H O M E F E AT U R E :
reimagined RETREATS DESIGN:
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
28 | H O M E F E A T UR E A Jackson, TN, family enlists Alexandra Lauren Interiors to modernize their home while highlighting the unique beauty of its breathtaking natural setting.
42 | D E S IGN Three trusted Memphis designers show us how they took outdated primary bathrooms and gave them a whole new identity.
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
MARCH 2022
home & design 28 HOME FEATURE Home as a Solace
42 DESIGN
Renovated Primary Bathrooms
food & travel
64 EXPERIENCE THIS History Comes Alive in Hardin County, Tennessee 74 IN THE KITCHEN Decadent Date Cake with Whipped Cream and Raspberries
for you
58 WEDDING
Alli Willard & John Michael Skinner
78 HEALTHY YOU
Protect and Strengthen Your Immune System
82 ON A GOOD NOTE Advance Memphis
in every issue
14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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81 SOURCES
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MARCH 2022 • VOL. 20 NO. 12 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 QUINN PEEPER | qpeeper@icloud.com
REGIONAL MARKETING JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 7776 FARMINGTON BLVD, #1321 GERMANTOWN TN 38183 | 901.684.4155 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: 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown TN 38183. SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183. or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
@athomemagazine
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PUBLISHER'S
Note
Oh,
how I welcome “springing forward!” It brings us longer days of sunshine. I will happily give up an extra hour of sleep, for a day, in exchange for more daylight for weeks to come. The short days just don’t work for me; they totally confuse me. I am not alone in the confusion as even my chickens quit laying eggs during the transition. It just creates a hot mess that could be totally avoided, in my opinion. March also brings the start of spring and the return of flowers such as hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses. These simple flowers take over our front yard each year and remind me of warmer, sunny days to come. Although I feel extremely blessed, this winter and the start of 2022 have not been ideal for our family. Good things are certainly to come, though. Our granddaughter will be moving closer to home (bringing her mom and dad with her) and our grandson will be arriving soon. I can’t think of anything that could make me happier than that! Spring is the season of new life for so many things and our homes are not to be left out. It is the most popular time for renovations and, of course, spring cleaning. In this issue we showcase a beautiful home and three stunning bathroom renovations. I would love to say mine was one of them but I still can’t bring myself to rip out the “vintage” white tile with gold speckles in our primary bath. I wish I were exaggerating, but it is pretty bad. Maybe next year! Whether you are expecting a new life in your family or new life for your home, I hope this spring brings you happiness. Enjoy this issue of AT HOME and remember to notice the little things that bring you joy and hope, as the simple Lenten Rose does for me.
- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
STORY TERRI GLAZER INTERIOR DESIGN ALEXANDRA LAUREN INTERIORS PHOTOS KRISTEN ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY March 2022 • athomemms.com | 29
H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
for the
past two years everyone has spent more time at home, leading many homeowners to renovate or redecorate. The project designer Alexandra Lauren recently undertook for a Jackson, TN, family was more than freshening up, though. Both health care providers who have experienced heightened stress from the pandemic, the couple now think of their home as a haven from the storm. The family moved into the house in 2019 and engaged Lauren to begin the renovation shortly after settling in. The designer describes it as “a rare property.” Surrounded
by forest, yet conveniently located in town, its architectural style and the lush gardens painstakingly cultivated by the previous owner exude a French country feel. Lauren's task was to update the interior to more accurately reflect her clients’ modern taste in a way that would highlight the unique beauty of the home’s breathtaking natural setting. General Contractors Larry and Ricky Cupples of Cupples Construction oversaw the renovation work. Lauren says they were the perfect choice for the job since they originally built the home. “When time came to gut and remodel it, they knew where the internal ‘bones’ of the house were.”
