Dog Day Family Fest with Camp Fletcher

Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2017 by Angie

Camp Fletcher is going to the dogs! This FREE family event will feature outdoor fun and activities, food, music, GBHS pet adoption drive, an epic hot dog eating contest between our local first responders and much more….you won’t want to miss it!

Join us from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 26th. Admission is FREE with donations welcome. Funds raised will be used to provide camp scholarships to children and youth who could not otherwise afford to attend our programs. For more information, please call Hank @ 205.324.2434. Be seeing you there!

Happy Plates Restaurant Review: Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 by Angie

OPEN: Lunch and Dinner. 11am – 10pm

GOOD FOR KIDS: Yes! Kids will love this place!

DATE NIGHT: Yes!

PRICES: $10 – $30

PARKING: Parking Lot

ADDRESS: 105 Summit Blvd

Located at the Summit Shopping Center, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is a one-of-a-kind dining experience, thriving on its ability to fuse two niche products seamlessly on the same menu. Certainly unusual, absolutely great! The first and only “Sushi Burger Bar”!

I have to admit, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was intrigued by the concept, so of course we had to try it out! The atmosphere was fun and definitely family friendly… should you so choose to bring the tiny humans with you. Mom and Dad can grab a drink at the bar and wait outside while the kiddos play cornhole or connect four on the giant board. When you check in with the hostess, they’ll give you a fun name, based around a celebrity.. See: “Clam Newton.” You can check your progress on getting a table by watching your fish on the big board over the bar.. When your fish swims to the top of the board, your table is ready. Kids will love checking this… Every. Two. Seconds.

We couldn’t get over how fun the atmosphere was, so they were winning in our book before we even got our appetizer. Oh, yeah! The food. It was phenomenal! Our server did a great job giving us the rundown of the menu and offering suggestions he thought we might like. We started out with the Lobster and Crab Spring Rolls; Maine lobster, blue crab, Napa cabbage, ginger, bok choy and carrots with cilantro pesto, Thai chili sauce and spicy honey marmalade, but the Parmesan Bacon Truffle Fries almost won out. Next time!

As we started looking over the main menu, we pretty much knew we were going to have to go with the Bento Box so we could max out our dining experience with Sushi AND a Burger. That’s what’s so great about the Bento options, you get a little taste of everything. We both chose the Fusion Specialty Bento Box that came with a mini burger (we had the jalepeno popper show stopper; jalepeno infused cream cheese.. ? Need I say more?) We had the Tempura Shrimp Roll and Riggs R&R Crabcake Roll with tuna, avocado, crabcake, cream cheese, and spicy mayo. The Box also came with several delicious sides like edamame and Thai cucumbers – more than enough to make a meal! In perusing the menu, we really could’ve ordered just about anything on it and been thrilled with our meal – really hard to go wrong with these options! Everything was very fresh and the flavor combinations were perfection.

Of course no dining experience would be complete without dessert.. as with the rest of the menu, the only problem was picking just one.. We settled on the cheesecake that was made with a fortune cookie crust and topped with almond coconut and raspberry sauce. Try it.. You can thank us later!

Although we were sans kids, we got a peek at the kids’ menu and both agreed that our Littles would LOVE this place. The kids menu offers several entrees and allows kids to make some choices, which helps with attitudes and appetites. Most importantly, kids’ meals are delivered in a cute bento box and kids can use chopsticks (with a tool that makes them easy) to eat their Ninja Nuggets, PB&J Sushi Rolls (what???!!!), or Mac and CheeZ. If they’d rather eat with their hands, grilled cheese and mini burgers are also on the menu. The kids finish up with an adorable piece of Rice Krispy and Swedish fish sashimi!

Thumbs up all around for Cowfish! We loved everything about our experience there and can’t wait to go back! Have you been yet? What were some of your favorite items on the menu?

