Home + Design

Boughs of Holly and Beyond

How local designers, stylists and florists deck local halls Article by Blair Moore Every December, Birmingham comes alive in spruce and sparkle. Mantels glow, garlands drape like ribbon candy, and wreaths announce the season before the front door even opens. Behind it all are the designers, stylists, and florists who make holiday magic look effortless—turning familiar spaces into something magical. Mary Beth Jones | @marybethjonesdesign Mary Beth Jones has been styling homes for the...

Food + Beverage

A December Night at Little Betty

A look behind the hearth with Executive Chef Kyle Biddy Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr This December, Birmingham is aglow with gatherings — friends leaning in, families toasting the season, and tables alive with warmth. At Little Betty, the celebration comes with firelight, champagne, and a meal worth remembering. Executive chef Kyle Biddy has created something rare: a space that feels elevated without losing its ease. Two years in, it’s become one of Birmingham’s favorite...

Life + Culture

Under the Hood

A look at the culture of giving and serving that permeates Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Ambre Amari The camera’s ready, the bow’s on top, and Caroline Fields, Mercedes’ marketing and events director, is beaming behind the lens. “This is your moment!” she always says before snapping the first photo. Whether it’s someone’s very first car, their dream car, or a long-awaited gift, she knows how much this day matters. She’ll take as many pictures as they want...

Life + Culture

Through the Window

For this Birmingham family, serving isn’t seasonal—it’s a way of life Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Provided The Mihaly boys — ages 7 and 10 — stood at a long table covered in toys: bright bikes, dolls, trucks, games, and puzzles. None of it was for them, but you wouldn’t know it from the joy in their eyes. “They helped organize toys by age group and by price,” says their mother, Megan. “They loved meeting the other kids who were helping. And for them to learn — not everybody has...

Arts + Culture

Behind the Pages of Birmingham Lifestyle

The creative forces behind a magazine devoted to its city Article by Blair Moore | Photography by David Smith Maybe a copy of Birmingham Lifestyle magically lands in your mailbox each month. Or maybe you snagged a copy from your local coffee shop when the cover caught your eye. Either way, chances are you don’t know the story of how it got there. That’s because we’ve never told it. This month, to celebrate our fifth anniversary, we’re pulling back the curtain on the small, passionate team...

Life + Culture

The Secret Life of Your Holiday To-Do List

5 simple truths to make the season smoother — and more joyful Article by Sarah Robinson Every December, holiday to-do lists start out looking innocent enough. A few gifts to buy. Cards to send. A tree to decorate. But like a strand of lights tucked in the attic all year, the second you touch them, they seem to knot themselves into something bigger. That’s because your holiday to-do list has a secret life. Here are a few timely insights from Sarah Robinson of HUM Concierge. Secret #1 : One...

Health + Wellness

Sleep Better in the New Year

Understanding Insomnia and Its Impact Article by Susan Rathmell One of the most common New Year’s resolutions: This year, I am going to get more sleep. Insomnia, a prevalent yet often-misunderstood condition, affects millions of people worldwide. If you or someone you love struggles with sleep, this article is for you. What is Insomnia? Insomnia is characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep. The...

Health + Wellness

When It Feels Like Too Much

ESPN’s Lauren Sisler shares how she has found hope and gratitude in the face of unimaginable loss. Article by Lauren Sisler | Photography by Provided I grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and if you had told me years ago that Birmingham, Alabama, would become my forever home, I wouldn’t have believed you. I moved here in 2011 for a job at CBS 42, later joined AL.com, and eventually ESPN. My husband and I love this city, and now, as small business owners and parents raising our two-year-old son...

Arts + Culture

Gratitude by Hand

Etiquette educator Amy Rainer on embracing the tradition of the handwritten thank-you note Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Ambre Amari Amy Rainer keeps a special box that holds notes she’s received over the years. “Without exception, every single note in that box has some type of meaningful sentiment that speaks to the value of my relationship with that person,” she says. “Letters and notes can be kept and read over and over again. Those are the true ‘gifts.’” As an etiquette and...

Home + Design

Gather: A Cozy Season Dinner Party

Set the scene with scent, song, and sip — the makings of a perfect fall evening Article by Kali McNutt | Photography by Mary Fehr It’s cozy season, and that means it’s time to light the candles (and the fireplace), turn on the tunes, and gather with friends over a glass of something delicious. This evening at home is less about an Instagrammable place setting or picture-perfect meal and more about intentionally engaging all five senses, while enjoying the people who matter most. Invite a few...