January 2024

D E S I G N F E AT U R I N G J E N N I F E R E S T E S

H O M E F E A T U R E F E AT U R I N G T A 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 A young family entrusts Tara Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors to reimagine their family’s home while maintaining its Midtown charm.

42 | DESIGN Jennifer Estes designs a fun game room space to fit her long-time client’s hosting needs.

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

J A N U A R Y

2 0 2 4 home & design 26 HOME FEATURE A Legacy Continued

42 DESIGN Game On!

food & travel 32 EXPERIENCE THIS

The Mid South Bridal Show

60 TRAVEL

Costa Rica’s Hidden Gems

70 IN THE KITCHEN Brunswick Stew

for you

40 WEDDING

Mr. and Mrs. McCollum

74 HEALTHY YOU Self-Care

in every issue

14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE

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77 SOURCES

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JANUARY 2024 • VOL. 22 NO. 10 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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New

Year’s is a time to reflect on the previous year and celebrate the arrival of a new one. A fresh start for me to begin all over on the things I never complete, like not eating carbs. Every year, January 2 begins this way, as I pretend January 1 doesn’t count because it’s a holiday and we need to finish all those leftovers. I mean, it is a sin to waste food!

The next good intention is working out. That lasts about as long as it takes me to walk to Germantown Athletic Club. Upon arriving there, I immediately think it is way too crowded and I turn around and walk back home. The walk itself is two miles so I chalk that up as a workout and don’t attempt it again for another 365 days.

Then I go for the “no more adult beverages” scam…I should know better by now that it would be a shame to let all those bottles of wine we received as gifts go unopened. Again, don’t want to waste…it’s a sin.

Speaking of sins, one of my last epic fails each year is my attempt to read the Bible over the course of the year. Let’s just say I know Genesis pretty well and Exodus, not so much. However, I am really serious about the Bible this year. When it comes to the others, though, I have accepted defeat and I am at peace with my decision.

This year I am just going to focus on a few home projects and keep loving on grandbabies. We will be welcoming our second grandson in February and who knows if 2024 will bring us a fourth grand?? I like to keep my possibilities positive!

A New Year is like a blank book. It has 12 chapters and 365 pages and you are the author. In 2024, I hope you write the most beautiful story yet.

Happy New Year and warm, sincere wishes for peace on our Earth and a kinder world for us to pass down to our children and grandchildren.

- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

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H O M E F E AT U R E

A L egacy Continued

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H O M E F E AT U R E

DESIGN BY TARA FELICE INTERIORS | STORY BY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY January 2024 • athomemms.com | 27

H O M E F E AT U R E

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"It's

a continuation of our family, my husband’s family. They lived here for so long.”

That principle guided Nicole and Jeff Warren as they sought to put their own stamp on the Midtown home in which Jeff grew up.

After the couple bought the house from Jeff’s parents, who built a new home next door, they wasted no time planning renovations. Under the guidance of Tara Engelberg, owner of Tara Felice Interiors, they finalized choices while the elder Warrens’ place was still under construction and started the revamp as soon as they moved.

“We had everything planned. We had bought all the furniture, we knew the wallpaper, the paint colors. We had a contractor lined up and we had everyone on standby,” says Engelberg.

Because of the home’s family history, a complete gut job was out of the question. The project would be more of a reimagining of the space to better accommodate the young couple and their two small children, weaving furniture, accessories and art they already owned with new pieces. The concept was squarely in line with Engelberg’s design aesthetic. “I love mixing old and new, and I always want it to feel a little funky,” she explains.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

First

on the agenda was adding interest to the living room fireplace. The substantial, dark wood surround, a staple in Craftsman-style homes, remained intact, but with a facelift thanks to new tile. “I wanted to pick a tile that would make it pop but also look aged, not like brand new,” says the designer.

Engelberg filled the room with an eclectic mix of furnishings, pairing new, a tuxedo-style sofa in tranquil green velvet and a trio of modern travertine tables with pieces the Warrens already owned and loved—traditional antique chests, modern leather club chairs and swanky midcentury lamps. Above it all a freeform white pendant light hangs like a pop art cloud. Relaxed Roman shades in neutral linen on the two large front windows create a laid-back vibe.

