News/Blog Entries http://porticomag.com/ Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST Infomedia ContentEdits http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=time-for-play Time for Play Go back to the good ole days when exercising was all fun and games. BY LOYD MCINTOSH Does the thought of spending an hour walking on a treadmill while the talking heads of CNN drone on and on leave you bored to tears? Do you struggle with ways to convince your kids to get off the couch and get some much-needed physical activity? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, don't worry— you're not alone.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=time-for-play health http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=spring-breakaway Spring Breakaway Spring-cleaning isn’t just for houses anymore: After all, who doesn’t have a mind that could use a little de-cluttering? Give yourself a break and head to one of the South’s most relaxing spas and resorts. Once you try it, you’ll want to make sprucing yourself up an annual event.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=spring-breakaway Travel http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=fearless-style Fearless Style When it comes to decorating their Birmingham home, the Plotts aren’t afraid of taking a few risks. BY ABIGAIL B. MILLWOOD | STYLING BY ELIZABETH BEELER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP       I’m not scared to try anything funky,” says Louise Plott.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=fearless-style homes http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-modern-family-home The Modern Family Home Laura and Brad Burleson transformed a hum-drum house into a young family’s fantasy. BY MARY ELLEN STANCILL | STYLING BY ELIZABETH BEELER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP         Everyone knows that when a builder says your complete home remodel will take nine months, you should prepare to live elsewhere for at least a year.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-modern-family-home homes http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=to-kill-a-mockingbird A Timeless Tale Turns 50: To Kill a Mockingbird BY TJ BEITELMAN PHOTO COURTESY MONROE COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM, THE AARON WHITE COLLECTION Fifty years can seem like a very long time. The American South of 1960, the year Harper Lee published her classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, was a profoundly different place from the American South of today.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=to-kill-a-mockingbird People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-gift-of-music The Gift of Music Scrollworks offers Birmingham-area residents a top-dollar musical education, free of charge. BY LORI K. DITORO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB CULPEPPER Long ago, before college-prep courses and debates over charter schools, music lessons were considered an integral part of any well-rounded student’s education.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-gift-of-music giving http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=hot-diggity-dog Hot Diggity Dog! Who says they don’t make things like they used to? Pete’s Famous has been serving up its famous fare since 1920. BY ALICIA K. CLAVELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREY NOLEN It’s 10 minutes to 11 on a Sunday morning and already customers are lined up along 2nd Avenue North waiting for their Pete’s Famous hot dog.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=hot-diggity-dog People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=alabamas-gourmet-goat-cheese Alabama’s own gourmet goat cheese Get a taste of a nationally acclaimed creamery in Birmingham’s backyard. BY MARTI KILPATRICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT RAUSCH Down awinding dirt path outside of Huntsville, a small group of artisans spend their days hand-rolling goat cheese in the humble building that houses Belle Chèvre creamery.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=alabamas-gourmet-goat-cheese food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=interior-design-picks PRODUCED BY ELIZABETH BEELER  Just for fun Make a playful, lighthearted statement in a family or children’s room with bright colors, bold accents and funky patterns.                           Lee Industries apartment sofa 3009-11                               Miles pendant HARMONY LANDING                                                                 STRAY DOG DESIGNS 2925  18th St.... Thu, 1 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=interior-design-picks picks http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=zaza I just had lunch at ZaZa Trattoria and it was delicious! I highly recommend Wednesday's daily special—the meatballs were to die for. Might have embarassed the chef/owner (Brian Somershield) a bit. Apparently he didn't expect his picture to be quite so large and frequent in our Nov/Dec issue .... Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=zaza blog http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=valentine-picks Valentine Picks Shopping and style guru Lindsey Ellis Beatty shares what’s on her wish list this Valentine’s Day. Here's what you didn't see in the magazine ... COMPILED BY LINDSEY ELLIS BEATTY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP A pretty oven mitt to whip up something sweet with my sweetie, $12 WILLIAMS-SONOMA 211 Summit Blvd.