Lee Michaels Fall/Winter 2023

ACCENT | THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS | FALL/WINTER 2023/2024

ACCENT: THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

LMFJ.COM

Let’s Celebrate

45 Years of Brilliance

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Holiday Glam

LEE MICHAELS

RSVP Ready

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VENETIAN PRINCESS

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IN THIS ISSUE

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12 Welcome Letter 14 Store Locations 16 Everything is Bigger in Texas 18 Guest List 20 Gift Guide 28 RSVP Ready 32 Family Ties: The Bergs Travel to Greece 36 45 Years of Brilliance 38 Instaworthy 40 Jim Barksdale’s Legacy in Literacy 44 Golden Era 46 LM Love Story: Bess & Dixon 52 Forever Starts with a Yes 54 The Cosmopolitan Watch 56 Fall for These Timepieces 60 The Tudor Tradition 62 That Old Rio Gang 64 For the Man Who Has Everything 66 Drama Queen 72 The Earth Makes Waves 74 Peak Luxury 76 Portugal’s Wild Secret 82 Leading the Charge 84 Women at the Helm 86 Spice It Up 88 Butterfly Dreams

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FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Lee Michael Berg PRESIDENTS Ryan Berg, Scott Berg, Chad Berg EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Johnny Tate VICE PRESIDENT Victoria Beavers CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Jane Harrington CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Andrew Brown VICE PRESIDENT OF MERCHANDISING AND MARKETING Steve Rennhoff ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING Amy Graham Hughes CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Andrea Barbier, Mariella Brochard, Emma Peneguy

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Vitarbo SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darius Amos LIFESTYLE EDITOR Haley Longman CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando

Publishing Staff PUBLISHER Lizette Chin ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION SERVICES Penny Boag, Griff Dowden, Chris Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Catherine Rosario ACCOUNTING Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Lizette Chin, Rita Guarna VICE PRESIDENTS Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Noelle Heffernan, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick

16 Locations BATON ROUGE, LA 7560 Corporate Boulevard 225.926.4644 Mall of Louisiana 225.766.6000 NEW ORLEANS, LA Causeway Blvd. at Lakeside Shopping Center 504.832.0000 SHREVEPORT, LA 6605 Youree Drive 318.222.2929 LAFAYETTE, LA 4235 Ambassador Caffery Parkway 337.981.8071 RIDGELAND, MS Renaissance at Colony Park 601.957.6100

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SAN ANTONIO, TX North Star Mall 210.541.9575 The Shops at La Cantera 210.699.9494 Alamo Quarry Market 210.278.5980 ALBUQUERQUE, NM ABQ Uptown 505.208.4500

Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. ACCENT is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with Lee Michaels. Copyright © 2023 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Lee Michaels, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, ACCENT, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, or call 201.571.2244.

Advertising Inquiries: Contact Lizette Chin at 201.571.2227 or lizette.chin@wainscotmedia.com. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2023

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dear friends of lee michaels,

45 YEARS! In 1978 we opened our very first store in Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge, followed by our first out of state location in Jackson, Mississippi, and most recently venturing west to Texas and New Mexico. Our 45th year marked the opening of our 10th Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store at Alamo Quarry Market in San Antonio. In addition, in just a few weeks we will unveil a completely renovated and transformed Shops at La Cantera store. The growth we have seen through the years has been more than any of us could have imagined. We are certainly proud, and we continue to count our blessings.

We did not get here alone. We have stayed true to our values: Supply the very best jewelry, provide excellent service and give our customers great values. We continue to live by this, and so do all the remarkable people who make up the Lee Michaels family.

It’s what inspires our dedication, fuels our enthusiasm and drives us to go above and beyond for our clients. And it’s why our clients, in turn, make Lee Michaels their first choice when celebrating life’s most memorable events.

We thank you, our customers and friends, for your loyalty, trust and business over the last four decades. Our communities and you are what have made us successful for the past 45 years and what will keep us thriving for another 45 years and beyond.

With deep appreciation,

The Lee Michael Berg Family

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giving you an

extraordinary experience

With the opening of our 10th location, we celebrate 45 years of being your favorite destination for fine jewelry and timepieces.

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Corporate at Bocage

Mall of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge, LA

Youree Drive at East 70th

Causeway Blvd. at Lakeside Shopping Center

Shreveport, LA

New Orleans, LA

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Ambassador Caffery Parkway

Renaissance Colony Park

Lafayette, LA

Ridgeland, MS

ABQ Uptown

The Shops at La Cantera

Albuquerque, NM

San Antonio, TX

North Star Mall

Alamo Quarry Market

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX

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everything is bigger in texas

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In June, our newest location of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry opened in San Antonio, Texas, at the historic Alamo Quarry Market. This opening marks our 10th store within the firm.

In keeping with the aesthetic of the center, which was once an active rock quarry, the store boasts 24.5 foot ceilings, a mezzanine level, and a hospitality area where customers can sit and enjoy craft cocktails. The new store also features a first-of-its-kind Rolex area, as well as Tudor, Tag Heuer and David Yurman shop-in-shops. New to the market is watch brand IWC and great selections from favorite designers including Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego and Mikimoto.

Our customers in San Antonio will also be delighted to hear that we are remodeling and expanding our Shops at La Cantera location this fall. This renovation will not only elevate the aesthetic of the space, it will also allow us to double our inventory, bringing you even more jewelry and timepieces from your favorite brands. The North Star Mall location has also undergone a design refresh and introduced a new Montblanc shop-in-shop as well as the watch brand Grand Sieko.

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store happenings

Follow us on social media and sign up for our emails to stay informed on all of our great in store events. @leemichaelsjewelry

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IW3716 THE REFERENCE. P ORTUG IE S E R CH RONOG R APH This Portugieser Chronograph builds on the legacy of IWC’s instrument watches for navigation. It is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 caliber, engineered for performance, robustness and durability. The vertical arrangement of the subdials enhances readability and has resulted in a chronograph celebrated for its iconic design.

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gift guide

the giving season

Lustrous pearls, shiny diamonds, stackable chains: These are a few of her favorite things. These high-end jewelry brands, customer favorites at Lee Michaels, have just what she’s hoping for this holiday season.

david yurman

“It isn’t about one piece of jewelry,” says Sybil Yurman, co-founder of the brand named after her husband, in the David Yurman Cable book.

“It’s about a lifestyle, and an ease—casual, playful and beautiful.” And that’s been the impetus of this New York-based design house since its inception in 1980: unmatched craftsmanship and artistry. David Yurman’s signature is undoubtedly the Cable motif, a twisted helix made of various types of precious metal, its ends often embellished with precious stones or pavé diamonds. The Sculpted Cable Collection is the latest evolution of the iconic Cable design, a carved relief that references the dimensional look of the original Cable. The necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings are reimagined this season in finer, thinner silhouettes that lie flat on the body for effortless style. Consider the ladies in your life intrigued.

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All, the Sculpted Cable Collection. 18K yellow gold pavé ring, $14,500; 18K yellow gold pavé necklace, $49,000; 18K white gold pavé band ring, $2,700; 18K yellow gold band ring, $1,250; 18K rose gold pavé bracelet, $7,500;18K white gold bracelet, $3,900; 18K yellow gold pavé bracelet, $7,500.

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gift guide

Clockwise from top left: Classic Elegance White South Sea cultured pearl pendant with diamonds set in 18K white gold, $8,200; Classic Elegance Black South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds set in 18K white gold, $9,800; Classic White South Sea cultured pearl pendant with diamonds, $6,900; Classic Elegance Black South Sea cultured pearl pendant with diamonds set in 18K white gold, $7,100; Classic Black South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds in platinum, $21,000; Classic Elegance White South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds set in 18K white gold, $10,500.

mikimoto

In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearls. Today, this eponymous luxury brand continues to live up to its legacy in the fine jewelry world, and for 130 years has pioneered the way we wear pearls—with diamonds, stones, various metals or all on their own. Treat her to a piece from Mikimoto’s Classic South Sea Collection, including white, black or golden South Sea cultured pearls, or a pearlsand-diamonds piece from the Classic Elegance Collection.

