Inspiration Archives - Inspired Southerner

Cheaha State Park is a fun day trip for the whole family

September 6, 2019 By Rebekah Ledbetter

Planning a day trip that the whole family will enjoy can be difficult. Especially now that school is back in session, but just 25 minutes off I-20’s exit 188 is Cheaha State Park.

Inspired Southerner Cheaha — Mt. Cheaha is Alabama’s highest peak. Photo by Cheaha State Park

Alabama’s highest peak

In the heart of the Talladega National Forest, stands Alabama’s highest peak, Mt. Cheaha. The mountain is 2,413 feet above sea level making it the highest point in Alabama. Anyone who visits or hikes to Mt. Cheaha will experience breathtaking views. Cheaha gets its name from the Creek Indian work chaha which means high place.

Our state parks are one of Alabama’s greatest assets and they offer fun for everyone in the family. Cheaha State Park’s best feature is a boardwalk to one of the most beautiful overlooks in the state of Alabama. The boardwalk is handicap accessible. There are also stairs throughout the park that lead to the trails and which run alongside the boardwalk. The stairs are for the trailblazer of the family or those who want a challenge.

The boardwalk

At the end of the boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and there you will find a breathtaking view.

Inspired Southerner Cheaha State Park — Mt. Cheaha State Park has breathtaking views

The adjacent hiking trails lead to Bald Rock, which is in front of the boardwalk.

Another popular and recognizable feature of the park is the tower.

Inspired Southerner Tower at Cheaha — Tower at Cheaha State Park

The tower

In front of the tower is a plaque which designates it as the tallest point in Alabama!

Be sure to take a few quarters for the viewfinder, and climb the stairs to the top of the tower for yet another incredible view! If you remembered to bring a few quarters up be sure to use that viewfinder to your advantage!

Bigfoot

Across from the tower, you will find Bigfoot. Bigfoot’s purpose at Cheaha is to be the mascot of the 7 Leave No Trace principles. You will find Bigfoot along the trail as a reminder to be just like Bigfoot and ‘leave no trace’.

Cheaha State Park has made plenty of improvements to the park, including renovations to the restaurant and the addition of the pool. Just across from the Welcome Center and Gift Shop is the Walt Farr Native American Relic Museum. There you will find an amazing collection of arrowheads, spearheads, and other Native American Treasures.

In addition, Cheaha offers excellent sites for camping and has a hotel for overnight stays. For more information on these amenities, and for the park itself, be sure to check out their website here.

Alabama farmer introduces Australian White sheep to farmers from all over the world

August 16, 2019 By Kara Kennedy

Sustainable food and farming

Fagerman is the sole distributor and registrar of this breed of sheep in the Americas. Australian White is a low-maintenance, hair replacing breed that produces a Wagyu quality meat.

Inspired Southerner Australian White Sheep — Australian White sheep provide a sustainable food source. Photo by Iven V. Holt

Fagerman recently introduced the breed at a symposium held at his farm in Hartselle, Alabama. Those who participated in the symposium learned how to become a producer of the breed.

Additionally, attendees learned that Australian White sheep have less impact on the environment. Like goats, these sheep eat grass, brush, trees, and shrubbery. These sheep are a more sustainable food source for communities.

Inspired Southerner Fagerman Farm — Graham Gilmore of Tattykeel Farm in Australia produced the Australian White. Photo by Iven V. Holt

“The introduction of the Australian White in the United States is a history-makingevent. And it happened right here in the state of Alabama,” said Daniel Fagerman. “I also wanted to show farmers and producers a livestock that is sustainable and which produces a high-end quality meat product. This sheep revolutionizes the lamb industry.”

After-Party at Fagerman Farms

To showcase what makes lamb special, Fagerman planned an after-party. The event attracted Alabama politicians, the Alabama Farmers Federation, and other high-level state representatives.

Fagerman enlisted the talent of Huntsville chef Rick Vonk to cook the Australian White lamb. To create the perfect meal, Vonk solicited help from chef Jon Jackson of Columbus, Georgia and Matthew Deaton a pitmaster from Washington, DC. They put together a dream-team for the event.

Cooking Australian White

To preserve the meat’s flavor, Vonk and Jackson first experimented with the meat. They decided to cook the meat on two Kudu Grills over an open flame. They knew that this method would be the best way to retain its flavor. Jackson used Africa Brii wood for the fire.

Inspired Southerner Cooking lamb — Two Kudu Grills to cook the lamb over an open fire. He used Africa Brii wood for the fire. Photo by Iven V. Holt

“I have never experienced anything like this breed of sheep. The lamb has this amazing micro-marbling that I have never seen in lamb ever. It’s so tender and melts in your mouth and there is nothing, let me say that again, there is nothing that even comes close to this quality,” said Jon Jackson, owner of Comfort Farms.

Attendees raved about each dish that was presented by Vonk and his team.

