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May 2022 PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com Denise K. James, age 16

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Dear Teenage Denise, Future Editor

EDITOR

Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Antanette Ray CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Kali McNutt, Laura Kate Whitney, Tonia Trotter, Taylor Peake, Tahiera Brown CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

David Smith, Sam Evans

Believe it or not, all that daydreaming is going to pay off. The tall oak trees you sit beneath at the edge of the yard with your floral-covered journal and your pen are going to become the instruments on which you build your life. You have always been a writer and a reader – but, surprise, you are an editor too! Those copies of Seventeen, Teen, YM, Twist, Sassy and the other publications lining the shelves of your bedroom bookcase will one day be looked upon fondly — as the earliest signs of your love for people, ideas and media. I know right now you feel unheard and unseen, just a quiet girl drifting through those high school hallways. Don’t worry; this time will pass, and life will become an astounding adventure. You will live in other cities and states – Florida, Georgia — and visit great places — even Cuba — but one place in particular will grab your heart and hold it close: Birmingham, Alabama. This will be the place you fall in love with yourself. After years of support from family, friends and loved ones, it will be Birmingham that teaches you your true independence, resilience and passion for challenge and growth. Look forward to this beautiful city and to your adult years – your voice is destined to tell many stories, most of all your own. The best is yet to come. DENISE K. JAMES, EDITOR @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

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

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham 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 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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M AY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Ladies’ Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Dressed for Success

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Giving Back

Legal Compass

Hosting Tips

Inspired By

Travel Journal

Morgan’s Closet Opens Doors for Local Women

16 Leaders in Law

Meet the ladies of Crittenden Partners

24 Celebrate the Women in Your Life Elevate Your Event with General and Table & Thyme

30 Local Women

Local Ladies Write To Their Younger Selves

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: David Smith Judy Crittenden, photographed at home with her dog Zelda

LO CA L S ERV I C ES FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

ENT ERTA I NMENT

LI FE + C U LT U R E T R AV EL

C O L O R

S U M M E R VACAT I O N

V I C T O R

BLOWIN IN THE WIND

B O K A S

C E L E B RAT I N G A RT & M A K I N G L I F E ’ S J O U R N E Y A C E L E B RAT I O N FO R 7 Y E A R S !

M AY 2 0 2 2

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

Arcadia Salon Owner Christie White Speaks in Los Angeles Arcadia Salon owner Christie White recently spent much of April in Los Angeles at ALOHA, OA!, an unprecedented and exclusive month-long series of events celebrating Tiki & Polynesian Pop and presented by PEEKABOO GALLERY & OCEANIC ARTS. Christie, who is better-known among the Tiki-loving community as Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White, spoke on a panel discussing the history of the “Tiki Revival” movement of the 1990s through the present day.

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Danielle Balanis Design Opens New Office

Gaia Florals Moves and "Blooms"

Danielle Balanis launched Danielle Balanis Design in 2019, inspired “by creative urges and requests from friends for direction on designing their homes.” Now in a new office to address a growing project list, the team is joined by Project Manager Daisy Jones and summer intern Kailey Koch. The team looks forward to expansion and shares a penchant for historic homes. “Saving older homes and historic renovations have a special place in my heart,” Danielle said.

Gaia Florals has moved to a new space in Forest Park to accommodate expanded offerings. Owner Sarah Marshall is excited to pivot from everyday orders to subscription-based services and cut flower collections. The shop will host workshops, art exhibits, styled shoots and more. “Once a month, we will have open studio, when we will have a stem bar for customers. We’re going to make lives easier and yards beautiful,” Sarah said.

Photo by Chris Luker

The research we’re doing is making it possible for kids like Allie to survive, grow up and make things happen. WE DO WHAT WE DO B E C AU S E C H I L D R E N H AV E D R E A M S .

