Retreat at Mountain Brook Residents Can Play Tourist at Home with 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama
From July 7-17, Birmingham, Alabama, will play host to the 2022 World Games, and residents of the upscale Retreat at Mountain Brook apartment home community will be able to take easy advantage of all the energy and events the international extravaganza is bringing to the Magic City. The World Games The Games, which will showcase 3,600 of the world’s best athletes in 30-plus unique, multi-disciplinary sports, from Boules to DanceSport with all manner of ball sports, martial arts, and more in between, are also an historic event—the competition hasn’t been in the United States since it was first held in Santa Clara, California, in 1981. Tourist In Your Own Back Yard When you’re not watching competition at an elite level, you can play tourist in your own back yard—check out the Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau suggested itineraries for World Games visitors, and make plans to finally visit gems like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Can’t make the trip but still want to be a part of things? Merch is of course available to all at Shop World Games. Music & Movies More in the mood for some air-conditioned entertainment? Well, Birmingham doesn’t disappoint—Iron City has an eclectic mix of live music lined up for the summer, and you just can’t get enough popcorn for the Alabama Theatre Summer Movie Series every Friday and Saturday in July. Keep The Party Going If you’re not quite ready to go home after your outings, then drop by Key Circle Commons in English Village. With its lush ambiance and a variety of intimate interiors, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar—which was opened earlier this year by acclaimed Birmingham eatery Brick & Tin founder Chef Mauricio Papapietro—offers patrons full service from the food and drinks menus whether they’re sitting at the bar or a bistro table. The Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists™ are particular fans of the appropriately-named Village Green, which features vodka, lemon, and a house-made basil syrup. Summer Goodness It just wouldn’t be summer in Birmingham if you didn’t make the scene at Pepper Place. Grab a cold-brew coffee, select the perfect floral bouquet, and pick and choose from all of the fresh and healthy produce and other goods local vendors have on offer. Then, bring it all on home to your well-appointed Retreat at Mountain Brook kitchen and whip up something wonderful. The Idea Specialists™ can’t get enough of corn succotash. (Just in case you were looking for an idea.) Say Salud To Mezcal Cocktails Looking for something new to go along with your home-cooked yumminess? Mix up one of this summer’s hottest cool cocktails—the El Chapo, made with mezcal, tequila blanco, ginger liqueur, guava puree, and agave syrup—and enjoy it by one of apartment community’s three sparkling resort-style saltwater pools, or in the air-conditioned comfort of your home. Salud!
WE’RE IN A SUMMERTIME FRAME OF MIND— THE IDEA SPECIALISTS™ AT THE RETREAT AT MOUNTAIN BROOK IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, DISH ON IDEAS & FINDS
The Idea Specialists™ at The Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama, are in a summertime frame of mind—and here to dish on some of their coolest ideas and finds for the hottest time of year! Poolside Must-Haves One of the greatest things about living at The Retreat at Mountain Brook is being able to lounge in luxury on the sundeck by one of the upscale apartment community’s three sparkling resort-style pools. To do so in comfort, you absolutely have to have the right accessories, first and foremost bathing suits and swim trunks. Forbes breaks it down for the ladies; Men’s Health lists some great options for the gentlemen. Idea Specialist™ favorites are the Hurley Men’s Standard Supersuede One and Only Board Shorts for the fellows, and the Lululemon Waterside Chevron One-Piece for women. For The Host & Hostess With The Most & Most-est Even though summer doesn’t technically begin until the Summer Solstice—always on June 21st—most of us here in the Deep South have been attending warm-weather gatherings since late April. Whether you’re visiting friends for a weekend at their beach place, or planning on going to a co-worker’s Fourth of July cookout, you know you don’t want to show up empty-handed. So the Idea Specialists™ did a little research and came up with some fun and functional gifts for your hosts. First, flowers—hard to go wrong with those, right? The Spruce features a festive burlap-wrapped bouquet from Farmgirl Flowers in its post on some of the best gifts to give in 2022, and who wouldn’t enjoy seeing such bright and happy loveliness on their breakfast nook table? Or maybe you want to go the whimsical route, give your college bestie the funny cat hand towels she never realized she wanted, until now…. On the other hand, maybe your college frat brother, as cool as he is with cats, would prefer something a little bit more understated, like this set of monogrammed leather coasters from Food52. Don’t know what might be appropriate? Well, it’s hard to go wrong with an extremely practical and environmentally friendly