CONTENTS MARCH 2015
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36
26 HOME A GEM IN THE COUNTRY An inside look at a couple’s dream home on a family farm
36 DESIGN GUEST RETREATS A soft color palette and special touches define this well-appointed guest room
76
ENTERTAINING
SPRING SUPPER WITH FRIENDS
Angela Mazanti will inspire you to invite friends for a dinner party!
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. 6 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
CONTENTS MARCH 2015
FOR YOU 16 beauty Pretty Pastels 18 fashion Skirts for Spring 20 wellness Colorectal Cancer Myths
48
22 healthy you Cherry Blend Farms 98 on a good note The GPS Squad
HOME & DESIGN 24 at home with Linn Sitler 42 style marketplace Guest Rooms 44 technology How to Hide Your TV 46 home trends Simple Kitchen Updates
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T R AV E L & C U LT U R E 48 visit this Crystal Bridges 52 getaway Ridgeland, Mississippi 56 travel California 64 arts Peter’s Pottery 66 social pages 72 experience this Historical Home Pilgrimages
56 FOOD & DRINK 82 in the kitchen Breakfast & Brunch Baking
84 dining out The Wine Bar 86 happy hour French 75 Cocktail
I N E V E RY I S S U E 12 | PUBLISHER’S NOTE 14 | CONTRIBUTORS 89 | SOURCES 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
MARCH 2015 • VOL. 13 NO. 12 PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
EDITOR LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR LAURIE A. SUMMERS | lsummers@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
WEBMASTER LAURIE A. SUMMERS | lsummers@athomemms.com
CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS STEVE ROBERTS, RALPH CRAFTON, JOHN TERRY, PHILIP MURPHY, SUZIE HANSEN
INTERNS MACKENZIE ALEXANDER, SUZIE HANSEN, BAILEY HELDMAR, MORGAN PRUITT
HOW TO REACH US 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athomemms.com
At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
publisher’s note
WINTER WEATHER PRIORITIES
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have to admit that I don’t wait until the very last minute to do many things, but when it comes to writing my Publisher’s Note, I always seem to. It’s not that I enjoy stressing out my editor and creative director, I promise. It’s just hard sometimes, especially when I should be writing about spring, March and warmer weather, and as of right now, we are under our fifth winter weather warning in seven days! When they warned us about the first system last week, I set out to prove them wrong. I didn’t go to the grocery for the all-too-important survival items of bread and milk. I even took the huge risk of possibly not having enough Diet Coke. After I posted on Facebook that I was willing to take that risk, my good friend and fellow Diet Coke addict Leigh came to my rescue. We survived that episode, and I don’t drink milk and I gave up bread for Lent. With no children at home now the fear of running out of groceries just doesn’t put me in panic mode, but there is something that does push my panic button and that is the fear of losing power. Not because I fear the dark, but without power I won’t be able to do laundry or run the dishwasher, and that terrifies me! If I did have a past life, I must have had a horrible experience with piles of laundry and dirty dishes. Yes, while most of you are slamming down milk and bread in record amounts, I am wearing out the Cascade and Gain. From the words of the Disney movie, Frozen, ironically, I simply can’t “let it go.” I hope by the time you read this, our temps are warm and all is sunny. I am not sure if our weather forecasters will have been accurate tonight or not, but I hope they miss this one. Just in case, I am off to do my chores. If we wake up tomorrow covered in snow and ice, I will at least have clean clothes, an empty dishwasher and plenty of Diet Coke. Wishing for warmer days ahead and hoping y’all have plenty of milk and bread!
12 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
contributors ANGELA MAZANTI • Entertaining is the proprietor of Angela Mazanti Design. She specializes in interior, floral and event design, and her work has been locally and nationally recognized as outstanding in the field.
Barbara May • travel Owner of Travel Leaders, has proudly served the Memphis and surrounding areas for the past 29 years. Her staff of travel professionals handles all aspects of the industry and is certified in areas that include cruises, all-inclusive Sandals properties and Disney, destination weddings and honeymoons. Barbara's agencies have been recognized as Top Retail Agencies by Travel Leaders.
April McKinney • in the kitchen is an award-winning cook, food writer and recipe demonstrator. She has been featured on the Today show and Better TV, after her recipes won national cooking contests. You can also see her creating new healthy and simple dishes on her YouTube channel, “April McKinney Cooking,” where she demonstrates her recipes on camera.
14 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
beauty
Gargantuan Green Grape & Do You Lilac It? Nail Lacquer OPI, $10, macys.com
Pretty
Sugar Reef Hand Cream
LALICIOUS, $18, www.lalicious.com
Pastels
Modern Muse Chic
Estee Lauder, $60, www.esteelauder.com
Brighten up for Spring with a pop of color
Peace Eyeshadow
Urban Decay, $18, www.urbandecay.com
Weekday Palette
AERIN, $70, www.esteelauder.com
16 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
Creme Lipstick in Sheer Blush Mary Kay, $15, www.marykay.com
Eye Bright Kit
Pixi, $25, www.beautybay.com
Eye Color Trio
Paul & Joe, $35, www.beautybay.com
Fresh Fig Honey Bath
Laura Mercier, $45, Nordstrom.com
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 17
beauty fashion
SKIRTS FOR Spring Freshen up your wardrobe with these looks
Water Lily Lace A-line Skirt Anthropologie, $168, anthropologie.com
Black High Low Lace Skirt L & B, $45, LipChic in Corinth MS
18 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
Floral Asymetrical Zip Skirt
Frank Lyman Design, $149, Betty Hays in Germantown TN
Blooms Abound Skirt
Sugar Lips, $70, Beyond Vogue in Jackson TN
Floral Maxi Skirt
MinkPink, $92, Andie Grace Boutique in Corinth MS & Jackson TN
Petaled Paisley Maxi Skirt
Anthropologie, $128, anthropologie.com
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 19
wellness
Myths & Facts About Colorectal Cancer TEXT BY Saint Francis Hospital Memphis
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ore than 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year and approximately 50,000 die from the disease. Lives could be saved if more people were screened for the disease and they had a greater understanding of the myths and facts about colorectal cancer. Myth: Colorectal cancer affects only white men. Fact: Colorectal cancer affects both men and women. African Americans are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. Myth: Age is not a factor in developing colorectal cancer. Fact: More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with the disease are age 50 and older. The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colorectal cancer at age 50 or earlier for those who have other risk factors for developing the disease such as a personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, family history of colorectal cancer or certain inherited gene mutations. Myth: My lifestyle doesn’t have any impact on developing colorectal cancer. Fact: Certain lifestyle-related factors that have been linked to an increased risk for colorectal cancer include a diet that is high in red and processed meats, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use and type 2 diabetes.
stool changes, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss, typically do not appear until the disease has advanced and is more difficult to treat. Myth: Colonoscopies are hard to prepare for and very uncomfortable. Fact: Preparation for a colonoscopy requires cleaning the colon with the help of special drinks consumed a day or two before the procedure. There are many options so most people can find something tolerable. Patients are sedated to eliminate discomfort during the colonoscopy, which takes about 15 to 30 minutes. They can return to regular activities the next day. Myth: The only way to screen for colorectal cancer is to have a colonoscopy. Fact: Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard to detect cancer, examine the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps. But other screening options include flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test and double-contrast barium enema. Myth: Polyps are always cancerous.
Myth: Colorectal cancer can’t be prevented, so there’s no need to be screened.
Fact: A polyp is a benign growth, not cancer. Polyps may have the potential to become cancerous, however, if left unchecked.
Fact: Colorectal cancer usually starts as a small growth, or polyp, that can be removed to prevent the cancer from developing. It can take 10 to 15 years for the first abnormal cells to grow into polyps and then develop into colorectal cancer.
Myth: Colorectal cancer is fatal.
Myth: I don’t have any of the symptoms, so I can’t have colorectal cancer. Fact: Approximately half of people diagnosed with colon cancer did not have any symptoms. Signs of the disease, such as 20 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January March 2015 2015
Fact: When detected in the early stages, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 90 percent. For more information about colorectal cancer, talk with your doctor or call 901.765.1811 for a free referral to a physician near you. Saint Francis Hospital is in-network for over 75 Managed Care Plans including Blue Cross S, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA, Humana, United Healthcare and MEDICARE.
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 21
healthy you
CHERRY BLEND FARMS TA S T I N G T H E D I F F E R E N C E TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT, PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARSON LAMM
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t’s a fact that just-picked, fresh produce is more nutritious and tastier. The “farm-to-table” movement is making it possible to eat this way. Carson Lamm, vice president of River City Management Group, believes that once you eat a freshly grown vegetable, picked that morning, taken to a restaurant and infused into their menu that night, you will taste the difference immediately. Cherry Blend Farms in Holly Springs, MS, is doing just that. Founded by the River City Management Group six years ago, the farm’s small crew works weekly on-site planting, maintaining, watering and harvesting. Cherry Blend Farms’ mission is to provide locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables to their restaurants, including: Spindini; the Mesquite Chop Houses in Germantown and Southaven; Rum Boogie Café; King's Palace Cafe; and Pig on Beale.
