The Thornton family’s love of art and English design led them to Tara Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors, who filled the home with color and interest.
54 | IN THE KITCHEN
Molly Hilderbrand of Made by Molly brings us a date night dinner recipe, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any evening at home that deserves to feel special.
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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 , 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183. 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 , 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
In Memphis and the Mid South, February is a reminder that warmth is more than a mood, it’s a way of life. As winter lingers, our homes become havens where light, texture and a touch of color come together to create rooms that feel welcoming, lived-in and truly Memphis. This issue leans into that spirit: where an East Memphis home demonstrates how different colors and scales create rooms that invite lingering conversations, spaces that balance form and function, while bringing the outdoors in, all surrounded by beautiful art. Memphis designer Tara Engelberg describes this project’s start as one of her coolest phone calls ever.
Molly and Melissa, from Made by Molly and Southern Avenue Designs, respectively, team together and remind us that we eat with our eyes first. Beautiful table decor and exquisite eats are a match made in heaven and an impressive Valentine’s dinner. The way to most people’s heart does start with the stomach!
Thank you for welcoming this issue into your home. May your February be filled with light, texture and a little sacramental pause in the daily rush—the kind that makes a house feel like a home.
- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
Artistic License
DESIGN BY TARA FELICE INTERIORS
STORY BY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY LAMB OF NATIVEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY
Interior
designer Tara Engelberg loves For the Love of Kitchens, a television series that follows two partners in the English design firm deVol as they create and build bespoke spaces for British clients. She professed her love for the program while standing in one of her own clients' recently updated kitchens on a recent morning.
Far from a random comment, the statement was part of Engelberg’s explanation of how she met Bonnie and David Thornton and eventually renovated their kitchen and other portions of their East Memphis home.
Itall started when Bonnie saw the cover photo of the January 2024 issue of At Home Memphis & Mid South . She was taken with the orange and white checkerboard floor and the colorful cabinetry in the kitchen pictured and contacted Engelberg, whose firm, Tara Felice Interiors, created the space.
“It was the coolest phone call I ever got,” says Engelberg. Bonnie explained to her that she wanted to redo the kitchen in the East Memphis home where she and David had lived for a number of years, then asked her, “Have you ever seen For the Love of Kitchens ?” Also a fan of the show, Bonnie knew she wanted the tile often featured in episodes to be a part of the renovation. “It was just one of those serendipitous moments,” Engelberg recalls.
It’s no wonder the colors appealed to Bonnie, a Master Gardener, art lover and collector, and former managing director of a local arts festival. Her home is filled with an eclectic mix of furnishings, accessories and art. DeVol kitchens’ unique aesthetic that blends classic and contemporary elements, punched up with saturated color, would be a perfect fit.
Engelberg’s starting point for the kitchen design is classic deVol, handmade rectangular tiles in an assortment of glossy emerald green shades. Says the designer, “What I love about the tile is not only the variation in the color, but the scale of it. It’s such an unusual scale and not a typical subway shape.” She chose Hague Blue, a deep blue from Farrow & Ball Paint, for the existing cabinetry, and kept the Thorntons’ red oriental rugs on either side of the island. White marble countertops look fresh and crisp with the otherwise vibrant palette.
Whilethe designer admits that marble in the kitchen may not be the right choice for everyone, she says it makes perfect sense here, despite its reputation for being soft and prone to staining. “Bonnie appreciates patina. We talked through the pros and cons so she knew what she was getting into, but she ultimately decided she wanted to go with marble,” Engelberg explains. Ditto for the kitchen sink’s new faucet. Its unlacquered brass finish started to change almost immediately, and has taken on a character that makes it look as though it has been in place for years.
A pair of white and brass pendant lights above the kitchen island lend a contemporary element. Engelberg loves to bring some form of traditional/modern juxtaposition into her designs and there’s no place more fitting for it than this home.
Thekitchen opens to a cozycoffee nook at the front of the house and a comfortable family room at the rear, so Engelberg added touches that would give those two areas a feel more in keeping with the new look of the space between them. The sunny nook got fresh paint, including a soft green ceiling paint treatment, Farrow and Ball Vichyssoise, that is repeated on the family room, and new Roman shades on its three walls of windows. The McLaurin & Piercy fabric, inspired by Indonesian wood carving, adds an eclectic element to the space that speaks to the Thorntons’ wide range of tastes.
