McWane After Dark: Mad Science

Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2017 by Angie

McWane After Dark is back and ready to 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

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

Food Truck Fridays

Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 by Angie

We love some food trucks!! Did you know that on the first Friday of each month you can head up to the Summit and enjoy food trucks, live music and some free swag from Kendra Scott and Swoozies?

Start your weekend with some delicious cuisine with friends and don’t forget pups are welcome too!

Mobile offerings include
– Saw’s Street Kitchen
– The Heavenly Donut Co.
– Broad Street Peaux Boys
– Bendy’s Cookies & Cream

Find the trucks located near Swoozie’s and Sephora!
5pm – 8pm

Birmingham Collects Donations for Houston

Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 by Angie

If you’re looking for ways to help the people and families impacted by Hurricane Harvey, there are several options in and around Birmingham!

Mayor William Bell announced Monday that there will be a collection drive in Birmingham Wednesday starting at 7 a.m. The collection drive will take place from Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day.

Texas authorities said that they are in need of canned goods, bottled water and cleaning supplies. Canned pet food is also needed for the many pets who are now displaced.

The collection location will be at Boutwell Auditorium. For more information, call 205-335-4573.

Canterbury United Methodist Church

You can drop off cleaning kits that will be distributed. For more information on this effort visit their site

JCC

New Blankets, New Sheets, New Socks, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Diapers, Baby Wipes, Saline Solution, Trash Bags, Sanitary products

All items can be brought to the JCC. We have a truck leaving for Houston Thursday morning, so all items would need to be collected by Wednesday evening. We will post more opportunities to help as they come up.

Independent Presbyterian Church of Birmingham

They’ll be collecting items at their location that they will take to Boutwell on Sunday. If this is more convenient for you than Boutwell, feel free to drop off any donations of canned food, bottled water and cleaning supplies to the church this week. Canned pet food is also being accepted.

Cahaba Mini Storage
5300 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, AL 35242

Shoeboxes for Houston. Label for sex and child or adult. Suggested items: Toothbrush and paste, bandaids, aspirin, tampons, diapers, formula, manual can opener, lighter, matches, batteries, garbage bags, special/personal note, anything you have that you can fit in a box as if a care package.

Drop off will be under cover and security cameras. Rubbermaid containers tomorrow will be put out beginning, Tuesday, August 29th. Or can bring a tote full.

Pants Store Crestline

Currently taking donations for Houston families with young children. These families are in immediate need of the following items:
-diapers
-wipes
-gently used baby/children’s clothing & pjs
-bottles
-formula
-Visa gift card donations

Pure Fitness in Vestavia

Pure Fitness is now collecting items to send back with a former client who is headed back to her home in Galveston, TX Monday! Please help us show our love from Alabama by dropping off supplies to help those in need.

Diapers and Wipes, Hygiene Products, Baby Food, Blankets, Socks, Underwear, Batteries, Toiletries, Easy Open Canned foods

North Shelby Fire Department

Accepting donations for the citizens of Houston to aid in disaster relief. We will be sending a trailer to Houston Sunday September 3rd .
Items needed: baby supplies of various ages travel size toiletries,[toothpaste/ toothbrush] clothes, any socks/underwear [should be new].
Water, blankets.
You can bring these items to North Shelby St.2 located at 4996 Caldwell Mill Lane 25242 until Saturday September 2, 7:00 pm.

Colliers Nursery

Accepting donations for Hurricane Harvey victims this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 to 5, and Saturday from 9 to 12.

*Items needed: bottled water, canned foods, cleaning supplies and canned or bagged pet food.

We will transport all donations to the Boutwell Auditorium Saturday afternoon.

Advanced Auto Parts on 31

Disaster Resource Group bus is parked outside of Advanced Auto Parts on 31 next to Raceway for those wondering where to drop off donations to help victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Heavenly Donut Company

Drop off items Friday, 6am – Midnight Saturday, 7am – Midnight, Sunday, 7am – 2pm.
See the list of items they’re accepting HERE

Alesha Osburn State Farm

Accepting donations for the Homewood area at 117 Southcrest Drive – Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35209

American Legion 170
21230 US Hwy 11 in Steele

Will start accepting donations on Saturday, September 2nd. 12pm – 7pm and again Monday 12-7 for the remainder of the week. They are hoping to fill a 26ft truck and head out on Monday the 11th. They are asking for new items. No Clothes and No water.

