April 2017

Diving into Spring!

Designing your pool & pool house

A Rustic Retreat in A Modernized Lodge Piperton, TN in Somerville, TN HOME FEATURE:

“Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!”

Celebrating Mardi Gras

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CONTENTS APRIL 2017

28 HOME: With help from Steve Nabers of Nabers Interiors, the Frenns

spent over three years designing and building their dream home in the Tennessee country.

38 DESIGN: Splash into spring! Make sure your pool and pool house are on-trend with tips from Windsor Homes builder Katie Clark.

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CONTENTS

84.

APRIL 2017 T R AV E L & C U L T U R E

F O R YO U 16

healthy you Mindfulness Meditation reMovement

46 getaway The Henderson

98

on a good note Porter Leath's Early Childhood

56 travel United Arab Emirates 68 experience this National Civil Rights Museum

Academy

72 social pages Mid South Happenings 80 wedding Caroline and Barry Hillyer 82 arts Beth Winterburn

HOME & DESIGN

FOOD & DRINK

26 at home with Chef John Currence

84 entertaining Easter Elegance

28 home feature New Horizons

90 dining out Char

38 design Pools and Poolhouses

92 happy hour Aperol Spritzer

42 style marketplace Relaxing around the Pool

94 in the kitchen Deviled Eggs

IN EVERY ISSUE 14 | PUBLISHER'S NOTE 97 | SOURCES 10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2017

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APRIL 2017 • VOL. 16 NO. 1 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

ART DIRECTOR ANNA LEPPERT | aleppert@athomemms.com

EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION MANAGER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com

COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com BRITTANY MCDONALD | brmcdonald45@gmail.com CINDY SEMMES | c.semmes@aol.com

BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com

INTERNS KAITLYN DUNN MADELINE WYATT NICK LINGERFELT

HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 901.684.4155 | FAX 901.684.4156 WEBSITE: athomemms.com

At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

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publisher’s note As of April 1st, we will have brought you 180 issues or 15 years of our magazine, and that is no April Fools joke. Happy Birthday to us! I will have to say the big day did sneak up on me and no big celebration was planned, however, we will be working on our sweet 16 birthday bash for next year.

So many people have asked me how I got started in the publishing business. I was happy at home taking care of two young children with my husband and I did a little catering on the side. To make a very long story short, I am a bit hardheaded and don’t like being told I can’t do something. So when another publication was trying to enter the Memphis market, they approached me to work for them and help with the launch. I was, of course, honored and flattered but didn’t think much about changing chapters in my life, as everything was just swell the way it was. I happened to tell my husband that I had been offered a job outside the home, and he kind of snickered and said, “You don’t know anything about magazines other than you read them all the time.” After giving him my signature glare and a moment of silence, which I am sure seemed like hours to him, I picked up the phone and accepted the challenge and never looked back. We bought the magazine a couple years later and the rest is history.

The past 15 years have been a whirlwind to say the least. We have had recordbreaking highs and during the downfall of 2008, some record-breaking lows. My babies, then 8 and 12, have since graduated college, one married and the other one will be married in June. Our daughter and her husband are about to start a new chapter in their lives as they prepare to move to Columbia, MO, to begin his residency in orthopedic surgery. Neither of our children had even met their soulmates at the conception of AT HOME, but now we couldn’t be more blessed.

Who knows what the next 15 years will bring, but we will be there along the way to share new and exciting things in our Mid South community. By the time our 30th comes around, I will promise a huge celebration and maybe I will even have a grandchild or two by then. (No pressure there, of course.)

Happy birthday to us and thank you for the support over the years. Thanks to all who have been a part of our family along the way. I can assure you, no matter your role, you were part of our success and we could not have or would have wanted to do it without you. Cheer to 15 more!

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healthy you

The Mindfulness Meditation reMovement

Text by Michelle Johns | Photos courtesy of Michelle Johns

A

re you really here? Are you truly connected to what you are doing throughout your day? Before you get out of bed, do you lie still for the first few breaths and think about the fact that your body is awakening to the new day, or do your thoughts immediately focus on the day’s to-do list? Perhaps you quickly reach for the phone lying on your bedside table to check e-mail or other social media, connecting outwardly first rather than inwardly. Brushing your teeth, are you thinking about your teeth? Do you notice the bristle of the brush against the tooth or are you going through the motions and thinking of the day ahead?

Mindfulness is being in tune and present with everything you experience, from the smallest to the largest of moments and encounters.

It is a practice of intentional attention to the present moment without judgment. Though mindfulness may seem new to us it’s actually deeply rooted in the practice of the Buddha as documented in the Sutras and Jesus Christ as documented in the Bible. Intentional awareness achieves connection on a higher and more intimate level.

According to research by the CDC, National Institutes of Health, Harvard Health and the American Psychological Association, to name a few qualified research institutes, benefits of practicing mindfulness techniques include: Stress relief Tension relief Improved sleep Increased resilience Lower blood pressure Improved blood circulation Elevated happiness Healthier heart Healthy relationships Clearer mind Mindfulness meditation is a practice. It doesn’t come naturally for most people in a world where multitasking has been the rage for so long. Try it and if you don’t succeed, try again. It may not be great each and every time, but it will likely be what you need for the day or moment.

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healthy you Mindfulness meditation can be either a closed-eyed quiet time of intentional meditation and an open-eyed intentional presence practiced throughout your awakened day.

Open-eyed mindful meditation practices might include yoga or tai chi, or even conversation, if you focus on the conversation and words spoken by the speaker.

Closed-eyed mindful meditation practices might include sitting in a quiet space and focusing only on your breath for a set amount of time.

If you are new to the practice start with five minutes for the first week and gradually add time each week thereafter. You might block off a couple of five-minute time blocks on your daily calendar.

During any meditation, when your thoughts start to wander, acknowledge the thought and bring your attention back to the breath or the task at hand. Most importantly, do not attach any judgment to the experience. Just be present. Mindfulness is a practice of intentional attention without judgment.

According to a study published in the journal Psychological Science Research (Bar and Baror), clearing the mind leads to deeper thinking. “A clearer mind affords a fuller experience.” Mindfulness cultivates authenticity and is the most genuine gift you can give to yourself and others. Make monotasking, meditation and mindfulness the new you.

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at home with With the Double Decker Arts Festival scheduled for April 28-29 in Oxford, MS,

At Home Memphis & Mid South

sat down with one of the city’s best-known citizens. Chef John Currence is a James Beard Foundation award winner and the owner of six restaurants in Oxford.

Q&A

At Home Memphis & Mid South: What inspires you?

John Currence: I find myself inspired by the people I get

to work with every day. There is a diverse group of talents that help run the business with me, so I get my greatest inspirations from them. I have an insanely competitive nature that is constantly pushing me, so that is also a force of my inspiration.

Creatively, traveling and reading inspire me.

AHMMS: What is your favorite thing about your job?