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Lamm says fresh produce is the most nutritious produce. Once a piece of fruit or a vegetable is picked, it should be eaten as soon as possible. Many of the cooks and even some of the waitstaff at River City restaurants gain a better understanding of this “fresher is better” concept after they visit the farm to see what is being harvested, he adds. “Oftentimes they will visit the farm and work out menu specials around what is about to be harvested, which is really a wonderful thing. They are getting an advantage of seeing what is growing best and they tend to really get excited about the farm when they get in the dirt and see what we are all about.” Cherry Blend Farms began on a much smaller scale in the mid 1990s. “We grew mainly tomatoes for salads and really got a great response from customers. Over the years we learned a little each year so when we moved down to Holly
Springs, we had a good idea of what we needed to do for the tomato plants. Right now, we add to the farm process every year and try to improve the process by learning from the previous year's experiences,” Lamm says. “We really found that our restaurant customers were very happy to talk about the vegetables with the servers and let us know what they liked, which was cherry tomatoes, Japanese eggplant, broccoli and all sorts of greens, to name a few. After we get feedback, we have the advantage of taking their likes and comments, and bringing more of their favorites from the next harvest. And we plant more of that the next year,” Lamm explains. He adds that although some of the restaurants’ best customers have actually visited Cherry Blend, the farm isn’t open to the public. The farm grows a large variety of vegetables, including several types of tomatoes, yellow squash, Japanese and Italian eggplant, savoy cabbage, conehead cabbage, turnip, mustard and other varieties of leafy greens, kale, broccoli, bell peppers, hot banana peppers, cucumbers, green beans, okra, watermelons, berries and grapes. Communication is key, Lamm says. “I get to communicate with our chefs and cooks when I deliver the harvests. They let me know what customers are liking and how they are preparing the vegetables I am bringing. They go through the vegetables and what I am bringing, and I see their eyes light up when I bring something they want.” Lamm notes that people ask him all the time what they plant at the farm and how they harvest their vegetables. “Almost everyone enjoys a good tomato! For us the actual process of planning, planting, watering and harvesting throughout the year is certainly rewarding, but the transformation of those harvested vegetables to actual menu items, and watching customers enjoy fresh, nutritious food is what it's all about,” he says.
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 23
at home with
Linn Sitler Memphis & Shelby County Film Commissioner Interview by Lesley Harris Colvett Photography by John Terry, Forest hill photography
At Home Memphis & Mid South: Where did you grow up?
AHMMS: Your first jobs?
Linn Sitler: As the daughter of a United States Air Force colonel, I lived many different places, but the places I lived longest growing up were Hampton, Virginia; Wiesbaden, Germany; and Memphis, Tennessee!
LS: Although like many, I had different temporary or parttime jobs as I sought to “find myself ” or make summertime money, I count my first real full-time, paying job to be my job as assistant to WMC-TV Channel 5’s promotion manager, Olivia Howard Holmes, who was a phenomenal boss. I loved it.
AHMMS: Education? LS: I went to Memphis Central High School for grades 1012. I graduated with honors from Central, then went to UT Knoxville and graduated cum laude with a BA in English Literature. I then enrolled at Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at what was then Memphis State University. I loved my classmates, but was bored by the law courses and I left in the middle of the second semester to study acting with a private coach in Nashville. I ended up a year later back at Memphis State in graduate school as a theatre major. I soon changed to a concentration in film/TV. After I obtained my MA in Communications I began post-graduate study. I enrolled in an independent studies course at Memphis State and took off for southern Germany to be part of a student work exchange program at Elmau Castle. On the side, I produced and wrote a mini-documentary on Oberammergau’s Passion Play for WKNO-Channel 10. Upon my return, much to my father’s delight, I stopped school and started a real job at Channel 5.
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AHMMS: What are your career highlights? LS: Perhaps the biggest highlights both took place in 1988— first, we hosted Jim Jarmusch’s independent feature, Mystery Train, and right afterwards, we recruited Great Balls of Fire! to Memphis. Mystery Train was my first feature ever, and you know what is said about “your first!” The producers invited me to the New York premiere and to the Cannes premiere. Unfortunately, at that time, the Film Commission had no money and could not send me. And we were so excited to recruit Great Balls of Fire! The Hollywood Reporter had already written that the feature would be shot in Louisiana (even then our competitor), but we beat Louisiana! So many local crew and cast were hired by Great Balls of Fire!—it was a great experience for all of us! And Jerry Lee, the producers, the crew and the stars were all so gracious to me; I had carte blanche to see the film dailies, was invited to all the company parties and even to the premiere in New York City. Whereas Mystery Train launched Memphis as an independent film center, Great Balls of Fire! proved we could host a major studio picture.
AHMMS: What are your hobbies?
special getaway
LS: I haven’t had much time to pursue hobbies in the last several years. However, travelling, hiking, seeing movies and reading are all fun to do when I one day have time. AHMMS: Favorite restaurants? LS: The Arcade and Ciao Bella are my top favorite restaurants. AHMMS: Favorite places to travel? LS: Germany, especially Wiesbaden, Elmau Castle and Berlin. Anywhere in Europe or England. Park City, Utah. Love the mountains. Planning reunions with close friends and relatives I haven't seen in years, no matter where they live. AHMMS: Where do you like to take out-of-towners when they visit Memphis? LS: When the late Wanda Wilson (may she rest in peace) was holding court at The P & H Café, I loved taking out-of-towners there to meet her. The same for the late Big John Grisanti at his former restaurant on Airways. Since those days have ended, Tommy Peters and his Itta Bena Restaurant on Beale or his Bon Ton Café on Monroe have become favorites. Cozy Corner has been tops with out-of-towners since the late 1980s—and, of course, The Rendezvous! AHMMS: What has been your most exciting work project? LS: Assisting long-time friend and former Memphian Rebekah Alperin and Darlene Markovich with the Dalai Lama’s visit to Memphis! Thanks to Rebekah’s involving me in the project, I ended up being the one to formally greet him in Tom Lee Park and to introduce to His Holiness then-County Mayor AC Wharton and then-interim Mayor Myron Lowery. It is perhaps my greatest honor and certainly the most excitement! AHMMS: What is your favorite part of your day? LS: Sharing news and project updates with Deputy Film Commissioner/Project Specialist Sharon Fox-O’Guin. We work with an average of 10 projects a week, all in various phases of interest and production. Sharon celebrates her 20th anniversary at the Film Commission this year; she and I are an inseparable team! AHMMS: Any advice to those wanting to get involved in the world of film and the entertainment industry? LS: An internship—at a television station, a production company, a film festival! My graduate internship at Channel 10 is what made the difference in my career. I gave them a lot of unpaid hours and they gave me a lot of priceless opportunities to produce, write and be on camera. I owe a lot of my early career success to my internship at Channel 10!
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 25
HOMEfeature
You Can Come Home Again TEXT by Jordana White | Photography by Steve Roberts & Ralph Crafton
Designer Fran Winstock helps two retired teachers 26 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
HOMEfeature
build their dream home on a family farm March 2015 • athomemms.com | 27
HOMEfeature
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n 2009, retired teachers Ron and Paula McLarty decided to bid farewell to their Tennessee home and take up residence in Abbeville, MS, on the grounds of a farm that had been in Ron’s family for over 100 years. Once Paula decided to raise little nibblers on the grounds, the couple dubbed their home-to-be Goat Manor and got to work planning. The McLartys’ first move was to approach Germantown independent designer Fran Winstock to aid with the task of building a stylish yet appropriately rustic house. Understanding that the exterior of the structure had to reflect the “dirt, animals and lots of family” that would become staples of farm
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HOMEfeature
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 29
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life, Winstock helped guide the couple toward a brick facade in keeping with the style of stately older homes in the area. Not only was it crucial for the building materials to reflect Goat Manor’s setting, but Winstock and the McLartys also knew the layout of the house had to take into account the more relaxed nature of agricultural life. With that goal in mind, plans for the two-story, 5,000-square-foot home were designed to include plenty of windows with views of the farmland, ample screened porches to enjoy outdoor living, and an open floor plan conducive to a less structured way of life. As soon as the floor plan was agreed upon, the task of choosing fixtures and décor began. The McLartys
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wanted to incorporate their existing art and furniture into the new digs, but also wanted to bring in art and accessories that reflected their current setting: think cows painted on canvases, metal roosters and oldworld fixtures that referenced the rich history of the family land. Given the task of installing such playful accents against the backdrop of an extremely open living space—the kitchen, dining room, family room and sitting areas sit side-by-side on the first floor— Winstock opted for a fairly neutral design palette. The walls are bathed in a shade called toast; the furniture, fabrics and shutters range in tone from creams to whites, taupes and black.
