Gulf Coast, AL November 2022

The Grateful Issue LI F E + C U LTU R E

L AU REN BRADFO RD' S DIGITAL DI ET PL AN

THE WHARF

November 2022 PUBLISHER

Ashley Roberts | ashley.roberts@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Welcome to our grateful issue Hello neighbors, 'Tis the season to pause and count our blessings. We have so much to be grateful for here at Gulf Coast City Lifestyle. We are grateful to live in paradise, grateful to be well (after a car accident and a lightning strike), and grateful that our community has embraced Gulf Coast City Lifestyle with open arms. Thank you.

As we move into the holiday season, let's dig deeper into the meaning of gratitude: Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative. Gratitude is often associated with several mental and physical health benefits. When you experience gratitude, you feel grateful for something/someone in your life and respond with feelings of kindness, warmth, and other forms of generosity.

We have featured many of our generous neighbors making a difference in our community, and are grateful they live here.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue; it warmed our hearts creating it just for you. Love local, live local, and spend locally.

Until next month...

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Summer Abston | summer.abston@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Derek Keller, Katelynn Young

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

ASHLEY ROBERTS, PUBLISHER @ G U L F_ C O A S T _ C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Correction: Our November issue listed Rob Breckner as the owner of Fitness Factory. Breckner has not been affiliated with the gym in four years.

As of January 2022, the new owners are Mike and Miranda Aby.

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

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 Gulf Coast City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast 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.

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Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 601 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 fa.ml.com/thehartycarpentergroup

251.990.2361 wesley_carpenter@ml.com Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

CPWA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth Institute®. For more information about the Institute and the CPWA certification, please visit investmentsandwealth.org. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. The ChFC® is the property of The American College of Financial Services, which reserves sole rights to its use, and is used by permission.

A Portfolio Manager can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own Personalized or Defined Strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. ©2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Paradise Gives Back

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Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

12

Local Experiences

14

Giving Back

18

Chef ’s Selection

FO O D + B EV E R AG E

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Locally Sourced

HO ME + DES IG N

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Inspired By

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Home Update

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How To

30

Hometown Hero

32

Events

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Must See

These people have gone above and beyond not only for us, but the world.

22 Unplug: The Digital Diet Plan

Lauren Bradford was never a typical teen. In fact, she never wanted to be.

24 Bon Secour Candle Company Bon Secour Candle Company is an island staple.

26 Mother Knows Best

Our picnic with The Beach Moms was nothing short of unforgettable.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Derek Keller Gulf Shores native and go-getter Lauren Bradford will not stop until her digital diet plan goes nationwide.

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LI FE + C U LT U R E

LI FE + C U LT U R E HO ME + DES I GN

HO ME + DES I GN LI FE + C U LTU R E

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

ASHLEY ROBERTS

INVISION PHOTOGRAPHY

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1: OBFD Station 1 enjoyed jambalaya and refreshments at the Makos homecoming tailgate. 2: The Gulf Shores Dolphins defeated the LeFlore Magnet Rattlers 45 to 12. 3: Trish Smathers won the signed print from the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Congratulations, Trish! 4: A wonderful birthday celebration at the perfect location, Villagio Grille's wine dinner! 5: The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber's 2022-23 Junior Leadership Program participants have bright futures ahead. 6: The Orange Beach Makos defeated the Jackson Aggies 31 to 14.

7: Steve Jones, VP of events for the Coastal Chamber, presented updates on the Shrimp Festival.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Touchless Covers Gulf Coast Now Open for Custom Installations Protect your investment from sun, weathering, and damage while keeping your boat clean and secure. Say goodbye to straps & snaps; raise and lower your Touchless Cover in seconds with the remote or app! A great solution for pontoons, bay boats, jet skis, RVs, golf carts, motorcycles, and more! Call Ben Turner for more info at 251-271-5981.

Scan to read more.

Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics BOGO Gift Card Sale On Tuesday, November 29th, Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics is having a BOGO Gift Card sale that is good for all beauty and spa services. Get your Christmas gifts at half-price or just treat yourself and look/feel your best for the holidays! Gift cards can be used for Botox, Juvederm, Versa Lips+, RF Microneedling, Laser Lipo, Skin Rejuvenation, Incontinence Treatment Chair, Body Contouring, Hair & Tattoo Removal, Microblading, Permanent Makeup, AND MORE.

