Birmingham, AL December 2025

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 688 transactions totaling over $322 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 my contributions positively impact my clients, my company and my city and that I have produced the highest quality of work.”

Since joining ARC Realty in 2020, I’ve been grateful for the opportunities to grow and serve my clients. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition within the company, from top 3 producer in 2020 and 2024, top 2 producer in 2022 and top producer in 2021 and 2023. More importantly, I’m thankful for the continued trust my clients have placed in me throughout this journey.

In 2025, I’m honored to be recognized as a top 3 producer company wide once again. Being part of such a relationship-focused company with so many talented agents here in Birmingham has made this journey incredibly rewarding. Every connection, every sale, is more than just a number—it’s about helping people through some of the most meaningful moments in their lives. I look forward to continuing this work and building new relationships in the year ahead.

Mountain Brook

$120 million 329 properties

$8.5 million 15 properties

North Shelby

$13.8 million 19 properties Bluff Park/ Hoover/Riverchase

Homewood

$27.6 million 54 properties

WHAT I HAVE SOLD SINCE 2015

$50 million 50 properties

Vestavia/Liberty Park

$22 million 32 properties

Forest Park, Redmont, Highland Park, Crestwood, Avondale

$62.8 million 124 properties

The Holiday Issue: Cheers to 5 Years

Cue the Mariah Carey—it’s Christmas season in the Magic City!

At the Moore home, there’s no debate. We don’t break out the Christmas music or untangle a single strand of lights until after Thanksgiving. Sorry, Hobby Lobby, but I’m just not ready in September. Thanksgiving is my favorite, and I’ll always give it its due.

But the morning after, once we’ve slept off all the pie? The merry mayhem begins.

Growing up, my big family made Christmas magic out of little moments. One memory that always makes me smile is something we called “Car-oling”: piling into the car, rolling down the windows, and singing carols at the top of our lungs as we wound through the tree-lit streets of our neighborhood. My dad, behind the wheel, sang the loudest of all, unashamed with his head out the window. As a teenager, I of course pretended to be mortified—but secretly, I loved it.

Now, with a house full of kids of my own, the magic still lives in the little things. Every year we decorate sugar cookies as a family—because that’s what my husband and I did on our first date—while singing George Strait’s gloriously cheesy Sugar Cookies. The kids are varying levels of amused by that part. But the moment that always gets me is Christmas Eve: the kids in their matching pajamas, faces lit with anticipation as they give each other the small gifts they picked out themselves. It’s the kind of moment I tuck into my heart for when life gets a little noisier.

This year, December feels a little extra special—perhaps because we’re celebrating five years of telling the city’s stories at Birmingham Lifestyle. I’m so grateful to Kali for her vision and heart, and to every community partner you see in these pages— they are the reason this magazine exists. And to you, our readers, for joining us in celebrating Birmingham each month. This work is a joy throughout the year.

We hope you enjoy this special edition, brimming with holiday cheer and heartfelt stories meant to be shared.

And may your Christmas season be filled with sweet, memorable moments—the kind that make you stop and think about how good God is, and the incredible gift He gave us when He sent Christ to earth.

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Blair Moore | blair.moore@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Mary Fehr

PHOTO EDITOR

Ambre Amari

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Blair Moore, Susan Rathmell, Sarah Robinson

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

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

Proverbs 3:5-6

“The Amari name represents more than the practice of law; it’s a legacy of family, community, and service. Happy Holidays and may the New Year bring peace, health, and new beginnings—That’s Amari!”

-JOHNNY AMARI

inside the issue

A

How

Chef Kyle Biddy’s

Team Birmingham Lifestyle (L-R: Mary Fehr, Kali McNutt, Ambre Amari, Blair Moore)

at Leo Ticheli Productions by longtime magazine friend, videographer, lighting expert, photographer, and proper jack of all trades, David Smith.

Exceptional landscapes don’t happen by chance — they’re cultivated, season by season. This winter, let Acre Group prepare your property for a flawless spring.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: Guests and chefs alike enjoyed this year’s FOOD & FIRE at SOUTHBOUND. Presented by Southern Living and hosted at Sloss Furnaces, this walk-around live-fire tasting event featured top chefs and pitmasters, music, chef demos, and more.

A Special Thank You

To our incredible volunteers: you brought compassion, time, and courage into the lives of children who need an advocate. Because of you, stories are changing in Jefferson County. Our heartfelt thanks to each and every 2025 volunteer:

A. LaGanke

S. Ashe

D. Rippy

P. Osborne

C. Dillard

D. Chatham

G. Murphy

P. Dogan

J. Travis

L. Pirkle

K. Pirkle

H. Rowlen

S. Thrasher

P. Allen

J. Barrett

M. Cassell

J. Chambers

P. Collie

A. Dahlen

B. DeMarco

D. Dickinson

E. Ellaby

V. Gamble

K. Glanding

E. Green

A. Gwarjanski

K. Halfaker

K. Hall

T. Harris Bowman

L. Hasen

C. Helms

R. Henry

R. Holt

M. Humphries

M. Jackson

Z. Jones-Bolden

E. Kanter

F. Kwarteng

K. Laprocina

B. Marcum

T. Marsden

A. Martin

S. Mathew

T. Mundie

V. Mundie

S. Newson

K. Ottensmeyer

M. Patel

J. Phillips

T. Player

P. Redwine

C. Shields

A. Story

MS. Thompson

S. Thompson

C. Tickle

C. Witherspoon

C. Zotaj

R. Tucker

UNDER THE Hood

A LOOK AT THE CULTURE OF GIVING AND SERVING THAT PERMEATES MERCEDES-BENZ

OF BIRMINGHAM

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBRE AMARI

The camera’s ready, the bow’s on top, and Caroline Fields, Mercedes’ marketing and events director, is beaming behind the lens. “This is your moment!” she always says before snapping the first photo. Whether it’s someone’s very first car, their dream car, or a long-awaited gift, she knows how much this day matters. She’ll take as many pictures as they want because people remember these moments — the feeling of standing next to the car they’ve worked for, hoped for, or surprised someone with.