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HOMEfeature
Of course, even with a neutral base, choosing décor for an open concept home can be tricky: the challenge is to distinguish each space without the aid of any physical divisions and without creating jarring visual disruptions.
In the kitchen itself, an oversize country sink got an instant upgrade when selected in a textured copper; the slate and old stone backsplash behind it strike just the right balance between the McLartys’ city and country roots.
For Winstock, the answer was clear—give each “room” its own space and warmth. Through careful lighting and accessory choices, each space in the open area gained its own unique character. To maintain flow amidst the distinctions, Winstock furnished the space eclectically, (“It’s not about the match, it’s the mix,” she explains.) incorporating rustic painted and English traditional pieces, many purposely distressed. In that way, a distinct yet cohesive design plan took hold of a space that could otherwise have been challenging to appoint.
In the main-floor master (one of three bedrooms in the home), crisp white sheets play perfectly against the dark wood of the couple’s simply elegant four-poster bed. To bring a sense of family into the sleek setting, Winstock incorporated a custom “Goat Manor” sham and gave prime placement to a painting created by Paula’s great aunt and passed down from generation to generation.
With the “big picture” problems solved, the design focus shifted to the special details that would lend the house that “warm, welcoming and livable feeling” the homeowners hoped to create. Under Winstock’s direction, the couple installed an entire pantry room, lined with open shelving for optimal visibility and finished with built-in office space, complete with a chalkboard wall for scribbling down notes and shopping lists.
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Of course, the measure of any successful home design is whether the occupants enjoy living in it once the designer’s work is done. And, to hear Paula tell it, Winstock hit the mark in Goat Manor: “You can curl up in, read, eat or swing on and gather around the simple, cushiony furnishings. You have a farm table that sits 12 but is so comfortable. You can put your feet up on everything from upholstered pieces to coffee tables. It’s very livable but also great for entertaining.” And isn’t that exactly what a home should be?
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”
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE MATCH, ” IT'S THE
mix
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Off the Beaten Path...
5 fun Attractions in New Albany TEXT & Photos Courtesy of Sean Johnson
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nly an hour south of Memphis on the old Bankhead Highway, located on the banks of the fabled Tallahatchie River and in the center of the ìHill Countryî region of Mississippi, the city of New Albany is probably best known as being the birthplace of the Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner and acclaimed downtown shopping, but it is also home to a number of interesting attractions that can make a fun visit on any trip. From a wolf preserve to national smallbatch coffee roaster to a 44-mile bike trail built on William Faulkner's great-grandfathers old railroad, there's plenty of reasons to make the trip to New Albany. Wolf Howl Animal Preserve Located just outside of New Albany on the William Faulkner Scenic Highway, the Wolf Howl Animal Preserve is located on 33 acres of forests and fields. With six adult wolves on site
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(and oftentimes wolf puppies!) the preserve is a great place to learn about this fascinating animal. Along with guided tours by the owners, there are also scent rolling and howling demonstrations. Since the wolves are 'wild' and not completely accustomed to humans, tours are for smaller groups only and are made by appointment from May 1st until October 31st. The Tanglefoot Trail The northernmost gateway to the 44-mile Tanglefoot Trail, a ìrails-to-trails' that transformed William Faulknerís greatgrandfatherí's railroad into Mississippiís longest bike trail is located in the center of downtown New Albany. The trail runs from New Albany, through villages and towns to its terminus in Houston, Mississippi. The trail has become extremely popular with cyclists around the region due to the beauty of its surroundings, few crossings and relatively easy, flat terrain.
Being downtown, the trailhead plaza offers close access to a coffee shop, restaurants and bike rentals as well as live, familyfriendly weekend entertainment during the spring and fall, when the area is at its most beautiful. High Point Coffee Roasters Those who love coffee and have wondered about the process of roasting it will enjoy a visit to High Point Coffee Roasters. High Point imports coffee from 14 different countries and roasts it on site every day and then ships the coffee around the country. Customers include John Grisham and Bill Cosby, and High Point is the official coffee of the Baltimore Ravens. Visitors are welcome to tour the facility to watch the process and sample the freshly roasted beans. The Ingomar Indian Mounds Roughly a mile off the Tanglefoot Trail (and also accessible by car) the adventurous will encounter the Ingomar Mounds. The mounds were created by Native Americans during what is known as the Middle Woodland period, which lasted between 100 B.C. and 400 A.D. While individual mounds can be found throughout the Southeast, the Ingomar Mounds was a major mound complex consisting of a single, large flat-topped mound surrounded by twelve smaller conical mounds. First excavated by the Smithsonian in 1885, interest in the complex has
endured now for over a century. The complex is free and open to the public and often plays host to events such as stargazing, drum circles, interpretive programs and more. The Union County Heritage Museum & Faulkner Literary Garden Recognized as one of the best regional museums and interpretive centers in the state, the Union County Heritage Museum, located in New Albany's Historic Northside Neighborhood and next to the site of William Faulkner's birth, features an interpretive timeline of life in the area from prehistoric fossils up until the modern age. Included is information on the Chickasaws, the first European settlers, the Civil War, Reconstruction and New Albany's most famous son, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning author, William Faulkner. An outdoor exhibit includes the award-winning Faulkner Garden (adjacent to the plot on which Faulkner's childhood home stood) which features plants indigenous to the area and offers many interpretive events that explain the way of life of the settlers of the area. As well, the museum offers monthly events and excursions for varied interests. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and the admission is by donation. For more reasons why New Albany is a great place to visit, go to www.visitnewalbany.com
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 35
design
GREETING & RETREATING:
GUEST ROOMS TEXT BY KATIE BREYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE ROBERTS
36 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
design
“S
outhern hospitality” is a term Mid Southerners know and live by. It represents eagerness and joy in having company. When it comes to opening a home to visitors, friends and family, the area that reflects the owner’s hospitality most is the guest room. Hosting guests is a rewarding and exciting way to share a home. Traveling visitors appreciate having a welcoming place to stay versus a stiff and often outdated hotel room, not to mention the travel expense they save. The effort put into the guest room’s appearance makes all the difference. More than just a place to sleep, a well-appointed guest room can leave a memorable impression. Many assume that a lot of time and money must go into decorating a guest room in order for it to have a positive impact, but that’s not necessarily the case. Small, thoughtful touches that reflect the unique character of a home make a huge difference in how warm and welcoming the guest
space feels. These can be anything from photos to a special quilt. Another great aspect of a guest room is that it can be multifunctional – when not occupied, it makes an ideal dressing room. When creating a guest room, consider a visitor’s most basic needs. Comfort is number one, starting with a bed with ample coverings, and fresh towels are a must. Providing an extra blanket is a nice gesture. A bedside lamp, closet space, drawers and a sitting area are also essentials. To really wow guests and make a lasting impression, stock the guest room with reading material (perhaps a television, also) and small travel items such as lotions, soaps, etc. Candles are another great asset as they help to set a therapeutic and relaxing tone. Lastly, accessibility to a restroom is ideal. Steve Nabers with Nabers Interiors did a wonderful job decking out the guest room of Jimmy and Barbara Moore of Germantown. The owners wanted to freshen up their guest
February March 2015 • athomemms.com | 37
design
”
a rewarding & exciting way to ” share a
38 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
home
design
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 39
design
with a bit
”creativity
you of can bring a guest ” room to
life
40 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
space and give it a luxurious feel. In order to achieve this Nabers selected fresh paint colors, finishes, furnishings and fabrics as the foundation for the update. The soft color palette’s simplicity is set off by the pleasing combination of styles and finishes. The juxtaposition of modern artwork and furniture that has a decidedly vintage feel creates a high-end atmosphere that doesn’t lose warmth or personality. “The neutral color scheme extends from the walls to the furniture and bedding and is complemented by the sky blue of the mansard ceiling. The pops of color are limited to the patterned rug and the artwork on the walls. The watercolors above the bed, the modern color studies, and the abstract paintings on the adjacent walls are very different from one another, yet harmonious,” Nabers explains. Visitors to the Moore’s home appreciate the privacy and easy access to the bathroom which adjoins the guest suite. Designed to evoke a spalike ambiance, the serene space suggests leisurely extravagance. What could have been just a guest room is amplified to a true guest “retreat” by the inviting bath. Colors that reflect those used in the bedroom lend continuity, making the two rooms feel as if they are one private little home. Small details such as the glass tile in the shower repeated as a border around the soaking tub are enough to make the bathroom awe-inspiring. The crisp, clean lines of the bath are accentuated by glass accessories and original oil paintings, proving the point that art in a bathroom is just as significant as art in a bedroom. Before beginning the transformation of a spare room into a guest retreat, consider what you would like if you were a visitor in someone’s home. What would make you feel comfortable, secure and welcomed? No matter the budget, with a bit of creativity you can bring a guest room to life and ensure that visitors have a pleasant stay and leave hoping to return soon.
