February 2021

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide home feature

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

26 | HOM E F E A T UR E The Khattak family turns to Leigh Dill Interiors to fill their East Memphis home with things that tell their story and reflect their culture.

62 | EN T ERT AI N I NG We celebrate the debut of 17 Berkshire’s Valentine's Day menu with a Galentine’s Day fête fit for Marie Antoinette.

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

FEBRUARY 2021

home & design 26 HOME FEATURE

A House Becomes a Home

48 IN THE GARDEN

Dormant Pruning

62 ENTERTAINING Galentine’s Day with 17 Berkshire

food & travel 44 EXPERIENCE THIS

Welcome Home to the Willows at The Lake District

76 IN THE KITCHEN

Southern Squash Dressing

for you

40 WEDDING

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Argotsinger

58 GIFT GUIDE Valentine's Day

72 HEALTHY YOU

Love Yourself Well

82 ON A GOOD NOTE Dress for Success

in every issue

14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE

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81 SOURCES

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FEBRUARY 2021 • VOL. 19 NO. 11 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com

COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

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

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@gmail.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com

REGIONAL MARKETING JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com

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

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

HOW TO REACH US 320 SOUTH WALNUT BEND, SUITE 11 CORDOVA, TN 38018 | 901.684.4155 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.

@athomemagazine

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PUBLISHER'S

Note

Month one of 2021 is in the books, and as we enter February, which can be one of the coldest months in the Mid South, let us remember that Spring and new life are right around the corner.

Just today I witnessed some brave little daffodil blooms making their way into the world. After a year of uncertainty, we all need to take the time to look for small signs of new life and hope. This is so relevant to our family, at this time, as we are thrilled to announce we are expecting our first grandchild in July!

After 18 years of At Home, I still get excited to see the photos and homes we bring you in each issue. It made me smile a little extra when I saw the girls’ bedroom featured in this month’s home. I just fell in love with the pink; it will be my favorite color this year with our granddaughter’s arrival. Crawford May Ellis, you are already so loved! This “Mimi” has already been supporting our local economy with many pink purchases and has even enjoyed taking up smocking again!

I hope you find something in this month's issue that tickles you pink;).

Thank you all for your continued support and wishing you all love, peace and safety this February. Remember that warmer times are bringing new hope to us all—we are forever tickled pink over our new arrival this year.

She will certainly be the silver lining that came from 2020. Wishing Valentine blessings for you and your family!

Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

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H O M E F E AT U R E

a house becomes a HOME

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H O M E F E AT U R E

STORY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOS S E L AV I E P H OTO G R A P H Y INTERIOR DESIGN LEIGH DILL

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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f a house becomes a home when it is a reflection of the people who live in it, then the house where Drs. Amna Khattak and Haris Zafarullah and their two daughters live is a home in the truest sense. With help from local interior designer Leigh Dill, the couple filled their residence with things that tell their story and reflect their culture. Dill says the project is a testament to the concept that when you collect things you love, they will eventually all work together to create a complete look.

A Memphis resident since 2005, Khattak has amassed quite a collection of artwork, textiles and rugs from her native Pakistan, along with pieces acquired during many vacations abroad with her husband.

The couple decided to move from their Harbor Town home a few years ago to be closer to their children’s school and activities. After much searching they found nothing to perfectly suit their needs, so they purchased a lot in an East Memphis neighborhood and set about building their dream home.

Khattak’s vision for her house was that of a transitional - style Mediterranean with a terracotta roof, stucco walls, arched entryways and a courtyard. The interior of the house had to have a calming effect. Also on her list of must-haves was a floor plan that was family friendly, but conducive to entertaining, as well. Architect Doug Enoch delivered a design that checked all the boxes, and contractor Eddie Kircher brought Enoch’s creation to reality. Dill came on board partway through the process, about the time the house was framed, in time to help with the finishing pieces like paint colors, flooring and furnishings.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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hattak credits Dill with masterminding the tranquil vibe she sought by blending her colorful treasures with a simple palette of whites and neutrals. That pairing of color and calm is evident from the first step through the front door. Crowned by a high barrel ceiling, the foyer features a large abstract painting placed thoughtfully over a dramatic divan in purple velvet.

