Homes Issue 2023

JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com

For Appointment: 205.478.0455 | JBandCoJewelry.com

We are now seeing patients in office for appointments!

Cosmetic

At Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham, we offer cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dysport, Laser Hair Removal, Juvederm, Sculptra, Microneedling, Fraxel, and VBeam. Many other esthetic procedures are offered such as facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and dermaplane to meet all of your cosmetic needs.

Medical

Our practice can help you with all of your skin care needs, including diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, acne, dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, keratosis pilaris, psoriasis and rosacea to name a few. Dermatology

(205) 978-3336

2470 Rocky Ridge Road

bhamdermatology.com

Skin Care

Our Skin Bar Boutique carries many lines including EltaMD, SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals, CeraVe, St Tropez, Revision, Latisse, and more. The Skin Bar is open during business hours and you do not need an appointment to shop for your skin care products or gifts. Gift certificates are also available.

We are taking every precaution necessary to keep you and us safe during this time.

l to r: Katie Tuck, Dr. Scarlette Smith, Dr. Julie Harper, Rebecca Edwards

What Are Some Ideas To Lively Up Your Living Spaces?

We asked 3 local designers for their suggestions.

Tiny Treasure in the Bath

When you have less than 5’ x 8’ to work with, the key is to use special materials and lots of glass. Blue mosaic is it!! My client fell in love with Fan Clue in Blue Ombré by Artistic tile. We designed the whole space around it. Watery, hand-hewn tiles from Pratt & Larson complete the scheme. Since the house is a 1920s Tudor, we repeated an old-fashioned tile wainscot with a fresh interpretation. Removing the old shower walls and replacing it with a simple glass enclosure completely opened up the space.

~ SARAH JERNIGAN

A Cozy Nook

Having a study is a luxury now in the days of open floor plans. If you can, create a space thats small, cozy and intimate. It will be the place where everyone gravitates!

~ SHEA BRYARS

A Bit More Interesting in the Kitchen

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

“The love of heaven makes one heavenly.”

We loved the idea of making this all white kitchen a bit more interesting with a custom hood, fabulous range, sculptural faucet and most importantly, beautiful marble. Some may be afraid to use a material with a lot of movement and contrast, but this Calacatta Viola makes a statement and dramatically changes the look of this space.

~ AG DESIGN

In the Nursery

For a nursery, I think it’s most important that you can block light so little ones can nap easily during the daylight hours. It’s always fun to celebrate a new life in a beautiful room.

~ SHEA BRYARS

The Guest Bedroom

The most important thing you can do in a guest bedroom, is to make sure its not an after-thought. Give as much attention to it as you would the rest of the bedrooms in your home. After all, these are the people you love enough to let them stay with you.

~ SHEA BRYARS

I

5 HEALTHY HABITS TO START AT HOME for

Body, Mind, and Spirit

by: Emily Burwell

t’s everywhere you look. How to exercise, how to eat, what vitamins to take, how to meditate. The list goes on. We all know how vital it is to create healthy habits, but doing them daily can be a challenge. Starting at home can be an excellent way to start. Just by making small changes to your daily routine can create habits that can be life-changing. My neighbor who is in her mid-nineties still walks every day. Form

1. MAKE YOUR BED

This is my number one because it sets the tone for the rest of the day. You are more likely to be productive because you have accomplished something before breakfast. Plus, seeing a clean tidy room just makes you feel better.

2. HYDRATE

Drink plenty of water!! Most of the time when you think you are hungry you are really dehydrated. Water is so crucial. If you want your body to function at its best it needs to be hydrated. Hydration improves brain performance, energy, mood, decreased joint pain, weight management. The list goes on…..If you see me around town 99% of the time I have a water bottle in my hand.

3. MOVE

Try to sit less and move more. If you work from home, a stand up desk is great. Reduce your screen time. Now with daylight savings you don’t have an excuse. Go for a walk after work or do yard work. I am always sore after cutting the grass or pulling weeds. You don’t have to have a gym to get in shape.

4. PRACTICE SELF CAREMENTALLY & PHYSICALLY

Take time each day for YOU. Maybe that is reading, writing in a journal, prayer, calling a friend. Also remember you have only one body. Be aware of how you treat it. Whether it is food or drink, make wise decisions.

5. SLEEP

This is so important. It’s VERY difficult to do any of the above if you are sleep deprived. That is when the bad decisions kick in. Try to go to bed and get up around the same time daily. I always tell clients it is OK to skip a workout in the morning if you didn’t sleep enough. Listen to your body.

ADVENTURES IN

DIETING

by: Megan Underwood (self described Diet Addict)

IS ALCOHOL KEEPING YOU FROM YOUR GOALS?

Here’s what I know: an intentional nutrition and exercise plan is absolutely essential in order to reach any and every physical/body goal. Surgeries, supplements, and science can come and go but this truth will remain. You cannot quick-fix or magic-pill your way into your ideal bod.

You know this, too, because if you’re even similar to me (and the majority of America, I would be willing to bet), you have rallied your cautious-optimism to trump your common-sensibility and ordered the pill or powder that promised 60 days to sexy, or your money back. No shame or hate. It sounds dreamy.

Here’s what else I know: even with the most disciplined, dedicated diet and the most rigid, rigorous exercise regimen, there are certain, albeit annoying, inexorable laws of nature that must be observed in order to achieve desirable progress within a desirable, reasonable timeframe - and with one’s sanity in tact.