Caroline lights up behind the scenes too, collaborating with team members to make videos that spotlight their Mercedes-Benz knowledge in fresh, playful ways. “I love getting them out of their comfort zone a little,” she says. “It shows the personality of our people — and that’s what makes this place so special.”

For Caroline, the joy of working at Mercedes isn’t about the horsepower or the shine (though she loves both). It’s about people — the team that shows up for one another, the customers who bring their own stories through the doors, and the shared pride of being part of something rooted in Birmingham. That spirit runs through every corner of the dealership.

When general manager Luke Elder talks about MercedesBenz, he doesn’t start with cars. He starts with people. After more than two decades with the brand — including a decade in Florida before making Birmingham home — he’s seen enough to know that culture can’t be manufactured. It’s either real or it isn’t.

“What we have here is genuine,” he says. “‘Expect Excellence’ isn’t just a slogan on a billboard. It’s people who are genuinely working to deliver something excellent — not just by automotive standards, but by luxury retail standards. That effort is real and ongoing.”

Luke leads the team, but he’s the first to credit them with everything that makes the place what it is. “I don’t sell the car. I don’t pull it around. I don’t service it or wash it,” he says. “They’re the ones who make this place what it is.”

As the dealership grows, Luke listens carefully during interviews, tuning in to how candidates talk about their work. He’s not looking for rehearsed answers; he’s listening for we instead of I — for people who see themselves as part of something bigger than their own success. Those are the ones who fit.

Each week, Luke sits in on the Wednesday culture meeting, a standing tradition where the team pauses to recognize moments that reflect the company’s values — flowers sent to a customer, a baby shower for someone adopting, an impromptu stop to help a driver stranded on the side of the road. These stories remind Luke why he’s proud to work alongside them. “No one here has to be told to care,” he says. “They just do.”

If you call the service department, there’s a good chance the first voice you’ll hear belongs to Jordan Morris. She calls herself a “professional nagger” with a grin — because she’s the one who keeps the details moving.

“Excellence is all the tiny things people don’t see,” she says. “Making sure every part is here, every shuttle is on time, every note is clear. It’s making a strong first impression and continually living up to it.”

Jordan has grown with the company from day one, moving into her role as guest services manager and building a team that understands what care really means. “I didn’t know anything about cars when I started,” she says. “But I knew how to make people feel taken care of.”

For Jordan and her team, service calls are about turning someone’s day around. “We always say our goal is to ‘get someone to Grandma’s house,’” Jordan says — which is especially literal during the holidays.

Her five-person team works like a well-rehearsed ensemble. They’re the ones who make sure the person on the other end of the line doesn’t feel rushed or forgotten. “I want them to hang up feeling like someone actually heard them,” Jordan says. “And to say, Okay, this is going to be easier than I thought.”

She started her career at Mercedes in February 2015. “Over ten years later, I’m still here,” she says. “That tells you a lot about the culture. People here care about relationships and about others. And they empower us to go above and beyond for our customers.”

Director of fixed operations Cecil Sims has spent most of his life with Mercedes-Benz — since 1991. “Cut me, I bleed Mercedes,” he says with a laugh. He’s the man behind everything after the sale — service, parts, detail — the steady rhythm that keeps the dealership running. His S-Class plug-in hybrid has been his daily ride for nearly a year, and he’s only filled the tank three times.

“Mercedes-Benz’s mantra is ‘The Best or Nothing,’ and I live by it,” Cecil says. “We’re a luxury retailer, not a car dealership — and we conduct ourselves as such.”

That philosophy shows up in countless small, human ways. Just this week, roadside technician Dennis Timmons left his own birthday dinner to help an S-Class owner whose car wouldn’t

start. With no loaners left, Dennis drove to the customer’s home and fixed it on the spot. Cecil shakes his head, smiling. “You can’t coach that. Either it’s in you or it isn’t. That’s who we are.”

He talks about the brand the way some people talk about family: steady, proud, no theatrics. “We live to take care of our customers,” he says. “We live to make a bad situation a good situation — to solve their problems.”

Off the clock, Cecil is a husband, dad, and grandfather who loves Birmingham. “At Mercedes, we are committed to our community, to success, and to making a positive footprint in Birmingham,” he says. “And our service is top-notch. That’s one of the many reasons people stay with Mercedes-Benz.”

Nicholas Saban grew up around excellence — and for the past decade, he’s helped shape it at Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham. When his family purchased the dealership in 2014, he stepped in soon after, determined to learn the business from the ground up.

A graduate of the University of Alabama and the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy, he now serves as sales manager, with plans to one day lead the store as dealer principal. “We do everything we can to live up to Mercedes-Benz’s promise of ‘The Best or Nothing.’”

He still remembers the day the Irondale location opened. “I knew having this beautiful building paired with the standard we were building would lead us to great heights,” he says.

For Nicholas, the name Mercedes-Benz is a legacy. “When someone buys a Mercedes-Benz, they’re stepping into more than a century of craftsmanship and innovation,” he says. “It’s our job to make sure that experience feels first-class in every way.”

When it’s his turn behind the wheel, his pick is easy: the Mercedes-AMG G 63, matte black with red interior. “It’s powerful, capable, and refined all at once,” he says. “The roar of that biturbo V8 never gets old.”

And Caroline — whether she’s helping capture someone’s big moment with a bow on top or greeting a guest enjoying a treat from Miss Cindy at the café — spends her days representing a company that shows up for its community. (Her secret, she’ll tell you, is to slip the chocolate chip cookie under the foil of your sandwich to warm it up.)

She and the team at Mercedes believe it’s the extra little things that make all the difference. “A car might bring someone here,” she says, “but it’s the way they feel when they’re with us that makes them want to stay.”

BOUGHS OF HOLLY AND BEYOND

How local designers, stylists, and florists deck the halls

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE

Every December, Birmingham comes alive in spruce and sparkle. Mantels glow, garlands drape like ribbon candy, and wreaths announce the season before the front door even opens. Behind it all are the designers, stylists, and florists who make holiday magic look effortless—turning familiar spaces into something magical.

