Sep/Oct 2021

a b o u t t o w n . io

WELLNESS 2021

COMPLIMENTARY

Be

Strong What Does Your Healthy Routine Look Like?

We Asked Some Local Fitness Experts About Theirs.

p

Turning Into Fall

41

The Season’s Athleisure Looks

Transitional Trends Page 52

Detoxing Your Beauty Routine

+

Your Local Football Schedule p32

Progress Looks Like Decisions Made At The

Local Level

AVP | Business Banker kconrad@myprogressbank.com 205.705.1507 direct 205.757.7368 cell NMLS# 1514254

VP | Business Banker cdobbs@myprogressbank.com 205.705.1510 NMLS# 1208854

NMLS# 401921

Birmingham

Vestavia

2121 Highland Ave S 205.822.5500

1360 Montgomery Hwy 205.705.1500

myprogressbank.com

S H O W H E R H O W T RU LY BRILL ANT YOU CAN BE

2021

One Office Park Circle Suite 201 Mountain Brook. AL 35223 JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com 205 .478.0455 www.JBandCoJewelry.com

Wellness

To see the video of the cover shoot visit abouttown.io

INSIDE 8 Magic City Cocktail Challenge - Supporting American Cancer Society 13 Turning Into Fall- Athleisure Looks 18 Hope in the Ham - 14th Annual 24 Otey’s Fest - 12th Annual 28 S’mores and Pours - Hosted by Bridgeways 32 Your Local Area Football Schedule - High School and College 36 ROAR The Cure - Never Say Cancer Again 38 All American Blast - Held at Backyard Leeds 41 What Does Your Healthy Routine Look Like? - Profiling Some Local Fitness Experts 48 Pink Palace - Casino Night 50 Detox Your Beauty Routine 52 Transitional Trends - Early Fall Fashion from MIlla 54 Picasso Pets - Gallery Party 56 Sphere Grand Opening 58 The Modern Work Wardrobe Re-imagined

COVER Model: Paige McClees Wardrobe: Studio Style Makeup: Leslie Corts photo by: Marie Ghossein ABOUT

2 TOWN

WIN A FREE GLO WHITENING TREATMENT visit our Facebook page or @abouttownmag to enter

($450 value)

5 Best Wellness Apps

Food for Thought

Making lifestyle changes and setting goals is at your fingertips with these inspiring wellness apps.

Looking to spice up your cooking routine?

Find new and exciting recipes in some of our favorite, recent cookbooks.

Exercise/Fitness: Workout Trainer Want to work out without worrying about having the right equipment? The Workout Trainer app contains thousands of home workouts requiring little to no equipment.

Simply Julia: 110 Easy Recipes for Healthy Comfort Food

BY JULIA TURSHEN | HARPER COLLINS

“In Simply Julia, readers will find 110 foolproof recipes for more nutritious takes on the simple, comforting meals Julia cooks most often. With practical chapters such as weeknight go-tos, make-ahead mains, vegan one-pot meals, chicken recipes, easy baked goods, and more, Simply Julia provides endlessly satisfying options comprised of accessible and affordable ingredients.Think dishes like Stewed Chicken with Sour Cream + Chive Dumplings, Hasselback Carrots with Smoked Paprika, and Lemon Ricotta Cupcakes—the kind of flavorful yet unfussy food everyone wants to make at home.”

Dada Eats Love to Cook It: 100 Plant-Based Recipes for Everyone at Your Table: A Cookbook

BY SAMAH DADA | RODALE BOOKS

“Samah Dada doesn’t buy into the allor-nothing mentality of healthy eating.

By using real, unprocessed ingredients in surprising ways, she shows you how to have your cake and eat it too—because it’s actually made out of chickpeas. Her food is often vegan, allergen-free, gluten-free, and grain-free because she’s only using the most nutritious ingredients, not because she’s cutting out food groups to follow the latest fad.”

Weight management: Noom Focused less on calorie restrictions, Noom uses a psychology-based approach to help build a customized plan to help you create healthy habits.

Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ:

Every Day Is a Good Day: A Cookbook

BY RODNEY SCOTT AND LOLIS ERIC ELIE | CLARKSON POTTER

“In the first cookbook by a Black pitmaster, James Beard Award–winning chef Rodney Scott celebrates an incredible culinary legacy through his life story, family traditions, and unmatched dedication to his craft. In this cookbook, co-written by award-winning writer Lolis Eric Elie, Rodney spills what makes his pit-smoked turkey, barbecued spare ribs, smoked chicken wings, hush puppies, Ella’s Banana Puddin’, and award-winning whole hog so special. Moreover, his recipes make it possible to achieve these special flavors yourself, whether you’re a barbecue pro or a novice.”

Skinnytaste Meal Prep: Healthy Make-Ahead Meals and Freezer Recipes to Simplify Your Life: A Cookbook

The Well Plated Cookbook: Fast,

Food: Deliciously Ella Looking to add more plant-based foods to your diet? Deliciously Ella delivers hundreds of delicious recipes to your phone.

Meditation: Calm Calm promises to help reduce stress by offering guided meditations, breathing programs, stretching exercises, and relaxing music.

BY GINA HOMOLKA | CLARKSON POTTER

Healthy Recipes You’ll Want to Eat

BY ERIN CLARKE | AVERY

“Comfort classics with a lighter spin, from the creator of the healthy-eating blog Well Plated by Erin. In this essential cookbook for everyday cooking, Clarke shares more than 130 brand-new rapid-fire recipes, along with secrets to lightening up classic comfort favorites inspired by her midwestern roots, and clever recipe hacks that will enable you to put a healthy meal on the table any night of the week. The recipes are affordable and keep practicality top-of-mind.”

“New York Times Bestseller and named one of the best cookbooks of the year by Bon Appetit. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or just eat a little healthier, meal prepping and cooking in advance helps you stay on track with your diet, saves time on busy weeknights, and is great for your budget.

Skinnytaste Meal Prep delivers more than 120 healthy, diverse recipes that turn simple, easy-to-find ingredients into flavor-packed meals and snacks you’ll have ready at your fingertips for the week ahead and beyond.”

Sleep: Sleep Cycle Track sleep from bedtime to morning, and get detailed analysis with the app that makes waking up just that bit easier.

MOCKTAIL MIXOLOGY Looking to cut back on alcohol? Try these delicious mocktails instead.

Recent studies show that American alcohol consumption has sky-rocketed in the past year. And who could blame us?!

But if you’d like to try and decrease your alcohol intake, here are a few simple mocktail recipes that can still fit the bill.

Moscow Mule Mocktail

Margarita Mocktail

Berry Mojito

Mock Champagne

2 Tbsp lime juice 1Tbsp simple syrup ¼ cup club soda ¾ cup ginger beer, non-alcoholic 3-4 mint leaves

½ cup limeade ¼ cup lemon sparkling water ¼ cup lime sparkling water ¼ cup oj Salt and lime to garnish

6-8 mint leaves (muddled) 2 oz. lime juice 2 oz. simple syrup Club soda Berries of your choice

1 part ginger ale 1 part pineapple juice 1 part white grape juice Berris to garnish

ABOUT

4 TOWN

Your heart health shouldn’t wait, even now Don’t delay the important care you need

When it comes to caring for your heart, Dr. Christopher DeGroat and the care team at Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham at Ascension St. Vincent’s is right here, delivering the care you need.

We’re making sure our offices are safe and ready for you when you need care. And we have more appointment options — both in-person and virtual visits. Work with Dr. DeGroat and our team to choose the option that’s right for you, and have confidence knowing our doctors and care teams are connected to an integrated network sharing best practices and advanced treatment options.

Christopher DeGroat, MD Interventional Cardiology

To schedule an appointment, call 205-660-4174 or visit ascension.org/CVSpecialistsofBHAM © Ascension 2021. All rights reserved.

Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham 2700 10th Ave. S., POB 2 Suite 305 Birmingham, AL 35205

Mind & Body

ONLINE

FALL IN LOVE THIS FALL Claiming a Fit and Healthy Routine

W

Some of what you’ll find on

by: Leslie Dobbins

abouttown.io

ITH FALL BEING IN FULL SWING, if you’re anything like me, your life is probably pulling you in a thousand different directions! School is in session, sports and extracurricular activities feel like they rule your life, and the holidays are fast approaching. Add work responsibilities, self care, and meal planning, and it might feel like you need an extra few hours in the day just to plan for each approaching week!

In an effort to slow down and hopefully maintain some of your sanity, I encourage you to take some time out this fall to FALL IN LOVE!

1. Fall in Love with Your Mind

Take a few minutes and check in on your mental health. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Take some time to pray, reflect or meditate to try to recenter yourself. Are you feeling lonely? Reach out to a friend with a text or phone call and try to intentionally invest time into meaningful relationships in your life. Focus on yourself by taking a bubble bath, reading a good book, or pursuing an interest just for you. Keeping your mind in good health will make the hustle & bustle of the fall a more enjoyable season of your life!

2. Fall in Love with Your Body

Knowing I’m a fitness professional, I bet you’re thinking this is the part where I tell you to eat right and exercise, right? Well, not today! Yes, those are important ways to keep up your physical health, but there are some other things that tend to fall through the cracks when we get busy! I’m specifically talking about sleep and hydration! Giving your body what it needs by making sure you consume plenty of water and get adequate, quality sleep will make a world of difference in your life, especially during a season where some days you might feel like your coffee is the only thing keeping you going!

3. Fall in Love with Your Partner

Watch lifestyle, local and behind-the-scenes videos See ALL the party pics.

See previous issues & never miss an issue by ordering every issue to be mailed directly to your home.

Sign up for our e-newsletter and get premium content

For a lot of us, our significant others are a rock in our lives. During busy seasons, however, it’s easy to lose focus on even our most important relationships! Make sure you stop to carve out quality time together. It’s the little things that keep relationships flourishing! Leave love notes, be encouraging, and thank each other for everything you both do! A positive partnership with your significant other is the best way to bring some fun, laughter, and much needed teamwork into the upcoming holiday season.

SO REMEMBER, with the myriad of responsibilities

that you’re juggling this fall, as well as the jam-packed schedule you’re sure to be juggling over the upcoming holidays, stop and take time to refocus your energy. Fall in love with your mind, your body, and your partner, and you’re sure to enjoy the season ahead!

ABOUT

6 TOWN

And, all things social.

H A N D - S E L EC T E D FURNISHINGS, A C C E S SO RI E S & U N I Q U E GI F T S

2 9 2 1 18 TH ST S H OM EWOOD 2 0 5 . 87 9. 351 0 ATHOME-FURNISHINGS.COM BIRMINGHAM’S BEST FURNITURE STORE 2021

Michelle Sinclair, Emily Anastasia

Natalia Sztukowsli, Darcy Estefan

MAGIC CITY COCKTAIL CHALLENGE The Birmingham Area Jr. Executive Board of the American Cancer Society held their 3rd annual Magic City Cocktail Challenge July 29th at B&A Warehouse as the area’s finest bars and restaurants competed to win the title of Birmingham’s Best Cocktail! To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Caroline Malcom, Elizabeth Haferkamp, Molly Booker

Clay and Andrea Stoker Amanda Washburn, Hollie Garne r, Caroline Jordan

Rachel Nesbitt, Caroline Fields

Walker Phillips, Kaori Amarilla, Hunter Custard

Emery Brown, Caroline Overmyer

ABOUT

8 TOWN

Drew Simmons, Everette Dawkins, Sydney Simmons

Henry Heston, Aaron and Olivia Fons, Liz Sholtes

From here.

For here.

Here is where we’re from. Here made us who we are. We believe relationships are worth more than dollars can measure. It’s a value that grows over time, strengthens under pressure, and thrives when serving others.

And, we’re glad to be here.

1-888-SYNOVUS synovus.com

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.