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H O M E F E AT U R E
first
on the agenda was the primary bathroom. In order to “bring the outdoors in,” Lauren enlarged a small window and situated a freestanding soaking tub under it. “We played on the concept of shinrin-yoku, which means forest bathing in Japanese,” she explains. “I am a huge fan of free sunshine. By enlarging the window we not only flooded the main bath with natural light, but also opened up beautiful views of the forest outside which weren’t previously visible.” The reworked floor plan allowed for a marble enclosed tub and shower, fulfilling the clients’ only request for their primary bathroom. Mirrored French doors do double duty, adding light and interest to the space and cleverly covering the entrances to the water closet and the owners’ closet. Next up on the renovation schedule were the son’s and daughter’s suites. The homeowners wanted to give their teenage children grown-up spaces with enough sophistication to serve as guest rooms once the kids are grown and gone. Lauren achieved this goal beautifully. The daughter’s bedroom is fresh and feminine without being “little girly.” Rose quartz is the overarching theme, from the wall color and bedding to the lamps and drawer pulls on the bedside chests. Contrast and interest come from the art above the bed—a framed panel of Ellie Cashman wallpaper— and a throw pillow in the corresponding fabric. The whimsical light fixture, fashioned from wire embellished with hundreds of mini bulbs, brings to mind a dandelion puff ball. The room’s furnishings, along with many of the elements used throughout the home, are available at Lauren’s Jackson design studio, Alexandra Lauren Home Collection, and on her website, alexandralauren.com. “La vie en rose” continues in the adjoining bathroom in a subtle-yet-fun leopard wallpaper and in the cabinet hardware.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
"Wallpaper is back in a big way! But it’s not your grandma’s wallpaper. We’ve been using it a lot. It’s much easier to remove and I always go for VOC-free papers. We even have a wallpaper bar in our studio with a huge library of new wallpapers.”
—Designer Alexandra Lauren
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HO OM MEE FFEEAT ATU URREE H
A
Phillip Jeffries wallpaper was the inspiration for the boy’s room design. The nailhead-patterned grasscloth appears on a feature wall in the bedroom, setting a handsome and decidedly masculine vibe. Lauren played up the nailhead motif in an upholstered headboard and again in the adjacent bath in an ingenious way. Flanking the brass mirror, a pair of nontraditional sconces with black metal shades filter light in a reverse dot pattern.
For the upstairs game room Lauren opted for drama in a big way. The walls, the trim and even the ceiling are bathed in Benjamin Moore Black Pepper, a bold, saturated blue gray that makes a big statement.
Moving back downstairs, Lauren gave the kitchen and two living areas a major facelift, removing walls and reconfiguring space. The end product is a chef’s kitchen that is at once gorgeous and useful, complete with a family dining area, as well as separate chic and comfortable living rooms on both sides. March 2022 • athomemms.com | 35
H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
the
gleaming kitchen features white cabinetry and countertops, dressed up with brass hardware and accents. The design brought new life to the existing Sub Zero refrigerator. Formerly covered in wood panels painted with a French country scene, the two separate units now shine in stainless steel. Lauren separated them and installed a wine tower between. She also added a rolling library ladder in the kitchen to provide easy access to items stored in the upper cabinets. Punching up the glam factor are the brass ladder rail and a custom range hood that mixes stainless and brass. The real showstopper is the lighting over the grand, new kitchen island. Lauren grouped several Kelly Wearstler crackled glass pendants to achieve the effect of a massive chandelier proportionate to the island’s generous size. Filled with light, living room one is elegant and ultra modern, but still cozy enough for the family to gather for a TV night. The designer chose Simply White by Benjamin Moore for the walls and trim and furnished the space in whites and cool tones. She brought the fireplace style up to date with the same Cambria Britannica stone she used on the kitchen countertops, fabricated by Counter Solutions in Jackson. “I love its dramatic veining lines,” she says. “Traditional Carrara marble has finer lines, but these clients weren’t afraid to go bold.” Lauren’s design aesthetic paid special attention to standout lighting, which she calls “the jewelry of the home.” The chandelier in living room one is a perfect example. Striking and graceful, the Hubbardton Forge piece is an artistic creation that blends form and function flawlessly. Hand forged to order in the USA, the piece is available at alexandralauren.com. In the second living area a completely different but equally striking light fixture takes center stage. The John Richard Hans chandelier features a cascade of 23 brass drop lights set at varying heights produce one stunning effect. This room’s renovation included removing a corner fireplace on the back wall and building a long, low one in the center, bordered by warm wood shelving on either side. Lauren repeated the Cambria in a low floating hearth beneath the fireplace and furnished the space in neutral and cool tones to provide continuity with the kitchen and the other living area. All three rooms have views of the backyard pool area; the designer says she especially loves the “fire and water” effect when both the fireplaces are lit. March 2022 • athomemms.com | 37
H O M E F E AT U R E
although
Lauren’s design talent is evident in every room, she says the home is really a reflection of the family that lives there. “My approach is that life is going to take precedence over the design layer in a home. It’s my job to amplify that lifestyle for my clients. They need to be the star of the show. Your home should be as representative of you as the clothes you wear. More importantly, it’s about how you want to feel in your own private space.
