A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of re-visiting Huntsville, Alabama after a five-year absence. To quote “Southern Living” Magazine, it is “A City on the Rise!”
Huntsville is the second largest city in Alabama, second only to Birmingham. In 2010, its population was 180,105. Ten years later, the population is 25,000. The growth since 2010 is 14.98 percent.
Read MoreUnited Way of West Tennessee hosted the 8th Annual First Ladies’ Luncheon at the Jackson Fairgrounds on Thursday, April 8. This event is a key fundraiser for United Way of West Tennessee (UWWT) that showcases the work of women in our local community. It was a lovely spring day for this outdoor event, and the pavilion at the Fairgrounds was full of beautifully decorated tablescapes with unique themes chosen and executed by the sponsor of each table.
Read MoreToday Show contributor Elizabeth Heiskell is known for her Southern flair and delicious crowd-pleasing dishes, and now she’s helping home chefs take the guess work out of cooking in Come On Over!: Southern Delicious for Every Day and Every Occasion.
Read MoreWalking into the Little’s beautiful home in North Jackson, I felt instantly warmth and a feeling of welcomeness. Every corner was decorated beautifully, yet it felt clean and completely cohesive. I was met by Lisa’s kind greetings followed by Stephen’s. The first word that comes to mind to describe their space is thoughtful. It is clear upon entering their home they’ve created together that much thought went into it both by the couple and the Kelly Murray’s team of designers at Posh and Interiors, Inc, who helped make the Littles’ vision for the home come to life.
Read MoreOn a recent chilly but sunny Saturday I drove to The Lodge at Pickwick Landing in Counce, Tennessee. It was an easy and pleasant drive from Jackson, and I looked forward to some much-needed “me” time.
Upon arriving at the Lodge at Pickwick Landing I was warmly greeted by the hotel staff. Before checking into my room, I did a mini self-guided tour of the newly renovated inn. What a transformation since I was last at this inn several years ago!
Read MoreScott Stewart was born in Nebraska, but he tells everyone he’s from Storm Lake, Iowa because that’s where he spent most of his youth. His parents owned a feed, seed and fertilizer business. He was not a “farm boy,” but he was surrounded by agriculture and participated in 4-H, raised hogs, delivered feed, baled hay, walked beans, and de-tasseled corn as a teenager.
Read MoreSpring has arrived at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens! The tulips are in bloom, the trees are leafing out, and I can’t think of a better place to spend the official start of the season.
Read MoreDr. Marlon King, a transformational leader in the state of Tennessee, became Superintendent of the Jackson-Madison County School System in July 2020. Born and raised in rural West Tennessee where he attended public schools, Dr. King has given back over two decades of uninterrupted service and commitment to improving public schools. His career trajectory is unique amongst educators in Tennessee because of his wide range of experience that encompass being a teacher (Shelby County Schools—legacy), principal (Fayette County Schools), Superintendent (Haywood, Fayette, and Jackson-Madison Counties), and an Executive Director (Tennessee Department of Education), all in Tennessee. Dr. King has a proven record in improving many of Tennessee’s toughest schools and districts. He has built a reputation of turning schools around by promoting strong literacy programs with fidelity, recruiting and training school leaders, setting and expecting high standards for all, garnering community support and deep engagement, and managing fiscal service through a business-leader lens.
Read MoreJenna Hamilton King has been the proud owner of My Best Friend Jenna (MBFJ) since February 2010. Her focus at MBFJ is to make your shopping experience truly feel like you are shopping with your B-F-F! MBFJ has evolved throughout the years and specializes in formalwear for all occasions. Her dresses and tuxedos have gone to proms, weddings, homecoming, pageants, military balls, fundraising events, and many other events. Jenna works alongside her sister, Lauren; Mom, Clarenita; and employees who have truly become best friends. Together, they have created a charming and relaxed atmosphere where they are enthusiastic, respectful, encouraging and stand by you during dress fittings and your ultimate formalwear purchase.
Read MoreThe City of Mobile was Born to Celebrate! “Mobile (pop: 200,000) has a certain magic that keeps you on your toes,” says Tara Zieman, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Mobile. “It is where a melting pot of people, flavors, cultures, and traditions become one voice to lead all of life’s celebrations. Join the jubilee and welcome every day with an enduring passion and a little soulful hospitality because life is the ultimate gift. This is the spirit of living. This is what we’re born to do.”