PROMOTION

A Non-Invasive Way To Look Younger That You May Not Have Thought Of. Dr. Paul Koch discusses how your dentist can help you look younger with a few in-office, non-invasive treatments.

ng Dr. Koch is offeri er an exclusive off readers: for About Town

M! CUSTOM ZOOAY S

WHITENING TR X + 2 AREA$4S35B, savOingTOof $200+.

ts) (maximum of 30 uni this offer contact For details or to claim try at Koch Aesthetic Dentis (205) 729-7785.

1

The DAO area is also known as marionette lines. DAO Botox works to fight against the pull down of the sides of the mouth.

TEETH WHITENING First impressions are everything, and your smile is one of the first things that people notice. What does the world see when you smile? Tooth discoloration is when the color of your teeth change. They don’t look as bright or white as they should.

Your teeth may darken, turn from white to different colors, or develop white or dark spots in places. Unfortunately, teeth yellow with age and can also become stained by some foods, drinks, and tobacco.

by: Dr. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry

Everyone wants to look their best, and as we age some things like yellowing teeth or sagging skin can add years to our appearance. However, a visit to your cosmetic dentist can help in reversing those signs of aging with just a few safe and effective treatments. Dr. Paul Koch of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry gives his tips on procedures like teeth whitening, a “lip flip,” and Botox for sagging areas that (especially when used in conjunction with each other) can take years off.

Do whiter teeth make you look younger? According to research conducted by the experts at Oral B, the answer is yes. In a recent study, they asked participants to estimate the age of a model in a photo. However, the two photos that were shown were of the same woman - the only difference being the color of her teeth. Researchers found that the same model with whiter teeth was estimated to be 13 years younger on average!

One of the fastest and easiest cosmetic dental options for brightening your smile is teeth whitening. You may have seen commercials for various tooth bleaching products such as toothpastes, paint-on gels, or tooth-whitening strips. Certainly, over-the-counter products are less expensive and easy to access. However, most of these have a fairly low potency.

There are numerous advantages to having a professional teeth-whitening appointment like KöR Whitening. Because the professional formula of the gel is more potent than the overthe-counter type, your teeth whitening process takes far less time while also being far more effective.

A dental professional can also prescribe custom, at-home tooth bleaching kits. A popular and effective method of teeth whitening at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry is called the Zoom!

Whitening System.

ABOUT

12 T O W N

2

LIP FLIP AND DAO BOTOX Now that you have beautiful, whiter teeth - you may want to address any sagging or volume loss around your mouth that can also add years to your appearance. Botox, when used by a professional, can be an effective treatment to reverse the signs of aging.

A “lip flip” involves Botox being injected into specific muscles to help relax the top lip and “flip” it out, thereby creating the illusion of a fuller upper lip without actually having to add volume (like you would with fillers). A lip flip can be more cost effective than dermal fillers, and it also won’t cause a drastic change to the appearance of your lips.

DAO stands for Depressor Anguli Oris and is the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth down when you frown. As we age, these muscles begin to sag and can cause us to have the look of a perpetual frown. Botox injections in this area (also known as Marionette lines) can relax the muscle enough to let the corners of the mouth resume their normal contour and give a more youthful look.

If you have any questions for Dr. Koch, please visit kochaesthetics.com or call (205) 933.0323. Dr.

Paul Koch has been a practicing dentist since 1989.

For the past ten years, he has maintained a private Birmingham dentist office dedicated to aesthetic and implant dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama. The practice is locally known as “The Dental Spa.”

Turning Into Fall A break in the weather is here. Is your Fall athleisure wear ready? We asked Emily Zeiger at Studio Style to pair some of her favorite pieces on Formations Whitney Renfroe.

To see a behind-the-scenes video of this shoot, visit abouttown.io.

The effortlessly chic athleisure look. These joggers go with everything. They give off all the cool girl vibes.

FREE PEOPLE PLAY BY PLAY TANK POPSICLE PINK $38 NUX SUNDAY SWEATS CREAM $75

ABOUT

13 T O W N

Casual sporty vibes.

From the courts to brunch in style!

TASC RHYTHM SKIRT WHITE $64

Show off your curves with the crop tank and travel joggers.

These are a must for traveling because they are light and go with literally everything.

FREE PEOPLE 1/4 ZIP $108

FREE PEOPLE FREE THROW CROP ZESTY LIME $30 MONO B TRAVEL JOGGERS $44

Lounge all day in style!

MONO B SLINKY PULLOVER $38 FREE PEOPLE THE WAY YOU MOVE SHORTS $48

Sexy. Sporty. Built for performance.

BEYOND YOGA LIFT YOUR SPIRITS TOP SPACEDYE DARKEST NIGHT $74 BEYOND YOGA MESH PANEL SPACEDYE DARKEST NIGHT LEGGINGS $99

ABOUT

14 T O W N

This bamboo tank is easy breezy. We love the color combo!

These leggings are a must! Flattering, high waisted, versatile. We love it with the cropped tank for summer or an oversized sweater for fall.

ALO REAL BRA TANK $72

MONO B BABY BLUE RIBBED CROP TANK $18 ALO FLUTTER LEGGINGS BLACK $108

FREE PEOPLE GAME ON SHORTS MAGENTA $40

Color blocking done right. Perfect for yoga, pilates, cycle- you name it.

BEACH RIOT TESSA TOP $98 BEACH RIOT AYLA LEGGINGS PINK $88

Courts or carpool line? You’re dressed for both!

TASC RHYTHM SKIRT VARSITY RED $74 ANOTHER MODE BLUSH TANK $42

To see all these styles and more visit shopstudiostyle.com.

ABOUT

15 T O W N

PROMOTION

Top Trending Treatments to Help You Look Younger Looking to refresh your skin and hopefully even take a few years off?

Dr. Holly Gunn fills us in on cosmetic and aesthetic treatments that can give you that brilliant, dewey skin you’ve been trying for.

Whether you’re a pro or a novice at sampling the wide array of cosmetic and aesthetic treatments out there, most of us pay attention when we hear of new procedures and what they offer in terms of making us feel and look better. Dr. Holly Gunn of Gunn Dermatology gives her tips on cosmetic techniques for a more natural and sustainable, youthful appearance. Some you might not even have heard of! > AQUA GOLD / SERU GOLD MICRO INFUSION Aqua Gold treatments are also called SeruGold or micro infusion facials. They use micro channels to infuse the skin with a “Golden Cocktail” of ingredients based specifically on the patient’s needs and mixed by Dr. Gunn. Ingredients can include Botox, medical/filler grade hyaluronic acid, vitamin complexes, protein rich plasma, growth factors and peptides.

The micro infusion process has an immediate positive impact on the skin by infusing microscopic healthy ingredients into the layers of the skin. The reason it reacts so quickly is that the hollow needles are filled with a vitamin-rich concoction that is directly “stamped” into the skin.

This makes it work immediately and more effectively than microneedling. Each patient will have their own custom concoction, to target their own specific skin concerns and needs. This flexibility is great for anyone suffering from allergies.

For more information about any of these treatments, contact Dr. Holly Gunn at Gunn Dermatology for a consultation. 32 Church Street, Mountain Brook 35213 205-415-7536.

> VIVACE The Vivace® Microneedle RF device is the newest generation of radiofrequency microneedling. This minimally-invasive treatment stimulates the natural production of collagen and is shown to be effective in alleviating facial wrinkles, fine lines, and tightening and toning the face and neck as well as contouring the jawline. Vivace microneedling can be used to treat wrinkles, discoloration, acne scarring, and other types of scarring.

Vivace® Microneedle RF is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift that provides a holistic method of maximizing aesthetic results while avoiding patient discomfort. Vivace is fast and efficient with minimal pain making it perfect for those who do not want surgery. ​​The results are both immediate and improve over time with multiple treatments. With results you can see, you’ll look and feel your best at any age.

> LIP FLIPS A lip flip is a quick, in-office cosmetic procedure that involves the injection of Botox into your Cupid’s bow (the middle of your upper lip) and into the corners of your mouth.

The injection temporarily relaxes the muscles around your lip. This causes the part of your upper lip that’s inside your mouth to “flip” upward and outward, giving your lip a fuller appearance.

400 41 ST STREET SOUTH, SUITE 100 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35222 (205) 777-5534 CALL / TEXT / BOOK ONLINE ARCADIABHAM.COM

LOCATED IN HISTORIC AVONDALE

Amelia Haston, Lynette Potter, Phillip Corley, Coy and Adrienne Macoy, Jonathan and Alden Jenkins

HOPE IN THE HAM The American Cancer Society held its 4th Annual Hope in the Ham on

Larry Bernert, Robert Jolly, Scott Voncannon, Karon Voncannon

Thursday, July 15th at The Retail Specialists Building in Birmingham.

The party was a casual soiree attended by Birmingham’s liveliest crowd who enjoyed live music, delicious food and drink, all while raising funds to support the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge. To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Laura Silsbee, Amanda Timko, Karon VonCannon

Laurie Wilbanks, Lisa Flake, Kelli Kelly, Adelaide Vandevelde

Jeamer Nichols, Karen and Tommy Tynes ABOUT

18 T O W N

Tricia Golden, Brynee Koretzky

photography: NikLayman.com

ANGELA KING B R O W E X P E RT

24 hr Scheduling at AngelaKingBrows.com

Tracy Hayden, Peggy Hsu, Karen Keene, Ramona Cunningham, Diana Daniel, Laurie Bennett, Deanna Carroll, Liz Williford, Susan Waldrop, Brynee Koretzky, Kelly Pruitt, Linda Sink

MIchael and Melanie Pounds, Russell Vandevelle

Maggie and Mitch Carter

, Cary Wahlheim, Crawford Bumgarner, Steven and Bridget Sikora

Tracy Simmons, Lucy Gaede, Emily Dunn

Donne Toomey, Francie Deston, Ncole Reed, Jenny Culp, Kathleen Doss

Cary Wanlheim, Neal and Jen Jackson, Pierce Jackson ABOUT

20 T O W N

ACTIVE

COMING SOON

UNDER CONTRACT

3 bedroom / 2 bathroom - Crestwood $399,900

SOLD

4 bedroom / 3.5 bathroom - Hollywood $1,000,000 | Rosa Hill

SOLD

40 Edgehill Road

3 bedroom / 2 bathroom - Homewood $395,500 | Mackenzie Wolnski

3 bedroom / 3 bathroom - Homewood $429,900

SOLD

103 Malaga Avenue

807 Acton Avenue

2 bedroom / 2 bathroom - Homewood $409,900

SOLD

602 Warwick Road

5107 7th Court S

3003 Roxbury Road

4 bedroom / 3.5 bathroom - Homewood $999,900

3013 Overton Road

3 bedroom / 2 bathroom - Mountain Brook $527,000 | Ann-Yates Pate

SOLD

5417 5th Terrace S

3 bedroom / 2 bathroom - Crestwood $350,000 | Mackenzie Wolnski

205.296.2323

www.JamieGoff.com

2336 Acton Park Circle

3 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom - Altadena Area $249,900 ^ $285,000

welcome home!

COMING SOON

follow us

on Instagram @HomeBham

PROMOTION

Do You Know The Easiet Way To Achieve Your Diet Goals?

Ask any fitness expert and they will tell your diet is the most important part in acheiving your ideal weight. And having delicious meals prepared for you is the easiest, and best tasting way to acheive your ideal weight.

IF YOU’RE LIKE MOST, YOU’D LIKE TO EAT HEALTHIER BUT DON’T ALWAYS HAVE THE TIME TO SHOP FOR OR PREPARE A WELL BALANCED MEAL. Enter

Fit Five Meals. With new meal options weekly, this local business offers healthy options for all diets. All meals are cooked with no added oils or fats to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Order your meals

by Friday for Monday pickup and by Tuesday for Thursday pickup.

