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The BIG McWane Discount is Back!

Posted on by Angie

The BIG McWane Discount is back! We are partnering up with the McWane Science Center for the 6th year in a row to offer Birmingham Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Friends $20 off any membership level!

It’s THE biggest discount you will see this year for the McWane Science Center and it’s only available through BirminghamMommy.com

20$ off is HUGE savings and you can purchase from a BirminghamMommy representative, in person at the McWane Center OR New for 2015!!! You can purchase online using CODE:  BhamMommy If you’re currently a McWane member, you can renew for next year at this rate!

You can purchase as many of these memberships as you want as gifts! Tip: Call the grandparents, aunts and uncles and let them know this is what your kids want for Christmas. They can mark you off of their shopping list and it takes up no space in your house! A win/win for everyone.

This discount will be valid for 1 week only… November 15th – November 21st. We’ll be out around town with membership forms, check back for a schedule of times and places!

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity that they offer only 1 week each year!

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: November 8th – November 15th

Posted on by Angie

Several events going on this week to celebrate Veteran’s Day.. The annual parade in downtown Birmingham and discounted admission to the Birmingham Zoo. Homestead Hollow is happening over the weekend if you’re looking for a fun arts and crafts show that will get you out in the fall weather. If you’re looking for a little Christmas Spirit, check out the The Grand Lighting at the Outlet Shops of Grand River.

Have a great week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!


Sunday November 8th:

Moss Rock Festival – Moss Rock Preserve
Come enjoy artists inspired by nature, our eco district partners featuring green living ideas, products, services and organizations, live music, engaging constructions and installations, The Sweetery, WonderKid studios, hiking, biking, geocaching,  fuel-efficient car exhibitions, a café, and the great outdoors.

We guarantee it will be a weekend where discoveries are the norm! Grab friends and family and get outside to explore nature at this premier eco-creative festival in Alabama.

The festival is free. Visitors must Park & Ride to the festival from The Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The shuttles are frequent, free, and easy to use. After a quick glimpse at The Preserve neighborhood, the shuttle will drop you at the festival’s front steps.
10am – 4pm

Christmas Village – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Whether your list is short or long, and whether your budget is big or small, you will find creative gift solutions for everyone you love. However you choose to experience Christmas Village Festival, it will be so much more than a shopping trip. It will become the event you choose to kick off your Christmas shopping year after year.
Adult Tickets: $12.00
Children 6-12: $5.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
12pm – 5pm

American Girl Just Like Me – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Autumn’s glory is ready for harvesting! Join us as we learn the story of young American Girl, Kaya, from the Nez Perce tribe. We’ll explore the Three Sisters Garden of corn, squash and beans while we harvest peanuts, cotton, and sweet potatoes. Create a Kaya-inspired craft with amazing things we gather from the earth. You won’t want to miss this beautiful afternoon of discovery.
$15 Members | $20 Non-Members
2pm – 4pm

Mini Maker Faire Make Workspace – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us to see demonstrations and experience some of the latest products in 3D printing, robotics, coding, programming and more.
11am

Mini Maker Faire Meet the Makers – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for this engaging session that will feature Jennifer Johnson, who will be discussing and demonstrating the craft of making jewelry with paper.
1pm

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Monday November 9th:

Veteran’s Day – Birmingham Zoo
In honor of this special holiday, all active and retired military personnel and their dependents will receive FREE admission on November 9,10 and 11! Bring your military identification card to take part in all the fun the Zoo has to offer. Ride the train* and carousel*, watch sea lion training demonstrations and much more! Bring your family and spend this Veterans Day at the Zoo!

*Additional Cost for attractions

The LEGO Club – Homewood Public Library
An exciting new building challenge for Kindergarten-5th grade.  Bring your imagination, and we will provide the rest!
3:30pm

Tot time with Ms. Eve, Silly Does It – Avondale Regional Library
Get ready to giggle with my favorite silly stories and songs! Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with an individual caregiver, no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30 and 11am

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Tuesday November 10th:

Veteran’s Day – Birmingham Zoo
In honor of this special holiday, all active and retired military personnel and their dependents will receive FREE admission on November 9,10 and 11! Bring your military identification card to take part in all the fun the Zoo has to offer. Ride the train* and carousel*, watch sea lion training demonstrations and much more! Bring your family and spend this Veterans Day at the Zoo!

*Additional Cost for attractions

Family Tours, Bon Appetit– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Bon Appetit: The holidays are here and it’s time to indulge! Feast your eyes on art in our collection and learn more about food and dining in art.
10:30am

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00
10am – Noon

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Wednesday November 11th:

Veteran’s Day Parade – Downtown
Parade begins at 1:30 and will follow this route:

1.Start on 18th St. and Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.
2.South on 18th St. to 2nd Ave N.
3.East on 2nd Ave N. to 22nd St.
4.North on 22nd St. to 5th Ave N.
5.West on 5th Ave N. to 19th St.
6.North on 19th St. in front of City Hall
7.End at 19th St. and Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.

