June 2026

regency reboot

H O M E F E AT U R E W I T H T H E F E AT H E R E D N E S T

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

26 | HOME FEATURE

42 | EXPERIENCE THIS

The home of Ashley Smalley, owner of The Feathered

Inside the 2026 Memphis St. Jude Dream Home

Nest, while traditional by definition, is extremely

Giveaway inside the Manor at Hall Creek in

unique, with a historical feel and a flow unlike most

Arlington.

Germantown homes.

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

JUNE 2026 home & design 26 HOME FEATURE Regency Reboot

food & travel 42 EXPERIENCE THIS

Thoughtful Design, Shared Purpose: Inside the Memphis St. Jude Dream Home

50 TRAVEL

All Aboard: The Timeless Romance of Rail Travel

66 IN THE KITCHEN

Poolside Corn Salad

for you

38 WEDDING Mr. & Mrs. Mayer

70 HEALTHY YOU

Three Wellness Factors to Consider for Optimizing Your Health

in every issue

14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE

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73 SOURCES

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JUNE 2026 • VOL. 25 NO. 3 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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J

une i s here, a nd we a re ha l f way through the yea r. I a m p retty s ure I sti l l have a Chri stma s decorati on or two up somewhere in o ur hom e. If I f i nd i t, at thi s poi nt, I wi l l j ust l et i t ri de for a not h er s ix m o nths beca use Dec ember wi l l be here before we k now i t.

I t seem s the ol der I get, the fa ster ti m e f l i es. We were j ust bl essed to spend a week at the bea c h wi th our grown k i ds ( s p o us es i nc l uded when I say k i ds) , a nd our gra ndk i ds. It wa s a perfect week . W hi l e I wa s on the bea c h watc hi ng them pl ay, I wa s s c rol l i ng on my phone a nd ca m e a c ross som ethi ng that rea l ly hit m e.

“ You onl y get one summer wi th a ba by. T hree of a toddl er. N in e o f a c hi l d a nd seven of a teen. Ea c h one m atters more tha n we re al i ze. Turn on the spri nk l er, go to the pool , a nd ta ke the trip.

The sum m ers of sti c k y ha nds a nd sun-ti red k i ds don’ t l a st fo rever.”

I a m so ha ppy we wi l l get to enj oy a nother summer wi th a baby as A ubrey Ann a nd Dunca n a re expec ti ng a nother ba by boy thi s fall!

Enj oy the summer wi th those dea r to you. Cha se down the icec rea m truc k a nd don’ t bl i nk ! Chri stm a s i s j ust a round the co rner.

- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

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H O M E F E AT U R E

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H O M E F E AT U R E

Regency R e b o ot

INTERIOR DESIGNER’S HOME LEANS CURRENT AND C L A S S I C S I M U LTA N E O U S LY

B Y C A R A S I E V E R S | D E S I G N B Y A S H L E Y H O O D S M A L L E Y O F T H E F E AT H E R E D N E S T PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNABELLA CHARLES June 2026 • athomemms.com | 27

H O M E F E AT U R E

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Some things just feel meant to be. That’s how the Smalleys felt when they found

the home they wanted, on the street where they wanted to live. And to top it all off, they knew it was definitely kismet when they discovered it was the long-time family home of renowned local interior designer Anne Knox “We were ready to beg, plead, do anything to get this house,” said Ashley Smalley, who also owns Collierville-based interior design firm The Feathered Nest. “We wrote a letter, the neighbors (who were also some of our best friends) wrote letters, and, in the end, it paid off. I think Anne knew just as confidently as we did that this was meant to be our home.”

The traditional Germantown home was built in 1986, and became the Smalleys’ home in 2024. Although traditional by definition, the floorplan is extremely unique, with a historical feel and a flow unlike most Germantown homes. And the décor and design mimics this unique flow, cascading from one room to the next and never feeling like a dead end.

Smalley wanted the home to be aesthetically soothing and special, but still feel comfortable and livable. In fact, she designed the front two rooms of the home – the formal living and dining rooms – with their hosting habits in mind.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

"We

host a lot of parties and showers in our home, and we wanted a neutral backdrop for themed décor and photos,” said Smalley.

