Innholdsfortegnelse for May - June 2011 i Southern Lady

Join the party online by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter just like the roses in my own garden, everything is in full bloom here at the Southern Lady offices—and not only in a botanical sense. Some of our favorite new ideas have taken root and blossomed into a special issue called Fresh Style. We think you’ll be as delighted as we are with its renew-and-redo concept. For more information, visit the Southern Lady Facebook page. In the meantime, our May/June issue is brimming with beauty. From the lovely designs of Atlanta’s Anna Griffin to the heralded halls of Ole Miss in Oxford to glorious gardens bursting with color, we bring you the very best of our beloved region. Sincerely, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price…

GLAMOROUS GLOW 1. This old-fashioned powder box reveals a sweetly scented soy candle. Powder Box Candle; ???; Himalayan Trading Post, himalayantradingpost.com BOLD BEAUTY 2. Give an ensemble sassy sparkle with a versatile bloom-and-braid piece. Similar style necklaces, starting at ????; Elva Fields, elvafields.com. HOSTESS CHIC 3. Complete last-minute prep in style with a fashionably floral frock-saver. Val Apron, ???; Funktion, funktionhome.com. PUNCHY PILLOWS 4. These bark cloth pillows enliven interiors with color and whimsy. Aria Pillow in Vintage Green and Daisy Thorn Pillow in Earthy Pink, ??? each; Erin Flett, erinflett.com. CUFF LOVE 5. We adore the botanical flair of these Asian-inspired cuff bracelets. Silver Magnolia Cuff and Chocolate Brown Cherry Blossom Cuff , ???.?? each; Tea House Designs, fromtheteahouse.com.…

Artist Jennifer Young recalls clearly her earliest memories of making art. When practicing handwriting, the first grader would follow each letter with a picture: A, apple. B, ball. C, cat. Inspired by a mother who would always have an art or craft project going (all while raising nine children), Jennifer soon grew to replace the A-B-C doodles of old with scenes from Albemarle County, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Charleston coastline. “I always knew I’d make art,” reflects Jennifer, who studied art history and painting at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. “Th e more I worked with my hands, the more I knew this was what I wanted to do.” Jennifer’s early career focused largely on the drama of the human figure. “My work was introspective, emotional, and dark,”…

CARRYING ON OUR SOUTHERN GARDEN TRADITIONS Growing Emporium Since they hung out their shingle in 1994, husband and wife horticulturists Jason and Shelley Powell have become renowned for their incredible selection of heirloom plants, ornamental and fruit trees, gardening supplies, and wealth of knowledge regarding all things botanical. From poppies and tulips to pots and trellises, Petals from the Past is a destination for greenthumb enthusiasts, especially the sentimental sort. If you want an heirloom hydrangea like the one that bloomed at Grandma’s house, chances are the Powells can help you fifind just what you’re looking for.…

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation that you ever had.” –Anonymous if april showers bring May flowers, then May breezes surely bring June bliss. Beautiful blue skies, big cottony clouds—it’s impossible to stay inside when the weather is so divine! Th ough this balmy weather is enticement enough, what I find irresistible is the pure pleasure of “sitting a spell” with a friend on the porch. Whether it’s a grand veranda or just a tiny stoop, the porch is an extension of your home’s living space, and you should give it every bit as much attention as you would any other room of your house. Rockers…

?? ?????? ?????, many of us wished for our very own princess beds, complete with gauzy canopies and linens piled high like meringue on a pie. Some things never change—we still long for a magical place to lay our weary heads at the end of the day. The décor divas at Pate-Meadows Designs understand that desire for a feathery nest and, to that end, created beautiful bespoke bedding that practically punches your ticket to Dreamland. Composed of a crown with flowing fabric, an upholstered headboard in a chic check, a tailored duvet, and a plethora of pillows— and complemented with coordinating window treatments—this vision of loveliness is the stylish and polished version of that longago dream. For information, visit patemeadows.com…

At the Garden Gate Beyond this portal awaits an enchanting world where cares drift away on the soft breezes of a Southern summer. Be still and listen. A robin trills its happy tune while cheerful crickets harmonize with humming bees in a lilting chorus. Breathe deeply and try to identify the various sweet perfumes around you. Cottage roses? Four o’clocks? Southern magnolias? And the colors! The vivid hues of scarlet zinnias and hot-pink geraniums are tempered by the cooling shades of creamy impatiens and shasta daisies. Allow your soul to be both soothed and delighted here in this backyard Eden. Song of the Garden Find a tranquil spot to sit among the fragrant blooms and look around. There are awe-inspiring notes of wonder everywhere: the lulling rhythm of water spilling…