Veteran’s Day – Birmingham Zoo
In honor of this special holiday, all active and retired military personnel and their dependents will receive FREE admission on November 9,10 and 11! Bring your military identification card to take part in all the fun the Zoo has to offer. Ride the train* and carousel*, watch sea lion training demonstrations and much more! Bring your family and spend this Veterans Day at the Zoo!

*Additional Cost for attractions

Veteran’s Day at American Village
Veterans, active members of the United States Armed Forces, their families, and the public are all invited at attend the wreath laying and soil enshrinement, visitors may tour the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor, and take part in additional activities through 4 p.m. at the American Village.

Admission is free to veterans and active military.

$8.50 Adults (age 18-59)
$8.00 Youth (age 5-17)
$8.00 Seniors (age 60 and over)
FREE (age 4 and under)
10am – 4pm

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Thursday November 12th:

The Grand Christmas Tree Lighting – Outlet Shops of Grand River
Join us and experience the magic as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive from the North Pole to celebrate the lighting of The Grand Christmas Tree.

NTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
From 5 – 6pm
Minions
Geoffrey the Giraffe from Toys R Us
Enchanted Princesses
Magician

·         LIVE PERFORMANCES
Begins at 6pm on the Grand Stage
Alabama Ballet
The Birmingham Girls Choir
Red Mountain Theater Company

·         FREE ACTIVITIES
   Following Performances
Photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus in Sleigh
Holiday Arts and Crafts
Balloon Art
Face Painting
Hot Chocolate
Cookie Decorating
And More…

SHARE THE MAGIC and donate unwrapped toys to Children’s of Alabama Sugar Plum Shop – Toy Drop.

Storyday with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay for this fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller!
9:30 and 10:30

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00
10am – Noon

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Friday November 13th:

Homestead Hollow
one of a kind – hand made, hand decorated arts and crafts. Talk to our pioneer demonstrators the old time days- see wood carving, blacksmithing, soap making, wood stove cooking, quilting, and whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Visit the apiarist and learn about bee keeping. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy great food from our food court, bbq, funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, beans, greens, footlong corn dogs and so much more! Children’s activities: wagon rides, bunjy jump, moonwalk, face painting Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates.

Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9am – 4pm

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Saturday November 15th:

Saturday Storytime at Highlands – Highlands School
Join in with your 3 to 5 year old children for an exciting storytime– full of books, songs, musical instruments, arts and crafts, snacks, and our famous “leaf hunt parade”.
10am

Homestead Hollow
one of a kind – hand made, hand decorated arts and crafts. Talk to our pioneer demonstrators the old time days- see wood carving, blacksmithing, soap making, wood stove cooking, quilting, and whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Visit the apiarist and learn about bee keeping. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy great food from our food court, bbq, funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, beans, greens, footlong corn dogs and so much more! Children’s activities: wagon rides, bunjy jump, moonwalk, face painting Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates.

Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9am – 4pm

Bart’s Art Cart– Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!
Tea Time!: Brrr… it’s getting chilly! Warm up with some tea! Make your own cup and saucer to take home, then host your own tea parties all winter long.
11am

Snowplow Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Big trucks may brag and roar, but small and steadfast wins the day in this cheerful story with timeless appeal.
On the Mighty Mountain Road Crew, the trucks come in one size: BIG. That is, until the little snowplow joins the crew. None of the other trucks think that the little snowplow can handle the big storms, but he knows that he can do
11am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday November 15th:

Homestead Hollow
one of a kind – hand made, hand decorated arts and crafts. Talk to our pioneer demonstrators the old time days- see wood carving, blacksmithing, soap making, wood stove cooking, quilting, and whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Visit the apiarist and learn about bee keeping. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy great food from our food court, bbq, funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, beans, greens, footlong corn dogs and so much more! Children’s activities: wagon rides, bunjy jump, moonwalk, face painting Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates.

Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9am – 4pm

Our World Our Library – Homewood Public Library
Join us for stories, activities and crafts about multiculturalism and diversity.  We look forward to finding out about our world with you!
2:30pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Ocean Oasis, Horses, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Event: Moss Rock Festival

Posted on by Angie

Grab friends and family and get outside to the Moss Rock Festival at The Preserve in Hoover. Explore Nature, Eco Ideas, Art + Design at Alabama’s premier eco-creative festival now in its 8th year. Innovation, imagination, and fun await 15,000 visitors under a blanket of fall colors at this idyllic neighborhood setting adjacent to Hoover’s own 350 acre Moss Rock Preserve. MRF features something for everyone. At the forefront of the festival is unique artwork from 100 exhibiting artists inspired by nature. Eco and +Design exhibitors, which are intermingled amongst the artists’ creations, are full of innovation, imagination, sustainability, and green living ideas. Design and function are on display at the festival’s Eco:Drive. See and learn about the latest fuel efficient cars that will save you money at the pump. A crowd favorite, the Nature of Cakes expo and tasting, gathers visitors in The Preserve’s Town Hall for a sweet display of show cakes that will amaze on the 2013 design theme challenge of “Fleas & Antiques.”

