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    • Churches
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    • Emergency and Weather Preparedness
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      • Hotels
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    • Venues
    • Watersports
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    • Winston County Arts Council
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Lewis Smith Lake Alabama | Smith Lake Alabama

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6/27/2022 0 Comments

4th of July Events on Smith Lake

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PicturePhoto: Fireworks 2020, Albright Family Smith Lake
Every Independence Day on Smith Lake is a great holiday, rain or shine; but after tough years through the pandemic, this year’s holiday is bound to be a good escape for everyone as things have been finally getting back to some sense of normal for travelers.  
 
Get ready to have some fun this year on Smith Lake for the 4th of July.  Most folks are planning a long weekend due to the holiday falling on Monday, so there will be an influx of friends and family to entertain all weekend, and there is plenty to do all around our large lake.  We're all praying for summer storms to hold back for the weekend's events.
​

​Check out our LOCAL INFO listings for everything from restaurants to shopping and much more.  Our Cullman, Walker & Winston County areas welcome you with open arms, and would love to have you spend some time shopping locally for your weekend of entertaining.  Also, visit our Smith Lake #spotsonsmith checklist to make sure you see some of our favorite spots on the lake while out boating.
 
There are several big fireworks shows that have been reported so far, see the list below.  
  • "OFF WATER" = fireworks are not along a shoreline or visible from water
  • "ON WATER" = the event is on the shoreline and can best be viewed by boat at a safe distance.  
Be safe, have a blessed holiday and enjoy!  

(Please let us know of any other events that need to be added)

Fireworks Shows/Events

DAY
DATE
TIME
INFO
SAT
7/2
5pm & 9pm
Name:  Rock the Boat 2022
By:  Fredricks Outdoor
What:  Music & Fireworks
When:  SAT 7/2/22 - event starts near 5pm, fireworks @ 9pm
Where:  ON WATER - Devil's Branch near Duncan Bridge
Info:  See the flyer below and the event page on Facebook
SAT (SUN)
7/2 (7/3)
5pm
Name:  26th Annual 4th of July Smith Lake Boat Parade on Brushy Creek
By:  Residents in the Sipsey and Brushy Creek areas - all are welcome
What:  Boat Parade
When:  SAT 7/2/22 5pm
Where:  ON WATER - Meet approx 2 miles north of where Brushy Creek flows into the Sipsey River (see flyer below)
Info:  See the flyer for info - if rained out, will move to SUN 7/03 9pm
SAT
7/2
9pm
Name:  The Watson Family Fireworks
By:  The Watson Family
What:  Fireworks
When:  SAT 7/2/22 9pm
​Where:  
ON WATER - Rock Creek - enter Rock Creek from Sipsey and it's the 2nd slough to the right on Watson's Point
SUN
7/3
9pm
Name:  4th Annual Triple Creek Fireworks Show
By: Triple Creek Marina
LEAD SPONSOR:  McCabe Hometown Lender
Sponsors:  The Patio at Smith Lake, The Lakeside Life and Cornerstone Construction

What:  Fireworks only
When:  SUN 7/3/22 9pm
​Where:  
ON WATER - The Patio at Smith Lake on Rock Creek near Bailey’s Bridge
Info:  See the flyer below​​​​​​
SUN
7/3
9pm
Name:  6th Annual Stoney Point 4th of July Fireworks
By:  The Sain and Fry Families
What:  Fireworks only
When:  SUN 7/3/22 9pm
​Where:  
ON & OFF WATER - Stoney Point neighborhood (common area across from "Spoon Island") on Sipsey north of Duncan Bridge and "The Cliffs" ​​​
Info:  See the flyer below​​​​​​​
SUN
7/3
9pm
Name:  11th Annual Bobapalooza 2022
​
By:  The Basch Family
SPONSORS:  Traditions Bank, Shoreline Restoration, Basch Bros and MBasch Designs
What:  Music & Fireworks
When:  SUN 7/3/22 9pm
Where:  
ON WATER - Major Millers in Miller Flats off of Ryan Creek
​Info:  See the flyer below and check out the event page on 
Facebook, pre-show music around 7pm and fireworks at 9pm
SUN
7/3
9pm
​Name:  Yellow Creek Friends & Family Fireworks
By:  The Burnett & Bomar Families
What:  Fireworks only
When:  SUN 7/3/22 9pm
​Where:  
ON WATER - Yellow Creek (the point across from the mouth of Yellow Creek)
Info:  See the flyer below
MON
7/4
10am & 9pm
Name:  ​Independence Day Celebration
By:  Addison Volunteer Fire Department
What:  Music & Fireworks
When:  MON 7/4/22 10am, 9pm
​Where:  
OFF WATER - Alexander Park, Addison AL
Info:  See the flyer below and check out the event on AVFD's Facebook page - All day event, 10am parade, Fireworks at 9pm
MON
7/4
8pm
By:  The Rock Smith Lake Campus
What:  Fireworks
When:  MON 7/4/22 8pm
Where:  
OFF WATER - The Rock Smith Lake Campus
​Info:  See the flyer and find them on social media
MON
7/4
9pm
Name:  Smith Lake Park Fireworks & Music
By:  Cullman County Parks & Recreation
What:  Music & Fireworks & Festival
When:  MON 7/4/22 9pm
Where:  
ON WATER - Smith Lake Park near Goat Island
Info:  See the flyer below and check out the event on Facebook - All day event, Fireworks at 9pm
SUN
7/3
9pm

