By Natalie Ferguson

(With a background in retail and a love for wellness, travel, and the outdoors, Natalie Ferguson joined Alabama Outdoors in 2016. The Denver, Colo., native helped out with her mom’s garden growing up, and now loves growing basil and red chili peppers. Her next challenge? Growing edible flowers.)

Spring has sprung in the South, as we are all staying at home, backyard gardening is just the hobby to pick up if you have not already! Growing a garden is rewarding in a variety of ways. Not only are they beautiful, but they also can help cut down on grocery bills, and can be a fun, satisfying outdoor activity for the whole family!

More people are turning to home gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic for both therapeutic and practical reasons, so the National Gardening Association has launched a page full of pandemic “victory garden” resources.  

But here are some tips that I have picked up over the years as a backyard gardener that may help you plant the seed for years of gardening success!

Where will you plant your garden?

Begin by taking a look at the space you are working with. When planting a garden, you want to focus on the three main essentials: water, soil, and sun. If you have several options for your garden location, start by assessing the amount of sun each spot receives. Ideally, you want to pick an area that gets six to eight hours of sun each, although it is good to have some partial sun areas as well.

Another key consideration for garden location is proximity to a water source. You want to make sure it will be easy and convenient for you to water and care for it. After all, you did all the prep work to make it great!

Note: The amount of sun your garden gets determines what you can grow. There are plenty of vegetables and flowers that need full sun, plenty that only require partial sun, and some that even prefer shade. Watch your area throughout the day to see how much sun it gets and where so you can design your garden that will thrive.

Which garden method is best for you?

Depending on the space you have, there are many different methods of gardening to choose from. However, these are the three most common methods. 

• Raised-bed garden. These are great because you control the soil. That means you can ensure you are buying the best soil for what you are trying to grow. Raised beds also drain well and help reduce the likelihood of damage caused by animals and pests. This method is more pricey upfront and may take a little more time if you build them yourself, but it’s worth it in the end for the plants and vegetables!
• Container garden. This space-saving option offers a lot of versatility. Depending on the size and material of the container, you can easily move these around your yard to catch the sunlight as needed.
• In-ground garden. This old-school method is the most cost-effective as you won’t have to buy as many supplies. You do not have to build anything and you already have soil. However, you have less control over soil and sunlight coverage. 

What should you grow?

Grow what you want to eat! You will care more about the success of your garden if you are craving cucumbers and tomatoes this summer! You can buy plants that have already been started, called set plants or transplants; or, you can buy seeds to plant and grow on your own. While buying seeds is inexpensive, pay attention to the growing season of each plant as they do take time to mature and grow. 

If you are a beginner or want a vegetable garden for the summer, I recommend buying set plants to start. Here are some common and easy to manage options along with the sun requirements. 

Vegetables

• Full sun (6-8 hours): tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash
• Partial sun: beans, carrots, cabbage, onions
• Light shade (2-3 hours of sun): kale, lettuce, spinach, brussels sprouts

Herbs

Basil, chives, rosemary, mint, parsley, and sage are all common choices and easy to maintain.

Flowers

Annuals are fun to buy because you can change your garden every year.  Perennials cost more upfront but come back year after year. There are some flowers that you can add to your vegetable garden to add beauty or even deter pests.

Create your shopping list

Make a list of everything you need before you go. Overspending at the nursery is so easy to do if you don’t have a plan. When you are making your list, be sure to keep in mind soil preparation items, topsoil (if need be), any fertilizers you may need, and tools to do the job. And, since you will be outside tending your garden, make sure to protect your skin from too much sun and pests. 

Plan your shopping trip and your gardening day  

Dedicate a half-day so you have time to wander through the nursery. They are fun to browse and you can take your time to make sure you get everything you need. 

Also, give yourself a whole day to build your garden. This could be a great Mother’s Day activity, hint hint! 