Admission is free! Hours are 10am-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday. Parking, shuttle, and collections for electronics recycling will take place at the Hoover Met. For all the details, please visit MossRockFestival.com or call 205-595-6306. And follow us on Facebook & Twitter all year long for important announcements, special offers, eco posts, and updates! Join the eco-creative conversation!

Festivities include:

  • ARTIST ROW: Juried Artists in all media and at all price points will be showcasing over 5000 Works of Art primarily inspired by or depicting nature and/or made from recycled or natural materials.
  • ECO DISTRICT: “green living”. This outdoor district will serve as an informative and cool connection to various eco-friendly living ideas, products, businesses and organizations making strides in the green movement. Have a question? Need Advice? Get answers by asking the experts.
  • SmartLIVING: this marketplace offers wellness initiatives, gluten free products, organic food education and more for making healthy decisions in your life.
  • MOSS ROCK PRESERVE: patrons can participate in a fun geo-location game or take a guided hike in the 250 acre Moss Rock Preserve.
  • CAFE BY THE WOODS: the perfect place to get great eats, drinks & treats at the show including festival favorite features like Greek Tavern, plus Cantina, Fresh off the Bun, Full Moon Bar-B-Q, and Steel City Pops, which are packing lots of flavor in the portable food truck model.
  • BEER GARDEN – a craft beer tasting: There is an art to crafting a great beer. With multiple breweries now open in the area, Birmingham is quickly becoming the home for a growing brewing industry. The Beer Garden at Moss Rock Festival would like to celebrate their efforts and successes in the community. In 2013, we are proud and excited to showcase the skilled crafts of the following local breweries at the Beer Garden: Avondale Brewing Company, Beer Engineers, Cahaba Brewing Company, Good People Brewing Company. This year we have added The J. Clyde as a bar/restaurant partner, and Hopy City as a retail partner. Order tickets online from our website! http://mossrockfestival.com/food-fun-contests/beer-garden/
  • CRESCENT STAGE: live music from local talent
  • WONDERKID ART STUDIOS: interactive art projects for the kids using nature as a launching point for creative projects – the WOW variety!
  • NATURE OF CAKES EXPO & TASTING: an expo & ticketed tasting – Tasting Tickets are $1, or a full tasting for $5. Come see the baking talents of top cake designers. The 2013 Theme and Design Challenge is “Fleas & Antiques”. The cake designs promise to amaze!
  • PLANET PROJECTS: a classroom project for creative recycling: The project will increase children’s awareness of “the seed” and its function in nature. Participating Schools: Brocks Gap Intermediate, Simmons Middle School, and Berry Middle School.
  • ECO-DRIVE: See and learn about the latest fuel efficient car innovations. This year, we are featuring Tameron Hyundai, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln, and Hoover Toyota.
  • ELECTRONIC RECYCLING: Technical Knockout will be taking donations at the Hoover Met on Saturday and Sunday, visit www.technicalko.net for more info on acceptable donations.

FREE PARKING
 All visitors will Park & Ride from the Hoover Met, located off of Hwy 150 and Stadium Trace Pkwy. For detailed directions to Regions Park, please visit MossRockFestival.com and click the “About” menu heading link.

FREE SHUTTLE – SCHEDULE
 It’s quick & easy. Only a short 5 minute ride. Shuttles will run regularly from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and 9:30am to 5:00pm. The site will be blocked to thru traffic except for home owners & their guests.

Mom Shaming

Posted on by Angie

By Kristen Berthiaume:

Although it’s definitely not a new thing, there’s been much in the news lately about “mommy shaming” and how it impacts new (and not-so-new) mothers. It seems that everyone – from other parents, to non-parents, to experts – has strong opinions about what moms should and shouldn’t do and, for some reason, the very act of mothering appears to encourage everyone to share (Share opinions I mean. Did you think I meant share toys? No one is sharing toys). Breastfeed-bottlefeed-use disposable diapers-use cloth diapers-medicate-don’t medicate-start solids-delay solids-sleep train-co-sleep-sleep when the baby sleeps-attachment parent-cry it out-put a hat on her- take his socks off-go back to work-don’t go back to work… The sheer volume of “helpful advice” is enough to make anyone feel like they are completely incompetent. And, mommy shaming during the infancy stage is only the beginning! Soon, mothers are either hearing that they’re hovering over their toddlers or not paying them enough
attention. “ It goes on from there: sign them up for sports-make sure they have free time-only feed them organic food-avoid strict diets-she should be reading by this time-she’ll read when she’s ready. Mom shaming continues throughout the child’s schooling to the college search, as kids enter the workforce and long-term relationships, and when they begin to consider parenthood. According to many, there is a “right” way and time for everything – and you’re doing it all wrong.