One such annoying nature-law is the hindrance of alcohol consumption on bod-prog.

Hear me: I enjoy a skinny marg as much as the next mid-life mom, and I am more than willing to put in a few extra miles in order to enjoy round two without much regret. But I’ve come to find that no amount of calorie-counting, or minutes on the stair-climber can compensate for the negative effects alcohol is likely to have on your progress.

My story goes that I hit a wall - found myself on what felt like a perpetual plateau that I could not break through with my calculated reverse diets and workout change-ups. Eliminating alcohol from my equations was a last-resort. I was ready and willing to go and do and give up whatever (short of my quality of life or thousands of dollars for surgical intervention). It was a simple solution, and my readiness made it a painless execution.

Here’s what I know that I know: I am sleeping better; I am waking up easier; I am maintaining energy, stamina, and focus throughout the day; I am eating cleaner and more intentionally (without a super strict diet); I am killing it in the gym; I am sporting healthier-looking hair and skin, and less bags and circles; I have dropped a size and several pounds (plateau-shamteau), and generally feel amazing. Hashtag worth it.

Emily Burwell, 47 is the mother of two boys and has been a certified personal and fitness trainer for over 22 years specializing in cycle, weight training, HIIT training, core classes, water aerobics.

the habits now and they can last a lifetime!

Looking for compassionate, personalized care for women’s health?

As a woman, you have unique care needs that change over time. You know yourself best and know when something is different with your body. That’s why every visit with a doctor at Ascension St. Vincent’s starts with a compassionate conversation. Listening to your concerns helps your doctor get to know and understand you, to deliver the care that’s right for you.

Our doctors provide:

• Annual well-woman visits

• Screenings, including mammograms, Pap tests, colonoscopies and low-dose CT lung scans

• Heart care, including screenings, diagnostics and monitoring

• OB care, including OB emergency care, lactation consultants, maternal-fetal medicine, and NICUs where mom can be close to her baby while they both receive advanced care

Getting the care you need should be easy. And at Ascension St. Vincent’s, you can make an appointment that fits your schedule. We have flexible hours, same-day and next-day care and virtual visits when you need them.

Our

facilities are currently taking precautions to help keep patients and visitors safe, which may include conducting screenings, restricting visitors, masking in areas of high community transmission and practicing distancing for compassionate, safe care. We continuously monitor COVID-19 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and adjust our safety practices and safeguards accordingly.

6 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

by Christen Bond at Ray & Poynor- the top producer for Quarter 4, 2022.

Are you expecting your home to sell over asking? Or waiting for the housing market to crash before you make a move? Here are some of the most common misconceptions about the real estate market today.

BUYER MISCONCEPTIONS

1. You need a 20% down payment. Having the spare capital to put down 20% is great but certainly not required. There are programs where you need as little as 3.5% down (or less) and some of the closing costs can be covered too.

2. You should wait until home prices fall to buy a home.

Buying a home right now seems risky, but waiting has its risks too. There’s no guarantee prices will fall significantly. If you’re renting, you’re facing some of the fastest growth in rental rates on record. Then there is the issue of inventory. Since many homeowners refinanced their mortgage rate at historically low levels they aren’t interested in moving anytime soon. As long as inventory remains low, prices will likely flatten over time instead of dropping significantly.

3. Getting pre-approved will hurt your credit. Pre-qualification is a soft hit on your credit causing absolutely no impact. However, applying for pre-approval can drop your score one to five points. Multiple pulls in a short period of time are considered one hard hit. If you’re shopping for mortgages, do so within a two-week window to lessen the impact.

SELLER MISCONCEPTIONS

4. List at a higher price for bargaining room. On average, homes will bring real market price. Asking that plus 10% is more likely to cause the home to stay on the market longer, generate less activity and interest, and ultimately sell for less than the market price. However, a lower-priced home will attract more attention. In a competitive housing market, this could lead to interested buyers striving to outbid one another for the home. The end result could be getting offers for more than you asked for in the list price.

5. You’ll recoup all of your home improvement costs.

Yikes. Don’t expect to see a 100% return on your remodeling investment. That said, some upgrades can add significant value to the price of your home. The most recent analysis by the National Association of Realtors cited refinishing hardwood floors, installing hardwood floors, and upgrading insulation returned100% or more of their cost. However, adding a new primary bedroom suite only offers a return of 56% of the cost.

6. List your home with a “neighborhood expert”.

Work with an agent whose process will attract as many professional agents as possible with the most qualified buyers for your home. Over 43% of buyers begin their home search online. For the most part, the neighborhood expert markets their properties the exact same way a non-expert does. The real difference in agents that matters tremendously is in their professionalism, intelligence and responsiveness. Interview more than one agent and find out what sets them apart from your “neighborhood expert.”

If you have any questions, please call or message me at (205) 612-9432 or cbond@raypoynor.com. >

what you thought a bank could be.

To achieve your financial goals, you need more than just a bank. You need a partner. Someone to complete the picture with the tools and experience to get you where you want to go.

That’s who we are – focused on your individual needs and committed to success through strong personal relationships. That kind of one-to-one connection might not be what you’d expect from a bank, but it’s exactly what you can expect from us. Banking beyond expectation.

