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Halloween Dinner Recipe

Posted on by Grace A

Halloween is such a busy night and coming up with a healthy and quick dinner can be a challenge. One of our family favorites is stuffed bell peppers. They are delicious and take less than 20 minutes to prepare. Cutting little jack-o-lantern faces into the peppers make them festive and fun for the kids and gives the meal that spook factor.

Stuffed Jack-o-lantern Bell Peppers

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

6 bell peppers of any color                             2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef                                      ½ cup of chili sauce

1 egg                                                                  ¼ cup of prepared yellow mustard

4 slices of whole wheat bread, cubed         3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce

1 small onion                                                   ¼ teaspoon of salt

1 small tomato, diced                                     ¼ teaspoon of pepper

– Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 8×8 baking dish.

-In a bowl mix together the beef, egg, bread cubes, onion, tomato, garlic, chili sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

-Wash your peppers and cut the jack-o-lantern faces with a sharp knife. Slice off the tops of the peppers and clean out the insides. Stuff the peppers lightly with the beef mixture and place them into the baking dish so they support each other.

-Bake in the preheated oven until the peppers are tender and the beef is cooked through. About 1 hour.

*Kid version

Not all of my kids are crazy about the beef stuffing so to keep them involved and included in our spooky meal I prepare some spaghetti with a bit of the beef and let them go crazy. This is the perfect meal to get you warm, full, and ready for trick or treating!

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Fall Fun with Apples!

Posted on by Grace A

We talk a lot about picking fresh fruits and veggies during the summer but did you know that you can pick apples, not too far from Birmingham!

This is one of our favorite fall activities. This kids love to go and pick from the trees and I love the recipes and canning that I get to do afterwards. It’s a great outdoor experience and fun for the whole family. Some of our favorite orchards are:

Steele Orchard in the Cullman area. They have great prices and cute gift shop and bakery!

Scott’s Orchard outside Ardmore. It is family run and they offer 17 different varieties of apples!

Mountain View Orchards in Mineral Springs. They don’t just offer apples they also have many other delicious fruits to choose from!

Of course there’s lot of yummy recipes you can make with apples, one of favorites to keep on hand for dipping these delicious apples is our Brickle Brackle Apple Dip.

If you like to get crafty with your fruit try this:

We get creative with this one. We have used different colors to make leaves on trees, jack-o-lantern faces, butterflies, apples, abstract art, the sky is the limit with your child’s imagination.

Apple Stamps

What you need:

-Apples cut in half vertically

-Craft paint

-Craft Paper

-Small paint brush

we usually have enough to sacrifice a few to apple stamping. We get creative with this one. We have used different colors to make leaves on trees, jack-o-lantern faces, butterflies, apples, abstract art, the sky is the limit with your child’s imagination.

 

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.

 

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun October 13th -15th

Posted on by Angie

SO MUCH TO DO!! So little time this weekend!

  • McWane After Dark

Kids shouldn’t get to have all the fun this Halloween!

Celebrate Friday the 13th with spine tingling science. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and enjoy the haunting sounds of our ghost DJ. Ghouls and gals will have a spooky-good time at this exclusive 21+ event where you can eat, drink, and be scary! What’s Halloween without a little MAD Science?

Admission includes access to three levels of McWane Adventure Halls, light snacks, MAD science interactive activities, photo booth, drink ticket (good for one signature drink), 3 cash bars, and free parking.
*parking subject to availability | deck closes at midnight

Activities
“Zombie” Sheep Brain Dissection | 7:30 PM-9:30 PM | Level 3
Maze of Superstition | 7:30 PM-10:30 PM | Level 3
Witch’s Broom Highcycle Rides | 7:30 PM-10:30 PM | Level 2
Alchemy & Elixers | 7:30 PM-10:30 PM | Level 1
Halloween costume makeup by Aveda | 8:00 PM-10:00 PM | Level 1
Thriller Dancing | 8:00 PM-10:00 PM | Level 3
FrankenScience | 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM | Rushton Science Theater
Costume Contest | 9:00 PM-9:15 PM | Level 1

Photo Booth | All night | Level 1
Saws Food Truck | All night | Plaza

*Halloween costumes are encouraged but optional. If you are interested in participating in the costume contest, please arrive at the first floor staging area at 9:00pm for judging. Judging will be for Best Individual and Best Couple/Group.

