Innholdsfortegnelse for January - February 2008 i Southern Lady

With the presence of frosty trees and icy breezes, winter is certainly upon us. We keep mostly to the indoors and search for ways to warm things up. For me, a cup of coffee or tea instantly brings a feeling of coziness, and I savor the quiet moments spent sipping just as much as I do the beverage itself. In this issue of Southern Lady, we celebrate these colder months in a variety of ways. Pretty pansies—some of my favorite little blossoms—brighten even the grayest days, and you can learn more about them on page 38 with this edition of “In Bloom.” Inside, fresh looks abound for the fireplace, which also becomes the background for quite a romantic candlelight dinner that is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Punch and pajamas combine…

The distinctive colorful enamelware known as majolica has enjoyed a storied history that spans both centuries and continents. The vividly hued pottery is linked to Babylonia, where the people began applying tin enamel glaze to fired earthenware. The technique was adapted and used extensively by 14th-century Hispano-Moresque artisans, who shipped their wares to Italy from the port of Majorca, Spain. This historic island inspired the name maiolica, which is interchangeable with the more commonly used term majolica. Eventually the skill spread throughout Europe. French ceramic artist Bernard Palissy created marvelous and highly collectable designs, called “Palissyware,” inspired by marine life. In 1849, Herbert Minton joined forces with famed French ceramic chemist Leon Arnaux to rejuvenate majolica for use in English gardens as flowerpots, urns, and fountains. These items were beautiful…

Filled with stacks of antique fabrics and piles of vintage trims from the far corners of Europe and beyond, B. Viz Design’s studio is something of a marvel. This creative space in St. Joseph, Louisiana, where the population is less than 1,200, serves as home base for a line of posh pillows that is nothing short of exquisite—as is the designer herself. Enter Rebecca Vizard. Keen eyes, talented hands, and Southern charm have served her well in her pursuit of pillow designs that make everything old new again. “I was working on a project in New York, and I needed something to soften the contemporary look,” says the interior designer, wife, and mother who thought an antique textile pillow would do the trick. “I couldn’t find what I was looking…

Materials: • Small container • Floral foam • Dutch tulips • Green hydrangeas • Pink dorit roses • Red grand prix roses • Red spray roses • Lady’s mantle (alchemilla) Step 1. Fill container with floral foam, and add water. Insert Dutch tulips, leaving some foliage attached to stem. Step 2. Add a small ring of hydrangeas just above the rim of the container. Insert roses to create the middle layer. Step 3. Fill in with lady’s mantle as desired.…

“I pray, what flowers are these? The pansy this, O, that’s for lover’s thoughts.” —George Chapman The garden lies dormant in January, its long winter’s nap a prelude to the frenzy of activities that will take place in the spring. A boxwood or two and a scattering of hollies dot the pale beige landscape that spreads out like a blanket around us. Surrounded by this achromatic coverlet, we yearn for even a taste of color to brighten our little corners of the world. What can save us from these gray-sky days? The pansy, of course. With a sweet face that could melt the heart of Jack Frost himself, this cousin of the violet delivers brilliant bursts of color in borders and mass plantings, as well as containers and window boxes.…

with Susie Johnson When interior designer Susie Johnson approaches a new project, she looks beyond furniture arrangement and paint samples. To guarantee her client’s satisfaction, she prefers to start at a much earlier stage. “If I can start working on a home when it’s in its initial conceptual stages, it makes all the difference in the world,” says Susie, who has been applying her design skills to homes in Austin, Texas, for more than a decade. The reason to consult an interior designer so soon, notes Susie, is to ensure that the entire house, from the layout to the design, is perfectly suited for the homeowner. “From a layout standpoint, an architect may be drawing wonderful designs, but the architect isn’t the one who will be using the kitchen,” she…

Airports & Ideas Inspiration often comes at the most unexpected times and places. Such was the case with Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, co-founders of Vera Bradley. The year was 1982, and the two friends were traveling back to Indiana from a visit to Barbara’s parents’ home in Miami. Both ladies had families anticipating their returns, and both were less than delighted to find the final leg of their flight delayed. Making the best of the situation, they sat next to each other in the Atlanta airport and chatted while waiting for their plane to arrive. Then, something happened. “I looked at Pat and laughed and said, ‘We’re not the only ones who don’t have attractive luggage,’” recalls Barbara. As avid sailors, she and her husband often used…

