At Home Tennessee

Tickled Pink

2011-04-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

P antone has announced Honeysuckle Pink

18-2120 as 2011 Color of the Year. The color is light and

uplifting and looks fabulous anywhere in the home.

Be daring with a statement piece of furniture in the

living room or bedroom. We love this bold couch

by Ann Mashburn (Pictured Right). If bold color isn’t

your style, try adding a few hints of the hue

with an accent pillow, hand towel or other home

accessory.

Ann Mashburn Sofa via Lisa Roy

John Robshaw Pillow

Pottery Barn Shower Curtain

Missoni Home Throw Vera Bradley Hand Towels

This year’s color goes nicely with just about any color in the spectrum. Play it safe and pair the color with neutrals or go bold and mix with other fun hues like orange, blue, and green. Honeysuckle pink is the color to turn your tired interiors into instant spaces of welcome and charm. Check out some more of our favorite finds in the season’s hottest color:

Left to Right: Serena and Lily Pillow and Paint Color in "Punch", Anthropologie Framed Art and Mini Colander

Text: Liz Bingham

Luck of the Irish

2011-03-08T04:15:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re Irish or not, St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday and an excuse to throw a festive party! Since this holiday only happens once a year, there’s no need to go buy themed flatware and leprechaun decorations. With these ideas you can decorate your house for St. Patty’s Day without breaking the bank!

1. Sprinkle shamrock confetti or metallic garlands in a hurricane vase (or any other glass vase with a wide mouth) and place a green candle inside for a glowing centerpiece.

Max Hurricane Vase and Echo Verde Candle
Crateandbarrel.com

2. Purchase several packs of plastic gold coins, available at most dollar or craft stores, to scatter around the mantle or table for extra glitz.

Gold Milk Chocolate Coins www.candywarehouse.com

3. Cut shamrock garlands in 5” sections or use green ribbon to wrap around wine glasses, making simple stemware fun and festive.

Source: www.favecrafts.com/St-Patricks-Day/
Go to website for template

4. Create delicate napkin holders by tying twine or ribbon around your napkin rolls and embellish with an artificial, or real if you can find one, four leaf clover.

Source: bhg.com/holidays/st-patricks-day

5. Give the gift of luck! Purchase bags of oxalis seeds, more commonly known as shamrocks, from your local nursery and send your friends home with a gift that keeps giving. Write your guests’ names on them in green pen and they can double as a place card!

Lucky Gold Shamrocks
www.amazon.com/Lucky-Shamrock-Seeds-Oxalis-valdiviensis

6. Create a beautiful mantle with shamrock garland made from wire & construction paper. You can also use dried flowers, green vases and other found items around your house. If you want to go the extra mile, print out the Irish Blessing, frame it and place it where it will be seen by your guests during dinner.

Source: hoosierhomemade.com

Text: Amanda Harris

Check Out The February Issue!

2011-02-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More weddings

At Home With Jane Gaither

2011-01-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

At Home Tennessee Magazine is proud to feature kitchen guru and quite possibly the next Food Network Star, Jane Gaither. Jane lives in Nashville where she is a professional cook, class instructor, and full-time mother. Her column premiers in the January issue of At Home Tennessee where she offers tips for the event on everyone's February calendar-- Super Bowl, of course.

We know you'll enjoy her recipes. We're already salivating over the pictures for her next column! Be sure to pick up a copy at your local grocery store, Walgreens or Barnes and Noble. You can also find Jane on her blog gourmetgadgetgal.

Get a glimpse of the kitchen guru at home:

Words can't describe how cute this video is!

Tennessee Curiosities

2011-01-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

Tennessee Curiosities by Kristin Luna
Review by Shana Lusk

As anyone familiar with our beautiful state knows, Tennessee is full of hidden treasures and pleasant surprises. Fortunately for travelers and natives alike, Kristin Luna makes the path to finding those well-kept secrets an effortless one in her new book “Tennessee Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities, & Other Offbeat Stuff.” The book is carefully organized by the three grand divisions of the state, making it a must have for sightseers in any or all parts of Tennessee.

Within each section, Luna highlights interesting or unusual attractions complete with driving directions and contact information. From the haunted Orpheum Theatre in Memphis to Knoxville’s vibrant Market Square, this book guides readers through the state one roadside stop at a time. Many rural areas of the state are covered as well. Luna highlights local festivals and activities of special interest, such as the Strawberry Festival in downtown Dayton and the Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Franklin.

From museums to coffee shops, this guide will point you in the direction of the very best from one end of the state to the other. Intriguing Tennessee facts and other tidbits of information are also sprinkled throughout. Luna’s witty style coupled with the book’s neat arrangement make this a fast and enjoyable read for anyone looking to explore the curiosities of the Volunteer State. With this book in hand, travelers are sure to make many lasting memories discovering all that Tennessee has to offer.

To discover more great reads, check out the February issue of At Home Tennessee Magazine

The Professional Pick

2011-01-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

Many people think of amaryllis solely as a holiday flower, but because of the availability and the array of colors - coral, green, white, pink, salmon, etc.- it is a perfect flower to consider from winter into early spring. A tall glass container of apricot colored amaryllis and blooming quince branches is a striking arrangement for any home, traditional or modern.

Quality stems do tend to be more expensive per stem than other flowers, but considering their vase life, they are quite worth their value. Check out this month's issue of At Home Tennessee Magazine where you'll find more tips from the talented professionals at The Garden District in Memphis.

Tips for Arranging with Amaryllis:

1. When placing in oasis insert a long stake into the hollow stem (a bamboo shish kabob skewer works) to prevent the stem from collapsing from the weight of the opening blossoms.

2. When using tight, unopened stems in an arrangement remember the fully open blossoms can be quite large, so leave space around each stem in your design.

3. Keep the container full of water; amaryllis love to drink and making sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water will assure your arrangement will last as long as possible.

4. Keep your design simple. Amaryllis are so visually dramatic – let them shine.

The Garden District is located at 5040 Sanderlin Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee.

Contact Us

2011-01-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR READERS FOR A GREAT 2010!

AS WE LOOK AHEAD TO THE NEW YEAR, WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A SECOND TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY. IS THERE SOMETHING SPECIFIC YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN 2011? LET US KNOW! SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS AND SOMEONE WILL PERSONALLY RESPOND TO YOUR SUBMISSION WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

Email: happenings@AtHomeTn.com

Write: At Home Tennessee 671 N. Ericson Road Ste #200

Cordova, Tn 38018

Fab Find of the Day--GAP Wedge Bootie

2010-12-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

Pierre Hardy peep-toe wedge bootie for GAP
$195

Heel lovers rejoice! The season's hottest shoe just became a little more affordable. These wedge booties from Pierre Hardy are a steal at $195 and go great either dressed up or down. Sure, you should probably be shopping for everyone on your list, but we won't tell! Take advantage of this great buy. Your wardrobe will thank you! The darling peep-toe footwear is a special to GAP's designer editions. To get the look, go online at www.gap.com or check out one of the select GAP retail stores.

Fab Find of the Day-- Volunteer Traditions

2010-12-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

Tristar Bow-ties in Orange & Red

Today's "Fab Find" comes from Volunteer Traditions. In the Spring of 2006, a couple of friends got together and decided to design a line of products that reflected the pride and traditions of the state of Tennessee. Now, four years later, Volunteer Traditions can be found in several retail locations across the state and beyond. The quality line of bow-ties, tees and hats can be purchased at Mast General Store, M.S. McClellan, Wm. King Clothiers, Bink's Outfitters, Westwin Clothiers, Initial This, You're Invited and The Hermitage. You may also purchase items from the Volunteer Traditions website by going to volunteertraditions.com.

Fab Find of the Day--Diane Von Furstenberg Kindle Case

2010-12-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

The Kallie Clutch

Today's "Fab Find" are the kindle covers by Diane Von Furstenberg. These gadget accessories are stylish, sophistacted and fun gifts for anyone on your list. All of the cases are outfitted in an ultra suede interior or canvas twill blend so that your kindle stays protected while in transport. Other special touches to the case include a shiny gold DVF clasp and convenient business card slots on the inside cover. To purchase one of these darling cases go to Amazon.com. Hurry, this hot item won't last long!

Fab Find of the Day-- Sac à Baguette

2010-12-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever set out for a weekend of leisure, one filled with bakeries, small boutiques, fresh flowers or a flea market, wishing you had a larger, more stylish bag to carry?

Well, search no more. Sac à Baguette has created a sophisticated and most of all, sustainable tote with the urban female in mind. Going to the supermarket? Don’t let those flimsy reusable bags slow you down. Pick up groceries in your sac à baguette tote, and continue on with your day. The individual compartments make sure purchases stay in place, while sturdy materials ensure groceries don’t end up smashed along the way.