a meal for a day in may BOUNTY OF BLOOMS Infuse this summer scene with flowers galore. A floral runner anchors the setting, and fresh-clipped hydrangeas arranged in vases and their artistic counterparts custom printed on birch wood by Night Owl Paper Goods (nightowlpapergoods.com) complete this beautifully botanical scene. SUMMER LETTUCE WRAPS Makes ? servings ? firm ripe avocados, chopped ? cup chopped seeded tomato ? tablespoons chopped fresh basil ? tablespoons fresh lemon juice ? ¹⁄? tablespoons finely chopped red onion ? teaspoon minced garlic ¹⁄? teaspoon salt ¹⁄? teaspoon ground black pepper ? leaves green leaf lettuce ?. In a medium bowl, combine avocados, tomato, basil, lemon juice, red onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, tossing well. Spoon avocado mixture into lettuce leaves, and roll up. Secure with toothpicks.…

“My recipes are rooted in Southern classics I was raised on, but freshened with contemporary flavors, lightened up, and streamlined for busier lives.” –Gena Knox raised in a small farming community in middle Georgia, Gena Knox spent many childhood days tagging along with her dad as he surveyed the family fields from the windows of his Grand Wagoneer. As she got older, Gena pitched in by selling extra ears of corn or bags of boiled peanuts to passers-by. But she recalls, “Much as I loved our farm and everything that we grew on it, I also felt an irresistible pull toward the kitchen.” Gena’s natural culinary instincts served her well not only in daily farm tasks like snapping beans and slicing squash, but also more recently in writing her first…

100 APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES SEND ALL FROM CATEGORY 1 CONVERTIBLES FOOTWEAR Just pop the top and go. Designer sandals with interchangeable, decorative, snap-on accessories. All leather and many styles to choose from. Great for travel—one pair of shoes—all the tops you need. 101 BOUTIQUE BUSINESSES & SERVICES SEND ALL FROM CATEGORY 2 PLUM SOUTHERN Plum Southern is a shopper’s dream. Elegant gifts with flair! Bridal registry with Vietri, Juliska, Mandy Bagwell. Trollbeads for when you want to treat yourself. 102 HOME FURNISHINGS SEND ALL FROM CATEGORY 3 FRENCH GARDEN HOUSE An online retailer offering antiques, French décor, furniture, and gifts to romance your home and garden. 4 THE SOUTHERN HOME Elegant home furnishings filled with Southern Charm. Showcasing shabby chic, French Country, and cottage style décor with lighting, furniture, accessories,…

1.WEALTH OF WISDOM Our staff was instantly charmed by Garlan Gudger Jr., the knowledgeable Southern gentleman who owns and operates Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, Inc. While photographing at his Alabama store filled with thousands of salvaged treasures, we received a standing invitation to solicit his expert advice—and not just for us but our readers as well. Isn’t that sweet? And helpful, too! 2.PAST & PRESENT I’ve been a fan of stationery designer Anna Griffin for quite a while. She pairs modern colors with vintage patterns for striking results like the vibrant green scrapbook paper featured behind my photo on this page. We were delighted by her collections of Victorian cards and family heirlooms, and we think her creative interpretation of those things makes her an entrepreneur to watch for years…

????? ?????? In order for the floor registers and wall vents of yesteryear to appear less obtrusive, decorative versions were created to lend lovely design elements to interior spaces. Today, these vintage pieces can be used to make shelving, or they can be hung as art or incorporated into tabletops. ?????? ??????? Southern Accents boasts a fascinating array of architectural antiques from doors and hinges to windows and mantels—and everything in between. One room is filled with beautifully carved newel posts and stacks of staircase balusters. Pieces from the store have ended up in new and restoration projects all across the country—and even as props in movies and music videos. ???? ??? ???? As an expert in architectural antiques, Garlan Gudger Jr. has considerable knowledge in restoring old properties and…

With her buoyant spirit, propensity to call you “darlin’,” and abundance of natural talent, it’s not hard to imagine what endeared TV’s Project Runway judges to Heidi Elnora Standridge Baker. Hailing from Sardis, Alabama, where she grew up playing dress up and drawing clothes in her Barbie sketchbook, Heidi put her career with Carter’s in Atlanta on hold when she was chosen for the second season of the reality TV fashion design competition. But her Southern charms and style enjoyed only shortlived success on the Bravo show. Heidi was one of two designers sent home in the first episode when Michael Kors questioned her creation—a simple silhouette decked out in trim. “At first it kind of hurt my feelings,” admits a lively Heidi in her endearing drawl. “But as I…

