APRIL 2018
h op e
healing
The North Mississippi Medical Center cancer team gives hope for the future. When diagnosed with cancer, every available resource is devoted toward your recovery. We’re the only program in the region that brings together the entire cancer team to review new cases and prescribe the best course of treatment. Add to that the knowledge gained from our association with UAB Health System Cancer Community Network. Now, all the brightest minds, newest innovations and latest breakthroughs are working together to improve your outcome, and your outlook toward life.
What connected feels like ^
ÂŽ
Learn more at nmhs.net/cancer_care or call 1-800-THE DESK
CREATING PEACE OF MIND For over 100 years, Semmes Murphey Clinic has been a leader in neurological and spinal care. Our dedicated team of doctors provide cutting edge treatment options with compassionate, personal care. APPOINTMENT LINE: (901) 522-7700 WWW.SEMMES-MURPHEY.COM
APRIL 2018
38
ON THE COVER
FEATURES
EVENTS
23 Northern Exposure
44
Monster Jam
A Mississippi couple bring Southern charm to their New Hampshire home.
46
Kiwanis Drawdown
48
Healthy Teens Rally
28 When Life Gives You Lemons
50
Indians Got Talent
IN EVERY ISSUE
A local woman has taken on the challenge of growing citrus fruit in north Mississippi.
52
Springhill Church Brunch
8
Letter From the Publisher
33 On Location: Meg Braff
54
Lucky Leprechaun 5K
10
Calendar
56
Downtown Throwdown
12
Shoutouts
The New York-based interior designer got her start with her family’s Pickwick cabin.
58
North Mississippi FFA
14
Community Corner: Joyner
38 Gathering Place
16
In Season: Frog Garden
60
Out and About
This home is designed for entertaining future generations, but homage to the family’s history is in the details.
64
Recipe: Lemonade
A bright and bold dining room exemplifies interior designer Meg Braff’s decorating style. Read more about Braff on page 33. photographed by J. Savage Gibson
SPECIAL SECTION 18 Spring Fashion
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23
28
April 2018 | INVITATION
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ADAIR FLOORING & DESIGN CENTER Hardwood • Tile • Laminate • Vinyl Tile • Natural Stone
Commercial & Residential
designed by Nikki Gardner ©Mud
& Magnolias
662-842-4000 • 702 EAST PRESIDENT ST., TUPELO, MS
6 INVITATION | April 2018
designed by Nikki Gardner
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1976
©Mud
& Magnolias
RELIAS
The Judah Marshall Powell Emergency Department Kids Fund The Judah Marshall Powell Emergency Department Kids Fund, Judah’s Kids, was founded in January 2018 by his parents, Matt and Andrea Powell, in partnership with Relias Healthcare. Judah Marshall Powell was 3 years old when he died at his home on Friday, January 26, 2018 due to a sudden heart arrhythmia. When Judah went into cardiac arrest his parents rushed him to North Mississippi Medical Center’s Emergency Department where their team of nurses and Relias’s physicians (“Superheroes” as Judah would have called them) worked for over an hour to save Judah. Matt and Andrea were the first to fund The Judah Marshall Powell Emergency Department Kids Fund in an effort to thank the incredible team of Superheroes at NMMC and Relias. They also wanted to fund the organization to minister to the families of critically ill children and other bereaved parents. The funds will provide Relias Healthcare with toys to distribute to pediatric patients in Emergency Departments where Relias Healthcare provides physician and advance practice provider services. At North Mississippi Medical Center’s Emergency Department, there are thousands of pediatric patients that are seen each year by a Relias Provider and NMMC’s care team. Judah’s Kids will allow these patients the opportunity to receive a toy from their physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse, or care coordinator—all while carrying on Judah’s legacy. In addition to toys provided to the pediatric patients, Judah’s dad, Matt Powell, will provide the parents of any child who passes away in a Relias Emergency Department with a personally drawn portrait of their child on behalf of the fund. The fund is administered by the Create Foundation of Northeast Mississippi.
Donations can be made at: http://bit.ly/JudahsKids April 2018 | INVITATION
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY J. SAVAGE GIBSON AND JOE WORTHEM
THE PUBLISHER
W
e’ve published more than 80 magazines since launching Invitation in May 2010, and this 2018 Home and Garden issue tops my list of favorites. There’s something beautiful and inter esting on every page. You’ll find breathtaking homes, spectacular landscapes, unique garden projects, special fashion pages, delectable recipes and more. The cover features one of Tupelo native Meg Braff’s colorful interior designs that we thought was perfectly bright and cheerful, just like the spring season. Flip to page 33 for more of Braff’s designs and a peek inside her first project: the Pickwick cabin that she decorated for her mother, Mary Elizabeth Williams, more than 10 years ago. Springtime is special for children too, and there’s no better example of that than 3-yearold Hampton Boldizar. Last year, his obsession with hopping amphibians inspired his mom, Blair, to create an unusual feature in their front yard: a frog garden. Be sure to check out his family’s story on page 16, and let us know if you try your hand at making a froggy habitat in your own yard this year. We hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you. Happy spring,
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
8 INVITATION | April 2018
Top, an example of Meg Braff’s bold wallpaper patterns and colorful interior design style. Bottom, the home of Joe and Kim Estess is as grand as it is inviting, especially as the yard begins to bloom.