“Colors affect your senses and textures engage your moods. All these design elements combined affect your life and how you feel. My goal was to create a sanctuary for these front-line workers and their family in the midst of the stress of the pandemic.”
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H O M E F E AT U R E
"We're seeing a modern influence on lighting as the next big thing in design. Even more vintage or austere historical vendors have tipped their hat to modernity. Lighting is getting ultra futuristic and fun.” —Designer Alexandra Lauren
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DESIGN
reimagined RETREATS
This month we’re touring a trio of newly renovated primary bathrooms. Three designers, three styles. All transformed from dated to divine.
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DESIGN
"Classic. I think everything about it is classic." Selena McAdams’s description of this renovated primar y bathroom is as refined as the space itself. Mcdams took on the project , par t of a wholehouse remodel in East Memphis, with architect Jeff Edwards of Carlton Edwards, in 2017. The owners wanted a downstairs bedroom/closet/ bathroom suite, so Edwards reconfigured a rarely used formal living room, a hall bath and a small guest room to create a comfor table retreat for the couple. RKA Construction saw the effor t through from concept to completion.
TEXT BY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY
classic
elegance
DESIGNED BY SELENA MCADAMS OF SPRUCE ARCHITECTURE BY JEFF EDWARDS OF CARLTON EDWARDS BUILT BY RKA CONSTRUCTION March 2022 • athomemms.com | 43
DESIGN
before
Light-filled
and
elegant , the bathroom’s white walls and trim provide a clean and traditional backdrop. White marble floor tiles, laid in an intricate pattern of large and small squares on the diagonal, welcome the couple into the room. An elegantly lined double vanity of washed white oak lines the right-hand wall. McAdams chose dramatic black Nero Marquina marble for the counter top, accented with graceful wall fittings in unlacquered brass. The cur ve of the faucets inspired her lighting choices: a pair of simple shaded sconces that flank the mirror and a single fluted ceiling pendant , all sourced from Spruce, McAdams’s Memphis design,
Civil War Relief Sculpture 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
accessories and gift shop.