The Explorer’s Circle Celebrates Two Years with Pop-up Shop The Explorer’s Circle, founded by Katelyn Nunnally, is celebrating two years with a pop-up shop at Pepper Place. Their mission is to inspire, prepare and educate others for travel. The pop-up is open through May 29, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Appointments and private events are available Mondays through Thursdays; email hello@theexplorerscircle.com. Can’t make it? Visit the online store, at theexplorerscircle.com. 2829 2nd Ave. South

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BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

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B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Photo by Elise Ferrer

MK Quinlan Opens Eponymous Concept Store

Stone Hollow Farmstead Hosts Dahlia Day June 26

MK Quinlan, Birmingham’s highend vintage clothing dealer, is opening a concept shop in Forest Park this month. The shop will showcase MK’s vast collection of vintage womenswear, contemporary costume jewelry and accessories, in addition to offering textile consultations and fabric by the yard. Painting and photography will also be exhibited, including the work of New York-based artist Justin Giunta. An opening reception will be held Saturday, May 14, 6-8 p.m. 3900 Clairmont Ave.

Dahlia Day is coming back in June. Enjoy an afternoon of education at Stone Hollow Farm. DAHLIA EDUCATION Join Deborah Stone in dahlia fields, where she will offer tips to become a dahlia grower yourself. FOOD Sample preserves, pickles, vinegars and more, with opportunities corn is (ditch contraction) to purchase. Mexican street corn is included in ticket cost; more available for purchase. Bring picnic blankets! 2006 Dead Hollow Road North, Harpersville

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Adios Margarita Bar Opens at The Dagny Pizitz Food Hall restaurant owners Jesus “Chuy” Mendez (Unos Tacos) and Vinh Tran (Ono Poké) have come together to produce an exciting new concept bar. Adios Margarita Bar is set to open in late May and will feature classic cocktails infused with Mexican ingredients. Beverage Director Jose Medina Camacho will be directing the show. 2218 First Ave. North

Caliber Hosts Ladies' Shotgun Event Caliber is hosting its first Annual Ladies’ Shotgun Event on Saturday, August 13 at Southern Skeet and Trap here in Birmingham. This event is hosted and led by women, for women. Learn to shoot, demo guns and shop some of Caliber’s favorite local boutiques! Follow Caliber on Instagram so you don’t miss details and a link to sign up. @caliber.xl

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Morgan's Closet offers gently-used business attire to help women dress for success.

DRES

SED FOR

MORGAN’S CLOSET OPENS DOORS FOR LOCAL WOMEN

SUCCESS

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM EVANS, RHYTHM CREATIVE

G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

Four years ago, Andrea Collins found herself in an abusive marriage. She knew she would have to think fast – her then-husband had talked her out of working and going back to school, so coming up with money to support herself would be tricky. Fastforward a few years, and Andrea now looks back on that tough period knowing it was meant to happen. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been inspired to launch her nonprofit, Morgan’s Closet, and help so many other women get a new foothold in life. “I got out of my situation, but some women can’t do it so easily, and I wanted to break those barriers for other women,” she said. In addition to gently-used business attire to help women dress for success, Morgan’s Closet offers workshops each Saturday which are fun and lighthearted yet informative. The workshops consist of job basics, like how to set up a professional email address and how to job-hunt. Attendees also break into small groups, role play for future interviews, talk about their resumes and enjoy a tasty lunch and plenty of camaraderie. Best of all, they get to shop the numerous clothing racks with blouses, slacks, jackets, dresses and other elements of business attire. Each attendee receives a copy of the workbook Andrea created, containing outfit diagrams, pointers for appropriate dress and useful job tips and contacts. “We also have 30-day and 60-day follow-ups for accountability,” Andrea noted. “I don’t want to just give these women a handout. My intention is to give them the tools they need to get out of their situation and into a better one.” Word is spreading quickly about Morgan’s Closet. Another Birmingham nonprofit, Hope Inspired Ministries, partnered with Andrea to ensure even more women are outfitted for new jobs. Hope Inspired Ministries, or HIM for short, offers a nine-week program for all backgrounds ages 18 and up to get back into the workforce. Birmingham Site Director Gene McCord recently asked Andrea to educate HIM students on business attire and extend the offer to shop at Morgan’s Closet. One heartwarming success story resulting from this partnership is that of Gelena Bronthetyn, known by friends as “Miss G.” A native of the former Soviet Union who relocated to the United States with her late mother, Miss G graduated from Hope Inspired Ministries but struggled to find a suitable job. She’d been out of the workforce at least a decade, she had no clothing to

Andrea helps Ruth Whitt choose an outfit.

