Lucky enough to be at Lake Martin for Memorial Day weekend? Here’s what’s happening this weekend. Plus, a cocktail recipe from Springhouse Restaurant to kick off summer and get the party started!
RXR Fest
May 24 – 25 | Russell Crossroads | Free Enjoy music on The Town Green at Russell Crossroads May 24 & May 25. Bring your chairs and coolers and join your family and friends for a fun-filled time. For the schedule and a listen to the amazing bands in the lineup here.
Raptors on Display
Friday, May 24: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, May 25: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, May 27: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Get up close and personal with birds of prey at the Naturalist’s Cabin during the RXR Fest. The resident naturalist will be on hand to discuss the variety of species living in Russell Forest. She’ll share tips for how to attract certain types of birds to your yard, and what to do if you’re trying to discourage them from nesting or destroying your property. Bring your bird questions and your camera!
Yoga on the Green
May 25 | 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. | Russell Crossroads Join the Yoga gang Saturday morning on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. All levels are welcome!
SpringHouse Sunday Night Supper
May 26 | 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | SpringHouse | $50 Sunday Night Supper is a departure from the typical night at Springhouse. On this night, Chef Rob McDaniel serves his fresh fare family-style. Doors open for cocktails and mingling at 6:00 pm with food served at 6:30 pm. Limited to 80 guests, the cost is $50++ per person (not to include alcohol, which is charged by consumption), and $25++ per person for children under 12. For reservations, call SpringHouse at 256-215-7080.
Refreshing summer cocktail by Scott Burlingame, bar manager at SpringHouse Restaurant
Here Comes The Sun
Scott Burlingame, bar manager at SpringHouse, shares this bright and fresh beverage to bring on the sun because SUMMER IS HERE!
1.5 oz Bombay Dry Gin 1.5 oz Fresh Citrus 1.25 oz Housemade Orange Marmalade* 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass.
Strain and pour beverage, garnish with a twist of orange.
*You can use store bought marmalade or make your own with this recipe.
Cheers to summer sunshine and good times at the lake!
Planning to sell your home? Maybe you are just considering the possibility and wondering how to get the most out of your investment? We asked some of Birmingham’s finest home stagers for their best advice on how to get a home ready to sell for top dollar FAST.
You’ve decided to sell. You know you need to do some work before showings start, or maybe your agent has given you a punch list. Some amount of staging (and decluttering) will be necessary.
By adding a small bench, hooks and a wall decor, this nook is now a useful space in the home. Photo courtesy of Red Door Staging
When people are house hunting, they look for two things; the right house (wow this is nice!) and a particular lifestyle (this is so me!). Staging your house to sell is simply presenting it in a way that buyers can see the house clearly and then imagine themselves living there. Think like a buyer instead of a homeowner. After all, the minute you list your house, it’s not your house anymore. It’s a product on the market that means money for you—and, everyone wants top dollar!
The first goal is to make the house (not your stuff) visible. Can you see out that pretty window that looks onto the front lawn? Are the hardwood floors showing their best? Is there a quirky empty spot that you never knew what to do with?
Visibility – “Nice house!”
Get your floors clean and shiny
Don’t overdo your dining room
Fresh paint please
Put a functional piece of furniture in an empty, awkward spot
Clear paths to windows
Make the laundry room a place you’d actually like to spend time in
The second goal is to show a lifestyle. Let potential buyers imagine sitting on the front porch with their friends, envision themselves entertaining in the open kitchen, or planting a garden in the backyard.
BEFORE + AFTER The kitchen is both pretty and functional. Photos courtesy of Red Door Staging
Lifestyle – “This is so me!”
Neutral furniture, artwork, bedding, and drapes work wonders
Religious items and culturally specific pieces aren’t everyone’s lifestyle
Put flyers for local festivals, farmer’s market, races, etc. on a bulletin board to show off the neighborhood
Make the most of a neat feature of your house
Getting your house ready to sell can be stressful, but try to make it fun. Freshen it up for its new owners. It’s your last love letter to your house as you move on to your next house and your fresh start.
LEFT TO RIGHT A relaxing spa-like bathroom is inviting. This dining room is ready for entertaining. An inviting foyer draws people in. Photos courtesy of Set to Sell
Home staging is about so much more than cleaning and decluttering a house, it’s about bringing to life that magic that lays dormant in an empty home. It’s about evoking an emotion from your buyer that says “I can see myself living here“. Here are a few tips for getting your house set to sell.
Make a great first impression The average home buyer will often decide, within a matter of seconds, if they are interested in a house or not so it is very important to “wow” them when they first walk into your home. For example, hang a beautiful piece of art or a mirror above a console in the foyer and accent it with a gorgeous lamp and accessories.
Rooms with a purpose The buyer shouldn’t have to guess what a room is used for. Determine each room’s purpose-a dining room, an office, a den for family time-and be intentional when choosing the pieces for the room. The furniture and accessories should demonstrate the functionality of the room.
Big mirrors are a bonus Mirrors visually make the room appear larger and also reflect natural light into the room when placed closed to a window.
Minimize personal photos This makes it easier for the potential buyer to envision themselves and their own family in the home.
Make your bathroom feel spa-like This means clearing your counter of products except for a few that have beautiful packaging. Rolled up towels in a basket sitting on the tub and a beautiful orchid by the sink are great ways to soften the room and make the room feel like a luxurious hotel.
Staging a home evokes a feeling. It allows a potential buyer to visualize the space and see themselves living in the space.
BEORE + AFTER Master Bedroom Photos courtesy of Spiffy Home Staging
A picture is worth a thousand words. Home buyers are looking online before they are touring a home. Today’s buyer is using digital marketing such as realtor.com or zillow.com for their search. If the pictures in the listing show an empty room, you are not drawing in the consumer. A furnished room online draws them in to tour the home.