publishers
Phil and Rachel West
editorial
EDITOR IN CHIEF Emily Welly CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Allison Estes EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR AND EDITORIAL INTERN Olivia Barrow
advertising
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Zach Fields Becca Pepper
art
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Amanda Cody Alise McCreary Elizabeth Roberts Anthony Teague Whitney Worsham
production
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber
office
BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008 ADVERTISING INFORMATION invitationmag.com
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com. Invitation respects the many diverse individuals and organizations who make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
April 2018 | INVITATION
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calendar
APRIL/MAY 2018
4/14
5/5
Celebrate all things art with this local art guild. 6-9 p.m., Pontotoc Extension Building. Tickets, $25, can be purchased at the Pontotoc Chamber of Commerce. pontotocchamber.com
Thousands are expected to take part in Corinth’s annual Coca-Cola Classic 10K race. The annual run is organized by and named for Corinth’s Coca-Cola Bottling Works, a privately owned plant that’s been in business for more than 100 years. corinthcoke.com/coke-10k
Pontotoc Art Guild Spring Gala
Coca-Cola Classic Run
4/17
Regional Rehab’s Red Rasberry Humanitarian Award Dinner The annual fundraiser dinner honors Rep. Steve Holland, longtime president of the organization’s board of directors. 6 p.m. reception; 7 p.m. dinner. The Summit Center, Tupelo. For tickets, $125, call 662-842-1891. regionalrehabcenter.com
4/19-21
Tupelo Film Festival The 15th annual Tupelo Film Festival includes screenings of independent films, award presentations and the Mississippi High School Film Competition. Malco Theatre, Tupelo. tupelofilmfestival.net
4/21
County Line Music Festival Baldwyn’s fourth annual music festival takes place in the town’s historic district with music, art and family-friendly activities. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. baldwynliving.com
4/21
Master Gardeners Plant Sale The Lee County Master Gardeners’ annual fundraiser plant sale takes place 8 a.m.-noon at Lee County Extension office, 5338 Cliff Gookin Blvd., Tupelo. An after-sale will be held April 23-24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. leecountymastergardeners.com
4/21
NMSO Symphonic Showpieces
4/20
Wine Downtown Tupelo’s downtown retailers host a progressive wine tasting event. Tickets, $30-$35. 6-8 p.m. tupelomainstreet.com
4/21
Swinging Bridge Trail Run Friends of Tishomingo State Park host 4-mile and half-marathon races to help fund park projects. For more information and to register, search “Tishomingo” at runsignup.com.
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North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra closes its season with a program of iconic symphonic showpieces. Tickets, $10-$30. 7:30 p.m., Link Centre, Tupelo. nmsymphony.com
4/27-28
Bluegrass, Blues & BBQ Downtown Fulton’s Bluegrass, Blues & BBQ Festival features live music, a barbecue contest, cornhole tournaments, a 5K race, a youth fishing tournament, arts-and-crafts vendors, children’s activities and more. fultonmschamber.com
5/5
Kentucky Derby Party Regional Rehab’s 20th annual Kentucky Derby Party fundraiser takes place at the home of Tom Evans, 419 Robins St., Tupelo. Watch the horse race live with friends and neighbors, and celebrate with a hat contest, live and silent auctions, door prizes, food, mint juleps and more. 3-8 p.m. For tickets, call 662-842-1891. regionalrehabcenter.com
5/5-6
Smokin’ on the Waterway BBQ Cook-Off Live music and competitive barbecue come together at Burnsville’s second annual event. Barbecue plates available at 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday. Friday also features live music by Last Ditch Effort and a wing cook-off. Saturday includes an antique car cruise-in. City Hall, 38 Gross Ave., Burnsville. burnsvillems.com
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shoutouts APRIL 2018 Tupelo Con The fantastical comes to life at Tupelo Con, taking place April 21-22 at Tupelo Furniture Market. Events include cosplay contests, wrestling matches, children’s activities and gaming tournaments. Special guests include actors from “Power Rangers,” “The Walking Dead,” “Star Wars” and more. For schedule and ticket information, visit tupelocon.org.
The Clydesdales Are Coming! The Budweiser Clydesdale horses are visiting Tupelo April 20. They will be delivering beer to downtown restaurants from 5 to 6 p.m., and there will be a public viewing in Fairpark from 6 to 7 p.m. They’ll also stop in Columbus on April 18 and Starkville on April 19, and they will appear during the Wings Over Columbus air show April 21-22. For more information, visit @MitchellDistributing on Facebook.
Master Gardeners Celebration of Gardens Lee County Master Gardeners hosts its annual Celebration of Gardens May 12 in conjunction with the opening day of Tupelo Farmers’ Depot. The annual event offers activities for all ages, including a muchanticipated monarch butterfly release. Short educational sessions will be held throughout the event on topics such as starting seeds, grafting tomatoes, building fairy gardens, composting, beekeeping, pollinator plants, herbs, raised beds and more. 9 a.m.-noon, on South Spring Street in Tupelo. Visit leecountymastergardeners.com for more information.
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“13: The Search for Leigh Occhi” Thousands of people are tuning in to WTVA’s biweekly podcast about the unsolved case of a Tupelo girl who went missing 25 years ago. Find it on iTunes by searching “13 Occhi” or on soundcloud.com by searching “Leigh Occhi.”
Open Season As summer beckons, farmers’ markets are opening around the area. Visit these area markets for fresh, local produce and more all summer long.
