A RENOVATION IN GERMANTOWN
BATHROOM TRENDS 2016
CONTENTS JANUARY 2016
28
28 HOME A RENOWNED RENOVATION IN GERMANTOWN The home of Grace and Frank Uhlhorn, originally built in 1898, features a rich history and a beautiful English Country design.
40 DESIGN BATHROOM TRENDS FOR 2016 Crisp, cool colors and good lighting are key elements for a beautiful, yet functional, bathroom.
ON THE COVER - HOME FEATURE | p.28 The home of Grace and Frank Uhlhorn
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CONTENTS JANUARY 2016
F O R YO U 18 healthy you Gastric Bypass Surgery 22 beauty Get Glowing in the New Year
64
90 on a good note My Cup of Tea Ministry
HOME & DESIGN 26 at home with Memphis City Mayor Jim Strickland
54
48 style marketplace Bathroom Decor 50 home trends Home Remodeling Tips
T R AV E L & C U L T U R E 54 getaway George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum 58 experience this Mobile Mardi Gras & The Memphis Open 64 travel River Cruises 70 social pages Mid South Happenings 75 arts Playhouse on the Square
FOOD & DRINK 76 entertaining Housewarming Party 82 in the kitchen Healthy Italian Recipes 84 dining out Eighty3 86 happy hour “Hotty Toddy”
IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | EDITOR’S NOTE 14 | CONTRIBUTORS 89 | SOURCES
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JANUARY 2016 • VOL. 14 NO. 10 PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
EDITOR LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT | lcolvett@athomemms.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR LAURIE A. SUMMERS | lsummers@athomemms.com
PHOTOGRAPHY & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT SUZIE HANSEN | shansen@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com JEANNETTE MYERS | jmyers@athomemms.com MELINDA SANDERS | msanders@athomemms.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
INTERNS TAYLOR GRACE AND RUTHIE HALL
HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athomemms.com
At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 877.684.4155 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.
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editor’s note
Happy New Year! As I am writing this letter in mid December with temperatures around 70 degrees and sunny, blue skies, and lots of fun holiday parties and luncheons to attend, it’s hard to believe when this issue hits the newsstands it will be January 2016! We will have a new Memphis mayor, Jim Strickland, whom we are thrilled to feature on page 26 in our “At Home With” article. There is a strong sense of optimism in the city these days, which is very exciting. This time of year, I can’t help but think back to New Year’s Eve 1999 when “Y2K” was supposedly going to happen as 1999 rolled into 2000. It sounded funny when I was casually telling my 12-year-old son the other evening about how we feared that computers would not be compatible with the new millenium. And now 16 years later, I can’t imagine not having access to computing. Smart phones and email have become a critical part of our lives. Growing up it seemed the biggest advance from my parents’ generation to the time when I was little was the switch from black-and-white to color television. It reminds me of a funny question my daughter, who was four or five years old at the time, asked my mom, who was born in the 1950s: “Did you just wake up one day and the world was in color and not black and white anymore?” I hope this January issue of At Home Memphis & Mid South helps add color and cheer to the drab days of January!
Lesley Correction: See p.89 for the December 2015 home sources.
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contributors Matt Gossett • Beauty Sought out for his soft but glamorous bridal looks, Matt has made a name for himself throughout the Mid South as a professional makeup artist. With eight years in the local beauty scene, Matt makes it his number one priority to ensure that the women of the Mid South have their own kind of beauty.
April McKinney • In the Kitchen is an award-winning cook, food writer and recipe demonstrator. She has been featured on the Today show and Better TV, after her recipes won national cooking contests. You can also see her creating new healthy and simple dishes on her YouTube channel, “April McKinney Cooking,” where she demonstrates her recipes on camera.
Barbara May • Travel The owner of Travel Leaders, Barbara and her staff have proudly served Memphis and the surrounding areas for over 29 years. Her agency handles all aspects of the industry and is certified in areas that include cruises, all-inclusive Sandals properties, Disney, destination weddings and honeymoons. Barbara’s agencies have been recognized as Top Retail Agencies by Travel Leaders.
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January 2016 • athomemms.com | 17
healthy you
Dr. Virginia Weaver
Dr. Robert Wegner
UN DERSTAND I NG M I N I M A L LY I N VA S IV E
G A STRIC B Y PA S S S U RGE RY TEXT CONTRIBUTED BY SAINT FRANCIS CENTER FOR SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS
M
emphis and the Mid South are the epicenter for the disease of obesity in the United States. Those who suffer from obesity are not alone; nearly 40 percent of adults in this region are obese, and over two-thirds of adults are overweight.
small incisions. Gastric bypass is considered the gold standard procedure to which all other surgical methods are compared for both weight loss and complication rates. This is because gastric bypass provides the most successful means of weight loss, and “cures” the diseases associated with obesity far more effectively than any other bariatric procedure.
Obesity is a complex, chronic, metabolic disease, not just an excess of tissue or a lack of will power. Fat accumulates in the body to the extent that health is impaired. Unfortunately, conventional methods of weight loss often do not work for obese people. While dietary modification and exercise can be effective for those who are modestly overweight, they typically do not work on patients who are significantly overweight or obese. This is due to complex hormonal changes and other metabolic issues that occur in obesity which make it nearly impossible to maintain weight loss. The good news is that there IS a treatment for obesity that works not only for weight loss, but for treating the diseases associated with obesity — bariatric surgery.
An overwhelming amount of evidence supports gastric bypass above any other procedure. The STAMPEDE (Surgical Therapy and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently) trial is perhaps the most followed and respected study comparing bariatric procedures with medical therapy. According to the lead investigator of the study performed by the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, “The three-year data confirms that bariatric surgery maintains its superiority over medical therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in severely obese patients. When compared to sleeve gastrectomy and medical therapy, gastric bypass patients achieved greater weight loss, were on fewer medications, had a higher success rate controlling diabetes, and had an improved quality of life.”
Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, is for patients who are severely obese, which is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more in combination with other health-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea. BMI is a calculation based on height and weight. The two most common procedures performed in the U.S. are laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Both are performed in a minimally invasive manner through 18 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
The Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss is a multidisciplinary surgical weight loss center staffed by fellowship-trained surgeons, nurses, nurse practitioners, patient advocates, medical assistants and bariatric-specific dieticians. The center is fully accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program as a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications.
healthy you The two surgeons, Dr. Robert Wegner and Dr. Virginia Weaver, perform a variety of procedures, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and converting gastric bands to bypasses. They work closely with patients in determining which procedure would be best for each person. “I was recently asked by a colleague why I perform so many laparoscopic gastric bypasses,” says Dr. Wegner. “I simply answered, ‘Because it works.’ Laparoscopic gastric bypass is still the gold standard to which all other procedures are compared. That said, it’s also one of the most technically complex procedures and should only be done by a surgeon specifically trained to do it. There is a local perception that gastric bypass is ‘risky’ and ‘unsafe,’ which could not be further from the truth. I am not saying it is without risk; every surgery has some risk involved. What I am saying is that gastric bypass is extremely safe and effective. On multiple levels gastric bypass is the most powerful weight-loss operation available and should be part of a bariatric surgeon’s skill set.”
treat the disease of obesity,” says Dr. Weaver. “Obesity causes at least as many deaths as smoking. The diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, can also be dangerous. The resultant improvement or eradication of these diseases after bariatric surgery is staggering. For example, diabetes is put into remission over 90 percent of the time after gastric bypass. Personal responsibility and lifestyle change are essential to lose weight and maintain it; the problem is that those things alone usually do not work once someone is already obese. But bariatric surgery in conjunction with lifestyle modifications does work — for losing weight and maintaining it for life.” To learn more about weight loss surgery, visit MemphisWeightLossSurgery.com. The site features an online seminar discussing obesity and surgical treatment options. Dr. Wegner and Dr. Weaver also conduct live seminars on the topic regularly. Call 901.765.1849 to sign up for a free seminar.