BEFORE + AFTER Living Room Photos courtesy of Spiffy Home Staging
Consumers are putting a bigger investment in their home before they list to get top dollar. Consumers are stepping up their game these days. You can no longer vacuum the den and put a for sale sign in the yard. We are all being forced to “keep up with the Jones’ in a competitive market. We live on our furnishings and they get tired and dated.
BEFORE + AFTER Living Room Photos courtesy of Spiffy Home Staging
Staging gives the home a fresh look. We call ourselves the furniture fairies. We sprinkle a little spiffy magic in an empty room and like magic…the home is sold.
Neutral accents combined with a little greenery. Photo courtesy of Swag Home Staging
Erin Dunavant Barrow • 205.222.0839
First impressions are important! Start with the outside of the home and then move to the interior space.
Exterior Curb Appeal Is Vital
Cut the grass and trim the borders
Add a new, neutral welcome mat
Plant or pot seasonal flowers
Fluff/add pine straw or mulch to natural areas
Pressure wash sidewalks and driveway
Interior
When preparing a home for the market, make sure buyers can visualize certain living spaces such as a place to eat, place to work, and place to entertain
Add neutral and textured decorative accent pillows to sofa, accent chairs, bedding
Bring in solid color drapes (preferably white or cream) and bedding
Remove all personal items, but accent spaces with accessories (in groups of three) in addition to pops of greenery through topiaries or perhaps, a fiddle leaf fig tree in a wicker basket
Add subtle patterns and color in area rugs and art
Neutral Interior Paint Colors Are Best (Agreeable Gray Sherwin Williams 7029, Extra White Sherwin Williams 7006, Accessible Beige Sherwin Williams 7036, Alabaster Sherwin Williams 7008 are some of our favorites)
These neutral and decorative pillows add a soft touch while playing up the location with the zip code. Photo courtesy of Swag Home StagingChoose subtle patterns and colors for rugs and art. Photo courtesy of Swag Home Staging
Home staging can make a world of difference when it comes to selling a home. Bringing in a professional can make things easy, and according to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA): homes that are staged sell 60-70% faster than an unstaged home and typically bring in 16-17% more revenue on the final sale price of the home—those are some pretty convincing numbers!
This is the season for planting any of your favorite flowers. I have certain ones that I always plant because they are easy to grow and put on a long flower show, but I also enjoy trying new things to keep my garden ever-changing.
A must for my border are lots of coneflowers, especially the selection Goldsturm. They start blooming in mid-June and often have flowers until September. Several years ago, I decided to try out the variety of different colors of coneflowers. The Cheyenne series of these flowers has a vast array of warm hues and does well in our climate. Of course, the common purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) thrives in Alabama, and it now adds even more color with its many variations of pink and purple. Make sure the plants are placed in a fertile, well-drained location with full sun. I have to water mine throughout the dry periods. After the first flush of flowers, I always cut the stems back to allow for a second set of flowers that are generally smaller than the first blooms.
I think every garden needs some blue and gray hues to help multi-colors blend together. Mexican sage, which is a salvia, has always been a favorite in my garden. I love its silvery under foliage and early fall, deep purplish flowers. In the past few years, however, I have branched out with some new salvia types and have been so pleased with the results. Perennial Victoria Blue Salvia, Black and Blue Salvia, and the annual just called Blue Salvia have all given me the blue hues that I consider essential for my flower border. They are easy to grow in well-drained soil with full sun.
One thing I have found more difficult is finding gray foliage plants that grow tall enough to help with the color blending of the taller flowers in my garden. Silver Mound Artemisia and Russian Sage are beautiful, but I have had a tough time growing both of these. Instead, I have had better results with the common dusty miller, as well as with some of the upright types of rosemary, which is actually a shrub. And when I need to add some low-growing gray foliage plants, I like to use the perennial lamb’s ear.
Mexican Sage
Many years ago, I discovered perennial garden pinks, also known by the genus name of Dianthus. They thrive in well-drained, sunny locations and, once established, can survive some dry periods. Bath’s Pink is the runaway favorite in this area, but there are many silver foliage types with different flower colors that work well in our gardens. I have found that the ones with the smaller flowers do better in my garden.
I also like to plant shrubs this time of year. The main problem in selecting a woody plant is not realizing how big the plant will grow. Be aware that the horticultural term ‘dwarf’ on the label means smaller than the parent. A good example is dwarf yaupons, which can easily be five or more feet tall and wide in our area. Just take a look at the ones in the Japanese Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. They are severely sheared back every few years to control their size, and yet they still are big. The best thing to do when shopping for shrubs is to Google the mature size of the plant you are interested in to ensure it will not outgrow your space. If it is too large, see if the same plant has a smaller sister or look for another plant you like that works for your space.
No matter what plants you choose for your garden, always read up on the sun or shade requirements. For example, if the label says part shade, that means high, bright filtered shade all day or morning sun and shade to some degree in the afternoon. I always offer a little more shade than suggested just to be safe. By following the recommendations provided, you are sure to enjoy a garden full of color in the months ahead.
Hydrangeas
Floyd’s To-Do List: May/June
Plant your okra seeds now that the soil has warmed up. I put my seeds in a bowl, pour hot water over them, and wait at least an hour before planting. Plant according to label directions, but do not let the soil get completely dry while the seeds are germinating. Clemson Spineless is the standard, but the long green pod types and the red fruit types do not get as tough as quickly as Clemson Spineless. I prefer these in my own garden. Remember that okra loves hot sun and does well in our summer conditions.