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design style MARKETPLACE
GUEST ROOMS
WELCOME VISITORS WITH STYLE AND COMFORT
Hidden Treasures Mirror 3 Drawer Chest by Hammary $980, wayfair.com
Chas Armchair - Navy Velvet $500, pier1.com
Alistar Accent Table $399, potterybarn.com
Adele Queen Coverlet with Silk Velvet Edge by Bella Notte $524, Blu D’or Interiors in Memphis TN
Queen Chevron Bed $999, crateandbarrel.com 42 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
Marlo Jacquard Bath Towels $34, potterybarn.com
19th C. Vintage Mercury Glass Tall Table Lamp $175, www.restorationhardware.com
White & Navy Anchor Pillow $109, www.ethanallen.com March 2015 • athomemms.com | 43
technology
1
How to Hide
your TV
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3
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5
TEXT By ScoTT FuElling, PrESidEnT, PhoEniX unEqualEd homE EnTErTainmEnT
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hidden TV, one that only comes out when you need it, is a great option for home design.
Smart TVs are getting bigger every year. But a TV screen is not much to look at when you’re not watching something on it. A hidden TV is the best solution if your home decor is ruined by a big, empty black screen. The only way to completely hide a TV set is to put it where you can’t see it, or put something in front of it. There are lots of ways to conceal TVs and projector screens, including motors, art work and cabinets. We have provided all of these for different clients and we work hard to help preserve the interior aesthetics of the homes in which we work.
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Check out the following hidden TV concepts…
Art - A painting can roll down over the screen on 1. Roll-Up command from a remote control. Down - Hinged design with fold-down ceiling 2. Flip mounting that fits into a recessed pocket in the ceiling Raising Up - Raise a TV of any size from beneath the 3 . floor. Space needed below will be determined by the size of the TV and the distance that the TV will need to travel. Sliding Out of Sight - A piece of art or a portrait can rest 4 . over the screen and slide, either vertically or horizontally, when a remote control button is pressed. The Lowdown - The TV can be recessed into the ceiling. 5 . However, appropriate unused space above the ceiling to house the TV and lift mechanism must be present.
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Hidden Under the Bed - The TV can be stored under the 6 . bed and, by remote control, it can slide out and position itself at the foot of the bed. Space - Slide the TV out from a closet or from an 7. Closet exsisting wall pocket. Lift - A TV lift can be fit into any style or shape 8. Cabinet of a cabinet. Disguise - Turn your favorite image into a 9. Drapery tapestry that hides the flat screen. Till next month… 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
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March 2015 • athomemms.com | 45
home trends
SIMPLE FIXES
UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN WITH MINIMAL EXPENSE TEXT BY ROBIN TERRY, WEST TN HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
H
omeowners could choose to do a full kitchen remodeling project, if their budget can handle the $25,000 to $150,000 that often warrants. Or, if the budget is much smaller, from $500 to $1,000 for example, there are some simple fixes that make a big difference in how a kitchen functions and looks.
Missy Monzo-Marte’ of Coburns Showroom
A common do-it-yourself project is painting or refinishing older cabinets. While the expense depends mostly on the cost of paint, homeowners should take into account their skills, the time involved and the type of cabinet surface before starting. Members of West Tennessee Home Builders Association who specialize in paint finishes, like Sherwin Williams, Porter Paints or Lowe’s Home Improvements, can provide expert advice on preparing cabinets for painting or refinishing, and on which products are best for use in the kitchen. Flooring and countertops can be updated with paint or other products, too. One of the easiest fixes to update a kitchen, according to Erin Carlson, branch manager of Falk Plumbing Supply in Memphis, a member of the WTNHBA Remodelers Council, is to replace old drawer pulls with hardware in a more modern design. The number of cabinets and drawers affects the cost, but such a project should be relatively inexpensive, Carlson says. Missy Monzo-Marte’, showroom manager at Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom in Cordova, a member of the WTHBA's Remodelers Council, agrees. “Homeowners need only minimal handyman skills, like using a drill, to change from knobs to pulls, which will give the cabinets a totally new look,” she explains. Monzo-Marte’ says there are other very simple ways to update cabinets. Using a special pen found at most home improvement stores, homeowners can simply outline surfaces of their cabinets to highlight details and provide more interest and depth. Getting complete instructions on how to use detail pens will lead to the best results, Monzo-Marte’ adds, and it’s always best to practice on a sample board or on a cabinet in an inconspicuous location. Updating lighting from old fluorescents to new LED fixtures can brighten up a dark kitchen, Monzo-Marte’ says. Most homeowners can change out simple overhead fixtures, but projects that require an electrician will be more expensive. “It’s better to be safe and call an expert for bigger projects,” she advises. Carlson admits she can tell immediately if someone has updated an older kitchen just by looking at the faucets. Olderstyle faucets really date a kitchen, she explains, and new styles 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
Erin Carlson of Falk Supply
are available that are easy to install with simple plumbing skills. “The same things we’re seeing in public facilities that keep us from coming in contact with germs are crossing over into home use,” Carlson says. She demonstrated a new faucet by Moen that’s activated by a motion sensor or touch, adding, “Believe me, it’s much easier when you’re holding a small child to just wave your free hand under the faucet to turn it on.” Modern fixtures are being used in homes of all ages, Carlson says. “It’s not unusual to go into a 100-year-old home in Midtown and see really modern fixtures in the baths and kitchens, and they don’t look out of place at all.” Both Carlson and Monzo-Marte’ recommend one inexpensive kitchen update. “By all means, add a soap dispenser,” Carlson urges. Many new sinks and faucets are set up to include a dispenser, and if need be, drilling an extra hole to accommodate one is an easy task. “Get that plastic bottle off the counter!” Carlson insists.
visit this design
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art TEXT BY BAILEY HELDMAR | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
48 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
visit this
C
rystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, AR, offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy schedule. According to its website, Crystal Bridges “welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature.” From the impressive art collection to the 3.5 miles of nature trails surrounding the museum to the small-town charm of downtown Bentonville, a visit to Crystal Bridges is the ideal weekend escape, offering something for everyone.
Crystal Bridges was founded by Alice Walton, daughter of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, and is funded largely through the Walton Family Foundation. Thanks to a grant from WalMart, admission to the museum’s permanent exhibits is free, there is a small fee for visiting exhibitions. The museum’s hours are Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection focuses on American art from colonial to contemporary periods and includes works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Norman Rockwell and many more. Visitors will recognize Rockwell’s iconic “Rosie the Riveter,” and Andy Warhol’s “Dolly Parton” will be a treat for any Mid Southerner. The comprehensive exhibits immerse visitors in American culture of the past 500 years. The museum is currently showcasing a special exhibition called “Van Gogh to Rothko,” which will be open until June 1. Featuring works from prominent 20th-century artists such as Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso, the display traces the history of art movements from Post-Impressionism to Surrealism to Pop Art. The collection's permanent home is in the Albert-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY, so visitors should take advantage of the unique opportunity to see such important works of art close to home. Admission is $10.
November March 2015 2014 • athomemms.com | 49
visit this
Crystal Bridges also recently acquired a Frank Lloyd Wright house that is being reassembled on the grounds to overlook Crystal Spring, a beautiful cold-water spring and the museum’s namesake. The Bachman Wilson house was built in 1954 in New Jersey. Crystal Bridges purchased the house when flooding from the Millstone River began to put the property in danger. The house is slated to open to the public this summer. Because Crystal Bridges is dedicated to education, its full slate of lectures, art classes and tours will add dimension to any visit. Art by the Glass is a monthly class in which an instructor guides participants through creating a work of art while they enjoy a glass of wine. This event requires registration; details are on the museum’s website. Drop-in drawing and studio classes, scheduled throughout the month, are free and require no registration. After a day of enjoying art, the museum grounds promise fresh air and a leisurely hike. Trails range in length from one-third of
50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
a mile to one and a half miles, so walkers can choose the trek that suits their skill level. The Art Trail is lined with outdoor art and sculptures among a variety of native plants. After a planned expansion the Art Trail will connect to the Crystal Bridges Trail, which will stretch to downtown Bentonville. Eleven restaurant at Crystal Bridges features “High-South” cuisine and sources the majority of its ingredients locally. Every Wednesday and Friday evening the restaurant hosts Culture Hour with live music and special prices on appetizers and cocktails, the perfect end to a full day at the museum. Check the Crystal Bridges website for more on Eleven. To extend an art-themed visit, 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville is the perfect place to stay. The unique lodging combines a boutique hotel with an art gallery. Located at the start of the Crystal Bridges Trail, the museum grounds are only a 10-minute walk away. 21c’s restaurant, The Hive, blends traditional Southern and haute cuisine flawlessly. Located in the heart of
downtown Bentonville, many dining options, art galleries and shops are just a short walk away from the hotel. Northwest Arkansas has much more to offer. Fayetteville, only 45 minutes away from Crystal Bridges, was recently selected as one of best college towns in the country by USA Today. Dickson Street and downtown Fayetteville blend small-town charm with a funky vibe. Dining options range from the famed steaks at Doe’s Eat Place to vegetarian entrees, including a selection of pastas and risottos at upscale Bordino’s. Fayetteville also has a great variety of local boutiques including Riffraff, where shoppers find trendy fashion for a great price. French Metro Antiques has a huge inventory of high-quality, beautifully restored antique French furniture and decor. From April to November the Fayetteville Farmers Market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays around the town’s historic square. Crystal Bridges proves that Northwest Arkansas is becoming a center of arts and culture. Few places in the region offer such a large collection of renowned American art, and the surrounding nature trails provide a one-of-a-kind experience not found at the typical art museum. With the bustling college town of Fayetteville just a short drive away, the possibilities for an unforgettable weekend visit are endless.
