I once wrote a column comparing my string of home decorating projects to the children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” For the mouse, a cookie led to a glass of milk, which led to a napkin, which circled back several pages later to another cookie. For me, putting new drapes in the living room led to a new couch which … well, you get the idea. Now, several years later, my … [Read more...]
Forty and Fabulous: Decorators’ ShowHouse Celebrates Anniversary With a ‘Showstopper’
By Donna Cornelius The Decorators’ ShowHouse turns 40 this year, and it’s showing no signs of aging. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra fundraiser started in 1976. The first ShowHouse was a stately Mountain Brook house modeled after George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This year’s event, set for April 9-24, opens the doors of a Mountain Brook house that was built by Katherine and … [Read more...]
The Young and the Relay: Over the Mountain Teens Working to Raise Money and Awareness
By Sarah Kuper According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 100 types of cancer diagnosed every year. Most common are breast, prostate, colon and gynecologic, but cancer can affect many parts of the body. Whether through personal or secondhand experience, it seems everyone is affected by cancer in some way. Over the Mountain teens are no different. That is … [Read more...]
In Business – and Lovin’ It: Mountain Brook Mom Owns 13 McDonald’s Stores
By Donna Cornelius Lots of moms and dads take the kids to McDonald’s for a fun and casual night out. Ashley Kaple’s family meals at the popular fast food chain are no different, except for one thing. When the Kaples go to McDonald’s, there’s a good chance she owns the store. The 34-year-old Mountain Brook resident owns 13 McDonald’s in places such as Trussville, Leeds, … [Read more...]
Autism: A Grandmother Speaks
By Donna Cornelius At first glance, you wouldn’t have noticed anything unusual about a Birmingham school’s Christmas program. The children were dressed in hand-painted holiday T-shirts and sang songs like “Jingle Bell Rock.” Teachers hovered nearby to prompt forgetful singers. In the audience, parents and grandparents craned their necks, snapped photos and applauded … [Read more...]