Tupelo Farmers’ Depot 415 South Spring St. May 12-October; Tuesday, 3-6 p.m., Thursday & Saturday, 6 a.m.-noon. tupelomainstreet.com/farmers-depot
Corinth Green Market 221 North Fillmore St. Open now-October; the first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. corinthgreenmarket.net
Biscuits & Jam Farmers’ Market Tallahatchie Riverbank, New Albany June-August; Saturday, 7:30-10:30 a.m. biscuitsandjamfarmersmarket.com
Houston Farmers Market 101 Pinson Square May-August; Saturday, 7-11 a.m. facebook.com/ourhoustonfarmersmarket
Main Street Farmers Market in Ripley Court Square, downtown Ripley May-October; Saturday, 7-11 a.m.
Booneville Farmers Market 2301 N. Second St. June-October; Wednesday & Friday, 8 a.m.-noon
Itawamba Farmers Market ICC Cypress Pavilion June-August; Tuesday & Friday, 2-4 p.m. April 2018 | INVITATION
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JOYNER GARDEN DISTRICT written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
Almost five years ago, Tupelo’s Joyner neighborhood officially became known as Joyner Garden District. Trowels and seedlings in hand, homeowners were preparing to turn their streets into a showcase for the city, but their plans were halted when an EF3 tornado struck in April 2014. “My side of the neighborhood wasn’t as hard hit, but it threw us all for a loop,” said Joan Lansdell, chairman of the neighborhood’s garden club, Joyner Neighborhood Beautification. “Homes were destroyed, trees toppled, and our yards changed as much as our lives. Starting over with our homes and gardens has been something that has brought us all together.” The garden club had been a wonderful way for neighbors to meet and share tips before the disaster, and it was key in bringing the community back afterward. Forsythia, known for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in early spring, was named the neighborhood plant shortly after the storm, and the organization gave away hundreds of the shrubs for planting. They also helped many of the residents replace downed trees with donations of the official neighborhood sapling, the tulip poplar. The group planted 7,000 daffodils in Joyner Cemetery, increased their volunteer maintenance of two city-owned neighborhood garden triangles, donated forsythia bushes to neighborhood schools and churches, and planted the bushes along the splash pad at nearby City Park. They also got involved with the monthly student garden club at Joyner Elementary School to help rebuild the school’s educational garden. Meanwhile, neighbors helped each other adapt to their severely altered landscapes. “We had to adjust together,” Lansdell said. “We lost 14 trees in our yard and went from a full-shade situation to full sun. But in a lot of ways those changes were a clean slate for us to learn to be thankful for what we have and grow. When the sun came back out on this area, we wanted to make sure everyone heard
14 INVITATION | April 2018
Clockwise from top left, Joyner is Tupelo’s official garden district; Joan Lansdell heads up the neighborhood’s garden club; blooming trees add to the neighborhood’s beauty in the springtime; the garden club planted daffodils at Joyner Cemetery.
‘Joyner’ and thought of the beautiful life in our gardens instead of the destruction that tornado left behind.” Last spring, the neighborhood assembled a small group headed by Lansdell to put on their first public home-and-garden tour. The event was an announcement to the world that the Joyner Garden District had finally arrived. The six-site tour drew more than 200 visitors to the area, a turnout that ensured an encore performance. Scheduled for this June, it will feature a new roster of homes and gardens. Finding neighbors willing to open their spaces for the tour has been almost effortless. “I think we all just want to show everyone what a great neighborhood this is,” said Jan Goin, whose 1947 home and garden will be on
the tour this year. “My husband and I had renovated two rental houses in this neighborhood before we found our own home to fix up here. The storm damage got the ball rolling because that need to make things better is contagious, but the neighbors bring it to another level.” The 2018 tour is planned for Saturday, June 9, beginning at 9:30 a.m. A guest speakerled luncheon catered by Sweet Tea & Biscuits will conclude the festivities at 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall of St. Luke United Methodist Church. Tickets are $20 each, and all proceeds will go toward further beautifying the neighborhood. For more information on the up coming tour or to purchase tickets, email Joan Lansdell at jlansdell1069@icloud.com or call 662-397-3060.
www.bcbsms.com Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ÂŽ Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
April 2018 | INVITATION
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A PARTNERSHIP WITH TUPELO BLOGGERS
FROG GARDEN written by Melanie Crownover illust rated by Reid Haynie
T
hree-year-old Hampton Boldizar is what his family likes to call “all boy.” If it’s muddy, creepy or crawly, he’s 100 percent into it. Last summer, his obsession with hopping amphibians inspired his mom, Blair, to create a unique feature in their front yard. “We call it our frog garden,” she said. “It’s really like a fairy garden, just this is made for living things. It’s an amphibian paradise.” Last summer, Blair and “Hamp” collected tadpole eggs from a pond near her parents’ home in Memphis, scooping up a gallon bucket of the murky water at the height of frog mating season. Blair transferred some of the water to a covered plastic container with holes in the top, reserving the rest to replenish the habitat as needed. The pair later embedded the vessel in a section of flower bed shaded by a hydrangea bush outside their Tupelo home. “They’re kind of high-maintenance because they need lots of shade, water and a place to climb up to keep from drowning when they first get their legs,” Blair said. “As pets go, it’s [inexpensive] with no grooming or training. You could probably get tadpoles free from a local pond or lake, and the supplies are mostly reused things.” The Boldizars recycled sand from a recent trip to form a makeshift beach for their new tenants, outfitting the landscape with frogfriendly plants such as asparagus ferns, morning glories and creeping Jenny. The habitat included a shelter made from a broken pot and a swimming pool made from its lid, both of which Hamp painted, along with a trail of colorful rocks. The tadpoles’ food consisted of small bugs captured from around the yard and, occasionally, tiny frozen shrimp bought online for the family’s hermit crab. Hamp checked on his tadpoles after breakfast every morning, observing their stages of development as they grew into frogs. The close contact also allowed him to handle and count his new four-legged friends before christening them with names like Bouncy, Bump Bump
16 INVITATION | April 2018
and Kermit. When the frogs got big enough to chance the journey to the neighborhood pond across the street, the Boldizar family would head back to Tennessee for another batch of frog water.