Whenever you take your plants home (if you didn’t buy seeds), it is best to place them in your garden area and space where you intend to plant them. This way you can see if you like how it is designed, and they can acclimate to their new outside environment. Let them adjust for a day or two in their pots they came in before planting, but remember to water them. 

No space outside for a garden? 

Bring the outdoors indoors! For those who do not have an outdoor garden, there are plenty of herbs, plants, and succulents that thrive indoors as well! Check out these tips for a beginner’s guide to indoor gardening!

Helpful tip: Did you know that you can get your soil tested for free? You can submit a routine soil analysis that will tell you what you need to add to your soil for your plants to thrive. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is one of our go-to resources for anything gardening. Check out this helpful calendar to help you plan!

Family activity: My Mom says, “There is nothing better than getting a packet of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and planting them with your children. It is such a fun activity for the kids and it is just magical to watch them grow together.”

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time.  Visit one of our stores or shop online and take advantage of curbside pickup and free shipping for orders over $69.99. #BeOutdoors

By Carl Stanfield

(Carl Stanfield, manager of our Inverness store, graduated from Brevard College with a degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. He has accumulated about 5,000 miles of backpacking experience, thru-hiking the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails. he is also a certified Leave No Trace educator.)

Happy Earth Day from all of us at Alabama Outdoors! In the spirit of this mindful time of year and the beautiful weather that is beginning to take hold, it seems like an excellent time to take a look at our “outdoor manners.”

The most widely accepted and practiced standard of ethics in the great outdoors is presented to us by an organization called “Leave No Trace.” The Leave No Trace (LNT) Center for Outdoor Ethics suggests seven basic principles to practice in the outdoors to minimize our environmental impact. Notably, these are outdoor ethics, not outdoor rules. That means that these are the ideal and suggested behaviors one would take into the backcountry, but their distinction from rules means that they aren’t technically enforced.

 All the same, it is important that we learn and practice these principles in order to keep the open areas we love to visit protected and undisturbed. In this article, we’ll run through a quick overview of each principle and how to practice them, but for a more thorough understanding of Leave No Trace Ethics, check out the website at www.lnt.org.

Plan ahead and prepare

Whether going out for a week-long backpacking trip or just heading to a local trail for an afternoon hike, it is always important to adequately prepare and have a plan. No matter what duration one plans on going out for, it is important to tell somebody else what the plan is before going.

If disaster strikes, one of the most important components of a potential rescue is knowing what a person’s plans are. Another part of preparation is researching an area before even going. Is a permit needed for camping? If so, do they take cash or do you have to buy one online before getting there? Is there a fee to get into the park? Is the area dog-friendly? All state and national parks have excellent resources available online to help you learn what you need to know before you even step out of your car in their parking lot.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces

This principle helps limit erosion that can severely damage ecosystems we love spending time in.

Any time a hiker takes a shortcut down a hill off-trail or even skirts around a mud puddle, the hiker leaves a mark. When the next hiker comes up and sees that somebody else has already done that, they’re more likely to do the same.

Eventually, this can widen a trail or even create a new trail completely, unnecessarily disrupting the natural environment. So stay on the trail and stomp on through those mud puddles!

Dispose of waste properly

Different outdoor areas can have different rules, but it is NEVER okay to leave trash behind in the outdoors. Some places may provide trash cans or some may even ask guests to pack out all of their own trash.  A common misconception is that it is okay to leave behind trash in a fire pit, but even that can disrupt the natural environment. It may attract animals and desensitize them to people, emboldening them to get dangerously close.

In many areas, it is best practice to hang our food in a tree or even keep it in a bear canister overnight so animals can’t get to it while you’re sleeping. It’s also good to know how to properly dispose of the waste that your body creates.

Make sure that your liquid waste is expelled off-trail away from a water source, and if you have to leave behind solid waste, the LNT guidelines suggest walking 200 feet from the trail and water source, then digging a cathole 6-8 inches deep. If you plan on doing this, make sure you bring a trowel and toilet paper!

