March 2023

26 | HOME FEATURE

Tara Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors perfects a hip and sophisticated family retreat in East Memphis.

42 | DESIGN

Designer Ann Prince turns a former all-white entry and den into a bright and beautiful family space.

MARCH 2023 • VOL. 21 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

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

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

@athomemagazine

Spring is arriving and bringing new beginnings to many things. In fact, this issue is filled with so much new life, starting with our HOME feature, that tells the story of a rather lifeless house’s transformation into a vibrant and beautiful home perfect for its East Memphis family.

Our DESIGN article showcases new life that is brought to an entry and den with the addition of color, cozy wallpaper and a few special touches to brighten another family’s surroundings.

When we are not inside enjoying our homes, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy nature and the beautiful outdoors. Our TRAVEL feature took me on my own virtual vacation as I first viewed the photos during that nasty ice (AKA Elsa) storm we had. Cruise lines are launching new vessels and a Mediterranean cruise is calling my name. Of course, WEDDINGS are always special starts to a new life together, and even our IN THE KITCHEN has one of my family’s special recipes. With one bite of Nanny’s stuffed artichokes, you will think you have died and gone to heaven.

I am really looking forward to spring this year, especially with our hearts, Crawford and Miles. Trip and I have a chicken and we can’t wait to get one for the grandkids. (It will stay in our coop, parents, I promise!) Crawford and Miles will be little entrepreneurs with their new egg business! With the rising egg prices, they will be moguls in their preschools.

Thank you for supporting us by letting us bring new ideas to you for your homes and lifestyle. We are so blessed to be able to share these with you every month. Wishing you all a safe and happy spring filled with new life and hope.

Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

-

evolving with the FAMILY

As most homeowners would agree, the term “finished project” hardly ever applies when it comes to a house. This East Memphis residence is a shining example of that concept.

When the current owners bought the house about six years ago, they knew a major renovation was in its immediate future. Not only was the red

brick exterior, embellished with New Orleans-style wrought iron, not to their taste, the interior bore the scars of its past several residents: a hoarder, some squatters and thousands of honey bees that were found in the walls. Despite the place’s sad state, the young couple envisioned that it could be salvaged. They also loved the location and the large backyard, perfect for their growing family.

withthe help of a long-established architectural expert and an interior designer whose company was just getting off the ground, the family transformed the home from top to bottom, inside and out. Architectural designer Tom Sullivan drew the new plans, which involved a drastic change in the floor plan to accommodate the family, which included two children at the time. Tara Engelberg was friendly with the couple, as her husband and the homeowner are related. As she was just starting to test the waters with her newly formed design firm, Tara Felice Interiors, she reached out to them and they soon became clients.

“They may as well have taken it down to the ground basically and started from scratch,” Engelberg says. “It has a completely different facade. On the interior they took down walls and really opened everything up. This looks nothing at all like what it looked like before.”

As extensive as the project was, however, it was not the final product. The ensuing years saw the addition of two more children, along with the need to expand and repurpose parts of the house to better suit a family of six. Completed in late 2021, phase II of the home’s evolution added a new living area, an outdoor patio, a bedroom and a couple of bathrooms, and reimagined a former keeping room off the kitchen. Engelberg was at the design helm again, this time with Tim DiSalvo & Co leading the construction effort.

The two additions blend seamlessly, as all good renovations should, resulting in a showplace of a home that is hip, sophisticated but casual, and above all, able to withstand the wear and tear inevitable in a household with four kids and a very large dog.

The home’s visual appeal begins with its new exterior, white wood with black trim. “The white is just so crisp and appealing and the black beams are refreshing,” says Engelberg. She extended the black and white contrast into the entryway, where an ebony- and ivory-toned parquet console greets guests. Above it, a round mirror embellished with stylized triangles breaks up the straight lines, as do twin vintage stools tucked underneath. The designer found the stools at one of the estate sales she loves to frequent, always on the hunt for vintage treasures to add an eclectic touch to a room. Now covered in a fabulous Missoni flame stitch fabric, they bring color and another geometric shape to the vignette. The herringbone pattern of the marble tile floor repeats the pattern. “I always love to use different flooring in a foyer to set it apart from what you’re about to enter in the rest of the home,” explains Engelberg.

