Issuu

JA N UA RY 2 02 3

Healthy is a feeling we should all indulge. Health and indulgence living together in perfect harmony. Discover a renewed definition of skin care in a lavish, immersive environment. After all, health is a hard thing to overdo. TOTALON1ST.COM

1 9 27 1 ST AVE N , WO O DWA R D BU I L D I NG, 1 ST F LO OR

January 2023 PUBLISHER

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

Being Well in Body, Mind and Spirit

EDITOR

If you’ve been reading Birmingham Lifestyle for any length of time, you won’t be surprised to hear that we like to look at our monthly themes in a slightly out-of-the-box way. While brainstorming for this issue, we thought about health and wellness in a holistic way, figuring that you don’t need us to tell you how to lose a few pounds with the latest diet and exercise craze. I’m writing this letter immediately following the Iron Bowl, where the story of the Iron Ruck march from Auburn to Tuscaloosa, aimed at raising awareness for veteran suicide, was a strong reminder of the importance of mental health in any conversation about overall wellness. We clearly have an epidemic of depression, loneliness, emptiness and suicide in our country, and all methods of restoring physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wholeness should be on the table. Denise and I have been intrigued by the idea of doulas for some time, so we are delighted for you to hear from both birth and end of life doulas on page 12. Recently, I was also inspired to learn of an organization called “Threshold Choir,” which sings “for those at the thresholds of life in over 200 communities around the world.” While it doesn’t appear that we have such a group formed in our area, we hope to see one soon. Just as death doulas “shepherd dying people, as well as their loved ones, through the process,” as Virginia Bunting says, we feel those interviewed in this health and wellness issue shepherd their participants and audiences to a more complete picture of wholeness and wellness. Restore Hyper Wellness utilizes cutting-edge modalities to restore vitality and prolong the “health span” of their clients—from high school athletes looking to boost sports performance to seniors looking to regain energy. Verde Lusso educates on the health benefits of non-toxic beauty, making it easy (and luxurious—shout-out to Tammy Fender’s “Aspen crème”) to switch to a clean, green self-care routine. Local comedians bring the belly laughs, while F3 and FiA provide camaraderie and accountability around physical health. Whatever your health and wellness goals are for this new year, we hope you find inspiration within these pages. As always, we appreciate your support and readership and wish you a happy and fully healthy 2023. K A L I M C N U T T, P U B L I S H E R @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

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

Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Hal Craig, Ashley Cirilli Farlow, Denise K. James CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Stacy k. Allen, Ambre Amari, Jones Willingham

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 Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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

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

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

NewYear, New You Home.

B RO O K E @ B RO O K E WA H L .C O M

205.447.1704

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Matters of Life and Death

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See

Family Care

Local Limelight

Self Care

Inspired By

LI FE + C U LT U R E

Back Stage

A RTS + C U LT U R E

Happy Hour

Local doulas ease transitions and boost wellbeing

16 From File to Fruition

The Adoption Clinic at UAB has been changing lives for 20 years

22 A Whole Greater than its Parts

The owners of Mountain Brook’s Restore Hyper Wellness believe in natural healing

34 The Best Medicine is...Laughter Funny locals share tips on lightening up

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Ambre Amari // Amari Editorial Mary Frances Dale, owner of Verde Lusso, enjoys a clean beauty moment at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

A RTS + C U LT U R E HEA LT H + WELLN E SS HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS

B EAU T Y

FO O D + B EV ER AG E

T H EO P E T T WAY ARCADIA EDUCATION DIRECTOR PHOTO BY ERICA READE TAKEN AT DAVINES HOUSE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

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

LOCATED IN HISTORIC AVONDALE

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1-7: Guests enjoyed champagne, bites and gifts at Verde Lusso’s Grand Opening. Verde Lusso is Alabama’s first exclusively clean beauty retail shop, offering brands like Tammy Fender, Josh Rosebrook, Le Prunier, Ere Perez, Agent Nateur and Carlucce.

Photography by Jones Willingham

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Birmingham.Lifestyle

C I T Y SC E N E

TREE CARE TREE REMOVAL DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS WATERPROOFING FENCES AND DECKS PLUMBING

Keeping Your Property and Family Protected is What We Do Best.

205-856-2078

New Year Special: Mention this Ad for 5% off Any Service

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

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

Crittenden Partners welcome new associate and accept civic honors Exciting things are happening at Crittenden Partners! The all-woman firm recently welcomed a new associate, Julia Simmons, a graduate of Cumberland School of Law and Birmingham native. In addition, Managing Partner Laura Montgomery Lee joined Rotary Club of Birmingham, and Senior Associate Lindsay Van Noy and Marketing Director Meredith Hutcheson accepted invitations to the Rotaract Club of Birmingham.