The family room fireplace received a full makeover. In place of a more elaborate surround with a built-in nook for an old-style box television, Engelberg designed a more clean-lined alder wood mantel accented with cabochon dimensional tile from Cle Tile’s Lapidary line. The redo also included replacing a breakfast table and chairs beside the room’s large bay window with an oval table built locally by Daniel O’Grady of O’Grady Custom, and a made-to-fit banquette. The designer again chose Roman shades for the bay, this time in a stylized pistachio stripe from Kirkby Design.
The couple tasked Engelberg with renovating two additional areas, their dining room and a downstairs half bath. She pulled out all the stops color-wise in these spaces, creating rooms that feel like works of art in and of themselves. Scalamandre Yokata wallpaper is the star of the show in the powder room. Its aged gold patina creates a warm glow; the coral pink painted ceiling and black lacquered vanity take the vibrancy up a notch. Overhead, a gold-tone semi-flush light fixture with sculptured petals sits like a piece of jewelry.
Thedining room windows look out over the backyard and park-like garden. “Bonnie said she wanted to have flowers all year round,” says Engelberg, who obliged by giving her client a space that feels like an extension of a verdant outdoor paradise. Green grasscloth lines the upper portion of the walls while rich lacquered paint in the same lush color covers the lower half, as well as the trim. House of Hackney Hollyhocks drapes fill the room with vibrant flowers. The lighting is also natureinspired—a show-stopping linear chandelier with gold stems and crystal flower buds hangs over the dining table and gingko leaf wall sconces provide additional light.
The Thornton home has long been filled with color and interest thanks to the couple’s love of art in its many and varied forms. The house itself now exudes as much originality and beauty as the treasures that fill it, thanks to the most serendipitous phone call and a shared love for a TV series.
Julia Cleland & Luke Johnston
MAY 24, 2025 | HUNTSVILLE, AL
PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: LISA AND BLAKE CLELAND PARENTS OF THE GROOM: KAREN AND KIRK JOHNSTON
KENTUCKY UNBRIDLED: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE BLUEGRASS STATE
ARTICLE AND PICTURES PROVIDED BY
BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS
Bluegrass Region
KENTUCKY reveals itself slowly, rewarding travelers who are willing to linger, wander and listen. Known worldwide for bourbon, bluegrass music and legendary horse farms, the Commonwealth offers far more than its most famous calling cards. From misty Appalachian Mountains and underground cathedrals to vibrant cities and quiet back roads dotted with hidden gems, Kentucky is a destination rich in story, soul and surprise.
A LAND SHAPED BY NATURE
Kentucky’s landscapes are as diverse as they are dramatic. The eastern region of the state is anchored by the Appalachian Mountains, where rolling hills give way to rugged terrain, forested ridges and panoramic overlooks. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Red River Gorge, a geological wonder famed for its sandstone arches, towering cliffs and world-class rock climbing. Miles of hiking trails, natural bridges and scenic overlooks make it a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Just as captivating yet entirely different is Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world’s longest known cave system. Beneath the pastoral surface of central Kentucky lies an underground labyrinth of vast chambers, winding passageways and surreal rock formations. Guided tours illuminate the cave’s geological significance and its role in human history, from Native American exploration to early medical experiments. Above ground, the park offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and canoeing along the Green River.
In western Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area stretches between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with 170,000 acres of outdoor adventure. Visitors can camp beneath star-filled skies, kayak the quiet coves, observe bison and elk at the Elk & Bison Prairie, or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life along the water.
THE BOURBON TRAIL:
AMERICA’S NATIVE SPIRIT
No journey through Kentucky is complete without exploring its most iconic export. Kentucky produces approximately 95 percent of the world’s bourbon, and the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers an immersive look into the craft behind the state’s most celebrated spirit. Winding through charming towns and scenic countryside, the trail connects historic distilleries with modern craft producers, each offering a distinct expression of America’s native spirit.
History comes alive in places like Bardstown, where storied distilleries and quaint streets line up for discovery. Walking through Bardstown feels like stepping into a living museum of bourbon heritage, where centuries-old traditions continue to shape the industry today.
In Louisville, bourbon culture blends seamlessly with metropolitan energy. The city is home to the Urban Bourbon Trail, a collection of bars and restaurants specializing in thoughtfully curated menus and inventive cocktails. The Frazier History Museum, the official starting point of the Bourbon Trail, provides an engaging introduction to the spirit’s history, craftsmanship and cultural impact.
