Arts + Culture

Rediscovering the Joy of Play

The magic of incorporating play into your life, with and without kids Article by Birmingham Lifestyle | Photography by Ambre Amari It might be a parent dancing in the kitchen with their toddler. A grandparent chasing bubbles in the yard. Or a group of kids and grownups crouched on the sidewalk, taking turns in a high-stakes game of giant Jenga. But play doesn’t always involve children. It can look like reading a novel just for the fun of it, picking up a forgotten hobby, or laughing your way...

Life + Culture

Mildred: The Bird Who Bowed

A trial lawyer, a crow, and an unlikely friendship Article and Photography by Stephanie Emens Balzli It all started with a New Year’s resolution to walk every day. Yep, that’s a low bar, but it had to be something I couldn’t talk myself out of on a busy day. I’m a trial lawyer and practice with my husband, Chris, and we have two very active kids. I had been trying to find some kind of self-care outlet and a little fresh air in the morning was the most doable option. At first, it was just me...

Life + Culture

Turn It Up

Birmingham’s youth rock scene is loud, live, and here to stay Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr When Ethan Brown was nine years old, he heard Eddie Van Halen’s Eruption , turned to his dad, and asked, “What is this?” That moment set his course, and he’s never looked back. “He’s known since day one that this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life,” says his mom, Meredith. “And he has not wavered since he was nine.” Now 16, Ethan is the frontman of Oxmoor, a rising...

Home + Design

Strawberries & Storybooks

Designed with timeless charm and everyday joy, this Birmingham bedroom balances sweetness and sophistication in a space where childhood memories are made—and pups are welcome. Article by Blaire Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr “Oh, darlin’, don’t you ever grow up. Don’t you ever grow up. Just stay this little.” —Taylor Swift Designing a picture-perfect bedroom for a little girl is one thing. But crafting a space as graceful as it is grounded in real childhood—that’s its own kind of magic.  ...