Leave what you find

In order to preserve our natural environments, it is always best to leave them as we find them, no matter how tempting it can be to do otherwise. It may not seem like much harm to pick a single flower from a wilderness area, and if that were really all that was happening, it wouldn’t be. But when everybody that comes through has that thought and every visitor takes one flower, eventually there are none left for other visitors to enjoy, nor any for the insects to pollinate, and the entire ecosystem can be affected.

All of the ecosystems that we encounter on this planet are extremely intricate, perfect in their own ways. When humans come in and gradually disrupt them, no matter how small the disruptions may seem, the entire systems can completely fall apart. A good rule of thumb for our time in nature: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

Minimize campfire impacts

Campfires can be one of the most fun and ambiance-creating elements of a great night of camping. Poorly managed, they can also be one of the most destructive and hazardous activities we can do in the outdoors, so it is crucial we know what we’re doing if we’re going to make a fire at all. (Sometimes it’s best not to!) 

When deciding to build a fire, it is ideal to use an already established campfire ring. Creating a new one leaves a significant and unnecessary mark on the land. When collecting wood, only use wood that is already dead and ideally fallen. Even when stripping limbs off of dead trees, be mindful that a dead tree could be a wildlife habitat. Wood that you’re going to burn should be no larger in diameter than an adult wrist and can be broken with the hands.

Finally, it is crucial to be extremely thorough when putting out the fire. Burn all firewood used to ashes, then soak with water until cool to the touch. Finally, scatter the remains over a large area away from camp.

Respect wildlife

For our own safety and the safety of animals, it’s important to keep a respectful space between ourselves and wildlife. Animals should have a natural and healthy fear of humans to keep them from getting too curious and as a result too close to people. We should never pet or chase wildlife.

Even feeding wildlife can be harmful to them, as it ultimately habituates them to relying on people for food and opting to approach humans for food rather than foraging or hunting for it naturally. When larger animals like bears get to this level of comfort with humans, they, unfortunately, are usually put down as they are too great of a threat to human lives.

Keeping a healthy distance between ourselves and wildlife allows them to continue their way of life and gives us the opportunity to continue to observe and marvel at them for years to come.

Be considerate of other visitors 

Most people are looking for an escape to the natural world when they head to an outdoor environment. It is our job as good stewards and LNT practitioners to provide that by minimizing disruptive activities.

We can do this by wearing headphones instead of blasting music through a speaker, keeping pets on leashes, and keeping voices at an appropriate level. It is also important to know good hiker etiquette. Hikers are to yield to mountain bikers and horseback riders. Downhill hikers are to yield to uphill hikers so the hikers working the hardest (uphill) don’t lose their momentum.

The LNT website reports that as many as nine out of 10 people that spend time outdoors are unaware of the impacts they have. By learning these principles and teaching others by example, we can help change the world for the better by keeping nature wild. This Earth Week, if you do go outside, make sure to practice these ethics and become a better steward of this beautiful and wild planet we are all a part of.

Cheers!

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

By Emily Cone

(Emily Cone is a Birmingham-area photographer specializing in lifestyle, commercial, and wedding photography. She strives to capture the “candid, crafted, unnoticed, and celebrated moments” of life. She can be reached at www.emilycone.com)

This is a weird time for everyone with schools closing, people working from home, and the uncertain timeline for social distancing. But, fortunately, for many of us, shelter-in-place orders mean more dedicated family time and more free time to do things that may not have been a priority before. We’re visiting parks, hiking to waterfalls, camping in our backyards, crafting with our kids, and taking daily walks. If it’s something fun and different but socially distant, we’re doing it.

Oddly enough, in this strange time, we’re coming together quite unexpectedly. I mean, did you see the videos of people singing on their balconies in Italy??  In these moments, please don’t forget to take photos! You’re going to want to remember this.

Here are some tips to remember when capturing these strange but meaningful moments through photography.

