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In this issue On the Cover
42
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE NEW ENGLAND IN FALL, AND THE WAYFINDER HOTEL IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, IS ONE STYLISH NEW PLACE TO REST YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU’RE DISCOVERING THE NEARBY COASTLINE, GAZING UPON FOLIAGE, AND SAMPLING THE LOCAL FARE.
This colorful 1920s residence in New Orleans spent many years in disrepair before the vision and loving hands of Nomita and Shammi Gupta brought it back to life. Now their family home shines with an artistic, one-ofa-kind aura. Nomita’s background in architecture and design and her upbringing in India show in the bold colors, the thoughtful floor plan, and the unique details, such as window treatments made from wallpaper. The master bathroom is her oasis; it features this incredible bowl-shaped tub and beautiful artwork she found on a buying trip for her wallpaper and design showroom, Spruce.
FEATURE
84 Generosity Never Sleeps
26 Making New History in New Orleans
88 Petite pause: Water You Waiting For?
Photo by Sara Essex Bradley
42 On the Road Again: Destinations to Fall For
Photo courtesy of The Wayfinder Hotel
LA MAISON 25
PUBLISHED BY
Through Art
33 L’intermission: Changing the Future
96 Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
34 Creating Spaces with Love
Celebrates Twenty Years
VOYAGER 41 50 Petite pause: Walking on Water
Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
90 Bodymind Balance: Finding Harmony
VIE BOOK CLUB: THE READERS CORNER 99 100 A Southern Bite of Thanksgiving 106 Petite pause: Social Distancing
52 Go and Do Good
108 Gift from the Sea
58 Experience More: Life beyond a Hotel Room
THE LAST WORD: LEAVES ARE FALLING 113
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 62 LE MONDE 67 68 Art Can Change the World: Miami Design
LA SCÈNE 116 AU REVOIR! 119
District Is Back
72 Fifteen Years of Giving: DCWAF Goes Virtual with Big Results
77 L’intermission: Heroes Are Everywhere 78 Editor’s Picks: Movie Night! THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM INFO@THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 13
CREATIVE TEAM CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com
CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARET STEVENSON
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SALLIE W. BOYLES, FELICIA FERGUSON, ANTHEA GERRIE, SALLIE LEWIS, STACEY LITTLE, MYLES MELLOR, KELSEY OGLETREE, CAROLYN O’NEIL, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLL AK, NICHOL AS S. RACHEOTES, L AURETTE RYAN, COLLEEN SACHS, JANET THOMAS, MEGAN WALDREP
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACEY THOMAS Tracey@VIEmagazine.com
ART DIRECTOR HANNAH VERMILLION Hannah@VIEmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER OLIVIA WELLER
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS MILTON BIAN, SARA ESSEX BRADLEY, CHARLES HARRIS, JEFFREY A. L ANDRETH, SALLIE LEWIS, STACEY LITTLE, LESLEE MITCHELL, ELIZABETH MORRIS, JOHN NIENHUIS, WARREN PRICE, ROMONA ROBBINS, K AILEY SCHWERMAN, AMY SUSSMAN, SUTTIPON THANARAKPONG, JAN THIJS, ROBERT VIGL ASKI, KEVIN WINTER, BIG HIT ENTERTAINMENT, FILM FRAME, FLY TOGRAPHER, GETT Y IMAGES, HUNDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY, ROTORHEAD 30A PRODUCTIONS, SHUTTERSTOCK
ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING DIRECTOR OF BRAND AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AMANDA SALUCCI Amanda@VIEmagazine.com
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BRAND AMBASSADOR LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com
AD MANAGER ABIGAIL RYAN Abigail@VIEmagazine.com
INTERN SAMANTHA ACCOL A
VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2020 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
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Editor’s Note
From the
E
HEART
ach year for the past several years, we’ve dedicated an issue to goodness and the commendable and noteworthy things people are doing to help others. As a positive person by nature, I try to find the silver lining in most situations. This year has been no exception, even amid the many challenges that there were to face. The adage “accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative” has never seemed more relevant. From the onset, the very heart of VIE was to publish stories that are uplifting, inspirational, hopeful, and meaningful—and you will find a plethora of stories like that in this issue. In reminiscing, I fondly recall how VIE was our love letter to our readers, and I still feel that way today. I find it such a blessing to have been able to publish VIE these past thirteen years. That is a long time, and I’ve been able to watch the magazine grow just like everyone else has. It’s truly been a journey and a collaborative endeavor with our team, our advertising partners, our readers, and the amazing people whose stories we’ve been able to tell. For those who have entrusted their dreams, hearts, charitable causes, joys, heartaches, art, and talents with us, we thank you. The seasons of life ebb and flow, and we find ourselves evolving to new heights. I’m happy to announce that our inaugural coffee-table book, HOME: Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE, will be here just in time for Christmas, the season of gift giving and celebration with family and friends. HOME is an extension of the magazine in that the heart of the book is still our love letter to the Northwest Florida coastal area that we call home. In the pages of the book, we showcase many of our advertising partners, from architects, artists, and interior designers to chefs, restaurants, and artisans. But mostly, the book embodies the spirit of this place from “COLA 2 COLA”—Apalachicola to Pensacola.
We are blessed to live and work in paradise, and we wanted to extol its beauty in a legacy book that will stand the test of time. Since it’s an extension of the VIE life and brand, you will also see some of our favorite and most memorable experiences, including epic photo shoots and events. And, of course, our beaches will almost certainly take center stage. The book is both an homage to our area and a journal of these past thirteen years through the eyes of our VIE team.
CEO/editor-in-chief Lisa Marie Burwell with Sucré in WaterColor, Florida Photo by Gerald Burwell
We can’t wait to share it with you. To Life!
—Lisa Marie CEO/Editor-in-Chief V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 17
NOW OPEN • MONDAY ‑ SATURDAY, 10 AM ‑ 6 PM • SUNDAY, 12 PM ‑ 5 PM
F INE FAS H I O N, JE WE L RY, HOM E ACC ESSOR I ES, G I FTS, A N D ALYS B E AC H AP PA R E L • LO C AT E D O N T H E E AST E N D O F H I G H WAY 3 0 A IN ALYS B E AC H 30 MARK TWAIN LANE ALYS BEACH, FL 32461 • 850.213.5550 • SHOP ONLINE AT ALYSSHOPPE.COM
The Creatives We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
opening up the conversation around mental health and advocating for students at both high school and college levels. They have programs in place across over 550 campuses connecting students with resources for getting help and breaking the silence around mental illness. ActiveMinds.org POOJA PITTIE Artist, “Bodymind Connection” @poojapittie
ACTIVE MINDS IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT IS ONE NONPROFIT OR SERVICE-BASED ORGANIZATION YOU LOVE TO SUPPORT, AND HOW ARE THEY HELPING OTHERS?
I am on the board of directors of the Hyde Park Art Center, a nonprofit organization located on Chicago’s South Side that brings artists and communities together to support creativity at every level. Its programs serve forty-five thousand people annually, including a diverse group of professional artists, art supporters, and kids of all ages and their families. For example, the center partners with area schools to deliver long-term, sequential visual-arts education to nearly five hundred K–8 students every year. Starting this past summer and continuing through the fall, the center’s online class terms and children’s Creativity Camps are being operated under a contribute-what-you-can model, enabling its art offerings to be truly accessible to all while still supporting employment and pay for the art center’s teaching artists. HydeParkArt.org
OPENING UP THE CONVERSATION AROUND MENTAL HEALTH AND ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS AT BOTH HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE LEVELS.
ANTHEA GERRIE STACEY LITTLE
Writer, “Making New History in New Orleans” @anthea_gerrie
Writer, “A Southern Bite of Thanksgiving” @southernbite
We’re big pet people at our house. As such, we’re staunch supporters of animal shelters who are helping to give homeless pets the second chance they deserve. If anything positive has come out of this pandemic, it’s that many animal shelters are reporting more adoptions than ever. Pets have made this situation a little more bearable by providing companionship and helping us battle boredom. We also love supporting organizations like Bissell Pet Foundation, which is working tirelessly to empty the shelters and find families for pets on a national level by providing support to organizations in all fifty states. BissellPetFoundation.org
AMANDA SALUCCI VIE Director of Brand & Business Development @amandasalucci
This year has been unique in many ways, but I am truly thankful for the spotlight it has put on the importance of mental health. Many of us have had a friend or loved one impacted by mental illness, and with such a year full of so many firsts, our youth are feeling the impact perhaps more than most. Active Minds is a nonprofit organization
At Christmas we support Crisis, a UK national charity to whom a fixed donation of around $35 buys a homeless person not only a festive meal and warm bed for the night (this year in a hotel room with a private bathroom) but also access to health care, skills workshops, personal services like haircuts, and all kinds of other support designed to end their homelessness permanently. I also love their art program, which fosters clients’ creative talents with free classes designed to boost resilience, rebuild self-esteem, and help reconnect with the world as well as bring joy. For a $10 donation, subscribers receive a beautiful postcard print every month with an insight into how the work was created. Crisis.org.uk/support V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19
The Hamptons Have Arrived in Panama City Beach
3807 D ELWOO D D R I V E, PAN AMA CI TY B EACH 6 Bedroom | 5 Full Bath | 2 Powder | 21,000 SQFT | 3.1 Acres | Offered at $14,000,000 Reigning over 3.1 acres, this impressive Hamptons style edifice sprawls along 200+ feet of Bay frontage framed by both the historic St. Andrews Bay and the lush picturesque vegetation present throughout the estate. A true architectural masterpiece executed by the sought-after architect Eric Watson and builder Clifford C. Myers of Macintosh Myers Construction. The optimal balance of both common and intimate areas is achieved in the 21,000 square feet of highly articulated living space spanning three cohesive levels interconnected by both grand staircases and elevator. The estate is geographically poised within close proximity to the famed Shell Island and Gulf of Mexico pass by boat along with the world-class dining and entertainment venues found throughout inland Panama City Beach. Notable accommodations include a private helicopter pad, seven-car garage, state of the art theatre room, commercial grade generator, and a safe room with dedicated communications. Contact Listing Specialists to Discuss Your Private Viewing L O R I & TAY L O R B U CK A LEW AT 8 5 0 . 7 7 4 . 6 5 7 2 | 3 1 0 . 6 1 4 . 8 6 0 9 H I L ARY & J A COB AT 8 5 0 . 6 8 5 . 0 1 7 1 | 8 5 0 . 7 9 7 . 8 6 9 4
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La conversation
What’s Good? WE LOVE TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH OUR READERS! AND WE LOVE IT EVEN MORE WHEN THEY PROUDLY SHARE THEIR STORIES AND POSE WITH VIE FOR A CLOSE-UP! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: SHARING, LOVING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. WE THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!
@WhiteElephantPalmBeach We’re thrilled that the @whiteelephantpalmbeach was featured in @viemagazine’s “Southern Small-Town Destinations That Are Worth the Drive.” Read more at VIEmagazine.com. Photo by Chi-Thien Nguyen/Elkus Manfredi Architects
@The.BlueMagnolia We couldn’t resist reposting this photo from @viemagazine, featuring @myrtieblue. This is what floral dreams on the beach are made of! Isn’t this arrangement just incredible? I feel a collab with @myrtieblue and Blue Magnolia coming soon!
@SirianoInteriors Little country house views in Connecticut.
@EmilyFineArt So proud to have my project, @whiteelephantpalmbeach, featured in @viemagazine. The newest edition to Palm Beach’s hotel scene, this 32-room boutique property set in a 1920s Mediterranean Revival building has been reimagined by its owners with the help of renowned architects @elkusmanfredi. The 54-inch tondo, dubbed “The Lady of the Manor,” welcomes you as you enter the lobby. It’s a custom commission painting by Israeli artist @orit_fuchs. So excited for opening day, November 4! Photo by @chi.thien.nguyen
LET’S TALK!
@BarRoomGrayton Behind the scenes with @viemagazine + @chefphilmcdonald today!
@Megan.Waldrep When your partner is a commercial fisherman and you’re a freelance writer, you take advantage of a trip to the Channel Islands for a photo op. My favorite part of this interview was learning that Kristin Mein of @kaypeajewelry once sold on the streets of Latin America alongside Rastafarian hustlers. Seriously! This piece was published in the August issue of @viemagazine, but is it ever too late to celebrate badass artist chicks? Glad we agree.
Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
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V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 21
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La maison
La maison WHERE THE HEART IS
Learn more or shop at CovetHouse.eu. Photo courtesy of Covet House
Winning bronze in the A-Prime Design Award and Competition, this nautical-inspired apartment was designed by the prestigious Cameron Interiors in Hong Kong. Their projects include residential, commercial, and corporate designs, and they always strive to provide unique, comprehensive solutions tailored to the client’s persona. This living room’s main inspiration was the inherent opulence of a superyacht; curved lines, a luscious color scheme, and high-end furnishings—particularly the imposing Sika Armchair with brass accents from Brabbu—convey an affluent vibe. Warm wood flooring meets the floor-to-ceiling windows, which reveal a majestic view of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25
La maison
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BY A N T H E A G E R R I E PHOTOGRAPHY BY S A R A E S S E X B R A D L E Y
A HOUSE MUST BE VERY SPECIAL FOR ITS OWNERS TO HANKER AFTER IT FOR SEVEN YEARS. NOT TO MENTION HAVING TO WAIT ALMOST AS LONG AGAIN TO START WORKING THEIR OWN MAGIC ON IT. This could only be a home that haunts the imagination for years, even after the dream of making it your own ceases to be a possibility. Then, it seduces you again with an unexpected second chance. And the lucky owners of this Craftsman gem in New Orleans feel even luckier to have had years to discover, while waiting to start work, exactly how they could best make their historic home work for a modern family. “For me it has always been about falling in love with a house,” explains Nomita Gupta, the second-chance homeowner whose imagination was first ignited while out exploring the city’s Uptown neighborhood with her physician husband, Shammi. They fell in love not just with the house, but with leafy Napoleon Avenue as well. “We loved the beautiful trees, the broad median, and the 1920s homes, which reminded me of
Left: Before Nomita and Shammi Gupta acquired this Craftsman home in uptown New Orleans, they pined after it for seven years. It would be a few more before they were able to turn it into the colorful dream home they always wanted, but the result was well worth the wait! Above: Unique window coverings and backdrops for shelving are made from wallpaper, such as this vibrant jungle print by Cole & Son. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27
“
IT WAS IN DISREPAIR BUT STILL BEAUTIFUL.
mansions in Bangalore, where I grew up,” she explains of the 2004 trip as she and Shammi were scouting larger houses while pregnant with their second child.
Above: Nomita’s eclectic yet elegant taste extends from her home to her Magazine Street store, Spruce, which offers a variety of beautiful fabrics, wallpapers, art, and more. 28 | NO V EMBER 2020
And there it was—a 1920s gem flawed by a fallen-in porch and a backyard turned into a concrete parking lot. The neglected house had been chopped up into apartments. “It was in disrepair but still beautiful,” explains Nomita, who felt her experience renovating period homes would help her restore this one to its former glory. She fell in love with the beautiful hardwood floors, the high ceilings punctuated by soaring windows, and the luxurious details like the
oversize solid cypress doors. “I was reminded of homes in India built around the same time.” But the love affair was not to be—at least not then. “We made an offer, which was rejected, and the owner didn’t even want to negotiate,” says Nomita. She only learned by chance that the house had come on the market again in 2011. “It had gone into foreclosure, and I only realized it had been bought by a developer when he came to my business looking for something for the house he was working on,” says Nomita, whose Magazine Street store, Spruce, specializes in wallpaper, fabric, and design. “It was the house we had had a crush on—but by this time my son was five or six, and we had bought another house. However, a day later, the owner—who had done the heavy work, fixing the porch and installing new wiring and plumbing—asked if I would be interested if the house were for sale, and we bought it mid-renovation.” It would be another long wait before the family managed to turn the house into their dream home. “Major construction started outside our home almost immediately after we moved in and was with us for six years; it became a challenge even bringing groceries in,” Nomita recalls. Undeterred, the couple started with the backyard, transforming the car park of old into a garden for their children, Simran, now 18, and Yash, 15. “We uprooted the concrete, put down grass, and planted bamboo along two sides because it was evergreen, hardy, and fast growing.” A native of a vibrant Indian city famous for its botanical garden, Nomita channeled her adopted homeland in her choice of plants. “I landscaped with bottlebrush, crape myrtle, different types of magnolias, and azaleas.”
La maison
Left: The master bathroom, once a bedroom, has been transformed into a relaxing, artistic oasis featuring a glorious painting Nomita found during her travels.
And while the children played, their parents thought (and sometimes rethought) the interior spaces. “I am a firm believer that in a historic home, you start using rooms in a different way than you intended, and the years of waiting gave us some insight in how we wanted to use the house,” Nomita says. One of the six bedrooms was converted into the family room, which is the heart of every modern American home and important to Nomita and her husband “because we don’t like having a television in the main living room where we like having dinner parties and conversation.” Another bedroom became a master bathroom, which is in many ways the most stunning room in the house. “The focal point is the picture behind the bathtub; it’s by a mural artist I discovered on a buying trip after I opened
a wallpaper showroom. I bought and framed one full repeat of the large pattern to gaze on when I relax in the bathtub before bed, pretty well every night— it reminds me of Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” she says, referring to Picasso’s pre-Cubist masterpiece. As the children grew, the garden gained a pool, and now that Simran has started her college studies at Tulane, Nomita says half-jokingly, “I have another room to play with as, although she is studying nearby, she is in the dorms.” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29
La maison
“
EVERY FIND AND PIECE OF FURNITURE HAS A STORY.
When it comes to her decor, Nomita says, “Every find and piece of furniture has a story.” Her love of vintage is evidenced by her support of the Green Project, a local initiative for repurposing and upcycling architectural salvage. It has proven a source for key pieces of furniture in the living room and guest room. But what is truly original to Nomita is her use of wallpaper for window coverings and backdrops rather than conventional use alone. “Most New Orleans houses have floor-to-ceiling drapes, but I like to let the light in,” she explains. “My paper wall coverings are not blinds; you don’t pull them up but can still look out and see the greenery through them.” An exotic jungle print serving as a colorful backdrop to white bookshelves above a bar also turns out to be high-end wallpaper by Cole & Son.
30 | NO V EMBER 2020
The headily eclectic mix of styles, materials, and sources reflects the fact Nomita has absorbed local influences like a sponge since arriving in the US in 1989 to study architecture at LSU; yet she remains attached to indelible memories of home. “Everything has a story, from a dish to the doors. My style is organic, combining my Indian background, Western education, and modern lifestyle,” she says. “My home is my vanity—a direct extension of who I am, and I have obsessed over it for so long, from actually acquiring it to renovating it and finally decorating it.”
VISIT SPRUCENOLA.COM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NOMITA’S DESIGN SHOP ON MAGAZINE STREET. Anthea Gerrie is based in the UK but travels the world in search of stories. Her special interests are architecture and design, culture, food, and drink, as well as the best places to visit in the world’s great playgrounds. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, the Independent, and Blueprint. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31
L’intermission
Changing the Future
Xiye Bastida is one of many inspiring women in Vital Voices: 100 Women Using Their Power to Empower. Alyse Nelson edited this new Assouline book with a foreword by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and beautiful portraits painted by Gayle Kabaker. Learn more on our Book Club page. Artwork by Gayle Kabaker
The next generation is taking up the torch to advocate for positive change. Join young leaders like Xiye Bastida in the fight for environmental preservation, climate action, and restructuring society to be in harmony with the planet.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 33
C r e a t in g Sp ac es wi th
Love
34 | NO V EMBER 2020
La maison
by Jordan Staggs photography courtesy of Chr is to p he r K id s
A child’s room or playroom can be many things. It’s a place to rest and sleep, read bedtime stories, play, learn, grow, and become independent as the child learns to dress or clean up without help. The private retreat is sacred, providing room to breathe and be oneself without fear of judgment or criticism. ith a little imagination, a room becomes a jungle, a palace, a dance studio—with siblings, maybe even a wrestling ring. For children with special needs, be they due to physical or intellectual disabilities or chronic illness, a bedroom is just as important. Unfortunately, traditional setups or building styles might make that retreat challenging to navigate. That’s where the team at Christopher Kids comes in. Chris Reebals, the president and principal architect at Christopher Architecture & Interiors, founded Christopher Kids with a mission to help children with special needs by customizing bedrooms and other personal spaces that enhance their quality of life at home. From bedrooms and bunk rooms to tree houses, playrooms, bathrooms, and more, Christopher’s skilled designers have joined forces for good to help children and their families.
effects causing physical limitations. Shameria shares a bedroom with her sister, so it was a double dose of happiness as Christopher Kids got to work! They started with a site visit to the home so they could begin planning the redesign. “We needed to ensure that there was ample space for Shameria’s wheelchair to move easily through the room, that the beds were at a low enough height for smooth transitioning, that there was plenty of storage, and that we added lots of pink and girly touches!” says the nonprofit’s blog. “We left feeling so inspired and eager to start dreaming.”
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the nonprofit’s reach extends across the Southeast, serving children under twelve whose lives have been altered, whether by illness, impairment, or injury. “Through Christopher Kids, we are able to utilize our talent, passion, and expertise in design while giving back to children with exceptional stories,” the organization’s website states. The designers hope to make spaces more accessible and functional for the children they serve and create rooms with decor and elements that will foster imagination and fun. What better way to lift a child’s spirits and encourage growth? That’s exactly what designer Madi Gurley and the rest of the Christopher team did for the nonprofit’s first recipient. This summer, Christopher Kids partnered with Make-a-Wish Alabama to provide a new bedroom for Shameria, a young girl living with a neurological disorder that requires her to use a wheelchair and has other V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 35
he room is designed with space and function in mind,” Christopher Kids continues. “In addition to the dresser, extra storage was a need and implemented with under-bed boxes and additional storage in the bedside chest and open shelving. A dorm-like layout of the room divides the space into two areas with large pinboards above the beds to provide each sister an area they can customize. The room was transformed and brightened by opening the window up, adding drapery, inserting an area rug, and using a mixture of whites and light pinks in the furnishings and bedding. “Our favorite parts of the room are the two gorgeous beds and the art. The scalloped edge of the bed frame pairs perfectly with the pink scalloped Matouk coverlet. All sheets, bedding, and pillows were generously donated by Suite Dreams in Mountain Brook Village. Their products are stunning and luxurious, and their staff is so friendly and ready to help! We love the way the bedding complements the custom pieces of Carrie Pittman art. Carrie was kind enough to donate her time and talents for these stunning paper pieces. The colors pull the room together and are such a calming focal point for the wall. The mattresses were generously provided by Ensley Fairfield Mattress Company to keep Shameria and her sister as comfortable as possible. We know the girls are loving their beautiful and cozy beds. 36 | NO V EMBER 2020
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“When the furniture was assembled, the art was hung, and the beds were made, it was time for the reveal. The joy on Shameria’s face after seeing her new room was a moment we will never forget. It’s truly an indescribable feeling being able to provide a space that fosters so much happiness. The reveal was made even more special by the pink balloons donated by Party Pickup. They were the perfect celebratory touch and made the big moment really feel like a party!” Christopher Kids has started planning its next design, this time for a young boy named Nolan, who recently finished two years of treatment and chemotherapy for leukemia. Nolan’s father planned to renovate the family’s basement just before they received their son’s diagnosis; now that Nolan is home and ready to spend more time with his brother, Christopher Kids is helping with the renovation. “We have had the honor to meet with
“Through Christopher Kids, we are able to utilize our talent, passion, and expertise in design while giving back to children with exceptional stories.” his family and work with them to design a space where Nolan and his brother, Sutton, can read, play, draw, and watch movies together,” they wrote. “We have an amazing team of vendors coming together to make this room possible, and we cannot wait to see the space come to life.” Stay tuned to the nonprofit’s website and social media to see the big reveal of Nolan and Sutton’s playroom coming this November. In the meantime, those wishing to help Christopher Kids provide new, functional, and beautiful spaces for children in need can do so by making donations online or visiting the organization’s Amazon Wish List, where you can purchase items for their projects. Items will be sent directly to the Christopher Kids team. We can’t wait to see Nolan’s new art and game room and more projects coming soon from the team at Christopher Kids!
Visit ChristopherKid.org or follow on Instagram @christopher.kids to see more photos and to learn how you can help spread the love.
Above: The architects and designers at Christopher Kids in Birmingham, Alabama, are dedicated to creating stylish spaces for children with special needs. Opposite bottom: Shameria’s bedroom by the Christopher Kids team was designed to accommodate a wheelchair, have plenty of storage, and be a beautiful retreat for the two sisters. Photo by Milton Bian Opposite top and previous spread: Photos by Leslee Mitchell V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 37
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SEE THE WORLD
Visit InntelHotels.nl to learn more or book your stay. Photo by Suttipon Thanarakpong/ Shutterstock
It might look like a place from a Tim Burton movie, but this colorful stack of windows and walls is 100 percent real. Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam is an ode to the eclectic Zaanse Schans–style of architecture made famous by the nearby town of Zaanse Schans. The style is exemplified by deep-green wooden walls, tiled rooftops, and Dutch ornamentation on eaves and windows. Many of the historic buildings and the eight kitschy windmills that make Zaanse Schans a popular tourist attraction were moved to the town by trailer between 1961 and 1974. Back at the Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam, contemporary interiors and delicious dining offer guests a welcoming retreat after they enjoy a day of sightseeing. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 41
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ON THE ROAD AGAIN
DESTINATIONS TO FALL FOR 42 | NOVEMBER 2020
This year, the pandemic has upended travel plans for many of us, but as the United States adjusts its regulations and people prepare to discover new places, it seems drivable destinations are preferred. The chill of autumn means celebrating sweater weather, picking apples, and admiring the red, orange, and yellow hues that take over the trees this time of year. As you think about a weekend getaway or an unconventional family holiday trip, we hope you’ll find some inspiration from this list of fall road trip ideas, including where to stay, eat, and play!