Bevill State Community College Sumiton Campus

The Salon & Spa Management Department of Bevill State Community College‘s Sumiton Campus is collecting items to make care packages for the thousands of people in shelters. Please bring any of the following items to the Cosmetology Classroom in Building 100 on the Sumiton Campus by Friday, September 1, to be shipped to Texas.

Shampoo, conditioner, soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, shaving cream, razors, feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, baby wipes, diaper, clothing, socks, school supplies, towels, cleaning supplies, toys, first aid supplies, bottled water.

Just In Time Towing Moody

Collecting nonperishable foods, clothes, dog & Cat foods, water, diapers, anything that may help please drop it off at Just in Time Towing 2304 Moody Parkway. Leaving Friday morning with a loaded trailer.

Rock and Roll Sushi Trussville and Hoover

Bring in a non perishable item and receive a $5 gift card to Rock and Roll sushi.

Marcos Pizza Trussville

Bottle water, gas cards, paper products, diapers, hygiene products, trash bags – NO CLOTHING PLEASE
For everyone that brings in a donation you’ll receive a free drink with your meal.

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

Immediate needs are below. If you are willing to contribute and provide for one of these needs, please bring to the missions office or church office, and we will make arrangements to get it to Decatur to the UMCOR warehouse.

We are requesting the following supplies:
– Box fans
– 25’ heavy duty 14 gauge extension cords
– 2 gallon garden sprayers
– Flat billed shovels
– Rakes with 3 inch tines
– Wheel barrows

Metropolitan Church of God in Hoover

2800 Metropolitan Way – 205-795-4448 – Off 459 Acton Rd Exit. Truck leaving on Saturday
Asking for Water, diapers, cleaning supplies and Toys

Hoover Toyota

We will be taking donations from 6am-7pm Friday and 6am-3pm on Saturday. Donations will be sent to Boutwell Auditorium

Dog Days Birmingham

Drop off point for Dog food (dry and wet), small fleece blankets, towels, small and large zip lock baggies, dog toys, treats. All items will be delivered to GBHS who have just taken in 40 dogs from Harvey.

Kulture City Fundraiser

$5 for Houston. If you can’t donate, please share and invite your friends to donate.
Let’s show the world the power of the people and genuine care for disability families who are sometimes excluded from disaster relief.
We’re raising money for Houston disability families impacted by the flood. Children with disabilities are often excluded from disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives and, as a result, can experience amplified physical, psychological, and educational vulnerabilities.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/1971028243172622/

Of course the American Red Cross is great for monetary donations anytime.

If you or someone you know will be a donation site, please let us know and we’ll add you to this list.

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun August 25th – August 27th

Posted on Friday, August 25, 2017 by Angie

This little dip in temps is getting us excited for fall! We hope the cooler temps stick around for the weekend, while you enjoy our Weekend Picks for fun in the ‘Ham!

Sidewalk Film Festival

The 19th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham, is set to take place August 22nd-27th, 2017. Since its debut in 1999, filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema.

With eleven venues located within Birmingham’s historic Theatre District (featuring the restored Alabama Theatre, a 2,200 seat movie palace built by Paramount in 1927 and the newly restored Lyric Fine Arts Theatre built in 1914 for B.F. Keith’s Vaudeville circuit), spontaneity rules the schedule of Sidewalk attendees. Low-priced weekend passes provide easy access to Sidewalk venues, encouraging attendees to seek out new films and sample programming they may not otherwise see. The result is a crowd rich in diversity and united in a hunger for new film.

For for information on the film lineup visit their website

Storytime on the Mountain at Ruffner Mountain

Nature inspires creativity. Come join us at the Nature Center as we will listen to nature-themed stories read by longtime Ruffner volunteer, Ms. Jerri. Then make a fun craft to take home!