“Bariatric surgery is not done simply for weight loss or cosmetic reasons, it truly is potentially life-saving surgery to
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20 || At At Home Home Memphis Memphis & & Mid Mid South South •• January January 2015 2016 20
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beauty
Get Glowing
in the New Year Text & Makeup by Matt Gossett Photography by Walter White
J
anuary is that time of year when life slows down just a little. We indulged in two months of parties, shindigs, food and drinks that we, of course, loved. The fast pace might have taken a toll on your skin, and so can the winter weather. Going from the heat indoors to the cold outside isn’t good for the delicate skin on your face. If you’re smart you’ll practice an important but often neglected weekly routine— EXFOLIATION. Exfoliation helps with so many issues that we experience in the winter months: skin cells build up, rough patches form from the dry heat and we lose our glow from lack of moisture in the air. Finding the right exfoliator or treatment procedure is important this time of year. Here are some of my personal favorite exfoliation tips to keep you glowing in the new year. Exfoliate weekly: To keep your skin glowing and smooth, you have to find the right balance of exfoliation. In our 20s our skin cell turnover happens every 28 days, which keeps us glowing naturally. As we mature, the process slows to every 30 to 40 days. The best way to keep your complexion from looking dull is to exfoliate at night before bed. After removing makeup and cleansing skin, exfoliating takes skin to that one extra step clean. Your face will rejoice and you will be glowing in the morning.
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Normal skin exfoliation: Glycolic acid is a great way to chemically exfoliate the skin. It penetrates deeper into the skin past the surface. Glycolic products usually come in peels, creams and cleansers. Many night creams contain glycolic acid to chemically exfoliate as you sleep. When adding a glycolic product into your skincare routine, use it once a week to see how your skin reacts to it. Then try twice a week to achieve maximum cell turnover for optimum glow. Incorporate just one glycolic item to your skin-care regimen. Using too many may result in over drying and irritation. My favorite glycolic items are Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Facial Wash, Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment (both found locally at Sephora) and June Jacobs Anti-Aging Blemish Control Peel Pads (found locally at Mona Esthetics in Laurelwood). Oily skin exfoliation: When dealing with oily and acne-prone skin exfoliation can be a saving grace. Oily skin can handle more frequent exfoliation. A daily salicylic acid wash helps the cell turnover process along. A favorite cleanser of mine is the philosophy clear days ahead cleanser (found locally at Sephora and Macy’s Oak Court). Dry and sensitive skin exfoliation: When you have dry skin the last thing you want to do is dry it out more with anything harsh. Yet, you also want to exfoliate because of dry patches or flaking skin. A great way to
exfoliate without irritation is a peel. It will help get a full layer off without being abrasive. My favorite product is Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel. Use ceramides after exfoliation: After you get the dead skin off and you are GLOWING it’s time to keep that radiance. I have a major love for ceramides. They occur naturally in our skin, but decrease as we mature. Always pick a face cream with ceramides to get the glow back. Ceramides also act as our skin’s natural moisture barrier, giving that little outside cushion. My favorite is Caudalie Premier Cru La Creme Riche. Fake a glow: If you want skin to look a little extra dewy, a highlighter is the way to go. Putting a liquid highlighter on the key points of the face helps you look radiant, lifted and awake. The key points are the nose, the plain of the cheeks, and the chin. Put just a little on a fingertip or a foundation brush and apply on the key points. My favorite is Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, which comes in several different shades. Total body exfoliation and glow: A head-to-toe glow is easy to achieve with daily exfoliation using a loofah. This will remove a little dead skin without overdoing it. When it comes to glow I prefer body oil and butter for a touchworthy look. My favorite in-shower exfoliant, oils and body butters come from The Bubble Bistro on Watkins in midtown Memphis. Definitely worth the drive for the quality and the amazing variety of products.
To book makeup concierge appointments, look Matt up at About Face Artistry on Facebook, and follow him on Instagram @aboutface_87.
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at home with
Jim Strickland
Memphis City Mayor INTERVIEW BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY DALE PHOTOGRAPHY
Melyne and Jim Strickland
The citizens of Memphis recently elected a new city mayor, Jim Strickland, who will take office January 1, 2016. Strickland has served on the Memphis City Council since 2007, and he and his wife Melyne have two children. At Home Memphis & Mid South recently chatted with Strickland about his interests outside of politics, his volunteer work and his vision for Memphis. At Home Memphis & Mid South: Tell us about your volunteer work and what inspires you to give back. Jim Strickland: One of the clear messages in the Bible is to serve others. As a Catholic, I have been inspired by the selfless works of Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, and the Christian Brothers at my alma mater, Christian Brothers High School in Memphis. Based on these inspirations, I have volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Soup Kitchen for 26 years. St. Vincent de Paul was a Catholic priest who dedicated himself to serving the poor in 17th century France. He said, “It is not enough to give soup and bread; this the rich can do. You are a servant of the poor, always smiling and good humored.”
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In addition, I have volunteered as a lawyer for Alpha Omega Veterans Service, which helps homeless military veterans get back on their feet, for Habitat for Humanity, at the Memphis Botanic Garden, and as a Sunday school teacher and youth basketball coach. Public servants have often echoed this call to service. President John Kennedy implored us, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” President George H.W. Bush challenged us to be one of the “thousand points of light.” My faith and interest in politics fit together hand-in-glove around service to others. I look forward to serving Memphians as mayor. AHMMS: What is your dream vacation? JS: With my family in any big city in the United States. AHMMS: What are your interests outside of politics? JS: Movies, reading history, watching favorite TV shows and sports, especially the University of Memphis Tigers and the Grizzlies, walking and playing tennis.
at home with AHMMS: What were your favorite subjects in high school? JS: Geometry and English. AHMMS: What would be your dream job, besides being mayor of Memphis? JS: Athletic director at the University of Memphis or professional tennis player. AHMMS: Where did you grow up and attend school? JS: I was born near South Bend, Indiana (Go Irish!) and then moved to Detroit, Cincinnati and Louisville. When I was 12 years old, we moved to Memphis. I went to high school at Christian Brothers High School and graduated college and law school at the University of Memphis. AHMMS: What do you love most about Memphis? JS: Its spirit, which reveals itself through its people, culture and history. We are truly “grit and grind.” AHMMS: What are your favorite local restaurants? JS: The Rendezvous, Central Barbeque, Corky’s Bar-B-Q, Interstate Barbecue, The Little Tea Shop, Cafe Keough, The
Barksdale, Bosco’s, Westy’s, Pete and Sam’s and Garibaldi’s Pizza. AHMMS: Briefly explain how you got involved in politics. JS: The 1976 election was the first presidential contest to which I paid attention. I was 11 years old, and that election prompted me to research whether there had ever been a president who was Catholic like me. Of course, there has only been one, John F. Kennedy. I researched President Kennedy’s speeches, and that inspired me towards public service. AHMMS: Can you sum up what you would like to see for Memphis in the next few years? JS: Memphis needs to grow. I hope it grows in population and jobs. To accomplish this, I want city government to lead the way to (1) substantially reduce the violent crime rate, (2) clean up the blight and litter and focus on the basics of local government, like paving more streets, (3) measure results and hold city officials accountable for their performance. There are so many great things going on in Memphis, and if city government can get the basics right, our beloved city will burst with growth.
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HOMEfeature
Renowned Renovation TEXT BY KATIE BREYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE ROBERTS
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W
hen you walk up to the gorgeous home of Grace and Frank Uhlhorn, you’d never guess that the warm and inviting residence was once a shabby two-bedroom shack that had lost all hope. “It was like the Addams family lived here,” says Frank. He adds, “I bought it to tear it down.” However, something made him change his mind, and today he is very glad he did. The setting has a quality of magic to it, perched high on five acres in Germantown, Tennessee. The picturesque surroundings enchanted the Uhlhorns from the start; the location was too beautiful to leave, so the family stayed beyond the few years they had originally planned. With their work cut out for them, they began to breathe hope back into the lonely, wasting building that they purchased in 1997. The awe-inspiring remodel was done in impressive timing; the plans were drawn by Doug Enoch in January 2015, renovation began mid-March, and the family moved back into the home in mid-July. Steve Nabers of Nabers Interiors, who did the interior design throughout the entire home, describes the style as “English Country.” The house was originally built in 1898. While it has had multiple owners throughout its history, the property was owned by the Bodine family prior to the Uhlhorns. The Bodines had ties to the hardwood industry of Memphis and they later established The Bodine School. Handsome walnut accents adorn the home, especially the grand doors separating the morning room and the master bedroom. Despite their substantial thickness, the massive doors slide easily, revealing their impressive craftsmanship. One would never guess that they are repurposed from wood that was en route to the dumpster. The doors were made by Brad Alvarez, a finish carpenter who has been a friend of the Uhlhorn family for decades. Alvarez put his detailed
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touch into much of the custom work displayed in the home—he salvaged all of the walnut paneling used in the bookcases, the doors and the entry hall ceiling. The doors aren’t the only unique feature about the home. The mantel in the morning room came from Frank’s grandfather’s house. Sacred mementos that are ingrained into a home’s structure always add a special quality that cannot be reproduced. Each of the five bedrooms has its own bathroom. Looking out to Cordes Road, the master is the only place in the house that gives a view of public life outside the cozy retreat, making it the ideal vantage spot from which to see the comings and goings at the Uhlhorns’. The estate stirs with workers, friends and family.