Be in the moment

Let me start by saying this: Enjoy the moment first. Don’t let the goal of getting the photo overwhelm the experience. I’ve been there many times, whether at a concert, an event, or on a trail. I spend so much time trying to get the best shot, that I don’t appreciate what is in front of me. Then I wonder, “Did I miss something?” I have the photo, but it doesn’t mean that much anymore because I may have missed being part of the moment.

Here are some things I’ve learned to create a balance between taking that once-in-a-lifetime shot and being in that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

• Don’t think about Instagram. Don’t look for a shot just to post it.
• Don’t constantly look through your viewfinder. Trust me, you’ll get a much better view with your own eyes.
• If something’s happening, wait a few minutes before pulling out your camera.
• On a hike? Take photos on the way up or the way down, but no need for both.

When traveling or on-the-go, pack light

Another thing that can put a damper on enjoying the moment is bringing too much gear and having it weigh you down (or worse, get damaged). Unless you’re trying to submit something to National Geographic, you just need the basics.

• If you’re looking to invest in a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, consider a crop-sensor camera or a mirrorless camera, as these are much more lightweight than a full-frame camera.
• If you already have a decent DSLR setup, just bring your camera body and either a 35mm or 50mm lens.
• If all you have is an iPhone, that’s all you need to capture memories. Seriously.
• Bonus tip: I’ve recently started bringing along my film camera for two reasons. First, I don’t spend time editing the photo, and, second, it takes about a week to develop the film and see the final product. When the photos come back, it’s more about remembering the moment, rather than what shots I captured.

Make sure your photo equipment is secure

You’re moving around, climbing up stuff, maybe falling at times. You may be hiking or doing something else active. Make sure you secure your camera or phone before you get lost in the moment. Whether you’re on-the-go, wrangling children, or facing unexpected weather, make sure your equipment is protected.

Stop saying cheese, take more candid photos

We all have those awkward photos of ourselves where our parents made us look at the camera with an uncomfortable forced smile, no genuine emotion at all. The photos that we’ll really cherish are the ones we took when we didn’t have to force it.

So, take the candid photos, the ones where no one is looking at the camera, or thinking about fixing their hair or how sweaty they are. Capture the real moments. Here are some tips on getting candids, whether you’re on a walk, making crafts with your kids, or watching them play in the backyard.

• Be discreet. Don’t say anything about getting a photo. A phone camera is probably your best option to not get noticed.
• Keep your camera or phone nearby for easy access.
• Please, do not take a photo while someone is eating. I promise, they never turn out good.
• Bonus tip: Say you want photos where you can clearly see faces, but you don’t want forced, fake smiles. Ask them to pose for a picture while they’re already laughing and having a good time. Then snap the photo before they can pose and capture that genuine emotion.

Whether we’re sheltering at home, or it’s just a regular day, I hope you take photos. Remember this time spent with your family, whether it’s during new adventures or everyday routines. You’ll want to keep these memories forever.

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping trip today! #BeOutdoors

As people grapple with stay-at-home orders and look for ways to stay physically fit and mentally centered, online and virtual yoga practice opportunities are taking off.

One of the great things about yoga is that it can be tailored so you get what you need from it.

If you are stressed ( and who isn’t these days), it can bring you peace and mindfulness; if you are having back issues, it can help improve your posture and strength. And some sequences are even touted to as immune system boosters.

One of the benefits of practicing yoga in a studio or gym is that you don’t have to prep. The atmosphere, equipment, and safety measures are usually in place. If you want to practice at home, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your living room yoga.

What are the benefits of yoga?

• Improves your focus. This is especially great for this new work-from-home lifestyle most of us are experiencing. Practicing yoga in the morning or during your lunch break can help focus your mind on what you want and need to accomplish and any goals you may have for the day ahead.

• Reduces stress. Even if you are doing a hot or high-intensity yoga flow, yoga can be such a calming practice. Yoga is about being present, focused, and meditative which helps reduce built-up stress. 

