Innholdsfortegnelse for September - October 2008 i Southern Lady

This has been an amazing year. Like the fall leaves that turn so quickly from green to red, yellow, and orange, our lives change so very fast! This year I’ve gone from mother to mother-in-law, and now with the birth of a beautiful baby boy, I’ve taken on the role of doting grandmother. My friend and television personality Nancy Grace has also welcomed some little darlings into her life. Over the past few years, she has changed her course and is now married and the mother of adorable twins. You can read more about her growing family on page 30. New additions, whether to the family, the neighborhood, or even the house, provide plenty of reasons to celebrate, and in this issue of Southern Lady, we do just that. From…

Tee-rrific & Trendy 1. Wear your support on your sleeve with this chic and comfy T-shirt. Give Hope Tee, $38; White House Black Market, 877-948-2525; whitehouseblackmarket.com. Fancy Flicker 2. This scented accessory fills your home with the light of hope. Floral Blossom Filled Candle Benefiting Susan G. Komen For the Cure, $15; Pier 1 Imports, 800-245-4595; pier1.com. Preppy in Pink 3. Show off your style with a classic carryall. Pink Pony Medium Tote, $115; Ralph Lauren, 888-475-7674; ralphlauren.com. Tin Reasons Why 4. The powerful punch of peppermint helps knock out breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Series mints, $2.50; Hint Mint, 800-991-6468; hintmint.com. Sudsy Support 5. This bottle of bubbles makes bath time better and contributes to the cause. She Colors My Day bubble bath, $20; Philosophy, 800-568-3151; philosophy.com.…

A true Southern buttermilk biscuit calls for a little flour, a lot of time, and, almost always, a big mess in the kitchen. Any cook deserving of her apron strings will tell you it’s worth the work, but hand her a fresh-from-the-oven Callie’s biscuit, and she will surely put away her rolling pin after just one heavenly bite. Callie’s Charleston Biscuits’ namesake and co-owner Callie White has been a renowned caterer in Charleston, South Carolina, for 15 years. While quite capable of adding exotic flair to her menus—she has studied and explored the culinary worlds of countries such as Mexico and Vietnam—Callie specializes in Southern food. “I’m a big fan of simple foods with good ingredients,” she says. And she keeps her Southern cuisine as pure as possible when preparing…

To paraphrase an old adage, an ounce of cleverness is worth a pound of pretty. Not to shortchange pretty, mind you, but including clever touches in a table setting can bring spontaneous smiles of delight, along with a few envious whispers of “why didn’t I think of that?” To that end, we’ve found a lovely and artful way to direct guests to the proper chair. Position small picture frames—beaded, bejeweled, or elegantly simple—at each setting to serve as place-card holders. Not only will these frames charm guests right into their seats, but they’ll be a picture-perfect reminder of this special occasion.…

Fall is known for its rich, resonant hues—the delicious mix of burnished gold, ruddy orange, and lustrous copper. This visual extravaganza is the season’s signature, and such inspiring sights beg to be brought indoors. The dining room is the perfect place to display fall’s finery, but instead of utilizing the usual, dare to be different; try some innovative combinations. To breathe new life into an autumn-inspired tablescape, rely on classic components with a few fresh twists. Bring depth and texture to the tabletop by layering an everyday linen tablecloth in ecru with a French-knot-embellished runner in a bold bittersweet hue. Hemstitched napkins, also in creamy linen, go from ordinary to interesting with the addition of leather napkin rings softened by ribbon detailing. The contemporary flair of this setting comes with…

Enjoy fall flavor at its sweetest with a trio of goodies that combines smooth chocolate and crunchy nuts. Pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts take turns in the spotlight, each recipe resulting in a delicious dessert that’s sure to earn applause at your next gathering. GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE Makes 1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie Crust: 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ⅓ cup shortening 4 tablespoons ice water Filling: 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar ½ cup light corn syrup ½ cup dark corn syrup ¼ cup butter, melted 3 large eggs 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups pecan halves ¾ cup semisweet chocolate morsels 1½ cups sweetened flaked coconut Garnish: whipped cream, chocolate curls, chopped pecans ▸ In the work bowl of a food processor, combine…

A deep breath of apple-crisp air accompanied by the delightful crackle of leaves underfoot serve notice that the magnificent mosaic of colors that we call fall has arrived. It’s the perfect time to revel in the panorama of fiery foliage. Scenic highways and byways abound, offering incredible vistas that stretch for miles. Slip onto the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi and travel to Tennessee, pausing periodically to take in the trees. Farther north, you can cruise Skyline Drive for breathtaking views of the spectacular Shenandoah Valley below. And if you are truly seized with the wanderlust, try the North Country Scenic Trail that meanders an amazing 4,400 miles from North Dakota to New York. Pristine forests offer a quiet spot to soak up the colorful canopy. Under the protective watch…