Only a custom mirror would do justice above the statement-piece vanity, so the designer called on Chris Garner from Garner Framing Co. to build just the right one. He came through with a perfectly propor tioned piece bordered in tasteful black and gold. Across from the vanity, the clients requested linen storage. McAdams says that while a standard closet and door might have sufficed, she envisioned “something with a little more effect to it.” Tall and stately, the custom cabinet is par tially recessed with a slight bump out to create the appearance of a built-in armoire. The trim style matches that of the vanity, but the piece is painted a subtle soft gray, allowing the vanity to become the sole focal point in the area. The generously sized wet room would rival any high-end spa. Nestled behind a frameless glass door, the shower area and soaking tub are encased in marble from floor to ceiling. Multiple spray heads repeat the gold tones from the vanity fixtures, as do the shower and tub fittings. Stunning on its own, the bathroom is made even more luminous by its setting adjacent to the homeowners’ closet , which is bathed head to toe in dark graphite with blue under tones. The entrance to the closet is situated at the end of a long corridor with the primar y bedroom on one side and bath on the other. Says McAdams, “ We chose a rich tone for the entire closet: cabinetr y, ceiling and walls. The clothing pops and ever ything looks as crisp as a freshly ironed white oxford shir t. And then the deep, moody hue of the closet gives way to the openness of the bedroom and bathroom, creating an ‘aha’ moment through the use of contrasting paint.” Heightening the dramatic effect is the closet door, a full-length antiqued mirror framed in metal. The element does double duty, creating both a focal point and a feeling of openness. March 2022 • athomemms.com | 45
DESIGN
DESIGNED BY MAGGIE CLARKE INTERIORS TEXT BY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFANIE RAWLINSON
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DESIGN Ready to refresh their primar y bath, a Lakeland couple recently called on Maggie Clarke, owner of Maggie Clarke Interiors. The designer ’s creation blends bold with refined, classic with transitional, to produce a space that will stand the test of time. Although the project entailed taking the room down to the studs—
"It was a fun blank canvas,"
says Clarke—
she was able to work within the original architectural footprint to bring it up to the moment. Soaring ceilings give the bath huge expanses of wallspace, a feature Clarke decided from the star t had to be played up. “I knew that I wanted to do something super fun on that wall because it ’s such a focal point. We thought about a lot of options and ended up going with a large-scale porcelain ceramic tile with a marble look .” The floors in the shower and tub areas are a nod to classic bathroom design, with a twist: small Carrara marble hex tiles, each surrounded by a deeper gray marble outline. Subdued rectangular tiles in deep gray provide contrast to the light and movement on the walls and a touch of transitional flavor.
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DESIGN
before
Civil War Relief Sculpture 48 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
"with
all the cool tones in the
room, we wanted to bring in warmth with birch wood cabinetr y with only a clear coat finish. The wood is so beautiful,” says Clarke. Light gray granite counter tops in a quiet pattern play well with unlacquered brass fittings and light sconces, but the stars of the show are the mirrors, an often overlooked bathroom design feature. “I wanted to have something cool and there was so much space, so we did floorlength mirrors on the walls over the three vanities. It really makes for a wow effect when you walk in.” Clarke incorporated another unexpected feature in the form of a lush green velvet chair. “ We teetered back and for th about using a standard vanity stool, but I was browsing online when I found this Four Hands chair and I felt like it fit perfectly. I love the olive velvet against all the hard tile and wood, so why not put an armchair in the bathroom? The homeowner sits there to do her hair and makeup, so I wanted something comfor table.” Overhead, a black metal chandelier brings a dramatic element. Says the designer, “It ’s a great focal point and it also adds a circular shape. I like to mix shapes. There are a lot of square corners in that bathroom with the tile and the slab door fronts on the cabinetr y. So any chance I got to add circular shapes created a good juxtaposition.” Another of Clarke’s favorite tricks of the design trade is to include a triedand-true element; in this case, a vintage Oushak rug sourced from Etsy. “I don’t really consider a project finished until something old is in it. It gives it a little bit of soul,” she explains.
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DESIGN
DESIGNED BY HYDE DESIGN & RENOVATION TEXT BY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEENAN GREER OF PICTHISHOUSE
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DESIGN
When her clients wanted to remodel the small, 90s-era primar y bath in their Hein Park home, designer Catherine Hyde knew it would be no small task . The finished product , though, is a laidback yet extravagant oasis with features galore. Situated in the lower por tion of the splitlevel structure, the 2021 project expanded the bathroom’s footprint into two small downstairs bedrooms. “ We had to remove soffits and relocate ductwork , cut concrete, they had to upgrade their electrical system, and I had to be really mindful of suppor ting all the structure and ever ything that was above and to the side of it , with a split level, to make all that work ,” says Hyde, owner of Hyde Design and Renovation.