Just off the foyer a powder room brings all the drama. Variegated marble tiles in a striking chevron pattern extend across the floor right up to the ceiling, punctuated by a floating vanity that holds a vessel sink. Pewter-toned metallic wallpaper ups the glam factor another notch in this small but unforgettable space.

A pair of arched openings separate the large living room from the formal dining room.

Khattak says the dining room is one of her favorites places in the home, in part due to the artwork that adorns its walls. She recalls, “Leigh was very particular about what kind of art we were going to put in this room. She said, ‘This is an elegant room; we don't need too much going on.’” The pieces Khattak and Dill ultimately chose for the dining room walls are particular favorites of the homeowner: an original calligraphy work that artistically displays verses written in Arabic, and a pair of tall paintings in black and white that depict the Old City of Lahore in Pakistan.

Khattak says her native country has a very rich culture and a lot of history, especially in its ancient Mughal cities. “I love these paintings because they remind me of back home and all the hustle and bustle of the markets,” she adds.

An elegant light fixture, a Restoration Hardware dining table and chairs, custom curtains made from Pakistani fabric, and a brilliant blue rug, also imported from Khattak’s homeland, complete the dining room decor.

That same vibrant blue appears in the adjacent living room’s sofa, rug and art, playing off the crisp white walls and marble tile floors found throughout the home’s main floor. The quiet foundation allows the brilliant accents to get the attention they deserve to clearly tell the story of this family..

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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hite and neutral don’t have to equal boring, however, and that fact is beautifully illustrated in the home’s spacious kitchen. Dill guided the homeowners in selecting finishes that give the room a light, airy feel, from the stunning marble tile backsplash to the Taj Mahal quartzite counters to the cabinets in a tone that nods to white, but with a bit more color and depth.

Clever swinging doors separate the kitchen from the scullery, a feature Enoch is known for including in his residential architecture. Khattak says she loves the convenience of having extra work area and appliances out of plain view in the bonus kitchen.

Flowing from the kitchen is the family room, perhaps the heart of the home, which Khattak describes as the house’s “wow factor.” Warm oranges and deep blues stand out as the predominant design colors, repeated in the oversized sectional sofa and a pair of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams barrel chairs, in addition to the room’s true statement piece—the rug. Its Pakistani designer has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, noted for his juxtaposition of traditional patterns with contemporary colors.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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he master bedroom continues to tell the story of the couple’s extensive travel history. Art from Amsterdam, textiles from Mexico and a rug and drapes from Pakistan merge flawlessly, punched up by a dramatic blue upholstered bed and a modern light fixture that adds an element of fun to the design.

The upstairs playroom tells the story of the family’s two daughters, Menaal and Aaleen, aged 11 and nine. The two girls are both avid readers, so it’s only natural that their hangout space is literally wallpapered with books. The brightly colored pattern, a collage of front covers of iconic paperbacks from the famous Penguin publishing house, not only hints at the sisters’ favorite pastime, it also sets the saturated color palette for the room. A comfy sofa with twin chaises gives the girls an ideal spot to curl up with their favorite read, as does a pair of window seats set with plenty of pillows.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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ast the playroom is the bedroom Menaal and Aaleen share, and it is every girl’s dream. Khattak says it was important to her and her husband that their daughters have a fully furnished spot of their own as soon as they moved into the house, so she gave Dill free rein with the design. The designer didn’t hold back, choosing bright pink and white wallpaper for one wall and to back the shelves in built-in bookcases, magenta upholstered headboards with matching treasure chests at the foot, lavender and white bedding, and a built-in double desk with two pink furry chairs. A framed silhouette hangs over each girl’s bed—a must for any stylish young lady!