“It was such a great learning experience for him, and this year his 18-month-old brother can join us,” Blair said. “We’re planning on moving their frog garden over by the playhouse so they can get even more out of it.”
April 2018 | INVITATION
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104 West Main Historic Downtown Baldwyn 662-365-0111
if New Tupelo Location Opening May 1 3265 McCullough Boulevard 662.640.3112
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northern EXPOSURE A Mississippi couple bring Southern charm to their New Hampshire home. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Shaun Terhune
N
Eric and Sharon Emig’s second home in New Hampshire may be 1,400 miles north of Mississippi, but it was remodeled and decorated with goods from the Tupelo area, including flooring, cabinets, lighting, furnishings and more.
ew Hampshire was a place radiologist Eric Emig couldn’t wait to share when he began dating his wife, Sharon, in 2012. When his parents retired there two decades ago, he became enamored with the state’s breathtaking panoramas. It was a regular destination for the New Jersey native when he traveled with his kids. After marrying, Eric and Sharon started discussing possible sites for a vacation and retirement home, and New Hampshire seemed an obvious choice. April 2018 | INVITATION
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Above and opposite, the Emigs eliminated the home’s outdated decor and transformed it into a modern mountain retreat with a neutral color scheme, rustic yet modern furnishings and eye-catching details. Every room, even the kitchen and bathrooms, takes maximum advantage of the mountain views.
The Emigs were already in love with the small town of Littleton because of their own adventures in the state. Two years ago, they found an ideal spot nestled in the nearby mountains, a house on 10 acres of land. They named the house Bear Rock in honor of a bearshaped rock on the property. “The view from that house is an automatic blood-pressure dropper,” Eric said. “It’s a monumental 160-degree look into Vermont and the mountain range. And the location is perfect. It’s 30 minutes from my parents, about seven minutes from downtown, and a walk out the back door to wooded trails and every snow sport you could want. I’m just glad that Sharon helped me see through the needs of the house to her vision of what it could be.” The three-bedroom home built in the 1990s was structurally sound, but its puce- and rust-colored interior was awaiting an update.
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Shag carpet still covered the bedrooms; the kitchen had Formica countertops, linoleum floors and a glass-block island; fiberglass-inlay tubs outfitted the bathrooms; and throughout, nicotine had stained the walls so that the outlines of picture frames were visible. Sharon, a former bank manager with a passion for interior design and event planning, had a plan to make the home a comfortable and elegant holiday haven until retirement. The four-month renovation began with gutting the entire 4,000-square-foot home, with the couple overseeing the contractor’s progress via daily conference calls and multiple 22-hour drives north. Soon, the longtime Tupelo residents were adding a little Mississippi to the two-story structure for both financial and sentimental reasons. “The more I investigated our options for ordering what we needed there, the more we
realized that buying here and transporting it there would be a money saver that could also let us bring some reminders of home with us,” Sharon said. Sharon enlisted Tupelo businesses to help decorate the house, creating a relaxed atmosphere with understated class that wouldn’t compete with the mountaintop view. She made several trips in a mammoth U-Haul truck to deliver goods for installation: tile from Adair Flooring, a house full of made-to-order cabinetry from Garner Millworks and Cabinets, plumbing and fixtures from Southern Kitchens and Baths, transparent fillers from Westmoreland Glass, lighting from Magnolia Lighting, furnishings from Room to Room and custom furniture pieces from Woodworkings. Wanting to support local New Hampshire artisans as well, the Emigs mixed the Southern fixtures with New England lodge staples.
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“
When it was done, we had two completely different places 1,400 miles apart that breathe what home is for us.
— SHARON EMIG
”
Hardwood flooring and wide-plank molding are from a New Hampshire sawmill, while antiques and subtle decorative touches like the aged taper candlesticks placed around the house are from mountain-area mom-and-pop storefronts. While drawing up plans, Sharon set aside at least one area near a window in each room to sit back and enjoy the spectacular views. In fact, furniture placement throughout the house hinges more on taking advantage of the vistas than on magazine-worthy perfection. The end product combines farmhouse simplicity with a timeless and rugged cabin feel, natural finishes with traditional lines, and trendy modern-industrial touches with antique classics. The house is a comforting juxtaposition of everything the Emigs love about both places in a tranquil neutral palette. “They say it takes a village to raise a child. It definitely took one to make this house a home where you could prop your feet up in style,” Sharon said. “I made more lasting friendships working with our neighbors here and up there to bring this project together, and they just confirmed what I already knew about how wonderful they are. When it was done, we had two completely different places 1,400 miles apart that breathe what home is for us.” And while retirement may be a distant goal, the pair have already put more than 25,000 miles on the all-wheel-drive SUV they bought last May to travel back and forth to Bear Rock whenever they have time. The trips are practice runs for the years to come. “I’m nowhere near ready to retire yet, but it sure is nice to know what’s waiting when I do,” Eric said. “We’re there every vacation, every break. Between the house and the surroundings now, it’s that feeling of instant relaxation when you walk in the door.” Top, the downstairs family room is furnished with goods from a Tupelo retailer. Middle, one of the three bedrooms showcases the stunning view. Bottom, the home’s unifying design and color palette is reflected even in utilitarian spaces like the laundry room.
