Professional Services in Hoover

Continental is more than an ordinary blossom abode; it also stocks a full selection of house and tropical plants, all waiting to be adopted by loving humans who won't be embarrassed when photosynthesis happens in front of houseguests. The selection includes bright magenta azaleas, fluffy hydrangea globes, delicate orchids, and many leafy wonders. Surprise a special somebody with simple yellow daisies and wispy willow in a small Gerber vase ($35). Say happy birthday to a sweet-toothed coworker with a candy bouquet ($35), or send a healthy basket of fresh fruit ($45) to the aging superhero down the street. Beyond that, gift baskets can be customized to include just about anything, including chocolates, cheeses, themed gifts, or bottled genies with a few remaining wish-grants.

At four locations across Alabama, Phone Restore’s technologically savvy team keeps all manner of smartphones and tablets running smoothly. Customers can stop in with a variety of devices: iPhones; HTC, LG, and Motorola smartphones; or telegraphs implanted with tiny brains. Regardless of the machine, Phone Restore’s technicians can replace or repair an arsenal of parts, including speakers, power buttons, LCD screens, and touchscreens. The crew also services first-, second-, and third-generation iPads, as well as iPod touches. All repairs are performed onsite and typically take less than two hours. Phone Restore further puts customers at ease by confidently backing its work with a 90-day warranty.

When Steve was 17 years old, his dad gave him his first camera—a Pentax K1000—along with the only formal instruction he ever received: "Leave this dial on 60 and just move this ring until the light meter needle is in the middle." Steve heeded this snippet of advice as he sharpened his skills through trial and error, learning how to turn his "non-working efforts" into photographs worthy of the future's finest history books. His first paying gig came along in the form of a friend's sister's wedding, which earned him a total profit of $6. Since then, Steve has photographed more than 400 weddings, built an extensive portfolio, and amassed an impressive collection of stolen souls.

The professional local musicians representing B'hHam Singing Telegrams deliver melodious messages with an accompanying instrument to special someones. Senders first choose a number from the song list, which includes such ditties as "Happy Birthday," "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees, and "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, then decide on which bush to hide in or lawn statue to imitate when the big day comes. Upon delivery, the formal-attired warbler puts on a one-man show and delivers a card with a custom message to the recipient

Craig and Carol Mitchell opened their specialty paper and stationery shop after finding themselves "bored with a lack of responsibility" in retirement, as they told Shelby Living. Today, their shop's shelves are lined with colorful invitations, stationery, and anything-but-boring paper goods. The store’s house brand is forged from 100% cotton and made without chopping any tree or offending any shrub. Crane & Co. notes and special resume envelopes ensure stylish personal and professional communication, and a host of wedding invitations beckon lucky guests to bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and rehearsal-dinner dress rehearsals.

Experienced photo gurus Doug Box and Randy Kerr impart practical photo skills to curious shutterbugs during engaging seminars that have appeared across the States and in eight countries abroad. Doug Box, author of myriad photography-technique books, is one of 13 Kodak mentors and sits on the board for Professional Photographers of America. His co-teacher, Randy Kerr, heads World Photographic, which uses photography as a vehicle for illuminating humanitarian and environmental topics. Both men have been teaching photography classes for years and help amateurs take photos that capture piercing looks, toothy smiles, and elusive dodo sightings.