Name:  Kings Point Community Fireworks Show
In memory of Mr. James Edward King
By:  The Summerford & King Families
What:  Fireworks
When:  SUN 7/3/22 9pm
​Where:  ON WATER - Rock Creek @ King's Point (the private landing @ King's Quality Boat Docks) 
​Info:  See the flyer below
N/A
N/A
N/A
**N/A - None for 2022, but perhaps next year!  
Name:  Thunder on the Mount
By:  Mount Vernon Baptist Church
What:  Music & Fireworks
When:  N/A
​Where:  usually OFF WATER​ @ Mount Vernon Baptist Church - Curry AL
Info:  Check out their page on Facebook - usually starting 6pm, Fireworks at 9pm
N/A
N/A
N/A
**N/A - None for 2022, but perhaps next year - for 2022, they will be joining in the 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY celebration @ Smith Lake Park. 
Name:  Fireworks Over Cullman
​By:  City of Cullman & Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism
What:  Fireworks
When:  N/A
Where:  usually OFF WATER - Heritage Park, Cullman AL
Info:  usually begin 9pm
SAT & SUN
7/2 & 7/3
9pm
Name:  Pate's Point Fireworks
By:  Pate's Point LLC
​What:  Fireworks
When:  SAT & SUN, 7/2 & 7/3/22 9pm
Where:  ON WATER - @ Pate's Point - on Sipsey main channel just across from the opening of Bear Branch (Walker Co side)
"@" tag us on social media OR send in photos of the events you attend to our email:  thelakesidelife@gmail.com.  Let us know if you want us to post the photos on social media or if you’d like to be on the blog or magazine.  
 
(Please let us know of any other events that need to be added to the list for the weekend).
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Fredricks Outdoor Fireworks 2022
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Smith Lake Boat Parade (Brushy Creek) 2022
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Triple Creek Fireworks Show 2022
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Bobapalooza 2022
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Addison Fireworks 2022
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Picture
Yellow Creek Fireworks 2022
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Stoney Point Fireworks 2022
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The Rock Smith Lake Campus 2022
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Smith Lake Park Fireworks 2022
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0 Comments

6/12/2021 0 Comments

Lakeside Mai Tai - #smithlakecocktail

Mai Tai recipe submitted by readers Tamara & Michael Sansbury

Today was an off and on rainy day on the lake, so a perfect one to kick back on the covered deck with a cocktail and relax with a good book or just enjoy the scenery and the sounds of the refreshing summer rain! We were so glad to see this fun photo pop up in our Instagram DMs at just the right time, so we requested the recipe. It just so happens we borrowed 2 ingredients from a neighbor with a well-stocked bar, and now it’s evening and here we are making our own, thanks to readers Tamara & Michael Sansbury.

INGREDIENTS
1 oz Jamaican rum
1 oz rhum Agricole
1/2 oz dry curaçao
1/2 oz orgeat syrup (an almond cocktail syrup that you can buy at most fine liquor stores or if you are super fancy, make your own at home - see recipe below)
1 oz fresh lime
fresh mint sprigs to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
​Shake, strain, drink, repeat! 🍹🍹