New Offerings at Restore Hyper Wellness

Devore Vintage Releases Bridal Collection

Restore Hyper Wellness is hosting a special IV drip event at 6 p.m. on January 25. The wellness boutique will offer custom drips ordered for each individual, as well as education on the many services and modalities offered at Restore Hyper Wellness. Each IV drip will be paired with a suggested core service depending on individual needs. Find Restore Hyper Wellness on Instagram, @rhw_mtbrook. Registration required, so call ahead.

Hannah Conzelman is the owner of Devore Vintage, an antique clothing shop located in Pepper Place and specializing in high-end clothing dating from the 1940s and earlier. Conzelman wore a 1930s liquid satin Art Deco gown for her own wedding, as well as an ethereal Cecilie Bahnsen dress for a second look. She will be releasing a much anticipated collection of antique wedding gowns and accessories in late January, which will be available online and in store. Find Devore Vintage on Instagram, @devorevintage.

Photography Jones Willingham

Photography David Smith

Photography Yellow Bird Visuals

Scan to read more. Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

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

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

B E V E R LY

E R D R E I C H

AVO I D A M I X U P - 3 0 X 4 0 A C RY L I C O N C A N VA S

2 0 5. 224 . 53 0 0 // C A N A RYG A L L E RY L L C . C O M // 22 01 2 N D AV E N // B I R M I N G H A M , A L A B A M A , 352 0 3

Matters of Life and Death Ten years ago, life and death converged in a way that changed Virginia Bunting’s perspective of how intricately the two are woven together. A birth and lactation coach for 13 years, one of the last births Bunting assisted with ended in a stillbirth – a moment she recognized as both “beautiful and painful at the same time.” Soon afterward, when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Bunting found herself experiencing a series of what she calls “little deaths” — the loss of her parent in pieces, until his passing four years ago. “I got the call on a Friday

from his caregiver, and he died on Monday,” she remembers. “Over that weekend, I felt rushed to get ready for something beautiful and sacred.” Bunting, who was already interested in the human healing process, says she’d heard about end of life doulas and felt called to explore the vocation in the wake of these events. She became certified as a doula in 2020 — a time when “death and grief were at the surface of everything” — and today, her mission is to shepherd dying people, as well as their loved ones, through the process.

LOCAL DOULAS EASE TRANSITIONS AND BOOST WELLBEING

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

According to Bunting, this process helps them understand the poignancy of life and the necessity to live it fully. Allison Miller, a birth and postpartum doula working in Birmingham, feels a similar call to support new parents during and after the birthing process. Miller holds a master’s in public health and says that an internship in Nicaragua where she was privy to “shocking” birthing standards inspired her to take a closer look at our maternal landscape in the United States. “The more I read about maternity care in this country, the more I realized it’s a universal problem,” she says. “I decided I wanted to impact community health on an independent level by offering birth support.” Though Miller trained for her profession 13 years ago, she admits she got a “slow start” due to getting married and pregnant — then losing her own baby and needing time to process. Today, Miller leads a team of doulas for BHAMBORN and continues to bring dignity to the labor room and help new parents feel empowered. (And the “labor room” can be anywhere, of course — not only hospitals but homes, campers, cars, even hotels!) The term “doula” is defined by media outlets as a professional who offers emotional, physical and informational support. For Bunting and Miller — and for anyone called to these special roles — the transitions of birth and death require more than medical care. While doctors, nurses and clinical caregivers are certainly invaluable, having an empathetic listener who can advocate for the

individual’s or family’s wishes and goals reminds us that birth and death are not medical events; they are, in the words of Bunting, natural events. "There is value in the doula not being a family member and not being emotionally invested,” she notes. “People will share what’s on their hearts with me — and it can take a weight off of them and prepare them for the transition. If you are drawn to this work, you are openhearted and have the desire to be of service.” “For the mother, the birth is a sacred event — for the medical provider, they see many mothers in a year,” Miller points out. “Half of my doula clients are those experiencing hospital births because those parents need an advocate — they need someone on their side and not working for the medical provider. If my client is not feeling heard, it is my job to make sure they are. And the other half of my clients are home births.” The support new parents and grieving families might request of their doula understandably varies. Some parents might need guidance in creating a birth plan or voicing their wishes during delivery, or they might want physical support, such as a comforting massage. Miller shares how every set of parents is unique in their wishes — and while some might only need her to “park the car,” others ask “her whole body to be in the space.” “It just varies so much,” she says. “I always tell them, it’s whatever they need, whether they are looking for educational resources or need to process past experiences.” CONTINUED >

“Over that

weekend, I felt rushed to get

ready for something beautiful and sacred.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Virginia Bunting

Bunting agrees her clients are in need of different things, from listening to the passing loved one’s stories about their heyday to helping family and friends process the loss. “My role can be educating loved ones on how to support the dying person,” she says. “Having someone share what is normal and what to expect — this is one way to support and make everyone more comfortable. And sometimes, my role is to witness [the passing person’s] pain, hear them talk about regrets, forgiveness, things they wish they’d done differently. We can't fix these at the end of life, but I can be an openhearted loving human and help in the process of grappling — instead of it all being a secret, we can honor it.”