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JOURNEY 1884

W

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YE AR

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A SHOCK-RESISTANT AUTOMATIC WATCH 5+

Meet the elegant automatic watch for navigating urban journeys, with shock resistance and high-end ceramic unidirectional bezel.

ARR ANTY

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gift guide

marco bicego

Each brand has a distinctive signature that personifies a piece, and for Marco Bicego, it’s The Coil, an iconic texture found in many of his most well-known collections. A gold wire is wrapped around a woven gold chain, hand-twisted and then set in heat. This technique was born when Bicego worked in his father’s factory in Italy and saw a thread of gold twisted accidentally by a damaged machine. He then set out to design the “perfect coil,” which has become part of the maison’s DNA. The Coil returns for 2023 in brand-new, contemporary iterations in Marco Bicego’s Marrakech Onde and Masai collections.

Clockwise from top left, Marrakech Collection 18K Yellow Gold & Diamond 3-Strand Necklace, $9,980; Marrakech Onde Collection 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet with Diamond Pavé Stations, $3,990; Marrakech Onde Collection 18K Yellow Gold Necklace with Diamond Pavé Stations, $8,980; Marrakech Collection 18K Yellow Gold Large Oval Hoop Earrings, $1,990; Marrakech Collection 18K Yellow Gold & Diamond Pavé Bangle, $7,560.

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gift guide

roberto coin

Roberto Coin’s jewelry brand was born in Vicenza, Italy’s City of Gold, and the gorgeous metal personifies most of his pieces today. Set with a signature red ruby tucked inside so only the wearer can see, each Roberto Coin piece is an ode to Italian craftsmanship and classic style.

The Oro Collection features a modern link motif that’s equally on-trend and timeless, while the new Cialoma collection includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings in 18K gold and diamonds reminiscent of the maison’s Princess Flower silhouette.

Clockwise from top left: 18K Yellow and White Gold Cialoma Medium Necklace with Diamonds, $4,500; 18K Yellow Gold Love by the Inch Diamond 5 Station Necklace, $2,100; 18K Yellow and White Gold Cialoma Small Ring with Diamonds, $2,900; 18K Yellow and White Gold Cialoma Diamond Earrings, $5,100; 18K Yellow Gold Oro Classic Bracelet, $4,050; 18K Yellow Gold Oro Classic Necklace, $8,150.

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Evolution 9 Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours

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#SLGH005

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rsvp ready

Roberto Coin Venetian Princess pavé diamond earrings in 18K yellow gold, diamonds total 2.74 cts., $20,900; 18K white gold diamond domed stretch ring, 13mm wide, diamonds total 5.85 cts., $18,500; 18K white gold diamond domed stretch bracelet, 7mm wide, diamonds total 10.39 cts., $33,500; 18K white gold diamond domed stretch bracelet, 13mm wide, diamonds total 19.60 cts., $62,000; 18K yellow gold diamond domed stretch bracelet, 7mm wide, diamonds total 10.53 cts., $33,500.

As the invitations pour in, make a statement with jewelry that mirrors your festive spirit.

From dazzling earrings that catch the light with every move, to necklaces that frame your neckline with sophistication, our collection ensures you’re the epitome of elegance at every event.

Get ready to be the center of attention, because your jewelry is as ready as you are to RSVP to every holiday soirée.

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4.72 ctw. diamond in and out hoop earrings set in 14K white gold, $7,850; 37” 14K white gold diamond all around necklace, diamonds total 40.02 cts., $63,000; 36” 18K white gold diamond all around necklace, diamonds total 39.89 cts., $65,000; 36” 14K white gold diamond all around necklace, diamonds total 31.07 cts., $40,500; 3 ct. oval-cut diamond engagement ring, $82,000; 7ctw. round diamond line bracelet, $11,950.

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4 ctw. round diamond studs in 14K white gold, $29,500; 2.41 ct. round diamond necklace with diamond halo in 14K white gold, $15,500; 14K white gold diamond all around necklace, diamonds total 39.37 cts., 18” in length, $75,300; 14K white gold three row diamond band, 5.53 ctw., $7,000.

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Family Ties The Bergs travel to Greece to visit jewelry designer Konstantino Sioulas and his family.

By Sue Strachan

MORE THAN 15 YEARS AGO, Greek jewelry designer Konstantino (Kosta) Sioulas became part of the Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry family.

Kosta’s work had attracted the eye of co-founder Lee Berg, who says it is “very design focused. A lot of engraving, it fits perfectly in the South.”

Kosta has been in the jewelry business since 1983, founding his own business in 1993. He creates stunning, ornate hand-finished pieces, often with filigree, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek culture and Byzantine architecture.

Since then, Kosta has frequently visited the U.S. and made personal appearances at the various store locations, meeting with the Bergs, their staffs and customers. It is his attention to these important facets, as well as his designs, that make him one of the com-

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pany’s most popular jewelers.

It wasn’t until this past summer when the Berg family made their way to Greece to go to Kosta’s studio—and meet his family who are also part of the business—to see how the designer’s works are created.

Brenda and Lee Berg organize at least one trip a year overseas with the whole family, as schedules will allow.

“We want to help them grow up with these great memories,” says Brenda. “Expose them to different foods and culture.”

Occasionally these trips also involve some business.

In 2022, the family visited a diamond mine in South Africa. This year the decision was made to go to Turkey and Greece, with a stop in Athens to visit Kosta.

Lee and Brenda were accompanied by their sons and their families: Chad Berg and wife Vanessa with Michael and Brandon; Ryan Berg and wife Jessica with Adam; and Scott Berg and wife Leslie with Emily, Jacob and Lee. The grandchildrens’ ages range from 5 to 20 years old.

“We feel so fortunate that we had the opportunity to go to Greece and introduce our kids to an important business partner. Showing our children the Konstantino factory was a highlight of the trip,” says Chad Berg, co-president of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.

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At Kosta’s studio, the Bergs got to see how a piece of jewelry went from design sketch, to a computer model, a wax mold, then to a hand-finished piece.

The jewelry designer showcased the gold and oneof-a-kind pieces production of the company’s upscale designs.

“This is what we wanted them to capture, how exclusively we work on each and every single design,” says Kosta.

“Truly a lot of labor goes into these pieces,” says Chad Berg. “We work with beautiful things, and still so much is handcrafted.”

Everyone, particularly the Berg grandchildren, was intrigued by the process.

“It was very nice to see the younger members of the Berg family to be in real touch with the birth of the jewelry,” says Kosta.

Like the Berg family, the Sioulas family—and their employees—are an integral part of the company and its success.

His son Julian Christos Sioulas is a goldsmith trainee and does personal appearances on his father’s behalf in the U.S.; daughter Phaedra Nicole Sioulas is one of the three people who constitute the design team, including Kosta.

Many of Kosta’s employees have been associated with the jewelry designer for years and—like the Berg family—honors and appreciates not only their family legacy, but also these longtime employees.

And it is the tie between the Sioulases and the Bergs that also remains enduring and special.

“We have worked together for a long time, and we have a relationship like a family. I have a huge admiration and love for the Berg family,” says Kosta. “It was so meaningful for me to show them how much love and passion we pass into our designs.”

“We are very selective on what designers are featured at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry and Kosta’s passion for creating beautiful pieces at great values fits in perfectly.

We’re excited to continue our partnership into the next generations of his family and ours,” says Ryan Berg.

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i have a HUGE ADMIRATION and LOVE for the BERG FAMILY.

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45 years 4.40 ct. oval sapphire and diamond necklace in platinum and 18K yellow and white gold, 18”, $35,000; 11.71 ctw. cushion-cut sapphire earrings with pear-shape and marquise diamonds in 18K white gold, $110,000; 5.04 ctw cushion cut sapphire earrings accented with a fan of pear-shape diamonds in 18K white gold, $47,500.

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10.16 ct oval shape sapphire ring with diamond halo and Cadillac trapezoid diamonds on each side in platinum, $90,000; 7.60 ct. cushion cut sapphire ring with trapezoid diamonds in platinum, $49,500; 5.02 ct. oval shape sapphire ring with east/west set oval diamond halo in platinum, $57,500; Sapphire and diamond station necklace with diamond halos 18K white gold, 16”, $53,500.