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK

The Cornerstone Schools of Alabama Junior Board hosted the 18th Annual Schoolhouse Rock at Regions Field. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, live music, event games and giveaways! Tickets included complimentary beer, wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Lisa Cates, Laura Lee Charles, Meredith Carter, Jordan Sawyer

Kelsey Stivers, Claire Casetta

Carlin Jones, Lindsey Dunn

Destiny French, Jamie Smith, Linley Hansen, Alyssa Moore, Taylor Fowler, Lacey Abney, Lydia Abney

Walker Sewell, Ann Matthews

Justin and Nicole Hays, Kayla McKay, Jordan Stone

William Snow, Ann Compton, Mary Laurel Patrick, Carson Smith

Jayden Maddix, Alyssa Glen

What Are the 4 Most Efficient Acne Treatments?

Dr. Holly Gunn at Gunn Dermatology discusses the best ways to achieve clear skin.

Acne is a menacing cycle. It brings stress and anxiety, which in turn brings more acne. When normal hygiene and eating habits don’t do the trick, it isn’t time to throw in the towel on having healthier skin. Professional skincare experts, like Gunn Dermatology, make it their mission to treat acne in ways that are gentle and uplifting to our skin. Here are a few of the most impactful approaches.

The latest in acne treatment technology is here and it goes by TheraClearX. This stress-free process, which combines laser and suction technology, provides notable results as early as the second treatment, with around 6 treatments spaced out every one to two weeks being the recommended timetable for most patients. This treatment can be used on the face, chest, and back.

Hydrafacials are the perfect deep cleansing solution for all your facial concerns. The three-part process begins with the deep clean, followed by a light suction of pores and the application of a nourishing moisturizer, and ends with an infusion of antioxidants and peptides. Hydrafacials provide immediate acne relief such as extracting black heads while setting us up for more clear skin long term. The process only takes 30 minutes and can be done as often as the client wishes. Dr. Gunn recommends making it a part of your monthly skincare check-ins.

PERSONALIZED SKINCARE REGIMENS

The key here is personalized. Every person’s body is unique, and the treatments required to address what is ailing us often need to be just as diverse. Personalized skincare regimens let specialists find the best combination of prescription and medical grade treatments for each individual acne scenario. Scheduling an appointment with a skincare professional is the best way to begin this process.

Iconic IPL Photofacial, which is also referred to as Intense Pulse Light or Photorejuvenation, is the industry standard when it comes to reducing pigmentation in our skin - including redness caused from acne. IPL can also address rough skin texture. This easy process only takes 5 minutes to complete, with doctors recommending 3 to 5 sessions spaced one month apart for most patients.

Acne can be stressful, but there are plenty of solutions available to keep your skin clear. Working with a professional is the best way to find what works best for you. If you have any questions visit Dr. Gunn in Crestline on Church St or her newest location in Lane Parke. You can also reach her at gunndermatology.com or (205) 415-7536.

FERGUSON BATH, KITCHEN AND LIGHTING GALLERY (205) 254-3454

At Ferguson Showrooms we know creating the home of your dreams is an exciting process, and we help keep it that way. From our product selections made easy with the largest selection of latest and greatest products to our one-on-one consultation experience provided via scheduled appointment, along with our builder outside sales team we can help create a fabulous experience from beginning to end. Contact our showroom today to begin the home of your dreams!

fergusonshowrooms.com

Every medium is an exciting adventure for the inspiring artistsomething new to be explored. As DeBuys continues to push in new directions, she stays rooted in the love for art that has always been a part of her life.

“My dad is a woodworker. I grew up in his woodshop helping him do stuff and learning about woodworking at a very young ageprobably too young of an age to be around heavy machinery,” DeBuys recalls. Her dad was also a sign painter who eventually founded a woodworking school. It’s safe to say his impact could be felt on Emily at an early age while growing up in Chattanooga. She would eventually move off to college to pursue art in her favorite mediummetal-smithing.

“I was a metalsmithing and jewelry design major  in college at Appalachian State,” DeBuys explains of her art history, “I moved to Birmingham right after college and started a jewelry design and metalsmithing company called Alchemy Design.” The business was a success, but Emily soon learned that metalsmithing was such a joy that she didn’t want to mix it with business. This revelation led her to become an elementary school art teacher while continuing to enjoy her crafts on the side.

Ever-Evolving

Meet Emily DeBuys. the Ever-Evolving Artist

Creativity has always been a part of Emily DeBuys’s life, but it hasn’t always looked the same. The talented creator has pursued everything from woodworking and metal-smithing to watercolors and sign-making.

Home Hunting

The checkerboard design was inspired by the home owner’s grandmother’s home, where she fondly remembers playing in her childhood. Painted floors add more warmth than tile or marble and can transform a space with just one or two colors and a bold design. Although painting floors has been around for decades or even centuries, they have recently had a renaissance in many homes across the design spectrum.

The next big shift occurred when Emily had kids. Her favorite type of metalworking dealt with toxins that she didn’t want to be around while pregnant or with small children, but she still felt drawn to creating while at the house with her children. “Making art is completely natural to me. I just do it whether I want to or not. It’s something that I’ve taught myself how to do - like the two-dimensional artwork,” DeBuys shares, “I studied all three-dimensional stuff in college so it was born from the necessity of being in the house and kids and needing to do something creative and make art. So I taught myself how to watercolor. I do acrylic. I do murals. The floor projects that I’ve done several of are just because somebody trusted me.”

top left: One-of-a-kind walls are just one element of all that Emily DeBuys does.

top right: Whether she is painting watercolor gummy bear candy or abstract acrylic paintings on canvas, her sense of whimsy is ever present - many times adding tiny hidden ants and insects among her paintings for clients to find on their own. She likes to refer to herself as a sort of alchemist when talking about making art since it is defined as a person who transforms or creates something through a seemingly magical process.

left: For this mural, Emily worked with friend and client Tena Ajlouny to design a bold accent wall in her teen daughter’s room. She used colors from the existing bedding to create a coordinated palette that adds dimension and texture to the space.