Gorgeous autumn colors abound on the coastline of the Door Peninsula, the scenic strip of Wisconsin that separates Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of Destination Door County V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 43
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Above and right: The Graduate Knoxville is the city’s newest hip hotel, celebrating all things stylish with plenty of University of Tennessee pride. Photos courtesy of Graduate Hotels Opposite left: Main Street Meats in Chattanooga is your go-to stop for a good meal after a day of exploring. Don’t forget to ask about their fall cocktail menu! Photo courtesy of Main Street Meats Opposite right: The Umstead hotel combines contemporary design and beautiful natural surroundings to make one fantastic autumn vacation HQ. Photo by Charles Harris 44 | NO V EMBER 2020
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE Where to stay: Graduate Knoxville, 1706 Cumberland Avenue; GraduateHotels.com/knoxville A college town nestled in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, vibrant Knoxville is the perfect place for a Southern getaway in the fall. The mountain landscape provides a backdrop of fall foliage and the opportunity for outdoor activities. At the same time, downtown’s historic buildings house great restaurants, art galleries, and shops, all of which can be enjoyed in a socially distant manner. Nature lovers, don’t skip the nearby Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, where you’ll find hiking trails, camping, stables, and plenty of recreational outfitters to customize your adventure on the Cumberland Plateau. Head to VisitKnoxville.com to learn more and start planning your trip. Visitors can embrace the University of Tennessee spirit by staying at the recently opened Graduate Knoxville, which serves as a love letter to the school’s tradition and legacy. Located right on the Strip (the city’s most lively spot), Graduate Knoxville is just steps from the university and Neyland Stadium. The hotel is inspired by Rocky Top lore and bursting with Big Orange pride. It is also home to Saloon 16, a high-end watering hole opened in partnership with Peyton Manning.
CHATTANOOGA , TENNESSEE Where to Dine: Main Street Meats, 217 East Main Street; MainStreetMeatsChatt.com Highlights in scenic Chattanooga include endless parks and hiking trails for enjoying the fall weather and foliage, a vibrant downtown full of shops and entertainment, and the Tennessee Aquarium, which is home to over ten thousand marine animals and includes an IMAX theater. The Hunter Museum of American Art, built on a ninety-foot limestone bluff overlooking the Tennessee River, comprises a 1905 classical revival mansion, a low-slung 1970s building, and a 2005 contemporary structure. Inside, visitors can enjoy one of the country’s finest collections of American art, dating from the colonial period to the present day and covering a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, contemporary studio glass, and crafts. Explore more at VisitChattanooga.com. After a day of exploring, you will be hungry. Both a butcher shop and a restaurant, Main Street Meats in Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood is the way to go. The area is alive with thriving retail and residential developments rooted in the foothills of the Appalachians. Visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner, with favorites such as the Butcher’s Selection of cheeses and meats, local beef burger, MSM pastrami Reuben, half chicken and mac ’n’ cheese, and seared Pickett’s trout fillet. Additionally, a rotating list of craft beers, wines, and cocktails are offered, along with a curated retail selection of meats, cheeses, and artisanal products, all based on the season.
CARY, NORTH CAROLINA Where to Stay: The Umstead, 100 Woodland Pond Drive; TheUmstead.com With over thirty parks and natural areas, as well as a greenway system over eighty miles long, Cary is an outdoor lover’s dream and the perfect home base for experiencing some of North Carolina’s most beautiful fall scenery. During your explorations, keep an eye out for plenty of public art, including nearly fifty cited installations of sculpture, murals, gardens, and more. Map them all and discover much more when you visit TownofCary.org.
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AS THE LEAVES START FALLING, THE UMSTEAD, NORTH CAROLINA’S HIGHEST-RATED HOTEL, OFFERS A FALL GETAWAY EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER.
Tucked into twelve acres of woodlands overlooking a private lake, The Umstead lies near the protected forest setting of the William B. Umstead State Park. As the leaves start falling, The Umstead, North Carolina’s highest-rated hotel, offers a fall getaway experience like no other. It boasts stunning interiors accentuated with a privately curated fine art collection, 150 guest rooms and suites with gorgeous nature views, an eco-friendly spa, a dog park, and a gift shop filled with unique local finds. A Dale Chihuly sculpture greets guests as they enter the lobby, and artistic, fresh flower arrangements provide pops of color throughout the space. Don’t miss world-class cuisine by Chef Steven Greene at Herons, where he incorporates home-cultivated and handpicked produce into each day’s menu. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 45
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ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Where to Dine: Benne on Eagle, 35 Eagle Street; BenneonEagle.com
Above: When visiting Asheville, be sure to drop in at the Foundry Hotel for an amazing meal from Benne on Eagle. Photo courtesy of Benne on Eagle Right: The Wayfinder Hotel is the most stylish new spot to rest your head and enjoy all that Newport, Rhode Island, has to offer. Photo courtesy of The Wayfinder Hotel 46 | NO V EMBER 2020
Asheville’s potential knows no bounds when it comes to attractions, from the famous Biltmore Estate and North Carolina Arboretum to the Pisgah National Forest and everything in between. If you visit closer to Christmas, be sure to take a walk through the charming shops and cottage-style architecture of the historic Biltmore Village. Munch on delicious bites and coffee or hot cocoa from WellBred Bakery while you discover art galleries and locally owned boutiques. Don’t forget to head for the Olde World Christmas Shoppe to start your holidays right! Visit ExploreAsheville.com to learn more. For visitors looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience during their road trip retreat, Benne on Eagle, the premier dining establishment at The Foundry Hotel, is the perfect place to stop. The restaurant comes from a five-time James Beard Award–nominated chef, John Fleer, and his rising-star chef de cuisine, Ashleigh Shanti. With dishes like potlikker-braised chicken wings with chow-chow, crispy quail with hot water cornbread, sauce beautiful, and crowder pea salad, and forever-roasted pork and benne seed biscuits, the cuisine pays tribute to the impact of African American cooks on Appalachian food throughout the centuries. Fleer and Shanti use seasonally available bounty and ingredients reminiscent of the past to wow guests time and again.
NEWPORT, RHODE ISL AND Where to Stay: The Wayfinder Hotel, 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road; TheWayfinderHotel.com Fall on the Classic Coast might look a little different this year, but it’s abundantly the same in some ways. Nights are cozy, the autumn days are crisp, and the foliage colors are vibrant along the area’s cobblestone paths and tree-lined streets. With social distancing in mind, visitors can still enjoy classic fall activities like corn mazes, apple picking at pick-your-own orchards, craft vino and beer at local vineyards and breweries, and live music throughout Newport’s historic wharf district. Visit DiscoverNewport.org to learn more.
Described as “a fresh take on a Newport hotel,” The Wayfinder is your ultimate stylish HQ while visiting the town. It pairs coastal design with local talent to create a mindful, relaxed hotel experience that highlights Rhode Island’s freespirited energy. With large rooms, abundant amenities, and a genuinely hospitable team, you’ll feel at home here any time of year. Set in Newport’s North End, The Wayfinder Hotel is just minutes away from some of the top Newport activities and attractions, from Gilded Age mansions to sandy beaches. Enjoy a hot cider and deliciously fresh cider donuts from Hard-Pressed Cider Company at Windmist Farm in nearby Jamestown. They’re open on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through November 22.
DOOR COUNTY, WISCONSIN Where to Dine: Glacier Ledge, 8103 Highway 42 North, Egg Harbor; DoorArtisanCheese.com See the splendors of the season throughout the seventy-mile-long peninsula separating Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Spectacular fall color abounds along its scenic highways and charming villages. Hike through the sugar maple– and white birch–lined trails of Peninsula State Park or bike along the Niagara Escarpment to see Green Bay’s rollicking waves. Learn about the area’s maritime heritage at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, perched on a limestone cliff. Waterfront villages dot the peninsula and are home to local makers and artisans. Head to DoorCounty.com to start planning your visit.
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SET IN NEWPORT’S NORTH END, THE WAYFINDER HOTEL IS JUST MINUTES AWAY FROM SOME OF THE TOP NEWPORT ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS, FROM GILDED AGE MANSIONS TO SANDY BEACHES.
Cheese making is a famous Wisconsin craft, and Mike Brennenstuhl had the vision to create a special place that celebrates that tradition. He recently opened Glacier Ledge, taking the dining experience to a new level. Guests have a chance to see cheese making in action, from the milk vat to the table. They can stop by to enjoy specialty cheeses, regional and international wines, and fine dining. The restaurant’s small plates menu features dishes like roasted cauliflower florets, arancini, and lamb kafta skewers. Cherries may reign in Wisconsin during the summer, but fall is all about apples. Don’t miss a trip out to Lautenbach’s Orchard Country. Growing, harvesting, and producing award-winning fruit products since 1955, Lautenbach’s has a hundred acres of blossoming orchards and lush vineyards owned and operated by Bob Lautenbach and his three children. Fall brings the apple harvest and the chance to sample hard cider, freshly picked apples, and various types of apple butter, sauces, and of course, pies.
Above: Visitors explore the parks, trails, and scenery of Door County, Wisconsin, year-round, but autumn is particularly beautiful! Photo by John Nienhuis/Destination Door County V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 47
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WOODSTOCK , VERMONT Where to Stay: Woodstock Inn & Resort, 14 The Green; WoodstockInn.com
Above: The Woodstock Inn & Resort is known as “Vermont’s most beautiful address” for a reason. In addition to having gorgeous grounds and amenities, it is ideally situated for guests to discover the charming town of Woodstock and its surroundings. Photo courtesy of Woodstock Inn & Resort 48 | NO V EMBER 2020
The quintessential New England town of Woodstock is still celebrating the autumn season in full swing. However, safety and social distancing measures are in place, as they are for most of the country, so before your trip, be sure to visit WoodstockVT.com to read up on local requirements and fun things to do. Farm-themed activities and tours of the animals and daily operations at Billings Farm & Museum occur each Friday and Saturday through most of November. On December weekends, guests can enjoy Christmas at the Farm, featuring authentic 1800s holiday decor, horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides, crafts, themed treats, and hot cider. The Woodstock Inn & Resort places travelers in a prime location to explore hundreds of acres of nearby walking trails, including the Marsh-BillingsRockefeller National Historical Park just down the road and hiking or biking in the nearby Green Mountains. The resort also offers an athletic club with
classes and plenty of outdoor activities, including a falconry experience that grants guests front-row access to falcons, owls, and hawks and lessons from their caretakers. The Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing school teaches the art of fly-fishing in Vermont’s picturesque streams and lakes. Whether winding down after exploring Woodstock or settling in for a day of leisure, guests can warm up in front of the inn’s iconic lobby fireplace with a newspaper or spend the day in the library with a great book. And there’s no need to travel far for meals—the inn’s two restaurants, the Red Rooster and Richardson’s Tavern, feature delicious locally sourced menus. Whether you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and explore Mother Nature this fall or an autumn retreat to historic and beautiful towns brimming with seasonal activities, we hope you find your perfect fall road trip escape.
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Sunset on Miramar Beach as photographed by Jeff Landreth.