Fab Find of the Day-- Blackbox Case

2010-12-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

The 32" Blackbox Case ($130)

Sometimes you don't have to do much to find that perfect gift; Sometimes the perfect gift just comes to you out of nowhere. While looking for kitchen products to feature in an upcoming issue, I stumbled on these great laptop cases for the MacBook Pro. They make a great gift for dad, brother or even boyfriend. Each case is made from solid oak in a manly, yet sleek and sophisticated design, with a felt interior lining for added protection against scratching. The company behind such fabulous products is Blackbox Case. To purchase a case, go to their website at blackboxcase.com. 15% of the purchase price goes to charity!

Nashville's Tis the Season

2010-11-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree: 21st Annual West Tennessee Healthcare Gala

2010-11-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 13^th, 2010— The Jackson community was full of the holiday spirit as nearly 500 guests attended the 21^st Annual West Tennessee Healthcare Gala. This year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was a particularly merry event whereby guests were greeted by Santa upon arrival. Dinner was provided in the eloquent Carl Perkins Civic Center ballroom.

The evening produced over $100,000 in donations to the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation. All proceeds will be given to the Ayers Children’s Medical Center and the Kirkland Cancer Center.

Fashionable and Functional: Stay Warm in Style

2010-11-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

When it comes to choosing an outfit, you don’t have to choose fashion over function. This winter, stay warm in style with a few accessories that are sure to be favorites this season. Here are three practical, yet adorable looks for an adventure out into the cold.

Puckered Salutation Scarf from Anthropologie

This ivory scarf is a great addition to any outfit. Throw it on over a plaid flannel shirt or a pea coat for an extra warming effect. Check out anthropologie.com for more fashionable winter accessories!

Zip Leather Gloves from J.CrewGloves make a great winter season accessory. Check out these from J.Crew. The zipper detail and cashmere lining make any outdoor adventure feel extra luxurious.

Yukon Classic Bomber Hat from Eddie Bauer

Say goodbye to the toboggan, and hello to this year's newest cold weather trend--the bomber hat. The inside shearling lining is indescribably soft. Keep your ears cozy and face warm this season with one of these classic looks from eddiebauer.com or llbean.com.

For more fabulous styles check out the December issue of At Home Tennessee Magazine!

Text by Kelly Kriegshauser

Winterize Your Skin!

2010-11-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

Even though the cold winter weather hasn’t quite reached us yet, it is never too late to winterize your skin! It is best to start exfoliating and moisturizing before the cold hits so that your skin is prepared. Here are some great products that will do the job and leave your skin feeling extra soft this winter season!

Kiehl’s Moisturizer
I recommend this moisturizer to everyone! It is light, but heavily moisturizes your face and body. It even has SPF 15 for those of you who will be outdoors or hitting the slopes. The best thing about Kiehl’s lotion is that a little goes a long way. One bottle of Kiehl’s lotion lasts an unbelievable long time. Check out Kiehls.com for more products that can winterize your skin. Grab a free sample of Kiehl’s lotion on the website.

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm You can find Burt’s Bees Beeswax lip balm almost anywhere. Burt’s Bees is 100% natural, full of coconut and sunflower oils and rich vitamins your lips need for the cold weather. The beeswax seals in the moisture and keeps your lips hydrated for longer. Burt’s Bees Beeswax is only $3 on burtsbees.com!

C.O. Bigelow Rice and Bamboo Gentle Exfoliate
The C.O. Bigalow Rice and Bamboo Exfoliate is gentle on the skin, yet the rice and bamboo do a great job of removing dead skin and pollutants from your body. C.O. Bigalow Rice and Bamboo Exfoliate improves and tones your skin, leaving it soft and radiant! You can find this product, along with many other great products to winterize your skin on bigelowchemists.com!

Check out the December issue of At Home Tennessee Magazine for even more great products!!
Text by Kelly Kriegshauser

Tinsel and Treasure

2010-11-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

Knoxville Fun!

2010-09-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

We got to spend the better part of last week hanging out in Knoxville! We had so much fun! Why you ask? Our fabulous fall fashion shoot took place there, of course! Check our October issue for more on that.

In the meantime, check out some of the fun things we did in Knoxville!

We love the Four Points Sheridan!

Yummm Ritas on Market Square!

Hanging out on Gay Street

The window of the S&W Grand

People watched at Market Square

Sampled Gelato from Coolato Gelato

Wandered around Old City

An Evening of Wine

2010-08-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

Wind down this month with a wine tasting event. Whether you decide to visit a local winery with friends for an afternoon of perfect pairings or you choose to host a blind tasting party in your own home, At Home Tennessee’s Stephanie Alexander has all kinds of tips, from adorable cork place cards to tasting techniques.
Text Stephanie Alexander, event planner| PHOTOGRAPHY Phindy Studios
FLORALS Terry White, The English Garden| VENUE The Winery at the Belle Meade Plantation

This month is all about wine. When planning your tasting party, you’ve got multiple options—we’ve provided tips for two versions of a wine tasting event here. The first type of wine tasting is one in which you and your guests visit a local winery. The second type is a blind-tasting party hosted at your home.
If you’re lucky enough to live close to a winery, you’re in for a treat. You can gather several close friends and schedule a tour and tasting and let the experts handle all the details! If you visit a local winery, you’ll get to taste wines that are exclusive to that location as well as enjoy an expert-guided tasting. If you’re new to wine tasting, this can be a great way to spend time with friends and learn together.
This month’s party took place at the Winery at Belle Meade Plantation. The winery opened November 2009 and offers tastings seven days a week. Located in the heart of the city of Belle Meade, the winery’s grapes are grown in Hampshire, Tennessee, south of Columbia. Keg Springs Winery has produced award-winning bottles and its talented wine maker, Brian Hamm, is also at the helm of crafting Belle Meade’s wines.

Meet the Wines: An Overview of the Winery at Belle Meade’s Bottles
•Blackberry A deep, dark, sweet wine with pronounced berry flavor, this wine is a perfect companion for flavorful cheeses, pork tenderloin or ribs, a full-bodied steak or as a reduction for a sauce. It also makes a great ingredient for a host of unique recipes, such as Easy Blackberry Cake, available on Belle Meade’s website.
•Muscadine is a traditional Tennessee wine that was made on the plantation for more than a century. Muscadine is a true American grape and is recognized today for its high antioxidant qualities. Many muscadine vines still grow wild along the fencerows surrounding the plantation. This wine is best served chilled on a front porch while rocking!
•Carriage House White Made from a Tennessee-grown grape, Carriage House White surprises you upon opening with the aroma of apple pie and citrus. Once on the tongue, the fruity characteristics continue as this semi-dry, full-bodied wine offers a crisp taste of Tennessee. Serve as other whites with seafood, chicken, nuts and cheese or as an aperitif.
•Blush The best of Tennessee grapes joined to create a blush that makes an ideal light sipping wine as well as an accompaniment to a wide range of foods. Serve slightly chilled at your next picnic, or dress it up this fall with Thanksgiving turkey.

If you don’t have access to a winery or would rather host a party in your home, hold a blind tasting for your friends. To start, find a fabulous wine-themed invitation to send to your guests. Because of the nature of wine tastings and the discussions they evoke, keep your guest list small, between six and 12 people. Also, on your invitation ask each guest to bring one of their favorite wines to the party.

Themed Tastings
You may want to limit the wines you will taste to a certain type. For example, sample all whites in summertime or specify that the bottles brought should be organic. Or try some of these fun suggestions:
Grape Geography If you want to taste wines from a certain region, such as South America, make sure to specify that on your invitation.
Budget Bottles Try putting a price limit on the bottles your guests bring. It’s fun to see what $15 or less tastes like!

The great thing about wine tasting parties is that they can be relatively easy to organize. Keep the food selection simple and allow the wines to be center stage this evening. Do serve light hors d’oeuvres that pair well with the type of wines; experts recommend providing snacks like fresh breads, artisan cheeses and crackers to help clean the palate between wines.
If you have a plethora of wineglasses on hand, the best option is to allow the guests a different wine glass for each type of wine. Another option is to rent inexpensive glassware from a party rental company to ensure that each guest gets a fresh glass for each wine. On the other hand, if you do not have enough glasses, provide a bucket that guests can pour their wine into between tastings.
Once all the guests have arrived, cover each wine bottle label (do-it-yourself instructions follow), affix a number to the bottle and set the wine bottles in numerical order.
Pass out your guests’ wine journals, which feature a wine tasting grid (instructions to follow), or provide simple notepads or scorecards with a wine tasting grid. Encourage your guests to take notes so that they can compare with other guests after the tasting.
Once everyone has sampled all the wines, it’s time to reveal what each one is!
Ask participants to write down the name of the wine next to a number in their journal. Also, have everyone vote on his or her favorite wine of the night. Give a small gift to the guest who brought the evening’s favorite bottle!