ANDREA COLLINS CONTINUED >

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Shoes galore at Morgan's Closet

wear, and her confidence was waning. Fortunately for Miss G, the nonprofits joined forces to help her find a part-time job at Waffle House in downtown Birmingham, greeting patrons and escorting them to tables. “She wondered whether being a hostess at Waffle House, like one of her classmates, would be a good idea for her,” Gene explained. “She had no clothes, but our new relationship with Andrea and Morgan’s Closet prepared her.” To ensure she aced the interview, Andrea found Miss G a few suitable outfits. Now Miss G has a favorite — a red blazer, a black skirt and a black blouse — and has been seen wearing it around the Magic City multiple times, much to Gene and Andrea’s delight and amusement. “She keeps raving about her new clothes. It just goes to show that these clothes give women a sense of confidence,” Andrea beamed. Another student of Hope Inspired Ministries, Ruth Whitt, is finishing the program this month and starting the interview process, wearing clothing from Morgan’s Closet. “Visiting Morgan’s Closet was wonderful,” Ruth shared. “We sat around the conference table,

G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

talked and got to know each other. It was so positive, and I felt like I was being pampered for the day with lunch and trying on clothes!” “When Andrea came in and talked to us, I realized her passion, energy level and expertise,” Gene added. “Her workbook and her ability to teach the class on business attire are why she’s now on the calendar to teach.” Andrea is heartened by Birmingham’s overall generosity and warm reception to Morgan’s Closet, and she plans to focus on funding so more women can benefit. Her location in Woodlawn — shared with another woman-owned nonprofit, CYO Sewing Ministries — has been a golden opportunity to watch the neighborhood flourish. “The bus drops off at our front door, so it’s accessible to a lot of the women,” she noted. “The revitalization of this community is amazing.” To donate or volunteer, visit morganscloset.org.

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ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SMITH

Leaders in MEET THE LADIES OF CRITTENDEN PARTNERS

Law

When Judy Crittenden was growing up, she didn’t have many female mentors – especially attorneys — but she boldly chose to pursue her dreams. After graduating from Judson College in Marion, Alabama, she began applying for law schools. “I wasn’t allowed to enroll in some schools,” she revealed. “They told me I’d be taking a man’s spot.” But she didn’t let that discourage her and was accepted into Cumberland School of Law. She obtained her Juris Doctorate in 1970, along with just one other female graduate, and began building her legacy. In 1984, while working with a consultant, Judy was presented with the idea that would change her life. “They suggested that because of circumstances in the legal community, I should open my own boutique firm and offer nothing but divorce and family law,” she recalled. Judy embraced the challenge and decided to rent space in the same building as one of the larger firms at the time. She began marketing her new niche to anyone on the elevator of the building. Soon, clients who asked about family law were directed to Judy. By 1985, the Crittenden Firm was formed, and its reputation flourished. CONTINUED >

L EGA L C OM PASS | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

Nicole Saia

Paige Yarbrough

Deborah Gregory

Kathryn Henry

Judy Crittenden Laura Lee

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“There were no role models for me; I was the pioneer,” Judy remarked. “And that’s a tough role. I had to figure it all out myself. I realized quickly that the boys didn’t want me there. I had to get pretty tough pretty fast, and that’s what I did. I developed a reputation for being tough, and I still have it.” Judy was the first woman in Alabama to hold the position of Deputy District Attorney. She co-authored “Alabama Family Law,” the three-volume, comprehensive treatise on all matters related to matrimonial and family law in the state. The treatise is widely used by both attorneys and judges and is continually updated by the partners. Crittenden Partners is an all-woman firm made up of five partners, one associate attorney and Judy as of counsel. The current team began forming more than a decade ago, when Memphis native Laura Lee, now managing partner, graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law. “I realized family law intrigued me after helping a client obtain custody of his child in the school’s law clinic,” Laura recalled. “It was there I learned Judy was the person to know for family law. I started working with her in 2009 and never looked back!” In 2012, Paige Yarbrough graduated from Cumberland School of Law and got a phone call from Judy. Paige’s mother, a court reporter in Birmingham, is a longtime acquaintance of Judy, and although Paige didn’t foresee herself working in family law — “I was just going to keep the practice treatise updated while I waited to pass the bar,” she said — she ended up becoming one of the founding members of Crittenden Partners. She credits Judy for teaching her how to be a litigator, which, to her surprise, she grew to love. Crittenden Partners was formed in September 2014 with Judy, Laura and Paige as the founding partners. Since then, the firm has added three more partners to their ranks. After deciding to pivot from sales to law in her early 40s, Deborah Gregory enrolled at the Birmingham School of Law, graduated and started working for herself. During a case against Laura and Judy, Laura invited Deborah to join the firm. “I consider myself fortunate to have joined because I was in another firm that was all-women and very competitive,” Deborah shared. “But we are family here.” Then, in 2019, two more attorneys joined Crittenden Partners: Nicole Saia, a Virginia native and graduate of Cumberland School of Law and Kathryn Henry, a Birmingham School of Law graduate. “As a child, I wanted to be an actress or an FBI agent — but my uncle was a lawyer, and I looked up to him,” Kathryn said. “[When I graduated law school], I was 24 years old, and back then, there still weren’t a lot of female attorneys,” Nicole added. “I knew of Judy, but I hadn’t worked with her. I practiced on my own for a long time and briefly worked with different firms before joining.”