Drink responsibly and enjoy! CHEERS!

~~~~~~~~~~~

​ORGEAT SYRUP

​from liquor.com

​
INGREDIENTS
2 cups blanched almonds
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1 oz brandy
1/2 t orange flower water (or rose water)
​
​INSTRUCTIONS
• Pulse almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Set aside.
• Combine the sugar and water in a pot over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Boil the syrup for 3 minutes, then add the ground almonds.
• Turn the heat to low and simmer for another 3 minutes, then slowly increase the temp to medium-high. Just before it starts to boil, remove it from
the heat and cover.
• Let covered nut mixture infuse for 3-8 hours. Strain it through about 2 layers of cheesecloth, discarding the ground almonds for another use.
• Stir brandy & orange flower water into syrup
• Use a cocktail funnel to pour orgeat into a jar. Seal and store in the fridge for about 2 weeks.
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0 Comments

5/1/2020 0 Comments

Boat Equipment Check List

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Make sure you and your boat are safe and legit for boating season.
 
When the summer kick-off Memorial Day holiday weekend gets underway, you will notice even more Alabama Marine Patrol presence to equal the influx of additional boaters on Alabama waterways, important when considering that over a million registered boaters enjoy waterways throughout Alabama yearly.  Here on Lewis Smith Lake, we have marine patrol presence year round, but the fleet’s efforts towards routine patrol grow understandably during the peak boating season in summer months.

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Alabama Marine Patrol, Photo File: Birmingham News
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We believe it is always best to get information direct from a proper legal source about how to prepare yourself and your boat for a busy lake season.  ​Therefore, please visit the website for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Alabama Marine Patrol Division:  https://www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol (also listed in our quick links on our website’s home page).  You will find a wealth of additional vital information on the site to help you and your boat operate safely and securely this season.

Below we offer some basic boating equipment preparation advice, along with the recommended boating equipment items you should check annually (as outlined in the ALEA checklist – so first, please check their official “Boat Equipment Checklist for Alabama” here: https://www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol/boat-equipment-checklist-alabama):  ​​
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Photo: thepatchmancollection.com
  • Towing Service - Get an annual membership with a legitimate and experienced towing service.  Contact our local TowBoatUS Captain, Terry Russeau, at 256-385-1966 to get signed up as soon as possible.  This service has been invaluable to us in the past, and you will find that it will give you secure peace of mind throughout the year.​​
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Picture
TowBoatUS–Smith Lake, Photography: Scott Eric Day
  • Operator License - Make sure everyone who might possibly captain the boat has proper boater education and a legal Alabama boat operator license onboard at all times.  We also keep our registration documents and manufacturer booklets in a waterproof sealed bag stored in the boat.
    • Check out these sites for licensing education and information for testing:
      • Alabama Law Enforcement Department - Online Course
      • Alabama Department of Education - Boating Licensing
  • Driver instruction - Just as important, and really it goes without saying, make sure that any new drivers in your crew have proper instruction driving on the lake with an experienced captain offering full assistance and a constant watchful eye.  Obviously, this is best done at a time when boat traffic is low, like on a weekday in a remote area of the lake.  Plan to work with your crew explaining everything about the boat, allow them adequate turns driving the boat and learning every scenario.
  • Registration - The boat’s certificate of number must be easily accessible on board.
PicturePhoto: boat-ed.com
  • ​Boat Decal - Validation decals must be properly displayed, highly visible, and easily identifiable from both sides of the boat for marine patrol.  If you are not sure where or how to apply these, contact ALEA prior to launching your boat to be sure you have mounted these properly (see diagram).
  • Trailer - Check out your boat trailer carefully.  If you will be hauling your boat to several locations/launches, you need to check tires, spare tires, electrical connections, lighting, winches, jacks, trailer guides, carpeting and anything else on your trailer that assists in creating carefree safe travel and launching.  
  • Pulling and launching a boat - If there are new drivers in your crew, take them out during the week to teach them how to drive with a trailer in tow, and how to back in and pull out a trailer.  Teach launching at a time (like during the week or early morning hours) and place where there is low traffic for the safety and comfort of everyone.  Move or end your training session if you begin to see traffic around you back up.  Learning to back in a boat trailer quickly and safely is vital to being a good boat owner because nothing is worse on a busy summer holiday weekend than a traffic jam at a boat launch.  You are expected to know the rhythm and get out of the way if you are hindering it.

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Photo: Sharkys Mobile Detailing

  • Detail your vessel - Clean, detail, and organize your boat.  This is imperative, because in case of emergency, you do not want to be scrambling for safety equipment or tripping over items that are not in their proper place. This also allows you to see if there are issues developing on the boat (i.e. cracked interior upholstery, damaged trim on the boat exterior or interior entry areas, gelcoat fractures around towers or other mounts that could cause weaknesses, leaks or hazards, etc.)  We highly recommend Sharkys Mobile Detailing - Winner of the BEST OF SMITH LAKE 2020 contest.  Call Scott Marbut @ 205-746-4073.  After detailing, put everything in its proper place and take some time to educate your passengers where all safety equipment is located on the boat so anyone can help quickly in an emergency.  