Fit Five’s mission is to make fresh food that fits your life, which is why they give you the flexibility to preorder specific meals for pickup or stop in and see what’s available at dozens of convenient Grab ‘n Go locations throughout Alabama. Whether you’re picking up your lunches for the week, or breezing in with three hungry kids and no dinner plan, Fit Five can easily become a helpful, essential part of your routine. Because they use a hyper-local approach to meal making and distribution, they can offer what others can’t - fresh, fast, affordable food that fits into your busy lifestyle.

For more information about Fit Five Meals or to Order meals, visit fitfivemeals.com. You can also follow them on Instagram @thefitfivemeals or on Facebook @fitfivemeals.

Founded by local entrepreneurs, Boulos Paul Shunnarah and Brock Warren, Fit Five is unique in that it’s not a subscription service like other meal service companies. It’s a no-commitment, order-as-you-go kind of service with a team that recognizes that people’s schedules change and it can be stressful to feel locked into something. Meals are always fresh, never frozen. With convenient Pickup and Grab ‘n Go locations, a nutritious and delicious meal is never far away.

For Shunnarah and Warren, the idea for Fit Five sprang from FIT FIVE MEALS offers an alternative for people looking to eat healthy in a hurry, the recognition that and on a budget - without having to sacrifice “as a culture, we’ve their taste buds. grown busier and busier, leaving less time for sit-down meals that actually nourish us and our families. We see Fit Five as the solution, breaking down barriers to healthy eating when you’re in a hurry and on a budget.”

Do you like to plan ahead? Order your meals by Friday for Monday pickup and by Tuesday for Thursday pickup.

Prefer to wing it? Visit a Fit Five Grab ‘n Go station on your way to work or home for easy, last-minute meals.

Healthy, convenient, and locally made? Fit Five Meals checks all of our boxes for a healthier lifestyle.

Lily Simpson, Camille Jernigan, Lee Tonsmeire

OTEY’S FEST Otey’s held their 12th Annual Otey’s Fest event on Saturday, July 31st. Guests enjoyed delicious food, beer and cocktails, and live music from The ‘Hams and Jackson Walls. In what has become a much-loved yearly event, Otey’s Fest was a night of fun for the whole family.

Proceeds this year will benefit The Phoenix Club of Birmingham. To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Andie Gamble, Olivia Dobbs

Bailey Jones, Olivia Hayes, Drew Riddle

Tatum Jackson, Brill Bralley, Catherine Milling, Kristin Martin ABOUT

24 T O W N

Jess Sirkin, Ashleigh Pugh, Catherine Racciati, Elise Greco, Kendall Broom

Olivia Dobbs, Cleary Gray Plosser, Ashlyn Payne, Anna Lee

Anna Kitchens, Molly Hughes,

Hanna Claire Hamric, Logan Storey ABOUT

25 T O W N

David Warren, Leah Thomas

Parker Shields, Chandler Shields

PROMOTION

Carrie Pittman Opens CANVAS in Homewood Fans of the artist now have the chance to visit her new shop which is as bright and joyful as her creations.

F

or Carrie Pittman, what began simply as a passion for painting has now blossomed into her first brick-andmortar store in the heart of Homewood. Behind the Valley Hotel and across from Soho, the light and airy shop provides the perfect space to showcase her pieces that have become a favorite of designers, clients, and galleries across the Southeast. Art lovers will find a selection of Carrie’s original pieces ranging from $20 gifts to $4,000 large, framed artwork. And in the creative synergy that has come to encompass so many local businesses in Birmingham, Carrie also chose to include home and lifestyle items from female vendors across the Southeast.

Visitors will find, among other lines: Too Pillows, Christina Cohn Ceramics, Southern Infused olive oil, Favor candles, and MG intaglios. We were able to catch up with the artist about opening CANVAS, her creative inspirations, and what local businesses bring to Birmingham.

MAKING THE MOVE TO A BRICK-AND-MORTAR SHOP

CANVAS 1818 28th Ave S, Homewood Hours: Tues - Fri (10AM - 2PM) Sat (10AM - 4PM) or by appointment You can follow Carrie at: IG @carriepittmanart FB @carriepittmanart CarriePittman.com

I had no plans to, really. I love painting commissions for clients and am represented in galleries throughout the Southeast. This location is hard to come by, and Homewood is such a fun area. The additions of the Valley Hotel and Little Donkey really add to the area. People are always asking where they can “see” my work.

Art usually needs to be seen in person - not just on Instagram or by web site.

I felt like this space wasn’t overwhelming to manage or maintain. I still need time to paint and create which is most important to me. I looked around my house at the items I enjoy the most and reached out to each woman and asked if they’d want to join me. They all said yes! Every item I have, I use and love, and each person is a friend. CANVAS is a happy story!

WHAT LOCAL, INDEPENDENT SHOPS IN BIRMINGHAM OFFER OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Personality. I think no matter how big and busy the world gets, people always want to connect with people.

Everyone has a story to tell!

CANVAS AS A SHOP AND SO MUCH MORE

CANVAS is also a place to meet with me and discuss custom pieces - paintings, curtains, textiles. I love working with designers and clients to create a unique painting. Canvas implies art, but I wanted a term that gives the overarching theme of lifestyle and elements that make a home.

DR. CELIA DAVENPORT Dr. Celia Davenport has had at least one dentist in the family since before the turn of the 20th century, but as owner of Davenport Dental & Wellness Center, she is the first female dentist in the family. Celia and her staff at Davenport Dental & Wellness Center differentiate themselves by promoting a holistic approach to dental health care, acknowledging that oral health affects the whole body.

The clinic offers traditional dental care, utilizing state-ofthe-art technology to provide the best in both preventative and restorative dentistry. Near the end of 2020, Davenport expanded the clinic to include a number of aesthetic services such as facials, Botox and dermal fillers. “We will always be a dental office first,” Davenport said. “We want to make sure that you as a whole are healthy, and the aesthetics become part of that because it can improve one’s confidence and self-esteem.”

DAVENPORT DENTAL is

conveniently located in the Lakeview district on Clairmont Avenue South. We also have on-site parking, which is a rare commodity in our neighborhood.

Just look for the big tooth in our front yard!

Barbara Ann Trotman, AnJoy Castleberry, Madison Scheid

Abbey Inman, Katrina Danner, Josey Aughtman, Whitney Farris

S’MORES AND POURS The Junior Board of BridgeWays held their 9th Annual S’Mores and Pours at Avondale Brewing Company on Thursday, June 24th. Guests were welcomed to a boho-chic wonderland with a delicious feast from Taco Mama, amazing silent auction and raffles, cool pop-up shops from local businesses, local artists showcasing their talent, live music from T.U.B - The Unknamed Band - Lights & Sound by McDowell and selections of Avondale’s finest brews! To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Crosby and Beth Taylor

Tucker Watson, Ally Cound

Parker Herrington, Carlisle McCullough, Millie Piggott ABOUT

28 T O W N

Evalyn Barberton, Hampton McFadden

Templeton Stump, Elizabeth Turnley

Matthew Farris, Hunter Custard, Maggie Miller

Hannah and Matt Reilly

Lee Tonsmeire, Claudia Hannahan

William Slinkard, Bess Troiano

Emma Cianfaglione, Elena Espada, John Howell

ABOUT

29 T O W N

Colee Harkins, Erin Korn

Margaret McGowin, Holland Griffin

PROMOTION

Seasonal Skin Refresh About Town spoke with Medical Aesthetician, Leia Ferlisi, of Dermatology and Skin Care Center of Birmingham about some of her favorite services to help revitalize your end-of-summer skin.

A

s a Vestavia native and current resident, Leia Ferlisi knows about the skin effects of an Alabama summer spent in the sun. A licensed Medical Aesthetician who has been with Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham for 7 years, Leia loves learning and has attended many educational seminars and trainings to stay up-to-date with the latest in skin care products and treatments. Here are some of her tips on skin care treatments to help you achieve the best results for your skin.

SERVICES PROVIDED

I specialize in customized Spa Facials, HydraFacials, Chemical Peels, Dermaplane, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling, Morpheus8, Laser Hair Removal and Laser Treatments for brown spots and red spots, and skin care consultations.

FAVORITE TREATMENTS

Microneedling is my absolute fave! The skin looks amazing - although some results are gradual and can take time for you to see them.

There is a difference in tone and texture after the first treatment. I have numerous patients that say it’s the best thing they have done for their skin, and they come back every 6

months to a year for maintenance. I love hearing patients say how happy they are with results no matter what treatment they have done! I also like HydraFacials, Dermaplanes and SkinCeuticals MicroPeel Sensitive because the patient leaves with beautiful, glowing skin, and that makes them happy.

NEWEST INNOVATIONS

Morpheus8 is our newest treatment. This helps with tightening and lifting as well as all over tone and texture. Morpheus8 is a device that combines microneedling and radiofrequency for resurfacing and stimulating collagen - just great for all over rejuvenation.

BEST AFTER-SUMMER PROCEDURES

A series of SkinMedica Vitalize Peels or SkinCeuticals Advanced Corrective Peel are great options to refresh summer skin. Both use a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol to accelerate skin exfoliation. The peels address the visible skin imperfections that result from skin aging and sun exposure - such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, revealing renewed, healthier looking skin and a more even complexion.

VIP PROGRAM

I love that we offer a Loyalty Membership giving our patients an option to have treatments done each month. With the membership you are guaranteed a HydraFacial and your choice of 1 of the following treatments: dermaplane, chemical peel, spray tan or laser hair removal on small areas like bikini and underarms each month. There are a few perks like 10% off product and little happies for your birthday.

AT HOME TIPS

I think it is important to have a good skin care regimen at home. Start with the basics.

In the morning after cleansing your skin, use a vitamin C product. Follow that up with a moisturizer, and then top it off with sunscreen - a broad spectrum SPF 30+ is best. Now your skin is ready for makeup. At night after cleansing your skin, use a retinol/retinoid product and then apply a moisturizer. I am happy to help find the right products for your skin. Just remember the most important thing we can do for our skin is wear sunscreen every day - that is the main product for anti-aging!

For a personalized consultation with Leia, call Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham at (205) 978-3336 or visit bhamdermatology.com for more information.

We are now seeing patients in office for appointments!

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

l to r:

Cosmetic

Katie Tuck, Dr. Scarlette Smith, Dr. Julie Harper, Rebecca Edwards

Medical

Skin Care

At Dermatology & Skin Care Our practice can help you with Our Skin Bar Boutique carries Center of Birmingham, we offer all of your skin care needs, many lines including EltaMD, cosmetic procedures such including diagnosis and SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals, as Botox, Dysport, Laser Hair treatment of skin cancer, acne, CeraVe, St Tropez, Revision, Removal, Juvederm, Sculptra, dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, Latisse, and more. The Skin Microneedling, Fraxel, and keratosis pilaris, psoriasis and Bar is open during business VBeam. Many other esthetic rosacea to name a few. hours and you do not need an procedures are offered such appointment to shop for your as facials, microdermabrasion, skin care products or gifts. Gift chemical peels, and dermaplane certificates are also available. to meet all of your cosmetic Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham needs.