A wide cased opening leads to the new dining room. Formerly a sitting room lined with builtin bookshelves, the light-filled space now sports classic William Morris botanical wallpaper. A pair of CB2 rattan bar cabinets topped by vintage mirrors give the room symmetry. Engelberg’s affinity for juxtaposing styles is evident here with her selection of curvy contemporary chairs, also from CB2, to surround the antique dining table.

The room’s rock star, however, is above it all: the high-gloss caramel ceiling and crown molding punctuated by a linear chandelier that extends from a magenta medallion.

Another hallmark of homes of the era, French doors separate the dining room and the new keeping room. Nicole says the family loves to hang out in the warm and cheerful spot on a comfy sofa Engelberg recovered. “We love to reupholster whenever we can. It’s a good thing to do environmentally and financially,” says the designer. Window shades in a large-scale print fabric give the room a playful feel just right for a young family’s favorite place.

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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

room opens into the kitchen, the part of the home changed most dramatically. Even so, much of the “before” remains. Added to the home in an early-2000s renovation by the elder Warrens, the kitchen was well appointed and well maintained.

Engelberg was able to keep the perimeter cabinets, most of the appliances and the stainless steel sink/countertop combination Nicole says is “indestructible.” Although almost all the original cabinets received a coat of creamy white paint, a few still show off their original wood finish, freshened up with reeded glass front panels.

The new island is a multi-purpose space with a prep sink, seating, storage and plenty of room to work. Engelberg knew the soapstone countertops were a must-have from the minute she saw the slab. The piece has marbling that produces a look of movement rarely found in the natural stone.

Checkerboard floor tiles make a striking statement in the kitchen. “They feel a little historical and a little fun,” says Engelberg.

With such a bold element beneath, the designer knew a softer color would be right for the island. The robin’s egg blue she chose ups the interest quotient without fighting against the white and burnt orange of the floor.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

Also

added in the previous renovation, a half bath off the kitchen is like a little treasure in the home. Lush floral wallpaper in blues and golds makes a big impact in the small space. An antiqueinspired, high-back wall sink with a showy yellow exterior looks right at home. Brass sink hardware and a gilded bamboo-look wall mirror feel like jewelry on the dressedup space.

Nestled in the center of the home, the family room is a cozy spot where the family can relax or watch TV. Thibaut grasscloth wallpaper with a woven motif creates a warm mood, especially as it’s put together with an oriental rug in traditional reds and blues. Engelberg coupled a new sectional in a white performance fabric with a pair of exposed-wood armchairs from the Warrens’ collection and punched everything up with colorful accent pillows. New light sconces flank an artistic Elvis tribute in a fun nod to Jeff’s hometown.

Engelberg completed the project last summer, while the Warrens were away on vacation. In a somewhat unconventional plan for the final installation, the couple brought their existing furniture, art and accessories out of storage before they left town and told the designer to use what she wanted, where she wanted. “Nicole said, ‘See where it works,’ and so we made it work. It looks amazing too. It’s not like we had to struggle or sacrifice anything; it all fits great,” Engelberg says.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

"We

came home and it was the best,” recalls Nicole. “The artwork was great! I expected the [new pieces of] furniture to a certain extent because I knew it was coming, but the artwork and how everything looks, it just was like, ‘Oh, I wouldn’t have thought of doing that.’ And that made it really cool to come home. So fun.”

Her willingness to take an outside-the-box approach during the project is a big part of what drew the Warrens to work with Engelberg. “I love that she could appreciate the context of this being the family’s home and that she worked within that,” says Nicole.

“Tara could see our style and what we liked and meshed those things together.”

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WEDDING

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Mary Elizabeth & Clark MCCOLLUM N OV E M B E R 11, 2023 | M E M P H I S, T N PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: BETH & JOHN KAKALES PARENTS OF THE GROOM: STEPHANIE & MICHAEL MCCOLLUM REHEARSAL DINNER: CENTRAL STATION HOTEL WEDDING: INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH RECEPTION: THE COLUMNS WEDDING PLANNER: MONA DUNLAP FLORIST: OXFORD FLORAL PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHER: DEAR LIT TLE FILMS CAKE: CAKES BY MOM AND ME CATERING: PARADOX CATERING BAND: MEMPHIS SOUL REVUE DJ: MARK ANDERSON WEDDING DRESS: MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL RENTALS: WHITE DOOR EVENTS MAKEUP: KENDRICK SIMPSON HAIR: ANNIE COATES PAPER: BRYKER DESIGN COMPANY & GREENHOUSE CREATIVE

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DESIGN

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DESIGN

Ga m e On! DESIGN BY JENNIFER ESTES | STORY BY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNABELLA CHARLES

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DESIGN

This

East Memphis media room is all about the games! Whether that game is the upcoming Super Bowl, one of the Ole Miss baseball watch parties the homeowners love to host, a family billiards night or kids video gaming , the newly remodeled spot is the perfect place to watch or play. Jennifer Estes designed the space to suit her clients, a busy, professional couple and their three middle- and high-school aged sons. Jon Gambrell Construction completed the project.