“We designed our home to have an ‘open-door’ policy,” says Grace as she looks to the veranda. It’s obvious to see that the family enjoys entertaining and has the room to do it well. The ambiance of the veranda beats that of any upscale restaurant with its group-friendly tables and chairs and lush vines covering the wooden beams and airy ceiling. It’s the perfect blend of welcoming and private. “We’ve hosted wedding receptions, meetings, cookouts and all kinds of other gatherings here,” Frank says. He notes that they reconstructed French-style opening doors to make in-and-out access easier, explaining that before renovation there was a single door that made foot traffic congested. Naturally, the doors open to the kitchen, the main gathering spot of any house.
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”
perfect blend
It’s the of welcoming and private.”
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A surprise feature in this home is that there is another one below it; stairs in a room off the kitchen lead to a small yet fully equipped apartment. Pre-construction, the stairs were located in the kitchen and led to a basement, which was quite a feat to close off. “The floor plan before was a hodgepodge. Now it makes sense,” says Frank. The kitchen now leads into the sunroom which also opens up to the dining area. While the sunroom’s atmosphere seems fit for an English tea party, the dining area has a medieval feel. Seated in the living room, guests are warmed by a cozy fire, a hospitable retreat from bitter winter wind. Despite the chill, however, the sun shines through the windows that wrap the room, giving visitors a colorful picture of the various regional trees and shrubs as well as a landscaped garden pond. Frank speaks of the squirrels, birds and chipmunks that entertain the family on a daily basis as they sit and relax. “Our home is very comfortable. It’s not the biggest or grandest of them all, but it has so much character,” says Grace. Her statement rings true: the furniture and decor make the interior cozy while the eye candy of natural foliage provides a peaceful feeling outside. With the best of both worlds, what more could a family ask for?
HOME SOURCES: Developer: Frank Uhlhorn Construction Architect: Doug Enoch Bath fixtures: Ferguson Kitchen: Pro Stone Kitchen & Bath Granite suppliers: Granite & Marble Services Appliances: CenWood Appliance Builder: Homeowner, Frank Uhlhorn Construction Lighting: Magnolia Lighting Doors: Dyke Industries Windows: Dyke Industries Flooring: Old World Floors Trim work: Brad Alvarez Interior Design: Steve Nabers, Nabers Interiors Home Technology: Live-Safe-Now Landscape: MorGreen Nursery & Landscape Plumbing: Zack Street Plumbing Company Painting: Scotty Marsh CTD Painting Electrical: Ellendale Electric Company, Inc. Faux Finishing: Judy Vandergrift Iron: A&H Ironworks Tile work: Acme Brick & Tile February January 2015 2016 • athomemms.com | 37
Covington, tn
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design
2016
DESIGN TRENDS FOR THE BATHROOM
BEFORE
TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT
A
touch of glamour, gray color tones and good lighting are key elements to a great bathroom. At Home Memphis & Mid South chatted with Leslie Cetingok and Erin Carlson about this year’s trends in bathrooms.
Leslie Cetingok
Owner and Creative Director, DesignArt At Home Memphis & Mid South: What are the top trends in bathrooms for 2016? Leslie Cetingok: Achieving the spa-like or Zen experience at home is still all the rage for 2016. We will continue to see beautiful natural stones not only on the floors, but also up the walls in showers and as backsplash material. Clean, open areas highlighted with freestanding tubs and floating/freestanding vanities will be prevalent. A move toward minimalism in general will continue to occur, and anything with multifunctional elements will be in demand. We may also see more use of metallic accents on walls, ceilings and backsplashes.
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AHMMS: Tell us about the design of the featured bathrooms. LC: This bathroom on p. 41, bottom and p. 42 is at my own personal residence built by Ken Garland Custom Homes. I worked with Karen Kassen and the amazing team at Kitchens Unlimited on the floating cabinets and hardware. In order to accomplish the minimalist look and add a bit of old Hollywood glamour, I chose black cabinets against a background of white marble. The glass handles bring in an art deco feeling and act as “jewelry” for the cabinets. I designed the mirrors to maximize the amount of area covered then had trim installed and painted on-site to serve as “frames.” The dressing area (not pictured) is a favorite of mine. The built-in cabinets and drawers are a must for keeping things organized. The marble is carried throughout the dressing area and closets to provide continuity and flow. The settee was designed specifically for the dressing area and is one of my favorite places to sit and chat with my husband in the evening. The next bathroom on p.41 top, is a renovation in the home of Julia and Rush O’Keefe. Their beautiful historic home is over 100 years old so this renovation had to be done very thoughtfully. Julia was incredibly involved and an amazing project manager.
design
O'Keefe bathroom
BEFORE
She personally worked with various contractors to execute on the renovation, while I worked on the design elements. We updated the previous forest green flooring and vanity tops with new white marble and carried it throughout the shower. We also opened up the shower and added three eight-foot glass panels to create a more spacious feeling. For the finishing touches, we chose Emtek hardware from Graham's for the handles and had custom shades and mirrors made. Finally, I was honored that the homeowners chose to display one of my original works of art over their new freestanding bathtub to complete the updated look. The next bathroom on p. 40 is in a home on Barfield Road renovated by Paul Davis Construction. I worked with a renovation specialist and contractor Paul Blose to update this bathroom, in addition to many other rooms in the home. The shower was converted from a small closed unit into a much larger open spa/rain shower with marble floor to ceiling. The flooring is the same marble material, only in a larger size to make the room feel as spacious as possible. We also installed a freestanding bathtub in a contemporary shape, which allows more of the new floor to be seen. The freestanding vanity provides a minimalist
OPPOSITE, TOP & BOTTOM:
Designer: Leslie Cetingok Photography: Steve Roberts January 2016 • athomemms.com | 41
design
Designer: Leslie Cetingok Photography: Steve Roberts 42 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
look that works well in the space with open shelves and towel racks. New recessed lighting was added, as were FreeJack pendants over the vanity area. AHMMS: What key features should a well-designed bathroom include? LC: Make sure the bones of the bathroom are solid before turning an eye to aesthetics. The structural integrity of the bathroom is critical. Maximize the space available to you! A successful design is all about how you utilize the space. Make use of every inch through niches, drawers, towel racks, etc. Also, lighting can do wonders for creating that open and airy feeling in a bath. If you have the opportunity to add windows or skylights it’s always a good idea to let in natural light. If windows or skylights are not an option, consider adding additional can lights or using mirrors to add reflectivity to the space. AHMMS: Any advice or tips for a homeowner who is renovating or updating a bathroom? LC: As simple as it sounds, a great shower system, toilet and faucets are important, as they’re used every day. Be sure to choose a brand that sells parts locally so you’re not struggling to get something repaired in a pinch with no access to parts. Let the professionals help you! Hire a good contractor. Make sure you’re working with someone reputable who knows how to problem solve. Know that there will be unexpected issues that arise. Having a good partner in the process who you trust is key. If you’re working with a designer, take full advantage of their resources and expertise to save time and money. AHMMS: What are your favorite colors for bathrooms? LC: The palette you choose is very important in accomplishing the overall feeling of a room. In a bathroom, I like crisp, clean colors. Stay away from warm tones. Yellows and browns can make a space feel heavy, closed in or dingy. I love the Benjamin Moore colors Stonington Gray, Harbor Gray and Simply White in bathrooms. Don’t be afraid to paint your ceilings! I love a glossy ceiling or even an interesting tiled ceiling for drama and impact. January 2016 • athomemms.com | 43
design
Erin Carlson Branch Manager of Falk Plumbing Supply
At Home Memphis & Mid South: What are the top trends in bathrooms for 2016? Erin Carlson: The gray trend is still going strong for 2016. It seems many homeowners are getting tired of just going with either the brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze as the faucet finish throughout the house. The Mid South market is seeing an increase in the use of polished nickel as a finish for faucets in both the kitchen and the bath. There has also been an increase in the use of the much maligned gold/polished brass finish of the ‘90s. We are not using the brass finish from the ‘90s, but rather warmer versions of the finish, which work really well in the popular gray bathrooms. Technology in the bathroom is still evolving with new products coming out that integrate technology into an everyday item. Shower heads have speakers for music and even lights built in them. Toilets seats have air fresheners and nightlights as available options. You can have electronic controls in the shower and steam showers that can be controlled with your smart phone. Some people dislike waking up and stepping onto 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