For Do it Yourself tips and more, pick up the August issue of At Home TN!

A Younger You

2010-08-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

In our August issue, we took a look at some great anti-aging products. Here are a few of our favorites

Lavera Anti-Aging Sun Screen

lavera.com

Josie Maran Aragon Oil Moisturizing Stick

josiemarancosmetics.com

Skin 2 Skin White Tea Anti-Aging Face Wash

skin2skincare.com

Clinique's Repairwear Laser Focus

clinique.com

Trail of (Blood, Sweat) Tears

2010-08-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Mandi and baby Rinks

Ashley and Buddy Lee

At Home Tennessee writer Mandi Gaskin discovers that all you need in life is laughter, family and a good map.

Text Mandi Gaskin | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy Mandi Gaskin

As I write to you at this very moment, I am unable to bend my legs or walk without looking like I have been on a horse for 12 straight hours. Why, you ask? Allow me start from the beginning.
Like many of our fellow Americans, we have been cutting back during this recession and getting back to the basics. After all, isn’t that what life is all about— the simple things? And so on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, my husband Ashley and I decided to get creative and go old-school by having a family picnic in the park (just call us “The Cleavers”). We packed up baby Rinks and Buddy Lee the dog and headed off for a day of family bliss. We had a wonderful lunch of crustless pimento cheese sandwiches courtesy of yours truly (a.k.a. June Cleaver) while conversing about how pleasant it was to stretch out under the summer sun. In fact, we were so proud of ourselves for being thrifty that we thought, “Why not stretch out our family fun and go on a stroll on one of the nearby trails?” So once again we packed up Rinks in the stroller and Buddy Lee on the leash and off to the woods we went. You might even say we had a pep in our step; enjoying the scenery and smelling the fresh scent of pine, while appreciating the simple things in life that money can’t buy. Sure, there were hills that were at least 45 degree angles, but I welcomed the challenge since I am still trying to lose the last 15 pounds from pregnancy (or maybe from my excessive love of chocolate chip cookies). We were having great conversation along the way, so good in fact that we looked at the time and realized we had been walking for an hour and were on our third mile.
And as Paul Harvey puts it, here is the rest of the story:

2:15 p.m., Mile 4: I casually start to wonder when this trail is going to end and begin looking around for any signs of an exit. I don’t see one, but I decide not to panic because we are still appreciating the beautiful scenery on our blissful family outing.

2:33 p.m., Mile 5: We look at each other nervously as there is clearly no immediate end in sight, but neither of us wants to admit it, so we mumble something about needing some exercise and laugh uncomfortably. I look ahead to see the next hill coming up, which is starting to resemble Mt. Kilimanjaro.

2:48 p.m., Mile 6: My legs are in the third realm of hell, so I start pleading to God that if he would miraculously send a cab then I will never swear again. (He didn’t, so the hell with that.) The once beautiful scenery now looks uncannily like the forest in Hansel and Gretel, minus the breadcrumbs, which I would have willingly paid $1,000 dollars for at that very moment.

3:05 p.m., Mile 7: Ashley starts getting Walker’s Delirium, as I have now named it, and begins ranting on about how the trees are really alive and naming off flowers that look like trumpets. I know this should cause me to worry, but my big toe is starting to go numb and I am pretty sure it’s bleeding through my sock which of course conjures my inner hypochondriac telling me that surely it will have to be amputated.

3:23 p.m., Mile 8: At this point Rinks has practically spent a full day of daycare in his stroller as he has already played, napped, eaten lunch, had a snack and then fallen back asleep. Again.

3:41 p.m., Mile 9: Ashley starts negotiating who would be the first to be sacrificed for food so the rest of us could survive. Buddy Lee wins by unanimous vote (our apologies to PETA).

4:04pm, Mile 10: Like a veil unfolding from the heavens, we see civilization sprawling out before us and we practically start hugging and crying. But since we can’t really move at that point, we just give each other knowing smiles. Because we know that when nature calls again, we will be heading straight for the nearest Chili’s.

Mandi is a writer and a mom. She is married to Ashley, who for reasons she cannot understand, never uses a map. You can follow her on her blog or check back for her monthly columns in At Home Tennessee.

For this article and more, check out the August issue of At Home Tennessee on stands now!!

Tennessee Tailgate in Style

2010-08-18T13:03:00.001-07:00

Summer is coming to an end and the kids are headed back to school. This only means one thing: Football season is just around the corner! Below are some ideas to show your Vol pride, whether you’re at the game, tailgating, or just watching the game from home!

footballfanatics.com

This Columbia Tennessee shirt is great for all ages.

Footballfanatics.com

Will the Vols have another blackout this year? Stay prepared with this lightweight windbreaker.

Volplanet.com

This breezy summer dress is perfect for the lady of the tailgate.

footballfanatics.com

She'll feel like she's one of the squad with her very own Tennessee cheer outfit.

Volplanet.com

Don't forget your biggest fan! Pets tailgate in style with this collar bandanna.

Coming Soon: Back to Bama-- Essentials for a Crimson Tide Tailgate

2010-08-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

September Shoot: Behind the Scenes

While shooting our September home we couldn’t help but be amazed by the level of detail and artistry overflowing from Norbert and Sheryl Putnam’s Jackson, Tennessee home. Especially interesting were Sheryl Putnam’s hand-stitched designs and heart-warming accessories. The designer, who started her own company in 2002, says “I believe all women would like to do something creative with their life, they just don’t know where to begin.” As an antique collector and shop owner Sheryl has been involved in everything from upholstered furniture to sewn lavender pillows to vintage fur vests. Her most recent success, however, has been her prayer pockets. You can find these and other terrific pieces at Sherylputnamdesigns.com.

Truly a woman of many trades, it would only make sense that she find such a creative counterpart in her husband Norbert Putnam—life-long musician and producer. For the full story on this famous duo be sure to pick up a copy of our September issue or subscribe online at athometn.com.

New Designer Makes Home in Nashville

2010-08-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Joan Dress Cerise Silk Faille $288.00

Darling tiered skirts, bow-tie details and bright textures have us anxious for Leona’s fall collection to hit stores. Lauren Leonard, the creative force behind Leona, says “It’s about gaining the adoration of your boyfriend's parents and making him swoon all in one dress. It's a balancing act of charming and sexy.”

Swoon indeed, these looks we’re just what we were looking for when we began our September fashion pages. Leona offers the perfect mix for style you can wear now and into fall. The young designer, who recently moved to Nashville, is sure to be a hit. Leona can currently be found at Hemline boutique in Nashville or online at Leonacollection.com.

Stylish Splurges

2010-08-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

In our August Issue (on stands now!) we look at some stylish splurges that you should spend your money on. Here are just a couple of those splurges!

"The perfect dress for almost any occasion and any season." -Suzanne Bishop from Frankie and Julians

Ali Ro Dress
available at Frankie and Julian’s,
Chattanooga, 423.266.6661

Rick Owens Biker Jacket
available at H. Audrey, Nashville
haudrey.com, 615.670.5701

Frye Vienna Lace Up Boot in tan
thefryecompany.com

"A great piece of jewelry is always a best splurge because it not only can make an old outfit look and feel new and exciting again, but it also can put an exclamation point on a fabulous new outfit. This statement piece can be worn in the day paired with comfy jeans and a white t-shirt, as well as in the evening with your favorite little black cocktail dress.”
-Debbie Swacker, Mam’selle

Virgins, Saints and Angels Magdalena necklace
available at Mam’selle, Jackson
731.668.2420

For these Stylish Splurges and more, check out the August issue of At Home TN magazine!

Guest Blogger The Fashionable Wife

2010-08-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

This post originally appeared on The Fashionable Wife blog

Peach Cobbler

My grandmother makes the best peach cobbler. Not too doughy, not too sweet. It is absolutely delicious! Peach cobbler is one of hubby's favorite desserts, and it was time I learned how to make it!

So, this weekend after we went to the farmers market, I made Peach Cobbler with her. And now, lucky for you, I am sharing her recipe with you!

Maw-maw's Peach Cobbler:
Ingredients:
3/4 stick of butter
1 cup sugar (divided into 1/4 cup and 3/4 cup)
3/4 cup of self rising flour
3/4 cup of milk
Peaches (amount varies, depending on personal preference)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Start by boiling water and dropping in peaches for about 2 minutes. This makes it easier to peel the skin off the peaches.
2. Once the peaches are done, remove the skins an cut into pieces

3. Mix 1/4 cup sugar in with the peaches. This makes some juice.

4. Put butter in a dish and put in the oven until melted.
5. Mix in a separate bowl flour, sugar (3/4 cup) and milk.
6. Pour mixture in the bottom of the dish with the butter in it. Make sure to put your dish on a cookie sheet in case anything bubbles over in the oven.
7. Spoon in peaches in an even layer

8. Bake in oven for about an hour.

I like my peach cobbler warm and topped with ice cream! My Husband likes to add a little bit of cinnamon to his.