• Can improve your diet. By practicing mindfulness, we are more in tune with our bodies. The gut is most sensitive to stress and emotion, which can interrupt digestion. Some key poses in yoga supposedly not only calm the mind but also improve digestion. 

• Builds strength and posture. Strength training is not the only way to build strength. Yoga, like most forms of exercise, have a variety of experience levels. Many yoga poses start with a foundation of sitting or standing tall with a strong focus on the core. As you become more familiar with the poses, you will be able to try new poses that will challenge you and help build your strength, especially in your core. 

How do I start practicing yoga at home?

• Create your own sanctuary. Find a space in your home that you can turn into a peaceful oasis of your own to get your yoga on. Make sure you have the equipment you need to practice safely. For instance, you may consider adding a yoga mat, a foam block, a towel, and a foam roller. Make sure you have a water bottle handy for hydration. And if you plan to practice along with a virtual class, make sure your mat is positioned so you can easily follow along.

• Wear the right clothes. When you are practicing yoga at home ( or in a studio or gym, for that matter) function outweighs fashion all of the time. Clothing matters in yoga because, ideally, you are focused on your practice, not your pants. That’s why you want to wear clothing that is breathable, flexible and comfortable.

• Listen to your body. Studio or gym instruction offers the opportunity for in-person assistance with your form, modifications for injuries, and feedback on progress. Since we don’t have that option while stay-at-home orders remain in place, it’s important that you listen to your body and proceed carefully. Forcing a pose you aren’t ready for will only lead to discomfort and possibly injury.

Looking for apparel or gear to help you along on your journey to nirvana?  Shop with us online!  We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services today! #BeOutdoors

If you are looking for a fun, new backyard game that gives you an excuse to be outside and an opportunity for some exercise, give disc golf a try. The sport — a combination of frisbee and golf — is easy to set up and learn.

Disc golf was formalized as a sport in the 1970s and even has a Professional Disc Golf Association with 120,000 members across 54 countries. Disc golf leagues now compete on sanctioned courses in tournaments worldwide.

But this is a game that is suitable for anyone, regardless of your fitness level. You can start with one basket and work on mastering your shots, and then graduate to adding baskets in your backyard or in a park to increase the level of difficulty.

Regardless, you will get a decent workout, with some aerobic exercise and upper and lower body strengthening.

How do you play disc golf?

In disc golf, your goal is to throw the disc from a tee area and hit the target, an elevated metal basket. And just like golf, you want to hit the target with the lowest number of attempts. The player with the lowest number of throws wins the game.

On a public disc golf course, you would walk from basket to basket. Some would have obstacles or “mandos.” A mando, or mandatory, could be a tree, a group of trees, or a pole that must be passed by the disc on a certain side.

If you are playing in your backyard, you can either move one basket around and create different challenges or buy extra baskets and create a mini-course. Either way, be mindful of player safety and make sure other players or spectators aren’t within range.

Why are there different types of discs?

In golf, you have different clubs for different shots. It’s the same philosophy in disc golf. There are four types of discs: distance drivers, fairway drivers, midrange discs, and putters.

• Distance drivers are designed for maximum distance
• Fairway drivers are better for shorter drives that require more control and longer approaches
• Midrange discs provide accuracy for mid-range shots to the chain basket
• Putters are for short drives and final tries

Experts advise starting out with a few basic discs and focus on learning the basic disc throw and release techniques.

If you need more information about the sport, the equipment, or techniques, feel free to give us a call or email us at aocares@aloutdoors.com. Brandon, a team member from our Inverness store, also explains the game and player technique in this video. 

We can help you make social distancing more fun with disc golf. Visit us online! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. #BeOutdoors

From easy trails to multi-day backcountry hikes, it’s amazing how happy it makes us just to be outside. Unplugging in nature feels like the ultimate carefree adventure, but we still need to do our part to keep public lands beautiful and wild.