For new moms, much of the “advice” given is well-meaning and there’s probably no intention to create guilt or negative feelings. Most people believe that they’re genuinely telling you something you didn’t already know like that disposable diapers are bad for the environment or that there are lots of benefits to baby-wearing. But off-handed comments have a real impact, especially on mothers, so it’s helpful to have some responses ready that maintain your relationship with that person but do not invite nagging.

Don’t feel that you have to explain why you’ve made the choice you have – it’s none of that person’s business. Try something like, “I appreciate you sharing that – we considered that information when we made our decision.” Then, move on. If the advice-giver insists on constantly criticizing you when you spend time together, it may be time to cut that person from your life. In the case of a relative, in-law, or close friend doing the disapproving, have a sit-down, possibly including your partner/spouse, and state that while you enjoy spending time with her, you’ve noticed that she often criticizes your parenting.

Explain that you are doing the best you can and that you have sought out the most up-to-date information. Remind her that you will make mistakes as a parent, which is O.K., and that you need others’ support to help you become a more competent and confident mother. If that doesn’t work, just threaten no more baby time until she shuts her trap (Just kidding. But maybe not). There is an exception I want to point out and that is safety. When someone suggests to you that you may be putting your child
at risk – the carseat is incorrectly installed or the child is incorrectly buckled in (Remember: NO COATS IN CARSEATS!) or an infant is sleeping on her tummy instead of her back – that is not the kind of information you can politely ignore. Even if it makes you feel bad to realize that you may have been doing something dangerous for months or even years, you’ve got to act for your children’s sake. In those instances, take a deep breath and thank the person giving you the information. Tell him or her that you’ll check on it and then DO. Search the web or ask your pediatrician to make sure that you’re following the safest practices for your child. Your child’s health and safety are too important to let pride get in the way. Also, the way you handle this kind of feedback from someone may affect whether they give it to other parents who need to hear it in the future. In other words, you may be contributing to a process that’s life-saving to someone else’s child – or your own. Try to accept this kind of advice for what it is and know that it may well have been difficult for the other person to share with you.

For moms with older children, the most popular mom shaming topics appear to be: working versus staying-at-home and being on social media. Remember the “open letters” written to moms playing on their phones at the playground instead of using that time to enjoy those fleeting precious moments with their preschooler? If that’s not an example of mom shaming, I don’t know what is. I agree, wholeheartedly, that no parents (hear that, dads? I mean you, too) should be playing on their phones constantly when in their children’s presence. It’s crucial that we set certain limits for ourselves to model appropriate use of technology and allow ample time for interacting with our kids, spouse, friends, etc. But, maybe the mom at the park checking her Instagram has had a really rough start with that sweet-faced little boy who is quietly entertaining himself in the sandbox and this mental break is the only thing keeping her from complete and total meltdown. Let her have her time – she probably played with that little oppressor all #%&* morning. Even if a mother is spending “too much” time on social media, the shaming likely only contributes to that by diminishing her feelings of being a competent mother and making necessary an escape. It only makes sense that we tune in to social media more when we don’t feel like we’re doing a good job with some aspect of our real lives.

So, what can we do instead? We want to engage with others and make connections. Can we do that without being critical? Before you say something to a new mother, think about whether that kind of question would be appropriate for someone who is male or in another stage of life. Do you really need to know if this woman’s baby came out of her vagina or her stomach or someone else’s body? Is it any of your business what her baby is drinking – breastmilk or formula? Would you ask a man in the grocery store specific questions about a recent medical procedure or inquire whether your neighbors eat organic vegetables? New mothers love to talk about their babies until they don’t. Sure, ask the polite, harmless questions like the baby’s name and when she was born but skip inquiring about the intimate details of her birth story, her plans to have more babies, and whether she’s lost her birth weight yet.

These questions are all inherently judgmental because they imply, intentionally or not, that she may be failing at this motherhood stuff. Talk with new mothers about other things; things that, like, regular people might talk about: books you’ve read recently, the crazy weather, politics (on second thought, don’t talk about politics).  Would mom shaming even exist if we all focused on an “It takes a village approach?” Instead of giving the mom playing on her phone the side eye because she’s ignoring her kid, how about you kept an eye on him, too – just in case there’s a problem. Yes, I know – he’s not your kid, not your responsibility. But, aren’t there times in life where others have stepped up for you? Given you a pass? Pay it forward. You can show that you understand her situation with comments like, “Kids sure do have a lot of energy!” or by talking about how you’re grateful for playgrounds so children can entertain themselves for a while. In this way, you’re expressing empathy for her role as mother rather than passing judgment or suggesting she should be doing something differently. Likewise, if you’re a SAHM who volunteers frequently at your child’s school, keep an eye out for the kids whose parents both work and aren’t usually able to be there. Can you give them a bit of extra attention? Can you be a “room mom” just to them? And, hey, no judgment if you don’t want to try this – it’s just a suggestion.