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Petite pause
Locals and returning visitors know the jetties at Saint Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, as a place for enjoying the pristine natural environment along the world’s most beautiful beaches. Paddleboarding, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and boating are favorite pastimes for the hundreds of thousands who visit the park each year. Learn more at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com. Photo courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach 50 | NOVEMBER 2020
Wa l k i n g on Wa t e r
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GO DO GOOD BY SAMANTHA ACCOLA
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A KID IN A CANDY STORE—OR IN A HOTEL LOBBY? Travel blogger Meg James grew up with parents who whisked her away to Tokyo, Bermuda, and Hong Kong over the summers. Even though these are extraordinary locations and cultures, James admits that her favorite memories were always made in hotels. Daydreaming over each resort’s extravagant design, vibrant colors, glamorous amenities, and intricate details, James let her curiosity run wild as each space inspired her creativity. As if on a hotel scavenger hunt, she eagerly anticipated introducing herself to every staff member, capturing images of the lobby with a Polaroid camera, collecting local brochures, and throwing on the room’s oversize robe and slippers. Through a child’s eyes, the world seems glorious and new at every turn, but as adults, that light can begin to dim as busy schedules and burnout make us tired. Escaping to a tropical paradise or going on safari allows us to slow down and enjoy the world. Certain hotels also seem to be coated in magic, helping us see the beauty that is ever alive—not only around us but also inside us. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 53
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Above: Primland, a gorgeous resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, was developed in an eco-conscious manner as a retreat for worldclass golf, refined dining, and outdoor activities. This year, Primland provided more than 2,400 lunches to students and staff in the community for the eight weeks when schools and businesses closed. They also raised over $61,000 through the Primland Cares Auction for their employee relief fund. Photo courtesy of Primland
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n 2017, James began her travel blog, Trekking Twice, which features sponsored travel and free products, but she soon realized she was “missing the mark,” as she calls it. After becoming a mom of two adventurous boys, pursuing her faith as a Christian, and visiting a foreign hotel with a particularly “good” approach, James felt a call to give back the only way she knew how: by sharing her love of great hotels. In the summer of 2019, James formed Go and Do Good, a directory that highlights hotels that give generously to charities, ministries, and their communities. The idea came to James in Peru, while she was on a trip to explore Machu Picchu with her husband, Logan. The two embraced the sacred atmosphere while staying at Sol y Luna Hotel. Surrounded by the magnificent Andes mountain range, the Sol y Luna
EACH HOTEL’S DECOR, LUXURIOUS ACCENTS, AND STUNNING ARCHITECTURE CELEBRATE THE CULTURE OF THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY. 54 | NO V EMBER 2020
is not an average hotel. Aside from its picturesque views, lush gardens, and gourmet Peruvian cuisine, the resort also founded a school on the property. By fostering holistic, community-based education for children, the Sol y Luna Association believes in providing opportunities for local families and advocates for local youth with special needs. Learning of this charitable investment sparked an “aha moment” for James. After two years of travel blogging, she hadn’t quite found her passion or niche. “When I saw how Sol y Luna Hotel gave back to their local community and the good they were doing, I knew I had an original idea in the travel industry,” she expresses. Go and Do Good is the only known humanitarian-focused hotel directory, combining James’s sense of wonder for the world with a philanthropic attitude toward all of its inhabitants. James and her family believe travel isn’t about checking places off a bucket list. Her goal is “forming genuine connections with hotels around the world that are generously giving back to others.” After the trip to Machu Picchu, James hit the ground running to develop Go and Do Good. Despite having the business for just over a year (and dealing with a global pandemic’s effects on travel), James happily shares that the directory now includes seventy-five hotels. From The Russell in Nashville, which provides funds and a mobile shower to Music City’s homeless population, to Casa Palopó in Guatemala, which furnishes a local charity with bright, inviting paint and supplies to brighten up poverty-stricken neighborhoods, there are so many generous hotels making a difference in the world! James’s goal for each of these uniquely loving businesses is to publicize their charitable efforts and guide travelers to think philanthropically
Left and previous spread: Travel blogger Meg James and her husband, Logan, developed Go and Do Good in 2019. The online directory allows socially and environmentally conscious travelers to find hotels and resorts impacting their communities. Photos by Flytographer, courtesy of the James family Below: Meg and Logan were inspired by the Sol y Luna resort in Peru, which fosters holistic, community-based education for children and families and advocates for local youth with special needs. Photo courtesy of Relais & Chateaux
HER GOAL IS “FORMING GENUINE CONNECTIONS WITH HOTELS AROUND THE WORLD THAT ARE GENEROUSLY GIVING BACK TO OTHERS.”
when choosing a place to stay. Ultimately, she hopes every visitor will leave their hotel changed for good. Go and Do Good hotels inspire the soul, but not just through their spirit of service. Each hotel’s decor, luxurious accents, and stunning architecture celebrate the culture of the surrounding community. The criteria for being in James’s directory is not simply about making donations, hosting small gift programs during Christmas, or occasionally sponsoring a charity golf tournament. Those things are great, but Go and Do Good aims to aid openhanded hotels that consistently support others. When James discovers a small boutique hotel empowering local communities, she lets out a victorious, “I found it!” Her intention for Go and Do Good is not about the money or fame, but a desire for travelers to partner with the far-reaching hotels she promotes and be part of changing lives in the areas they visit, creating a more intimate connection when they travel. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 55
Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been a leader in giving back to their community during COVID-19 and is a longtime supporter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona. Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho
NOW, REMEMBER: IF YOU’RE GOING TO GO, GO AND DO GOOD. Above: Logan and Meg James at Sol y Luna in 2019 Photo by Flytographer, courtesy of the James family Right: In conjunction with Charleston Chefs Feed the Need’s mission to provide meals to the city’s neediest, Belmond Charleston Place will join the COVID-19 fight by partnering with local farmers and fishermen to donate groceries for out-of-work hospitality and service industry employees. Photo courtesy of Belmond
In light of suspended international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, James did shift her direction a little. The quarantined season brought unexpected blessings as many US hotels began to give back generously to their cities and employees during the shutdown. Primland Resort in Virginia created an employee relief fund for furloughed employees, while The Venetian in Las Vegas contributed 57,000 meals to families in need. Giving hope to couples whose wedding plans had to be postponed because of the pandemic, the Grove Hotel in Idaho ran a contest for wedding giveaways and awarded ten lucky couples complimentary wedding ceremonies. When looking for good in the travel industry during this difficult time, James found it in the hearts behind good hotels. With a goal to visit every hotel in the Go and Do Good directory and advocate for the communities they support, the James family hopes to see more travelers choosing these hotels for their vacations for years to come. Now, remember: if you’re going to go, go and do good.
L E A RN M O RE A N D BO OK GO A ND DO GO O D H OT EL S W H EN YO U E X P LO RE T HE D I RECTO RY AT GOA ND DO GO O D . CO M . FO L LOW T H E JA M E S FA M I LY ’ S J OURN E Y @ GOA ND DO GO O D O N I NSTAG R A M . 56 | NO V EMBER 2020
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An aerial view of beautiful Grayton Beach, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico Photo by Rotorhead 30A Productions 58 | NO V EMBER 2020
Experience More
Life Beyond
a HOTEL ROOM
Looking down from the sky over Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida, it’s hard to imagine that ten thousand vacation homes lie beneath you, each one the hub of sun-kissed memories that families will cherish for a lifetime.
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lthough you can find a few hotels here, many families who visit the area have cast aside that idea for their accommodations. Join the community of savvy travelers who have discovered the secret to great vacationing here and reserve a private home on 30-A.
Thirty-A comprises thirteen villages, seamlessly intertwined to create a one-of-akind community. Each village has a unique personality, but each shares the same beautiful stretch of white-sand beach. These are places where you can be with others and still be yourself. When you’re ready to escape the crowds, skip the trip to a chain hotel and stay in a vacation home in the heart of the community instead. It’s time to experience life like a local!
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et’s dive a little deeper—fifty-eight feet deeper, to be exact. This area may be home to the world’s most beautiful beaches, but just off the coast of Grayton Beach you will also find the only underwater art museum in the country! The Underwater Museum of Art doubles as a habitat for local marine life. Whether you plan to rent a kayak, take a boat, or hire a guide, don’t miss the opportunity to get lost in this liquid zoo of freedom and art, where wildlife and structure collide for a spectacle unlike any other. As the day comes to an end, sit back and unwind with your family and friends around a beach bonfire carefully curated by the vacation rental experts
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Imagine a luxurious beach hideaway that allows your extended family to leave their individual homes behind to gather in one—with space for card games, skits, and secret family recipes—a home that’s cared for by a team that also cares for you.
at Royal Destinations. While the warm embers glow and the Gulf waves wash against the shore, it won’t take long to realize that you are somewhere special. After an experience like this, heading back to your accommodations can feel underwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. Rather than returning to an ordinary hotel room, make your way to a home like Grayton Dream. Imagine a luxurious beach hideaway that allows your extended family to leave their individual homes behind to gather in one—with space for card games, skits, and secret family recipes—a home that’s cared for by a team that also cares for you. If you’re looking to plan less and experience more, head to Royal Destinations to discover your perfect home away from home—one that excites you and your family and leaves you counting down the days until your return. Known for unrivaled guest satisfaction, their local team is committed to providing handtailored experiences that go beyond the four walls of your vacation rental. It’s time to abandon the close quarters of a hotel room and the loud strangers next door. Forget the fading concept of what a getaway used to look like and indulge yourself in the serenity of a private home. This is a vacation. This is 30-A.
Above: Grayton Dream is one of the many gorgeous beach homes available through Royal Destinations vacation rentals. Opposite top: Another incredible Royal Destinations home with stunning Gulf views, located in Seagrove Beach, Florida Photos courtesy of Royal Destinations
Whether you’re looking to plan your next vacation or you need a property manager that truly understands what it takes to present your home as a gift on 30-A, the Royal Destinations team is ready to help! Visit RoyalDestinations.com or call (850) 790-5001 to learn more.
Opposite bottom: The Underwater Museum of Art off the coast of Grayton Beach is the only museum of its kind in the US. Diving expeditions are available so visitors can check out the underwater sculptures and marine life.
Story and photography courtesy of Royal Destinations
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C’est la vie
RICH IN LOVE
Empowering others through socially conscious causes and transparent efforts, these worthy companies allow shoppers to feel good while doing good. Beyond the present, sustainability is also creating lasting change in the world. For many, finding the right nonprofit or service-minded product or project can be time consuming and difficult, so we did the work for you! Live life on purpose by supporting your communities and global brothers and sisters with these handcrafted, thoughtfully designed products. Never be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve!
Hearing Is Believing
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The Satellite Wireless Speaker Partnering with Starkey Hearing Foundation, LSTN helps provide hearing aids for people in need. $100 – LSTNsound.com 62 | NO V EMBER 2020
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Be a Light
Dunes Candle Starting as a poverty-alleviation project to teach candle making to Iraqi war widows, Prosperity Candle now supports women’s entrepreneurship across the world. $34–$40 – ProsperityCandle.com
Old Dog, New Tricks
Mothers of Pearl
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Teal Ombre Cotton Rope Dog Leash Found My Animal advocates for animal adoption and helps fund animal rescue organizations. $62 – FoundMyAnimal.com
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Vintage Pearl Whirlpool Earrings Nectar Nectar supports female Indian artisans and their local communities by running comprehensive programs on education, mentorship, and employment. $155 – NectarNectar.com
Hanging Hope
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Cotton Macramé Wall Plant Hanger EcoVibe donates 1 percent of all online sales to 1% for the Planet to promote environmental sustainability. $45 – EcoVibeStyle.com
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Fine Lines
Sagar Gray Cotton Scarf Bloom & Give donates half of its profits directly to education for girls in India and Nigeria to fight gender inequality, reintegrate dropouts, and provide school infrastructure. $45 – BloomandGive.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 63
C’est la vie
Stand Tall
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Gardenia Jumpsuit For every tee you buy from Amour Vert, they plant a tree in collaboration with American Forests. Through their sustainable efforts, 1,606 acres have been reforested. $158 – AmourVert.com 64 | NO V EMBER 2020
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Crossing Borders
Stella Bag Color Nannacay provides economic opportunity for artisans in Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, helping to preserve traditional handwoven crafts. $240 – Nannacay.com
Rise Up
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Makola Earrings Thistle Farms provides safe haven for women survivors of prostitution, trafficking, and addiction through meaningful jobs and lifelong sisterhood. $52 – ThistleFarms.org
Brush It Off
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MABLE Four Pack In addition to creating sustainable bathroom essentials, MABLE partners with schools to educate children on eco-friendly practices. $12–$13 – BrushMABLE.com
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Drink Responsibly
Russian River Valley Rosé Proceeds from Proud Pour’s wines help restore damaged coral reefs, oyster ecosystems, and bee habitats. $156 per case – ProudPour.com
Listen In!
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The Troubadour Wireless Headphones LSTN has helped over thirty thousand people in countries such as Kenya and Rwanda hear for the first time. $180 – LSTNsound.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 65
Debu ts
2020
SPONSORS
VIE is proud to announce its fourth show home, coming this year to Seagrove Beach, Florida! We are once again working with the developers and owners, Suzy Accola of Q Tile and Jim Accola of Coastal Elements Construction, to create a show home of inspired ideas, the VIE Beach House! They will implement the latest in innovative building techniques, integrated home technology, appliances, and more to build a house unlike any other. An incredible lineup of partners and participants is also on board with building materials, flooring and tile, furnishings and decor, artwork, and so much more. Stay tuned for more updates as the VIE Beach House – A Show Home takes shape!
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Le monde
Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND
Black Eve by Toni Scott, 2018 Cast Resin, Black Patina 7 Ă— 4 Ă— 4 ft. Visit UTAArtistSpace.com to learn more about this and future exhibitions.
