Innholdsfortegnelse for July - August 2007 i Southern Lady

When I was a little girl, we lived in Mobile, Alabama, and many of our special “fun days” were spent at Dauphin Island. My mom was the queen of finding treasures of the sea! It was fun strolling along the water’s edge, trying to find shells while waves crashed onto the shore. Yes, days at the beach are blissful indeed. The breeze blows and the gulls call out, and somehow it all adds up to a wonderful kind of calm, especially as the sun begins to set. How relaxing! Truly, I believe that’s what summer is all about—finding ways to let go, slow down, and enjoy the wonderful world around us, and that is why this issue of Southern Lady is dedicated to the people and places that make the…

TRUE blue Out of the blue come 14 pairable pieces. … GETTING THE LOOK ……

Dorothy McDaniel’s & Design Your Own Materials: Hot glue gun and glue Clippers Kermits Large vase Floral foam Greenery Yellow tulips STEP 1. Preheat hot glue gun. Clip each button top off of kermit flowers. Trim stems as short as possible so that the button will adhere flatly to the vase. Add a small dollop of hot glue to the bottom of each button and press gently until the flower is securely fastened. Continue adding blooms to create desired monogram or design. STEP 2. Cut floral foam to fill your vase and add water. Trim greenery stems to 11/2-inches and insert into foam to completely cover the top of the vase. STEP 3. Trim yellow lilies and insert each flower, one by one, into the arrangement. Continue adding water to…

What better time than summer and what prettier setting than the beach to gather the family together for a fun-filled and relaxing vacation? From grandparents to toddlers, the shore offers activities galore, but also the delightful option to do absolutely nothing except soak up the sun, revel in balmy breezes, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Though coastal accommodations abound, a spacious beachside bungalow with room for the whole crew is not only fun but affordable when everyone pitches in. The pluses of renting a house are numerous: an ample measure of privacy and a kitchen to prepare the plethora of fresh seafood available at the beach, not to mention the ability to host rowdy late-night Scrabble games without disturbing other guests. Situated in scenic Grayton Beach, this particular…

A stroll on the beach in summertime yields many wonderful treasures: curlicued shells, bleached sand dollars, spiny starfish, and curiously twisted driftwood from thousands of waves away. Each one is surprisingly unique, shaped by nature and time. These ocean offerings are at the heart of a summer setting that showcases nature’s nautical gifts. Rather than the typical blue and green hues associated with the sea, bright coral serves up a snap of color to energize the setting. Dress the table with a woven cloth in cream placed casually at an angle, and layer a similar throw featuring coral and ivory stripes on top. Add frayed-edge napkins in deep salmon for an additional dash of color. Once the foundation is set, turn your attention to the tiny details. Driftwood, casually placed…

The idea of time is redefined on Daufuskie Island. Accessible only by boat, this place doesn’t operate at a particular pace; it simply exists, and those lucky enough to walk along these sandy shores find that workweek woes and everyday cares wash away like footprints in the rising tide. “Once you get here, your mind starts to shut out the noise,” says national bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry, an Atlanta resident who has been coming to Daufuskie for more than 16 years. “It’s just easier to get quiet, to settle down and find peace. Sometimes it takes a little while, but soon you see that half of the things you thought were important aren’t.” Finding Freedom As if straight from the pages of a novel about some distant land, Daufuskie’s…

On the Menu White Sangria Cucumber Salad with Tomato Basil Vinaigrette Fried Green Tomato Crab Cakes with Green Onion Remoulade Shrimp and Lobster Linguini with Wilted Spinach Key Lime Raspberry Cheesecake Redefine refreshing with the frosty fruit flavors of White Sangria. Lemonade, pineapple juice, and pear-flavored vodka anchor this chilled concoction. Add sliced kiwi fruit, pears, and mint sprigs for a finishing touch. WHITE SANGRIA Makes about 3 quarts 2 (750-ml) bottles Riesling 1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed 2 cups pineapple juice 1 1/2 cups pear-flavored vodka 1/2 cup sugar 2 kiwi fruits, sliced 1 green D’Anjou pear, sliced 1/2 fresh pineapple, sliced Garnish: fresh mint sprigs, optional ▸ In a large pitcher, combine wine, lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice, vodka, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add fresh…

“No matter who you are, when you leave New Orleans, you’ll talk about our desserts,” promises Big Easy-native and enthusiast Kit Wohl. “It’s like a sweet hug from the city.” Presenting the best-of-the-best from the area’s most prominent sweets menus, Kit’s latest cookbook guides readers behind the scenes, introducing you to the kitchens and chefs responsible for continuing New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage. Although renditions are now served throughout the country, offerings like King Cake, Beignets, and Bananas Foster got their decidedly sweet starts in this cultural melting pot, as did legendary chefs Emeril Lagasse and Marcelle Bienvenu. Adding to bragging rights are such notable restaurant giants and vacation destinations as Commander’s Palace, Arnaud’s, and Galatoire’s. Needless to say, New Orleans’ treats take the cake. Thankfully, you don’t have to…

