Seasonal & Holidays
Look & Feel Your Best With Birmingham's Holiday Beauty & Wellness Guide!
From teeth whitening and sauna sessions to IV cocktail therapy and precooked holiday meals, here's what you need to look and feel your best!
Can you believe it is December already? I feel like this year has flown by, don’t you? This month, I can't stop thinking about two things: getting my holiday shopping done early this year and finalizing a surprise vacation for my kids (since my husband and I have decided to focus more on making travel memories for all of us).
While travel can be fun and exciting, it can also be stressful. Regardless of the journey, you'll be making fresh memories while traveling from point A to point B. Once you arrive at your destination, you're sure to have one or more funny stories to be added to your memory bank. Don’t you agree?
So, whether you are staying here or scooting out of town this month, I have found some great events and specials for you to try or to gift a loved one in Birmingham! If you're trying to stay in shape for that ski vacation, wanting to look fabulous for the office Christmas Party or just trying to eat a little healthier, I'm here to help with some ideas. Let me know if you try one, and tell them you found out about the event on Patch!
Please note: Event dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend checking with the event host before traveling.
Annual Poker Run and Open House in English Village
Date: Thursday, Dec. 1
Time: 5 p.m - 7 p.m.
Location: Tonya Jones Salon Spa in English Village; 2410 Fairway Drive, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
Website: tonyajonessalon.com
Have you participated in the English Village Poker Run? Every year, I start the night at the Tonya Jones Salon Spa with a glass of champagne. I book my blowout for the big holiday party and then do a little Christmas shopping because all the Aveda products are 25 percent off. This year, grab an ornament off the Christmas tree for a chance to win prizes or discounts — plus, someone will win a haircut from Tonya. Once I get all that important stuff done, I make my way around the village for the Poker Run with all the other English Village merchants. Every store has something special going on this night. This is a do-not-miss event!
Get Your Sparkling Smile Ready for the Holiday
Date: Mondays - Thursdays
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Crestline Village Dentistry; 244 Country Club Park, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
Phone Number: (205) 870-5700
Website: crestlinedentistry.com
Have you ever wondered how to get that megawatt smile with movie star white teeth at home? I have. A few weeks ago, I was at Crestline Dentistry and discovered a new system they carry that does exactly that! It’s called the Glo Pro. It's a wireless mouthpiece that can whiten your teeth up to 12 shades when used for 5 days in a row. The results last 6+ months. Now say cheese, since that is something to smile about!
Jingle Bell Run
Date: Saturday, Dec. 10
Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration / 9 a.m. 5K Start Time
Location: Veterans Park; 4800 Valleydale Road, Meadowbrook, AL 35242
Website: Arthritis Foundation: Jingle Bell Run
Get your jingle bells, holiday costumes and running shoes on for the Jingle Bell Run in Birmingham. The run is sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation to bring awareness and donations to develop new treatments and to get closer to an arthritis cure. Bring your dogs, family and friends, and let’s get together for a good cause! Register before Dec. 8 online for $45, or register the day of the race for $50. Make sure you register early to secure your timing chip (there are only 500).
Detoxify Your Body in an Infrared Sauna
Date: 7 days/week
Time: By Appointment
Location: Restore Hyper Wellness at Cahaba Village; 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Birmingham, AL 35223
Website: Restore Hyper Wellness: Birmingham, AL - Mountain Brook
Help your whole body feel better with an infrared sauna. The sauna uses an intense, hot-yet-healing light energy that has many benefits. Once you start your fast, deep sweat, the detoxification of your body from heavy metals begins, which aids in relieving inflammation and weight loss while improving blood circulation. You will find yourself relaxed, and you will sleep better. Restore is offering 1 month free with a 5-month membership or you can try the treatment à la carte.
The Reindeer Dash 5K
Date: Saturday, Dec. 17
Time: 7:30 a.m. start
Location: Pure Fitness in Vestavia Hills; 1425 Montgomery Hwy Ste 115, Vestavia Hills, AL US 35216
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/AL/VestaviaHills/TheReindeerDash2018
Get Ready, get set and dash on over for this family fun 5K and 1-mile run. What a fun morning this will be for the family with snacks and ornament medals. Register by Dec. 1 to make sure you get a T-shirt and the swag bag. Remember to come dressed up and run as your favorite holiday character. Bonus: get your kids to dress up with you!
Get a Boost with IV Cocktail Therapy
Date: 7 days/week
Time: By Appointment
Location: Hydralive in Homewood; 3500 Independence Drive #200, Homewood, AL 35209
Website: hydralivetherapy.com
Are you feeling a little sluggish after one of your many holiday parties this month? Or maybe you just finished a battle with the flu, but still feel drained and need a little boost to get back to the normal you? Come over to Hydralive to get an IV infusion and rehydrate your body with the cocktail of your choice that includes different vitamins, minerals and amino acids to make you feel better with an increase in energy. Each cocktail focuses on different ailments such as Hangover Recovery, Athletic Prep and Recovery, Chemotherapy Relief, Illness Recovery, Women’s Wellness, Beauty/Radiance, Migraine Relief, Vitamin C Mega Dose, Detox + Vitamins and Minerals, Men’s Health, Weight Loss and Pain Management. Which cocktail are you going to try?