L EGA L C OM PASS | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

The firm deals in a variety of family law cases, including estate planning, adoption, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, conservatorships and more. Suffice it to say the partners are never bored — they are pushing beyond their comfort zones on a regular basis and excelling in ways they never imagined. “I would advise people to keep an open mind about what they want to do,” Paige commented. “People go to law school — or any school — and have one idea of what they want to do, and they get trapped by that idea. If I hadn’t said yes to Judy and given family law a try, who knows where I’d be.” Crittenden Partners continues to expand both their office and their practice. “Not only are we doubling our office and conference room space, we’ve added estate planning and mediation divisions,” Laura commented. To enhance these new divisions, Paige has invested time in taking numerous continuing legal education courses in estate planning, and Laura and Nicole have become registered mediators. “Judy is thrilled to see the next generation of leaders manage and expand the firm’s offerings—and our clients benefit from having a diverse set of services,” Laura added. When asked about the most rewarding aspect of their work, the partners spoke about their sense of fulfillment when helping clients navigate tough situations. While the atmosphere at Crittenden is fun and social, business comes first, and their unified philosophy is clear: to help clients gain a positive perspective. “I’m such a curious person, and family law is raw and personal,” Kathryn said. “My fulfillment comes when I do my job correctly, and I can positively shift someone’s perspective.” “We’re all different, yet we have the same mindset when it comes to clients,” Deborah added. “We collaborate on each case and determine how we can obtain a positive outcome from a negative situation.” Of course, life is more than just work, and the ladies of Crittenden Partners value a healthy work-life balance. “Being a mother is my priority,” Nicole said. “Having the ability to leave the office to spend time with my son and attend his activities is something I value.” She also proudly serves on the Board of Directors at Hilltop Montessori School. In her off-hours, Laura enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and giving her two goldendoodles plenty of attention. She serves on the Executive Board

CONTINUED >

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for Young Lawyers and has held multiple Board positions for the Rotaract Club of Birmingham and The Birmingham Zoo. Parenting and traveling are important to Kathryn — she teaches her kids to expand their horizons by exploring and meeting new people. “I tell my kids all the time there’s not just one way to do something,” she said. Kathryn is the treasurer for the Homewood Rotary Club and is also on the Family Law Committee of the Birmingham Bar Association. Meanwhile, you’ll often find Deborah elbows-deep in a DIY project. “I can tear a room to the studs and rebuild it,” she beamed, adding that she also loves concerts, traveling and spending time with loved ones. Deborah has served on the Birmingham Bar Foundation Board and the Public Service Committee. She frequently volunteers with the Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers, the Birmingham Humane Society and her church. “It’s hard to not carry family law home with you,” Paige admitted. “Some clients might need to talk after hours, but boundaries are important for anyone. I’ve been married for 12 years, and I have an 8-yearold son and 2-year-old daughter.” Paige is a former member of the Children’s Hospital Junior Board and an acting Board member of a local private school. “Don’t be afraid to have two careers — you can be both a mother and a lawyer. Enjoy life, and don’t feel like you have to sacrifice,” mused Judy. She founded The Birmingham YWCA Domestic Violence Program, is a long-time member of the Downtown Rotary and has been on the Board of Trustees for the Executive Committee of Leadership Birmingham since 1988. All five partners, as well as Judy, consider 2022 a great time for women to lead, whether in law or another industry, and look up to a number of inspiring, selfless individuals, from moms to female rock musicians, for paving the road to success for all women.