But that doesn’t mean that these rooms don’t also incorporate a host of playful elements. In the formal living room, you’ll find details like quatrefoil end tables and quatrefoil drapery rod rings. Regency Erainspired fabrics in the faintest shades of blue and green are crowned with a delicate crystal chandelier from the 30s and framed by subtle cabana striped silk drapes. Perhaps the most striking element of this room is an antique bureau with quite a story – Smalley’s mother had regretfully sold it only to have Smalley miraculously find the exact piece again, 15 years and two owners later.

Off of the formal living room is the library. The large windows create an evening glow in this space, which becomes particularly inviting on a stormy night with a favorite book in hand. Smalley has a love for Asian-inspired design elements, and the library has become a sort of treasure trove Asian trinkets and collectibles. Silk screens, mystical dragons and bamboo touches bolster the romantic eastern motif that the homeowner loves.

On the way to the formal dining room, the foyer itself boasts special touches like art from local artist (and neighbor) Lindsey Overbey, and a beautiful, but hardy, vintage rug.

“I love to put vintage rugs in high-traffic areas,” said Smalley. “They have already had a life well-lived and you don’t worry about them.”

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H O M E F E AT U R E

With

around 20 children their kids’ ages in the neighborhood, the home gets a lot of traffic. The formal dining room is ready for neighborhood get-togethers with ample seating around a large, round, antique dining table.

“Our family and friends love to play poker and games around the round table,” said Smalley.

“The conversation is so warm around a round table because you can see everything and everyone, not just the people directly next to you.”

The dining room is blanketed in gorgeous Thibaut wallpaper depicting loosely gathered ferns in creamy tones. The subtle stripe pattern continues above the brass bar cart where you’ll find two watercolor pieces from local artist Kayla Diskin, matted in a Schumacher stripe botanical fabric. The grand chandelier was bought as an antique at a Louisiana estate sale over 50 years ago by the previous homeowner; and the ceiling, along with that of the formal living room, are painted the faintest blue (Misty, by Sherwin Williams). This was Anne Knox’s signature touch, and pays homage to her while connecting these two special spaces.

If the formal spaces in this home are pretty, then the sunken den is definitely handsome.

The Smalleys jokingly call this room the pickleball court because it is so long and narrow.

But Smalley accepted the challenge of a uniquely proportioned space, and turned it into the coziest den.

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H O M E F E AT U R E

"This

was the definitive case of having to work modern living into a classic floorplan,” explained Smalley. “Yes, we want a beautiful home with great conversation spaces and formal hosting areas; but, in reality, we also want to just relax and watch TV as a family.”

Smalley worked to position the TV so, although very large, was not the main focal point of the room. Unpainted warm-tone wood trim, plaid wool upholstery, moody art and vintage brass pieces all contribute to the masculine lodge-like feel of the den – but don’t miss the floral ruffles on the pillows and Chinese vases that give this space a little bit maximalistchic and femininity.

Also designed with “living” in mind is the scullery. This space serves as a laundry room and pantry for the Smalleys, complete with a laundry chute from upstairs and plenty of cabinets and countertop to serve as the “drop zone” by the back door. However, Smalley was thoughtful in designing the cabinetry for the way they live – the height of the drawers even matches the foods they buy. Their favorite box of crackers fits perfectly inside.

Upstairs is an office, playroom and two bedrooms. Having inherited the family’s eye for design, daughter Isla Claire designed her room herself.

They framed out an area to feature the wallpaper she wanted so it wouldn’t overwhelm the room. Birds, butterflies and a bevy of pretty fabrics play into the room’s calm and whimsical feel.

Brother Stryker’s room is a mini mancave in the making – dark and moody fabrics, an inviting leather armchair, and display areas for his Brazilian Jujitsu medals and hunting spoils. Smalley jokes about how well he sleeps in this serene, shadowy bedroom, nearly drenched in Roy Croft Brass.

All in all, the home has evolved greatly in the two years the Smalleys have lived there, and it will continue to do so. The primary bathroom is currently being renovated, and the kitchen will soon follow. And, as one might suspect, a home owned by a designer is constantly changing.