Lawn Fertilizer Late May or early June is the ideal time to put down a second application of fertilizer on warm-season grasses. This application, with its high level of nitrogen, makes the lawn an asset to your landscape if watered-in correctly and when needed. There are some new types that alleviate the worry of burning the turf. The bag does not have to say turf fertilizer, but if you have concerns, buy a name brand that says turf fertilizer for your type of grass. Just remember that nitrogen is the first number on the bag, so be sure that it is the highest number of the ingredients listed. And always follow the label directions closely.
The best time to cut flowers in your garden is early in the day. Place the cut flowers in a container of tepid water up to the neck of the bloom if possible and wait a few hours before arranging them. Re-cut the stems when arranging to maximize the flower’s vase life.
Prune Hydrangeas Once the florist or mop-head type hydrangeas have put out their foliage, there are always dead branches and tips that were killed by the cold in winter. Now is the time to remove the dead wood, being careful not to cut back any green growing stems. These stems are forming buds for the beautiful flowers we enjoy all summer.
Roses Knockout roses are giving way to many of the all-season blooming shrub roses. While many types grow well in our area and produce beautiful blooms, the foliage can often be rather ugly. Help prevent foliage problems with an application of an all-in-one rose care. These products handle the control of insects and diseases while also providing an application of fertilizer. I only prune my roses to shape them or to cut for flowers.
All About Indoor Displays
Don’t miss the “Lunch & Learn” session with Deborah Stone at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on May 29. Deborah will be sharing tips on how to grow and arrange blooms for indoor displays.
The session is from 11:30am-12:30pm and is free to the public. Bring your own lunch; drinks and desserts will be provided. Visit bbgardens.org for more information on this session and other “Lunch & Learn” programs.
John Floyd has been gardening in the Birmingham area for more than 30 years. In addition to his day-to-day experience, John has degrees in horticulture from Auburn and Clemson Universities and was editor-in-chief of Southern Living. For daily tips and more garden
information, visit birminghamgardeningtoday.com.
A custom banquette and table cozy up to the built-in bar so that guests can make themselves at home but stay out of the cook’s workspace. “The banquette is wrapped in faux white nubby leather to easily wipe clean,” Aimee says. Kartell armchairs that she spied at the MOMA restaurant surround the custom, gray wash table. Alabama White Marble countertops from Synergy Stone and tile from Renaissance Tile Atlanta complete the space. Photos by Jean AllsoppKITCHEN BEFORE The small galley kitchen was separated from the breakfast area by a peninsula, which made a mess of traffic in the room where everyone always lands.
When newlyweds Paige and Walter Scott bought a Mountain Brook Tudor two decades ago, they were charmed by the 1933 cottage. It had lots of character, arched doorways, and a petite front façade that belied its five-bedroom, four-bath interior. “It felt homey but gave us plenty of room for our growing family,” Paige says. “However, 15 years later, we realized the wiring, plumbing, and fixtures were all really old. We thought about selling, but we love the location and the house so much that we decided to renovate.”
With a long list of things they wanted to change, the couple called on trusted professionals who knew their family and how they lived—architect Lissy Frese (Walter’s cousin) and designer Aimee Belden (Paige’s longtime friend). “One of my priorities was to create more closet space,” says Paige. Also on the list were an updated master bath; an open-plan kitchen and den; private baths for each bedroom upstairs; and maximizing the gorgeous valley views from the back of the house. “The Scotts were full of ideas and creative solutions,” Lissy says. “The project was a major undertaking that required gutting the middle of the house.” It also required the family to move out.
“The kitchen is arranged so that there are multiple ways in and out, ideal for busy families and entertaining,” Lissy says. Counter-height barstools from Wisteria line the generous island, and pendants from Urban Electric offer task lighting.
While the new master suite, kitchen, den, back deck, and other changes were underway, Paige and Aimee went to work designing gorgeous interiors for the renovation. They shopped for some new items, such as the den’s Charles Stewart chairs, the living room’s upholstered furniture from Circa, and the dining room chandelier from Dennis & Leen. In addition, they had some pieces custom made, including the breakfast table by Michael Morrow of MDM Design Studio, the master bedroom’s nightstands by Village Woodworks, and the living room’s coffee table made from a remnant found at Stone Concepts. Local iron maker Rusty Heaton created the base for the coffee table, as well as the railings for the stairway.
The Scotts also had a number of family heirlooms and other existing pieces that they wanted to incorporate. “To help bring this mixture of pieces together and keep the house from feeling heavy, we painted the walls white, used light fabrics, and added thoughtful, high-end details,” Aimee says. And the friends weren’t afraid to also mix in a few items with lower price points, such as the gold lamp and gold cubes from Target on the screened porch.
Finally, after two-plus years of planning and a year of construction, the project’s end result more than fulfilled the Scotts’ wish list. “The expertise that Aimee and Lissy brought to this project was key to keeping the character of the house while also making it comfortable for our family for the next 15 years,” says Paige.
Before, stairs were closed in by walls. Now, the hallway shows a central stair with custom railing. Artwork is by Steve Penley.The living room received a makeover in a neutral palette to allow the brightly colored bolster on the sofa to be in the spotlight. “It’s a shocking pink in an outstanding Fortuny fabric,” says Aimee. Side tables in Lucite and gold are from Argent.
“The den (formerly the master bedroom) was designed to be both intimate and welcoming with a beautiful fireplace, tall ceilings, and lots of natural light,” Lissy says. Stained beams give the space character in keeping with the original home. A pair of silver-and-gold mirrors flank the fireplace. The Charles Stewart furnishings are all new, and covered in indoor-outdoor fabrics and leather. “All are very durable for family living,” Aimee says.MASTER BEFORE An earlier addition, the master suite was at the back of the house (where the new den now resides). “It was tight,” Paige says. “We had to walk through the closet to get to the master bath.”Generously sized and with oodles of closet space, the new master suite enjoys a door to the original screened porch, as well as sunset views behind the house. A headboard and custom nightstands designed by Aimee are wrapped in faux leather and finished with nailhead trim. The bench is a family piece, and the chandelier formerly hung in the dining room.
