The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun Feb. 16th – Feb. 18th

Posted on Friday, February 16, 2018 by Angie

Whew, what a week! Mardi Gras and Valentine’s celebrations made for a fun but busy week, so if you still have some energy and are looking for something to do this weekend, here are our top picks!

Big Machines Day at McWane Science Center

Get your motors running and head over to McWane Science Center for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines.

Saturday, 9am – 5pm

Birmingham Bulls Hockey at Pelham Civic Complex

As You Walk Through the Door, Your Hearts Starts Pumping! The irresistible lure of HOCKEY and the buzz of a packed house causes your ADRENALIN to surge. The music is PUMPING, the lights fade and the smoke swirls – and that’s just the beginning. Monster hits, UNBELIEVABLE GOALS and in-your-face hockey keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action is NON-STOP! With heart pounding music, contests, and the prospect of catching a fantastic FREE SOUVENIR, what are you waiting for? Build your team’s SPIRIT by sharing in ours. It’s an EXPERIENCE to remember.

Saturday, 7pm

The Great Backyard Bird Count at the Birmingham Zoo

This annual event unites birdwatchers from across the globe as they track bird species found in their own backyards, parks and local spaces. Hear bird watching tips from Birmingham Audubon Society experts and take part in bird conservation activities in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds. Participants are invited to take part in the bird walk from 8am-10am and afterwards enjoy crafts and activities from 10am-2pm.

Saturday, 8am – 2pm

Mr Mac Storytime at Emmet O’ Neal Library

Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.

Saturday, 10am

Hogwarts Express at Homewood Public Library

Join us as we delve into a different Harry Potter book each month through crafts, snacks, and activities. In February, we will recreate fun from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. K-7th grade.

Sunday, 3:30pm

Our Sponsor:

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services.

Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line.

Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available!

Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

The Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off

Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2018 by Angie

The Chili Cook-Off is The Exceptional Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from this event are a significant source of funding for our programs at The Exceptional Foundation where we strive to meet the social and recreational needs of individuals of all ages that are mentally challenged.

This is a fun, quirky, outdoor party offering good food, drink and friends at a “come as you are” event. This event has developed a loyal following across a diverse audience base. There seems to be an engaging atmosphere that you can’t quite put your finger on — a unique camaraderie exists amid the tongue in cheek, yet somehow serious, competition between teams who vie for the judges’ and public’s approval in hopes of taking home a trophy for their particular chili recipe. While the sponsors and their teams focus on winning the chili contest, the more than 10,000 attendees from across the Birmingham area wander amid decorated booths enjoying Good People beer, tasting chili and listening to live music at one of the year’s first outdoor events.

Tickets can be purchased on the website or at The Exceptional Foundation location prior to the event for a $10 donation per ticket. The day of the event, tickets can be bought at the entrance for a $15 donation per ticket. Children 12 and under are FREE.

Saturday, March 3rd 10:30am -3pm at Brookwood Village, Macy’s End.

American Village Festival Of Tulips

Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 by Angie

Tulip Watch is on! Over 100,000 Tulips have been planted this year at American Village and as soon as 20% of them are in bloom, the will kick of the 2018 Festival of Tulips, expected to be Saturday, February 24th!

As the only You-Pick Tulip Field in the Region visitors can take home armfuls of beautiful blooms! The field of over 100,000 blooms with replicas of some of America’s most historic places as a backdrop, creates a one of a kind photo op, so make sure to bring your camera.

The Festival of Tulips at American Village will be open Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 12pm – 4pm beginning in early spring and continuing through mid April. (dates may vary slightly based on weather and bloom time)

In addition to the tulips, guests can take part in Colonial Games, encounter Patriots from the past, experience the Continental Army Encampment, and more!

Admission for weekdays is $10 for adults, $9 for Seniors and Youth, and free to Veterans, active Military and children under the age of 4. Admission on the weekends is $5. Call for information on group discounts and catering.

To Tulip Watch and see the current field conditions and blooms, you can follow along on their site!

Women’s Strength Class with D1 Training

Posted on Friday, February 9, 2018 by Angie

Women have a dilemma. They want to get “in shape” which typically means “lean and toned” but don’t know how to get there or even what that actually means. The truth is getting “lean and toned” means gaining muscle mass and losing body fat. Fitness magazines and the Internet are filled with the newest plans and exercises that will magically make this happen. How does one choose an effective program that actually gets the desired results? The answer is barbell training.