bundle of sponge cloths in neutral grays and whites–they replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels! Ready To Hit The Road? While the Idea Specialists™ at The Retreat at Mountain Brook are all about cuddling on the couch and finishing up the final season of Better Call Saul (what are we gonna do without some Mike in our lives?), summer is also the right time for hitting the road, and they’ve scoped out some great day trips. Super-close to home you can take a kayak out for some peaceful time on the Cahaba River. If you want to venture a little farther out into the wilderness, make plans to cool off on a hot summer day at Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama. You can explore the stunning underground caves with their unique features, like Goliath, which at 45 feet tall and 243 feet wide is one of the world’s largest stalagmites. The park also offers five miles of hiking trails and, for those who are feeling lucky, gem mining! It’s important to know before you go that cave tour tickets are only available on the same day; call 256-728-8193 to find out about tour availability and make reservations. Also a little farther away is the state’s capital city, Montgomery, Alabama, an international tourism destination for many reasons, not the least of which is the breathtaking National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a somber, 6-acre site with sculpture, art, and an 11,000-square-foot museum with first-person accounts, videography, and other exhibits detailing the experiences of Black Americans. For more road trip ideas, check out what TripSavvy has to say. And visit Bham Now to get an idea of all the fun going on here in the Magic City this month. A Little More Pool-Side Action It just wouldn’t be summer if we didn’t sit by the pool and read a good book. So, get a comfy poolside cushion—perfect for keeping your legs safe from that hot Alabama concrete and your swimsuit from those unfortunate snags—and get going on one of most-talked-about reads of 2022, Night of the Living Rez, a set of 12 modern and incendiary stories set in a Native community in Maine. Cold Libations Then, when you’re ready to put the book down, enjoy a summer cocktail like a Hendrick’s Gin Julep out of your fun new Chill Lemon Takeaway Cooler. Be safe, enjoy!
AT THE RETREAT AT MOUNTAIN BROOK IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, MAY MEANS PET MONTH, MOTHER’S DAY & FESTIVAL FUN!
May means fun with moms, pets, and festivals! The residents of the Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama, will be doing a little upscale online shopping, marking National Pet Month, and making the local scene. Mother’s Day The most important feminine presence in your life deserves an equally important present this year, and Fieldshop by Garden & Gun has curated some classics for you to peruse. From the 1,000-piece Early Bird Puzzle by Piecework Puzzles to the Deich Crescent Earring by Charleston’s Brackish, there’s something for everyone! While Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8, Fieldshop is an Idea Specialists™ at The Retreat at Mountain Brook favorite even when it’s not a special occasion—they particularly recommend checking out the Mixers section for fun cocktail ideas. National Pet Month According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 70% of U.S. households own a pet, up from 56% in 1988, the first year the APPA conducted its National Pet Owners survey. And, says the organization, people in the United States spent $123.6 billion on their animal companions in 2021. That’s right – billion with a B! Our love for fuzzy critters means we celebrate our pets every day of the week, especially during National Pet Month, because The Retreat at Mountain Brook is such a pet-friendly community. Maybe you’ll want to mark the occasion by getting together with friends at the clubhouse for a “yappy hour,” or by donating to one of the area’s animal shelters like the Greater Birmingham Humane Society off I-65 South on Snow Drive. They’re always in need of towels and toys, chlorine bleach, wire crates and carriers, and leashes and collars in all sizes. Every little bit helps! Festival Fun One of the Magic City’s most iconic—and most-definitely pet-friendly—festivals is on tap for this month: Do Dah Day! Join your friends, four-legged and otherwise, Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Cahaba Brewing Company on Fifth Avenue South for a great day of fun with live music, dance performances, adorable animals, and more! Proceeds from the event support local animal charities. After the quirky 11:01 a.m. Do Dah Day pet parade concludes the tunes will commence, starting with the Rescue Dog Band at noon, DJRJ at 2 p.m., and the Murph Band at 4 p.m. Then, get ready for more fuzzy-friendly festivities at Puppy Palooza Saturday, May 21, 2022, from noon to 3 p.m. at Cat-n-Bird Winery off Old Highway 280 in Chelsea. The winery folks consider their four-legged friends part of the family, and say they’re excited to partner with Shelby Humane to showcase dogs available for adoption. Plus, they’ll have dog treat vendors Giggle Paws Boutique and Blind Dog Biscuit Co. onsite, a food truck for the humans—Blacktop Bistro, and live music. Enjoy—and be safe!