"boldand eclectic” sum up the vibe in the dining room. Inspired by the colors in the artwork the couple selected for the space, the designer chose a deep, moody green for the walls. A bright white ceiling and trim, along with a mirrored backsplash in the built-in bar area, keep the look from going gloomy. The room’s centerpiece, a spectacular live-edge dining table that seats 10, is perfect for entertaining large groups.

Overhead, a gold burst chandelier gives a glam nod to mid-century style. Dramatic lighting accents most rooms in the home, as it does in many Tara Felice projects. Engelberg feels that statement light fixtures are a worthy place to splurge, as they are unlikely to endure wear or damage during daily living. “Lighting is like the jewelry in a room to me,” she says.

Just off the dining room sits the airy and bright kitchen. Although the basic concept from the initial renovation remains, the most recent work included a few tweaks here. The large center island received a second sink, a new wrap-around maple butcher block, and additional cabinets underneath.

The kitchen opens into a space that was totally reworked in phase II. Set up as a combination breakfast and keeping room in the first remodel, the area is now dedicated to casual dining. The large natural wood table has plenty of room for the couple and their extended family, and the woven leather seats and backs on the chairs exude a rugged beauty that will stand the test of time and children. New built-in cabinets on the far wall combine style with practicality, too. A large family can never have too much storage.

amajor component in the latest round of work was the creation of two new indoor living areas. To accomplish this, the homeowners transformed a former sun porch into a den and added a TV room on the rear of the house. The two spaces sit next to one another, and although each has its own distinctive mood, they coexist perfectly.

Drama makes a reprise in the new den, where glossy black paint covers the walls, trim and tongue-and-groove vaulted ceiling. Comfortable furnishings in lighter tones and natural woods pop off the striking backdrop. Engelberg again paid attention to geometry in this space, balancing the straight lines of the paneling and the oversized square coffee table with the curves of the globe-shaped light fixture, the white boucle barrel chairs and the eye-catching round stone game table.

“We knew we were going to have to do something amazing in here,” says Engelberg of the new TV room. “Because you can see the back of the sofa we wanted something that was a show stopper.” Mission accomplished. The channeled-back sectional is both a statement piece and the perfect spot to binge watch favorite shows.

Also part of phase II is a new upstairs bedroom and bath for one of the daughters. Since the space was new construction, essentially a blank slate for Engelberg, she used the colorful floral wallpaper as a jumping-off point for the design. Here again, she combined traditional, vintage and modern elements, topped off with a big scoop of whimsy from the feather globe light fixture, to create a room that will grow with its occupant. Small details like the flower knobs on the attached bathroom’s vanity, lotus sconces in the bedroom and bath, and fancy lucite legs on the custom upholstered bed add to the charm.

during

the most recent renovation the homeowners had a bathroom built attached to the downstairs nursery. Engelberg’s design delivered a serene, Californiainspired ambiance that the family will love long after all the babies are grown. “I wanted it to have a super organic feel,” she says. The fusion of slim vertical tiles with the look of natural wood, a black floating vanity, bold geometric tile floor and, of course, extraordinary light fixtures produces a classic West Coast vibe.

After two extensive projects, the home’s transformation continues to evolve. Plans are in the works to redo the primary bedroom, add art in several rooms, etc. There’s always an “etc.” when it comes to design, and Engelberg can’t wait to see what’s next.

BRIGHTENED & BEAUTIFUL

STORY BY TERRI GLAZER | DESIGN BY ANN PRINCE INTERIORS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSS GROUP CREATIVE & ANNABELLA CHARLES

When she got the go-ahead from her client to bring color into a formerly all-white entry and den, designer Ann Prince was thrilled. “I love color so much. It makes my heart sing," says Prince, founder and lead designer of Memphis-based Ann Prince Interiors.

The transformation started with the home’s front door. Prince chose Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue to brighten its look and set the tone for the palette just inside.