(205) 978-3336 2470 Rocky Ridge Road 2021 bhamdermatology.com

20 21

AUBURN 09/04 Akron 09/11 AL State 09/18 Penn State 09/25 GA State 10/02 LSU 10/09 Georgia 10/16 Arkansas 10/23 OFF 10/30 Ole Miss 11/06 Texas A&M 11/13 Miss State 11/20 S. Carolina 11/27 Alabama

LSU 09/04 UCLA 09/11 McNeese St 09/18 C Michigan 09/25 Miss State 10/02 Auburn 10/09 Kentucky 10/16 Florida 10/23 Ole Miss 10/30 OFF 11/06 Alabama 11/13 Arkansas 11/20 LA-Monroe 11/27 Texas A&M MISS. STATE 09/04 LA Tech 09/11 NC State 09/18 Memphis 09/25 LSU 10/02 Texas A&M 10/09 OFF 10/16 Alabama 10/23 Vanderbilt 10/30 Kentucky 11/06 Arkansas 11/13 Auburn 11/20 TN State 11/25 Ole Miss OLE MISS 09/06 Louisville 09/11 Austin Peay 09/18 Tulane 09/25 OFF 10/02 Alabama 10/09 Arkansas 10/16 Tennessee 10/23 LSU 10/30 Auburn 11/06 Liberty 11/13 Texas A&M 11/20 Vanderbilt 11/25 Miss State TEXAS A&M 09/04 Kent State 09/11 Colorado 09/18 New Mexico 09/25 Arkansas 10/02 Miss State 10/09 Alabama 10/16 Missouri 10/23 S. Carolina 10/30 OFF 11/06 Auburn 11/13 Ole Miss 11/20 Prairie View 11/27 LSU

Home Home Home Away

Home Home Home Arlington Away Away Home Little Rock

FLORIDA 09/04 FL Atlantic 09/11 South FL 09/18 Alabama 09/25 Tennessee 10/02 Kentucky 10/09 Vanderbilt 10/16 LSU 10/23 OFF 10/30 Georgia 11/06 S. Carolina 11/13 Samford 11/20 Missouri 11/27 Fl State

Home Away Away Home

Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Home

Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home

Atlanta Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Denver Home Arlington Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away

GEORGIA 09/04 Clemson 09/11 UAB 09/18 S. Carolina 09/25 Vanderbilt 10/02 Arkansas 10/09 Auburn 10/16 Kentucky 10/23 OFF 10/30 Florida 11/06 Missouri 11/13 Tennessee 11/20 Charleston So. 11/27 GA Tech KENTUCKY 09/04 LA-Monroe 09/11 Missouri 09/18 Chatt 09/25 S. Carolina 10/02 Florida 10/09 LSU 10/16 Georgia 10/23 OFF 10/30 Miss State 11/06 Tennessee 11/13 Venderbilt 11/20 New Mex St 11/27 Louisville MISSOURI 09/04 C. Michigan 09/11 Kentucky 09/18 SE Missouri 09/25 Boston Coll 10/02 Tennessee 10/09 N Texas 10/16 Texas A&M 10/23 OFF 10/30 Vanderbilt 11/06 Georgia 11/13 S. Carolina 11/20 Florida 11/26 Arkansas SOUTH CAROLINA 09/04 E Illinois 09/11 E. Carolina 09/18 Georgia 09/25 Kentucky 10/02 Troy 10/09 Tennessee 10/16 Vanderbilt 10/23 Texas A&M 10/30 OFF 11/06 Florida 11/13 Missouri 11/20 Auburn 11/27 Clemson TENNESSEE 09/02 Bowling Green 09/11 Pitt 09/18 Tenn. Tech 09/25 Florida 10/02 Missouri 10/09 S. Carolina 10/16 Ole Miss 10/23 Alabama 10/30 OFF 11/06 Kentucky 11/13 Georgia 11/20 S. Alabama 11/27 Vanderbilt VANDY 09/04 ETSU 09/11 Col. State 09/18 Stanford 09/25 Georgia 10/02 UConn 10/09 Florida 10/16 S. Carolina 10/23 Miss State 10/30 Missouri 11/06 OFF 11/13 Kentucky 11/20 Ole Miss 11/27 Tennessee ABOUT

32 T O W N

Home Away Home Home Away Home Away J’ville Away Home Away Home

UAB 09/01 Jacksonville St 09/11 Georgia 09/18 N. Texas 09/25 Tulane 10/02 Liberty 10/09 FL Atlantic 10/16 S. Miss 10/23 Rice 10/30 OFF 11/06 LA Tech 11/13 Marshall 11/20 UTSA 11/27 UTEP

Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home

Charlotte Home Home Away Home Away Home

NON SEC GAMES OF THE WEEK

J’ville Home Away Home Away

WEEK 1 09/01 09/02 09/03 09/05

UAB @ JVST Ohio State @ Minnesota UNC @ Virginia Tech Notre Dame @ Florida State

WEEK 2 09/11

Oregan @ Ohio State Washington @ Michigan

WEEK 3 09/18

Nebraska @ Oklahoma Michigan State @ Miami

WEEK 4 09/25

Notre Dame @ Wisconsin

WEEK 5 10/02

Michigan @ Wisconsin Texas @ TCU Liberty @ UAB

WEEK 6 10/09

Florida State @ UNC Penn State @ IOWA Oklahoma @ Texas

WEEK 7 10/16

Miami @ UNC

WEEK 8 10/22 10/23

Memphis @ UCF USC @ Notre Dame

WEEK 9 10/30

Florida State @ Clemson Michigan @ Michigan State Penn State @ Ohio State UNC @ Notre Dame

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

ARKANSAS 09/04 Rice 09/11 Texas 09/18 GA Southern 09/25 Texas A&M 10/02 Georgia 10/09 Ole Miss 10/16 Auburn 10/23 Pine Bluff

10/30 OFF 11/06 Miss State 11/13 LSU 11/20 Alabama 11/26 Missouri

Atlanta Home Away Home Home Away Away Home

SEC EAST

ALABAMA 09/04 Miami 09/11 Mercer 09/18 Florida 09/25 S Mississippi 10/02 Ole Miss 10/09 Texas A&M 10/16 Miss State 10/23 Tennessee 10/30 OFF 11/06 LSU 11/13 N. Mex. St 11/20 Arkansas 11/27 Auburn

SEC WEST

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Save this schedule n! all seaso

Home Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away

Home Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Away

Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home

Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Home

Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Away

WEEK 10 11/06

Ohio State @ Nebraska

WEEK 11 11/13

Miami @ Florida State Michigan @ Penn State

WEEK 12 11/20

Michigan State @ Ohio State Nebraska @ Wisconsin

WEEK 13 11/27

Penn State @ Michigan State Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State Ohio State @ Michigan

WEEK 14 12/04

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

BOWLS 12/30

Music City Bowl

12/31

CFP SEMIFINALS Orange Bowl Cotton Bowl Gator Bowl

12/28

Liberty Bowl Birmingham Bowl

01/01

01/10

Outback Bowl Rose Bowl Sugar Bowl NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

OAK MOUNTAIN

BRIARWOOD

Madison Academy Spain Park Chelsea

Woodlawn Huffman

Mortimer Jordan Shades Valley Mountain Brook Homewood Corner

08/20 Chelsea Home Away 08/27 Pelham Gadsden City Home 09/03 Vestavia Hills Away 09/10 Away 09/17 Hoover Home 09/24 OPEN Spain Park Home 10/01 Tuscaloosa County Away 10/08 10/15 Thompson Home 10/22 Hewitt-Trussville Away 10/28 Clay-Chalkville

Trenton

Angola Jackson

Pinckney

Adrian Ypsilanti Community Tecumseh St. Joseph Dexter

08/20 Home 09/02 Away Home 09/10 09/17 Away Home 09/24 10/01 Away 10/08 Away Home 10/15 10/22 Away

08/27 09/03 09/10 09/17 09/24 10/01 10/08 10/15 10/22

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE

08/20 08/27 09/03 09/10 09/17 09/24 10/01 10/08 10/15 10/22

Pinson Valley Saraland

Spain Park Tuscaloosa County Thompson Huffman

Hoover

Vestavia Hills Gadsden City Oak Mountain

HOMEWOOD

08/20 08/27 09/03 09/10 09/17 10/01 10/08 10/14 10/22 11/29

Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home

RAMSAY

CHELSEA

Hillcrest Vestavia Hills McAdory Chelsea Woodlawn Huffman

Shades Valley Mountain Brook BCHS

Pelham

AREA HIGH SCHOOL

08/20 08/27 09/03 09/09 09/17 09/24 10/01 10/07 10/22 10/29

Bessemer Wenonah

A.H. Parker Cordova

Pinson G.W. Carver John Carroll Fairfield High Pleasant Grove

Home Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Away

SHADES VALLEY

08/20 Clay-Chalkville 08/27 Pinson Valley Home 09/03 Huffman

Home 09/10 OPEN Home 09/17 Mountain Brook Home 09/24 Gardendale Away 10/01 Briarwood Home 10/08 Homewood Away 10/15 Chelsea Home 10/22 Woodlawn Away 10/28 Vestavia Hills Away

Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home

SPAIN PARK

08/20 Huntsville 08/27 Briarwood Away 09/03 Hewitt-Trussville Home 09/10 Thompson Away 09/17 Gadsden Away 10/01 Oak Mountain Home 10/08 Hoover Home 10/15 Vestavia Hills Away 10/22 Tuscaloosa Co. Home 10/28 Hueytown Away Home

Home Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Home

THOMPSON HOOVER

08/21 North Gwinnett 08/27 Alpharetta (GA) 09/03 Vestavia Hills 09/10 Gadsden City 09/17 Oak Mtn 09/24 Prattville

10/01 HTHS 10/08 Spain Park 10/15 TCHS

10/22 Thompson

08/20 08/27 Home 09/03 Home 09/10 Home 09/17 Away 09/24 Away 10/01 Away 10/08 Home 10/15 Away 10/22 Away Home

Oxford Sparkman Tuscaloosa Co. Spain Park Hewitt Truss.

Mtn. Brook Vestavia Hills Gadsden City Oak Mtn. Hoover

Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away

VESTAVIA HILLS JOHN CARROLL

08/20 08/27 09/03 09/10 09/10 09/17 09/30 10/08 10/15 10/22 10/29

Fultondale Moody Carver Cordova Cordova (TN) Fairfield

Parker Ramsay

Pleasant Grove Wenonah St. Clair County

MOUNTAIN BROOK

08/20 Vestavia Hills 08/27 Huntsville 09/02 Woodlawn 09/10 Huffman

09/17 Shades Valley 09/24 Thompson 10/07 Briarwood Christian 10/14 Homewood 10/22 Chelsea 10/28 Austin

08/20 08/27 Home 09/03 Home 09/10 Home 09/17 Home 10/01 Home 10/08 Away 10/15 Away 10/22 Away 10/29 Home Away Away

Mountain Brook Homewood Hoover Oak Mtn.

Tuscaloosa Co. Thompson Hewitt-Truss Spain Park Gadsden City Shades Valley

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away

08/19 08/27 Home 09/03 Away 09/10 Home 09/17 Home 09/24 Away 10/01 Home 10/08 Home 10/15 Away 10/22 Away 10/29 Home 11/05

Denham Springs Madison Prep Jesuit High Warren Easton Madison High West Monroe Zachary High Dutchtown High St. Amant High East Ascension Catholic High McKinley High

Away Home Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home

WOODLAWN

PROMOTION

Transition into Fall in (Studio) Style PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIE GHOSSEIN

HI!

I’m Emily, owner of Studio Style, and I’m excited to share some inspiration with you on how to transition your wardrobe from blah to fabulous and confident, with an I-can-do-anything attitude! Feeling “put together” is important. Because how you feel in your clothes affects how you show up in the world and interact with others! If you’re like me, I get dressed in the morning, go to a barre or pilates class, and usually work from home in my same workout clothes all day long. The days of changing out of them into something nicer has changed. Covid really changed us all to obsess over comfort! But with that being said, comfort doesn’t have to mean frumpy. You can be comfortable and chic at the same time. I’m here to help you style your everyday wear like the champion you are! We hope you’ll be inspired to incorporate some of these tips into your wardrobe so you can feel feminine, chic, and up to date in your fashion statements.

Let’s get into it! This fall, we are looking at elevated basics and an effortless wearable wardrobe.

Here are 4 tips to style and transition your everyday wardrobe.