Aqua Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Pure Fitness

Posted on Monday, August 14, 2017 by Angie

Paddle boarding has been something I’ve been wanted to do for a while now, but truth be told, I didn’t trust my balance and fitness level enough to risk flipping myself over board in the middle of a lake or ocean somewhere, so it’s something I’ve wanted to do from afar for a couple of years. I was super excited when I saw the announcement from Pure Fitness about their new Aqua Stand Up Classes. While not a leisurely sail through calm waters, I was very interested in learning more about how to do an exercise class while on top of a board. So I signed up for the demo class and loved it!

Aqua Stand Up takes your exercise routine and kicks it up a notch by adding in the need to balance and engage so many more muscles than you would if you were doing planks or squats on a gym floor. You might remember the most recent Think Outside the Gym workout that Erin put together for us, you’ll do many of these elements but instead of being alone on a lake, you get the benefit of fun music, a great instructor and some moral support from others in the class.

I have to admit that after watching some of the videos, I was intimidated and worried I wouldn’t be able to stand up, or at the very least, stay standing for very long. It’s not easy, but it is easy to get the hang of and I’m hoping to be a pro before long! If you’re in a rut or just looking to mix up your current routine and try something fun and new, Pure Fitness is adding weekend classes to their schedule starting at Samford on Saturdays, and adding a class at Oak Mountain on Sundays, very soon. More locations and times will most likely be added sooner rather than later as this catches on. You can see everything up to date on her Calendar.

Wondering what to wear? I was! I would suggest a 1 piece with board shorts, a rash guard would also be great for max coverage up top.. However, whatever you’re comfortable in works. You will get wet so make sure you’re able to move around – being self conscious about a wardrobe malfunction will keep you from enjoying the class to it’s fullest.

So what are you waiting for!! Get out there, mix up that routine and try a little something new! We’ll see you there!

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun August 11th – August 13th

Posted on Friday, August 11, 2017 by Angie

If the start of School hasn’t completely worn you out and you’re looking for some things to keep you busy this weekend! Here are our Top Picks for Weekend fun in the ‘Ham!

The Birmingham Barons V. Chattanooga

Taking on the Chattanooga Lookouts this weekend

The Princess Bride at the Alabama Theatre

Doors open one hour before showtime, and the box office will open for will call and ticket sales at that time. Each movie will begin with a Sing Along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.

World Elephant Day at the Birmingham Zoo

Visit the Birmingham Zoo on Saturday, August 12 for a day full of activities to celebrate the Zoo’s largest animal! Guests are encouraged to “go grey for elephants” by wearing grey to the Zoo on August 12. Please see below for a list of activities:

11am – Elephant chat followed by elephant trivia (Elephant Boma Yard)
12pm – Watermelon toss (Main Elephant Yard)
2pm – Play “Simon Says” with an elephant (Elephant Boma Yard)

Good Night Lab – a Scientific parody storytime at Barnes and Noble, Summit

While poking fun at the clutter and chaos of lab life, this sweet parody of the beloved Goodnight Moon gives scientists of all ages everything they need to say goodnight and rest before returning to the research world in the morning. Activities to follow.

Saturday, 11am

Helena Market Days

A variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, performers, chef demonstrations and more will fill the Helena Amphitheater as well as entertainment every Saturday from June 3rd to August 26.

The following is a schedule for Helena Market Days that includes performers, chefs and non-profits. The schedule is subject to change. The market opens at 8am

Saturday, Aug. 12: Alicia Sherer performing, tomato sandwich day and non-profit Helena Miracle League.

