAZER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNABELLA CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHY

"Whenit comes to homes and structures, having classic elements that don’t go out of style is so important,” says Kim Loudenbeck. The designer, along with her team at Warehouse 67, created a classically inspired aesthetic she described as “cleanlined traditional” for the 2024 Memphis St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. Teaming with builder Southern Serenity Homes for the third consecutive year, Loudenbeck says this year’s Dream Home, located in Arlington’s Manor at Hall Creek neighborhood, is packed with design elements and upgraded features that elevate it to true dream status.

The enhancements start from the first step inside. Says Loudenbeck, “We loved the concept of inviting guests in by adding beautiful square wainscot paneling. It really sets the entry apart and gives it architectural interest.”

Open to both the entryway and the living room, the dining room features a v-groove ceiling accented with wood beams. Loudenbeck and the project’s trim carpenter collaborated

to create a custom look that would be harmonious with the light-toned Shaw hardwood flooring used throughout the home, opting for soft white paint on the planks and a subtle paint wash on the beams. Over the dining table, a linear chandelier gives the room a transitional touch. The fixture, along with all the lighting in the Dream Home, is from Kichler, another national sponsor of St. Jude’s annual fundraiser.

An overscale round mirror on the room’s far wall creates drama. Part of the full-house staging overseen by Warehouse 67’s Cassy Hunt, the piece provides a counterpoint to angular elements in the space.

Part of the Dream Home construction from the planning phase, Loudenbeck praises Southern Serenity owner Greg Bridgers for allowing her to “push the envelope” a bit when it came to architectural features. The living room’s arched trusses were a labor of love for the builder, but the impact justifies the extra work. A limestone fireplace adds to the ambiance, a nod to the look of an English country home, but with an up-to-date feel.

The kitchen is a showplace, packed with the upgrades like state-of-the-art Bosch appliances, Silestone countertops and custom carpentry on the vent hood and built-in refrigerator/freezer. The ceiling treatment is a reverse of the one in the dining room; here Loudenbeck chose a light finish for the tongue-and-groove panels and applied the same white paint on the beams as on the living room trusses, creating flow throughout the area.

Neutral-toned chevron tile plays well off the soft taupe cabinets and creates a feature wall that adds to the kitchen’s overall design without demanding too much attention.

Off to the one side, a charming bonus space could serve as a coffee bar or extra prep area. It’s the type feature usually found in larger, pricier homes, as is the large, walk-in pantry just across from it.

The large primary suite will be a perfect retreat for the winner of the Dream Home Giveaway. A stunning tray ceiling is dressed up with elegant molding and cove lighting. Repeated on the bedroom’s feature wall, the molding adds time-honored sophistication to the setting. The adjoining bathroom isn’t missing a single feature when it comes to luxury and beauty. Separate vanity areas provide ample mirror, storage and counter space for two. A freestanding Kohler tub waits to provide the ultimate in relaxation, and the oversized shower is outfitted with multiple heads and sprayers.

Just outside the owner’s suite, a home office painted in a saturated taupe shade makes a stylish setting for a Zoom call on a work-from-home day. An office is an extra not typically found in mid-sized homes, and Loudenbeck touts the efficient use of space in the Dream Home’s layout. “I love that this plan has a spot where you can shut the door and have privacy for a conference call, but it’s not so big that it takes square footage away from other areas.”

The laundry room combines form and function, with a generous helping of color and high-end features to boot. “We felt like we could have a little fun in here,” says Loudenbeck, “so we picked a bold cabinet color. If you’re going to step out a bit, a secondary space is the perfect place.” More than a feast for the eyes, the space is well appointed with a second Bosch refrigerator, a sink and a hanging zone.

The home’s two additional bed/bath suites, one upstairs and one down, prove that secondary doesn’t have to equal basic. Both the bedrooms feature more of the charming millwork that gives the Dream Home so much character. Soft white walls and hardwood floors provide a simple and beautiful backdrop to accommodate any style of furnishings the new owner places in them. Marble mosaic floors in both bathrooms add a dressy, but not too formal, touch.