HAZELNUT TIRAMISU Makes 10 to 12 servings 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 5 eggs, separated 11/4 cups sugar, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 recipe Espresso Syrup (recipe follows) 1 recipe Hazelnut Filling (recipe follows) 3 cups coarsely chopped biscotti-style ladyfingers 2 cups heavy whipping cream Garnish: grated chocolate, chocolate curls • Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease an 113/4 x 163/4 x 1-inch rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray; line with parchment paper, and spray parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray. • In the work bowl of a food processor, combine hazelnuts and flour. Process until hazelnuts are finely ground. • In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks at medium speed with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Add ground hazelnut mixture, 1/2 cup sugar,…

For cookbook author Patty Pinner, the kitchen has long been a special gathering place where the women of her family would come to laugh, tell stories, share advice, and, of course, cook. It was during these times that Patty developed not only a passion for the recipes she so often made, but also the unique stories behind them. Sweety Pies “What a woman cooks is a window into her womanly personality—what she thinks, how she behaves, how she feels about herself and the people she cooks for,” writes Patty in her new cookbook, Sweety Pies. With such a strong belief, it’s no surprise Patty grew up in an atmosphere where cooking was taken quite seriously. She says her mother owned more than 300 cookbooks—Patty actually received her own copy of…

Thank you for Southern Lady magazine. My mother and I love the photography, watercolor artwork, and the articles that invite us to open our home with an elegant charm and grace. I have delighted my family with the wonderful Coconut Pound Cake [“Cookbook Worth Collecting,” May/June 2007] shared in your magazine. I plan to make the Sweet Potato Gingerbread with Maple Pecan Butter Sauce [“On the Porch,” September/October 2006] for our next family gathering. May God bless you and your families! Stephanie Dempsey Edgerton, Wisconsin Thank you for your wonderful Southern Lady magazine. It is always such a joy to find it in the mailbox. I look forward to the evening and the quieting of my household so that I can lose myself in it. After receiving a new issue,…

“I have a lot of drive and energy,” says Linda Roberts, the president and founder of Therapy Systems in Nashville, Tennessee. That and confidence in her abilities, she says, is what enabled her to change careers and pursue a personal passion. The one-time insurance underwriting manager is now hailed as the “Beauty Queen of Nashville,” a title that reflects the reach of the realm she has worked diligently to create. Unable to find fine and cutting-edge beauty products in her hometown, Linda was inspired to open a small cosmetics counter in an upscale Tennessee shop. She wasn’t the only one seeking revolutionary cosmetics, and the business thrived. So much so, in fact, that she was able to open her own cosmetic and skin-care stores, Private Edition and The Cosmetic Market…

Timeless feelings should not be conveyed by modern technology; it’s the thought, not convenience, that counts. The most heartfelt sentiment or declaration of undying love delivered via voice mail or e-mail cannot begin to compare with holding in your hand a thoughtfully penned—or even impetuously scribbled—love letter. Internationally noted collector David H. Lowenherz has put together an enchanting anthology in The 50 Greatest Love Letters of All Time that offers us a peek into passionate prose through the ages. Tangible proof of lovers’ most ardent thoughts, these missives stir the romantic in all of us—and make great Valentine’s Day reading. Among the many entries in this compilation are composer Wolfgang Mozart’s epistle to his much-adored wife, Constanz, Napoleon Bonaparte’s letter to his beloved Josephine, and American-colonist Abigail Smith’s articulate pronouncements…

Even in the midst of winter, the promise of spring often sends daydreams to faraway places. When the time finally arrives to make the journey, remember this essential travel companion—your Southern manners. Applying them varies from Italy to Indonesia, but your natural graciousness—and our hints—will make decorum in any destination more doable. Grace at the Table With international cuisine being one of the best aspects of travel abroad, mealtime manners are of utmost importance. In Western Europe, much of what your mother taught you applies. Start with outermost utensils, and follow continental style if possible (fork stays in the left hand, tines down). In other parts of the world, though, you may find yourself holding less familiar flatware. Chopsticks should be treated similarly to a fork. Do not point with…