“I move things around a lot,” laughed Smalley. “I redecorate every 3-5 business days.” So, it seems that a look inside this home – even in a year or two – might be a completely different story. And with Smalley involved, it will likely be traditional with a twist. Classic feel with contemporary function. A regency reboot, if you will.

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HHOOMMEEFFEEAT ATUURREE

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HHOOM MEE FFEEAT ATUURREE

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WEDDING

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WEDDING

Sally & Noah MAYER

M A RC H 14, 2026 | M E M P H I S, T N

PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: SHEILA AND CHARLES GAIRHAN PARENTS OF THE GROOM: RUTH AND MINTON MAYER WEDDING PLANNER: LACHERIE WEDDINGS & EVENTS REHEARSAL DINNER: THE LOBBYIST WEDDING & RECEPTION: THE DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS PHOTOGRAPHER: MADELINE ROSE PHOTOS VIDEOGRAPHER: LAUREN KERSTELL INVITATIONS: A PAPER PRESS BY CAROLINE ANDERTON FLORIST: A BOTANICAL FLOURISH BAKER: CRAVE BAKERY BAND: THE PEABODY ROCKETS RENTALS: MAHAFFEY EVENT LIGHTING: KEVIN GRIFFIN DESIGNS WEDDING DRESS: MAGGIE LOUISE BRIDAL MAKEUP: ISABELLA ALLEN HAIR: CHARLOT TE VAUGHN

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EXPERIENCE THIS

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN, SHARED PURPOSE: INSIDE THE MEMPHIS ST. JUDE DREAM HOME

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EXPERIENCE THIS

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EXPERIENCE THIS

St. Jude Dream Home 2025 Design by Warehouse 67

A $100 ticket gives Mid-South residents a chance to win a home while supporting St. Jude.

Each year, the Memphis St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway offers more than the chance to win a house. It invites the community to be part of something meaningful. With a $100 ticket, participants can win the keys to a newly built luxury home right here in the Mid-South, while supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

Tucked inside the Manor at Hall Creek in the town of Arlington, the home at 5031 Porch Rock Cove reflects the idea that thoughtful design can bring people together. Clean architectural lines, warm finishes, and carefully considered spaces define the house, built by Southern Serenity Homes with an emphasis on craftsmanship and community.

“For the past 19 years, we’ve been honored to build the Memphis St. Jude Dream Home® and help raise more than $28 million for the children and families of St. Jude,” said Greg Bridgers, owner of Southern Serenity Homes. “ This year ’s home in Arlington showcases an outdoor kitchen, custom bunk beds in the bonus room, expansive trim work throughout, and a spacious three-car garage, all located in a community known for its award-winning schools.”

That sense of purpose is woven throughout the home’s design. Spanning approximately 3,200 square feet, the residence includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms, offering generous space for gathering while maintaining an intimate, welcoming feel. Upstairs, a bonus room overlooks the neighborhood below, complete with a built-in reading nook that provides a quiet retreat from the rhythms of daily 44 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2026

life. One of the home’s defining features is its enclosed outdoor kitchen, which seamlessly extends the living space beyond the interior walls. Designed for entertaining family and friends or simply slowing down at the end of the day, it reflects a broader emphasis on connection and ease.

The interior experience is elevated through careful styling and thoughtful material selection. For the fifth consecutive year, Warehouse 67 contributed donated design time, guiding selections and staging the home to reflect both beauty and livability.

“Being able to support such an impactful global mission right here in the Memphis community is incredibly meaningful to our team,” said Kim Loudenbeck, owner of Warehouse 67 LLC. “We’re grateful to play a small part in something much bigger than ourselves.”

National partners Bosch, Shaw, Kichler, Trane, and Brizo contributed products and finishes that balance everyday function with refined design, helping bring the vision of the home to life. The Memphis St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway winner will be announced June 28 at 11 a.m. on Action News 5, marking the culmination of months of collaboration among builders, partners, and the local community. For ticket information and details about the giveaway, visit stjude.org/ dreamhome June 2026 • athomemms.com | 45

EXPERIENCE THIS

St. Jude Dream Home 2025 Design by Warehouse 67

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ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other lifethreatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.