Saturday, 10am – 11am

Dog Day Family Fest

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.

Fairy Tale Ball benefiting Childcare Resources

The 2017 Fairy Tale Ball features dance music, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, adult and children’s beverages, a “candy bar” and interactive entertainment. Your guests and you will delight in fairy tale characters and costumed stilt walkers, magicians, jugglers, and other entertainers. The setting for this year’s gala is the Birmingham Marriott Grandview.

Guests of all ages can enjoy a formal night out that includes fairy land activities and a silent auction, which features locally donated items, services, sports tickets and vacation packages. Presented by the Board of Directors and Junior Board of Childcare Resources, Fairy Tale Ball proceeds benefit the programs and services offered to the community by the agency. Corporate sponsors receive tangible benefits, such as tickets to the event, reserved tables and promotional consideration based on sponsorship level. Entertain your family while supporting other children and their families served by Childcare Resources!

Saturday, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Birmingham Barons at Regions Field

Barons v. Tennessee

Since a move back to downtown Birmingham from Hoover a few seasons ago, the Birmingham Barons continue to provide one of the finest experiences in all Minor League Baseball year in and out, resulting in the 2016 Don Mincher Organization of the Year. Regions Field has become the top downtown option in the area over spring and summertime; due in large part to a world-class ballpark and creative promotional schedule, the Barons have paced the League in attendance each of the last four seasons, including 418,361 in 2016.

Saturday – 6:30pm
Pyro-Palooza X
The largest fireworks show of the year, set to music from Star Wars.
Star Wars Night
Fans will have the opportunity to take photos with their favorite Star Wars characters, courtesy of the 501st Legion.

Sunday – 3:00pm
Salute to Armed Forces Sunday
$2 Military Discount when valid Military ID shown at ticket office.

Our Sponsor:

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

Museum Day Live! presented by Smithsonian Magazine

Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 by Angie

Museum Day Live! is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket.

The Museum Day Live! ticket provides free admission for two people and tickets will be available to download on August 25, 2017.

Birmingham Area participating museums:

Vulcan Park and Museum
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Museum Day Live is Saturday, September 23rd. To see a full list of participating museums across the United States visit their website.

Fairy Tale Ball benefiting Childcare Resources

Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 by Angie

You’re invited to and evening Gala for the whole family.. the 2017 Fairy Tale Ball, which features dance music, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, adult and children’s beverages, a “candy bar” and interactive entertainment. Your guests and you will delight in fairy tale characters, and costumed stilt walkers, magicians, jugglers, and other entertainers. The setting for this year’s gala is the Birmingham Marriott Grandview.

The 11th Annual Fairy Tale Ball is Saturday, August 26th, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit their site.

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun August 18th – August 20th

Posted on Friday, August 18, 2017 by Angie

Another weekend and more great options for fun around Birmingham! Here are our top picks for Weekend Fun in the ‘Ham!

After Hours at the Plaza – Hoover Public Library

Library themed Bingo night!

Friday, August 18th 7pm – 8pm

Sun- Day on Saturday at The McWane Science Center

The sun is so bright, you’ll have to wear shades. Join us for a day of solar exploration as we 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. Saturday August, 19th 10am – 5pm

Sensory Storytime at Homewood Public Library

This all-ages storytime introduces space stories and songs in a variety of engaging ways in a sensory friendly atmosphere. This event is offered as part of the NASA@ My Library grant.

Saturday, August 19th 10:30am – 11am

Family Fun Night at the Birmingham Barons

Come and enjoy a fun-filled family evening with your friends and colleagues! Reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a while! Support the ALANA CRNAPAC!!

Saturday, August 19th at 6:30pm

Tannehill Trade Days

Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. We have 350+ vendors to come and see. (March – November) rain or shine.

Please Note: No Pets or bicycles are allowed in the Trade Days Area

Saturday, August 19th – 8am – 4pm
Sunday, August 20th – 8am – 4pm

Dog Day Family Fest with Camp Fletcher

Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2017 by Angie

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!