a cold tile floor or sitting on a cold tile shower bench, so heated floors and benches are a nice option. In the past, heated floors had been a fairly expensive add-on to a bathroom renovation, but over the last few years some reasonably priced options have become available. As we enjoy the winter months I think all of us would love to have heated floors not just in the bathroom but throughout the house! AHMMS: What key features should a well-designed bathroom include? EC: People tend to get caught up in what their friends or neighbors have done in their bathrooms and forget to think about what they want out of their bathroom renovation to make the space work best for them. It is great to get ideas from friends and family, but really think about what it is that would make the space work best for you. Storage is always an issue and it seems we never have enough. Lots of drawers are a great option but will drive the price of a vanity up. The other way you can maximize storage is to consider adding roll-out trays to cabinets like you would typically find in your kitchen. Rollout trays make accessing items in the back of your vanity a breeze and can be added down the road if they aren’t in your renovation budget at the outset. Lighting is key! Don’t spend $10,000 - $20,000 for a bathroom
Designer: Erin Carlson Photo Courtesy of Falk Supply
renovation and not have enough light when all is said and done. Overhead lighting as well as sconces are great, but consider a magnifying mirror with a light, as well. These are typically referred to as makeup mirrors, but don’t let the name fool you; both women and men find them very useful in their daily routine. While not very glamorous to pick out for your bathroom renovation, an exhaust fan is another item that should be on your to-do list, especially if you are in an older home that didn’t previously have one installed. Remodeling a bathroom and not including ventilation is a big mistake and can lead to moisture damage and mold growth, which are the last things you want to deal with in a newly renovated space. There are some very discreet, quiet fans on the market—a popular option is a fan that looks like a can light and just blends right into the space.
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design
Designer: Erin Carlson Photo Courtesy of Falk Supply
AHMMS: Any advice or tips for a homeowner who is renovating or updating a bathroom? EC: Take your time. Don’t rush into a renovation; they usually cost more and take longer than you anticipate. You want to do your homework ahead of time. Make product selections like plumbing fixtures, tile and lighting well before your project starts. Making selections early will help to determine if you have a realistic budget in place for what you want and it will allow your contractors to give you a more accurate estimate if they know you want a shower that looks more like a car wash with marble tile versus a shower with a single head and porcelain tile. Labor costs and construction times change depending on the selections you make. Find experts in the field to work with. Experts will help guide you smoothly through your project, make sure you know about all of your options and coordinate with your contractor to get the material ordered and delivered to the job on time. Make sure you have made selections and have 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
material ordered prior to demo. If you don’t it is quite possible you will not get exactly what you want because there is typically a week to two-week lead time to order most items. Quite often it can take four to six weeks for products to arrive. AHMMS: What are the top color trends for bathrooms? EC: Gray is still a strong color trend for 2016. We are also starting to see a number of all-white bathrooms with bold accent pieces. The accent may be a unique finish on the faucets or maybe a bold color or pattern used in a very specific area of the bath as a focal point. Oil-rubbed bronze is slowly fading in popularity. While it is still widely available the demand for the finish is not nearly what it had been. Polished nickel and shades of gold are popular choices for faucet finishes, but brushed nickel still reigns supreme. See Sources (p. 89) for more information.
styleMARKETPLACE Pluto Vessel Bathroom Sink Kraus, $142.99, Wayfair.com
Arlington 3-Bulb Vanity Light $139, www.birchlane.com
BATHROOM DECOR BEAUTY MEETS FUNCTION WITH THESE FABULOUS FINDS FOR THE BATHROOM Malibu Single Bathrom Vanity Set Stufurhome, $923.28, Wayfair.com
King Soaking Bathtub Legion Furniture, $959.95, Wayfair.com 48 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
Chrome Shaving Set $79.99, birchlane.com
Mini Stripe 6 Piece Towel Set $125, www.dwellstudio.com
Woven Pindot Bin in Bark $115, www.dwellstudio.com November January 2016 2014 • athomemms.com | 49
home trends
GET TING YOUR REMODELING PROJECT OFF TO A GREAT START
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TEXT BY ROBIN TERRY, WEST TENNESSEE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
f you are among the growing number of homeowners who are deciding to remodel to fit their changing needs rather than move, it’s important to take steps to be sure your project moves along smoothly. Although it’s much less expensive to remodel than to move, most projects still involve a significant financial investment, so choosing a contractor you can trust is key. Here are some tips that will help you as you’re planning your project: ALWAYS GO WITH A PRO The best place to start is by contacting the West Tennessee Home Builders Association at 901.756.4500 or to visit www. yourhomebuilders.org. The local website contains searchable lists of professional remodelers and suppliers. In addition, the National Association of Home Builders maintains a Directory of Professional Remodelers at nahb.org/remodelerdirectory. Professional remodelers who are members of a trade association like the WestTNHBA understand that they will be held to ethical and professional standards as a requirement of membership. 50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
These sources can also help you find a professional who specializes in specific types of remodeling. A Certified Agingin-Place Specialist (CAPS) can modify your home to better suit you as you age; a Certified Green Professional (CGP) can make your home more energy efficient. Using the resources of your local professional construction trade association helps you narrow down a “short list” of contractors to contact about your project. DO YOUR RESEARCH Before you call potential remodelers spend some time collecting ideas of what you’d like to have in your project. Gathering photos or samples of products can give the contractor a better idea of what you want the finished project to look like. In today’s world of technology, it’s easy to visit sites like HomeAdvisor, Houzz, Angie’s List, etc., to see pictures and to read reviews of remodeling companies, but don’t rely solely on these sites to choose your contractor for you. Ask for referrals from friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and others who have had remodeling work done on comparable homes under similar schedules. While it’s also
a good idea to have a budget in mind of what you can afford, and to have talked to your financial institution about what funds you may have available, be prepared to discuss your budget when you interview contractors. A professional remodeler can advise you on products, finishes and appliances that match your lifestyle, location, house size and budget, and help you avoid spending money without a reasonable payback on either resource expense (energy and water, for example) or the sale of your home when the time comes. Start taking noteS When you begin meeting with remodelers, you want to find out information such as: How long they have been in business in your community? Can they provide references from customers and suppliers with whom they work? Do they carry insurance that protects you from claims arising from property damage or job site injuries? Ask for a copy of the insurance certificates. What is their working knowledge of the many types and ages of homes in the area, and what sort of issues could arise? Do they arrange for the building permit? (The person who obtains the permit is the contractor of record and therefore liable for the work) Do they provide a written estimate before beginning the work, and a detailed contract that spells out the work that will and will not be performed, protects both of you, provides a fair payment schedule contract and complies with local, state and federal laws? truSt Your inStinctS Make sure you are compatible with the contractor you select. Beginning your project with clear mutual expectations will go a long way towards a smooth remodel! You’ll spend a lot of time with your remodeler, so it’s vital to have a good rapport and trust in him or her. For more detailed checklists for finding, evaluating and working with a remodeler, as well as other information about remodeling your home, go to nahb.org/remodeling or contact the West Tennessee Home Builders Association at 901.756.4500.