Estes has worked with the family for about a decade, revamping almost every room of their main house. As the children grew older, mom and dad decided it was time to repurpose a seldom-used guest space over their detached garage to become a hangout place for the boys.

But not just for the boys. Dad insisted on having amenities like a huge TV, a premium sound system, a custom bar and a pool table, and mom worked with Estes to make sure the design is elevated and has enough glamor to accommodate a girls’ night party. “She did not want it to be a ‘man cave,’” Estes recalls. “I presented her several concept boards, and she went with the sleeker, more modern look.”

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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DESIGN

Sleek,

indeed, but tough enough to withstand any kind of mess a group of tween and teen boys can dish out. “ This is pretty much a bulletproof room. I think of it like glamorous camo,” says Estes. “I like to design everything very pretty. But everything in this room is also stain- and water-repellent. It ’s a lot more livable than you would think.”

The room’s practical design began from the ground up. Sourced from Kiser ’s Floor Fashions, the engineered wood flooring resists water and scratching. The custom rug , also from Kiser ’s, is patterned to conceal crumbs, etc. Estes painted the walls and trim in highgloss white. She loves the finish for a variety of reasons. “It ’s bright and happy, so it ’s great for an area like this that doesn’t get a ton of natural light,” she explains. “It ’s wipeable, too, and durable. If they ding the wall with a lacrosse stick it ’s pretty forgiving. Just a really cost-effective way to give walls a high-end finish without spending a ton of money.”

White upholstery, once considered a no go in high-use settings, is now family friendly, thanks to the advent of performance fabrics.

“Liquids, stains, everything either rolls right off of this fabric or comes right up with just a little soap and water,” says Estes. She took advantage of that technology, choosing Nanotex textiles for the Bernhardt sectional and swiveling barrel chairs. Gold and white accent pillows made by Ann Smith Custom Draperies play off the Thibaut wallpaper.

Smith’s workroom also created all new shades and draperies for the space.

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DESIGN

Estes

designed the geometricpatterned bar and back bar with plenty of space for snacks and a beverage refrigerator.

The clients requested maximum seating for the room, and the designer delivered. Fashionable stools that look great around the bar but can also be moved around, sleek ottomans near the pool table and window seats in the dormers give the family and their friends plenty of options to relax. Electronic Environments handled installation of the room’s large TV and integrated sound system.

Nestled into a cozy nook, the billiards table is the perfect addition to a space made with games in mind. “Pool tables don’t have to be huge and clunky with leather and fringe any more. This one is bar sized, and we were able to pick the finish and the felt color. Plus, it converts into a ping pong table, too, so it gives them more options,” says Estes. Above the table a chic linear pennant from Visual Comfort ’s Kelly Wearstler collection provides both light and sophistication.

Whether they ’re watching sports or playing pool or Xbox, this ultimate entertainment space allows the family and their friends to enjoy the game in comfort and style. With equal attention to design and practicality, Jennifer Estes made sure they can relax and focus on fun.

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EXPERIENCE THIS

WEDDING UNIVERSITY THE MID SOUTH BRIDAL SHOW

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EXPERIENCE THIS

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EXPERIENCE THIS

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Local brides-to-be can go to school this month. The annual Wedding University Bridal Show is set for Sun., Jan. 14 from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Vendors from around the area will be on hand to meet with future brides and their families and educate them on all aspects of wedding planning.

The event is presented by the Mid South Wedding Association, Admission will be free to those pre registered at wehelpbrides. com, or $10 at the door. The first 200 attendees will be treated to a complimentary signature drink. The afternoon will include wedding planning seminars on topics including wedding timelines, hiring vendors, budgeting and more.

A bridal gown fashion show will be part of the fun, along with entertainment and giveaways.