Elsewhere, legendary distilleries such as Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses offer immersive experiences set against postcard-worthy backdrops. Visitors can walk through aging warehouses, learn the nuances of mash bills and barrel aging, and sip bourbon
Frazier History Museum
where it is born. Beyond the tastings, these distilleries tell a broader story—one of family legacies, resilience and pride deeply rooted in Kentucky soil.
HORSE COUNTRY AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS
Kentucky’s identity is inseparable from the horse. The Bluegrass Region, with its limestone-rich soil and emerald pastures, is considered one of the premier horsebreeding areas in the world. Fenced fields dotted with stately barns create a landscape that feels both grand and intimate.
Lexington is often called the Horse Capital of the World, where history and horse culture intertwine. The city is vibrant with equestrian traditions, historic estates and worldrenowned horse farms that welcome visitors for guided tours. Nearby countryside roads reveal elegant manor homes, rolling pastures and training grounds that have shaped generations of champions.
Each spring, (the first Saturday in May) the global spotlight turns to Churchill Downs in Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. More than a horse race, the Derby is a cultural celebration steeped in tradition from elaborate hats and Southern cuisine to the unmistakable thrill of “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Even outside Derby season, a visit to Churchill Downs and its museum offers insight into the pageantry and passion that surround the sport.
CITIES WITH CHARACTER
Kentucky’s cities add modern vibrancy to its pastoral charm. Louisville, the state’s largest city, blends history, creativity and culinary innovation. Neighborhoods like NuLu showcase art galleries, boutiques and farm-to-table dining, while the revitalized waterfront invites leisurely strolls along the Ohio River. The city’s food scene reflects both Southern roots and contemporary flair, with chefs celebrating local ingredients and regional traditions.
To the east, Lexington offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Anchored by the University of Kentucky, the city has a lively arts scene with historic neighborhoods and easy access to nearby horse farms and distilleries. Its downtown area balances small-town warmth with cultural sophistication.
Further south, Bowling Green combines history and innovation. It is home to the National Corvette Museum, a must-see for automotive enthusiasts, and serves as a gateway to Mammoth Cave. Smaller towns throughout the state such as Bardstown, Harrodsburg and Paducah offer rich histories, local flavor and a slower pace that invites exploration.
HISTORY WRITTEN INTO THE LANDSCAPE
Kentucky’s past is layered and complex, woven into its towns, trails and traditions. As a gateway to the American frontier, the state played a pivotal role in westward expansion. Historic sites and preserved settlements tell stories of pioneers, statesmen and everyday citizens who shaped the region.
Abraham Lincoln, born in a log cabin in Hodgenville, remains one of Kentucky’s most notable figures. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park offers a thoughtful look at the president’s early life and the humble beginnings that influenced his leadership.
Civil War history is also deeply embedded in Kentucky, which remained a border state during the conflict. Battlefields, museums and historic homes provide context and reflection on a chapter in American history.
HIDDEN GEMS AND LOCAL FLAVOR
Beyond its headline attractions, Kentucky shines brightest in its quieter corners, places where the rhythm of daily life feels unhurried and deeply personal. Scenic byways reveal covered bridges, rolling farmland and family-owned businesses that have endured for generations. Small-town diners serve comfort food perfected over decades, while local festivals celebrate everything from music and crafts to barbecue and bourbon.
In Bardstown, often called the Bourbon Capital of the World, historic charm blends with culinary creativity, while Harrodsburg, Kentucky’s oldest permanent settlement, offers a walk through early American history. In Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City, vibrant murals line the riverfront, and a thriving arts community adds contemporary energy to this western Kentucky gem.
Artisans, distillers and makers across the state invite visitors to experience Kentucky through its people. Whether it’s a conversation with a master distiller, a guided hike led by a local naturalist, or a spontaneous stop at a roadside market selling homemade jams and baked goods, these moments create lasting connections.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
SEASONAL EXPERIENCES WORTH THE TRIP
Kentucky’s appeal changes beautifully with the seasons, giving travelers fresh reasons to visit yearround. Spring brings rolling green pastures, foals frolicking in Bluegrass fields and the unmistakable excitement surrounding the Kentucky Derby. Summer invites lake days, paddleboarding and evening concerts beneath open skies.
In fall, the state transforms into a tapestry of amber and gold, especially along scenic routes through eastern Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region. The bourbon tastings feel cozier, hiking trails quieter, and harvest festivals plentiful. Winter, often overlooked, offers its own charm; festive small towns, museum hopping and intimate distillery tours become more personal and unhurried.
