Looking Deeper

Feature, Online Exclusives

Plenty of people can draw or paint a likeness of another person. But when a portrait is more than an accurate depiction of someone’s physical appearance, when it captures and conveys not just how they look but who they are – that’s art. For Montgomery artist Elana Hagler, there’s a bit of science in it … Read More

(Almost) Too Pretty to Eat

Feature, Great Goods, Online Exclusives

Birmingham-based Ginger Lily Southern Teacakes’ creations are not your average cookie. With intricate designs, a unique brownie-like texture and a more subtle sweetness, the tea cakes (a specific type called springerle) are what baker Cherri Jones calls a “grown-up” cookie. They’re also the result of cross-cultural pollination, based on European traditions but stirring in some … Read More

River Riches

Feature, On The Move, Online Exclusives

Alabama is a state rife with rivers.  Our vast collection of rivers, creeks, streams, bayous and lakes contributes to our economy, is foundational to our cultural heritage and creates a valuable recreational resource. Anniston jeweler Fred Couch already knew and loved the state’s rivers; the avid paddler had spent plenty of time traversing them. But … Read More

Growing Green

Feature, Online Exclusives, The Dish

A quick glance inside MGM Greens’ rectangle shipping containers brings to mind a disco, thanks to the intense purple glow, light emitted from thousands of tiny blue and red LED bulbs, filling the small space. The illusion quickly fades; there’s no music or dancing. And yet, there is life, energy and excitement all the same. … Read More

Layers of Love

Feature, Great Goods, Online Exclusives

Considering the multi-layered decadence of cheesecake, the simple story of the Cheesecake Empori-Yum’s start may surprise you. Owner Monique Williams has always enjoyed baking, but when she needed some extra cash for her dream wedding, she started selling cupcakes. The effort worked, but after the wedding, the extra income wasn’t necessary, so she stuck to … Read More

A Discussion with Hayden McDonald

Feature, Real Life, Survivors

I turned 40 years old, so I scheduled my mammogram. I’m very thankful I didn’t wait! Hayden McDonald is a Montgomery native who has spent her life being active and helping others improve their health by doing the same, working as an exercise physiologist with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Baptist Medical Center South for … Read More

Rainbow Veggie Kebabs with Chimichurri Sauce

Healthy Recipes, The Dish

Rainbow Veggie Kebabs with Chimichurri Sauce have the best vegetables in every color! They’re bursting with flavor, nutrition, and vibrant hues, and when topped with chimichurri, they’re unbeatable! Since this is a dish made entirely of a variety of colorful vegetables, it’s loaded with nutrition! All of these vegetables offer dietary fiber and are high … Read More

Black-Eyed Pea & Avocado Salsa

Healthy Recipes, The Dish

This fresh and boldly flavored vegan and gluten free black-eyed pea and avocado salsa is the perfect and refreshing for summer. It is quick and easy to make and goes great with your favorite chip. It is full of fresh zesty flavor and can be made spicy or mild depending on your preference. Black-eyed peas are … Read More

Easy Watermelon Pizza

Healthy Recipes, The Dish

This easy vegan watermelon pizza recipe is refreshing, sweet and absolutely delicious. It is the perfect simple and nutritious summer dessert, and it is entirely plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free and refined sugar-free. And so simple. I love to decorate the slices with fresh seasonal berries too. Everyone loves this vibrant and festive treat! NOTE: Health Benefits of … Read More

A Discussion with Jackie Butler

Feature, Real Life, Survivors

(Jackie is pictured above (left) with co-worker Evelyn.) Love is a great healer!  Be generous with it! For more than a decade, Jackie Butler has been a valuable member of the Joy to Life Foundation team, working as its book keeper. But she’s dedicated to far more than keeping the foundation’s finances in order. As … Read More