Local caterers will also be on hand for food and cake sampling.

Future brides in attendance could walk away with one of the show ’s door prizes, including a free engagement photo shoot, and the grand prize, a threenight honeymoon at UNICO 20˚87˚ in Riviera Maya, Mexico, courtesy of Travel Leaders Memphis.

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In a nod to the growing popularity of themed weddings and the current Barbie craze, attendees who come to the event dressed in pink will have the chance to enter a contest for a $200 VISA gift card.

The Midsouth Wedding Association has sponsored the annual show since 2010. “We invite brides and their families to attend so we can help teach them things they didn’t know about planning the day they ’ve dreamed about all their lives!” says Martie Watson, marketing director for Travel Leaders Memphis. Watson helped form the organization in 2009 to link local vendors and give engaged couples wedding planning assistance.

“We limit the amount of vendors who participate in the show,” adds Watson. “We don’t want to overwhelm the brides and also only want the best, most trustworthy vendors in the Mid South to be involved.

These shows are very different, elegant and very informative— unlike anything else offered to brides in the area.”

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T R AV E L

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T R AV E L

GET BACK TO NATURE

COSTA RICA’S HIDDEN GEMS T E X T A N D P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F B A R B A R A M A Y, O W N E R O F T R A V E L L E A D E R S

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T R AV E L

CO S TA R IC A IS LIK E A TROPICAL PAR ADISE THAT

CATERS TO A WIDE R ANGE OF INTERESTS. ST UDDED WITH ICONIC VOLCANOES, LUSH R AINF ORESTS, HUGE WATERFALL S, MIGHT Y RIVERS AND IMMACUL ATE BE ACHES, THE COUNTR Y ’S ABUNDANT NAT UR AL SE T TING MAK ES IT DIFFICULT TO DECIDE WHICH AC TIVIT Y TO CHOOSE . SHOULD IT BE R AF TING , WINDSURFING , DIVING , KAYAK ING , RECRE ATIONAL FISHING OR SURFING? E XOTIC JUNGLES, WORLD-CL ASS RESORTS AND COUNTLESS OPPORT UNITIES HAVE MADE COSTA RICA INTO AN APPE ALING TOURIST DESTINATION, AND ITS POPUL ARIT Y HAS BEEN STE ADILY GROWING OVER THE YE ARS. K NOWN F OR ITS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILIT Y AND ECOTOURISM, COSTA RICA’S EMPHASIS ON PROTEC TING THE ENVIRONMENT ADDS AN E X TR A L AYER OF APPE AL F OR CONSCIOUS TR AVELERS. COSTA RICA IS LOCATED IN CENTR AL AMERICA AND IS R ANK ED AS ONE OF THE MOST VISITED INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS. TOURISM IS ONE OF THE COUNTR Y ’S MAIN SOURCES OF INCOME .

T WO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS RECEIVE HUNDREDS OF FLIGHTS PER MONTH FROM MA JOR CITIES. JUAN SANTAMARÍA , LOCATED IN AL A JUEL A , IS THE L ARGEST. THE MODERN DANIEL ODUBER IN LIBERIA MAINLY RECEIVES FLIGHTS F OR TOURISTS VISITING GUANACASTE , MONTE VERDE AND L A F ORT UNA . THIS COMF ORTABLE AIRPORT CONNEC TS WITH BE AUTIFUL BE ACHES IN ONE OF THE L ARGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT TOURIST ARE AS IN THE COUNTR Y. 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2024

THE C L I M AT E The nor thwe st-sou theast orientation of the countr y 's mountains divide s Costa Rica into t wo side s : the Pac i f ic and the Caribbean. The Pac i f ic re gion is charac terized by well-de f ined dr y and rainy seasons . The dr y season last s from December to March, with April being a transition month. March is the driest and hottest month. The Caribbean side doe s not have a well-de f ined dr y season, howe ver, Februar y, March, September and Oc tober are usually the drie st months .

Ultimately, the be st time to visit depends on your pre ference s . If you pre fer dr y and sunny weather and don’ t mind crowds , the dr y season might be ideal. If you're looking for a more budgetfriendly trip with lush landscape s and you don’ t mind occasional rain, the rainy season could be a great choice.

L O D G I NG Costa Rica is like a tropical paradise that caters to a wide range of intere st s . Nature lovers and wildli fe enthusiast s f lock there to explore the rainfore st s , spot exotic animals like sloths and toucans , and visit the numerous national park s and re ser ve s .