Give the Gift of Style
Date and Time: By Appointment Only
Contact: (205) 567-5374; [email protected]
Website: chicmadesimple.com
Ever considered giving the gift of style or getting some style help for yourself? Could you use a closet revamp? Do you need help putting new outfits together from existing items you already own? Would you want a personal shopper to find the perfect pieces, or do you need help packing for a trip? If you said yes, then you need to call Tracy James (aka ChicMadeSimple on Instagram). She's been the Southeast’s go-to wardrobe stylist for over 20 years, serving women, men, tweens and teens.
Up Your Brow Game & Have the Brows You Always Wanted
Date and Time: By Appointment Only
Location: BHM LASH; 2926-D Central Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209
Website: bhmlash.com
Being a natural blonde, I have always had lighter eyebrows and never had the definition I wanted from my eyebrows to define my face (plus my DYI was not cutting it)! Once I discovered BHM LASH, everything changed. The owner, Madison, offers a brow tint and wax, which has been a game changer for me. Another add-on option when you book your appointment is to add a lash tint to get those dark lush lashes for your holiday party. BHM Lash has moved to a new location on Central Avenue inside Ash Studio. Come by and get your tint on!
Get Christmas Day Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Catered
Date: Order by Wednesday, Dec. 21
Location: Ashley Mac’s Cahaba Heights; 3147 Green Valley Road, Cahaba Heights, Alabama 35243 (4 other locations: Riverchase, Inverness, Homewood, and Downtown at the Pizitz)
Phone: (205) 968-4126
Website: ashleymacs.com
Not really feeling like doing much cooking on Christmas Day? I get that 100 percent! Ashley Mac’s is offering a holiday menu complete with brunch, lunch and dinner options for the big day. They have a 10-person minimum, and all you need to do is call and place your order. Pick it up from one of the Ashley Mac cafes or you can have it delivered for an extra fee. Brunch includes a breakfast casserole or a spinach and feta tart. For lunch, choose between their signature salads and sandwiches. The dinner entrees come buffet style with their famous homemade casseroles and delicious sides. I do love their mandarin orange salad with their grilled chicken on top! I could eat that for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Check out the menu here — it all looks so good and EASY! Don’t forget to order their famous strawberry cake!
Gunn Dermatology's Mountain Brook Village Grand Opening
Time: 8:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m
Date: Monday – Friday
Location: Gunn Dermatology in Lane Park; 391 Rele Street, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35223 (other location: Crestline)
Phone: (205) 415-7536
Website: gunndermatology.com
Gunn Dermatology just opened its second location in Mountain Brook’s Lane Park. Stop by to see the gorgeous new space and book your appointment to look refreshed for your holiday party. Ultherapy is one of many services they offer. The older we get, the more gravity starts pulling our face and neck down to create sagging. Yikes! The Ultherapy will contour, tighten and lift the targeted areas on your face. You will notice immediate results that will last, and your body will be triggered to start producing more collagen. Gunn Dermatology offers a multitude of services: medical, pediatric, surgical, cosmetic and aesthetic. Their goal is to make you look and feel great.
Have a Kick-Axe Time This Month
Date: Wednesday - Sunday
Time: Wednesday -Thursday (2:30 p.m.-10 p.m.); Friday (2:30 p.m.-11 p.m.); Saturday (11:45 a.m. -11 p.m.); Sunday (1 p.m. - 8 p.m.)
Location: Civil Axe Throwing Birmingham; 3004 4th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: (205) 262-0002
Website: civilaxethrowing.com
Have you heard of axe throwing? It's a new sport that's taking Birmingham by storm. Not only will you get some amazing arm work, but your core will love it! Civil Axe Throwing is in Pepper Place downtown. Grab your family or friends and book your session today for an amazing night out. You will have a blast for a girls' or guys' night out, birthday party or date night with a little friendly competition. Ready, aim, throw, bullseye!
Mountain Bike with Your Crew on New Year's Eve
Date: 7 days/week
Time: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Oak Mountain State Park; 200 Terrace Drive Pelham, AL 35124
Phone Number: (205) 620-2520
Website: alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park
Get on the trails this winter with your mountain bike! Grab your bike, helmet and H2O, and head to Oak Mountain State Park. They have close to 30 miles of trails you can bike on in the park. If you bring the kids or are a beginner, there are some easy trails for you. If you are a more advanced rider, then there are loads of more challenging bike trails. I personally like the scenic ride around Double Oak Lake. Tip: The hikers share the trails too, so make sure you yield to them.
Want to know more about what's happening in Birmingham? Check out laurasilsbee.com, and make sure to follow me on Instagram!
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