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April 2018 | INVITATION
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When Life Gives You
Lemons A local woman has taken on the challenge of growing citrus fruit in north Mississippi. written by Melanie Crownover
C
itrus plants aren’t typically associated with northeast Mississippi. Native to the hot and humid climate of South and East Asia, fruit-bearing citrus trees prefer coastal areas with subtropical settings, like Florida and Texas in the United States. And yet, Sandra Witt of Tupelo has savored the challenge of growing the finicky fruit, one species at a time. The Texas native, who moved to Mississippi and became a master gardener 18 years ago, might not have tried her hand at citrus growing if not for her love of a particular dessert. “It was probably the lemon meringue that got me started,” Witt said. “It’s my favorite. There still aren’t many of us around here that even try to grow them, so it’s more of a novelty. Just the thought of having my own lemons to make a pie at Christmastime made me do it.” As a regular instructor of local gardening classes, Witt was aware of the “hurry up and wait” mentality required to nurture a tree that could take seven years to produce its first fruit from seed. That timeline encouraged her decision to start with semimature trees from a nursery. She also recognized the importance of finding a reputable tree dealer before she brought her first citrus plant home. She opted for a garden center in Alabama, where an Auburn University professor emeritus specializing in fruit trees was available on staff to answer any questions she might encounter. Witt began her venture with a potted calamondin orange tree. The variety grows to just two-and-a-half feet tall, which makes it easier to bring in and out of the house during cooler months. Meyer lemons came into the mix about 10 years ago. Her latest trials with grapefruit and lime trees didn’t go as well, likely because of dry weather conditions the past few years that have made growing any type of citrus in the local area even more of a task. Witt’s dedication to her miniature orange tree and small batch of lemon trees remains staunch. “Growing citrus commercially here would be next to impossible, but they are such beautiful plants to grow, with sweet-smelling blossoms and fruit year-round,” she said. “I know I’ll never have a ton of fruit at the same time because I don’t have that many trees. It’s just enough for me to enjoy it, especially that difference in the taste of a pie made with homegrown lemons. That’s enough.”
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5 Tips for Growing Citrus This advice from Witt can help you attempt to grow citrus plants, even in atypical climates.
1
Get your soil tested. Knowing the makeup of the ground that feeds your tree is essential to giving the plant what it needs. Generally, citrus favors a more acidic soil.
2
Find a pretty pot. Since most citrus lovers don’t have the option of a greenhouse in their backyard, container gardening is the best choice. Having the plants potted gives you the ability to move them indoors during cooler months. Just make sure to plant your citrus tree at the same depth as it was in its original nursery container.
3
Stick with citrus basics. Plant them in late winter or early spring in a place that provides full sun, access to plenty of water
and sufficient drainage to keep the roots from becoming waterlogged. Keep an eye out for white flies, scale and caterpillars.
4
Watch the weather. Citrus trees or shrubs grow best in temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and start incurring damage from low temperatures at around 28 degrees. As a rule of thumb, Witt suggests bringing in citrus if the temperature gets near freezing. The plants can go back outside on warmer, sunny days in the cold months to keep them healthy.
5
Study up. There are multiple resources out there to help area gardeners make citrus a part of their landscape. Witt’s top pick is “Fruit and Nut Review: Citrus,” a 2015 pamphlet on the topic by the Mississippi State Extension Service. Find it and many other educational publications at extension.msstate.edu.
Sandra’s Lemon Meringue Pie 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 3 eggs, separated 3 homegrown lemons, juiced 1 (9-inch) piecrust, homemade or storebought, baked and cooled ¼ cup sugar ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar Heat oven to 350° F. In a mixing bowl, combine milk, egg yolks and lemon juice. Pour mixture into prepared crust. In another bowl, combine egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar. Using a hand mixer, beat at medium speed for 3-4 minutes or until stiff peaks of meringue form. Top the pie with the meringue, and bake 8-12 minutes or until the meringue browns to your liking.
April 2018 | INVITATION
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VISIT BALDWYNLIVING.COM OR CALL 662.365.1050 FOR MORE INFO.
April 2018 | INVITATION
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Opening this Summer on North Gloster Street in Tupelo:
FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center POWERED BY ENT
We will provide a range of programs and therapies to evaluate and treat balance disorders:
Assessment and Evaluation Programs • Difficulty Walking • Gait Training and Balance Programs • Functional Training Fall Prevention and Balance Retraining • Manual Therapy • Fitness and Wellness Programs • Vestibular Rehab
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
www.entnorthmississippi.com I 877.944.6513
TIF
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on location with
meg braff The New York-based interior designer got her start with her family’s Pickwick cabin.
written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Lisa Romerein
M
ary Elizabeth Williams’ Pickwick cabin is not only a beloved multigenerational family retreat; it also holds the distinction of being the only residence in Mississippi decorated by lauded New York City designer Meg Braff, who also happens to be Williams’ daughter. Even though the makeover happened more than a decade ago, the decor remains a testament to the Tupelo native’s talent. The home also provides a glimpse into the beginnings of Braff’s signature style. “I’m glad we caught her then because I have a feeling she wouldn’t have time now,” Williams said, laughing. “It’s something to think that one of our daughter’s first big jobs was the cabin that my husband’s mom built back in the ’60s, especially with all she’s accomplished since.” Success has made Williams’ daughter a hard designer to book since she finished that initial project for her mom straight out of design school. Meg Braff, pictured below, designed the interiors for her mother’s Pickwick cabin (this page). One of her earliest projects, it reflects the style for which she is now known.