Check out Studio Style’s newest fall collection to get the look. shopstudiostyle.com @shopstudiostyle

Clean Lines & Cut Outs Think cleans lines and solid colors. More of a minimal aesthetic with less prints and patterns but statement colors.

The “I threw this on and look so *effortlessly* put together” look. For tops we are loving asymmetry, multi-strapping, and cut-out details. High fashion looks in performance fabrics.

The vibe is sexy, sleek, and confident.

Statement Colors to Keep an Eye Out for

Mixed Monochrome Layers For Fall, think mixed matched, layers and inspiring monochrome neutrals. We love to see a workout set with a puffer jacket or even an open buttoned cardigan. To finish the look, throw your hair up with a cute scrunchie and there you have it! You’ve got the look.

Magenta, red, chocolate brown and taupes, and all shades of green. Vibrant and show stopping colors are on the horizon, so get ready friends!

Throwback Varsity The sporty, chic trends from Spring and Summer continue, but we are adding on.

The sneaker trend is here to stay. Most of you probably already have your favorite go-to pair of sneakers, but if you’re looking for something new and on trend check out Veja, Golden Goose, and P448. Wear your sneakers with scrunchie socks and leggings, and you have the ultimate throwback varsity look.

Andrew McDonald, Sarah and Samuel Marcrom, John Fiveash

ROAR THE CURE ROAR The Cure honored Mr. Randy Jones of Nationwide at its 10th Annual ROAR the Cure “Never Say Cancer Again” James Bond Gala, at The Club in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Mr. Jones has a compelling life story in regards to cancer having lost a sister to the disease and as well another sister and brother who are cancer survivors.

He brings a passion to fighting cancer at every opportunity as this year’s ROAR honoree. To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Daily Swann, Biffy Horton

Jane Faris, Chris and Hanna Salter, Tiffany and Todd Talbot ABOUT

36 T O W N

Ashley and Mark Messenger

Meredith and Gary Rehm

Russell and Maree Jones

Javan Patton, Darius Crayton

Andy and Ina Schaffer

Robert and Julie Kim, Sarah Kim

Abby Robertson, Mandy Sisson

Xiaodong Zhao, Sunshine Nolan ABOUT

37 T O W N

Trey and Katherine Pollard

Scott Globetti, Parker Griese

Annie Enser, Juan Gordillo

Kenlee Schabow, Nora Reeves, Laura Reeves, Ansley Schabow

ALL AMERICAN BLAST

Michela Stidham, Kenndy Day

The Backyard Leeds started the 4th of July weekend off with a bang as they held their All American Blast! In partnership with The Outlet Shops of Grand River and WZZK 104.7 Radio, The Backyard hosted a fun day of live music, face painting & balloon art, great food and drinks, mini-golf, movies and yes, a huge firework show! Home to the newly opened Neighbors Brew & Pies and Saw’s BBQ Leeds - adults, kids, and even pets enjoyed a patriotic day full of activities for the whole family. To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Brian Kilgore, Claire Call

Katie Alexander, Sherilyn Sammis, Carolin Sammis

Paisley and Megan Norton ABOUT

38 T O W N

Angel Webb, Bailey Webber

Brian, Brittany, Haley, Landon and Casen Jones

PROMOTION

What If We Up-End Why We Exercise?

The Pilates industry is back in the news as well-being comes front and center. Alabama’s longest running Classical Pilates studio, AERO JOE PILATES is stepping into the spotlight again as a Birmingham staple for ‘whole-person wellness.’

Meditative Aspects that Work for Well-Being Lately celebs, like Jennifer Anniston & even members of the Tennessee Titans football team, have touted Pilates for it’s meditative side in addition to the method’s proven ability to uniformly develop every muscle in the body. Authentic methodologies, those derived from the years of research by Founder Joseph “Joe” Pilates, focus on breath-led movement. Therefore Pilates, at its best, creates a low-impact workout experience with a high correlation to lowering the nervous system stress response & balancing your mood. To achieve the benefits of Yoga with a focus on core strength (every muscle group supporting the spine), consider adding Classical Pilates to your wellness routine!

Less About Burn (And Burn-Out), More About Enjoyment There is joy in reconnecting to your body, all with caring guidance from an expert teacher. We were all born to move, and mindful movement, when we slow down enough, often feels like a great relief from the stresses of the day. Pilates complete system, including all apparatus (Reformer, Chair, Tower, Mat & more), offers benefits to core strength as well as a decrease in chronic lower back pain, increased flexibility, better joint mobility and postural enhancements.

Pilates is a practice, like martial arts, dance, or even playing piano. True it takes commitment, but it is exhilarating to advance your level! As you steadily & safely build lean muscle mass & strength, we will cheer right along with you! Yet as teachers, and not simply coaches calling out an exercise list, we are most amped when you can marvel at your own success -- skill building with time to achieve a new exercise or level, all for yourself.

The option to cross-train in Aerial Yoga, traditional Yoga exercises expertly adapted to utilize ‘silks’ looped into hammocks on a professional rig, adds to client motivation and strength, plus it’s just fun!

Motivating Experiences for All Bodies Semi-Private & Private Lessons The AERO JOE difference? Our group classes are intentionally small to keep our clients well aligned, successful and safe.

We fill a niche currently, by going the extra mile with our community health updates. (See our site for more info.) Each lesson, private or semi-private, includes tailored instruction to enhance each individual’s motor function and alignment.

Clients include those looking for post-surgical rehabilitation to professional athletes seeking injury prevention techniques.

IN THE NEWS! Have you heard? AERO JOE PILATES state-of-the-art new studio and instructor education centre in Pepper Place is slated to open January 2022! Start with AERO JOE today & move forward with us.

NEW INTRO PACKAGE SAVINGS! - See our site for details.

Semi-Private Class Reservations Online @ aerojoepilates.com Please E-mail for Private Training Availabilityinfo@aerojoepilates.com.

AERO JOE PILATES, EST. 2012 in PEPPER PLACE! 2805 2nd Avenue South - Birmingham, AL 35233 www.aerojoepilates.com

Committed To Creating Beautiful Smiles We are offering complimentary virtual consults.

Do you want to improve your smile?

Or do you have a dental concern?

Our online consults haven’t stopped! We are working hard to make sure your dental needs don’t have to wait! Connect with us today and get all of your questions answered for free in three easy steps. > Upload a photo of your smile, or area of concern.

Award-winning cosmetic dentist Dr. J. Paul Koch, DMD, is passionate about creating beautiful smiles with treatments including dental implants, porcelain veneers, Invisalign and many more for our patients in the Mountain Brook and surrounding areas. Many patients who have had their smiles restored through our services have noticed increased self-esteem and enjoyed a more youthful and healthy appearance.

> Dr. Koch will create a personalized video with recommendations. > View your video and schedule an appointment! >>> VISIT: kochaesthetics.com Koch Aesthetic Dentistry – The Dental Spa 2311 Highland Ave S. Ste 323 Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 649-7537 www.kochaesthetics.com

Mind & Body

WHAT DOES YOUR HEALTHY ROUTINE LOOK LIKE? We asked some local fitness experts to tell us how they stay in shape.

Molly Sobel

45 Group Fitness Instructor

Weekly Exercise Routine: I teach 5 classes per week- four Fitness Pilates classes and one cardio-barre arrangement called LifeBarre. Both formats create and maintain long lean muscle and keep me healthy from the inside out. For fun on Fridays, I like to take a step aerobics class when I can.

Weekly Eating Routine:

Wyman Hamilton

40 Senior Living Professional

Weekly Exercise Routine:

Swim: 4+ miles per week Bike: 14+ hrs per week spin Run: 50+ miles per week Weights: 20 min. 5x per week 1 crazy HIIT workout per week with Rod Kanter Weekly Eating Routine:

3-4 normal everyday meals per day. Everything in moderation.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: Having enough time in the

day between family, work, and exercise… also age.

Fitness Goals: I am competing

in the long distance triathlon national championships in September and hoping to once again make the national team to go to the world championships next year in Australia.

Biggest Mistake People Make:

I have found that most people give up right before they start to see the biggest fitness gains.

Kaci Hamilton 37

Instructor & Personal Trainer

Weekly Exercise Routine:

I teach cardio barre, cardio fusion, sculpt, and bounce every week. Depending on what races I am training for determines my own personal workouts. Running is my favorite and I try to run at least 5 days a week. I also do a lot of triathlons so swimming and biking are squeezed in.

Weekly Eating Routine : I’m a

vegetarian so eggs, nuts, fruits and vegetables are my staples every week. I don’t love sweets, but I believe in moderation and the occasional Diet Coke.

Your Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit : Time.

Biggest Mistake People Make : Consistency. Whatever your

goals are they don’t happen overnight. It takes consistently showing up and putting in the work.

The key is MODERATION along with lots of vegetables, proteins and very little alcohol.

My breakfast is typically kale/ spinach and eggs or steel cut oats with fruit. My favorite choices for post-workout snacks are smoothies or a THINK chocolate-peanut butter protein bar. For lunch I will have a salad with protein. Dinner with my family usually consists of lasagna, spaghetti & meatballs, grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon; always with veggies and rarely with dessert.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit:

Food! I love to eat and cook all kinds of foods. Some people eat to live and I live to eat, so I have to engage the most self-control in this area.

Favorite Cheat Meal: Chocolate

molten lava cake and dark chocolate covered almonds.

Fitness Goals: My goal is to maintain a balanced, toned and injury-free body.

Biggest Mistake People Make: Eating the wrong types of foods. Consistent, mindful eating is crucial to the realization of personal fitness goals.

ABOUT

41 T O W N

Mind & Body

Avana Story 26 Certified Trainer, D.M.D. student at the UAB School of Dentistry, & Nutrition Specialist

Thaddeus Johnson 35 Southern Nuclear / Lifetime Fitness

Weekly Exercise Routine: 4-5 times a week I cycle, lift weights, &

Weekly Exercise Routine: A mix of HIIT, cardio, strength training and heated yoga

take time to stretch.

Weekly Eating Routine: Meal prep on Sundays, & keep healthy snacks

with me throughout each day to stay fueled.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit:

Self-discipline & self-love. Both are key to prioritizing health & wellness.

Your Fitness Goals: Explore new & exciting physical activities outside of the gym.

Biggest Mistake People Make:

Forgetting to infuse fun into the process. Our attitude determines our latitude!

Weekly Eating Routine:

5 meals per day: (sample) 1. Peanut butter, granola bar 2. Egg whites, avocado 3. Lettuce wrap chicken fajitas 4. Smoothie 5. Salmon salad (lots of water with every meal)

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: Making time Biggest Mistake People Make:

Not being patient with their bodies; wanting instant results.

Mary Frances Osborn

Yoga Instructor

43

Weekly Exercise Routine: Mixture of hot yoga, HIIT classes, strength training w/ weights & stair climber.

Weekly Eating Routine: High protein, mod-

erate fat, low sugar w/a variety of colorful vegetables in order to fuel workouts and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: Finding the right balance of exercise and continuing to challenge my body to overcome adaptations Your Fitness Goals: To be strong and maintain a healthy balance both physically and mentally.

Biggest Mistake People Make: Inconsistency

Mind & Body

Emily Burwell

45 Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer

Weekly Exercise Routine: As an instructor, I teach alot of classes. I usually teach 3 cycle classes a week, and 3-4 cardio/weight classes.

When I’m not teaching, I love an outdoor run, or a doing a horizontal conditioning class.

Weekly Eating Routine: I don’t follow a specific eating plan. I’m a

foodie, so nothing is off limits. I believe everything in moderation.

I also eat a lot of protein.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: My biggest obstacle is

learning how to train the older I get. What worked for me in my 20s, doesn’t work for me now. It’s a challenge, but I love it!

Your Fitness Goals: To stay strong! Oesteo-

porosis runs in my family so weight training and interval training are a major component to my fitness routine.