When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the United States, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

MEDIA CONTAC T: Yesenia Ubaldo Media Relations Advisor ALSAC – The fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® 901-706-5591 yesenia.ubaldo@alsac.stjude.org June 2026 • athomemms.com | 47

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T R AV E L

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T R AV E L

ALL ABOARD: THE TIMELESS ROMANCE OF RAIL TRAVEL

A R T I C L E A N D P I C T U R E S P R O V I D E D B Y B A R B A R A M AY, O W N E R O F T R AV E L L E A D E R S June 2026 • athomemms.com | 51

T R AV E L

Train travel, a 200-year-old tradition, is experiencing a resurgence, becoming more popular than ever today. From small-town charm to destinations across the globe, today ’s travelers are rediscovering something beautifully simple: sometimes the most memorable part of a journey isn’t the destination, it ’s how you get there.

Train travel has long held a special place in the hearts of wanderers. There’s something undeniably captivating about settling into a comfortable seat as the world unfolds beyond your window, watching the rolling countryside, dramatic mountain ranges, and storybook villages appearing as if on cue.

Unlike air travel, which often feels hurried and disconnected, traveling by train invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly experience every mile.

The gentle rhythm of the rails, the sweeping panoramic views, and the freedom to move about transform travel into something far more meaningful. Whether it ’s an elegant European escape, a scenic North American adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury journey, train travel offers an experience no other mode of transportation can replicate.

And for travelers right here in the Memphis and Collierville area, it ’s becoming one of the most inspiring and surprisingly accessible ways to explore the world.

ICONIC TRAIN JOURNEYS AROUND THE WORLD Some train journeys aren’t just routes; they are stories waiting to be lived.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express remains the gold standard of rail travel. Synonymous with romance and timeless elegance, this iconic train transports guests back to the golden age of travel. Picture yourself sipping champagne in a beautifully restored carriage as you glide between Paris, Venice, and London. Evenings are spent enjoying multicourse gourmet dinners, while days reveal 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2026

Europe’s most enchanting landscapes.

In contrast, Japan’s Shinkansen represents the future of rail travel, sleek, efficient, and seamlessly connecting cities like Tokyo and Kyoto at remarkable speeds. Yet even at over 200 miles per hour, the experience remains calm, refined, and remarkably comfortable.

They call it the “Bullet ” train.

Did you know that Australia has rail journeys?

These rail journeys provide a rare, immersive lens into the heart of the country, bridging the gap between energetic urban hubs and the untouched wilderness. Whether you’re crossing sun-scorched deserts, the raw beauty of the Outback, or verdant coastal rainforests, the train turns the transit into the main event.

Iconic routes like The Ghan is often described as a ‘national treasure’ and offers a oncein-a-lifetime experience. It is a famous long-distance passenger train in Australia that travels from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, crossing the heart of the continent. While the primary focus of The Ghan is the on-train experience, there are also off-train experiences included in some of the journeys. It has large panoramic windows, passengers can enjoy uninterrupted views of the ever-changing scenery.

There is also the Indian Pacific which has been rated as one of the great rail journeys of the world. It was named after the two oceans that it travels between, the Indian Pacific will take you from one edge of the continent to the other, East to West (or vice versa) across the Blue Mountains and the vast Nullabor.

The Indian Pacific delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to parts of Australia no other experience can match the perfect balance of comfort and adventure, culminating in a journey that will move you in every sense of the word. Both train journeys deliver multi-day adventures complete with luxury accommodations, fine dining , and curated off-train excursions.

T H E I N D I A N PA C I F I C

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T R AV E L

Another spectacular train journey is the Rovos Rail that travels across South Africa in beautifully restored, woodpaneled coaches that blend timeless elegance with modern comfort. From the sweeping grasslands of the Highveld to the stark beauty of the Great Karoo and the vineyards of the Cape, the journey ends in Cape Town beneath Table Mountain. Along the way, guests enjoy unforgettable stops in historic Matjiesfontein and Kimberley, home to the famous Big Hole.