UTA Artist Space in Beverly Hills, California, was pleased to present its collaborative exhibition Emergency on Planet Earth: In a Time Close to Now in October. October. The show featured artists Parker and Clayton Calvert, Manny Castro, Todd DiCiurcio, Daniel Fuller, Iva Gueorguieva, Heather Haynes, Jamiroquai, Glenn Kaino, Jason Nichols and Felipe Griebel, Ellen Page, Rob Reynolds Toni Scott, Ai Weiwei, and Nathan Wong. A mix of video, sculpture, painting, and photography, this multisensory exhibition addressed both the environmental and the human impact of our current times. Toni Scott weaves powerful stories presented through painting and sculpture, often referencing fraught histories. Black Eve, Eve, seen here, is a striking sculpture serving as a reminder of the power and majesty of Black women.
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ART CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
MIAMI
DI STRICT
S TO RY A N D P H OTO G R A P H Y COURTESY OF THE CR AIG ROBINS COLLECTION
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The Craig Robins Art Collection, displayed within the Miami Design District headquarter offices of Dacra, is a private collection of contemporary art and design representing a broad range of artistic perspectives. The collection is home to works by world-renowned artists, including John Baldessari, Richard Tuttle, Kai Althoff, Marlene Dumas, and Nicole Eisenman, to name a few. The multifaceted collection encompasses a range of disciplines, from design and architecture to art.
Currently, the exhibition within the headquarter offices of Dacra is closed. However, based on the belief that art should be shared, the Miami Design District is pleased to announce a series of artist monograph exhibitions in Palm Court Suite 102/202, showcasing some of the most cutting-edge contemporary works in the Craig Robins collection. The show features renowned international creatives, with sixteen works by distinguished artist Paulina Olowska currently on display. Driven by the belief that “art can change the world,� Olowska often centers her artwork on female protagonists, sometimes depicted smoking or drinking, evoking past nostalgia within an imagined present. Olowska works in collage, painting, photography, sculpture, film, and performance, and her art-making process is as unencumbered as her embrace of diverse interests.
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W
ithin Olowska’s practice, industry, leisure, and socialist symbolism occupy the same visual and cultural space. Her realist paintings, drawings, and collages borrow imagery from Eastern European and American popular culture, creating a crosscultural reference that is evident throughout her practice while engaging with the concepts of consumerism, feminism, and design. The outward appearance of Olowska’s female subjects is as important as the historical memories that are woven seamlessly throughout her collages and paintings. Olowska’s treatment of her subject’s materialization acts as a direct display of the individual’s spirit, which is likely to be contrasted against a uniformed surrounding reminiscent of life experienced behind the Iron Curtain. Olowska’s affinity with performance-based art accounts for much of her appreciation. Most notably is Alphabet (2005), her adaptation of Czech designer Karel Teige’s typographic book Abeceda. Presented at MoMA in 2012, performers molded their bodies to depict the letters of the alphabet, forgetting conventional forms to construct a new system of meaning. At the heart of Olowska’s artistic practice is her collaborative work, lending a platform to her underrepresented contemporaries. Demonstrating the disjunction of time and cultural impermeability of Eastern Europe, Olowska’s multifaceted oeuvre establishes a dialogue with the past. She calls upon forms recognizable from multiple collective histories of modernism to create an invented contemporary environment. Her career achievements include solo exhibitions at Kunsthalle Basel; the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam; and the Zacheta National Gallery of Art, Warsaw. She received the prestigious Aachen Art Prize in 2014, with an associated exhibition at the Ludwig Forum for International Art in
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This spread and previous: Sixteen artworks by Paulina Olowska are currently on display in the Miami Design District. This private collection of contemporary art can be viewed through November 10, and a new exhibition from the Craig Robins Art Collection will open in December.
Aachen, Germany. She has also staged performances at Tate Modern, the Carnegie International, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Craig Robins was introduced to Olowska’s work by collector and museum director Karola Kraus. Drawn to Olowska’s creative energy, Robins began collecting her work. This exhibition is a selection of his acquisition highlights spanning almost two decades. Robins has defined his collection through a long-term investment in the artists he believes in, collecting their work over the years and in depth. Olowska’s exhibition will be on display through November 10 and serves as a preview to the larger annual show of the Craig Robins Art Collection taking place in December.
D E M O N S T R AT I N G T H E D I S J U N C T I O N O F T I M E A N D C U LT U R A L I M P E R M E A B I L I T Y O F E A S T E R N E U R O P E , O L OW S K A’ S M U LT I FAC E T E D O E U V R E E S TA B L I S H E S A D I A L O G U E W I T H T H E PA S T.
View Paulina Olowska’s work at Miami’s Palm Court Suite 102/202 until November 10, 2020, and more from Craig Robinson’s collection coming this December. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Staff will be available to give art tours.
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Le monde
15 Years of Giving
D C WA F G O E S V I R T U A L W I T H B I G R E S U LT S Story and photography courtesy of
DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), recognized as the fifth-largest charity wine auction in the US by Wine Spectator, is pleased to announce the donation of $1.2 million to sixteen children’s charities in Northwest Florida following its first-ever virtual auction on August 22, 2020. Each charity was awarded its funding in a private check-presentation ceremony, adapted to fit social distancing guidelines. 72 | NO V EMBER 2020
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n a year when we were not even sure we would be able to host our auction, all of us associated with DCWAF are profoundly grateful to present these needed funds to our charity partners,” says DCWAF president John Russell. “It is their collective mission to help children in need that motivated all of us to find a pathway to success.” This year’s auction, forced to transition to a virtual format due to COVID-19, marks fifteen years of charitable giving for DCWAF. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $22 million to its partner charities, all serving the critical needs of children locally in Northwest Florida. While the amount donated is less than previous years, it is an outstanding success for DCWAF’s partner organizations in a time when almost all fund-raising events have been canceled or postponed.
The 2020 recipients of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation funds include the following: AMIkids Emerald Coast received $80,000 to fund a GED program for at-risk students between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast received $83,000 to fund Pediatric and Family Birth Place equipment to include HALO BassiNests, a Vein Viewer, bili lights, and a GlideScope.
Above: Leaders from the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation celebrate the result of their first-ever virtual auction on August 22, 2020. It raised $1.2 million to be distributed among sixteen Northwest Florida children’s charities.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received $65,000 to allow sixty-five students from lowincome households to attend programming for one full year. The programming provides unique opportunities for learning and growth, recognizing youth for their achievements in an effort to steer them clear of personal failure.
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Le monde Children in Crisis received $80,000 to fund the facilitation of housing for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. On-site housing provides stability, shelter, house parents, food, clothing, and necessary items to help children live a safe and healthy lifestyle. Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $65,000 to fund and serve underinsured and uninsured children in need of dental care. These funds allow for hygienists and staff on the Mobile Dental Clinic, the Healthcare Referral Network, and dental supplies for the Mobile Clinic to assist children in need of dental and medical care. Emerald Coast Autism Center received $70,000 to fund behavioral therapists and job coaches as they launch a new transition-to-work program.
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It is their collective mission to help children in need that motivated all of us to find a pathway to success.
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Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received $75,000 to support mental health therapy, medical programs, and a case advocacy program that facilitates a child-friendly atmosphere and offers counseling, family services, and coordination of investigations for child abuse and neglect. Food For Thought Outreach received $85,000 to fund food and program supplies, such as masks and hand-sanitizing products, so that children and families usually dependent upon free or reducedprice school meals can continue receiving nutritious meals during the pandemic. Habitat for Humanity of Walton County received $75,000 to help fund building new homes for families with children in North and South Walton County. 74 | NO V EMBER 2020
Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties received $75,000 to fund the Brain Health Initiative, which is geared toward early identification, assessment, and treatment for approximately twelve uninsured students ages twelve to twenty-one who experience mental health or substance abuse issues. Opportunity Place, Inc. received $80,000 to fund immediate housing for homeless children and their families to ensure they are safe and secure. These funds will facilitate various child services, including child-centered case management support, shelter services, child and family assistance, and enrichment activities. Pathways for Change received $60,000 to fund a residential treatment program for men and their families actively seeking substance abuse treatment through an eighteen-month reentry initiative. Shelter House of Northwest Florida received $72,000 to fund mental health play therapy, counseling, and advocacy for youth touched by domestic violence. They also provide childcare and program supplies. The Arc of the Emerald Coast received $75,000 to fund the renovation of their facility warehouse into an after-school program center for children living with disabilities.
Above: Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital received $83,000 to fund equipment for its pediatric wing and Family Birth Place. Above right: The Arc of the Emerald Coast is renovating its warehouse into an after-school program center for children living with disabilities. The nonprofit received $75,000 from DCWAF this year!
Westonwood Ranch received $75,000 for scholarships for children on the autism spectrum in its part-time job skills program and funding for maintenance and repairs to the educational center and aquaponics farm. Youth Village received $85,000 to fund program operations and ensure its doors can remain open to serve children during and after the pandemic.
The dates for next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the foundation’s signature fund-raising event, are set for April 23–25, 2021. The foundation is already planning its sixteenth annual auction and will release tickets and details on the auction’s format in early January. Learn more at DCWAF.org.
Consistently delicious since 1995!
3899 E. County Highway 30A, Seagrove ∙ 850.231.2166 ∙ Open Daily at 4:30 ∙ cafethirtya.com
L’intermission
Heroes Are Everywhere
Diane von Fürstenberg is one of many inspiring women in Vital Voices: 100 Women Using Their Power to Empower. Learn more on our Book Club page.
Inspiring generations not only with her bold and beautiful clothing designs but also with her messages of empowerment to women around the world, Diane von Fürstenberg is a champion for many. And her cape is the most stylish one around!
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 77
Le monde
EDITOR’S PICKS:
MOVIE NIGHT!
Something for Everyone BY
JO R DAN
STAG G S
Social distancing has thrown us all for a loop this year. Those who once made plans with friends and family frequently during the week or on weekends are now sticking to their own homes more often than not. What better excuse could there be for having a good oldfashioned movie night? It’s safe, cozy, and you get to escape for a couple of hours while you snuggle up with your blankets and your favorite snacks. Perhaps you binged so many series during quarantine that you feel like you’ve “run out” of shows to watch. That’s why this list has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re watching solo, with friends (in person or socially distanced through an online watch party), or with the family, there’s plenty to go around. So, get ready to press play and enjoy a night in!
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Carnival Row Photo by Jan Thijs/ Amazon Studios © 2019 Right: The Mandalorian Season 2 premieres October 30, 2020. Photo courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm © 2020
Gritty Fantasies C AR N I VAL R OW
Amazon Original series Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Rated TV-MA (16+) For those looking for the next Game of Thrones–style fantasy, Carnival Row has the magical elements and the adult themes that made that series such as hit, though its settings are a Victorian-esque warfront and a dark cityscape. The magical world and human world are engaged in a period of extreme prejudice as magical creatures such as faeries and fauns are fighting for their right to live among human society. Meanwhile, Inspector Rycroft “Philo” Philostrate (Orlando Bloom) investigates a dark force within the city that seems to be hunting and killing faeries. He must also deal with his feelings for Vignette (Cara Delevingne), his long-lost faerie lover who has come to the city and fallen in with a rough crowd.
THE MANDALORIAN Disney+ Original series Where to watch: Disney+ Rated TV-PG
Star Wars fans can’t get enough of The Mandalorian, the Disney+ series set between the original trilogy and the newer sequels. It focuses on Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), a warrior of Mandalore, a subculture known as bounty hunters and fierce fighters who don’t mind breaking the rules to win. Djarin goes after a mysterious—and precious in more ways than one—bounty in the first episode. When he discovers it’s a child (affectionately referred to by fans as Baby Yoda), he goes against his mandate to deliver it to the client and, in turn, becomes the prey himself. Filmed like a classic Western, with a memorable supporting cast and lots of action, this new take on the Star Wars universe is only expected to get more interesting. Now is the perfect time to jump in—season 2 began October 30!
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Left: Carnival Row Photo by Jan Thijs/ Amazon Studios © 2019 Below: Utopia Photo by Elizabeth Morris/Amazon Studios © 2020
T H E BOYS
Amazon Original series Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Rated TV-MA (18+) What if the world’s favorite superheroes were actually… a**holes? That’s precisely what this gory graphic novel–style series explores with its parody of some of the biggest characters from comic book and film series everyone knows and loves, based on the comics by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The revered team of “heroes” in this series developed by Eric Kripke (Supernatural) is the Seven, widely known to the world as celebrities but who frequently abuse their powers behind the scenes. That’s where the Boys come in—a ragtag group who have been wronged by these so-called saviors and are determined to take them down. Mature comic-book lovers have praised the series—just note that it is not The Avengers, and it is not okay for kids. 80 | NO V EMBER 2020
UTOPIA
Amazon Original series Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Rated TV-MA (18+) Buckle up, because this one is a wild ride and—as a fair warning—it’s gory, and it deals with issues that might be particularly disturbing for some viewers this year. Under the threat of a global pandemic that could wipe out much of humanity, a group of comic-book superfans turns to the recently uncovered sequel to their favorite graphic novel, Utopia, for answers on how to prevent the looming catastrophe. But when a mysterious virus breaks out and everyone who has seen Utopia is hunted down, the remaining group members realize that their theories aren’t just metaphors. The comic’s supervillain, Mr. Rabbit, and its hero, Jessica Hyde, are the keys to saving the world. But is it already too late?