45 years of brilliance

We commemorate our company’s anniversary with a spectacular showcase of sapphire jewelry, the traditional gift for 45 years. Just like the enduring beauty of sapphires, our legacy has been crafted with timelessness and precision.

Explore this exclusive collection that captures the essence of elegance and celebrates the moments that have made our journey truly precious.

TO VIEW THE FULL COLLECTION, VISIT LMFJ.COM/45YEARS

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instaworthy

Top to Bottom: Pink sapphire and diamond butterfly necklace in 18K rose gold, 18”, $2,350. Pink sapphire and diamond multi-butterfly necklace in 18K rose gold, 16-18”, $2,950. 14K yellow gold rings with pavé diamond disc accents, starting at $795. Round diamond hoop earrings in 14K white gold, $1,450. Oval sapphire and diamond hoop earrings in 18K white gold, $975. Oval diamond hoop earrings in 14K white gold, $3,250.

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From butterflies to flowers and beaded gold bracelets, here is jewelry that is right on trend and great for everyday wear!

follow us @leemichaelsjewelry

Top to Bottom: Bypass hoop earrings with fluted texture and row of diamonds in 14K yellow gold, $725. Round drop earrings with fluted texture accented with diamonds in 14K yellow gold, $800.

Flower pendant necklace with pavé diamonds in 14K yellow gold, 16-18”, $985. Round diamond flower pendant necklace in 18K rose gold, 16-18”, $2,950. Flower pendant necklace with pavé diamonds in 14K white gold, 16-18”, $985. 14K yellow gold bead cuff bracelet with white gold round diamonds ends, $1,250 each.

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Jim Barksdale’s Legacy in Literacy

By Karen B. Gibbs

that’s the BEST WAY to LEAD— do it

by EXAMPLE. 40

AS CHAIR AND PRESIDENT OF BARKSDALE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, James “Jim” Barksdale has created an incredible legacy of giving that stretches back to his childhood in Jackson. He and his five brothers were always encouraged to do good for others, and they saw firsthand how their parents helped people in need. “That’s the best way to lead,” he says.

“Do it by example.”

Steeped in these values, Jim Barksdale set out to make his mark on the world—and make his mark he did. With a degree in marketing from University of Mississippi, he landed a sales job with IBM. Before long, he joined Federal Express, where his vision and managerial prowess catapulted him to executive vice president, COO. From there he headed a cellular communications company before joining Netscape Communications. Under his leadership, Netscape experienced stellar growth and was ultimately purchased by AOL in 1999 for $10.5 billion. (The sale netted Barksdale $700 million, which later fu-

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Mississippi Medical Center and contributions to Mayo Clinic.)

After the sale of Netscape, Gov. Pete Wilson of California tapped Barksdale and his internet expertise to help modernize education in the state. This insider’s view of public education confirmed what Barksdale already suspected— there was a serious literacy problem nationwide. He first noticed the scarcity of qualified workers when he was in the corporate world. He believed the root cause was poor reading skills, and he was determined to do something about it.

After three years of working with California’s educational system, Barksdale returned to Mississippi. “I wanted to be helpful to my home state,” says Barksdale. In 2003, Mississippi ranked 50th in the nation in reading. “I had problems as a third grader with reading, so I wanted to be there for kids in the same boat.”

In fact, K-3 reading became the focal point of Barksdale’s philanthropic endeavors. Why K-3? Studies show that students who cannot read on grade level by third grade are four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than those who read proficiently by that time.

“We believed we could make a scalable impact on literacy—and people—by improving early childhood literacy so it could grow and expand in Mississippi,” he says. “This would be a major legacy that would have a positive, productive impact on the state.”

To that end, Jim and his late wife, Sally, made two major contributions. The first, a $5.4 million endowment to the University of Mississippi, helped form the McDonnell- Barksdale Honors College. (To honor Sally after her death from cancer in 2003, the college was renamed the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.)

The second endowment, $100 million to the state of Mississippi, created the Barksdale Reading Institute, a joint venture with Mississippi’s public universities and the state Department of Education.

When Barksdale remarried in 2005, his wife, Donna Kennedy Sones, embraced his philanthropic passion. The couple created the Mississippi Principal Corps at the University of Mississippi. This program trains principals to be more effective administrators. Couple that with state-funded training in the Lee Michaels

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the CURRENCY that really MATTERS is the SUCCESS of EACH CHILD. 42

best methods for teaching reading, teams of reading coaches to help teachers, and early intervention programs for students in K-3 with reading deficiencies, and you have a winning combination.

“Now we have the state program where if you don’t pass third grade reading, then you don’t go to the fourth grade. That has really gotten people’s attention and the attention of the country too,” he says.

While Barksdale’s efforts to improve early childhood literacy are not solely responsible for the significant improvement in Mississippi’s reading scores, they certainly played a large role in what some are calling the “Mississippi Miracle”— going from 49th in reading in 2013 to 21st in the nation in 2022.

“We’ve gotten to know a lot of individuals that are succeeding in life so much better than their parents did,” says Barksdale. “They’re young professionals who are contributing all over the country. When they come up to us at meetings and tell us what they’ve done, we feel so proud. Those are the big moments to me. They’re making a real success of it, and I have a feeling that if it were not for our work, they would not be there.”

Stories like these inspired Barksdale to share his reading program nationwide.

Set to launch in 2025, Reading Universe will use complimentary online references and videos to train teachers in the most effective methods for teaching reading in grades K-6. Such a project costs money, lots of money. To date, Barksdale has raised $10-12 million with a goal of getting $18 million within the next couple of months.

“Reading Universe is going to be as good a course as was ever made for the internet,” he says. “That’s what I want to be remembered for.”

Corporate triumphs notwithstanding, to Jim Barksdale, the currency that really matters is the success of each child.

TO CONTRIBUTE TO READING UNIVERSE, VISIT READINGUNIVERSE.ORG.

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polished

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14K yellow gold disc slide pendant necklace with sunburst diamond design, $1,950; 14K yellow gold paperclip toggle pavé diamond heart necklace, 18”, $2,690; 14K yellow gold bead necklace accented with alternating pavé diamond and smooth discs, 16-18”, $2,300; Roberto Coin “U” link chain 18K yellow gold necklace, $6,550; Rope design 14K yellow gold ring with round bezel diamonds; $1,800. 14K yellow gold link ring accented with round diamonds, $1,250; 14K polished domed ring with diagonal line of round diamonds, $1,325.

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golden era It’s official—yellow gold is here to stay! It has been one of the hottest trends in jewelry for the past two years, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Here are three fresh styles for fall.

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beaded 14K yellow gold polished open oval link hoop earrings, $350; 14K yellow gold rectangle dangle earrings with a pavé diamond post back, $775; 14K yellow gold octagon dangle earrings with curved diamond link, $925; 14K yellow gold beaded hoop earrings, $475; 14K yellow gold hoop earrings with horizontal rows of diamonds, $1,150.

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lee michaels love story

In May of 2020, COVID had all restaurants restricted to takeout only, but that didn’t stop Dixon McMakin from making an unforgettable first impression. Bess was surprised and delighted to find Dixon had set up a mini restaurant out of the back of his Tahoe, complete with pinatas, in the parking lot of Mestizo Mexican restaurant, where they dined on their takeout and stayed until after the restaurant had closed. The rest is history and the couple said, “I Do,” on June 10, 2023 in New Orleans at Race & Religious, a courtyard space surrounded by beautiful exposed brick walls. A “pop of color” was the theme for the wedding, where the bride’s favorite color, pink, can be seen throughout.

bess & dixon

Cinco de Mayo for a first date is only appropriate for this fun and festive couple!

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon McMakin (Bess Casserleigh) June 10, 2023 | New Orleans, Louisiana Eye Wander Photo

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THE DETAILS: The bride and groom’s rings feature a 3-stone emerald-cut diamond engagement ring with custom sapphire and diamond band from Lee Michaels. A pop of pink with the bride’s shoes and custom initials by artist Rob Corley hung at the entrance of their venue.

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THE DETAILS: The bride’s gown was from designer Jenny Yoo. After the ceremony she added sleeves as she loved the drama of an outfit change! Pops of color were everywhere, including the flowers which were from florist Nola Flora.