  • Tower Accessories – (i.e. audio equipment, boat racks, light bars, etc.)  Make sure these are proper for your boat, using manufacturer approved hardware, and make sure that all accessories are securely attached and operating correctly.  Realize that some of this equipment when used or installed incorrectly can cause serious electrical and computer issues on digital systems, so using a local professional is vital.  We recommend professional marine design/build/install by MasterPro Audio based in Cullman, AL, who is also mobile and can come to your dock if needed, and available for phone assistance 24/7 – Call Scott Hanna @ 205-470-8250.  
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Photo: MasterPro Audio
PictureRonix Covert CGA Vest, Photo: Lakeside Gear
  • PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) – There must be a proper USCG/CGA approved device for every rider in the boat, and children under 8 must wear their device at all times, while the boat is underway, floating, or anchored.  There must also be at least one type IV throwable device on board as well.  Make sure all your PFDs are in good useable condition (i.e. not damaged, torn, dry-rotted, etc.).  Buy your life vests locally - try Lakeside Gear in Cullman, AL for all your watersports gear - call 205-470-8250 or 256-708-7679.  This Alabama based company can order most anything you need for boating and watersports delivered right to your doorstep - shop local, support local.  Also visit other local sporting goods shops like Russell Marine-Smith Lake, and Pat's Archery & Outdoors.
  • Ropes - Make sure you have mooring and towing ropes in excellent condition and that you’ve learned, along with your crew, the best types of ties and knots to safely dock a boat in quick situations and for longer term parking or storage applications.
  • Lights – make sure your navigation lights are in excellent working condition because they must be used properly according to requirements from “sunset to sunrise” as defined by ALEA while the boat is underway, floating or anchored.  

PictureSAMPLE Marine Fire Extinguisher, Manufacturer: Kidde, Photo: walmart.com
  • Engine check – make sure your engine has been maintained properly prior to launching and is in perfect operational condition.  This means checking all connections to be sure there are no leaks of any kind that could cause hazard.  This is a great time to check hoses, belts, impellars, etc.  Also check the condition of your batteries, connections, and electrical system throughout the boat.  Hopefully you have had professional maintenance or you are in close contact with your boat manufacturer and local dealer for any questions well ahead of the season.
  • Ventilation System/Blowers – These functions need to be in ideal working order at all times. 
  • Muffler – This is self-explanatory and should be basic operating equipment for all newer boats.  This helps keep the vessel engine noise at bay.  If you have questions, please discuss with your boat manufacturer.
  • Fire Extinguishers – these must be appropriate for your size vessel, in perfect operating condition and not past their expiration date.  See the ALEA link above for more detailed information
  • Backfire Trap - USCG approved flame arrestor (aka backfire trap).  ALEA explains this in their link, but if you are unsure about your vessel’s compliance, please contact your local dealer or the manufacturer so you can check that this is satisfactory and standard equipment on your boat, and how to handle the issue if needed.

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Illustration of a marine vessel "emergency shut-off switch", Photo: boat-ed.com
  • ​Emergency shut-off switch - This is standard equipment on most vessels that operate on Smith Lake and often is a bright red or orange switch with a lanyard-type extension that connects from the boat switch point to the driver while a vessel is under operation.  This device should be checked yearly to be sure there are no cracks or disconnections in the switch, weaknesses or breaks in the lanyard device or connection clip.  The connection must be engaged and operational at all times while underway or while the boat is on.  (see illustration)
  • Sound Device – this is described as a horn, whistle or bell.  Boaters should know that visibility can be affected greatly at night, or in inclement weather, fog, etc.  Therefore, you must keep a sound device on board.  We keep both a whistle and an air horn in a waterproof packet in our glove box at all times.  Check each season to make sure they are in perfect working order.
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  • Visual Distress Signals (VDSs).  Please refer to the ALEA link above on this for particulars.  Personally, we carry non-pyrotechnic devices:  Usually several orange smoke signals for day use (3 are recommended) and a highly visible electric light for signaling at night (1 recommended), and we additionally carry a bright flashlight and a white flag – all are for signaling distress at different times of the day.  Most recreation boats that operate on very large inland lakes should have VDSs for peace of mind, and non-pyrotechnic is our favorite.  Consider having a) 3 hand-held red flares (day & night), or b) 3 orange smoke signals (day) and 1 electric light (night).

  • Never leave a boater stranded - Last but not least, always safely stop to assist a boater in distress.  Even if you do not have the equipment or experience to help, you may be able to assist them by helping to make a phone call if their cell phone is dead.  This is kind of a known “rule of the water.”  There is a saying we like as members of an ocean sailing family – “A sailor in need requires a good deed, so throw a rope and give him some hope." (just make sure your rope is proper for towing their weight).  On Smith Lake, we all consider it an honor to help a fellow boater any way we can safely, of course, plus folks around here often don't ask for anything in return except that you “pay it forward.”  It’s always nice to offer a few dollars for gas after a really long haul, or grab your helper a meal if the marina is open, but most boaters will require nothing more than a sincere and thoughtful “Thank you.”  Boating ettiquete at its best.​
