Cullman, AL March 2023

Home & design

F I N A N C E + LE G A L S E RV I C E S

SM ART ESTATE PL AN N ING HOME + DESIGN

DIVE I NTO A N EW PO O L TH IS SU M M ER HOT TEST TREN DS IN WIN DOW TRE ATM ENTS BE AUT Y O F H AN DCRAFTED FU RN ITU RE

M A R C H 2 02 3

March 2023 PUBLISHER

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Welcome readers to our March home issue Our homes are our safe spots. They mean comfort and love. Home is the place where we go to rest, to be with our loved ones and where we find comfort and peace.

When I was younger, we always sat on my grandparents' front porch, whether we were shelling beans from the garden or just visiting. I remember my Pepaw waving to each car that passed by. Their porch was a special place to us. It was a place where we gathered.

My kitchen has always been the gathering spot, probably because it is where I am. My kids will come in and ask what’s for dinner or to make a snack. I love cooking for my family and friends. One of my favorite things to collect is cookbooks.

Do you have a favorite spot in your home?

We want this issue to feel like HOME. We want you to be inspired by the stories and recipes. We have so much in store for you, including a delicious chocolate chip muffin recipe by Ashlea Chance, owner of Mavens & Makers.

She loves to cook and you can see it with every recipe! We have a wonderful feature on swimming pools. Tonya Palmer of Palmer Law Firm shares some great information on estate planning, too. We hope you enjoy this issue!

Live Local - Love Local - Shop Local!

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Ashlea Chance, Melissa Curtis CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Jen Murphree with JenJen Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

M I S S Y G U R L E Y, P U B L I S H E R @CULLMAN_CITYLIFESTYLE_

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/CULLMAN |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Cullman City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cullman area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Cullman City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

MARCH 2023

inside the issue The Home Issue

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30

12

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Smart estate planning

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Financial Buzz FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

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Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

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Open House HO ME + DES I GN

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Home Update HO ME S ERV I C ES

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Trend Setter HO ME + DES I GN

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Maker’s Studio HO ME + DES I GN

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Events

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House Call HO ME + DES I GN

Q&A with local attorney Tonya Palmer

20 Ready to dive in?

Hot summer days will be here soon!

24 Hottest trends in window treatments Beautiful blinds or shutters can make a statement in any room

30 Handcrafted beauty Home pieces that last a lifetime

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Burks Brothers Pools & Spas This beautiful pool was built by Burks Brothers Pools & Spas in Cullman.

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MARCH 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

BUGS BE GONE

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CINDY MYREX

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HYDROHOIST OF ALABAMA

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7 TRIDENT MARINA

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BUGS BE GONE

CINDY MYREX

HYDROHOIST OF ALABAMA

1: Brian Williams with Bugs Be Gone at the Birmingham Boat Show 2: It is boat show time! Trident Marina exhibited at the Nashville and Huntsville Boat Shows. 3: Trident Marina representatives were on-hand to discuss their luxury, custom Avalon boats. 4: Trident Marina displayed beautiful Avalon boats. 5: Jeff Jr., Jason and Jeff Tolbert and Cindy Myrex with the Huntsville Havoc mascot 6: HydroHoist had an amazing booth at the Birmingham Boat Show. 7: The HydroHoist booth attracted lots of attention at the show. CONTINUED >

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C I T Y SC E N E

Treating yourself is only natural.

Total on 1st takes a unique approach to skin care, elevating the natural beauty of every individual through a purely personal experience.

Immerse yourself in a sanctuary of self-care.

TOTA LON1ST.COM

D OW N TOW N B I R M I NGH A M

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

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CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

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CULLMAN SAVINGS BANK

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HYDROHOIST OF ALABAMA

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14 CINDY MYREX

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CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

TRIDENT MARINA

8: I spot a Free State Boat Dock, along with HydroHoist, at the Birmingham Boat Show. 9: First United Methodist Church Cullman 10: Cullman Savings Bank employees flank new Cullman Police Chief David Nassetta. 11: Jeff Tolbert having fun with a friend at the Huntsville Boat Show 12: The #cullmancolorwall at Loft 212 is a fantastic backdrop for photos. 13: Haynes Auto Detail on location 14: Trident Marina has something for everyone in your family, including your pets!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @Cullman_Citylifestyle_

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C I T Y SC E N E

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SMART ESTATE PLANNING

Tonya Palmer

goal is to protect their homes and other assets from Medicaid, should long-term care become a necessity. With Medicaid, it is such a numbers game and I look into every potential area that we can provide the asset protection the client desires, even in a crisis situation where nursing home admission is imminent.