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getaway
George W. Bush
Presidential Library & Museum TEXT BY JAYNE CANNON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER
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n the edge of the Southern Methodist University campus in Dallas sits a $250 million, 207,000-square-foot time capsule called the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Walk in, and you’re immediately pulled back to the start of the millennium — a front-row witness to the history you just lived through. The Bush Library is the 13th in the National Archives system of presidential libraries. Its official purpose is to store the papers and tapes that document a presidency, to provide a place where scholars can examine a presidency and figure out how it worked—or didn’t. The preservation of presidential history is one mission of the library. The other is to tell the story of a man and his presidency through displays and artifacts. The George W. Bush Library opened in 2013. Although Bush didn’t attend SMU, he has spent most of his adult life in Texas. SMU was the victor in a fierce bidding war among about a half dozen Texas universities. The state has two other presidential libraries, the Lyndon Johnson Library at the University of Texas in Austin and the George H. W. Bush Library at Texas A&M University in College Station. Tours at the Bush Library at SMU are self-guided. Turn over your ID at the front desk and you’ll get a customized iPod to wear 54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
around your neck. As you move through the library, touch the screen for background on the displays. The tour starts with panels spotlighting family and faith, and then moves into service (Bush’s six years as governor of Texas) and his campaign for president in 2000. The first major display in the library highlights the election. Archival news footage shows the election called first for Al Gore, then for Bush, then for no one. More clips cover the controversy and the final call six weeks after voting day. Also on display is a charming collection of children’s books picked by First Lady Laura Bush. A former librarian, Mrs. Bush is a children’s literacy advocate, and the books on display are among her personal favorites. Among them: Old Yeller, Where the Wild Things Are, Corduroy, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, Goodnight Moon and Where the Sidewalk Ends. A 22-foot piece of steel from the World Trade Center anchors a large space devoted to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Visitors can sit and watch as the events of the day unfold on a large screen. The video moves through the next nine days, presenting audio and images that are likely imprinted in the minds of most Americans. Also in the 9-11 area: a computer where visitors are asked to share
visit this
their memories of Sept. 11, a display of condolence books and letters from around the world, and copies of the president’s schedule for Sept. 11 and the days beyond. Perhaps the most popular stop on the library tour is the full-scale replica of the Oval Office as it looked in 2007. Before visitors enter the office, their iPod plays a narrative by the president explaining various elements of the office. The details are fascinating: Before taking office, Bush was asked to design a rug for his new office, a task he delegated to his wife. In keeping with tradition, he chose a former president’s portrait for his wall. It was tough, he said, because his father was a former president, but in the end, he chose Lincoln for the wall and his father in his heart. Guests are welcome to sit behind the desk or on the couches and to peruse the space as long as they like.
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getaway
Photo by Cary Anne Photography
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Beyond the Oval Office is the Texas Rose Garden replica and a space devoted to the Bush family pets which includes interactive games for kids. A fun film narrated by the Bush daughters focuses on their dad in private life, on his ranch and with the family. The president jokes about his tendency to mangle the language and takes some good-natured ribbing from family and friends in the film. Laura: “I was a librarian. I worked 12 hours a day in a library. Yet somehow, I met George.” Another popular section is the interactive Decision Points Theater. Sitting at touchscreens, visitors pick advisers from a list including State Department, Congress and Military Command. A question is posed and each side weighs in. Visitors use a slider to agree, disagree or fall somewhere in between, then find out how the president reacted and why. Other displays are devoted to the global war on terrorism, the financial crisis and Hurricane Katrina. At the end of the tour, visitors view a short film of President and Mrs. Bush talking about their return to private life and the projects they’ve pursued postWhite House. SMU is an urban campus and parking is at a premium. A lot adjacent to the library charges $7, if there’s space available. A better idea: Park for free at the Mockingbird Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) station about a mile away. For less than $2, you can hop a bus that will drop you off at the library’s front door. For a real taste of Texas, take a 20-minute walk across the SMU campus to Snider Plaza. At the sprawling shopping center, you’ll find some iconic local eats: Mustang Donuts, a campus favorite; Bubba’s Cooks Country, for fried chicken and chicken-fried steak; and Peggy Sue BBQ, for brisket, ribs and Frito pie. If you go: George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 214.346.1650 Admission: $16 for adults; discounts for children, seniors, college students and active and retired military. www.georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu January 2016 • athomemms.com | 57
experience this
Mardi Gras IN MOBILE
TEXT BY CLAIRE PEELER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT MOBILE
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he months between January and March sometimes feel never-ending. The holidays are over, yet the cold winter remains, and families are left looking for a fun vacation to fill the weeks before spring finally arrives. There’s no better way to enjoy this time of year than to join a Mardi Gras celebration in the streets of Mobile, Alabama. The first destination that comes to mind for celebrating this lively festivity is New Orleans, but what most do not know is Mobile was the original city to host the yearly party. Mardi Gras began in the United States in Mobile in 1703, 15 years before New Orleans was founded, thus making Mobile’s the oldest annual Carnival celebration in America. It has now turned into a month of revelry in the streets of downtown Mobile that attracts visitors from all over the world. From January to Feb. 9, Mardi Gras in Mobile turns this simple
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port city into a carnival. Frequent parades feature live marching bands and colorful floats, making them a must-see for all ages. Riders on floats throw beads and trinkets to parade-goers, but one treat spectators can catch is unique to Mobile’s festivities, Moon Pies. The snack cakes are tossed not only because of their deliciousness, but also due to their soft texture that won’t injure spectators caught in the line of fire. Parades aren’t the only events to experience during Mardi Gras season in Mobile. Balls are also held in January and February and are an important part of the celebration. Mystic societies, some of which have existed since the early days of the local festival, hold invitation-only balls, but other groups’ soirees are open to the public so anyone can enjoy this unique aspect of Mardi Gras. While in town, stop by the Mobile Carnival Museum to learn more history about the celebration. Opened in 2005, the museum is located in one of the Port City’s historic homes. It is completely
dedicated to telling the story of Mardi Gras in Mobile. Families of Mardi Gras royalty have donated robes, crowns and scepters to the gallery. Members of local mystic societies have provided historic artifacts, all of which are on display in the museum. The Mobile Carnival Museum also includes a theater and a gift shop for visitors to enjoy. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages three to 11. For further information to help plan your trip to Mardi Gras in Mobile, visit www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com.
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experience this
THE MEMPHIS OPEN
PRESENTED BY SERVICEMASTER AT THE RACQUET CLUB OF MEMPHIS TEXT BY PATRICK COLLINS WITH MORRIS MARKETING GROUP
Player Santiago Gonzalez
Photo by Ron Angle
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here’s nothing like the Memphis Open presented by ServiceMaster to warm up the Mid South winter. The 2016 tournament will be held February 6-14 at the Racquet Club of Memphis. For the past 40 years the world’s top tennis competitors have descended upon the Memphis Open presented by ServiceMaster at the Racquet Club of Memphis to compete for one of the most storied titles on the Men’s ATP Pro Tour. Walking into the Racquet Club of Memphis during the open, the excitement is palpable. This is where tennis fans and enjoyment seekers arrive to experience professional, world-class tennis competition. Those in the know experience top professional sports competition paired with a hip and trendy social scene complete with live entertainment, craft beer and cocktails, and decadently delicious dining. Over the years the list of winners at the Memphis Open reads like a who’s who of professional tennis, many of them taking the title early in their career, giving Mid Southerners a chance to see rising tennis talent 60 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
at the top of their game. Vijay Amritraj won the inaugural tournament in 1976 followed by tennis champions and legends Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang, Andy Roddick and Kei Nishikori, just to name a few. Similar to a 150 MPH ace serve, the week-long tournament starts fast and furious with two daily sessions full of tennis action. The Racquet Club of Memphis is the perfect venue to get up-closeand-personal with the players and the action; viewing options range from courtside champagne tables to well-appointed VIP and box seat sections to lower and upper level seating. The variety of seating options allows tennis fans to enjoy the long-running tournament in the fashion they feel most comfortable for maximum enjoyment. Just as the Memphis Open has long been known as the place to be every winter in Memphis, the MO entertainment area inside the event venue is even more so the place to see and be seen. When tennis fans need to stretch their legs, get a refreshment, power up with some delicious food or just take a break from the
Player Kei Nishikori
intense action on the court the MO is the perfect place. The MO offers a full menu and libations along with a change of scenery and nightly entertainment, quickly making it the second hottest spot in Memphis, just behind the Memphis Open tournament courts. A few of the Memphis Open offerings to look for this year include nightly live entertainment, Post Match Big Game/ Football Championship Party in the MO, USTA Appreciation Day, Student Day, FedEx Night, Ladies Day, I Love Memphis Grizzlies and Tigers Sports Pride, Family Day and a Valentine’s Brunch. For more information visit: www.MemphisOpen.com. January 2016 • athomemms.com | 61
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travel
R I VER CRUISES
EN JO Y THE D E S T I N A T I ONS AND T H E J OUR NEY ! TEXT BY BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRAVEL LEADERS
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A
European, Asian or African river cruise allows you to see the world in luxury and comfort—an excellent way to explore unique destinations.