Right through the newly blue door is a generous entry area—so generous, in fact, that the family’s daughter uses it to practice her cartwheels. Its open space and slightly unconventional alternative use left the homeowner a bit perplexed over what to do with it. “It was like something was missing. The space felt blank, not warm,” she recalls.

“That color is such a winner", she says. "It's a blue with just enough green to make it work with the indoors and outside, too."

Prince

cozied up the foyer by installing wallpaper. The subtle pattern in neutral shades makes a big impact, adding a layer of texture. “Wallpaper is amazing. It’s instant gratification. The day it went up the room felt immediately different and much more interesting,” she says.

In a small side niche the designer placed an antique French Empire-style chest of drawers. A custom antiqued mirror created locally by Garner Framing hangs above it, providing the perfect old/new blend.

To fill the foyer’s open space without permanently blocking the practice gym, Prince came up with a solution that’s as pretty as it is practical. A perfectly-proportioned hexagonal table, covered with a crisp, tailored skirt in cheerful blue and green hues anchors the area. When it’s time for a workout, the young gymnast can easily roll the table out of her way thanks to casters on the legs. Another bonus of the piece is that it can serve as an extra dining table when the homeowners host a crowd of friends and family.

Just off the reimagined entry is the den where the family spends time together. One of the homeowners’ main objectives for the renovation was to provide more seating in the room so they could entertain larger groups. “The room was underfurnished,” says Prince, “so we maximized that.” There’s no shortage of spots to sit now, with a pair of handsome blue sofas, two upholstered poufs in front of the fireplace and a couple of armchairs that can swivel to face the adjoining kitchen—the room where guests inevitably gather.

client’s other directive was that everything be kid- and pet-friendly. No problem for Prince, who sourced performance fabric for all the upholstery to ensure durability. Even the drapes, which the designer says are her favorite thing in the room, are constructed from indoor/outdoor fabric. She adds, “I love the detail of the wood bead fringe on the leading edges and the green stripes with the green landscape in the spring. The landscaping is so beautiful outside this window.”

The den is filled with impactful artwork, and the two most personal pieces hold unique places of pride. Prince hung portraits of the family’s two children painted by Chattanooga artist Liz Lindstrom on the outer edges of the built-in bookshelves. “It really makes them pop. Putting the portraits there makes them so special; you notice them immediately,” she explains.

A bright stylized landscape by California artist Karen Smidth hung in a different spot in the home from the time the owner acquired it several years ago under the guidance of art advisor Anna Wunderlich. Prince realized it would make an ideal addition to the redone den and her client is pleased with the move. “I get to see it more often now that it’s in here and it’s also visible from the outside through the front window.”

The homeowner says she couldn’t be happier with her new foyer and den, even two years out from completion. “It was so much fun to work with Ann on everything. She let me help and I loved that.”

Prince, however, is quick to share credit with her client for the success of the renovation, and for the solid base she had to work with when she started the project. “Lucky me! [The homeowner] has a great eye,” says the designer. “My favorite projects are when the client is super invested and super involved. I like that kind of collaborative nature on a project.”

Walker & Kennedy TATE

OCTOBER 8, 2022 | MEMPHIS, TN

PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: KERRY AND COURT SATTERFIELD

PARENTS OF THE GROOM: MITZI AND DALE TATE

WEDDING & RECEPTION:

MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

PLANNER:

ALYSSA DICKERSON

FLORIST:

KENNEDY NOEL FLORALS

PHOTOGRAPHER:

MYKENZIE MATHIS

VIDEOGRAPHER:

HANNAH BEAM PHOTO & FILM

RENTALS: WHITE DOOR EVENTS & MAHAFFEY

CAKE: THE CAKE LADY

CATERING:

COLETTA'S RESTAURANT BAR:

PARADOX

ENTERTAINMENT:

THUMP DADDY MEMPHIS

WEDDING DRESS: THE BAREFOOT BRIDE

MAKEUP:

CHLOE CAROLE BERRY

HAIR:

SYDNIE BOUCHER

LIGHTING & EFFECTS: 2 TYPES OF PASSION

SET SAIL

ON THE OPEN SEA FOR THE ULTIMATE VACATION

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

As you may have heard,

cruising is back in full swing. According to a recent survey, cruise bookings are up by 32 percent from pre-pandemic totals, liners are sailing at full capacity, and new ships are under construction.