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T R AV E L For the adventure seekers , Costa Rica offers thrilling ac tivities like zip -lining through the canopy, sur f ing on the Pac i f ic and Caribbean coast s and hiking up volcanoes . The landscape s are diverse , from pristine beaches to volcanic mountains , providing a variet y of settings for di fferent ac tivities .

If you’re into relax ation, the countr y has beau ti ful beaches where you can soak up the sun or enjoy water spor t s . The laid-back vibe and friendly locals make it an ideal de stination for those looking to unwind.

The Caribbean re gion stands ou t for it s variet y of marine ecosy stems and it s white - and black-sand beache s suited to ac tivities centered around nature and the ocean, including sur f ing, diving in clear water, basking in the sun and hiking along the coast .

The Pac i f ic coast contains major tourism centers and beaches that are favorite s among sur fers , including Esterillos , Jacó, Hermosa, Boca Barranca, the Pavone s Sec tor and the surroundings of the Marino Ballena National Park , with it s famous long le ft wave.

Costa Rica’s beachfront re sor t s offer a wide variet y of options to stay and to taste local and international cuisine , from all-inclusives and hone ymoon spot s to eco re sor t s , family hotels , f ive -star proper ties and wellness centers .

T H I NG S TO D O E X PLORE NATIONAL PARK S: With over 25 percent of it s landmass dedicated to national park s and re ser ve s , Costa Rica is a haven for nature lovers .

Place s like Manuel Antonio National Park and Arenal Volcano National Park are popular for their diverse ecosy stems .

Z IP-LINING AND ADVENT URE SPORTS: Costa Rica is a hot spot for adrenaline junkies . Z ip -lining through the rainforest canopy, white -water rafting and sur f ing are among the thrilling ac tivities visitors can enjoy.

WILDLIFE WATCHING : The countr y 's rich biodiversit y makes it a paradise for wildli fe enthusiast s who often spot monke y s , sloths , color ful birds and e ven sea tur tle s on cer tain beache s . Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers . Even people who ne ver had an interest take up the hobby after the y encounter the countr y ’s spec tacular avian diversit y. With almost 900 spec ie s of birds—more than all of Nor th America—concentrated into an area hal f the size of K entucky, it is hard not to become an instant fan of the feathered creature s one encounters in Costa Rica.

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HIK ING AND VOLCANO E X PLOR ATION: Hike to the summit of Arenal Volcano or explore the trails in Monte verde Cloud Forest Reser ve. The landscapes are diverse and offer unique hiking experience s .

HOT SPRINGS REL A XATION: The Arenal re gion is famous for it s natural hot springs . After a day of adventure , indulge in the therapeu tic and relaxing experience of soaking in these warm pools .

T URTLE NESTING : Witnessing sea tur tles nesting is a unique experience , par ticularly in Tor tuguero National Park . Depending on the time of year, you might catch this incredible natural phenomenon.

CULT UR AL E X PERIENCES: E xplore the local culture by visiting towns and c ities , tr ying traditional Costa Rican cuisine and attending festivals . San Jose , the capital, has museums and vibrant market s to explore.

WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING : The Pac i fic and Caribbean coast s offer oppor tunities for whale - and dolphin-watching tours . It ’s a magical experience to see these marine creatures in their natural habitat .

G E T T I NG A R O U N D While local f light s are cer tainly the most e ffic ient method of travel, car rentals and private transfers remain the pre ferred way to get around, depending on visitors’ desired f lexibilit y and sel f suffic ienc y. Renting a car come s with the freedom to explore at will, while private transfers are often operated by knowledgeable locals who are happy to share their wealth of information abou t the countr y.

Travelers may also take advantage of tourist mini-buses , public transpor tation, boat s , ferries or taxis , depending on their destinations , budget , group size and time allowance. Additionally, some of the more remote destinations like Tor tuguero are only accessible by air or water.

B E ST IT I N E R A RY A visit that includes San Jose , Tor tuguero, Arenal and Monte verde highlight s many of Costa Rica’s most beau ti ful sites : a national park , the rainfore st and the countr y ’s most famous volcano. Time soaking up the sun at one of Guanacaste’s idyllic beaches is the per fec t finale.