JC: My job today is not the job I had that made me fall in

love with it all. I don’t really get to cook, which is how I got started. Now that I am more on the business side my favorite thing is the wonderful, crazy chaos that this business is. We were all single, college-age adults when this business started, and now we are a pile of folks with families. We have managed to wrestle the company to the ground in the past 25 years.

AHMMS: What is the main inspiration behind your

restaurants?

JC: Quality and excellence. Going out to eat used to be a treat, but now we live in a world where we have to ask ourselves, “How many times this week are we going to eat meals outside of the house?” We strive to be the best we can be. We want to serve quality dishes with quality service in a comfortable and respectable environment. Also, it’s important 26 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2017

Oxford’s Big Bad Chef

John Currence Text by Ginni Jones Photos courtesy of chefjohncurrence.com

Born and raised in New Orleans, Currence got his first restaurant job while a student at the University of North Carolina. He started washing dishes at Bill Neal’s Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill and worked his way up in the kitchen there. Three years later he returned to New Orleans to help high school friend Larkin Selman open Gautreau’s and became Selman’s sous chef. Several restaurants and years later, Currence arrived in Oxford; he opened his first restaurant, City Grocery, in 1992. He has received awards from the Mississippi Restaurant Association, Southern Foodways Alliance, James Beard Foundation and Charleston Food and Wine Festival. With two books, six restaurants (and expanding), and a catering company, Currence and his family still call Oxford home.

that our customers realize how different we are from chain restaurants. We invest in the community and give back. No one really recognizes that mom-and-pop restaurants are creating jobs for the community and taking care of the people who work for them.

AHMMS: What is your favorite memory from building your business?

JC: Opening nights—they are so incredibly chaotic and a mess but it measures how the operator works. No matter how well you prepare, it will still be a mess. In the moments of chaos, the operator can notice where the issues are on the spot.

Also, I love looking back on the deliberate recipe development.

It took about 15 different versions of the Fat Eddy’s tomato sauce until we got to the thing that was perfect.

AHMMS: What advice could you give to people who want to succeed in their dreams?

JC: I always tell folks who want to succeed, “If you know your dream, pursue it with every bit of being you have. Be the person who shows up the earliest and is the last to leave.” Everyone has to earn a living and pay the bills. Ultimately, it is not about the compensation but about learning and experiencing what your career offers. My advice is to shut up, listen, work and keep your eye on the ball!

AHMMS: What’s the latest news when it comes to your business?

JC: We are currently in the process of expanding Big Bad Breakfast. Our Birmingham, AL, location is doing great so we plan to start a second location there as well as a new location in Florence, AL. We are also bringing BBB down to Florida in Rosemary Beach. I’m also in the process of working on another book, but as for the business, we are continually reviewing projects.

AHMMS: What do you do when you aren’t working?

JC: Family. I spend a lot of my time with my family. During the spring and summer months, I work in my vegetable garden and grow flowers for my daughter and wife. In the fall and winter months I love to hunt and fish whenever I get the opportunity.

AHMMS: What is your favorite place in the Mid South?

JC: I have a few. The Memphis Zoo with my daughter. The patio of Second Line with an Italian salad while drinking a beer. Also, the Stax Museum is one of the coolest places on the planet.

Currence’s restaurants include: City Grocery 152 Courthouse Square Oxford, MS 38655, 662.232.8080 Big Bad Breakfast 719 North Lamar Oxford, MS 38655, 662.236.2666 5361 US-280 Birmingham, AL 35242 205.490.7568 Snackbar 721 North Lamar Oxford, MS 38655, 662.236.6363 Bouré 110 Courthouse Square Oxford, MS 38655, 662.234.1968 Fat Eddie’s 1309 North Lamar Oxford, MS 38655, 662.513.6197 April 2017 • athomemms.com | 27

home feature

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home feature

New Horizons Ron and Ann Frenn build their dream home deep in the country

Text by Jordana White | Photography by Steve Roberts

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home feature

F

or more than two years after selling their family home in Olive Branch, MS, Ron and Ann Frenn lived in a temporary apartment, waiting to find the perfect property on which to build their next house. While they expected to stick fairly close to their previous home’s location, something funny happened during the course of their property search. The couple found a piece of land in Somerville, TN, and they quickly fell in love.

Ron explains, “When we saw the beauty of this property (it is several acres in size and includes a lake as well as other features) it was an easy decision.” Not only was the property in a different town than the Frenns had originally imagined, it was also larger than other plots they’d considered. Given the additional size, the couple realized they’d need tractors and other small machinery to maintain their property—which led to another change in plans.

“We decided to build a machine shed to keep the equipment in,” Ron says, “and then we decided to build a small apartment inside of that building so we could be here to watch our home become a reality.”

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home feature Of course, as with any construction project, that reality was not achieved overnight. Working with Steve Nabers, principal designer and owner of Nabers Interiors, the couple spent a full year on drawing up plans alone. The actual building process spanned the next two years.

The goals for the home build were simple; the Frenns wanted a house that could highlight the beauty of their property while also meeting their needs for comfort and recreation. Nabers’ design included four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, and over 5,600 finished square feet, most of which is contained on one level—“a real luxury in a house this size,” the designer explains.

With a vibe that Nabers calls “modern lodge,” the finished home seamlessly balances elements like walls of windows (designed for wild turkey and deer viewing) with interior exposed brick sourced from Acme Brick in Memphis. As Nabers explains, brick is a recurring element in a home that swings between classic, modern and rustic design. Present in the grand entryway, kitchen and hearth room, the brick became “a continuous theme throughout the house.”

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home feature

In addition to the flowing brick work, Nabers explains, “We tried to warm up the feeling of cutting-edge design with rustic elements that blend with the rest of the house.” Whether this meant adding a mounted deer head to the kitchen hood or classic paneling to the chic master bathroom, Nabers was up to the challenge of creating comfortable, classic spaces that could easily avoid the “trendy” label.

To help further that goal, Nabers also kept to a warm, neutral color palette designed to complement natural elements like the exposed brick and the stone and hardwood floors. Cabinetry, tiles and countertops throughout the house are in rich shades of gray; accent colors appear in fabrics and art. The finished result, according to Nabers, is a house and interior that “will be just as livable and pleasing in 20 years as it is right now.”

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home feature

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home feature

The Frenns could not agree with Nabers more. Though their favorite perches in the house differ—Ann gives top marks to the kitchen and large dining room, while Ron tends to favor the family room and its fabulous views—they have found so many spaces in which they can come together. With an empty bedroom reserved for future grandchildren and a screened-in porch where the Frenns and their visitors can relax, watch TV, gather in front of a fire or just, as Ron says, “take in the changes of the seasons,” the house meets every need the couple ever dreamed of—and some they never even imagined.

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home feature

“We watched our dreams come to life,” says Ron. Of the house, the property, the fishing and the wildlife, he muses, “Living out here is better than therapy!”

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design

Sink or Swim:

The Ins and Outs of Pool and Pool House Design & Construction

Text by Jordana White Photography by Anna Leppert

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design

Outdoor living options have become major selling points in homes across the country, especially here in Tennessee, where the weather allows for longer stretches of al fresco enjoyment.