Being a socially responsible hiker or camper can mean a lot of things. There isn’t one stringent rulebook. Responsibility is more about common sense and respect for the world around us. 

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced hiker, keep these practical guidelines in mind on your next adventure.

Six social responsibility tips for hikers 

1. Collect memories, not mementos. It’s tempting to pick a pretty bouquet of wildflowers, but plucking them from their native habitat only kills the blooms and spoils the landscape for adventurers who come after you. The Wilderness Society has a handy guide for hunting wildflowers with your eyes, not your hands.

2. Leave the trail better than you found it. Ever stopped to rest and noticed a candy wrapper buried in the dirt near your feet? Or stumbled across a tumbleweed of plastic bags on the beach? Responsible hikers know it’s important to leave no trace. Anything you take on the trail should return home with you. Food wrappers, toilet paper, and water bottles included.

3. Share responsibly. We all love sharing beautiful places with the ones we love. But instead of trampling native plants to get the perfect shot on Instagram, get creative with your framing. Can you capture the beauty of a place while staying on the trail? Could you use photo captions to encourage future campers to respect fragile ecosystems?

4. Stay on the path. Stick to the designated trails to keep plants and animals safe and undisturbed. Most trails are thoughtfully designed to showcase the beauty of the land safely. Enjoy!

5. Use socially responsible gear. What can you do to be a responsible hiker before you even leave your house? Purchase reusable water bottles (less plastic waste), stock up on mineral sunscreen (instead of chemical versions, which can run off into lakes or onto topsoil), and buy gear from companies that invest in responsible manufacturing processes.

6. Know your limits. Endangering yourself on a hike could also put rescue medics or rangers in harm’s way. There’s no need to go rogue on your next adventure. Enjoy the fresh air, drink in the sights and sounds of the forest, and only go as far or high or deep as you feel safe. Happy hiking!

Ready to be outdoors this Spring? We have the Spring outdoor gear you need to get you back on the trails! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Hygge: you might’ve heard the term, but you might not know what it means — or how important it is to live the hygge life during the cold winter months. Hygge, a Danish word that’s actually pronounced “hoo-guh,” is a concept that encompasses all the coziest things in life. Think a wood-panelled living room with a leather couch and a roaring fireplace. Think curling up in your fuzziest fleece blanket with your favorite book as rain falls outside. That’s hygge: a lifestyle that promotes a feeling of comfort, ease, and joy. These twelve cozy essentials will bring all the hygge to your holiday season.

United By Blue Out of Doors Candle 

Any Danish person will tell you that there’s one thing more important to hygge than any other: candles. In fact, candles are such a big deal in Denmark that Danes each burn, on average, thirteen pounds worth of candle wax every year. This candle, sourced from all-natural materials and made in four comforting fragrances, is a great way to start.

SOREL Women’s Nakiska Slide Slipper

With its rubber sole for added durability, the Nakiska gives you the best of a house shoe with the endurance of Sorel casual wear.

Yeti Rambler Mug 

What’s more cozy than curling up with a cup of hot cocoa — with plenty of room for marshmallows, of course! With its 18/8 stainless steel interior that keeps your drinks hot or cold, this mug is as strong and reliable as you are.

Woolrich Rough Rider Wool Blanket

Straight from Woolrich, PA, this soft, iconic plaid blanket is all you need to stay warm during your hygge-filled day.

Buff Darla Hat

Staying comfy doesn’t necessarily mean staying inside! Sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a long, ambling walk on the freshly fallen snow. So when you do go outside, nothing will keep you warm and in style like this hat.

GSI Commuter Javapress

You don’t have to leave your hygge supplies at home. A nice coffee creates a cozy mood anywhere, so why not try a travel mug that presses your drink and keeps it hot no matter how far from home you roam?

Kuju Coffee One-Cup Coffee Pouch

… And speaking of coffee: if you’re on the go, you can stay in the hygge mindset with this portable drip coffee you can enjoy anywhere.