It’s Spring-Cleaning Time at The Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama
There’s something satisfying about a good spring cleaning, so let’s take a look at some tips and tricks to get your lovely Retreat at Mountain Brook apartment home in Birmingham, Alabama, spick and span! Tools of the Trade Get ready to tackle the task by getting your supplies together first. Vacuum, mop, feather duster—check, check, check! Don’t already have a vacuum? The Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists™ are big fans of the Wyze Cordless Vacuum, perfect for pet-friendly apartments like ours because they do a fantastic job on a wide mix of surface types. They’re also huge fans of Method’s naturally derived and planet-friendly cleaning products, all non-toxic, paraben-free and biodegradable. Their latest favorite? Method All-Purpose Wipes in refreshing pink grapefruit—perfect for wiping down kitchen sinks, counters, cabinets, and appliances, and they’re compostable. You can pick some up at the Walgreen’s on Clairmont Avenue. For the bathroom, you’ll want something antibacterial, and Method doesn’t disappoint here, offering up serious options in pleasant mints, as well as a ylang ylang daily shower cleaner. Whistle While You Work Housework always goes a little faster when you’ve got an up-tempo soundtrack to keep you company. Don’t just take our word for it: Research shows that music has positive effects on mental fatigue caused by routine tasks, and there’s a direct connection between improved motor coordination and motivation. Working to the rhythm of music helps your motor skills and increases your self-confidence. So put in your earphones and turn on the tunes! Of course Amazon has a suggested spring cleaning playlist; you also can find more information and other playlists on The Maids website. For Fast Results Maybe you don’t have time for a full-on spring cleaning like the kind the folks at Apartment Therapy and Good Housekeeping recommend, complete with window washing. Not to worry—you can quickly freshen up your comfy Retreat at Mountain Brook home even if you do just one or two things they recommend, starting with de-stinking your garbage can! Then, follow their tips for keeping the smells down, including putting lemon peels between the can and its liner. While you’re in the kitchen, take a few minutes to clean the inside of your microwave—at least once a week, and of course when you’ve had one of those “spaghetti explosions,” LOL. The Idea Specialists™ don’t necessarily think appliance cleaning can be considered fascinating, but they were impressed with the suggestions offered in 8 Fascinating Ways to Clean Your Microwave, especially this one: “The fastest method for cleaning your microwave oven is to place a handful of soaking wet paper towels inside and run it on high power for up to five minutes. The steam from the towels will soften and loosen caked-on grime. Once the towels cool down, you can use them to wipe the interior clean.” Relax & Enjoy Once you’ve completed your cleaning chores, take a moment to treat yourself! From punch to Pimm’s, Southern Kitchen has put together a list of warm-weather cocktails and spring spritzes, all perfect for sipping while relaxing on your private balcony or patio.
THE RETREAT AT MOUNTAIN BROOK IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA—THE MODERN MAGIC CITY—WISHES YOU THE LUCK OF THE IRISH THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, as the old saying goes, so here at the lively Retreat at Mountain Brook apartment community in Birmingham, Alabama, we are already picking out what green to wear Thursday, March 17! If you’re in the mood to go out and have a good time on St. Patrick’s Day this year but can’t quite make it across the pond, the Magic City does not disappoint when it comes to options. The Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists™ have scoped out the scene, and have a few recs for you! Get Out & Have Some Fun First and foremost of those ideas is Birmingham’s 38th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will take place this year on Saturday, March 19, in Five Points South. Organized by the Five Points Alliance and the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society, the parade will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you don’t already have plans to attend with family and friends (including your good doggo, you know how pet-friendly this city and The Retreat at Mountain Brook are), then maybe you’ll want to make the scene at The Hive’s Lucky Saturday Party on their roof! Beer Run And of course it wouldn’t be Birmingham without a road race to mark the occasion! If that’s your thing, make plans to take part in the Tour de Brewers XVII St. Patrick’s Day Edition—a roughly 13K’ish informal charity run/ride/brewery crawl supporting The Dannon Project that combines the “fun” of a fun run with the real fun of tasting great Birmingham local brews. (The Dannon Project provides services to promote permanent employment, holistic health, and stable families amongst poor and at-risk communities.) TdB, as it’s known, will take place this year on Saturday, March 12. For A Good Cause Finally, you really can’t go wrong if you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by helping to raise funds for Kid One Transport at the 42nd Annual Birmingham Irish Cultural Society St. Patrick’s Dinner Celebration. It also will take place on Saturday, March 12, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Inverness Country Club. (Founded in 1997, Kid One’s mission is transport children and expectant mothers to necessary health care services.) Comfort Food Prefer to stay in the luxurious and cozy comfort of home? Us, too, sometimes! If that’s what we decide to do this year, we’ll still mark the holiday, just with homemade corned beef sandwiches—there’s a good recipe for them in this Martha Stewart slideshow about St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage recipes. The Man, The Myth, The Legend Just in case you didn’t know, St. Patrick’s Day marks the death of Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, who, according to folklore, introduced Christianity to the Irish and banished snakes from the island. Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock. “Paddy’s Day,” as it’s known there, began as and still is a religious holiday during the Lenten season, but not in the way it once was; beer company campaigns transformed it from a church-going holiday to a pint-raising one in the 1980s. Sláinte!
