Innholdsfortegnelse for July - August 2012 i Southern Lady

FAVORITE THINGS Our special collector’s edition of Simply Southern is filled to the brim with your favorite recipes and entertaining ideas. There are even a few new desserts and ideas, too. Pick up your copy on newsstands today, or visit hoffmanmediastore.com to order. THE VIBRANT COLORS OF A SOUTHERN SUMMER NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME. From the brilliant scarlet of a sunset over Apalachicola Bay in Florida to the hot pink bougainvillea blooming in Mobile, Alabama, to the shimmering blue waters of Lake Lure in North Carolina, nature has blessed our region with a breathtaking array of hues that delight our very souls. This issue of Southern Lady is filled with those same incredible summery shades. Come with us to Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringling mansion in Sarasota, Florida, that bears…

It takes about 30 seconds into a conversation with Cinda Boomershine before you are caught up in the breathless enthusiasm that positively emanates from her. She’s an avid runner, wake surfer, snowboarder, gardener, traveler—and, oh yes, she runs an incredibly successful self-named business, cinda b. Cinda grew up in Atlanta where her architect father owned his own construction company and her mother had small sewing businesses. “I always knew I would have my own company,” she explains. “I just didn’t know what it would be.” After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Cinda worked as an interior designer while she pursued an MBA degree. Along the way, she married her high-school sweetheart, noted artist Mark Boomershine, and they started an off-road adventure company, Highlands Safari, in the mountains of North Carolina. One…

IN THE SOUTH, we like to look on the sunny side—even when the heat and humidity are a little on the high side. So often, we gather at the last minute, just to visit and enjoy each other's company. For times like these, there's no need to make a fuss. Lemon squares from the local bakery (ours are from Edgar's, edgarsbakery.com) pair well with a pitcher full of pink lemonade or sweet tea, and a bouquet of flowers from the neighborhood market makes everything cheerful. Bring out vintage glasses and pretty napkins to make your guests feel special.…

With the first coo and lopsided smile, a baby can captivate an audience more completely than the most celebrated mezzosoprano at the Metropolitan Opera House. So when it came time to design a nursery for her own pint-size heart stealer, Ann Yates Pate joined forces with her mother-in-law, Leigh Pate, and Caterina Meadows of Pate-Meadows Designs (patemeadows.com) to create a room that is utterly adorable. The trio chose a whimsical fox-themed fabric in bright orange, slate, and white from Spoonflower as the inspiration piece for bedding and window treatments, then opted for a floral print and two shades of versatile burlap as coordinating fabrics. Walls were painted in a tone-ontone horizontal stripe, and reclaimed barn doors were mounted on a sliding track to hide much-needed shelving. An orange rug in…

BLUE PLATE SPECIAL The airy openness of a predominantly white color scheme visually enlarges any space. Both light and dark woods are equally at home. In fact, the play of deep-toned mahogany or walnut against white creates a crisp contrast that is quite striking. Introduce blue with a variety of accessories, such as striped pillows, vases, and planters. To complement these adornments, consider a trip to an antiques shop. Look for vintage plates in classic patterns such as Blue Willow and Blue Onion or any of the similar yet more budget-friendly options, then mount your finds on the wall in a pleasing arrangement. For other easy ways to introduce azure accents, think both high and low—draperies at the windows and area rugs underfoot. COMFORTS OF HOME Create a soothing serenity…

FRESH PEACH ICE CREAM Makes 1 gallon 6 cups heavy whipping cream 2 cups half-and-half 2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk 2¾ cups sugar, divided ½ teaspoon salt 8 egg yolks, lightly beaten 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups chopped fresh peaches 1. In a large Dutch oven, combine cream, half-and-half, evaporated milk, 2½ cups sugar, and salt. Bring just to a simmer over medium heat; do not boil. Remove from heat. 2. In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks and vanilla. Whisking constantly, slowly pour 2 cups hot cream mixture into yolk mixture. Whisking constantly, slowly pour yolk mixture into remaining hot cream mixture in Dutch oven. Return to medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly, for 15 minutes or until mixture coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat,…

1. Crow Hill Seasonal bounty from sustainable farms is key at this rustic hot spot. A constantly evolving menu keeps diners coming back for more—or maybe it’s the deviled eggs stuffed with crabmeat. 2. Hot Pink Cake Stand Jody Carmichael and her staff mastered the art of the decadent cupcake and expanded to a fullservice bakery this spring. We’re smitten with the sassy décor— and the Pink Champagne cupcakes. 3. Catch Chef Keith Rhodes, James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalist and Top Chef contender, serves his award-winning dishes nightly at this must-try modern seafood restaurant. For a quick lunch, enjoy Keith’s fare with Asian flare at Phun Seafood Bar. 4. Deluxe Eclectic décor and a lively atmosphere are icing on the cake at this hip restaurant that’s popular with locals. Be…