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Coastal Solutions Proudly Celebrates Our Veterans Coastal Solutions is a family-owned business that has been offering products and services that cater to the Gulf Coast lifestyle since 2004. They offer made-in-theUSA custom hurricane shutters and personal beach elevators/cargo lifts. They also offer service on those products - even some brands they don't sell themselves.

Coastal Solutions proudly offers a military discount - not just in honor of Veterans Day - but year-round. Contact their team to see if you qualify at 251-222-1384.

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GulfCoast

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

The holidays are here, and it's time to enjoy all that our beach towns have to offer to celebrate. While the leaves may not turn from green to shades of yellow and red, that doesn't mean we still can't get into the fall spirit. From holiday festivals to iconic establishments and birthday donation boxes, we have you covered to help get you in the mood!

Seasonal Pastimes CHOCOLATE AND CHEESE FESTIVAL: The Chocolate and Cheese Festival on

November 12 in Foley is the perfect place to give back to local vendors while eating delicious food! Heritage Park, E Laurel Ave., Foley, Alabama 36535 HUGH S. BRANYON BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL: The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in the Orange Beach Sportsplex is the perfect place to take a pre-Thanksgiving dinner run/walk with the family! 24037 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561 FLOR A-BAMA’S THANKSGIVING POTLUCK: What screams November at the beach more than Flora-Bama's Thanksgiving Potluck? Bring your favorite dish to this historic joint for a holiday to remember! 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, Florida 32507 OWA: Wanting to walk off some turkey? Get into the spirit by checking out everything OWA has to offer! 101 S OWA Blvd, Foley, Alabama 36535 BIR THDAY WISHES BOX: Get into the spirit of Thanksgiving by donating to the Birthday Wishes box led by Mary Claire Dover at the Christian Service Center. 317 Dolphin Ave, Gulf Shores , Alabama 36542

Mary Claire Dover

Scan for more photos and the full list.

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LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

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paradise gives back

THESE PEOPLE HAVE GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND NOT ONLY FOR OUR SLICE OF PARADISE, BUT THE WORLD. The Lola tribute proceeds go toward senior dog rescues.

ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK KELLER

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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

Tim Harry also founded Severance based in Gulf Shores.

When Joe Jernigan opened his first Shades location at the Wharf in 2004, he had no idea the impact his dog, Lola, would have on customers. “Lola was my sidekick. She was pretty much trained in the store and became a fixture of the business. Every year, people would come by and take annual photos with her. We even had customers put her on their own Christmas cards.” However, when Lola passed away in December of last year, Jernigan knew he had to find a way to honor the face of the store. “We decided to do a tribute shirt to Lola since so many of our customers felt the loss as well. However, instead of the usual pencil drawings of her we have on the back of our shirts, this one was a direct photo to print.

Proceeds from the tribute shirt go towards benefitting senior dog rescues in the area. We soon came to realize that the shirts were not just for Lola, but everyone who had a special pet in their life at one point too.”

Courtney Dombroski says that the community support inspired her to start not just a clean-up, but a movement called

Eco Clean Marine. “I had started tithing and was looking for ways to give back to the community. As I was walking along the pathway to check on my fish for another business I have, I noticed there was a plethora of trash in the area. Immediately, I knew that was my calling.” To date, Dombroski has done several trash pick-ups that take place on the first Saturday of each month. “I enjoy being a part of something that is so impactful for our community. The community support has also been fantastic and they inspire me to keep pushing.”

Tim Harry with the Children’s Rescue Initiative (CRI) has seen things people could not fathom. The CRI, whose mission is to rescue children worldwide from labor and sex slavery, has rescued over 2600 children in recent years. In fact, Harry says only two other initiatives worldwide have rescued more children than CRI has. “We raise money to rescue these children. We employ veterans who assist us and then we work with locals to find their whereabouts. We have everything from a CONTINUED >

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Eco-Clean Marine clean-ups take place the first Saturday of each month.