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CLICK PICK for link to "Top 12 Towing Tips", Photo: southern boating.com
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We hope the checklist above helps you get ahead and geared up for a great boating season.  A little work on the frontend of the season saves endless needless headaches, stress or worst yet, unnecessary and unwanted citations.  Again, be sure to follow the instructions from the ALEA website first and foremost, and use our suggestions only as additional advice.  Here’s the link again:  Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Alabama Marine Patrol Division:  https://www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol
 
P.S.  Did you know that …”the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will perform a Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) of your boat and equipment free of charge. This inspection covers federal and state requirements. If your boat meets all CME requirements, you will receive a CME decal. If your boat fails to meet all requirements, no report is made to any law enforcement agency.”  - ALEA.  It’s worth a call to ALEA to see if an inspection can be done in your area. 
 
Other Links that you should check:
  • Boating Rules & Regulations from Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: https://www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol/boating-rules-and-regulations
  • Safe Boating – Wear Your Life Jacket:  https://www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol/safe-boating
 
Be sure to check our other lists on our blog and through our magazine - samples below.  (these will soon be linked for ease of navigation...)
  • Boater’s Bag Check List
  • Boat Tote Check List
  • Friendly Boating Advice (from a previous magazine issue)
  • No Alcohol while boating on Smith Lake (from a previous magazine issue)
  • Boating on Smith Lake – recommended DO NOTs (from a previous magazine issue)

Contact, message, or comment if you'd like us to add anything specific to the list or if we need to revise or repair a broken link.  We'll be updating the list annually (last update:  4/15/21).  Thank you!
0 Comments

3/3/2020 0 Comments

The Lakeside Life Logo and Colors

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Picking our logo was lots of fun, we put some serious thought and ideas into the mix and it finally shook out to be what it is now, a simple teal upside down triangle with various complementary colors.
The TRIANGLE... how did it become a symbol for us?  Importantly for the founding family, and foremost, there is an obvious Christian connection to the Trinity.  Also, historically, an upside down triangle was used to symbolize water which seemed to fit well for a logo about a LAKE.  In mathematics and engineering, a triangle is known to be exceptionally strong, and psychologically it can represent wisdom and stability.  A triangle has 3 sides and the number 3 happens to play a huge part in the personal lives of our founders, and the lake in general, and it is a collective favorite number of the team. Smith Lake has 3 main channels - Ryan Creek, Rock Creek and Sipsey Fork, and the lake lies in 3 counties we cherish:  Cullman, Walker and Winston.  ​
PictureGoogle Map drawing by The Lakeside Life Team
If you consider connecting lines from key anchor points at pivotal ends of the lake like Cullman, Double Springs, and past the dam to Sipsey (i.e. "Sipsey Fork"), you will have an upside down triangle.  Even drawing lines from each anchor city from Cullman, Double Springs, to Jasper, and back to Cullman, you'll still have a triangle formation. There are TONS of other fun reasons we chose the shape for our lake, so check back soon for more about our logo, and we'll update it here when ready (i.e. have you ever noticed all the triangles in the design of our favorite #spotsonsmith Duncan Bridge?  Look everywhere, you'll find a triangle is a great symbol for our lake in many ways).  One thing about our logo that we cherish most - it is completely unique and authentic! 

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What about our company COLORS?  Our main company colors are teal green, creamy white, charcoal, black or navy blue.  Obviously Smith Lake is known for its gorgeous clear greenish waters.  Based on an individual's perception, the waters are sometimes said to appear to be hues of emerald, jade, greenish turquoise, teal, aqua and other colors.  In different seasons, under different lighting, in various weather, or at different times of the day, the color of the water changes often in a 24 hour period.  It can appear not only greenish, but blueish, or even greyish in photographs, but it is definitely a shade of green a majority of the time, especially on bright clear summer days.  Our teal is a nice combination of all the colors seen in the lake.  
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Teal mosaic, Pinterest
PicturePantone color strip
"A definition of Teal:  Teal is a blue-green colour. It can be created by mixing blue into a green base, or deepened as needed with black or gray." We often use several different Pantone colors from palettes of teal and aqua in production of our logo and products.  Teal is said to symbolize "morality and renewal" and evoke feelings of "tranquility, optimism, restfulness, reflection and understated elegance."  We thought that was pretty cool!  The colors of navy blue, charcoal and black (sometimes we use brownish, khaki & taupe hues) were chosen as natural toned colors to simply provide a nice contrast and complement to the base colors of creamy white (like fluffy clouds on a summer day) and shades of teal (like the crisp clean cool greenish waters of Smith).  ​