Not only are ocean cruise lines reporting upticks, but so, too, are river lines. November 2022 was a record booking month, fueled by interest from families and small groups. With wave season 2023 now upon us, the demand for cruising is not likely to slow up this year.

What’s new in cruising for 2023?

There’s a lot to look forward to in 2023, with new cruise ships coming from a range of cruise lines from Virgin to Viking, Celebrity and Norwegian, to the newest company on the open seas… Explora Journeys!

Resilient Lady (Virgin Voyages)

Virgin Voyages has not one but two new ships coming out in this year. Resilient Lady’s maiden voyage is set for May, when she's expected to embark on her inaugural sailing from Greece.

Just like all four of her sister Virgin Voyages ships, Resilient Lady will offer the adults-only environment infused with fitness, music and the party-esque amenities for which the line is known.

The newest Virgin vessel will hold 2,770 guests in 1,400 cabins, most with ocean views. Nearly 90 percent of the accommodations will have balconies.

Viking Saturn (Viking Cruises)

An adults-only ship and the ninth cruise addition to the Viking Cruise line, Viking Saturn is an ocean vessel, but is small enough that she can dock at ports where larger cruise ships can’t.

The ship will offer all-balcony staterooms across five categories, two pools, a handful of dining venues and a variety of entertainment options.

Don’t expect a lot of rowdy pool parties here. Instead, everything is tasteful, luxurious and Scandinavian-inspired. The guest capacity is 930 and Saturn is expected to debut this year.

Norwegian Viva (Norwegian Cruise Line)

The 3,250-passenger Norwegian Viva will be the sister ship to Norwegian Prima, and according to Norwegian Cruise Line, the guest experience on the two liners will be nearly identical.

Think 44,000 square feet of outdoor space, a new take on the classic cruise ship promenade, two infinity pools, the fastest free-fall drop slide at sea, the largest three-level race track at sea, and more than 100 suites in The Haven VIP area. Viva is set to debut on August 26.

Celebrity Ascent (Celebrity Cruises)

Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in Celebrity’s Edge class, offers all of the luxuries traditionally associated with the cruise line. Exclusive to this new vessel, however, will be the widest range of staterooms and suites available on any ship within the Celebrity line. Ascent will hold up to 3,260 passengers and is set to debut on Dec. 3.

These will include the Retreat suites, the cruise line’s VIP, exclusive area that provides private spots for dining, relaxation and more, away from the cruising crowds. Ascent’s Retreat will include a two-level sundeck.

In addition to having a large variety of staterooms and suites to pick from, guests on this ship will also find a wide array of restaurants and bars to enjoy.

Ship plans call for more than 30 food and beverage experiences, including more than a dozen cafes and bars, eight specialty restaurants, four main dining rooms, four complimentary casual restaurants and two exclusive restaurants.

Explora I (Explora Journeys)

From MSC Cruises, Explora I is a new offering that’s designed to be a luxury experience unlike any other from MSC. The first of this new class of ships, Explora I is one of three sister ships that are expected to appear over the next four years, through 2026.

The discerning luxury traveler looking for something that authentically reflects their mood, as well as their journey, will find a subtle, layered, intimate and yet exciting choice of experiences and diversions on board these ships.

The brand’s aspiration was to create a unique “Ocean State of Mind” by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and with like-minded people. Remarkable itineraries will blend renowned destinations with lesser-traveled ports for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.

A fleet of six ships, two of which are under construction, and two of which will be powered by hydrogen, will be launched from 2023 to 2028. Equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, Explora Journeys will introduce a modern style of transformative ocean travel.

EXPLORA I will offer 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences designed to be “homes at sea,” all with sweeping ocean views, private terrace, a choice of 18 food and beverage venues with 11 distinct culinary experiences, including six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, 12 bars and lounges (eight outdoor and four indoor) chef’s kitchen, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company’s European heritage, Explora Journeys will provide guests with an immersive ocean experience as well as respectful and intuitive hospitality. Explora I will set off on her maiden journey on Jul. 17.