Many women believe barbell training will make you huge and bulky. Not only is this not true, it is virtually impossible. Barbell training allows women to increase their lean body mass and reduce body fat. In addition and of utmost importance, barbell training will make you STRONG and being strong is awesome!

The Women’s Strength class at D1 Training is a comprehensive strength training program for women who want to learn how to correctly and safely lift weights. A limited class size allows each trainee, no matter her previous experience in the weight room, to receive individualized coaching and in turn maximize her results.

All participants will begin by learning how to correctly squat, deadlift, overhead press and bench press. These movements will then be utilized to increase overall strength as well as balance, coordination and lean body mass.

The class is coached by Margaret Armstrong. Margaret has a background in exercise science, nursing, and dance which give her extensive knowledge of body systems and body mechanics. Her coaching enables clients to gain results they never would have achieved on their own. Margaret is also a wife and a mom
of two young boys, so she knows what it’s like to juggle her time and responsibilities to make room for training, health and wellness.

The class is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-10 AM at D1 Training in Homewood. All participants are asked to commit to at least one month. The price for three weekly sessions for a whole month is only $199.

Margaret is also available for one-on- one and small group sessions.

Charlotte Donlon has been attending the class since October 2017. She recently had this to say:

“My husband and son have been members of D1 for several years, and I honestly thought I would never walk through the doors for my own training. I started working with Margaret 16 weeks ago and am thrilled to be on this new path. Margaret is a perfect trainer for women like me whose goals are to get stronger and have an enhanced sense of wellbeing. She’s super knowledgeable about body mechanics, and I love her consistent and steady approach. I’m already lifting more weight, improving my form, and sleeping better. I’m also more confident in other areas of life because of my time spent at D1.”

Contact Margaret at Margaret.Armstrong@d1training.com for more information or
call 205-588- 2734 to register.

Additionally, D1 offers opportunities for the entire family, including adult
bootcamp and strength classes as well as classes for children 7 and older.

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun February 9th – February 11th

Posted on Friday, February 9, 2018 by Angie

Looks like a rainy weekend in the ‘Ham! For any outdoor activities make sure to check the event on their website or Facebook to make sure everything is still a go!

Backyard Adventures at McWane Science Center

From the biological interactions between plants and insects, and the zoology of nocturnal animals to the horticultural know-how that goes into growing giant vegetables, the mathematical genius needed to lay pavers and the feats of construction that can go on in the shed, the backyard is full of science.

Inside the Exhibit:
Paver Puzzle: Someone has started this DIY project and hasn’t had time to complete it. Can you help complete the path using odd shaped pavers?

Food Web Pond: Explore the intricacies of animal-insect-plant interactions at the pond. Investigate which creatures rely on other creatures to survive in this frog-eat-insect world.

Garden Golf: Try your hand at the backyard– themed mini golf. Be warned — you’ll need more than good putting skills to get around this course!

Walking Through the Seasons: Plants grow very slowly. Take a walk through our digital garden and observe plants growing in super time. Can you spot the changes that usually take months or years to happen.

Bee’s Eye View: Take a look at the garden through the eyes of a bee or a dog. Using special lenses, see how different creatures see the world around us.
Traveling exhibit running through April

Birmingham Bulls Hockey at the Pelham Civic Complex

Valentines for Children’s Hospital at Heavenly Donut Company

Join us Saturday, February 10th at The Heavenly Donut Company, where we’ll be set up and making cards for the patients at Children’s of Alabama. We’ll have all the supplies you need and maybe even a sweet treat to say thank you for helping us spread the love this Valentine’s Day!

Please take a moment and head over to our Facebook Event Page to let us know if you can make it!
10am – 12pm

Pawdi Gras Pet Parade at Ross Bridge Welcome Center

he Pawdi Gras parade runs from Ross Park (2001 Ross Avenue, Hoover AL) to the Terrace at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa (4000 Grand Avenue, Hoover AL). After the parade, there will be light refreshments and doggie treats provided by Renaissance Ross Bridge. Morning cocktails, MoonPies, and beignets will be available for purchase. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place for best doggie costume.

$5 – $10 donation is suggested for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will be on hand with some loveable pups that are looking for a great home.