Thank you to our Friday Five Sponsor, Scott Butler with LAH Real Estate! Scott Butler specializes in resale and first time home buyers in the over the mountain community. Let me help you find or sell a home today! LAH Real Estate is Birmingham’s largest locally owned Real Estate Company. 1-205-706-5836

Parenting with a PhD: Separation Anxiety and Your Kindergartener

Posted on Thursday, August 10, 2017 by Kristen Berthiaume

Your new kindergartener is facing her first year of formal schooling with a mix of excitement and dread. As are you. In fact, he may cycle through the highs and lows 50 times in the span of one minute: looking forward to being in “big boy school,” hoping for a nice teacher, feeling terrified of getting lost, anticipating that awesome new playground, being worried that he won’t know anyone, thinking about the classroom iPads he saw at orientation, freaking out over what to do if his shoe comes untied, etc. It’s all the feelings. One of the biggest issues your Little (but not-so-little anymore…) might be dealing with is anxiety about separating from you for the whole school day. This is especially likely for kids who didn’t attend preschool or who went part-time. You may have even noticed a little separation anxiety in yourself. Here are some tips for reducing the worry and priming everyone to have a great kindergarten experience:

Go to all the visits. Whatever orientations/registrations/activities your school holds for incoming kiddos, make a point to go. The more familiar your child feels in the physical space and among his future teachers, administrators, and classmates, the more comfortable he’ll feel on the big day.
Make a point to meet the other parents and kids (I know this can be hard and awkward but it really helps). Introduce yourself and your child to other families at orientation and keep a list of the kids you met handy so you can remind your child the day before school starts of whom she already “knows.”
Ask your child what he might like to take to school the first few days to remind him of home or to help him feel more secure like a family picture or a favorite lovey. The item can stay safely tucked away in his bag for use in case of emergencies and no one will know it’s there. Another idea is to send something of yours that has some degree of value (but, like, a low degree of value because, seriously, he might lose it) to help reassure him that you really will be reunited at the end of the day. You may take this fact for granted because OF COURSE he’ll come home at the end of the day but kids with separation anxiety often have the fear that you won’t come back. Giving them something important to you to hold helps allay that fear. Consider leaving with your child a key on a keychain that can easily be replaced and that doesn’t open anything crucial. Kids think keys are awfully important.
Talk in detail the day before about what the schedule will look like: 1) Who will take her – Mom? Dad? Grandma? 2) Where will she be dropped off – Outside? In the classroom? 3) What is the general schedule of the day? Assure her she’ll have playtime and will get lunch. Consider packing lunch together so she knows what’s in the box and will look forward to eating it. Slipping in a sweet note when she isn’t looking would be a comforting touch, too. 4) Talk about who will pick her up and where. Of course, her teacher will bring her to the pick-up spot but it’s helpful for your child to have these specifics ahead of time. 5) Consider some kind of first day treat or activity afterschool if your schedule allows. Be clear that it’s not an everyday kind of thing, though – those patterns form quickly!
Debrief after the day. Discuss the highs and lows. Talk about feelings she experienced during the day and problem-solve together any issues that came up. Don’t rush to bring up concerns with the teacher – give your child some time to settle in and get used to her surroundings before you get worried about how things are going.

About Kristen:

Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates. She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her daughters, ages ten and four, and seven-year-old son.

Fairytales and Frog Day at The Birmingham Zoo

Posted on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 by Angie

Princes, princesses and all other fairytale characters are invited to the Birmingham Zoo to join the celebration of the 2nd annual Fairytales & Frog Day on Saturday, August 19, from 10am-2pm. Festivities are free for Members or with paid admission to the Zoo.

Children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume for the magical day where fairytales come alive. All royal subjects attending will receive a crown and have a chance to get their face painted. Photo opportunities will be plentiful as several costumed characters will be present to entertain the attendees.

Fairytales and Frogs Day will also feature special keeper chats and animal demonstrations, a DJ providing dance music, arts and crafts and a “Toad”ally awesome sampling booth provided by Coca-Cola.

This event will be held behind the Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Stage. Special thanks to The Enchanted Princesses.

To purchase tickets, visit their website

Think Outside the Gym: Stand Up Paddle Board

Posted on Monday, August 7, 2017 by Contributor

By Erin Holtz:

As a busy mom I am always on the go. Rushing from place to place and squeezing in a workout whenever I can. As I eat standing up at the kitchen counter while I am feeding my son, the dogs, and my husband I am always trying to think of ways to get away and unplug for a short period of time.

