February 2026

artistic license

H O M E F E AT U R E W I T H TA R A F E L I C E I N T E R I O R S

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

26 | HOME FEATURE 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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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

FEBRUARY 2026

home & design 26 HOME FEATURE Artistic License

food & travel 44 TRAVEL

Kentucky Unbridled: A Journey through the Bluegrass State

54 IN THE KITCHEN Molly's Alfredo Rollups

for you

40 WEDDING Mr. & Mrs. Johnston

58 HEALTHY YOU

You are the one YOU are looking for!

66 ON A GOOD NOTE Shepherd's Haven

in every issue

14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE

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65 SOURCES

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FEBRUARY 2026 • VOL. 24 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 EXECUTIVES GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@gmail.com

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

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

HOW TO REACH US 7776 FARMINGTON BLVD, # 1321 GERMANTOWN TN 38183 | 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: 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown TN 38183.

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, 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.

@athomemagazine

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I

n Memphi s a nd the Mi d S o uth, Februa r y i s a re mi nder that wa rmth i s mo re tha n a mo o d, i t ’s a way o f l i fe. A s wi nter l i ngers , o ur ho mes beco me havens where l i g ht, tex ture a nd a to uch o f co l o r co me to gether to create ro o ms that feel wel co mi n g , lived- i n a nd trul y Memphi s . T hi s i s s ue l ea ns i nto t hat spi ri t: where a n Ea st Memphi s ho me demo nstrate s how di fferent co l o rs a nd s ca l es create ro o ms that inv i te l i ngeri ng co nvers ati o ns , s pa ces that ba l a nc e fo rm a nd f uncti o n, whi l e bri ng i ng the o utdo o rs i n , all surro unded by bea uti f ul a rt. Memphi s des i g ner Tara Engel berg des cri bes thi s pro j ect ’s sta rt a s o ne o f he r co o l est pho ne ca l l s ever.

M o l l y a nd Mel i s s a , f ro m Ma de by Mo l l y a nd S o ut he r n Avenue Des i g ns , res pecti vel y, tea m to gether a nd re mi nd us that we eat wi th o ur eyes f i rst. B ea uti ful tabl e deco r a nd exqui s i te eats a re a match ma de in he aven a nd a n i mpres s i ve Va l enti ne’s di nner. T he way to mo st peo pl e’s hea rt do es sta rt wi th the sto mac h!

Tha nk yo u fo r wel co mi ng thi s i s s ue i nto yo ur hom e .

May yo ur Februa r y be f i l l ed wi th l i g ht, tex ture a nd a littl e s a cra menta l pa us e i n the da i l y rus h— the k i n d that ma kes a ho us e feel l i ke a ho me.

- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

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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

Artistic License D E S I G N B Y TA R A F E L I C E I N T E R I O R S

S T O R Y B Y T E R R I G L A Z E R | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A M Y L A M B O F N AT I V E H O U S E P H O T O G R A P H Y

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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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.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

It

all 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.

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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

While

the 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.

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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

The

kitchen 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.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

The dining 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.

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WEDDING

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WEDDING

Julia Cleland & Luke Johnston M AY 2 4 , 2 0 2 5 | H U N T S V I L L E , A L

PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: LISA AND BLAKE CLELAND PARENTS OF THE GROOM: KAREN AND KIRK JOHNSTON EVENT PLANNER: ANGELA MAZANTI REHEARSAL DINNER: REVIVALIST WEDDING & RECEPTION: MONTE SANO LODGE PHOTOGRAPHER: PERKY PEACH PHOTOGRAPHY INVITATIONS: MENAGE FINE STATIONERY & GIFTS FLORIST: ANGELA MAZANTI BAKER: EDGAR'S BAKERY GUITARIST: JOSH TAYLOR WEDDING DRESS: GALINA SIGNATURE, DAVID'S BRIDAL MAKEUP & HAIR: THE TRANSFORMATION CONCIERGE MAKEUP ARTISTRY & HAIR DESIGN CATERING:BUBBA'S SILVER SPOON CATERING

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T R AV E L

KENTUCKY UNBRIDLED: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE BLUEGRASS STATE A R T I C L E A N D P I C T U R E S P R O V I D E D B Y B A R B A R A M AY, O W N E R O F T R AV E L L E A D E R S

Bluegrass Region 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2026

T R AV E L

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.