Miniature, moist, and marvelous, a dozen delicate desserts arrive at your door, topped with crowns of fresh and creamy frosting. You peel away the paper, and in one tempting taste, you’re taken back to a carefree childhood and countless birthday bashes. “Cupcakes are a feel-good food,” promises Stella’s Sweet Shoppe owner Robert Onuska. “Even if just for a few bites, they serve as a great escape.” Inspired by the regular cupcake stops he would make while on business trips in New York and Los Angeles, Robert sought to fill Miami’s void of the trendy treats. Launched in early 2006, Stella’s—named after a beloved dachshund—is now an online emporium offering delivery throughout Miami and surrounding towns. The confection company whips up three fresh flavors: best-selling vanilla, luscious chocolate, and rich red…

When the summer sun heats things up, try cooling down with epicurean-style ice cubes that are deceptively simple to make. Start by filling ice cube trays—available in a variety of shapes and sizes—with colorful edibles of your choice (Note: Raspberries, mint leaves, lemon slices, and ribbons of orange zest work well). All that’s left to do is add water, place in the freezer, and wait. Soon, you will be able to wow the crowd with your dazzling chillers, and as they melt into a glass of sweet tea or lemonade, they’ll add extra flavor sensations for twice the delight.…

“May our heart’s garden of awakening bloom with hundreds of flowers.” —Thich Nhat Hanh Imagine devoting all of your energy into being spectacularly beautiful for just one day. You have from sunrise to sunset to shine and delight everyone fortunate to gaze upon your fabulous face. In a fireworks-like burst of glory, you are the star of the show, the belle of the ball, the bride on her wedding day. You . . . are a daylily! Daylilies are members of the Liliaceae family that also includes the tulip, and surprisingly, onions, garlic, and chives. Its name, Hemerocallis, literally means, “beauty for a day.” While an individual blossom only lasts a day, the daylily plant itself can produce over 50 blooms a year, and last for generations. There are over…

When I was a young girl growing up in Mobile, summer meant Sunday afternoons at the beach. My family would climb into the car and drive to the sunny shores of nearby Dauphin Island for a day of sand castles, wave jumping, and beachcombing for the beautiful shells that washed up from the Gulf of Mexico. My brother, Keith, was far more interested in following the tiny trails etched by scurrying crabs, but my sister, Janice, and I were fascinated by the shells—pink, blue, or bleached white as the sand, we loved them all. And with our mother’s encouragement, we brought home as many of those lovely treasures as we could fit into our pails. I glued them onto anything my young mind thought would benefit from their adornment. I…

If you ask a Southern lady about her favorite getaways, she may mention a remote island resort or a cozy cabin in the mountains, but the truth is, she would be happy just to close the powder room door behind her and glide into a bathtub filled with silky, aromatic water, and the promise of no interruptions. Just the thought of quiet time alone, enveloped in peace and placidity, is getaway enough. So how can you create your own haven for pampering? Begin with a soothing shade for the wall color—our favorite is a soft, ethereal blue—that complements the creamy cabinetry and beaded board. Soften a tile floor with a few scatter rugs and bring in a selection of green plants to add a natural element that gives the illusion…

Since most of the land here is either protected or privately owned, accommodations are limited. Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa is a popular spot for destination weddings and offers spacious hotel-style rooms as well as quaint and comfortable cottages. Golf, tennis, biking, swimming, dining, and even horseback riding along the beach are all activities you can enjoy at this resort located in an area of the island called Melrose. Be sure to visit the Resort’s spa and try out one of the signature body wraps that include an incredibly relaxing Vichy shower. Just down the way—which can be said about pretty much everything on the island—a residential community by the name of Haig Point boasts the lovely Strachan Mansion. This somewhat famous four-room inn was brought over as a…

In the middle of a tree-lined meadow, a private paradise emerges. Cover a table with a pretty cloth and use fresh cuts from the garden as the centerpiece. A canvas canopy shields the dining area from the sun, and as the afternoon fades into evening, iron lanterns light the way with the romantic glow of candles. To make this affair complete, an all-in-one picnic basket provides the serving pieces you need for the delectable food that’s to come. Packed with flavor, this picnic is sure to please the palate. The menu combines fabulous tastes from the Mediterranean with the ease and artful presentation that we Southerners love. Serve chilled white wine and fresh fruit to round out the fare for this portable feast. ARTICHOKE HUMMUS WITH TOASTED PITA CHIPS Makes…

When Arthur Cook purchased a piece of Arkansas land for timber in the mid 1920s, his plans didn’t include flooding from the bordering Lake Hamilton. A large peninsula—210 acres to be exact—was left behind and, upon Mr. Cook’s death some years later, it was bequeathed to his wife and daughters. One of those daughters, Verna Garvan, took control of the family’s assets and businesses, and in 1955, she visited the peninsula for the first time since childhood. Struck by the surrounding beauty, the selftaught gardener and conservationist decided this would make a lovely personal garden and began laying out plans and even directing bulldozers to create roads and trails that wouldn’t detract from the natural beauty of the forest. Once the gardens began to take shape, Mrs. Garvan couldn’t keep…