Thankfully I live close to a body of water and have found my new escape from reality, Stand Up Paddle Boarding. I can leave my phone on dry land and get away from whatever life has thrown at me while enjoying God’s beautiful creation.

I leave feeling refreshed, rejuvinated, and ready to tackle what was left on dry land and my mind is cleared of all the things in the past. I have slowed down from rushing and feel a sense of calmness. Doing a workout on the paddle board is not just any ordinary exercise it builds your core strength and gives you the challenge you need to change your body as well as take away all the equipment and machines for just a short period of time.

A week ago I got the opportunity to unplug and headed out to Oak Mountain for a quick Paddle Board Workout. Join me as we strengthen and tone while trying to improve balance. Next time you are at the lake, beach, or river and are able to rent or borrow at Paddle Board you can unplug and enjoy this workout.

Paddle Board Workout:

Start on your knees and paddle out to open water
Hold plank (count to 60)
20 Mountain climbers
10 Push-ups
20 Mountain climbers
10 Push-ups
20 Static lunge on right (start from knees)
20 squats (add jump if balanced)
20 Rock side to side (do not lift feet)
20 Static lunge on left (start from knees)
20 low squat pulses
20 In and Outs (sitting)
20 Russian Twists (grab paddle)
20 In and Outs (sitting)
20 Bicycles
Hold Boat Post (count to 60)

About Erin:

Erin is a Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer, business owner and a mom/ With a degree from The University of Alabama. She now has pursued her dreams and opened up her own local gym in Vestavia Hills, AL named Pure Fitness LLC and is working one on one with her clients, as well as teaching group classes. She specializes in cardiovascular endurance, plyometric training, core strength, rehabilitation after an injury, pre and post term pregnancy, weight loss, strengthening and toning, as well as maintaining a structured nutritional diet.

For more information or to check out their calendar of classes, visit their website.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties in Birmingham

Posted on Saturday, August 5, 2017 by Angie

On Monday, August 21st a Solar Eclipse is going to cross the entire Untied States making it an exciting, once in a lifetime event for most of us… It’s expected that Birmingham will experience an approx 92% blackout and there will be plenty of places around town where you can go to witness the eclipse. Here’s our roundup of viewing parties happening in the ‘Ham.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties in Birmingham

McWane Science Center

Look up in the sky, it’s the sun…and the moon! You are invited to the solar eclipse viewing partying on top of the McWane’s parking deck. The festivities will begin around 11:00am. Safety viewing glasses will be available.

Vulcan Park and Museum

Looking for a cool Birmingham spot to view the much anticipated 2017 Solar Eclipse? At Vulcan Park and Museum you can get closer to Mr. Sun while sitting under the Moon. Birmingham will see a partial solar eclipse – nearly 92% eclipse of the sun – at approximately 1:31 p.m.

With your observation tower and museum ticket ($6 for adults and $4 for children), you will receive a free pair of solar viewing glasses, while supplies last.

Bring your lunch and join us for this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Quinlan Castle

Food trucks, including Cantina on Wheels, Devil Dawgs, Saw’s BBQ, Dreamcakes and Steel City Pops, will be available onsite, solar viewing glasses will be provided to the first 400 guests, Birmingham Mountain Radio will be broadcasting live music and the NASA live stream will be broadcast inside. Parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis in front of Southern Research on 9th Avenue South. Tickets are required at the entrance.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM CDT

North Shelby Library

Come watch the Solar event of the century! Sign up to reserve your free pair of Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses. Either pick up your glasses ahead of time at the library or receive them on the day of the program. Beginning at 12:30 on August 21, we will go over instructions for safe viewing; the eclipse will be at peak visibility around 1:30 pm. Watch the eclipse from the library patio! We will also provide a live stream in the event of bad weather or poor visibility. Supplies are limited; register while there are still spaces and glasses available! Please register individually to ensure that you receive your pair of glasses. All ages, registration required.