MARY BETH JONES @MARYBETHJONESDESIGN

Photos by Mary Fehr

Mary Beth Jones has been styling homes for the holidays long before velvet ribbon and citrus garlands were trending. An editorial stylist with more than a decade of experience—including time at Hoffman Media—she’s worked on everything from interiors to food sets and books. Now a sought-after freelance stylist and designer, Mary Beth brings that polish home for the holidays.

“Over the years, Christmas décor has shifted, but lately, I’m seeing a beautiful return to the classics,” she says. “Traditional colors, plaid, fruit, lush greens, velvet ribbons—cozy and timeless.”

For this mantel, she layered two faux cedar garlands with fresh cedar to create a lush, full base. Relaxed velvet ribbon weaves through the greenery, while dried oranges, magnolia, pine, and pepper berries add depth, color, and an old-world warmth. Silk and velvet bows

drape softly down the sides, giving the entire arrangement movement and romance.

Mary Beth’s Pro Tip: When she makes dried oranges, she slices them thin, pats them dry, then bakes them low and slow—around 200 degrees on a rack-lined pan—turning them until they’re hardened but still bright. The method keeps the color beautiful and the slices from molding.

Mary Beth’s mantel sets the tone for a season that leans into tradition, layered greens, gathered textures, and the kind of holiday warmth that makes a room feel alive. She’s one of many local designers, stylists, and florists bringing Birmingham’s fireplaces, mantels, and doorways to life this December.

SCOTT RENSHAW — POSTMARK PARIS ANTIQUES

@POSTMARKPARISANTIQUES

White phalaenopsis orchid stems in beaker vases bring what Scott calls “a crisp, sculptural note to the season.”

LINDSEY HARRINGTON — DOPAMINE DESIGN CO. @DOPAMINE_DESIGN_CO

“Inspiration for me is always—what’s weird, or hasn’t been done often or ever,” says Lindsey. Foraged cedar, branches, and boxwood meet a hint of palm for a relaxed, beachy twist. “Red ranunculus and approachable gladiolus elevate the arrangement with a cheerful burst of color,” she adds. “It’s a look that leans on the unexpected—classic greens paired with playful, offbeat elements.”

CONTINUED >

BROOKE MCAFEE — LILT FLORAL @LILTFLORALS

Photos (previous page) by Mary Fehr

Brooke’s signature look blends live greenery, potted florals, and what she calls “just the right amount of sparkle.” Because these homeowners don’t prefer red, she leans into a soft palette of blues, browns, gold, silver, green, and white. “It’s so fun for me because I love out-of-the-box color schemes for Christmas.”

EMMIE LEATH — GLORIOUS @GLORIOUSBHM

Monochromatic red makes a bold holiday statement with roses, poppies, tulips, billy balls, and strung cranberries. Pomegranates and draping amaranthus add layers of texture and richness. “It’s a celebration of red—in every shade—that transforms the space into a festive showstopper,” Emmie says.

DANIELLE BALANIS

@DANIELLEBALANIS_DESIGN

“The idea was fairytale, storybook, something of a Hansel and Gretel world. I wanted romantic and wispy, caught between a dream and reality.”

DAVID AUSTIN

WEDDING ROSES

@DAVIDAUSTINWEDDINGROSES

Winter whites, soft candlelight, and layered blooms set the scene for a table that feels serene and sophisticated. Tailored white proves that an understated palette can make a dazzling holiday statement.

TH R O UGH

THE WINDOW

FOR THIS BIRMINGHAM FAMILY, SERVING ISN’T SEASONAL—IT’S A WAY OF LIFE

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“It doesn’t require a special skill set — just someone willing to show up, manage a station, unload a truck, whatever’s needed. It’s not as hard as you might think.”

— GREG

The Mihaly boys — ages 7 and 10 — stood at a long table covered in toys: bright bikes, dolls, trucks, games, and puzzles. None of it was for them, but you wouldn’t know it from the joy in their eyes.

“They helped organize toys by age group and by price,” says their mother, Megan. “They loved meeting the other kids who were helping. And for them to learn — not everybody has what they have — that was big.”

The toy drive, hosted through Church of the Highlands, has become a highlight of the family’s Christmas season. But service isn’t something the Mihalys do just once a year. It’s an ongoing part of their lives that shapes their children and connects them more deeply to their community.

Greg, who is the owner of The Window Source, moved to Birmingham with Megan several years ago from Maryland. They quickly noticed something special about the city. “Birmingham has such a strong culture of people stepping up,” Greg says. “That makes it easy to get involved.”

For him, the heart of serving is being there in person. “A lot of people can just give money or donate a product,” Greg says. “But it feels so different when you actually get out there in the community and get your hands on it.”

That hands-on spirit shows up in every corner of their lives. Between Megan’s work as a dietitian, Greg’s business, and running the boys to baseball, football, and lacrosse, their calendar is full. Still, they make time to serve with Grace Klein Community, Church of the Highlands, First Light Shelter, and neighborhood projects close to home.

“Food is the one thing you have to have to live,” Megan says. “And food insecurity is a lot closer to home than people think. The Birmingham stats were shocking to me.” She’s seen it firsthand, especially in rural “food deserts” where fresh produce is scarce.

Greg says it doesn’t take tons of free time to make an impact. “These organizations just want people to help in any way they can,” he says. “It doesn’t require a special skill set — just someone willing to show up, manage a station, unload a truck, whatever’s needed. It’s not as hard as you might think.”

Whether it’s unloading 30,000 pounds of potatoes, cutting grass for a Serve Day, or dropping off dinner at a women’s shelter, the Mihalys fit serving into the margins of their busy lives. “It doesn’t have to be an all-day thing,” Greg says. “When the job’s done, it’s done.”

And as their boys have discovered, it can be surprisingly fun. “When we did the school landscaping project, they thought it was the best day ever,” Megan says, laughing. “Later, they asked, ‘When can we do that again?’”