Friday October 13, 2017 | 7 PM – 11 PM
$20 early bird: until 9/13 | $25 until 10/12 | $30 at door
21+ only

  • Harvest Festival at Oak Mountain State Park

Fun for ALL ages! Shopping! Family Friendly! Pets Welcome (they must be on a leash)! Free Guided Hike at 12pm! Yard Games! Free Hay Rides from 9am until 2pm! Music! Food!
Food vendors include Swamp Monster BBQ , Monzy’s Deli , Pazzo Big Slice Pizza and Pazzo Calzone Bakery , Naughty But Nice A Kettle Corn Co. , Bama Wild Dogs and Burgers !

Regular Park Entry Fees Taken at Gate. CASH ONLY at gate!
Ages 3 and Under- FREE
Age 4-11 are $2 each
Age 12-61 $5 each
Age 62 and Up- $2 each

Entrance Fees are Valid for the entire day! So come out and play, shop, learn, and then enjoy the park for the remainder of the day!

  • Boo at the Zoo Kickoff Weekend!

The Spooktacular fun will kick off this weekend with a Memebers Only night on Saturday, October 14th and open to the public Sunday from 5pm to 9pm
Make sure to see the full schedule of dates

  • Pumpkin Patch Express at Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Board their vintage train for a beautiful autumn ride through the scenic forests of Shelby County to the Pumpkin Patch to pick your perfect pumpkin!

While at the Pumpkin Patch, you’ll also get to take a hay ride, bounce in the inflatable bounce house, and participate in a variety of other family-friendly activities! The Pumpkin Patch Express train ride lasts approximately 1½ hours including the train ride and time at the Pumpkin patch.

To purchase tickets visit their site

  • Shopkins Live!

The grandest and cutest event of the year, Shopkins Live! The first ever Shopkins concert, where kids get to witness their favorite Shopkins and Shoppies characters up-close and see them perform live on stage! Shopkins Live is certainly the perfect kind of entertainment, creativity and fun, a musical show that is certainly not just for kids but also for those who are kids at heart. Kids get to see their favorite Shopkins webisodes turn into a real life production with a twist! Sunday,

October 15th at 1pm
Click to purchase tickets

Our Sponsor:

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the official railroad museum of the state of Alabama! Located just south of Birmingham in Calera, Alabama. The museum features operating standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, an indoor collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, and an outdoor collection of railroad cars, locomotives, and cabooses.

The museum is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historically significant railway equipment. Our exhibits, operating railroads, and educational programs function as both a unique means of tourism and recreation, and also a way to preserve the rich history of Alabama and our nation.

Prepare Your Home for Fall Allergy Season

Posted on by Angie

When you hear “Allergy Season” you probably think Spring. But for many people, Fall can bring a whole new set of triggers. Ragweed pollinates in the fall and pumpkin piles, leaves and corn mazes can harbor mold. Living in the south means that the Summer heat can linger well into the new season, and that warm weather can cause mold spores to be released with high humidity or wind.

Changing the weather isn’t something we can do, but we can do a few things to prepare our home for the season and it’s new set of allergy challenges.

Don’t Dust. No, that’s not a pass for not cleaning this fall, sorry. Instead of using a dry rag or feather duster that can stir up particles, use a damp rag that will trap the dust. If allergies are more irritated with store bought cleaners with chemicals, try a homemade solution of vinegar and water.