Le monde
Existential Adult Comedies
UPLOAD
PA L M SP R I NG S
Amazon Original series Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Rated TV-MA (16+)
No, this isn’t a Groundhog Day sequel, but it does feature one of your favorite Saturday Night Live cast members trapped in a seemingly endless time loop. Andy Samberg stars as Nyles, who has been living the day of his girlfriend’s best friend’s wedding in Palm Springs over and over—and over. He’s all but given up on getting out of his monotonous life when Sarah (Cristin Milioti), the sister of the bride, gets trapped in the hellish loop with him. They each must deal with their past mistakes and inner demons as they cope with finding a meaningful existence—and act like complete fools along the way. A good mix of comedy and deeper themes—you might find you want to watch it again and again.
Technology these days is impressive, but in the world of Upload, the dead can even live on in a virtual reality of their choosing—for a hefty sum. When twenty-sevenyear-old programmer Nathan (Robbie Amell) dies in a freak car accident, his rich girlfriend pays to have his consciousness uploaded to a swanky resort community for the deceased. Nathan reluctantly goes along with it as he learns the ropes in digital heaven and eventually starts to question how he died in the first place. What he never expected, however, was to start falling for Nora (Andy Allo), who is his virtual afterlife concierge.
Hulu Original film Where to watch: Hulu Rated R
Above: Upload Photo courtesy of Amazon Studios © 2020 Opposite bottom left: The Boys Season 2 is now streaming. Amazon Studios © 2020 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 81
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Family Friendly ENOLA HOLMES Netflix Original film Where to watch: Netflix Rated PG-13
You’ve heard of Sherlock—but what about Enola Holmes? This adventurous adaptation of the Enola Holmes Mysteries book series by Nancy Springer debuted on Netflix in September. It stars Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) in the titular role while Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, The Witcher) plays her famous detective big brother and Sam Claflin (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) is their more traditional, straitlaced brother, Mycroft. When their mother (Helena BonhamCarter) goes missing on Enola’s sixteenth birthday, the young woman must evade her brothers while honing her sleuthing skills to find her mother and help a young lord out of a sticky situation. With a fast pace and several twists and turns, Enola Holmes is an excellent choice for a family movie night or even without the kids. The PG-13 rating for “some violence” seems superfluous; parents’ ratings on the Common Sense Media website agree it is okay for children ages ten and up.
AVATA R : T H E L A S T A I R B E N D E R Nickelodeon animated series Where to watch: Netflix Rated TV-Y7
It’s not new, but a new generation is discovering this beloved Nickelodeon cartoon after Netflix added it back to its library this summer. Avatar: The Last Airbender tells the story of Aang, a twelve-year-old boy with a heart of gold and the fate of the world in his hands. After being frozen in ice for a century, Aang is woken by siblings Katara and Sokka and learns that the four nations—the 82 | NO V EMBER 2020
Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, the Water Tribe, and the Air Nomads—were thrown into chaos and war after he disappeared. Aang reveals that he is the Avatar, a powerful master of the elements, whose duty is to bring balance to all, but he really just wants to have fun. The storytelling and characterizations by creators Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and Aaron Ehasz are far beyond those of a typical children’s cartoon. It will enthrall any lover of fantasy, while its comedic anime-style elements will keep you grinning through all three seasons (plus, if you’re up for it, its sequel series, The Legend of Korra).
Above: My Spy Photo courtesy of Amazon Studios © 2020 Top: Enola Holmes Photo by Robert Viglaski/Legendary © 2020
Left: Julie and the Phantoms Photo by Kailey Schwerman/Netflix © 2020 Below: Noelle Photo by Film Frame/ Disney © 2019
MY SP Y
NOELLE
Some violence and language make this more appropriate for older kids than those under twelve, but My Spy is an entertaining “odd couple” style action-adventure. When JJ (Dave Bautista), a former Special Forces operative turned CIA agent, is assigned to watch a single mother who could be part of an international crime ring, he poses as her neighbor and expects a dull few months ahead. But when the mother’s nine-year-old-daughter discovers his true intentions, she blackmails JJ into teaching her how to be a spy in exchange for her silence. While it might not be the most original storyline, the blend of dry comedy and action is worth watching.
The holidays are coming, and you should add this 2019 Disney+ original movie to your Christmas watch list. Bill Hader and Anna Kendrick star as Nick and Noelle, the children of Kris Kringle himself. As Nick trains to become the new Santa— and isn’t doing so well at it—he decides to abandon his sleigh and take a permanent vacation down south. Noelle, whose specialty is spreading Christmas cheer, goes after him, begging her brother to come back and save the holiday. Supporting cast members, including Shirley MacLaine, Billy Eichner, and Julie Hagerty, add to the laughs and the Christmas spirit in this heartfelt comedy.
Amazon Original film Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Rated PG-13
JULIE AND THE PHANTOMS Netflix Original series Where to watch: Netflix Rated TV-G
Disney+ Original film Where to watch: Disney+ Rated G
This one is an unexpected gem that hit Netflix in September. Director Kenny Ortega (Hocus Pocus, High School Musical, Descendants) is back with another impeccably choreographed musical treat for all ages. Julie is a pianist and vocalist struggling to find her spark and stay in her prestigious performing arts school after her mother’s death. She’s cleaning out her mom’s music studio when she discovers the place is haunted—by three members of a boy band who died in 1995. The powerhouse cast can sing, dance, and charm their way into your heart, and the story offers kid-friendly explorations on some more in-depth topics that might have you reaching for the tissues as well. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 83
G Le monde
GEN ERO SITY N EV E R S L E E P S
By S U Z A N N E P O L L A K 84 | NOVEMBER 2020
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WHY ARE THERE NO SCHOOLS FOR GENEROSITY? FEW OF US HAVE TRAINING IN THE SUBJECT, AND ADMIRING THIS QUALITY IN OTHERS DOES NOT CAUSE GENEROSITY TO OCCUR BY OSMOSIS. e might wish to be seen as magnanimous and compassionate by ourselves and others, give in order to be admired and accepted by our community, or be motivated by the good we expect will return to us. But these are just the beginnings. Once, twice, or perhaps thrice in a lifetime a teacher might show up at the moment when you most need to learn. My teacher, Dr. Mark Brady (author of books and a blog called The Flowering Brain), appeared to me by accident, armed with weekly lessons in generosity. That’s when I wondered why the subject does not exist as a neurobiology course in schools. Imagine if we learned about the power of cultivating generosity? The changes that happen in our brain’s wiring—to the way we think, act, and perhaps design our lives—are astounding once we begin a practice. Generosity is a subject in which we can become more proficient. It may start with selfcenteredness, but our capacity grows as we move away from that center toward other, more genuine motivations. The movement to selflessness often involves a gradual maturation. It takes time, and we all must begin exactly where we happen to find ourselves at the time. Mark maintains that those who give benefit as much, if not more, than those who receive. When
I understood that principle, I stopped being afraid of one of my jobs (asking for money) as development director for the Charleston to Charleston Literary Festival. Mark’s observations played out in real life. Some people give to be seen, while others don’t want any recognition at all. My role was to make a significant contribution to all donors’ practice of generosity! I learned from Mark that giving is a path of learning to let go and that the act fosters a strong desire to achieve something great. Aspiring to generosity grows the capacity to give of oneself in a wide range of creative ways at the material, neurobiological, and spiritual levels. Skilled generosity means we are willing to give without hesitation and without obstacles. It means we know when it’s appropriate to give, which requires discrimination. There are no prescriptions for giving. In holding our money, we possess power. By giving our money, we exercise that power. A former close friend told me he was proud that he has never written a check to charity. Now I wonder what his brain wiring looks like. He had power because he possessed money, but so what? Another friend exercised that power. The biggest tent maker in the world believed he was put on earth to help the bottom billion. He does this by knowing what is happening, then showing up and doing what needs to be done. That’s where his wisdom lies. After
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THE MOVEMENT TO SELFLESSNESS OFTEN INVOLVES A GRADUAL MATURATION. IT TAKES TIME, AND WE ALL MUST BEGIN EXACTLY WHERE WE HAPPEN TO FIND OURSELVES AT THE TIME.
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the hurricane in Haiti, he built beautiful houses and made villages on acres of cleared rubble. He and his team fly to global disasters on a moment’s notice to offer immediate, hands-on help while the Red Cross twiddles its thumbs. Expressing generosity can take many forms in time, talent, and treasure. My sevenyear-old grandson spends time reading books to his Siamese fighting fish. My nephew in New York has the talent of observation, empathy, and manners and used them to help an older lady get through shoving crowds on the subway stairs. I heard through the grapevine that one of my sons regularly brought lunches to the kitchen staff at his favorite restaurant. His generosity was the staff ’s lunchtime treasure. What is the true power of one? When we give, simply because a need exists, selfsatisfaction is nowhere to be found. I have a friend who heard of a woman who had no food to feed her small children. My friend drove to the other side of Charleston, a dangerous side of the city, to deliver food. She met the children and saw how much else was needed, from a playpen to extreme dental needs for their mom. She took this on and, within two months, the mother had dental implants (from a dentist who donated $12,000 of work) and now feels comfortable smiling and applying for a job. My friend changed the trajectory of this woman’s life. Can the ripple effects of helping one person ever be measured? My friend wants to remain anonymous. In fact, her husband told me the story. Another friend changed the path of one person’s life by giving a nonprofit enough money to hire the person after they had been through a bad divorce. That first job, late in life, changed this person’s life. This friend and his wife prefer to remain anonymous too, but he is a man with a golden, melting heart inside a gruff exterior, and there is a golden halo circling his wife’s head. These angels keep their wings hidden. Accolades make them uncomfortable. However, I think they need to be known to show the rest of us the way to go forward in our chaotic, confusing, and complex world. Unless donors can see clearly and unflinchingly that their health and wealth are completely dependent on numerous turns of good fortune, on the help and care of others, and on opportunities not available to everyone, then their acts of giving will be less than fully generous. We can start from self-centeredness but evolve with practice to a place where no ego is involved. Imagine a world where generosity never sleeps!
Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal Mansion section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy.com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more.
EXPERIENCE
Is The Difference
Coastal Dune Lake on 30A as photographed by Jeff Landreth.
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Petite pause
The glorious white sands of Panama City Beach, Florida, owe their existence to the quartz crystals that wash down from the Appalachian Mountains and are ground into shimmering grains so fine they squeak beneath your feet. When paired with the clear, warm Gulf of Mexico, the sand also makes for great snorkeling, as swimmers can spot crabs, fish, sand dollars, and other marine life easily against the clean white backdrop. Plan a trip at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com. Photo courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach 88 | NO V EMBER 2020
Wa t e r Yo u Wa i t i n g For?
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BODY MIND BALANCE FINDING HARMONY THROUGH ART
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Le monde
Interview by JORDAN STAGGS Artwork by POOJA PITTIE
LIVING WITH A PROGRESSIVE FORM OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ALSO INFLUENCES HER PAINTING PROCESS, WHICH SHE SAYS “EXPLORES THE CONSTANTLY CHANGING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AN OFTEN SLOW BODY AND AN ACTIVE MIND.”
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ontemporary artist Pooja Pittie creates intricate swirls and swaths of radiant hues punctuated by polka dot patterns, drips, and textures that can’t help but draw the eye. A native of Mumbai, India, she says her upbringing has intensified her love of using bright colors and given her the confidence to use them freely in her artwork. Living with a progressive form of muscular dystrophy also influences her painting process, which she says “explores the constantly changing relationship between an often slow body and an active mind.”
four-year process that I did along with college and an internship. In 1999, I had an arranged marriage and moved to the US. I then took the CPA exams and got an accounting job before starting my own business when I was twenty-one years old. In the years that followed, I was busy being a wife, an entrepreneur, and then a mother. I got my MBA from the
Opposite: If Everything Lasts Forever, 60 × 60 inches Below: On a Bright-Moon Night, 12 × 12 inches
We had the privilege of catching up with Pittie to discuss her art, her inspirations, and what’s coming up for her this year and beyond.
VIE: Tell us a little about yourself and your career. POOJA PITTIE: I grew up in Mumbai, India, in a close-knit joint family. I am the oldest of three kids. My younger sister now lives in Atlanta, and my brother and parents live in India. I had an idyllic childhood in many ways, with summers spent visiting cousins all over the country. I attended an all-girls school in Mumbai that was very competitive, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an independent career woman, so I did my undergraduate in business. My dad is an entrepreneur, and I used to accompany him to the office and meetings. I loved the idea of starting something new and being your own boss! I even got a chartered accountant qualification (similar to becoming a CPA here in the US), which was a very intense V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 91
Left: In the Midst of Abundance, 30 × 24 inches Below: The Strangest Dream, 24 × 24 inches
MY PROCESS IS TIED TO MY EXPERIENCE AS A WOMAN WITH A DISABILITY—I CREATE PAINTINGS IN ALTERNATING PERIODS OF ENERGETIC ACTIVITY AND REST.