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=valentine-picks picks http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=desperately-seeking-slumber Desperately Seeking Slumber Put an end to insomnia and start catching more Zzzs. BY JACQUELYNE FROEBER      Tossing and turning into the wee hours isn’t just annoying—it can be hazardous to your health. Studies show that mortality rates spike in people who don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep, and life-threatening illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure and an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior have also been linked to sleepless nights.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=desperately-seeking-slumber health http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=by-george-weve-got-it By George, We've Got It! This President’s Day, celebrate our Founding Father with a trip to Alabama’s own Washington museum. BY SARAH CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH DE SCIOSE From Birmingham, it’s more than 700 miles to Mount Vernon, home of the nation’s largest collection of George Washington artifacts.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=by-george-weve-got-it Travel http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=made-to-order Made to Order Rustic meets refined in contractor Erica Neel’s Crestline kitchen. BY ELIZABETH BEELER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP When local contractor Erica Neel isn’t on the job, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen, whipping up a tasty dish while spending time with friends and family.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=made-to-order homes http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=majestic-monteagle Majestic Monteagle Escape to this Tennessee retreat high above it all. BY LOYD MCINTOSH | PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTEAGLE INN Spring break: For many undergrads, it’s a time to run wild along the beaches of Mexico. But for those couples and families seeking a more low-key respite, the Monteagle Inn in Tennessee is one place that fits the bill.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=majestic-monteagle Travel http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-will-ferniany The Face of Alabama Healthcare Get to know the CEOs guiding Birmingham through today’s ever-changing medical system. BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTO COURTESY OF UAB HEALTH SYSTEM Will Ferniany CEO, UAB Health System Getting there: “In college, I volunteered at Bryce State Hospital and saw a need to help the mentally ill.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-will-ferniany People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-garry-gause The Face of Alabama Healthcare Get to know the CEOs guiding Birmingham through today’s ever-changing medical system. BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTO BY EMILY HOOTEN Garry Gause President and CEO, Brookwood Medical Center Getting there: “I had a younger sister who was severely debilitated, so from an early age I was directly involved in doctor’s visits and caring for someone who couldn’t take care of herself.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-garry-gause People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-mike-warren The Face of Alabama Healthcare Get to know the CEOs guiding Birmingham through today’s ever-changing medical system. BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTO BY EMILY HOOTEN Mike Warren President and CEO, Children’s Health System Getting there: “The major expansion/replacement project at Children’s is what brought me to the hospital.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-mike-warren People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-keith-granger The Face of Alabama Healthcare Get to know the CEOs guiding Birmingham through today’s ever-changing medical system. BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTO BY EMILY HOOTEN Keith Granger  Interim CEO, Trinity Medical Center Getting there: “I got into healthcare as a high school volunteer at a hospital in Dothan, Alabama.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-keith-granger People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-keith-parrott The Face of Alabama Healthcare Get to know the CEOs guiding Birmingham through today’s ever-changing medical system. BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTO BY EMILY HOOTEN Keith Parrott President and CEO, Princeton Baptist Medical Center Getting there: “I come from a family of Baptist ministers: my dad, father-in-law, grandfather, uncles and cousins.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-keith-parrott People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-john-d-oneil The Face of Alabama Healthcare Get to know the CEOs guiding Birmingham through today’s ever-changing medical system. BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTO BY ROB CULPEPPER John D. O’Neil CEO, St. Vincent’s Health System Getting there: “Growing up, I was always intrigued by physicians.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=the-face-of-alabama-healthcare-john-d-oneil People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=more-stellar-stationery More Stellar Stationery from Markham Bailey BY ALICIA K. CLAVELL | PHOTO BY JEAN ALLSOPP Keep all your invitations and wedding information organized and within arms reach in an elegant, personalized folder or box in the Marguerite line of "fine tools for organizing" from Markham Bailey LLC.