Home Services

The Contractor Whisperer

The Hire It Done expert spills his top tips for hiring a contractor. Article by Lynne Konstantin Adam Helfman inherited a legacy — then gave it new life, making it his own. The founder of Bloomfield Hills-based Hire It Done (hireitdone.com), Helfman has been connecting Metro Detroit homeowners with curated and vetted contractors and home-improvement professionals. His philosophy: “Home improvement shouldn’t be a gamble.”  It’s a little bit brilliant. Helfman is a fourth-generation...

Home + Design

Easy, Elevated

The art of quiet, livable luxury in a local high-rise. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Joseph Tiano Amarilda (Amy) Vucaj has a design philosophy. “I’ve always believed that real luxury isn’t about having more, it’s about meaning and intention,” says the founder and principal designer of Amareaux Interior Design (amareaux.com) in Birmingham. “We create spaces that feel effortless and timeless, not trendy. Every choice we make has a reason behind it. I want our clients to walk into...

Home + Design

The ART of Balance

The architectural vision behind a Birmingham family haven. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Jim Haefner and Joseph Tiano Brian Neeper is always up for a challenge. Which is a good thing — as the owner of Birmingham-based Brian Neeper Architecture, the architectural designer often takes on the task of designing and building resplendent, luxe homes on Birmingham’s uniquely plotted and often compact parcels of land. So when he teamed with builder and designer Hunter Roberts Homes on...

Home + Design

Built to Breathe

Through light, texture and deeply personal details, Armina Kasprowicz creates a home that lets you exhale. Article by Susan Thwing | Photography by Martin Vecchio For Armina Kasprowicz, principal of Armina Interiors, wellness isn’t a trend to apply or a checklist to complete.  “I don’t think of it as a formal philosophy,” she says. “For me, it’s instinctive.”  And it starts the moment you walk through the door, when your house feels like it’s receiving you back from the day and giving you...

Food + Beverage

The Art of the Table

Explore Toni Mitchell Sova’s Greek-inspired farm-to-table culinary vision. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Aly Darin Some legacies are inherited. Others are earned through decades of dedication, an artist's eye and the kind of customer service that feels like family. For Toni Mitchell Sova, it’s both. Greek-American Chef Toni, as she’s known — a private event chef, food stylist and founder of Nostimo Kitchen (Greek for “tasty”) — grew up in the world of the celebrated Mitch’s...

Health + Wellness

Balance & Bliss

Whether your Valentine’s Day is a couples outing or a Galentine gathering, these local picks are perfect for pampered wellness. Article by Lynne Konstantin THE TOX Thetoxtechnique.com After experiencing The Tox technique firsthand in New York, Erica Nagel brought this holistic wellness innovation to Birmingham. The studio offers three signature services — using house-made products with rosemary, green tea and vitamin E — perfect for Feb. 14 celebrations: the MasterTox (60 or 90 minutes...

Life + Culture

Weather Bros Gone Wild

A pair of local meteorologists team to create multimedia with witty conversation, mischievous merrimaking, engaging interviews — and friendship. Article by Jennifer Lovy | Photography by Aly Darin “Join for the mayhem, stay for the feels.” That’s the slogan prominently displayed on Alan Longstreet’s Instagram. And it’s apt. The on-air antics of Derek Kevra and Alan Longstreet present an entertaining mix of nonstop banter, frat-boy pranks and an electric aura of goofiness that make for great...

Shopping

IN THE PINK

Valentine’s gifts and goodies — to wear and to share. Article by Lynne Konstantin Pleats, cutouts, juicy colors: Amur’s Elodie Satin Color-Block Gown , made with recycled polyester from PET water bottles. Saks Fifth Ave., Somerset Collection, Troy; saks.com. Total babe: cropped Babe Faux Mink Jacket by Frances Valentine (of course) is plush and polished. Area Nordstrom stores; nordstrom.com. Twin with your mini-me on a mommy-daughter date: Crewcuts Collection Cropped Faux-Fur Jacket...

Fitness

Bio-Hack Your Business Trip with EMS

The frequent traveler, (whether business or personal) knows the physical toll of life on the road is a silent cost of success. A new pre-travel protocol from Synergy EMS is changing the equation, ensuring Birmingham’s leaders land at their destination performing at their peak.The rhythm of a business trip is ingrained in the life of any Birmingham professional: the early morning drive to Detroit Metro, the streamlined security check, the disciplined review of notes at 30,000 feet, you’ve...

Fitness

The Science of Accelerating Your Physique Transformation

Weight loss today is no longer guesswork. It’s both a science and a strategy. In a community that values excellence, efficiency, and elevated living, the traditional formula of eating well, exercising consistently, and patiently waiting for results often clashes with the realities of modern life. Synergy EMS understands the goal goes beyond “losing weight.” It’s about reshaping the body, restoring energy, and reclaiming strength across every area of life.You know the feeling: You are disciplined...