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THE DETAILS: Custom fans featuring a pop of pink ribbon were passed out to keep guests cool at the outdoor affair. The wedding cake from CounterSpaceBr Bakery in Baton Rouge featured colorful florals on top.

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THE DETAILS: Guests enjoyed a late-night snack of chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s, which were a gift from owner Todd Graves, a close friend and groomsman in the wedding. The groom’s favorite Rice Krispies treats served as his grooms cake with featured initials “TCB.” This refers to his favorite motto – Taking Care of Business, coined by the groom’s idol, Elvis Presley.

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love stories

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Scheffler (Shelby Umbeck) April 29, 2023 St. Charles, Missouri

Lainie Arnold Photography

forever starts with a Lee Michaels has been helping couples say “I Do” since 1978.

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Yes

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Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis Basby

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Gonzales

(Antonia Ingram)

(Jackie Niño)

November 19, 2022 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

June 24, 2023 | South Coast Jamaica

The Philgreens

Mr. and Mrs. Andy Garcia

Mr. and Mrs. Erin Wolf

(Veruzka Gomez)

(Lauren Sherman)

June 17, 2023 | Brookshire, Texas

August 27, 2022 | Paulina, Louisiana

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L

Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

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With its two time-zone display, the GMT-Master, launched in 1955, was originally developed as a navigation instrument for professionals criss-crossing the globe. Heir to the original model, the GMT-Master II was unveiled in 1982 with a new movement ensuring ease of use.

Its combination of peerless functionality, robustness and distinctive aesthetics made it an icon.

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L

aunched in 1955, the GMTMaster witnessed the rapid expansion of intercontinental

travel in the latter half of the 20th

century. It even became the official watch of Pan American World Airways, the

most

prominent

American

international airline at the time. The GMT-Master, a true “tool watch”, evolved continually, to offer increasing technical performance. In 1982, Rolex introduced a new movement that allowed the hour hand to be set independently of the other hands. To clearly mark this evolution, the model fitted with the optimized movement was named the GMT-Master II. One instrument, several time zones

The GMT-Master II has an instantly recognizable design with a graduated bezel insert, which is available in various dual-colour combinations – the lower half symbolizing daytime and

OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT-MASTER II

40 mm, Oystersteel, black lacquer dial, bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert in green and black ceramic, Oyster bracelet, calibre 3285.

The GMT-Master II has an instantly recognizable design with a graduated bezel, which is available in dual-colour combinations.

the upper signalling night-time. With traditional hour, minute and seconds

High-technology ceramic

from Oystersteel, this watch features a

hands, its triangle-tipped 24-hour hand

The Cerachrom bezel insert is manufac-

two-colour monobloc Cerachrom bezel

and bidirectional rotatable bezel with a

tured in a single piece by Rolex from

insert in green and black ceramic – a

24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert,

extremely hard ceramic. This high-tech

colour pairing never before seen on the

the GMT-Master II can display the

material is virtually scratchproof and

model.

time in two time zones simultaneously:

keeps its vibrant colours over time.

either the local time and the reference

Rolex broke new ground in 2013 when

time, or the local time and that of an

it introduced its first two-colour, single-

certification

alternative time zone.

piece ceramic bezel insert – blue on one

Like all Rolex watches, the GMT-Master II

Superlative chronometer

The latest GMT-Master II is equipped

half and black on the other. One year

is covered by the Superlative Chrono-

with calibre 3285, a self-winding mechan-

later, the brand released the two-colour

meter certification. This designation

ical movement entirely developed and

Cerachrom insert in red and blue – the

testifies that every watch leaving the

manufactured by Rolex. A consummate

GMT-Master’s original colours. It carried

brand’s workshops has successfully

demonstration of technology, it offers

out pioneering research to develop a red

undergone a series of tests conducted by

outstanding performance in terms of

ceramic corresponding to its aesthetic

Rolex in its own laboratories, according

precision, power reserve, resistance to

and quality criteria.

to its own criteria. The Superlative

shocks, convenience and reliability. It is

In 2022, Rolex unveiled a novel

Chronometer status is symbolized by the

fitted with the exclusive blue Parachrom

version of the GMT-Master II. On this

green seal that comes with every Rolex

hairspring and also incorporates the

watch, the crown and crown guard are

watch and is coupled with an international

patented Chronergy escapement. The

on the left side of the case. The date

five-year guarantee.

movement’s power reserve extends to

aperture and the Cyclops lens have also

approximately 70 hours.

moved and appear at 9 o’clock. Made

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fall for these timepieces Don’t waste a moment wondering which watch to wear.

One (or all) of these work every time.

Photography by Daniel Springston

Rolex Oyster Perpetual DayDate 36 in 18kt Everose gold with a brown ombré diamondset dial, fluted bezel and a President bracelet.

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Tudor Black Bay GMT in steel and yellow gold bracelet with a 41mm steel case; Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time with brown sunburst dial and 42mm rose gold case on a brown calfskin strap.

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Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 with brown dial on a rubber strap; IWC Pilot’s watch chronograph Spitfire with bronze case and 41mm green dial on a brown calfskin strap.

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timepieces

the tudor tradition

Fine ladies’ watches carry the daunting name of a historic English dynasty—and wear it well. By Christen Fisher is available in silver, opaline or black with appliqué even-numbered Arabic The Wars of the Roses were a series of conflicts in 15th century Engnumerals between arrow-shaped or diamond-set odd-hour markers. It is land between the House of Lancaster and the House of York, so named presented on either a bracelet or a rubber-lined brown leather strap. because each house used a rose as its emblem: red for Lancaster, white The beautifully feminine Clair de Rose is a steel watch featuring for York. When peace finally returned, a Lancaster man sat upon the an opaline dial with delicate decorations in relief punctuated by blue throne. He quickly and smartly married a York woman. The man was lacquered Roman numerals or diamond hour markers. Fitted with a Henry VII (father of Henry VIII and grandfather of Elizabeth I), the self-winding movement complete with a date function, the round case very first Tudor king. Understanding that his new dynasty required a boasts a screw-down winding crown with a striking, transparent blue new emblem, Henry VII created what is still known today as the Tudor cabochon. It is available in three sizes—26mm, 30mm and 34mm, each rose. Sometimes called the union rose, it’s made up of five red petals offered with a choice of a steel bracelet or a black alligator or fabric strap. surrounding five white petals to symbolize the unification of the two The Tudor Glamour line offers a broad range of features in retro-chic previously warring houses. style. From the daintiest Glamour Date model sized at 26mm to the larger Perhaps it is this idea of a union between two things often seen at Date+Day and Double Date models, the Glamour line is a robust collecodds that inspired Hans Wilsdorf in 1926 when he launched the Tudor tion of subtle and refined timepieces perfectly suited for any occasion.

Watch Company. For a time it used the Tudor Rose as a symbol on the In 2023, Tudor expanded its iconic Royal and Black Bay lines. The brand’s dials, a symbol of the union between strength and grace—and Tudor Royal line of self-winding sport watches boasts two new dial varithe one between quality and affordability. ants, radial-brushed chocolate brown and light salmon. In addition, the “For some years now,” Wilsdorf wrote back then, “I have been considerRoyal is offered in a variety of dial colors with gem-setting options, twoing the idea of making a watch that our agents could sell at a more modest tone case and bracelet enhancements, and a range of sizes beginning at price than our Rolex watches, and yet one that would attain the standard of 28mm, all presented on a fully integrated bracelet. dependability for which Rolex is known. I decided to form a separate comThe newly released Black Bay 31/36/39/41 models bring a unique aespany with the object of making and marketing this new watch.” thetic to the Black Bay line. Their curved cases offer a slight departure Like the dynasty, the Tudor Watch Company included women from its from the brand’s iconic tool-watch spirit to embrace a sophisticated, verearliest days. The first Tudor women’s watches were released in the early satile, unisex aesthetic. In steel with a fixed bezel, all four sizes are fitted 1930s. As the role of women evolved, the brand expanded and developed its with a self-winding manufacture caliber movement. While the small women’s lines accordingly. Today Tudor continues that tradition by offering version boasts a 50-hour power reserve, the medium a large collection of moderately priced ladies’ watches in a Clockwise from top left: The new and large versions feature a 70-hour power reserve and range of styles, functions and sizes including the 1926 and Black Bay models embrace a are deemed “weekend-proof.” The user can take the the Clair de Rose as well as options in the Glamour Date, sophisticated, versatile and unisex aesthetic; Tudor’s Glamour Date is watch off on Friday evening and put it back on Tudor Royal and Black Bay lines. available in 26 mm, 31 mm or 36 mm Monday morning without having to reset it.

