Donald and Melania Trump wish Americans ‘Merry Christmas’ as they mark holiday
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are wishing Americans a Merry Christmas as they celebrate the holiday with their family in Florida. “The president and I want to wish each and every American a very merry Christmas,” the first lady said in a video message recorded at the White House and released Wednesday. “We say a special prayer for those military service members stationed far from home and we renew our hope for peace among nations and joy to the world,” Trump said in the message. The first family is spending the holiday at the president’s private club in Palm Beach, attending a music-filled Christmas Eve service at a Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated church before celebrating with dinner in the ballroom of his private club. They were expected to remain out of sight on Wednesday. The pastor of Family Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jimmy Scroggins, and his family greeted the Trumps as they arrived moments into a “Candlelight Christmas Celebration.” The Trumps received applause and cheers while taking reserved seats in the church’s third pew. Brief sermons and readings by clergy were interlaced between traditional Christmas songs, as theatrical smoke billowed and fake snow descended from the rafters. Attending Family Church was a change of pace for the Trumps, who had attended holiday services in the past at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, the Episcopal Church in Palm Beach at which they were married in 2005. The Trumps then returned to his private club, where they were greeted by applause as they entered for Christmas Eve dinner. Trump, less than a week after being impeached by the House, did not respond when asked by a reporter if he prayed for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at church, but he said, “We’re going to have a great year.” Trump was seen briefly speaking attorney Alan Dershowitz, a prominent Trump defender on cable news who was dining in the ballroom. The Harvard Law School professor emeritus has been the subject of discussions about joining the president’s impeachment legal team. Trump earlier called military service members stationed across the world to share greetings ahead of the Christmas holiday. Speaking Tuesday by video conference from his private club in Florida, where is he is on a more than two-week vacation, Trump said, “I want to wish you an amazing Christmas.” The group included Marines in Afghanistan, an Army unit in Kuwait, a Navy ship in the Gulf of Aden, an Air Force base in Missouri and a Coast Guard station in Alaska. Trump praised the armed forces for their efforts this year to eliminate the last of the Islamic State group’s territorial caliphate and for killing IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He also touted economic successes at home and a pay raise for troops kicking in in the new year. “You make it possible for us to do what we have to do,” Trump said, thanking them for their service. Trump briefly fielded questions from troops, including an invitation to attend the homecoming of the USS Forrest Sherman when the destroyer returns next year to its home port of Norfolk, Virginia. Trump was asked what he’d bought Mrs. Trump for Christmas. A “beautiful card,” he said, and admitted that he was “still working on a Christmas present.” “You made me think. I’m going to have to start working on that real fast,” he said. On Tuesday evening, the first lady answered calls from children across the country as part of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation NORAD Tracks Santa program. Press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Mrs. Trump spoke with several children and heard items on their Christmas lists. Grisham said Mrs. Trump ”reminded the kids to put milk and cookies out for Santa, and wished each child and their families a very merry Christmas.” The president has been largely out of the spotlight since delivering a speech to conservative students in nearby West Palm Beach on Saturday, spending his days golfing on his private course and greeting the well-heeled members of his clubs. By Zeke Miller Associated Press Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.