Between August 2024 and April 2025, she will embark on 25 journeys and 14 extended journeys; the itineraries will include 82 unique ports across 26 countries. At each stop, guests will have opportunities to discover the local nature and culture through exclusive activities, while exploring exotic destinations and delving into the locations through sustainable and tailored experiences. All journeys are designed for the discerning traveler who wants to stay longer, leave later and travel deeper.

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

During each stop, guests will be invited to “linger longer” and delve into some of the oldest cultures. A combination of old and modern cities, wild flora and fauna, music, festivals, crystal-clear water, desert experiences and UNESCO sites, will be accompanied by incredible cuisines featuring timehonored classics, spices, herbs, teas and recipes passed down through generations.

As on EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II’s guests will reside in carefully curated accommodations designed to stimulate the senses and enhance the connection with the ocean. Featuring elegant Swiss precision, modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design, the suites will be spacious, serene and luxurious homes-away-from-home for the discerning travelers.

Journey guests can also explore an unprecedented seven onboard venues, offering simultaneous choices from a wide variety of different styles of entertainment. Instead of a single main event, they can freely enjoy any experience they wish at whatever time they choose. With no restrictive starting times, they simply dip in and out at their own pace, finding the right vibe at the right time. With their cutting-edge sound, light and visual capabilities, the ship’s lounges and venues can play host to a vast range of possibilities.

Explora Journeys will also offer a “Captain’s Log… Secrets of the Sail” during which guests can join the ship’s captain or bridge officers on an engrossing walk around the deck. They will learn how old seafaring methods have given way to today’s mind-boggling technology as they get to know the team responsible for transporting them safely around the world. With dreamy guitar music and storytelling under the stars or around the Conservatory Pool, guests will learn how sailors have long relied on the sea, wind and stars to bring them safely to shore.

Explora Journeys’ sommeliers and chefs will go the extra mile to source boutique labels offering unusual, sometimes very rare, wines of unexpected provenance as well as worldleading refined dining. Balancing contemporary techniques and creativity with a deep respect for regional culinary history, Explora Journeys’ culinary staffs have one aim: to enhance the memories that guests take with them long after their journey has ended.

If you are looking at an all-new cruise experience, Explora Journeys offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan, European luxury brand and is redefining ocean travel for a new generation of discerning travelers. Luxury travel is proving to be one of the top trends for 2023, and luxury cruising is leading the way.

These are some of the most popular destinations: European river cruises, Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Antarctica, Africa/Middle East/India, Alaska and the Caribbean.

Today’s travelers say that vacationing is the thing they look forward to most each year and that they are willing to try new things on vacation. Extraordinary vacations begin with careful planning with an experienced travel advisor who is devoted to ensuring clients the best possible experience.

Barbara May is the owner of Travel Leaders. The agency has been in the travel industry for over 36 years and specializes in all types of travel.

Travel Leaders’ Collierville office is located at 155 N. Main Street, Ste. 104, and is open by appointment only. Call 901.853.6200 or 901-377-6600. The Memphis office is located at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104, phone 901.853.6200.

Nanny’s Stuffed Artichokes

NANNY'S STUFFED ARTICHOKES

INGREDIENTS:

4 large artichokes

8 cups fresh breadcrumbs, about 8-10 hamburger buns (Always make your own from day-old bread, burger or hot dog buns. French bread is especially good.) NEVER USE CANNED BREAD CRUMBS.

3-4 cups of good fresh-grated Parmesan/Romano cheese or to taste, not canned parmesan cheese

1 cup or to taste of freshly chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley (always Italian flat-leaf)

8 heaping Tbsp. or to taste of minced garlic (jarred is fine)

Ground black pepper and salt to taste (My mother always said to watch the salt simply because the Parmesan cheese has plenty.)

Water for steaming

Canola oil or vegetable for drizzling

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all the above ingredients except the artichokes, water and oil well with your hands. I use my hands because you can’t find a better mixing tool than your hands. Set aside.