Be Your Own Valentine — Luxurious Treats for Your Life & Home at The Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama
Valentine’s Day is all about indulging the people we love, and the Idea Specialists™ at The Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama, are here to help the members of our upscale apartment home community with on-trend gift and experience ideas! And, if some of these seem like just the perfect present for yourself? Well, why not be your own Valentine this year? You deserve it! Color & Comfort Add color and comfort to the living room and bedroom by treating yourself to cozy throws and luxurious Valentine-red crushed velvet pillows. The Clara cushion, by designer Joanna Gaines in collaboration with Loloi, is on sale now at Magnolia. As is this Pottery Barn chunky-plush handknit cable pattern throw with a sherpa reverse. Then, bring in a hint of spring while celebrating Cupid with a bromeliad or red anthurium from Bloomscape. Wining & Dining Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, so lots of people are planning an evening out either the weekend before or after February 14th. While some of Birmingham’s most-favorite date-night favorites have yet to reopen from their pandemic-related closings, there are still plenty of excellent establishments where you and your beloved (or your bestie!) can have a wonderful dining experience in celebration of the holiday. 5 Point Public House Oyster Bar in Five Points South is featuring a special Valentine’s Day menu the weekend before the holiday Friday and Saturday nights, and then again Monday, too. Entrée choices, you ask? Pan-seared duck confit rillette, grilled red snapper, and oven-roasted prime rib. Yum! Back Forty Beer Company on First Avenue North is doing its thing on the actual holiday, with a Valentine’s Day Beer Dinner starting at 5 p.m. Chef Russ Bodner and Tosh Brown, Back Forty’s head brewer, say the event will begin with a snack course, then several courses of fabulous food paired with a few bubbles—and, of course, their beers! One romantic favorite of The Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists™ is GianMarco’s, a Homewood neighborhood Italian restaurant owned and operated by father and sons Giovanni, Giani, and Marco Respinto. They’ll be hosting “an evening of food and wine to fall in love with” Sunday, February 20, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m. Intimate Evening Maybe you would prefer to mark the occasion in the comfort of your lovely Retreat at Mountain Brook apartment home. You could get yourself a gorgeous rainbow bouquet from the Sprouts Farmers Market on Highway 280, light a limited edition Diptyque rose-scented candle from Nordstrom, enjoy some champagne, and order in anything from pizza to a five-course meal. Oh, and of course you’ll want some chocolate for dessert, right? Browse the selection of curated bars and shelves full of treats at Honeycreeper Chocolate on First Avenue North for just the right taste delight. Future Fun Experiences often make the best gifts of all, and part of the fun with them is the anticipation leading up to the actual outing. The Idea Specialists™ can’t make up their minds about which musical artists to go see this year, there are so many great live performances coming up, but for sure they’re going to have some fun at the BJCC and Iron City. And, they are treating themselves to tickets to this year’s Magic City Art Connection Corks & Chefs event. And day spa experiences at Spa Cahaba (on Valleydale Road) and The Woodhouse Day Spa (at The Summit). 😎 Clever & Cute While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, maybe you’re in the market for a little something to give as a gift that’s not jewelry. USA TODAY pulled together a long list of ideas and deals that’s worth checking out. If you don’t have time for that, here are some links to fun finds from the Idea Specialists™: [rl_gallery id=”2733″] A mini retro-inspired Bluetooth speaker This Fujifilm instant camera in flamingo pink Some record album drink coasters A really cool scratch-off map This Baimei jade roller Did You Know? Did you know that the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romantic celebration? Yep, he did it in his 1375 Parliament of Foules, writing, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” Often thought to commemorate the marriage of Richard II to Anne of Bohemia in 1382, the poem describes a conference of birds that meet to choose their mates on St. Valentine’s Day. You can read a lot more about the holiday on this History page.