Rivers were once the “highways” across Europe, serving as life-sustaining links between the continent’s grand capitals. Nowadays, river cruise ships are “floating hotels” that dock right in the heart of historic cities, just steps away from top cultural attractions and historic sites. Beautiful river views and superb locations are a few of the perks…and you only have to unpack once! Daily shore excursions with expert guides explore the “must-see” sights of each destination as you visit famous landmarks along with hidden gems. Constant, soft-flowing river waters are always peaceful and smooth, so leave any fears of motion sickness behind. Over the course of a European journey, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling vineyards, hilltop castles and timehonored cities as well as some of the world’s most scenic waterways. A river cruise gets guests up-close-and-personal when visiting locales that would be inaccessible by sea or would take hours to reach by motor coach. River cruisers see the heart of historic cities and enjoy the excitement of waking up in a new town each day, docked just steps from markets, museums and landmarks. They can simply walk off the ship and into the heart of the city. Love wine? Exclusive wine cruises showcase the acclaimed wine regions along Europe’s Danube, Douro, Mosel, Rhine, Rhone and Seine Rivers. These unique sailings are hosted by top wine experts and feature complimentary lectures, wine tastings, exquisite cuisine with paired wines, and excursions to historic vineyards and wine cellars. Guests learn about centuries-old wine traditions, sample one-of-a-kind vintages and enjoy private wine-themed excursions. Highlights might include vibrant music and newly pressed wine at a rustic Austrian tavern, Alsatian wines in Colmar (the French “capital of Alsatian wine”) or a German Oktoberfest in the village of Vilshofen (held year-round exclusively for river cruise guests).
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travel
The Enchanting Rhine Cruise
Monet's Gardens
The Rhine River 66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
INTERESTED IN ART? River cruises showcase the stunning landscapes captured in legendary art masterpieces. Selected French itineraries journey through renowned regions that inspired Monet, Renoir and Gauguin. On an art cruise on the Seine you not only get to see, you get to experience: take a tour of Monet’s gardens, then return to the ship, where you will be shown how to paint the beautiful scene you just saw. Each art cruise is hosted by an expert instructor who leads complimentary on-board painting classes. There is no better way to experience Paris and Normandy. The popular “Enchanting Rhine” cruise is a seven-night trip on which guests are introduced to four countries: Holland, France, Germany and Switzerland. The journey begins in Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the tall, narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during World War II. A panoramic city tour highlights key sights, including a photo stop at the windmill famously painted by Rembrandt. Day Two includes a guided tour of Cologne, Germany, covering the Old Town, Cathedral Square and the city’s majestic 13th-century Gothic cathedral, followed by free time to visit some of the local shops or have a coffee at a quaint café. That afternoon, the ship cruises to Koblenz and moors overnight. The following morning’s trip through the picturesque Rhine Gorge allows guests to admire its many castles and fortress ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Next up is a stop in Rüdesheim for an afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner or a gondola ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. The day includes free time to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. In the evening, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Museum, home to a remarkable collection of vintage robotic and self-playing musical instruments. The ship sails overnight to Speyer, Germany. January 2016 • athomemms.com | 67
travel
Heidelberg, Germany
AMAWaterways
Neckar Valley
One of the country’s oldest cities, Speyer is known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the 13th-century Altpörtel (Old Gate). Excursions here include a city tour of Speyer or a half-day trip to historic Heidelberg, with its red-walled castle and its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon, 18th-century wine cask). The tour features beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. That evening, the journey continues to Strasbourg, France. The capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. A panoramic city tour highlights the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour of the charming “La Petite France” neighborhood anchored by the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Back onboard overnight, it’s on to Breisach, Germany. A walking tour of Riquewihr reveals a picturesque village that looks much as it did in the 16th century. Explore Breisach, a beautiful town that houses one of Europe’s largest wine cellars, or Freiburg, with its historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of the Münster, a Gothic cathedral
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constructed of red sandstone. That evening, the ship cruises to the final destination of Basel, Switzerland. A few extra days post-cruise allow travelers to explore Switzerland. Basel is an important center for banking, commerce and trade. The city’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th-century homes. Lucerne’s lovely cobblestone streets, monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings are a photographer’s dream. Shop for Swiss-made watches, knives and delicious chocolates or take a cable car ride to the top of a mountain with incredible views of the surrounding area. A three-hour tour introduces Neuschwanstein castle, widely recognized as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle and one of the most popular sights in Europe. INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RIVER CRUISES: River cruises are not all the same; each offers a slightly different experience, from the number of guests to the staffto-guest ratio, the size and location of staterooms, and the amenities included.
The family-owned line AmaWaterways has been awarded the Cruise Critic Editor’s Pick for the best river cruise line. Every vessel on AmaWaterways’ luxurious European fleet has a capacity limited to no more than 164 passengers, allowing for truly personalized service in a warm and friendly atmosphere. AmaWaterways cruises sail the most scenic and historic European rivers including the Danube, Rhine, Main, Seine, Mosel and Rhone. Other itineraries also offer off-the-beaten-path journeys in Portugal, Vietnam and Cambodia, Myanmar and Africa. Included in the fares on AmaWaterways river cruises are shore excursions in every port of call, all dining on board (including The Chef ’s Table specialty restaurant), fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Internet access and Wi-Fi, and bicycles guests can use to explore on their own or join guided bike tours. It is the attention to detail that distinguishes AmaWaterways and keeps guests coming back again and again. The line offers specially designed European river cruises throughout the year with extra tours and activities not found on standard river cruise itineraries. These additional features are included in the river cruise fare. AmaWaterways has partnered with Adventures by Disney to offer familyoriented cruises on the Danube, an innovative way to introduce children to Europe with destinations and experiences that parents, children and teens alike will find fascinating and fun. The line caters to English-speaking passengers from North America, the United Kingdom and Australia and is a great choice for those traveling solo.
If you’d like to learn more about river cruising come to Travel Leaders’ AmaWaterways presentation at Ridgeway Country Club on Thursday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. Call 901.377.6600 or email Barbara@GoTravelLeaders.com for reservations. Seating is limited.
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social
Artist Ashley Anthony
2015 Featured Artist Marilyn Wendling & Artist Denise Rose
Molly & Eric Stevens
Karen & Randy DouBrava
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St. George’s Fine Art Show
t. George’s Independent School held its 12th annual Fine Art Show and Sale November 5-7 showcasing the works of more than 60 local and regionally known artists. The original art, including sculpture, photography, jewelry and paintings, was offered for sale
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at the Collierville campus. On opening night local food trucks Say Cheese and Fuel Cafe/Food Truck dished out wonderful meals while the Side Street Steppers played inside. Proceeds from the show benefit the arts programs at St. George’s Independent School.
Jay Philpott, Timothy & Kim McDaniel
Side Street Steppers
Allison Webb painting live on opening night January 2016 • athomemms.com | 71
social
Elyse Grant, Nancy Lamberson, Kathy Werner, Dale Hicks & Suzanne Landrum
Kay Liles & Melinda Liles
Lauren McGehee, Lynda Smith & Lisa Bobango
Suburban Garden Club
Annual Christmas Tea TEXT & PHOTOS BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT
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uests attending the 2015 Suburban Christmas Tea enjoyed an afternoon of holiday cheer among friends, fabulous food and festive, unique decor. The tea took place at the beautiful home of Lisa and John Bobango in Germantown, Tennessee, and the theme was “A Woodland Christmas.” The home was decorated inside and out to reflect the natural theme. The Suburban Garden Club of
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Germantown was founded in 1930, and is a member of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs. Lynda Smith is president. Theme chairman for the tea was Melinda Angel Rothenberg, and the tea table chairmen were Maggie Cobb-Boyd and Nancy Cowen. Design chairmen were Dianne Callahan, Elizabeth Ferguson, Pam Key, Nancy Klepper, Anne Piper, Jo Lawson, Kitty Simpson, Priscilla Thompson and Donna Worley.