Designer Aimee Belden re-covered the owner’s old family beach house furniture and added drapes in white Sunbrella fabric to the screened porch. Black-and-white pillows from Frog Hill Designs mix with pink pillows in Sunbrella fabric for a burst of color.A floral wallpaper with gold metallic accents lets the tiny powder room make a powerful statement. Antiqued mirrors are by faux artist Lisa Davis.
Live for Today
Add a powder room. Give your guests a dedicated bath on the main floor. The Scotts’ new powder room was formerly a closet. It has a pocket door to save on space and offers a visual wow with bold wallpaper and a striking soapstone sink surround.
Capture the view. Rearrange walls and openings so that living spaces capture the best your lot has to offer. Before, the Scotts’ main-floor configuration offered the views in the bedrooms. Now, the stunning vistas are glimpsed immediately from the front door and soaked in from the den, kitchen, deck, and master suite.
Make outdoor living areas usable. The Scotts love to entertain. Before, the open deck was too hot in the intense summer sun. Now covered, the space offers fans when the temps soar and heaters when they dip, making the area usable for three seasons.
Bring the laundry room into the light. Who says the laundry room has to be hidden away in your home’s darkest recesses? Before, the Scotts’ laundry was tucked into a windowless corner of the basement. Now, it has main-floor billing in what was the kitchen, complete with natural light and an exterior door.
Aimee Belden
Aimee Belden Talks Interiors
Design Philosophy My goal is to create a beautiful environment that fits my clients’ lifestyles. Sometimes we incorporate heirloom pieces alongside new items; other times we start from scratch.
Budget Matters You can make a home pretty regardless of budget, if you are clever. If you can afford one standout piece of furniture, an original artwork, and a gorgeous fabric, then you can create a magnificent room. I always try to incorporate a special fabric, even if it’s only on a pillow.
Sure Things My favorite local sources are Circa, Argent, Table Matters, and Susu’s Petals. I also like to incorporate some budget items I find online at All Modern, CB2, and Restoration Hardware.
On the Road When I travel, I try to observe everything around me to stay fresh and aware of new trends. I don’t want to get stuck in a rut.
Before: 4,671 square feet
“The existing house was a classic English Tudor built in a time when the kitchen was a back-of-house area,” architect Lissy Frese says. Designer Aimee Belden adds, “It was a charming house that had plenty of space, but it did not flow well.” Previous renovations opened the kitchen’s eat-in area to an enclosed, windowless den and added a master suite to the rear of the house. Guests had to use the Scotts’ daughter’s bathroom on the main floor, and the two upstairs bedrooms shared a bath.
After: 5,651 square feet
“The renovation opened the house up to much more comfortable living spaces,” Lissy says. “The existing formal living and dining were unchanged since they were perfectly sized and situated in the house.” The architect reconfigured the kitchen, den, stairwell, and master suite and also moved the laundry from the basement to the main floor. A covered deck now extends from the den and kitchen and captures sunset views. Upstairs, the two bedrooms now have their own baths. And in the basement, a new garage space sized for today’s vehicles tucks under the new master suite.
Hope Methvin, Mountain Brook High School Class of 2019
Senior portraits are a great way to memorialize this milestone moment in your child’s life. For many, the senior year marks a lot of big changes in their lives – the last year living at home with their parents, last year to be with childhood friends, going off to college and becoming a legal adult. It may be tempting to forego this opportunity given that today’s youth captures nearly every moment with selfies and orchestrated iPhone photos, but professional high-quality portraits will be both useful (think sorority rush packets, graduation announcements) and treasured for years to come, offering a unique way to commemorate all the things they’ve done and celebrate all that lies ahead.
Capturing this exciting time can be challenging so we asked Beth Hontzas, photographer extraordinaire, to give us some tips to ensure the best portrait outcome.
BH&G: Give us your thoughts on how best to prepare for a senior portrait session, as well as session information such as time allotment and price. Beth Hontzas: I adore photographing seniors! It’s such an exciting time in their lives and I love to capture that! Here are my suggestions:
What to wear? I suggest people bring up to 3 outfits (formal, casual, and in-between). Solids are always best, however I think layering over a stripe or small pattern can add some interest to the old clothing rules! You definitely want to wear things that show your personality. People often ask what colors are best for portraits. It really depends on your skin tone, hair and eye color. What colors look best on you? Most everyone looks great in some shade of blue so that is a perfect place to start. Also, consider layers, jackets, textures, scarves, ruffled sleeves, and dresses that flow. I do a variety of full-length, 3/4 and closeups so make sure you bring accessories and shoes for each outfit.
Spray Tan – good idea or bad idea? If you decide to do a spray tan, make sure you have tested it before your session. You don’t want to show up with orange skin or splotchy areas.
Makeup/Hair – Dos and Don’ts? Having a professional do your hair or makeup is always a great idea! If you are able, you might want to schedule a trial session first to make sure you feel like yourself. If you are doing your own makeup, it’s nice to add a little more to the eyes than you normally would. Bring along your hair brush and makeup bag for touch-ups, if needed.
What to bring? I think it’s fun to bring along your mom or your best friend or even both! They might help you feel at ease at the beginning because most everyone is a little nervous when getting their portraits made. We are not used to knowing what to do or how to stand, but I always talk and walk you through it. It will be fun, I promise!
Session information – time allotment, price etc? It usually takes about an hour for a three outfit session. My session fee is $300 and I do offer a discount if you and a friend schedule at the same time. Prints and digital files are sold separately.