Opposite, clockwise from top: Life Is a Journey Far from Home, 30 × 40 inches The Way It Should Be, 48 × 36 inches Artist Pooja Pittie 92 | NO V EMBER 2020
University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2005 and worked in brand finance at Unilever for a couple of years. Soon after that, I got divorced and started a children’s media company that made books and DVDs to teach kids about Indian culture. I ran that business until 2016, when I decided to paint full-time.
VIE: How did you get started as an artist? Was it always something you wanted to do professionally?
PITTIE: Drawing was a part of me since I was little. It came naturally, and I always had a sketchbook and drew all the time. I had various art projects at school and home. As I started understanding the concept of a career, though, I felt that being an artist would not give me the independence I wanted as a woman in India. It was only encouraged as a hobby—to be done in one’s spare time. Even after moving to the US, the expectation was to make a living by getting a real job in finance or accounting, so I continued on that path. Throughout, I kept dabbling in art on and off, even taking a couple of evening classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Finally, in 2016, I committed myself to make art every day, even if it was for just a few minutes, and that started my journey as a full-time professional artist.
VIE: How would you describe your art? What does it make you feel when you create it? PITTIE: I am a painter, and I make abstract paintings that are generally very colorful. I use a combination of broad, gestural brushstrokes along with smaller, mindful marks to create a sense of movement. My process is tied to my experience
Le monde as a woman with a disability—I create paintings in alternating periods of energetic activity and rest. I work across a range of sizes, from six-foot canvases to small five-by-seven-inch drawings on paper. Painting is very empowering for me. When I’m in my studio, I can experience through painting the sense of limitless movement that I’m losing as my disability progresses.
VIE: You create from a unique “bodymind” perspective. Can you tell us what that means to you? PITTIE: When I first started painting full-time four years ago and thinking about my process and my work, I believed that, through painting, I could explore the relationship between my body and mind. By using paint in different ways, depending on the changing needs of my body and how active I was feeling, I thought I was trying to achieve a sense of harmony in the finished paintings. That somehow, this would resolve the imbalance between a slow-moving body and an active mind. However, earlier this year, I did a 3Arts Fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago and started thinking about my disability differently. I was introduced to the term bodymind, which essentially communicates that body and mind are interconnected. Instead of treating them as separate entities that need to be balanced, I am learning to let go of that expectation, work with the imbalance, and find value in that interconnectedness.
PITTIE: Go for it! I would say that to anyone who wanted to pursue a creative career. My journey began with small steps and small commitments to keep making art, and it eventually turned into a fulltime career.
VIE: What would you like to say to other people with muscular dystrophy who want to pursue art or other creative careers?
PITTIE: Painting in my studio. I love having a space where I can be my “whole” self, bringing together all my disparate experiences.
VIE: What is your favorite thing about being an artist?
VIE: What is the most challenging thing? PITTIE: Keeping my paintbrushes clean! VIE: How does it feel when you see your work displayed in a gallery or a collector’s home? PITTIE: Empowering. Surreal. Grateful. VIE: You also collaborate with Holly Hunt Design. How do you feel art and interior design are connected? What do you like about working with designers and seeing your art in homes and other spaces? V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 93
Le monde
I AM LEARNING TO LET GO OF THAT EXPECTATION, WORK WITH THE IMBALANCE, AND FIND VALUE IN THAT INTERCONNECTEDNESS.
PITTIE: Paintings on canvas are meant to be hung indoors, so it’s always exciting to see my art placed in a thoughtfully designed space where different elements relate and talk to each other. I am lucky to work with designers who have put my art in beautiful homes and workspaces to enhance people’s everyday experiences.
VIE: Who are your inspirations or other artists you admire? Opposite: Far Away Inside, 48 × 40 inches Below: Yes Is a World, 30 × 40 inches
PITTIE: My favorite artist of all time would be Joan Mitchell. I love the emotional intensity of her paintings and her connection to Chicago! I also admire Van Gogh and Henri Matisse for their use of color. Being introduced to Hilma af Klint through the Guggenheim exhibition in 2019 completely changed the way I think about art and its connection to our inner spirituality.
VIE: Why do you think art is essential to the world? PITTIE: I believe that both creating and experiencing art can provide the means to express ourselves and to develop compassion and empathy. VIE: How have COVID and its related effects affected your art this year? PITTIE: Initially, during lockdown, I felt paralyzed and unable and unwilling to make art, but slowly I found that working in my studio helped bring back a sense of optimism. I went through phases of working intensively for long hours, and sometimes, days would go by before I painted at all. I started a daily drawing practice in March, and I think that has been the most significant result of the pandemic. I have been working daily on small drawings on paper with color pencils, and I also work with yarn—knitting, stitching, and sewing have provided comfort. The pandemic has also allowed me to have long periods of being immersed in art making and to put things in a different perspective. I’m not sure if the effects are visible in my paintings yet, but I’m sure they will be over time as I continue my drawing practice.
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VIE: What other projects or exhibitions do you have coming up in 2020 and beyond? PITTIE: I am collaborating with CPS Lives this year and am excited to have the opportunity to tell the story of a Chicago public school through the lens of an artist. You can learn about it at CPSLives. org. My work will also be shown at EXPO Chicago through the McCormick Gallery in April 2021, and I will have my second solo show with McCormick Gallery in the fall of 2021. VISIT POOJAPITTIE.COM TO LEARN MORE AND SEE MORE OF HER WORK.
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Le monde
A
NIGHT STARS with the
EMERALD COAST CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER Celebrates 20 Years
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This year, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) celebrated twenty years of preventing child abuse and neglect, protecting children, and restoring the lives of impacted children in Northwest Florida. o commemorate the occasion, the nonprofit hosted a live fund-raising concert, A Night with the Stars, on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin. Popular local guitarist and vocalist Nic Turner and his band, the Lucky Strike Retros, opened the evening, followed by headliner Tyron “Gretsch” Lyles and the Modern Eldorados from Mobile, Alabama. The Modern Eldorados are known for their crowd-pleasing fusion of traditional rockabilly, honky-tonk, and country music. This socially distanced live concert followed on the heels of ECCAC’s recent focus on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month for October. Throughout the month, the nonprofit emphasized the prevention of domestic abuse while also helping the children and families they serve year-round. Prevention is the key to ending domestic violence. Approximately 1,100 cases of child sexual and physical abuse are reported annually in Northwest Florida’s Okaloosa and Walton Counties—an average of three per day. Despite those big numbers, the needs of nearly two-thirds of the actual child victims go unmet due to a lack of reporting to authorities. It is estimated that for every one child ECCAC helps, there are two more children in need.
Jasie Landeros heads up the prevention department as ECCAC’s outreach program manager. “October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” she says. “Often, the violence occurs between adults; however, the effects of domestic violence can be felt and seen through children as well.” Children exposed to violence in the home are fifteen times more likely to be physically or sexually assaulted than the national average. It is also a fact that children who witness domestic violence or intimate partner violence are at a greater risk of “repeating the cycle” when they are adults, whether by entering abusive relationships or becoming the abuser.
intervention, referrals to other community providers, interviews, and medical exams. Other recent community events benefiting ECCAC include a vintner dinner hosted by Mike and Valerie Thompson and Mark and Kim Fressell, where twenty couples enjoyed a fine meal at Crust Artisan Bakery and Italian Restaurant paired with wines from Thompson 31Fifty Wine based in Healdsburg, California. Jackson White, owner of Mills Heating & Air, also donated twenty thousand dollars in October to help ECCAC aid area children. With donations having dropped this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these generous efforts are especially appreciated.
Landeros adds, “Domestic violence awareness is even more important in these pandemic times. That is why we at ECCAC feel it is critical to create awareness with our prevention programs. We will be providing additional data and information via our website and social media.”
Please consider helping this incredible organization and others like it as they fight domestic violence and more, helping children be seen and heard and creating a better future for our community.
Funds raised at A Night with the Stars and all other monies donated to ECCAC throughout the year aid the organization’s centers in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs. They have provided over 150,000 services at no cost to more than fourteen thousand children experiencing abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Services include mental health therapy, crisis
For further information, visit ECCAC.org, or email or call Jasie Landeros at Jasie@eccac.org, (850) 833-9237, ext. 267. If abuse is suspected, call the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at (1-800) 96-ABUSE. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 97
H O M E
Inspired Ideas for your home and life!
OUR INAUGURAL COFFEE-TABLE BOOK, HOME BY VIE, DEBUTS CHRISTMAS 2020! Call editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell to preorder your copy at (850) 687-5393 or email Lisa@VIEmagazine.com.
R E TA I L P R I C E : $ 5 0 Published by
BOOK CLUB THE READERS CORNER
The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg painted by Gayle Kabaker for Vital Voices. The book is available now in stores and online. Visit Assouline.com to learn more.
Vital Voices: 100 Women Using Their Power to Empower is an unprecedented book and companion art exhibition by Assouline. It celebrates a hundred women from around the globe with a selection of original portraits accompanied by thought-provoking excerpts of first-person narratives by these influential and insightful leaders. Edited by Alyse Nelson with a foreword by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and paintings by Gayle Kabaker, the book includes Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, Bozoma Saint John, Jacinda Ardern, Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju, Joy Buolamwini, Megan Rapinoe, and so many more.
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The Readers Corner
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Southern Thanksgiving A
BITE OF
RECIP E S A ND P HOTO GR A P H Y BY S TACE Y L IT TL E
IT’S ALMOST TURKEY DAY, AND YOU CAN BE THANKFUL FOR STACEY LITTLE AND HIS ONLINE RECIPE AND STORY TELLING MECCA, SOUTHERN BITE. THEY’RE HERE TO HELP YOU PREP SOME GREAT THANKSGIVING RECIPES THAT ARE SURE TO PLEASE THE CROWD! WE KNOW THAT TURKEY AND HAM ARE USUALLY THE ENTRÉES OF CHOICE FOR THIS SPECIAL OCCASION, SO WE ASKED LITTLE TO SHARE SOME OF HIS BEST SIDE DISHES, AN APPETIZER, AND A DESSERT TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF PLANNING WHAT YOU’LL SERVE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THIS YEAR.
Little is a true Southerner from a long line of cooks who have a genuine love for feeding people. His blog and The Southern Bite Cookbook focus on easy-to-make, convenient recipes designed to make family dinners—excuse me, suppers (in the South)—a breeze for busy cooks. From football-season snacks to holiday favorites and everything in between, you can find it on SouthernBite.com!
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The Readers Corner
Easy Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
YIELD: 8 to 10 servings | TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 20 minutes
“I am so excited to share this recipe with y’all. But first, let me take you on a little trip: In the fall of 2016, I had the amazing opportunity to take a trip with the National Pecan Shellers Association to be a part of the pecan harvest in Albany, Georgia. Pecans are something I know. My grandparents have lived in a pecan orchard for my entire life. When I create recipes that involve nuts, I almost always use pecans. They’re easy, versatile, and delicious. And while I admittedly learned a lot about harvesting, processing, and packaging pecans on an enormous scale, the thing that I took away from that trip was a connection to a delightful family named the Willsons. They own Sunnyland Farms in Albany and have been providing the country with the highest quality pecans, candies, and baked goods since 1948. Sunnyland has become my source for the highest quality pecans. I used them in this cheesecake because despite its being easy, it’s something I wanted the best ingredients for. “I always tell folks, when you’re on a budget, look for recipes that use pecan pieces rather than halves. They’re more affordable and work just the same in most cases. There’s no reason to buy the more expensive halves only to chop them up for your recipe. This recipe calls for halves on the top because they’re prettier, but I promise you large pieces will work just as well. “Many cheesecake recipes call for a water bath, and you’ve got to be all fussy about keeping it from cracking when baking. Well, guess what? It’s gonna crack. But you know what else? We’re gonna cover that sucker with the most delicious caramel and pecans; no one will ever know about that little ol’ crack. Y’all are seriously gonna love this one!”
