The Lakeside Life Blog
Smith Lake Alabama | Lewis Smith Lake Alabama
The Lee Brothers, Matt and Jordan, are Cullman natives who have made their fishing career dreams come to reality. At an early age the Lee brothers had a passion for fishing. They would fish at their grandparents' house, off of docks, the boat, wherever they could cast a line. Competing from an early age, as most brothers do. And that has not changed - this weekend they have competed against each other in the Bassmaster Classic. Let's cheer them on this last day, in hopes they return home with high placement! Check out the Facebook page for Bassmaster: https://www.bassmaster.com The Lee’s last competition day is today, placements announcing in hours - they are in Greenville, South Carolina on Lake Hartwell fishing in this Bassmaster Classic. They have been in SC for over a week getting ready for the competition. They are only the 4th set of brothers to fish the Classic out of the 48 years it has been established. Jordan won last year receiving huge heartfelt congrats, especially from big brother Matt, after the announcement. They have a fantastic support system headed up by Matt’s fiancé, Abby Myrex, and all their friends & family, and fans far & wide. The Lakeside Life Team wants to do what we can to grow the Lee Brothers' fan bases, and send them lots of luck in hopes they bring home 1st and 2nd place! After all, their fishing career started right here on our very own Lewis Smith Lake. Check out their social media accounts - let's support our hometown guys! Matt's IG: @mattleefishing , FB: @mattleefishing and website: www.mattleefishing.com Jordan's IG: @jleefishing , FB: @Jleefishing , and website: www.jordanleefishing.com
Be sure to look for an upcoming article about Matt Lee, and his journey to the Classic, in our Spring edition of The Lakeside Life Magazine. We might even share some fun details on his proposal and upcoming wedding to Abby Myrex as well! Stay tuned! See ya lakeside! Photo Credits: All photos from FB pages of Matt Lee, Jordan Lee, Abby & Cindy Myrex UPDATE 3/18/18 - 6:30 PM - Bassmaster Classic 2018 @ Lake Hartwell SC - WINNER JORDAN LEE - 2nd year in a row!!! 4th PLACE - MATT LEE!!! Final 5 in the photo below. CONGRATS TO THE LEE BROTHERS!!!!
0 Comments
3/12/2018 1 Comment Lakeside Breakfast BurritoOften at the lake, a breakfast needs to serve as a great source of energy while being super quick but also healthy. For a fast paced lake lifestyle, our plan is usually that during the week we try to keep it quick, but make wholesome substitutes in normal recipes to cut calories, fat, and sugars, and other BAD things from our diets so there is less guilt to splurge a little on the weekends for BBQs with friends and neighbors and not fret the expected s'mores around the fire pit. So, below, find a couple of GO TO options for a quick healthy breakfast option. COFFEE Start with coffee! Trader Joes and Aldi have excellent selections of coffee, either ground or whole bean which can be fresh ground in the store or at home. Skip the cream and sugar, and try lightening up your beverage with some almond or coconut milk instead, or even better, learn to love a great coffee black - naked with no additives, which can help you learn to appreciate the actual test of a really good coffee. BREAKFAST BURRITO Organic or whole foods are always the best, but try to make choices that align with a pre-planned budget. The following is a great easy recipe for those mornings when everyone just wants to get out the door and onto the lake. INGREDIENTS: 2 eggs (either whole or whites) ¼ cup of milk 1 oz shredded cheese mix (try Sargento's mixes) ¼ cup of spinach leaves (Publix in Cullman AL has a great selection) 1 Tortilla (we used Mission) DIRECTIONS
Add your choice of bacon, deli meat, or breakfast sausage for a little more protein. A couple of slices of avocado, to top it off, makes this burrito fast, wholesome and packs enough energy to get you through a hectic morning. ENJOY ...and see ya Lakeside! Subscribe to our magazine at http://www.thelakesidelife.com/subscription.html. Updated 04/2020 Many enjoy the lake through watersports - their families are all about wakeboarding, wakesurfing and numerous other such sports. But there are those who are not as interested in watersports and prefer to pass their lake days in other more relaxing ways, i.e. entertaining, reclining in a hammock on the dock, sitting in an adirondack chair on the porch with a great book, grilling outside, playing fun family games like corn hole, hanging out on the dock all day, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a myriad of other ways. This is relatable to our team who are all of different view points on how to enjoy lake life. Some are longtime lake area visitors from nearby cities and some actually have the privilege of living lakeside. After observing constant flair ups on social media where lake folks seemed to air grievances on Facebook lake groups and get into long commentary and debate pitting pontoons vs fishermen vs wake boats, and part-timers vs weekenders vs locals, or grilling out vs heading off to a lake spot for a bite to eat, etc., The Lakeside Life team decided a mission for us to concentrate on would be UNITY. Unity in everything. Unity in bringing folks together to celebrate EVERY kind of lake experience. At least we could show how everyone does it differently. But, a mission is one thing. So, how to take things a step further? How could everyone learn to respect and love their fellow lakers even when they didn't "lake" the same way? Could we all open our minds and hearts to understand why others love the lake the way they do? The dream became about mixing cultures, lifestyles, interests, sports, and creating an understanding and respect for all the ways others enjoy a lake life best suited for themselves. Over time, the concept became the birth of the #howilake section of our magazine and social media. And, we are keeping in mind our small business owners and how for many of them, the lake is what allows them to make a living. We also like to imagine the people who were here when the lake first filled up behind the Lewis Smith Lake Dam by early September 1961, and how it has changed their lives and landscape over the years. With all this in mind, we rolled out the How I Lake section of the magazine back in our very first sample edition released October 2017. Since, it has become a standard of our magazine as well as a social media hashtag.