As a business owner and a father, Greg sees volunteering as something that builds connection — not just with the community, but with the people standing beside you.

Birmingham is full of stories like theirs — families and neighbors showing up for one another. And in a season centered on giving, that spirit shines a little brighter.

“The more you serve, the easier it seems to become,” Greg says. “You meet other volunteers, form a connection, and before you know it — it’s just part of your life.”

Reflections on Happiness in a broken and chaotic world

ReflectionsonHappinessinaBrokenandChaotic World, a new book by Richard E. Simmons III, explores the true meaning of happiness and why so many people today struggle to find it. We live in such prosperity, in a country where we are free to pursue our dreams. Yet, disappointment and despair surround us as we continue down the wrong path. It is a great paradox. Richard E. Simmons reveals how our culture’s pursuit of happiness often misses the mark. Through thoughtful reflection and practical insight, ReflectionsonHappiness, introduces seven foundational areas—relationships, character, work and identity, purpose, health, depression, and mortality— that shape our sense of joy and fulfillment. Rooted in timeless principles, this book invites readers to discover how living in harmony with God’s design leads not only to happiness, but to true inner peace.

Argent is a leading, independent private wealth management firm offering comprehensive wealth management, asset management, and trust services for individuals, families, foundations, and endowments.

Providing custom solutions for wealth protection and prosperity. Cultivating deeply personal relationships. Serving with excellence. These are the values that drive us and have been ingrained in Argent from day one. And they’re why, year after year, our clients trust in our guidance to help strengthen their families, businesses and organizations.

Argent serves clients across 43 markets and 19 states and has responsibility for over $105 billion of client assets.

with epilepsy happens Living

Living with epilepsy doesn’t mean childhood has to pause. At Children’s of Alabama, we provide the expert care, treatments and technologies families can rely on, so kids with epilepsy can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With trusted answers and compassionate support, we’re here to help families navigate epilepsy with confidence and hope.

Night at A DECEMBER LITTLE BETTY

Chef Kyle Biddy’s winter table blends firelight, pasta, and a city ready to celebrate

This December, Birmingham is aglow with gatherings — friends leaning in, families toasting the season, and tables alive with warmth. At Little Betty, the celebration comes with firelight, champagne, and a meal worth remembering.

Executive chef Kyle Biddy has created something rare: a space that feels elevated without losing its ease. Two years in, it’s become one of Birmingham’s favorite places to mark a season or a milestone.

“I moved from the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived, what a lot of people would call paradise,” Biddy says, thinking of Aspen’s snow-lit peaks. “But to have the opportunity to do what we’re doing at Little Betty, I knew it was the right move.”

The vision for the restaurant stuck with him from the first conversation. He could picture it — the kind of place where thoughtful cooking and warm hospitality would meet in perfect balance. So in 2021, he packed up, crossed the country, and got to work. He developed dishes that would surprise and delight Birmingham diners and helped shape an atmosphere where every detail is intentional, from the first pour to the last bite.

At Little Betty, the menu shifts with the seasons, save for a few beloved staples. “We created kind of a menu where it’s almost a choose-your-ownadventure type dinner situation,” Biddy says. “I enjoy having full creative freedom. We cook seasonally, drawing inspiration from what we find at the market.”

This time of year, the kitchen leans into flavors that warm from the inside out. “We’ve transitioned to a little bit heavier food that sticks to the bones a little bit more,” he explains. Squash is roasted directly on the coals. Swordfish is wrapped with sage and prosciutto. And Amatriciana — “like getting a warm hug from your grandma, or sitting by the campfire” — returns to the lineup by demand.

If you ask Biddy how to celebrate at Little Betty, he’ll paint the night for you course by course.

It begins, of course, with bubbles. Sommelier Johnny will guide you toward something sparkling — light, playful, and just unique enough to feel like an occasion. “That’s how we love to start the night,” Biddy says. “It sets the tone — it’s festive and fun.”

From there, Biddy recommends the Hamachi crudo: fall flavors layered with butternut squash and apple relish, Calabrian chili, lime vinaigrette, and a crisp potato topper that shatters at the touch of a fork. Then, Wagyu carpaccio — paperthin beef with arugula, crispy shallots, and truffle aioli. “People rave about it,” he says. “It’s one of those dishes that hits the table and just stuns.”

CONTINUED >

The Caesar salad follows. Cured lemons — salted, sugared, sliced whole — cut through the rich, umami-laced dressing made with Japanese mayonnaise, bringing unexpected brightness to a classic.

For the next act, Biddy points to the pasta. His favorite, the Amatriciana, is a Roman classic made with guanciale from a small Indiana smokehouse, cooked low and slow into a spicy tomato sauce with pork shoulder. “It’s like a warm hug from your grandma,” he says. “Comforting and rich. You just can’t help but smile.”

Then comes the 20-ounce ribeye, gleaming under a pat of truffle butter, anchored by sides he swears by: crispy polenta, Brussels sprouts, and pommes frites. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and just right for a special night.

Dessert is a non-negotiable finish to a celebratory evening. Biddy leans on familiarity and nostalgia, weaving them into refined, memorable finales. His Bananas Foster cheesecake comes draped in caramel, pistachio brittle, and white chocolate pearls. The carrot cake

— his tribute to his grandmother — layers carrot and hummingbird cake beneath smoky torched marshmallow ice cream and hazelnut-raspberry crumble. And then there’s the tiramisù, soft and espresso-soaked, beloved as one of the best in town.

Behind the scenes, it takes seven cooks to pull off each night’s service. Biddy’s longtime girlfriend, Britton Crotta, who also moved from Aspen to bring this dream to life, serves as chef de cuisine. “She’s an absolute force in the kitchen,” Biddy says. “I could not do this without her.”

For Biddy, Birmingham is the perfect backdrop for a place like Little Betty. “Birmingham kind of punches above its weight class — not only in food but in culture,” he says. “It’s a forward-thinking city that’s growing in all the right ways.”

This December marks two years since Little Betty first opened its doors, and that’s something worth raising a glass to. If Biddy were doing the honors, he’d lift his to the people of Birmingham and to the bright, unfolding future of a city that sparkles like the season itself.