"We spent close to a month getting the space ready." Once all the essentials were in place, Hyde set about creating a bath that would fit the clients’ contemporar y, world-view style while incorporating luxurious features. The homeowners rarely wear shoes indoors, so they installed carpet in the bathroom as par t of the initial renovation. After 30 years, they realized a different flooring would be more practical in the bathroom. Hyde chose a large-scale ceramic tile that mimics slate. In the interest of keeping her clients’ feet warm, she added heating under the new floor. Warm wood tones that echo the hardwoods in the adjacent primar y bedroom come in the custom floating vanity, a structural ceiling beam, doors and a tubside stool. The designer topped the vanity with a simple white counter top and vessel sink . March 2022 • athomemms.com | 51
DESIGN
before
Civil War Relief Sculpture 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
hanging
above, a large
frameless mirror continues the clean-lined look , but it ’s far from basic. “It ’s backlit and it has all sor ts of settings to choose from,” she says. The mirror, can lights and a window provide all the room’s light—a design choice that Hyde rarely makes. “ When I design bathrooms I often put a fixture, a chandelier or an elegant piece over the tub. For this bath, these clients specifically were looking for something that was simple and beautiful that felt clean and comfor ting, but wasn’t about large pieces or mass-produced items.” That understated feel continues in the oval soaking tub situated across from the vanity. Its unadorned shape and ample size create a zen-like aura. Just behind the tub, the zero-entr y shower is roomy and light-filled. White ceramic picket tiles provide a well-balanced design aspect , according to Hyde. “ The shape and pattern are subtle, but get more interesting the closer you get to them. This tile just spoke to me and I thought it really represented them. It ’s clean and simple but still has that little flair.” Hyde and her husband Ian, the firm’s construction specialist , equipped the steam shower with multiple heads and niches as well as a thoughtful feature they tr y to include in ever y bathroom design. She explains, “ When you open the door to the shower, the mixing valve is just to the right , so you can stay out of that cold spray.” The old bathroom had a sauna, but its location cramped into a corner made it difficult to access. After Hyde’s renovation magic, the sauna has new life as a builtin amenity with ease of entr y. A custom ladder holds towels at the ready just outside the door.
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“HERE IN NATCHEZ, STROLLING DOWN MAIN STREET OR ACROSS THE NATCHEZ BLUFFS CAN FEEL AS THOUGH EVERY SOUTHERN ROMANCE NOVEL WAS IMAGINED BY THIS VERY SPOT,” SAYS DEVIN HEATH, DIRECTOR OF VISIT NATCHEZ. “WE WELCOME TRAVELERS TO COME FALL IN LOVE WITH THE ROMANCE OF OUR CITY.” 54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
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WEDDING
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Alli Willard & John Michael Skinner O C TO B E R 9, 2021 | M E M P H I S, T N PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: Bill & Gay Willard PARENTS OF THE GROOM: Ronnie & Gail Skinner WEDDING & RECEPTION: DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS REHEARSAL DINNER: ACRE RESTAURANT PLANNER: THE HARDIN HOUSE FLORIST: JOHN MARK ENTERPRISES PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY RENTALS: WHITE DOOR EVENTS & MAHAFFEY TENT COMPANY CATERING: A MOVEABLE FEAST INVITATIONS: WILD RABBIT PRESS ENTERTAINMENT: PARTY PLANET BAKER: MISS MUFF'N WEDDING DRESS: MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: BELLA BRIDESMAIDS MAKEUP: MCLAINE CRAIG OF HALO SALON HAIR: ANNIE COATES
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EDXE PS EI GR N IENCE THIS
HISTORY COMES ALIVE IN
HARDIN COUNTY,
TENNESSEE
64 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
E X P E R I E N CDEE STIHGINS
TEXT BY BETH PIPPIN, IOM, HARDIN COUNTY TOURISM DIRECTOR PHOTOS BY BETH PIPPIN/CVB, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND STEVEN YOUNG
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EXPERIENCE THIS
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springtime
in