An additional living space upstairs is versatile enough to become a media room or game area. Keeping comfort in mind, Loudenbeck’s Warehouse 67 team staged the spot with an inviting sofa, a pair of handsome swivel chairs and a tufted ottoman. Pops of black and natural brass accents punch up the serene, neutral palette.

The home is well-suited to outdoor living, with a covered front porch perfect for visiting with neighbors. In the large covered patio out back, a fireplace and ceiling fan assure comfort year round, as well as a front-row view of the custom pond with waterfall feature.

Loudenbeck says working on the St. Jude Dream Home every year is a labor of love for her and for all those who make it a reality. Their aboveand-beyond effort, adding upgraded features and thoughtful extra touches, will make it a dream come true for the lucky winner who becomes its owner on June 26 during a live broadcast on WMC Action News 5.

AN OCEAN STATE OF MIND… SAIL INTO LUXURY!

TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS

Cruising has come back in a big way and is stronger than ever, with a plethora of exciting updates and new ships that have been launching!

The cruise industry is offering thousands of sailings once again, encompassing a wide variety of destinations and experiences. For 2024, the industry has surpassed previous passenger numbers, thanks to the introduction of new ships, routes and enhanced health protocols that aim to restore travelers' confidence.

WHAT’S THE PRICE DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN A REGULAR CRUISE AND A LUXURY CRUISE?

Luxury cruises are generally allinclusive, so to make a fair price comparison you would take the cost of a top suite on a regular ship, then add the cost of a sanctuary area upcharge, dinner in a premium restaurant each night, specialty coffees and on-board Wi-Fi. Then tack on about $60 per day to cover the cost of alcoholic beverages. Gratuities and port charges also have to be added. Once all those costs are totaled, the price of a luxury cruise may be more cost effective.

WHAT DO LUXURY CRUISE LINES HAVE TO OFFER?

Luxury cruises are becoming more popular among discerning cruisers who are looking for something different. They offer an unparalleled travel experience where exquisite comfort, breathtaking destinations and personalized service converge to create unforgettable journeys.

WHAT SETS LUXURY CRUISES APART?

The unmatched accommodations on the luxury cruise lines often feature significantly larger spaces, with suites that include private balconies, butler service and high-end amenities.

The exceptional dining experiences on the luxury cruises boast world-class cuisine, with menus crafted by renowned Michelin chefs and more flexibility in dining times. Expect a melange of global flavors made from the finest ingredients, often paired with exquisite wine selections. Beyond the main dining options, luxury ships offer specialty restaurants ranging from French bistros to Asian fusion.

Personalized Service. The staff-to-guest ratio on luxury cruises is exceptionally high, ensuring attentive and personalized service. Whether it’s a butler unpacking your bags or a concierge arranging custom shore excursions, every need is anticipated and met with elegance.

Most of the luxury cruises are starting to operate on an all-inclusive model, meaning that gourmet meals, fine wines and spirits, gratuities, port charges, taxes and Wi-Fi are included in the fare. Some also cover airfare and shore excursions, providing a stress-free vacation experience.

The ships are often smaller, so they are more apt to be able to provide off-the-beaten-path experiences with unique itineraries and destinations that include remote or less-visited ports larger ships can’t access. Many offer more time at each of the ports; some voyages include overnight stays. Guests on the luxury cruise lines expect a suite of enrichment programs onboard, including lectures by experts, culinary workshops and art classes that enhance the travel experience.

Luxury cruise ships are also renowned for their elegant design, state-of-the-art facilities and sophisticated ambiance. From opulent lounges to tranquil spas, every space is crafted to delight the senses and ensure relaxation. Premium spas with a full range of services, fitness centers and wellness programs are standard, allowing guests to maintain or even enhance their wellbeing while cruising.

MOST POPULAR LUXURY CRUISE

LINES:

Explora Journeys

Silversea Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seabourn Cruise Lines

Viking Ocean Cruises

These cruises are ideal for travelers seeking a serene escape, complete with the joys of exploration without compromising on comfort or elegance. Whether it’s voyaging through the majestic fjords of Norway, exploring the ancient ruins of Greece, or island-hopping in the Caribbean, luxury cruises promise a journey as splendid as the destinations themselves.

