Home + Design

A Room of Her Own

Designer MK Quinlan transforms a screened-in porch into a soothing retreat for a hardworking doctor and mother of two Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Laurey Glenn As a longtime OB/GYN and mother of two, Dr. Jamie Routman was used to days that revolved around caring for others. When she finally had the chance to create a space just for herself, she knew exactly what she wanted: a quiet room where she could tune out the noise and tune into a good book—and maybe enjoy a glass of wine. ...

Home + Design

A Mother’s Day Spring Bouquet with Emmie of Glorious

A step-by-step floral arranging guide for a stunning, memorable, handcrafted gift Article and Photography by There’s no sweeter way to say "I love you, Mom" than with a bouquet made by hand and heart. Each stem is placed with care, each bloom a small thank you for all she’s done. This step-by-step guide from floral designer Emmie of Glorious will help you create something effortlessly beautiful. 1. Build the Base Choose a unique vessel, perhaps a teapot, watering can, or pretty pitcher...

Arts + Culture

Taking a Leap

How Alabama Ballet is reimagining the stage with the world premiere of Unbound Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Courtesy of Nashville Ballet The first time Christopher Stuart saw Grease, he wasn’t thinking about ballet. He was watching John Travolta, entranced by the way he moved—the rhythm, the ease, the sheer joy of it. He wanted to dance like that. That fascination with musicals led him to dance classes; not ballet at first, but jazz and contemporary. Then, one day, he stepped into...

Style + Beauty

Bloom & Flourish

Emmie Leath on creativity, nature, and the joy of flowers Article by Blair Moore As a child, Emmie Leath tiptoed barefoot through the backyard, picking every single daffodil, even those that hadn’t fully opened yet, eager to bring their sunshine indoors. In her creative world, Barbies wore tiny dresses made of her mother’s fabric scraps, their homes built from twigs and moss. Even then, she saw beauty in nature’s raw materials and delighted in turning them into something uniquely her own. ...

Food + Beverage

Peaches and Cream

Lindsey Noto’s summery take on peaches, cream, and herbaceous charm Article and Photography by We asked local chef-entrepreneur Lindsey Noto for her take on the perfect summery, feminine dish. A member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, King is a Chef/Partner at Feast Catering & Culinary Kitchen, and a co-founder of Croux, the Birmingham-based app connecting talent with opportunities in the hospitality industry.  Ingredients: 3 fresh, firm peaches Cream 8 oz mascarpone cheese 8 oz Greek yogurt...

Life + Culture

Meet the Mahj-ers

Three Birmingham women teaching us to crack, bam, and fall in love with the game Article by Kali McNutt Kate Heyer Mahjong Instructor, Birmingham How did you get into Mahjong? I grew up in Birmingham but moved to San Antonio in 2015 after getting married. While in Texas, I learned to play Mahjong and completely fell in love with the game. How did you become an instructor? When we moved back to Birmingham in 2022, I was surprised how few people knew how to play. My background is in...

Life + Culture

Remembering Judy Crittenden

A Woman who refused to back down—and made Birmingham better Article by Blair Moore The trail was steep, the ground thick with Rwandan mud. For twelve hours, Judy Crittenden trudged through it with her fellow Rotary Club members, refusing to slow down though she’d had knee surgery just weeks before. Nothing was going to stop her from seeing the gorillas. That was Judy. Whether hiking through the jungle or launching programs that shaped Birmingham, she never backed down from what mattered—even...

Education

The Brains Behind the Breakthroughs

Meet five brilliant UAB neuroscientists whose discoveries are shaping the future of healthcare. Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr UAB is one of the few institutions in the country where women outnumber men in the neuroscience department. Scientists credit the department’s collaborative culture—a place where science is celebrated and curiosity thrives. Meet five researchers whose groundbreaking discoveries are advancing brain health and inspiring the next generation of...

Life + Culture

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT, YES WE DO!

Heidi Elnora’s Bold Next Act, Pep Gally, is a Megaphone for Positivity Article by Kali McNutt | Photography by Grant Benton, Benton Art House and Codie Davis Art Something shifted when Heidi Elnora walked into her son's high school pep rally. After 20 years of designing couture wedding gowns, she realized she'd been missing some of life's most vibrant moments. "I come from a serious world of white fabrics and intense details," Heidi explains, "and then I walk into this space of pure energy...

Health + Wellness

Not Just "Scattered"

The truth about women and undiagnosed ADHD Article by Susan Rathmell, Upward Behavioral Health Millie is a middle-aged professional who is known for getting things done. When met with a task, she uses laser focus to complete it as efficiently as possible. Tired of underperforming in middle school, she cultivated this approach in high school and never looked back. She takes a competent, high-energy, high-achievement approach to most areas of her life. She is organized but still struggles with...