The Retreat at Mountain Brook Fitness Centers — Fantastic Resources For Birmingham’s Busy Professionals
The Retreat at Mountain Brook’s two 24-hour fitness centers are fantastic resources for the busy residents of this luxurious Birmingham, Alabama, apartment community. And what better time to take advantage of them than now, when you’re returning to your routine—or starting a new one—after the winter holidays? The centers feature a variety of multi-function machines, resistance bands, rowing machine, wide range of weights, and treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. No need to pay extra for a gym membership when you can take advantage of onsite Inspire Fitness equipment, right? The Idea Specialists™ at The Retreat at Mountain Brook are also making more time in their schedules for health and fitness, and want to share some resources and ideas with you! New Year, New App? Maybe all you need to stay motivated is that weekly Fitbit report on your step count, and/or you’re perfectly satisfied with the fat-burning feedback you get from your Apple watch. Or, maybe you’re in the market for a new app, one that provides target area-specific workouts, or effective full-body workouts that can be done in as few as 5 to 30 minutes? Or one that you can use to change your approach to eating, or help you to begin a meditation practice? The Idea Specialists™ recommend Daily Workout Apps—it’s like having your own personal trainer, they say. They also found this great list of apps on Verywell Fit, an award-winning resource for credible and up-to-date information on all nutrition and exercise topics: Best Fitness Apps to Download Work Your Body & Your Brain Verywell Fit also has put together an excellent list of podcasts you can listen to while you’re exercising: The 31 Best Fitness Podcasts to Listen to Right Now After checking it out, The Idea Specialists™ are now really into Mind Pump, an online radio show/podcast that describes itself as being “dedicated to providing truthful fitness and health information.” They’re also fans of Half Size Me, a weekly show that focuses on sustainable weight loss. Its host, Heather Robertson, lost 170 pounds—and has kept it off. Running Buddies If 2022 is the year you’re planning to lace up your running shoes and hit the streets, then you might want to join the Birmingham Track Club, a non-profit organization of the Road Runners Club of America that encourages running/walking participation of all individuals regardless of distance or pace. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, joining the BTC is a great way to meet like-minded people—on training runs and at social events—and stay informed of running events in the area. Hit The Trails One of the great things about living at The Retreat at Mountain Brook is how close it is to so many great hiking trails, including Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park. The Birmingham Track Club website offers a ton of information on trail running that is also very useful for those who would rather take a hike. Alabama Recreation Trails is another good resource for hikers, and you can search for trail groups if you want to enjoy the great outdoors in the company of others. Rest & Recovery Whatever fitness activity you choose, The Idea Specialists™ want to remind you not to forget to devote time rest and recovery, and that includes consuming the right nutrients after you exercise. Healthline explains that after you engage in physical activity, your body tries to rebuild its glycogen stores, as well as repair and regrow muscle proteins. It’s especially important to eat carbs and protein after your, they say, because doing so helps your body: decrease muscle protein breakdown increase muscle protein synthesis (growth) restore glycogen stores enhance recovery Have a glass of chocolate milk and some peanut butter on rice crackers as a quick snack, or cottage cheese and fruits. If you’ve got more time, whip up an omelet with avocado spread on whole grain toast, or make a protein shake and drink it and eat a banana. Whatever you do, stay hydrated! While water is usually your best bet, sometimes an electrolyte drink is the way to go. Relaxation Hydration is also very important if massage is part of your health and fitness regimen. Drink water both before and after your session, whether you’re getting a deep tissue massage for relaxation and stress relief at Life Touch Massage, Red Mountain Therapeutic Massage or one for pain relief at Birmingham Wellness Massage. The experts at WebMD say your massage therapist will thank you if you drink water before you stretch out on the table because your muscles will be more soft and supple, which makes it easier for your practitioner to manipulate tender tissue. And, this body work releases substances you should flush out afterward, something that’s extra important if you get any type of heavy-duty massage. Happy New Year, Happy New You!