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To combine the TRIANGLE and COLORS, and settle on approving a final design, we borrowed ideas from the past, special to our founder, Syndi.  She lived and worked in New York City in her twenties, and she fell in love with many buildings beyond her West Greenwich Village neighborhood that were adorned architecturally in an Art Deco style featuring bold straight lines and triangular shapes and points.  The Chrysler Building was a strong focal point from her 7th floor apartment, and as you know, the building features triangular shapes at the crown.  Syndi also had a favorite place to visit and shop in Manhattan... Tiffany & Co.!  Her favorite gifts since have always come wrapped in a tiffany blue box with a signature white ribbon.  So... to combine concepts for the logo, she wanted a font that was classic, a green color that was as close to a shade of tiffany blue as possible (but in a greenish tone), plus a tone of white, and she hoped for a subtle nod to the lovely angles often found in Art Deco styling.  So after several renditions and ideas, the green triangle logo we have now was finally born from team input, and Syndi approved. 

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The Chrysler Building, New York City, britannica.com
We hope you like our logo and colors as much as we do.  We have noticed lots of companies around the lake adopting these colors to use in lake merchandise and we LOVE it!  We are HERE FOR IT!  Enjoy using these colors that have now become a symbol of our lake, and often adopted as Smith Lake's official colors.  ​​​
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11/1/2019 0 Comments

AMAZON LAKE LIFE - launched!

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The Lakeside Life magazine is very lucky to be recently selected and recognized by Amazon as not only an #amazonassociate (aka #amazonaffiliate) but also an #amazoninfluencer.  

Along with the new status, our team had to decide whether to roll out our Amazon picks on our store pages or our magazine page, and how best to do it.  We are first and foremost a lake living community magazine, dedicated to our lake community in every way, so our goal is to select products from reputable brands that we are already affiliated with by vendors through our store, OR that are sold by our local retailers who are also a part of the Amazon team and seek to extend their products to a wider audience, OR brands that we know and trust from our own lake experience or that of friends and neighbors we have "laked" with for decades.  

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We boldly decided to roll out our status on all platforms so that we can show a more diverse amount of products and vendors that we support and believe in.  We set up our wide-reaching Amazon store using the Instagram account @amazonlakelife as the basis for that with a logo that fits our brand using "lake life" as the theme––a shortened version of our magazine name––and we matched the logo to our local store @lakesidegear using the same logo with "lake gear" as the theme.  From these pages, @thelakesidelife_smithlake and @lakesidegear, plus our professional marine audio company @masterpoaudio, we can offer recommendations in any way we see fit through those markets.  Again, our overall goal––show you more of what our brands, retailers and affiliates in the lake arena are offering.  It's fun having several ways to find the products we all need and want.  

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Check our BLOG again soon, we'll have some select items to show you in the future.

AND...this isn't all, we still have some exciting changes going on in the background as we grow and change, and we'll keep you posted...stay tuned!  

NOTE:  You can still purchase directly through our store, our e-comm, and our local or national affiliates, PLUS you now have an additional way of convenient shopping, from the comfort of your home, for products that help you enjoy the lakeside life.  Please...never hesitate to reach out to us for recommendations and direction on anything you are interested in.  We're out there shopping all the time, and chances are, in our decades of lake life, and 22+ years on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama, we've seen or heard of the product you want, and we'd love to help direct you to the best pricing and highest quality items available.  Choose @amazonlakelife!
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1/1/2019 0 Comments

Smith Lake Homes - Rustic Tiny Living on Smith Lake - The Williamson Cabin

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The Williamson Cabin, Bob Calvert Mountain, Cullman AL. (The Adrew Williamson Family is pictured at the entrance).
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Article Companion Blog:  See original article "Little Cabin in the Woods" in the 2018-QTR4 issue (Vol.1, Iss.4, Winter, DEC 2018)
of The Lakeside Life magazine
to learn more about this project and about the home and homeowners

Designer:  Emma Doss, featuring products from Seibels Cottage
​Photographer:  Scott Eric Day Photography & Videography (www.scottericday.com)
PictureDesigner Emma Doss, Seibels Cottage.
We really enjoyed covering the Williamson cabin.  It truly is a beautiful little home, in a very magical setting deep on a wooded lot that borders Smith Lake from the highest point in Cullman County, Bob Calvert mountain.  Its history is still being unfolded as the owners, Andrew and Meg Williamson, are taking their time in the next few years to restore the cabin in a way that will preserve history but also provide proper living areas for their family of four.  

The tiny home speaks for itself in rustic appeal, and it served as a fantastic backdrop with all the natural elements and textures to showcase some special staple pieces from Seibels Cottage in Homewood, Alabama. Seibels is truly a one stop shop for all things lake decor. Their carefully curated products and designer services can raise the level of sophistication in your lake home overall one piece at a time. Seibels allowed Designer Emma Doss to pick the pieces, design the shots, and direct the overall photo shoot, and she did an incredible job working with us in such close quarters.  