MIX & MATCH PAGE 27-28: Candle bowl, aqua infused and butter cream candles; Pier 1. Salad plates; Bromberg’s. Flowers; Flower Stems. PRETTY PLACECARDS PAGE 32-33: Ric Rac, ribbon, and stick-on and rub-on letters; Smith’s Variety. Lattice placemats and napkins and green napkins; Harmony Landing. Blue/brown circle motif placemats and napkins; At Home Furnishings. Picture frame; Anthropologie. Decorative papers and stamps; Hobby Lobby. Shell tablecloth and napkins; Patricia Spratt for the Home. Flowers; Flower Stems. ENTERTAINING TOUCHES PAGE 30: Acrylic pitcher; Pottery Barn. Green rush mat, At Home Furnishings. Floral trimmed napkin; Nuko Creations Home & Fashion Accessories. Flowers; Flowers Stems. BEACH DWELLING PAGE 46-48: Lollygag; Courtesy Rivard Realty of South Walton. GRACIOUS LIVING PAGE 47-49: Greenery; Flowers Stems. All shell designs; J. Marshall Sims. SEASONAL SETTINGS PAGE 52-53: Martha Stewart…

In 1916, the Carolina, Clinchfield, and Ohio Railroad decided to develop commercial properties along its railway line and chose the idyllic town of Erwin, Tennessee, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains for the site of a pottery. With seven beehive kilns—and two more added later—the facility began commercial china production in 1917, employing 100 workers, mostly local women with no previous artistic training. The raw materials for pottery production were shipped by rail into Erwin with the finished products exiting the town by train as well. In 1920, the company was issued a corporate charter and became known as Southern Potteries, Incorporated; the name “Blue Ridge” first appeared in 1932. The earliest pieces produced were mainly gold-trimmed dinnerware that featured decal patterns applied to the bisque (clay-like forms). In…

When former public relations specialist Merrell McGinness became frustrated with the lack of style in practical purses and the lack of efficiency in elegant ones, she started designing her own line. Merrell explains, “I wanted to do a functional handbag with designer qualities.” But since Merrell had no formal education in design or marketing—her degree was in English—and she had no previous retail experience, even her mother, Marilyn Hubbard, thought the idea quite improbable and most likely impossible. “I roped her into helping eventually,” Merrell says, laughing. “We didn’t know the ins and outs of the industry, but we have a good eye, and I felt like we could bring something to it.” The mother-daughter team now co-owns the emerging Merrell Bags, based in Atlanta. They debuted the premier collection…

Tiny touches make a big impression . . . Delight partygoers with enchanting placecards that show off your creative flair. Place a nosegay of summer blooms into a tin can “vase” and band with a rick-racked label, or perhaps, frame a square of floral fabric, apply rub-on letters, and tie to the back of a chair. When you want something beautiful and budget-friendly, wind hemp ribbon around a bright-colored napkin, lace through simple discs of decorative paper, then finish with a sweet bow. For quick but elegant placecards, dip a dragonfly stamp into shimmery gold paint and apply to folded cardstock, or hot glue a slip of ribbon to the satiny inside of a shell and inscribe the guest’s name with a paint pen.…

A crowd gathers in the beautifully appointed parlor of an old boarding house. The tempting aroma of fresh rolls mixes with the giddy anticipation and lively chatter that fills the air. The clock strikes one. The conversations halt. The lovely Lynne Tolley emerges from somewhere in the back of the house. She grins and rings the dinner bell loud and clear, the sign that it’s finally time for these hungry visitors to experience some of the South’s most celebrated traditions and finest fixin’s. At Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House in Lynchburg, Tennessee, hospitality is always on the menu—and proprietress Lynne Tolley wouldn’t have it any other way. Elegant, refined, and quick-witted, too, Lynne’s manner is as pleasing as the Southern-style food her restaurant serves. “I grew up eating really good…

Gift from the Sea By Anne Morrow Lindbergh Published by Pantheon Anne Morrow Lindbergh loved the shore and treasured her time spent there. The wife of famed pilot Charles Lindbergh and an aviator in her own right, the accomplished writer shared her insights on topics such as love and marriage, peace and contentment, youth and age in this volume of thoughtful prose. Though first published in 1955, Lindbergh’s musings are as relevant now as they were then, delighting generation after generation of readers. Gift From the Sea takes its inspiration from the beautifully exquisite shells that fill the beaches of Captiva Island, just off the Florida coast in the Gulf of Mexico. During her stay there, Lindbergh collected various shells that she likened to stages in life. Her pensive reflections…

FRESH FRUIT SALAD WITH BASIL HONEY Makes about 12 cups 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves 1 tablespoon honey 4 cups cantaloupe balls 4 cups honeydew balls 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 2 cups fresh blueberries Fresh cantaloupe halves Garnish: fresh basil leaves ▸ In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. ▸ Remove from heat and add basil leaves; cover and steep for 10 minutes. Remove and discard basil leaves; stir in honey until well combined. ▸ Pour honey mixture over fruit, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill 2 hours. Serve in cantaloupe halves. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. CURRIED PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SALAD IN PINEAPPLE BOATS Makes about 6 cups 4 cups…