Finance + Legal Services

Retirement considerations

Are you (and your finances) ready? Article by Corbin Ellard, Merrill Lynch | Photography by Corbin Ellard Corbin Ellard ChFC®, CPFA® and CRPC™ is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch in Birmingham. He is a partner of THE HARTY CARPENTER GROUP. Ellard is regarded as a Retirement Benefits Consultant.   CCL: How much should a retiree spend per year? CE: Before deciding how much to spend each year, retirees should consider variables such as the age at which you retire, how your...

Home Services

Invest in your property

Value of landscaping Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by White Pine Designscapes Investing is something on most everyone’s minds when they think about the future. But it’s not just about financial accounts. A big investment you can make is in your property, whether a home or business. And part of that property investment is thoughtful landscaping, which can boost property value. We spoke to Taylor Oslin of White Pine Designscapes LLC to learn a bit more about the Guntersville company and...

Finance + Legal Services

'Estate planning is crucial for everyone'

Insight from local attorney Tonya Palmer Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Lisa Jones Photography, Adobe Stock Estate planning is one of the most vital, yet overlooked, aspects of personal finance, says local attorney Tonya Palmer. “Most people consider estate planning to be only for large estates or elderly individuals, but nothing could be farther from reality. It’s crucial for everyone. Estate planning isn’t just about wills and inheritance – it’s about ensuring your wishes are...

Food + Beverage

Time to celebrate!

Re-opened Pasquale's marks first birthday Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Pasquale's After all this financial planning, a celebratory drink is in order! Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta in Cullman is celebrating as well, marking its first year after re-opening under new ownership. The local staple has in fact been around since 1968, but was closed for a short time while new owners Steve and Mike Morgan made renovations. Pasquale's Birthday Cake Martini Ingredients 1.5 oz. Absolut...

Home + Design

Realize your dream kitchen or bath

Visit a showroom before starting your project Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by GLS Supply What better time than now to finally put those dream kitchen or bath plans into action? Springtime is the best time for a refresh or a complete remodel. Why stick to just spring cleaning? Be bold! Our area is rich with professional resources for these types of projects. One is GLS Supply, which has locations in Cullman, Huntsville and Birmingham. It’s also family owned, a big plus in my book. Said...

Food + Beverage

Alabama Spring

Created for Pasquale’s by Sadie Abbott Article by Taylor Buckley and Sadie Abbott | Photography by Pasquale’s Ingredients 1.5 oz. Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka 0.5 oz. honey simple syrup 0.5 oz. Monin Lavender Syrup 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1 sprig rosemary Honey simple syrup Mix 1 ounce hot water, snf0.5 oz. orange blossom honey in a heat-proof container. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved and child for at least one hour. Alabama Spring In cocktail shaker, combine...

Home + Design

Treasure hunt with Southern charm

Exploring antique shops near Cullman Article and Photography by Cullman City Lifestyle For those who find joy in the hunt for unique treasures, Cullman and the surrounding area offer a wealth of antique shops, home décor boutiques and flea markets that capture the essence of Southern charm. Whether you're looking to redecorate your home or add timeless touches to your space, these local gems are sure to inspire. Gypsy Soul Antiques and Things - 218 First Ave. SE in Cullman Gypsy Soul is...

Professional Services

Healthy from the inside out

Venture born out of a passion for fixing things and genuine love for the community Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Premier Plumbing When you think about making your home your own and creating a space that reflects your tastes, plumbing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. It might not even enter your mind. But it should! Because maintaining the inner workings of your home is just as important as making sure things look beautiful on the surface. We checked in with a local...

Food + Beverage

Time to relax

‘There’s truly something for everyone’ Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Bloom Winery All work and no play….nope, we’re not going to use that old saying as an excuse! The truth is, everyone deserves a break from spring cleaning, and what better way to do that than to relax with a nice glass of wine? Yes, let’s all raise a glass and toast to the beginning of spring!   The new Bloom Winery location opened in Good Hope in 2024, and we’re all about getting a little dressed up and heading...

Home Services

Spring cleaning time!

Out with the old to make room for the new Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by GSD Junk Hauling You know you have the itch. It’s time to start thinking about cleaning out your flower beds, freshening your property, taking stock of your, well, stock, in your garage, basement and closets. Yep, it’s spring cleaning time! If you’re like me and don’t have handy access to a pickup truck or possess the will to do all the heavy lifting to rid your home and yard of what needs to go, companies like...