Before there was Graceland or even Heartbreak Hotel, there was a simple two-room bungalow in Tupelo, Mississippi. The humble house, where Elvis Presley was born to poor parents in 1935, draws thousands each year as it opens the first chapter in one of America’s great ragsto- riches stories. Soon after the city purchased the site, Elvis donated proceeds from his 1957 concert at the Tupelo Fairgrounds to create a neighborhood park. The picturesque area, which has since grown to include a museum and the Elvis Memorial Chapel, has become just that, offering insight and respite to locals and travelers. Be sure to save time for the large story wall, a collection of oversize plaques bearing anecdotes and memories of the star from townsfolk and friends. From there, take the Early…

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 Plate with slice of pie and coffee mug; BB’s China & Glassware. Floral designs; Flower Stems. IN BLOOM PAGE 24-25: Dahlias; Flower Stems. ENTERTAINING TOUCHES PAGE 28: Picture frame; Hobby Lobby. SEASONAL SETTINGS: THOROUGHLY MODERN MILIEU PAGE 34-37: “Gwinnett Lane” dinner plate in Chocolate and accent plate in Crème; Kate Spade by Lenox. Ruffle place mats, amber diamond drops, gold servers, and serving bowl; Lamb’s Ears, Ltd. Table overlay fabric (#275-243) and decorative buttons used as napkin rings; King Cotton Decorator Fabrics. Hemstitched tablecloth and napkins; Williams-Sonoma. Handblown…

Washington, D.C., may have taller buildings and fewer muddy roads than it did when Thomas Jefferson took office in 1801, but as noted journalist and author Cokie Roberts observes, “In some ways, it hasn’t changed at all.” The city is still full of congressional parents trying to balance the demands of politics and the needs of their families. It’s a quite familiar way of life for Cokie, whose father, Hale Boggs, and mother, Lindy, served a combined 45 years in Congress as representatives for Louisiana. The firsthand insight no doubt helped in understanding the heroines of her latest book, Ladies of Liberty, which offers a peek into the lives of influential American women from Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Monroe. “My interest in the power of political wives comes from my…

There is nothing subtle about dahlias. The spectacular blossoms do not blend quietly into the background; rather, they steal the show with their brilliant hues and fanciful forms. These sun-loving beauties bring star status to any garden, blooming from early summer into the cooler days of fall. Dahlias are members of the Asteraceae family, a group that also includes such botanical delights as sunflowers and daisies. Native to Mexico and Central America, this fetching flower is named for Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, and its origins date back to Aztec times. People of this ancient civilization used dahlias for ceremonial and decorative purposes, as well as for food. In the late 1800s, a box of dahlia roots was sent from Mexico to the Netherlands. From the one lone root that survived…

I’m having twins!” shouted the Southern accent on the other end of the phone. There was so much excitement in that voice, I didn’t have to think twice about who it was: Nancy Grace. My dear friend and CNN Headline News personality never expected to find this kind of happiness. Just a year before, her marriage to fellow Georgian David Linch was a dream come true; motherhood was more than she’d dared to hope for. And now, here was the thrilling report that not one but two little miracles were on the way. With Nancy’s news, I couldn’t help but think back to the day I learned that I was having twins. My first thought was, “Oh, goody!” Two little giggly grins, two sweet sleeping faces, two sets of tiny…

Color in the Lines Amber Ambiance Getting the Look…

Like an ice skater twirling and swirling in a fanciful solo on ice, a hand moves dark ink along crisp white paper. At first, these purposeful motions seem to create stand-alone characters. But in fact these simple scribbles are much more: Each curl and each cross brings to life the words of our hearts. It is this dance, this life-affirming miracle of motion, that so captivated calligrapher Joyce Teta when she was only 11 years old. While a student at a Catholic boarding school in England, Joyce first learned italic hand from a group of nuns who cared greatly about penmanship and presentation. “As an adult looking back, I realize that the work we did taught us the importance of having an incredible work ethic,” Joyce says. “I feel very…

SHOPS 1 Carriage Jewelers Carriage Jewelers offers something for everyone and every budget. The friendly, knowledgeable staff shares one of the largest selections of antique and estate jewelry in the Southeast, fine diamonds, colored gemstones, and watches. Carriage offers a large selection of Savannah charms in 14kt gold and sterling silver and a great selection of preowned Rolex watches. Stop by to see the Jacqueline Kennedy Collection and return to Camelot with replicas of Jackie’s favorite pieces. 2 W. Broughton • 912-234-4653 2 Chroma Gallery 31 Barnard (Ellis Square) 912-232-2787 • chromaartgallery.com 3 Go Fish Clothing & Jewelry Go Fish Clothing & Jewelry Co. carries unique clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home décor. Many of the items, handcrafted by indigenous artisans from developing nations, are made exclusively for Go Fish. It…