M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

Allison Miller

For both doulas, support extends to beyond the actual moment of the birth or death and continues to evolve. Parents share the joy of being alive with their newborns in the postpartum period, and bereaved families experience their own lives with honor for loved ones. “I will meet with the families again postpartum,” says Miller. “We cover how they can give themselves a nourishing postpartum experience, whether it’s with meals or emotional support.” “Death is our greatest teacher about life,” Bunting adds. “I want people to view death as spiritual and face their own mortality so their existence is transformed — so they’re savoring every moment and really looking at the flowers, their next meal, their whole life.”

RENEW

REFRESH

RELAX

FIND A MOMENT OF CALM FROM DEEP WITHIN. WHETHER IT IS FOR HALF AN HOUR O R H A L F T H E D A Y, W E O F F E R A M E N U O F S P A S E R V I C E S T H A T H E L P Y O U F I N D A PEACEFUL RESPITE AND A RENEWED SENSE OF WELL-BEING. Customized Massage + Eminence Organic Facials + Couples Services M a n i c u r e s a n d P e d i c u r e s + Wa x i n g + S p a P a r t i e s 3920 Crosshaven Drive Birmingham, Alabama

205-834-8349

theretreatbham.com

From File to Fr uit ion The Adoption Clinic at UAB has been changing lives for 20 years

Many would say a dose of stress comes along with the miraculous adventure of becoming a parent. Sarah and Jasper Cornett first entered parenthood when they welcomed a daughter through Lifeline Children’s Services’ domestic adoption program in 1996. In 2003, they grew their family again when they flew from Birmingham, Alabama to Beijing, then on to Nanchang, China to adopt a 15-monthold daughter. It became clear to them from their start in China that they would have a long road ahead as their beloved daughter showed an abundance of painful and consuming struggles. “When we first met, it was evident she was just terrified of everything—totally rejecting everything from me to elevators to baths,” Sarah says. “Taking her from her foster family and familiar surroundings and thrusting her into the arms of strangers was frightening for her and set off extreme trauma for her. She had severe night terrors and would only sleep with my husband sitting straight up with his arms wrapped around her.” One of their first pleas for help was to Dr. Jennifer Chambers of The Adoption Clinic in Birmingham. Dr. Jennifer Chambers founded The Adoption Clinic (formerly known as The International Adoption Clinic) with the mission to serve the initial and ongoing medical, developmental

and emotional needs of adoptive parents and their children. The Adoption Clinic, a nonprofit located at UAB’s Children's South, is staffed with professionals with a love for children who have been orphaned and a desire to see them in loving, wellequipped families. Throughout its 20 years, the clinic has been a Birmingham gem and a vital resource—a “village” that families like the Cornetts cannot fathom life without. Chambers saw her first adopted patients during her residency. “On the days I would see [internationally adopted patients], I would run incredibly behind schedule because their complex needs took about four times the amount of time as my other patients.” Upon completing her pediatrics residency at UAB, Chambers knew that she wanted to advocate for vulnerable children. “I really thought I would work overseas in orphanages, but a mentor asked if I had thought about starting an adoption clinic. At that time, there were only a few in the country,” she says. That night, she went home and dove into the website of one of those clinics, weeping and deeply taken with the idea. In 2002, she wrote a grant, and UAB made her dream a reality. When she was awarded the grant, Chambers hired Leigh Anne Harrington and Jill Barnhart, who partnered with her to get the clinic up and running. “The three of us were quite the

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY CIRILLI FARLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

FAM ILY CA R E | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

(l-r): Heather Schuck, Dr. Jennifer Chambers, Dr. Carin Kiser, Amy Elmore

Dr. Kiser in Africa

trio—filled with energy and passion for adoption and foster care.” Little did they know then that not only would they end up serving the needs of children from more than 55 different countries for decades to come, but also, they would be adopting seven children among their own individual families. “I gained so much appreciation and grace for our patients’ parents every time I adopted,” says Chambers. “My husband and I first adopted infant twins from China, and our second adoption was of a 12-year-old girl, also from China. All three have taught me so much about ourselves, our patients and the families we serve.” The Cornetts also went on to pursue adoption again. “If we had not had [our adoption agency] Lifeline and The Adoption Clinic, I don’t know if we could've continued to adopt,” says Jasper. “It is so