Mini Bundt Sticky Toffee Cakes

Chef Kyle Biddy of Little Betty shares one of his go-to December desserts — sweet, comforting, and full of flavors that feel like winter.

Yields: 10–12 mini bundt cakes

Bake Temp: 350°F

Bake Time: 16–18 minutes

INGREDIENTS

DATE MIXTURE

• 8 oz (about 1 cup packed) Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped

• ¾ cup water

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

CAKE BATTER

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• All of the cooled date mixture

METHOD

1. Prepare the date mixture: In a small saucepan, combine dates and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the dates are soft and breaking down. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda (it will foam up a little). Cool completely.

2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Scrape the bowl as needed.

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet mixture and mix on low just until combined.

5. Add date mixture: Fold in the cooled dates. Batter will be thick and slightly sticky.

6. Prepare pans: Generously grease mini bundt pans (or spray with baking spray that includes flour). Fill each cavity about ¾ full.

7. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then unmold and serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, a pinch of flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), and a generous pour of toffee sauce spooned over the top.

TOFFEE SAUCE

Yields: about 2½ cups (enough for desserts, ice cream, etc.)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)

• 1 stick (½ cup / 113 g) unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste if you have it)

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed

METHOD

1. Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt: Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mixture looks smooth and no longer grainy — about 4–6 minutes. (It will look glossy and pull away slightly from the pan.)

3. Add the cream carefully: Warm the cream slightly (microwave or stove) to prevent splattering. Slowly pour it into the hot sugar mixture while whisking constantly. It will bubble up — just keep whisking.

4. Cook to finish: Continue cooking for 3–5 more minutes, stirring often, until smooth and slightly thickened. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.

5. Strain: If you want a perfectly silky texture, pour the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof container.

6. Cool and store: Let cool slightly, then store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently before serving.

BEHIND THE PAGES OF BIRMINGHAM LIFESTYLE

Maybe a copy of Birmingham Lifestyle magically lands in your mailbox each month. Or maybe you snagged a copy from your local coffee shop when the cover caught your eye. Either way, chances are you don’t know the story of how it got there. That’s because we’ve never told it.

This month, to celebrate our fifth anniversary, we’re pulling back the curtain on the small, passionate team of Birminghamloving creatives who tell stories that celebrate our city in these pages.

Kali McNutt Owner and Publisher

Five years ago, Birmingham Lifestyle wasn’t anywhere on Kali McNutt’s radar. She’d spent years in Washington, D.C., first shaping messaging campaigns for Fortune 500 companies at a major public affairs firm, then running external affairs for a foreign-policy think tank—producing major events, stewarding donors, and moving big ideas into the world.

Her work took her across the globe—living and working in India and France, logging trips to Nepal, Japan, and Israel, and ultimately back home to Birmingham. Here, she chaired the Birmingham Committee on Foreign Relations, curating conversations that brought global voices to the city, and served as Chief Marketing Officer for a Birminghambased startup. Then, one spring afternoon, an unexpected LinkedIn message from the corporate office of City Lifestyle changed everything.

“It was May 2021,” she recalls. “I’d never pictured running a magazine.” But the more she thought about it, the more it fit. She had, after all, run a neighborhood “zine” as a kid—where missing a deadline could get you fired, even if you were her best friend. Later, at the University of Alabama, she served as editor of a campus publication, sharpening the same storytelling instincts she uses now. And she’d spent much of her

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SMITH

career telling powerful stories on a global stage. Now, she had the chance to shine a light on the stories happening right here at home.

So she took the leap and officially stepped in as publisher in October of 2021—steadying the ship, retaining partners, and building momentum issue by issue. Her vision from the beginning was clear: create a publication that could only exist in Birmingham, one that celebrates the vast, layered, surprising stories this city holds.

“The covers I love most are the ones that could only exist here—not in New York, not in L.A.—they’re unmistakably Birmingham,” she says.

An avid traveler, bon vivant, and lover of art and design, Kali sees Birmingham as a city that constantly surprises. “Birmingham isn’t the biggest city, but if you want it, you can find it here,” she says.

With a keen editorial eye and endless ideas, Kali has built a publication that feels vibrant, grounded, and full of possibility. “I always have more ideas than pages,” she admits. Under her leadership, the magazine has become a trusted reflection of Birmingham’s creative energy—curated with intention, elevated but never out of touch.

The magazine itself is funded entirely by community partners, many of whom have been with her from the beginning. “When they partner with us, they’re not just buying space,” Kali says. “They’re helping us tell the city’s stories.” Many of those champions are people who found her. “A lot of our best supporters were strangers who caught the vision and got excited about what we’re doing.”

Between meetings with community leaders, potential partners, and the creative team she’s built, free time is rare (though she does like that she can do her job from anywhere in the world). When she finds it, she spends it with her French Spaniel, Choupinette— better known as Nettie—and planning her next travel adventure with her Greek husband, Theo.

The magic of Birmingham Lifestyle, she’ll tell you, happens behind the lens and on the page—with the help of the team that brings the city’s stories to life. One of the first photographers who helped shape the magazine’s signature style is Mary Fehr.

Mary Fehr

Photographer

Mary Fehr sees life through a lens of love—both when there’s a camera in her hands and when there’s not. She calls herself a romantic—not in the narrow sense, but in the way she loves the world and the people in it. “I believe in really loving people,” she says. “Not out of expectation. Just loving them for who they are.”

In every session, she seeks to discover who someone is—not just what they look like. “The best moments are when I show up to a shoot and the person I’m photographing is completely open—when they let me in. Not just to the surface of what the visual story is, but to the deeper part of it,” she says.

She remembers one shoot in particular with a fourth-generation cotton farmer in Huntsville. She’d driven up expecting to photograph a sweatshirt made from cotton grown on his family’s farm. Instead, she spent four hours riding around the property, listening to stories about his life and work. “It was incredible,” she says. “When he asked me to stay for lunch, I hated that I couldn’t. But that’s the kind of moment I love—when you give people room to open up, and suddenly you’re not just taking a picture. You’re photographing them in a more honest way.”