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=more-stellar-stationery weddings http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=homeward-bound Homeward Bound Heart Gallery Alabama gives a face to foster children. BY ANGIE BROWN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HEART GALLERY ALABAMA They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But sometimes it’s worth something far more valuable. At Heart Gallery Alabama, an organization that promotes adoption from Alabama’s foster system, each picture displayed offers the chance at a loving family and permanent home for a child in need.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=homeward-bound giving http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=on-the-flipside On the FLIPside A new restaurant in Birmingham defines “fine dining between two buns.” BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB CULPEPPER A recent addition to the Summit’s restaurant options, FLIP Burger Boutique is a far cry from McDonald’s fare. “The concept is so approachable, yet even burgers can be elevated to gourmet status,” says owner and creative director Richard Blais.... Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=on-the-flipside food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=bringing-home-the-brew Bringing Home the Brew Back Forty Beer Company braves Alabama’s uncharted waters with charm, local support and a surprisingly highbrow approach to beer. BY ASHLEY RIDDLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARIK SOKOL Jason Wilson had a dream: a dream of launching a career in his home state of Alabama, providing jobs for other locals and elevating the reputation of that redheaded-step-child of wine, beer, to a whole new level.... Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=bringing-home-the-brew People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=youre-invited You're Invited ... to explore the fine craftsmanship of four extraordinary Birmingham wedding invitation and stationery designers. BY ALICIA K. CLAVELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP Your wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event, so you want to choose the look that suits your personality best.... Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=youre-invited weddings http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=just-breathe Just Breathe Shake your pre-wedding jitters with a calming yoga routine.  BY DEIDRA WHITFIELD | PHOTO BY ROB CULPEPPER   While the period before you say “I do” can be one of the most exciting times in your life, the endless to-do list filled with appointments and tasks can quickly transform any carefree, blushing bride into an emotional basket case.... Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=just-breathe health http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=ladies-who-lunch Ladies Who Lunch Dress up your outdoor bridesmaids’ luncheon with fine china and all the trimmings. PRODUCED AND WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH BEELER | STYLED BY NANCY BEELER & MARTHA DAVIES | PHOTO BY EMILY HOOTEN On your wedding day, the party is all about you. But before you take that stroll down the aisle, be sure to thank the friends and family who will make the day so special.... Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=ladies-who-lunch weddings http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=shades-of-green Shades of Green Brides can walk down the aisle guilt-free with these environmentally thoughtful wedding options. BY JEAN MCLEAN | PHOTO BY BLUE MOON STUDIOS      Carol Griffin, a former model and classical dancer, loves to get her hands dirty. A longtime potage gardener, Carol joined the composting ranks years ago.... Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=shades-of-green weddings http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=january-picks Thank family, friends and out-of-town guests for being a part of your special day with these Alabama-inspired goodies FOR FAMILY Wine glasses with engraved Birmingham city scene $20.95 and acrylic monogrammed ice bucket $30 PAPER AFFAIR 2800 Cahaba Village Plz. Birmingham, AL 35243 205.... Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=january-picks picks http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=if-the-shoe-fits If the Shoe Fits Designer Stuart Weitzman gave this Birmingham bride a one-of-a-kind gift. BY SARAH BRUEGGEMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE ELLER      When Katie Kraselsky Held dressed for her wedding day, she gently slid on shoes more stylish and elegant than even Cinderella’s glass slippers.... Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=if-the-shoe-fits People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=unexpected-island-honeymoons Unexpected Island Honeymoons Skip the traditional wedding destinations and start your life together at one of these lovely offshore retreats. BY LARRY BLEIBERG There’s something undeniably romantic about an island. Cut off from the rest of the world, it promises seclusion and privacy.... Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=unexpected-island-honeymoons Travel http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=not-your-mothers-wedding-cake Not Your Mother's Wedding Cake Showcase your personal taste with these unique reception treats. PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREY NOLEN | STYLING BY LANE GREGORY     Build a tower of individual-size baby bites by Pastry Art. These tiny tastes of heaven also fit into tidy little to-go boxes for a delicious post-wedding snack.... Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=not-your-mothers-wedding-cake food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=sweet-tooth Sweet Tooth PORTICO rounds up the recipes of some of Birmingham's favorite delicious desserts BY JENNY ADAMS (from December 2008) Urban Standard's Red Velvet Cupcakes          Tom Wizesien cooked up the idea for Urban Standard on 2nd Avenue North as an art studio originally.... Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=sweet-tooth food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=visions-of-sugar-plum-fairies ... and red velvet cupcakes! After working on our "Traditional Treats" feature for this month's issue, we decided to look back to some of PORTICO's other great food stories. First up, Jenny Adams' delicious round-up of Birmingham's favorite dessert recipes. Head over to the food section to get the scoop.... Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=visions-of-sugar-plum-fairies blog http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=welcome-to-porticomagcom ... Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=welcome-to-porticomagcom blog http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=wedding-announcements Normal 0 0 1 229 1307 10 2 1605 11.1282 0 0 0     Our January issue is devoted to bringing you the best wedding ideas and compelling wedding stories, and you’re invited to be a part of it! Your wedding story is special—it's not simply an announcement in the newspaper, but a poignant story that describes the beginning of your life together, and PORTICO magazine would be honored to include you in our January 2010 wedding issue.... Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=wedding-announcements weddings http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=counting-on-kairos Counting on Kairos One self-taught chef's vision gives others  hope, a haven and some seriously delicious chicken fingers. BY SARAH CAMPBELL | PHOTO BY ROB CULPEPPER     In Greek, two words translate into English as "time." One, chronos, signifies calendars, seasons and other orderly markers of the clock.... Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=counting-on-kairos giving http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=onshore-off-season Onshore Off-Season  When the water gets too cold for swimming, other entertainment options heat up.    BY LANE GREGORY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLIE GOLDBERG      Every summer, folks flock by the thousands to the Gulf Coast, but as temperatures cool, so do the crowds.... Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=onshore-off-season Travel http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=sara-evans-a-place-to-call-home A Place to Call Home  Country music star Sara Evans finds family, friends and fans aplenty in the Magic City.  BY ABIGAIL B. MILLWOOD | PHOTO BY JEAN ALLSOPP | STYLED BY ROSE NGUYEN AND MINDY SANTO      You may expect that a day in the life of a typical Mountain Brook mom would look vastly different from that of a multi-platinum-record-selling, Country Music Award-winning singing sensation, but for Sara Evans, they’re one and the same.... Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=sara-evans-a-place-to-call-home People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=seeing-is-believing Seeing is Believing There's more to being a professional Santa Claus than a beard and red suit: Steve Whiting shares the magic and generous spirit behind the storied St. Nick. BY LOYD MCINTOSH | PHOTO BY JOSEPH DESCIOSE As a child, did you ever wonder what the real Santa Claus was like? Did you ever struggle to stay awake  on Christmas Eve hoping to catch him leaving a big pile of toys under the tree only to fall asleep long before St.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=seeing-is-believing People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=traditional-treats BY MARTI KILPATRICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERROD BROWN | STYLED BY ROSE NGUYEN      Before their holiday seasons were filled with private parties and catering, chesfs spent them just like the rest of us—at home, with family and friends. These memories live on in dishes that they still prepare for gatherings when their professional aprons get thrown in for a few precious days.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=traditional-treats People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=baked-spice-applesthe-bright-star by Jim and Nicky Koikos of The Bright Star (photo by Jerrod Brown) 3 lbs. sliced apples (your choice) 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 1 (16-oz.) box light brown sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 8 oz. unsalted butter (room temperature)      Preheat oven to 350°.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=baked-spice-applesthe-bright-star food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=grandmas-roasted-pork-dumplings-with-sauerkraut by Brian Somershield of Za Za Trattoria (photo by Jerrod Brown) 1 boneless pork loin, 4-6 lbs., fat cap not removed if possible 6 garlic cloves, peeled 1 medium-size yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 cans sauerkraut, rinsed briefly 1 tbsp. caraway seeds 2 cups water 3 eggs 2 cups milk 3 3/4 cups flour 1 can or jar of Mott’s applesauce, cold      Preheat oven to 400°.