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
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
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
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
As the weather warms up, we’ll all start heading outside, and there’s no better spot to soak up some sun and spring air than your own backyard. (Plus, thanks to COVID-19, we should all be spending most of our time “staycationing” at home!) If your patio or porch style is suffering, take advantage of the … Read More
Playing organized sports is a great way to teach kids the importance of discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship and instill in them healthy habits when it comes to being active. But some sports, like football, soccer, baseball, softball and cheerleading, carry with them the risk of a blow to the head and as a result, a … Read More
Joy to Life magazine is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with food blogger and healthy eating expert Elaine Gordon, whose blog, Eating by Elaine, features tons of delicious, easy-to-make dishes that are nutritious, plant-based and free of common allergens including gluten, dairy, soy and peanuts. We’ll be posting some of Elaine’s personal favorite recipes … Read More
Lymphedema Surgery Changed Joy’s Life (video provided by MD Anderson) After breast cancer treatment, Joy faced lymphedema, a common cancer treatment side effect that causes the lymphatic system to become blocked and may result in a swollen arm or leg. Because of her lymphedema, Joy dealt with many infections over the years. Eventually, she went … Read More
Whether it’s cooking, baking, cleaning or canning, vinegar has been used for ages for a variety of purposes. But lately, drinking vinegar, the apple cider kind in particular, has become a trend too popular to ignore. Turns out, there are potentially some great health benefits, but you have to take precautions too. Is it worth … Read More
Along with the new Lodge, Gulf State Park also got some new eating options. At Foodcraft, soak in the sun on the patio or grab a seat in the energetic atmosphere inside. In either spot, indulge in local bounty, including produce and products from area farmers and just-caught seafood from Gulf fishermen. If you’re after … Read More