Candles, Confections & Community — Residents of the Retreat at Mountain Brook Celebrate the Winter Holidays
Christmas and Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Las Posadas – there are many winter holidays, and the diverse residents of luxurious apartment community The Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama, celebrate them all! Whether you’re planning to drink hot chocolate while nestled on your couch watching Christmas movies or attend an Alabama Ballet performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (December 17-19 and 21-23, 2021), sweetness and light are always a part of the season. And not just in the form of love of our families and friends. Candles and confections have historically played leading roles in almost all holiday decorations, rituals, and gatherings. Hanukkah Hanukkah is celebrated to commemorate and publicize the miracle of a one-day supply of oil lasting eight days and eight nights after the Jewish people reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from the Greeks and marked their victory with the burning of the Hanukkah menorah (candelabrum). This year, the traditional period began early, on the night of Sunday, November 28, 2021. In Birmingham, the Grand Menorah Lighting at The Summit took place in Saks Plaza, complete with a stilt walker—and latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), of course! The event was a collaborative project of the Levite Jewish Community Center, Chabad of Alabama, the Birmingham Jewish Foundation-Karl and Gladys LJCC Fund, and the Birmingham Jewish Federation. To mark the last night of Hanukkah and “share the light” with the community, Chabad of Alabama is having a menorah parade Sunday, December 5, 2021. Cars will line up at the organization’s location at 3040 Overton Road in Mountain Brook, Alabama, at 4:45 p.m., and the parade will begin at 5:15 p.m. Check out Bhm Now’s great piece on Hanukkah in Birmingham 2021 for info on where to find some sufganiyot for yourself, and about the Wacky Lights Tour, which will begin Thursday, December 9, and include the Chanukah House on Altamont Road. Las Posadas According to the Franciscan Media publication St. Anthony Messenger, “The roots of Las Posadas stretch deeply into Latin culture. It originated in Spain, but it’s been a yearly celebration throughout Mexico for over 400 years. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the night. (Posadas is Spanish for “lodgings” or “accommodations.”) Beginning on December 16 and ending nine days later, on December 24, Las Posadas commemorates the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. Each night, one family agrees to house the pilgrims. And so it begins: At dusk, a procession of the faithful takes to the streets with children often dressed as angels and shepherds. Religious figures, images, and lighted candles are a part of the festivities. The group representing the Holy Family stands outside a series of houses, singing songs, asking for lodging. They are refused time and again until the group reaches the designated house. Finally, the travelers are permitted to enter. Prayer and song continue in the home, and festive foods are shared. The evening ends with a piñata in the shape of star.” The piñata of course includes candy! Here are some ideas from MamaLatinaTips.com on how to celebrate the holiday in your elegant home at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, including recipes for Mexican hot chocolate and traditional Mexican Christmas punch. Kwanzaa During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together in feasting, honoring the ancestors, affirming the bonds between them, and in celebration of African and African American culture. Each day they light a candle in the Kinara, a seven-branched holder, to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities, such as reciting the sayings or writings of great black thinkers and writers, reciting original poetry, African drumming, and sharing a meal of African diaspora-inspired foods. The seven principles of Kwanzaa/Nguzo Saba (in both English and Kiswahili) are unity/umoja, self-determination/ kujichagulia, collective work and responsibility/ujima, cooperative economics/ujamaa, purpose/nia, creativity/kuumba, and faith/Imani. The colors of the candles are black, red, and green, representing the people, the noble blood that unites all people of African ancestry, and green for the rich land of Africa. This year, Birmingham’s Studio 2500 will kick off Kwanzaa with a sale in its fine art gallery at 2500 Sixth Avenue North Sunday, December 26, 2021, at 3 p.m. The opening exhibit will include hors d’oeuvres and music. Christmas Traditions The Christian tradition of celebrating Advent also is already underway; it began the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which in 2021 was Sunday, November 28. It will end Friday, December 24. During these four weeks, an Advent wreath adorned with five candles is traditionally used to symbolize different spiritual aspects of getting ready for the Christmas Day birth of Jesus Christ. The three Advent candle colors—purple, pink, and white—symbolically represent the spiritual preparation that believers undergo to prepare their hearts for the birth (or coming) of the Lord, Jesus Christ, according to Learn Religions. Many people delight in Advent calendars, and what could be more special than one crafted right here in Alabama? The lovely folks from Stone Hollow Farmstead created a very special calendar for 2021 exclusively for Food52, and The Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists™ are very excited about it! Jams, jellies, pickles—and botanical drinking vinegars? Wow! And the packaging itself is just so beautiful. Even though Advent is already underway, it’s certainly not too late to order one of these! And after you’ve done that, go by and check out their brick-and-mortar store FarmStand by Stone Hollow Farmstead, in Birmingham at 2825 Second Avenue South. Wrapping Up What’s a blog about the winter holidays without a few gift-giving ideas? In keeping with our theme, let’s wrap up with a couple of candle suggestions. If you want to gift someone an experience, the Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists suggest taking them to see a performances of Ursula Smith’s The Brown Sugar Nutcracker: Maskuerade Edition (Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 19, at 4p.m., at the Dorothy Jemison Day