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T R AV E L

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 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2026

Frazier History Museum

T R AV E L

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.

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T R AV E L

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.

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T R AV E L

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.

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Bardstown

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.

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IN THE KITCHEN

Molly's Alfredo Rollups

Served on timeless Ginori 1735 plates, courtesy of Southern Avenue Company.

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IN THE KITCHEN

DAT E N I G H T D I N N E R : M O L LY ' S A L F R E D O R O L LU P S A R E S TAU R A N T- WO RT H Y M E A L M A D E AT H O M E . P E R F E C T F O R VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY, O R A N Y E V E N I N G T HAT D E S E RV E S T O F E E L S P E C IA L .

INGREDIENTS ¾ b ox l a s a g n a n o o d l e s 2 - 3 s h re d d e d c h i c k e n bre a s t s ( rot i s s e r i e c h i c k e n i s g re at i n t h i s ) 2 c up s s h re d d e d m o z z a re l l a c h e e s e 6 T b s p. butt e r 4 c l ov e s m i n c e d g a r l i c 3 c up s h e av y c re a m 4 c up s f re s h l y g r at e d p a r m e s a n c h e e s e S a lt , f re s h c r a c k e d p e pp e r, g a r l i c p ow d e r, It a l i a n s e a s on i n g , nut m e g

I N S T RU C T I O N S B oi l l a s a g n a n o o d l e s u nt i l ju s t a l d e nt e a n d s t r a i n , re s e r v i n g ½ c up p a s t a w at e r f or t h e s au c e . L ay t h e l a s a g n a n o o d l e s out f l at on a c utt i n g b o a rd ( t h i s pre v e nt s t h e m f rom s t i c k i n g t o e a c h ot h e r ) .

Spr i n k l e a t h i n , e v e n l ay e r of m o z z a re l l a c h e e s e ont o e a c h l a s a g n a n o o d l e , f o l l ow e d by a l ay e r of s h re d d e d c h i c k e n . St a r t i n g at on e e d g e , c a re f u l l y ro l l t h e n o o d l e up i nt o a t i g ht c y l i n d e r. R e p e at w it h t h e re m a i n i n g n o o d l e s , c h e e s e a n d c h i c k e n u nt i l y ou r u n out ( s h ou l d m a k e a b out 1 0 - 1 2 ro l lup s ) .

St a r t y ou r h om e m a d e s au c e by m e lt i n g butt e r i n a l a r g e s au c e p a n . Ad d i n g a r l i c a n d m i x u nt i l f r a g r a nt .

Wh i s k i n h e av y c re a m . S e a s on w it h s a lt , f re s h c r a c k e d p e pp e r, g a r l i c p ow d e r, s m a l l pi n c h of It a l i a n s e a s on i n g a n d a s m a l l pi n c h of nut m e g . Tu r n t h e h e at d ow n t o l ow a n d w h i s k i n f re s h l y g r at e d p a r m e s a n u nt i l it’s t h e c on s i s t e n c y y ou l i k e . Ta s t e a n d a dju s t y ou r s e a s on i n g s h e re ! Ad d i n re s e r v e d p a s t a w at e r.

P re h e at y ou r ov e n t o 3 5 0 ˚ . Ad d 1 c up of h om e m a d e s au c e t o a l a r g e c a s s e ro l e d i s h . P l a c e ro l lup s i n t h e c a s s e ro l e d i s h . Pou r a l l re m a i n i n g s au c e ov e r t h e ro l lup s . Spr i n k l e ro l lup s w it h e x t r a m o z z a re l l a or p a r m e s a n a n d b a k e i n t h e ov e n f or 1 5 - 2 0 m i nut e s . S e r v e w it h a l i g ht a r u g u l a s a l a d or c r u s t y bre a d a n d e nj oy !

Ma d e b y Mo l ly i s my l it t l e c or n e r f or s h a r i n g re c ip e s , m om e nt s a n d m e a l s t h at f e e l l i k e h om e . Fo l l ow a l on g f or f o o d t h at’s n e v e r b or i n g .