There is no cheerier sight on a winter’s day than the sweet faces of pansies. These happy little charmers offer a colorful curtsy in greeting along winter walks, and they boldly bloom in colder months when other blossoms cannot. Their very presence simply delights us; the more the merrier, we say. Use your imagination to showcase these pretty petals in a creative display, as we did with this clever teacup container. Simply fill the cup with potting soil, add a bunch of pansies, then sit back and enjoy these budding beauties until the chill is gone.…

Throughout the holidays, the fireplace is dressed to the nines in ribbons, wreaths, and swags of greenery. Once these seasonal adornments are boxed and put away, the mantel can look a bit bare. But it’s the perfect opportunity to freshen up this traditional focal point of your living space with inspiration from natural elements. A mirror on the mantel is hardly a new idea, but rather than place one square in the middle, slide it to one side and balance with a pair of botanical prints—one hung on the wall and the other propped against the mirror. Then bring in a couple of candlesticks to add weight to one end of the mantel. Counterbalance the candlesticks with a flower arrangement, perhaps one or more ginger jars filled with sweet-scented peonies…

all the comforts of home Formerly Josephine’s French Country Inn, the beloved Seaside structure that was once filled with traditional, Victorian-style florals and dark hues now boasts a brand-new look that’s absolutely charming thanks to interiors designed by Vera Bradley. “Our main goal was to make the inn feel like home, and in fact, it is a lot like my home, so I’m definitely happy with the result,” says a smiling Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, co-founder of Vera Bradley. “When looking for furniture, my mother had a theory: ‘If you like something, buy it, and find a place for it.’ If you do that, it means you would like everything you own, and I can honestly say I like every piece in the inn—every chair, every rug, every lamp, every end…

Though long restaurant lines and cookie-cutter menus seem to be something of a Valentine’s Day tradition, the occasion begs for something much more original. Staying in is the perfect way to celebrate this special evening with the one you love. Turn your living room into a cozy clearing that’s perfect for an indoor picnic. Plump pillows provide comfy seating when piled beside the coffee-turned-dining table. Dim the lights and illuminate the room with the always-romantic radiance of candles. Instead of lighting the fire, place tea lights and pillars in and around the fireplace for more comfortable—and amorous—dining. An effusion of roses in passionate hues of red lends both visual beauty and divine fragrance to this intimate gathering. For the finishing touch, serve a meal so delectable that you and your…

Makes one 9-inch pie CRUST 11/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers 2 tablespoons sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract FILLING 3/4 cup sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1 vanilla bean 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup whole milk 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled 2 firm, ripe bananas, peeled and thinly sliced About 1 cup whole vanilla wafers MERINGUE 3 large egg whites 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/3 cup sugar • Preheat the oven to 350°. • Make the crust. Combine the crust ingredients in a medium-size bowl and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and…

To purchase items featured in our articles, please refer to the information below. If an item is not listed, it is privately owned and not available for purchase. To contact the manufacturers and retail stores referenced below, see DIRECTORY OF COMPANIES. COVER Light blue dessert plate; At Home Furnishings. Fabric; Lotus, available through Calico Corners. Floral design; Flower Stems. CONTENTS PAGE 5: Cup and saucer; Tricia’s Treasures. Blue floral fabric; #216-255, available through King Cotton Decorator Fabrics. COLLECTOR'S CORNER PAGE 16-17: All majolica available through The Nest. MIX & MATCH PAGE 27-29: Le Rooster salt and pepper shakers; Linens ’n Things. Cow creamer; Williams-Sonoma. Floral design; Flower Stems. IN BLOOM PAGE 38-39: Sweet Peas Garden Shop. SEASONAL SETTINGS PAGE 42-46: Tablecloth and napkins, Balcon-prune; Yves Delorme. Flocked lamp shades, bird…

Jack Frost may have free reign with the landscape outdoors, but the inside is Southern Lady’s domain. A new year sparks the desire for an updated palette, one that combines the best of cozy and crisp. We’ve chosen three colors for inspiration— cool blue, creamy white, and light coffee—to form the foundation for a design theme that is fresh and invigorating, yet classic and sophisticated. We loved these shades so much, in fact, that we carried this very color scheme from cover to cover. designer’s notes [paint colors] LEFT TO RIGHT: Heavenly Blue (#709), Monterey White (#HC-27), and Davenport Tan (#HC-76); Benjamin Moore Paints [fabrics] FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Bamberg Washed fabric in Mushroom, $14.99 per yard; Calico Corners. Pescara (bees) fabric in Sage, $52.99 per yard; Calico Corners. Xanthos…