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 seven and one, and four-year-old son.

Coach Mommy: How to be a Winning Parent

Posted on by Angie

It seems like as soon as kids can walk, we as parents start exploring options for what sport we want to try. From soccer, to baseball, flag football to swimming, it seems there is a league for just about any age now, even if only to introduce them to the idea of the sport. I don’t say this as if it’s a bad thing, but I do believe there are right and wrong ways for parents to encourage extracurricular activities and if done incorrectly, we could be creating some long term problems for our kiddos (and the ones we may coach.) Done correctly and we can build their self esteem, confidence and equip them with skills that will benefit them on and off the court or field.

Here are some tips on how to be a winning parent.

Be Supportive, Don’t Coach.  Your role on the team is as a Support player with a capital S! You need to be your child’s best and biggest fan. Win or lose.

Challenge, Don’t Threaten. Many parents directly or indirectly use guilt and threats as a way to “motivate” their child to perform better. Performance studies clearly indicate that while threats may provide short term results, the long term costs in terms of psychological health and performance are devastating. Using fear as a motivator is probably one of the worst dynamics you could set up with your child. Threats take the fun out of performance and directly lead to your child performing terribly. Implicit in a threat, (do this or else!) is your OWN anxiety that you do not believe the child is capable. Communicating this lack of belief, even indirectly is further devastating to the child’s performance. A challenge does not entail loss or negative consequences should the athlete fail. Further, implicit in a challenge is the empowering belief, “I think that you can do it”.

Give your Child the gift of failure. If you really want your child to be as happy and as successful as possible in everything that they do, teach them how to fail. The most successful people in and out of sports do two things differently than everyone else. First, they are more willing to take risks and therefore fail more frequently. Second, they use their failures in a positive way as a source of motivation and feedback to improve.

Help make the sport fun for your child.  An easy rule of thumb: If your Child is not enjoying what they are doing or loving it, Investigate! What’s going on that is preventing them from having fun? Is it the coaching? The pressure? Is it you? Keep in mind that being in a highly competitive program does NOT mean that there is no room for fun. The child that continues to play long after the fun is gone will soon become a drop out statistic.

Avoid comparisons and developmental differences.  For your child to do his very best she needs to learn to stay within herself. Worrying about how another athlete is doing interferes with her doing this.

and last but not least…

Your child is not his or her performance. Love and encourage them unconditionally.

If you want your child to come out of his youth sports experience feeling good about himself and having a healthy attitude towards sports, then they need our help!

 

Source: Dr. Alan Goldberg, Competitive Advantage

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: November 1st – November 8th

Posted on by Angie

Hello November and the end of Daylight Savings Time, we hope falling back hasn’t been too brutal on your schedule. Lots of fun things happening around Birmingham this week. Movies, storytimes and a Dia de los Muertos Festival to kick off the week. Christmas Village takes over Birmingham this week and over the weekend, Moss Rock Festival is back!

Have a great week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday November 1st:

Vibrant Music and Arts Festival – Carraway Davie House
Presented by Cahaba Park Church
Looking for a fun (and FREE) way to spend a fall afternoon? Bring a blanket and come join us out on the lawn of the Carraway-Davie House for the first annual VIBRANT Art and Music Festival! Enjoy original artwork based on the Psalms from eight local artists. Each will be auctioned off to benefit a variety of local charities/ministries. After the auction, there will be a live concert featuring new and unreleased music from The Corner Room (cornerroommusic.com). Bring your friends! We hope to see you there!
3pm – 4:30pm

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Monday November 2nd:

Dia de los Muertos Festival – 1st Ave South
It is sure to be an energetic Day of the Dead Festival (Día de los Muertos numero trece). This year is our thirteenth celebration! It will take place in our same great spot on 1st Avenue South in Birmingham, AL.