Read MoreThe most delicious and moist King Cake I have ever tasted is from Paul’s Pastry Shop in Picayune, Mississippi. The bakery’s slogan is “The Biggest Little Bakery in South Mississippi.” Picayune (population: 16,000) is approximately 45 minutes northwest of Biloxi, 45 minutes from New Orleans, and one hour from Hattiesburg, so its King Cakes and other delectable bakery treats are well known in South Mississippi and Louisiana. Paul’s Pastry Shop is two hours from Mobile, home of the first Mardi Gras celebration (not New Orleans, contrary to popular belief).
Read MoreLadies around Jackson were invited out for an evening of fun, fellowship, and shopping for a great cause on Thursday evening, October 29, as Nordstar Medical and the Say it Southern podcast hosted Dinner and Donate at the Jackson Country Club. Proceeds from the evening went to Faithfully Restored Women, a non-profit that ministers to women in difficult circumstances who need community, care, and encouragement.
Read MoreLisa Tillman has been the Executive Director of Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) since January 2009. RIFA is a faith-based nonprofit organization with a mission to reach out with the love of Christ to help people in need by providing physical and spiritual nourishment. Working at RIFA has allowed Lisa to use her spiritual gifts of leadership and administration to execute RIFA’s vision to lead and engage our community in the fight against hunger. In 2019 alone, RIFA distributed over 500,000 meals through the Soup Kitchen, food bank, food pantry, food co-op, snack backpack program and senior staples ministry.
Read MoreThe Third Annual Redemption Road Rescue Estate Sale Fundraiser was the plea and pre-promotion of the 3rd annual event. The Estate Sale Company holds this event annually and donates 100% of the proceeds to Redemption Road Rescue, and the staff donated their time for the two-day event. Barry Phillips, owner of The Estate Sale Company, said his staff believes in Redemption Road Rescue and their mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing equine in West Tennessee. It is valuable work and requires a great deal of funding to continue, so the significant contribution from The Estate Sale Company was very much appreciated.
Read MoreWith more than 15 million lights along the 25-mile Parkway to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountain Winterfest is a magical time to visit the Smokies. Sevierville and her sister cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are all decked out in lights during the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration, which kicked off November 13, 2020 and runs through February 22, 2021.
Read MoreThe Runway for a Cure Virtual Show was broadcast live from J. Kent Freeman’s on Thursday evening, October 29. Local boutiques put on a fashion show hosted by Mayor Scott Conger. Boutiques in this year’s show included The Boutique, Delta Designs, Amy Jane’s, Hattie’s, York Laine and Doris Ann’s. Shop owners showcased models wearing fall and winter fashions while educating Mayor Scott Conger on the latest fashion trends. Throughout the night, there were videos and interviews from the American Cancer Society, Kirkland Cancer Center, and breast cancer survivors. The evening closed with this year’s group of Real Men Wear Pink, who have also been raising money for breast cancer.
Read MoreBrimming with holiday ideas from delicious menus and decorating inspiration to easy hostess hints and gifts made by hand, “Christmas Cottage Cookbook” is sure to make your season enchanting.
When the “Christmas Cottage Cookbook” arrived at my cottage, I interrupted my long Christmas to-do list, prepared a cup of Mocha Mint coffee with White Chocolate Mocha creamer, and plopped down in a comfortable chair by a cozy fire. You will want to do the same thing when you read this book.
Read MoreOn Thursday evening, September 17, My Best Friend Jenna celebrated the kickoff of Lights Camera Fashion 2021. Lights Camera Fashion is an annual runway prom fashion show with models coming from area high schools. This year’s show will take place on February 20, 2021 and there are 55 models. At the kickoff, the models met each other and learned about the schedule for the upcoming months leading up to the show. Participants will have the opportunity to make new friends from around West Tennessee as they each raise money for St. Jude Research Hospital, participate in photo shoots and modeling classes, and then get to work the runway at the Lights Camera Fashion Show in February.
Read MoreMatthew Marshall serves as President and CEO of United Way of West Tennessee. He was formerly Executive Director and Head of School at Hands Up! Preschool, a non-profit Early Childhood Education program in Jackson, TN. Before that, he spent eight years in higher education at his alma mater, Union University, where he did undergraduate work in Christian Ethics and then earned a Masters in Education.
Read MoreThe lobby of Robinson Toyota was pinked out on Thursday evening, September 23 as the participants of this year’s Real Men Wear Pink gathered to celebrate the kickoff. There are 16 Real Men in this year’s group, and all of them are excited to be joining the fight against breast cancer. The candidates who attended enjoyed food and beverages provided by Party Mart, swapped strategies and ideas for fundraising, and even walked the red carpet in an impromptu fashion show. Breast cancer survivors Stephanie Hunt and Shannon Arnold were honored guests at the kickoff as well.
Read MoreVIP Jackson Magazine
Socializing Throughout West Tennessee!