San Jose’s award-winning Finca Rosa Blanca Farm and Inn provide s an unforgettable experience with spec tacular views , eclec tic lodging and f lavor ful coffee. This unique hotel is an ar t work unto it sel f, set in a coffee farm within the coffee highlands . Take a guided tour of the organic farm, January 2024 • athomemms.com | 65

T R AV E L proce ssing plant and roasting house to learn how coffee is cultivated.

O ther amenitie s include an inf init y pool, ample bird watching, hot stone aromatherapy massage s , and a be v y of other wellness ac tivities .

Monte verde is Costa Rica’s version of paradise on Ear th. This beloved de stination is known for it s cloud fore st s brimming with li fe , spec tacular eco -re sor t s and numerous adventure oppor tunities . A unique highlight is the c it y ’s Bu tter f ly Garden, home to more than 1, 200 spec ies . Monte verde make s the per fec t retreat for nature lovers , thrill seekers or those looking to unplug.

Tor tuguero National Park is a hot spot for wildli fe and nature enthusiast s , and famous for the thousands of sea tur tle s that make their nest on the sandy beache s e ver y year. E xplore the canals and rivers to discover the exceptional amount of biodiversit y and natural beau t y.

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Visitors to Costa Rica often hear the phrase “pura vida.” The popular and widely used phrase is more than just a saying; it ’s a way of li fe.

Translated direc tly, pura vida means “pure li fe” in Spanish, howe ver, it s meaning goe s be yond the literal. In Costa Rica, pura vida embodies a positive , laid-back attitude toward li fe. People use it as a greeting, a farewell, or to expre s s that e ver y thing is going well. It re f lec t s the Costa Rican ethos of living a li fe in harmony with nature , being content with what one has and maintaining a positive ou tlook , e ven in the face of challenge s .

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For more information on planning a Costa Rican vacation, contact Travel Leaders at 901.377.6600 or 901.853.6200, or visit gotravelleaders.com.

Off ices, open by appointment only, are located at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104, Memphis, and 155 N. Main St., Ste. 101A , Collierville.

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IN THE KITCHEN

Brunswick Stew RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGARET MONGER

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T H E R E A R E S O M A N Y VA R I E T I E S O F T H I S S O U T H E R N FAVO R I T E O U T T H E R E .

O V E R T H E Y E A R S , I HAV E T R I E D M O S T O F T H E M A N D T H I S I S M Y TA K E O N A C O M B I NAT I O N O F M Y FAVO R I T E S , W H I C H I S W H Y I T C O M E S T O YO U N O T I N T H E U S UA L R E C I P E F O R M . I T I S P E R F E C T O N A C O L D JA N UA RY E V E N I N G I N F R O N T O F T H E F I R E O R F O R YO U R S U P E R B O W L C R O W D. B RU N S W I C K S T E W I S S O V E R S AT I L E — YO U C A N U S E T H E VA R I E T Y O F M E AT S I U S E O R YO U C A N U S E O N E O R T WO O F T H E M . I T I S T H E P E R F E C T WAY T O U S E F R E E Z E R L E F T O V E R S F R O M S U M M E R A N D FA L L C O O KO U T S . I F YO U D O N ’ T HAV E L E F T O V E R S , J U S T H E A D T O YO U R FAVO R I T E B B Q P L AC E A N D P U R C HA S E B Y T H E P O U N D. I N M E M P H I S A N D T H E M I D S O U T H , YO U S H O U L D N ’ T HAV E T R O U B L E F I N D I N G O N E !

B RU N S W I C K S T E W THE STOCK You can buy stock from the store but, trust me, making it yourself makes a huge difference and it’s so simple.

Put the bones from cooked chicken or turkey in a slow cooker or a large pot on the stove. Add the end of a stalk of celery, 3-4 large carrots cut in pieces about 3 inches long, 2 onions cut in half, 2 whole cloves of garlic, a handful of fresh thyme and 3-4 bay leaves. Fill the pot with water and cook 12 hours. Strain and save the stock.