We look forward to seeing you at the festival. Please do NOT bring your pets or cooler or picnic baskets. Please do bring yourselves and friends and a small altar or memento of remembrance. Dress in bones, as a sugar skull or for a fiesta! Join in the procession!
Gates Open at 4pm & Close at 10pm
PRICE: $10 Everyone age 13 and older   |   $3 Kids age 12 to 7   |   Free under age 7
WHERE: 2115 1st Avenue S

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for some after school family fun,  We’ll have popcorn, drinks, and a film to celebrate Dia de los Muertos!
3:30pm

Tot time with Ms. Eve, Silly Does It – Avondale Regional Library
Get ready to giggle with my favorite silly stories and songs! Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with an individual caregiver, no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30 and 11am

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Tuesday November 3rd:

Family Tours, Bon Appetit– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Bon Appetit: The holidays are here and it’s time to indulge! Feast your eyes on art in our collection and learn more about food and dining in art.
10:30am

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00
10am – Noon

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Wednesday November 4th:

Duct Tape Madness – Homewood Public Library
Come and see all the amazing creations that can be made with duct tape. No registration required.
4pm

Wiggleworm Wednesday – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Mandy every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for our weekly all-ages storytime filled with music, wiggling, and fun!
10:30am

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday November 5th:

Christmas Village – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Whether your list is short or long, and whether your budget is big or small, you will find creative gift solutions for everyone you love. However you choose to experience Christmas Village Festival, it will be so much more than a shopping trip. It will become the event you choose to kick off your Christmas shopping year after year.
Adult Tickets: $12.00
Children 6-12: $5.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
10am – 8pm

American Girl Just Like Me – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Autumn’s glory is ready for harvesting! Join us as we learn the story of young American Girl, Kaya, from the Nez Perce tribe. We’ll explore the Three Sisters Garden of corn, squash and beans while we harvest peanuts, cotton, and sweet potatoes. Create a Kaya-inspired craft with amazing things we gather from the earth. You won’t want to miss this beautiful afternoon of discovery.
$15 Members | $20 Non-Members
3:30pm

Wimpy Kid Party – Irondale Public Library
Games, trivia, top-secret activities, and a chance to win the brand-new Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School! Plus, come on Tuesday, November 10th at 4:30 to vote for your favorite Wimpy Kid movie to watch on the big screen!
6pm

Storyday with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay for this fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller!
9:30 and 10:30

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00
10am – Noon

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Friday November 6th:

Christmas Village – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Whether your list is short or long, and whether your budget is big or small, you will find creative gift solutions for everyone you love. However you choose to experience Christmas Village Festival, it will be so much more than a shopping trip. It will become the event you choose to kick off your Christmas shopping year after year.
Adult Tickets: $12.00
Children 6-12: $5.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
10am – 8pm

The Greatest Holiday Lighting on Earth – Riverchase Galleria
Join Riverchase Galleria and a host of princesses and super heros as we present, The Greatest Holiday Lighting on Earth!. There will be singing and dancing and lots of Christmas cheer as we light our tree and welcome Santa Claus to kick off the Christmas Season!
6pm – 8pm

Mini Maker Faire Make Workspace – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us to see demonstrations and experience some of the latest products in 3D printing, robotics, coding, programming and more.
3pm and 6pm

Mini Maker Faire Make and Collaborate – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us in the Make & Collaborate space for these highly collaborative and interactive activities for a variety of ages. Featured materials included in the sessions: Ages 5+ – LEGO® BIONICLE®, Snap Circuits & ThinkFun Wheels & Gadgets Ages 8+ – littleBits Electronic Building Blocks & Cool Paper Machines Adults (13+) — LEGO® Architecture Studio and Extraordinaires Design Studio Pro
4pm and 5pm

Mini Maker Faire Meet the Makers – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for this engaging session that will feature Jennifer Johnson, who will be discussing and demonstrating the craft of making jewelry with paper.
5pm and 7pm

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Saturday November 7th:

Moss Rock Festival – Moss Rock Preserve
Come enjoy artists inspired by nature, our eco district partners featuring green living ideas, products, services and organizations, live music, engaging constructions and installations, The Sweetery, WonderKid studios, hiking, biking, geocaching,  fuel-efficient car exhibitions, a café, and the great outdoors.

We guarantee it will be a weekend where discoveries are the norm! Grab friends and family and get outside to explore nature at this premier eco-creative festival in Alabama.

The festival is free. Visitors must Park & Ride to the festival from The Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The shuttles are frequent, free, and easy to use. After a quick glimpse at The Preserve neighborhood, the shuttle will drop you at the festival’s front steps.
10am – 5pm

Christmas Village – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Whether your list is short or long, and whether your budget is big or small, you will find creative gift solutions for everyone you love. However you choose to experience Christmas Village Festival, it will be so much more than a shopping trip. It will become the event you choose to kick off your Christmas shopping year after year.
Adult Tickets: $12.00
Children 6-12: $5.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
10am – 8pm

Family Tours, Bon Appetit– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Bon Appetit: The holidays are here and it’s time to indulge! Feast your eyes on art in our collection and learn more about food and dining in art.