Mary’s instinct for preserving moments started long before she ever held a camera. Her mother carried one everywhere—birthday parties, graduations, even ordinary afternoons. “It used to drive us crazy,” she says. “But later, I realized she was capturing moments we wouldn’t otherwise have.”

A college photography class sealed her path. Artist and mentor Karen Graffeo noticed her gift before she did. “She told me I should keep doing this,” Mary recalls. “She saw a talent I didn’t even know I had.” She’s drawn to the kind of beauty that endures—art history, fashion, and the clean strength of Greek and Roman sculpture. “It’s simple and strong but so full of feeling,” she says. That same emotional current runs through her photographs.

Her style is unmistakable—rich with color, emotional resonance, and raw beauty. Wedding and portrait sessions have carried her across the globe, and her photographs have graced the pages of national publications, including Garden & Gun .

Kali was an admirer of Mary’s work long before she ever reached out. When Mary photographed the cover for her first men’s issue, the creative

connection was immediate. Since then, her images have become part of the magazine’s heartbeat.

On the way to a shoot, she cranks up Jimmy Buffett and rolls the windows down. “It’s relaxing and easy listening,” she says. “The kind of music that makes the world feel a little sunnier.” A Springsteen track might follow—a touch of grit to balance the breeze.

Her process is steady and sure. No tethers. No screens. No wasted motion. She sees the shot, lifts the camera, and the moment falls into place. “It’s gut instinct,” she says. “I just know when we have it.”

Back at home, she’s greeted by a loyal crew: two dogs and three cats—Mimi, Reba, Dwight, Lucy, and Bandit— all rescues. Mary’s love for living things stretches far beyond her work. On a trip to Greece with her mom, she watched the sunset from a balcony in Santorini with a stray dog and a few curious cats at her feet. Later, she let one curl up in her bed. “My mom woke up so mad,” she says, laughing.

Etched on her forearm are words from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: “To see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” For Mary, it’s not just a quote. It’s how she moves through the world.

CONTINUED >

Ambre Amari Photographer

When Ambre Amari steps onto a set, the air in the room shifts. Positive energy surges, shoulders relax, and ideas start multiplying. “I make it fun. I can feel when people are uncomfortable, and I pivot,” she says. She’s the one who shows up with a speaker, dials up Beyoncé, mixes in Madonna, RuPaul, rap, and big-beat dance—“all high energy,” she says— until the room loosens and the pictures get bolder.

Ambre and Kali go back to 2010, before the magazine existed—friends-of-friends who recognized each other’s drive and creativity. When Birmingham Lifestyle launched, Ambre said, “Whatever you need, I’m here. I believe in what you’re building.” From there came fashion covers with teeth and a standout Alabama Ballet feature that turned into Ambre shooting entire seasons. “With the dancers, I got to bring an idea I’d dreamed about for years to life,” she says—an in-studio concept she’d filed away after seeing a Russian photographer’s work.

But Ambre’s story doesn’t begin with high-fashion sets or artful portraits. Her childhood wasn’t idyllic, though she fondly remembers those first “photo shoots”—fashion shows in the living room with friends, a Polaroid camera, and a very patient cat as the star.

By age eleven, the innocence of childhood had evaporated. By fourteen, she spent more time in borrowed spaces than her own—drifting between families, friends, and any place that felt steady for a moment. By seventeen, she was sharing an apartment with a roommate, stretching every dollar and

splitting McDonald’s dollar menu meals, learning that survival itself can be a kind of education.

She wouldn’t trade it, though. “I didn’t come from a picture perfect childhood,” she says. “But I’m grateful for it. It made me resourceful. It made me see things differently. It made me who I am.”

The artistry of Ambre’s work is so distinctive you can spot it before reading the byline. Her images are kinetic and magnetic—the kind that pull you closer and make you imagine the life around the frame. There’s a touch of theater in her composition, a painter’s eye in her light, and an almost electric energy that glows through the surface. It’s art that moves.

Her superpower is connection, and it’s grounded in a take-me-as-I-am openness. “I can get along with anybody—super poor, super rich, super famous, not famous,” she says. “Doesn’t matter.” She reads a room in seconds and de-escalates with ease. It’s partly lived experience, partly the way she collects people. “You can get something from every single person you meet,” she says. “I like to collect energy or inspiration from everyone.”

Travel deepened her eye for humanity. In India, she carried a Polaroid into a slum and handed it around. “These women had never even seen a picture of themselves,” she says. “I taught them to take photos of each other, and it was incredible.” Before she left, they covered her hands in henna, held a small ceremony, and one gifted her a sari she’d made. “It makes me want to cry talking about it,” Ambre says. “I don’t know where they are now, but I’ll never forget them.”

Where does she want to point the lens next? “Morocco,” she says without hesitating. She’s

booked it three times and had to cancel each one, but the pull hasn’t faded. “I want to go somewhere I feel completely uncomfortable and out of place,” she says. “When I feel that way, the camera gives me a reason to be there. I’m not just a regular tourist. When I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, the camera is where I feel the most alive.”

Ambre has created far more work than anyone has seen. “I hate social media. I hate Pinterest,” she laughs. But if you talk to her, it’s clear: she dreams big. “I want to shoot a big cover one day—Rolling Stone, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue,” she says, recalling the opportunity she once had to pass up for schedule reasons. As a wife and mom of four, she’s passionate about women championing women. “I believe women are stronger together — when we collaborate, not criticize, and lift each other higher. It’s not easy to manage all the things and be successful. I want to photograph women who are out there making it.”

When the camera powers down, she grounds herself. “I’m an extroverted introvert,” she says. “I love people, but I feel things so deeply that sometimes I have to get alone and unplug.” That might look like rearranging rooms at midnight (“My creative brain has to do different things”), studying holistic remedies, or standing barefoot in the grass, soaking in the moonlight.

