Fall Staycation Guide with Lisa Harris Boyd

If you live in Birmingham, I’m sure you’ve noticed it. The cool air entering the conversation like a bouquet of long-stemmed flowers on your doorstep. Unexpected and timely. As the daylight hours seem to shrink a few sizes, this weather has me wishing I could spend every second outside. A little extra time to watch the leaves descend to their new homes on the sidewalk, begging to be crunched and photographed. 

This is the season for afternoon wine on a patio with friends while Birmingham lingers in the background. The ideal time for a get-away in my favorite little city.

Whether you’re planning a local honeymoon or a last minute autumnal staycation, our lovely friend and longtime luxury travel expert, Lisa Harris Boyd, is here with her tips for a fool-proof fall escape for two.

Lisa is a Samford grad and has called Vestavia home for 20 years. As a wonderful mother to three teenage daughters and a self proclaimed animal lover, one of her biggest passions is traveling.

““I always have at least one personal trip booked and another that I’m planning so that I have things to look forward to.””

— Lisa Harris Boyd

Growing up, her family valued the ability to travel and encounter fresh experiences. After years of devoted wandering with her parents, it was only right that she continue that tradition with her own family.

““In my travels, I have been to all 50 states and experienced 27 countries so far.””

— Lisa Harris Boyd

Lisa was dedicated to her long career in advertising. After losing her first husband to cancer, she realized we are not promised tomorrow and felt it was only natural to begin a career in something that always gave her life fulfillment; the art of travel. With that sentiment in mind, she started Life Is Short Adventures.

““I wanted to make a career change that would allow me to spend more time with my daughters and would help others spend more time with the people they love.””

— Lisa Harris Boyd

With the weather and atmosphere begging for a local retreat, I asked Lisa to share her expertise with us and plan a couple Birmingham staycations. Enjoy reading her personal recommendations below. 

STAYCATION 1 - DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

LODGING

Couples looking for a more private escape in the city will love the John Hand Club Hotel. I’ve found that most Birminghamians don’t even know it exists AND it only has six suites—very intimate. Personally, my favorite rooms are the:

The Cobblestone Suite -  This room has a large balcony overlooking the charming Morris Avenue.

The Heaviest Corner Suite - a breathtaking room with captivating downtown views right from your bed.

DINING

If you choose to stay at this hotel, you have access to The Welton, a private bar and restaurant for John Hand Club members, where you can enjoy a deliberately crafted culinary experience without leaving the building.

If you feel like a little stroll with your sweetheart, you are only two short blocks away from Birmingham-beloved restaurants Helen and The Essential. 

ACTIVITIES

If you are staycationing Tuesday through Saturday, Total on 1st offers an 80-minute (yes..we said that right. EIGHTY MINUTE) couple’s massage. This gorgeous luxury spa is across the street from your hotel, steps away from relaxation. 

A romantic morning or sunset walk down Morris Avenue is a fun and easy outing. With brunch options like The Essential, Bar Le Fete, and Trattoria Zaza all in walking distance, you will absolutely never be in short supply of amazing food. 

BUSTLE TIP: It’s also worth mentioning that you are steps away from Bham’s biggest bar scene with some of the city’s elite establishments for phenomenally crafted cocktails and a captivating atmosphere. 

STAYCATION 2 - MOUNTAIN BROOK

LODGING

The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook provides the best full-service hotel experience in Birmingham and is perfectly located for a honeymoon staycation. 

Their Deluxe King rooms have a soaking tub and all reservations made by Life Is Short Adventures includes complimentary breakfast, a special welcome surprise, VIP status and a complimentary room upgrade, if available.

DINING

My favorite staycation evening at The Grand Bohemian starts off with dinner and margaritas at Sol Y Luna followed by cocktails under the stars at the Grand Bohemian rooftop bar.

BUSTLE TIP: If you are a big fan of morning coffee and sweets, we highly recommend taking a stroll through Mountain Brook Village and trying Santos for coffee and crepes. For a wonderful lunch, we highly recommend Olexa’s and stopping by Daughters Baking for cake cups on your way back to the hotel.

ACTIVITIES

The hotel provides a plethora of onsite activities including: 

• An outdoor pool

• Rooftop Bar

• Onsite Art Gallery

• Onsite Spa offering couples massages

• Cooking Classes

• Wine Blending Classes

Couples who love the natural beauty of being outdoors will appreciate being across the street from Birmingham Botanical Gardens and having a variety of walkable shops, bars and restaurants in Mountain Brook Village.