For more information about guest blogging, email naviotti@athometn.com

What are you up to?

2010-08-03T12:24:00.001-07:00

Read something you love? Or something you hate? Tell us! Do something fun this weekend and want to show off your pictures? Send them to us! Send us your thoughts, pictures, whatever!

We want to know: what are our readers up to?

We love to hear from our readers, so we want to make our blog more about our readers!! Send us your pictures from the weekend, thoughts on articles, recipes you love... you name it, we want to know! You might just end up on our blog!!

Maybe you had a party inspired by our Entertaining expert Stephanie. We want to know what you did and see pictures. Did you read about something in At Home TN and really enjoyed it? Let us know.

Did you attend a fun TN event? Maybe you saw it on our happenings calendar. Share it with us! Send us your pictures, your stories... we want to hear from you!

Are you a TN blogger? Shoot us an email. We might feature you as a guest blogger or highlight your blog on our blog and facebook!

Send pictures, blog addresses and everything else to Nikki at naviotti@athometn.com

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

August Events

2010-08-02T09:28:00.001-07:00

There is a lot going on in August!! Make sure to check out these events going on across TN during the month.

Through August 28
Shakespeare on the Square
Market Square Stage,
Knoxville
865.546.4280,
tennesseestage.com

Through September 6
Birds & Bees Exhibit
Memphis Zoo
901. 333.6500,
memphiszoo.org

August 5
Indigo Girls
Cheekwood Botanical
Garden and Museum,
Nashville, 615.356.8000,
cheekwood.org

August 5-8
World’s Longest Yard Sale
Corridor 127, Jamestown
800.327.3945, 127sale.com

August 6-8
Rockabilly Festival
International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame, Jackson
731.427.6262,
rockabillyhall.org

August 7
Cocktails and Couture
Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville
615.244.3340, fristcenter.org

August 7
Hohenwald Invitational Golf Tournament
Hohenwald Municipal Golf Course, Hohenwald
931.796.5421,
hohenwaldlewischamber.com

August 10-16
Elvis Week 2010
Graceland and other
locations, Memphis
800.238.2010, elvisweek.com

August 12-14
Smokin’ in McMinnville Barbeque Cook Off
McMinnville Civic Center, McMinnville
931.473.1212,
mcminnvilletenn.com

August 14
Auction for the Arts
Macon County Fairgrounds, Lafayette
615.644.5179,
maconcountytn.com

August 16-29
Can You Dig It?
Hands On Regional Museum,
Johnson City, 423.434.4263
handsonmuseum.org

August 17
Heart
Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
615.889.3060, ryman.com

August 19
Art After Dark with Beale Street Caravan
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis
901.761.5250, dixon.org

August 21
Bessie Smith Heritage Festival
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Chattanooga
423.266.8658,
bessiemithheritagefestival.com

August 21
Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of Stones River National Cemetery
Stones River National
Cemetery,
Murfreesboro
615.893.9501

August 21
Irwin Tools Night Race
Bristol Motor Speedway,
Bristol
423.989.6900,
bristolmotorspeedway.com

August 21
Butterfly Fund 5K Walk/Run
Cherokee Boulevard/Sequoyah Hills, Knoxville
865.789.1982,
butterflyfund.org

August 21
East Tennessee Irish
Festival
World’s Fair Park, Knoxville
865.521.0000

August 22
Herbie Hancock
Ryman Auditorium,
Nashville
615.889.3060, ryman.com

August 20-22
Davy Crockett Celebration
Davy Crockett State Park, Limestone
423.257.2167

August 25- September 4
Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration
Historic Celebration Grounds, Shelbyville
931.684.5915
twhnc.com

August 26-28
Nashville’s Music City Annual BBQ Festival
River Front Park, Nashville
615.500.5000

August 27
A Fine Wine Affair
Oaklands, Murfreesboro
615.893.0022

August 27-28
Knoxville Jazz Festival
Krutch Park Extension,
Knoxville
865.688.6096,
knoxjazzfest.org

August 27-29
4th Annual Home Design and
Remodeling Show
Knoxville Expo Center,
Knoxville
865.686.3200,
knoxvilleexpocenter.org

August 28
Happy Days Festival
Main Street, St. Joseph
931.845.4778

August 28
Natalie Merchant
Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
615.889.3060, ryman.com

August 29
7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience
Carnton Plantation, Franklin
carnton.org

September 3
Zoo Brew
Memphis Zoo
901.333.6500,
memphiszoo.org

We're Obsessed!

2010-07-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

I wasn't born with long, full lashes. I was born with really short, thin lashes. And I've always wanted long full lashes. Even mascara doesn't do much to help.

But let me tell you about our new At Home TN obsession!! I had seen a commercial for the Maybelline Falsies on TV and I went to Target to get some. I have been using the Maybelline Colossal and it worked good, so I thought I'd try this.

Images from Maybelline

It is quite wonderful!!

by: Nikki

An Outdoor Affair

2010-07-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Celebrate summer with an outdoor dinner party complete with a locally inspired menu and eco-friendly decor. This is all about your own personal touch—pick flowers from the garden, reuse decorations and enjoy all that Tennessee has to offer!
Text Stephanie Alexander, event planner| PHOTOGRAPHY Summer Harris Hancock

Recently I had the pleasure of hosting several friends for an evening on our patio.
The weather was absolutely wonderful, and that’s no small feat here in Nashville in summer! I wanted to throw a party on my patio and eat out under the sky, eventually getting to watch the fireflies and stars after the sun set.

Menu
Garlic and Red Wine Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Warm Goat Cheese and Apple Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Josh’s Signature Roasted Potatoes and Onions
Assorted Mini Pies

Setting the Scene
I made this party as eco-friendly as possible, and encourage At Home Tennessee readers to entertain this way as well! Some simple steps are all you need to turn your next event into a green one.
First, keep the décor minimal. I gathered roses from my friend Julie’s yard, arranged them in assorted bud vases and scattered those around my tables. Julie’s roses come in a variety of colors, so I grouped them in similar shades and used those in clusters on the tables. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a friend with a fabulous garden, no fear! You can easily go to your local farmers’ market and pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers to use for your party. Try to stay local to keep the party green.
Also, incorporate lots of candlelight. Candles help add visual depth to a party and at nighttime, they really create an enchanting ambience. I have an assortment of glass cylindrical vases that I use for events and weddings. My collection includes short vases, tall and deep vases, square vases, glass bowls, and the list could go on and on. Whenever I have a party, I go through what I have on hand and develop my décor around those items. This time, I used two extra large vases and floated a trio of candles in each of these. They lined the entrance to my back patio. In addition, across my stone wall I placed several large cylindrical vases with large white pillar candles in them. In between these candles I added multiple small votives with tea lights. On the tables I placed small cylindrical vases with floating candles, along with small votives. I also positioned tiki torches around the perimeter of my patio, which not only added some warm glow but also helped repel the mosquitoes. Anytime you entertain outdoors in the spring or summer utilize tiki torches that have been filled with a citronella-based oil. The last thing you want is for your guests to be bothered by mosquitoes and bugs all night! You want them to enjoy the party and focus on the food (not swatting bugs).
Once the candles and flowers were on the tables, I added the linens and place settings. I used white ceramic plates for the table, along with chocolate brown and tan linen napkins. In addition, at each place setting I placed a menu card.
To go with an assortment of homemade desserts (recipes to follow), I also served ice cream from a locally owned and operated business to keep with the “eco-friendly” theme. I purchased individual ice cream cups from the Nashville-based Purity Dairy. If you want to serve a local item as well think about your locally-owned ice cream shop, or pick up treats from an individually owned bakery. Not only will you be buying local, but you’ll save yourself some time in the kitchen!

Green Party Tips
1. Use seed packets at place settings. They make a cute addition to your table, and guests will have a fun favor to take home.
2. Ask your guests to take home the floral centerpieces and enjoy them in their own houses.
3. Use organic fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets.
4. To create a visual impact but not leave a huge environmental impact, use candles, paper lanterns, tiki torches and natural light.
5. Include seasonal foods in the menu to highlight locally-grown products.
6. Buy organic meat from a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). To find one in your area, go localharvest.org.
7. Utilize items you already have for the décor—for example, I used vases from other events, or you can borrow from friends and keep decorations to a minimum.
8. Utilize natural elements in your décor such as burlap, wood, candlelight, etc.
9. Use floral clippings from your friends and neighbors. With a little research, you may find out that your good friend has some amazing hydrangea bushes that need clipping or another friend might have a fabulous rose garden she’s willing to share.