To help make sure your home is up to snuff, At Home Memphis & Mid South sat down with Windsor Homes builder Katie Clark to get the tips that will ensure an on-trend design for your pool and pool house.

At Home Memphis & Midsouth: What shapes are

AHMMS: What kind of special features do you like to

most popular in pools these days?

add to a pool?

Katie Clark: A lot of people are doing more kidneyshaped and free-form pools. These are great because they usually work in smaller backyards and also help give character to any space. People have been moving away from the traditional square or rectangular pools.

KC: The ability to change colors when the pool is lit at night is always a fun feature. It is something that can give a bit of a “wow” factor without having to go overboard cost wise. I also LOVE water features like a fountain or a waterfall for a resort-like feeling in your own backyard.

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design

AHMMS: How should the pool design tie into the style

of a home?

KC: This really comes into play when you are choosing

AHMMS: What elements should be included in a pool

house?

KC: Definitely a bathroom! Then you don’t have to worry

the deck surface of your pool. Stay within the architecture of the home. If you have a very traditional home, you wouldn’t want to pick elements that cause the space to look Southwestern or Grecian. A lot of my clients are doing stamped concrete pool decks because there are so many different looks and textures from which to make a selection.

about someone running into the house with a wet bathing suit. I would also suggest including a refrigerator and some cabinet space for cold drinks or snacks. You don’t have to have a full kitchen by any means, but designating an area where you can at least mix up a cold drink is very helpful when you have guests around.

AHMMS: What are the benefits of including a pool house

AHMMS: How large are pool houses usually built to be?

in your outdoor living space?

KC: Pool houses are great because you can have guests in

that space and you don’t have to worry about tracking water or pool toys/floats/etc. through the main house.

KC: This varies depending on what all is incorporated in it. We have been doing them around 1,000 square feet. In that ballpark of space, we include a full bathroom, a small living space and a small kitchenette/bar area.

AHMMS: What purpose does the pool house usually

AHMMS: What are the trends you are seeing in pool and pool house design?

KC: A pool house typically serves as another gathering space for family and friends. It can also be used as additional living space, depending on the features you include during construction.

KC: Sun shelves and beach entry pools are becoming more commonplace than previous years. These are great for kids or pets because they are so shallow. I am also seeing many more people putting in pool houses, but designing them for use as additional living space for guests.

serve?

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getaway style marketplace

Spring is here— the pool is open!

Freshen up your pool deck with these Mid South finds.

Millbrook Sofa in Amelia/Ivory Ethan Allen, $2919 Cordova 901.384.6171

Turkish Bath Towels Social, $30 each Memphis, 901.766.6746 Gold Foil Napkins & Summer Sippin' Cups Pickering Boxwood, $6.50 & $10 Memphis 901.359.4147

Biscayne Armchair Ethan Allen, $839 Cordova 901.384.6171 42 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2017

Biscayne Coffee Table Ethan Allen, $549 Cordova 901.384.6171

Big Green Egg Grill starting at $799

Germantown Hardware Germantown 901.756.9522

Seahorse Lamp, $99 The Feathered Nest Germantown 901.421.8185

Girl's Night Out Slushie Mix Southern Muse Collierville 901.221.7479 April 2017 • athomemms.com | 43

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getaway

The Henderson A New Luxury Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast

Text by Tracy Louthain Photos courtesy of The Henderson and Tracy Louthain

Cruising over the Mid-Bay Bridge, the Choctawhatchee Bay glistened like a million diamonds in the afternoon sun. The time had arrived for our romantic escape to The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort.

Located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin’s newest luxury resort is nestled between sugar-white sand beaches, Henderson Beach State Park and the charming Crystal Beach neighborhood.

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T

getaway

owering above street level, The Henderson appeared as a majestic manor. Upon entering, the grand lobby was stately yet unpretentious. From the walnut floors to the reclaimed wood beams and old-world style chandeliers that adorn the vaulted ceilings, the interior felt like it had been part of the coast’s landscape for decades. When we arrived in late afternoon natural light spilled into the room through floor-to-ceiling windows that also provide a spectacular view of the 200-acre Henderson Beach State Park.

Owned by Memphis-based Dunavant Enterprises, Inc., The Henderson has been a labor of love. The project was a vision of the family for more than a decade and took two years to build.

“An incredible amount of work has been invested into this project,” says Bill Dunavant III, president and CEO of Dunavant Enterprises. “After a decade of development and meticulous planning, our family is thrilled to offer a level of luxury that [was] previously unavailable between New Orleans and Sarasota.”

The Dunavants wanted to bring something truly authentic and special to the Gulf Coast, and local flair abounds throughout the facility. From the vintage Destin photographs that grace the hallways to 465 original works of art created by 13 local and regional artists, the resort reflects the beauty and personality of the Emerald Coast.

The Henderson’s wood shingles and steep gable roof lines complement the original Henderson Park Inn, which is located to the south of the new resort complex.

Enhancing the resort’s beauty is the five-star service. Managed by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the staff at The Henderson are gracious, welcoming and make each guest’s stay nothing short of spectacular. From running to our car to retrieve sunglasses to preparing a special cocktail at the spa, thoughtful team members provided exceptional service with a smile. The Henderson offers car service to nearby shopping and dining locales, including the Destin Harbor.

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getaway Our Gulf-side room overlooked the preserve.

The comfortable couch on the terrace drew us outside to feel the warm coastal breeze. The spacious room was beautifully decorated with attention to detail. Shutters above the bathtub opened to the bedroom, providing views of the preserve from throughout the suite.

Beginning our day with a long leisurely walk on the soft white-sand beaches was a joy. Nestled along the state park, this stretch of beach features pristine, untouched beauty.

As we arrived at the adult pool to bask in the warm Florida sun we were greeted by courteous staffers who escorted us to pool chairs and offered towels, water and other amenities. The resort has two pools—an adult pool and a zero-entry family pool with a splash pad for kids. We stayed long enough to soak up the sun and find relaxation while listening to the soothing sound of water spraying from the fountains.

Horizons, the lobby-level lounge bar, features hand-crafted cocktails, wine and local craft beers.

With its impressive rotunda, marble fireplace and spectacular views of the park and the Gulf in the distance, Horizons is the ideal indoor setting to watch the sunset.

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Infused jalapeno flavor in signature cocktails like The H and the Spicy Mule adds a spicy kick to sunset libations; the complimentary barbecue pecans and roasted black-eyed peas are a delicious accompaniment. The Henderson also hosts a Salutation Celebration on the fifth floor Sunset Vista with Captain Joe, ringing the bell at sunset.

For dinner, we headed to the main dining room, Primrose. Named after the area’s oldest commercial fishing vessel, Primrose is dressed in nautical hues and serves fresh, local cuisine. Executive Chef Michael Katz’s menu ranges from seafood and sushi to prime steaks and chops. The park-side firepit provided a relaxing outdoor gathering spot for after-dinner drinks.