Biggest Mistake People Make: Fad diets and exercise trends. I have seen so many clients over the years that do crazy diets and exercise routines to get quick results. The problem is that its not not a lifestyle change, so the weight comes right back.

Cora Schimke

28 Professional Dancer and Personal Trainer

Weekly Exercise Routine: I have dance rehearsal two to three times a week and then I try to get in at least three F45 workouts. I make sure to move every day even if it’s just a walk!

Weekly Eating Routine: I am a firm believer in

the 80/20 rule. I eat a balanced diet 80% out of the week. However, if I want a cookie or a glass of wine I won’t deprive myself from that 20%.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: I’m always on the go so meal prepping is crucial for me! Otherwise, I find myself not eating enough during the day to maintain my energy levels. I also have a major sweet tooth! I try and find ways to add “sweet” things in my diet without all the sugar.

Protein Oats for breakfast are a great way!

Biggest Mistake People Make: Consistency is key! It’s very easy to fall out of an exercise routine with all obstacles of life. However, taking that time each day for YOU will not only help you physically but mentally too! You can’t take care of others unless you take care of you!

ABOUT

43 T O W N

Mind & Body

Janet Smith

over 40 Group Fitness Instructor, Yoga Teacher, Mother of 3

Weekly Exercise Routine: A mix of yoga, weight training, HIIT, and an outdoor run on Sundays. I enjoy high intensity cardio mixed with weights. I rarely do cardio on machines. We used to believe the way to lose weight was just do more cardio. It’s amazing how much my body changed when I stopped believing that and added in more strength training and yoga.

Weekly Eating Routine: My diet is typically high in

protein (lean beef, chicken, eggs, protein shakes) and low in sugar and alcohol. I’ve found this is what works best for me to feel my best! I don’t count calories. I was obsessed with counting calories and fat throughout high school and college. I’ll never live my life tied to a number again. I have found freedom in the way I now eat and do not have a scale at home. I use LIFETIME’s Life Greens in my protein shakes, which is a blend of fruit & vegetable antioxidants, prebiotic fibers, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. I also take daily supplements that include calcium, magnesium, vitamin c, vitamin d and a multi-vitamin.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: Limiting sugar!

Your Fitness Goals: Continue to build muscle and burn fat. I enjoy sharing my love for fitness and yoga with others and helping them meet their health and fitness goals!

Biggest Mistake People Make: Expecting results tomorrow. It takes time to build muscle and lose body fat. Just keep on keeping on making healthy food choices and staying active! Do what you don’t really like… it’s probably what your body needs the most! I hate tricep push-ups because my triceps are one of my weaker muscle groups. Don’t use the excuse that you aren’t flexible so you can’t do yoga. That’s one reason why you SHOULD do yoga! Find group fitness classes that challenge you and fitness friends that hold you accountable

Kimberly Wright

46 Fitness Instructor & Certified Personal Trainer

Weekly Exercise Routine: I teach roughly 6 classes a week consistenting of strength and cardio, so I usually get a workout in each class.

I’ve recently added Reformer Pilates to my weekly routine where I’m the participant!

Weekly Eating Routine: I am a creature of habit. I tend to eat the

same thing every day, including the weekends. I eat clean and lean with plenty of protein. I snack on fruit, veggies with tzatziki dip, and occasionally goldfish. Ha! And the best part is, I always allow myself 1-2 Oreos at night.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: My obstacle is always food. I create a routine with my food. It also helps to know what I’m eating, so that’s why I track my food. I haven’t always done it, and it’s not the easiest thing to start.

Your Fitness Goals: To stay active, strong and injury free. I’m not getting

any younger!

Brock Warren 36

Entrepreneur

Weekly Exercise Routine: Mon: Back, Cardio, Sauna.

Tues: Chest, Cardio, Core. Wed: Legs, Cardio, Sauna.

Thur: Shoulders, Core, Sauna. Fri: Arms, Cardio.

Weekly Eating Routine: Sunday-Friday I do pre-

planned meals with Fit Five Meals. Food is lean, low carb. Five meals a day plus two healthy snacks.

Saturday is my cheat day and eat whatever.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: Staying consistent

with my diet.

Your Fitness Goals: Maintain a lean healthy physique and stay functional.

Biggest Mistake People Make: Quiting too soon.

It takes time to see results. You have to stick with it.

Mind & Body

Christopher Taylor 29

Process Assistant

Weekly Exercise Routine: I split my routine into different workouts based on muscle.

Hitting every group once a week, but legs and core which I do twice a week. I do multiple sets of different exercises for the same muscle group at a time. To maintain my body fat I keep my routines high paced with limited breaks in between sets. Each lift I increase the weight from the following week, and push myself to new heights with every repetition.

Weekly Eating Routine:

I have a small advantage because I am able to pretty much eat anything I want as long as I lift consistently. I eat a lot of anything and try my best to keep it as healthy as possible.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: My biggest challenge is

putting on size and maintaining the weight gained while working out in the gym. I am pretty consistent in the gym with working out, but because I am an ectomorph it’s easy for me to lose weight.

Camari Princewill 41

Group Fitness/Personal Trainer

Weekly Exercise Routine:

Tuesdays and Thursdays : Split Resistance Weight Training.

Wednesdays and Fridays : Plyo/ Power Training, Sprints.

Weekly Eating Routine: 5 to

6 times a day, smaller meals, calories and calorie content depending on anticipated daily caloric needs (i.e increase in carbs on more intense workout days).

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit: For me personally , I don’t

really consider anything as a “real” obstacle anymore to staying fit. I consider exercise as imperative as taking a

Paige McClees 33 Physical Therapist and Fitness Instructor Weekly Exercise Routine: Variety is the spice of life. I enjoy mixing up the types of workouts I do throughout the week. I mix in a medley of Pilates/Barre 2-3x/week, Spin 1x/ week, and Running 1-2x/week on average. I prioritize recovery days and rest into my week to make sure I reap the benefits of my hard work.

Every other week, I like to substitute in a mode of exercise outside of my usual such as kickboxing or an interval class to make sure my workouts don’t get stagnant.

Weekly Eating Routine: I am not

a planner or meal-prepper when it comes to food. I find that if I pre-plan my meals I tend not enjoy them. Instead, what works for me is focusing on intuitive eating. I eat when I am hungry, and I don’t when I am not. I generally try to eat whole foods and do not purposefully leave out any major food sources.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit:

Time. When our schedules get tight, we are more prone to cut out the things we do for ourselves including self-care. Making time is something we ALL struggle with. The key is finding a physical activity or exercise that you enjoy and planning it during part of your day that is not likely to get interrupted with a responsibility.

Biggest Mistake People Make:

Probably the mistake I see the most is clients not varying their exercise modes enough. This can sometimes lead to overtraining, repetitive injuries, plateauing, and frustration.

Our muscles need variety in how they are stimulated. shower, picking up the kids from school or brushing my teeth in the morning. Over the years of painstakingly and deliberately disciplining myself to maintain an exercise habit, I can humbly say that I no longer consider exercise as an option.

Biggest Mistake People Make:

1) Trying to cheat the process. There will always be a new fad diet, a new quick weight loss scheme, ABOUT

45 T O W N

or a “cutting edge” new piece of exercise equipment, ready to ask you to write that check that’ll “change your life.”

2) Not understanding and accepting that health and fitness should become parallel to your journey through life. In other words, as long as your heart continues to beat and you’re physically capable, that is as long as you should aim to maintain your health and fitness.

Mind & Body

Maddie Hagler 18

Cynthia Hobson 37

Weekly Exercise Routine: My exercise

Weekly Exercise Routine: I lift weights 3 mornings per week. When I lift, I do lift heavy weight and I do a full-body workout each time rather than only focusing on certain body groups. I swim laps 2-3 mornings a week, each time totaling over a mile and a half. I also love to take Dance Jam classes.

Student/Cheerleader

Account Executive

routine varies, but I love to do strength, HIIT, and cardio exercises. My cardio exercises are usually dance jam, kickboxing, cycling, running, and HIIT training classes.

Cardio is super important to me because I was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a lung and digestive disease, so these types of exercise open up my airways to breathe better.

I also do co-ed stunting to help prepare for college cheer tryouts in the future.

Weekly Eating Routine: For breakfast, I usually have protein oatmeal, eggs and toast, or a sweet potato protein bowl. For lunch, it varies, but I love to eat sandwiches, fruit, and protein smoothies. For dinner, I usually eat out with my friends at places like Tazikis, Maki Fresh, or Real and Rosemary, or I eat a home cooked meal with my family, which would be like a meat and two vegetables.

Biggest Obstacle to Staying Fit:

Time.

Your Fitness Goals: My fitness

goals are to be fit and in shape, to feel good about my body, and to keep my lungs healthy due to having Cystic Fibrosis.

Weekly Eating Routine: I

meal prep each week for my husband and I, especially for breakfasts and lunches. For dinner, I cook for the whole family. My goal every day is to get one gram of protein for every pound that I weigh.

Your Fitness Goals: I have lost around 130 lbs over the course of several years, so at this point I have surpassed what my original fitness goals were. At this point, I’m enjoying seeing what changes I can make to my body through weight training.

I would like to do some open water swimming, like the Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim in 2022 as well.

Biggest Mistake People Make:

Starting too strong. If you go from a sedentary lifestyle and eating anything to trying to workout twice a day and eating keto, you are setting yourself up for failure. I have lost a significant amount of weight, but was only able to do so over several years by slowly incorporating cleaner eating and tougher workouts.

Dacy Lee 37

Director of Operations at Lee Household

Weekly Exercise Routine: I weight train 3 days per week focusing on specific muscle groups (instead of full body lifting) and progressive overload. I typically do a leg day, chest and shoulders day, and a back/biceps/triceps day. I try to do no more than 2 days of intense cardio (group classes) per week.

Weekly Eating Routine: With 3 children keeping me on the go, I try to keep my eating as simple as possible. The

easiest way I do this is by focusing on 4 things at each meal: Protein, Fat, Fiber, Greens.

Your Fitness Goals: My goal in personal fitness is simply to keep moving forward in strength, week by week, year by year, in these holistic areas. Although, a specific goal I think would be amazing to achieve would be to do unassisted pull ups Biggest Mistake People Make: I think the biggest mistake people make in setting fitness goals is setting short term goals that only involve outward appearance. If you want to lose a few pounds or fit into a pair of old jeansthe discipline and motivation for that will only last so long. If, however, you look ahead 10 or 20 years, and decide, “I want to be fit enough to hike with my grandchildren,” or “I want to be strong enough to travel with my spouse in my senior years,” - these are the goals that will carry you through the days when the last thing you feel like doing is working out.

ABOUT

46 T O W N

SPECIALISTS IT ’S TIME TO GET BACK TO YOU.

Dr. Robert Oliver Jr. & Dr. Jason Jack Our practice specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body and face. Numerous facial plastic surgery patients are treated by us because our practice is known throughout Alabama as one of the premiere facial plastic surgery facilities, backed by board-certified expertise. BOTOX® and dermal fillers are also expertly utilized for our patients who may not be ready for surgery, but want to improve their appearance to remain fresh and youthful.

2021 PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALISTS

205-298-8660 birminghamspecialists.com @plastsurgspec

Olivia and Dakota Harris

Natalie Boughner, Jennifer Boles, Jennifer Gray, Leslie Passafiume, Susan Lambert

Baret Steed, Nick O’Farell

Jessica Landmom, Tyler Steed

PINK PALACE CASINO NIGHT The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama held their 13th Annual Pink Palace Casino Night on Saturday, July 24th at Soiree Event Gallery for an elegant evening of food and fun. Presented by Tameron Honda & Hyundai and Renasant Bank, the event raised proceeds benefiting breast cancer research in Alabama, saving lives, and positively affecting the future of research here and across the country. Since 2008, the BCRFA has hosted a casino night in support of their mission to fund local breast cancer research. To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Jordan Cotney, Jennifer Cotney

Laura Faulkner, Danya Segrest

Amaya Moore, Aleisha Moore

ABOUT

48 T O W N

Jennifer Pochran, Jennifer Heerten

Amy Jacobs, Anna Jacobs, Megan Carter

DR. HAROLD WEHBY is a member of the Birmingham District Dental Society, the Alabama Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.