In s t a g r a m : @ _ _ _ m a d e by m o l l y

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H E A LT H Y Y O U

You Are the One YOU Are Looking For!

STORY BY MICHELLE JOHNS

MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT

February i s m a rked by all

t hi n g s he a r t-rel ated—hea l th, wel l being , l ove , ro m a nc e a nd i nte r pe rsonal co nne c t i o n. Yet for m a ny, Va l entine’s D ay c e l e b rati ons m a gni f y a si l ent ache: l one l i n e ss. W hether you’re si ngl e o r in a rel at i o nshi p, l i vi ng a l one or sur rounded wi th l o ts o f fr i ends, l one l i ne ss ca n hide be ne ath the s urfa c e of da i l y l i fe . I t ’s t he ga p betwe e n the connec ti on we long fo r a nd t he conne c ti on we ex per i ence.

Pe r ha ps a mo nth de di cate d to m atters of t he h e a r t i s a good ti m e to ex pl ore w hat our he a r t s a re te l l i ng us a bout bel o nging , l ove a nd what we tr ul y need.

The h e a r t i s a com pl ex dyna m i c of fe e l i ng s a n d thoughts. We of ten find ourse l ve s at a c rossroa ds—fol l owi n g our he a r t o r ref usi ng to trust i t. Sc r i pt ure te a c he s us “ the hea rt i s dec ei tf ul above a l l thi ng s” ( Jere m i a h 17:9) , yet also te a c he s, “ be strong a nd l et your heart ta ke co ura ge” ( Psa l m 31:24) . Al so from t he B i bl e : “e a c h one m ust gi ve a s h e has de c i d e d i n hi s hea rt ” ( 2 C or i nthi a n s 9:7), a nd o ne o f my favor i tes, “do not l et your a do r n i n g be ex te r na l —the bra i di ng of hair a nd th e p utt i ng on of gol d j ewel r y, or t he 58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2026

clot hing you wear—but let your ad o r n ing be t he hidden person of t he heart wit h t he imperishable beaut y of a gent le and quiet spirit , w hich in God’s sight is ve r y precious” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

The loneliness gap isn't just emo t io nal; it ’s spirit ual. God designed us fo r connect ion, first and foremost to H im , and t hen to ot hers. Our connect io n to Him is found w it hin ourselves, yet we often place t he burden of respons ibilit y for filling t he gap on ot hers .

Loneliness is a universal experi e n ce spanning all ages. S ix t y percent o f G e n Z report loneliness; midlife adult s are report ing rising rates, and more s cho o laged children feel lonely t han eve r before. But loneliness is not a lack o f friends, it is a lack of connect ion. Eve r y person has a personal “set point ” fo r social connect ion, and w hen that p e rs o nal t hreshold falls below t he desired leve l o f connect ion, loneliness signal s .

Each person’s t hreshold is sha pe d by childhood attachment st y le s .

Warm parental relat ionships a nd early friendships influence our adu lt expectat ions for connect ion, wh ile secure attachment in childhood builds

H E A LT H Y Y O U

a fo undat i o n for l ower l onel i ne ss l ater in li fe . Yet mo de r n i nf l ators, soc i a l m edia’s c urate d hi ghl i ght reel s a nd c ul tural na r rat i ve s a b out havi ng a “ f ul l social li fe ,” ca n qui etl y ra i se our set point s beyo nd w hat re a l l i fe ca n susta i n, l eav ing us c hro ni ca l ly di ssati sf i ed eve n wh en sur rounde d by pe opl e.

E sta bl i sh i ng deepe r conne c ti ons and me a n i ng f u l re l ati onshi ps begi ns wit h exa m i ni n g the qua l i ty of your i nte r nal and ex te r na l re l ati onshi ps. “ D e e p i n s i d e ever y man lies a p r ivate s a nc t u m w h e re d wells t h e man ’s ‘I am’—a pens i o n e r o f t he ‘I A m’ t h at c reated him.”

– A . W. Tozer Re se a rc h st rongl y i ndi cates peopl e w it h a de e pe r co nn ec ti on to God have a h igher qu a l i ty o f l i fe. C onne c ti on wi th Go d is ex p e r i e nc e d i n the hea rt. Q ui et personal t ime w i th G o d dur i ng whi c h you se ek to know H i m a n d ga i n c l a r i ty for Hi s pu rpose for yo u co n ne cts you m ore de epl y to life and a nc ho rs your se nse of bel onging.