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getaway Health, Wellness and Relaxation The breakfast menu at Primrose features a range of healthconscious choices as well as some decadent options. We enjoyed The Hammy, the signature ham, pineapple and egg sandwich.

With each paid room night, guests have the choice of two hours of select activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, beach bike riding, kick boarding, fitness classes and nature tours. We picked out a couple of beach cruisers to bike through the Crystal Beach neighborhood. Passing colorful cottages, we traversed the coast, stopping at beach access points along the way.

The centerpiece of The Henderson is the Salamander Spa, where health, wellness and relaxation blend seamlessly. In addition to a fitness center, the spa offers wellness classes and programs. Our spa time was purely indulgent, however.

“Couples playtime” offers 90 minutes of bliss for busy pairs craving time together. Entering the private suite, couples are welcomed with a big Jacuzzi bubble bath, chocolatecovered strawberries and decadent treats, including a bowl of vegetable-based mask so they can give one another facials. One of only a few spas in the U.S. that offer ocean views, The Henderson’s luxury suite features a terrace where guests can lounge outside overlooking the park.

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During our couples’ massage we enjoyed a blend of relaxing techniques and deep tissue massage. The therapists worked their magic while we enjoyed a quiet moment together. Private men’s and women’s lounges with steam rooms, experience showers, Jacuzzis and more await guests after their service. For ultimate relaxation, the perfect spot is the Lavender Lounge, overlooking the park. A glass of Lavender Bubbles, a mix of lavender simple syrup, La Marca Prosecco and Miraval Rose, is the ultimate post-spa toast. The finale was a visit to the salon for a pedicure. The delicious service includes coconut butter scrub and pineapple hydrating lotion—it’s like a pina colada for the feet.

Before departing, we took one last moment to sit on the veranda and enjoy the coastal breeze while banana leaf fans gently circled overhead. We agreed that we must return with the kids. With its family pool, Sprinkles Ice Cream shop, Kids Club and white-sand beaches just steps away, The Henderson is well-suited to cater to the entire family.

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travel

Dubai

An Opulent Destination

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travel

Text by Glenda Owen, Regency Travel, Inc. Photos courtesy of Regency Travel

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travel

Where in the

WORLD is this place?

DUBAI, UAE, only 50 years ago!

DUBAI, UAE, today!

The transformation is amazing!

What prompted the development; who inspired the progression and how did it occur? It is difficult to conceive that this desert area has developed into one the wealthiest and fastest-growing countries in the world.

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Once home to nomadic Bedouin, fishermen and pearl divers, the UAE, and in particular Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have been modernized by oil, banking and tourism. The late Sheikh Zayed, first president of the UAE, directed the development and steered oil revenues into healthcare, education and expansion, making Dubai into an international aviation hub and a global destination. Because of its dependence on the export of petroleum and the concern that Dubai’s resources will become limited in the next 50 years, the emirate has undertaken a major effort to become the new cultural center of the Arab world and an exciting destination for all tourists.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are members of the United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates or the UAE. Established in December 1971, the country is a federation composed of seven emirates: Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi (which serves as the capital) and Dubai.

The federation of hereditary monarchies is governed by a Federal Supreme Council made up of the seven emirates. Each emirate is governed by its own absolute monarch, and every five years one of the monarchs is selected as the president of the UAE. Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates and is the commercial capital of the UAE and the Middle East. This city’s population of 2.3 million is made up of 200plus nationalities. Abu Dhabi is the largest and wealthiest emirate.

It appears that the land of the UAE has been occupied for millennia. Ancient stone tools reveal a settlement of people from Africa from over 130,000 years ago. Later, trade linked the area with Mesopotamia and Iran, and so the region became a major trading post. When the Islamic invasion occurred Muslim leaders took control of the area. Later, it came under the direct influence of the Ottoman Empire. At this same time, the Portuguese, English and Dutch colonial forces appeared because of exploration and trade; the British established dominance, however. In the late 1800s the region was considered the principal port on the Persian Gulf. During the past two centuries, the pearl industry thrived, providing employment and income.

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travel The two World Wars and other events made clear that the British government could no longer afford to administer and protect what is now the United Arab Emirates. After several decades of transition a constitution was written on December 2, 1971, and so the United Arab Emirates was established.

The UAE is strategically situated in the Middle East on the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran. The area is a vital transit point for world crude oil. The climate is subtropical-arid with very hot summers. During the hottest months of July and August, temperatures reach 113˚ F. There is little rainfall, and during the summer months, a humid southeastern wind known as Sharqi makes the coastal region especially unpleasant. The best time to visit Dubai is from November to April.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque

Islam is the official state religion of the UAE. The government follows a policy of tolerance toward other religions and rarely interferes in the activities of non-Muslims, and it is expected that non-Muslims avoid interfering in Islamic religious affairs. There are numerous Christian churches throughout the country, as well as Hindu and Buddhist temples. Though the country is openminded in allowing other religious faiths to exist within it, the government does impose restrictions on spreading other religions through any form of media.

The UAE’s federal court system consists of three main branches: civil, criminal and Sharia law. The civil and criminal courts apply elements of Sharia law, including a ban on openly displayed affection. A certain amount of discrimination against women exists. Sharia courts have exclusive jurisdiction over family law cases and over matters including adultery, premarital sex, robbery and other related crimes. Flogging and stoning, derived from Sharia law, are legal punishments in the UAE. Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken and is the language of business and education, especially in Dubai, making it a destination where no communication problems exist. Visitors from around the world travel here to enjoy the ancient Arabian culture mixed with the desert experience and cosmopolitan sophistication.

Burj Al Arab

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Only a valid passport is required for travel to the United Arab Emirates.

Flying there from the US takes at least 13 hours. Numerous airlines such as British Air/Singapore Air/Lufthansa/ Delta with AF/Delta with KLM/Qatar and others fly between the US and the UAE. Emirates, Dubai’s official airline carrier, flies nonstop between cities in the US and Dubai. To fly Emirates is like beginning your destination experience as you depart the US. Emirates even has its own terminal in the Dubai airport. In fact, with one million daily visitors, Dubai International Airport has overtaken London Heathrow to become the world’s busiest.

Many travel companies provide tours to the UAE, and some tour programs include other countries in that region. Another possible way to visit the UAE would be to take a cruise; many lines sail from Asia, Australia or Indonesia and stop in ports of call in the UAE. Cruises give travelers the opportunity to sample several different countries in the Middle East as well as exotic locales between the departure city and the UAE. Numerous resorts exist in this country so you will have no problem finding elegant accommodations. Hotels in the UAE generally provide exceptional service and delicious, varied food choices. Most hotel menus feature selections from worldwide cuisines to accommodate the many international travelers in the country on vacation or business.

So many exciting experiences await in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts between the old and the new, the East and the West.

Be prepared to experience a variety of sights and scents of the region in a cosmopolitan setting. An overview tour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi will provide an excellent introduction to this developed land of sand and oil. Visitors marvel at the world-class architectural wonders that tower over these two cities.