EXPLORA JOURNEYS: A DIFFERENTIATED ULTRA-LUXURY OCEAN EXPERIENCE

The newest luxury cruise line, Explora Journeys, made a significant splash in the luxury cruise sector with its maiden voyage in August 2023. Explora I is designed to be a luxury experience like none other from MSC Cruises. The first of this new class of ships, she is one of six sister ships that are expected to appear over the next four years.

Explora Journeys brand stems from the long-held vision of the AponteVago family to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning luxury travelers, drawing on the family’s 300 years of maritime heritage. The brand aspired to create a unique “ocean state of mind” by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and with like-minded people. Remarkable itineraries blend renowned destinations with lessertraveled ports for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.

An eventual fleet of eight ships will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies and designed with elegance and sustainability at the core. Explora Journeys has introduced a modern style of transformative ocean travel. By the end of April 2025, they will have featured 25 journeys and 14 extended journeys visiting 82 unique ports across 26 countries. Itineraries range from the historic cities of Europe and the rugged landscapes of Iceland to the exotic allure of the Caribbean and beyond.

The brand provides guests with a slower pace of travel, unconventional arrival and departure times and the opportunity to spend more time in each destination with overnight stays while in port to ensure they feel fully exhilarated and immersed in the local culture and environment.

During each stop, the guests are invited to “linger longer” and delve into some of the world’s oldest cultures. The line promises a combination of ancient and modern cities, vibrant and diverse flora and fauna, music, festivals, desert experiences and UNESCO sites, all accompanied by incredible cuisine featuring classics and recipes passed down through generations.

As on Explora I, the second ship’s guests will reside in carefully curated “homes at sea” designed to stimulate the senses and enhance the connection with the ocean. Featuring elegant Swiss precision, modern European craftsmanship and vibrant designs, the suites are spacious, serene and luxurious homes-away-from-home for discerning travelers. The accommodations are nothing short of exquisite, focusing on spacious luxury and privacy. Guests can expect elegantly appointed suites with fine linens, high-end amenities and personal touches. Many feature large terraces, outdoor living areas and private whirlpools, creating a sanctuary at sea.

Of the 461 suites, penthouses and residences, 82 connect and ten are wheelchair accessible. All have sweeping ocean views from private terraces. Explora I carries only 922 guests and boasts a passenger-to-crew ratio of one to one! Each suite also includes floor-to-ceiling windows, mini-bar with refrigerator (replenished daily), spacious bathrooms with a Dyson hairdryer, backlit mirror lighting in the vanity, two shower heads in the shower, heated bathroom floors, and a large closet with a jewelry drawer. Guests enjoy 18 food and beverage venues with 11 distinct culinary experiences, including six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, 12 bars and lounges (eight outdoor and four indoor) and a chef’s kitchen. Four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities and refined entertainment provide relaxation and recreation.

Inspired by the company’s European heritage, Explora Journeys provide guests with an immersive ocean experience paired with respectful and intuitive hospitality.

LIFE ABOARD AN EXPLORA JOURNEY

THE CULINARY EXCELLENCE: The wide array of dining options includes signature restaurants, al fresco dining and private in-suite meals, all celebrating global flavors with locally sourced ingredients at no additional charge.

The Chef’s Kitchen takes travelers beyond the simple pleasure of dining to engage them in an interactive cooking and tasting journey. Guests have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and participate in cooking classes led by expert chefs. The cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients sourced from the destinations the ship visits and is designed to offer a more personal and intimate culinary experience. It's a mustexperience for food enthusiasts looking to combine their love of travel and gourmet dining.

Explora has gone the extra mile to source boutique labels offering unusual, sometimes very rare, wines of unexpected provenance as well as world-leading refined dining.

WELLNESS AND SPA: The ship’s expansive wellness center offers a suite of health, beauty and fitness options, including spa treatments, wellness and sound therapies, and state-of-the-art gym facilities both inside and outside, as well as a pickleball court.