french impressionist Claude Monet was so inspired by the beauty of water lilies that he devoted the last 30 years of his life to painting more than 250 works of art featuring the floating flowers. Th e artist’s botanical muses also off er the inspiration for the luminous dinnerware that graces an early summer table, lending a whisper of color to an otherwise neutral palette. Creamy shades from biscuit to buff compose this tranquil tablescape that starts with an ecru cloth overlaid with a length of similarly hued gauzy fabric to form a soft-as-a-cloud foundation. Gather up tone-on-tone monogrammed napkins with satin ribbons tied in loose bows to serve as napkin rings. Pewter-stemmed goblets, sterling silverware in a classic pattern, and serving pieces with motherof- pearl handles bring subtle sparkle…

journalist and interior design maven Caroline Clifton-Mogg believes that you can create a beautiful and comfortable home by making the most of what you already own. Th ough homeowners have the tendency to throw out things that seem to have outlived their usefulness, the author exhorts readers to take a step back to appreciate and repurpose pieces rather than cast them away. By adding embellishments—or switching a lampshade or rolling on a coat of paint— you can breathe new life into a space and save a few pennies at the same time. Th e Comforts of Home off ers a grand and gorgeous array of ideas for fluffing your abode. From clever concepts for organization and storage to tips for charming displays and vignettes, the book riggers the imagination, pinpointing…

Rays of sunlight pour through the windows of Anna Griffin’s home, bathing every inch of space in a heavenly golden wash. Antiques of obvious quality abound, and the surrounding colors are the soft, muted shades of a well-loved quilt. Th e rooms flow together like a lazy river where each bend brings a new delight to behold—family faces smiling from gilded frames, cherished collections lovingly displayed, chairs that beckon you to sink down into them for an afternoon of reading. It is beautiful to be sure, but more importantly, it is inviting. Th e same could be said for the designer herself. Anna honed both her design and decorum skills while growing up in the small town of Marshville, North Carolina, a place she fondly describes as “Southern to the…

pretty perch It’s no wonder this little bird looks so happy—his cup runneth over with a bright bouquet of mums, aucuba leaves, and other greenery. Perfect for any nook or cranny, this arrangement looks especially lovely atop a stack of books on an end table. child’s play Long after the kids have grown up, those precious sterling silver cups from their childhood days live on as vases for pint-size posies. Long-lasting daisies and button mums are ideal selections for an arrangement that will stay fresh enough to enjoy for days. petal kettle A teeny copper watering can is just the right size to hold a trio of brilliant orange gerbera daisies. Tuck in a few strands of ornamental grass and some leafy filler to create a personal floral display for…

SPRING RISOTTO Makes ?? servings ? tablespoons butter, divided ? tablespoons olive oil ¹⁄? cup chopped green onion ? ¹⁄? cups Arborio rice ? quarts hot vegetable or chicken broth ? cup diced yellow squash ? cup diced zucchini squash ? cup grated carrot ¹⁄? teaspoon salt ¹⁄? teaspoon ground white pepper ¹⁄? (?-ounce) bag baby spinach, stemmed and chopped ? cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese ? tablespoons chopped fresh thyme Garnish: thyme sprig ?. In a large Dutch oven, heat ? tablespoons butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add green onion; cook for ? to ? minutes, stirring constantly. Add rice; cook for ? to ? minutes, or until very lightly browned, stirring constantly. Add hot broth, ¹⁄? cup at a time, allowing liquid to be absorbed after…

SUSTAINABLE STEPS: Zkano Socks It’s safe to say Gina Locklear’s feet are planted firmly in her roots. Born and raised in Fort Payne, Alabama—known for many years as the “sock capital of the world”—Gina is continuing her hometown’s textile tradition at a time when many longtime local manufacturers have closed their doors or moved their businesses elsewhere. Equally important to Gina was putting a sustainable spin on her socks, so her company, Zkano, focuses solely on footwear made from organic cotton and low-impact dyes. Says Gina, “I am thankful for the opportunity to carry on and expand my family’s sock business through Zkano.” She also hopes her eff orts will help restore the area industry and create awareness of small businesses and locally made products. For information, contact Zkano at…

Ever since she was a child, Memphis jewelry designer Shari Dixon has enjoyed making things with her hands (even her Barbies had custom-made furniture). She studied graphic design while at college in her native New York, and afterward embarked on a career in the design department of clothing retailer Eileen Fisher. Th ough she wanted to be a fashion designer, the time-consuming process of taking concepts through the numerous steps to market was a bit frustrating. “A friend was designing jewelry, and when I saw what she was doing, I thought, ‘Th at’s it!’” says Shari. “Th e best thing about making jewelry is the instant gratification.” In the 1980s while she was at Eileen Fisher, she began creating her own line of chokers. When a friend took Shari’s designs…