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travel

Spice Souk

The Dubai Museum, a great starting point for sightseers, is housed in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort. Realistic displays, complete with sound effects, provide a fascinating glimpse of the city’s historical links with trading and pearl diving. Dubai is known as the City of Merchants for its long history of trade, and one can understand this clearly after a visit to the museum.

Next take an Abra Boat (water taxi) to the aromatic Spice Souk (market) where every imaginable variety of spice is available to purchase. Perhaps hire a local guide to walk you through the souk and explain what to look for in quality spices. The people of Emirates know spices; their traditional cuisine includes liberal use of the flavorings. How interesting it is to watch the locals in the souk selecting, bargaining and purchasing their spices! At the spacious Gold Souk one can purchase exquisite jewelry at the lowest prices in the world. Whether or not you buy, a stroll through this dazzling souk is a must.

Continue to “New Dubai” and explore Palm Island, a manmade archipelago shaped like a palm tree in the Persian Gulf. Then marvel at another engineering feat, the World Islands. Sand and earth have been deposited in the Persian Gulf in the rough shape of a world map. After viewing these spectacular sights, walk along the sand near the fabulous Burj Al Arab. The Burj architectural structure is meant to evoke the sail of a dhow (traditional wooden cargo vessel). Completed in 1999, this landmark also sits on its own artificial island. This is to Dubai what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.

Palm Islands & World Islands

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travel

Burj Khalifa

Drive to the coastal residential area of Jumeirah, which means “beautiful” in Arabic. The new marina is home to multi-million dollar yachts and numerous restaurants. Continue your tour at Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall with approximately 1,200 stores. Truly a small city, the mall has a giant ice rink, a dinosaur skeleton, indoor theme parks and 150 food outlets, along with a two-story aquarium.

Ascend 124 floors to the highest observation deck in the world atop the planet’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, a stunning feat of architecture and engineering. Beside the Burj Khalifa is the famous fountain presentation where, during a spectacular sound and light show, the fountain dances to the music’s rhythm.

If you wish to explore the city independently, then the modern, safe, efficient Dubai Tram is available. It runs for over nine miles and is connected with the monorail, increasing the ability to travel around Dubai. The tram runs 20 hours each day, and the cost is very reasonable. The air-conditioned trams are a fast, very comfortable means of transportation through the city.

After being amazed by the sights and scents of Dubai, travel a short distance to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. A sheikh of the Bani Yas tribe named the city after a breed of gazelles. Abu Dhabi was founded in 1761 and is situated on a small peninsula surrounded by a cluster of islands.

First visit the most imposing religious and national landmark in Abu Dhabi, the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque. It is also one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary design in the UAE and one of the most impressive in the world. Non-Muslims can visit this awe-inspiring mosque, but appropriate dress and head covering must be observed. This spectacular structure was initiated by the late President HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Nahyan, who is fondly considered the father of the UAE. Composed of over 100,000 tons of pure white Greek and Macedonian marble, this massive mosque has floral and geometric designs throughout which are filled with semi-precious stones. The chandeliers are crafted from millions of Swarovski crystals. It is also home to the world’s largest loomed carpet, measuring 60,570 square feet with 2.27 billion knots. Truly, this place of worship is one of the highlights of the UAE. April 2017 • athomemms.com | 63

travel Abu Dhabi is often referred to as the Manhattan of the Gulf thanks to the profusion of ultra-modern glazed skyscrapers, gleaming mosques and elegant high-rise apartments. The tip of the breakwater provides a superb view of the city’s magnificent skyline.

Costing $3 billion to build, Emirates Palace, the most prestigious hotel in the UAE, is a massive gilded structure that stretches over .6 miles and has 114 domes. To enter either Burj Al Arab or the Emirates Palace, one must be a registered guest or have a reservation for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea.

Arrangements must be made months in advance and rooms and meals are quite costly.

Emirates Palace

The Heritage Village is a recreation of a desert oasis. It provides a glimpse into the past with artisans blowing glass, demonstrating weaving and throwing pottery. The village’s souk, mosque and replica of a Bedouin camp replicate what this region was like just a short time ago.

Abu Dhabi is anticipating the future by initiating cultural development. The Manarat Al Saadiyat is a high-tech center for interactive, local cultural displays and international exhibitions. It houses the Saadiyat Experience, which tells the history of the Saadiyat Cultural District and hosts art exhibitions. This area has been established as the site for future museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museums. The Yas Marina Circuit, an ultramodern Formula One racing circuit, is the site of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With advance reservations, visitors can take a ride in a dragster or even drive an Aston Martin around the track. More adventure awaits at Ferrari World, billed as the largest indoor amusement park in the world. Ferrari World offers a racing experience, museum, hall of fame and several restaurants and shops.

Emirates Palace

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Falcon Hospital

At the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital guests gain insight into the lives of the majestic creatures and see the area where injured falcons are rehabilitated to fly once more.

Before concluding a visit to these opulent cities, experience the ancient Arabian culture by visiting the desert.

Begin by embarking on a thrilling fourwheel drive journey through the Desert Conservation Reserve, deep into the desert. On arrival at the Arabian camp, relax on comfortable cushions in a Bedouin tent and immerse yourself in the local culture of the desert. Try henna hand painting or the aromatic shishas, don the traditional clothing of the region, taste the flavors of camel milk chocolate or take a camel ride. Conclude the visit with a dinner of grilled meats, fresh salads and Arabian sweets as you are entertained by a belly dancing show. The experience stands in stark contrast to the country’s ultra-modern side and provides new appreciation for the transformation of this land of sand to a destination of opulence.

To quote His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, “The word impossible is not in the leader’s dictionary. No matter how big the challenges, strong faith, determination and resolve will overcome them.”

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experience this

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel Text by Frances J. Folsom | Photos courtesy of the National Civil Rights Museum

On April 3, 1968, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. checked into room 306 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. The motel was in the seediest of the city's neighborhoods, but the world-renowned civil rights leader and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize had few choices. Like other Southern cities in 1968, Memphis was segregated. African Americans were not permitted by law to stay in “all-white” hotels.

King was in Memphis organizing a march in support of 1,300 African American sanitation workers who were on strike in the city for higher wages and better benefits.

That night he told a large crowd at the Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, “We’ve got some difficult times ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop…And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”

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experience this

A Culture of Resistance; Slavery in America

At 6 p.m. on April 4, Dr. King stepped onto the balcony of Room 306 to speak with colleagues from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference who were gathered in the parking lot. Seconds later a shot rang out from a building nearby and Dr. King lay dying. He was 39 years old.

In 1991 the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel opened. Exhibits highlight five centuries of African American history, from the early days of slavery in the 17th century to the Civil War, up to and including the sit-ins, marches, speeches and other protests of the 20th century.

Visitors follow a floor map of the Americas, Europe and Africa to learn about the Atlantic slave trade in A Culture of ResistanceSlavery in America 1619-1861.