Bart’s Art Cart– Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!
Tea Time!: Brrr… it’s getting chilly! Warm up with some tea! Make your own cup and saucer to take home, then host your own tea parties all winter long.
11am

Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck Architect Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read the stories Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer. Full of clever illustrations, these two witty picture books inspire kids to believe in themselves and follow their passion. Activities to follow.
11am

Mini Maker Faire Make and Collaborate – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us in the Make & Collaborate space for these highly collaborative and interactive activities for a variety of ages. Featured materials included in the sessions: Ages 5+ – LEGO® BIONICLE®, Snap Circuits & ThinkFun Wheels & Gadgets Ages 8+ – littleBits Electronic Building Blocks & Cool Paper Machines Adults (13+) — LEGO® Architecture Studio and Extraordinaires Design Studio Pro
Noon and 4pm

Mini Maker Faire Meet the Makers – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for this engaging session that will feature Jennifer Johnson, who will be discussing and demonstrating the craft of making jewelry with paper.
1pm

Mini Maker Faire Make Workspace – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us to see demonstrations and experience some of the latest products in 3D printing, robotics, coding, programming and more.
11am and 6pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday November 8th:

Moss Rock Festival – Moss Rock Preserve
Come enjoy artists inspired by nature, our eco district partners featuring green living ideas, products, services and organizations, live music, engaging constructions and installations, The Sweetery, WonderKid studios, hiking, biking, geocaching,  fuel-efficient car exhibitions, a café, and the great outdoors.

We guarantee it will be a weekend where discoveries are the norm! Grab friends and family and get outside to explore nature at this premier eco-creative festival in Alabama.

The festival is free. Visitors must Park & Ride to the festival from The Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The shuttles are frequent, free, and easy to use. After a quick glimpse at The Preserve neighborhood, the shuttle will drop you at the festival’s front steps.
10am – 4pm

Christmas Village – BJCC Exhibition Halls
Whether your list is short or long, and whether your budget is big or small, you will find creative gift solutions for everyone you love. However you choose to experience Christmas Village Festival, it will be so much more than a shopping trip. It will become the event you choose to kick off your Christmas shopping year after year.
Adult Tickets: $12.00
Children 6-12: $5.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
12pm – 5pm

American Girl Just Like Me – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Autumn’s glory is ready for harvesting! Join us as we learn the story of young American Girl, Kaya, from the Nez Perce tribe. We’ll explore the Three Sisters Garden of corn, squash and beans while we harvest peanuts, cotton, and sweet potatoes. Create a Kaya-inspired craft with amazing things we gather from the earth. You won’t want to miss this beautiful afternoon of discovery.
$15 Members | $20 Non-Members
2pm – 4pm

Mini Maker Faire Make Workspace – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us to see demonstrations and experience some of the latest products in 3D printing, robotics, coding, programming and more.
11am

Mini Maker Faire Meet the Makers – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for this engaging session that will feature Jennifer Johnson, who will be discussing and demonstrating the craft of making jewelry with paper.
1pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Ocean Oasis, Horses, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Leftover Halloween Candy Recipes

Posted on by Angie


Halloween 2015 is in the books.. Did you over buy on candy this year? Did you ration poorly and end up with way too many leftovers after the Trick-or-Treaters stopped coming through? Did your kids rack up because they were the only ones out braving the rain?

Here are a few ideas on what to do with that candy when you get tired of eating it in it original form.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake:

32 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
5 eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream
8 peanut butter cup candies

Crust:
1 1/2 package graham crackers, crushed
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar

To Prepare:

Crust: Mix all ingredients and pat into a 10″ spring form pan.

Cake: Chop peanut butter cups. Cream the cheese until light. Add sugar and beat some more. Add eggs, one at a time and beat after each. Mix in cream, vanilla and cornstarch. Stir in candy. Pour into crust and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or so until outside edge is firm and middle is still soft. When the cake comes out of the oven run a knife around the edge. Cool for several hours then top with melted chocolate.

Butterfinger Cake:

1 angel food cake, crumbled
1/2 cup butter
4 egg yolks
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 ounces Cool Whip, thawed slightly
8 large Butterfinger candy bars

To Prepare:

Freeze candy bars in wrappers for at least two hours. Crush bars (while in wrappers) using a rolling pin. Cream butter, egg yolks, sugar and vanilla and add Cool Whip.

In a 9 x 13 inch pan layer half of the angel food cake; a layer of half of the Cool Whip mixture; then a layer of half of the crushed candy bars; repeat.

Candy Cupcakes:

Use 3 Musketeers and Milky Way bars in chocolate cupcakes. Freeze mini candy bars and make cupcakes as usual, any recipe. Place a frozen bar in the middle of each cupcake just before baking. That way, the candy melts but doesn’t really blend into the rest of the cupcake batter

Other quick and easy tips:

  • Add chopped-up candy bars to brownies in place of chocolate chips.
  • Make a trail mix with chocolate-coated candies, raisins, peanuts and any soft chewy candy.
  • Layer prepared instant pudding with candy to make a pudding and candy parfait.
  • Send it to the Troops

Do you have a recipe that includes leftover Halloween Candy? How do you keep that candy from hanging around until Easter?