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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lthough the house has been her family’s home for three years, Khattak says there are still a few chapters left before its story is complete. She and Dill continue to work on finishing touches in the guest bedrooms and there are plans to add an outdoor kitchen on the back patio. She also says she likes having her home as a bit of a work in progress; in fact she so enjoys collaborating with Dill that she’s in no hurry to turn the last page on the process of making the house a home that tells the story of her culture and her family.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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WEDDING

Halle Smith & Andrew Argotsinger O C TO B E R 23, 2020 | M E M P H I S, T N

Parents of the Bride: Tami & Forrest Smith | Parents of the Groom: Barb & Jamie Argotsinger

REHEARSAL DINNER: MAJESTIC GRILLE | WEDDING & RECEPTION: AVON ACRES EVENT PLANNER: CONNOR AND CO. | FLORIST: GARDEN DISTRICT | PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTEN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHER: SAMI SUE STUDIOS | ENTERTAINMENT: AL PARIS AND THE HEARTBREAKERS | BAKER: FLOUR GARDEN INVITATIONS: SHINE WEDDING | CATERER: ME AND MY TEA ROOM | WEDDING DRESS: BALLEW BRIDAL MAKEUP: MAKEUP BY ASHLEY P | HAIR: JESSICA ROBINSON

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WEDDING

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EXPERIENCE THIS

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EXPERIENCE THIS

welcome home

TO THE WILLOWS AT THE LAKE DISTRICT

If you’ve ever been to Florida’s Seaside beachfront community and enjoyed the incredible experience of walking around a picturesque, lively town with fun things to see and do, then you will immediately appreciate what the developer of The Lake District in Lakeland, TN, is bringing to the region.

The newest locale providing exceptional living, exercising, shopping and dining is coming soon; Phase 1 of The Lake District is well under construction and groundbreaking is scheduled soon for the first part of the development’s residential section. Covering 160 acres, The Willows will include 109 custom townhouses ranging in size from 1,636 to just under 2,000 square feet. Designed by the local architectural firm of Looney Ricks Kiss, The Willows Townhouses are the first part of the new community’s overall residential scope.

When completed, The Lake District will include townhouses, single- family homes, citystyle apartments and age-restricted, one-level apartments. In total, the development will eventually house approximately 2,500 residents. The Willows townhomes are proving to be popular with homebuyers; many have already been reserved for purchase. All customdesigned by LRK, they include exceptional features like high ceilings, modern finishes and floor plans perfect for modern lifestyles. To view floorplans, exterior styles and interior finish packages, go to www.TheLakeDistrict.US. The Willows will be surrounded by attractive landscaping and natural barriers to sound and traffic. The developer is committed not only to design integrity and sustainability, but also to creating a community that will immediately appear as if it has been there for years.

He is achieving that goal by creating a mature landscape, walking trails and natural terrain.

A manmade 10-acre lake will be the central feature connecting upscale retail, coffee shops and dining.

Homes in the area’s first official golf-cart-friendly community will have two-car garages with space for a golf cart. Imagine carting to the Stock Market, a grocery store now under construction and opening in Phase 1, and then taking a short walk to get coffee. The project features wide walkways and paths for a generous feeling of space to enjoy. A nature preserve on the back of the development will have walking/cart paths for residents.

Creating a development is more than just streets and houses. The Lake District will be the first community of its kind in the Memphis area since Harbor Town in the 1990s, yet it will feel like an older, established community offering a lifestyle—not just a house. If you like walking to a locally owned coffee shop, restaurant, farmers’ market or grocery, The Lake District is the place for you. Ditto if you want to walk to the gym for a workout and then browse at one of several locally owned retail shops. Maybe you envision driving your golf cart around and talking to your neighbors. If you like open spaces, private courtyards and waterfront views, The Lake District could well be your new neighborhood. Welcome home to The Lake District.