Snap Happy I never leave home without my trusty camera, complete with a sassy strap. Sage Chevron Camera Strap, $26.95; Phat Straps, phatstraps.com. Make a Racquet I stay in shape (and in style) at home and on the road with this clever carryall. Tennis Tote in Bella Fiore Raspberry, $153; cinda b., cindab.com. TRAVEL CHIC, pages 16 & 24 Whether I’m taking a weekend jaunt to Jacksonville or enjoying a fabulous fortnight in Florence, I’ve found that it’s easy to look your best when you’ve got a great bag. I fell head over heels for the vintage-look suitcases from SteamLine Luggage (steamlineluggage.com), and the bright orange accents served as the inspiration for this installment of Pretty Things. And don’t miss the stylish and practical selections from girl-on-the-go Cinda B. SENTIMENTAL…

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT To learn the process, Irma moved back to Mexico to apprentice with a paleta maker. After several long weeks with her teacher spent chopping, cutting, squeezing, and freezing, she knew she had been given a very special gift. “He didn’t teach me recipes,” Irma says. “He taught me to think about how to make a paleta, how to connect with the ingredients.” Wide-eyed children wander in—some in tutus or cowboy boots—to admire the cases laden with a rainbow of frozen goodies. “Ooh, I want a green one!” one boy exclaims, and Irma Paz-Bernstein, coowner of Nashville’s Las Paletas, smiles broadly as she patiently points to each flavor in the requested palette: Kiwi, Avocado, Green Tea. Irma says, “When we opened, people thought we were crazy.” But 10…

A TIMEWORN SCREEN DOOR, its constant slamming once providing the soundtrack to a small-town summer, welcomes guests once again— this time in a new way: a message board and entryway organizer. To start, remove the door’s screen window, and replace it with a piece of wood that has been cut to size and finished in chalkboard paint. Put the board in place with nails or brads, and if desired, cover old nicks and nail holes with decorative accents. Use a wall-mount soap dish as a landing place for chalk that’s used daily to scribble doodles, schedules, quotes, or shopping lists. Replace the old door knob with a new decorative version to give the project a little pizzazz. A few baskets hung from S hooks—opt for a material like wire to…

BEACHCOMBERS’ CACHE Recall fond memories of an especially enjoyable trip to the shore by corralling a collection of seashells into a beautiful composition. The cubbyholes’ varied sizes and shapes are suitable for holding large shells, starfish, and sand dollars, as well as the tiniest coquinas and cowries. PETITE PRIZES As children, we tucked all of our very special treasures into a shoe box and hid them under the bed. As adults, we love to proudly display our miniature mementos, from old photographs and class rings to antique keys and collectible stamps, in a tangible walk down memory lane. BE JEWELED Organize your bangles, brooches, and other frippery with a drawer that hangs above a dresser or vanity table. Simply apply a coat of paint, impart a bit of shabby charm…

In his day, John Ringling was the undisputed king of the American circus, and as such, his name was synonymous with “the greatest show on earth.” So it should come as no surprise that his home would be quite a production number as well. Called Ca’ d’Zan—the “House of John” in Venetian dialect—the villa that John and his wife, Mable, built on the shining shores of Sarasota Bay in Florida is a splendid example of the magnificence of the mansions erected during America’s Gilded Age. Designed by renowned New York architect Dwight James Baum, the Venetian Gothic architecture borrows aspects from some of the greatest structures in Europe. Ca’ d’Zan perfectly marries the graceful majesty of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, the old-world elegance of Ca’ d’Oro (the renowned palace on the…

Delicious, versatile, and as American as apple pie—there’s not much not to love about peanut butter. Practically born and bred in Southern soil thanks to the ingenuity of George Washington Carver, the allpurpose spread has become a regular contributor to breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. For cookbook author Pamela Bennett, however, this beloved flavor is at its creamy, dreamy best in desserts. Calling peanut butter “very sophisticated,” the North Carolina native applauds its sweet-savory appeal in her latest book, Peanut Butter Sweets. Says Pamela, “My mother was truly inspirational for the peanut butter book because in our home, peanut butter was a staple. It was always in the cupboard.” Pamela recalls that even after her mother became a successful business person, she would carry a jar with her to work…

Pretty POLISH Piggy Paint specializes in natural, kid-friendly nail polish. Melanie Hurley, founder of Piggy Paint, launched her company in 2008 because of a foam plate. While painting her daughter’s nails, a glob of the solventbased polish dropped on the plate. The polish bubbled and created a hole, she says, giving her a “wow moment.” And the idea for Piggy Paint was born. “So many moms are worried about their kids putting their hands in their mouths after painting their nails,” says Melanie, who came up with a solution to the problem. A nontoxic, hypoallergenic, water-based formula, Piggy Paint is perfect for little girls, who will love the fun color names, such as Mac-n-Cheese Please. Polish lines for tweens, women, college spirit, and puppies are also available from this Arkansas-based…

APPLAUSE FROM ACROSS THE POND “My husband and I have recently returned from a very enjoyable visit to relatives in Greensboro, North Carolina, and while there, I obtained a copy of the Southern Lady November/December 2011 issue. I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed reading anything so much; it’s such a beautiful magazine and seems to cover just everything I’ve come to know and love about the South. My very best wishes to everyone at Southern Lady.” Gladys James Andover, Hampshire, England PERFECT GIFT I would like to say I LOVE your magazine and actually read it from cover to cover! I appreciate that it’s not full of advertisements, like a lot of my other magazines have become. I enjoy the stories, ideas, and lots of photos! Keep up the good…

