52 New Things, 2014. Week 49

Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2014 by Angie

Here’s what’s new this week!

Angie-
I’ve got a Birthday coming up and it’s the 4-0.. I’ve been pretty fortunate most of my life to have good skin without putting much effort into.. Until lately. I’ve decided that as I near that milestone in my life, a little more upkeep is going to be required. I reached out to one of our Moms Rock sponsors/Rodan and Fields Rep for some help and she got me set up with a regimen specifically to help my skin type. I started it this past week and can’t wait to see the results.

Kristen-
My new thing is Sephora’s It Girl lipstick. Too pink on me. Sigh.

What did you do that was new?

Giveaways to Giftaway: Oak Mountain Festival of Lights

Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2014 by Angie

One of our favorite things to do during the Holidays is to look at Christmas Lights. This year, thanks to the Festival of Lights at Oak Mountain you can see tons of lights, all in one place!

Oak Mountain has put a modern day twist on the old holiday tradition of looking at Christmas lights. The best part is, you enjoy it all from the comfort of your own car!

At the end of your journey, you can stop off at Bud’s Best Cookies Holiday Village for some hot cocoa and sweet treats to warm you up! What a perfect way to end the night. Also in the Holiday Village you’ll find smore’s by the fire pit, live entertainment, arts and crafts and other kids activities including a train ride and bounce houses.

We have 3 tickets to give out to 3 lucky readers. Each ticket is good for one car load through the lights.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Leave a comment here or on our Facebook Page letting us know you want to win!

Giveaway will end Saturday morning, December 12th at 10am.

Good Luck!

Gift idea: Want, Need, Wear, Read

Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2014 by Angie

The holidays shouldn’t be stressful, but it is for a lot of people. What to buy… the cost of it all… meeting expectations… It can be daunting, especially when your kids come to you with a list of 20 or more toys they want. We want to teach our kids to be grateful, yet we want them happy.

Here’s a fun idea to satisfy them and keep them from becoming spoiled. Gift to your kids in the Want, Need, Wear, Read style. Each child gets one item that they really want, a frivilous toy. Then they get one item they need- maybe a new lunchbox. Next is something they can wear- pj’s, clothes, shoes. And last is something they can read.

If you go by this system, it will help them to cut down on what they ask for. It will also make things even easier for you when shopping!

Giveaways To Giftaway: Marthie and Jane Gameday PJ's

Posted on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 by Angie

Great gift for the tiny football fans in your life!!

Marthie and Jane and offers 100% organic cotton sleepwear in your favorite game day colors! Thier pajamas are a cute and fun way to cheer on your favorite team at home or away. These pajamas are both stylish and comfortable. marthie & jane pajamas are durable enough to withstand any overtime!

Their pajamas are adorable on their own or precious with a monogram, applique or heat press! Perfect for game day or every day, these soft, thick and comfy pajamas will be the perfect addition to your child’s wardrobe!

Marthie and Jane will be giving away 1 set of Orange and Blue and 1 set of Red and White.

Here’s how you enter..

1. Leave a comment here letting us know which colors you prefer, we’ll draw one winner for each.

2. For an extra entry, head over to the Marthie and Jane Facebook Page and thank them for the giveaway!

Giveaway will end Wednesday, December 10th at 6pm. Winners will be announced via email and will coordinate their pj’s directly with Marthie and Jane.

Good luck!!

Holiday Travel: Gaylord Opryland, ICE! Featuring 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Posted on Monday, December 8, 2014 by Angie

If you’re looking for a quick road trip over the holidays, look no further than one of our favorite weekend getaway cities.. Nashville, TN.

Gaylord Opryland Resort has a little something for everyone in your family to enjoy. From amazing lights to snow tubing, ice skating and wonderful Holiday Shows.

bnago_christmas_phototour08 — Photo Credit: Opryland Resort and Convention Center

We were fortunate enough to take a little overnight trip up to the Resort to check out ICE! ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

From an incredible land of ice and snow halfway around the world, a remarkably talented team of artisans travels to the Nashville area — just to create the amazing ICE! attraction at the Gaylord Opryland Resort! This band of master carvers spends nearly a month of 12-hour shifts inside a 9-degree freezer, transforming two million pounds of ice into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Sound extreme? It is, but to them, it feels much like home.

See Ma in her kerchief, Pa in his cap and more as the classic holiday poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, is brought to life in TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including two-story tall ice slides. This awe-inspiring experience concludes with the wonder and majesty of a full Nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice. It is all part of A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland.