For Do it Yourself Decor like these "Drink Me" Straws and the recipe for the Summertime Strawberry Mini pies (and more!) get the July issue of At Home TN out now!

You Are What You Eat

2010-07-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Since our July issue was all about going green, we asked our writer Mandi to try to go green (or greener). Here is what she came up with!!

You Are What You Eat
At Home Tennessee writer Mandi Gaskin takes on the challenge of saving the Earth by asking the question “What’s for Dinner?” Text Mandi Gaskin, PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Bmofoto.net

I am a good girl. I recycle, I change out my light bulbs to energy-saving fluorescents, I even carpool with annoying people (you know who you are) in order to cut down on pollution. So when the editors of At Home Tennessee asked me to single-handedly save the Earth (ok, I may be exaggerating a little) I thought I had it in the biodegradable bag.
But after one trip to the grocery store on my normal shopping routine I knew I was in trouble. Taking on this new eco challenge forced me to take a closer look at the impact my food was having on the Earth, and it wasn’t pretty. Seeing the mounds of meat, fruits and vegetables available all year long at any given grocery store used to conjure thoughts like, “God Bless America: Land of the Free, Home of Convenience” but were now causing a slight wave of guilt and overindulgence. Were strawberries really meant to be eaten in December? Should we be eating chicken at every single meal? And are my bell peppers supposed to be the size of my firstborn child? I knew my conscience was trying to tell me something, so on the way home I did what any normal American would do—I attempted to snuff my inner voice with hormone-ridden chicken strips. And when those crispy fried animal parts didn’t subside my nagging guilt, I knew it was time to make a change.
I know what you’re thinking; you think I am about to tell you that I gave up all meat and dairy, moved to a commune and am now growing my very own tomatoes. But you are severely underestimating my innate laziness. You see, I want to save the earth, but I don’t necessarily want to work to do this. So I found myself in a whole new challenging predicament. How can I save the planet and still have time to watch the Real Housewives? So the next day, while Teresa and Danielle are tearing out each other’s weave, I go online and ask Google how I can be a better consumer in the world which I am trying to save. And the answers actually surprised me. Sure, there were the extremist websites that preached giving up your skillet for a diet made up of raw food (no thanks) or fencing your backyard to make room for Wilbur (call me a coward, but I prefer not to look my dinner in the eye before turning him into, well, dinner). But there were also very reasonable options to leaving a smaller footprint on the environment when it comes to dining, and it can basically be summed up in two words: farmers’ market. In supporting local farmers through these venues we are not only able to cut down on the global effects of shipping bulk products; we can also bring back humane treatment of the animals we eat and restore the balance in the food chain that has been lost in the mass consumerism that makes up this great country. I liked the idea that I could buy all my favorite foods minus the guilt, but I was still hesitant about the cost and more importantly, my time. So on Monday, we loaded up some empty coolers and made our way down to the local Farmers’ Market in Nashville where I found a scene that was absolutely delightful. There were droves of people from all walks of life shopping with their families, talking to the vendors and picking out fresh-from-the-farm cuisine. Sure, it wasn’t the air-conditioned, fluorescent world of my previous grocery trips. It was hot, and there were flies in abundance, but I was able to shake the hands and speak to the folks who had taken the time to carefully grow the vegetables or humanely slaughter the meat on their farms that I was responsible for feeding to my family. Not to mention all without heavily impacting the earth with pesticides or transportation emissions or breaking the budget. And best of all? I made it home just in time for the Real Housewives.
Find a local farmers’ market near you at localharvest.org, certifiedhumane.org or eatwellguide.org.

When Mandi is not writing she is busy being a mom to the cutest little boy on the planet and perfecting her skill as a Professional Nag to her husband, Ashley. You can follow her on her blog, freedingo.blogspot.com and be sure to check back monthly for her columns in At Home Tennessee.

We're Obsessed!

2010-07-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

For July, we went totally green... green as in eco-friendly, that is. From finance to decorating, fashion to beauty, we learned all about going green so you can too! Make sure to pick up our latest issue to see how it is easy to be green.

Here are some of our favorite green products!

ecoSkin dress
ecoskincollections.com

LaVanila's Vanilla Lavender Body Butter
lavanila.com

Tees for Change inspirational tees are made from super soft bamboo and organic cotton. Buy a tee and Tees for Change plants a tree!
teesforchange.com

Frieda and Nellie's "Austin, Texas" Bracelet
All bracelets are one of a kind and made from 100% cotton knotted friendship bracelet and vintage pieces.
friedaandnellie.com

Joy Fabiano Ortensia clutch
JoyFabiano.com

Nashville Fashion Show!

2010-06-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Our June issue features an article on the Nashville Symphony’s Fifth Annual Symphony Spring Fashion Show. We had so much fun, but we just didn't have enough room to show all of our favorite pictures! So here is more from the fashion show and the article.

Celebrating Music and High Fashion
Recently, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi showed his fall 2010 collection at the Nashville Symphony’s Fifth Annual Spring Fashion Show, an event benefiting music education. With performances by country music group Little Big Town, a cocktail party, dinner and a silent auction, the evening was an all-around success. TEXT Nikki Aviotti | PHOTOGRAPHY Nikki Aviotti

On a warm April evening, Nashville’s finest gathered to raise funds and celebrate high fashion at the Nashville Symphony’s Fifth Annual Symphony Spring Fashion Show. Featured on the runway was the fall 2010 collection of fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, who teamed up with retailer Guy Mayer for the event. The show was emceed by country group Little Big Town.
The evening’s proceeds benefited the Nashville Symphony and the Thor Johnson Scholarship fund, named for former Nashville Symphony music director. The scholarship provides 12 school-aged students in Middle Tennessee an opportunity to advance their music education. “This cause is very meaningful to me,” said Mizrahi, who has a background in performing arts and is directing a production of Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” in St. Louis opening June 6. “I think the beginning of art is music. I respect so much musicians.”
The evening, co-chaired by Troy Solarek and Pamela Kurio-Poe, took a full year to plan. The Nashville Symphony’s courtyard, where a pre-show cocktail party was held, was decorated in a palette of pale greens and whites and was accented in floral arrangements by the Tulip Tree. A silent auction was also held during the pre-party, during which guests could bid on items from Tiffany, a trip to Fashion Week in New York, an evening for 12 with Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and a “Many Will See” necklace by Amanda Urrego.
Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild both donned sparkling Mizrahi ensembles from the collection and appeared with bandmates Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet. “I love fashion because it’s kind of like music,” Fairchild commented. “It’s a self-expression. It’s quite an honor to be able to wear his [Mizrahi’s] collection and be a part of this.”
Because music is such an important part of the band member’s lives, the group felt the need to contribute to the cause. “We just wanted to help out in the small way we could,” Schlapman said.
The fashion show took place in the Laura Turner Concert Hall, where models from the Nashville area glided along the catwalk in looks that included day and evening wear featuring fur, sequins, tulle and exposed zippers. “A lot of things inspire me,” said Mizrahi of his collection and shows. “This show we did in New York, I was inspired by the idea of sprites and fairies living in Central Park. I like the idea of that kind of urban fairytale.”
Before the show, Mizrahi playfully commented on Schlapman and Fairchild’s outfits, exclaiming, “Oh my God, where did you get those gorgeous dresses?” His light-hearted banter continued on stage before the show began, when the barefoot designer half-joked, “Anyone who wears my clothes, I love them!”
Although this was his first time visiting the country music capital, Mizrahi said, “I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of Nashville. There is something about it [country music] that is more direct and pure.”
The show ended with a standing ovation and was followed with an acoustic performance by Little Big Town including popular hits like “Bring it on Home,” “Stay” and “Vapor.” The crowd then poured out of the show and made its way to an outdoor tent where dinner was served as the evening wound down.

Before the Show:

Some of our favorite pieces!

A Standing ovation:

Little Big Town performing:

The end of the evening:

Summer Parties!

2010-06-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

In our June issue, we asked two fantastic event planners to throw the perfect summer party. And boy did they ever! Our friends at Soireés in Chattanooga threw a Swapping Soirée and Stephanie, our Entertaining contributor from You're Invited in Nashville threw a Garden Gathering.

Here is a look at their parties!