10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Meet up at Ross Park
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Parade from Ross Park to the Terrace at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Activities for Kids, Dogs, and Fun for the whole family (Face Painting, Photo Booth, Make Your Own Mardi Gras Mask, etc.)
11:45 a.m. – Noon – Awards Ceremony for Best Doggie Costume and Prizes will be awarded (must be present to win).
Saturday, 10am – 12pm

Special Saturdays at the Birmingham Zoo

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide inclusive opportunities to all members of the community, the Education Department at the Birmingham Zoo and KultureCity are excited to announce our new Special Saturdays program. Special Saturdays is a series of zoo-based learning experiences for children and adolescents with cognitive or physical disabilities whose opportunities for engagement in community programs might otherwise be limited. Caregivers must attend all classes with participants to provide behavioral support and meet child-specific needs. This program is designed with the unique learning needs of this population in mind. Using evidence-based teaching and sensory strategies, we hope to provide a fun and engaging educational experience that will benefit all participants.

Classes are held the second Saturday of each month from 10am-11am for ages 8 and up.

There is no charge for the Special Saturdays program. Space is limited to 10 students per class. Caregivers must attend all classes with participants to provide behavioral support and meet child-specific needs.

Saturday, 10am – 11am

Our Sponsor:

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services.

Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

Family Yoga for Children with Special Needs

Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2018 by Angie

Join Katherine Bromberg of HeartShine Kids Yoga for a fun, engaging yoga class designed specifically for children with special needs and their parents. This class will incorporate yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities to support increased body awareness, fine and gross motor development, self-regulation, and sensory integration. Classes will also include opportunities for peer interaction through yoga games and group activities to help build confidence and support social development. Throughout class, we will move, breathe, play, and laugh as we learn ways to find and cultivate calm within. Children of all abilities are welcome, and ample modification options will be offered to meet the unique needs and strengths of each child. This class is geared towards children ages 4-11 with physical or developmental disabilities, and their parents.

$15 per parent/child combo
$5 per additional family member

Saturday, February 17th 1pm – 1:45pm
Saturday, March 17th 1pm – 1:45pm
Saturday, April 21st 1pm – 1:45pm

Classes will be held at Villager Yoga, for more information or to RSVP visit their Facebook Page

Home Remedies for Seasonal Depression

Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2018 by Grace A

SAD or seasonal affective disorder is a depression that is connected to a certain season of the year. Most people are affected in the winter months when there is less sunlight which can upset the body’s internal clock, effecting sleep, and cause the depressing feelings. Some people claim that having nothing to look forward to, or coming down from the holiday high, causes them to have feelings of depression and sadness.

People report feeling more moody, having a loss of interest in things they usually enjoy, trouble sleeping, changes in weight, feeling hopeless or worthless and increased anxiety

As we are in that time of year that is hardest for most people, I found some lifestyle and home treatments that help to overcome those depressing feelings

Change your environment. Open the blinds and windows to allow in more sunlight and fresh air. Sit closer to bright spaces in the office or purchase a light box for your work space. Phototherapy mimics natural sunlight that affect your brain chemicals linked to your mood.
Join a relaxation class such as yoga. Meditation and exercise help relieve stress and anxiety that increase depression symptoms. Exercise often helps people sleep better and feel more rested in the mornings. Feeling healthier will help you feel better about yourself at the same time.
Spend more time outside. Take more walks or sit outside on your lunch break. Even cloudy days can help revive your mood and give you more energy.

There are more complicated signs of SAD such as:

Social withdrawal

Substance abuse

Eating disorders

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

If you experience any of the more complicated signs it is necessary to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

About Grace:

Grace was born and brought up in Bessemer, Alabama but has a great love for exploring new places. She has been married for 8 years and has 3 kids, expecting number 4 in December. Having been a student off and on for the last 10 years she is excited to say that she is finally graduating from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling this year. She loves to learn and share what she learns with as many people as possible. Strengthening and encouraging positive relationships with couples and families is a life goal and passion. Her biggest hobby is her family and finding new and fun ways to accomplish the above life goal in her home.

Homemade Valentines

Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2018 by Grace A

This is a super fun holiday all about showing love for each other. My kids love making homemade valentines for their friends and so I rounded up our favorites for this year. Simple, cute, and cheap. WIN!

Love Bug Valentine

Supplies:

Gummy worms (or other gummy bug)

Cardstock

Scissors

Snack bags

Stapler and staples

We found a bunch of free printable’s for this valentine online but my kids also wrote out a few of their own just for fun. Either fill out or create your own “to” and “from” card, fill up snack baggie with your bugs and seal, fold card-stock printable over the top and staple it to the baggie. Viola! Super cute and tasty.