A TASTE OF KENTUCKY
No Kentucky journey is complete without sampling its culinary delights. From classic Southern comfort food to inventive farm-to-table dining, the state’s food scene is surprisingly vibrant and deeply tied to local tradition. Generations-old recipes share the spotlight with modern interpretations that celebrate locally grown ingredients.
Don’t miss the chance to try beloved staples such as the iconic Kentucky hot brown, a rich, openfaced sandwich layered with turkey, bacon and creamy Mornay sauce. Bourbon is infused into dishes throughout the state, adding depth and warmth to sauces, desserts and marinades. Locally brewed craft beers and small-batch spirits further showcase the creativity flourishing in Kentucky’s culinary landscape.
Farm-to-table dining has found a natural home here, particularly in Louisville and Lexington, where menus evolve with the seasons. Pair a thoughtfully prepared meal with a local bourbon or craft beer, and the dining experience becomes distinct and memorable.
AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE
Kentucky is not a destination that can be captured in a single experience. It beckons return visits, each revealing something new. From the echoing halls of Mammoth Cave and the clink of bourbon glasses to the thunder of hooves at Churchill Downs and the stillness of mountain trails, the state offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
For travelers seeking authenticity, adventure and a sense of place, Kentucky delivers with quiet confidence and genuine hospitality. It honors traditions while welcoming discovery, inviting visitors to slow down, look closer and uncover the stories waiting just beyond the bend in the road.
Land between the lakes
Travel Leaders Collierville can help bring a Kentucky journey to life with custom Kentucky Derby travel packages. Itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. Enjoy first-class Louisville hotels, premium race tickets and viewing options along with VIP hospitality, event transfers, behind-the-scenes tours and more for a true Derby experience. Travel Leaders can provide customized travel experiences for the 152nd Kentucky Derby and other top sporting events around the globe.
For more information, contact Travel Leaders at 901.853.6200 or visit the agency at 1125 Poplar View Lane, S. Ste. 3, Collierville, TN 38017.
Bardstown
Molly's Alfredo Rollups
Served on timeless Ginori 1735 plates, courtesy of Southern Avenue Company.
DATE NIGHT DINNER: MOLLY'S ALFREDO ROLLUPS
A RESTAURANT-WORTHY MEAL MADE AT HOME. PERFECT FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, OR ANY EVENING THAT DESERVES TO FEEL SPECIAL.
INGREDIENTS
¾ box lasagna noodles
2-3 shredded chicken breasts (rotisserie chicken is great in this)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 Tbsp. butter
4 cloves minced garlic
3 cups heavy cream
4 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt, fresh cracked pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, nutmeg
INSTRUCTIONS
Boil lasagna noodles until just al dente and strain, reserving ½ cup pasta water for the sauce. Lay the lasagna noodles out flat on a cutting board (this prevents them from sticking to each other).
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of mozzarella cheese onto each lasagna noodle, followed by a layer of shredded chicken. Starting at one edge, carefully roll the noodle up into a tight cylinder. Repeat with the remaining noodles, cheese and chicken until you run out (should make about 10-12 rollups).
Start your homemade sauce by melting butter in a large saucepan. Add in garlic and mix until fragrant. Whisk in heavy cream. Season with salt, fresh cracked pepper, garlic powder, small pinch of Italian seasoning and a small pinch of nutmeg. Turn the heat down to low and whisk in freshly grated parmesan until it’s the consistency you like. Taste and adjust your seasonings here! Add in reserved pasta water.
Preheat your oven to 350˚. Add 1 cup of homemade sauce to a large casserole dish. Place rollups in the casserole dish. Pour all remaining sauce over the rollups. Sprinkle rollups with extra mozzarella or parmesan and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Serve with a light arugula salad or crusty bread and enjoy!
Made by Molly is my little corner for sharing recipes, moments and meals that feel like home. Follow along for food that’s never boring.
Instagram: @___madebymolly
TikTok : @_madebymolly
You Are the One YOU Are Looking For!
February
is marked by all things heart-related—health, wellbeing, love, romance and interpersonal connection. Yet for many, Valentine’s Day celebrations magnify a silent ache: loneliness. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, living alone or surrounded with lots of friends, loneliness can hide beneath the surface of daily life. It’s the gap between the connection we long for and the connection we experience. Perhaps a month dedicated to matters of the heart is a good time to explore what our hearts are telling us about belonging, love and what we truly need.