The Retreat at Mountain Brook Turning Fountain Pink in Support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Resources At UAB, St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center & More, Pink Up The Pace 5K To Benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama The Retreat at Mountain Brook luxury apartment complex in Birmingham, Alabama, is joining the fight against cancer by promoting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NCBAM) this October, turning its fountain pink and sharing news and information with residents of the upscale apartment complex and surrounding community. Events & Efforts Fundraising events and awareness for breast cancer research seem to take place year-round throughout Greater Metro Birmingham thanks to the area’s strong medical community, many of whose members call the Retreat at Mount Brook home. One that is always fun is the now-Fourth Annual Pink Up The Pace 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run put on by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) to raise funds and awareness for the local, life-saving research being done at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. The in-person run will take place Sunday, November 7, 2021, beginning at 2 p.m. at Crestline Field on Vine Street; the virtual distance challenge is going on through October until November 6. And speaking of fun, as reported by CBS 42, Birmingham Fire & Rescue has a special pink truck named “Corrine” that is serving the community and spreading awareness about both breast cancer and fire safety and prevention throughout the month of October. O’Neal Cancer Center At UAB With community support, the BCRFA has provided almost $11 million for life-saving breast cancer research and treatments in Alabama. The foundation’s most recent contribution for research was $1.05 million in January of 2021 thanks to the support of donors, sponsors, and partners. For every dollar raised and donated by the BCRFA, the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB is able to generate at least $14 in federal funding. It is Alabama’s only cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute and is a national leader in driving cancer research, advancing new cancer treatments, engaging communities in cancer prevention and early detection initiatives, and training the next generation of cancer physicians and scientists. Pumpkin Spice & Everything Pink & Nice These days, with “Fight Like a Girl” T-shirts and bracelets available almost everywhere we look in October (kinda like pumpkin spice), it can be hard to imagine a time when we didn’t talk something that impacts so many people. Former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford was the one who led the change on this front—we’ll share a little bit more about her later in the blog. Fortunately, in addition to public conversations and acceptance—and cute accessories that may or may not help fund medical research (think before you pink!)—there are now also resources to help breast cancer patients as they go through months of treatments that can bring on great mental, physical, and emotional tolls. St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center Breast Cancer Support Group One of those resources is the Breast Cancer Support Group at St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center, which provides education and support both for those living with breast cancer and the significant people in their lives. Participants are encouraged to attend at any point in the diagnosis and treatment journey. The group meets the second Tuesday of every month in the Bruno Conference Center from noon to 1:30pm. Small Tag, Big Difference Another important resource is the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP), to which the Joy to Life Foundation contributes funding. More than 80 percent of the proceeds from the purchase of a Joy To Life (JTL) pink license plate go toward providing mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds, and office visits to men and women in desperate need throughout the state’s 67 counties. It has helped to fund over 96,000 mammograms and save hundreds of lives. And for many, it serves as a reminder every time they see it that early detection is saving lives. That’s a small tag making a big difference! How It All Began With Betty The annual effort to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer was established in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, a leading manufacturer of oncology drugs). Former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford was the face of the campaign; she had changed how the country talked about this once-taboo women’s health topic when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy in 1974, just seven weeks into her husband Gerald Ford’s unexpected tenure as president of the United States after the resignation of Watergate scandal-disgraced Richard Nixon. Within hours of the operation, the White House held a press conference sharing the details of her surgery—including the good news that, largely because the cancer had been detected early, Mrs. Ford’s prognosis was excellent. According to History, what happened next was remarkable. “Women across the country lined up outside clinics to get breast exams; newspaper articles described how to perform self-exams; and in the first week after Betty’s surgery alone, the White House received more than 35,000 cards and letters.”