The sanitation strike that brought Dr. King to Memphis is detailed in I Am a Man; Memphis Sanitation Strike 1968. On the side of an original garbage truck from that time period visitors can view a video that shows the strikers surrounded by Memphis police and National Guardsmen. The most telling part of the exhibit is a grouping of dramatic statues of the strikers with signs around their necks reading, “I Am a Man.” Standing Up by Sitting Down – Student Sit-ins 1960 pays tribute with life-sized sculptures of protesting students sitting at the original lunch counter from F.W. Woolworth in Greensboro, NC, the site of the first sit-in on February 1, 1960.

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experience this

A Culture of Resistance; Slavery in America

As visitors enter a mock jail cell in The Children Shall Lead Them – Birmingham 1963, Dr. King’s voice resonates as he reads from his Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

The Year They Walked pays tribute to the women of Montgomery, Alabama with pictures and statues from the year they boycotted the Montgomery Bus Company, 1955 to 1956. The protest was triggered by civil rights activist Rosa Parks refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person. Boarding the bus, visitors hear Dr. King giving his speech supporting the boycott.

Musician Dave Brubeck (1920-2012) was a staunch supporter of civil rights. He had a racially integrated band, and took his message of equality and desegregation across the United States, Europe and Asia. On several occasions Brubeck refused to perform for “white only” audiences. A special exhibit honoring the musician, Dave Brubeck; Jazz Ambassador, is at the museum in conjunction with Memphis’ Dave Brubeck Jazz Festival, April 8-10.

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Separate is Not Equal

Across the street from the museum is the Legacy Building, the boarding house from which it is alleged that James Earl Ray fired the shot that killed Dr. King. The walls of the first floor are covered with a timeline that presents a history, up until 1968, of events documented at the museum. The second floor is given over to artifacts pertaining to the investigation of Dr. King’s assassination and Ray’s trial and conviction.

The exhibit that brings everything full circle is the Lorraine Motel. Rooms 306 and 307, where Dr. King and his staff stayed, remain exactly as they were in 1968, with original furnishings from the beds, bureaus, tables and telephones to the sheets and blankets, pillows and bedspreads.

The National Civil Rights Museum stands as a memorial to Dr. King, his efforts to desegregate the South and the country, and to the broader American Civil Rights Movement.

If you go…..

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel 450 Mulberry St. Memphis, TN 38103 901.521.9699 www.civilrightsmuseum.org Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Tuesdays Admission: Adults - $15 Seniors & Students - $14 Children ages 4 to 17 - $12 3 and under – Free

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social

The World is VAST Gathering On Tues., Feb. 28, Regency Travel hosted an exclusive gathering showcasing uncommon journeys and extraordinary destinations. Guests were able to learn about Virtuoso’s Active and Specialty Travel programs provided by Australis, Abercrombie & Kent, Backroads, Cox and Kings, Ponant, Linblad and Rocky Mountaineer. Interested travelers had the rare opportunity to meet these experts face-to-face and discuss sustainable tourism, World Heritage Sites and multi-generational opportunities. Travel advisors shared ideas about wildlife trips, sea voyages, biking, hiking and multisport adventures, rail vacations and customized itinerary options on all seven continents.

Text & photos courtesy of Regency Travel

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social

HEDGE FARM RIBBON CUTTING

Hedge Farm Weddings and Special Events hosted an After Hours Social for the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce. Marshall County Supervisor George Zinn III did the honors of cutting the ribbon with Byhalia Mayor Phil Malone, BACC members, family and friends attending to welcome the new owners, Steve and Layne Popernik, to Marshall County, MS. Everyone enjoyed networking, touring the historic home, the bed and breakfast and the grounds of Hedge Farm, located at 829 Cayce Road, Victoria, MS. Hedge Farm is a one-stop shop for your venue and event-planning needs. All types of events, including wedding receptions and ceremonies, corporate cocktail events, luncheons, rehearsal dinners, social gatherings, formal events, proms, birthday parties, baby showers, fashion shows, vow renewals, concerts, and non-profit events are welcome to enjoy Hedge Farm's charm and classical style.

Text & photos courtesy of Hedge Farm

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Owners, Steve and Layne Popernik April 2017 • athomemms.com | 75

social

Main Street Collierville: Meet our new Executive Directior Mixer!

Main Street Collierville held a Members Mixer on March 9th at City Hall Cheesecake and introduced their new Executive Director, Amanda Harris. "We are so thrilled to have Amanda on board" said Cheri Kilmurray, Main Street Collierville President Elect, "She brings so much energy and a wealth of non-profit experience from the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County." The event was attended by Main Street Collierville members as well as community leaders including Mayor Stan Joyner, Alderman Maureen Fraser, and Collierville Town Administrator James Lewellen. The mission of Main Street Collierville is to preserve and enhance the Town Square area as the heart of Collierville; communicate a sense of community pride, heritage, and small town wholesomeness; and provide for a successful business and residential environment. To learn more about becoming a Main Street Collierville Member at the business, organization or individual level contact 853-1666.

Text & photos courtesy of Main Street Collierville Photography by Wildflowers Photography

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social

THE 2017 MID-SOUTH HEART BALL The 2017 Mid-South Heart Ball was held on Sat., Feb. 25, at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis.

More than 600 attendees enjoyed live and silent auctions, a seated dinner and entertainment from Nashville band Burning Las Vegas.The event, which was co-chaired by Paulo Teixeria, CEO of the JuicePlus+ Company, and Darrell Doane, owner of Home Instead Senior Living, raised nearly $500,000, making it the most successful Heart Ball in the 41-year history of the event in Memphis. The evening’s Open Your Heart honoree was John Daniel, senior vice president of human resources for First Tennessee Bank. A video sharing Daniel’s story played before a surprise appearance by the choir from Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, Daniel’s church, and a rousing rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Text & photos courtesy of Lori Pope, American Heart Association Memphis

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social

oxford film festival 2017

The 14th annual Oxford Film Festival had its most successful year yet with unprecedented growth in ticket sales, filmmaker attendance and new sponsors. The festival welcomed actor Danny Glover on Friday, February 17 to the Malco Commons before the opening of Oscar nominee I Am Not Your Negro. Over 151 films showed at 7 venues from February 15-19 and new additions such as the kid film festival were a hit.

The festival is set in 2018 for February 7-11.

Text courrtesy of Melanie Addington Photography by Bill Dabney Photography

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The Feathered Nest GRAND OPENING On March 1, Lisa Hogue opened her new store," The Feathered Nest."

Hogue has enjoyed making homes beautiful for over 35 years. The Feathered Nest is filled with traditional French country finds, perfect for any home!

The Feathered Nest is located at 7582 Southern Ave. in Germantown.

Please call 901.421.8185 for more information.