The heart is a complex dynamic of feelings and thoughts. We often find ourselves at a crossroads—following our heart or refusing to trust it. Scripture teaches us “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9), yet also teaches, “be strong and let your heart take courage” (Psalm 31:24). Also from the Bible: “each one must give as he has decided in his heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7), and one of my favorites, “do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the
clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
The loneliness gap isn't just emotional; it’s spiritual. God designed us for connection, first and foremost to Him, and then to others. Our connection to Him is found within ourselves, yet we often place the burden of responsibility for filling the gap on others.
Loneliness is a universal experience spanning all ages. Sixty percent of Gen Z report loneliness; midlife adults are reporting rising rates, and more schoolaged children feel lonely than ever before. But loneliness is not a lack of friends, it is a lack of connection. Every person has a personal “set point” for social connection, and when that personal threshold falls below the desired level of connection, loneliness signals.
Each person’s threshold is shaped by childhood attachment styles.
Warm parental relationships and early friendships influence our adult expectations for connection, while secure attachment in childhood builds
STORY BY MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT
a foundation for lower loneliness later in life. Yet modern inflators, social media’s curated highlight reels and cultural narratives about having a “full social life,” can quietly raise our set points beyond what real life can sustain, leaving us chronically dissatisfied even when surrounded by people.
Establishing deeper connections and meaningful relationships begins with examining the quality of your internal and external relationships.
“Deep inside every man lies a private sanctum where dwells the man’s ‘I am’—a pensioner of the ‘I Am’ that created him.”
– A. W. Tozer
Research strongly indicates people with a deeper connection to God have a higher quality of life. Connection with God is experienced in the heart. Quiet personal time with God during which you seek to know Him and gain clarity for His purpose for you connects you more deeply to life and anchors your sense of belonging. When you know you are seen, known and loved by God, the pressure on human relationships shifts. You stop expecting others to fill what only He can, and you become free to offer and receive love more generously.
In addition to establishing your internal sense of being, prioritize small, consistent gatherings with quality relationships over large social events. Research shows that repeated contact with the same people— not constant novelty—builds genuine connection. This might be a weekly dinner with friends, a monthly book club or a regular walking group. Find shared purpose through volunteering or community roles where you feel not just welcomed, but needed. When you matter to others through what you contribute, loneliness
diminishes because you experience belonging through significance. Next, address the internal barriers that keep you from feeling connection even when it’s offered. Many people lack the capacity to receive connection due to childhood wounds or fear of vulnerability. Learn how to share your personal values, beliefs and needs authentically with others. This is called quality selfdisclosure, and it’s the foundation of deep relationships. However, authenticity doesn’t mean oversharing or expecting others to carry what only God or a therapist can hold. Healthy disclosure is reciprocal, appropriate to the depth of the relationship and offered without demanding that others fix or complete you.
Sometimes the loneliness gap exists not because people aren’t there, but because we haven’t learned to let them in or we’ve pushed them away by expecting too much. Finally, examine the expectations you’re carrying. Ask yourself: Is my loneliness signaling a genuine lack of connection, or have my standards been inflated by comparison and cultural pressure? Limit passive social media consumption, which research shows quietly raises your set point beyond what real life can sustain. Practice social self-awareness by examining how much connection you actually need to feel well rather than how much you should need. Sometimes closing the gap means accepting that your life, with its real people, real limitations and real love, is enough.
Loneliness is not a life sentence; it’s an invitation to go deeper with God, to extend compassion to yourself and to show up more authentically with others.
Club Pilates is for Bodies of BackgroundsAll
Club Pilates is for bodies of all backgrounds. Some members are starting their very first exercise routine, some are getting back into it, and others run marathons and work out daily. No matter the body size or fitness level, Club Pilates has something for everyone.
Club Pilates instructors meet you where you are on your fitness journey with individualized attention. Have you been avoiding exercise because you feel
like you need to “get in shape” before attending a class? If you’re just starting to exercise or adding to an established routine, we’re ready to guide you. Pilates is a great introduction to exercise because it’s low impact. You won’t wear yourself out or overdo it, so you build up strength, flexibility and endurance in a safe and effective way.