overwhelming—you just can't do it on your own. They gave us the confidence that they’d be there for us.” Dr. Chambers and her team helped the family through everything from attachment issues to complex behavioral and medical hurdles. The Cornetts are now a thriving family of seven, with three children adopted from China and two children adopted domestically. The Adoption Clinic offers interdisciplinary care including pediatric medicine, occupational/developmental therapy, family therapy and audiology, as well as aid with malnutrition, developmental delays, attachment issues, school success, lab work unique to country of origin, identity struggles and more. Families from all over contact them for pre- and post-adoption medical reviews by Dr. Chambers or Pediatrician and Medical Director Dr.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Carin Kiser, who are also "on-call" for families traveling for international adoptions. From the start, the clinic helps parents shift to realistic and attainable expectations—something that can radically affect a family’s adoption experience. “Also, the pathway to achieve each patient’s and family’s goals is charted in an intentional and collaborative effort among the parents, children and our years of experience, which forges the path to help children reach their fullest potential,” Chambers says. When a family’s first-time visit to The Adoption Clinic happens years after adoption, although it is never too late for help, there is a visible difference in trajectory versus the families who come under the clinic’s care from the beginning of their adoption process — many even before the adoption takes place. “There is much more peace and success in the cohesiveness of care for the families and the healing of the children when families work with us as early as possible," Chambers comments. One of Chambers’ proudest moments is when she sees patients she met as babies who are now charting their way through middle school, high school and even adulthood. “My older patients—goodness, I love them,” she shares fondly. “Relationships have been a special part of the clinic’s journey. In Birmingham specifically, there is a strong sense of community among families who adopt and foster, thanks to a lot of the local churches and adoption agencies.” She is also grateful for her staff and how they support each other. “This is not easy work,” she says. “The stories we hear of our patients’ pasts are so hard. We must be there for each other to support our own mental health, and we do that very well.” As Chambers and her team look forward to another 20 years, she hopes to grow to serve an even wider population. In 2020, the clinic changed from being named The International Adoption Clinic to The Adoption Clinic because they have additionally been able to aid children adopted domestically and those in foster care.

Dr. Jennifer Chambers’ family

Dr. Chambers in China examining a child’s heart

FAM ILY CA R E | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

The Cornett family; Photo by APAC

MaryAlyce Cornett, 15 months old at adoption

Esther Marie Cornett, adopted from China at 26 months old

“We would love to see equal services for these children,” says Chambers. “That is going to require creative funding sources and new donors to expand our services, in order to give thorough care to these vulnerable children.” As they press on, it will never grow old for them seeing the transitions from a medical file to a face in their clinic. “The transition is just amazing — from reading a file about a child to when the parents first meet them in-country to us seeing them in person and being able to be with that patient in that scary time,” Chambers says. “Watching them blossom is life-changing—to get a front row to see that change and to walk with the family through that sacred space.” And, in the end, the healing that comes from a child having a forever family is therapeutic itself. Chambers shares, “With the love, care and permanency, we know that these children’s lives from then on will be so much more secure and hopeful.”

Joshua Cornett, adopted from China at age 7

The Adoption Clinic has served the needs of children from more than 55 countries including China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, Guatemala, Peru, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Ethiopia, Uganda and more. The Adoption Clinic Team • Jennifer Chambers, MD, MPH, & TM- Founder • Dr. Carin Kiser, MD, Director of The Adoption Clinic • Amy Elmore, BS, OTR/L- Occupational therapist • Heather Schuck, LICSW, PIP- Family therapist • Cathy Bertanzetti, RN- Clinic nurse • Jessica Ward, MBA- Clinic Coordinator To learn more or donate, visit childrensal.org/adoption-clinic; stop by Children’s South at 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham; call 205-638-6964; or email adoption@uabmc.edu.

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

SOLD

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM $339,900 113 22nd Street N, Unit 411 | Listing Agent

SOLD

ABOUT 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."

CREST WOOD $399,000 541 52nd Street South | Buyer’s Agent

SOLD

GET IN TOUC H

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM $873,610 2361 1st Avenue S | Buyers Agent + Listing Agent

GEAR UP FOR HUNTING SEASON AT CALIBER NEW OUTERWEAR IN STOCK

MASTERS OF THE OUTDOORS WORLD CLASS FIREARMS (205) 917-580 0

ca liberx l.com

2822 Centra l Avenue in Homewood @ca liber.x l

WISH ING YOU AND YOUR FAM ILY A HAPPY 2 023 F A M I LY L AW • E S TAT E P L A N N I N G • M E D I AT I O N

2 0 5 - 8 74 - 8 6 8 0 | W W W. C R I T T E N D E N PA RT N E R S . C O M no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

A WHOLE GREATER THAN ITS PARTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONES WILLINGHAM

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

THE OWNERS OF MOUNTAIN BROOK’S RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS BELIEVE IN NATURAL HEALING

Life was different for everyone in 1990 – but for Laura Olson of Restore Hyper Wellness in Mountain Brook, it was vastly different. Living in Birmingham along with her husband Steve, Laura was “quite ill,” as she recalls, initially with mononucleosis, and then, doctors diagnosed her with lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease, plus fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. To further complicate matters, she was a new mother with a toddler son, and soon the family would be welcoming their second son. After a year of being wheelchair-bound and struggling to maintain adequate energy to take care of herself and her children, Laura and Steve sensed God had plans to heal her. “I did not believe I was meant to have lupus,” she says. “The God of miracles removed the antibodies associated with lupus from my body through prayer; the blood tests are always negative, and no signs of even the mono now.” However, Laura’s symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome continued. A self-described “outside the box thinker,” she turned to natural, holistic wellness treatments.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