 

 

Halloween Treat Round-Up

Posted on by Angie

No tricks, just treats with this list of goodies you can score around Birmingham this Halloween! Get those costumes ready and take advantage of these deals!

*Please call ahead to verify your location is participating!

IHOP  FREE Scary Face Pancake to all children ages 12 and under on Friday 10/30/15 between 7am-10pm.

Chuck E Cheese is giving 50 FREE tickets to all children in costume now through 10/31/15.

Olive Garden $1 kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree the week of 10/26-10/30. Limit 2 kids per one adult entree. Must present THIS COUPON.

Beef O’Brady’s  FREE kid’s meal to all children 12 and under in costume with the purchase of an adult entree.

Applebee’s is offering a FREE kid’s meal to children 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree. Limit 2 children per 1 adult.

Chili’s FREE kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree.

Outback Steakhouse  $2.99 kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree on 10/31/15. Some locations are also offering free kids meals.

The Shake, Trussville Kids Eat Free 10/31/15. One free kids meal per adult meal.

McAlister’s Deli is offering a free kid’s meal to all kids in costume with the purchase of an adult meal. Limit 2 kids per 1 adult.

Krispy Kreme  FREE doughnut to all kids in costume on 10/31/15. No purchase necessary.

Sonic is offering $.50 corndogs all day on 10/31/15.

Zaxby’s – $.99 kids meal to kids in costume, 10/31/15

As always, call ahead to ensure that your local restaurant is participating in the deal.

Event of the Week: Field of Screams!

Posted on by Angie

There are so many events happening around Birmingham this time of year, it’s hard to keep up with everything going. Here’s a new one that we’re looking forward!

On October 31st, 2015 Birmingham will finally have a cornerstone event on America’s second favorite holiday (after Christmas, of course). BAM Entertainment is turning Birmingham’s Parkside District into one huge, incredible Halloween Festival & Carnival!

This is the inaugural event of what will surely become an annual happening that everyone will look forward to all year long. On Halloween, 14th Street, Regions Field and the surrounding area will become the biggest Halloween event in the south! Food trucks, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, music, costume contests and more will fill the Parkside District all day long. But, that’s not all!

Much of Field of Screams will be a family-friendly event open to all ages. However, there will also be some “grown” up elements, as well!

Regions Field will become Birmingham’s hottest Halloween party of the year. And, the lounge and banquet venues at upstairs at Regions Field will host the city’s premier Halloween Costume Gala! And, BAM Entertainment still has a couple of tricks up our sleeves that will certainly treat the 21+ crowd. So, stay tuned!

Field of Screams is Birmingham’s biggest Halloween event ever! And, it is truly an event of events. From large to HUGE. For the kids, and for the grown ups, too! Field of Screams is a festival, carnival and 2 awesome Halloween parties that you will not want to miss!

For the Kids.. A festival in the streets, and a carnival presented by Alagasco inside the ballpark! Field of Screams is truly taking over Halloween in Birmingham this year! It’s an event that you’ll enjoy as much, maybe even more, than your kids!

For the Adults.. Field of Screams brings Birmingham Halloween parties for the grownups only, too. An outdoor Halloween party inside of one of America’s best ball parks. And, an upscale costume Gala with views of the city skyline, Railroad Park and Regions Field! A B’ham Halloween like never before!

For tickets and more information visit their site.

The Right Age to Trick or Treat, Alone..

Posted on by Angie

In the past we’ve discussed How Old is too Old to Trick or Treat but something else that has crossed my mind lately is, at what age are our kids old enough to hit the streets on Halloween on their own? Mine are no where near this age mind you, but I’m curious all the same.

I’m kind of in the mind set that by the time mine are old enough to go alone, they’ll be too old to go at all (at the age of 28.) But I know that in the real world over the next couple of years I’m going to start feeling the pressure, either directly or indirectly.

Let’s be honest. The days of wandering the neighborhood freely until “the street lights come on” isn’t a possibility for most of us anymore. But if you’re going to let your little ghosts and goblins venture out without an adult this Halloween, or if you’re on the fence and feeling the pressure from your older children, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. The earlier the better. Try to get them out while they still have some daylight.

2. How well do you know the friends that they will be with and what is their maturity level? Having a conversation with the other parents is a good idea. Make sure you are all on the same page about their boundaries, return times, etc.

3. Set Boundaries. Make sure they know that can only go so far, whether it consists of only your neighborhood, a couple of streets over or down in a certain direction, make sure they are clear about those guidelines.

4. Make sure someone in the group, or your child has a cell phone so they can reach you in the event that they need you.

5. Remind them to never enter someones home. Stay on the porch or in the yard at all times. Always stay with the group or with at least one other friend. Think Buddy System.

6. If all of the above still makes you a nervous wreck, put on a costume and follow them at a distance, that’s probably what I’ll do 🙂

How old were your children when they went out without an adult? What rules did you put in place?

 

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