THE INSPIRATION Several years in the making, Fiesta’s newest color lends a feminine blush to the rainbow palette of one of the world’s most beloved dinnerware collections. Fiesta Dinnerware in Flamingo, $50 for 4- or 5-piece place setting; The Homer Laughlin China Company, homerlaughlin.com. SWEET & SIMPLE Pair the smart hibiscus hue with everyday accessories, such as paper place mats and laid-back linens, and craft a nearly neutral scene fit for summer’s easy entertaining. Pokal Glass, $0.59 each; IKEA, ikea.com. Brussels Gray Stripe Napkin by French Laundry Home, $18 each; Bromberg’s, brombergs.com. Perfect Setting Place Mat, $22 for 50-sheet pad; Cake Vintage, cakevintage.com. BRIGHT & BOLD Accentuate the punchy plates with a tone-on-tone scheme. Then offer a refreshing twist with variegated glasses and a simple, unexpected floral treatment. Caviar Beaded…

WHETHER SENDING DEAR ONES OFF ON A DREAM VACATION or a more figurative journey like marriage or retirement, this suitcase-turned-centerpiece idea from Trish Land (trishland.com) promises to be the hit of the party. The Decatur, Alabama, designer chose a citrus profusion of blooms—hydrangeas, orange “voodoo” roses, and lime fuji mums—accented with green apples and excelsior moss. Simply line the case in plastic first, and use a stick or dowel to prop the lid open, giving guests the perfect glimpse of your bon voyage botanicals.…

ARTFUL ILLUMINATION Kindle cozy conversation with beautiful ginger jar-shaped pendants and handsome standing lanterns. Elise Punched Lanterns, $149, and Graham Metal Lanterns, starting at $34.50; Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com. PRETTY PENDANTS Light up the night with elegant overhead illumination. Garden Gate Outdoor Hanging Lantern, $199; and Superior Moravian Star Hanging Light, $455, Shades of Light, shadesoflight.com. FORM & FUNCTION Glossy white frames are topped with polished stainless-steel roofs for a contemporary spin on a classic design. Riverhead Lantern, $29.95 for small, $49.95 for large; Z Gallerie, zgallerie.com.…

Lacy Phillips was only two semesters away from finishing at Birmingham- Southern College when, during a sorority house renovation project, she fell in love with interior design. Though she decided to graduate on time and with a degree in English as planned, she continued to nurture her newfound interest by working at interior design shops on the weekend. Eventually Lacy went back to school, shadowed a designer in Dallas, and moved back to her hometown of Pensacola, Florida, where she established herself as an up-and-coming talent with plenty of natural ability and a keen sense of Southern style. “I have been so fortunate to work with some wonderful clients,” says Lacy, who shares her time between running her design business and raising two children, ages 1 and 4. “For some,”…

SUNSET PALETTE A setting dressed in punchy colors and lots of thoughtful details gives the traditional outdoor fish fry stylish new appeal. Look to summer’s twilight hour for instant inspiration, and gather dinnerware and linens in rich shades of sunset pink and dusky purple. A basic beverage station, arranged with cocktail napkins and appetizer plates, allows guests to serve themselves while the meal is prepared. Add a few simple vases of richly hued hydrangeas to the tables, and the stage is set for a memorable summer evening spent relishing an old pastime in a brand-new way. SUMMER SLAW Makes 8 to 10 servings 2 (12-ounce) bags broccoli slaw mix 1 large red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 large yellow bell pepper, finely chopped ½ cup chopped green onion 1 cup…

1. A Proper Garden A treasure trove of garden-inspired goodies, this Chandler’s Wharf oasis sells garden accents, home accessories, and other baubles sure to inspire your haven. 2. Blue Hand Home Known for its beautiful home luxuries, this shop masters coastal casual. From fine furniture to gorgeous giftware, the cottage chic offerings are easy to covet. 3. The Seasoned Gourmet Located near Wrightsville Beach, this kitchen shop can make any gourmand giddy. Shelves of spices and sauces, pots and peppermills, tea towels and timers are sure to tempt taste buds. Looking to learn? Sign up for one of the shop’s culinary classes taught in the demo kitchen. 4. The Cotton Exchange Amid courtyards and heart-pine beams, 29 unique boutiques and restaurants share a historic hub of pre-Civil War Wilmington. Be…

Ahome and garden tour in Charleston, sightseeing in Greece, dinner in Seattle— these are just a few of the activities members of the Pink Suitcase Sisters have enjoyed since travel agents Traci Hildreth and Kathy Lowery founded the Marietta, Georgia-based group in 2008. Created for ladies who love to travel but, for a variety of reasons, lack travel companions, the club has grown to around 300 members, ranging in age from 30 to 70-plus. The name comes from one of the members’ most coveted perks: each member receives a fabulous pink bag to tote on her journeys. One member describes the Pink Suitcase Sisters as much more than a travel club, as it has provided her with lifelong friendships. “We match people up,” says Traci, citing a recent weekend in…