“What a humbling, eye-opening week this has been. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the opportunity I was given by the Fagermans to prepare the dinner for their debut event of the Australian White lamb,” said chef Rick Vonk. “I also would like to say that I am eternally grateful to my team, Matthew Deaton and Jon Jackson for their willingness to travel and work with me on this history-making event.”

Inspired Southerner Jon Jackson — Jon Jackson of Columbus, Georgia explains the cooking process. Photo by Iven V. Holt

Fagerman hopes to make the Australian White dinner an annual event at Fagerman Farm.

Alabama optometrist Alexia Vaughn advocates for diabetes prevention

August 8, 2019 By Kara Kennedy

Educating Patients about Type 2 diabetes

As president and owner of Advanced Eye Care in Birmingham, she has dedicated her practice to providing excellent eye care to her patients. She also uses her practice to educate people about the risks of diabetes.

“I love helping my patients by advising them about how to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Alexia Vaughn, owner of Advanced Eye Care. “It’s important that people understand that what they eat and drink does affect the overall health of their eyes.”

Inspired Southerner Dr. Alexia Vaughn — Get physically active to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle, Vaughn states, includes at least eight hours of sleep, regular exercise, smart food choices and eye exams to protect vision. Her main reason for advocating for a healthier lifestyle is to prevent diabetes. More than 100 million adults are currently living with diabetes. Alabama ranks third in the United States for people being diagnosed with diabetes. However many with the condition remain undiagnosed.

Yearly Eye Exams

Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune and many times diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. Having your eyes examined once a year is one way to detect the uncontrolled disease adds Vaughn. She goes on to say that African-Americans and the elderly are significantly more likely to have and die from diabetes. And, the disease is more prevalent in rural areas.

“I have chosen to advocate for early detection of diabetes and changing one’s lifestyle because it is predicted that in the next 30 years, one in three will be living with the disease. The number of people living with diabetes is on the rise because of an increase in obesity rates, lack of physical activity and poor nutrition. That means the rate of blindness from this disease will rise as well,” added Vaughn.

Diabetes in Alabama’s Black Belt

Alabama’s Black Belt is known as the diabetes belt. Vaughn is working towards decreasing the increased rate of the disease by educating the people who live in the area. “Until we increase educational programs in the Black Belt, the number of people being diagnosed or undiagnosed will continue to rise. I am working every day to close the gap between health disparities in this part of the state,” she stated.

Vaughn recommends that people get regular exercise at least 150 minutes per week, eat a proper diet low in processed foods and high in fruits and vegetables, and to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Alabama Entrepreneur giving away 300 book bags to students

July 3, 2019 By Kara Kennedy

Inspired Southerner TC Counseling — Tammy Cauthen is making a difference in Birmingham.

Tammy Cauthen, entrepreneur and owner of TC Counseling, has a passion for transforming individuals and families by helping them make the necessary changes to enhance their quality of life. To help families start the new school year right, TC Counseling is giving away 300 book bags to students during their first-ever back-to-school Carnival on July 13.

Giving Back to the Community

Tammy recognized that some students in the Birmingham, Alabama area may not have the supplies necessary to start off the new school year on the right foot, so she came up with the idea to ensure students are prepared for their classes when the bell rings on Aug. 8.

Unfortunately, some parents can’t afford the basic supplies for their kids to go back to school which presents an undue burden on them. It also can take a toll on their children.

“We want to take the pressure off of parents, so we’re hosting this Back-to-School carnival on July 13 so families who may need a little help can get a running start into the new year,” said Tammy Cauthen, owner of TC Counseling. “We want every child to be prepared so that they can focus on and feel enthusiastic about learning.”

Inspired Southerner — TC Counseling is hosting first-ever back-to-school carnival

Back to School Carnival

This fun back-to-school carnival will be held at the Shields Conference Center at W.C. Patton Park in downtown Birmingham from 12-4 pm. It will feature carnival rides, a gaming truck with Laser Tag, XBOX, Playstation Nintendo and other video games, food, educational and safety programming.

In addition, and the best part of all, families will leave with brand-new school supplies and book bags. Parents who want a book bag must register at noon the day of the event to be eligible.

Company Mission

The mission of TC Counseling is to make an impact on the community by engaging with individuals and families through community outreach. The company also partners with other Birmingham-area companies to host events. For this event, in particular, she is seeking donations of supplies or money from those who may want to donate to the event or companies who may want to partner with TC Counseling.

“I hope to make this an annual event to celebrate families before they start the new school year,” Tammy added.

If you would like to make a donation or more information about the Back-to-School Carnival visit TC Counseling’s website or call (205) 601-6195.

In addition to the back-to-school event, TC Counseling hosts an annual luncheon for Jefferson County social workers.