ICE! is an indoor winter wonderland featuring:

Walk-through holiday attraction, kept at a chilly 9 degrees
Two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures
Four ice slides
Six individual rooms depicting the story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
The Frostbite Factory — a live carving zone
Full Nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice

If you’re looking for a quick overnight trip or a long weekend vacation, consider a stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort and enjoy this magical holiday oasis!

For more information on Ticket Pricing or to book your stay, visit their site.

Photos By: Scott Butler

Birmingham Events Calendar: December 7th – December 14th

Posted on Sunday, December 7, 2014 by Angie

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

Lots of Christmas and Holiday Happenings going on around Birmingham this week.. From storytimes to crafts there’s a little something for everyone on this weeks calendar. If you’re looking for Santa you can find out where he’ll be on our Santa Sightings List.

Zoolight Safari is still going strong and the Festival of Lights at Oak Mountain is now open every night! Make sure to check them out with the family before it’s too late!

Have a great week!

Sunday December 7th

Snaps with Santa and the Magical Elves – Wrapsody Hoover
Face Painting, Cookies, storytime and pictures with Santa. A great afternoon of Holiday Fun!
Free Event
1pm -4pm

Honeyky Hanukah – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a Hanukah Storytime featuring Honeyky Hanukah by Woody Guthrie. It’s Honey Hanukah time! A fun-filled story celebrating Hanukah with accompanying CD. Wear your pajamas!
7pm

American Girl, Girls Just Like Me: Festival of Trees – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Celebrate the beauty of the season in The Gardens with American Girl fun! Enjoy crafting with fragrant plant material such as evergreen and cinnamon, a short hike, holiday story, and delicious treats while learning how your favorite American Girl characters celebrate the holidays.
$12 members
$15 non-members
2pm – 4pm

Holiday Open House – Springville Road Library
Springville Road Library wants to show its trons how much they are appreciated. Join staff for refreshments on this festive day.
2pm – 5pm

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Monday December 8th:

Holiday Family Night – Springville Road Library
Join us for a holiday storytime complete with stories, songs, and crafts.
6pm

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Tuesday December 9th:

Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour – Avondale Brewry
Presented by Fresh Air Family
Thousands of lights! Gravity defying displays! Mooning Santas! Blow-ups with more hot air than a room full of politicians! Join Fresh Air Family as we seek out the best of the worst light displays in town! Join us for this anti-Norman Rockwell celebration of our most outrageous traditions. Tacky sweaters and lighted headgear encouraged. We will have some tacky Christmas hats for sale at Avondale Brewing Company!

This year’s Wacky Tacky has been expanded to a two-hour tour with a mid-tour break at La Paz Restaurant in Crestline Village. Drink tickets will be $7 for margaritas, $5 for beer, $3 for soft drinks. Buy yours in advance to get faster service.

Email Events@FreshAirFamily.org with your bus time – family-friendly buses until 6:30 pm.

5:30, 5:50, 6:10, 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30, 7:50, 8:10, 8:30 pm.Reserve your seats via Paypal or a check to Fresh Air Family, P.O. Box 321038, Birmingham AL 35232. Don’t tarry — we have limited seating! Proceeds go to provide scholarships to kids for our award-winning camp programs.
$20 adults/$10 kids non-members, $15 adults/$7.50 kids members
Drink tickets for mid-tour break at La Paz in Crestline Village will be $7 for margaritas, $5 for beer, $3 for soft drinks. Buy yours in advance to get faster service.

Evenings at Emmet O’Neal Library
It’s the program you know and love, now a part of our new Evenings @ EOL series. Enjoy dinner at 5:30 pm and a live performance at 6:00 pm. All ages. No registration required.
The Elves and the Shoemaker from Atlantic Coast Theatre

A Taste of Christmas – Avondale Library
Elves are busy making a gingerbread man for Santa when disaster strikes. Who put “fairy dust” in the sugar jar and what will happen to Santa’s cookie? Can anyone save the day? Join the Avondale Youth Department for a family night of cookie caper fun with this skit. A 24-hour advance registration is required.
6:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell! Come find out why!
11am

Baby Tales – North Shelby Library
A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration Required. Registration will begin one week prior to program date.
9:30am

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for music, puppets, dancing, and so much more in Story Time!
Large groups, we appreciate your call to 205-332-6619 to ensure adequate space.
10:30a

Family Tours, What’s in a Face– 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?