Martha Roby: Sharing the joy of Christmas
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, and it is easy to get caught up in all the responsibilities that come along with it. These obligations can be quick to distract us from the true meaning behind the Christmas season. With everything happening across our country and around the world, it is inevitable that our attention is focused elsewhere. As we gather with family and friends this year to celebrate, I pray that we do not forget the reason behind this special holiday: the birth of Jesus Christ and His message of hope in a troubled world. This powerful message rings as true today as it did centuries ago for the shepherds and watchmen who gathered to bear witness to Jesus’ birth. Although it is easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos of our promises and commitments, the nativity story and this important holiday serve as reminders that there is always a source of hope, no matter the circumstances. Jesus lived his life on earth displaying love, kindness, and joy to all, regardless of their situation or struggles, and we are called to follow His example and do the same. Many of us are fortunate enough to celebrate in the company of our loved ones. Let’s do our best to ensure that everyone in our communities enjoy the Christmas holiday by remembering those who are not as fortunate. My thoughts are with those who are suffering: those who are battling illnesses, fighting financial struggles, or spending Christmas in the absence of loved ones. Many mothers and fathers selflessly serve in our military, and they will not be able to celebrate Christmas at home with their children. We owe much gratitude to these devoted service members for sacrificing time with their family to protect our country. In the spirit of the holiday, I am encouraged by all those who are able to reach out to those in their community who may need a helping hand. Whether you decide to donate toys to children in need, write letters to soldiers overseas, collect food for local food banks, or bake delicious Christmas treats for your neighbors, every heartfelt action makes a difference. Each bit of compassion makes the world brighter. Let’s spread kindness with every opportunity that comes our way. Joy is contagious, and our efforts will have a positive impact across our communities. I am extremely honored to represent the people of the Second Congressional District in Congress. It has been a blessing to have so many unique opportunities over the years to dedicate my efforts to serving the needs of my constituents. I hope that we will all remember to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and spread joy this holiday season. From the Roby family to yours, we wish you a wonderful and Merry Christmas. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
A Christmas tree is on the way to the Capitol
The state Christmas tree is coming to the Alabama Capitol. Gov. Kay Ivey’s office says the tree is arriving at about noon Monday. A lighting ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, and the public is invited. This year’s Christmas tree is a 35-foot-tall (11-meter) Eastern Red Cedar grown in Bullock County. It was donated by Ray Allen’s farm of Fitzpatrick. The tree will be displayed on the front steps of the state Capitol. Decorations will include ornaments commemorating Alabama’s bicentennial. Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.
Alabama set record with 2018 holiday sales
The Alabama Retail Association said final figures from the confirm that 2018 holiday sales in Alabama set a record and topped $12 billion for the first time. According to the Revenue Department, shoppers in the state spent nearly $12.07 billion, up 2.66 percent from 2017. The numbers were just shy of the Alabama Retail Association’s prediction of $12.2 billion. The National Retail Federation’s preliminary numbers show a 4.6 percent growth in holiday sales nationally. The Alabama Retail Association said the state’s early adoption of tax policy related to online sales helped boost sales figures during the holiday season. A U.S. Supreme Court decision and a state tax rule broadened the collection of online taxes starting Oct. 1. For the holiday season, those sales brought an additional $12 million dollars in tax revenue into the state compared to 2017. The sales reflected in Alabama’s simplified sellers use tax jumped 72.27 percent, or $154.5 million, in November and December 2018, from $213.8 million to $368.3 million. Alabama holiday sales for the almost 1,000 simplified sellers represent just 3.05 percent of total holiday sales in the state. The Alabama Revenue Department reports sales tax collections on general merchandise, restaurant and other food service, automobiles, machinery and vending. Republished with permission from Alabama NewsCenter
Bradley Byrne: Christmas traditions old and new