By this point, the family had moved away from the Magic City (they would return later), and Laura sought integrative wellness practitioners in places like St. Louis, Missouri and Bethany, Oklahoma. “The doctor in St. Louis recommended IV therapy, homeopathy and cold showers to alleviate pain and fatigue,” she recalls. “He was from Europe, where they’ve been using classical homeopathy and wellness therapies for ages.” “I believe we are more than our physical bodies,” she adds. “You have to look at the whole person — mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. I like wellness that takes all that into consideration.” Eventually, the Olsons returned to Birmingham and opened Restore Hyper Wellness, a cutting-edge wellness boutique where Laura is a living testament to the possibilities of holistic health and wellness treatments. Even Steve, who admits he was skeptical at first, can no longer deny the effects these elements had on his entire family — and now, his customers. “Ninety-seven percent of the cost for health care in America starts after people get sick or injured,” Steve notes. “But what if we were more proactive? What if we can help people boost their health and wellness and help them recover faster from injuries or illness?” At Restore, Laura and Steve take pride in welcoming customers and educating them about Hyper Wellness. They insist skeptics are welcome; after all, they were once skeptics themselves, and they look forward to showing how Restore’s services and modalities may benefit

Tay Berry, Samford athlete

Deanna Pizitz, Well & Worthy Life

Restore Hyper Wellness Owners Laura and Steve Olson

almost anyone. Compression therapy, for example, may enhance circulation and mobility; cryotherapy may relieve pain and swelling and boost overall mood; red light therapy, also, may boost energy and optimize sleep. “Our services pair well together — for example, some customers do red light therapy and whole-body cryotherapy back-to-back — and can be in and out in 20 minutes,” Steve points out. Most of all, the Olsons are passionate about their mission: to help others discover a healthier, better life, using natural elements to empower their bodies. “This is a business, and we hope it’s profitable, but that’s not the reason we’re doing it,” Steve says. “It is the opportunity to bring a new category of care to Birmingham — to help people recover or improve their health and wellness so they can do more of what they love to do.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Love the Smile You’re With CARLY SPIVEY PAT I E N T, H O M E W O O D FA M I LY & C O S M E T I C D E N T I S T RY

175 2 O X M O O R R O A D H O M E W O O D , A L A B A M A 3 5 2 0 9 205-868-4577

HOMEWOODDENTAL.COM

v@ H O M E W O O D _ D E N T A L _ A E S T H E T I C S

CALL O R V IS IT U S O N L IN E TO DAY TO SCHE DU L E YO U R CO MPLIMENTARY VI RT UA L O R IN - H O M E D ESI G N CO N SU LTATI O N 8 0 0 . 2 74 . 6 7 5 4 LO CAL DES IG N ER AVA IL A BL E CA L I FO R N I AC LO S E TS . C O M

MAKE ROOM FO R A L L O F YO U

Natural Good Looks START 2023 WITH A CLEAN AND GREEN BEAUTY ROUTINE

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY K. ALLEN

At the age of 18, Mary Frances Dale found herself researching how our everyday hygiene and beauty habits affect our physical bodies and our general well-being. At the time, her mother had been diagnosed with the autoimmune disease vasculitis — inflammation of the blood vessels — which had affected her heart’s efficiency and landed her in the hospital. Fortunately, what began as potentially harrowing pivoted to an empowering wellness journey, as Dale's newfound knowledge helped detox her mother’s body and prolong her life. “When we received my mom’s diagnosis, there was no real game plan,” Dale, now 33 and a new mother, shares. “I’ve always been a researcher, so I bought books and did internet searches — and my mom decided to go along with it.” What Dale discovered was something “big beauty” likely does not want the public to know: toxins are in everything, from our shampoo to our lipstick to our face cream. Synthetic