Change those Air Filters. Most companies suggest changing your filters every 3 months. If allergies are a problem or you’re dealing with pet hair, consider swapping them out sooner, like every 6-8 weeks. Not only will it help with dust particles, it will help your system run more effectively.

Vacuum with a HEPA Filter. High efficiency particulate air filters, filter out about 99.97% of particles in the air that are larger than the size of a single speck of cornstarch. These filters snap up particles like bacteria, mold, pollen and fungus that regular vacuums may leave behind. If your current vacuum has a HEPA filter, make sure you’re changing it every 6-12 months. If you don’t have a model with a filter and you’re battling allergies, it might be time to invest in a new vacuum.

Keep your Windows Closed. I know, I know. It’s hard to not want to air the house out on a beautiful fall day, but in an effort to let the fresh breeze in, you might be doing more harm than good by allowing pollen into the house too.

Of course for more severe allergy issues, it’s always best to check with your Dr but these tips will be a great start on improving the air inside your home!

What tips do you have for beating seasonal allergies?

About Our Sponsor:

Our sponsor, Stanley Steemer removes an average of 94% of common household allergens like pet dander from carpet, upholstery, tile and hardwood floors. They’re also certified “asthma and allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

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)

 

Holiday Film Series at the Alabama Theatre 2017

Posted on by Angie

The Alabama Theatre 2017 Holiday Film Line up has been announced! Mark your calendar now for your family’s favorite movies!

Alabama Theatre Holiday Film Series

Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:00 p.m.: White Christmas

Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11:00 a.m.: The Polar Express benefitting Kid One Transport ($12)
Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.: The Polar Express benefitting Kid One Transport ($12)
Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:00 p.m.: Christmas Vacation

Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2:00 p.m.: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Sunday, Dec. 10 at 7:00 p.m.: Elf

Monday, Dec. 11 at 7:00 p.m.: It’s a Wonderful Life

Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7:00 p.m.: Home Alone

Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m.: Christmas Vacation

Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:00 p.m.: Elf

Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:00 p.m.: A Christmas Story

Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2:00 p.m.: Cartoon Matinee (A Charlie Brown Christmas / Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:00 p.m.: It’s a Wonderful Life

Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:00 p.m.: White Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m.: Home Alone

Monday, Dec. 18 at 2:00 p.m.: It’s a Wonderful Life
Monday, Dec. 18 at 7:00 p.m.: Christmas Vacation

Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 2:00 p.m.: White Christmas
Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m.: Meet Me in St. Louis

Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 2:00 p.m.: Cartoon Matinee (A Charlie Brown Christmas / Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7:00 p.m.: Elf

Thursday, Dec. 21 at 2:00 p.m.: A Christmas Story
Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7:00 p.m.: Christmas Vacation

Friday, Dec. 22 at 2:00 p.m.: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Friday, Dec. 22 at 7:00 p.m.: White Christmas

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by going HERE

Tickets for all movies are $8 each, with the exception of The Polar Express which is $12 and is a fundraiser for Kid One Transport. Children ages two and younger are free of charge. Doors open ninety minutes before showtime, and each screening will begin with a sing-along accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Posted on by Grace A

Buying pumpkins is a staple fall tradition and can be one of the most fun activities to share with kids. Creativity is allowed to go wild and I am always amazed at what people do when decorating their Halloween pumpkins. My kids and I usually try to attempt a new and exciting pumpkin carving every year to sit alongside our tradition jack-o-lantern on the porch. I put together a few that were easy, fun, and really awesome!

We found that some of the patterns worked better with fake pumpkins but since my kids prefer the real thing we took the risk and still loved how they turned out. These were a personal favorite of mine because they are not only easy but so beautiful! They were created using different sized drill bits and a carving knife. We used our imaginations and did not use any sort of tutorials.

My 4-year-old is more into cute for Halloween instead of scary so we tried these precious pumpkins out and they were adorable. We used tiny white pumpkins that I stenciled a frosting outline on and allowed her to paint. We then used clear glue to add real sprinkles. She put them around her room and we never did get over their cuteness!