The distinctive pink stucco building at 417 Royal Street stands quietly in the morning light as the French Quarter begins to stir. Behind the doors at Brennan’s Restaurant, tables are covered in crisp linen cloths set with gold-rimmed rooster-motif plates and rolled white napkins tucked into water goblets. The aroma wafting from the kitchen leaves no doubt that something wonderful awaits inside. Simply put, no visit to New Orleans is complete without breakfast at Brennan’s. While dinner is served here to equal applause, it is the sumptuous spread in the morning—though in New Orleans, breakfast stretches into the afternoon—that inspires a new definition of Louisiana lagniappe. You may pay for the meal, but the unforgettable ambiance is absolutely free. Whether you are ensconced in one of the beautifully appointed dining…

Materials: • Floral wire wrapped in brown floral tape • Artificial bittersweet branches • Grapevine wreath • Igloo-shaped floral foam cages, soaked • Croton leaves • Sunflowers • ‘Cherry’ brandy roses • ‘Miracle’ roses • ‘Circus’ roses • ‘Mambo’ spray roses Step-by-Step: Step 1. Using the wrapped floral wire, attach bittersweet branches to grapevine wreath. Step 2. Secure igloo cages to the wreath by placing wire through small tabs on each side of cage. Step 3. Place croton leaves into igloo cages to form a base. (If needed, trim leaves near bottom to create a longer stem.) Add sunflowers to create a focal point, then fill in with roses and spray roses.…

To a Tudor-era seamstress, metal straight pins were precious and costly commodities not easily replaced. These sewing necessities were carefully tucked into small cases made of silver, bone, or ivory for safekeeping. Then, in the 15th century, pincushions were created, which allowed sewers to place these tiny tools conveniently upright, making them easy to pick up. Beginning as simple stuffed shapes, pincushions evolved into elaborately decorated works of art that were as beautiful as they were functional. These were fashioned of silk or linen and often included fancy tassels and lace embellishments. One style, called “pyn pyllows,” featured cushions set into wooden, silver, or ivory bases carved into various shapes, such as baskets or flower pots. One immensely popular style was the “pin stuck.” Intricate designs made entirely of pins…

The beautiful and spunky Anne Beddingfeld, recently orphaned by the death of her professor father, desperately dreads that she will fall into a life of boredom and longs for a great adventure. Before long, one presents itself: Anne witnesses a fatal accident at the tube in England, and a strange doctor appears on the scene. The young sleuth finds herself chasing a theory that she believes links the tube accident to a murdered Russian ballerina. Spurred on by a cryptic message on a scrap of paper, she spends all of her meager inheritance to hop a ship bound for South Africa. The journey seems to present as many questions as it answers as Anne encounters stolen diamonds, an intricate blackmail scheme, plenty of suspicious characters, and several plots designed to…

It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and there’s no better way to keep that heart pumping than with periodic doses of decorating first aid. Clutter can squelch culinary creativity in a hurry, so it’s important to clear off the counters and clean out the cupboards. Though it has its beginnings in another era, open shelving has made a comeback in the kitchen. All your necessary accoutrements are easy to find, and the very nature of these exposed spaces inspires a certain orderliness. Line up canisters single file in descending size, then neatly nest teacups and saucers in tidy rows. No need to fumble when it’s time to set the table. Place plates in precise piles at an easy-to-reach height, and display pretty glassware for…

MINI TACO SALADS Makes 12 servings 2 tablespoons butter, melted ¼ teaspoon garlic salt 2¼ teaspoons ground cumin, divided 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas ¼ cup prepared or commercial salsa ¼ cup sour cream 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 pound ground chuck ¼ cup water 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper 1 cup finely shredded green leaf lettuce ½ cup seeded and chopped tomato 1 ripe avocado, diced ¼ cup finely grated Cheddar cheese ▸ Preheat oven to 325°. ▸ In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic salt, and ¼ teaspoon cumin; set aside. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut 3 circles from each tortilla. Brush both sides of prepared…

All it took was a song called “Memphis Blues” by a budding W.C. Handy for this old Southern city to become known for harvesting legends rather than cotton. From Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley, numerous musical greats have shaped this city’s song, and we wanted to find our place in the masterpiece. We began our ballad at The Peabody hotel just in time to see its famous ducks retire to their rooftop “palace.” Something of a legend themselves, The Peabody Ducks have headlined the Memphis experience since a former general manager, just returned from a hunting trip, first placed them in the Grand Lobby fountain as a practical joke. The prank evolved into a beloved tradition still celebrated after 75 years. In a ceremony that involves a red carpet and…

Pumpkin Patch Party Cakes Makes 6 cakes Nonstick cooking spray 2¼ cups all-purpose flour 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1½ teaspoons baking powder ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking soda ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup packed brown sugar ¾ cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 (15-ounce) can LIBBY’S 100% Pure Pumpkin ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 recipe Orange Cream Cheese Icing (see box) Garnish: 6 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks ▸ Preheat oven to 350°. Spray two 6-cavity mini-fluted tube pans with nonstick cooking spray. ▸ Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in medium bowl. Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in large mixing bowl for 3 to 4 minutes, or until creamy. Add eggs; beat well. Add pumpkin and vanilla…