S ELF CA R E | BEAU TY

fragrances, foaming agents and other unnatural chemicals take a toll on the body and can result in carcinogens and endocrine/ hormone disruptors, which, over time, can become catastrophic. Dale cheerfully admits she started shopping at the “hippie pharmacy” at this point, which “smelled like patchouli and had earth mom vibes” – but in the back of her mind, an important seed was planted. Given her own penchant for high-end makeup and skin care — she loved shopping at makeup counters such as Dior — Dale realized her dream beauty emporium would feature products both natural and luxurious. Furthermore, after living in D.C., working in the corporate world and partnering with companies such as L’Oreal and other big brands, Dale felt called to start a women-owned business that cared deeply about women’s well-being. “When I was conceptualizing Verde Lusso, which means green luxury in Italian, I wanted it to be an homage to a more European

way of life, meaning small-batch products, quality, care and attention,” she says. “We curate the best clean and natural beauty products – but we have something for everyone at all price points. OSEA, for example, starts around $40 and up.” Since 2018 when Verde Lusso initially took shape, Dale’s beauty emporium has transitioned from online-only plus a few pop-ups around Birmingham to a brick-and-mortar boutique in 2022 — which, she says, was always her intention. The brand list is already quite impressive and includes all-natural products from all over the globe, but Dale looks forward to expanding within the clean beauty market. “Tammy Fender doesn’t take many retailers, for example, and I’m thrilled to partner with her,” she says, beaming. “We are adding new brands all the time. Verde Lusso is Alabama's first exclusively clean beauty retail shop, and we're excited to be pioneering the clean beauty movement in the state.” CONTINUED

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Dale cheerfully admits she started shopping at the “hippie pharmacy” at this point, which “smelled like patchouli and had earth mom vibes” – but in the back of her mind, an important seed was planted. MARY FRANCES DALE’S TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE GREENER Overwhelmed at the idea of trashing all your longtime products? Try these quick and simple tips to get started on a cleaner beauty routine this week! • Your skin absorbs 70% of what you apply, so switching out your body care, which covers the largest surface area of your skin, will drastically lessen your overall toxic load. Try switching to a nontoxic body lotion or oil. • Think about what you put on your lips — you’re essentially ingesting it, and most brands can be very toxic. Switch to a nontoxic lipstick brand.

S ELF CA R E | BEAU TY

• Make the transition to an all-natural deodorant. Your underarms are one of the most absorbent parts of the body. All-natural deodorants are some of Verde Lusso’s bestsellers for good reason! • Ban synthetic fragrances from your body and home. These can disrupt your endocrine system and your hormones. Consider your perfumes, lotions and even candles and room plug-ins – and switch to all organic and essential oil-based fragrances. Visit Verde Lusso Clean Beauty at 4000 3rd Avenue South, Suite 102, Birmingham – or online at verdelusso.com.

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

“It Keeps People Com i ng B ack” One Birmingham Local Reflects on how F3 Changed His Life

much and had a better relationship with his wife. He couldn’t explain it — just told me to keep coming. He was right. I can’t explain it — nor can the other men that I’ve invited to come along over the past few months — but something about this community keeps people coming back. I’ve been going for almost four months without missing a week. Since this community is all over the world, you can find groups anywhere. In my time with F3, I have noticed a few things that make this community different from other gyms or workout groups. First, the workouts are always peer-led, meaning that there are no paid trainers or employees leading. They don’t expect you to lead when you are brand new, and no one will ever force you to lead a session, but it pushes you past your comfort zone and helps you grow. Second, the workouts are always outdoors. This morning’s temperature was 33 degrees when we started. We still had 20 people show up at 5:30 a.m. There’s a level of accountability that helps push everyone to get out of bed. CONTINUED >

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

ARTICLE BY HAL CRAIG | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Cartboy, also known as Drew, had invited me for more than two years, and I kept telling him that it wasn’t for me. Why would I want to get up at 5:30 in the morning to do a 45-minute boot camp where I would feel out of place because I was out of shape? He finally convinced me by telling me that there were more than 30 locations here in Birmingham, and one at the Hoover Met that promised no running. I decided that I was tired of being tired, and he kept promising that there were people of all ages, sizes and fitness levels who showed up. So, on Tuesday, June 21, I went to my first F3 bootcamp. While there was indeed no running, it was still a very intense 45 minutes of lifting, stretching and calisthenics. At one point, when I was about to fall out, a 51-year-old doctor wearing an LSU shirt whom they called “Toucan” came over and grabbed the cinderblock I was carrying and told me to not give up. He said he’d been coming for a year and was down over 50 pounds, didn’t drink as

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

“This group motivates unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” adds Jennifer DeStefano, one of the B’ham members. “I started training for the Bhm26.2 Marathon after joining FiA in early 2022. I wish I could say I found FiA, but the truth is, they found me when I didn’t even know I needed them.”

The other feature that draws people in is that F3 is always free. It's a blessing to have access to a world-class workout without spending a dime. You will see people from all classes, ages and races. My advice: if someone named Eighty6, Bunyon, Ramrod or Concrete excitedly comes up and asks you to try out F3, you should definitely listen. They know how great of a community it is and how blessed you will be if you go. Plus, it could be the catalyst for that health change you have been looking for since you were in your 20s. It was for me, and I’m thankful for this group of community leaders who always ensure they stand by their motto of “Leave no man behind, but leave no man where you find him.”