Below we're highlighting individual items shown in the article beginning on page 39-50. Click the photos to go directly to complete descriptions & options of each product on Seibels' website.  


ENTRYWAY

The outdoor entry was already prepared with mums, plants, and pumpkins from the Thanksgiving holiday, but adding a beautiful natural rug with a fish print, just pulled the lake in better. The rug was nestled between the flowers and plants that anchored the entry.  
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Natural Coir Doormat with Fish Stencil, Seibels Cottage.
LIVING ROOM NOOK

​A cozy nook in the living room is defined by an Old Hickory chair with loads of character, alone it embodies the feel of lake living. Sitting beside a leather couch adorned by a luxurious faux mink throw and lush pillow, the nook is instantly warm, cozy and inviting. The pieces that tie this space together are the framed Lake Map, the Birch Lamp, Bark Candle and of course the must-have cow-hide rug making this arrangement an exclamation point right at the front door area.
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Old Hickory Two Hoop Chair, Seibels Cottage.
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Aspen Bark Table Lamp, Seibels Cottage.
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Large Lake Map framed, 27"x39", Seibels Cottage. Check out all the other maps on this link as well!
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Tree Bark Candle, comes in 5 enveloping fragrances, Seibels Cottage.
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Fabulous Furs Couture Throw Ivory Mink, Seibels Cottage.
​KITCHEN

Be sure to check out the original article for more photos of the small kitchen. Not much had to be added in the kitchen to elevate the lake feel, there was already functional rustic decor like iron pots, metal collanders, rustic bowls and cutting boards.  

But there are always ways to add touches of "lake" to the mix. A couple of tea towels with a rustic feel, and a beautiful fish bar tool atop an elegant old barrel wood cheese & charcuterie board. Just the right touches.
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Uncorked Fish Bottle Opener, Seibels Cottage.
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Barrel Cheese Board with Fish Bottle opener and Custom Tea Towel, Seibels Cottage.
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Custom Tea Towel (Ham), Seibels Cottage.
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Custom Tea Towel (Beef), Seibels Cottage.

LIVING ROOM - FIRESIDE

In tight quarters, it doesn't require much decor near the fireplace to get cozy, items in this area should be small, easily moveable, and very functional. Create an area inviting to those entering from the cold to take immediate reprieve in the warmth.
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Barrel Stave Bottle Opener, Seibels Cottage.
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Metal House Log Holder, Seibels Cottage.
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Mango wood and leather folding stools, Seibels Cottage.
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Fairhope Fishbone, Seibels Cottage.
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Richard Bishop Decanter Gift Set, Seibels Cottage.
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Brazilian Cowhide Rug, Seibels Cottage.

BEDROOMS

​Tiny bedrooms call for serious comfort and lush bedding. The master is in the loft, so there isn't any room for extra furnishings, the king bed takes up the whole area, so lighting and plush pillows help pull together a cozy resting area. Functional, well made and  handsome bedding with good lighting and a couple of whimsical touches for the boys' room was easy to accomplish.

MASTER
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MASTER: Bedding from Seibels Cottage. Call Seibels for information on bed linens.
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MASTER: Bedding from Seibels Cottage. Call Seibels for information on bed linens.
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MASTER: Bedding from Seibels Cottage. Call Seibels for information on bed linens.
THE BOYS' ROOM
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Bedding, Lighting, Plush Animal Sconces, and Framed Fish Prints from Seibels Cottage. Call Seibels for information on bed linens.
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Custom Fish Print, Seibels Cottage.
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Wire Pulley Sconce, Seibels Cottage.
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Bedding, Lighting, Plush Animal Sconces, and Framed Fish Prints from Seibels Cottage. Call Seibels for information on bed linens.
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Custom Fish Prints, Seibels Cottage.
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Wall Toy (Link is for White Tailed Deer), Seibels Cottage.
Links for other items above:  
BEAR:  https://seibelscottage.com/collections/gifts/products/wall-toy-black-bear
MOOSE:
https://seibelscottage.com/collections/gifts/products/wall-toy-moose

In this companion blog to the article, we've highlighted the feature products in each room seen in the article, but if you want to know more about any items that are not linked, just call Seibels Cottage at 205-879-3558 or visit the website www.seibelscottage.com. Don't hesitate to ask for Designer Emma Doss, who can help guide you on choices perfect for your home that will help make a statement of the spots in your home that you are seeking to spruce up. Enjoy shopping with Seibels Cottage!

We will soon post behind-the-scenes unseen photos here as well, in a slideshow. Check back soon!  
0 Comments

11/23/2018 1 Comment

RECIPE - Game Day Gourmet Burgers - Big Daddy's Buffalo Burgers & Smith Lake Smashed Potatoes

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Big Daddy's Buffalo Burgers