If you’ve always been athletic, Pilates can offer a new type of challenge. Expert instructors teach you how to engage
TEXT BY HEATHER HOLLOWAY | PHOTO BY CARRIE PINKLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
smaller muscles to work the body as a whole. You learn how to challenge yourself with smaller movements and get deeper into the work. As a result, you avoid injuries that can occur in higher-impact workouts. The instruction translates well into other athletic activities.
Contrary to what some people think, Pilates is for everyone. Originally called Contrology, Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates, a boxer and a gymnast. He created the method to be exercise anyone can do, learning to work from the core to develop strength, stability and flexibility. Pilates pays special attention to the spine, moving it in all directions; such emphasis is often omitted from traditional workouts.
Club Pilates’ size-inclusive instruction is for all bodies and skill levels. If you’re just getting back into exercise after surgery, we provide modifications and equipment adjustments to help you make progress without setbacks. All classes have levels so beginners can build their foundation learning how to do the exercises and use the equipment. More advanced students receive appropriate challenges.
Pilates asks you to think about the movement and how it feels in your body. Our instructors give you cues to gain better form, leading to body awareness that extends beyond the studio.
Our wide range of offerings all work the full body; class options range from athletic challenges to stretching to the basics of Pilates’ six main principles.
breathe fully. You’ll learn to expand your lungs and then exhale all the air out to cleanse the oxygen in the blood. Breathing can assist movement in more challenging exercises.
How focused are you when you exercise? Pilates teaches you to go into your body and focus on what you feel. This leads to a better mind-body connection.
Do you feel centered? Pilates helps you learn to find your center and work from there. You’ll learn to connect to your core strength to develop better balance.
Learning what to control and what to let go of is an important part of any workout. When you learn to control your movement, you move with more intention and better mind-body connection.
Would you rather do 100 push-ups with poor form or three efficient push-ups with good form? Moving the body with intention and accuracy is key. If you control your movement and move with quality of form over quantity of repetitions, you’ll achieve better results.
When was the last time you focused on your breathing? Pilates teaches how to
Instead of doing a few sets of repetitions and taking a break, you add progressions and transitions to find the movement flow. Moving with flow helps work your breath, gets the heart rate up, and keeps things going from one exercise to the next. These are the basics of Pilates that anyone can do. Club Pilates is here to support you in learning these skills to build your movement foundation so you can enjoy a stronger, healthier, more balanced life.
HOME FEATURE
Special ThanksTara Felice Interiors
tarafeliceinteriors.com
Native House Photography
nativehousephotography.com
TRAVEL
Special Thanks -
Travel Leaders
901.853.6200
HEALTHY YOU
Special Thanks -
Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
Club Pilates Lp.clubpilates.com
IN THE KITCHEN
Special ThanksMade by Molly @__madebymolly
ON A GOOD NOTE
Special ThanksShepherd’s Haven shepherdshaven.org
Story by Terri Glazer | Photo Courtesy of Shepherd's Haven
Shepherd’s Haven
When young adults with special needs finish school, their parents are often faced with the question of what comes next for their son or daughter. In the late 1990s a group of families joined to explore care options for their grown children. Shepherd’s Haven was born from that effort.
The local Christian-based organization now cares for special-needs adults in a variety of ways. A day program located at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova operates Monday through Friday, providing a safe, joyful and purposeful atmosphere based on a school-day schedule. According to Lauren Schaedle Bravos, operations director for Shepherd’s Haven, participants take part in Bible study, library time, art activities, exercise, go on field trips, and serve the church by helping with mission projects. Current enrollment is over 40.
The group also operates two group homes in Arlington that provide year-round care for up to 16 full-time residents.
“Parents who are aging may not have the ability or the energy to take care of their special-needs adult child daily, or in some cases parents have passed away and siblings are now responsible for their special-needs sibling. We provide a safe place for them to come live,” Bravos explains. Both the men’s and women’s facilities have house parents who live on the property.
Although Shepherd’s Haven’s day program and residences are state-licensed, the ministry receives no government financial assistance. The group relies heavily on donations from individuals, churches and community groups, and raises funds through the sale of original ceramics created and painted by participants. Available at the group’s showroom at Bellevue Baptist as well as through pop-up shops throughout the year, the pieces often reflect a seasonal theme. “We’ll do hearts for Valentine’s Day, and people love our nativity scenes at Christmas,” says Bravos.
For more information on ceramics sales, to learn more about Shepherd’s Haven, or to donate to the organization, go to www.facebook.com/shepherdshavenpage or shepherdshaven.org.