FEMALES IN ACTION - THE OTHER SIDE OF F3 REGIONAL LEADER BETH PHILLIPS TALKS FIA What is the history of FiA Bham? FiA Bham started when two women wanted what their husbands had been getting from F3: friendship, workouts and a faith factor. In B'ham, we were able to connect and start two locations, one in Liberty Park and the other in Spain Park. We officially launched in September 2019, and, about six months in, we had to shut down for a short time due to Covid. Out of that time, we were able to launch four other locations in Cahaba Heights, Trussville, Gardendale and Chelsea. We have also started running groups.

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

How does an individual get involved in FiA? Like F3, FiA is a “no sign up, just show up” group. You can show up to any workout, and our leader for the day will keep you in the loop. We have a lot of women who visit through word of mouth or social media, and some locations pass out business cards. We have gear available to purchase a couple of times a year. All workouts are free. Once you join one group, you are free to travel to any of them — you aren’t committed to one location. What is the best part about FiA? The friendships! These ladies have become family! While I am the Regional Leader of Birmingham, it takes all of these ladies to make it work. I started this group when I was 38. I had four kids and wanted to get back to running and working out like I did in high school and college. Now, I am running trail races and just recently found out I got into The Barkley Fall Classic. Had it not been for this group and the support of F3 men who do the same thing, I would not be where I am today. I also wouldn’t have the friendships I have. Our kids play sports together, our community ties are tighter, school events are more fun, and runs are so much better because of the love and support. "This group motivates unlike anything I’ve ever seen," adds Jennifer DeStefano, one of the B'ham members. "I started training for the Bhm26.2 Marathon after joining FiA in early 2022. I wish I could say I found FiA, but the truth is, they found me when I didn’t even know I needed them."

dri v en by t rus t dri v en by t rus t

OUR FIRST PRIORITY OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS YOUR PRODUCTIVITY IS YOUR PRODUCTIVITY On the jobsite, there’s no standing still. There’s rarely an

On the jobsite, there’s no standing still. There’s rarely an

extra pair of hands to help you get ahead. So, call us. Our first

extra pair of hands to help you get ahead. So, call us. Our fi

priority is to provide solutions that help keep you on track.

BIRMINGHAM | 101 DISTRIBUTION DR | 205-259-1960

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Left to right, Casper, Greene, Simmons

The Best Medicine is ...Laughter Funny locals share tips on lightening up ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

There’s no question that laughter is good for our health — but how often do we laugh these days? Plagued by everything from current events to 60-hour work weeks, we may find it’s hard sometimes to even crack a smile, much less enjoy those belly laughs we know are restorative for our bodies and minds. According to Mayo Clinic, the short term benefits of a good laugh include relieving the body’s stress response, stimulating the heart and lungs and improving muscle relaxation, while long term benefits include an improved immune system, less physical pain and a better outlook on existence!

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + CULTURE

But how do we get there? Sure, there are the tired ways of turning on a funny-but-probably-dumb comedy movie – but what if we could make our real lives funnier? Good news; local humor experts say we can. We just have to be willing to leave our comfort zones, let go of perfection and savor the unexpected. For Scott Pierce, humor is best shared with others, which is one reason he helped launch the Chaotic Good Improv troupe during the pandemic. An IT consultant by day and funny guy by night, Pierce was attending a tech conference about a decade ago when

a conference guest who performed improv inspired him to consider the art form. “I was doing presentations and pitches, getting in front of people a lot, and I thought, if I take an improv class, maybe I’ll be funny,” he says. Pierce describes himself as a naturally witty person who enjoys “puns and observational stuff” but says improv is less about being a one-liner and more about getting out of your comfort zone with others. “When it comes down to it, improv is about building a relationship with your team partners,” he says. “Once you figure out the relationship, that’s where the comedy comes in. Getting to that level of funny requires us being open and listening to what the person is saying and responding in a truthful manner.”

Gladys Improv, made up of three friends who studied improv in major U.S. cities and have “similar comedic sensibilities,” started out performing in Birmingham’s troupe “Ugly Baby,” then, in addition, formed Gladys Improv. “It just seemed like the obvious choice for us to perform as a trio,” says Michael Greene, speaking of himself, Jacob Simmons and Tim Casper. “In improv, you have to care about whatever is happening in the scene, and, more CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

“Look in the mirror, and laugh at yourself,” King advises. “So you haven’t lost those 20 pounds? So what!”

often than not, whatever is happening in the scene is extremely silly,” he adds. “So watching someone care very deeply about something very silly can be like holding up a mirror to times in our own lives, when maybe we’ve taken something a little too seriously.” Joy King, founder of Eat Drink Ride with Comedienne Joy, concurs that interacting with others can be truly hilarious if both parties are open to it. A former stand-up who forayed into a variety of lively bus tours navigating the Magic City, King has had a challenging crowd member or two, but she does her best to get her tour members to lighten up. “If you don’t think about your problems for 30 minutes, I’ve done my job,” she says with a chuckle. King started performing comedy in 2004 after her church pastor claimed every member of his congregation had entrepreneurial spirit. King embraced the challenge and became a “clean” comedienne, often performing for church groups. “It came naturally to me to be clean; there’s more to life than sex,” she insists. “I talked about current events, parenthood, relationships, everyday life, church…” While she no longer performs stand-up — the bus tours keep her busy — King still believes in not taking things so seriously. “We live in a tense society,” she notes. “We have to take a step back and find the humor in stuff. We can’t take things so seriously.” Pierce agrees and says attending improv shows — or, better yet, taking an improv class — can help us see the humor in our