UGG Men’s Ascot Slipper

You’ll never want to take these slippers off. And with their loafer appearance and practicality in any occasion, you won’t have to!

Free Fly Men’s Bamboo Flex 1/4 Zip Pullover

With its athletic fit and Bamboo Flex fabric, this pullover is warmer and more versatile than ever.

Alternative Apparel Women’s Long Weekend Burnout French Terry Pants

Sweatpants are so essential to the concept of hygge that there’s even a word for it: Hyggebukser. Alternative Apparel’s created a chic upgrade to the hyggebukser, which usually means that worn-out pair of pants you adore but wouldn’t wear in public. Not only will you be proud to wear these around town, the soft French Terry cotton blend will also make you feel as comfortable as you would curled up on the couch. 

Kelty Bestie Blanket

Perfect for warming up with a good book, this blanket is sure to keep you and your besties warm.

KEEN Men’s Anchorage III Waterproof Boots

Stay warm, dry, and comfortable when you’re outside with these boots. Their all-season, all-occasion versatility will keep you cozy no matter the temperature.

Text by Nick Adrian

Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Interiors. Photo credit: http://ericandjamiephoto.com/

Picture it: a crackling fire, lights twinkling on the tree, soft strains of jazz music floating through the air while you snuggle into your favorite fuzzy blanket. Whether it’s your cabin in the woods or your apartment in the city, we’ve got the best advice on making your place cozy this holiday season. We spoke with Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Designs to get her take on how to create a cozy space that feels like a sweet winter get-away.

Step One: Know Thyself

The first step in decorating your space is knowing your own personal aesthetic. Think about your favorite colors, textures and your personal style as well as what you need in a space: storage? Seating? A dance floor? Annie asks her clients for inspiration photos before helping them design their space because it gives her a better understanding of their style. You can do this on your own by creating a vision board of what your ideal space would look like. Once you know what you like, it’s much easier to build a physical space with those elements in it.

Step Two: Know Thy Space

Now that you know what you need and like in a room, the next step is understanding your space. Annie emphasizes the importance of understanding the proportions of each room. You may not have access to a furniture layout software like Annie does, but it’s still crucial to keep your space balanced. Otherwise, you’re likely to get more of an overwhelming — rather than cozy — cabin. Keeping things symmetrical across the room allows you to utilize every bit of space that you have — and if you’re in a small room, that space is precious.  Annie also notes that it’s important to understand the room in relationship to the rest of the house. This will help you get a feel for the kind of flow you want throughout the house.

Step Three: Time for Textiles and Textures

So what elements should you include in your soon-to-be cozy cabin? Annie says it’s all about textiles and textures. Window treatments, rugs, pillows, throw blankets and decorative lighting are essential. Mix velvet headboards with plush blankets in bedrooms. For a layered feel in the living room, grab several throw pillows for the couch that pull colors from your rug. And even just a touch of leather — whether it’s a chair or a fun pillow — will warm an entire room. Natural lighting makes a big impact on how a room feels, but sometimes it’s hard to come by. Opt for a stunning fixture or a simple reading lamp to illuminate your space from all angles. Just a few small adjustments of lighting can completely change the mood of a room.

We hope that these tips are helpful as you create a space perfect for your personality, needs and lifestyle. However you choose to make your cozy cabin a reality, we know it’ll be beautiful if it’s a space unique to you.

Text by Kaitlin Cochran

Paget Pizitz of Melt and Fancy’s on 5th

The holiday season is upon us and presents aren’t the only thing on the brain right now. Getting together with friends and family is a huge part of this upcoming season, but being the ultimate holiday host can be overwhelming. We spoke with Paget Pizitz, Harriet Despinakis and Megan Miller of Melt and Fancy’s on 5th to get their expert advice on being holiday hosts.

Shake Things Up With a Signature Cocktail.