Closer to home, the California Zephyr, one of Amtrak’s 15 signature overnight journeys offers a classic American journey across deserts, mountains, and river canyons from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a two-night, three-day experience that passes through canyons, farmland, and deserts, not to mention the Rocky and Sierra Nevada ranges. At 2,438 miles, it is Amtrak’s longest daily route, following the same path as the 1869 transcontinental railroad. It ’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to see the country is to slow down and take it all in.

But for many travelers, the most unforgettable rail experience lies in the heart of Canada aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

Guests can choose between GoldLeaf Service, with its bi-level glass-domed coaches and elevated dining experience, or SilverLeaf Service, featuring expansive panoramic windows and exceptional comfort. They offer four distinct train journeys, each with spectacular natural wonders and exciting destinations throughout Canada and British Columbia, as well as one through Utah and the National Parks.

You will get to enjoy beautifully prepared, regionally inspired cuisine as the landscape unfolds around you. Attentive hosts share stories and insights, bringing each destination to life in a way that feels personal and immersive. Because the journey takes place during daylight hours, you won’t miss a moment of the scenery, while evenings are spent relaxing in thoughtfully selected accommodations along the route.

Optional excursions invite you to explore charming mountain towns, pristine national parks, and vibrant local culture, turning the journey into something far more than transportation.

It ’s no wonder this experience is considered a true bucket-list adventure.

C A N YO U P I C T U R E YO U R S E L F H E R E ?

You’re nestled beneath a glass-domed ceiling , surrounded by panoramic views of towering peaks, glacial rivers, and dense evergreen forests. As the train winds through the Canadian Rockies, every turn reveals another breathtaking scene of turquoise lakes shimmering in the sunlight, wildlife moving freely through untouched wilderness, and rugged mountain passes that feel a world away from everyday life.

Rocky Mountaineer is renowned for offering one of the most spectacular luxury train journeys in the world, connecting iconic destinations such as Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise.

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VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS

T R AV E L

VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS

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T R AV E L

CANADIAN ROCKIES

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T R AV E L

FROM LUXURY TO LEISURE: A STYLE FOR EVERY TRAVELER

PERFECT FOR FAMILIES, GROUPS AND SOLO TRAVELERS

One of the most appealing aspects of train travel is its versatility. It can be as luxurious or as simple as you choose.

Train travel isn’t just romantic, it ’s incredibly practical and enriching , whether you’re traveling with loved ones or setting out on your own.

On the luxury end, journeys like The OrientExpress or Rovos Rail redefine travel with private suites, fine dining , and highly personalized service. These all-inclusive experiences are ideal for anniversaries, milestone celebrations, or travelers seeking something truly extraordinary.

For families with children, trains offer something invaluable: space and freedom. Kids can move around, enjoy the ever-changing scenery, and stay engaged throughout the journey. There are no long security lines or cramped seating just a relaxed, comfortable experience that allows the journey itself to become part of the adventure.

Mid-range options, including high-speed trains throughout Europe and Asia. they offer comfort, efficiency, and scenic beauty without the premium price tag. Spacious seating , onboard dining , and seamless city-to-city connections make these trains both practical and enjoyable.

For those seeking flexibility, rail passes let travelers explore multiple destinations with ease, and are perfect for crafting a journey that ’s uniquely their own.

Multigenerational families and groups also find train travel especially appealing. With accessible seating , private cabins, and shared dining spaces, it ’s easy to stay connected while still enjoying personal space. Watching landscapes unfold together, sharing meals, and experiencing each destination side by side naturally creates meaningful, lasting memories.

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T R AV E L

And for solo travelers, train journeys offer a perfect balance of independence and connection. Imagine settling into your seat with a good book, gazing out at breathtaking scenery, or striking up a conversation with fellow travelers from around the world. There’s a sense of ease and security in train travel that allows you to fully relax, while still feeling immersed in the journey. Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection or spontaneous connection, traveling by rail offers a uniquely fulfilling solo experience.

TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR RAIL JOURNEY A little preparation can make your journey seamless.