Soak the artichokes in your sink or a bowl of cold, salted water for at least a couple of hours. I don’t know exactly why, but this is what Mom told me to do… and I don’t argue with my mother! Wash the artichokes thoroughly and carefully clip each tip with a pair of shears. Once you get close to the top of the artichoke, cut the very top off with a knife all the way across. Make sure it is cut evenly. Rinse the artichokes very well in cold water and rub the entire artichoke with lemon, especially the cut tips. This will keep the artichoke from turning brown. Turn upside down and let them drain well.

Once drained and dry, carefully pack the breadcrumb mixture in the bottom of each leaf. Start at the bottom and move all the way around the artichoke until each leaf and the entire artichoke is packed well; you’ll know it’s packed well when the inside leaves won’t hold anymore stuffing. Take the stuffed artichokes and place them in a large pot with high sides. I use a magnalite roaster. Put them on Mason jar lids to keep them off the bottom; rolled foil will work as well. Place some hot water in the bottom just to the top of the Mason jar lids and start steaming them on the stove top.

Steam and simmer them for about one glass of wine or about 30 minutes. You might need to add some water throughout this process. Around the 45-50 minute mark, drizzle some vegetable or canola oil over the top of artichokes to keep them moist. Do not let them dry out, and don’t put the oil on them too soon. Make sure they have been in there for at least 30 minutes. Once a leaf pulls away easily from the stalk, they will be ready.

I can remember having these at every family function—Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and St. Joseph’s Day. When you put them out, sit back and enjoy the show. They were always the first appetizers out and the first ones gone quickly.

Wellness Reboot 3

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

This month, we continue our Wellness Reboot with a part 3 focus on food.

The winter is moving on and spring is before us expanding our opportunities for self-care to include outdoor events. With warmer months ahead our bodies naturally start to move from winter hibernation to spring fever mode

We continue our focus on how money, time, comfort, knowledge and desire create obstacles when making decisions to care for ourselves. Hopefully, you found some valuable take aways in last month’s article regarding making space in your daily life for movement. Now let’s consider making food a priority in your self-care.

Food is one of the most important elements of daily life. It also seems to be one of the most confusing topics of conversation. There seem to be so many thoughts from “influencers” on how to manage our relationship with food. Additionally, many of us get caught up in busy schedules and take for granted the ways food affects our overall wellbeing. Food

nourishes our body and brain in significant ways. The aim of this article is to give you practical information you can use to make your relationship with food meaningful and intuitive.

STOP DIETING!!!! unless your doctor has given you an eating protocol specific to your health needs. There are hundreds of dietary theories floating around and thousands of books written on diets and food. Most diets are not sustainable. According to research, most diets fail because they are too restrictive. Diets may limit the amount of food you eat, the types of foods you eat, and how often you eat. Diets may restrict in any one of the aforementioned ways or all.

Food is important to our biological health in that it becomes a part of the blood that runs through our veins and sustains our physical wellbeing. It is also a part of our biological wellbeing in that food is communion and a shared meal connects us to others. Holidays, family time, friend time, work meetings and many other communal events take place around a table and a shared meal.

Eat intuitively and intentionally. Factors that influence our food intake are similar to the factors that influence our physical workouts. Time, enjoyment, cost and benefits all influence our relationship with food. Intentional eating helps you ensure you get all the health benefits you need in your meals.

Saving time with meal prep and planning is as important as saving money. Initially meal planning and prepping may take a bit more time, but once you settle into a routine, it can be easy and fun. Pick a day of the week to sit down for an hour or two and plan your meals for the week. Plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between. Things you might consider for meal planning:

• Th eme nights – Slow Cooker Sunday can make for an easy day of cooking meals. Meatless Monday is a great way to eat alternative meatless proteins. Taco Tuesday is always fun and can be really creative.

• Fr esh raw-food snacks are great for saving time. When paired with hummus, nut butter or other fun sauces, they take on whole new flavor and become more enjoyable.

• Br eakfast smoothies and overnight oats are super easy to make and taste delicious.