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 51
getaway
Photo Courtesy of The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RIDGELAND TOURISM COMMISSION
t takes a delicate touch to create a culinary masterpiece, patience and skill to weave a perfect basket, and vision to transform a lump of clay into a piece of graceful pottery. People with these talents and others have helped Ridgeland, MS, grow from a small artists colony to a premier shopping destination with over 160 restaurants and quality accommodations. The city is home to the Mississippi Craft Center, unlimited shopping venues, exciting special events and now the Ridgeland Retail Trail.
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52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
Ridgeland will celebrate fine art and fine wine April 18-19 during the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival and Santé South Wine Festival, two signature metro area events held simultaneously at the city’s Renaissance at Colony Park. In its seventh year, this juried fine art show provides an opportunity for artists from across the U. S. to sell and patrons from across the Southeast to purchase fine artwork while interacting with artists in an informal and relaxed setting.
The festival also seeks to further art education through its student gallery and Creative Craft Corner. Santé South Wine Festival will take place Apr. 19 in conjunction with the arts festival. The ticketed event features vintages from the world’s premier wineries as well as some of Mississippi’s most succulent culinary delights. Since 2006, Santé South has grown into the largest wine and culinary extravaganza in the state and a signature event for the greater capital city area, generating proceeds for the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter. The event affords a rare opportunity for wine enthusiasts to speak directly with winemakers and features exceptional vintage wines and fine food samplings from the state’s top restaurants for a worthy cause. Ridgeland’s Renaissance at Colony Park, site of the events, is a lifestyle center masterpiece for shopping, dining and entertainment. Inspired by the old-world beauty and the grace of European and Mediterranean architecture, it offers a beautiful setting for enjoying fine art and fine wine. The festival weekend will also feature a new addition, Ridgeland’s One Behind the Other Tandem Rally. This inaugural event will highlight some of central Mississippi’s fantastic cycling routes, including the marquee ride along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a national scenic byway of the National Park Service that runs right through the City of Ridgeland. A true national treasure, the Natchez Trace abounds with miles of scenic trails and a roadway perfect for motorcycling, RVing and bicycling. Highlights along the way include state parks, riding trails, Civil War historic sites, Native American artifacts, cultural and heritage opportunities and waterways such as the Ross Barnett Reservoir. The 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir features parks, campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, paved trails, pavilions, disc golf and wildlife viewing. The perfect venue for picnics and relaxation,
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 53
getaway
Samuel Cupples House
54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
The Jewel Box in Forest Park
the reservoir hosts numerous events throughout the year such as the Dragon Boat Regatta and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s Pepsi Pops. Situated between the Natchez Trace Parkway and the reservoir is the 20,000-square-foot Mississippi Crafts Center, offering cultural experiences with true craftsmen. It showcases a colorful array of traditional and contemporary crafts created by artisans of the Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild. The center houses a permanent collection of one-of-a-kind craft objects including an extensive Mississippi Choctaw basket collection, a sales gallery and meeting space. Ridgeland’s numerous galleries provide plenty of opportunities to admire and purchase local art. The Ridgeland Retail Trail is a unique collection of specialty shopping malls, exclusive boutiques and antique stores, all within minutes of one another. A number of quality hotels in the area provide the opportunity to recharge after a day of shopping, and many are just steps away from luxurious spas. From white tablecloth to waterfront, Ridgeland’s restaurants can cure any craving. World-renowned chefs turn out the finest steaks and seafood, and options for casual dining and craft beer are close at hand. There’s no need to hop on an airplane to find authentic international dishes. From Mediterranean to French to Latin to Japanese, dinner in Ridgeland can be a global experience. Ridgeland has all the charm of a small Southern town with the amenities of a larger city. With the metropolitan area of Jackson just across the street, it’s easy to plan an extended trip while staying in Ridgeland. To plan a getaway go to www.visitridgeland. com or call 800.468.6078.
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 55
travel
VISITING
CALIFORNIA TEXT BY BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRAVEL LEADERS
READY, SET, ACTION...
L
Welcome to Los Angeles!
os Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world and the home of countless must-see attractions to make a visit to the City of Angels an unforgettable vacation. Film buffs know LA as the home of top motion picture studios, not to mention the industry’s brightest stars. Stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find the sidewalk stars of everyone from Mickey Mouse to Alfred Hitchcock. Then visit Universal Studios Hollywood to experience movie magic. Paramount Pictures is the only television studio left in Hollywood. For a more in-depth look into the world of entertainment, head to Burbank, home to many studios, including NBC and Warner Bros. Get a taste of stardom on one of the many tours. Choose from the Malibu Celebrity Home Tour, the Red Line Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour, the Sony Pictures Tour and the Warner Brothers VIP Studio Tours. Be sure to call ahead for availability.
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To shop where the stars are, stop by Rodeo Drive or Sunset Boulevard. Made famous when Julia Roberts went on her shopping spree in Pretty Woman, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to spot fashion icons. Just as impressive as the couture on Rodeo Drive is the array of exotic and pricey vehicles that line the street. (Be aware that some Rodeo Drive shops require appointments to shop.) Sunset Boulevard runs from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, through some of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Its most famous stretch is probably the Sunset Strip, a section of street with sexy curves that make it a visual icon, lined with nightclubs and emblematic billboards. During the day, this area is mostly quiet except for folks shopping, dining and wanting to be seen at Sunset Plaza. At night, it's illuminated by neon lights, an easy place to club-hop without driving, and the sidewalks are full of party-goers.
travel
”
GET A TASTE OF stardo .”
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OPPOSITE: Venice Beach. TOP: Rodeo Drive. LEFT: Paramount Pictures. RIGHT: Hollywood Sign. March 2015 • athomemms.com | 57
travel
Sun worshippers can opt for a day on the shore and head to Venice Beach, Zuma Beach or the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Venice Beach was developed in the early 20th century, modeled after its namesake city in Italy with canals and all. Admittedly, the experiment didn't live up to its European inspiration, but the neighborhood has become distinctly Californian, embodying the spirit of the wealthy, the alternative and the just plain bizarre. Rather than towering churches and intimate pizzerias, this Venice boasts canal-side mansions near funky boutiques and restaurants. The area’s claim to fame is its boardwalk. Hosting a daily procession of eclectic characters and scantily clad beachgoers, the site never fails to impress out-of-towners. As far as the beach goes, the water is generally fine for swimming, though sunbathing is decidedly the activity of choice. Malibu's Zuma Beach is considered one of the finest beaches in Los Angeles. Locals and tourists love Zuma for its legendary waves, ample parking and easy access to beachside snacks. The city of Malibu is northwest of the central LA area. The trip from downtown to Zuma takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The nearby Getty Villa features an impressive art display and admission is free to the public, with a reservation.
TOP LEFT: Malibu, CA. TOP RIGHT: Anaheim Disneyland. MIDDLE & BOTTOM LEFT: Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Santa Monica Pier is just west of downtown Los Angeles and is one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. Its three miles of shoreline are renowned among the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. “State Beach,” as it’s known, averages about 340 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular television series Baywatch. It has a lot of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots.The beach’s most unique aspect is its famous pier, which features the coastal thrill rides of Pacific Park and lively street performances. Santa Monica is a very walkable part of town, easily explored by bicycle. The city’s bike path travels a full 22 miles to Torrance, making it the longest beach bike path in the world.