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IN THE GARDEN

Dormant Pruning STORY BY DALE SKAGGS, DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE AT DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS

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February is an excellent month to prune many evergreen plants, and it is the preferred time to do this task at the Dixon. Be sure not to make cuts on spring-flowering plants; if you do you will be sacrificing their blooms for this year. The buds were set during last year’s growing season, so prune them after they have flowered. Unless you are creating a topiary or hedge, respecting the natural form of the plant will make your pruning task less frequent.

Many new gardeners are afraid to make cuts on plants but doing so is an important part of maintaining a plant’s most desirable ornamental character. A good pruning job is one that goes almost unnoticed. Pruning helps to create vigor and denser, shapelier plants with increased bloom, if performed at the proper time of the year.

It is always a good idea to remove crossed, dead or damaged branches. I once heard Dr. Alex Shigo, the late tree pathologist known as the father of modern tree pruning, say, “Dead branches are like sticks of sugar to fungi.” Crossed branches can rub, causing damage, and result in an unsightly appearance in cases where the underlying structure of the plant is evident.

Pruning involves two main tasks. If you are a novice gardener, the best place to start is to learn the difference between the terms heading back and thinning, and the effect each of these actions has on plants.

Heading back is the removal of the tips of the plant. Heading is used to control the size of the plant, and its least impactful form is called pinching. Shearing is also a form of heading back.

In its extreme form it is called stubbing, or hat racking by the British. Companies that maintain power lines provide glaring examples of the stubbing technique. This extreme method goes against the basic premise that a good pruning job hardly looks pruned.

Heading back for most gardeners does not need to involve a saw, but instead a good pair of hand pruners. Put away the motor-powered shears and scissors-type, hand-powered hedge shears; instead pick up some hand secateurs. I use a Felco pruner #2 as my preferred device although there are many brands of pruners on the market. The main requirement is that they are sharp enough to make clean cuts. This type of tool, when used in heading back, allows for a precision cut, so you can trim back in a less even fashion for an overall natural look. We use this technique on our boxwood at the Dixon when they start to encroach too much on the pathways.

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IN THE GARDEN

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Thinning is reaching into the plant to remove an entire shoot back to its point of origin. It opens plants up to allow air and light to reach their interior. If you head back plants often you probably need to do some thinning to open up the shell of foliage created by heading back.

After a particularly harsh winter you might find plants that have been “sprung” due to root damage that occurred when they were weighed down by ice on one side. These plants will need extra care; most likely some heading back but, more importantly, thinning. Such a combination of pruning techniques will generally help the plant endure icy weather in the future.

I have often told the story of how not understanding the difference between these two techniques nearly cost me my job as a teenager.

My boss wanted me to prune a large yaupon holly that swept over his house. He said I needed to “prune the holly off the house.” So, one day when he had gone out, I decided to surprise him. I used a saw in lieu of pruners and thinned back the holly to the main trunk in a classic thinning fashion. When he returned home he was indeed surprised, but not happily so. He said in an uncharacteristically loud voice something about turning kids loose with pruning tools. I was shocked by the comments from this meek and mellow man. He apologized later, but I never forgot my lesson.

As beneficial as pruning can be, there is no amount of it that will correct a plant in a bad spot.

Many times, new plantings are poorly spaced.

This is generally the result of an effort to keep the homeowner happy and to move merchandise for the landscaper. Other times, it’s best to simply let multiple plants grow together to make one mass, eliminating the “meatball” effect.

It is a different story altogether if the wrong plant was chosen for the space available. This problem is the result of a “design” created by someone who doesn’t really know plants, or someone who didn’t care. I’m not just talking about an honest garden mistake where something grew bigger than anticipated. This has happened to me numerous times, trying out plants that are totally new to the area and not really knowing their size at maturity.

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choose your per fect shape...