INGREDIENTS • 9 full sheets of graham crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups crushed) • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans • 4 tablespoons butter, melted • 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened • 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 4 eggs FOR THE TOPPING: • 2 cups pecan halves • 4 tablespoons butter • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed • 1/3 cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, pecans, and butter. Stir well. Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan and press firmly to create a crust. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a bowl and hand mixer), combine the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined. Add the eggs and mix well. Pour the batter onto the crust. Lightly tap the pan on the counter to get out any air bubbles. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is almost completely set. Cool and then refrigerate overnight to allow the cheesecake to firm up before serving (or at least 3 hours for those impatient folks). To make the topping, preheat the oven to 325°F and spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake them for 7 to 10 minutes or until just fragrant. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Cook until bubbly, then stir in the toasted pecans. Cool to room temperature before pouring over the cooled cheesecake.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing YIELD: About 8 servings TOTA L TI M E: 55 minutes
“What are your must-have Thanksgiving sides?” Little asks. “Mine is cornbread dressing. After sharing this thought on Facebook a few years ago, several folks asked for my family recipe. This is the one my family has used forever. It’s simple, easy, calls for just a few ingredients, and in keeping with my family’s particular tradition, doesn’t include any sage. Now, if you just have to have sage in there, add it. No biggie! “A couple of things to keep in mind: the mixture should seem pretty soupy when you pour it into the baking dish. If it’s not, it’s going to end up dry. Add more broth if you think you need it. Don’t like onions? Feel free to leave them out. Want the flavor of onion without the crunch? Just run them through the food chopper or blender before adding them. “And when it comes to the salt and pepper, feel free to taste it and add it to your liking. Since there are no eggs in the recipe, there’s no harm in grabbing a taste. It’s actually one of my favorite things to do at Thanksgiving. I just love to grab a spoonful right before it goes into the oven. Y’all enjoy!”
INGREDIENTS • 7 cups crumbled cornbread (Use Little’s recipe for Easy Cornbread found within this recipe’s page at SouthernBite.com!) • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of celery soup • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup • 2 cups chicken broth • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13 × 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the cornbread, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, broth, onions, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Cook uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 103
The Readers Corner
Classic Southern Deviled Eggs
YIELD: 12 halves | TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes “You know, recipes like this are funny because everyone has their own way of making them,” says Little. “Oddly enough, every recipe I’ve seen and all the eggs I’ve seen that other people have made have paprika on them as a garnish, but I never once saw my mom make deviled eggs with paprika. Not once. Now, I always say that the way your mama did it was the right way, so I’ve included paprika as an optional sprinkled garnish here. “The other thing I like in mine that’s a little different is that I prefer dill relish to the much more popular sweet relish. This recipe works with both, but I’ve just never been a huge fan of sweet relish. In fact, when I was a kid, mom would make potato salad for me separately and chop up dill pickles in it rather than sweet ones like everyone else’s. Wasn’t she sweet to do that?”
INGREDIENTS • 6 large eggs • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise • 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard • 2 dashes vinegar-based hot sauce • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 1/2 tablespoons pickle relish (sweet or dill) • Salt • Pepper • Paprika (optional)
DIRECTIONS For easy-to-peel eggs, it’s better to steam rather than boil them. To do so, add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of a medium-size saucepan with a tightfitting lid. Add a steamer basket if you have one, but it’s not necessary. Over medium-high heat, bring the water to a boil. Turn the heat off. Carefully add the eggs to the basket or just to the bottom of the pan. Cover and return to a boil. Steam for 12 to 15 minutes. (To check the doneness, you might add an extra egg and check it at 12 minutes to judge the cook time.) Once cooked, place the eggs in an ice bath until they are completely cool. 104 | NO V EMBER 2020
Peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the yolks and place them in a small bowl. Use a fork to mash up the yolks. Add the mayo, mustard, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. Add the pickle relish. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the mixture equally into the whites. Sprinkle with paprika if you desire.
Ultimate Green Bean Casserole YIELD: 8 to 10 servings | TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes
“Every year around this time, folks take to Facebook to announce all the things they are thankful for, and while I’ll stop short of criticizing folks for it, I just can’t help but wonder why it has to be only this time of year to be thankful,” shares Little. “Shouldn’t we be thankful every single day of our lives? I often find myself lost in reflection (mainly having something do with my little boy) and realize just how lucky I am— how lucky we all are. If we all stop and think about it, we’ll realize that despite whatever it is that we’re facing, we’ve all got a lot to be thankful for. “As far as I’m concerned, green bean casserole is just about as important as turkey and dressing on my Thanksgiving table. It’s just not Thanksgiving without it. And while I know there are those out there who balk at the idea of condensed soups, it’s just not the same without it. I’ve tried gussied-up versions that eliminate the soup, but nothing comes close. Here’s my ultimate take on the traditional Thanksgiving classic.”
INGREDIENTS • 6 strips bacon • 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced • 1 1/2 cups button mushrooms, chopped • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup milk • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese • Salt and pepper • 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained • 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13 × 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Drain away all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease, then return the pan to medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the undiluted mushroom soup and add the crumbled bacon. Stir to combine. Stir in the milk and cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the green beans until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the fried onions. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
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There’s nothing like a sunny day at the beach. Settling into a lounge chair under an umbrella and listening to the relaxing sound of the surf is one of the ultimate ways to find your zen. Perhaps you’d like to dive into a good book and forget the world for a while, or maybe you’d rather splash in the Gulf with your family and friends. Whatever your favorite beach activities are, you can get your fix here. Check out VisitPanamaCityBeach.com to see what’s in store. Photo courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach 106 | NOVEMBER 2020
Petite pause
Social Distancing V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 107
The Readers Corner
FROM THE
BY SALLIE LEWIS
108 | NOVEMBER 2020
n an early morning this summer, I saw the sun rise over the Gulf of Mexico. With my feet in the sand, I stood alone on the beach, watching the light reflect off the water. Over the years, the Texas Gulf Coast has been home to many of my most cherished and visceral life memories. I can still taste the salt from the first Gulf oyster I ate off the half shell and feel the sand packed beneath my fingernails after long afternoons digging for clams. To this day, every trip I take to Rockport or Port Aransas on Mustang Island feels like coming home. In years past, I’ve enjoyed these coastal hideaways with friends and family over festive holiday gatherings, like the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve. This year, however, I ventured south for the first time on my own. Years ago, I read Gift from the Sea by famed aviator and best-selling author Anne Morrow Lindbergh. In it, she shares the lessons from her sabbaticals to Captiva Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Over the course of its pages, she muses about life, womanhood, and the restorative gifts of solitude through the lens of various seashells, like oyster shells, argonauts, double-sunrise shells, and channeled whelks. From the shells we inhabit to the shells we shed over the myriad stages of life, the sea’s symbolic treasures are profound teachers, and so was Lindbergh. The first time I read Gift from the Sea I was in my early twenties, single, and newly graduated from college. Ten years later, I read it a second time, finding pearls of wisdom in Lindbergh’s luminous prose. Coincidentally, the book’s sixty-fifth anniversary this year coincided with a challenging time in my personal life. As I navigate my divorce, I have found solace on the sandy edges of my home state, with Gift from the Sea in hand. Much like the author’s own experiences, my solitary days on the Texas coast gave me space to roam freely and unpack my emotions. I combed the shoreline looking for scallop shells and lightning whelks, each day bringing with it new treasures from the ocean floor. I watched as giant pelicans dove into the water, filling their throat pouches with glistening fish. I saw sandpipers and plovers wade for snacks in the surf and found unexpected beauty in a tiny chapel adorned with watercolor murals and swaying sea oats. Most importantly, I began to notice the rhythms of the Gulf, its ebb and flow, retreat and return like a hopeful promise.
Left: Beautiful murals adorn the walls and ceiling of the Chapel on the Dunes in Port Aransas, Texas. Photo by Sallie Lewis Opposite: Sunrise in South Padre Island, Texas Photo by Hundley Photography
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Each gift from the sea instilled in me a deeper reverence for Creation and a curiosity for the world that burgeons to this day. Paying attention to nature’s cadence revealed the simplicity I craved in my own daily life. Though I had packed a suitcase full of clothes, shoes, and makeup for my trip to the beach, by the end of my stay, I realized how little I actually needed. Liberated and free, I embraced bare legs and sun-kissed skin, shoeless feet and wild sea hair. While being alone with oneself, particularly on vacation, can be fear inducing for many, I’ve found it to be life enhancing. All of the tedious routines and mundane distractions back home—be they doctor’s appointments, bills, laundry days, or conference calls—are left behind, making room for stillness, silence, contemplation, and personal contentment. Some days, I rarely uttered a word, listening instead to the gull’s caw overhead or the soothing sounds of palm fronds rustling in the wind. One Saturday morning I woke up early, hopped on my bike, and peddled over to the Port Aransas marina. Giant seaweed-colored nets hung from the Peggy Ann shrimp boat, still glistening from their morning sweep. That day, I purchased a large sack of fresh jumbo shrimp; over the course of my stay, I sautéed them with lemon juice and garlic cloves, salty capers, and egg pasta. With every bite, I tasted the ocean and remembered my childhood. Though many years have passed between my youth and now, I can still picture the cold coastal nights, sitting with my parents and siblings on the front porch of our 110 | NO V EMBER 2020
beach house. Like a harp, the winter wind plucked gently at our hair as the moon rose over the sea. Together, we peeled boiled shrimp and shucked bushels of oysters, tucking our knives into the mollusk’s shadowy crevice and turning the blade until it clicked, like a key in a lock. I can still feel the warmth of the lantern light that illuminated our family dinners every evening. I remember strolling down the beaches in Port Aransas, feeling the buried disc of a sand dollar beneath my heel and hearing the soft echo of a seashell as it whispered its poetry from the deep. I can still see the augers, sundial shells, and frosted sea glass shimmering on the shoreline, brought forth by the tides and moon every evening.
The Readers Corner Looking back at these early memories, I envision my younger self like a naturalist, moving slowly and intently as I searched for shells, studying the grooved shape of a cockle or the papery delicacy of an angel wing. Each gift from the sea instilled in me a deeper reverence for Creation and a curiosity for the world that burgeons to this day. I still think about where it all comes from, what life these shells lived before our paths came together, and what histories are written within their intricate spiraled interior. These mysteries are as deep as the sea itself, though pondering them makes me feel alive and awakened to the essential questions—the connectedness of all things. Like Lindbergh, when I left the beach I returned home with beautiful shells and a restored spirit. One glance at the fragmented sand dollars in my bathroom reminds me of those special days spent alone on the Texas Gulf Coast and the clarity and peace I found on my journey. I know there are many more shells to find just as there are many more lessons to learn in life. I look forward to my next solo sojourn, waiting for the tide and its treasures to teach me something new.
Sallie Lewis is a Texas-based freelance writer and journalist. She has a master’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University and is currently working on her first novel. Visit SallieLewis.co to learn more.
Left: Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh celebrated its sixty-fifth anniversary in 2020. Opposite left: Chapel on the Dunes is available for tours through the Port Aransas Museum and may also be booked for intimate wedding ceremonies. Photo by Sallie Lewis Opposite right: A great blue heron resting on the docks of Fulton Harbor on Aransas Bay Photo by Warren Price
The Last Word
Solution on next page
LEAVES ARE FALLING BY MYLES MELLOR
ACROSS
DOWN
1 4 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 19 20 22 23 27 28 29
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 12 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 24 25 26
One of the colors of fall leaves Fir tree droppings Depart Red maples, oaks, and ashes Fall fruit Mischief-maker Falling in drops Resident of Green Gables Color of some sunsets Traditional autumn activity Pullover, e.g. Squirrel’s find A nickname for Edward What Vermont calls fall tourists (2 words) Refusal word Bright red Sows and scatters
Playful animal on a river bank Mature, as cheese or wine Pouring out like a cascade Guests Camera brand “Autumn Leaves” is a very popular one Doublemint, e.g. It might be roasted in a pit ___ be greatly appreciated Wanders in curves like a stream Makes sounds in the bushes Fall crop Golfing equipment Young cow Grace endings Start of a memo Mode start Good buddy Fish eggs V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 113
The Last Word Puzzle on previous page
“
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. —Albert Camus
”
tweens, womens, gi�s 104 north barre� square RO S E M A RY B EA C H , F L
850.231.1720
Sia Photo by Kevin Winter
2 0 2 0 B I L L B OA R D M U S I C AWA R DS On October 14, 2020, Kelly Clarkson hosted the 2020 Billboard Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for an evening echoing the sentiment “Music Unites All.” Post Malone swept this year’s event, winning a total of nine awards, including Top Artist and Top Male Artist. Khalid followed with the second-most wins of the night (five), including Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Album, and Top R&B Song. The night was jam-packed with performances, including ones by BTS, Demi Lovato, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Sia, and many more. Photography courtesy of Getty Images for Dick Clark Productions
116 | NOVEMBER 2020
Kelly Clarkson Photo by Kevin Winter
Khalid Photo by Amy Sussman
Doja Cat Photo by Kevin Winter
John Legend Photo by Kevin Winter
Kevin Olusola, Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, and Matt Sallee of Pentatonix ?? Photo by Amy Sussman
Lauren Daigle Photo by Amy Sussman
J-Hope, Jungkook, V, RM, Jin, Suga, and Jimin of BTS Photo by Big Hit Entertainment
Swae Lee Photo by Kevin Winter
Addison Rae Photo by Amy Sussman
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A starry night in Grayton Beach, Florida, serves as an inspirational backdrop to Western Lake. The Milky Way lighting up the night sky reminds us how wonderful the universe truly is.
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