If you would like to talk to Lisa about your next trip, you can contact her here or visit her website.

““To me, all trips are special, but honeymoons are the first time that the newlywed couple can travel together which provides them with a chance to relax and connect after an oftentimes stressful period of wedding planning. I love making honeymoons stress-free and as easy as possible whether couples want to relax or have a great adventure together.””

— Lisa Harris Boyd

We hope you spend this season planning your very own staycation with your sweetheart.

Bustle's Top 10 Wellness Splurges for 2023!

What we aren’t going to do in this blog is reiterate an outdated idea that everyone has to adopt a strict set of goals to adhere to in the coming year. Most of the New Year’s resolutions of days old are often left in the unpopulated corners of our minds, living with forgotten phone numbers and high school history lessons. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the unnecessary guilt of everything we didn’t do last year, instead of reminding ourselves of all the little victories. Your value isn’t determined by how long you stuck to your exercise routine or your daily journaling practice.

This year, let’s prioritize the celebration of self! Everyday you woke up and chose to greet the day is a beautiful accomplishment, worthy of indulgence. YOU are worth it! I recently read a poem by Hollis Johnson that resonated with me and I’d like to share it with you,

The number of hours we have together is actually not so large.
Please linger near the door uncomfortably instead of just leaving.
Please forget your scarf in my life and come back later for it. 

In this blog we are gushing over our favorite wellness items. Life is too short not to romanticize every inch of it. Let these things be a reminder that the time we have together is not so large, drink out of the pretty glass, ordain your planner with all your favorite stickers instead of saving them for “the perfect moment.” Happy New Year to all our beautiful friends! Let’s celebrate living while also being kind to the bodies that are carrying us on the expedition.

Our Top 10 Wellness Favorites for 2023!

1.) Headspace

Headspace was started with one mission: to improve the health and happiness of the world. Through science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools, the Headspace app helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you. Headspace is proven to reduce stress by 14% in just 10 days. It can also help you relax your mind in minutes, improve focus, and get the best sleep ever. Personally, we SWEAR BY their “sleep casts” and “sleep sounds.” For anyone who has trouble dozing off, this is for YOU. They have a mindful meditation for truly EVERYTHING. From general anxiety, to anxiousness over starting a new job, travel, or dealing with different types of grief, they have something for everyone. 10/10 recommend!

2.) Bando Planner

Joy comes in many forms—color, music, confetti, great conversation—and Bando believes it sparks creativity, connects people, and makes us more resilient. Bando creates and curates products to inspire it. Gone are the days of cool meaning exclusive and elusive. We think it’s defined by championing others and supporting individuality. We love that this brand is consistently teaming up with independent artists and companies to celebrate you and your unique brand of cool. There are very few things that give us the same kind of serotonin as a fresh planner. ESPECIALLY when they look like this!

3. Stanley Tumbler

As if tiktok hasn’t already added gasoline to the flame of our obsession with these, we’re here to remind you once again. Our entire team has matching Stanleys—comfort water bottle club right here! From commuting, studio workouts, day trips or your front porch—you’ll want this tumbler to tag along. Thanks to Stanley’s vacuum insulation, your water will stay ice-cold, hour after hour. We LOVE how the advanced FlowState™ lid features a rotating cover with THREE positions: a straw opening designed to resist splashes while holding the reusable straw in place, a drink opening, and a full-cover top. The ergonomic handle includes comfort-grip inserts for easy carrying, and the narrow base fits just about any car cup holder. One thing we’re NOT gonna do in 2023 is be dehydrated!

4.) Ilia Skin Tint with SPF

I’m convinced that I could dominate pretty much any part of my day when my skin looks like I just came out of the womb— supple and dewy please! ILIA skin tint is THE perfect light, dewy coverage, mineral SPF for 2023. Your tinted SPF will never be the same. This first-of-its-kind formula fuses skincare, makeup, and sun protection into one easy step: a lightweight skin tint that leaves your skin looking like skin. ILIA Skin Tint features SPF 40 coverage with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide to help shield skin from UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light, and pollution. Cute skin AND protection? Put me down for two!

5.) Waterpik

If you’re like me, entering your thirties means you are probably realizing how much you want to prioritize oral health. Hot girls care about their gum health, you know? Waterpik® is the #1 recommended water flosser brand, clinically proven and accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA). This little hero removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and is up to 50% more effective for improving gum health vs. string floss. This is the kind of luxury we want in the new year!