Whe n yo u k now you a re se en, known and l ove d by G o d , the pressure on human re l ati o nshi ps shi f ts. You stop ex pect ing ot he rs to f i l l what onl y He ca n, a nd you be co m e f re e to offe r a nd rec ei ve l ove more ge nerousl y.

I n a dd i t i o n to esta bl i shi ng your i nternal s e nse o f be i ng , pr i or i ti ze sm a l l , cons istent gat h e r i n g s w i th qua l i ty rel ati onshi ps over l a rge so c i a l eve nts. Re sea rc h shows t hat re pe ate d co ntac t wi th the sa m e people— no t co nsta nt nove l ty—bui l ds genu ine conne c ti o n. Thi s m i ght be a weekl y dinner wi th f r i e nds, a m onthl y book c l ub or a re g ul a r wa l k i ng group. Fi nd sha re d purpose thro ug h vo l unte er i ng or com m unit y rol e s whe re you fe el not j ust wel comed, but n e e de d. Whe n you m atte r to ot hers t hro ug h w hat you contr i bute , l one l iness

diminishes because you experi e n ce belonging t hrough significance .

Nex t , address t he internal barriers t hat keep you from feeling connect io n eve n w hen it ’s offered. Many people l ack t h e capacit y to receive connect ion d ue to childhood wounds or fear of v ulnerabilit y.

Learn how to share your perso n al values, beliefs and needs aut hent ically w it h ot hers. This is called quality s e lfdisclosure, and it ’s t he foundatio n o f deep relat ionships. However, aut he nt icit y doesn’t mean oversharing or expe ct ing ot hers to carr y w hat only God o r a t herapist can hold. Healt hy disc lo s u re is reciprocal, appropriate to t he de pt h of t he relat ionship and offered wit h o u t demanding t hat ot hers fix or complete yo u.

S omet imes t he loneliness gap exist s n o t because people aren’t t here, but be caus e we haven’t learned to let t hem in o r we ’ve pushed t hem away by expecting to o m uch.

F inally, examine t he expectat ions yo u’re carr y ing. Ask yourself: Is my lone line s s signaling a genuine lack of conne ct io n, or have my standards been inflate d by comparison and cult ural pressure ? Lim it passive social media consumpt ion, wh ich research shows quiet ly raises yo u r s et point beyond w hat real life can s ustain.

Pract ice social self-awareness by exam ining how much connect ion you act ually n e e d to feel well rat her t han how much yo u should need. S omet imes closing t he gap means accept ing t hat your life, w it h it s re al people, real limitat ions and real love , is enough.

Loneliness is not a life sentence ; it ’s an inv itat ion to go deeper w it h God, to ex te nd compassion to yourself and to show up more aut hent ically w it h ot he rs .

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H E A LT H Y Y O U

Club Pilates is for Bodies of All Backgrounds TEXT BY HEATHER HOLLOWAY | PHOTO BY CARRIE PINKLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Club Pilates i s for bo dies

of a l l b a c k g rounds. Som e m e m be rs are sta r ti ng th e i r ve r y f i rst exe rc i se rout ine, s om e a re gett i ng ba c k i nto i t, a nd o t hers r un m a rat ho ns a nd work out da i l y. No matte r the bo dy si ze or f i tness l evel, Club Pi l ate s ha s som ethi ng for eve r yo ne.

C l ub Pi l ates i nstr uc tors m e et you wh e re yo u a re on your f i tness j ourney wi th i nd i v i du a l i zed attenti on. Have you be e n avo i d i ng exe rc i se beca use you feel 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • February 2026

like you need to “get in shape” befo re attending a class? If you’re just star t in g to exercise or adding to an establis h e d rout ine, we’re ready to guide yo u.

Pilates is a great int roduct ion to exe rcis e because it ’s low impact . You won’t we ar yourself out or overdo it , so you b uild up st rengt h, flexibilit y and enduranc e in a safe and effect ive way.