????????? ????????—or “glamelias” to some—are made by wiring or gluing individual petals to craft one large flower. Such bouquets, like this one from Mandy Majerik of Hothouse Design Studio (hothousedesignstudio.com), enjoyed great popularity with brides during the 1930s and 40s. Though they typically feature gladioli or roses, we love the contemporary update cymbidium orchids bring to this enchanting technique.…

? ????????? ????? pound cake, a handful of blackberries warm from the sun, blue skies as far as the eye can see— sometimes the simplest things bring the biggest smiles. That’s the beauty of this adorable napkin ring made from felt. Editorial Assistant Beckyenters to hold the posy in place. Add a pretty button in the center to finish it off , and this delightfully easy—and exceptionally charming— project is complete. Visit southernladymagazine.com to see a step-by-step video for this project. “A flower touches everyone’s heart.” –Georgia O’Keefe…

among the stacks of tablecloths and napkins in the linen closet, there is often a neatly folded and tucked away collection of vintage pillowcases. Maybe these slips are too narrow for today’s overstuff ed pillows, or perhaps there are stains or tears that make them undesirable for their original use, but they are far too pretty to toss. Don’t despair—a new purpose awaits this bonny bedding, one that brings it out of the dark drawers and into the light of day. Turn the tired cases into lovely tea towels by trimming the fabric and turning under a tiny hem on three sides. Th at leaves the pretty embellished edge to face forward. Embroidery, cutwork, or lace could stand on its own merit, but for that little something extra, add a…

?????????????? ???????????????? This distinctive end table proves that neutral doesn’t equal generic. While it easily transitions from one design scheme to another, its intriguing form makes it a standout accessory. Accent Table, ??????.????; Target, ??????-??????-????????; target.com. ????-?????? ????? A powder blue table—whose curvy detailing lends its modern shape a delightfully demure finish—gives framed pictures or cherished collections a premier place to land. Brigitte Side Table in Blue, ????; Cottage & Bungalow, ???-???- ????; cottageandbungalow.com. ????? ?????? Fun and function coexist in this maple accent table bearing fanciful edges. Custom finished in your choice of 40 summer saturated shades, the whimsical piece is at home in cottage escapes and everyday interiors alike. Round Toothy Table in Celadon, ????; Maine Cottage, ???-???- ????; mainecottage.com.…

HISTORIC COURTHOUSE SQUARE Social and economic life in Oxford has always revolved around the Square. The courthouse, which was burned by Union troops along with all but one of the surrounding buildings, anchors the area with its striking Italianate presence. Leisurely exploration is a must; it will reveal fabulous shopping and rich history, too: the former drugstore where William Faulkner frequently borrowed paperbacks from its lending library, the site of the only building that amazingly survived the 1864 destruction only to burn later, and the late 19th-century livery stables that now house a restaurant serving some of Oxford’s finest cuisine. The courthouse statue donated by Faulkner’s grandmother endures here, as it does in his novel The Sound and the Fury. The settlers who founded this Mississippi town in 1837 had…

Portobello Pizzas Makes ?? servings ?? large portobello mushroom caps ?¹⁄? cups Sundried Tomato and Spinach Marinara Sauce (recipe follows) ? cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ? (?-ounce) packages prosciutto, chopped ? (?.??-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained ¹⁄? cup thinly sliced red onion ? tablespoons chopped fresh basil ¹⁄? cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ?. Preheat oven to ???°. Spray ? rimmed baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. ?. Place mushroom caps on prepared baking sheets. Bake for ?? to ?? minutes. Blot excess liquid from mushroom caps. Layer each mushroom cap with marinara sauce, Mozzarella, prosciutto, olives, onion, and basil. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for ?? to ?? minutes or until browned and bubbly. ???????? ?????? ??? ??????? ???????? ????? Makes about ? ¹⁄? cups ? tablespoon olive…

??? ?????? of large oaks on St. Charles gave way to gated gardens of flowering trees and shrubs, none of which I recognized, decorating the mansions behind them like frilly aprons. I slowed to take it all in, accepting that my knowledge of New Orleans had consixotic, historic otherworldliness of what I was seeing. A car honked behind me and I realized I’d stopped completely in the middle of the one-way street. I pulled ahead, searching for the house number, then slid into an open spot at the curb as I approached the right block. Iron gates in rose patterns and fleur-de-lis tops separated the gardens from the cracked and uneven sidewalks, roots of nearby oaks showing their impatience with human encroachment by pressing against the flagstone and brick pavers…