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICK MELE (PORTRAIT), ANNIE SCHLECHTER (PALM BEACH ROOM) AND J. SAVAGE GIBSON
Braff, pictured above, wrote “The Decorated Home: Living with Style and Joy,” released in April 2017. Bright colors and bold patterns, like the wallpaper pictured at right, have propelled her interior design career and are featured throughout the book. Her shop, Meg Braff Antiques & Decoration, is in Locust Valley, New York.
Braff graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1990 and then attended Parsons School of Design in New York. She was a junior designer at Ellen McCloskey Associates and later worked with designer Jeff Lincoln before launching Meg Braff Designs in 1994. She acquired the Philip Graf wallpaper archive in 2011 and began modernizing and recoloring his assortment
34 INVITATION | April 2018
of wallpaper patterns, which had been out of print for 25 years. In 2015, she began printing the patterns on fabric for the first time. After years of seeing her designs featured in national magazines, from Southern Living to House Beautiful, she wrote “The Decorated Home: Living with Style and Joy” in April 2017. It went to reprint eight weeks after its release.
“Being a designer is a lot more work than I ever thought it would be, but I love helping people figure out how to enjoy their life and family time more at home,” Braff said. “New York was a learning curve I had to get quickly. I look back at that cabin now and am glad I got the chance to experiment with my style and practice for a first client who was so open.”
Left, Meg Braff fabric adds color to a mudroom. Top, Braff designed a bright and cheerful dining area in a North Carolina home. Above, a Palm Beach home features bright upholstery and whimsical wallpaper.
Braff had a limited budget for that inaugural project, but she had unlimited reach. Her budding ingenuity led her to reuse items already on hand, repainting or reupholstering many of the anchoring pieces in the home to give them novel appeal. The simplicity that carried into her later work shows in the cabin’s understated warmth. She uses detailed layers to
add depth without cluttering her spaces. The rooms also reflect the “lived-in” look that Braff often employs in her designs. Perhaps most striking in Braff’s work is her unapologetic embrace of color and pattern, which has made her a popular choice among homeowners in major cities as well as coastal locales, including Florida, Maine, Texas and
Jamaica. Throughout the Williams cabin, she used “clear and unmuddied” shades of vibrant blues, reds and greens, as she does in the designs pictured in her book and displayed at her store. Color is just one of the thoughtful design elements that lends the cabin a modern feel that has endured years of family gatherings. April 2018 | INVITATION
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Coordinated stripes and prints intermingle with beachy solid linens throughout the space, while texture is incorporated in bold choices such as the nontraditional grass cloth wallpaper in the living area. For Braff, the cabin is a standing reminder of how far she has come, both as a person and as a designer. For her mom, it’s a lasting gift to the family that has yet to disappoint. “I think we get from the cabin what so many of her clients get when they walk into a place she’s worked on,” Williams said. “It’s an even happier place to be because of what she put together. We go to the lake, and I feel like I’ve really been on a long vacation far away because the whole design just takes you there.” Learn more at megbraffdesigns.com. Beachy colors, interesting textures and coordinating accessories lend to a lived-in feel that helps make Meg Braff designs popular in coastal areas. PHOTOGRAPHED BY J. SAVAGE GIBSON
36 INVITATION | April 2018
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A hospice nurse is available 24/7 to promptly respond to the needs of our patients. Our agency operates in compliance with Title VI under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Federal HIPAA Privacy Practices briefly describes how we may use or disclose protected health information. You may call our office to request a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices.
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New Tupelo Location Opening May 1 3265 McCullough Boulevard 662.640.3112 April 2018 | INVITATION
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This home is designed for entertaining future generations, but homage to the family’s history is in the details. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
When Joe and Kim Estess built their house four years ago, they designed it as a space where they could comfortably entertain their children and grandchildren. The pool and covered porch are spacious and inviting, and the living room (pictured opposite) has plenty of seating options. Inside and out, the architecture was inspired by Joe’s Italian heritage.
38 INVITATION | April 2018
F
rom its elaborate pool and garden to its soaring living room ceilings, the threebedroom home Joe and Kim Estess developed in Tupelo’s Forest Park subdivision is visually stunning. But it’s their focus on family that pulls the house together. “When we found this land and started building four years ago, that was the main thing that guided us,” Kim said. “We wanted a home that could hold all of the memories we’re making and tell our family story.” The path to reaching that goal began with designing the structure to handle the Estesses’ frequent family gatherings. The couple worked with McCarty Architects to equip the property with the amenities and layout to comfortably
accommodate regular sleepovers with their seven grandchildren. They added a playroom with a Murphy bed, a mini sectional sofa and plenty of organized storage for toys. And they also furnished one of the two guest rooms with twin beds for extra sleeping room. Accommodations for the couple’s many weekend barbecues and holiday get-togethers with extended family include an open floor plan in the shared living areas, two large islands with stools in the kitchen and a comfortable seating area with a chessboard-embellished game table around the living room fireplace. For outdoor gatherings, a pool featuring an expansive covered seating area adjoins a stateof-the-art kitchen. An ample dining area, a
fire pit, a bar and a roomy swing bed complete the space, along with a nearby bathroom for swimmers. The couple also incorporated a screened-in back porch where they enjoy sitting together quietly in the evening when there’s no extra company. “If you look out that back door, you see where you’ll find us with the kids and grandchildren most of the time that it’s nice outside,” Joe said. “They all live in the area, and so does one of my brothers, and [Kim’s] mom and her sister. Our house stays full, but that’s how we like it.” Family history was another important consideration for the Estesses when decorating. They gave a nod to Joe’s Italian heritage from April 2018 | INVITATION
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the start, replicating the look of a Northern Italian villa in the architecture of the home and incorporating details such as arched doorways in the foyer and ironwork-embellished wooden beams spanning the spacious living
area’s soaring ceilings, which reach 25 feet tall at their highest point. Each room is adorned with photographs and items dear to the family. Kim enlisted help from her mother and mother-in-law to find
old family photographs to populate the home’s walls and bookshelves. Joe and Kim had also spent years before the build researching gene alogy and gathering heirlooms to preserve for future generations. Their collections made it
Top left, displayed in the study are images of the ship Joe’s grandmother and her sisters sailed on when they emigrated from Italy. Top right, the dining room is an inviting space for large family meals. Above, the kitchen is open to the living room and shares its soaring ceilings.