ENTERTAINMENT AND ENRICHMENT: The slate includes curated experiences that reflect the destinations’ culture and history, as well as onboard entertainment that ranges from live music to expert talks.

Travel Leaders invites At Home readers to experience unparalleled service, exquisite cuisine and breathtaking destinations on an Explora Mediterranean group cruise with Barbara May, agency owner, departing on Sept. 15, 2025. Next month’s feature will dive into more of the unrivaled on-board experience and the particular itinerary, which includes the picturesque Amalfi Coast of Italy.

Travel Leaders, owned by Barbara May, has been in the industry for over 38 years and specializes in all types of travel. May recently received the 2023/24 Person of the Year award from the Collierville Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the group cruise or planning your next vacation, contact Travel Leaders at 901.377.6600 or 901.853.6200, or visit www.gotravelleaders.com. Offices, open by appointment only, are located at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104, Memphis, and 155 N. Main St., Ste. 101A, Collierville.

Turkey Sausage& Jambalaya

RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGARET MONGER

JAMBALAYA MIGHT SOUND LIKE A HEAVY DISH FOR SUMMER DINING BUT ACTUALLY, UNLIKE MOST CASSEROLE-STYLE MEALS, IT DOESN’T CONTAIN ANY HEAVY SAUCE OR THAT SOUTHERN STAPLE, “CREAM OF ANYTHING” SOUP. IT IS ACTUALLY QUITE LIGHT AND WHEN PAIRED WITH A GREAT CHOPPED VEGETABLE SALAD OR SLAW, CAN BE THE PERFECT MAKE-AHEAD DISH. I HAVE BEEN MAKING THIS FOR YEARS AND IT IS PERFECT TO TAKE ALONG TO THE BEACH, RIVER, LAKE OR JUST FOR A HOME-COOKED MEAL. WE OFTEN COOK WHOLE TURKEYS INSTEAD OF PURCHASING DELI TURKEY MEAT THAT IS LOADED WITH ADDITIVES AND PRESERVATIVES, SO THERE IS USUALLY A TURKEY CARCASS IN OUR FREEZER. (OF COURSE, A ROTISSERIE CHICKEN IS A PERFECT SUBSTITUTION.) THIS FREEZES BEAUTIFULLY!

TURKEY AND SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA

2 BOXES OF UNCLE BEN’S LONG GRAIN AND WILD RICE, COOKED ACCORDING TO THE PACKAGE

5 CUPS OF CHOPPED COOKED TURKEY

1 LB. SPICY OR MILD GROUND SAUSAGE

1 LB. SMOKED CAJUN SAUSAGE OR SAUSAGE OF YOUR CHOICE, SLICED

1 CHOPPED SWEET ONION

1 CUP CHOPPED CELERY, LEAVES INCLUDED

1 TBSP. CHOPPED GARLIC

1 2.25-OZ CAN OF SLICED BLACK OLIVES, DRAINED

1 14-OZ. CAN OF ARTICHOKE HEARTS IN BRINE, CHOPPED AND DRAINED

1 BUNCH GREEN ONIONS, CHOPPED

COOK THE RICE ACCORDING TO THE PACKAGE DIRECTIONS AND SET ASIDE. IN A LARGE SKILLET BROWN THE GROUND SAUSAGE AND DRAIN. ADD THE ONIONS, CELERY AND SLICED SAUSAGE AND COOK UNTIL VEGETABLES ARE DONE. ADD THE GARLIC AND COOK FOR 5 MORE MINUTES. ADD THE BLACK OLIVES AND ARTICHOKE HEARTS AND MIX WITH THE COOKED RICE. PLACE IN A LIGHTLY GREASED CASSEROLE DISH. (IF YOU ARE MAKING IT TO SERVE LATER IT MAY BE REFRIGERATED OR FROZEN AT THIS POINT.) WHEN READY TO SERVE, THAW OR REMOVE FROM THE FRIDGE AND LET SIT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. BAKE AT 350˚ FOR 45 MINUTES OR UNTIL

HEATED THROUGH. GARNISH WITH CHOPPED GREEN ONIONS AND ENJOY!