Named for the year Wilsdorf first registered the Tudor size; the Claire de Rose, with Roman numerals, is available exclusively in Since its inception, Tudor has offered a wide variety brand, the 1926 is a line of steel or steel-and-gold, selfsteel and with mechanical movements; of ladies’ watches with refined aesthetics and robust winding mechanical watches and comes in four sizes the Tudor Royal, seen here with a beginning with a traditional women’s 28mm. Domed for salmon dial, is the epitome of versatile reliability at a moderate price point. That tradition and affordability. continues today. a vintage touch, the embossed design of the 1926’s dial Lee Michaels

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that old rio gang

timepieces

Patek Philippe’s Gondolo Collection honors a long-ago era in South America when to own a particular watch was truly to belong. By Christen Fisher In the early 20th century, a group of 180 men known as the Gondolo Gang roamed the streets of Rio de Janeiro. They wore straw hats emblazoned with a term that let everyone know exactly what they were about.

This gang was not, however, some notorious band of ruffians terrorizing Brazil, but rather an exclusive watch-collecting club, and the word printed on the underbrims of their hats was “Patek.”

In 1902, Patek Philippe designed a collection of pocket watches exclusively for Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau called Chronometro Gondolo. Because the sales price of these watches was 790 Swiss francs— roughly equivalent to a qualified worker’s annual salary—Gondolo & Labouriau offered customers a unique payment plan: 10 Swiss francs per week for a maximum of 79 weeks and admission to an exclusive 180-member club which operated the Plano de Club Patek System. The system was essentially a weekly lottery in which a Chronometro Gondolo was the prize.

The first week’s winner received his watch free; the winners of each of 79 other drawings paid between 10 and 780 Swiss Francs for their watches; and the final 100 members paid full price. Thus, the Gondolo Gang was born.

From 1872 to 1927, Patek Philippe and Gondolo & Labouriau enjoyed a strong business relationship. At a time when Europe struggled with a world war, Gondolo & Labouriau retailed close to a third of the Patek’s entire production. Sales were so spectacular that in Brazil, “Patek” became a synonym for the word watch. You didn’t buy a watch; you bought a “Patek,” even if it wasn’t a Patek at all.

The first Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches were produced in 1910 in a variety of shapes that included (besides round) square, rectangular and tonneau- or cushion-shaped. These alternately shaped watches are known today as form watches. To honor its golden age in Brazil, Patek Philippe proudly offers most of its current form watches in its iconic Gondolo Collection.

New this year is the Gondolo Serrata Ref. 4962/200R. Measuring 28.6 x 40.85mm, the rose-gold rectangular case is curved to follow the natural line of the wearer’s wrist in what is sometimes called a banana shape. Set with 94 brilliant-cut spessartines arranged in a double-color gradient ranging from cognac tones at 12 and 6 o’clock to mandarine tones at 9 and 3 o’clock, the watch’s brown lacquered dial features a stunning floral motif with contrasting matte and polished finishes and gold applied Breuget numbers. Powered by quartz movement caliber E 15, the Serrata is presented on a chocolate

brown calfskin strap with a satinated finish and closes with a prong buckle.

Additional watches in the Gondolo Collection include the tonneau- or cushion-shaped Ref. 7041 small seconds in rose gold and the Haute Joaillerie Ref. 7042 offered in white or rose gold. The 7041 features a manually wound mechanical movement caliber 215 PS. The watch’s silvery grained dial is graced with brown Roman numerals and a small seconds dial at 6 o’clock and boasts a flange spectacularly set with 108 diamonds. It is presented on a shiny, dark chestnut alligator strap with cream-colored stitching.

The Haute Joaillerie 7042 also features manual movement caliber 215 PS but is fully gem-set from bezel to bracelet. Its dial is paved with 251 diamonds in a circular pattern and 12 trapeze-cut diamond hour markers. The watch’s bezel and lugs are set with 78 baguette diamonds, and its dial flange with 108 diamonds. The crown features an Akoya pearl cabochon, while its bracelet is adorned with 78 Akoya pearls with either rose or white gold decorative links set with 48 princess-cut diamonds as well as a fold-over clasp set with an additional 55 diamonds.

Beyond the Art Deco-inspired form watches that make up the Gondolo Collection, Patek offers uniquely shaped watches in its Golden Ellipse and ladies’ Twenty~4 collections. The Golden Ellipse features a case-shape between a circle and a rectangle that was inspired by the principle of the “golden section” discovered by the ancient Greek mathematicians. This “divine” proportion, expressed as a ratio of 1/1.6181, forms the basis of some of history’s greatest works of art and architecture. The current collection includes Ref. 5738 in rose gold, featuring an ebony sunburst dial with rose-gold hour markers and hands, in platinum featuring a blue-gold sunburst dial with gold hour markers and hands, as well as a rare handcrafts version in white gold featuring a hand-engraved and black enamel 18K gold dial plate. All three are powered by the ultra-thin, self-winding movement caliber 240.

An homage to the Ladies Gondolo, the rectangular Twenty~4 is a quartz-powered watch available in stainless steel with a choice of blue, gray or olive sunburst dial accentuated on either side by a row of 18 diamonds and presented on a manchette, or cuff bracelet. All three colorways have applied 12 and 6 o’clock numerals and trapeze-shaped hour markers with rounded baton-style hands all with luminescent coating.

Whether you dream of joining the Gondolo Gang or love the balanced line of the Golden Ellipse or the unique wearability of the Twenty~4, Patek Philippe has a form watch of exceptional craftsmanship and stunning design likely to suit your lifestyle and sensibility.

Clockwise from top left: a vintage 1919 Chronometro Gondolo wristwatch in 18K yellow gold; the Gondolo Serrata 4962/200R features a brown lacquered dial and a rose gold case; the Twenty~4 Automatic 7300/1200A is a brand-new self-winding mechanical ladies’ watch; Twenty~4 4910/1200A has a stunning olive green sunburst dial and diamonds on either side; Gondolo Haute Joaillerie 7042/100G is paved with 251 diamonds set in a circular pattern and 12 trapeze-cut diamond hour markers; the case on the Golden Ellipse 5738P is a sophisticated mix between a circle and a rectangle. Pocket watch, above, is an extraordinary 1904 Chronometro Gondolo pocket watch in 18k rose gold.

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2 1 3 5 Mont Blanc Meisterstück Doué Around the World in 80 Days year-two ballpoint pen with engraved gold-coated cap and clip having red lacquered diamond card suit, $1,040; William Henry pocket knife with Damascus blade, features a beautiful hand-engraved frame with inlays of 24K yellow and 20K rose gold. Limited edition Longhorn design, $10,000.

for the man who has it all

Hunting or oil pumpjack themed wireless phone charger in bronze with 18K gold plating on a brown lacquered wood veneer base, $2,975 each. Golf and alligator designs also available. Tudor Black Bay 58, unidirectional rotatable bezel in 18K yellow gold, matte green dial with alligator strap, $17,800.

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drama queen

Wherever you go and whatever you do, the spotlight will follow when you don these stylish pieces.

Photography by Daniel Springston

Marco Bicego Africa satin ball stud earrings in 18K yellow gold, $835; Marco Bicego Pezzi Unici necklace featuring engraved 18K yellow gold beads throughout with a pavé diamond clasp that opens to adjust length of the briolette diamond drop.

Diamonds total 18.27 carats, $49,980.

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Sapphire and diamond butterfly earrings feature 14.8 carats of sapphires set in 18K white gold with diamond accents on the body, $6,250; Sapphire and diamond butterfly necklace set in 18K white gold, sapphires total 19.15 carats, diamonds total 4.51 carats, $24,500.