Would you like your #howilake story featured in the magazine? Click the link here and fill out the form! Let's show others how to lake in every way - it's ALL the right way! In the meantime, see you lakeside! Updated: 04/2020 1/23/2018 0 Comments Lakeside Breakfast-Avocado ToastIf you are a "breakfast hater" - and have been looking for something nutritious that can help fuel a great day, and get the metabolism moving., then experiment with avocado toast. There are tons of variations of this concoction across Pinterest but after many trials, an ultimate breakfast emerged, the Everything Avocado Toast. It's the perfect morning breakfast full of whole grains, healthy fats and protein. Start out with two slices of a favorite bread. (we prefer sprouted breads, try Aldi). Toast each slice in the toaster (or in the oven if you don't own a toaster). While the bread is toasting, cut up an avocado and start frying the eggs. Put a little olive oil or coconut oil in a frying pan and cook the eggs to taste. Try them sunny side up. The runny yolk adds even more flavor. Once the bread is toasted, add the avocado slices and top each piece of toast with an egg. Everything Avocado Toast Ingredients: 2 slices of bread (any type or brand) 1 small avocado 2 eggs seasoning mixture (see below) Cilantro Seasoning Mixture 1t dried minced garlic 1t dried minced onion 1t chia seeds Sea salt Black pepper Directions: 1. Toast two slices of bread 2. Slice the avocado 3. Fry two eggs 4. Top toasted bread with avocado and fried egg 5. Sprinkle with season mixture 6. Garnish with cilantro 7. EAT! Have you jumped on the avocado toast band wagon yet? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think about this recipe or if you have a variation we should all try? Recipe and photos provided by Haley May Updated 03/2020 Here at The Lakeside Life we consider our in-house team a pretty tight knit group. But during football season - it's a little less agreeable. In the South, our lives revolve around sweet tea, days on the lake, Jesus, and of course SEC football. The National Championship game each year is always a big game, a VERY big game when an SEC team is playing, some years bigger than others - like when (2) two SEC teams are playing, bringing a whole new meaning to the day. Alabama vs Georgia is always an iconic game, but who among them will emerge national champs? Each team tugs at the heart strings of each of our founders in a different way. So, our team is definitely divided on game days. For the founders, the Hanna family, they struggle with choosing a team to begin with. The Hannas are both originally from south Georgia, so their Dawg Pride runs deep. The long time Bulldog fans moved to Alabama in 1997 and knew they HAD to pick an Alabama team to root for too, or rather the population of Alabamians they knew pretty much demanded it and kinda-sorta threatened they HAD to go to one side or the other, and FAST! So, the Hannas chose Alabama Crimson Tide of UA early on since they had admired it throughout their youth. "Roll Tide Roll!" became a staple in conversation with other native Alabamians, and a way to bond with others. But, they secretly held their love for UGA close in their heart - the team colors were close enough that others didn't have to always know why they liked to wear red and black, right?! "Go Dawgs!" was just too hard to let go after all. However, the Hanna's son Tylar converted to being an Auburn fan because his elementary school principal, that he admired dearly, Mr. Wiggins, was an Auburn fan. Hearing him shout "War Eagle" would be a thrill for his Aunt Stephanie (and now Cousin Sydney) who both graduated from AU! But back to game day... with an iconic match up, the Hanna's remain torn. In the end, they will likely stay true to their primal roots and yell GO DAWGS! when in a pinch, but there is REAL love for Alabama too. Either way, win-win! But in all seriousness, the whole Lakeside team is very excited to root on any of the three teams during football season, and especially if any of them make it to the SEC National Championship. What collegiate team is in your truest roots, and what team have you converted to love later in life through a move, a child attending a university or any other reason? Tell us your college football story. 