I was recently asked what my favorite Christmas tradition is and found that a surprisingly hard question to answer. It seems that nearly every moment is a tradition with my family, and that makes it hard to pick just one. From making gumbo Christmas Eve morning to wrapping presents to gathering on Christmas Day, there are so many individual moments that add up to make the season special. This year, we have added new traditions to our family’s celebration with our grandchildren, MacGuire and Ann-Roberts. There was no greater scene of pure joy than when we picked out our Christmas tree with them, and then as they helped Rebecca and me decorate the tree. After I thought more on my what favorite Christmas tradition is, I reflected on why we celebrate the Christmas season in the first place. The church’s liturgical calendar begins with the season of Advent. From the lighting of the first candle, the new year has begun, anticipating the birth of our Savior on Christmas. The entirety of the year depends upon the preparation for and celebration of the birth of Christ. Epiphany, Lent, and Easter all rely on that first candle’s light proclaiming the coming of the Lord, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Similar, yet still very different, to our holiday preparations today, there were many small moments that added up to the joy of that first Christmas night. From the angel proclaiming the news to Mary, Mary telling Joseph, and the long trek to Bethlehem, many small parts had to come together in the Town of David. My favorite Christmas tradition is without a doubt going to church as a family on Christmas Eve and worshipping Jesus on his birth. From the light of the first candle, all those in attendance on Christmas Eve light their own candles. No one person’s candle could light the church, but together, we all fill the church with the soft amber glow. In the same way, the good news of the birth of Christ cannot be proclaimed by one person alone. His light must be carried by millions, proclaiming His word and salvation. After the readings, hymns, prayers, homily, and communion my favorite portion of the service occurs. The first few bars of Silent Night are played, and the church joins in together with the choir. Slowly, all the lights in the church are extinguished, and we are left to sing the last verse in darkness. The last line fades into the dark of the night, “sleep in heavenly peace…” and all is still. That moment of calm reflection on the entirety of the past year, the highs and lows, rejoicing and tears, makes one think of how truly blessed we are in our daily lives. Those living in the darkness of fear, illness, poverty, or other challenges this year, I hope you take comfort this Christmas season in the words written in John 1:5, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” For my family, friends, and staff, I am thankful for the past year we have shared together and anticipate the joys of the next. And to the people of Southwest Alabama, I say thank you for your generosity, kindness, and prayers throughout the years. I look forward to hearing from you and serving you next year. As you celebrate your favorite Christmas traditions this year, I hope you take a moment to give thanks for your blessings and remember the birth of our Savior. From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Martha Roby: Sharing the true spirit of the season
For many of us, life can get really busy during the holiday season. There are countless errands to run, meals to prepare, friends and family to visit, and so much more. It is all too easy to become distracted from what really matters during this special time of year. I hope we will all commit to making a dedicated effort this year to demonstrate the true spirit of the season by spreading joy and hope in our communities. In particular, I encourage all of us to spread these holiday blessings to those who will spend this time of year in more difficult circumstances than most of us. At this very moment, there are brave men and women, moms and dads, in our Armed Forces who are stationed overseas. They won’t experience the joy of spending this Christmas at home with their families. During my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity on several occasions to participate in the American Red Cross’ Holidays for Heroes campaign by writing holiday greeting cards to our active duty military personnel stationed around the world. For me personally, this has always been a moving experiencing. Sitting down to write directly to the men and women who spend their holiday away from family so that I might be able to spend the season with my own is incredibly humbling. I encourage you to reach out to the American Red Cross Central Alabama Chapter to find out how you and your family can spread joy to our troops overseas this Christmas. The Central Alabama Chapter is located at 5015 Woods Crossing in Montgomery and can be reached by calling (334) 260-3980. At the same time, there are individuals right here in our own communities who are less fortunate and could greatly benefit from our efforts to offer hope by lending a helping hand. For those among us who are struggling financially, fighting an illness, or dealing with emotional difficulties, the holiday season can especially challenging. There are many organizations, including charities, shelters, volunteer organizations, and food banks, in our state that help connect individuals in need to others with the means to help. There are local opportunities to provide Christmas gifts to children in families who need assistance providing them. There are other opportunities to help organizations provide food for families who are unable to afford a nice holiday meal. If you cannot commit to some of these efforts for financial reasons, you can always serve your community by volunteering. The Alabama Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services is a great place to start if you’d like to find ways to give back and offer hope to those who need it. You can reach them by visiting www.servealabama.gov or by calling (334) 242-1549. As the busyness of the holiday season continues, let us all commit to making a special effort to spread joy to our servicemembers overseas and offer hope to those who are less fortunate by giving back to our communities. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! We have so much to be thankful for, and I am thankful to serve you in Congress. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