Swapping Soirée
Party by Soirées in Chattanooga

Gather 10 to 20 of your best friends together to host this swapping soiree, an up-and-coming trend that rivals the more common clothes-swap parties. This is great for fashionable women on a budget who are interested in cleaning out their houses and getting some cool new items in return. We chose to swap household items, but this party can be tailored to meet the needs and wants of your closest friends. All newlyweds? Swap kitchen items to ensure everyone has just what they need for cooking bliss! All moms? Swap kid’s furniture, toys and clothing to meet the need of your growing families. Hold this party at any time of day, inside or outside. For stay-at-home moms who need a break, host an afternoon swap or if you’re aiming for a more intimate event, swap in the evening. This party is easy to personalize! PHOTOGRAPHY by Holritz Photography

This casual invitation reads:
“Join Morgan for a
Swapping Soirée! Tired of some of your household items, but can’t find time for a yard sale? Bring 10 of your gently used, unwanted items to trade with your friends!”

Be sure to specify a
drop-off time for the items prior to the party.

Guests can sign their names on small clipboards or simple index cards placed next to the items they like. At the end of the party, draw names for items with multiple shoppers.

Garden Gathering
Party by You’re Invited in Nashville

A summer garden, girlfriends and good food are the perfect reasons to host this outdoor garden gala! It’s a great excuse to get together with some close friends and take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and blooming flowers we’re blessed with here in the South. To keep the party intimate, limit the guest list to about eight people. Host your party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the perfect time for a light lunch and gathering with friends. (You can also hold the party indoors in a sunroom or screened in porch if the weather is too hot and humid.) Simple, delicious snacks and creative do-it-yourself decor add a personal touch to this whimsical summer party!
TEXT Stephanie Alexander Photography by Jonathon Campbell Photography

TIP: Incorporate your color scheme into every aspect of the party, from the tablescape and invitations to your clothing!

Rim drink glasses with colored sugar and arrange them on the table for a fun tablescape twist.

For more on these amazing parties, including recipes and DIY decor, pick up our June issue of At Home TN!

Photography 101

2010-05-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

In our May Issue, one of our wonderful photographers wrote a great article on how to make your photography better. Here is an excerpt from her article.

With summer vacation just around the corner, you’ll certainly want to capture those moments on film. Here, Tennessee photographer Sarah Dobbins shares her expert tips on how to get to know your camera and snap the best shot.
Text Sarah Dobbins | PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Dobbins

Over the past decade, digital photography has slowly begun to eclipse film photography as the medium of choice for beginner and professional photographers alike. One benefit of digital photography to the beginner is the ability to practice, practice, practice—and not pay a fortune for film and developing. Another advantage is the instant-gratification peek at the shot you just took, and the chance to experiment with settings and techniques and see the results right away. Here are some quick tips to get the most out of your digital SLR (single-lens reflex) camera:

Learn the basics. Get a good grasp on the three big settings you can control to change the look of your picture: ISO, shutter speed and aperture.
ISO: Similar to film speed, ISO reflects how sensitive your camera sensor is to light. Just like with film, a lower number is for brighter light. A higher number is for more dim light.
Shutter speed: This number is the length of time your shutter is open to capture your subject. A fast shutter speed will freeze motion; a slow shutter speed will cause any moving object to be blurred.
Aperture: How wide your lens opens affects the amount of light that enters your camera, and also can make your background blurred or sharp. A low number (wide aperture) gives you a lot of blur; a high number (narrow aperture) will cause more things to be in focus.
There are many resources to learn more about ISO, shutter speed and aperture, and how these settings interact with and affect each other; oftentimes your camera’s manual is a great place to start! Even so, one of the best ways to learn how these factors affect your photos is to get some hands-on experimentation. Practice in a controlled setting—in a bright, evenly lit room, for example—and see how changing these settings affects your final photo.

TIP: ISO 100, f/3.5, 1/320s Widening your aperture gives you a blurred background—and a creative kick to the standard portrait!

For more tips and amazing photography from Sarah pick up our May issue, out now!

What We're Reading

2010-05-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Aqua Net Diaries:
Big Hair, Big Dreams, Small Town
By: Jennifer Niven
Simon and Schuster

What were you like in high school? Did you have dreams of becoming famous? Were you boy crazy? Did you have big 1980s hair? If you were Jennifer McJunkin (author Jennifer Niven’s real last name) the answer to these questions is “Yes, yes and definitely yes!” Jennifer recounts her hilarious and crazy life as a teenager in Richmond, Indiana, where she attended high school, in her memoir The Aqua Net Diaries.

In the book, Jennifer introduces readers to her best friend Joey, the “king and queen” of her high school class and her many crushes and boyfriends. Through her real high school notes to and from friends, discussions she recorded (Jennifer kept everything from high school to help her someday biographer, since she was sure she would be famous) and with pictures and stories she wrote, the author recounts the life of a teenager who wants to get out of her too-small town, but also wants nothing more than to feel she fits in.

No matter where you went to high school, there is some element in this memoir to which you can relate. Whether it is the memory of the big hair, the feeling that you didn’t belong or just the crazy antics of high school, Jennifer’s memories will take you back to your own experience, and make you realize, as Jennifer says, “...high school is really much the same everywhere.”

For an interview with author Jennifer Niven, pick up a copy of our May issue, out now!

Spa Party!

2010-05-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day may have passed, but it is always a good time to throw a spa party! Stephanie, our entertaining expert, threw the perfect spa party for our May issue. Here is some of her article.

A mother/daughter spa party is a great way for women to celebrate Mother’s Day or any day, in fact. Why not invite several generations of your family and spend a day getting pampered and enjoying each other’s company? It can be as easy as a phone call to your local spa for reservations or as budget-friendly as setting one up in your home. Whichever route you decide to go, enjoy the relaxing time with family and friends! All of us need some time in our lives to slow down and be pampered.
If you decide to host the party at your home, try hiring professionals to perform the spa services. Good sources to contact are a local beauty school, an aesthetician school or your favorite spa or nail salon to see if they’ll come do a private home party. Oftentimes, if the party happens outside of peak business times, you’ll be able to book a team of professionals to come to your house. If hiring professionals isn’t in your budget, don’t hesitate to give each other manicures, pedicures and facials with the great mask recipes that follow.

Menu
Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Pimento Cheese in Mini Tartlet Shells
Pasta Salad
Fruit Skewers in Watermelon “Boat”
Crudite Shooters
Chocolate Covered Strawberries with White Chocolate Drizzle
Custom Smoothie Bar

Setting the Scene
Transform a living room or family room into the main spa area. Make sure to set the tone with soft lighting, lots of candles, relaxing music and plenty of comfortable chairs and fun magazines to read. Take inspiration from the spas or salons you’ve visited and try to recreate them in your house. If it means moving large, comfy chairs from other rooms of the house, do it! If you have oversized floor pillows, set them out for your guests to lounge around. You want everyone to be relaxed at this spa party.
For treatments, set up an area for each guest with small tables or wooden television trays. Make sure to include the following: a mirror, head band and rubber band, nail files and clippers, nail polish remover, tissues and cotton balls. Supply a warm washcloth at each station for guests to remove their makeup prior to the facials as well as small bowls of warm water for cuticle soaks for the manicure. If you have individual foot basins, use those as well for the pedicures. You can purchase deep bowls that can serve as foot basins at discount stores and dollar stores. Remember, this party doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s all about getting the girls together for a fun, relaxing day!
If you don’t have individual tables, you can always set up stations around a large table. The key thing is to make sure that each guest feels special and pampered. Try to include as many spa-like service items as you can, like glass apothecary jars filled with cotton balls, bath salts and nail polishes.
If you have masseuses coming to your home, set up separate rooms in the house for massages. Play soft music, dim the lights and don’t forget to incorporate candles to create that spa-like environment.
In another room you’ll want to set up the food and beverage table. For a spa party, serve one or two warm items along with plenty of fresh fruit and veggies. As for beverages, provide pitchers of water with assorted fruit slices in them. Besides limes and lemons, grapefruit slices are a perfect addition to water. The pink color of the grapefruit, along with a yummy hint of citrus, is a great combination for a spa party.
And men, if you’re trying to think of an extraordinary gift for your wife or mother, buy her a monogrammed terry cloth robe and as she opens it, tell her that you are treating her to a spa party. (You’ll score major brownie points by doing this!)

For do-it-yourself facials, mix up these refreshing masks:

Balancing Facial Mask

1 small avocado, mashed (about 2/3 c.)
1/2 small cucumber, finely grated (about 1/3 c.)
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp. green clay powder (sold at natural foods stores)

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, using a fork to blend. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Apply a thick layer of the mixture to clean, dry skin on your face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Keep fairly still for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the mask to dry in place. Wipe skin clean with a damp cloth; splash with cool water and pat dry.