As one of Emily’s favorite professors loved to say, being an artist is actually being a problem solver. How to bring light into a painting? How to put beauty in the world? How to change your approach from acrylic to watercolors? The answer to the last question is that the highlights come first in watercolor, something Emily perfected while working on her hyper-realistic bug paintings. “It was mainly practice but people like them, so I sell them,” DeBuys muses.

A canvas is far from the only thing that Emily has painted on. Her father was also a skilled signmaker, and taught her the art at an early age. She can also be found painting in people’s homes more than ever.

“I’ve done several murals and painted people’s walls instead of them putting up wallpaper so that they are one-of-a-kind walls. I started doing that a while ago when a designer that I know - Lisa Blake - decided to paint her floors she said ‘You can do this for me, right?’” DeBuys recalls, “It turned out beautifully and it couldn’t have been any better and she’s since had me do some of her client’s floors. That’s become a whole different arm of my artwork just from taking that one chance.

If there are two truths that Emily can center herself around it is that art is problem solving and that anyone can do it. Finding beauty in everyday things is a gift that we can all possess. “The reason I named my jewelry design business Alchemy Design was because the idea that taking something that is trash, no good, useless material and making it something beautiful has always been appealing to me,” DeBuys shares, “That’s why taking a bug that most people wouldn’t think twice about stepping on, killing, spraying, and not seeing the beauty in it, to taking it and painting it and spending so much time and effort to make it beautiful.”

DeBuys sees a growing creative scene in the city around herespecially amongst women artists and business owners - and is excited to be a part. “Having grown up in Chattanooga and seeing the artist community grow so exponentially from my childhood to adolescence was really inspiring to see,” Emily shares, “I see it happening in Birmingham slowly, but surely. Maybe I just didn’t know as many people, but I feel there is an exciting creative community that has grown in the last ten years.”

There has been a lot of growth in the Magic City, and nobody has explored the different methods quite like Emily DeBuys.

You can see more of Emily’s work on her instagram account: @ e.debuys.art.

Watercolor bugs are among the most recent artistic challenges that DeBuys has mastered.

by:

What Enamel Shaping Could Do for Your Smile.

Koch Aesthetic Dentistry shares insights on this simple procedure.

WHAT IS ENAMEL SHAPING?

Enamel shaping is a dental procedure that provides detailed adjustments to the patient’s teeth in a quick and stress-free manner. Enamel is the harder, outer shell of our teeth. It can often be chipped or become rough which leads to discomfort and sometimes pain in the mouth. Experts like those in Birmingham at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry are the best resource for enamel shaping needs and questions, but there are plenty of things we can research at home before scheduling an appointment. Here are a few of the most important things to know.

WHAT IT TREATS

Enamel shaping addresses most minor tooth imperfections. This includes structural, coloring, and other common concerns such as:

- Chips on the tooth

- Small overcrowding concerns

- Uneven teeth

- Rounding off teeth

- Stained teeth

- Filing down teeth that are too long

If the dental concern can be treated by items that don’t require anesthesia, there is a good chance that enamel shaping is the quickest way to address it.

WHAT DOES ENAMEL SHAPING LOOK LIKE?

Enamel shaping uses a variety of tools (depending on the needs of the patient) to fix dental anomalies in a way that is without stress and pain. Fine diamond burs, sanding strips, and sanding disks are used to shape the tooth and remove rough spots without impacting the entire tooth. Only the outermost layer of the tooth is impacted, which leaves the target area healthy while also creating a brighter smile.

STARTING THE PROCESS

Enamel shaping is a non-invasive procedure that is also among the most cost-effective options in dentistry. One of the biggest decisions in the process isn’t whether you should or not, but finding the dentist that has experience and understands the vision you want for your smile. Free virtual consultations make for easy discussions with experts in your area. Enamel shaping is in the arsenal of tools that dental professionals have to perfect your smile and those who’ve spent decades in the business are ready to determine what’s best for you and communicate with you to make the entire process an enjoyable one.

Koch Aesthetics offers FREE VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS.

And, initial consultations can be done via video. Simply visit kochaesthetics.com and click FREE

Dr. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry

ROAR JAMES BOND GALA

Radiation Oncology Accelerated Research (ROAR) hosted its annual James Bond Gala at The Club. The event featured a sit-down dinner and a live and silent auction. This event raises money for cancer research. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Dawn and Clinton Woods

Alan and Paige Briggs

Ronnie and Kelsey Hollingsworth

Lindsay Fincher

Shannon Cooley, Holly Gun, Maddie Holmes, Julie Kim, Sara Kim, Rebecca Swann, Mona Stephens

Rebecca Swann, Audrey Cox

Brock Colvin, Grace Newcombe

Home Hunting

Most Expensive Homes Sold This Year

Take a look inside the highest priced sold homes in the local market.

Shook Hill Road

6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths

What to Know:

Elegant estate on 8+ acres with no detail overlooked! Drawn by well-known Birmingham architect, this home welcomes you in with charm, thoughtful details and rooms designed to live in, as well as, entertain.