All I want for Christmas… from the Alabama Legislature next year
My Christmas wish-list this year is pretty short, I got everything I wanted when, just before Thanksgiving I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy. But just in case the Alabama legislators who are checking out Alabama Today, here is my Christmas wish-list for legislation next year. 1) An ethics bill that actually holds legislators and elected officials accountable for, you know, actually being ethical. 2) An open government transparency bill with teeth. If you’re looking for somewhere to start look to Florida where their Sunshine laws dwarf the pitiful language that we have here in Alabama. There are two parts to this: First, our elected officials should do everything reasonable to make information available. We live in a digital age. It almost takes work to be as evasive as some people in Montgomery are at keeping information from the people. An example of this is on appointments to boards and commissions. It would neither be difficult or unreasonable for those with appointment authority to all feed their appointments into a searchable website noting all of those appointed, when their term started, when it ends. At the very least they could put out releases on their appointments like the governor of Florida does, or just have a website listing them like the governor of Arizona does and the governor of Georgia does. The fact that Governor Ivey’s communications and appointments offices refuse to make this information available without a public records request (when Governor Robert Bentley would do so without hesitation) is both silly and infuriating. If you don’t have anything to hide stop making it seems as though you do. Also, there needs to be specific language that includes repercussions for individuals within agencies and the elected officials who don’t produce records or intentionally hide them. Records should be produced in a timely manner or in their entirety. News organizations around the state have reported challenges to getting requests answered and have found that records have been withheld if/when they do come. That’s unacceptable. 3) Fiscal responsibility. We’re facing a legislative session where it’s expected that members will be raising gas taxes under the umbrella of infrastructure improvement. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Before lawmakers ask taxpayers for more money they need to make sure they’re spending the money they have appropriately. When looking at Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) there’s a lot of uncertainty that that is the case. Take for example the $80 plus million dollars on the Bridge to Nowhere or the potential for state funds to be used for the Northern Beltline, from there there’s questions about the way money is allocated after Governor Robert Bentley openly used transportation dollars as a way to extort members into supporting his tax raising agenda. Let’s shine some light on ALDOT and their practices before rushing off to give them more money. This introspective look needs to be done before taxes are raised not after. 4) Would it really be so hard, and so horrible, for people to be able to ship wine into our state? This is ridiculous. Get it together and free the grapes! 5) Alabama is one of the few states that does not regulate puppy mills. While I am the most staunch supporters of free markets and less government intrusion, there’s no doubt about it – something needs to be done about the absolutely horrid conditions animals in our state are being kept and found in. Don’t believe me, check out just a few examples of the animals that have been found in Alabama puppy mills just this year. We have to do better. 6) Last but certainly not least I want our regulators to get busy making our state more business-friendly by cutting the red tape and getting rid of excessive business licensing costs, crazy overreach and fees, and dated laws.
Jim Zeigler: Critics hit Melania Trump for red theme in White House Christmas decor
Is nothing off-limits from the instant attacks by some national commentators? Now, they are doing full-length hit pieces attacking First Lady Melania Trump for her Christmas décor inside the White House. Their complaint? She used a red theme. Horrors, she had red Christmas trees. I watched the video of FLOTUS showing her Christmas interior. It was breathtaking. Stunning. And yes, different. Critics said the red was not appropriate. They said red means something different in Europe. Well, critics, we are the USA and not Europe. RED and green are the colors of Christmas. RED is for the shed blood of Jesus. Green is for His new life in resurrection and the new life anyone can have who accepts Jesus Christ. Rudolph the RED-nose reindeer. Santa wears a RED suit. Christmas lights are RED, green and white. Christmas Poinsettias bloom RED and white. If you charge too much for Christmas, your account goes into the RED. View the video of Mrs. Trump displaying her Christmas decor here. Do you agree with me that her work is appropriate, different and almost stunning? The critics in this case are reminiscent of Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted miser who despised how others celebrated Christmas. But, unlike Scrooge, the Trump critics are not likely to have a change of heart and become generous and warm-hearted. ••• Jim Zeigler is the State Auditor of Alabama. He was previously an investigative reporter.