6.) Lululemon Align Sets!

You’ve probably caught on by now that a good set of spandex is for way more than your workout. To be honest, we want to LIVE in the Lulu align leggings— comfort and cute? Yes please! Whether you’re a neutrals girl or you die for color, the align collection has something for everyone. While these are an absolute splurge, our pros are that they ward off odor better than any other and look seamless, with the upmost quality! If you needed a nudge to invest in an athleisure set this year, this is it!

7.) Square Wine Glasses

Okay, okay, here me out… WHY do we exclusively use these type of glasses for special occasions and wine only? Let’s normalize drinking from elegant glasses just because. The way I feel like the main character when I pour my favorite bev into these glasses and binge my favorite show. These beauties have a cylindrical bowl with a flat base—the dramatic, contemporary look that lends an elegant edge to the enjoyment of red wine..or Dr. Pepper (I’ll let you decide).

8.) Oura Ring

Listen, we know this one is a pretty significant splurge, but when it comes down to the benefits of this little wonder, we HAD to include them in this favorites list. When you go to sleep, the Oura ring goes to work. Sleep is foundational to improving your mental and physical health. That's why Oura started sleep tracking in 2013 and has been the category leader ever since. Oura learns about your individual sleep patterns and shares personalized guidance on when to start winding down to improve your sleep quality. Oura also tracks your overall health with the finest detail, including: Activity, Readiness, and even Menstrual Tracking. I’m sorry, MENSTRUAL TRACKING? This tiny beauty will help you stay regulated with it’s easy-to-maneuver app— all while looking elegant and sleek. That’s what I call wellness in 2023!

9.) Better Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black tea drink commonly consumed for its purported health benefits. Advocates say it helps your digestion, rids your body of toxins, and boosts your energy— all that on top of the fact that it’s absolutely delicious. Every IBS girly can say “yes please!” to prioritizing gut health in 2023. As Birmingham’s first commercial kombucha brewery, Better Kombucha believes that an integral part of being better physically, mentally, and spiritually is related to what we put into our bodies, and that taking better care of ourselves makes us better people and better people make better community. We couldn’t talk about our favorite square wine glasses without giving you a beverage suggestion that IMPROVES your gut health.

10.) Local Library Card

In this economy, it’s sometimes hard to stay up-to-speed on buying all the books on your wishlist. Your local library is for way more than childhood story-times and middle school book clubs. Libraries are for us, too! I’m a firm believer that local libraries are one of the most beautiful hidden gems in society. Not only are these places an avenue of mindful escape, they keep our communities strong. Investing in ourselves means investing in our minds, our imagination, our wonder—the parts of us that we often leave behind deserve to be embraced sensationally, That is self-care in 2023, friends!

Holiday BYOB "Bring Your Own Board" Party!

““I try to greet my friends with a drink in my hand, a warm smile on my face, and great music in the background, because that’s what gets a dinner party off to a fun start.””

— Ina Garten

The days of stressing over an overwhelming holiday food spread are OVER. There is a festive trend taking over tiktok called a BYOB “Bring Your Own Board” party and we are obsessed!

We love how this fresh take on holiday hosting takes the pressure off of the hostess to prepare a full feast solo. You invite your loved ones to get a little creative and bring something special to the table. The only rule - the dish must fit on a board. Any board of your choice!

For our holiday party, we hosted a Friendsgiving gathering and used Canva to quickly whip together these precious invites!

With ENDLESS culinary opportunities, you could go “classic” with a inviting charcuterie board, or get a little spicy with something more unconventional.

Our guests WOWED us with what they came up with. Among this little feast, we had timeless options like homemade focaccia pretzels paired with beer cheese and cranberry and brie puff pastries. We also devoured a few wildcard delicacies like a taco (carnitas) board and chicken and waffles board - delish!

We think this idea would be perfect for ANY party you have this holiday season! We love the idea of celebrating Christmas with a beautiful array of charcuterie boards - you could get really festive with a christmas cookie table where you invite guests to each bring a platter of their favorite cookies! Or host a New Years Eve bash with a spread of boards that guests could graze on as they countdown to the new year. However you choose to celebrate, this BYOB will be the perfect backdrop for every occasion.

You can check out ALL the details of these gorgeous boards by watching our instagram reel here!