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For nightlife, the most popular place is along Sunset Strip. Other locations to try are mid-Wilshire Blvd., west of I-110 and east of La Cienega Blvd., between Beverly Blvd. and I-10; and downtown Los Angeles. Many new clubs can also be found on Hollywood Blvd. After exploring all LA has to offer, take a day trip south to AnaheimDisneyland, about an hour outside the city. A plaque at the entrance of the park says: “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy,” and for more than 50 years, this complex of amusement parks and hotels has held true to that promise. Even compared to other Disney resorts, nothing beats the original’s unique place as a vintage landmark in the heart of Southern California. This vibrant park is still a great place for families — in fact, kids will most likely have so much fun with Mickey and friends that they’ll want to stay forever. And with plenty of thrilling rides and a bustling Downtown entertainment district, parents might not want to leave either. Travel TidbiTs Markets — farmer and flea — are fun to explore. The oldest of all the markets is the Farmers Market located in the Fairfax District. The Rose Bowl Flea Market takes place on the second Sunday of every month and features beautiful antiques and new furniture. The largest in Los Angeles is in Santa Monica and is held every Wednesday. For unbeatable deals on jewelry, go to the Jewelry District, between 5th and 8th Streets and Hill Street and Broadway in downtown. Knock-offs of brands seen on Rodeo Drive can be found here at a fraction of the price. TV Shows - Write in advance to the studio to get tickets to watch your favorite TV show being filmed or go to www.tvtickets.com. Most filming for current TV shows is done between August and March; after that, studios start filming pilots. Free Music - Free jazz concerts are held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in its Central Court on Friday evenings from April to December.
DON’T STOP HERE! Read current articles and catch up with issues you missed!
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March 2015 • athomemms.com | 59
travel
Port of Los Angeles
SAN DIEGO… Only a two-hour train ride from Los Angeles via Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, San Diego is famous for its beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving and attractions such as Sea World. Sea World is the California outpost of the ocean-themed chain of parks. The main attraction here is Shamu, the killer whale (orca). Throughout the day shows provide opportunities to see marine creatures close up and, in a few cases, to touch and feed them. In recent years, Sea World has added rides and a kids’ water play area. It takes a half day or longer to see everything and in summer, a good strategy is to arrive in early afternoon and stay until the fireworks display. Another of the city’s top destinations is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The name provides a clue that this is not a typical
San Diego Zoo Safari Park 60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
zoo, but a more unique setting in which to encounter nature. Lots of large animals live in the same big, open areas here. Predators are kept away from prey, but otherwise they exist much as they would in their natural habitat. The highlight is the safari-style tour, which may be the closest most people will ever come to seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild, including a pride of lions. Visitors to the Petting Kraal get hands-on time with the tamest critters. Besides regular admission activities, the Safari Park offers overnight sleepovers, photography tours and other experiences for an extra fee. The attraction is 35 miles north of downtown San Diego and driving is the only practical way to get there. A must see when visiting San Diego is the Point Loma Lighthouse, the centerpiece of the Cabrillo National Monument, which honors Portuguese navigational explorer
HOMEfeature
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 61
travel TOP: Universal Studios Hollywood MIDDLE: San Diego Bay BOTTOM LEFT: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor BOTTOM RIGHT: Point Loma Lighthouse.
A must see when visiting San Diego is the Point Loma Lighthouse, the centerpiece of the Cabrillo National Monument, which honors Portuguese navigational explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who first discovered San Diego Bay and charted the coast of California. No one can say if Cabrillo climbed all the way up to the top of this promontory or not, but those who make the trip nowadays get some of the best views of San Diego, looking across the bay and back toward downtown. The views of downtown from a San Diego harbor cruise can’t be beat. A trip by boat also provides a chance to have a peek at the Pacific Fleet and to get a feel for just how tall the Coronado Bridge really is. The bay is well protected and the water seldom rough. The cruises have two out-and-back itineraries, one toward Point Loma and the other past the Coronado Bridge, the Navy Seals Training Base and military ships. The boat stops at the dock in between, making it easy for passengers to take just one leg or both. Opt for a brunch or dinner cruise and see it all while having a nice meal. Harbor cruises leave from the waterfront near downtown, near the cruise ship terminal. The San Diego Trolley stops three blocks away at the Santa Fe Depot. Some other great places to take the family near Los Angeles and San Diego are Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, just to mention a few. For more on a Southern California vacation see the travel professionals at Travel Leaders, located at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy, Ste. 104, Memphis, or call 901.377.6600.
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March 2015 • athomemms.com | 63
arts
PETER’S POTTERY
A BUSINESS BASED ON FAITH, FAMILY AND FINE POTTERY TEXT BY MORGAN PRUITT | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PETER'S POTTERY
In the small town of Mound Bayou, MS, lies a thriving pottery studio that has connected with people across the world. Not only has the one-of-a-kind pottery fascinated folks far and wide, but the business, owned and managed by a loving, compassionate family, has touched the hearts of those who have interacted with it. Peter Woods, the primary owner of Peter’s Pottery, delved into the art at the young age of 13. He continued his studies in pottery at Delta State University, and in 1998 he started his company with his brothers. “My family is an integral part of the business,” Woods says. Now not only his brothers, but also his sister, niece and nephews work together daily to build the successful enterprise and craft each piece of pottery infused with a touch of the Woods’ personality. 64 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
The business prides itself on creating functional pottery that is microwave, dishwasher and oven safe. Peter’s Pottery is 100 percent local as well—every piece is made with mud clay from Louisville and Columbus, MS. Because each item is handcrafted by the family members themselves, no two pieces are alike. Customers can choose from four different colors: Dogwood Brown, Dirty Jade, Bayou Blue and Cotton White. Woods and his family create bowls, candlesticks, tableware and vases as well as charming pottery animals. Though every piece takes time to create by hand, the most time-consuming pieces, according to Woods, are the animals. Because they are filled with intricate details, molding the statues is a painstaking process. The Peter’s Pottery menagerie includes rabbits, roosters, hens, horses, donkeys, pigs, frogs, cats, dogs, turtles, monkeys,
elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, birds, deer, ducks and turkeys. Woods adds three or four new items to the collection annually, making it next to impossible for him to name a favorite piece. Each year’s new additions “become my favorite because of the amount of time and creativity it takes to produce,” he admits. Woods and his family thrive on the positive feedback they receive. “The most rewarding aspects of my job are the letters and comments I receive from my customers of how they have enjoyed visiting the studio, the customer service they may receive either on the phone or in person, and how much they like the pottery,” he says. Knowing that he and his family are creating pieces that are displayed in homes not only in the United States, but all over the world is also extremely gratifying, Woods adds. Although Woods finds great satisfaction in knowing that his business is creating beautiful pottery that is loved by people from various places and backgrounds across the globe, he doesn’t take the credit for his accomplishments. “My biggest inspiration is God Almighty,” he says. “He has blessed me and my family to have a successful business, to be able to work together, and remember to always help others by giving back to the community.” Peter’s Pottery pieces range in price from $10 to $550 and are sold at the studio in Mound Bayou and in 29 retail stores across Mississippi. Shops in Birmingham and Collierville also carry the line. To see more of the masterpieces that Woods and his hardworking family create on a daily basis, go to Peter’s Pottery at www.peters-pottery.net or visit their shop in Mound Bayou, MS.
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social
Mary Helen, Fred & Claire McCord
Virginia Barron & Ryan Young
Gray Hill, Alexis Margaritis, Margaret Porter, Nic Campochiaro, Claire Sullivan, Spencer Glass, Lizzie Oullette, Alston Foster, Bailey Apple, & Carson Schelp San Diego Zoo
66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
THE
social
Wolf River COTILLION
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON LENOIR
T
The Wolf River Cotillion held its 6th Annual Silver Ball and Presentation at the University Club of Memphis on Saturday, January 24, where 31 beautiful new members were presented before their family and friends. The majority of the members presented are juniors attending St. George’s Independent School or legacies of previous members. The evening continued with a festive celebration for all guests while dancing the night away to the lively music of Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster. Chair of the event was Beth Skudder, and committee members zwere Robyn Buechner, Jana Clayton, Kelly Fossett, Jane Ann Gatlin, Cindy McCord, Chris Patterson, Jennifer Phillips, Beth Porter, Robin Selberg and Jeanne Thomas. Decorations and flowers were created by Garden District.
Madeline Skudder
Madeline & David Skudder, Caroline & Rob Fossett and Margaret & Joel Porter
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social
Amy Hyneman & Felecia Crouch
Betty Hays A STYLE EXPERIENCE
TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT
A
An evening soiree took place at Betty Hays in Germantown to celebrate Marie Pizano's book, From Barefoot to Stilettos. Guests enjoyed visiting and shopping, while 10% of the proceeds sold that evening benefited The Military Warrior Support Foundation.
Chris Hill 68 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
Ann Knox & Carolyn Marie Pizano Perry & Betty Hays
Gianna Soefker, Charlotte Anne Henderson, Lisa Berry & Paige Emanuel
A TABLE TO
Toast
TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT
G
Guests enjoyed an afternoon of lunch, good fellowship and beautiful décor at Madonna Circle's A Table to Toast luncheon to benefit Camp Love & Learn, a program of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee. Gorgeous and unique tablescapes created by local designers filled the Botanic Garden in east Memphis. Featured speaker of the event was Susan Ferrier, who signed her book Art of the House, co-authored with Bobby McAlpine. Guests dined on a delicious lunch catered by Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen.