Mike Rogers: The season of giving across East Alabama
Every year during the Christmas season, I like to highlight just a few of the things folks across East Alabama are doing for each other. Below is a small sample of ways our fellow Alabamians have cared for each other over the past year. In Talladega County, The Care House in Sylacauga helps provide food and clothing all year round for any individuals who need it in the area. In Clay County, the Modern Culture Club/Inter-Se Club hosted their annual soup luncheon mid-November to raise money for the local DHR so they could purchase Christmas gifts for local children. This year in Calhoun County, Brad Young with Insurance Planning of Anniston staged his disaster relief vehicle at K.L. Brown Funeral Home in Jacksonville. He provided meals and a place for folks to charge their cell phones after the tornado and storms devastated the area in April. Also in Calhoun County, Piedmont High School students held their annual Seniors Helping Seniors program in March. This program provides services of high school seniors in assisting local senior citizens with errands or chores relating to Spring cleaning. In Randolph County, Handley High School band director Matthew Goodman jogged over 400 miles from Roanoke to New Orleans to raise money. The money raised will help cover the costs so all of his band students would have the opportunity to perform in the 2019 Allstate Sugar Bowl Marching Band Program. In Macon County, the Tri City Church/Macon County Food Bank- will supply food boxes, turkeys, clothing and toys for families in need throughout Macon County. In Cleburne County, the community came together and raised money to help the Willingham family pay for their child’s cancer treatments. In Cherokee County, a program called Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) supports at-risk students and helps them graduate from high school. In Smiths Station in Lee County, “Love Touch Assisted Living” Veterans Home served a Thanksgiving meal to local Veterans and will be providing each of them with new gloves, hats and coats for Christmas. It always warms my heart to learn about these acts of kindness. Let’s keep that spirit up throughout the year instead of just during the holidays. ••• Mike Rogers is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. Sign-up for his e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like him on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow him on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com.
Montgomery radio host, musician Ben Hagler dies Christmas night
Montgomery, Ala. radio personality and musician Ben Hagler died on Christmas Day while with his family. He was 47. According to the Montgomery Area Musicians Association on Facebook, he told his family he wasn’t feeling well and went to lay down. When they checked on him an hour or so later and he was unresponsive. Paramedics and ER were unable to revive him. Hagler worked for the Bluewater Broadcasting radio station group. At the time of his passing he was a host for 107.1 The Vault and 104.9 The Gump. “Please keep Ben’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they and our entire community mourns this crushing loss,” the Montgomery Area Musicians Association posted.
Roy Moore releases Christmas poem, still refuses to concede to Doug Jones
Former-Republican U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore released a self-written poem in a message to his supporters late on Christmas Eve. Moore recited the poem via a video released on Facebook about a young girl whose father died and a Christmas miracle that followed. “Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!” the post accompanying the video read. The former Alabama Chief Justice lost to Democrat Doug Jones on Dec. 12, but has yet to concede the race pending certification of the votes by Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill. Merrill has said the votes would be certified Thursday, Dec. 28. Watch Moore’s video-poem below:
Need a last minute gift? Check out the Made in Alabama 2017 Holiday Gift Guide
Alabama is an internationally known hub of manufacturing for cars, planes and ships, but the state also turns out an impressive variety of items that fit perfectly underneath the Christmas tree. For the 2017 edition of the Made In Alabama holiday gift guide, we turned to the people who know the state’s creativity and craftsmanship best. (Here’s the 2016 installment.) We asked Alabama makers and artists to name their favorite local products – aside from their own – that they like to give as Christmas gifts. Anna Brakefield, owner of Red Land Cotton in Moulton, is a big fan of her peers’ work and had a few suggestions. Montgomery-based Alabama Sweet Tea Co. topped her list. Founded in 2015, the company was inspired by the founders’ memories of enjoying homemade sweet tea at family gatherings. Their own recipe is a custom blend of high-quality loose-leaf tea leaves, pure cane sugar and hand-squeezed fruit juice. “The sweetest and most humble people you may ever meet brew the sweetest tea known to the South and specifically Alabama,” Brakefield said. “Their