Booking early is essential, especially for popular routes and luxury experiences. Rail passes can provide flexibility and value for multi-destination itineraries.

Packing light makes boarding easier, and arriving early ensures a smooth start to your trip. Understanding onboard amenities, whether dining , Wi-Fi, or lounge access, can enhance your overall experience.

Most importantly, embrace the pace.

Train travel isn’t about rushing , it ’s about enjoying the journey.

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE Train travel offers something rare: the opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and truly experience the world.

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury European escape, a breathtaking journey through the Canadian Rockies, or a curated rail adventure across continents, there’s never been a better time to explore by train.

And you don’t have to plan it alone.

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At Travel Leaders in Collierville, we specialize in creating seamless, elevated travel experiences tailored just for you.

From selecting the perfect itinerary to handling every detail, we’re here to make your journey effortless and unforgettable.

Can you picture yourself on board? Let ’s turn that vision into reality. Call us today at 901-853-6200 to schedule your personal travel consultation. We are located at 1125 Poplar View Lane South #3 in Collierville.

Your next great adventure might begin at the station, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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IN THE KITCHEN

Poolside Corn Salad

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IN THE KITCHEN

POOLSIDE CORN SALAD A c r u n c hy, f re s h t a k e on a c or n s a l a d . S av or y, b o l d f l av or s a n d s w e e t c or n c om e t o g e t h e r w it h a c re a my c i l a nt ro l i m e r a n c h f or t h e u lt i m at e s a l a d of t h e s u m m e r.

INGREDIENTS SALAD INGREDIENTS: 3 HEADS ROMAINE LET TUCE, CHOPPED INTO BITE-SIZED PIECES 1 CAN SWEET CORN, DRAINED 1 PAC K AG E C O O K E D BAC O N , C RU M B L E D 1 B U N C H G R E E N O N I O N S , T H I N LY S L I C E D 1 JA L A P E Ñ O, D E S E E D E D A N D F I N E LY C H O P P E D 1 / 4 C U P F R E S H C I L A N T R O, C H O P P E D 1 C U P F R E S H LY S H R E D D E D P E P P E R JAC K C H E E S E C R O U T O N S ( M E A S U R E W I T H YO U R H E A RT CILANTRO LIME RANCH INGREDIENTS: 1 / 2 C U P M AYO N NA I S E 1/2 CUP BUT TERMILK 1/2 CUP SOUR CREAM JUICE OF 1 LIME 1/4 CUP FRESH CILANTRO 1 / 2 T E A S P O O N S A LT 1 / 2 T E A S P O O N B L AC K P E P P E R 1/2 TEASPO ON GARLIC POWDER 1/2 TEASPOON DRIED DILL

I N S T RU C T I O N S In a l a r g e b ow l , c ombi n e a l l s a l a d i n g re d i e nt s . Ad d a l l d re s s i n g i n g re d i e nt s t o a b l e n d e r a n d b l e n d u nt i l s m o ot h a n d c re a my. Ta s t e a n d a dju s t a s n e e d e d . Pou r d re s s i n g ov e r s a l a d , t o s s , a n d e nj oy. B e s t s e r v e d by t h e p o o l !

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H E A LT H Y Y O U

Three Wellness Factors to Consider for Optimizing Your Health STORY BY MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT

Most of us get an a nnua l

exa m. A nnu a l exams are a way of gett i ng a he a l th status update for blood press ure, c ho l e ste ro l a n d other key mar kers via bl o o d wor k. Whi l e a n annual exam mig ht be he l pf ul , i t may n o t be enough. M oder n research i ndi cate s the re are some other key indicato rs t hat a re no t a s sessed dur ing a typical v i s i t.

VO2 Max, grip strength, and biologica l a ge ca l c u l ato rs mig ht offer additional a nd per tinent insight.

Kee pi ng up w ith the latest wellness trends can s e e m ove r w helming . If you’re paying cl o s e atte nti o n, yo u mig ht notice the catch phra s es c ha nge but the basic sug gestions rema i n t he sa m e - e at well, move of ten, sleep wel l , a nd ma i nta i n safe and healthy relations hi ps .