TAILGATING INSIDE & OUT—THE IDEA SPECIALISTS™ AT THE RETREAT AT MOUNTAIN BROOK IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, SHARE THEIR TIPS
Root for your team at local faves Otey’s Tavern & Avondale Brewing Company Whether you bleed crimson and white, orange and blue, or gold and green, this season the Idea Specialists™ at the upscale Retreat at Mountain Brook apartment home community in Birmingham, Alabama, have some tailgating tips for you! Family & Friends, Food & Fun Tailgating with family and friends is first and foremost about the fellowship and fun of sharing in the excitement of game day–not to be confused with enjoying ESPN’S popular College GameDay, which is also big fun! Whether you gather together on campus, in a stadium parking lot, or in your comfortable den or the Retreat at Mountain Brook clubhouse, food and drink are key players to have on the field. Depending on the time set for kickoff, you might want to have brunch and mimosas or some beer and bottled water with afternoon burgers and baked beans. Either way, the Publix at Montclair Place has you covered with its extensive selection of regular and craft beers, sparkling and still waters, and pre-made mimosas in bottles! Perfect for when you’re planning to set up near Protective Stadium, the new home football field of the UAB Blazers; you can just leave them in your cooler while you welcome the team as they make their Blazer Walk. Maybe you can count on friend Ragan to always show up with his famous chicken wings and special sauce, or maybe you’d rather let Publix do the heavy lifting when it comes to grilled meats and party platters. Either way, if you’re rooting on the Crimson Tide you’ll for sure want to have on hand that classic University of Alabama student and alumni favorite adult beverage—a Yellowhammer! While Gallettes, the bar inside the Campus Party Store near Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has never shared the recipe for this cup of tropical sweetness, Garden & Gun says the ingredients are a combination of orange juice, pineapple juice, white rum, amaretto, and vodka served over ice. We’ve been known to mix ours with a plastic shaker stick while yelling Roll Tide (or singing Sweet Home Alabama!). Tasty Treats And speaking of brunch, who better to turn to than the inimitable Southern Living for recipes that will have your guests cheering for the way you’ve upped your hospitality game. They’ve put together a list of “45 Super Tasty Tailgate Treats To Make Ahead For Game Day” that the Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists™ have bookmarked, and you should, too! From Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels to Muddy Buddy Mix to Pepper-Pepper Cheese Dip, there something for everybody to enjoy as the soak up the gameday atmosphere on the Plains at your tailgate at Auburn University’s Graves Amphitheater. Especially if you stop by Byron’s Smokehouse on Opelika Road for some ribs on the way. (Did somebody say War Eagle?) Score With Comfort & Convenience Cute top for her from Gameday Couture? Check. Comfy T-shirt from Vintage Sports for him? Double-check! With everybody dressed and ready to go, the next thing to do if you’re going to tailgate near Sloan-Alumni Stadium in Fairfield, Alabama, is make sure you have comfortable seats, a good cooler, and enough table space for everything you’re sharing with your personal teammates. One favorite of the Idea Specialists™ from an HGTV list of “tailgating essentials” is a Giantex Folding Grill Table; you can get something similar online for not much more than $100. Then, once you’re ready to go inside, you can enjoy both the athletic prowess of the Miles College Golden Bears, and the fantastic halftime entertainment provided by the school’s Purple Marching Machine! Pub & Grub There are lots of fun sports bars convenient to the Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Alabama. If you and your crowd don’t already have a favorite place to spend a Saturday afternoon or Sunday evening (we know a lot of y’all pull for the Saints, Falcons, and Titans!), you can always count on Otey’s Tavern for a good time. And, like the Retreat at Mountain Brook community, Avondale Brewing Company is pet-friendly—you can enjoy watching the game with your furry friend!