Scary is the name of the game for my oldest so we always have at least one gory pumpkin. This is one of her favorite ideas since my family, for reasons unknown, own a bloody fake leg. It’s perfect for her Halloween personality and easy enough for her to carve with a stencil and minimal help.

These are also some family favorites tried from years past. Easy, fun and lots of memories made in the process. Happy carving!!!

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.

2nd Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Posted on by Angie

We had so much fun last year with your pumpkin submissions we decided to do it again!

We love going all out when it comes to decorating and that includes our pumpkins.. We want to see how creative our readers are.. Whether you carve, paint, or wax your pumpkins with melted crayon, we want to see what you’ve done, so we’re hosting a little contest.. We want you to submit your finest creation for a chance to win 2 Admission Tickets to Boo at the Zoo..

Submit your photos to us at contact@birminghammommy.com or message them to us on Facebook.. We’ll be featuring some of our favorites on social media throughout the next week, The deadline for entries will be noon on Thursday the 19th and we’ll announce the winner Friday, October 20th!

Make sure to include your name and an email where we can notify you if you win.

All pictures submitted are subject to posting on any and all of BirminghamMommy.com social media.

Event of the Week! Shopkins Live!

Posted on by Angie

Shopkins Live! is finally here! The #1 kids toy in North America is live and on stage in Shopkins Live! Shop It Up! Your beloved Shoppies make their theatrical debut in an original new live show featuring musical performances by Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette, Polli Polish and more! The fun and fashionista Shoppies are joined by the Shopkins – the grocery store-themed mini collectable toys – Apple Blossom, Strawberry Kiss, Lippy Lips, Kooky Cookie, Poppy Corn, Slick Breadstick and Shady Diva. An ensemble cast of multi-talented performers brings the show to life on stage through urban style music, song and dance.

All of Shopville is in a tizz as preparations get underway for the annual “Funtastic Food and Fashion Fair.” Shady Diva showcases her latest fashion designs; Lippy Lips gives colorful advice at the nail salon; Kooky Cookie tries to get in a beauty nap! But wait – no event is complete without a few hiccups! Who has high-jinxed the fashion pageant? Where is the super-secret celebrity guest? Will Slick Breadstick ever find a dance partner? The Shopkins and Shoppies need your help – the show must go on!

Shopkins Live! immerses audiences in the world of Shopville using custom-designed theatrical costumes, creative onstage characters, state-of-art video and set design, and original pop songs and music! Grab your besties and check out Shopkins Live! Shop It Up! Check ya later!

To purchase tickets visit Ticketmaster.com

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun October 6th – October 8th

Posted on by Angie

Weekend fun for the whole family! So many things kicking off this weekend you might have to rock, paper, scissor to figure out which one to do first! Here are our top picks to help narrow it down!

  • Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Pumpkin Patch Express

Board their vintage train for a beautiful autumn ride through the scenic forests of Shelby County to the Pumpkin Patch to pick your perfect pumpkin!

Pumpkins can be purchased when you pick up your tickets at the Calera Depot ticket window prior to the event or on location at the Pumpkin Patch for cash only.

While at the Pumpkin Patch, you’ll also get to take a hay ride, bounce in the inflatable bounce house, and participate in a variety of other family-friendly activities! The Pumpkin Patch Express train ride lasts approximately 1½ hours including the train ride and time at the Pumpkin patch.

Every Saturday and Sunday in October

  • Tomb of the Risen Dead at Desoto Caverns

The Haunted Halloween Park will feature two incredible haunt attractions: “The Labyrinth of Lost Souls” and “The Tomb of the Risen Dead.” The Labyrinth of Lost Souls will be located within our 3/4 acre maze. In “The Labyrinth of Lost Souls” Attraction each guest will be deciding their own fate and ultimate reward, but not without encountering the assembly of the Shadows who may long to persuade each and every guest to stray. The cave will be transformed into “The Tomb of the Risen Dead” Attraction and the not-so-faint of heart guests will experience a thrilling awakening because the deep is ready to speak. When thrill seekers exit these attractions they can join in the festival fun and entertainment located in the center of the park.