The answer is not to “give away” your assets; it’s proper planning. Giving your assets away means losing control. It’s not safe even if you trust to whom you give your assets. If that person divorces, goes bankrupt or is sued, all the money you transferred is at risk. If you transfer your home to your children, not only will it result in immediate ineligibility in a Medicaid qualification scenario, but it could also trigger a gift tax, resulting in the loss of any property tax exemption and result in your child’s spouse (the “in-laws”) inheriting your home. These things would not necessarily be a concern to someone who is in their 20s or middle-aged.

Q&A with local attorney Tonya Palmer

Q: WHEN THINKING ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING, WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING A HOMEOWNER SHOULD CONSIDER? A: The focus when designing an estate plan for a homeowner is his/her stage of life. Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s designed around each individual’s goals, lifestyle and needs.

Different ages have different situations. One example is the older clients with whom I work whose

Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s designed around each individual’s goals, lifestyle and needs.

Attorney Tonya Palmer

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PALMER LAW FIRM

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

Q: WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ABOUT ESTABLISHING A TRUST? IS IT RIGHT FOR ALL HOMEOWNERS? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? A: It is entirely based on the individual. If someone is in their “forever home,” they may find one type of trust more beneficial than another. The benefits depend on the type of trust an individual wants to establish. That’s part of what makes using an attorney focusing on this area of law so important; there are so many things to consider, and each person may benefit from things another would not. The best advice I can give is to set up a consultation and discuss all your concerns, even if it is something you feel is completely trivial. You and your wishes for your trust matter.

Q: AT WHAT AGE SHOULD SOMEONE THINK ABOUT SETTING UP A WILL? SHOULD ALL HOMEOWNERS HAVE ONE? A: I believe anyone who is of age should have a will because estate planning isn’t about how much money you have, or if you have a home, it’s about protecting what you have for those you love after you’re gone. It ensures what you have gets to the people you love, the way you want, when you want. Someone who is college-aged can use planning if something happens while they are away at school. If proper documents are not in place, their family may not be able to make medical decisions for them or access their financial accounts if an emergency arose. The biggest takeaway is, if you were to die today, are you confident everything will be taken care of the way you wanted? Estate planning is legally ensuring everything will be handled the way you want by providing sufficient instructions. Estate planning really is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you have $4,000 or $400,000. You still have to plan for the future. Whether it’s to name a guardian for your minor children or to ensure your children

CONTINUED >

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don’t blow through your assets if you unexpectedly die or become disabled. Estate planning is your opportunity to provide the ultimate gift to your family, regardless of your age or income. Your family deserves the ability to grieve, not the stress of fighting one another in court.

Q: WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE PIECES OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE A NEW HOMEOWNER WHO IS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE INS AND OUTS OF ESTATE PLANNING, TRUSTS AND/OR WILLS? A: One of the first things that come to mind is simply having estate planning documents in place. So often we see where someone becomes disabled, incapacitated or passes away and the home can go into foreclosure because no one can access the accounts to pay the mortgage without the necessary documents. Another piece of advice seems simple, but it would be to set up an estate plan so your family doesn’t have to follow the estate plan the State has set up for you. If an individual passes and does not have a will, the State will divide your property based on intestate law. A young couple would be another common thought when considering new homeowners. In that case, if they are engaged, purchase a home and only one of them is listed on the mortgage and deed and that one passes before they can record the marriage certificate, disaster can strike with no estate planning documents in place. The surviving partner under intestate law may not have claim to the home. The last piece of advice would be to talk through everything with an estate planning attorney. We will take every aspect into account, even if it is a bit outside the “typical” planning. So often we see where an individual did have a Will, but not every type of document was considered. If a deed does not reflect the same as a person’s wishes in their estate plan, it can cause everyone else involved a lot of extra cost and stress. Anyone who has recently purchased a home knows that’s a joyous experience, but still very stressful. A life-changing event that creates the need for your estate planning to utilize is certainly stressful on your loved ones, not to mention if not all documents are cohesive.