40 INVITATION | April 2018
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April 2018 | INVITATION
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possible to create tasteful homages to the past with some treasures already on hand. Walking canes corralled in an umbrella stand by the front door belonged to Joe’s dad. A collection of “Miss America” pink Depression glassware Kim’s grandmother collected for her is prominently displayed in the formal dining room. The same grandmother also made a cookie jar as a wedding present for the couple 40 years ago, and it sits atop a kitchen cabinet. Displayed in Joe’s study are pictures of
the ship his grandmother sailed on when she emigrated from Italy, as well as the ship manifest from when she and her sisters arrived at Ellis Island. Joe and Kim named the house Podere in honor of her native Italian village. More family pictures and shadow boxes holding the delicate baby outfits worn home from the hospital by the couple’s three children grace the hallway leading to the bedrooms. One guest bedroom features another shadow box containing the clothes in which Kim’s
father came home from the hospital; pictures of children and grandchildren are central to the decor in the other bedrooms. Even the outdoor kitchen has a touch of memorabilia with handmade tile art that features grandkids’ tiny handprints and names. “We wanted at least one family piece in each room,” Kim said. “Family is such a big part of our life together that we didn’t want to forget it when we were building. It’s our way of showing what’s important around here.”
Clockwise from top left: Family photos and keepsakes are prominently displayed throughout the Estess home. One of the three comfortable bedrooms. A playroom that includes a colorful sectional sofa was designed for the couple’s seven grandchildren. Throughout the house, large windows looking into the lush yard help bring the outdoor space in.
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tupelo
MONSTER JAM
Monster Jam was held March 2-3 at BancorpSouth Arena. Fans enjoyed monster truck exhibits, races and a freestyle show. photographed by Anthony Teague
David and Roy Torres
Emily Starnes and Morgan Gay
Andy McGrath and Gwen Fields
Derrick and Michelle Davis
Caitlin Blair and Austin Simmons
Lori, Logan, Holden and Jason Clouse
Jessica and Paxtyn Boyd with Terry Thorn
Austin Rhea, Brittney Childers and Shooter Rhea
Deandre and Brenda Price
Christian and Michael Miller
Thatcher Young and Makenzie Hammons
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Cooper, Bailey and Cassy Holloway
Racheal, Nash and Carolyne Ward
Hudson Blankenship and Mark Greenwood
April 2018 | INVITATION
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tupelo
KIWANIS DRAWDOWN
The Tupelo Kiwanis Club held its annual drawdown March 24 at the Summit Center. The event included live music, food and a silent auction. More than $30,000 was raised for local children’s programs. photographed by Amanda Cody
Brad Prewitt, Mark Prince, Robin Haire and Brad Miller
Lynn and Kelly Mims
Kenneth and Cheryl Wheeler
46 INVITATION | April 2018
Michael and Leigh Monroe
Denise and Kirk Lewis
Albert and Betsy White with Chris and Rick Maynard
Gena Nolan with Karla and Arlis Rucker
MaryBeth and Bill Smallwood
Auston Nolan and Caleb Walker
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tupelo
HEALTHY TEENS RALLY
Families First for Mississippi hosted an expo event March 6 at BancorpSouth Arena to educate young adults on healthy living. The rally featured guest speakers, exhibits, resources and live entertainment. photographed by Elizabeth Roberts
David Williams and Tawana Bauer
Tony Dunn, Jason Roe and Ray Hall
Leighann Mattox, Alex Farned and Shanta Jones
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Will Rowlin, Jalisa Collins, Markel Whittington, Jason Shelton, Elton Berry and Liz Ketchum
George Parks, Shenika Sharp and Tonny Oliver
Allie Whitaker, Tajahon White, Teiryne Miller and Kacilyn Pegues
Emily Tucker, Britney Whitley and Lorie Little
Jan Garrett and Tabitha McRunnels
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fulton
INDIANS GOT TALENT
Itawamba Community College hosted the first round of its annual talent competition, Indians Got Talent, March 20. photographed by Amanda Cody
Matthew Burrows and Kirkland Campbell
Trampis Boyd, James Ellis and Richard Gore
Natalie Garrett and Emma Hamill
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Brett Causey and Justin Frederick
Chase Bowen and Logan Carter
Sam Cooper and Molly Kate Minich
Mackenzie Cagle, Seana Ricks, Haley Long and Valerie Palmer
Carlita Griffin and Laneisha Cooke
Molly West and Becky Blanton
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tupelo
SPRINGHILL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Springhill Missionary Baptist Church hosted a women’s weekend March 24-25 with special guest speaker Pearl Foster. The event included praise dancers, gospel music, fellowship and food. photographed by Elizabeth Roberts
Clara Martin Donald with Cannon and Christeanna Calmes
Pearl Foster and Rickey Bogan