Sharrel McGrew, Betty Green & Janice Akins
Colleen Capstick & Michael Donahue January 2016 • athomemms.com | 73
social
Henry & Rose Paris, Irma Buchanan & Rachel Causey
Katie Kaiser, Amanda Gholson, Missy Hensley & Bill Neafuf
Elizabeth & Jon Fisher
Berry & Jeff Johnson
Mesquite Chop House
Opening
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VIP grand opening celebration was held December 11 in Oxford, Mississippi, to celebrate Mesquite Chop House’s opening on Jackson Avenue East. Guests enjoyed delicious food featuring some of Mesquite’s customer favorites. Offered at the event was the “buy one gift card and the second gift card 50% off ” promotion, and a portion of sales for the evening was donated to Oxford Lovepacks.
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arts
Kiss Me Kate
CURTAIN CALL! PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE
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TEXT BY MORGAN PRUITT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS NEELY
ost Memphians are aware of Midtown’s local theatre, Playhouse on the Square, yet few people know about the organization’s rich history.
Playhouse on the Square is part of Circuit Playhouse, Inc., which also owns two other theatres in Memphis, The Circuit Playhouse and TheatreWorks. Noby Edwards, Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Playhouse on the Square, describes the three as sister theatres. “Playhouse on the Square is the biggest sister, then comes The Circuit Playhouse, and then TheatreWorks is the youngest sister,” she explains. The Circuit Playhouse, Inc.’s official incorporation occurred in 1969, but six years earlier, the beginnings were stirring. In 1963, Jackie Nichols, who is now the Executive Producer at Playhouse on the Square, was beginning his senior year at Overton High School. He and Walter Slaughter, a classmate, formed a troupe of student actors to perform in local churches and civic centers. These students named themselves The Circuit Players and performed together for the next few summers. In 1969, the old Memphis Ballet Academy closed and was available to rent. The Circuit Players, along with their board of directors, decided to rent the building, and thus on Nov. 20, 1969, Circuit Playhouse was established. Each season, Playhouse on the Square produces 18 theatrical works of almost every type, from dramas to musicals to two children’s shows that tour to schools all over the Mid South.
Edwards says, “We pride ourselves on being the kind of theatre that really does have something for everyone.” In addition to the variety of shows offered each season, Playhouse on the Square partners with other local arts troupes. Ballet Memphis performs at the facility twice a year, and Opera Memphis stages their Opera Memphis Festival in the theatre every spring. The Playhouse has also collaborated with Hattiloo Theatre. Playhouse on the Square offers a variety of educational classes through its theatre school for people from age four to adulthood. Children learn about the craft in after-school and summer programs. High school and college students hone their acting and production skills in Playhouse’s internship program. Edwards believes it takes many factors to make a show successful. “I think that any time someone comes out of the theatre with a smile on their face or having learned something new or having gained some perspective about something, I consider that a success.” One of Playhouse’s most successful shows to date was the 2013 production of Les Misérables. Ticket prices range from $10 to $40, depending on the show. Tickets for opening weekend are always $22. Upcoming shows for the 2016 season include American Idiot, All the Way, Memphis and Sister Act. For more information about Playhouse on the Square, visit playhouseonthesquare.org. January 2016 • athomemms.com | 75
entertaining
Family-Friendly
Housewarming Party
TEXT BY LESLEY HARRIS COLVETT EVENT DESIGN BY GRACIE LEATHERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUZIE HANSEN
W
hether you are celebrating a brand-new home or a recent renovation, take inspiration from wedding and event planner Gracie Leathers on how to host a family-friendly housewarming party. “I wanted to have elements that both adults and kids could enjoy so all felt welcome, comfortable and able to make themselves at home in my home,” Leathers says.
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entertaining
THE INSPIRATION
STYLE ELEMENTS AND DECOR
The idea was for guests to be able to come in and relax in an informal and inviting setting. “I wanted everyone to feel cozy and relaxed, and I wanted to keep things casual and simple,” the hostess explains. “For the food we did appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, and for the drinks we did wine and some great hot drinks for adults and kids to keep warm.”
When planning the January gathering, Leathers wanted to incorporate the New Year’s spirit but not go overboard with it. She integrated metallic elements into the decor to foster the festive feel. “I also wanted to make things cozy and warm, so I used some great wood pieces, neutral colors and candles to keep that cozy feeling alive. My main goal was to January 2016 • athomemms.com | 77
entertaining
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use colors and pieces that made guests feel relaxed and comfortable.” A well-informed guest is a happy guest, says Leathers, so she enlisted the talented Haley Arthur to use her calligraphy skills to make labels for each food and beverage item. Attached to wine corks, the labels provided a decorative flair to the table. “I loved the centerpiece that was so graciously given to us by Millstone Market and Nursery. It had great colors that went so well with everything from the wall color to the table decor. It really tied all of the elements together!” Leathers recalls. Host Your own The hostess advises that the first step in creating a party like this is to consider how you want guests to feel while they are in your home. “I always want people to feel like they can just walk right on in and kick their feet up in my living room. I want any guest to feel more than welcomed and so loved while they are in my home,” Leathers says. “That was the goal and the mindset behind each element of this gathering.” Welcoming guests could entail making a special snack or dessert to share with the people you love, or using your favorite colors and flowers for the decor. Sharing with others what you do best is the key element. CoLor PALEttE Leathers says she likes to anchor any decor theme with a neutral base. “I always start out with a neutral color and then build off of it. A neutral start gives you a lot of freedom to play with other colors in tableware, glassware and florals,” she explains. Starting with a bold hue limits color choices for items like plates, napkins and accent pieces, she adds. Neutral does not mean just white or beige, though. Leathers also includes grays and muted colors like slate blue, purple, blush and some natural greens in the category. MEnu IdEAs “The food was amazing thanks to Simply Delicious Caterings. I wanted January 2016 • athomemms.com | 79
entertaining
Alexandra
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to keep the food and drinks casual and easy. We did some great appetizers and hors d’oeuvres so guests could graze and mingle with everyone instead of sitting down to a formal meal,” Leathers comments. Adult beverages included wine as well as a hot toddy with cinnamon and honey sticks for garnish. Kids of all ages enjoyed the s’mores bar on the back porch where everyone could roast their own marshmallows and make as many s’mores as they pleased. The tasty treats paired perfectly with hot chocolate and peppermint rods. Desserts included beautiful chocolate and vanilla cupcakes made by Confections and Connections, which tasted as good as they looked. Guests took home custom house-shaped cookies made by The Whimsy Cookie Company as party favors, “just so they knew how much we appreciated them celebrating our new home,” Leathers says.
Gracie Leathers, Memphian and Ole Miss graduate, is a natural party planner. “I have always loved the company of others, and I feel I have sort of been the unofficial event planner among my friends and family for as long as I can remember. In our house growing up we had an open-door policy so friends and family were in and out all the time. I think that is why I now love hosting events and planning them as well. ” gracieleathersevents@gmail.com, Instagram: @gracieleathers Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gracieleathers/
SOURCES:
Food, serving pieces, glassware, s’mores bar, large gold candles: Simply Delicious Caterings Table runner: Two Doors Down Wood decor and pinecones: Mallard’s Croft Centerpiece and greenery: Millstone Market and Nursery Custom house cookies: The Whimsy Cookie Company Cupcakes: Confections and Connections, Kelsey Loebel Calligraphy: Haley Arthur January 2016 • athomemms.com | 81
in the kitchen
SKILLET CHICKEN PARMESAN SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS:
Healthy Weeknights:
Italian Style TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY APRIL MCKINNEY
MASON JAR BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE • ¹⁄3 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1½ pounds chicken cutlets • ½ cup all-purpose flour • ½ tsp. garlic powder • ½ tsp. onion powder • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning • ¾ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. black pepper • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup marinara sauce • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese • 2 Tbsp. fresh basil DIRECTIONS:
1. In a shallow bowl or dish, stir together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. 2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Place the flour mixture beside the skillet. Dredge each cutlet through the seasoned flour on both sides, then place the cutlets in the hot skillet.