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Mikimoto white south sea pearl drop earrings featuring a vertical line of round graduated diamonds totaling 2 carats, $30,000; Mikimoto Akoya pearl necklaces featuring 4 diamond spheres totaling 4.12 carats. Model has 2 necklaces layered, $36,850; Mikimoto white South Sea pearl and diamond ring set in 18K white gold, $9,000.

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PREFERRED FINANCING PROGRAM The Lee Michaels card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The LM Preferred Financing Program provides the flexibility to help your dreams come true. Our convenient and fast approval process makes it easy and safe to apply online at LMFJ.com or in store. Let our extraordinary selections, service, quality and values earn your trust for a lasting relationship with us. *Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payment required. Initial account activation in store only.

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THE

ESTATE JEWELRY COLLECTION

At Lee Michaels

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{ home } high seas

The Earth MakesWaves These days success in the yachting industry has a new key ingredient: sustainable practices to help save the planet.

From the clothes we wear to the cars we drive to the way we throw things out, the trend is clear: We’re all trying to reduce our “footprint” and thus help assure a future for the environment we cherish. And the superyacht community is no exception.

Manufacturers appeal to the “green,” eco-conscious conscience of consumers, and consumers respond. A few cases in point: • The power. Just as auto engineers have developed electric and hybrid systems to replace fully fossil-fuel-burning combustion engines, so have many boat manufacturers. Hybrid yachts are becoming commonplace, as builders research propulsion that requires zero gas consumption—many yachts are now equipped with solar power and sails, for example. And high-profile yachtsmen are taking notice. Take Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, who this year had a Sunreef 60 Eco equipped with 1,800 square feet of solar panels that help power electric engines.

• Smart construction. Lightweight materials have long been required for speed, but maritime racing isn’t for everyone. These days, many people seek boats made with lighter materials simply because less weight means less fuel burned. For hull construction, builders are relying more on materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum, both lightweight when compared with steel. That’s not to say steel doesn’t factor into an eco-friendly design: It’s highly reusable and often employed—along with other sustainable materials such as wood and cork—for yacht decking. Manufacturers like Steeler consider this during construction, making sure many parts of their yachts can easily be recycled when the boats are taken out of service and dismantled.

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• The feel-good factor. Whether on deck or below it, we’re used to the good life. This means designing a yacht interior that not only meets all of our needs, but also exceeds style expectations. Tech gear going into today’s yachts is often environmentally friendly.

Newcastle Marine built the 129-foot Safira with energy-saving LED lighting as well as reclaimed oak, remnant stone and Esthec (a reusable alternative for teak) for interior cabinets and exterior decks. Other sustainable accessory ideas include air-conditioning systems with eco-modes, insulation upgrades to decrease fuel consumption and black-water treatment systems to reduce waste.

• Second-hand, not second best. Boaters are discovering that a refurbished yacht can be often just as good as the latest and greatest. When you consider a superyacht like a home, it’s a canvas for renovations and remodels. Compared with building a yacht from scratch, revamping a yacht reduces landfill waste (a properly disposed of boat can cost an owner up to $40,000 as tons of hull material can sit for years) and requires fewer resources. In addition, you’re in charge of what goes into the rebuild, meaning that you can select items that are cost-effective, eco-friendly and technologically advanced. And just as with rebuilding a classic car, there’s a sentimental value to honoring a yacht’s history and overall coolness.

• Togetherness. There’s collective action being taken by builders, owners and governments to promote sustainability. Boating associations around the globe, including the International Maritime Organization, are pushing for stricter laws governing emissions— sulphur, specifically—around certain ports. And shipbuilders are now required to reduce emissions of nitric oxide, a major polluter from large vessels. Superyacht industry leaders even created the nonprofit Water Revolution Foundation, whose members are committed to the sustainable consumption of natural resources.

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Ombré Lariat with Sapphires and Diamonds set in 18k White Gold.

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sporting life

peak luxury

Now Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has a nearby five-star luxury hotel worthy of its stellar skiing and eye-popping vistas. By Everett Potter Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, is one of the grand prizes of American skiing, an adventure that begins with a jaw-dropping view. Set at the base of the Teton Mountains, these jagged spires of rock are arguably the most scenic stretch of the Rocky Mountains range.

Jackson Hole has long attracted the big dogs of the skiing and snowboarding world, who come here for so-called Big Mountain skiing. If you’re unfamiliar with that term, it means what it says. Jackson Hole is a behemoth, with a vertical drop of more than 4,000 feet and 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain, on a 10,400-foot mountain.

While there are easier green and blue runs, you don’t head to Jackson for easy turns. It gives fresh meaning to the term “challenging.”

The out-of-bounds terrain is more than 3,000 acres and, basically, if you can see it, you can ski it—but only those with avalanche gear and training are encouraged to head past the ropes.

In-bounds has challenges aplenty. There are runs with enormous moguls and chutes, the most famous being Corbet’s Couloir. It starts with a fearinducing vertical drop, a double black-diamond entry into a narrow chute where you need to start making turns instantly. I count myself among those who’ve peered over the edge, only to retreat while a braver soul gamely takes the plunge down what looks like a sheer vertical wall. Just ride the tram from the base to get a drone’s-eye view of the action as you near the top of the mountain.

But hard-core skiing is only part of the story.

Jackson Hole has slowly evolved over the past 20 years, and while it still attracts plenty of 20- and 30-somethings eager for a steep and deep experience, it long ago recognized that a well-heeled crowd would come for better hotels and fine dining, make a few turns and admire the dramatic vistas over cocktails. Thus Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, Hotel Terra and Caldera House came to town, the leading edge of the luxury options at the base of the mountain, where also there are restaurants, shops and neigh-

borhoods with CEO-level homes that routinely sell well into mid-eight figures. The ultra-chic Amangani resort lies a couple of miles away.

At Jackson Hole, you can still have a frosty après ski beer with the cliff jumpers at the Mangy Moose bar, with Warren Miller movies playing in an endless loop. But your dining choices are more like those found in Los Angeles or New York and trend to upscale steakhouses, sushi bars and Italian trattorias.

Staying at the base of the mountain is great.

But you’re in Jackson Hole. Twelve miles down the road lies the town of Jackson itself, an upscale cowboy town, centered on a town square whose four corners are ringed by inventive clusters of elk antlers that had been shed and collected.

Surrounding the square are wooden sidewalks à la Old West, roofed over against the elements.

There’s also a range of restaurants, shops and bars, the most colorful being the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, whose neon sign shows a rider on a bronco. There’s even another ski mountain in town, Snow King, that is beloved by locals.

Now, with the opening of Cloudveil in May 2021, Jackson finally has what it’s long been missing: a five-star luxury hotel. Part of the Autograph Collection of hotels owned by Marriott, it takes its name from the Cloudveil Dome, a peak within the Grand Tetons.

It’s the first major building project on the town square since 1997—and a game changer. From Cloudveil you can walk to the restaurants and shops, and you’re directly across from the town square. Skiing or riding? There’s a shuttle to slopes, so you can leave the often gnarly winter driving to the pros.

The design was a group effort by three firms: TruexCullins, CLB Architects and IBI Group.

There was clearly an attempt to invoke rugged local elements, so they used materials such as stone, metal and wood throughout, as well as huge windows.

The lobby has a giant, 3,000-pound boulder that functions as the front desk, and the lobby fireplace is a welcome touch. A three-story granite wall is a reminder that you’re in the heart of climbing country.

The hotel has 100 rooms and suites, and the décor has accent walls of wood, banquettes, wrought iron touches and neo-midcentury-modern chairs. Some of the rooms have corner fireplaces and balconies. There are smart TVs, and the bathrooms are stocked with Grown Alchemist products. On a sensible riff on the mini-bar, each floor of the hotel has a pantry stocked with complimentary local snacks and drinks.

If you need to get your heart rate up before tackling the moguls on Jackson Hole, it’s good to know that there’s a gym with weights and Peloton equipment and, for après ski, a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.

The hotel’s 5,000-square-foot terrace is the only rooftop space of its kind in Jackson and is designed for summertime yoga and meditation.

It’s expected to be open to the community as well for music performances and stargazing.

Given Jackson’s proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, the latter about 60 miles away, there’s little question that summer and fall will be big here as well.