Revamp a stuffy sit-down dinner with a signature cocktail (or mocktail)! It’s a great way to start your own tradition as well. Megan, the manager of Fancy’s on 5th, suggests the French 75. Nothing is more festive than a champagne-based drink. She uses organic Cava, Sipsmith Gin, fresh squeezed lemon and sugar to make the perfect bubbly drink. For those who don’t imbibe — or are underage — Megan suggests her take on the Basil Gimlet. Her perfected recipe starts by muddling fresh basil, lemon wedges, a pinch of sugar and topping it off with some soda water. Refreshing and festive, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday soiree. To keep your cocktails perfectly chilled, serve using a Corkcicle canteen, stemless tumbler or champagne flute.

The Key to a Great Party? You’ll Be Surprised.

Lots of laughter and great food are key ingredients in a successful party. But to really make your gathering one that people will be talking about for weeks, Paget suggests adding an element of surprise to your party — the more non-traditional and out of the box, the better. It can be as simple as a photo booth with fun hats or as crazy as having a cardboard cut-out of a celebrity. It creates a giddy atmosphere that your guests will absolutely love. “Leak details to your most social friend and the rest will happen naturally,” said Paget. Also, invest in great ambient lighting. Great lighting can make or break a party. Whether you use candles, string lights or colored lanterns, guests will love the attention to detail and follow the mood that the lighting provides.

If You’re Hosting, Go Big Or Go Home.

It may feel cheesy to have a themed party, but play into it. It makes it fun for you to plan and for the people showing up. Fill a small room with 500 balloons, put streamers and glitter everywhere — don’t be afraid to go for the dramatic impact! Paget’s favorite part of a party is cleaning up afterwards because “the longer it takes, the more certain you are your guests had a fabulous time.” Presentation is key and doesn’t always have to break the bank. You can pick up simple decorations at your local party store that are sure to wow your guests.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is building a community with the people you care most about. You’re able to bring different social groups together, all while filling a room with laughter, dancing and unbridled joy. We hope that your next gathering is one to remember!

Text by Kaitlin Cochran

The air’s getting frosty, the leaves are falling, and everyone’s starting to break out their favorite sweaters. There’s never a more perfect time to start planning your next outdoor adventure than right now. We spoke with our own outdoor expert, Matt Stone, to get the best advice on how to plan an outdoor adventure in Alabama.

Start with your destination

The first step in preparing for your adventure is researching where you want to go. Matt’s top five places in Alabama are The Sipsey Wilderness, Cheaha State Park, Ruffner Mountain, Monte Sano State Park and the Walls of Jericho. If you know where you’re going, you’ll be better able to prepare yourself, your friends or maybe even your date for the trek ahead. He suggests learning the distance of the trails, elevation, amenities, water sources and beyond.

Gear up and get prepped

Knowing where you’re going is important; knowing what to bring while you’re there is crucial. Once you’ve picked a place (and learned all you can about it), then you can start prepping your gear. If it’s just a day trip, Matt suggests bringing only the essentials — think water and maybe a few snacks — to keep unnecessary weight out of your pack. Another good tip is to dress in layers and invest in a pair of wool socks. Matt’s favorite are Merino moisture-wicking wool socks that keep you from getting blisters. Of course, you should always pack a map and a compass, and let someone know of your plans. Give a timeline of when they should start to hear from you again — there’s not always cell phone service in the wilderness.

Enjoy the silence

Going on an outdoor adventure gives you the opportunity to escape from everyday life and experience nature without the hectic hubbub of urban life. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend time with friends and family with minimal distractions. There’s a lot that you can do when you go on an outdoor adventure but sometimes it’s great to just spend some quiet time in the woods relaxing. Matt’s favorite part of outdoor adventuring is listening as the wind blows through the trees and watching leaves fall to the forest floor.

If you were on the fence about it before, we hope that these tips make you reconsider spending your next free weekend on an outdoor adventure. Now get out there and Be Outdoors!

Text by Kaitlin Cochran. Updated June 16, 2020.

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