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + CULTURE

everyday existence and let go of perfection and preconceived ideas. “I think comedy always comes down to the subversion of expectation,” he muses. “I teach sometimes, but our artistic director, Kris Genschmer, is the primary teacher. And he is great at making sure you’re comfortable with getting uncomfortable. That’s important. It’s like a playground in there — you can be goofy, make mistakes. We applaud mistakes!” “Knowing that there are actual tools to help you be comfortable being uncomfortable gives you a certain level of confidence when approaching potentially stressful situations,” Greene notes. “Studying and performing improv helps you develop those tools.” For readers who are inspired to lighten up, these funny locals have some advice on getting started. Start seeing yourself as funny — even if you never have before. “Look in the mirror, and laugh at yourself,” King advises. “So you haven’t lost those 20 pounds? So what! As people, we all have more things in common than not in common, and we all have something funny, so laugh at that. We all have a little bit of insanity on the inside of ourselves, and if we laugh more, it’ll keep the insanity at bay. Plus, a good laugh will change your whole day.” “Developing your own sense of humor hinges on having and understanding your own comedic point of view,” Greene agrees. “Let your own sense of humor be shaped by things that meaningfully bring you joy.”

Joy King

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 O UT O F 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH BIRMINGHAM LIFESTYLE™ CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAM

A life well lived should continue at home

DOGGY DAY CARE & BOARDING • GROOMING

LET US HANDLE THE DIRTY WORK BY SCHEDULING TODAY!

205-848-2236 • campbowwow.com/hoover

Keep your lawn lush, healthy & green with

Our senior care services help aging adults stay engaged in everyday life with support to stay safe at home. It’s our mission to provide comfort, companionship and peace of mind. homeinstead.com/bham 205.822.1915

CALL OR VISIT FOR YOUR

FREE ESTIMATE

(205) 453-9367 ACRELANDSCAPE.COM

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

“I enjoy understanding the uniqueness of each individual that I serve. I listen to your story and goals and do everything I can to help you make a plan to get there.” Mary Meadows Livingston, CFA, CFP® Founder, Abeona Wealth Holistic Wealth Management | Retirement Planning Investment Management | Financial Education Tax Planning | Charitable Planning | Cash Flow Planning

(205) 259-6447

abeonawealth.com

2208 University Blvd., Ste. 102 Birmingham, Alabama 35233 Investment advisory services offered through Navigate Wealth Management, LLC

IN A QUEST FOR TRUTH, WE WILL LEAVE NO STONE UNTU RNED.

A C H I E V I N G T H E B E S T P O S S I B L E R E S U LT S F O R O U R C L I E N T S T H RO U G H E X C E L L E N C E I N A DVO C AC Y.

You and your pet can create smiles when they're needed the most! Become a Hand in Paw Therapy Team

G LE N DA CO CH RAN A S S OC I AT E S ATTO RNE YS AT L AW G L E N DAC O C H R A N. C O M

205.328.5050

Find out how by visiting

handinpaw.org/volunteer

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

To Your Health January’s wine of the month While the phrase “healthy wine” might make you pucker in anticipation of something overly dry, the bright, refreshing Elizabeth Spencer Chardonnay has a balanced flavor, yet less sugar, according to Classic Wine Company owner Josh Terrell. Elizabeth Spencer Chardonnay features fruits from Mendocino, California and is fermented and aged in stainless steel, plus American oak barrels. The resulting wine is organic and dry (but not too dry) and is priced at $22.99 per bottle. Lush with the tempting aromas of tropical fruits and offering creamy texture on the middle palate, you’ll experience a bright acidity and elegant, lengthy finish. Terrell suggests serving the Elizabeth Spencer Chardonnay slightly less cold than your refrigerator temperature and pairing a glass with delicate appetizers and seafood dishes. Happy 2023!

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

HVAC PLUMBING GENERATORS NATURAL GAS WATER HEATERS INDOOR AIR QUALITY

The Art of Comfort

205-595-4846

For over 60 years, Birmingham has turned to us to deliver unmatched peace of mind and comfort in their homes and businesses. Experience the Guin Service Difference.

Effortless Luxury, Expertly Crafted VISIT THE RANDOLPH MODEL HOME IN TRAILS END 3836 Moss Creek Circle, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

Call 855-JDAVID1 or email MKBonamy@ARHomes.com to schedule your visit.