How can we contact you to get on your schedule?! The best way to contact me is by email [email protected] or by phone 205-253-5870. My website is bethhontzas.com
Take a look at some examples of Beth’s beautiful senior portraits.
Ruthie Jolly, Mountain Brook High School Class of 2019Mary Hanlon Hunton, Vestavia High School Class of 2019Elini Gulas, Vestavia High School Class of 2019Anna Catherine Brown, Mountain Brook HS Class of 2019Connor Ridgway, Vestavia High School Class of 2018Ellie Gray, Homewood High School Class of 2019
½ (16-ounce) loaf party pumpernickel bread (diced) 1/3 cup olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar ¼ cup tarragon vinegar ¼ cup apple cider vinegar Dice 1 cup each: Green onions, Green pepper, Cucumber, Celery, Cherry tomatoes, Green olives 64 ounces tomato juice, such as V8 Parsley, basil, and garlic to taste, chopped into small pieces, extra for garnish Avocado (right before serving) Olive oil
In a large bowl, combine all but the last two ingredients. Cover and chill for several hours or overnight. Add diced avocado, and drizzle with olive oil right before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Makes 2 1/2 quarts.
Learn from Leslie: Loaf party pumpernickel is the 3-inch-square, thinly sliced bread used for appetizers. It’s found in most groceries in the bread aisle or deli area.
Leslie’s Basic Pesto
6 “fists full” of basil leaves (about 6 cups) 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup pine nuts, toasted 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup olive oil
1. Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until thoroughly combined and finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice if needed. 2. Scoop pesto into an ice cube tray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place into a freezer ziplock bag. Store in freezer until ready to use. Makes 12 (1¼-inch) squares or 2¼ cups.
Learn from Leslie: Once the pesto is frozen, you can remove the cubes from the tray and keep them in the freezer bag. This will free up the tray to make more.
Pesto Pinwheels are pictured with angel hair pasta and Nanny’s Red Sauce found in the Liquid Gold post on dearpartydiary.com
Chicken-and-Spinach Pesto Pinwheels
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Wax paper ½ cup Leslie’s Basic Pesto 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Kitchen twine 2 eggs lightly beaten 1½ to 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs Parchment paper
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of wax paper. With a meat pounder, flatten chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness.
2. Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly on each chicken breast, and top with spinach, dividing it evenly. Beginning at one end of the chicken breasts, roll tightly, and secure with two pieces of kitchen twine.
3. Dip into eggs, then Panko, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Slice
into 4 to 5 slices, removing the kitchen twine before serving. Serves 4.
Peach Shortcake
HOMEMADE PIECRUST
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup chilled shortening, such as Crisco Ice water
1. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all ingredients are moistened (about 5 to 6 tablespoons); gently shape dough into a flat disk. 2. Roll disk to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
NOTE: One recipe makes about 12 to 14 (3-inch) squares for shortcake with a few extra scraps for tasting. It’s perfectly acceptable to freely cut the squares, but I used a ruler to get an exact count to go with the recipe.
PEACH TOPPING Simply peel and slice 1 peach per person, and place in a bowl with ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a dash of fresh nutmeg. Allow sugar to dissolve and become syrupy, about 5 minutes. Layer piecrust, peaches, and whipped cream; repeat twice. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
Learn from Leslie: Two simple ingredients make up this unforgettable topping—whipping cream and a dash of sugar.
Summer is almost here (and the pollen is almost gone)! It’s time to open up the doors and windows to let in the fresh air and sunshine. Help make your home bright and inviting with a few key accents.
Designer Kacy Carroll of Carroll Raughley Designs shares her favorite local finds for creating a summertime vibe.
Bring nature inside with these beautiful topiaries found at Shoppe, $18 to $69
I love these topiaries that come in various sizes spotted at Shoppe Birmingham. Bringing elements of nature into your decor livens up any room. I would use one next to my kitchen window or three in varying sizes on my kitchen island. The height and the color is visually appealing with an added bonus of being easy to maintain.
This great-looking lettuce edge planter by Jenny Smith can also be found at Shoppe Birmingham. With its vibrant shade of green, it’s easy to add a dose of summer to any space. Try putting itstacked on top of a stack of books oruse it as a centerpiece for your dining room table, an accent table or a countertop. Fill it with fresh fruit, moss or orchids to make it yours.
A statement piece such as this can give a room a completely new look and doesn’t break the bank. Woven chair from Details, $325
Light and airy in both design and color, this chair invokes a feeling of a bringing the outdoors in with textures that enliven and lighten up a space. Whether used in a pair or singularly as an occasional chair, these are perfect for giving a breakfast room or keeping room an updated look.
A mere two-hour drive from Birmingham, Barnsley Resort promised equal parts intrigue, adventure, and downtime for my three-day girlfriends’ getaway.
Upon arrival, we settled into our individual cottages along the property’s village green and reconvened for afternoon cocktails at The Woodlands Grill, overlooking a wide swath of the Fazio-designed golf course. The bartender discovered our group was especially fond of good bourbon and assembled a tasting (Weller Special Reserve, Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, and Weller Antique 107) that proved to be the ideal start for our evening. We then lingered over entrées before splitting a few indulgent desserts. When we returned to our cottages, we found that the fireplace in each two-room retreat had already been lit, perfectly filling each place with warmth on this chilly evening.
John Burrell, president of the High Adventure Company which operates the Beretta Shooting Grounds, wrangles flusher Lucky on a recent quail hunt. This property is just one of several hunting and fishing locations Burrell and his team run.