Completed in 2007, this one of a kind home boasts 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths, infinity edge pool and a separate garage with storage for 9 cars. In addition, the garage houses a separate bar area that opens out to the pool deck plus another half bath.

$6,500,000 1

Salisbury Road

5 bedrooms, 6 full, 2 half baths

What to Know:

No expense was spared in its 1927 construction. The four owners of this special home have taken excellent care of the property while providing modern updates & amenity along the way; there are treasures to be found for a lifetime. The hand carved doors, painted murals, original crests & tray ceilings were all done in the 1920’s by Italian artisans from Florence. The exquisite dining room & Italian marble take your breath away, as does the great hall, and grand staircase with an expertly crafted iron banister. The coveted master bedroom & closet, the modern marble encased kitchen, & an extravagant pool with a pool house (full kitchen, bath, den, & theater room) are all a feast for the eyes.

2 $4,400,000

Home Hunting

Overhill Road

6 bedrooms, 7 full baths

What to Know:

Luxury home with stunning view located in tin Mountain Brook. 8,110 Sq. Ft. of living on the main and upper floors on 1.39 acres of beautifully landscaped property. Spacious master suite, gourmet chefs kitchen with stone counter tops and top of the line appliance, beautiful living room with gas fireplace.

3

$3,600,000

Augusta Way

6 bedrooms, 9 full baths

What to Know:

Located on prestigious Shoal Creek Golf & Country Club on 3.4 Acre private estate lot. 180 Degree Views of golf course, mountains & courtyard. This private compound is an architecture triumph that redefines luxury living boasting 10,000sf over 3 levels with 6 bedroom & 9 baths. Open concept floor plan offers every amenity with an array of richly appointed features and materials 2 kitchens with quartz countertops, high-end appliances, built-in Gaggenau fridge/freezer, wine cooler, double ovens & 2 dishwashers along with a scullery with Gaggenau espresso maker and microwave.

4

$3,150,000 5

$3,150,000

Forest Glen Drive

4 bedrooms, 5 full, 1 half bath

What to Know:

Timeless elegant home located on approximately two acres, this renovated home has no detail left unturned. Entering the house you are welcomed by a large formal living room with a butlers pantry attached featuring an indoor grill, Scotsman ice machine, full height

Sub-Zero wine and beverage refrigerator, and beautiful leaded glass cabinets. The kitchen opens to a cozy living area and casual dining. The large bedrooms have renovated bathrooms with Waterworks fixtures and high end cabinetry and tile. The master bedroom is located on the first floor overlooking the pool. Above the garage is a great bonus area for a playroom, guest quarters, and office space.

205-296-2323

205-296-2323

725 Hoadley Drive

2625 Highland Ave. Unit #502

Finding Balance

In my experience, there is genuine truth in “the harder you work; the luckier you get”. I am extremely grateful to be a business owner and even more grateful for my two wonderful boys and sweet baby girl on the way.

Being a small business owner allows me the flexibility to make my schedule fit my family. This has been a game-changer for my family unit. In addition, I have an amazing support system that surrounds me daily. My childcare during my time away from home makes it so much easier to be away when work calls. My incredible teams at Nicole Roby Designs and Rome Curate lift me. A wise mentor once told me I should elevate others and surround myself with those that do the same. I have held this truth close to my heart as I approach the blessings of being a mother as well as the privilege of being a small business owner.

Modern Sensibility

AN ECONOMICAL WAY TO PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE

We tend to view what’s most economical as simply the bottom line, but being time savvy and thoughtful in your purchases should also be considered. Investing in pieces that are truly a reflection of you and your family is my advice, and we hope to make that task a bit easier with Rome Curate. Rome Curate is a luxury lifestyle brand of custom home furnishings and décor that inspires a sense of easy elegance for homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. Our mission is to provide a curated collection for customers which saves them time and money when searching for those special items to create their unique home aesthetic.

Local designer, Nicole Roby is the mother of two with another one of the way.

She

has

a

full-service

luxury interior design firm recognized for blending layers of natural elements to create classic, memorable interiors infused with a modern sensibility. We asked her about balancing work with family and her new business-Rome Curate.

Nicole Roby in her kitchen

Alabama the Beautiful

photos by: Madyson Chambers

We asked Mountain Brook resident, and California native, Amy Johnson, to tell us how she worked with Cross Building Company to make her home a reflection of her life and style.

We wanted our master bath to feel like it was part of the outdoors. We carried the firerock that we used on the pool deck and patio onto the bathroom floor to make it feel like it is one unified space. The nano wall is our favorite feature of the bathroom, which completely pulls open to make you feel like you’re outside. There’s a mirror-tique made diamond pattern distressed mirror on the back of the shower, and we selected Calacatta Gold marble.

of the reasons we fell in love with this house was the neighborhood. The houses are situated further back on spacious lots that show off larger front yards and beautiful mature trees. We wanted to capitalize on this feature by switching the front doors to iron and glass so that the front yard became something we could see throughout the day. Growing up in Southern California, the outdoors and indoors tend to merge together, so I am always looking for ways to bring the outside in. I also love the contrast of the industrial iron and glass of the new doors with the overall traditional style of the home. Our designer, Kate Hartman, designed the doors and a local metal fabricator, Iron Horse Metalworks, built and installed the doors with our Contractor Cross Building Co. We love the open flow from the outdoors to the foyer and how it is reflected back by the large distressed mirror by a local company called Mirror-tique. The artwork on the console is by our favorite local artist, Emily Debuys. The paneled screen on the other wall was passed down to us from my husband’s parents.