12/28/2017 0 Comments Happy New Year - CHEERS!Wayne's Package Store had long been known as the last stop heading to Smith Lake from Birmingham, until laws changed for Cullman, making it legal for Cullman County to sell alcohol. As a result the area boomed with package stores and breweries. Same on the Jasper side too, for quite a while. When New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday, a problem for most Smith Lake area shoppers is "the Blue Law". Participating area cities abide by that law which prohibits the sales of alcoholic beverages on Sundays, despite any holiday. So if you find yourself in a bind on New Years Eve, and need some refreshments for your gathering, just take a short trip to a non-Blue Law establishment such as Wayne's Package Store - a short trip from the lake area down I65. You will find a nice assortment of beer, wine and liquor not to mention a few RARE finds sure to please any guest at your party. Wayne’s is usually open until 12am New Years Eve. Grab one of these select favorites. First on the list can only be found in the State of Alabama at the Last Stop… Salted Caramel Crown Royal. “Crown Royal Salted Caramel Flavored Whiskey is a blend of the finest Canadian whiskies, "carefully selected by master blenders and infused with the subtly salty-sweet taste of indulgent salted caramel – imparting lush, creamy notes that perfectly compliment the richness of Crown Royal Whisky.” This whiskey has a rich vanilla, oak smell with a smooth caramel taste topped with a salty finish. It's perfect by itself or in a mixer. We recommend mixing with some ginger ale for a simple mixer or you can add 1.5 ounce of apple flavored crown royal, a splash of lemon juice and an apple slice for a delicious caramel apple drink. Next, Jim Beam's creation, Little Book. "This whiskey was created by the eighth generation Kentucky distiller, Freddie Noe. Freddie was given the nickname ‘Little Book’ as a child because he was just like his grandfather whose name was Booker Noe. Each generation of distillers come up with a new recipe in hopes of one-upping the previous generation and Little Book has done just that. This is the first Single Barrel whiskey the company has created, previous generations turned their nose up to single barrels but after many requests, Freddie decided to go for it." We are sure glad he did. Little Book is unique to what Beam has been producing for past generations. A combination of 4-year-old bourbon, 6-year-old malt and rye whiskey, and a 13-year-old corn whiskey making is burst with sweet vanilla and caramel flavor yet it obtains a healthy spice topped of with a toasted cereal finish. Liquid Gold if you are a Bourbon Connoisseur. It's slightly over 128 proof making it a sipper! Drink it clean or you can add a couple cubes of ice to it. As they melt it will create a different taste to enjoy! Specific to Alabama, where it is made in its own Distillery in Troy, Alabama, is Clyde May’s. This Whiskey is sure to be a New Year’s Eve Party favorite after you have one sip and reveal it has Sweet Home Alabama roots. "Clyde was an Alabama original moonshiner who did 8 months of federal penitentiary time for his efforts. He might not have been successful at avoiding the law but his recipe sure is a success. His recipe, which consists of oven dried apples dropped into the barrel of whiskey to age, and whala, good ole’ Alabama Whiskey! As the aging process takes place it produces a sweet bourbon with a hint of rye and a subtle hint of apple to finish without the burn." This 85 proof bottle of pure Alabama delight is one you do not want to miss out on! You cannot forget to add a little Smith Lake flare to your bottle of cheer this New Years! Ask The Lakeside Life about their metal ornaments or "bottle décor," $15 each, red, blue or green -- and we can deliver these your door if given enough notice. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!!! As always, enjoy and drink responsibly! CHEERS! 12/22/2017 0 Comments Christmas Gifts for the lake LoverWith just 3 shopping days left until Christmas, you may find yourself stumped for the perfect gift for the lake lover in your life. This holiday season, our team has enjoyed supporting our local small businesses and hope you will do the same, after all, every time you make a purchase from a small business, someone actually does a little happy dance! The Lakeside Life has compiled a list of great ideas for those last minute grabs: 1. A subscription to The Lakeside Life! The Lakeside Life offers coffee- table-worthy photography and content sure to inspire the lake lover in your life. Get your subscription here. IDEA: wrap up the actual magazine and have it under the tree! If you don't have a magazine, come by our local shop and grab one, or call/text/e-mail and we'll get one to you. 2. A gift certificate to Brickyard Meats in Cullman. Any lake lover is sure to enjoy selecting the perfect piece of meat to throw on the grill lakeside! AND, they have prepared gift baskets as well! HINT: perfect stocking stuffer! 