The fi e l ds o f d ata and technology, however, cont i nue to evo l ve and provide oppor tuni ty fo r a m ore pe rso na l ized roadmap to quality o f l i fe.

Fol lowi ng a re three ways you might moni to r a nd a sse ss your overall well-being.

VO2 MAX Re se a rc h i ndicates VO 2 max is the m o st s i g ni fi ca nt i n di cator of overall health - mo re s o t ha n c ho l e sterol, blood pressure or wei g ht.

Those wi th l ow levels of VO 2 max genera l l y have two to fi ve times hig her r isk of all- ca us e di se a se a nd e ar lier death than those wi th hi ghe r l eve l s. Vo2 max is a measure of the 70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2026

maxi mum a mo unt o f oxygen upta ke dur in g exerci s e. T he mea s urement i s a n i ndicato r o f how eff i ci entl y yo ur hea rt, l ung s, blo o d ves s el s , a nd mus cl es wo rk to gether to us e an d del i ver oxygen duri ng phys i ca l a ct iv it y.

Fo r s o me peo pl e wa l k i ng up a nd d ow n a s i ng l e s et o f sta i rs i s a l o t o f phys i ca l exe r t io n.

B ei ng ex tremel y wi nded af ter wa l k i ng a f lig ht o f sta i rs ca n be a n i ndi cato r o f l ow VO 2 m ax .

T he hi g her yo ur VO2 max the mo re pro f ic ie nt ly yo ur hea rt pumps bl o o d, the mo re s uc c e s sf u lly yo ur l ung s bri ng i n oxygen, the m o re powerf ul l y yo ur mus cl es us e oxygen an d t he mo re energ y yo ur bo dy us es wi th l es s st re s s .

VO2 max natura l l y decrea s es wi th age ; however, the mo re we exerci s e, eat we ll, and s l eep wel l , the mo re l i kel y we a re to s low t he decrea s e o f o ur VO2 max. S a dl y, VO2 m ax is no t genera l l y mea s ured by o ur phys ic ians , des pi te the fa ct that mo st ca rdi o l o g i st s k now i t i s the s i ng l e mo st cri ti ca l i ndi cato r o f he ar t perfo rma nce. T he rea s o n VO2 max is m o st l i kel y no t tested at the genera l pra ct it io ne r ’s o ff i ce i s the hi g h co st o f the equi pm e nt us ed to a ccuratel y mea s ure i t. Mo st lo cal uni vers i ti es have a huma n perfo rma nc e c e nte r a nd o ffer VO2 max mea s urement fo r a fe e .

GRIP STRENGTH It ha s been pro po s ed by s o me res earc he rs that mus cl e a nd g ri p strength be a dde d to t he sta nda rd l i st o f a nnua l bi o ma rker a s s e s s m e nt s .

H E A LT H Y Y O U

W h i l e the sc i e nce is emerg ing , the indicato rs stro ngl y su ppor t the idea g r ip strength, s pe c i fi ca l l y, i s synonymous with bone dens i ty, cardi ova sc ul ar health, metabolic hea l th, i nd e pe nde nc e , nutr ition, and overall m us cl e st re ngth. We a k gr ip strength is associated w i t h a l l -ca use mor tality, f railty, malnut ri ti o n, i ncre a se d ri sk for falls, and increased hea rt disease.

Pu l l u ps, ha n dheld g r ip squeeze, hang ing f ro m a bar, rowi ng , a nd deadlif ts are a few exerci s es t hat he l p i m prove g r ip strength. T he Am eri ca n P hysi ca l A c ti v ity G uidelines recomme nd st re ngth tra i ni ng twice a week, dur ing whi ch eve r y musc l e group should be wor ked.

Ma ny pe o p l e who live with chronic pain a nd i nf l a mm ati o n, or have other limitations that cre ate ba rri e rs to mobility and exercise , o f ten forego stre n gth training. T he problem i s that a l a ck o f tra i ni ng and movement creates mo re i nf l a mm ati o n and pain, which continues to de c re a se mo bi l i ty. Wor king with a profes s i o na l physi ca l the ra pist to begin a personal i zed stre ngth tra ining program might be a n i nve stme nt we l l wor th the outcome. A phys i ca l t he ra pi st ca n a ssess your mobility, help i denti f y wea k ne sse s a nd incor rect for m, and wo rk w i t h yo u to stre ngthen weakened muscl es a nd i mprove mobility and f unction.