The Sun and Your Health: BALANCING BENEFITS AND RISKS

Summer brings long days and bright sunlight, prompting many to consider sun safety. Is the sun as bad as posited? This article presents concerns, benefits and input from leading doctors and researchers.

COMMON CONCERNS INCLUDE:

Preventing sun damage, premature aging and skin cancer

Choosing effective, low-toxicity sunscreens

Determining the right amount of sunscreen

Understanding safe levels of sun exposure

Exploring the benefits of sunlight for well-being

Understanding skin cancer risks

The American Cancer Society identifies skin cancer as the most prevalent type, including basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers typically result from prolonged sun exposure, while melanoma, the deadliest type, is less often linked to the sun. UV rays from sunlight and other sources like medical lasers and bar code scanners are recognized carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program.

ESSENTIAL VITAMIN D

Notably, Vitamin D, best absorbed from sunlight, helps prevent osteoporosis, rickets and osteomalacia. Some studies suggest UVB rays from the sun may help prevent certain cancers and immune diseases.

The Cancer Council advises that while the sun is the best source of Vitamin D, sunscreen can inhibit its absorption. Fair-skinned individuals need less sun exposure to absorb sufficient Vitamin D. Once your skin changes color, Vitamin D production stops, increasing the risk of skin cancer, so it’s time to seek shade.

BALANCING SUN EXPOSURE BENEFITS AND RISKS

Skin cancer is a serious concern, with UVB rays necessary for Vitamin D production also posing risks.

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

UVA rays cause wrinkles and accelerate aging. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protecting against both UVB and UVA rays is recommended.

According to an Environmental Health Perspective report, sun exposure boosts serotonin, enhancing mental health, and melatonin, improving sleep. Although excessive sun exposure is a risk factor for malignant melanoma, it correlates with higher survival rates in early-stage melanoma patients. Most melanomas occur in less sun-exposed skin areas.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN

The Environmental Working Group suggests considering the following when selecting sunscreen:

Avoid:

SPF above 50

Retinyl palmitate

Aerosol spray and powder sunscreen

Oxybenzone (linked to health issues like endometriosis and lower birth weights)

Added insect repellent

Use:

Hats and shade during midday sun

Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as active ingredients, or Avobenzone at 3%

SPF 15 to 50, based on skin color, time outside and weather conditions

Liberal application and frequent reapplication

INSIGHTS FROM EXPERTS:

DR. ANDREW HUBERMAN AND SUNLIGHT:

Morning Sunlight: Viewing morning sunlight supports mental and physical health, increasing early-day cortisol release, which prepares the body for sleep and improves focus and immune function.

Afternoon Sunlight: Helps regulate the circadian clock and biological processes like hunger and body temperature. It acts as a secondary anchor if morning sunlight is missed.

Daytime Light: Bright overhead lights in the morning to mid-afternoon facilitate dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine release, enhancing motivation and focus.

DR. RICHARD WELLER:

Sunlight exposure increases nitric oxide levels, lowering blood pressure and reducing heart disease and stroke risks.

Chronic sun exposure may protect against melanoma, linked more to intermittent sun exposure.

Balanced sun exposure advice is crucial, especially for older populations at risk from inadequate sun exposure.

DR. JOSEPH MERCOLA:

Sensible sun exposure optimizes Vitamin D levels while avoiding sunburn.

Regular sun exposure (15-30 minutes, two to four times a week) is recommended, considering skin color.

Consuming antioxidant-rich foods boosts internal sunscreen.

Choose sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays and avoid harmful chemicals.

OPTIMIZING SUN EXPOSURE FOR HEALTH

The sun can benefit overall health and well-being with careful, moderate exposure. Annual dermatologist visits for skin checks are essential.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and not intended as personal medical advice. Consult a physician for medical concerns and lifestyle changes. Resources are available upon request.

JUNE 2024 SOURCES

HOME FEATURE

Special Thanks -

Lindsey Black Interiors lindseyblackinteriors.com

Sarah Voigt Photography sarahvoigt.com

DESIGN

Special Thanks -

Warehouse 67 Design

901.867.6767

Southern Serenity Homes southernserenityhomes.com

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