INGREDIENTS:
3. Cook for 5 minutes; add the remaining tablespoon of oil and flip the chicken.
• 1 cup canola oil • ½ tsp. sugar • ³⁄4 tsp. salt
4. Cook for another 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to low and spoon some of the marinara sauce onto each cutlet, then sprinkle each evenly with the cheeses.
DIRECTIONS:
5. Place the lid on the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
1. Add all the ingredients to the jar, close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well combined. 2. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!
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6. Top with the fresh basil and serve with a fresh salad.
I
t’s the season for new beginnings, and for many of us that means getting back on track with a healthy diet after the holidays. I have always believed that being healthy is a lifestyle choice: a strict diet is a great way to lose weight, but maintaining the weight loss seems to be the toughest part for most of us. I have discovered that restricting yourself completely from foods you enjoy can lead to overeating and eventually giving up on the diet completely. This is why I believe cooking at home is so important. By cooking your own meals and staying away from overly processed foods, you are able to control your diet and still enjoy the foods you love. This chicken parmesan recipe is a perfect example of a comfort food that’s lightened up and still tastes delicious. Oh, and did I mention it take about 15 minutes to prepare? The typical restaurant version of this dish would be death to any diet, but by making chicken parmesan at home you can enjoy it without feeling like you have blown your healthy eating streak. To go along with this main dish, make a fresh salad with romaine, carrots, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. I also like to add some dried cranberries and sliced almonds. Instead of using store-bought dressing full of ingredients you can’t even pronounce, shake up your own vinaigrette. Once you realize how easy it is to make your own salad dressings, you may never go back! And once again, by doing it yourself you can use real ingredients and control what goes in. Many times the “low-fat” or “fat-free” commercial dressings are loaded with salt and sugar, not to mention all of the preservatives. This simple balsamic vinaigrette recipe is a good template to follow for whatever kind of vinaigrette you like. My answer to getting healthy—cook your own real food, it works wonders!
For more healthy and satisfying recipes check out my website, www.AprilMcKinney.com
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dining out
eighty3
T
TexT by bonnie Grosshans PhoTos CourTesy of eighty3
he Madison Hotel in downtown Memphis has been a hot spot for locals and visitors alike for the past 14 years. Located inside this landmark lodging, eighty3 is now on trend after having been rebranded two years ago. As Chef Max Hussey explains, “We considered the evolution of how people dine. It’s no longer all about the big entree; people want to graze, try different things, so we added shareables to the menu, which allows people to sample more than one dish and to better share the entire dining experience.” The restaurant is sleek and intimate with an eclectic, artistic style. The patio, added a year ago, sits directly on Main Street. Its prime vantage spot on the pedestrian-only thoroughfare makes it perfect for people watching year round, says Hussey. “The covered patio is open during spring, summer and early fall, and has walls and heat lamps in the winter to provide our diners the opportunity to dine al fresco, but stay cozy at the same time,” he adds. This winter the menu at eighty3 features soups, warm salads, quinoa, winter root vegetables and greens. “Simplicity is at the heart of the kitchen,” Hussey says. “Purchasing the freshest, highest-quality ingredients and 84 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2016
treating them with care is key. Allowing the natural flavor to shine.” A love of Southern cooking and an open mind are also integral parts of the kitchen, according to the chef. The restaurant features globally inspired dishes with Southern sensibility, focusing on taste and sustainable, fresh ingredients. With a long list of small plates in addition to traditional entrees, it’s not just about sharing food, but also sharing in the experience, says Hussey. The most popular dish is the “chicken & mac-n-cheese waffle.” Hussey says, “It’s a fun take on a classic and people go nuts for the mac-n-cheese baked into the waffle.” The chef says eighty3 is always evolving as he experiments with new ingredients, taking classic American dishes and giving them a Southern twist. The chef ’s passion for food brings Memphians and out-of-towners to the stylish restaurant. “We want locals to visit us because we are part of the community, have been for quite a few years, and will be for years to come,” says Hussey. For more information about eighty3, call 901.333.1224 or visit the website, www.eighty3memphis.com.
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happy hour
HOTTY TODDY RECIPE COURTESY OF THE COOP AT GRADUATE OXFORD
WARM UP THIS WINTER with a Hot Toddy recipe from The Coop at Graduate Oxford in Oxford, Mississippi.
INGREDIENTS: 1½ oz. bourbon 5 oz. black tea, hot Cloves Cinnamon sticks Fresh lemon Bittermens Burlesque Bitters
DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine bourbon and hot black tea. 2. Steep bourbon/tea mixture with cloves and cinnamon sticks for 3 minutes. 3. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon and 2 drops of Bittermens Burlesque Bitters. Stir to blend.
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sources 18 | HealtHy you MemphisWeightLossSurgery.com
22 | Beauty Matt Gossett, About Face Artistry on Facebook, aboutface_87 on Instagram
26 | at HoMe WItH Special thanks to – Melyne and Jim Strickland, Amy Dale Photography
28 | HoMe Special thanks to – homeowners Grace and Frank Uhlhorn Steve Nabers, Nabers Interiors, nabersinteriors.com Sources for the home of Peter Woods, Dec. 2015 Builder: Keller Custom Home Builders, Southaven, Mississippi Interior Design: Jonathan Brown, Olive Branch, Mississippi Doors: Quantum Entries, Memphis, Tennessee Landscape: Four Seasons, Southaven, Mississsippi
40 | DeSIGN Erin Carlson, Branch Manager of Falk Plumbing Supply, falksupply.com Leslie Cetingok, Owner and Creative Director DesignArt, designartllc.com Ken Garland Custom Homes, kengarland.com Kitchens Unlimited, kitchensunlimited.net Paul Davis Construction, pdrmemphis.com
58 | eXPeRIeNCe tHIS Mobilecarnivalmuseum.com MemphisOpen.com
75 | aRtS playhousesquare.org
76 | eNteRtaINING gracieleathersevents@gmail.com, Instagram: @gracieleathers Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gracieleathers/
84 | DINING out eighty3memphis.com.
86 | HaPPy HouR graduateoxford.com/dining/coop/
90 | oN a GooD Note shopmycupoftea.com
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on a good note
One Tea Leaf at a Time
TEXT BY RUTHIE HALL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MY CUP OF TEA
A
local ministry is changing the lives of women, one cup of tea at a time. My Cup of Tea is a small business that packages and distributes tea. Since its beginnings in 2006 the company has provided women in the Orange Mound neighborhood a safe haven and a base from which they can work to better their lives. Mary Beth Bryce, owner and founder, explains, “My Cup of Tea was started as a marketplace ministry, to serve the growing specialty tea niche market in the Memphis area. It was a natural outgrowth of my love for hospitality and my love for God. My goal was to inspire customers to use their teatime to deepen their own relationship with God and to develop stronger relationships with family and friends. Thus, the mission of My Cup of Tea was to promote the enjoyment of tea and the practice of hospitality.” The only Memphis-based tea company, My Cup of Tea offers over 30 varieties in both retail and wholesale quantities in Tennessee and the surrounding states. They also provide custom packaging and special items such as gift baskets when requested. Employees specialize in making each customer feel valued; they strive to learn the names of their loyal supporters by heart.
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From its location at 823 Semmes, the business freshens an anemic neighborhood with a proven, needed industry. My Cup of Tea does much more than sell tea, however; the company also seeks to help women in need, as laid out in its mission statement: “To walk with women beyond the boundaries of poverty and neglect and assist them in finding their purpose. To provide solidarity through community and enter authentic, long-lasting relationships.” In addition to job opportunities, the business provides women vocational training. My Cup of Tea receives no federal or state funds, though. Bryce says they rely on private backing to cover the costs of services ranging from computer literacy to life recovery. She believes that even though the mission is currently small, it will provide training that leads to employment, as well as hope, which is the most important aspect of life. She expects the ministry to grow exponentially as time progresses. To shop or make a donation go to www.shopmycupoftea.com. My Cup of Tea products are available at Miss Cordelia’s, Urban Earth, Cafe Palladio, The Bookmark at Second Presbyterian Church, and The Woman’s Exchange.
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