“I’m crazy about the moon,” Ambre says. “It tells us so much about what we’re feeling.” Sometimes her kids join her beneath its silver light. “I call it a moon bath,” she says. “The moon is magical. It resets me.”

And then, the next morning, she picks up her camera and walks back into the world, smiling at whatever adventure awaits on the other side of the lens.

CONTINUED >

Blair Moore

Editor and Publication Director

And then there’s me—your unlikely storyteller. I didn’t set out to be a writer, and there was a time I’d have told you it was the last thing I wanted. I chose a journalism degree because it came naturally, but what I really wanted was to be a performer or an artist.

In fact, I tried both. I started out studying art at Auburn but quickly realized my love of abstract painting wasn’t going to get me out of realistic drawing. I’ve never drawn anything that looked remotely real, so that dream ended somewhere around the second sketch of a very unfortunate bowl of fruit.

Next came performing. I spent a few years in Orlando, singing with a cappella groups and playing a gypsy in the streetmosphere at SeaWorld. It was fun and theatrical and exactly the kind of magic I craved at the time. Then came Nashville. I moved there with music in mind but stumbled into a writing job at Dave Ramsey’s headquarters—five years that taught me the power of storytelling and the joy of giving someone else’s experience a voice.

Soon the scene changed. My husband and I had three kids in quick succession, then one more for good measure. I spent the better part of a decade rediscovering the world through their eyes—muddy knees, belly laughs, endless rounds of The Wheels on the Bus. It was sweet and wild and everything I’d hoped motherhood would be. But some days,

between the toddler talk and sing-alongs, it felt like my creative brain was starting to turn to Jell-O.

So, I picked up writing again. And this time, I loved it even more.

It was Ambre Amari who introduced me to Kali McNutt. From that first conversation, I could see it—what she was building, and how much I wanted to be a part of it. Since then, I’ve written about divers and designers, chefs and quilters, firefighters and artists. I’ve sat across from people who’ve made me laugh, cry, and rethink what it means to call Birmingham home. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with this city in a whole new way.

So yes, my story found its way to a happy ending. I still get to perform now and then—usually in community theater or with my kids—but these days, I’d rather be in the audience of their lives, cheering them on in their own big dreams and little moments.

And that dream of becoming an artist? It came true after all—just not in the way I expected. I may not paint with pigments, but my canvas is a blank page. The people I meet bring the color; their voices shape the brushstrokes. And together, they become the stories I get to share with you.

Because when I write, I feel it—the weight, the wonder, the heartbeat of someone’s story as it takes shape. And in the end, if I’ve done my job well, it won’t be my voice you’ll hear. It’ll be theirs.

CONTINUED >

Behind every issue of Birmingham Lifestyle is a small team with big hearts for this city. We gather around tables, scribble on napkins, chase golden light, and unearth the stories that shape Birmingham—all so we can share them with you.

Five years in, this magazine is still becoming, just like the city it celebrates. The pages ahead aren’t simply waiting to be filled—they’re calling for the stories still unfolding, the ones that haven’t yet found their way to the page.

Special thanks to Avani

for providing the stunning jewels and to Design Supply for the table that completed the look of this celebratory shoot.

A M B R E A M A R I

2 0 5 5 6 7 4 6 9 0

a m a r i e d i t o r i a l c o m

ARTICLE BY SARAH ROBINSON

THE SECRET LIFE OF YOUR HOLIDAY TO-DO LIST

Every December, holiday to-do lists start out looking innocent enough. A few gifts to buy. Cards to send. A tree to decorate. But like a strand of lights tucked in the attic all year, the second you touch them, they seem to knot themselves into something bigger. That’s because your holiday to-do list has a secret life.

Here are a few timely insights from Sarah Robinson of HUM Concierge.

Secret #1: One task isn’t really one task. “Buy teacher gifts” sounds simple, but between brainstorming, shopping, wrapping, and delivering, that “quick errand” can eat up three hours.

Secret #2: Every errand has hidden travel time. That “10-minute return” can stretch to 90 minutes once you factor in traffic, parking, and lines. Multiply that a few times, and you’ve lost a full day.

Secret #3: Some tasks multiply overnight. Holiday cards look harmless, but after picking the design, tracking down addresses, and mailing, you’ve spent four to six hours — not to mention capturing the perfect family photo.

Secret #4: Procrastination adds hours (and dollars). Last-minute travel or catering can mean hours of juggling flights, vendors, and backup plans — plus higher costs.

Secret #5: Every list item carries emotional weight. Decorating may sound like fun, but hauling boxes, untangling lights, and fussing over placement can easily stretch into a full weekend. All those “quick” tasks add up fast — often 60 to 80 hours of hidden work in an already packed December.

The trick, Sarah says, is to be honest about what really matters. Make a list. Circle the things that bring you the most joy, let go of what’s nonessential, and hand off tasks when you can. Because the holidays were never meant to be a checklist — they’re meant to be lived.

That’s where HUM Concierge comes in. Whether it’s wrapping and delivering gifts, handling returns, shopping, coordinating catering, or taking errands off your plate entirely, Sarah and her team help make the season smoother and more magical — so you can spend more time making memories with the people you love most.

Learn more about HUM Through the Holidays services at humconcierge.com

Schedule an appointment today and you'll receive oneon-one service from our knowledgeable staff.

At GLS Supply, we prioritize customer service. Since the very beginning GLS Supply has been on a mission to provide a large selection of products to the plumbing professional, interior designer, and homeowner. Along with supplying the fixtures and materials customers need, ensuring that they receive the service they deserve at a competitive price is our top priority.

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions: This year, I am going to get more sleep. Insomnia, a prevalent yet often-misunderstood condition, affects millions of people worldwide. If you or someone you love struggles with sleep, this article is for you.

WHAT IS INSOMNIA?

Insomnia is characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep. The consequences of insomnia extend beyond mere fatigue; it can lead to a myriad of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

When we don’t get enough quality sleep, our minds and bodies struggle to function properly. Here are some of the significant impacts of insomnia:

• Cognitive Impairment: Lack of sleep affects our ability to think clearly, make decisions, and concentrate, leading to decreased productivity and increased mistakes.