Recipe from wholeliving.com

Sensitive Skin Cucumber Mask

1 Tbsp. brewer’s yeast
1 Tbsp. finely ground oatmeal
1 cucumber
2 Tbsp. plain yogurt or sour cream
1 tsp. honey

1. Mix yeast and oats in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Peel the cucumber, place it in a small food processor and process until only liquid remains. Add the yogurt and honey and process further to blend. Add the brewer’s yeast and oats to the cucumber/honey mixture and process to mix fully.
3. Chill mask in your refrigerator before use to make it especially soothing.
4. To use, apply to clean face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes to a half hour. Rinse well and follow with toner and moisturizer.

Recipe from spaindex.com

For more on the Spa Party and the rest of At Home TN, check out our May issue, out now!

We're Obsessed!

2010-05-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

It is Friday, and we are all pumped up for the weekend here at AHT! We've all made our plans, so what else is left to do? Choose our outfits, of course! And we are OBSESSED with this outfit (featured in our May issue, on stands now!)

We love this yellow fluttery top (Available at Posh in Nashville) with these straight leg white jeans (available at Ann Taylor). It will look great paired with some metallic flats or pump! Pair it with a cute clutch and you will be ready for anything!!!

We are ready for the weekend... are you??

My Favorite Things Party

2010-05-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

By: Stephanie Alexander

In the spirit of Oprah’s “favorite things” (and seriously, who doesn’t love a good insider tip from the woman who has everything?), host a “My Favorite Things” night with your girlfriends. The rules for the evening are easy. You simply bring your favorite thing, whether it’s a beauty product, a kitchen gadget, a book or a combination of smaller items. But there’s a catch— you can’t spend more than $10. I recently hosted this party at my friend Lori’s house in Brentwood and when our husbands found out the money limit, they all wanted to see if we could really pull this off!
I imposed the money limit because it forces people to get creative! I have a group of girlfriends who get together at Christmas, and we all exchange gifts, but they have to be less than $10. You would not believe what amazing presents we receive each year, and what lengths some women will go to in order to stay under $10. I have one friend who buys the day after Christmas for the following year, just to stay under the limit. I thought it would be fun to do a similar gift exchange during our monthly girl’s night.
As guests sent in their RSVPs, I asked them to bring an appetizer or dessert. Once again, it had to be a favorite! The night of the party, each girl showed up with her gift bag in tow (all items had to be wrapped). While we waited for everyone to arrive, we nibbled on some yummy appetizers and desserts.
Asking everyone to bring her favorite food item turned out to be a huge hit of the evening. Our appetizer table was filled with sushi, homemade stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, mango chutney cheese ball (recipe follows), brie with raspberry jam, and crudités with dip, just to name a few. We even had Chick-Fil-A nuggets (We all know adults love them as much as kids!)
The conversation around the food and who brought each item definitely started the evening on a great note! Not to mention, after we stuffed ourselves full of delicious savory appetizers, we had a whole buffet of desserts to conquer. The girls really outdid themselves in this category. We sampled cream cheese and Oreo balls dipped in white and dark chocolate, gingersnaps with a pumpkin spice dipping cream, mint chocolate chip mini cookies, and mini-turtle cookies (recipe follows).
After everyone got their fill of delicious favorite foods, we moved into the family room for the excitement to begin. I wanted to make the evening very casual, and I wanted to make sure we all left knowing a little something about each other. As part of the decorations, I created a “Favorite Things” tree that would determine the order each girl went in (do-it-yourself instructions follow). On this tree, I hung individual cards from pink and silver ribbon. On the back of each card was a number and a question. We had 27 guests, so each card was numbered 1-27. In addition, each card asked a different question ranging from “What is your favorite date night spot?” and “Where is your favorite place to vacation?,” to “What was your favorite TV show in the 80s?” Once we knew everyone’s order, each guest started by reading her question, answering and making her choice from the bevy of gifts. Once the gift was opened, the woman who brought it explained why it was her favorite thing.
Another catch to the evening was that each gift could be exchanged a total of three times. (We use this rule— “You Pick It, You Steal It, You Keep It,”—for our annual ornament swap.) This rule makes the game a little more entertaining because the gift can exchange several hands before it is considered “dead.” As the night went on, I kept a running list of the items each guest brought and emailed the list to each participant after the evening. It was a great way to help everyone remember what we all brought. Since we shared what we love, I made individual pink heart cookies in glassine bags to give to each guest as she left.

Need gift ideas? These great products are $10 or less!

•Gouguenheim Malbec 2007 Argentinian wine
•Covergirl Outlast lipstick in “Forever Fawn”
•Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo
•Pampered Chef ice cream scoop
•Walgreens’ Alpha-Hydroxy face cream
•Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla
•OPI nail polish in “Suzi Loves Sydney”
•Vaseline Intensive Rescue Clinical Therapy Body Lotion
•Trapp candle, mango-scented

For instructions on how to make this banner, other DIY projects and recipes, check out our online April magazine!

http://www.createmagazines.com/showMagazine.php?mag_id=k6eaop+YpqFhdKZ7oaCXdKKlm59kY2Nj

What I'm reading

2010-04-14T10:54:00.001-07:00

In our April issue, Lindsey reviewed 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home by designer Tisha Morris. Here is an excerpt from her review:

Did you know that adding rose quartz (or even a piece of pink construction paper) to a specific corner of your home can enhance your romantic relationships? Or that a purple throw pillow placed in the Wealth and Prosperity area of home will help bring just that into your life?
These are just some of Nashville author Tisha Morris’ suggestions in her new book 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home, a guide to space clearing, clutter clearing and promoting positive energy in the home in general. “Like the oxygen flowing through your body, it is important to have a positive energy flow throughout your entire home,” Morris writes in the book’s introduction. “...People around the world have been using these same techniques for centuries because of their steadfast results.”
Based on an ancient Chinese proverb stating “If you want to change your life, move 27 things in your home,” Morris’ book combines traditional Feng Shui elements (such as incorporating mirrors to promote energy flow in the home) with modernized versions of the ancient Eastern tradition. Each of the chapters focuses on one of the 27 Things, with every topic chosen carefully based on Morris’ experience as a Feng Shui consultant and with space clearing.

For the complete book review and an author Q & A with Tisha, pick up the April issue of AHT, on stands now!!

Behind the scenes...

2010-04-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about our April Issue (on stands now)! We had so much fun working on this issue, and it is super spring-y!

We had so much fun shooting the Spring Fashion shoot at Opryland! Here are a few behind the scene pictures...

Our model Brittany did a fantastic job!

Our photographer Sarah in action!

It takes quite a team to get a fashion shoot together, but it turned out amazing! We are so proud of the end result.

We're Obsessed!

2010-03-31T10:11:00.001-07:00

This week, we wanted to share with you Say it with Vases! These fantastic vases are super cute and springy. These Portable, Expandable, Reusable Plastic Vases are a great way to update your home for spring! For more great spring style products, check out the April issue of At Home Tennessee magazine!

For more information on Say it with Vases, go to sayitwithvases.com

Meet Melissa

2010-03-22T12:55:00.001-07:00

It is time for another edition of Meet the Staff Mondays! This week, we want to introduce you to Melissa. Melissa is a regional account executive at AHT. When she isn't here with us, Melissa enjoys making jewelry. She has a son, Clarke, who lives in Arizona (but he is moving to Chicago in August) and her baby Bentley a King Charles Caviler spaniel.

More about Melissa:
Hometown: Memphis
Favorite Book: Sweet Potato Queen's Fat Ass Cookbook and Financial Planner
Favorite Food: Rendezvous Ribs
Favorite part of working at AHT: Working with a Great team!

What We're Reading

2010-03-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

This book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, has been going around our office for quite some time. Our publisher and editorial director Margaret, as well as managing editor Lindsey, both read it in record time. The New York Times-bestseller is set in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s and follows main characters Skeeter (a wealthy Ole Miss alum questioning race relations in the South) and African American maids Minny (who is outspoken to a fault) and Abileen (an introspective mother who loses her only son). The three women embark on a journey that could change everything--or it could end in jail time, beatings or worse. Take it from Lindsey and Margaret--it's a great read!

We're Obsessed!

2010-03-16T13:23:00.001-07:00

It is Tuesday, so it is time again for us to share our obsessions. This week, we are sharing the most wonderful face wash in the world. It is the Purity made simple face wash from philosophy. It is a deep cleanser, but is silky smooth and leaves your face feeling not only clean but super soft. There is nothing like using the Purity made simple face wash! Really, anything by philosophy is spectacular, but using the Purity made simple is one of the best things you can do for your skin (at least that is our opinion)! Even the philosophy on the front of the bottle makes us feel cleaner and happier. Let Purity made simple change your skin, like it has changed ours!

For more information, go to philosophy.com

Meet Virginia

2010-03-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Virginia is an Account Executive here at AHT. The little cutie in the picture is her year old son John Wilson. Virginia considers herself from Texas and has a dog, a mutt named Jackson.