Photo Courtesy Ashley Roberts

“WE DON’T WANT THESE BOYS LEAVING HOW THEY CAME; WE SET THEM UP FOR A BETTER FUTURE AND A GREAT LIFE.” Photo Courtesy Cole Irvin

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pre-arrival team to a post team who work to find a suitable home for the rescued children. There are over 40 million slaves worldwide and one out of four is a child. Since they are so young we take care of them. We supply them with medical care for life and the proper funds for school."

Polly Andrews says the best part of Youth-Reach Gulf Coast is watching the young boys grow up to become men. The Summerdale-based program serves as a home for boys who do not need to return to the environment they came from. “We don’t want these boys leaving how they came, so we set them up for a better future and a great life. The transformation is just amazing to watch in these young men. I would not even say it changes only their life, but the generations that will follow them." Andrews also attributes the success of the program to the number of volunteers and donors that dedicate their time and efforts to the program.

In fact, the program is free at no cost to the residents or their families.

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Chef Brandon Morrow's T H A NK S GI V ING S TA P L ES

RECREATE CHEF MORROW'S STAPLES BY USING THE RECIPES BELOW. THESE GO HAND IN HAND WITH A PERFECT TABLESCAPE! Chef Brandon Morrow’s WaterOak Coastal Catering out of Bay Minette has been serving our community delicious meals for years. Recently, we met up with Chef Brandon alongside The Beach Moms to set up not only a perfect fall picnic, but to add in delectable meals alongside it. Wanting to recreate this for yourself? Look no further!

Chef Morrow has graciously allowed us to share two of his famous fall recipes. We hope you have fun taking his kitchen to yours!

Are you interested in Chef Morrow’s services? Contact wateroakeventservices@ gmail.com today!

DE T T L IN G B O UR B O N P E C A N P IE INGREDIENTS • ¼ Cup Butter, Cubed • 1 Cup Sugar • 1 Cup Steens Cane Syrup • 3 Large Eggs • ¼ Cup Bourbon • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract • Pinch of Salt • 1 ½ Cups Pecan Halves • 1 9’ Deep Dish Pan DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325*.

2. In a large sauce pan, combine butter, sugar, and cane syrup. Cook over med-low heat until sugar is dissolved, then cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl whisk eggs, dettling bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Slowly mix in sugar mixture. Then, stir in pecans and pour in crust.

4. Bake on baking sheet until a knife inserted comes out clean. Approximately 55-60 minutes.

5. Cool on wire rack.

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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

S W E E T P O TAT O CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS • 4 Large Sweet Potatoes • ¼ Cup of Sugar • 1 Teaspoon Salt • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla • 2 Large Eggs • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter, Melted Topping • 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar • ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour • 1 Cup Pecans • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter, Melted

DIRECTIONS 1. Peel and bake sweet potatoes until soft.

2. Preheat oven to 375.

3. Spray 2qt baking dish with coconut oil spray.

4. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs, and melted butter. Mix with electric mixer until smooth.

5. Pour into prepared dish and bake 25 minutes.

Topping 1. Combine all ingredients, mix with a fork and set aside.

2. Sprinkle over baked sweet potato mixture and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until browned.

3. Serve!

ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK KELLER

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

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Foley Goes Fall ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS&FISHERMAN'S MARKET

The weekly market features locally grown produce and products.

The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman's Market has started trending from summer to fall.

The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman's Market on Miflin Road in Foley has officially started ushering in fall produce, harvests, and fall flora. The market, which takes place each Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM, is currently gearing up for its annual Harvest Queen pageant on November 19.

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Bradford says technology overuse drives her to educate others about its harmful effects.

Unplug:

THE DIGITAL DIET PLAN

Lauren Bradford was never a typical teen. In fact, she never wanted to be.

ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK KELLER

“To begin this story I want to say that my parents did not let me have a phone until I was in high school,” Lauren says while laughing.

Before there was a phone, there was a lively girl with a servant's heart and a passion for helping others.

