Health + Wellness

Canine Comfort

Darcy and Jennifer Give Back at the Birmingham VA Medical Center Article by Blair Moore From the time Darcy was a puppy, her owner, Jennifer Haga, noticed she had a warm personality that would cheer anyone up. “Darcy is such a love bug and goofball that she brings a smile to everybody's face,” Jennifer says. Soon, the two became a team, setting out to bring comfort and connection to those who need it most. They are one of nearly 100 Hand in Paw therapy teams in Birmingham.  Hand in Paw is a...

Local Services

(Not) Home for the Holidays

Meet some of the remarkable Birmingham citizens who serve our city—even on holidays. Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr Kelly Battles  Police Officer, City of Homewood  Over her 20 years as a police officer, Kelly Battles has worked on plenty of major holidays. “It doesn’t really bother me that I’m not with family on holidays, because that’s part of the job,” she says. Her family makes time to celebrate when she’s off duty.  The police department gets calls on holidays, just...

Home + Design

A Warm Welcome

Sidney Bragiel's Modern-Classic Fall Table Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr Creative director and prop stylist Sidney Bragiel has spent over 13 years shaping visual narratives in the lifestyle sector. Her impressive career in magazine publishing at Hoffman Media has allowed her to collaborate with a range of brands, creating and defining captivating storylines across florals, food, travel, and design. Sidney’s love for entertaining began early in life. “I grew up in a family...

Finance + Legal Services

Elections and the Market

As the political noise builds toward the 2024 presidential elections, many American investors find themselves grappling with uncertainty about how the outcome might impact their investment portfolios and retirement plans. With nearly half of investors believing that election results will have a more significant effect on their financial futures than actual market performance, it’s essential to separate fact from fear and maintain a disciplined investment strategy. Let’s address a few common...

Food + Beverage

Food as Medicine

How to boost immunity by incorporating easy kitchen herbalism Article by Emilie Maynor | Photography by Jamie Runnells In 2015, I attended an integrative medicine conference in Boston and had the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Aviva Romm is an MD and master herbalist who spoke about women’s health through the lens of blending conventional medicine with the wisdom of ancient herbalism. It was a fascinating presentation and, quite frankly, the first time I heard anyone trained in...

Food + Beverage

Don’t Mock It Till You Try It 

These spirit-free beverages are worth a night out in Birmingham  Article by Denise K. James | Photography by Mary Fehr The bar scene in Birmingham is indisputably alluring. From artsy dives to chic cocktail establishments, much of the magic in our Magic City happens after dark – but alcohol doesn’t need to be part of it. Here are six of our favorite unspiked beverages.  Pomegranate Blueberry Mojito  Armour House Crafted by veteran bartender Ronnie Moore, this mojito combines pomegranate...

Food + Beverage

Gus's in Good Hands

Lee Pantazis is leading historic hot dog joint to a creative future Article by Loyd McIntosh | Photography by Mary Fehr Gus’s Hot Dogs is one of a handful of Birmingham’s original Greek-owned restaurants still standing and is the last of the original hot dog joints in town following the demise of such places as Tony’s Terrific Hot Dogs and Lyric Hot Dogs. A mainstay on 4th Avenue North, Gus’s Hot Dogs has been in business since an immigrant from Greece, Gus Alexander, first opened the doors...

Food + Beverage

Pintxo Party

Born in San Sebastián, Spain, the joyous tradition of pintxos is spreading Article by Marti Buckley | Photography by Simon Bajada On the northern coast of Spain sits a postcard-perfect town complete with glittering seaside, lush mountains in the distance, and church spires peeking through the skyline. San Sebastián boasts natural beauty, architecture, and a wealth of attractions. But what draws visitors there the most is something smaller in size — the pintxo. The Spanish snack is tapa on a...

Food + Beverage

Meals with Loved Ones

Jesús Méndez reflects on family and food Article by Denise K. James | Photography by Mary Fehr It’s mid-August in Birmingham, but the balmy weather hasn’t slowed down one of the city’s busiest intersections: 20th Street and Second Avenue North. Local restaurateur Jesús Méndez Jr. gazes out the window of what will become his fourth business in the city: Salud Taqueria, a quick-service eatery featuring authentic Latin cuisine. Up the road, the wildly successful cocktail bar he co-owns...

Style + Beauty

Closet Confessions, Pt. II

At home with Birmingham's style set Article by Kali McNutt | Photography by Mary Fehr The contents of a closet reveal so much about the wearer–lifestyle, aspirations, travel experiences, affinities, and beliefs around sustainability. More interesting than any garment is the person wearing it–someone with a singular point of view who can't be easily labeled. Enjoy part two of our peak inside local wardrobes. Morgan Jones Johnston Morgan Jones Johnston’s artistic, bon vivant aesthetic tells...