More about Virginia:
Favorite Book: "Franny and Zooey" by J.D. Salinger and "Caravans" by James Michener (and at the moment, "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown)
First Job: Small space ad sales at Reader's Digest
Favorite Food: Pasta
Hobbies: Running, reading and traveling
Favorite part of working at AHT: Meeting and working with local retailers

Travel in Style

2010-03-11T10:46:00.000-08:00

Packing for a trip can be crazy, but with planning and preparation, you can pack less and make so many more outfits!!

Packing List:

1. Light, solid color dress

Michael Stars Shine Surplice Tank Dress in slate
available at michaelstars.com

2. Cardigan

Splendid Light Jersey Wrap Cardigan in gray
available at splendid.com

3. Striped tank top

Splendid Navy Striped tank
available at splendid.com

4. White tee shirt

Splendid Scoop Tee in white
available at splendid.com

5. Jeans

Red Engine Scarlett Jeans in "Midnight VIntage"
available at redenginejeans.com

6. Large bag

Kooba Olive bag in black
available at kooba.com

7. Fun accessories

-Stetson Breakers hat
available at stetsonhat.com

-Michael Stars Tossed Tassels Scarf in white
available at michaelstars.com

For more fashion tips and ways to make it work, check out our March issue on stands now!

We're Obsessed!

2010-03-09T10:23:00.001-08:00

Today, we are sharing one of Lindsey's biggest obsessions... it is the Nic's Sticks Brighten Up! brightening pen. In the words of Lindsey, "I freaking love it!!" So simple to use and no drippage....They are wonderful. They make your nails look glossy, and since there is no color, you can do it really fast. They make your nails look healthy and natural. Lindsey carries hers around in her purse.
The Nic Sticks also come in a variety of colors (as seen in our March issue), which make them great to take when traveling.

For more on Nic Sticks and other products by Nicole by OPI,
visit nicolebyopi.com

Meet Nikki

2010-03-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Nikki is the creative director at AHT. The picture above is of Nikki, her fiance Charlie and their baby Buddy on Halloween (Buddy is dressed up like Mickey Mouse). Nikki is a graduate of the University of Memphis and is excited about her beach wedding in June!

More about Nikki:
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Favorite Book: Too many to choose just one- I read anything I can get my hands on! i love The Bell Jar, Pride and Prejudice, anything by Emily Giffin and Sophie Kinsella, The Lovely Bones, and of course my beloved guilty pleasure Twilight series!
Favorite Food: Anything Italian! My dad's ravioli is wonderful and so is his cannelloni.
Hobbies: Yoga, reading, cooking, painting and drawing, shopping, traveling, listening to Charlie's band Biloxi Memphis Bridge
Favorite Part about working at At Home TN: I love my job, really. The artist in me gets to let her creative juices flow by working on the design of the magazine and creating ads. I love writing article and going on photo shoots. Plus, we have fun while we work.

What I'm reading

2010-03-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

We did a book review for our March issue on The Cracker Queen by Lauretta Hannon, and today I (Nikki) gave Ginger a copy. So that is what Ginger is reading now. I'm so happy someone (in my office) is reading what I tell them to read. But, really, everyone should run out and buy a copy of the Cracker Queen right now. It is hilarious. I really couldn't put it down.

Here is a peak at my book review on The Cracker Queen.

“Live out loud, laugh hard and love life to death.” This is the motto of the Cracker Queen, and Lauretta Hannon is a Cracker Queen through and through. Lauretta’s memoir is hilarious but also filled with touching moments and words of wisdom. There are certain characteristics that a Cracker Queen must have—“...without them we’re just mean ol’ white trash—the unhappiest and most havoc-wreaking creatures in the whole trailer park,” the author writes. Lauretta’s book will prove that you’ve probably got some Cracker Queen in you, even if you don’t know it. Whether you have a crazy aunt Carrie or throw packs of cigarettes to chain gangs working by the roads, you will find something to identify with in The Cracker Queen.
If you aren’t a Cracker Queen before you pick up the book, you will want to be one by the time you finish it!

For the complete book review and an interview with author Lauretta Hannon, pick up a copy of our March issue.

We're Obsessed!

2010-03-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

This week, we wanted to share one of our favorite fashion obsessions. These fantastic ballet flats are by Lindsay Phillips, the creator of switchflops. The amazing thing about them (besides their comfort, which is spectacular) is that the toe piece snaps on and you can switch out attachments. They come with one attachment, and then you can buy more for them.

Other attachment examples:

To see more attachments and colors of the ballet flats,plus all the Switchflops go to www.switchflops.com

Meet Lindsey

2010-03-01T09:28:00.001-08:00

Lindsey is our managing editor. The little fellow on her lap is her black pug Winston. When she isn't working on the magazine, Lindsey is busy planning her vintage- inspired Oxford wedding to her fiance Andrew.

More about Lindsey:

Hometown: Ocean Springs, MS

First Job: Worked as a day camp counselor for the marine education center in Biloxi when I was in high school.

Favorite book: Right now, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. I also love anything written John Irving.

Favorite food: Sushi! I think I could eat it for every meal.

What I'm reading

2010-02-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Most of us at AHT are avid readers, and we just don't get to write about all the books we love in the magazine. I wanted to share with everyone what I am reading now... "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" by David Sedaris. The author is going to be in Memphis speaking at the Germantown Performing Arts Center in April and I am going, so I wanted to do some reading before I went. I picked this one up in the Atlanta airport over the weekend and haven't been able to put it down since! (I read almost half of it on the plane, but we were stuck on the runway for 3 hours because of snow). It is hilarious and a little off beat- it is my kind of read! It is a collection of essays about his life and his family (who are definitely a bunch of characters). I'm almost done with it, so I'll be on the hunt for my next book soon.

Go pick up a copy of "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" today!

-Nikki Aviotti

Check back soon for more about what we are reading!

We're Obsessed!

2010-02-16T09:06:00.001-08:00

At AHT, we get obsessed with certain things, and we feel its our duty to share our obsessions! We are currently obsessed with Eos lip balm. Its organic and goes on silky smooth. Some of the great flavor are mint (shown above), vanilla and summer fruit. We've always got our Eos with us (some of us have 2 in their purse and a 3 pack in their bedside table)! Even the boys can't get enough of it. Go get yours today!

Check back for more of our obsessions!

Meet Margaret

2010-02-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

Margaret Monger is our Editorial Director and Publisher. Margaret loves to travel with her family and spend time with her children. She loves her Ole Miss Rebels!

More about Margaret:

Hometown: Natchez, MS

First Job: Other than babysitting, waiting table at the GIN in Oxford, MS

Favorite Book: Catcher in the Rye

Favorite food: Anything FRIED!

Pets: Dixie (King Charles Cavalier); Dot, Eli and Coal (3 cats); a multitude of fish and turtles

Favorite part of working at AHT: Being able to meet great people and see our beautiful state. And of course, our great staff!

Sweating With Your Sweetie

2010-02-10T12:46:00.001-08:00

Love is in the air, but don't let those boxes of chocolate confuse you—February is also American Heart Month and we all know the key to any healthy body is exercise. Spend some quality time with your significant other this month with these workouts from Becky Fox of Fox Fitness in Knoxville. Here's a taste of what our February issue has to offer. (For three more great moves, pick up this month's magazine!)

Photography: H.E. Images

Models: Becky Fox, Buddy Arnold

Partner Row

Works: Back

Stand facing each other with feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent. Have your partner hold the middle of the band while you grab the handles, holding arms straight out. Then slowly pull the elbows back toward the belly button until the back muscles contract. Return to start and repeat for a full set. Switch places and let your partner give it a try!

(Exercise can be performed 12-16 times. Start with one set and work your way up to three.)

Partner Pull

Works: Shoulders, Back, Abs

Have your partner stand with feet slightly staggered and arms straight out in front of his body. Grab at his wrist and pull down while they resist. The key is for your partner to try and keep his arms in place. Complete for about 30 seconds to a minute and then switch places. (Exercise can be performed 12-16 times. Start with one set and work your way up to three.)

Blogging Debut!

2010-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

We are so excited at AHT to start blogging! There is so much going on right now that we can't wait to share with everyone. Our February issue is out now. It is our special Wedding issue, so don't miss our five wedding stories. Each wedding is beautiful and unique. We've got tips for weddings too- articles on engagement rings, flowers and wedding financials. Plus, bridal beauty and romantic wedding hotels.

It was such a pleasure working with our home owner, designer Teresa Davis. Her house is incredible- so warm and inviting!

We are hard at work on March, so make sure to check back with us for sneak peaks and behind the scenes info!