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

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An easy, delicious treat ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEA CHANCE

Soft, warm chocolate chip muffins straight from the oven

Quick chocolate chip muffins ingredients • • • • • • • • •

3/4 cup milk 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 tbsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

directions 1. Preheat oven to 400F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or use paper liners.

2. Combine wet ingredients in a small bowl until well blended.

3. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.

4. Pour wet ingredients in a small well in flour mixture. Gently combine, then fold in chocolate chips.

5. Spoon batter into muffin tin, filling each one 2/3 full.

6. Bake for 17-20 minutes until tops spring back when lightly touched.

Serve warm.

Mavens & Makers serves up warm chocolate chip muffins Looking for an easy, delicious recipe for a sweet treat? Check out this recipe for quick chocolate chip muffins, courtesy of Ashlea Chance of Cullman-based Mavens & Makers. These are sure to be a family favorite. Throw them together for a special breakfast, after-school snack or “just because.” Who needs a reason to treat themselves?

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Check out Mavens & Makers on Facebook at facebook.com/ MavensAndMakers. This one-of-akind, family-owned local business specializes in farm-raised meats and vegetables, quality kitchenware, artisan foods, gifts and hands-on experiences.

Luxury Performance Pontoons SERVING LAKES IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN ALABAMA

21680 County Rd 222 Crane Hill, AL 35053

205-573-0222 www.tridentmarinas.com

& Authorized Dealer

Ready to dive in?

Hot summer days will be here soon!

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY BURKS BROTHERS POOLS & SPAS

North Alabama is still at the tail end of winter, but we all know long, steamy summer afternoons and evenings will sneak up on us soon.

Most of us are probably already prepping our gardens (fresh veggies from the backyard!), dreaming of spending lots of time in the backyard, maybe grilling or chilling by a firepit.

A great addition to that yard could be an in-ground pool. Many homeowners in Cullman have them, and if they don’t, they know someone who does. Summertime BFFs, right?

Cullman is lucky to have a handful of great pool builders and stores. One of those is Burks Brothers Pools & Spas, located right downtown.

Locally owned by husband and wife Chad Burks and Melanie Burks, Burks Brothers has been in business for more than two decades.

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O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

If you’re planning to invest in a pool for your home, the Burkses and their staff, including fan favorite manager Jamie Whaley and pool service experts Camerino Lozada and Doug Johnson, can manage everything from design and construction to maintenance.

“We are dedicated to delivering a top-quality product. Most importantly we want to collaborate with each client to gain an understanding of your unique needs.”

Burks Brothers specialize in custom gunite, fiberglass and vinyl-liner pools. On the retail side of the store, customers can stock up on chemicals, pool toys and equipment.

burksbrotherspoolsandspas.com

The brickwork around this swimming pool adds to its character and shows off the surrounding landscaping.

You can almost feel the summer heat and cool water when looking at this sparkling pool, which has beautiful fountain features.

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MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

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ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE LOUVER SHOP OF NORTH ALABAMA

Hottest trends in window treatments BEAUTIFUL BLINDS OR SHUTTERS CAN MAKE A STATEMENT IN ANY ROOM The Louver Shop is a full service company that has been in business for 50 years. The manufacturing plant is in Gainesville, Georgia, but there are local franchise owners in markets all over the United States.

David Agnesia is the owner of the local store, The Louver Shop of North Alabama. He is based in Kimberly, but covers the northern half of Alabama, from north of Birmingham, all the way to the Tennessee line. Agnesia has been the north Alabama market owner for 25 years and enjoys selling products to match his customers' needs.

When asked what is hot in the window treatment world, Agnesia said, "Window treatments can completely change the look of a home or room from inside and out. Quite often, people are moving away from heavy curtains to blinds, shades or shutters due to several reasons including light control, ease of cleaning and allergy concerns. Curtains can be big dust collectors and are much harder to keep clean. Also, blinds and shutters can provide better

light control, while giving privacy that is wanted.

