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AUGUST 2025
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
The Tale of a Mudhole, Friendly Countryfolk, and Off-Roading Lessons OFF-ROAD MISADVENTURES
My son, Bram, loves going off-road in our Jeep. He is so generous that he thought it would be the best present ever to take me off-roading on Father’s Day. What a thoughtful young man. To set the stage, the picture to the right shows our Jeep stuck in mud in a giant mudhole several miles from the nearest paved road in Talladega National Park. It was about 5 p.m., and we had not seen any sign of human life for hours. Oh, and a thunderstorm is on the way. We found a tow service online that claimed they could get us out for a $400 fee, but they never showed up. We heard engines in the distance and hiked to the sound. About a mile away, we found a caravan of two guys on four-wheelers and a Polaris RZR (Razor) carrying two older women. They all looked rugged, country, and frankly, a little “sketchy.” Just when I thought I could not be any more humbled, one of them said, “You weren’t stupid enough to try to get through that giant mudhole were you?” There really was no manly way for me to answer that question. Despite their appearance, they could not have been nicer. They raced to our Jeep and quickly appraised the situation. The leader astutely pointed out, “You’re in trouble.” They tried to pull us out with the Razor, though. While heroic, it was ridiculously futile. The rope on their winch snapped with the first pull. I told the leader I would gladly give him $200 if he could get us out of the mud. He slapped his leg and said, “We will be right back.” The four-wheelers charged off, leaving Bram and me to discuss the finer points of life with the ladies. About an hour later, they returned with a ragged old pickup truck and a chain. One of the ladies unexpectedly belly flopped in the mud hole, found the hook on our Jeep, and connected the chain. Honestly, I had never seen anything like it. At that moment, the online company called and said they had reconsidered; it would be $800. As the chain jerked me out of the mud, I told the online folks, “No thanks, we are good.” (I wanted to say something else, but there were ladies present.)
None of the country folks would take our money; they said, “Heck, man, this was fun.” I only had $160 in my pocket, which I finally convinced them to take. I also tried to get their contact information so I could send them the rest of the money. I asked them if they had Venmo — all I got was a puzzled look. They may not have had Venmo, but they had big hearts. As a bonus, they gave me all kinds of helpful tips, like getting a winch, checking the water’s depth with a stick, and always going off-road with a friend. Jill was worried out of her mind. It was a stressful few hours. But, what a story for a dad and his son. It turned out to be the best Father’s Day ever.
–Melvin Upchurch
• 1 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
If you dream of salty air, sandy toes, and sun-drenched afternoons, it’s time to channel those vibes into your space with the ultimate style combo: boho beach decor. This look is about effortless creativity, colorful self-expression, and beachside serenity where you kick off your shoes and stay awhile. Start with a blank canvas. First, you must embrace the power of a clean, white backdrop. White walls and light floors are your first step to a vibrant, relaxed home. Think of it as setting the stage for a sandy beach backdrop, ready to be layered with bursts of color, texture, and character. Bright, clean walls allow woven rugs, colorful pillows, and leafy plants to truly pop. Layer the love. Boho beach style is all about layering: the more texture, the better. Start with bold-patterned rugs and breezy textiles. Pile on plants at every level, like hanging greenery, oversized ferns, and tiny succulents perched on window sills. Drape a dreamy, sheer canopy over your bed and mix up your linens with playful patterns that feel like a sunny day at the beach. While you want to pack on personal touches, be sure to keep everything within a set color palette to avoid a cluttered look! BRING COASTAL COOL AND BOHO CHARM INTO EVERY ROOM Boho Beach Bliss
The Art of Hosting Friends Who Pop in Unannounced
Be Ready for Company Around the Clock
There’s something magical about a home where people feel welcome to knock unannounced. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh coffee, the hum of background music, or the feeling that laughter is always waiting inside. Creating a drop-in-friendly home isn’t about spotless counters or perfectly arranged pillows. It’s about heart, warmth, and a little bit of daily prep. Ditch the apologies, embrace the moment. Rule No. 1: Don’t apologize. No “sorry about the mess” or “ignore the toys.” Life happens, and your guests aren’t there to judge your laundry pile; they’re there to see you. A warm greeting speaks volumes. Create spaces that invite conversation. Keep your kitchen table clear enough to invite guests to sit, and position chairs so guests don’t have to wonder where to face. A few cozy nooks or an open seat at the counter signal that you’re always happy to host. Snacks are secret weapons. Drop-in visitors aren’t expecting charcuterie chic. A simple box of crackers, cookies, or salted nuts does the trick. Keep a stash of simple pantry treats and frozen bites you can pop in the oven. Add a chilled drink or a pot of coffee, and you’ve got hospitality in a flash. Get the whole family involved. Kids can learn early that people matter more than to-do lists. When someone pops by, pause the chaos. Let the kids help grab drinks or clear up the coffee table, not because it’s chore time, but because it’s guest time. Practice the art of being ‘dressed enough.’ No one expects red carpet glam, but clean, casual clothes and brushed hair help you feel confident answering the door. When you go about your day looking presentable, you don’t have to panic when you hear a knock on the door. Bonus: Dressing well lifts your spirits, whether guests come or not! Ready for a last-minute overnight? You bet! Spare bedding, a guest toothbrush, and breakfast basics (think eggs, yogurt, or toast) mean you’re always prepared for the unexpected and appreciated for it. Not every guest will request to spend the night, but you want to feel ready to offer a bed whenever needed.