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=grandmas-roasted-pork-dumplings-with-sauerkraut food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=sweet-italian-cookies-with-lemon-glaze by Chris and Idie hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club (photo by Jerrod Brown) COOKIES: 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tbsp. baking powder 1 tbsp. freshly grated orange zest (about 1       orange) 3 large eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 tbsp.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=sweet-italian-cookies-with-lemon-glaze food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=roasted-pork-tenderloin-with-chipotle-chilies by Guillermo Castro of Sol Y Luna (photo by Jerrod Brown) STUFFING: 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries 1 cup chipotle adobo chilies 2 tbsp. pine nuts 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 pinch of ground cloves 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar 1 tbsp. cascabel powder (or ancho or pasilla) ROAST: 1 pork tenderloin (1 to 2 lbs.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=roasted-pork-tenderloin-with-chipotle-chilies food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=baked-oysters Excerpted from FRANK STITT'S SOUTHERN TABLE by Frank Stitt (ArtisanBooks) Copyright 2004 30 oysters, such as Apalachicola, bluepoint, Pemaquid, or Malpeque 2 lbs. spinach (or about 3 cups trimmed watercress or mixed herbs and lettuces) 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 3 oz. slab bacon, cut into small dice 2 leeks, trimmed, cleaned, quartered and thinly sliced 1 shallot, quartered and sliced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 lemon, grated zest and juice 2 cups medium-coarse breadcrumbs 8 tbsp.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=baked-oysters food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=holiday-gift-guide Find the perfect present for everyone on your list this season. COMPILED BY LANE GREGORY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP   For Her: 14-karat white gold necklace with 1.08-carat diamonds and 1.39-carat rubies $3,100 DIAMONDS DIRECT 2800 Cahaba Village Plz. Birmingham, AL 35243 205.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=holiday-gift-guide picks http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=warding-off-holiday-weight-gain Keep extra pounds at bay this season with a proactive approach to eating and exercising. BY ROSE NGUYEN     If you’re like me, you find yourself a little, well, fluffier, for lack of a better word, as the New Year approaches. Studies have shown that the average weight gain during the six-week period between Thanksgiving and the end of the year is 8 pounds, and while that may not sound like a lot, any dieter can tell you it takes much less time to put on 8 pounds than it does to take them off.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=warding-off-holiday-weight-gain health http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=into-the-wild-sweet-yonder Local musical sensation Wild Sweet Orange discusses success, struggles and a bright new direction.  BY EMILY ETHEREDGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY HOOTEN          For the members of indie-pop group Wild Sweet Orange (WSO), this has been one whirlwind of a year.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=into-the-wild-sweet-yonder People http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=inviting-environs Baby, it’s cold outside! Keep chills away with these warm decorating ideas.  BY ELIZABETH BEELER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP | STYLED BY ROSE NGUYEN     While Alabama winters rarely bring snowflakes, they don’t qualify as balmy either. Create a cozy retreat in your home this season with a few tips from designers Mandi Smith and Melissa Singleton of Interior Staging Services.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=inviting-environs homes http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=10-hot-holiday-reds Add some jolly to your seasonal  celebrations with these palate-pleasing wines, all for less than $30.  BY HELEN GREBE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH HARRIAGE STRONG | STYLED BY ROSE NGUYEN Each year as the holiday season swings into full gear, I’m stumped by choices in wine, yearning for a tried-and-true bottle of red to pair with the turkey or bring as a hostess gift.... Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=10-hot-holiday-reds food http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=breast-cancer-awareness We asked Helen Krontiras, M.D., breast cancer surgeon at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, for the scoop on screening. BY JACQUELYNE FROEBER Q: Who should be screened? A: Women age 40 and older should get a mammogram (a safe, low dose X-ray) every year, and all women (20s and up) should have their doctor, internist or OB-GYN examine their breasts yearly.... Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=breast-cancer-awareness health http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=prostate-cancer-awareness Erik Busby, M.D., urologist at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center puts prostate cancer screening into perspective. BY JACQUELYNE FROEBER Q: Who should be screened? A: All men ages 50 and older. Those at high risk, including African American men and those who have a brother, father or uncle with prostate cancer, should start screening at age 40.... Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST http://porticomag.com/blogs/portico/?title=prostate-cancer-awareness health