So who's it gonna be for the 2018 SEC Championship - UA v UGA?! As for us, well we are definitely a house divided, and we enjoy the banter on game day. We are originally from South GA, born and raised, but we moved to Birmingham back in 1997 and once we discovered Lewis Smith Lake, we never looked back. We are definitely Alabamians now, almost 22 years on Smith Lake and at least one of us is a full blown Tide fan. But, we do have a heart for the Georgia Bulldogs too, so we are torn by birthright indeed.  Our son is a self-professed "Auburn Tiger" along with some other members of the family, so we've had 2 weekends in a row of game day division in the household.  So... are you cheering for the Crimson Tide or are you a Dawg fan? The SEC Championship is a fun game to watch no matter what.  Nothing we southerners love better than to good-spiritedly duke it out over football! And another thing we love to do on game day is EAT! It's always interesting to try a new recipe we can cook up quick, slap on the table, eat and get down to the more serious business of cheering on the team.  This one can be done on the grill, or in an iron skillet on a stove, making this a very versatile recipe regardless of whether you are comfortably at home, or lucky enough to be in the action tailgating. Try it out!  Recipe provided by our reader, Eric W. Bowman.  Thank you Eric!  

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INGREDIENTS:
  • Hamburger meat (we got ours from Brickyard Meats - best fresh meat in our area)
  • Sliced cheese (your choice - we used Baby Swiss, Muenster.  We also chose Blue Cheese for topping & you could add fresh bacon bits if you want to get crazy)
  • Onion (we used 1)
  • Sliced mushrooms (we used fresh sliced, 2.5 cups)
  • Sliced jalapenos (we used 2 fresh ones - slice in half long ways, clean out seeds & membranes, cut halves in half, and then into thin strips)
  • grape-seed oil (about 4 T)
  • balsamic vinegar (to taste)
  • Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning (to taste) (we also added a fav--Bully Sauce Sweet Slobba Rub for good measure!)
  • Tabasco Sauce (to taste)
  • Buffalo Sauce 
  • Ranch Dressing (or Bleu Cheese Dressing)
  • Mustard (mustard is optional—use your favorite kind—we like gourmet deli, grainy with a little horseradish in it.)

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INSTRUCTIONS:
  • Using a cast iron skillet, saute sliced onions, mushrooms, and jalapenos in grape seed oil & balsamic vinegar (season slightly with salt, pepper & a pinch of garlic powder).  When ready, remove from heat and place in a bowl on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  • Pat out large hamburger patties to desired thickness
  • Season hamburgers with Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning, and Tabasco sauce (remember we added a little dose of Bully Sauce Sweet Slobba Rub here, and we also added some Buffalo Sauce at this stage for seasoning too). Fry in same skillet until desired doneness.  {You can definitely grill these, but it was a rainy day when we first tried the recipe, so the iron skillet was the easy go-to.}
  • When burgers are done, place sliced cheese of your choice on top while in the skillet and allow to melt.
  • Once you've taken the burgers out, place them on a paper towel and allow the grease to drain off.
  • Now you will be ready to plate the burgers to serve.  Place burgers on the plate, cover each patty with a portion of the sauteed onions, mushrooms & jalapenos.  
  • Drizzle buffalo sauce, ranch dressing and mustard (mustard is optional).  Add fresh ground black pepper (optional).
  • They can be put on buns or eaten without.  We ate without since we had lots of chips around for game day, and we had a carb loaded side too (see below).

Serve with your favorite roasted veggies.  We like to roast broccoli or fresh brussell sprouts with this kind of gourmet burger.  Another favorite side is our special Smith Lake Smashed Potatoes.  Finally, be sure to have either spicy pickled okra or our favorite Wickle's Pickles Dirty Dill Spears - just the right amount of heat to keep this dish as amped up as the game.  

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Smith Lake Smashed Potatoes

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INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 lbs baby potatoes (mix or choose one style - Red, Yukon Gold, Purple, etc.) 
  • 1 T kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
  • 2 T unsalted melted butter
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 2 T white vinegar
  • 2 T chopped fresh chives or green onion tops
  • Whole tiny grape tomatoes 
  • Fresh ground black pepper

​INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or tin foil.  

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Add potatoes and 1 T kosher salt to a medium saucepan.  Cover with water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 mins.
 
Drain and place potatoes back into saucepan.  Add butter and toss to coat.  Transfer potatoes to prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.  Use a glass or heavy mug with a wide base and smash each potato to about ½” thickness.
 
Bake for 15-20 mins, remove potatoes from oven, and turn each with a spatula.  Drizzle with olive oil and continue baking for 15-20 mins more.
 
Once baked, removed from oven, sprinkle with vinegar, chopped chives or onion tops, salt and pepper.  For garnish & fresh flavor bites between, sprinkle a few fresh tiny grape style tomatoes over the crispy potatoes.  Serve hot immediately!
Beverage recommendations
  • Southern iced tea with lemon, of course, and we have a tasty recipe for that as well - just message us!
  • Or try out a nice cold beer in a tall frosty mug from a favorite local lakeside shop like Cabin Fever Beverages or Cornerstone Beverages.  They always have some great cold beers on hand for you to choose from.   

ENJOY & get back to the game - there's a championship on the line!  GO DAWGS & ROLL TIDE!!!  And Super Bowl is coming up soon too.  A lot of good football left.  GO TEAM!
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The Lakeside Life
767 County Road 437
Cullman, AL  35055

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