Hardin County means boaters are beginning to putter about on the Tennessee River, the peach trees at Shiloh National Military Park are starting to bud, and the echoes of cannon fire will soon boom. April is the anniversary of the pivotal Civil War battle at Shiloh, one of the most critical campaigns in American military history. Some of the biggest figures of the Civil War fought there: Grant, Sherman, Johnston, Beauregard, Forrest, Bragg and Buell. Grant wrote in his memoirs, “before Shiloh, Americans on both sides of the Mason Dixon line believed that the war could still be a short affair.” This year marks the 160th anniversary of the famous siege and several events are scheduled to recognize the historic confrontation. Locals, historians and reenactors will mark the occasion during the first weeks of April. The 1st Division/Southern Reenactors Association will reenact the battle near Shiloh National Park the first weekend in April. Trained volunteers will showcase artillery and cavalry demonstrations, living history programs, and real-time battle scenarios on a 330-acre site off Joe Dillion Road in Michie, TN. The same weekend in Savannah, TN, the Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the annual Generals Breakfast at Cherry Mansion, the home that Gen. Ulysses S. Grant made his headquarters during the Battle of Shiloh. Tickets for the April 2 event include breakfast, a storytelling program by the attending generals, and a questionand-answer session with the homeowners of Cherry Mansion. “Gen. Grant, portrayed by historian Dr. Curt Fields, will be joined at his headquarters by his rival, Confederate Gen. Beauregard, portrayed by historian Larry McCluney, Jr. These first-person living history portrayals bring the past to life in a unique way,” says Beth Pippin, Hardin County’s tourism director.
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EXPERIENCE THIS
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the
event has grown in popularity each year over the last ten years, Pippin adds. A limited number of tickets will be available, sold in advance only. The breakfast will be held in an outdoor venue under a heated tent enclosure. The Tennessee River Museum in downtown Savannah will be open every day for tours during the Shiloh 160th Anniversary observance. A special program called “An Evening with Grant” is planned for the evening of Apr. 2 at the historic Savannah Theater adjacent to the downtown museum. “We are celebrating Grant’s bicentennial, as this April marks the 200th anniversary of his birth,” shares Pippin. “Dr. Fields will again portray Grant on stage at the theater, telling stories of his life as a military man and president.” Attendees may also purchase tickets to a private birthday reception at the museum after the performance with the guest of honor. Advance tickets are available from the Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The second week in April, Shiloh National Military Park will once again host the annual program that follows in Grant’s footsteps, tracing his trip across the river from Savannah to the park. Rangers will also lead battlefield hikes Apr. 6-8 and demonstrate cannon firing Apr. 9-10 at the park. The river town of Saltillo, TN, just north of Shiloh and Savannah, will be the site of the Tennessee River Primitive Art and Weaponry/ History Festival Apr. 8-10. This fun-filled three-day event is packed full of reenactments from the Native American, Mountain Men, French and Indian War, Revolutionary War and Civil War periods. Food and art vendors and reenactor campsites will be part of the festivities, hosted by the City of Saltillo at the downtown community center. Says event organizer Mike Fields, “We will have many demonstrations throughout the weekend, including cannon firings, flintlock musket firings, ancestral drums, stories, wood carving...not to mention the food. Plus many, many vendors and craftsmen will be on site.” For more information on Hardin County events and the Battle of Shiloh visit tourhardincounty.org or nps.gov/shil. Tickets for the Generals Breakfast, An Evening with Grant, and the Bicentennial Birthday Reception are available at the Tennessee River Museum in downtown Savannah or on line at tourhardincounty.org. March 2022 • athomemms.com | 69
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IN THE KITCHEN
Decadent Date Cake with Whipped Cream & Raspberries RECIPE & PHOTO JIM NORTON
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IN THE KITCHEN
AT T H I S P O I N T YOU HAV E M O S T
While the cake is baking, make
L I K E LY F IG U R E D OU T T HAT I
T H E S AU C E :
HAV E A L I T T L E S W E E T T O O T H .
1 ½ sticks butter (12 Tbsp.)