“My mind immediately goes back to the sixth grade. My faith in the Lord led me to a peer group before school where I would lead devotions and bring speakers in to talk to us. To me, stewarding through giving back is one of the best things life can do.”

Soon after, Lauren entered a pageant at Gulf Shores High School adorning her mother’s prom dress from the ‘80s.

Ultimately, Bradford won…as a freshman.

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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

“After the pageant, a lady approached me and told me about Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen. I was 15 at the time and had never considered the organization. I mean, I was a tomboy. I liked to skateboard and was even a member of the ROTC, but I felt it was a sign. I loved serving others and knew it was an amazing opportunity. I entered my first at-large pageant at the end of that year and began my journey in the Miss America Organization. This for me was such a pivotal way to not only steward my faith but become part of something much bigger than myself."

Here is where the introductory quote comes into play.

“I saw my peers getting phones in elementary school.

Because my parents would not let me have one until I was

in high school, I was able to be hyper-aware of the negatives surrounding technology overuse. Their grades were dropping, several mannerisms were changing, and I knew then and there what my heart was centered around. First things first, I love to research. I dove into the topic, learned everything I could, and created UNPLUG: THE DIGITAL DIET PLAN to move alongside me in the organization."

Bradford would go on to win several titles in the Miss America Organization including Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen, Miss Auburn University, Miss Alabama, and first runner-up to Miss America.

"The harm that technology does to a developing brain is damaging. My main goal is to have a balanced state between technology consumption and life.”

To date, Bradford has done just that.

“During my years in the pageant world namely as and after Miss Alabama, I was able to share my plans for Unplug alongside the Alabama State Department of Education and the United States Department of Education at their summer symposium. I also worked alongside the Baldwin County Board of Education and spoke to educators across the county a few months ago about how we could balance and safely use technology in the classroom.”

Even though Bradford has relocated to Nashville to continue her master’s studies at Vanderbilt, she says the ambition to raise awareness and assist in the creation of education plans centered around UNPLUG is still very much there.

“I am very hopeful for the future and what is to come. I want to continue spreading the UNPLUG curriculum across the United States to help raise awareness of using technology in a healthy way. I want to be that change we see ushering in soon.”

While Bradford is well on her way to achieving all of UNPLUG's goals, she has one that sticks out a little further than the rest.

“My dream is to be on Good Morning America and spread the word about my faith, how it led me to UNPLUG, and how it can be used in everyone’s life.”

Even though she now resides in Nashville, Bradford says her love and thankfulness to Gulf Shores will never go away.

Lauren Bradford's passion for technology/ education led her to travel over 30,000 miles and educate nearly 10,000 students on the overuse of technology.

"The most important thing we can have in this lifetime, I fully believe, is human connection." Lauren Bradford on her program, UNPLUG: THE DIGITAL DIET PLAN.

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Gifford, center, says her skills as a silversmith help her in Bon Secour endeavors.

All candles are made by hand with 100 percent natural soy wax.

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H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTONT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN & CO. PHOTO

Bon Secou r C and le Compa ny Handmade, local, and natural. What more could you want in a candle?

Tara Gifford bought Bon Secour Candle Company at the end of 2019.

“I bought the business from the sweet couple who started it and then chose to retire. Since I owned a retail shop for 10 years and recently got out, this was a great fit for me as the candles are still located in souvenir shops, restaurant gift shops, and boutiques all across the island.”

The candles, which are named after locations on 32-mile island, have been an iconic staple in many residential households and Christmas stockings for years due to their quality ingredients.

"Each candle is made with 100 percent soy wax which is naturally safe to burn in a home."

While keeping the central focus of the brand alive, Gifford has added a new life to the business.

“When I took over the company we had around four accounts. Since 2019, I’ve grown that number to around 30 or 40. Besides the accounts, I have also grown the scents that we stock and some products that we stock as well. We now have a fourpack of mini candles perfect for travel and more. Looking ahead, I am also working on giving some of the candles a new look through new vessels. I’ve got a line of candles ready that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table.”

While I do not want to exactly mention the scents Gifford has lined up for the fall and winter–go check them out at any local shop–I can assure you they are absolutely heavenly. From spicy orange notes to traditional apple cinnamon, Bon Secour Candles are the perfect fall addition to any home. If candles aren't your thing, make sure to check out the matching wax melts that are just as delicious as their counterparts.