Early the next morning, our group headed to one of the more recent enhancements to the Barnsley property: the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company, operated by veteran outdoorsman John Burrell. Consisting of a sporting clays course and 3,000 acres of wilderness shooting grounds, the recreational facility has the distinction of being the only one with a Beretta designation. Guests can rent a gun (or buy one like I did!), get outfitted for the adventure, and enjoy a hunt led by seasoned guides. The entire experience certainly measures up to the highest standards of the Italian firearms manufacturer.
Post-quail hunt, we visited the Beer Garden, built as an homage to the Bavarian prince in the resort’s history. Relaxing at hefty picnic tables nestled by numerous firepits proved to be the perfect way to spend an hour or two.
The casual Beer Garden offers the perfect spot to while away an early-evening hour or two.
Dinnertime took us to the fabled ruins of the Italianate Manor House, a place usually reserved for rehearsal dinners or company retreats. Local historian and preservationist Clent Coker sat fireside with us and shared the intriguing story of the site. According to Clent, shipping magnate Godfrey Barnsley selected this location in the early 1800’s as his family’s retreat from the stifling climate of Savannah, Georgia. Godfrey and his wife, Julia, hoped to raise their brood in the more temperate Georgia foothills. They lived on site for years while planning and beginning construction on the manor house, but Julia died before completion of the home. Local lore says that Godfrey wanted to abandon his plans, but Julia appeared to him in a dream and encouraged him to continue. Though he finished the home, Godfrey and his family experienced financial issues in the post-Civil War years. As a result, the property was left fallow.
Clent told us that years later, Bavarian Prince Flugger was introduced to the property and became its new owner. The prince began rehabilitating the place as a labor of love that was then passed on to the Saul family of Dalton, Georgia. The Sauls can be credited with many of the improvements visible today: a brand-new inn which combines old-world charm with modern amenities, the restoration of the 19th-century Rice House, and the construction of Georgian Hall where weddings and corporate events take place in a first-class setting.
The stately inn opened just last spring but dovetails perfectly with the historic architectural vision of Godfrey Barnsley.
With stomachs full from a delicious dinner and our heads full of romantic tales of our surroundings, we walked back to our rooms to enjoy a restful night tucked under poofy down comforters. I feel pretty certain I dreamed of Confederate love stories and princes from the Black Forest.
Eager to explore more of the property the next day, my girlfriends and I stopped by the Outpost General Store to take advantage of the complimentary bicycles. Our ride took us just beyond the Manor House Ruins, where we found the Barnsley Barnyard. Home to a couple of Jersey cows, a passel of prized Ossabaw pigs, and more than a dozen landscaping herbivores (ahem, goats), the Barnyard is also where we picked up horses for a trail ride. Selecting the route that would take us on the most scenic tour, we crossed paths with golfers at the famed 14th hole with its 120-foot drop and caught anglers practicing their casts at the 10-acre lake. As the sun began to set and we handed over our reins, we realized we were eager for dinner.
Horseback riding is only one of the many ways to enjoy the beauty of Barnsley Resort.
That night at The Rice House Restaurant Chef de Cuisine Evan Babb emerged from the kitchen just as dessert arrived, and we learned he spends his days off at a nearby farm where he plants seedlings to later harvest for Barnsley Resort guests. His passion for foraging is certainly evident, from the warm goat cheese fritters to the chocolate mousse with salted caramel.
Three days at Barnsley Resort proved the perfect amount of time to get acquainted with this newfound vacation crush. As my girlfriends and I loaded up our cars, we were already making plans to come back—with our families, with other girlfriends, and for holidays. Barnsley Resort certainly lived up to the ideals that Godfrey himself had dreamed of many years ago.
Both the home and its elaborate gardens were inspired by the work of Andrew Jackson Downing, a pioneering landscape designer and proponent of Italianate and Gothic Revival architecture.
Hitting the easy button on a weeklong vacation to Costa Rica is a no-brainer when you rent from a fellow Birmingham native. Mountain Brook resident Ila Worthen and her family have owned and operated The Villas of Costa Rica (crvillas.com) for almost 20 years. In that time, they have developed an intensely loyal network of tour operators, household staff members, and dream-vacation makers in the Central American hamlet.
THE WORTHEN FAMILY Ila and Thacher Worthen first visited Costa Rica more than 20 years ago. “My parents were approaching their 35th wedding anniversary, and my dad wanted to take everyone on a family vacation to celebrate,” says Ila. “My mom saw an ad in the paper for these all-inclusive private rental villas in Costa Rica with near-perfect weather year-round, so we all decided to go.” To say the Worthens fell in love with Costa Rica would be an understatement. “We fell deeply in love with the people, the culture, the beauty, the very laid-back lifestyle, and the food,” Ila says. “Before long, we decided to build a seven-bedroom villa, not only as a family vacation home but also as a rental property.”
Fast-forward to today, and Ila’s family now owns two properties—a four-bedroom villa and a nine-bedroom villa. “We also have relatives who own three villas on our same road,” she says. “And over the years, we have made friends with owners of neighboring properties. I handle the rentals for all these homes and take care of every vacation detail for renters, from tours and excursions to meals and special dietary concerns. My goal is to create an unforgettable Costa Rican experience.”
Ila adds that each home comes with a full staff. “You don’t have to cook, clean, do laundry, or even fix your own drink,” she says. “It allows you to focus on time with family and friends. From my personal experience with three teenage children of my own, I know the importance of spending quality time with them. It’s hard to do that in this busy, over-scheduled world we live in. But when we go to Costa Rica, we spend time together while fishing, sailing, surfing, zip-lining, hiking, snorkeling, or just relaxing—and so much of it is in the outdoors. Our villas lend themselves to living, eating, and relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of Costa Rica.” 205.410.8910 or crvillas.com
GETTING THERE Flying to the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is the first step on the easy journey to Costa Rica. Delta Airlines has nonstop flights out of Atlanta to the international airport in the capital city of Liberia. From there, Ila will schedule private transportation to your villa, which is about a 40-minute drive. If you plan it right, you can leave Birmingham at dawn and be poolside overlooking the Pacific Ocean by 2pm without ever leaving your time zone. Assure your teenagers there is Wi-Fi on site for every Bluetooth device they’ve stashed in their carry-on bags. (Yes, you only need to pack enough clothes to fit in a carry-on bag. Your villa staff includes a housekeeper who keeps you in freshly laundered shirts and shorts the whole time!)