Anita Old & June Kardoush
Mary Jenkins & Anne Roane March 2015 • athomemms.com | 69
social
Madeline Cox, Lee Jones, Leigh Montgomery & Cindy Paul
BLU D'OR INTERIORS HOSTS
"Blu Thursday" TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT
B
Blu D'or Interiors, located at Laurelwood Shopping Center in East Memphis, kicked off the first of their "Blu Thursday" events the evening of February 12. Blu Thursday will take place at the shop every other month on a Thursday, and will feature various artists and jewelry lines. At this Blu Thursday, artist Sarah Robinson was in attendance, and her beautiful artwork was on display for sale . Guests enjoyed wine and hors d'oeurves as they shopped and visited..
Lee Jones & Sarah Robertson 70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
March 2015 • athomemms.com | 71
experience this
PILGRIMAGES OF SOUTHERN
Historical Homes T TEXT BY MACKENZIE ALEXANDER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLLY SPRINGS PILGRIMAGE
his spring take time to visit Natchez, Holly Springs or the Mississippi Gulf Coast to tour a variety of beautiful and historically significant antebellum mansions. All of the featured homes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in culture and history. 72 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
The 2015 Natchez Spring Pilgrimage will take place Mar. 7-Apr. 7. One can tour the 24 captivating antebellum mansions will open their doors to visitors. While all of the houses are beautiful they are also all different from one another, giving each one its own unique and elegant feel. Filled with 18th and
19th century furnishings, tableware and clothing, the homes exude an authentic atmosphere that transports guests back into the antebellum South. A unique aspect of the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage is that the tours are led by descendants and family friends of the original homeowners. The personal tie the guides have with the homes provides visitors with not only an educational experience but a very intimate one as well. Many of the homes contain personal diaries and documents belonging to the previous homeowners. These authentic writings and records further contribute to the richness of the stately historical structures. The Natchez Spring Pilgrimage tours are much more than simply a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing experience; they ultimately provide a small but significant window into the personal and intimate history of the families who brought the walls to life. While the pilgrimage draws visitors to the town, there is more to see and do in Natchez. Take a private tour with a guide of the historic town, see a play at the Natchez Little Theatre or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants. For unforgettable gourmet Southern-style cuisine the historic Carriage House is the place to go. The Natchez Spring Pilgrimage offers single-house tours for adults at $15 and $10 for youth A two-house tour for adults is $30 and $20 for youth. Admission to the three-house tour for adults is $36 and $24 for youth. The 77th annual Holly Springs Pilgrimage will be held Apr. 10-12. This year’s event includes tours of homes, churches and slave dwellings. The historic homes featured on the 2015 tour include the Montrose, Davis House at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, Herndon, Gwydir and Heritage. Alfred Brooks built the Montrose, now the Holly Springs Garden Club, as a wedding gift for his daughter in 1858. The home’s interior holds an elegant circular stairway as well as ornate ceiling medallions, and a beautiful arboretum now surrounds the home. Also a must-see on the tour, the Herndon home is believed to be the oldest two-story brick house in March 2015 • athomemms.com | 73
experience this
”
rich in culture & history”
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Marshall County; it now houses the studio and exhibit space of artist Randy Hayes. The Davis House is unique as it was built out of hand-made brick by Eben Davis in 1851 and was recently donated to the National Audubon Society. While the Montrose is showcased annually, many of the other homes have not been toured in years. It has been more than 20 years since the Heritage and Herndon homes have been part of the pilgrimage and the Gwydir is making its premiere on the event in 2015. Dianene Fant, Holly Springs Publicity Chair, says, “We are very excited to have a lineup this year that a lot of people have probably never seen.” Hours for the Holly Springs Home and Heritage Festival will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Adult tickets are $25, seniors and students are $22, and children under 12 will be admitted free with an adult. The 62nd annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Spring Pilgrimage, April 22-29, offers a tour unlike many others as it showcases homes, gardens, museums and landmarks all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Each day of the event focuses on a different area of the coast, making the entire experience a moving adventure. Regions showcased on the tour include Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, Ocean Springs, Gulf Hills, Diamondhead, Pascagoula and Moss Point. The unique format allows participants to explore different regions, homes, museums and landscapes all at the same time. The home tours are complimentary and start at 9 a.m. every day except Sunday, when the hours are 1-4 p.m. In addition to the tours, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Pilgrimage will include a silent auction and jewelry sale on April 25 beginning at 9 a.m. Tickets are $25.
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entertaining
Spring Supper
WITH FRIENDS TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP MURPHY STYLIST ANGELA MAZANTI | CATERING BY ZIPARO'S
WELCOME THE SPRING SEASON Follow event designer Angela Mazanti’s lead — set out the china
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entertaining
With good food & friends to create a casual yet elegant dinner party on a festive evening!
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entertaining
The InspIraTIon “The inspiration for this evening was a casual girls’ night out supper club. I wanted to design it in such a way that any hostess could duplicate in her home without too much fuss and enjoy being the hostess, but also enjoy the evening with her best girlfriends,” Mazanti says.
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Set the Scene Mazanti set the scene for the evening by using the hostess’s dining room and kitchen to display food and by creating a fabulous table setting. Décor “I used the hostess’s artwork and existing decor as inspiration to pull the color scheme together. I am really loving copper vessels and trays right now so I used as much copper as I could to display the food, flowers and candles,” explains Mazanti. “I love using unexpected vessels for flowers and this was the perfect opportunity to use a great copper coffee pot that I picked up at an antique store. When I got it home and realized it didn’t work, of course my first thought was to put flowers in it!” She also used vintage brass goblets to hold little accent arrangements and copper mercury glass votive holders for the candles. Mazanti chose beeswax candles because, she says, there is nothing quite like the golden glow they put off to really make a setting come alive. color theme Mazanti used rich hues of orange, yellow and magenta in the flowers to accentuate the warm colors of the homeowner’s décor. March 2015 • athomemms.com | 79
entertaining
Host Your own Mazanti says a hostess can replicate an evening like this easily by following a few simple suggestions. “First, I suggest that you keep it small and intimate in order to enjoy the evening and not feel like you will be a slave to the kitchen all night cooking and cleaning up. Consider having it catered if you aren’t really into cooking but enjoy hosting, or create a theme like Mexican or Italian and have a potluck.” A small effort reaps big rewards, Mazanti says. “Use it as an opportunity to get together in a casual, relaxing atmosphere with a few of your best girlfriends. I suggest inviting no more than three to six ladies. Maybe start a supper club and take turns hosting in each member’s home once a month. We are all so busy and so committed these days and sometimes we forget to just relax and enjoy the fellowship of friends. Starting a club like this will give you the perfect opportunity to truly unplug and connect.”
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in the kitchen
Breakfast, Brunch or Just Because Baking TEXT BY APRIL MCKINNEY
Well, it’s finally March, and I couldn’t be happier that the first signs of spring are making an appearance! This is a time when there seems to be lots of showers and brunches to celebrate all of the special events that are to come. So I am sharing a couple of my favorite baked goods for brunches, luncheons or just because. The first is my Blueberry Lemon Poppy Seed Bread. Lemon Poppy Seed Bread has been a favorite of mine since I was a girl going to my grandmother’s house for the weekend. She would always make it when I was coming, and it was such a special treat. I decided to add some blueberries to this version, which really takes it up a notch, if you ask me. The combination of the lemon and blueberries is just delicious, and it looks so fresh and pretty, perfect for the springtime. Now, of course, I have to add something chocolate to the mix when it comes to baking, so I’m sharing my Double Chocolate Banana Muffins. They are full of chocolate, but they still pack a strong punch of banana flavor. Be sure to use very ripe bananas for this recipe to get the most “bang for your buck.” These are moist and sweet but not too heavy, which makes for an ideal muffin, in my opinion. Both of these quick breads are easy to make and sure to please whether they’re for a lazy Saturday morning with the family or for entertaining a crowd. Let’s celebrate spring with friends, family and some light baking! For more delicious brunch recipes, visit my website at www.AprilMcKinney.com. 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
BLUEBERRY LEMON POPPY SEED BREAD MAKES 1 LOAF
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour • ¾ cup white sugar ½ tsp. salt • 1½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. baking soda • 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted • 1 cup vanilla yogurt 2 large eggs • 1 Tbsp. finely grated lemon peel 1 ¼ cups fresh blueberries, divided DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 375˚. Grease 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan. 2. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and poppy seeds. 3. Mix together the butter, yogurt, eggs, lemon peel and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice. 4. Stir the yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients until they are just combined. Fold in 1 cup of the blueberries. 5. Pour the batter into the pan and then top the batter with the remaining ¼ cup of berries, lightly pressing them into the batter. 6. Bake the bread for 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. 7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BANANA MUFFINS MAKES 12 MUFFINS
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt • ¾ cup sugar ¼ tsp. cinnamon • 1 egg 3 very ripe bananas ⅓ cup canola oil ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350˚ and place liners in a muffin tin. 2. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. 3. In another bowl mash the bananas with a fork until they are only slightly lumpy. Stir the oil and egg into the banana and then add this to the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is just combined, and then fold in half of the chocolate chips. 4. Fill the muffin cups about 3/4 full and then sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the muffins. 5. Bake for 20-22 minutes, cool slightly and enjoy!