Refresh

Bea Bright, Chris Woods, Wade Robbinett

Katie and Beth Bradner, Harrison Fetters

Offering Botox®, Juvederm® and Restylane® to achieve a more relaxed and smooth facial appearance, while still having freedom of expression.

Relief

Suffering fro TMJ/Migraines? Find out how Botox® can help with some headaches and wide range of facial pains.

Renew

Our advanced training in facial and dental treatments can give you a confident smile.

Vicki Garner, Deena Agee, Carie Tucker, Amy Jacobs, Anna Jacobs

NOW LOCATED IN HOMEWOOD 3351 Old Montgomery Highway, Suite 202 Homewood, Alabama 35209 Tel: 205-637-6018 www.wehbydental.com

Ready To Detox Your Beauty Routine?

PHOTOGRAPHY: AMBRE AMARI OF AMARI PHOTOGRAPHY

Mary Frances Dale of local clean beauty shop, Verde Lusso, gives tips on paying attention to what goes on our skin and how we can all make healthier personal care and beauty choices.

A

re you one of the many people who take part in a body detox every year? Whether embarking on a juice cleanse or the Whole 30 program, detoxing is definitely part of many people’s routines. Detoxing, however, shouldn’t stop with what you put in your mouth.

The clean beauty movement has been sweeping the country with increasing awareness as consumers start looking at the ingredients in their skincare products as diligently as they inspect the ingredients in their food. This is a good thing, since your skin absorbs roughly 70% of what you put on it and up to 100% of what’s applied in certain areas, like the underarms. With the increasingly toxic amount of chemicals that our bodies are exposed to, it’s important to lighten the load wherever you can; detoxing your beauty routine is a great step towards long term health and increased wellbeing.

My own personal journey into clean beauty started when I was a senior in highschool in Tennessee. My mom became very sick with an autoimmune disease, and the treatments prescribed by her doctors left her puffy, exhausted, and sick. I started researching everything I could find to help her get better.

I learned that mainstream beauty was creating products with a dizzying array of harmful ingredients. For example, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 61% of mainstream lipsticks contain lead, an extremely harmful neurotoxin, and that ingredients like formaldehyde and hormone disruptors are drenching the products we’re putting on our skin. The beauty and personal care product industry is virtually unregulated in the United States, and this lack of oversight makes it our responsibility to vet these products and scrutinize their ingredients.

As a result of my reading, I switched all of my beauty products to non-toxic alternatives. At the time in 2008 there were very few options for finding non-toxic beauty products, but I became a regular at the

local health food store and would scour the internet to place orders with brands I could trust. Just like my mom and me, almost everyone I know doesn’t want to put toxic chemicals like formaldehyde or lead on their body and skin. With over 5,000 ingredients in use in personal care products today, finding truly clean, effective products can be overwhelming. But with a few simple steps you too can start detoxing your beauty routine today.

The Dirty List

Ingredients to Avoid Petrochemicals:

Fragrance:

Parabens + Phthalates:

Also known as mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin wax and polyethylene glycol (PEG), they block the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, may be contaminated with cancer-causing agents and only give the illusion of actually hydrating the skin.

Artificial fragrances, which are hormone disrupting and wreak havoc on your endocrine system, should be avoided. The word “fragrance” is a catch-all for undisclosed chemicals that can be highly allergenic, including phthalates.

Phthalates can harm multiple organs and disrupt hormones in the body. You often won’t see phthalates on the labels because they are protected as “trade secrets.

START READING INGREDIENT LABELS

REASSESS YOUR MAKE-UP COLLECTION

Ingredients matter. It’s time to start reading the ingredient labels on your skincare, haircare, body care and makeup products just like you read the ingredients on a food label. When you see a long list of complex chemical names, the item is probably filled with some questionable ingredients, including hormone disruptors.

When in doubt, look up ingredients on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database, the nation’s leading authority on ingredient safety. They sometimes even list products by name. You’ll want to stick to ingredients and products that have a 0-2 score on EWG.

Mainstream make-up can be one of the worst offenders for harbouring toxic ingredients. According to a recent study by the ​​ University of Notre Dame, more than half of the cosmetics sold in the United States contain high levels of “forever chemicals,” or PFAS which are toxic industrial compounds linked to serious health conditions, including cancer. Some of the highest PFAS levels were found in mascaras and lipsticks. Toxic ingredients like PFAS are not listed on the labels, making it more important than ever to buy make-up from brands that are committed to creating clean and non-toxic formulas. Other problematic chemicals to look out for in your daily makeup products are parabens, carbon black, polyethylene and phenylenediamine, which should be avoided at all costs as these ingredients disrupt the immune system and delicate hormone balance; research also indicates that these ingredients are possibly carcinogenic.

Product Recommendation: Agent Nateur Holi (Oil) Refining Youth Serum ($122)

OPT FOR NATURAL AND ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

When you start reading ingredient labels, you’ll begin to notice how few mainstream products actually contain ingredients you can pronounce. Look for natural and organic ingredients that you can recognize, including plant extracts and naturally derived ingredients. When either all or a majority of ingredients come from a natural source, you’ve likely found a high performance, non-toxic product. Don’t be afraid of high quality lab ingredients, like pure vitamin C. When sourced properly, these pure ingredients are 100% safe and can be a highly effective part of your non-toxic beauty routine.

Product Recommendation: Ere Perez Natural Almond Mascara in Black ($26) and Olive Oil Lipstick in High Tea ($29).

SHOP WITH DEDICATED CLEAN BEAUTY RETAILERS

Clean beauty shops like Verde Lusso, which I founded this year in Birmingham, have been popping up all over the country in recent years as consumer demand for clean, safe, and effective products picks up steam. While you can scope out clean beauty boutiques like Detox Market in Los Angeles or CAP Beauty in New York City, Verde Lusso offers a local shopping destination for luxury natural and organic beauty. While many mainstream retailers claim to carry “clean beauty,” they use terms like “natural” and “clean” for marketing purposes only without actually enforcing a strong standard for non-toxic ingredients so beware.

Recommendation: Shop with dedicated clean beauty retailers like Verde Lusso.

Product Recommendation: Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator ($35)

Mary Frances Dale is the founder of Verde Lusso, a luxury clean beauty shop based in Birmingham, Alabama offering clean beauty you can feel good about. Verde Lusso, which means “green luxury” in Italian, is your one-stop-shop for the best brands in clean beauty, including skincare, make-up, hair-care and wellness products. For more information, visit verdelusso.com.

DITCH ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCE

Synthetic fragrance and perfumes are one of the worst offenders for hormone disruption, skin irritation, and general toxicity. If you could quickly eliminate one ingredient, let this be it! Beware if you see “fragrance” or “perfume” on the ingredient list. Instead choose products that are fragrance free or use essential oils and essential oil based fragrances. The word “fragrance” is a catch-all for undisclosed chemicals that can be highly allergenic, including phthalates. The latter are stored in fat cells and are potential carcinogens.

Product Recommendation: Sangre De Fruta Essential Oil Roll On Perfume in “Vetiver & Fleur” ($38)

ABOUT

51 T O W N

Transitional Trends

We asked your choice for Best Women’s Boutique in our annual reader’s poll- Milla to put together some early Fall pieces that compliment the season and the weather. photography: MARIE GHOSSEIN model: MAGGIE BEASLEY

To see a behind-the-scences video of this shoot, visit abouttown.io.

This delicate floral “Tessa” dress will have you ready for your next wedding or a night out on the town $238

Nothing will beat this gorgeous “Bindi Army” tie dress for girls night out with dinner and drinks. $232

ABOUT

52 T O W N

Make a statement with “mocha puff sleeves” and denim for date night. blouse- $58

Be bold in the “Kaelynn stripe blouse” paired with crisp white to set the tone for brunch and whatever else the day may bring. blouse- $110

Stay comfortable and chic in the “Trina tie dye tank” for an afternoon stroll in the village or movie night. tank- $78

The versatile “Alanna” dress will have you set for Sunday church and family visits. $240

ABOUT

A soft geometric print on our “Jenny mini smock waist dress” is on trend for a fall luncheon or tea. $134

53 T O W N

Billy Connelley, Beth Leonard, Catherine McLean

Joan Stelling, Matthew and Jen Dent

Katie Gilbert, Kelly and John Harbert

PICASSO PETS GALLERY PARTY Hand in Paw hosted its annual Picasso Pets Gallery Party at The Grand Bohemian Art Gallery. At this VIP event, patrons (known as “presenters”) got the first peek at artwork painted by their pets in collaboration with local artists. The Gallery Party was a night to remember as these special artworks debuted. Sponsors of Picasso Pets, board members, and past presenters were also in attendance for this VIP first glimpse. Guests enjoyed beer, wine and delicious hors d’oeuvres while perusing the paintings.

To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Olivia and Dakota Harris

Dee and Cece Kennedy, Emmet McLean

ABOUT

54 T O W N

Trip Cobb, Blane Sexton

Marcy Costa, Valerie and Abbie Richenderfer, Ginna Blaylock

Kristen McGee, Melissa Mancini, Matt Dickerson

Todd Engelhardt, Cooper and Brittany Filby, Tanja Jones

Maggie and Keith Quattlebaum

Barry Burges, Gary Burgess

SPHERE AUDIO VIDEO GRAND OPENING Sphere Audio Video held the Grand Opening of their new store at 504 Cahaba Park Circle. Drinks and Hors d’oeuvres were served and vendors were in attendance to answer questions about smart homes. There was also a drawing for a 50’ Sony TV plus installation and other goodies. To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.

Roger and Martha Hale

Trey aand Marcie Thompson

Jim and Kim Patton

Marcie Thompson, Sarah McDaniel, Isla McDaniel

Silas McDaniel, Chris McDaniel, Keith Quattlebaum ABOUT

56 T O W N

Taylor Wiggins, Hays Wiggins

PROMOTION

Closing the Gap A CONVERSATION WITH

Dr. Mark Yanosky, Board Certified Orthodontist

What’s the best age to visit the orthodontist?

What are the different teeth straightening options for adults?

Seems like kids are getting braces at younger ages than ever before.

We find that the kids that get the best results have been followed from a younger age- say 7 and older. The VAST majority of the time, no actual treatment is needed until most or all of the baby teeth have fallen out- say around age 12 on average. For some, early intervention is necessary to avoid or limit more challenging treatment in the future. Most orthodontists provide complimentary screening exams with no referral required, so if you have any doubts about your child’s need for treatment don’t hesitate to come see us.

What do you enjoy most about your practice?

The people….plain and simple. We have a great team that I’m proud of. It’s also a blast to take care of so many patients of different backgrounds and ages. We are honored to care for so many of them. Also the community- we pride ourselves on giving back to the community in every way possible.

I see a lot of adults straightening their teeth.

There has been an explosion in adult treatment in the last decade driven by clear aligners as an option. These devices allow us to treat a segment of patients that simply wouldn’t consider traditional braces.

Whether it’s “touch up” treatment before a wedding or big event, or starting from scratch, this has been the preferred option for most adults. The ability for us to digitally scan the mouth, digitally design the treatment and virtually monitor the patient is also driving this explosion!

Dr. Yanosky graduated from the UAB School of Dentistry in 1999, receiving numerous awards including the Dean’s Medal, the school’s highest honor. After finishing orthodontic specialty training, Dr. Yanosky entered private practice and has lectured nationally and internationally on several different topics in orthodontics, Since 2010, he has served as an adjunct assistant professor of orthodontics at UAB. His spare time is devoted to staying active with his wife and three kids.

