Food + Beverage

How Sweet It Is

Article by Alexandra Battito | Photography by Elle Marie Roberts I often overlook how uniquely lucky we are to live in arms-reach of culinary artisans in the Magic City, who demonstrate a collaborative and supportive spirit for one another. Case in point: Big Spoon Creamery, located in the Birmingham neighborhoods of Avondale and Edgewood, with a new location in Huntsville. Partners in business and life, co-owners Geri-Martha and Ryan O’Hara continue to surprise and delight us with their...

Arts + Culture

Just Peachy

With the right palette, Pantone's Peach Fuzz may just be a hue for you Article by Katie Rogers | Photography by Mary Fehr …and the Color of the Year for 2024 is: PANTONE 13-1023! a.k.a. “Peach Fuzz” I say, “Really, Pantone?” For those of you whose world does not revolve around color, Pantone is the company that is best known for its Pantone Matching System, a tool dating back to 1963, which is used to provide consistent and accurate color anywhere in the world by using a numbering system...

Arts + Culture

In All its Forms

Local photographers share snaps of local love Article and Photography by We asked Birmingham-based professional photographers for their take on this month's magazine theme of "love local." Their responses are a beautiful reminder of the myriad types of love— from the love of a parent to the love of books and from the love for a spouse to a love of the great outdoors, quality time, or even a delicious meal. We would love to see your photos depicting "love local." Tag Birmingham Lifestyle...

Arts + Culture

Local Exposure

BHAM FILM WALK celebrates one year of developing film and friendships Article by Blake Calhoun and Noah Echols The origin story dates back to when my wife Rachel and I were dating. We would spend many date nights walking around downtown Birmingham, taking photos of random things. Fast forward to November 2022, my wife and I were in Chicago, IL, with our friends Rachel and Blake Calhoun. As we walked the streets during our stay that weekend, we took photos of all the fantastic architecture and...

Life + Culture

Welcoming Spirit

Article by Enam Haque In the spring of 2000, I embarked on a journey to Birmingham, a move that promised new academic challenges and cultural experiences. A deep sense of isolation marked my initial days. This sense of solitude shifted when I reached out to the Rotary Club of Birmingham, an act that serendipitously led me to Ms. Betty Morrison. Betty, with her dignified aura and profound warmth, became a guiding star in my life. Our first meeting at the Great Wall of China restaurant evolved...

Health + Wellness

Exhale to Excel

Teaching the next generation to relax and breathe Article by Jamella Stroud Dear Parents, Your child or children are grappling with stress, anxiety, frustration, grief and anger, and they lack the tools to navigate these emotions. How do I know? Because I’ve developed the Exhale To Excel yoga program taught in Birmingham area schools, and this is the feedback I’ve received from students when asked about their motivation to join. I won’t claim surprise at the responses from these fourth to...

Health + Wellness

Seeking Wellness

Birmingham locals reflect on their favorite retreats Article and Photography by BY LOCALS, FOR LOCALS 1. Nurture Retreat is a somatic yoga experience in Bali, hosted by local yoga therapist and personal trainer, Jamella Stroud. Taking place September 14-21, days include guided meditations, somatic yoga and heart-opening conversations that will empower you to release the past and step into your radiant self.  sacredbodyfit.com 2. Sacred Stillness is a winter retreat hosted by local...

Health + Wellness

Creating Sustainable Change in the New Year

A Five Step Plan of Action Article by Emilie Maynor | Photography by Roni Nuby Over the years, New Year’s messaging has shifted from goals and resolutions to intentions, themes or words of the year. No matter how we soften the language, the sentiment is the same: Resolve to be a “better version” of yourself. Creating change that is truly sustainable and allows you to grow, heal or nourish yourself beyond the New Year hype takes a little digging and mindfulness. Real change takes effort, and...

Health + Wellness

Take Care

One local’s personal reasons to push for colon health Article by Dany Hollingsworth Wow! It’s hard for me to believe it’s 2024. I guess it’s so hard for me to believe because, in many ways, it feels like I’ve lived 100 years in the past few.  Anyone else feel like that? I mean, for one, if you’re reading this, then you, too, have made it through to the other side of a global pandemic. You, too, have learned to function in what was once referred to as a “new normal.” (Though I don’t think...

Home + Design

Homes for the Holidays

Independent Presbyterian Church kicks off 74th annual tour Article by Denise K. James | Photography by Mary Fehr Take it from Paige Albright, who has served on the committees for more than a decade: the annual holiday home tour hosted by Independent Presbyterian Church takes a lot of dedicated people to make the magic happen – and it has for the last 74 years. As the church’s largest (and most festive) fundraiser, this beloved tour hasn’t missed a single beat for almost a century. Now, after a...