F

ebruary is known as the month of love.

If you’re planning on gifting something more precious than chocolate, a diamond may be in your future. While color, carat weight and clarity all play important roles in finding the perfect stone, perhaps the most important decision is choosing the ideal diamond cut.

Here you’ll find a quick guide to 10 extraordinary diamond cuts.

Round: The round brilliant cut is conventionally the most popular and sought-after of all diamond shapes. Polished with 57 facets, its ideal proportions return an impressive amount of fire, brilliance and scintillation. This traditional diamond cut works with nearly any setting and is perfect for the bride desiring an elegant look.

Princess: As the name suggests, these diamonds are fit for royalty. Princess cut diamonds have a square shape with pointed edges. These are traditional, yet unique enough for those who prefer a popular style with a classic twist.

Emerald: This diamond cut is one of the oldest shapes and can be traced back hundreds of years.

Emerald cut diamonds represent unification, as they are well proportioned and bring out the pure brilliance of the stone. This diamond cut is perfect for the sleek, modern-styled bride.

Asscher: The Asscher cut is a blend of the princess and emerald cuts with x-shaped facets from its corners to the center of the stone. An Asscher diamond is nearly octagonal in shape due to all of its curved edges and gives off a timeless effect with its vintage and unique designs.

Marquise: A marquise cut’s elongated body can make it appear larger than its actual carat weight.

Its lengthened shape has a slimming effect and looks stunning in vintage settings. This cut is perfect for those wanting a unique ring to cherish forever.

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Text and Photos courtesy of Stone Ward

Oval: The oval cut diamond is similar to the round cut, yet elongated. This shape is beloved because it can have a lengthening effect on the finger. Oval diamonds are a great choice for someone who likes the look of a classic round diamond but wants something more contemporary.

Radiant: A beautifully symmetrical, nontraditional cut, the radiant combines the brilliance of a round and the purity of an emerald cut. A radiant cut stays true to its name and is considered to be one of the most brilliant diamonds, perfect for the bride who wants a striking piece.

Pear: Pear shaped diamonds are unique and beautiful; they give the same lengthening effect as the oval. This cut combines properties of the marquise and oval cuts in order to create a more brilliant stone. A bride who enjoys being playful, unique and fun may favor the pear cut diamond.

Heart: Heart shaped diamonds are essentially pear-shaped diamonds with a cleft at the top that creates the iconic shape we all know and love.

This romantic shape is sweet and delicate. A heart shaped diamond is perfect for the true romantic ready to show off her love to the world.

Cushion: Similar to the princess cut, this diamond features a relatively square shape. However, the cushion cut is special because it can come in a multitude of ratios, allowing shapes ranging from square to rectangular. As one of the oldest cuts of diamond, the cushion has angles that show extra flashes of light and brilliance, perfect for the bride who wants a vintage style with added glamour.

If you need a little extra help finding the perfect piece this season or are interested in learning more about diamonds and browsing our extraordinary jewelry selection, stop by your nearest Sissy’s Log Cabin or browse online at SissysLogCabin.com.

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GIFT GUIDE

Annieglass Ruffle Heart Chip & Dip Platter, $174 Ultimate Gifts | Southaven, MS | 662.349.2717

Edmonds Table Lamp, $279 Warehouse 67 | Germantown, TN | warehouse67design.com

Haute Shore Greyson Bag, $97 Southern Muse | Collierville, TN | shopsouthernmuse.com

“We hold your heart in our hands", $25 Magnolia House | Southaven, MS | magnoliahouse.com 58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2021

Zafferano Perle Tumbler Glass, $20-25 Social | Memphis, TN | social-memphis.com

GIFT GUIDE

Yellow, Rose or White gold initial jewelry, $125 and up Longlegs Plush Flamingo, $12.99 Kalencom New Orleans | kalencombaby.com

