Cecilia Wood

I am someone who perpetually goes blank when my parents ask what I want for Christmas, so this year, I'm getting ahead of it by putting together a list of the things I always see cool girls rocking but wouldn't have thought to buy for myself.

I love visiting NYC, and one of my favorite parts is trying different coffee shops. After four trips, I have recommendations for where to go and what to order on your next visit to the city!

My credentials and background: I love to read. You probably won't find me reading a fantasy, but if a book's characters feel like people I'd know in real life, I'm there. I'm typically reaching for a rom com, but no matter what, I love a book that makes me feel excited about its characters learning, growing, and (hopefully) falling in love.

I'm a Birmingham local and love exploring different fitness classes in the area. I've tried 20+ and there are a few I keep coming back to!

If you're looking for coffee shop recommendations in Birmingham, you're in luck—I'm a self-proclaimed coffee expert! I share my recommendations on my Instagram and TikTok, and I make it my mission to try new coffee shops when they're opening. I'm only including the places I go to again and again!

I've grown up in Birmingham, and after graduating from college, moved downtown. For the past 20something years, I've loved calling this "big little" city home, and I have alllll the recommendations to show for it!