Nature is your best accessory. Coastal and boho styles draw inspiration from the great outdoors, so it’s no surprise that natural materials are a must. Choose light woods and jute rugs, and don’t be afraid to mix in raw textures like rattan, leather, and linen. The goal is to create an open, breezy, inviting space like your favorite seaside hideaway. Dare to be bold. Boho beach decor was made for the adventurous at heart. Bright colors, eclectic prints, and playful accessories are welcome here. Hang that vibrant tapestry, throw down those Moroccan floor cushions, and splash in green, turquoise, and gold pops. This style is about creating joy, so let your home reflect your happiest, most colorful self!
Remember, the best homes aren’t pristine. They’re lived in. And the best hosts? They open the door and say, “Glad you’re here.”
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MAKE EVERY INCH COUNT IN YOUR BATHROOM Tiny Bathroom? Mighty Storage!
Shelf Your Worries Floating shelves aren’t just chic — they’re lifesavers! Mounted above the toilet or beside the mirror, these sleek platforms hold rolled towels, candles, or your go-to products in style. If you need more hidden storage, look for small cabinets or racks with doors to conceal the clutter and cut down on dust. Think Outside (or Under) the Box Do you have a sink with exposed plumbing under it? A pair of triangular shelves can hide unsightly pipes while storing supplies in an aesthetically pleasing way. You could also try a compact rolling cart with tiers — it’s mobile, versatile, and perfect for storing everything from bath bombs to spare TP. With just a few simple upgrades, your small bathroom can be beautiful and functional. Don’t let limited square footage hold you back! Get creative and organized, and love your little space even more.
Even your closet-size bathroom can feel open and organized with the right tricks up your sleeve. If you’re battling limited space, you don’t need a full renovation; a little creativity and a few clever additions can make a difference. Hooks Work Wonders Simple stick-on hooks are your bathroom’s new best friend. They come in stylish finishes like brushed silver, shiny gold, or classic bronze to match your aesthetic, and installation is a breeze. Use them for towels, robes, or even loofahs and swimsuits. Over-the-door hooks use the space most often ignored — right behind the door. Compartmentalize With Containers Nothing beats a tidy drawer or medicine cabinet, and the secret lies in compartmental organizers. These small containers store everything from Q-tips to toothpaste, so your essentials stay where you need them. Take it further with stackable bins or below-the-sink drawers that maximize the awkward space around plumbing. The more compartments you have, the more clutter you can keep organized and out of sight!
TAKE A BREAK
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
Inspired by FromValeriesKitchen.com
Ingredients
Directions
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces • 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt • Fresh ground pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp barbecue sauce, divided • 1/2 cup marinara sauce • 1 loaf French bread • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
Line baking sheet with foil. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp barbecue sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, remove skillet from heat, and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, combine remaining barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. 5. Cut French bread in half and place on prepared baking sheet. Coat with the sauce mixture, top with chicken and red onions, then add shredded cheeses. 6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 7. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving!
• 3 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
205-223-6192 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com 300 UNION HILL DR., STE. 200 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1
Why This Past Father’s Day Is One I’ll Remember Forever
2
Ride the Wave of Style With Boho Beach Decor
Keep a Warm and Welcoming Space for Surprise Visitors DIY Storage Hacks to Make Your Small Bathroom Shine
3
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
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Refresh Your Room With Eye‑Catching Accent Walls
4 ACCENT WALL IDEAS TO TRANSFORM ANY ROOM Make a Statement!
Want to refresh your space without a complete remodel? These creative accent wall ideas pack major personality with minimal effort.
Batten Down in Style For a clean and custom look, try a batten wall. These thin wood strips create a crisp grid effect, adding texture and depth. It’s classic yet contemporary and DIY-friendly. Brick It On Dreaming of a downtown loft vibe? Faux brick is your shortcut to that raw, industrial charm, without the hassle of actual bricks. It’s rustic, rugged, and ridiculously easy to install.
Go Bold in Black One wall. One paint can. Endless impact. A black accent wall brings instant drama and elegance to your space. Bonus: It makes artwork and furniture pop like never before. Get Growing Turn your wall into a lush vertical garden. Living plant walls bring a breath of fresh air (literally) and double as stunning natural decor. Green is definitely the new glam.
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