The Perfect Thanksgiving Day Outfit from a Birmingham Stylist

HOW is it Thanksgiving season already? It feels like we should still be picking out swimsuits and sundresses, but ALAS, fall is upon us - FINALLY. While we’re busy ordering our iced mocha with extra peppermint and greeting chunky knit sweaters like a long-lost friend, it’s time to game-plan what we’ll be wearing around the Thanksgiving table this year. Giving thanks and serving looks, honey!

We asked the help of Birmingham stylist, Emma Freeze, to guide us into the glory of a great outfit. She has styled looks that have us seeing autumnal beauty, while leveling up the intrigue. No boring outfits allowed. Whether you like things clean and classic or high fem chic, Emily has got you covered.

To shop all of these swoon-worthy looks, visit Emma’s link here.

Style 1 - European Street Style

By mixing texture with print, this outfit is sure to make a statement. Add sneakers and remove the coat for warmer gatherings during the day and slip on the loafers and coat to take into the cooler weather evening events.

Style 2 - NYC High Fem

Jackets are the best way to mix and match staple pieces like this knit little black dress. Wear during the day with sneakers and a casual shacket for lunch with the girls or into date night by swapping them with a blazer and chic boots.

Style 3 - Clean Girl Aesthetic

With family gatherings and drinks with friends in mind, this outfit was created to be versatile for it all. This classic jean and tee combo can be taken from day to night by adding an elevated jacket like this leather moto and mixing in some sparkle with a simple yet fun earring.

Emma, also known as The Chic Next Door, graduated with a Fashion Merchandising degree from the University of Alabama and has years of experience in different retail positions. A self-certified shopaholic, Emma’s goal is to create a meaningful relationship with you while helping you create your own style identity. She wants everyone to experience the joy that comes through the expression of your truest self through fashion. If you would like to inquire about all her styling services, visit her website here.

Bustle's EVERYTHING EASTER Event Guide 2022

Spring merriment is always in bloom in Birmingham. This season is such a wonderful time to let new memories blossom, so we curated an Easter Event Roundup for EVERYONE to enjoy - Furbabies included! Whether you’re in the mood for a photo op with the Easter bunny with your littles, frolicking through a spring market with friends, or watching your best four-legged friend hunt eggs of their own, we have you covered.

Homewood Park Easter Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 3PM-5PM

WHAT: Visit the Homewood Athletic Complex for a quintessential Easter day filled with prizes, bounce houses, photo ops with the Easter Bunny, and OF COURSE an Easter Egg Hunt. Egg hunts are organized by age for toddlers up to 10 years old - remember to bring your own baskets from home. The first hunt begins at 3:30 pm for the little ones and ends at 4:30 for your older kiddos.

Mt. Laurel’s Spring Festival

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 10AM-3PM

Photo by: The Town of Mt Laurel

WHAT: Celebrate spring in the charming town of Mt Laurel. This is such an amazing way to kick-start the season! Whether you’re frolicking with friends or your family, there is something for everyone here. Enjoy a day shopping this vibrant street fair, savoring dishes from the best local food trucks, and strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s sweetest neighborhoods.

UAB Dragon Hunt

WHEN: Sunday, April 3rd. Gates open at 1PM and Egg Hunt starts at 2PM

Photo by: UAB

WHAT: Each year the Annual Dragon Hunt has grown in size. The move of this family-friendly free event to PNC Field (located at the corner of University Boulevard and 11th Street South) will offer three separate egg hunt areas for your little ones. Pre-registration is now available online here and will allow quick access on event day. Those who pre-register have the opportunity to receive a UAB prize when you check in to the event!

Oak Mountain State Park Easter Egg Hunt (Your furbabies can hunt too!)

WHEN: Saturday April 16th from 9AM-4PM

WHAT: Bring your best Easter baskets because Oak Mountain has OVER 20,000 FILLED eggs this year! The hunt will be located off of Terrace Drive in the Multi-use Field by the Discover Shelby Pavilion. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around for free pictures and the kiddos can get some of their own air time in the bounce houses! THE BEST PART, the last hunt of the day will be for pups only! Count us in!

Sips n Strokes Easter Painting Class

WHEN: Wednesday April 6th at 7PM

Photo by: Sips n Strokes

WHAT: Find your inner Picasso this spring season with a class at Sips n Strokes. This artistic experience is located in downtown Birmingham. We highly recommend taking a look at their April calendar because there are several dates and different style selections to choose from. Bring your favorite bubbly and your best friends for a night to remember (we’ve found from personal experience that the art looks better after several sips of chardonnay).