Homewood Public Library

It’s the BIG DAY–the solar eclipse! We’ll have viewing glasses, crafts, and games to celebrate this phenomenon! This event is offered as part of the NASA @ My Library grant. August 21st, 11:30 – 1pm

Smithfield Library

Join us for our eclipse viewing party! We will have games, crafts, light refreshments, and eclipse glasses. We will have the party during the full duration of the eclipse, which is 12:00-3:00 p.m. for Alabama. The middle of the eclipse, which is the best view, will be around 1:30 pm. Bring a friend and be ready for an afternoon of fun!

Where do you plan to watch the Eclipse? Don’t forget to check out our post on tips for watching with your family!

Vision First Eye Care

Alabaster, Trussville, and Pell City Locations
Enjoy Sunny D’s and Moon Pies – Solar Eclipse Sunglasses provided
12pm – 2pm

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun August 4th – August 6th

Posted on Friday, August 4, 2017 by Angie

The Market at Pepper Place

Yes, we know that this isn’t an event special to this weekend, but we thought it was worth a mention that the summer is winding down and if you haven’t had your fill of fresh summer veggies yet, you need to make it down for a relaxing morning strolling through the market and picking up some of the freshest goods you’ll be able to find!

Rain or Shine Saturday Mornings from 7am – Noon
2829 2nd Avenue South

Half Price Summer Fun Days at the Birmingham Zoo

It’s the last weekend to take advantage of Half Price Admission to the Zoo! If it’s on your summer fun list, now’s the tie to make it happen!

Visit the Zoo during Half-Price Summer Fun Days to take advantage of discounted half-price admission, half-price rides, and $1 hot dogs in the cafes! Guests will have the opportunity to get up-close with the elephants in Trails of Africa, experience Predator Zone, enjoy a Red Diamond Sea Lion Show and be surrounded by and feed* beautiful lorikeets in the Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary. Come learn how the Zoo uses enrichment activities to help keep the animals mentally and physically fit. Guests can also see live animal demonstrations, feedings, chat with the keepers and more! *Additional cost.

Adults – $8*
Children 2 – 12 years old – $5.50*
Senior Citizens 65 years+ – $7*
Military (Active duty only- must show military ID)- $7*
*Plus tax

Titusville Station Celebration Day at Memorial Park Birmingham

This family- friendly event will take place at Memorial Park, right next to our Zyp Station, from 10am-2pm and will include:

– Food Trucks
– Live Music
– Local Vendors
– A Neighborhood Bike Ride (led by Magic City Bike Club)
– Giveaways
– Special Guests
– Plus Much More!

Our Team will also provide FREE DEMO RIDES and BIKE SAFETY COURSES for interested attendees who want to test out a pedelec (or standard 8-gear bike) while learning how to cycle safely through the Magic City.

Peterrific and Aqualicious Storytime at Barnes and Noble, Summit

New York Times bestselling author Victoria Kann is back with a follow-up to the Pinkalicious book series. Join Peter, Pinkalicious’s little brother, as he tries to build a tower of blocks that will reach the moon. Storytime continues with a family trip to the beach in the popular Aqualicious. Activities to follow.

Saturday, August 5th 11am

LEGO Boost Community Build at Barnes and Noble, Summit

Calling all LEGO and robotics enthusiasts! Join us for a fun-filled community build event celebrating the release of LEGO BOOST. Build, code, and play with Vernie the robot and learn how to program Vernie to complete obstacles and tricks.

Saturday, August 5th 2pm

Sun-Day on Saturday at McWane Science Center

Posted on Thursday, August 3, 2017 by Angie

The sun is so bright, you’ll have to wear shades. Join the McWane Science Center for a day of solar exploration as they gear up for the solar eclipse on August 21. Learn more about this spectacular phenomenon as well as design your own devices to safely view the eclipse.

Then make plans to attend the the Solar Eclipse viewing party on August 21st on the top of the McWane parking deck. The festivities will begin around 11:00am. Safety viewing glasses will be available.

Make sure to visit our post with tips on viewing the Eclipse with your kiddos