Race Car Valentines

Supplies:

Card-stock

Hole punch

String

Toy cars

Markers or colored pencils

My girls loved this one for the boys. We found a value pack of cars at the store and they decorated the cards by hand. We hole punched a hole on either side of the car and tied them on. It was almost too easy and I am sure the boys who received them loved it!

You Blow Me Away Valentines

Supplies:

Toy recorders (bundle pack from the dollar section)

Card-stock

Markers or pencils

And tape

Of course kids love anything that make a super obnoxious sound so this valentine was a big winner. We found bundle packs of these small recorders at Walmart in the dollar section. After tracing a heart template, the kids were able to trace and cut out hearts of their own to write on and tape to the recorders. Cute, cheap, and noisy!

What homemade Valentines have been winners at your house?

About Grace:

MOMS Club Mardi Gras Parade

Posted on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 by Angie

Let the Good Times Roll!! If you aren’t able to make it to New Orleans or Mobile for Mardi Gras this year, no problem! Head on out to Homewood Central Park next Tuesday, February 13th where the MOMS Club of Birmingham, Over the Mountain Chapter will host it’s 7th Annual MOMS Club Mardi Gras Parade!

Participants are encouraged to dress up and decorate strollers or wagons, spectators get ready to catch your share of beads and moon pies! The parade includes refreshments at the end, such as themed cookies or donuts.

Start getting your “floats” and costumes ready! Line up starts at 3:45pm, parade at 4pm.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

MOMS Club of Birmingham, Over the Mountain is a chapter of the International MOMS Club. Moms offering Moms Support – a support club for the stay at home mom. You must be a member to have access to group activities and calendar, but they WELCOME new members at all times.

Interested in learning more or attending one of their meetings/playdates? Just shoot them an email so they can invite you and meet you (and verify that you’re a real person, living in the Birmingham area).

Webpage at http://www.freewebs.com/momsclubotm/ email: otmmomsclub2015@gmail.com

It’s Mardi Gras Baby!

Posted on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 by Angie

If you know anything about us, you know that we look for excuses to theme out a playdate! And Mardi Gras is a good one! Moonpies, optional. Beads, a must!

First of all this doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. The dollar store is a great resource for Mardi Gras gear and don’t forget to check out your very own dress up box. Hats, glasses and feather boas of any shape, size and color will do! You know you have some beads hanging around somewhere from the good ole’ days… No one has to know how you *ahem* “earned” them.

You can’t have a Bourbon Street set up at home without a King Cake… Here is an easy peasy recipe for making one of your own.

What you need:

1 (13.9-ounce) can bread sticks
1 (1-inch) heat proof plastic baby
1 (12-ounce) can whipped cream cheese frosting
1/4 cup heavy cream
Green sanding sugar
Purple sanding sugar
Gold (yellow) sanding sugar

What you’ll do:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Open bread sticks. Press together the ends of 2 of the sticks to make 1 long stick. Repeat with the remaining bread sticks giving you 6 long sticks. Taking 3 at a time, loosely braid together. Repeat with remaining dough. Pinch the braids together end to end.

Leaving a 3-inch hole in the middle, loosely coil braids around one another on prepared baking sheet. Press ends together.

Bake in preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes or until completely golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely. Carefully insert the baby into the cake in between the seams of the braid.

In a medium pot combine the cream cheese frosting and heavy cream. Heat over low heat until warm and smooth, stirring constantly. Pour glaze over cake and sprinkle with sanding sugars.
New Orleans has the famous Hurricane.. Make a signature drink of your own that is fun for the kids to make and drink!

What You Need:

Cotton candy in any color
Sprite or any clear carbonated drink
clear cups and straws
ice

What You’ll Do:

Fill the cup with ice and pour the sprite in. Leave some space at the top, about 2 inches.
Get a piece of cotton candy and use your hands to shape it into a circle disk.
Gently poke the straw through it, then carefully place it in the cup at the top.
Try not to let the whole cotton candy dissolve into the drink, but if it does that’s fun too!

Don’t have any masks hanging around the dress up box? Pick up some feathers, a glue stick, some card stock and string of elastic and you have a great craft for the kids to do during the party, again, keep it simple!