L EGA L C OM PASS | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

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ELEVATE YOUR EVENT WITH GENERAL AND TABLE & THYME

Celebrate the Women in Your Life

D EOST H PA RT IN G M ET N IPTS | | CATEG ENTERTAI ORYNME NT

To honor our women business partners, Birmingham Lifestyle hosted an afternoon cocktail event at General, a gem of Forest Park. Gathering over scrumptious food and strawberry chamomile Palomas, courtesy of Table & Thyme, the Lifestyle Ladies enjoyed the convivial atmosphere created by General owners Mark Thompson and Jay Draper. This May, we suggest outfitting your table with potted plants from Shoppe — Thompson and Draper’s garden shop next door — and tablewares from General. We are loving General’s locally made leather goods from Dreamers Supply Co. and locally made pottery by Jenny Smith. From tea towels to foodstuffs to chinoiserie, greeting cards, vases and even coffee table books, all of your thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts are certain to be found at General and Shoppe. Happy perusing! General is available for evening events and is a fantastic spot to catch up on conversation or work during the day over coffee and decadent pastries from Last Call Baking. Table &Thyme, Birmingham’s preeminent hospitality company, takes the stress out of any gathering with elevated, thoughtfully prepared food and beverages. From luncheons to seated dinners and large cocktail parties, Thomas Cox and his team have you covered. Happy May to all! General 205.224.4450 3813 Clairmont Ave. Table & Thyme 205.597.4480 info@tableandthyme.co

CONTINUED >

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Dear Me of Yesterday

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED, WITH EDITS BY SAM EVANS

LOCAL WOMEN WRITE TO THEIR YOUNGER SELVES Taylor Peake

Dear younger Taylor, The Cubs do eventually win the World Series. The Yankees’ pinstripes are still sexy. Michael Jordan is still the greatest of all time. And, in 2020, well … you’ll see. Growing up is not a hockey stick chart of forward motion that reaches up-and-to-the-right highs without dips. It’s more of a rollercoaster with twists and turns at unexpected moments, with unbelievable highs and challenging dips. Work to surround yourself with loving friends and partners who help you grow, and celebrate the journey. The small coal-mining town you grew up in will change in ways you can’t imagine. The American dream of working hard to earn your desires will morph. Everything you think you understand about the economy, politics and relationships will change multiple times. Be careful what you ask for, because sometimes you get exactly that. Challenge yourself to set goals with purpose

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

that make a difference in your life and for your community. Stay focused on how to achieve those, but not so focused you can’t enjoy the moment. Accept that the task of learning how to be better is never finished. Do the best with what you have, and know sometimes the outcome is inevitable. The risk is sometimes worth the reward, and sometimes it’s not. Balance is a key lesson in life. Love, support and forgive the ones in your life who make the days easier. They’ll be the ones you want to love, celebrate and support through the years. Your kids will be unbelievable and more than you could ever hope for. When you are working more than you should or worried about the day’s problems, know that you have a lot to look forward to with them. Taylor Peake MotionMobs President, Tech Entrepreneur

Laura Kate Whitney

Dear younger Laura Kate, Oh, the places you’ll go, darling girl, with your dark brown eyes and your insatiable optimism. Your life is a memoir in the making—let me illuminate the horizon with a few prompts and promises that may serve to soften the path before you: Don’t listen to folks who tell you your appetite for discovery is annoying or difficult—those aren’t your people. Keep asking questions. Stay curious. You are vulnerable with your love, which sometimes exposes you to pain. With every moment of hurt, you are building your capacity to love beyond scope or measure. You absorb life through a unique lens. Don’t listen to the people who tell you that’s a bad thing. You keep doing you, and stay steady on your journey— it’s a less-traveled route, yes, and it’s uniquely yours. You like to write things down. This is a tool for growth. Keep doing it, and do it often. Your gumption might get you into trouble, but as you age, it will become one of your handiest and most well-worn tools. Be willing to begin. Again and again. With every beginning comes new opportunity to expand what you thought was possible. You’ll be delighted with what you find. You will surprise yourself, and one day you’ll become a

mother. This will become the most important part of your life. You will waste time comparing yourself to others — stop. You will endure unnecessary suffering until you learn forgiveness. And patience. Start practicing now. Having it all and doing it all is a scam. As soon as you let go of your need to be in control, life will move with more ease. Stop resisting what you know is right for you, just for the sake of making someone else happy. Stop apologizing when you deserve to be in the room, at the table, speaking up. And, finally, if you glean anything from this love letter from your bold and brilliant future self, let it be this: every single day, take a good long look in the mirror at your gorgeous, youthful body. Salute it. High-five it. Hug it. Blow a kiss to it. Bow down to it. You will never look as good as you do right now. And, p.s.—it’s going to hurt, but the struggle will make you stronger. And you are one tough, delicious cookie. Laura Kate Whitney Ideator, Connector, Mover & Shaker