Home Hunting

The black and white powder room was done by the previous owner. The wallpaper is Queen of Spain by Schumacher. The former owner left a framed vintage picture of Mick Jagger posing in his apartment with the same Queen of Spain wallpaper in this bathroom for us. The other pictures in the bathroom are vintage Hollywood pictures that I have collected, including a picture of the Chateau Marmont, which is where my husband and I stayed the night of our wedding.

The wet bar in the den was in the house when we bought it and we love how it is somewhat of a surprise to discover.  When the doors are closed, it is easily overlooked and assumed to be a closet. It is always fun to pull them open and turn on the lighting, which instantly transforms the entire room. There is even a (somewhat) hidden door to a liquor cabinet. We recently added the beautiful wallpaper and glass shelves to lighten up the space and add more contrast and visual interest.

We wanted to create a shared space for the kids to play, read, watch TV, draw, etc so we finished some attic space and popped in a dormer to create a playroom. We have 2 boys and 2 girls that range from 3-10 years old so our playroom contains a mix of items that appeal to their diverse interests. The chalkboard wall with a pull-down projector screen is probably their favorite part of the room. ¶ The playroom door is a neat feature. We built a Dutch door, added a shelf and painted it a fun accent color. It allows for us to keep an eye on what’s happening in the playroom while keeping small kids and dogs contained on either side - not to mention a fun “storefront” when the kids hold movie night or want to charge us for admission to one of their shows. They also love to use it as a pretend drive up window. ¶ We spend so much time in our homes - we deserve to make them something we love being in.

top left: When we discovered a leak in the plumbing in the boys’ bathroom, we decided to take advantage of having to open up several walls and go for a full remodel. With two growing boys that will likely be tall (their dad is 6’7”!), we decided to pull out the bathtub and replace it with a floor to ceiling shower to give them more space. We converted a linen closet to drawers that are flush to the wall, which makes the space infinitely more functional and organized. We built the double trough sink countertop finishing out the space.

top right: We’ve focused the majority of our energy and efforts in our house on the bones and structure of the home. Having four young kids has made us hesitant to invest a lot in furniture. We have therefore held on to the furniture we have accumulated over the years and have tried our best to make the pieces work in the spaces we have created. We painted the room a darker shade to make it cozier and intentionally left the floor bare to show off the original parquet floors.

matt@crossbuildingcompany.com

FOUNDATION BALL

The Rotaract Club of Birmingham hosted the Black & White Ball at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Known as the city’s premier young professionals event, Foundation Ball supports the Club’s signature service projects and serves as the most memorable night of the year. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Katlyn and Mark Caldwell

William Gray, Emily Gray, Nancy Gray, Brad Gray

Bailey Edge, Breanna Meeks

Lauren Huston, Sarah Hale, Allison Hanby, McKenzie Meade, Denzel Okinedo, Blake Thomas

Tonjula Carey, Raven Guest

Caroline Kaiser, Madison Cummings

GRACE GALA

The Grace Gala benefits The WellHouse operations and was a time to celebrate the restoration and redemption of human trafficking victims. Guests joined together for live music, dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. They were able to learn more about how The WellHouse is aiding the fight against human trafficking. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Abby, Chloe, Crystal MacKenzie Dean, Lauren Powers

Brad Lolley, Emmie Stutz

Anne Margaret Smith, Will and Amelia Spires

Andrew and Katelyn

BREWOLOGY

Brewology, a Mardi Gras-themed food and beer pairing experience took place during Restaurant Week. This event combined the tastes and flavors of New Orleans with Ghost Train Brewing Co. at their brand-new location on First Avenue South! To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Dave Tyler, Audrey Pannell

Shea Dougherty, Mindy Roher

Cole and Rachel Litaker

Abbie Oney, Nicole Adkins

Haden and Jana Shelton

Hillary Weiss resides in Mountain Brook with her husband Ryan and two daughters Lilly and Emma. Hillary’s expertise in the real estate industry, combined with her knowledge of Mountain Brook, makes her an ideal choice for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in this upscale community.

Hillary’s love for traveling and LAH’s new connection to Sotheby’s has allowed her to appreciate the unique features of different cities and neighborhoods, giving her a broader perspective and enhancing her ability to help clients find their dream homes.

HILLARY WEISS hillaryw@lahrealestate.com 205-876-3052

PHOENIX BALL 2023

The 2023 Phoenix Ball took place at Iron City. The Phoenix Club of Birmingham provides a developmental opportunity for young professional men to become social, business, and philanthropic leaders. It supports the mission of the Boys and Girls Club and further seeks to impact the direction of our community’s youth through fundraising and interaction. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Caroline Fort, Abby Johnston

Lauren Smith, Reb Crown, Ensley Craven

Mary Grace Sprayberry, Callie Kyzar, Natalie Sowers, Anna Lee, Elizabeth Zolman

Ellis Godwin and Lauren Valeriano

Hunter Custard, Will Bouton

Charlotte Mcrae, Blythe Woods

Tyler and Brooke Carter

Mary Grace Sprayberry, Brad Prosch

Alice Kidd, Emmy Dawsey

JAZZ CAT BALL

As the largest annual fundraiser for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, proceeds from the Jazz Cat Ball are vital to providing services such as health care, shelter, food, and socialization for thousands of homeless, abused, and neglected animals who find hope and help through the GBHS