Nor do you need to wander far for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Bistro, a French-inspired restaurant in the hotel, is the brainchild of the Fine Dining Restaurant Group, led by Gavin Fine and Roger Freedman. Fine is the Danny Meyer of Jackson, a savvy restaurateur who has put the town on the culinary map with such acclaimed eateries as Bin22, The Kitchen, II Villaggio Osteria, Bar Enoteca, Bodega, Sugar + Spice and Bovine + Swine. It offers outdoor café dining, a zinc bar, an oyster bar and a newly established reputation as a dining destination itself.

So the sage advice is to come to Jackson Hole prepared for challenges and stay for the deep creature comforts of the new Cloudveil. It’s the newly crowned cool kid on the block, perfectly positioned to offer the ultimate in Western chic in the hippest ski town in the West. Enjoy the vibe, even if you can’t quite bring yourself to leap into Corbet’s Couloir.

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Portugal’s Wild Secret The relatively unspoiled Alentejo region, breadbasket of this small nation, has the charm of Tuscany without (so far) its fame. By Everett Potter Most Americans heading to Portugal make a beeline to Lisbon, the country’s lively and colorful capital. If they’re interested in something besides an urban experience, they may venture north to cruise along the river in Porto or perhaps book a condo in the south on the Algarve to laze in the sun and play some golf. The major drawback is that these destinations have become increasingly overrun with tourists for at least half the year.

Yet there is much more of Portugal to explore, and savvy travelers should venture farther afield. The hope of getting out of well-worn tourist spots led me to visit the region known as Alentejo, which is set in the south central part of the country,

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north of the Algarve. This landscape includes vineyards, wheat fields, whitewashed houses and cork oaks (from the bark of which wine-bottle corks are made). Alentejo means “beyond the Tagus” River, which in geographic terms means it lies south and east of Lisbon.

The interior of Alentejo is known for rolling plains and fertile land that gives the region its nickname “the breadbasket of Portugal.” Those extensive forests of cork oak trees have their bark hand-harvested every 10 years. The region also has rice fields and a bucolic feel, which has led some observers to liken it to Tuscany or Provence. Yet it’s unlike either of those fabled

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Portugal’s Alentejo region is known for a varied landscape that includes vineyards, whitewashed houses and scenic coasts.

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This page, from top: While architecture is among Portugal’s manmade attractions, the sunset is one of the top natural wonders in the country. The Shrine of Our Lady of Aires Baroque Sanctuary is another visual marvel in Alentejo. Opposite page: The interior of the Church of the Dominicans in Alentejo is as stunning as it is serene.

regions. It’s still somewhat primitive and gets a fraction of the tourists that they do.

Alentejo holds the distinction of being the largest area in the country, encompassing more than 30 percent of its land mass, yet is also the least inhabited. For example, at Alqueva there is an International Dark Sky Reserve, some 6,000 acres set aside for prime stargazing here on the edge of Europe. Alentejo stretches from the Atlantic Ocean clear across to the border with Spain.

On a continent that has been well explored and developed for tourism, Alentejo is one of the last great secrets. While I found the bucolic nature of the countryside instantly appealing, I was blown away by the star attraction, an incredible coastline that starts about an hour’s drive south of Lisbon and extends about 90 miles to the town of Odeceixe, the starting point for the Fishermen’s Trail, 46 miles of coastal paths, historically used by fishermen and local smugglers. The beaches and cliffs along Alentejo’s Atlantic coastline are as close to pristine as you can find anywhere in Europe, and this coast is only now being developed, albeit slowly.

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One of the first towns to go upscale here is Comporta, which has the region’s best hotels, including Quinta da Comporta, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a bolthole for those seeking what’s become known as “the Hamptons of Portugal.” If the water temperature on the beautiful strand called Praia da Comporta is too chilly, which it often is, you can do the backstroke in the hotel’s 130-foot solar-heated lap pool. I loved the subtle design in neutral colors and the brilliant massage at the Oryza Spa. My room was simple and white, with soft wood tones, but if you have the means, step up to a townhouse or a pool villa. Two other high-design options in town include Sublime Comporta and Spacia Comporta.

Plan on doing very little; sightseeing is pretty much limited to watching flocks of pink flamingoes and doing things like horseback riding.

The nearby town of Melides is on the edge of transforming from sleepy to developed, thanks to well-heeled Europeans looking for the next Côte d’Azur, Mallorca or Mykonos. The most famous part-time local is Christian Louboutin, the French shoe designer, who owns lots of property and has constructed fanciful buildings for his own compound. This spring he opened Vermelho, a 13-room hotel in Melides that is as wild with patterns and colors as almost everything he touches. The sleepy town may soon be getting a full-scale upscale makeover, so now is the time to see it before it becomes the next “it” destination. The draw is Praia de Galé, a lovely beach with red sandstone cliffs. Surfers congregate here, as they have for years. The water is chilly, not Mediterranean warm, but there’s a conspicuous absence of hotels, bars and restaurants. It’s wild and undeveloped, at least so far. Enjoy it while you can.

Porto Covo is another favorite find, a surfer’s mecca, a town with cobblestone streets and an excellent place to stretch your legs on the Rota Vincentina. This

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This page: The Convento do Espinheiro is a former 15th-century convent transformed into a five-star property. Chef Jorge Peças is at the head of the hotel’s famed Divinus restaurant. Opposite page: The beaches and cliffs along Alentejo’s Atlantic coastline are as close to pristine as you can find anywhere in Europe.

traditional pilgrimage route runs for about 280 miles. The town has yet to catch the affluenza bug and remains sleepy, two things in its favor.

About an hour’s drive inland is Herdade da Matinha, a 35-room hotel compound with oaks and umbrella pines, a welcoming swimming pool, and genuine low-key Alentejo hospitality. It is close to the Rota Vincentina trail, making it ideal for a bit of walking while staying in very comfortable and stylish rooms. The property is spacious and has several lounges and a library, and the coast is easily accessible.

Along the way, you’ll be sampling the food of Alentejo. Pork is king here, especially porco preta, pork from the black pigs fed on acorns. From the sea comes octopus and clams, and on the table you’ll often find the bread soup called açorda de bacalhau and arroz de pato, duck with rice. The area is one of Portugal’s most respected wine regions, with reds produced from Tempranillo grapes and Castelão and Trincadeira grapes. Whites are generally made from vineyards featuring Antão Vaz, a grape grown almost exclusively in Portugal.

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Before heading eastward toward the other side of Alentejo, I had time for a quick visit to southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park, an area of protected shorefront that runs from Sao Torpes to Cape St. Vincent and offers an authentic taste of the wilderness aspects of the region.

Inland from the coastline, I drove to Evora, the regional capital dating from Roman times. There’s a medieval cathedral at its heart, a walled city with winding streets that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. These whitewashed buildings make it a charming spot for a few nights. I stayed at the Convento do Espinheiro, a former 15th-century convent transformed into a five-star property.

It’s not a stretch to say that the first inhabitants of this place did not have an indoor and outdoor pool at their disposal, nor lavishly decorated rooms or the remarkable cuisine of Chef Jorge Peças at the aptly named Divinus restaurant.

Even further afield was São Lourenço do Barrocal, a much-lauded property with a handful of top awards and affiliations, including Virtuoso and Leading Hotels of the World. Located near Monsaraz, the hotel sprang up from the ruins of a small villa, and it has been reimagined as a compound of rooms, suites and cottages. The accommodations are upscale and minimal: a swimming pool, a large organic garden and a restaurant with a cutting-edge design. Stargazing is a significant activity in this remote area, as is ballooning over Lake Alqueva. Nearly 15 years after its creation, the hotel is a fashionable stop for those making the design circuit in Portugal, to places where they are virtually guaranteed to have a rarefied experience.

Alentejo is still comparatively wild and undeveloped, but that’s already changing.

It should be on your short list with its breathtaking beaches, charming small hotels and venerable cultural treasures.

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leading the charge auto

A trio of new electric SUVs puts a jolt into the market, equally attracting speed demons and family drivers.