THE STEW Saute 3 cups chopped sweet onion and 2 cups celery (including leaves) in a stick of butter for about 15 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons chopped garlic and saute about 5 more minutes. Add ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, ¾ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1 cup Bloody Mary mix, ½ cup Hoover Sauce and 2 28-oz. cans of diced tomatoes, undrained. Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium low. Add 2 cans cream-style corn, 2 cans whole-kernel corn, 2 bags frozen lima beans, 2 bags cut okra, 1 lb. each cooked and chopped pulled pork, smoked turkey or chicken, and brisket or short rib meat. Add 2-4 bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Fill pot to the top with stock, and continue adding as needed as the stew cooks down. Cook on low for about 3 hours. This makes about 1 ½ gallons so it’s perfect for a crowd or for sharing, and it freezes well. As with most soups and stews, it is better the next day and, of course, best served with warm cornbread.

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H E A LT H Y Y O U

Self-Care

STORY MICHELLE JOHNS

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

Self-care is crucial to physical and mental well-being; practicing it reduces stress and improves overall quality of life. Creating a comprehensive self-care plan is an excellent way to prioritize your well-being.

These three steps will help you along the path of starting to practice self-care in an intentional manner.

•

Acknowledge your current physical, emotional, and mental state. Identif y

2. Sleep: Establish healthy sleep habits for restorative rest.

3. Hydration: Ensure you stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.

4. Health Check-ups: Schedule medical checkups and screenings.

5. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to manage

need more care and attention. You might

stress.

relationship with each area of your life.

Set clear goals. Define specific, measurable and achievable self-care goals for your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Ensure your goals are realistic and personalized to your unique needs.

•

your goals and abilities.

areas in each space of your life where you want to note in a journal your current •

1. Exercise: Create a fitness routine that suits

Prioritize self-care categories. Schedule time and resources for each categor y based on your goals and priorities. Make

6. Journaling: Keep a journal to express your thoughts and feelings.

7. Setting Boundaries: Identif y and set healthy boundaries.

8. Gratitude: Cultivate a gratitude journal to focus on the positive aspects of life.

9. Learning: Pursue hobbies, interests or new skills to keep your mind engaged.

10. Time Management: Organize your time to

your well-being a primar y part of your

reduce feelings of being over whelmed.

lifestyle. For example, you may decide to

11. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative self-

do a physical workout three to five days a week, meditate daily, and schedule time once a week for a hobby. Following are some ideas for different types of self-care.

talk and replace it with positivity.

12. Social Connection: Maintain meaningful relationships with friends and family.

13. Alone Time: Allow yourself alone time for introspection and rejuvenation.

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H E A LT H Y Y O U 14. Social Activitie s: Engage in social activities that bring you joy.

15. Me ditation and Prayer: Engage in spiritual practices that resonate with you.

16. Nature Connection: Spend time in nature to connect with your spiritual self.

17. Purpose and Meaning: Reflect on your values and life purpose.

18. Acts of Kindness: Practice random acts of kindness to nurture your soul.

19. Gratitude and Forgiveness: Cultivate a sense of gratitude and practice forgiveness.

20. Relaxation and Leisure: Down time is crucial to well-being.

24. Spa Days: Treat yourself to spa days or selfcare rituals at home.

25. Digital Detox: Take breaks from screens to recharge.

Remember that self-care is an ongoing process, and it ’s essential to adapt your practices to your evolving needs. Don’t be too hard on yo urself if you miss a day or face setbacks, and always celebrate your self-care milestones. Treat yourself for reaching goals or achieving personal grow th.

By following this guide and making self-care a priority in your life, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and joys that come your way, ultimately leading to improved overall wellness and happiness.

21. Hobbies and Interests: Dedicate time to hobbies you enjoy.

22. Reading: Read books that inspire, educate or entertain yo u.

23. Art and Creativity: Explore your creative side

MICHELLE R. JOHNS, M A , T L P C A - M H S P, N C C , 500 R Y T/ 200 E - R Y T OWNER, TRANSFORMING WELLNESS, LLC M J O H N S @ T R A N S FO R M I N G-W E L L N ES S.CO M

through art, music or writing.

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J A N UA RY 2 024 SOURCES H O M E F E AT U R E Special Thanks Tara Felice Interiors tarafeliceinteriors.com Selavié Photography Selaviephoto.com

E XPE RIE N C E T H I S Special Thanks Mid South Wedding Association wehelpbrides.com

DESIGN Special Thanks Jennifer Estes Interiors jenniferestes.com Annabella Charles annabellacharles.com

TRAVEL Special Thanks Travel Leaders 901.853.6200, 901.377.6600

HEALTHY YOU Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com

IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Margaret Monger

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78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2020