For more than 10 years, Dress for Success has been helping disadvantaged women find work—and keep it. Initially, women referred to the program receive an appropriate suit for an upcoming job interview. Once they are hired, Dress for Success outfits the ladies with other professional wardrobe pieces and provides encouragement and mentoring to help them succeed in their new careers. The international organization is a great example of women helping women, says Marcia Fackler, acting executive director of Dress for Success Louisville, and Southern women feel a strong connection to the program. “We have people who call almost weekly and want to know what they can do to help,” she says. “That’s a Southern trait. Southern women are generous and helpful and compassionate.” The evidence supports Marcia’s claims. When the…

perfect pair colorful casual Getting the Look…

• In Great Britain, it’s best for men to avoid striped ties lest their patterns mimic that of a regimental. Similarly, use care when donning ethnic clothing or accessories. These items should be worn properly and at appropriate times according to local customs.• In Italy, be mindful of bella figura or “good image.” In addition to appearing polished and confident, it’s also smart to carry calling cards, as these are preferred over business cards in social situations.• However stylish it may seem, avoid green hats in China. The fashion statement is actually a statement of infidelity.• Be comfortable but be presentable. Long travel is no reason to step from a car bus, plane, train, or boat looking rumpled or wrinkled. When planning and purchasing your travel wardrobe, stick to fabrics…

Personifying a dreamy yawn, trees stretch out their empty branches against a muted sky. The grass quietly sleeps beneath a light layer of fresh fallen snow, and all of nature slows its pace as if mesmerized in an icy trance. But inside, winter paints quite a different picture. Rich hues of plum drape the dining room in a brilliant paradox to the neutral landscape that lies just beyond the frosted windowpanes. This vibrant variation of purple gives life to a wintertime setting that also incorporates the soft shades of white and the sparkling shimmer of silver inspired by the snow and ice outside. Just as a new coat of paint brightens tired interiors, linens in one of today’s freshest colors bring instant esprit to the table. There is a resplendence…

GRACIOUS LIVING with Phyllis Hoffman For me, polishing silver is like sharing coffee with old friends. Each piece has tender memories associated with it, and with every stroke of the cloth, I conjure up those sweet recollections. I can’t help but think of all the occasions for which I’ve set my table with these cherished pieces—holiday dinners, wedding showers, and family celebrations, just to name a few. I like to set aside a long afternoon dedicated to the polishing ritual. Usually, I assemble all the pieces— flatware, tea services, serving pieces, and platters—at my kitchen table in front of a picture window that looks out across the valley. At this time of year with the trees bare, the vista stretches for miles, and the peaceful view is perfect for daydreaming,…

Whether it wakes us in the morning, perks us up from afternoon doldrums, soothes us after an evening meal, or comforts us on cold winter days, coffee is the beverage we reach for time and again. According to one oft-repeated legend, a goat herder named Kaldi from Caffa, Ethiopia, noticed that after his charges nibbled the red cherries from certain wild shrubs, they kicked up their little goat heels and frolicked over the countryside. Intrigued, Kaldi sampled the fruit himself and discovered it gave him a boost of energy as well. Word spread, and it didn’t take long for coffee, in various forms, to become a favorite concoction of Middle Eastern denizens. Soon coffee cultivation spread from that area to the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra and, eventually, to…

Remember the fun of slumber parties? With The Monkees (oh, that dreamy Davy Jones) wailing away on the stereo, you learned the latest dances and each other’s secret crushes. The chattering subsided just long enough for a trip to the snack bar for chips and dips and piles of popcorn and sweets. Next came the late-late show and a favorite Doris Day film followed by the telling of a few ghost stories that banished any thought of falling asleep. And anyone who actually did fall asleep ran the risk of waking up with shaving cream in her shoes. Welcome back those happy days gone by with a sleepover for your grown-up friends. The dance moves and menus may have changed over the years, but the idea remains the same: Girls…