I D O N ’ T WA N T T O WA S T E
1 cup brown sugar
C A L O R I E S O N A N “AV E R AG E”
½ cup heavy cream
D E S SE RT, T HOU G H . L E T M E T E L L
¼ tsp. salt
YOU… T H I S DAT E C A K E I S N O T
2 tsp. vanilla
AV E R AG E ! I HAV E B E E N M A K I N G IT FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND EV E RY T I M E I SE RV E I T, T H E R EV I EWS A R E O F F T H E C HA RT S . I HO P E YOU ’ L L G I V E I T A T RY ! THE CAKE: ¾ lb. dates, pitted and chopped 1 tsp. baking soda 1 stick (8 Tbsp.) butter, at room temperature ⅓ cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 ¼ cup flour 1 tsp. salt 1 ½ Tbsp. baking powder Preheat oven to 350˚. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Set aside. Add chopped dates to a medium saucepan with 1 ¾ cups of water. Bring mixture to a boil and stir to break up the dates. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in baking
Add the butter, sugar, heavy cream and salt to a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to low and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Stir and set aside. When the cake is baked, remove from the oven and poke holes all over the cake with a toothpick. Pour about ¾ of the sauce over the top of the cake. Allow cake to absorb the sauce for about 30 minutes. Turn cake over onto desired serving piece or cake plate. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the cake. Cool completely. T O S E RV E : Slice individual servings and top each with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and fresh raspberries. (To make homemade whipped cream, simply pour 1 cup cold heavy cream into a small bowl. Add 1 Tbsp. of granulated sugar. Mix on high until soft peaks form.) Enjoy!
soda. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat after each. Add vanilla, mix. Combine the flour and salt and slowly add it to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low. Mix to incorporate. Stir in the baking powder. The mixture will be fairly runny. Pour into prepared pan and bake 35-37 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
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H E A LT H Y Y O U
Protect and Strengthen Your Immune System STORY MICHELLE JOHNS
MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT
Basic
quality of life has been challenged in the last two years in a way most of us have never known and never expected to experience. We are now more aware that we live in a constant state of survival as our daily well-being is threatened by COVID. Our bodies and minds are in constant preparation for fight or flight. While the most pressing and obvious threat facing us is COVID-19, daily interactions expose us to pathogens through viruses, bacteria and technology such as cell phones. All pose threats to our well-being. Our body considers anything unnatural to its environment a foreign invader and fights to preserve health and keep us alive. Anytime our well-being is threatened, our body’s immune system responds. The innate and adaptive immune systems are the two systems that work to defend the body when injury and illness present. The innate immune system responds first and if the attack moves past the innate system, the adaptive system steps in to stop the assault. The innate immune system is on constant watch for foreign invasion of the body. Every time it encounters an injury (such as a cut), a pathogen or any foreign invader it swiftly goes into action. It works in the same systematic manner every time. It does not have memory and its influence is limited as its response mechanisms are generalized and not specific. Most of the time, it is sufficient. The innate immune system uses defender white blood cells, the skin, mucus membranes (such as the lining of the nose), proteins and natural killer (NKs) cells to stop and eliminate invasive takeover. 78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
Our adaptive immune system steps in when the innate system becomes overwhelmed. The adaptive immune system consists of B-cells, T-cells and antibodies. B-cells and T-cells are in the tissues between the cells. Antibodies are proteins and sugars located in the bloodstream. The adaptive immune system is not swift like the innate immune system. It works to counter the attack of the invader by getting to know the invader, which takes time. Sometimes it takes the adaptive immune system days to get to know the characteristics and makeup of the invader. Though it is slower to respond, it is more accurate (specific) and has memory. Its ability to remember a pathogen helps it to respond quicker the next time it encounters the invader. Sometimes, immunity is achieved. Daily activities and self-care routines can help your immune system fight faster and more efficiently against attacks and to recover from attacks. Taking care of your lymphatic system, respiratory system and gut health are great ways to strengthen the immune system. Lymphatic pathways run throughout the entire body. The lymphatic system creates and circulates immune cells (white blood cells in particular) through the bloodstream to help fight foreign invaders. The lymphatic system uses muscles to move lymph throughout the body. Contracting muscles helps lymph move. Following are a few ways to help your lymphatic system work efficiently.