Pe rso n a l l y, I have had two incidents wi th de bi l i tati ng i nflammation and pain. In bo th s i t uati o ns, I l e a r ned I had strong muscles that we re ove rco m pensating for weaker mus cl es , a nd the ove ruse over time became too much.

The l o ss o f mo b ility coupled with the pai n wa s de pre ssi ng a nd f r ustrating. Ref using to g i ve up , I re m a i n e d hopef ul and was deter mined to re ga in stre ngth and mobility. T hroug h four- to s i x m o nths o f physical therapy, I was ab l e to i mprove stre ngth and long-ter m mobi l i ty.

AGING A gi ng i s a natural process of life. Whi l e we ca nno t stop the aging process, we ca n i nf l ue nc e how we age. C onceivably, we have

three a ges : o ur chro no l o g i ca l a ge, bio lo g ical a ge; a nd epi geneti c a ge. Our chro no lo g ical a ge i s o ur a ctua l a ge— mi ne i s 5 5 . O ur bi o l o g i ca l a ge i s ba s ed o n how wel l our bo dy is f uncti o ni ng g i ven o ur current hea l th m ar ke rs .

Our epi geneti c a ge i s a ty pe o f bi o l o g ical age ba s ed o n the methy l ati o n o f o ur D N A .

In 2 0 1 3 S teve Ho r vath, PhD, rel eas e d t he Ho r vath C l o ck , whi ch i s co ns i dered t h e go ld sta nda rd fo r mea s uri ng yo ur bo dy ’s t r ue a ge – yo ur epi geneti c a ge. If yo u really want to k now how wel l yo ur bo dy i s f unc t io nin g , epi geneti c di a g no sti cs a re ava i l a bl e to he lp g ui de yo u. A va ri ety o f epi geneti c te st s are ava i l a bl e, fo r tho s e i nterested i n l e ar ning mo re a bo ut how yo u’re a g i ng . I have do ne o ne mys el f. My epi geneti c a ge wa s 1 2 ye ars yo unger tha n my current a ge. I recei ve d ins ig ht o n the ty pes o f fo o ds a nd movement s t hat a re best fo r my bo dy, whi ch wa s fa s c inat ing i nfo rmati o n. L ea rni ng yo ur epi genet ic age is no t s i mpl y a bo ut k nowi ng a number; it is abo ut ga i ni ng pers o na l i zed i ns i g ht i nto yo ur b o dy ’s pro ces s i ng a nd s ug gesti o ns fo r ways to im prove yo ur current hea l th.

We have a va ri ety o f ways to me as ure o ur hea l th a nd wel l - bei ng . Ma ny o f us us e wea ra bl es to tra ck da i l y metri cs l i ke m ove m e nt , hea rt rate va ri a bi l i ty, breath, g l ucos e , and s l eep. W hi l e thes e to o l s a re hel pf ul fo r gainin g i ns i g ht, the ul ti mate di fference l i es in how we us e them to tra nsfo rm o ur go a l f ro m s im ply l i v i ng a l o ng l i fe to l i v i ng a qua l i t y life .

Michelle R. Johns, Owner MA, LPC-MHSP, NCC, 500 CYT Transforming Wellness, LLC Germantown, TN & Oxford, MS www.transforming-wellness.com 901.258.3619

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JUNE 2026 SOURCES HO M E F E AT U R E Special Thanks The Feathered Nest thefeatherednestinteriors.com Annabella Charles annabellacharles.com

TRAVEL Special Thanks Travel Leaders 901.853.6200, 901.377.6600

EXPERIENCE THIS Special Thanks St. Jude Children's Research Hospital stjude.org

HEALTHY YOU Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com Club Pilates Lp.clubpilates.com

IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Made by Molly @__madebymolly

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