• Emotional Instability: Insomnia can heighten feelings of irritability and anxiety, making it difficult to handle everyday stressors.

• Physical Health Risks: Chronic insomnia is linked to a higher risk of developing serious health conditions, weight gain, and obesity.

• Decreased Immune Function: Sleep is crucial for a robust immune system. Insomnia can weaken your body’s defenses, making you more susceptible to illness.

DO YOU HAVE INSOMNIA?

To help you assess your sleep health, take this quick quiz. Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions:

Sleep Better in the New Year

Understanding Insomnia and Its Impact

ARTICLE BY DR. SUSAN RATHMELL

1. Do you have difficulty falling asleep at night?

2 . Do you wake up frequently during the night?

3. Do you wake up too early and can’t go back to sleep?

4. Do you feel tired or fatigued during the day?

SCORING:

• If you answered “yes” to 2 or more questions, you may be experiencing insomnia.

BREAKING THE INSOMNIA CYCLE

If you’re struggling with insomnia, you may be surprised to learn that the best professional to help treat your symptoms is actually a psychologist. While we often associate therapy with mental health challenges, research has repeatedly shown that the most effective and longest-lasting treatment for insomnia is a brief therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This evidence-based approach outperforms over-the-counter and prescription medications as well as popular sleep apps. Unlike medications, which can lead to unwanted side effects like dizziness, daytime drowsiness, and dependency, CBT-I gets to the root of the problem by helping individuals change their sleep habits and approach to sleep. Studies prove that CBT-I significantly improves sleep quality and duration in just 6 weeks, making it the superior choice for lasting change.

At Upward Behavioral Health, we specialize in the treatment of insomnia and have witnessed firsthand how effective treatment can transform lives, often within just six weeks of starting CBT-I. Our dedicated team is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their nights and improve their overall quality of life.

Schedule a free consultation call with Upward today at www.upwardbehavioralhealth.com or (205) 983-4063.

Rooted in Relationships. Growing Together.

When Birmingham’s work crosses state borders, we’re there to help. And as our city grows, so does our commitment to its people, its progress, and its future.

WINTER in a glass

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS

SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP

A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz dark or spiced rum

• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 oz heavy cream

• 1 whole egg

• Dash of ground nutmeg

• Dash of vanilla extract

Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon

Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.

Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.

FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ

A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.

INSTRUCTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 3/4 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda

Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.

BOURBON VANILLA

BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE

An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 oz bourbon

Topping: 4 large marshmallows

Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate.

Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth.

Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.

HOLIDAY SPICED GINGERBREAD LATTE

A warm, frothy, and festively spiced drink perfect for winter nights.

INGREDIENTS:

For the latte:

• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)

• 3/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup

• Whipped cream

For the gingerbread syrup:

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp molasses

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

• Marshmallow

• Crushed gingerbread cookie around the rim or on top

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make the gingerbread syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the drink:

Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Heat and froth your milk. In your glass, add 2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup. Pour in the espresso, then the steamed milk, stirring gently to combine. Spoon frothed milk or whipped cream on top. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Optional: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra flair.

This year, give your child the gift of skills to connect with others through meaningful play.

Is your preschooler struggling to make or keep friends?

Discover strategies from the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for Preschoolers. Tailored for young children who struggle with social interactions and friendships, PEERS is a proven, evidence-based social skills program to teach your preschooler friendship-building skills.

Join child psychologist Dr. Kathleen Ramsey for this free, virtual event sponsored by Upward Behavioral Health Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm CST

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS DECEMBER 2025

NOVEMBER 22ND THROUGH JANUARY 4TH

Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration

Birmingham Zoo

Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration returns to the Birmingham Zoo, presented by Chase with support from Alabama Power and UAB Callahan Eye. This luminous event features over a million lights, hundreds of handcrafted lanterns, live acrobatic entertainment, festive treats, Santa visits, and a cheerful Holiday Village. Guests can explore a mile-long trail of glowing nature displays, magical rides, and immersive experiences.

DECEMBER 1ST

Lindsey Stirling – Snow Waltz Tour

BJCC

What it is: A high-energy holiday themed tour show by musician & performer Lindsey Stirling — fiddle, dance, lights, and holiday flair. Why go: Perfect if you’re into contemporary holiday shows with strong visual elements and music.

DECEMBER 11TH, 16TH, 18TH

Wacky Tacky Light Tour

Valley Hotel

Time to put on your tacky sweaters and Santa hats! It’s the Wacky Tacky Light Tour! We look for the biggest, brightest, and funniest light displays in our beloved anti-Norman Rockwell holiday tour. Load up on a bus for a two-hour tour to light up your night. Reserve a private bus for your business, club, Sunday School class, group, family and/or friends. Tickets: www.freshairfamily.org

DECEMBER 12TH-22ND

Classic Movies at the Alabama Theater

Alabama Theatre

The Alabama Theatre’s holiday film series returns with 16 screenings planned for Dec. 12-22. Christmas classics like “Elf,” “The Polar Express,” “White Christmas,” and “Die Hard” will be shown, and movie fans can see the theater decked out in fancy holiday style. Doors open one hour before showtime. Each event begins with a sing-along to music performed on the theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

DECEMBER 13TH

Gingerbread

Jam

Vestavia Hills Civic Center

Join the Megan Montgomery Foundation at their 4th Annual Gingerbread “Jam” Housebuilding competition. This family-friendly event will feature Santa, cash prizes for kids and adults, and lots of family fun. All proceeds benefit the Megan Montgomery Foundation, which to date has granted $363,000 to schools and nonprofits for healthy relationship education. Visit  www.megansfoundation.org to reserve your “lot” for your little house!

DECEMBER 13TH THROUGH 23RD

Alabama Ballet – George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

BJCC

The classic ballet production of The Nutcracker (by choreographer George Balanchine) performed by the Alabama Ballet with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Why go: A traditional holiday outing — ideal for families, ballet fans, or anyone looking for a festive performance.