Kathryn Wallwork, Kylie Peerson, Tricia Walwork, Deepa Bhate

Alyssa Moore, Melissa Graham, Lydia Abney

Mary Alice Kline, Adam Kline

Mary John Blevins

Paige and John Hedrick

Janet and Matt Lusco, Kate Phillips

MARDI GRAS ON THE MOUNTAIN

Mardi Gras on the Mountain is Easterseals of the Birmingham Area’s annual fundraising event at The Club. This year’s presenting sponsor is Zyne Family Foundation. With our nine-piece live band, you will feel like you have stepped into Mardi Gras right here in Birmingham! To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Jud and Angela Golson

John Woycke, Shandra Bozeman

Sam Kniskern, Anna Hudson, Caroline Bloom, Lizzy Urrutia

Grant Morgan, Ann Marie Geiger, Frances Jones, Hannah McRight

Sarah and Marshall Griffin

A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS

Mitchell’s Place hosted the 17th Annual A Night at the Oscars Gala. Guests walked the red carpet, bid on unique auction items, enjoyed live music by Emerald Empire Band, feasted on dinner from Tre LunaCatering, and raised their paddles for the live auction, all in support of Mitchell’s Place. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Hayden Appell

Miranda and Jeremy Cranfield

Brynn Horsley, Lauren Groover

Tori Chappell, Meredith Carter, Savanna Buckley, Kristen Honeycutt

Brian and Jill Murphy

Baylee Clark, Abby Clark

LETTERMEN OF THE USA ONE YARD AT A TIME GALA

Lettermen of the USA hosted the 4th Annual “One Yard at a Time Gala” at The Club. Guests had the opportunity to meet and celebrate with military heroes, former college professional football players, and coaches all with the purpose of raising money to help our veterans in need.

To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Amanda Johnson, Bobby Borders

Shannon Harris, Theresa Manry

Angie Boland, Lisa Jarvis

Chris and Kim Smith, Alan Cook

Carla Holoman, Alesia Jones

VALENTINES IN THE VILLAGE

Valentines in the Village took place on February 13th at ARC Realty in Mountain Brook. The event featured an exclusive wine tasting event with Novi Wine & Vineyard, Alabama’s premier hybrid French Wine. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Brett and Kristie Taylor

Beth and Matt Perrine

William and Keely Culpepper, Krisalyn and Walter Crye, Chad and Janet Richey

Thomas and Georganne Perrine, Corey and Jim Walker

WINEOLOGY

Birmingham Restaurant Week (BRW)’s signature event, Wineology, took place at Avenue D, one of Birmingham’s newest venues. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Heather Austin, Sherrill Holland, Carol Reyes

Hannah Pelt, Brandi Holt

Gabby Gervais, Lauryn Stinson

Ryleigh Esco, Sarah Grace Pugh, Ashley Gooden, Audrey Pannell

James and Megan Thomas

YOUTH OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama’s premier youth leadership program, honoring extraordinary young people and their achievements in leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. The Youth of the Year title is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon a young person, representing the voice of Boys & Girls Club youth across Central Alabama. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Kelli Armstrong, George Armstrong, Andrea Halsey, Tony Halsey

Tom and Hunter Chapman

Kaittlin Aikerson, Cheyenne Posey, Lucas Storey, Logan Towery, Kaleya Hines, Lauren Jackson

Brooke Ferrell, Kaitlyn Walton

credit: Katherine Horton Photography

PINK PALACE CASINO NIGHT

Attendees went all in for breast cancer research at Pink Palace Casino Night benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA)! An elegant evening of food and Vegas-style fun, Pink Palace Casino night featured favorite casino games like blackjack, poker, roulette, craps and slots. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Nikki Barnett, Allie, Tricia Braddock, Morgan Sullivan

Mason Kruse, Haley Hogue

Virginia Davidson, Amy Dowdy, Valerie Castin, Len Crowder

David Sarver, Lee Matthews

Walter Brown, Samantha Sims

SWEETWATER OUTREACH

This event benefitted Sweetwater Outreach’s future projects, including the Water for Schools project, which provides water access and purification to schools in Kenya. Sweetwater Outreach also introduced its Adopta-School program, which went live at the event. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Madeline DeBuys, Kody Massner

Jordan and Cameron Lapierre, Jordan McManaway

Savannah Day, John Ahn

Ann Boswell and Ethan Boswell, Jessica and Alex Schaedel, Danny and Shauna Burrows

Emily Williamson, Chelsea Pritchett

Wade and Emma Jones

ARTBLINK

The 38th annual ArtBLINK Gala was back in person at the Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital! ArtBLINK is the primary fundraiser for the Advisory Board of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. Nineteen local artists created original works of art in 90 minutes at the event—in the blink of an eye! Patrons had the opportunity to bid on these original works by way of silent auction. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Lisa McCrary, Garland Darden

Webster Ray, Clay Ratcliffe

Spencer and Rushton Feagin

David and Megan Wise, Brandy and Beau Bradford

Britt and Chuck Redden

Knowing Our Customers

What Sets Us Apart and Brought Us Together

In March 2021, Hollywood Pools acquired Alabama Gaslight & Grill, a 52 year old company that offered gas and charcoal grills, lighting, and fireplace products and accessories. In early 2022, the companies completed a rebranding with the help of Scout Branding. Hollywood Outdoor Living, the name chosen during the rebrand process, reflects the company’s new identity and sustains its legacy of providing luxury pools, spas, lighting, logs, grills, and furniture. They remain a leader in the pool service business throughout the greater Birmingham area..