boxed tea is a great gift to include as a stocking stuffer or in a care package to remind a loved one of their sweet Southern roots or to give them a little taste of the South.” Alabama Sweet Tea Co. also sells glasses, tumblers, shirts and hats emblazoned with the company logo. Another favorite of Brakefield’s is Idyllwilde, a design company and workshop studio based in Florence. Its clothing, accessories and items for the home are made from natural-fiber textiles and plant-based dyes. “A lot of amazing talent comes out of Florence, Alabama, and this shop is no exception. Their simple pieces are custom made, so there is a delay in shipping, but it’s worth the wait!” Brakefield said many items are hand dyed in small batches and truly are works of art. “The South has a rich textile history, and so giving a piece of Idyllwilde’s clothing or home accents is like sharing a little piece of that history with a friend,” she said. As for Brakefield’s own business, Red Land Cotton sells bedding, bath towels and other linens made from cotton grown in North Alabama. She and her father, Mark Yeager, own the business, with a farm that has been in the family for three generations. Their heirloom-inspired bed linens are recreations of those passed down from ancestors a century ago. Coffee and cookies Other Alabama makers also shop local at gift-giving time. Robert Armstrong, founder of G Mommas Cookies in Selma, picked a hometown favorite. “My top gift would have to be Revival Coffee – great coffee and great mission as well,” he said. The small-batch roaster, which opened in 2014 in Selma’s historic district, says its purpose is to see lives redeemed, and 10 percent of its profits are dedicated to Christian ministries. Revival offers several varieties of blends, including Integrity, Redemption, Restoration and Salvation. As for G Mommas Cookies, Armstrong said business is growing. He’s working on introducing a new flavor and upgrading equipment. The company has also expanded to three full-time and seven to nine part-time employees. Armstrong was inspired by his grandmother’s cookie recipe when he founded Selma Good Co., maker of G Momma Cookies, in 2009, and they have been sold in stores across the Southeast. Earlier this year, he took home the top prize of $107,000 in the Alabama Launchpad Competition, which funds entrepreneurs statewide. Socks and ornaments In northeastern Alabama, there’s mutual admiration between two well-known makers in Fort Payne. “Zkano socks would be an excellent gift idea,” said Cal Breed, owner of Orbix Hot Glass. The organic cotton socks are made in Fort Payne in an operation run by Gina Locklear, who is carrying on her family’s business and a community legacy. Fort Payne was once known as “The Sock Capital of the World” before offshoring dismantled the domestic industry. But Locklear’s socks have found a niche, with their bright colors, bold patterns, high-end quality and appeal to customers interested in green living. A year ago, Locklear was named a winner in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards, and just recently, she opened a store inside the Fort Payne sock mill. Meanwhile, Locklear said her favorite Alabama-made gift is Orbix ornaments. Breed and his crew fashion the ornaments, as well as bowls, vases, pitchers and other glass sculptures that have garnered international acclaim, in a studio atop Lookout Mountain near Little River Canyon National Preserve. The glass-blowing process is a delicate dance of fire, human breath and constant movement, and the studio hosts tours and sessions for visitors to blow their own ornaments. “I love them because they are collectible, uniquely beautiful and also, I love they are made in Fort Payne by kind folks I know,” Locklear said. More great gifts And if you’re still in need of gift-giving inspiration, here are a few more Alabama-made gifts to help check off your shopping list: Shadow Catchers Art: This longtime Greeneville company produces professionally framed and mounted artwork and wall décor for retail stores and design projects. The team works with designers, decorators and buyers to select images, moldings, mediums and mounting techniques. Its work spans a wide variety of interests, from botanical and nature scenes to coastal and cityscape images. Product types include acrylic, canvas, lithograph, mirrors and more. Earthborn Pottery: Top chefs across the U.S. and beyond have come to depend on owner/designer Tena Z. Payne and her Leeds business for striking pottery to frame their culinary creations. Each plate, bowl or mug is a functional work of art, and they can be found in restaurants and retailers nationwide. Three generations work together in the family-run, woman-owned business. Made By AK crafts jewelry that is minimal, modern and distinctive, making it another favorite of Brakefield’s. “When you attend craft shows there are a lot of jewelry makers. To me, Made By AK stands out. It’s truly unique. It’s bold but intricate and the pieces are made from high-quality materials. Handmade in Birmingham, AK’s jewelry is crafted by hand and inspired by life’s little imperfections, and that’s something I feel we can all