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dining out
THE WINE BAR LOCATED JUST OFF THE HISTORIC SQUARE IN OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, THE WINE BAR OFFERS DINERS AN ECLECTIC ARRAY OF VINTAGES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ALONG WITH FARM-TO-TABLE FARE.
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TEXT BY MAGGIE WEIR AND ERIKA LIPE
he textured antique tin ceiling and dim lighting provided by chandeliers give The Wine Bar a cozy, speakeasy feel. Rich blue walls display a mix of prohibition-era artwork and pieces by modern local artists. The white marble bar pops against a background of dark polished wood, and mirror-backed glass shelves lined with hundreds of whiskeys, wines and various glassware decorate the south wall. Unlike many places on the square, The Wine Bar was not designed to hold hundreds of people at capacity. Seating only a cozy crowd of 65 in the dining room and 10 at the bar, the place maintains its “best kept secret” vibe by sending forth an inviting, but exclusive feel. 84 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
The concept for The Wine Bar came from the owner, Dr. J. Lee Valentine and his wife, Helen, both of Meridian, MS, and their three children (Nelson Valentine of New York City, Patton Valentine of Los Angeles and Mary Lela Vonder Haar of Jackson, MS) and was influenced by the family’s love of wine and food from their travels around the globe. Little wine bars here and there inspired them to bring something similar to Oxford, a town they all know and love because of their involvement with the University of Mississippi. Opened last August in the midst of the Ole Miss football season, The Wine Bar received a warm welcome as an addition to Oxford’s historic square. From early-birds in for a glass of wine
dining out and a bite of imported cheese and fresh baked bread to large parties seeking a full dining experience, locals and visitors alike have filled the tables.
personal creations. Chef John Burge and I have worked together in the kitchen for years, and it’s a very special thing to have two chefs running a restaurant, and harmoniously, at that,” Lipe says.
Cuisine at The Wine Bar is an eclectic improvisation of seasonal ingredients from local farms and inspiration that comes on a whim. From pork chops sourced from a farm 40 miles away and foie gras terrines to chicken and waffles and fried bologna muffalettas, the menu covers a full spectrum of foodie delights.
Lipe’s career in the kitchen started at age 13 in nearby Batesville in her mother's coffee shop and lunch bistro. She went on to train in New Orleans and Oxford before moving to the Golden Isles area off the coast of Georgia, and then being called home again to Mississippi, all in the spirit of food and travel. John Burge is The Wine Bar’s executive chef. Similarly, he began cooking at 12 years old, inspired by his mother, who was an excellent cook. Burge trained at Napa Valley Cooking School and upon graduating, worked as a wine educator at Duckhorn Vineyards and Robert Sinskey Vineyards. His culinary talents have lead Burge from Yellowstone National Park to Napa Valley, Nashville, Birmingham and coastal North Carolina.
According to general manager Erika Lipe, the farm-to-table concept is really a no-brainer. “We grow amazing crops and livestock here in the South, and to be able to utilize fresh, natural, locally grown produce or free-range, humanely farmed pork is not just an option, but a gift! Agriculture is such a way of life here, and we embrace that, and hope to help sustain it, as it is so much of who we are,” Lipe says. Perhaps the biggest hit on the menu, the Reuben egg rolls are an original creation by Lipe. They consist of corned beef brisket, sauerkraut and Gruyere cheese (along with a few other secret ingredients) rolled in an egg roll wrapper and deep fried. A chef for the past 10 years, Lipe is seeing to the front of the house now as The Wine Bar’s general manager. “I still like to have a little fun in the kitchen, and this dish, with a few others, are some of my
According to Lipe, the ultimate dining experience at The Wine Bar would include five courses, paired independently with different wines, customized to suit the individual diner, served in a plush booth in a back corner, free from a care in the world. However, she is quick to point out that the restaurant is also the perfect spot to enjoy a break with a light snack and a glass of wine when passing through the square.
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happy hour
INGREDIENTS:
French 75
RECIPE COURTESY OF THE WINERY OF GERMANTOWN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUZIE HANSEN
W
hether you're entertaining for the holidays or having a summer picnic, this early 20th century sparkling gem is a perfect year-round cocktail.
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• 1 oz. gin • 1 oz. Liber & Co. gum syrup • 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice • 3 oz. Champagne or sparkling wine Tools: shaker, strainer Garnish: lemon twist
DIRECTIONS: Combine the first three ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and strain into a chilled glass. Top with Champagne and lemon twist garnish.
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MARKETPLACE
sources 20 | WELLNESS St. Francis Hospital
22 | Healthy YOU Cherry Blend Farms, www.facebook.com/cherryblendfarms www.eatdrinkboogie.com
324 | AT HOME WITH Special thanks to — Linn Sitler, Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission
26 | HOME FEATURE Special thanks to — homeowners Paula and Ron McLarty Special thanks to — Fran Winstock, Fran Winstock Interiors www.franwinstockinteriors.com
36 | DESIGN Special thanks to — Steve Nabers, Interior Designer, www.nabersinteriors.com Steve Roberts, Photographer, www.steverobertsphoto.com/home/index.php
46 | HOME TRENDS Special thanks to — Robin Terry, West Tennessee Home Builders Association
48 | VISIT THIS Crystal Bridges, crystalbridges.org
52 | GETAWAY www.visitridgeland.com
56 | TRAVEL Special thanks to – Barbara May, owner of Travel Leaders
64 | ARTS Peter’s Pottery — www.peters-pottery.net
72 | ExpERIENcE THIS Natchez Spring Pilgrimage, natchezpilgrimage.com/natchez-spring-pilgrimage.php Holly Springs Pilgimage, hollyspringspilgrimage.com Mississippi Gulf Coast Spring Pilgrimage, www.springpilgrimage.com
76 | ENTERTAINING Special thanks to — Angela Mazanti Design, angelamazantidesign.com Ziparo's Catering in Germantown, ziparos.com Philip Murphy, Photographer www.facebook.com/philipmurphyphotography
84 | DINING OUT The Wine Bar, www.thewinebaroxford.com
86 | HAppY HOUR Special thanks to – The Winery of Germantown March 2015 • athomemms.com | 89
on a good note
GPS Squad at the Kroc Center 2nd Anniversary Celebration
GPS SQUAD A NEW WAY TO GIVE! TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT Preston & Collier Roberts
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he Salvation Army’s motto is “doing the most good” and the GPS Squad in Memphis is helping the organization make that happen.
Launched last year, the GPS Squad is a collaborative effort of students from all over the Memphis community “Giving, Praying and Serving” the Salvation Army and its missions. Children and grandchildren of members of the Salvation Army Auxiliary (the support arm of the Salvation Army) as well as other students around the Memphis area are able to get involved with the GPS Squad. Ages range from children in elementary school as young as first graders to high school students. “This allows moms and dads to volunteer in the community with their children; it’s a great way for families to get involved together. It’s the collaboration of families and teens working for the Salvation Army,” says GPS chair Christina Roberts. Her son Preston, a student at Memphis University School, serves as president of GPS, and Rachel Ducker, a student at St. George’s Independent School, is the vice-president. Christina says she hopes to have officers at each school in the near future, with their presidents serving on a city-wide board. “This structure would give these kids opportunities to develop their leadership skills,” she adds. Technology is playing a key role with the GPS Squad. The group’s first major project, the Kettle Mettle Challenge, used online kettles. The campaign’s “text to give” option raised funds 90 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2015
through cell phone donations, a handy option that allowed people to give by texting a donation amount when they didn’t have cash on hand. GPS members promoted their kettles by using social media. The students set a goal of $6,500 for their first year and raised 92 percent of that amount with their online kettles alone. “Text to give” donations brought in an additional $936. GPS students rang bells at several Salvation Army kettle locations around Memphis, raising an additional $1,562. The GPS Squad provided helping hands in December at the Purdue Center of Hope’s Family Night, when the students decorated cookies and played games with the children in the shelter. The group also volunteered at the Kroc Center’s two-year anniversary celebration last month, assisting with the welcome table, Kids’ Zone and inflatables. As 2015 rolls on, GPS Squad goals include expanding their membership, growing current projects and developing new ideas. According to Christina, the aim is to get young people from all over the area involved, developing community-minded individuals and future volunteers. “The time and effort of these students are priceless gifts to many who might otherwise live on the street,” Christina says. To get involved with the GPS Squad, contact Preston Roberts at prestonroberts12@gmail.com.
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