Alabama makeup artist turns childhood dream into a rewarding career

February 7, 2019 By Kara Kennedy

Aware Cosmetics, Inspired Southerner — Jestina Howard is founder of Aware Cosmetics and a well-sought after makeup artist.

In elementary school Jestina Howard used to do her classmates’ makeup in the bathroom in exchange for snacks. It was pretty lucrative for her, exchanging snacks for doing makeup, until she got in trouble for it. Later when she was in her 20s this childhood business led to a professional career as a makeup artist. That’s when she was invited to do makeup for a photoshoot.

“My friend asked me to do the makeup for the models for a magazine photoshoot,” said Jestina Howard, Founder of Aware Cosmetics and Makeup Services. “After that shoot, I was referred to others to do makeup for companies throughout the Southeast.”

Jestina created her own makeup line after a client suggested it to her. “When a client mentioned that I should develop my own line, a light bulb went off. I started researching how to make it happen,” she added. Now she has a full line of makeup she uses on her clients to enhance their look.

Celebrity Makeup

Prior to creating Aware Cosmetics, Jestina worked as a full time makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics after they launched at Parisian at the Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham, Alabama. She also was the staff makeup artist and manager of Deborah Stone Day Spa in the Collonnade.

She has had many opportunities during her career to do makeup for dignitaries, models, celebrities and corporate power players. Her portfolio includes doing makeup for SpikeTV, Nike and The Food Network.

She also has done makeup for CBS Sports anchors and Richard Petty during a Talladega race. A few of her other famous clients include: Coach Nick Saban, baseball great Willie Mays, actress America Fererra, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, musician NeYo, fashion designer Sigrid Olsen, model Emme and actress Nicole Ari Parker.

Inspired Southerner Aware Cosmetics — Jestina donates a portion of her sales to the American Lung Association.

Working Creatively

Now she not only spends time doing makeup, but also taps into other creative passions in fashion and event planning. Exploring other passions makes her feel fulfilled. She also volunteers her time by serving on several boards within the Birmingham community.

One of those events is on Sunday, Feb. 10 where Aware Cosmetics is sponsoring Glow App’s New Year New Year Makeup Lesson event at Innovation Depot. This app helps supports achieving excellence through beauty. Jestina also is sponsoring the You Can Get the Business event that focuses on the makeup industry on March 3 at Birmingham’s Creed Co-Working Space.

“To me beauty and fashion go hand-in-hand. As a makeup artist, working in fashion allows me to have an impact on the latest beauty trends, locally,” she added.

Aware Cosmetics has a wide-range of foundation, eyeshadow, blush and lip color options available. Jestina’s favorite product is the Runway Lip Glosses because of their staying power.

Aware Cosmetics Inspired Southerner red lipstick. — One trend for spring is red lips and minimal makeup.

2019 Makeup and Color Trends

According to Jestina, effortless glamour will replace the heavy looks seen on Instagram. Other makeup trends include smoky eyes, red lips, berry stained lips, coral eyes, cheeks and lips. Another big trend will be polished skin with bold pops of color and neutral tones in tans and taupes.

Inspired Southerner Aware Cosmetics invest in good makeup — Investing in good makeup will give you a richer pigment with more staying power.

Why Invest in Good Makeup?

Jestina states that investing in a good set of brushes is key to having a flawless look. A good brush set will last 10 years if stored properly. She also recommends investing in a more expensive makeup line also will give your more pigment and staying power.

Life’s Inspiration

Jestina gets color inspiration from flowers that bloom in the spring and from leaves that change colors in the fall. Artists use many colors creating their artwork Jestina finds inspiration in Italian, Dutch, African, Native American and Asian contemporary art.

Another passion she has, is advocating to bring awareness about lung disease for the American Lung Association in Alabama. In fact, she donates a portion of her cosmetic sales every year to the organization.

“I have family members who suffer from lung disease and asthma,” she said. “That’s why I give a percentage of my annual sales to the American Lung Association for education and research.”

All photos are by Kassady Gibson, Focus Creative. Special thanks to Ellen Hart for modeling.

Cheaha State Park is a fun day trip for the whole family

Alabama’s highest peak

The boardwalk

The tower

Bigfoot

Alabama farmer introduces Australian White sheep to farmers from all over the world

Sponsored:

Sustainable food and farming

After-Party at Fagerman Farms

Cooking Australian White

Sponsored by:

Alabama optometrist Alexia Vaughn advocates for diabetes prevention

Sponsored:

Educating Patients about Type 2 diabetes

Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

Yearly Eye Exams

Diabetes in Alabama’s Black Belt

Sponsored

Alabama Entrepreneur giving away 300 book bags to students

Sponsored

Giving Back to the Community

Back to School Carnival

Company Mission

Sponsored

Alabama makeup artist turns childhood dream into a rewarding career

Celebrity Makeup

Working Creatively

2019 Makeup and Color Trends

Why Invest in Good Makeup?

Life’s Inspiration

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