Every Friday and Saturday night in October
6:30pm – 10:30pm

  • Birmingham Zoo Rocks

You’re invited to join us for Birmingham Zoo Rocks on the new Henley Park event lawn from 9am-5pm on Saturday, October 7! Children who bring their own painted rock will receive FREE admission on October 7. There will be painted Zoo rocks in Henley Park – leave your painted rock in Henley Park and take a new one!

Saturday, 9am – 5pm

  • Birmingham Children’s Theatre – Jungle Book

Recommended for ages 5 and up
Approx. length: 1 hour and 20 mins
Children’s tickets are always only $10

Public showings on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm

  • Hogwarts Express at the Homewood Library

Join us as we delve into a different Harry Potter book each month through crafts, snacks, and activities. In October, we will recreate fun from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. K-7th grade.

Sunday, 3:30 – 4:30pm

 

Our Sponsor:

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the official railroad museum of the state of Alabama! Located just south of Birmingham in Calera, Alabama. The museum features operating standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, an indoor collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, and an outdoor collection of railroad cars, locomotives, and cabooses.

The museum is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historically significant railway equipment. Our exhibits, operating railroads, and educational programs function as both a unique means of tourism and recreation, and also a way to preserve the rich history of Alabama and our nation.

 

 

Discipline with Love

Posted on by Grace A

Parents typically have the goal of raising happy healthy children. One of the biggest controversies today is the proper way to maintain happiness and healthiness while disciplining.

Most parents are at a complete loss when it comes to disciplining their kids. How many times have we heard or said “I just don’t know what to do” or “nothing works”? Many young parents were raised under the saying “spare the rod, spoil the child” and are looking for a different way to teach appropriate behavior. A popular method is disciplining with love. But what does that mean? How can you discipline in a loving way? It was a confusing concept to me at first because most discipline I remember receiving definitely did not make me feel loved. So how does it work?

When we discipline children we set limits on their behavior and teach them to follow rules. If adults react on impulse with anger and violence children learn those same behaviors. It is a learned and practiced habit to discipline with patience and love. Love is not an action it is a feeling that guides what we do. When it is love in our hearts we are less likely to teach in frustration or anger and instead teach with concern and show our true desire to help them. A few ways we can do this is to:

Establish loving relationships. When there is an established loving relationship there is respect. Loving your child does not mean condoning or ignoring bad behavior. Spending time with children and learning what they like and dislike will give many opportunities to share principles and values that parents expect from their children. When correcting is needed let them know or remind them what is expected so there is no misunderstanding. Set clear expectations. Teach and remind them often the behavior you expect and when such as letting you know when they are going to play with friends.

Let them know there are consequences. Set fair and reasonable consequences for misbehavior but also be aware that some situations need to have flexible consequences. Make it a teaching moment as well. Not every action will deserve a punishment but maybe reasoning and a proposed better action for next time. Children make mistakes just like adults a conversation to understand circumstances can change our perspective on the situation.

Follow through! There have been so many times that I am too tired or lack the energy to punish my kids for misbehavior. But what I am teaching them is that they can get away with disobedience because mommy doesn’t really mean it when she says there are consequences. That won’t go over well for them in the real world. They will have more respect and trust more when there is a sense of predictability in their actions.

Most older generations believe that fear is a key ingredient to appropriate conduct. If they fear the consequences, they will obey. A new way of thinking is to teach them to respect you and then they will want to obey you. If we teach and discipline with kindness, understanding, and respect then children will respond in kind.

Children want to be loved and cared for and if we take the time to give and show that love we will find that there is less time spent on discipline and more time enjoying each other as a family.

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.

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