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wedding

Caroline Dale Barry Hillyer December 17, 2016 Memphis, Tennessee Parents of Bride: Jimmy and Kim Dale Parents of Groom: Bruce and Adrienne Hillyer 80 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2017

SOURCES

Ceremony Venue: Independent Presbyterian Church Reception Venue: The Columns Rehearsal Dinner: Cafe Keough Downtown Photographer: PhotographybyLoren Videographer: Five Hills Studio, Jamie Hill Florist: Ashlye McCormick Floral Design Caterer: Simply Delicious Catering Hair: Shawn Ware of Ella David Salon Makeup: Kasey Acuff Dress: Maggie Louise Bridal

Anne Barge Bridal Gown, Mother's Antique Veil

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Hayley Paige in Burgundy Chiffon

Invitations: Alpha Graphics by Becca Smith Rings: Doris McClendon's Fine Jewelry Band: G3: The Garry Goin Group Event Planner: Gracie Leathers Tent and Rentals: White Door Events

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arts

Abstract Artist Beth Winterburn Text by Claire Peeler Photos courtesy of Beth Winterburn

A

rtist Beth Winterburn didn’t find her passion for abstract painting easily. After pursuing a degree in architecture, studying photography, getting married and starting a family, she had a calling for creating that would not subside. Finally, after searching for years, Winterburn found her artistic outlet and turned it into a dream business and lifestyle.

She went to the University of Tennessee Knoxville with the intention of pursuing a degree in architecture, but she found the field too mechanical for her creative mind. Says Winterburn, “If you mess one thing up, ten hours later you have to go back to square one. All the measurements rely on one another. It was very tedious, very mathematical.” UT’s art and architecture departments shared the same building, and when Winterburn knew she was no longer interested in her original field of study, she found her new goal nearby—a Fine Arts degree in photography.

But photography was quickly switching to a digital world rather than the hands-on editing methods with which Winterburn was familiar. She realized she had no passion for the lack of flexibility present in the latest editing techniques.

Shortly after graduation, Winterburn met her future husband and had what she calls a whirlwind romance. Her path to discovering her creative calling was put on hold.

The newlyweds moved to Memphis shortly after marrying and began their journey to starting their family of five, but the transition to this new city was not easy. “The first couple of years were difficult. My husband was in law school, we had our first child a year after we were married, so it was just a really crazy season of life,” Winterburn recalls. While cultivating her friend group and building her household, this soon-to-be abstract artist realized that her creativity needed to be expressed. She says, “I can remember telling my husband on a regular basis that I really needed an outlet.”

Through the years Winterburn would paint for friends who requested artwork for their home even though that was not her focus in college. “Everybody assumes that when you have an art degree you are really good at all the disciplines,” she jokes. When a friend requested an abstract piece that was 82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2017

beyond Winterburn’s experience level she still endeavored to paint it. “I looked at the canvas blank for a solid month and didn’t do anything to it. Finally, I just started. Once I did, I had never felt like that about any other discipline,” she says. Abstract painting immediately became her new love and profession. “It just took off from there. I didn’t expect to do this as a business. It was more of an outlet, but now it has become so much a part of me. I cannot imagine my life without it.”

After experimenting with abstracts, Winterburn found her own personal style in working with ink and acrylic on largescale paper. She uses bold brush strokes and minimalistic detail to create each piece of art. Her unique background knowledge of architecture and photography allows her to create balanced and visually appealing paintings. Her mathematical approach results in the perfect amount of tension and resolution in each creation.

Winterburn’s large-scale works take time to prepare, starting with stretching paper and getting the backdrop perfect before she begins painting. She lightheartedly calls this process “paper yoga” because of the workout it involves.

Works by the artist are on display and available for purchase at many locations around Memphis, including Catherine and Mary’s, River Oaks, Hickory Foxwood and Falling Into Place.

Winterburn recently released her first online collaborative collection with Allie Dattilio, a landscape artist, and Lindsay Emery, a ceramicist and painter. Even though all three artists live in different states, distance was no barrier. They were able to collaborate via email and social media to create cohesive works of art. With three creative minds challenging one another to design outside their comfort zones, the trio created a collection with a different color palette than any of them had previously used. Black, white, blush and gold are the basis of these pieces, called The Chiaroscuro Collection.

Says Winterburn, “It’s been really cool to see us all push outside of what we are used to.” To view the collection and other works by Winterburn, visit her website, www.ebw-artwork.com.

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entertaining

Easter Elegance Happy spring! The warmer temperatures have finally arrived to the Mid South and Easter will be here before you know it! Turn your Easter table into an elegant setting celebrating all that spring has to offer.

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entertaining

Text by Ginni Jones Design by Angela Mazanti Photography by Sarah Rossi April 2017 • athomemms.com | 85

entertaining

The Theme & Inspiration: The theme for this table was “An Easter Celebration”.

The garden setting inspired deigner Angela Mazanti, who chose light pastel colors to really highlight the freshness of the season.

The Decor: Outside in the garden Mazanti used a delightful mixture of floral designs. Ranunculus, hyacinth and poppies filled clay pots and silver cups scattered across the table. “I mixed in these gorgeous blue-green succulents which I love to use in many different settings. They are so versatile,” Mazanti said. Small clusters of bright artificial carrots wrapped with twine were hidden around the plants and on plates to add a pop of color. Another festive addition was the hand-dyed eggs. Mazanti dyed the eggs in more natural-looking shades and placed them in egg cartons, vases and clay pots to add the true Easter touch. She used lanterns and white bunny rabbit statues to finish off the tablescape.

Inside the venue, colorful tablescloths were draped over round tables for dining. The large floral arrangements were filled with hydrangeas, roses and tulips for loads of color. Below them Mazanti created large pink floral easter eggs made from carnations. The designer crafted tablescapes with customized place cards from hand-dyed Easter eggs and to finish off Mizanti used green leaf placemats, simple white chargers, green rustic dinner plates and a sweet bunny rabbit salad plate. Crystal glassware added an elegant touch.

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entertaining

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Creating your own: “I always like to create different elevations on my tables to add visual interest; old books in robin’s-egg blue and clay pots in the same color scheme worked perfectly,” Mazanti says. The look is easy to recreate by mixing small floral arrangements with readily available items you would find in gardens or homes such as moss, old books, birdcages, lanterns, silver cups and pastel colored platters. Also, the hand-dyed eggs are easy to make and could be a great way to include children in Easter decorating. “This set-up is great for a buffet or dessert table or would make the perfect spot to place plates, flatware and glassware,” Mazanti adds. For the dining area pull together bunny figurines and use your extra hand -dyed eggs for name cards. If available, bunny plates really set the table for your own Easter celebration!

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dining out

Southern Styled Specialties

Text by Ruthie George | Photos courtesy of Char

A unique steakhouse with its roots in Jackson, MS, recently opened in Memphis, to the delight of many.

Located on the newly revitalized Highland Strip near the University of Memphis campus, Char attracts diners from many different walks of life with its dual identities as an upscale steak and seafood house by night and a convenient meat-and-sides spot for lunch or brunch.

At Char guests come first, as they have from the very start of the restaurant’s original location in Jackson. Says Ali Gensert, marketing director, “In 2000, there was an in-house contest for staff and regulars to come up with a name for the new restaurant. After filtering through dozens, it was narrowed down to two and voted on by a group. ‘Char’ was chosen!”