If you’ve always been at hlet ic, P ilate s can offer a new t y pe of challenge. Ex pe r t inst ructors teach you how to en gage

H E A LT H Y Y O U

s ma l l e r mu sc l es to work the body as a whol e . Yo u l e a rn how to c ha l l enge yourself with sm a l l e r move m ents a nd get deeper into t he wo rk. As a re sul t, you avoid i nj ur i e s t hat ca n oc c ur i n hi ghe r-i mpact wor ko ut s. T he i nstr uc ti on tra nsl ates well i nto o ther athl eti c a c ti vi ti es.

C o ntra r y to what som e peopl e think , P i l ate s i s fo r ever yone . Ori gi na l l y called Cont ro l o g y, Pi l ate s wa s i nve nte d by Joseph P il ate s, a boxe r a nd a gym na st. He c reated t he m et ho d to be exe rc i se a nyone can do, le a r n i ng to wo rk f rom the core to develop st re ngth, sta b i l i ty a nd f l ex i bi l i ty. Pilates pays spe c i a l atte nti on to the spi ne, mov ing i t i n a l l d i re c ti ons; suc h e m pha si s i s often o m i tte d f ro m tra di ti ona l wor kouts.

Club Pi l ate s’ s i ze- i nc l usi ve i nstruc tion is for a l l b o d i e s a nd ski l l l eve l s. If you’re just getti ng ba c k i nto exe rc i se af ter surger y, we prov i de modi f i cati ons a nd equi pment adjust me nts to he l p you m a ke progress w i th o ut set bac ks. Al l c l a sses have l evels s o be g i nne rs ca n bui l d the i r foundat ion l e a r ni ng how to do the exe rc i se s a nd use t he e qui pme nt. M ore a dva nc e d student s re c e i ve a ppropri ate c ha l l e nge s.

Pi l ate s a sks you to thi nk a bout the m ove m e nt a nd how i t fe el s i n your body.

O ur i nst r uc to rs gi ve you c ues to ga i n better fo r m, l e a d i ng to body awa reness that ex te nds beyond the studi o.

O ur w i d e ra n ge of offer i ngs a l l work t he ful l bo dy ; c l a ss opti ons ra nge f rom athlet ic c ha l l e n ge s to stretc hi ng to the ba sics of Pi l ate s’ si x m a i n pri nc i pl e s.

W h e n wa s the l a st ti m e you foc used on your bre athi ng? Pi l ates te a c he s how to

breat he fully. You’ll learn to expa nd yo ur lungs and t hen exhale all t he air o ut to cleanse t he oxygen in t he blood. B re at hin g can assist movement in more challe ngin g exercises.

How focused are you w hen you exe rcis e ?

Pilates teaches you to go into your bo dy and focus on w hat you feel. This leads to a better mind-body connect io n.

Do you feel centered? Pilates helps yo u learn to find your center and wo r k f ro m t here. You’ll learn to connect to yo ur co re st rengt h to develop better bala nce .

Learning w hat to cont rol and w hat to let go of is an important part of any wo r ko u t .

When you learn to cont rol your move m e nt , you move w it h more intent ion and bette r mind-body connect ion.

Would you rat her do 100 push-ups wit h poor form or t hree efficient push-ups wit h good form? Mov ing t he body w it h inte nt io n and accuracy is key. If you cont ro l yo ur movement and move w it h quality o f fo r m over quant it y of repet it ions, you’ll ach ieve better result s.

Instead of doing a few set s of repet it io ns and tak ing a break , you add progre s s io ns and t ransit ions to find t he movem e nt flow. Mov ing w it h flow helps wor k yo ur breat h, get s t he heart rate up, and ke e ps t hings going from one exercise to t he n ex t .

These are t he basics of Pilates t hat anyo ne can do. Club Pilates is here to suppo r t you in learning t hese sk ills to build yo ur movement foundat ion so you can e n j oy a st ronger, healt hier, more balance d life .

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F E B R UA RY 2026 SOURCES HO M E F E AT U R E Special Thanks Tara 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 Thanks Made by Molly @__madebymolly

ON A GOOD NOTE Special Thanks Shepherd’s Haven shepherdshaven.org

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ON A GOOD NOTE

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.

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