Bluff Park Annual Easter Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 9:30AM-11AM

WHAT: Calling all kiddos 5th grade and under. Bluff Park UMC is hosting their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt! Welcome and Registration begins at 9:30 am and the egg hunt follows at 10:30 am. This all-outdoors event is such a sweet memory for your family. The Easter Bunny will be visiting for photos and fun!

Birmingham Highlight: General

The Forest Park Historic District is quickly becoming one of the most romantic streets in Birmingham. In just a short walk, you can frolic through the garden of your dreams at Shoppe, have a cocktail at Juniper’s botanical oasis, give your hair a little love at Dream Boat, AND take a stroll though the most endearing general store and cafe that Birmingham has ever seen, General.

General is the neighborhood cafe and general store that dreams are made of. When you enter this local sanctuary you will immediately feel like you’ve been transported to an artisan playground. Every square foot is drenched in character. From the hand-painted murals to the ornate floral arrangements, the ambiance is flawless.

The pastry case is ALWAYS calling us. Our friends at Last Call Baking will never leave you disappointed. These little delicacies are in high demand and we know why. This isn’t your typical cookie and danish situation. The pastries at General are always unexpected and elevated. The flavor selection and artistry that go behind these confections are incredible. Don’t just take our word for it, you must visit yourself. While we have tried almost every pastry they have to offer, on this visit we thoroughly enjoyed the Elote Corn Croissant, Olive Oil cake, and Japanese Almond Bread. The Olive Oil cake had just come out of the oven and was still warm - we devoured it in record time.

General serves lunch from 11am-3pm Thursday through Saturday. We tried the Chicken Salad Plate and the Mac Grilled Cheese - phenomenal. The lunch dishes are all extremely fresh and made with intention. Everything is an experience.

The general store is hard to put into words. It feels both effortless and ethereal. Every item begs to be held. There is a little bit of everything here. You could find a house-warming gift or a self care splurge for yourself. General has something special for every room in your home. Even their restrooms are a vibe. It is very clear that not a detail goes unnoticed and we are in awe of every element.

If you would like to see a little bit of the magic for yourself, you can follow them on instagram or visit their website. Whether you’re in need of a latte and a cozy window seat or a unique place to impress your friends, we know you will feel significant here.

Galentines Date at Juniper

Most of us grew up captivated by Disney films. In these movies, we were able to place ourselves in the front and center of a fairytale. It’s impossible to forget the feeling of wonder that came when Alice stumbled upon the enchanted garden in Alice in Wonderland. The excitement of being immersed in a valley of life-sized blooms felt indescribable. Birmingham’s new dream girl, Juniper, feels like that.

Juniper is an awe-inspiring cocktail bar and restaurant nestled in the heart of the beautiful Forest Park historic district. The lush outdoor garden courtyard and whimsical botanical interior are reminiscent of ornate gin palaces popular during the Victorian era. This is your neighborhood bar, reimagined.

Upon entering Juniper, you immediately feel like you’ve left Birmingham and have fallen down the rabbit hole to enchantment. If the immersive decor wasn’t enough, Juniper sets the scene with their mood lighting and ambient nature. Although gin focused, their inventive craft cocktail menu features a wide array of spirits, in addition to aperitifs, wine and beer. Let’s talk our favorite cocktails….

Trying the gin based cocktails at Juniper was genuinely unlike any other drink experience we’ve ever had. Birmingham is known for its innovative bar scene, but Juniper has exponentially raised the beverage bar.

Juniper’s phenomenal team didn’t skip a beat when giving us the best recommendations. We love a team that is well-read on the menu. Every person we met on staff was so incredibly warm and inviting. Allison gave us the full run-down of her favorite cocktails and what made them special, which made ordering easy and intentional.

Jillian ordered the Bengal Merchant. This cocktail was rich and exotic. It was a gorgeous blend of matcha, orgeat, and lime. This beverage was delicious with beautiful depth and the soothing light green color makes for the perfect photo op.