Even with its recent growth and changes, Hollywood Outdoor Living maintains its commitment to being a service-oriented organization that provides regular maintenance and repair services on pools and spas and offers many types of chemicals and cleaning supplies.

With these two companies combined, Hollywood’s retail offerings include luxury outdoor furniture like Lloyd Flanders, Peak Season and Breezesta. They also carry Sundance Spas and Big Green Egg as well as grills and fire pits by Modern Home Products (MHP), Smokin’ Brothers, and Goldens’ Cast Iron. Hollywood Outdoor Living also stocks grilling accessories and natural lump charcoal, spices and seasonings, fresh wood chips and chunks to make your cooking experience unique and fun! Their gas logs and fireplace burner product lines include Monessen and Rasmussen, and they offer gas and electric lighting by Everglow, St. James, and Legendary Lighting.

CEO, Steve Mote, has lived in the Birmingham area since 1976. Steve and his wife, Michelle Mote, live in Highland Park, but they can frequently be found hanging around in local restaurants or spending time with their kids and grandkids. In their free time, they enjoy bird hunting across the Southeast and deep sea fishing in Perdido Key, Florida.

Hollywood Outdoor Living (Hollywood Pools) was founded in 1986 at its original location on Hollywood Boulevard. As a family-owned business, Hollywood takes pride in knowing their customers, selling high quality products, and offering reliable pool and spa services.

Specializing in the best options for outdoor living. Your Green Egg and griling headquarters. The area’s best selection of pools and hot tubs.

SHAMROCK SHINDIG

Guests joined The Arc for a wee bit of fun and celebration in Shamrock fashion! Hosted by The Arc of Central Alabama’s Junior Board, guests enjoyed the usual food, drinks, great live music, photo booth, balloon drop with prizes, and grand prize drawing. All proceeds from the Shamrock Shindig went to support The Arc of Central Alabama, Alabama’s largest provider of services for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To see the rest of the pictures click the code.

Jennifer Destefano, Vanessa Williams, Linley Salmon

Sara and Charlie Horton

Mario Stan, Hayley Hughes

Evan Godfrey, Hannah Hughes, Scott Hughes, Cameron Tomberlin, Cameron Baubach

Jamie Vick, Hadley Singfield

Sama Halima, Sam Laughlin, Christine Pashin

GOOD TASTE GOOD TASTE

By: Scott Atkinson , Wine Manager at PIGGLY WIGGLY IN CRESTLINE

4 Great Spring Selections

Spring has sprung, and it is wonderful. As the Indigo Girls said, “There’s something ‘bout the Southland in the Springtime.” We hope that you find these wines as delightful and delicious as we do. So open the windows, your mind, one of the bottles listed on this page, and your heart as you watch the smoke from your grill or firepit drift up into the great expanse. You might feel lucky, but you should. You deserve it.

As a father and husband, bearing witness to the changing of seasons has brought clarity through the years. Spring despite being unpredictable has a simplicity in essence. I suggest on the eve of one of those long hot afternoons, to sit back to enjoy Chateau des Demoiselles’ Rose. No matter where you are, take in the beauty of spring and pretend, you’re taking a sip in Provence!

When I think about Spring, my first thought is about renewal and growth. I decided to pick a wine that to me symbolizes rebirth. The pop of a champagne bottle is synonymous with laughter and enjoyment. The feeling of the millions of tiny bubbles signifying possibilities of a hopeful unwritten destiny. So, for those special moments no matter how big or small, gather your friends and loved ones to rejoice accomplishments accompanied by the perfect gift of Pol Roger Champagne Brut.

We each chose a wine that helps us to enjoy the glory of Spring. Come on down to The Pig and let us show them to you! Thanks, as always, and… See you at The Pig!

Ah... the arrival of Spring. There’s rain. There’s blooms. There’s pollen. There’s grass. There is the crack of the bat. Then there’s grass-stains. While your local concession stands may not include this incredible Barbera to enjoy with your ballpark dog, be sure to have a bottle (or case) or two on deck at home for those gourmet sausage and pepper dogs. Maybe save the second bottle pf Cavallotto Cuculo for laundry time

Living in the South, it is a moral obligation to grill. One could, fairly, argue that grilling twelve months out of the year is part of our social contract. Grilling, especially if we go full BBQ, should also mean Zinfandel. And, for the love of Dolly Parton, Peachy Canyon makes some great Zinfandels. Grab this one, fire up the grill, and know that your duty has been met.

Jerome Crawford2022 CHATEAUS DES DEMOISELLES ROSÉ

Jackson RhoadesNV POL ROGER CHAMPAGNE

Jenn Ellison2018 CAVALLOTTO BARBERA D’ALBA, VIGNA CUCULO

Scott Atkinson2019 PEACHY CANYON ZINFANDEL, WESTSIDE

LAST LOOK

See if you can spot the 8 differences in these two pictures from Building Dreams.

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8 Can You Spot

The Eight Differences?

is different lengths.

has shorter hair.

from left has shorter cut in dress.

About Town is published by Gillespie, Inc.

P.O. Box 130328 Birmingham, AL 35213

Copyright © 2023 Gillespie, Inc.

1. Second woman

2. Guy in blue pants

3. Steel beam in back

4. Woman in front has no necklace.

5. Woman in blue dress has lace filled in.

6. Guy on right has longer cuff.

7. Blonde woman on right has no yellow on dress.

8. Woman in purple has different hair color.