H E A LT H Y Y O U •
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water daily. Try to drink
contact me directly or check out the Buteyko Clinic online.
at least half your body weight in ounces daily. If you are
•
active and sweat a lot, you may need to drink a bit more water. •
Daily exercise. Something as simple as a daily walk can
if you have had your tonsils removed. •
•
Massage therapy. A full-body massage can improve the flow of lymph.
Eat foods loaded with quercetin such as apples, honey, onions and citrus fruits. Studies have shown quercetin
be helpful to moving lymph. Exercising to the point of sweating could be a bonus.
Nose breathing is better than mouth breathing especially
can relieve oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs. Your gut is home to bacteria and organisms that may help fight pathogens. Having enough good bacteria in your microbiome is key to the success of the gut’s ability to fight
The respiratory system is a network that includes the
illness. Following are some ways to create a healthy gut
nose, mouth, throat and lungs. The nose and mouth are
microbiome.
the pathways of air flow into and out of the body. Mucus
•
Eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt and Kefir.
•
Take a daily probiotic.
fond of nose breathing over mouth breathing as the tiny hairs
•
Eat raw, chemical-free fruits and vegetables daily.
in the nose often catch and trap pathogens, preventing them
Preparing for illness is key to helping the body fight illness.
from entering the throat and lungs. Following are a few ways
Preparing for illness begins with studying health and well-
you improve and strengthen your respiratory system.
being and then putting it into practice.
membranes in the nasal pathway and mouth are designed to act as first-line protectors against pathogens. I am particularly
•
Daily breath WORK out. I capitalized the word work
The above information is not given as medical advice. It is
because it is work. I spend approximately 15 minutes a
not all inclusive, and is in no way intended as a substitute for
day strengthening my lungs and improving my air flow
medical counseling or treatment.
through breath work. For more information you may
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March 2022 HOM E F E AT U R E Special Thanks Alexandra Lauren Interiors Alexandralaureninteriors.com Kristen Elizabeth Photography Kristenelizabethphotography.com
DESIGN Special Thanks Hyde Design & Renovation hyderenovation.com Spruce spruceshop.com Maggie Clarke Interiors maggieclarkeinteriors.com
EXPERIENCE THIS Special Thanks Hardin County Tourhardincounty.org
IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
HEALTHY YOU Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com Wellness MD wellnessmd.clinic
ON A GOOD NOTE Special Thanks Advance Memphis advancememphis.org
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ON A GOOD NOTE
TEXT BY KELSEY DEES, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADVANCE MEMPHIS
advance memphis
has been building relationships and fostering financial stability through work in South Memphis for over 22 years. While historically this part of the city has been plagued by generational poverty and high unemployment, the community is full of resilient Memphians made in the image of God, with unique skills and talents. Advance Memphis works with the community to support economic revitalization through Biblicallybased programs that bring hope, knowledge, resources and skills. Advance Memphis owns two warehouses, creating job opportunities in the neighborhood by providing 3PL services that support the global economy. Thelma Polk, Paula Jones and Nakia Knox serve as full-time staff on the Advance Memphis team. They grew up in South Memphis and continue to invest in their community through their ongoing work with 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2022
the organization. Polk, the group’s employment support specialist, and Jones, a warehouse clerk, are both Advance Memphis graduates. Polk, Jones and Knox, a bookkeeper, help lead the organization to support graduates in finding jobs and greater stability in the workforce. Polk assists participants in finding temporary work through Advance Memphis Staffing and Warehousing Services after they graduate from a job readiness class as well as facilitates an addiction recovery support. Knox and Jones support the behindthe-scenes work necessary to keep program and warehousing operations moving forward. This team’s goal is to equip graduates with skills to establish full-time employment with benefits, to manage their finances, and to gain workplace certifications. Advance Memphis wants to celebrate these three women for the excellence they display on the job, and for all of the ways that they give back to Memphis each day.
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78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2020