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

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Mother Knows

Best Our picnic with The Beach Moms was nothing short of unforgettable.

When we started collaborating with The Beach Moms on a fall tablescape, we let them take the lead. After all, mother does know best.

While we were expecting a usual fall centerpiece and a picnic complete with the earthy tones of the season, the group had something else up their sleeve.

As soon as we got out of the vehicle, we were greeted with the most breathtaking setup complete with muted green hues and natural shades alongside copper and gold.

Immediately, we were speechless in the best way possible.

But, why were we shocked in the first place? The Beach Moms are CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK KELLER

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H OW TO | HOM E + D ESIGN

Heidi Webb, left, is the power behind the picnics.

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

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Fall details adorned the table.

Our picnic exceeded our expectations.

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H OW TO | HOM E + D ESIG N

locally known for going above and beyond for all of their customers which is why Angel Bennett, the self-proclaimed adventurous mom of the bunch, says her job is so awesome.

“As soon as we get an inquiry we get to work by asking if there is anything they prefer such as color, size, materials, and more. Then, the fun part sets in. We do what we call putting on our creative caps and diving right in. We have several storage units that are all filled to the brim with decorations and more to make each picnic stylish yet different. We want our clients to relax and let us create the perfect memory for them.”

For our picnic, we had no idea what was ahead.

Bennett, however, knew exactly what we needed to make our picnic personal.

“We did not want to do the traditional fall colors like orange, yellow, red, and brown. This is a coastal magazine and we wanted to really showcase that.”

In addition to our picnic, we also added in personal chef Brandon Morrow.

“We work hand in hand with several vendors ranging from personal chefs to charcuterie board companies and everything in between including sushi chefs, vegan chefs, and even photographers.

We want our picnics to be a nice and relaxing memory for all of our clients.”

The Beach Moms’ picnics don’t stop there either.

Recently the group created a mini “pup-nic” party alongside a larger picnic.

“The puppy had their own tent, food, and dog bowl dishes. It was neat putting it all together and creating that atmosphere.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the month, Bennett anticipates a few “friendsgiving” picnics in the works.

“A picnic for friendsgiving is different in comparison to your normal dinner. All you have to do is show up, eat, and enjoy time with your friends!”

As the group says, “don’t forget to call your mom!”

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NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

29

Willie holding a feather belonging to Rocky, Russow's beloved sidekick.

JEREMY RUSSOW NEVER THOUGHT JOINING THE MARINES WOULD LEAD HIM TO HIS PASSION. Russow and his wife with their three birds, Willie, Mango, and Oscar.

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | L IFE + CULTURE

JEREMY RUSSOW’S STORY ROCKY’S PURPOSE

“After I joined the Marines in 2007 and completed three tours, I was exhausted. When I returned home from my last deployment, I was walking along the streets of my old town and came across a bird show featuring exotic parrots at this place called Wings of Wonder Rescue.”

Russow was suddenly enamored by the birds stating, “I fell in love right then and there. I found myself returning to volunteer frequently, and that led me to Willie."

“As soon as I adopted Willie, I noticed a change. What once was anger and frustration started to fade away.”

However, Russow’s biggest inspiration was yet to come.

“Soon after Willie, I adopted Rocky. In a way, I feel as if he adopted me first. In fact, he really did not want anything to do with anyone else. After his rescue, the owner of Wings of Wonder told me that he was mine–it was obvious to everyone he chose me. Some service members get dogs or other animals to help them after deployment, but I connected with the parrots. I felt like pieces of

me that were pushed down were suddenly coming back up.”

Not only did Rocky aid in helping Russow overcome trials with PTSD, but he also helped him overcome the fear of letting go.

“I have been playing the piano since I was four and never had the ability to share it with anyone. When I was finally able to share the piano, I credited a lot of it to him. In fact, he led me to win a 2022 NAPPIE award for best keyboard player.”

However, Rocky was ill.

“One day when I came back from performing, he was just gone. No bird would ever replace Rocky, but one could help replace the hole I was feeling.”