Laine ordered the house specialty, The Buzzword. This cocktail lives up to its name in a very real way. This beverage comes with a deceivingly innocent szechuan flower bud (also known as a Buzz Button) on top. Once you take a bite of the flower bud, your mouth immediately starts to tingle and you feel a sensation that neither of us had ever experienced before - truly REMARKABLE. This sensation goes beyond taste. The effervescent, Champagne-like zing takes over slowly, dancing around the top of the tongue before giving way to a surprisingly welcome numbing, cooling effect. This sensation paired with the cocktail is true magic. We highly recommend trying the cocktail before and after biting the szechuan flower so you can fully experience the difference.

The small plates at Juniper need praises of their own. We devoured the Duck Fat Fries and Crab Cakes. Next time we decided to bring more friends so that we can try MORE of this brilliant menu. The flavors and textures in these small plates are a harmonious work of art. If you are craving something sweet, they have a bread pudding that looks to be a creation of the gods.

Go ahead and give yourself bragging rights if you recommend Juniper for your next date night or hangout. This little sanctuary is something that demands to be experienced and we cannot wait to hear about your favorites. Visit their website here to check out their hours so you can plan your next visit.

If you would like to see Juniper in action, you can watch our latest Instagram Reel HERE.

Bustle's Local Valentines Day Gift Guide

Image by Gaia Florals

When it comes to matters of the heart, we think Birmingham is THE sanctuary of love. The beautiful creators and business owners in this city know how to make an impression that lasts. While this community is a remarkable pool of talent and innovation, we tried our best to narrow down some of our favorite spots to grab a Valentines Gift for your honey. If romance isn’t on your February forecast, then by-all-means make this a gift guide for yourself. After the last two years, YOU DESERVE IT.

“Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.”

— Katharine Lee Bates

Everyone needs one of those go-to shops where you can pop in on a whim and confidently pick up a last minute gift. Charm is THAT place. Just a moment in this little wonderland is self care at it’s finest. Their vintage accessories and ornamental novelties will have the special person in your life feeling like a golden girl. This women owned local haven will always have the most unique gifts for yourself or the ones you love most. Whether you’re having a galentines celebration or a romantic night with your significant other, we highly recommend a visit. You can shop Charm at their new Downtown location or online!

The wonderful founders of Cala, Josh and Melanie Cosio, want to bring something bright to your mornings. Born and raised in California (Cala = California + Alabama), they moved to Birmingham, AL in the summer of 2016 without ever stepping foot in the state before. The pair began roasting coffee in 2021 and have cultivated such a special beverage experience. Each blend is unique and aromatic. Valentines Day is all about giving love and comfort to those that you care for most and the heartfelt blends from Cala do just that. Their light roast is a marriage of Floral notes, Berries, Dried Apricot, Honey, and Jasmine while their dark roast has deep notes of cocoa and nuts. Give a gift of warmth and rejuvenation. Cala recently announced that they will be opening their FIRST brick and mortar in Cahaba Heights this year, so keep your eyes pealed for the in-person shopping experience to come. Until then, you can find them online or at one of their many pop up locations!

Flowers are never a cliche at Gaia. The handcrafted bouquets that come out of this stem shop are truly the beauty that we all need in our lives. These straight-out-of-wonderland arrangements have us believing in magic. Sarah is the powerhouse behind this ethereal escape and we couldn’t be more spellbound by her work. The deep tones in their Valentines Day collection conjure complete romance. We love that you can order an arrangement crafted by the floral goddess herself, or you can take a peak inside their gorgeous shop and create a bouquet on your own. We’ll take an entire garden to-go, please!

By K. Morg

Kelcey is the wonderwoman behind By K. Morg. This multifaceted designer, maker, and illustrator has created a powerful collection of clay earrings that will uplift the soul. We love that each piece is created with confidence in mind. By K. Morg puts humanity and connection at the center of their artistry. Everything about this collection is empowering from product to packaging. If you want your valentine to feel radiant from the inside-out, By K. Morg is where you need to be this holiday. You can shop this beautiful collection online and in the words of the founder herself, “When you shop small, an actual person does the ‘whoa’!"

Naughty But Nice

KettlE Corn Co.

Naughty But Nice is the local artisanal kettle corn company of our dreams. They have lovingly coined the term, “Popheads” for their ever expanding fan base and we couldn’t agree with that title more. NBN has taken one of the most universally beloved snacks and exponentially raised the bar. Our favorite flavors are Green Apple Pie and French Toast. Whether you are a sweet tooth or prefer something savory like their Eugene’s Hot Chicken flavor, they have every taste bud in mind. If your date could do without the chocolate, we think a freshly popped bag of artisanal kettle corn will do the trick. You can shop their amazing line-up online or visit their storefront!