Jewelers' Choice | Memphis, TN | jewelerschoiceinc.com

2021 Oriente Italiano Porpora Flat Dinner Plate, $125 Social | Memphis, TN | social-memphis.com February 2021 • athomemms.com | 59

GIFT GUIDE

Etta B Memphis Platter, $149.50 Two Doors Down | Germantown, TN | 901.385.3115

Susan Shaw Jewelry, call for pricing Cotton Row Uniques | Memphis, TN | cottonrowuniques.com

Signet ring with pearl, $121 Warehouse 67 | Germantown, TN | warehouse67design.com

Set of 2 Wedding Cheers Formal Flutes, $39 The Find | Memphis, TN | thefindmemphis.com

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GIFT GUIDE

Quartz Cake Stand, $225 Anaya Home | anayahome.com

Phillip Gavriel Sterling silver, 18K gold, genuine stones and diamonds, starting at $150 Custom Jewelry | Southaven, MS | 662.349.9070

Signature Chocolates 6 piece box $35, 12 piece box $55 and 24 piece $85 Necklace set, starting at $525 Platinum Jewelers | Germantown & Memphis, TN | 901.680.0020

Phillip Ashley Chocolates | Memphis, TN Phillipashleychocolates.com February 2021 • athomemms.com | 61

E N T E R TA I N I N G

Galentine’s Day with 17 Berkshire STYLING AND STORY NUHA ABUDUHAIR OF 17 BERKSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY ANNABELLA CHARLES

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E N T E R TA I N I N G

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E N T E R TA TA IINNIINNGG

S T Y L I N G & S TO R Y G I N N I J O N E S

T H E D E T A I L S | PASTRIES 17 BERKSHIRE @17BERKSHIRE | WARDROBE SHELBY JEWEL @SHOPSHELBYJEWEL STATIONERY ELLYWISE STUDIOS @ELLYWISESTUDIOS| FLORALS PAMPAS & FLORAL @PAMPASNFLORAL MODELS YAMILE ISKEIF @YAMIISKEIF AND CAITLIN MCGILL @CAITLINMCGILL

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E N T E R TA I N I N G

Like so many other women, I have always adored the over-the-top, Marie Antoinette approach to get togethers. While pandemic safety precautions are in place, I think it's even more important to enjoy the little things.

Valentine’s Day is coming up, but I think I speak for a large number of people when I say the true fun is on Galentine’s Day. February 2021 • athomemms.com | 65

E N T E R TA TA IINNIINNGG

S T Y L I N G & S TO R Y G I N N I J O N E S

Don’t miss 17 Berkshire's annual Galentine’s Day celebration, set for Sat., Feb. 6. The shop’s staff will be taking precautions to keep it Covidsafe. The Valentine's Day menu will be available to pre-order/purchase online or in-store.

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E N T E R TA I N I N G

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E N T E R TA TA IINNIINNGG

W hat do you get when you and your squad pod

have been socially distancing and are up for some fun? An over-the-top Galentine’s Day fête. Treat yourself and your “ride or dies” to an assortment of macarons, chocolates, teas and more this Galentine’s Day.

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E N T E R TA I N I N G

valentine's | the menu | Love Platter: Assortment of macarons, cookies, marshmallows and more Heart Box of Chocolates Assorted Cupcakes Grandé Macarons “Let Them Eat Cake" Assorted pastries and teas

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E N T E R TA I N I N G

17 BERKSHIRE | 2094 TRIMBLE PLACE MEMPHIS, TN 38104 | 901.729.7916 | 17BERKSHIRE.COM

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H E A LT H Y Y O U

Love Yourself Well STORY MICHELLE JOHNS

the

recent turn of world events with pandemic-induced lockdowns invoked a new way of being. Social gatherings, workplace meetings and everyday errand running have all been disrupted. The new terms of life have altered the way many people care for themselves. I see posts on social media of people joking, but not really, about wearing their pajamas to teleconferenced work meetings. Many report struggling to maintain self-care routines such as working out, getting their hair done, putting on makeup, wearing regular clothing, and even showering.