3. A basket of beverages from a local package store like Cornerstone Beverage or a local wine shop, depending on your location! One of the most popular Dirty Santa gifts seen in recent times was a Bloody Mary Basket complete with all the fixings! 4. A pillow with "Smith Lake" on it from White Willow in Cullman! White Willow offers a gorgeous assortment of home decor items sure to spruce up any space AND they will wrap it for you! HINT: home decor items are good for everyone on your list - especially those hardest to shop for. 5. A gift certificate to Russell Marine-Smith Lake. The folks at Russell not only have boats, but they also have a selection of gear to equip your boat for the upcoming spring season! Check'em out on Highway 69 in Hanceville. 6. Give the gift of humor from Dixie Duds in Cullman! They have a wide variety of unique items, and one of our favorites is their sign collection. They also sell many of the fixtures displaying the vast selection of products all over the store. AND...pssst...they also have some of our cuddly "Smith Lake" woollys too! 7. Stop in any local lakeside pharmacy for the perfect stocking stuffers and gift selection. Find everything from Smith Lake t-shirts and hats, to earrings and Christmas candy. Grab it all while you're getting your prescriptions filled. 8. Seibel's Cottage located in Birmingham's downtown Homewood is a popular destination for lake lovers, complete with decorating services, home goods and furniture! Their rustic-contemporary focus is apparent throughout the store with many lake-themed items, some customized for Smith Lake - all kinds of home decor and the ever-popular lake wall maps! 9. Give the gift of watersports to the enthusiast in your world with a new board, or Smith Lake Woolly, from Lakeside Sports & Recreation in Cullman. Their shop currently carries the following lines: Ronix, Radar, Slingshot, Phase 5, The Walker Project, Sky Ski + adding more very soon..., Wakesurfers, Wakeboards, Wakeskates, Wakeboard Bindings, Sit-down Hydrofoils, Stand-up Hydrofoils, Towables, Tubes, Kites, Kiteboards, Kiteboard gear, SUPs, and other wake gear & accessories. Stop by or call 205-470-8250 and someone will meet you there quick, even off hours! 10. Van's Sporting Goods located in Cullman is your one-stop shop for the hunter, fisherman or outdoorsmen in your life! They carry everything from firearms, ammunition and optics to hunting calls, cameras, tree-stands, and fishing tackles - which would fit perfectly in a stocking! A classic every holiday season is a Red Ryder, just remember - "Don't shoot your eye out kid".
|
ABOUTLake Living at it's best! CategoriesAll 4th Of July About Us Advertising Advice Alabama Gulf Coast Alabama Power Company Apparel Boating Boating Safety Clothing Cocktail Cookbook Digital-edition Digital-edition Docktail Fall On Smith Festival Fishing Food & Drink Giveaway Hats Homes On Smith #HowILake Lake Advice Lake Clothing Lake Decor Lake Gear Lake Goods Lewis Smith Dam Lewis Smith Lake Life On Smith Logo Magazine Info Marketing Modern Living Music Music Festival Recipe Recipes Recreation Roadtrips Safety Sides Smith Lake Smith Lake AL Smith Lake Alabama Smith Lake Business Smith Lake Businesses Smith Lake Events Smith Lake History Smith Lake Holidays Smith Lake Homes Smith Lake Life Smith Lake People Smith Lake Sports Smith Lake Things To Do Social Media Sports And Recreation Spring Subscribe Subscriptions Summer The Lakeside Life The-lakeside-life The Lakeside Life Brand The-lakeside-life-team The-lakeside-life-team Things To Do Travel Travel Alabama Archives
April 2024
|
The Lakeside Life
767 County Road 437 Cullman, AL 35055 thelakesidelife@gmail.com www.thelakesidelife.com (256) 708-7679 Main (205) 470-8250 Marketing Pinterest: @thelakesidelife Instagram: @thelakesidelife_smithlake Facebook: @thelakesidelife Facebook Group: Smith Lake Community Also check out our stores: The Lakeside Life Store Lakeside Gear MasterPro Audio Amazon Store |
FOLLOW & use some of our favorite hashtags - we look forward to "socializing" with you and learning all about how you celebrate your lake life! Contact us if you'd like to share content with us to publish - stories, photographs, or basic information.
|