STAY Choose from four all-inclusive villas with a range of square footages—each with a private pool. The Worthens’ favorite is the Villa Puerto Escondido with four bedrooms and four baths. The Villa Puesta del Sol with nine bedrooms can accommodate almost any size family or group get-together. Often, several Birmingham families will book adjacent villas in the gated community so that the good times can flow from casa to casa and pool to pool.
EAT Each of the four villas boasts a full-service staff, including a cook, housekeeper, and houseboy/bartender. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all feature the region’s traditional smoky black beans and rice, as well as plenty of fresh fish and local produce. The house-made guacamole and salsa is a specialty. If you choose to amble down to the beach and hang with locals at Father Rooster, you’ll find the beer is always cold. Should your daily excursions take you off property, you’ll discover there is no shortage of dining options.
PLAY Allan Murillo with Costa Rica Tours is Ila’s local go-to for adventures. See howler monkeys and iguanas on the Palo Verde National Park River Cruise. Zipline in a Jurassic Park-worthy setting before enjoying a volcanic mud bath at the Borinquen Resort. Learn to surf in world-famous Tamarindo. Catch a glimpse of a sloth on a rainforest hike. Tackle some class-3 rapids, or explore the area’s terrain on ATVs. Every excursion includes transportation and tons of local knowledge from Allan’s top-notch, English-speaking staff.
Premier San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico may not have a beach in sight, but it rivals the coastal towns with its alluring colonial architecture, vibrant facades, winding streets, art galleries, high-design shops, sophisticated restaurants, and local markets. Voted the best city in the world two years running by the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine, it feels more European than Mexican. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, San Miguel has remained authentic while serving locals and tourists alike. The city is centered around a main square, El Jardin, where its iconic pink church overlooks the town’s sometimes lively, mostly laid-back vibe.
Katharine Hibberts
KATHARINE HIBBERTS “When I told my friends I was moving to Mexico 16 years ago, they immediately asked, ‘Which coast?’ ” says Alabama expatriate Katharine Hibberts. “My answer? Neither. I was moving to Central Mexico—in the Mountains.” Though her friends were dumbfounded at the time, anyone who has visited Katharine since understands the allure of her new hometown—San Miguel de Allende.
A Birmingham, Alabama, native, Katharine graduated from Mountain Brook High School and attended Auburn University. After college, she moved to New York City to work in the fashion industry. “My mother had moved to San Miguel after I graduated from college,” says Katharine. “After I visited her several times, I decided to follow. I wasn’t sure this city would be my forever place, but I was drawn to the magic here.”
Katharine bought a house-rental business in Mexico, rebranded it, learned Spanish, and married a San Miguel de Allende local. “I’m definitely not going anywhere now. I love San Miguel and my life here,” she says. “Everyday I am so thankful that I took a leap of faith on this Mexican adventure. Who knew a girl from Alabama would end up in Central Mexico?”
GETTING THERE
Leon International Airport is nearest to San Miguel and is just under a four-hour flight from Atlanta. Once you land, it takes a little over an hour to drive to San Miguel. Rental cars are an option but shuttle service is advised. Once in San Miguel, there’s little need for a car. The town is very walkable as long as you have comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the cobblestone streets. Cabs are plentiful and inexpensive. To find out about weekly events in the city, be sure to pick up a copy of the local paper, Atención. It comes out every Friday and is printed in both Spanish and English.
STAY Katharine manages about 55 private homes throughout the city, including the Rosewood Hotel villas. “Our properties range from a cozy, two-bedroom house to luxurious and spacious 11-bedroom villas,” says Katharine. “Some have pools, and each home is individually decorated. Over the years, I’ve curated the best properties available.” (Watch for Katharine on an upcoming episode of House Hunters International on HGTV.)
EAT San Miguel de Allende boasts plenty of dining experiences. Leisurely breakfasts are an especially big deal in the city. Dine on pastries and huevos rancheros in the garden at Posada Corazon, or take in the city views at Cafe MuRo in the hills above town. Lunch is easy with the wide variety at the food hall, Mercado Centro. When late afternoon arrives, start with cocktails at the Rosewood’s rooftop bar before wandering over to Sollano 16.
PLAY Wandering the city’s 64 blocks is an adventure in itself. Galleries, design boutiques, and local flavor (think parades, markets, street vendors) are everywhere. For adventure, book an excursion with Coyote Canyon Adventures. Their trail ride is far from a pony show. Guided by authentic rancheros, you can expect to see plenty of cattle roping while navigating the canyon and crossing streams. You’ll finish up with lunch at a local ranch.
Builder Jim Robinson dressed the exterior in super durable Artisan lap siding by James Hardie. “You get the look of an authentic 1-inch-thick board,” he says. “Once it’s painted, you can’t tell it’s not real wood.” The paint color—custom mixed on site and inspired by the landscape—lets the cottage blend in to its natural surroundings. “I didn’t want it to stand out,” says interior designer Jan Ware. “The goal was to keep nature as our palette.” Photos by Jean Allsopp[Before] “We’ve been told the house was originally owned by Mr. Edwards of Old Edwards Inn,” says architect Jeremy Corkern. “It’s a part of local history and the clients wanted to preserve that history.” Builder Jim Robinson adds, “Jeremy, along with interior designer Jan Ware, took an old house that was cold, damp, and dark and updated it with respect to its past. And they made sure the cottage maintained its charm.”