Yanosky Orthodontics - 1651 Independence Court, Suite 141 - Birmingham, AL 35209 dryanosky.com (205) 870-1444

FI NDI NG O UR WAY FO R WAR D

The Modern Work Wardrobe Reimagined by: Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk at The Style That Binds Us PHOTOGRAPHY BY KASSADY GIBSON, JIAWEI ZHANG, AND LYDIA HUDGENS

The last year has seen a change in our work habits and environments. Here’s how to start re-thinking your work wear as well.

A

re you heading back to the office after months of working from home? Are you going to be dividing the work week between the office and home? Or maybe you’re working remotely full-time? There are so many questions yet to be answered, but most of us are looking for some type of return to normalcy and revamping our wardrobes can be a fulfilling way to start our journey forward.

Why did we wear what we wore doing Covid? The fact is that we didn’t simply throw on any old thing, we actively chose pieces that felt comfortable, that could serve as a cocoon to envelop us in safety. Sweats and slippers became our armor against the very scary unknown. As time went on, we realized that choosing not to get dressed at all made us feel like we were not coping, a signal was sent to our collective brains that life was not normal, that we were barely hanging in there! There was a drastic change in our mental health when we took a shower, put on “regular” clothes and at least a swipe of lipgloss. It also signaled to those around us that things were not completely foreign and out of control.

Fabrics with movement rather than more structured pieces meld casual and corporate.

BLENDING OFFICE AND HOME WEAR What was acceptable for work had already been relaxed somewhat before the pandemic. But what does this mean now? The answer is a melding of casual and corporate. You will see plenty of blazers and trousers for women, but in much more fluid fabrics. These items will be shown in oversized styles as well, creating a much more casual look that can easily go from desk to dinner, or can be worn for both working in the office and at home. The main thing to remember here is that when you wear one piece that is oversized or slouchy, wear something fitted on the other half. For example, “paper bag” trousers (pants that are pulled in at the waist with a belt or tie, should be combined with a fitted top. Otherwise the look will seem sloppy and frumpy.

ESSENTIAL PIECES Pieces to invest in are a black pant that can be worn with both heels and flats (we love a modern loafer or ballet flat), blouses in softer fabrics - silk, viscose, rayon, Tencel, to name a few, blazers that can be taken on and off during the day (we know how cold central air conditioning can be in an office, despite the steamy heat of early fall in the South!). Blazers can be worn on and off duty; throw the blazer over your shoulders after work to look chic and sophisticated.

Animal prints are the new neutral.

ABOUT

58 T O W N

Look for dresses that are less structured and fitted, that can be worn with everything from a ballet flat to a tall boot to a pump in lightweight, autumnal colors. Throw on a cardigan or blazer or scarf to add warmth as the weather cools. Knits were also everywhere on the runways and presentations for Fall ’21.

Everything from fitted polo-style ribbed tops, to cable knit sweaters, cropped cardigans and matching cashmere sets- a top and matching knit skirt and pants, blending comfort with glamour. Sweater dresses will continue to be shown; these pieces are the perfect canvas for creativity. You can add sweaters, jackets, blazers, accessories and shoes to create multiple looks- the sky’s the limit here! A lightweight sweater dress can easily go from coffee at The Red Cat at Railroad Park to dinner at Bottega Cafe simply by the accessories you add.

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

W E D O W H AT W E D O B E C A U S E C H I L D R E N H AV E D R E A M S .

What was acceptable for work had already been relaxed before the pandemic.

But what does this mean now?

1600 7T H AV E NUE S OUT H B I R M I NGHAM , A L 35233 ( 205) 638- 9100 C h i l d re n sAL . org

ONE WARDROBE - MULTIPLE OCCASIONS As always, “work casual” doesn’t mean “anything goes”. Coming across as polished and organized is especially important as dress codes relax. Remember you are creating your personal brand so to speak - what you wear speaks volumes about who you are. You can set the tone for how people perceive and treat you simply by what you chose to wear. Use your wardrobe as a visual representation, a platform to tell your story. There is a new blurring of the lines between work and off duty style. Kick-start your updated wardrobe with a cross-section of structured and less structured pieces for an effortlessly chic, elegant and versatile look. Don’t think about having two separate wardrobes, instead choose pieces that can be worn in multiple ways for various occasions. A black suede pump can be worn with a dinner dress or just as easily with frayed jeans. A turtleneck sweater can be worn with tailored pants and a pump for important meetings with or without a blazer or jacket, or it can be worn with a pair of track pants or jeans and sneakers, or a denim skirt and tall boots (yes they are back!) for a perfect on-trend, retro 70’s inspired style.

Add a pair of oversized sunglasses for a look straight off the runway! It’s all about blending style with practicality.

Think of building your wardrobe the way you would build an art collection. You don’t need “more”, rather you need highly functional, versatile pieces of the best quality you can afford. It takes time and money to build an art collection, the same goes for a timeless wardrobe. This fall is the perfect time for a reset.

We have been given a unique opportunity to reinvent, to elevate our personal style. What could be better than that?

For more fashion and styling tips from Alison and Delia, follow The Style That Binds Us on FB or Instagram @thestylethatbindsus or thestylethatbindsus.com.

FACIALS • WAXING • DERMAPLANING MICRONEEDLING • CHEMICAL PEELS LASH EXTENSIONS • SPRAY TANS BROW LAMINATION • LASH LIFT PERMANENT MAKEUP MASSAGE • IV HYDRATION SKINCARE + GIFT BOUTIQUE 2021

8000 Liberty Pkwy Suite 120 Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 labellabirmingham.com 205.994.8906

PROMOTION

Performing at Your Best Dr. Rod Sones and his team at ProHealth Hoover Chiropractic and Rehab discuss what it takes and how they can help.

Whether you’re an athlete, a busy business executive, or a parent trying to keep up with your kids, we know how important it is to perform at your best. That is why at ProHealth we combine chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and many soft tissue techniques to help our patients reach their best results.

Dr. Sones and his team utilize various techniques and services to help patients reach their overall health goals including: chiropractic manipulation, myofascial release, corrective exercises, physiotherapy modalities, non-surgical spinal decompression, dry needling, and kinesiology taping.

At ProHealth we pride ourselves on providing an outstanding experience with every visit. Dr. Sones’ experienced team offers comprehensive, non-invasive, quality healthcare that works with our patients to improve their quality of life.

Dr. Sones founded ProHealth Hoover Chiropractic and Rehab in 2014. Since this time, he has been an integral part of the sports community by working with schools and organizations to help provide chiropractic treatment to a wide range of athletes across the state. He, his wife, Amber, and their two sons, Harrison (5) and Charlie (3) reside in Mountain Brook

~ The ProHealth Experience “Dr. Sones and the ProHealth team are the absolute best! They are friendly, personable, and do their jobs so well. As a professional athlete and patient for almost two years now, the care and intentionality with which my treatments are handled are impressive. I cannot imagine advancing my game without the support my adjustments provide. If you are considering chiropractic care, ProHealth is my only recommendation. #TeamofWinners” – Anna P.

For more information about Dr. Sones and his team or to set up an appointment, call ProHealth Hoover Chiropractic and Rehab at (205) 822-2177 or visit them at prohealthhoover.com.

“I have been going to Dr. Rod Sones at ProHealth Hoover Chiropractic and Rehab for many years with great results. As a teacher, my neck and lower back often hurt, and Dr. Sones can always provide the adjustment that I need to help me feel better. I believe in chiropractic care and think it is vital to good long-term health. Dr. Sones is excellent and compassionate. His staff is always friendly and kind. I highly recommend Dr. Sones to anyone looking for a way to better health.” – Veronica D.

Newsweek’s 2021

Best Small Bank in Alabama

You Deserve A Bank That Delivers Beyond Expectations.

You work hard every day to make life for yourself and your family the best it can be. Your bank should care about your goals too.

At Bryant Bank, we put care into action to help you invest in your full potential. For your business, your family, and for everything in life, when you need a partner in banking, we are here for you, Huntsville.

Learn more about Alabama’s Best Small Bank at

BRYANTBANK.COM/BEST-BANK

Downtown: 256-535-1045 | Southeast Huntsville: 256-217-5170 Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NLMS 582857.

GOOD TASTE

PROMOTION

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

Buy This Wine So Others Can Dine Health and wellness affect us in many ways. The past couple of years have taught us at The Pig much about physical, emotion, mental, and spiritual health. One thing that we all know is that doing good works leads positive impacts on all types of health. Six Piggly Wiggly stores have teamed up with our partners at Alabama Crown and Vintage Wine Estates on a program to benefit our neighbors at The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.

Buy these labels to sup our Community Food B

Buy these lab els to suppor t our Communi ty Food Bank !

Buy thes e labels to su pport our Commun ity Food Bank !

SPONSORED BY

IN SUPPORT OF

The crew at all six Piggly Wiggly stores got together and selected wines from Firesteed, Kunde, Qupe, and Tamarack. Proceeds from the sales of these tasty wines will directly benefit the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Every bottle sold provides two meals! Enjoy a great bottle of wine, and know that you are doingSP good.

ON SO RESP D ON BY SO RE D BY

These six Piggly Wiggly stores are participating in the program. Come by, come buy, and enjoy a great wine knowing that you are helping to feed those in need.

Bluff Park – 770 Shades Mountain Plaza 35226 Clairmont – 3314 Clairmont Avenue 35222 Crestline – 41 Church Street 35213 Dunnavant – 1324 Dunnavant Valley Road 35242 Homewood – 3000 Montgomery Highway 35209 River Run – 3800 River Run Drive 35243

ABOUT

62 T O W N

IN IN SU SU PP PPOR ORT

T OF OF

Buy these labels to sup ppor our Community Food B t

Buy these labe ls to support our Commun Buy these lab ity Food Bank! els to su

our Communi ty

Food Bank!

luxe & layered

F IN E L I N E N S , FU R N IS H IN G S, BATH & U NI Q U E G I F TS

2 9 0 4 18TH S T S BIRMI NGH AM 2 0 5 .8 71. 23 37 THREESHEETSLINEN.COM

Last Look

See if you can spot the 10 differences in these two Lyric pictures!

PUBLISHER Hunt Gillespie ASSOCIATE EDITOR Cathy Nagi DIGITAL ASSISTANT Anna Kathryn Fitch CONTRIBUTING DESIGN Clint Cabiness Emily Pickens MARKETING Shannan Beasley Jennifer Lyles Dowdle PHOTOGRAPHERS Marie Ghossein Steve Higginbotham Jade Hollaway ADVERTISING For advertising information, please contact Hunt Gillespie at 205.821.4106 EVENTS To request your event to be featured, please send an e-mail at least one month prior to: info@abouttown.io WEB To see all the features & party pictures, visit: abouttown.io For a list of distribution points visit abouttown.io For detailed info on our readership contact

10. There are two posters out front instead of one 9. The Alabama Theatre lights are neon green

4. The Stoplight is duplicated

8. The red car under the Alabama Theatre is gone

3. The American Flag is gone

7. The second person from the left has disappeared

2. The One Way sign is flipped upside down

6. Paul Thorn is now Paul Torn

1. The date is changed to the 10th

Can You Spot The Ten Differences?

5. The Alabama Theatre sign is a brighter color

10

hunt@abouttown.io

About Town is published by Gillespie, Inc. P.O. Box 130328 Birmingham, AL 35213 Copyright © 2021 Gillespie, Inc.

EAT • PLAY • DRINK • FETCH

Home to the Grand River Drive-In, Neighbors Brew & Pies and Saw’s BBQ Leeds Discover the endless fun with a drive-in movie theatre, pool room & arcade, backyard games, dog park & so much more!

OPEN EVERY DAY 10am - 10pm ALL AGES WELCOME www.backyardleeds.com