Studio 264

Meredith Taylor is the phenomenal visionary behind this little piece of heaven in Birmingham. Studio 264 is straight out of all our 1970’s fantasies. Their clay and multimedia accessories have an incredible ability to completely captivate anyone who beholds them. We have truly never seen anything like Meredith’s work. Her earrings are inspired and will always capture all the attention in a room. Studio 264 is launching their Sleepover Collection for Valentines Day and we couldn’t be more obsessed! We would happily fall in love with anyone who gifts us a pair of their earrings this holiday season - no glass slipper needed! You can shop their collection on their website or check out their instagram for their next pop-up location.

Chocolata is an ethereal chocolate shop, beautifully nestled downtown on 2nd Avenue North. Each treat is incredibly special and always starts with the highest quality chocolate, made with ingredients from South America. You will immediately feel like you have arrived in a chocolate nirvana upon entering this place. The smell of sipping chocolate and bonbons fill the air and it’s truly something straight out of a fairytale. We love how it’s not only the taste of these delicacies that are elevated. Chocolata has a remarkable way of making each treat just as captivating to look at as they are to taste. If you want your honey to feel special this Valentines Day, Chocolata is the place for you. You can visit their gorgeous storefront and follow their instagram for the most luxurious sugar rush.

Birmingham Holiday Dessert Tour

We can all agree that the holidays are best spent surrounded by twinkling lights with your favorite sweet treat in hand. There is just something special about Christmas in Birmingham. The spirit of love and creativity is never in short supply in The Magic City. We decided to take a tour of our favorite places to find holiday desserts and we are bringing you with us - YAY! We hope you can take a trip to some of these local wonders and find a treat that puts your heart (and appetite) at ease this holiday season.

CHOCOLATA

Chocolata is an ethereal chocolate shop, beautifully nestled downtown on 2nd Avenue North. Each treat is incredibly special and always starts with the highest quality chocolate made with ingredients from South America. You will immediately feel like you have arrived in a chocolate heaven upon entering this place. The smell of sipping chocolate fills the air and it’s truly something straight out of a fairytale. The bonbons are so beautiful that you hardly want to eat them (but I promise you will). 

The holidays are all about sharing with loved ones and the Moonscape Peppermint Bark, Sipping Chocolate, Hot Cocoa, & Bonbon Boxes are great ways to share in the spirit of the season. The Sipping Chocolate is made with whole pieces of dark chocolate and a pinch of spice for a luxurious fireside treat, while the Hot Cocoa mix is prepared with a traditional cocoa powder and has hints of cinnamon. We’ll take one mug of each, please!

Chocolata changes their bonbons seasonally, so no matter when you choose to give this delectable gift a try, they are always such a treat for the recipient. As for the item that is the first to disappear from the candy dish - the Moonscape Peppermint Bark! This holiday treat is made with creamy Ecuadorian white chocolate, crunchy cacao, and festive peppermint for the sweetest Christmas dream.

You absolutely have to see this mystical chocolate shop for yourself to take in the true beauty. We could stare into their chocolate display case for HOURS. You can visit Chocolata’s website to find out more or check out their instagram (@chocolata_bham).

Daughters Baking

We might be a little bias because some of our team has personally used Daughters Baking as their own wedding cake vendor and we cannot get enough of this delightful bakery. Their shop is the epitome of cozy and fits right in-between Brombergs and Oulser’s, in the heart of Mountain Brook Village. Their Holiday Cake Menu is what Christmas wishes are made of: Almond Amaretto Layer Cake and Gingerbread Layer Cake.

Almond Amaretto Cake

The Almond Amaretto Cake is layered with almond cake, amaretto custard, coffee buttercream, and an almond crumb. We love that while this cake is decadent, it is also incredibly light and easy to eat in copious amounts. We obviously had to try it ourselves…for science, you know?

Gingerbread Cake

The Gingerbread Cake pulls on your heart strings because it marries together all of the most nostalgic flavors from your childhood. This masterpiece is layered with gingerbread cake, brown sugar cinnamon buttercream, graham cracker crunch, and salted caramel sauce. This flavor feels like home for the holidays in the best way.