Manufacturing eco-vehicles isn’t new to the automotive world. Even traditional brands like Aston Martin and Ferrari have shed some of their stubbornness, trading in their mighty combustion engines for cleaner, quieter and more efficient plug-in versions. It was only a matter of time until the move-

ment hit the SUV market. Now three widely respected makers from around the globe—two historic names and one up-andcoming brand—have caught a bolt of lightning and released their historic first electric sport utes. Each combines luxury, high performance, practicality and eco-friendliness.

RIVIAN R1S No mere imitator of the likes of Tesla, this upstart American electric-vehicle manufacturer is making a name of its own with its lineup of cars. Unlike other manufacturers, Rivian has given its first SUV, the R1S, full off-road capability. Engineers outfitted it with an adjustable suspension system that offers up to 15 inches of ground clearance, while the Quad-Motor trim comes with an electric motor for each wheel—in other words, better control over varied terrains. There’s also great news if you’re more of a city and highway driver: The SUV comes standard with three rows of seating for the entire family, high-end features to rival the best luxury vehicles, a battery-powered motor that can produce around 260 miles on a single charge and a power train that makes 600 horsepower. Repeat: That all comes standard. Starting at $79,000.

MASERATI GRECALE FOLGORE Keeping up with speed-demon producers like Lamborghini and Ferrari isn’t necessarily Maserati engineers’ goal. Instead, the legendary Italian automaker is appealing to a wider demographic as it continues to electrify its lineup of cars for eco-minded consumers. Its latest model, the family-friendly Grecale Folgore (Italian for “lightning”), is the company’s first electric crossover SUV—and it brings a jolt of energy to the busy EV field. When it debuts in 2024, it’s expected to offer a massive 105.0-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors. On a full charge, the battery should last around 300 miles while generating speed and strength comparable to Tesla’s famed Model X. Maserati’s sustainability mindset can also be seen on the inside: Upholstery, for instance, will feature recycled materials. Starting at $75,000.

LOTUS ELETRE The British automaker has been known for producing simple, lightweight (and fast) sports cars for more than seven decades.

Though it’s not ditching that philosophy entirely, Lotus is doing something radical: packing a heavy battery, luxury amenities and much more into its all-new midsize SUV, the Eletre. Available as a four- or five-seater, the Eletre weighs nearly three times as much as the brand’s iconic Elise sports car but can perform just as well—the electric power train generates about 600 horsepower.

On full charge, the hefty battery in the base Eletre has a range of about 315 miles, on par with some of the market’s top SUVs from Lamborghini and BMW. It also competes with the best interiors in the industry, incorporating lush materials such as stitched leather, microfiber and bronze accents into the cabin. Starting at $84,500.

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wines

women at the helm Winemaking in northern California isn’t the exclusive province of men, and hasn’t been for quite some time.

Just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can only tell so much about a wine from its label. Scanning the fine print, you may read about the vintage and the varietal, but you’ll miss a thread in the wine’s origin story—you won’t learn about the people behind it. In northern California, many of those people happen to be women. That’s not a new development, but it’s one that is finally getting noticed.

“When I was getting started, there were a number of women doing amazing things in wine,” Hilary Sjolund says. “If you weren’t in the industry, you may not have heard about them because they didn’t always get the attention they deserved. But they were inspiring figures to people like me.”

Sjolund, 43, is associate winemaker at Aperture Cellars, an acclaimed property in the Anderson Valley of Sonoma County that is known for its focus on Bordeaux varietals. She took the job in 2019, following a 13-year stint as a winemaker and wine consultant in the Pacific Northwest, in a move that amounted to a California homecoming. Born and raised in Sonoma, Sjolund spent much of her childhood shuttling through the Anderson Valley, riding to and from her parents’ grocery store on the Mendocino coast. In those days, many women, including Stacy Clark of Pine Ridge Vineyards in Napa, were playing influential roles in the industry. But Sjolund never considered making a life in wine until her first year at college, at U.C. Davis, when she took her first elective: “Introduction to Wine Making.”

“The part that caught my eye was ‘educational tastings included,’” Sjolund says. “And I thought, ‘Wow. Mom and Dad are going to pay for me to drink in college!’”

In truth, she’d always been into science, so winemaking tapped a lifelong interest. The more she learned, the more she came to appreciate the way wine melded science with art, a mix of creativity and laboratory precision that allowed for an active life in the outdoors. She was hooked.

Sjolund joined Aperture as the estate was getting ready to unveil a new winemaking facility for its inaugural vintage. She now has a hand in an array of celebrated wines in a portfolio of terroir-driven blends and singlevineyard releases. She also works on Aperture’s sister label, Devil Proof Vineyards, which has received a wealth of accolades, including the first-ever

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100-point score for a Malbec from the Alexander Valley.

In northern California as elsewhere, winemaking positions are still held predominantly by men. But gone are the days when women’s vital contributions went widely ignored. At the historic Far Niente winery in neighboring Napa, Sjolund’s winemaking counterpart, Nicole Marchesi, has been running the show since 2009, overseeing the production of one of the valley’s most iconic Chardonnays, made without malolactic fermentation to yield wines of unparalleled freshness and complexity that pair wonderfully with food and improve with age.

In Lodi, meanwhile, Marissa Lange has been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of pioneering LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards. Now a fifth-generation agricultural family, the Langes entered viniculture in the 1970s, selling their grapes and leaving the winemaking to others. Marissa’s childhood was beautifully bucolic. But when she went off to college in the 1990s, she figured she was leaving California for good.

“As a 17-year-old I knew two things,” Lange says. “I knew I wasn’t going to work in wine. And I knew I wasn’t coming back to Lodi.” Fast-forward to the present. Lange has been back in California for nearly 20 years, guiding the family business in exciting new directions. In 2005, with Marissa leading a collaborative effort, the Langes built their own winery, which today produces wines from grapes in four Lodi appellations, including single-vineyard releases that are uniquely expressive of their surrounds.

Central to the operation is sustainability. LangeTwins generates 55 percent of the energy it uses, drawing its water from a state-of-the-art irrigation system designed to maximize conservation.

An early adopter of solar power, LangeTwins has kept a focus on the future. The foundations of the winery were built to accommodate fuel cells, and 70 acres of family land have been set aside for an experiment in regenerative farming, in which crops are rotated to ensure the long-term health of the soil.

“A generation ago, women in the wine industry were mostly in marketing and public relations,” Lange says. “Now the majority of my winemaking team is female. And you see women in a wide diversity of roles.”

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Clockwise from top left, Nicole Marchesti, Hillary Sjolund, Marissa Lange

2021 Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay, $73 A vivacious wine with bright citrus notes and hints of toasted oak that lingers on the finish. Wonderful with seafood, poultry and pork.

2019 Devil Proof Malbec, $273 A moody, complex wine, with traces of black licorice, herbs and berry. Pair with roasted meats and duck.

2018 LangeTwins Midnight Reserve, $40 A lush and layered Bordeaux blend, showcasing notes of dark fruit and tobacco that give way to fresh fruit on the palate.

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cocktail hour

spice it up Lattes and muffins are great, but when it comes to autumnal flavors, this cocktail takes the cake.

pumpkin pie martini SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS n 1/4 cup whipped topping or whipped cream n 21/2 oz. vanilla vodka n 11/2 oz. aged rum n 1/4 cup pumpkin pureé n 3 Tbs. maple syrup n 1/4 cup half and half n 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus additional for garnish n Handful of ice cubes

DIRECTIONS Chill 2 martini or margarita glasses in the freezer. Line a small sheet tray with waxed paper. Make 2 dollops of whipped topping or whipped cream and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, rum, pumpkin pureé, maple syrup, half and half, pumpkin pie spice, salt and ice cubes. Cover and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.

Strain into the 2 martini glasses.

Top each glass with one piece of frozen whipped cream. Sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice and serve immediately.

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For a personal consultation or more information contact her today at JessieF@LMFJ.com or 225-368-3641.

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butterfly

DREAMS

From the Marco Bicego Jaipur Collection.

Satin oval link necklace with 18K yellow gold links and white gold links with diamonds, 36” length is $77,470, 17.75“ length is $18,000; Diamond satin oval link drop earrings with 18K yellow gold post and diamond accented white gold links, $6,510.

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MERCER COLLECTION

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