Blinds and shutters are also much easier to clean by wiping off than curtains."

Plantation shutters are the no. 1 seller by far from the Louver Shop, making up about 85% of total sales. The Louver Shop of North Alabama offers several sizes of louver slats, along with three different material compositions for shutters, while providing custom paint options as well as several standard colors.

Also, customers can choose from a variety of shade and blind products provided through a partnership with Hunter Douglas and The Louver Shop. Among these are roller shades, honeycomb shades, roman shades, woven wood shades and various types of blinds. Currently, the roller shades are the most popular due to many factors, such as cost and varied light opacity options.

Whichever product is desired by the customer, The Louver Shop of North Alabama can deliver, from estimate, to order, to installation.

Crisp white plantation shutters in an elegant bedroom

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H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E SE RVI CE S

Designer roller shades accent the sleek look of this modern kitchen.

Get more information at louvershop.com/locations/louver-shop-of-north-alabama, dagnesia@louvershop.com or 205-223-5235.

Custom shutters are perfect for this home

Honeycomb shades make the light just right in this space.

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BENEFITS of indoor

PLANTS BRIGHTEN ANY ROOM WITH A WELL-PLACED SELECTION

ARTICLE BY MELISSA CURTIS, LAKE LEAGUE REAL ESTATE

The rich green goodness of these plants makes a statement in any room.

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T R E N D SE T T E R | HOM E + DE S I GN

Melissa Curtis - owner of Lake League Real Estate

Great interior design consists of many elements: well-placed light fixtures, stylish but comfortable furniture and trendy colors. However, nothing can brighten up a room more than a strategically picked plant. I love livening up a space, and plants are my go-to trick to make a room inviting! Whether it be a flower or succulent, indoor plants do more than just bring a smile to your face. They can be a great source of ingredients, directly affect wellness or improve airflow. If you’re struggling to decide which plant to add to your home, here’s a list of options to get you started!

EASY TO MAINTAIN: Snake plants are an excellent starting point! They don’t require a ton of light, so it’s safe to stick them in a shady area!

They also prefer to stay dry, and only require watering every two weeks.

Pothos plants are also easygoing; you can put them pretty much anywhere! Water them when the top inch of soil dries out.

HAPPY AND HEALTHY: Aloe vera plants are a household essential! They only need to be watered every two or three weeks but do require lots of sunlight. The aloe from an aloe vera plant can be consumed to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more. The aloe gel, when applied to the skin, can soothe burns, reduce infection and fight aging.

Peace lilies are not just beautiful – they also help remove carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds from the air. These long-lasting beauties complement any room, but don’t ingest them.

TRUE BEAUTIES: Prayer plants are a sight to behold, and are relatively easy to care for. Their tropical leaves consist of intricate and contrasting patterns.

Adeniums, or desert roses, are colorful additions. If well cared for, they can live for decades, and they come in a variety of reds and pinks.

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ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STRAY CATS HOME DECOR

Custom cabinets complete this bathroom.

Handcrafted beauty HOME PIECES THAT LAST A LIFETIME

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M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HOME + DE S I GN

When it comes to furnishing your home, it's all about what makes you happy and creating a reflection of your distinctive tastes. Locally owned shops are excellent sources of inspiration. These stores usually carry unique pieces and items you might not be able to find anywhere else. They're perfect for people who want their homes to be representations of their one-of-akind personalities.

Custom cabinets complete this bathroom.

Kim Padgett opened Stray Cats Home Decor in Trussville, a short hour's drive from Cullman, in 1999.

She and her husband Lee Stewart handcraft unique, one-of-a-kind furniture and home decor.

"Lee is a very skilled craftsman. He brings the vision to life," said Padgett. "I’ve always been drawn to designing pieces for the home. We use a mix of materials: reclaimed wood, architectural pieces, tin and metal. We are detail driven and build pieces to last a lifetime."

Custom, handmade furniture pieces can make a statement.

"Handcrafted pieces are often custom to fit someone’s desires and needs. They may be looking for a statement piece," said Padgett. "Reclaimed wood has beautiful character and patina that can’t compare. People need to feel comfortable with the design to make it feel like home."