While I love a lounge day, at the end of a good TV binge in my pajamas and a break from routine, I typically feel heavy, lethargic and a bit lost. The latter feeling is leaving many who have adopted such an unscheduled lifestyle during COVID lockdown lonely, isolated, depressed and anxious. The reality is that self-care should not depend on external circumstances.

The problem stems from a simple question: Who are you are living life to impress? If it’s always been about fitting in with others and impressing others, it’s no surprise that the pandemic has caused your self-care to plummet. However, if you make self-care your way of being and living with yourself, everything changes.

Following are three ways to love yourself well and help you maintain or get back on track with well-being.

THINK YOURSELF WELL.

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Psychological research reveals that your thoughts have a direct impact on your mental health. As you think, so you will be.

If you think you can’t, then you won’t. If you approach life with definitive statements instead of asking deeper questions, you’ll never explore and discover greater possibilities. This is extremely important when it comes to your well-being.

For example, say you would like to learn something new, but you’ve been out of school or perhaps even retired for a while and you‘ve decided you are no longer capable of learning. Thus, you make the statement to yourself and others, “I can not learn________.” Replace the word can with the word will in that statement: “I will not learn________.” Now, you see the problem; it’s not that you can’t, it’s that you won’t.

Let’s try one more. Perhaps you’d like to begin a new exercise routine such as taking longer walks or even running, but you’ve aged a bit and your joints are a little achy.

You’ve discussed it with your doctor and your doctor agrees, you are aging, and running and/or long walks for exercise may not be in your best interest. What if you explore other possibilities and ask more questions? What if you try taking jointhealth supplements and increase your normal walks by just a little, maybe five more minutes than usual? What if you look into physical therapy regimens you could integrate into your routine just before or after a walk/run? Only if you can imagine the possibilities can you experience new opportunities. Think yourself well!

H E A LT H Y Y O U

PAMPER YOURSELF WELL. You may not have access to a spa, but you can create your own spa at home. I recently read research that showed a warm Epsom salt bath can have the same or similar benefits as spending time in a sauna. A warm bath can be both invigorating and relaxing. Epsom salts help relieve body aches and swelling and may also help improve sleep and decrease stress. They contain a great deal of magnesium which benefits the body when absorbed through the skin as you soak. Try adding 15 to 20 drops of lavender essential oils to your Epsom salt bath or buy some salts with essential oils already added. I personally prefer Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt, Tulum Bath Salts by Real Raw Beauty, and the Goop brand of Epsom salt for a treat. I also like to dry brush prior to a good soak in Epsom salts to help move toxins through the body.

MASSAGE YOURSELF WELL. Human touch is vital to feeling good about ourselves. Though we currently have only limited opportunities to give and receive the gift of a hug

or human touch to others, we can nurture our own skin with positive self-touch through self-massage.

One of my daily routines includes self-massage with warm body oil at the end of a shower. While the skin is still damp, just before exiting the shower, apply warm oil (warmed in a mug of warm water or with a bottle warmer) starting at your feet and working your way up the body in a circular motion. Oil is soothing to the skin, as is the loving touch; it is a wonderful way to start the day with self-care. My go-to body oil brands are Banyan Botanicals and Real Raw Beauty. A hand and foot massage using a good quality cream upon entering bed is a wonderful way to care for yourself as you end the day. My favorite foot cream is Lavido. Currently, I am really into the Goop brand of skin-care products for my hands and face.

Happy Valentine’s Day, dear readers! Love yourself well. I’m interested in your thoughts and ideas for wellness topics. You can email me at mjohns@ transforming-wellness.com. Live well! *I do not receive any benefits for sharing the products I use.

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IN THE KITCHEN

Southern Squash Dressing RECIPE & PHOTO JIM NORTON

Sides are just as important as the main course, right? Of course they are!