Daughter’s Baking let us know that they will have a SURPRISE limited addition flavor launching on December 15th - eeek! Give them a follow on instagram (@daughtersbaking) to find out what flavor they are gracing us with next. If you need any thoughtful Christmas gift ideas, Daughter’s just premiered the sweetest gift sets now available in store. You will not regret a visit to one of our favorite cake shops in Mountain Brook. We highly recommend snagging a few of these festive cake cups then taking a stroll across the street to Starbucks and enjoying a holiday latte - true Christmas magic.    

Last call baking Cooperative

This awe-inspiring micro bakery was born out of a passion for French and Asian cuisine, as well as the love for feeding friends and family. The heart of Last Call is to make all feel invited to bring a chair to the table. At Bustle, we make very frequent stops to The General, located on the beautifully historic Clairmont Avenue. Inside The General you will be able to behold the delicacies of Last Call Baking. These sweet selections are always baked fresh and the menu is constantly changing. We love how the confectionary case is a surprise every morning, so there is always an opportunity to try something new.

The Matcha Chocolate Poundcake is a wonderfully light & moist poundcake, flavored with Japanese ceremonial matcha and dark chocolate. You will feel right at home with this one, while also experiencing the excitement of something new with the matcha flavor. Comfort in a slice.

The Olive Oil Sandwich Loaf is filled with citrus Swiss meringue buttercream and topped with roasted strawberries and fresh herbs. This cake is both decadent and light, while hitting the savory and tangy parts of your taste buds. An absolute citrus dream.

The Black Sesame Mochi Cake was originally sold at Shu Shop and quickly became a fan favorite. This dreamboat is served with a dollop of rosemary whipped cream and fresh herbs. We will take two slices, please!

You can keep up with Last Call’s daily delicacies through their instagram, or pop in to The General and try something for yourself. In October, Chanah Willis, the founder of Last Call, made a HUGE announcement stating that they are in the beginning stages of opening a STORE FRONT here in Birmingham - EEK! Chanah shared their gofundme page in the hopes that as a community we can help make Last Call Baking Co. a forever home in our favorite city. You can visit this link if you would like to spread a little holiday cheer through a generous donation.

Daughter's Baking Grand Opening

We’ve been huge fans of Daughters Baking for the past few years and did an interview in 2019 with owner, Mallory Webb, about this fabulous boutique cake shop and how it all started (read interview here). At the time, it was being run out of a shared kitchen in Homewood, AL by Mallory and one assistant. Since then, the business has grown to a fully staffed team and now Daughters Baking is opening it’s first storefront in the heart of Mountain Brook on July 29th, 2021. During this busy time, Mallory was kind enough to answer some questions for us about her blossoming business, so we hope you’ll take a look!

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What made you decide to open your own storefront?
In our previous location, we were limited to only serving customers via online pre-order, and we had limited customer engagement. We have dreamed of having a storefront for awhile so that we can serve customers more conveniently, and accommodate last minute and walk in orders - as well as smaller cake portions for those cake cravings! We also plan for the storefront to allow us to accommodate our bride and grooms more easily in working with them.

What do you wish your customers knew about your cakes/your business?
I hope our customers know that this business is so much more than just about making great cakes. we truly want to be a positive influence in the community and beyond, and to spread joy and hope to people through these cakes and the business. This is both to our customers and to our staff.

Do you have a favorite cake flavor? If so, which one?
My favorite is a special item we did last year - the Coffee Banana! I love our Banana Layer Cake as well. and the Pumpkin Brown Butter!

What's your favorite part of running your business?
It is hard to say at the moment! It feels like i am doing so many different things at once. I think goal setting, building up team members, and building a foundation to a positive work culture is fun to me. I enjoy the leadership element of establishing overall operations and work culture.

What are you looking forward to for Daughter's Baking?
I am looking forward to when all new people are fully training, and we are operating smoothly being located in the new storefront, and we can start getting creative with what we want to do with the space — like wedding tasting events, bridal events, parties, and more! We can also start playing around with new products that we may want to serve!

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Our goal is to never sell out of our menu item cakes. However, all cakes are first come first serve for the day, unless pre-ordered 3 days in advance via online or paying in the store. Once we open the store, we will have smaller versions of our cakes - served in 5 ounce cake cups. We also will have a “tasting package” option that gives customers an opportunity to try four different seasonal flavors in a 2.5 cup portion.

Daughters Baking store hours are Monday - Friday from 10—5pm and Saturday from 10—2pm. If you’ve never tried one of their cakes, we highly recommend visiting the new storefront! To read more about how this wonderful Birmingham business got started, visit Daughters Baking’s website.