Padgett said natural and organic elements are popular at the moment.

"I think people are drawn to natural and organic elements - bringing the outside in. I believe this helps you

feel relaxed and comfortable," she said. "Vintage seems to be extremely popular, too. It mixes well with rustic and traditional."

Creating new pieces from older materials is an art form and one that gives Padgett a lot of satisfaction.

We take a lot of pride in all the pieces we’ve created.

I feel like we learn from each piece," she said. "It’s definitely an art to manipulate the old into something new and beautiful."

Padgett and Stewart design and build from reclaimed wood and metal. They specialize in barn doors, beds, bookcases, cabinets, chests, coffee tables, consoles, dressers, farm tables, headboards, mirrors, TV cabinets and vanities.

Scroll through photos of their work at instagram.com/ straycatshomedecor.

Find them in Trussville at 410 Main St.

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MARCH 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MA RC H 4 T H

Cullman Lions Club Fish & Ham Dinner

CULLMAN MIDDLE S CHOOL | 1 1 :0 0 A M The 2023 Cullman Lions Club Fish & Ham Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Cullman Middle School cafeteria. Tickets are $15, and include a choice of catfish or ham, plus hushpuppies, slaw, baked potato, dessert and a drink. You can eat in or get it to go. Drive-through available. cullmanlions.com M A RC H 1 8T H

Hanceville Irish Festival

DOW N TOWN HAN CEVILLE | 9: 0 0 A M Hanceville Friends of the Festival and Downtown Merchants present the Hanceville Irish Festival along Commercial Street in downtown Hanceville Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. This fun, free event will feature live music, vendors and more. Get more details at facebook.com/hancevilleirishfest.

M A RC H 1 8T H

March Madness at Trident Marina

T RIDEN T MAR IN A | 10:00 AM Come out to Trident Marina for our In Water Boat Show. You can test drive a boat! There will be special deals that you do not want to miss! Enjoy some live music and watch basketball games on all the TVs. Check out facebook.com/tridentmarinas or instagram.com/tridentmarina for more details!

M A RC H 20TH-24TH

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2023 City of Cullman Spring Cleanup

CITY OF CULLMAN | 5:00 AM This year's Spring Cleanup for City of Cullman residential sanitation customers will be March 20-24. During this week, residential sanitation customers can place large items like furniture, appliances, mattresses, large toys and other large or bulky items at the curb for pickup at no additional charge. For more details, go to fb.me/e/4ulvYvf Jr.

Decluttering your home

These cute cloth bins are great for sorting clothing and fit neatly inside drawers.

SPRING CLEANING AND ORGANIZING TIPS ARTICLE BY MISSY GURLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE Sorting and organizing can be fun AND functional!

What is it about this time of year? I always find myself wanting to declutter my home right around March. Maybe it's because I can sense spring in the air? But when the weather begins to warm up, I immediately want to rearrange my closets and organize!

IF YOU ARE IN THE SAME BOAT, HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO GET OUR STARTED: 1. Create a list: Which rooms to you want to tackle?

2. Start small: If you take on too big of a challenge, you may begin to feel overwhelmed and give up.

Modern storage containers come in all shapes and sizes, and customizable labels add a unique touch.

3. Sort: Start three big boxes (donate, consign, keep) and work your way through your closets and drawers. Many local nonprofits accept donations of gently used clothing, shoes and home items. There are many consignment shops, too.

4. Store: There are so many different storage options now, it's easy to find ones that match your home's aesthetic. Baskets, sleek containers, etc. are not just functional; they can be beautiful.

5. Clean: Now that things have been sorted and stored, it's time to clean. I highly recommend researching cleaning products. We have pets and children and some cleaners can be harsh.

I have recently started cleaning with a handheld steamer. It does an amazing job in the bathroom (shower, glass doors, tile). It also kills 99% of bacteria, so it is perfect for the kitchen as well..

As you work your way through your spring cleaning routine, we'd love to see your before and after photos! Bonus points for cool storage ideas!

Tag us on Instagram @cullman_citylifestyle_

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Cleaning is an essential last step in decluttering.