• Ch icken is an easy protein to make ahead and then add to soups, salads, tacos or one-dish meals.

• Sh eet-pan veggies make for easy cooking and quick clean up.

• Plan for meals you will eat out.

• Plan for meals you will share with extended family and friends. (Include shared meals in your plan.)

• Plan t o use leftovers.

You may have noticed food prices have increased significantly in the past year. The above list not only includes time savers but money savers. Additionally, buy foods you can use to make more than one meal for the week. Consider how many meals you can make with a particular ingredient such as a dozen eggs, a package of chicken, rice, beans, etc. Stretch your dollars by stretching your

ingredients. Also consider growing some of your favorite fruits and vegetables in a home garden and perhaps even owning a chicken or two for fresh eggs.

Food should be an intentional part of your daily life as it brings us satisfaction and pleasure. The tenants of intuitive eating include:

• E ating what your body intuitively asks for food and noting when you are satisfied and have eaten enough.

• Makin g food choices that honor your health, taste good to you and make you feel good.

• P ausing while eating to note your level of satisfaction and hunger level.

Eat well, be well and live well! Below are some resources you may find helpful.

My favorite food websites:

Eating Bird Food (Don’t let the name fool you) www.eatingbirdfood.com

Real Food with Jessica www.realfoodwithjessica.com

Eating Well

www.eatingwell.com

Food Network

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/sheetpan-recipes

Home garden resource: squarefootgardening.org

Themed dinner ideas: www.ahometomake.com/ultimate-list-themeddinner-nights/

MARCH 2023

HOME FEATURE

Special Thanks -

Tara Felice Interiors

tarafeliceinteriors.com

Sélavie Photography

selaviephoto.com

DESIGN

Special Thanks -

Ann Prince Interiors

annprinceinteriors.com

Annabella Charles Photography

annabellacharles.com

Ross Group Creative rossgroupcreative.com

TRAVEL

Special Thanks -

Travel Leaders 901.853.6200, 901.377.6600

HEALTHY YOU

Special Thanks -

Michelle Johns

mjohns@transformingwellness.com

Wellness MD wellnessmd.clinic

IN THE KITCHEN

Special ThanksSissy Edit

ON A GOOD NOTE

Special ThanksSchool Seed schoolseed.org

SCHOOL SEED FOUNDATION

SchoolSeed Foundation, a funding intermediary organization founded in 2009, has raised and managed over $200 million to support public schools, students, teachers and community efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for students in Memphis.

The organization works closely with the public school system to support initiatives that are not funded by tax dollars. It has become a tested, proven and trusted organization that works with local and state governments, businesses and philanthropists to provide additional opportunities that enrich the lives of students. Stable leadership and a razor-sharp focus on its mission have allowed SchoolSeed Foundation to thrive. The organization is led by Vincent J. McCaskill, president and CEO, who has a deep commitment to improving education in Memphis.

Since its inception, SchoolSeed Foundation has been dedicated to improving education in Memphis, a city that has faced many challenges. By leveraging private funding, SchoolSeed provides much-needed support to public schools in the area. The foundation has provided grants

for classroom supplies and technology, funded teacher professional development, supported after-school programs, and partnered with community organizations to contribute additional resources to students and families.

One of the foundation's most significant achievements has been the creation of a successful literacy program for kindergarten through third-grade students. Implemented in multiple schools across Memphis, the program helps to improve reading skills and boost student achievement.

“SchoolSeed’s success is due in part to its commitment to building relationships with its partners,” says McCaskill.

“The foundation works closely with local schools, government officials and community organizations to ensure that its initiatives are aligned with the needs of the community.”

In addition to its work in Memphis, SchoolSeed has expanded its reach to support youth in public schools in other parts of the state through the Tennessee Youth Sports Mentoring Program, funded by the state of Tennessee through SchoolSeed. Overall, the foundation has become a trusted partner in the effort to improve education in the Volunteer State. Through its successful initiatives and dedicated leadership, SchoolSeed is making a significant impact on the lives of students in Memphis and beyond.

TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHOOLSEED FOUNDATION