While the pan-seared pork tenderloin and roasted vegetables in the photo look delicious, this month I’m sharing the recipe for what could be the unexpected star of the show, Southern Squash Dressing!

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THIS GREAT SIDE GOES PERFECTLY WITH SO MANY THINGS. IT’S EASY TO MAKE AND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE IT. ONCE YOU’VE MADE THIS SQUASH DRESSING YOU MAY FIND YOU NEVER GO BACK TO TRADITIONAL DRESSING AGAIN. HOPE Y’ALL ENJOY!

SOUTHERN SQUASH DRESSING 3 cups crumbled baked cornbread 2 ½ cups yellow squash, sautéed until tender and mashed 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup sour cream 2 medium carrots, grated 2 medium yellow onions, chopped 1 can cream of chicken soup 3 Tbsp. dried sage 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper Preheat oven to 350˚. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside. Mix all the above ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake covered for 40-50 minutes or until the dressing reaches desired consistency. Enjoy!

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February HOM E F E AT U R E Special Thanks Leigh Dill Interiors Instagram @leighdillinteriors Sélavie Photography selaviephoto.com

EXPERIENCE THIS Special Thanks The Lake District thelakedistrict.us

IN THE GARDEN

Special Thanks Dale Skaggs of Dixon Gallery and Gardens dixon.org

ENTERTAINING

Special Thanks 17 Berkshire 17berkshire.com Annabella Charles Photography annabellacharles.com Shelby Jewel shelbyjewel.com Ellywise Studios ellywisestudios.com Pampas & Floral pampasnfloral.com

IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com

HEALTHY YOU

Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com

ON A GOOD NOTE Special Thanks Dress for Success dressforsuccess.org

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ON A GOOD NOTE

S

The organization’s bedrock is its trademark Suiting Programs. During her first

is more committed than ever to meeting the unique needs of local women during

appropriate separates to get started on her new job. In addition to the clothing,

the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The organization provides virtual career coaching,

clients receive advice on professional appearance, grooming, positive attitude,

networking and workshops to help women ensure their economic stability in the

etiquette and more from DFS volunteer personal shoppers.

coming months of global economic recovery.

More than 80 job and training programs refer women to DFS Memphis. The

Dress for Success Memphis, Inc., is a non-profit organization that provides

organization provides its clients with more than just a suit of clothing; it is a

interview- and work-appropriate attire, confidence boosts and career

free resource for women 16 and older who are under-employed, unemployed,

development to women making the transition into the workplace. DFS Memphis is

searching for a job or seeking to enhance their skills in order to become more

governed by a diverse and dynamic 17-member board of directors.

marketable in the workforce, secure a promotion or take the leap into another job

ince April 2020, Dress for Success Memphis has been moving forward and

The mission of Dress for Success Memphis is to empower women to achieve

Interview Suiting session, a client receives an appropriate outfit and matching accessories. Once employed, she can return and receive a week's worth of work-

or career.

economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire

Operational hours are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tue.-Thur. To schedule a tour or clothing

and the development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.

donation drop-off, to learn more about DFS Memphis programming and how to

The seed for DFS Memphis was planted in February 1998, when Janelle Ray, an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer, and Anne Jones, a member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, established the Career Closet. The organization affiliated with Dress for Success Worldwide the following year. Since its inception Dress for Success Memphis has served more than 14,000 women in the local area.

support its mission, or to volunteer call Rhonda Treadwell, executive director, at 901.363.3100 or send an email to memphis.dressforsuccess.org. The facility address is 2730 Colony Park Dr., Ste. 7, Memphis, TN 38118 (off American Way at Getwell). To make a monetary donation go to memphis.dressforsuccess.org/getinvolved/donate/. All donations of clothing or money are tax deductible.

TEXT RHONDA TREADWELL | PHOTO DRESS FOR SUCCESS

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