Luckily, Pensacola had the answer; Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park.

“My wife fell in love with the birds there as well, and it was a no-brainer that we wanted to start volunteering. After the course of two months, we started checking out birds to adopt again and came across a little guy named Oscar, a cockatoo. While he will never replace Rocky, he makes the best addition to our family.”

ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN & CO. PHOTO NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

31

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

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

N OV E M BE R 4 T H - 5T H

NOVE M BE R 5T H

Bama-Q: Grilling on the Gulf Steak Cook-Off

T HE HAN G OUT | 5:00 PM Come down to The Hangout and watch some of Alabama's finest chefs compete in a steak and fish cook-off!

Honey Bee Festival Sponsored by Central Baldwin Education Foundation

2 278 0 MILWAUKEE ST, ROBERTS DA L E , A L 36 5 6 7 | 8 :0 0 A M On Saturday, November 5th, the CBEF will host the Honey Bee Festival at Honey Bee Park in Robertsdale, AL. There will be arts & crafts, entertainment, food trucks, a kid's area, 5K, a fun-run, and more!

NOVE M BE R 5T H

10th Annual Toys For Kids

PER DIDO BEACH RES ORT | 6:3 0 P M 100 percent of ticket and auction sales from Wildflowers Boutique’s 10th Annual Toys For Kids will go towards the Christian Service Center’s Christmas Cheer program. Remaining funds will benefit birthday boxes, summer food drives, and school supply kits.

NOVE M BE R 9 T H

Frank Brown Autism Silent Auction in Honor of Joe Gilchrist

SUN S ET CORK ROOM | 4:00 P M This fundraiser helped finance 33 kids to attend a summer camp last year, along with holiday git cards for many families. Reservations are suggested. There will be three sets of music by: Lynn Langham, Doug Gill & Taylor Craven, Logan Blade, Tammy Vice, Stephen Lee Veal & Mac Walter, Sonny Throckmorton, Rock Killough & Mac Walter.

251-967-4773 for reservations.

N OV E M BE R 1 2 T H- 1 3T H

NOVE M BE R 1 2 T H

Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

GULF S HORES PUBLIC BEACH | 1 0 :0 0 A M Join local food trucks and breweries from 10-5 on November 12-13 at the public beach in Gulf Shores! In addition to local favorites, over 30 national and regional craft beers will be available.

Elton Live! - The Ultimate Tribute

H ERITAG E PAR K MARKETPLAC E , F O L E Y | 5 :0 0 P M Come out to Heritage Park on 11/12 and bring your singing voice! The Elton John Experience offers the most complete and authentic reproduction of Sir Elton John’s live concert performance in the world and is coming right to our backyard.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GulfCoast

32

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HOLIDAY PLANNING

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The Beach Moms and WaterOak Coastal Catering can fulfill all of your holiday needs. From planning private events, holiday decor, gift wrapping and holiday parties to Thanksgiving drop-off meals and personal chefs, we can do it all.

Don’t forget to call your mom!

251-979-8400 | thebeachmoms.net @thebeachmoms

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

33

THE BALDWIN BEACH B A B E S S AY. . .

Take a Hike!

ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK KELLER

There is nothing we love more than enjoying all of the beautiful scenery our area has to offer.

"The Park features 28 miles of paved trails or boardwalks, including seven paths on the Hugh Branyon Trails. I often enjoy the Gulf Oak Ridge trail for serenity. My favorite, though, is to take a bike ride on Rosemary Dunes. If you're hoping to see an alligator, explore Gopher Tortoise trail along the edge of Lake Shelby. The trails are suitable for walking, running, and biking. Enjoy the natural beauty of our home!" - Ashley Roberts, Publisher "My favorite fall activity is without a doubt going and taking a hike somewhere in the morning before or after breakfast to balance out the amount of orange juice I most likely consumed! It is such an amazing way to get in daily exercise and reconnect with nature. During the fall and winter months, I utilize the crisp weather and take advantage of finally getting to wear my black yoga pants!"

-Summer Abston, Editor We love taking advantage of the stunning scenery in our area!

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