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Dear younger Tahiera,

Tahiera Brown

Imagine the moment in heaven when it was decided you would be born — how exciting that moment was. Somewhere in a world where the most intelligent mind cannot explore is the beginning of life. It’s that spark of energy that awakens something so amazing and incredible that even to this day it is called a miracle. It is you, and you’re going to make an impact. You will almost lose your life to save your children, but that experience will be the catalyst that will challenge you to be a voice for the voiceless. You will write about life through books and film scripts. You will change people’s lives through storytelling as you grace many stages as a speaker. You will be a caregiver to someone with special needs for a very long time. Trust your instincts. Every smiling face does not have a smiling heart. Love does not reside in the heart of every person you will meet. This little body that you live in will endure many hardships. It’s a miracle that you’ll still reside there. You’ll be faced with the cold and harsh reality of what this physical form will endure. You will overcome odds against you. Life will speak to you, telling you to face another day with all you have to give, and you will be sustained. You will never be alone, as long as you hold onto your faith. Don’t be selfish and take life for granted. You will be impatient when sickness takes hold of you, but realize this: it takes time to heal. Use time wisely. Don’t be impatient in times of hunger. You will be spiritually fed. This will be a time of meditation and prayer. As I write this love letter to you, I want you to know how much I truly love you and appreciate the care you’ve given me. Don’t forget your calling. Tahiera Monique Brown Darkness to Light Films CEO, Speaker, Writer, Survivor

Dear younger Tonia,

Tonia Trotter Price 32

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

Your mom is going to tell you this: “The things you don’t like about yourself now will be the things you like most about yourself one day.” Listen to her, and repeat her kind words to yourself, because she’s right. She’s not the same as you, but she does understand more than you might think. Though her version of support might be different from yours, she will always have your best interest at heart. And as you grow older, you’ll find the best parts of you are made from the best parts of her. As for those things that you don’t like about yourself… you don’t like them because they make you different. Right now, you want to blend in. You look around and compare yourself, and you’re convinced you’re worth less than others. You want all the things you don’t have, but most of all, you want a sense of belonging. But here’s the thing: you belong. And in time, you are going to find so much belonging, you will have to choose where you want to focus your energy. The experiences that make you feel like you are on the outside will teach you important tools: appreciation, empathy, perspective and resourcefulness. You’ll find value in what sets you apart, and it will be an asset that allows you to adapt easily to different careers, communities and stages of life. You will be able to connect with others authentically and find yourself invited in because you have learned to seek out and hold onto what you share rather than what divides. That’s a powerful gift: finding the common thread between ourselves and others. Don’t wish it away. It’s the best thing about you. Tonia Trotter Price Designer, Writer, Advocate

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 400 transactions totaling over $155 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."

Birmingham, AL

Pullman Flats · 2226 1st Avenue S, Unit 204 Downtown Birmingham, AL

Mountain Brook, AL

$475,000 Buyer’s Agent

$340,000 Listing Agent

$1,100,000 Listing Agent

5144 Colonial Park Road

332 Cherry Street

BUY ONE GIVE ONE Support Your Favorite Local Nonprofit Give all or half of your ads to your nonprofit of choice. Discounted rates available for nonprofits and newlylaunched small businesses.