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Ava Gaston and Destiny Stubbs
La Quida Crump with Shelia and Chicarra McGee
Ajaya and Jada White with Alexia Mister
Phyllis A. Fields, Deloris Fields-Jenkins and Jennifer Brinkley
Linda Hall and Hazel Eatmon
Christina Gordon and Rochelle Simpson
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saltillo
LUCKY LEPRECHAUN 5K The Saltillo Main Street Association hosted a St. Patrick’s Day-themed 5K race and pancake breakfast on March 17. photographed by Amanda Cody
Taylor and Vickie Jenkins with Dawn and Jim Dearmon
Cloe Samples and Luke Grissom
Braiden Phillips and Lenny Delauro
54 INVITATION | April 2018
Leigh and Brock Buchanan
Valerie Smithee, Regina Smith and Charlie Guest
Nadily and Lydia Mills
Mattie Grace and Nathan Murff with Sophie Sandlin and Kathryn and Mary Houston Murff
Logan Irwin and Mary Gaines
Payton Temple and Molly Cash
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corinth
DOWNTOWN THROWDOWN
Main Street Corinth hosted Downtown Throwdown March 16-17. The family-friendly St. Patrick’s Daythemed event included a crawfish boil, a cornhole tournament, karaoke and children’s activities. photographed by Whitney Worsham
Taylor Rowland and Sarabeth Stockton Green
Sally Moore Williams and Jeremy Glidewell
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Anna McCalla and Emily Wallace
Dustin Smith and Carson Butler
Jenna Strachan, Russell Smith and Jamie O’bannon
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Josh Whitaker and Creighton Nelms
Brent Johnson and Kyle Bethay
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your potential. www.iccms.edu Itawamba Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Vice President of Student Services, 602 West Hill Street, Fulton, MS 38843, 662.862.8271, TitleIXcoordinator@iccms.edu.
April 2018 | INVITATION
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fulton
NORTH MISSISSIPPI FFA COMPETITION
The North Mississippi chapter of the Future Farmers of America Association held its northern district competition March 9 at the Belden Center. photographed by Alise McCreary
Jaxon Laster, Chloe Palmer, Courtney Ruth and Alex Rowland
Kayla Lee, Caden Guest and Mallory House
Seth Guin, Luke Jones, Tanner Elliff, Aubrey Jones and Brandon Langley
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Joseph Red and Kaylin Hubbard
Cameron Massey, Bailee Hembree and Alivia Lindsey
Caddie Barnes and Cami Wilson
Brooke Sparks and Katie Strickland
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED ON PAGE 62
HOUND DOG HUSTLE
Abby Cox and Katie Gilbert
Justin Tutor, Taylor Kelley with Riverbed, John Phillips with Topaz and Noelle Foster
DELTA SIGMA THETA 100 WOMEN IN RED
LINK CENTRE SECRET ART SHOW
Emily Ramsey, Natasha Junearick and Shatara Agnew
Chardae Eddie and Kettisha WIlliams
LOWE’S PLAYGROUND GRANT TO THOMAS STREET SCHOOL
Phillip Blanchard and Brandy Jones
60 INVITATION | April 2018
Tom Henry Brister with Billy
Laura Hodges and Michelle Guyton
Leslie Poston and Brittany Turner
Chasiti McGhee, Aaron Sathur and Joseph Currie
RUN FOR YOUR BUNS 5K
Margaret McCollough, Hanna Sanderford and Laken Morrison
Cassandra and John Brown
April 2018 | INVITATION
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View more photos at invitationtupelo.com.
OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60
EMPTY BOWLS LUNCHEON
Barbara Taylor, Tracy Watkins, Audrey Thomas and Elizabeth Hamm
Lynda Thornton and Theresa White
WAKE UP! TUPELO/LEE COUNTY
NEWMS WOMEN OF DISTINCTION LUNCHEON
Shane Hooper, Brittany Wagner and Judd Wilson
Daniel Drummond and Hollie Ballard
ICC BLUEGRASS AND GOSPEL CONCERT
Allison Humphries and Jeanie Lee
Julia Houston with Andrea and Joe Taylor
Molly, Tara Nolan and Micah Moody
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recipe
LEMONADE
contributed by Sunita Prasad
S
hikanji is a traditional lemonade that’s popular in northern India, especially during the hottest months of the year. According to Sunita Prasad, of Tupelo, the light and refreshing drink provides instant energy and hydration, which makes it equally appealing during sweltering Mississippi summers. “Summers in Mississippi, with the heat and humidity, remind me a lot of my birth country, India,” Prasad said. “Indian lemonade is a special treat in every household in these climes. This recipe is an age-old formula passed down from our greatgrandmothers. With my variation of the added mint, it makes a great lunch treat. It also goes well with spicy foods.” 1 medium lemon 2½ cups water, chilled 6 tablespoons sugar, plus more, if desired Pinch of sea salt 6-7 mint leaves, chopped Crushed ice Lemon slices, optional Squeeze and strain juice from the lemon, discarding the seeds, and set aside. Fill a jug with chilled water. To the water, add the sugar, lemon juice and salt. Mix thoroughly. Add mint leaves. Fill serving glasses with crushed ice, and pour lemonade over ice. Add extra sugar to sweeten, if desired, and garnish with lemon slices before serving.
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