The address may be Main Street, but you’d never know it. Tucked behind a forest of century-old rhododendrons and native spruce, this unassuming cottage is shielded from the hustle and bustle of Highlands. “You feel like you are in an enchanted forest,” architect Jeremy Corkern says. “Trees arch over the driveway, and there’s a little brook in the backyard. It’s a beautiful piece of property.”
That privacy, paired with the cottage’s prime location, is exactly what interior designer Jan Ware loved about the dilapidated home the first time she saw it. “It feels like you are away from everything,” she says. “But the middle of downtown is right out the front door.”
When Jan walked through that front door, she could see nothing but potential. “I knew from the moment I walked in and saw the warm pine floors and tongue-and-groove paneling on the walls that it could be a wonderful home,” she says. “I told my clients, ‘You have to do this. It has so much potential to be amazing.’ But they weren’t immediately convinced.” Even Jeremy needed a moment to see past what he says were “40-plus years of neglect and hoarding” by the previous owners. “I expected a whole litter of cats to come running out!” he says. “It really was a sad little house.”
With some persistence from Jan, however, Jeremy agreed to so some sketches. And thanks to Jan’s encouragement and vision, the clients eventually came around. “It would have been so easy to tear it down and start over,” Jeremy says. “But we didn’t do that. Once the clients were on board, they wanted it done right.”
The design duo resurrected the home by making small but powerful changes to the floor plan, reusing original materials when possible and brightening up the shadowy interiors.
The first floor’s organization, consisting of a soaring two-story main room with a massive stone fireplace, a kitchen, a family room, and a sunroom, as well as two bedrooms and a hall bath remained much the same. A new master suite was created from the former carport. Upstairs, a long, narrow room became a bedroom with an ensuite bath. In addition, the designers made more space for overnight guests by carving out a bunk room. The second-floor den, anchored by the central fireplace, and the original bathroom remained.
Custom cabinets and soapstone countertops outfit the kitchen, while a hutch offers additional storage. Just past the island, the family room stretches to the back of the house.
The pine floors and dark-stained paneling that first spoke to Jan were preserved and, in areas that didn’t have them, mimicked. “We reused the old stairs and had to patch and match a lot of the downstairs flooring,” Jeremy says. The original fireplace—crafted with stacked local stones—was repaired and rebuilt where needed. “We tried to keep the house as authentic as possible,” says the architect.
For even more authenticity, the design team returned the windows to their original, larger size so that light now pours into the once-gloomy cottage. “We needed as much light as we could get,” Jeremy says. With that in mind, he specified clerestory windows to wrap the top of the main room and also created a front-door wall of almost solid glass. Additional walls of windows and French doors in the sunroom and family room allow light to brighten every space, even the windowless interior kitchen.
To enhance the now-luminous interiors, Jan swathed every wall and ceiling in a soft white hue (Sherwin-Williams Natural Choice, SW7011) that bounces and magnifies the natural light. “I wanted to bring the exterior inside with a soothing, natural feel,” she says of the subdued color scheme. And to complete the charm and comfort of the cottage, she added thoughtful furnishings focused on restful relaxation—the perfect finishing touch.
Bigger, Not Better
Architect Jeremy Corkern reimagined the cottage’s footprint and floor plan without adding on a single square foot. “You can sleep two families comfortably,” interior designer Jan Ware says of the five-bedroom, four-bath home. “We were able to maintain the integrity of the little house while also equipping it for a family of six and their guests.” Adds Jeremy, “This house embodies the idea of keeping the size small but the quality high.”
Just inside the front door, the soaring main room is outfitted for many purposes—relaxing by the fire, reading in a comfy nook, playing games, or dining at the central table. “We reused the owners’ old kitchen table and added stools and a bench for seating,” Jan says. A two-tier light fixture by Visual Comfort “is architectural and clean but gives a lot of light,” she says. ”We had no need for can lights in the ceiling.”
A custom sofa, a Gabby coffee table, and a wool rug (cut to fit around the fireplace hearth) complete the small upstairs den. The frames showcase family photos.Just off the kitchen, a round table surrounded by slipcovered seating and a built-in banquette occupies the breakfast room—the original sunroom. Windows march across the exterior wall, and French doors connect the airy space to the new screened porch.“There are not many antiques in the house, but I found this chest at an antique auction,” says Jan. “The little chair was a last-minute flea market find.” Antique framed art pieces and a tortoise shell hang above the chest.
In one of the original main-level bedrooms, Jan dressed a pair of twin beds in natural linen hues. Animal-print pillows stand out against the neutral bedding.
The Mountains Are Calling
“Highlands is an amazing little city,” says designer Jan Ware. “It is a walkable town with a resort and spa, award-winning restaurants, fun shops, and lots to do outdoors,” she says.
STAY Old Edwards Inn is a resort with a beautiful bar, two pools, and a spa. Situated in the heart of downtown, the inn includes luxury guest rooms, suites, cottages, and vacation homes.
SHOP Mountain Fresh Grocery is an upscale market offering a butcher, bakery, deli, and grill. “They make wood-fired pizzas in front of you,” Jan says. “And they have an incredible wine selection—one of the best in the country.”
EAT Restaurant Paoletti offers a refined Italian menu. “The food is amazing—a personal favorite,” says Jan. “Be sure to order an old-fashioned martini.”
PLAY Get some fresh air on the Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail, a 2-mile loop easy enough for the whole family. Venture into Nantahala National Forest for hiking, fly-fishing, camping, white water rafting and more. Or tee off on the spectacular 18-hole golf course at Old Edwards Club.
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Leslie’s Basic Pesto