Editorial Opportunities Available kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com 205-527-9508

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

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23 YEARS IN BUSINESS | 3 STORES IN RIVERCHASE GALLERIA

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Get Away to the Mile High City Where the Mountains and Metropolitan Lifestyle Vibrantly Coincide

Visit Denver When you think about Denver, what immediately may come to mind is the gateway to the stunning landscape of mountain peaks with an abundance of recreational activities. But what you might not realize is just how unbelievable the urban experience is in this extraordinary city set at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Our team of local lifestyle fanatics at City Lifestyle are thrilled to collaborate with Visit Denver to present a customized visitor’s guide and exclusive GIVEAWAY* to this mile-high destination. With recent recognition and rankings, such as landing its spot as a top 10 city in the world to visit (Lonely Planet), leading the nation in attendance at performing arts events and exhibitions (National Endowment for the Arts), a repeat nominee for its foodie and craft beverage scene, and home to THE most attended concert venue of any size anywhere in the world (Billboard), Denver is bursting with profound cultural and lifestyle experiences, and we’re here to round up our recommendations for you. One neighborhood that sets Denver apart is Cherry Creek North, otherwise known as the Mile High City’s ultimate luxury shopping and dining destination with the highest concentration of small businesses. Get your street chic and fun-filled soles ready for 16 walking-friendly blocks of shopping, pampering, entertaining and feasting. With ample annual events to check out, pair your festival-fan side with high-end couture hunting at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, perusing Hermes, Chanel, Stuart Weitzman and Louis Vuitton, just to name a few. As you work up an appetite, prepare to drink and devour the exquisite fare that Cherry Creek offers with more than 50 restaurants, making it almost impossible to choose and most definitely requiring a return visit. One such sophisticated and stylish restaurant destination includes Local Jones inside the urban

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

Enter for a chance to win a 3-night getaway to Denver! chic Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. Equal parts nostalgia and composure, this neighborhood restaurant serves up great food in a socially engaging atmosphere, offering brunch and dinner menus. Step outside the restaurant, and you’ll find the only hotel property in the country that offers a Vespa to zip around town. Halcyon feels a bit like your living room with a warm and inviting vibe. Soak up the social atmosphere both upon entry and at the Elevated Rooftop Bar, and bring your swimsuit for the pool deck complete with recreational curling, cabanas and breathtaking views of the city. Beyond the charm of Cherry Creek, Denver’s culture of arts and live music are thriving and growing by leaps and bounds. Take Meow Wolf, for example. Meow Wolf’s third permanent exhibition, Convergence Station, opened in Denver in September 2021 and is a not-to-be-missed experience. Likewise, the Denver Art Museum hosts its global art collections representing cultures from around the world, with more than 70,000 works of art in 12 permanent collections along with several outdoor artworks not to be overlooked.

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Denver’s open-air Red Rocks Amphitheatre featured the “most attended music venue in the world in 2021” thanks to its fantastic and rare aesthetic, history, and milestone moments that propelled it into its status it holds today. Finally, don’t miss the downtown district favorites RiNo and LoDo. Denver’s urban-vibed River North Art District is a former industrial mercantile area turned into an artist magnet—blending urban charm and industrial revival with a collection of maker and artist galleries, breweries and bars, restaurants and coffee roasters, and street art murals surrounding you at nearly every corner. Be sure to check out Bigsby’s Folly for its roaring ‘20s-inspired urban winery experience.

WIN a 3-night Weekend GETAWAY to Denver! City Lifestyle and Visit Denver are giving one lucky winner and a guest the chance to explore Denver and Cherry Creek North with a uniquely curated hospitality itinerary. With three days filled with complimentary hotel, food, entertainment and shopping experiences, the only thing you need to do is arrange transportation to and from Denver. This giveaway closes on May 31, 2022. The trip must be taken by the end of 2022. For a chance to win, follow @citylifestyle and @visitdenver on Instagram and tag unlimited friends and family on the May 1st giveaway post for additional entries to win.

$4,000 DENVER GETAWAY FOR 2 INCLUDES: • • • • • • • •

3-nights at Halcyon Hotel in Cherry Creek North Dinner at Local Jones After dinner cocktails at B&GC $500 Cherry Creek North Shopping Spree Admission to Denver Art Museum Dinner & Drinks at Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery Tickets to Red Rocks Amphitheatre Admission to Meow Wolf: Convergence Station Immersive Art Experience

Scan the code to ENTER to WIN at @citylifestyle on Instagram!

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Visit Trails End – An AR Homes® Community MOSS CREEK CIRCLE, MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL 35223

Monday – Saturday

Sunday

10am to 5pm

1pm to 5pm

Call 205-876-3677 to schedule your visit. Mary Kathryn Bonamy • MKBonamy@ARHomes.com