Story By Laura McAlister - Photos by Lee Walls Jr.The 2012 Decorators' ShowHouse will have lots of firsts this year.In the 36 years the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Council has hosted the event, the 2012 ShowHouse in Vestavia Hills will be the first to have a gymnasium with a regulation half basketball court as well as a rock climbing wall.But perhaps the … [Read more...]
Tools of Faith
Laura McAlister Journal EditorWhen parishioners left Ash Wednesday services at Shades Valley Lutheran Church some 40 days ago, they were given a stark reminder of what the season leading up to Easter is all about.When they head to church April 6 for Good Friday services, that reminder will truly hit home.Pastor Dan Dahl gave members of his congregation masonry … [Read more...]
2012 Parade of Homes
Scroll down to read stories on this year's Parade of Homes, including the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders' video promoting the industry and event, this year's first Ideal House and a look inside one of the 18 villages to be featured in the Parade.By Laura McAlister Journal EditorThe Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders has a message, and … [Read more...]
Like Grandma’s – Only Different
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorIf you asked Chris Newsome to classify the kind of food he's cooking up in his Mountain Brook restaurant, he'd probably hesitate."Do I have to?" he recently answered when questioned about the menu of the restaurant he co-owns with his wife Anna.If pressed further, the chef would probably say that he focuses on a cooking technique … [Read more...]
Hair Today
By Laura McAlister Journal EditorGot a hot date or a big interview and don't have time to book a hair appointment at the salon? A new business at The Summit might be able to help.Blowout Boutique opened March 1 near Urban Outfitters at The Summit. It's a high-end hair salon, but they're not offering coloring or cuts here, and typically, no appointments are necessary. … [Read more...]