A piano bar lends the restaurant an atmosphere that is upscale, modern and comfortable all at once. Large historical photos of Memphis dot the dining room, adding a nice local touch without being overwhelming.

The high ceilings provide an open feel, while the cozy booths and white tablecloths make it warm and inviting.

Char’s unique blend of upscale Southern steakhouse and approachability sets it apart. Says Gensert, “There is no other restaurant like this in the university area, and we are excited to bring a concept that has been so successful in the Jackson market to Memphis!”

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Char’s menu is large and varied and includes perennial favorites such as crab claws, gumbo, redfish and chicken. Lunch specials like short ribs on Wednesdays and catfish on Fridays bring lunch patrons back again and again.

Special events now in the planning stages include bourbon tastings, bourbon pairing dinners, wine dinners, and a murder mystery dinner.

More information about the events will be posted on Char’s Facebook page and via their mass emails. The restaurant offers catering options for large and small groups as well as pickup and delivery service of popular menu items.

Two banquet rooms at Char are ideal for private dining events for 16 to 48 guests. Staff can customize menu options and the spaces are equipped with audio visual equipment and free wifi.

Char is open Mon.-Sat. from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located at 431 S. Highland St, #120 in Memphis.

The Jackson location is at 4500 I-55 North, Highland Village.

For more information or to make a reservation call 901.249.3533 for Memphis or 601.956.9562 for Jackson. Plans are in progress to expand the chain to Nashville.

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happy hour

Aperol Spritzer

Recipe courtesy of the Chancellor's House, Oxford, MS | Photography by Madeline Wyatt

l o r e p A 1 oz. co c e s o r P 2 oz. ater w a d o s f o h s a ice l s Spl e g n ora h t i w Garnish

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in the kitchen

• Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are the classic Southern party snack.

They are a requisite for a myriad of events ranging from cocktail parties to summer picnic potlucks— and, of course, Easter!

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By Jennifer Chandler Excerpted from The Southern Pantry Cookbook by Jennifer Chandler Photo by Justin Fox Burks | Food Styling by Jennifer Chandler

• • • • • • • •

Ingredients

6 large eggs Kosher salt 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. white wine vinegar Dash of hot sauce Freshly ground black pepper Paprika, for garnish

Directions

Place the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as water comes to a boil, remove the pan from the heat, cover and let stand for 12 minutes.

Place eggs in a colander to drain and run cold water over them until cool.

Peel the eggs and cut in half lengthwise.

Carefully remove the yolks, keeping the whites intact, and place the yolks in a medium bowl. Reserve the whites.

Using a fork, mash up the egg yolks.

Add the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar and hot sauce and stir until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon or pipe the egg yolk mixture into the whites. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving sprinkle with paprika.

Makes 12 deviled eggs.

Cooking Tip: Adding a little salt to the cooking water and peeling the eggs under cold water helps make the peeling easier.

Devilishly Delicious Deviled Egg Add-Ins: Smoked salmon and capers Crispy bacon Sweet pickle relish Fresh herbs Curry powder Chopped olives Salsa Horseradish April 2017 • athomemms.com | 95

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Sources 26 | AT HOME WITH Special thanks - John Currence www.chefjohncurrence.com 28 | HOME FEATURE Steve Nabers of Nabers Interiors 2665 Broad Avenue Memphis, TN 38112 901.323.2892 38 | DESIGN Windsor Homes Builder: Katie Clark Batesville Cabinet Company 662.578.7300 Tops Unlimited - Counters 901.854.9794 Flooring Solutions 901.755.5574 Hawaiian Pool 901.870.0745 84 Lumber Windows, Framing, Carpentry 901.861.8433 84 | ENTERTAINING Special thanks - Angela Mazanti 90 | DINING OUT Special thanks - Char 92 | HAPPY HOUR Special thanks - The Chancellor's House 425 S. Lamar Blvd.

Oxford, MS 38655 662.371.1400 98 | ON A GOOD NOTE Special thanks - Porter Leath www.porterleath.org

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on a good note

Memphis-based charity helps families in crisis Widows and orphans in Shelby County had few resources to receive food, shelter, clothing or care before 1850.

By Nick Lingerfelt Photography by James Thomas

S

eeing this need, Sarah Leath organized a haven for needy women and children, which is known today as Porter-Leath.

This organization is committed to serving at-risk children and families in Memphis.

“It all centers around our mission, which is to empower children and families to achieve a healthy and independent lifestyle,” says Rob Hughes, development director for PorterLeath.

The charity helps more than 10,000 low-income children and families annually with programs designed to meet their developmental, health and social needs at the earliest opportunity.

“Research shows children with a preschool education are more likely to own a home by the time they’re 27 (years old),” Hughes says. The Porter-Leath Preschool program focuses on early childhood development, kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning success. It brings vital early childhood education and family services to over 5,000 children and families in Shelby County each year.

The preschool encompasses several components, including Early Head Start, Head Start and Pre-K. Porter-Leath is the grantee for Early Head Start in Shelby County and is the sole contractor for Head Start for grantee Shelby County Schools.

Children who are at the greatest risk for failure are the program’s top priority; admission is based on highest need rather than first-come first-served, explains Hughes. The preschool's goal is to ensure that every child is kindergarten ready, both academically and socially. “Up to 10 percent of our enrollment has a mild or moderate disability,” Hughes says.

Going a step further, the organization is in favor of universal preschool for all children. “It needs to happen,” Hughes tells At Home.

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in school, their communities and life. Porter-Leath fills this need through their Connections program, which is operated by clinical staff 24 hours a day and focuses on providing residential, foster care, adoption, runaway and homeless services for children from birth to age 18 in a supportive and therapeutic environment. It is the only runaway homeless shelter for teens in Shelby County.

Porter-Leath Cornerstone is a visitation program that teaches expectant mothers as well as families of children from newborn to five years old positive prenatal and early childhood development skills. “Healthy birth weights are key to preventing infant mortality,” Hughes says.

Home visitors teach preventative health, healthy parenting practices and self-sufficiency. Staffers continue to visit new mothers after their babies are born to ensure they can practice what they were taught. Says Hughes, “We stick with you for at least a year.”

Porter-Leath Generations, the organization’s version of the national Foster Grandparent and RSVP programs, brings children and seniors together in a mutually beneficial way. Currently the program has 130 foster grandparents enrolled; these volunteers act as an extra pair of hands.

Hughes explains Generations as a win/win for the seniors as well as the families. “It keeps them involved,” he says.

Since the early 1980s, Porter-Leath has been a sponsoring organization through the Department of Human ServicesChild and Adult Care Food Program to provide services and reimbursements directly to participating family day care homes. The program ensures children age 12 and younger who are enrolled in child care homes and centers receive well-balanced, nutritious meals. Porter-Leath Spoonfuls helps family day care home providers meet this goal through nutrition education, program training and financial reimbursements.

To find out how to donate time or money or to learn more about Porter-Leath, visit www.porterleath.org.

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