Explore the Museum for portraits with a Museum educator. How are the portraits in the galleries different from each other? Come back to Bart’s ArtVenture to create your own unique portrait!
10:30am

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Wednesday December 10th:

Afterschool Special – Emmet O’Neal Library
That Puppet Guy Lee Bryan presents a holiday puppet performance called “Trouble in Toyland.”
3:30pm

Santa Claus Storytime – Springville Road Library
There will be stories, songs, crafts, and Christmas festivities. Don’t forget the photo op with Santa.
10am

PJ Storytime – Hoover Public Library
Wear your pajamas to the library for stories, songs, and a bedtime snack
6:30pm

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

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

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Thursday December 11th:

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Storytime for the youngest patrons and friends.
9:30am and 10:30am

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Friday December 12th:

Storytime The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition – Barnes and Noble Summit
A special holiday Storytime featuring The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. Children will enjoy a Storytime, scavenger hunt and crafts.
7pm

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Saturday December 13th:

Polar Express – Alabama Theatre
This movie will begin with a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Each child will receive a conductor’s hat, goodies from the Candy Bar and a chance to get their photo with Santa! 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. “Touch a Transport” Event Kids can get “hands on” with various types of transportation, including a Rutan VariEze courtesy of the Southern Museum of Flight. 19th Street North (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue North)
10am and 2pm showings
Polar Express: $12 Benefiting Kid One Transport
Touch a Transport: Free

Make a Gingerbread Birdhouse – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Bring a little holiday cheer to any room this season by making your own gingerbread birdhouse decoration. Come up to the Tree House anytime between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
$4.00

Alabama Wildlife Center Holiday Craft and Bake Sale – Veterens Park, Hoover
Holiday-themed crafts and ornaments, handmade jewelry, quilts & throws, unique gifts with a natural theme, bird houses & feeders, homemade jams, jellies, preserves, candies, baked goods, on-site vacuum sealed smoked hams and turkey breasts, and frozen casseroles: Broccoli & Rice, Mac ‘n Cheese, Sweet Potato, & Breakfast Grits, just in time for the holidays. Also, Santa 9:00 am – 1:30 pm, free refreshments, and meet glove-trained AWC Education Birds up-close! All proceeds benefit the Alabama Wildlife Center. All proceeds benefit the Alabama Wildlife Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. See website for changes or additional information.
9am – 3pm

Explore the Museum for portraits with a Museum educator. How are the portraits in the galleries different from each other? Come back to Bart’s ArtVenture to create your own unique portrait!
10:30

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!

Collage a Costume with Bart the Art Bat
11am – 1pm

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.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell! Join us to find out why.
11am

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Sunday December 14th:

All About Insects – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Let’s learn about insects! We’ll learn defining features of insects and have an opportunity to see some real insects up close. We will also make a bug box and go on an insect hunt! Program starts at 2:00 pm.
$4.00

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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: Tornado Alley, Great White Shark, To the Arctic, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

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.

52 New Things, 2014. Week 48

Posted on Saturday, December 6, 2014 by Angie

We’re getting so close to the end of the year!! Just a few more weeks of new things.. Suddenly I’m feeling some pressure to finish this up with a bang! But for now, here’s what was new this week.

Angie-
I took my girls to adopt a child from the Angel Tree. We’ve donated to and been a part of adopting families through other avenues in the past, but this was our first time to take the girls to pick a child from the tree. They loved it. They were excited to help with the shopping and were very concerned about our Angel getting the things she wanted and the things she needed. It was a very easy process and hopefully something my girls will learn from.

Kristen-
My new thing is this awesome print by Chad Moore (mine doesn’t have the word “proof” on it, obviously) This photo is titled “Day Job” He takes fantastic pictures of kids’ toys in grown-up (and sometimes compromising) situations. Check out more of his work!

Shirley-
My new thing was visiting Breward, NC. The hiking and scenery was world class and the waterfalls reminded me of something I would see in Yosemite. Well worth the “seemingly short” six hour drive.

What did you do that was new?

Giveaways to Giftaway: Zoolight Safari Tickets

Posted on Thursday, December 4, 2014 by Angie

Next up in our Giveaways to Giftaway, we have (2) Family Four Packs of Tickets to Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo!

Be amazed by all-new light displays in this transformed winter wonderland. View over one million lights, listen to holiday music and delight in festive snowfalls every night! See and listen to the new amazing 12 Days of Christmas musical light show displays, towering up to 10 feet tall. Also, guests will enter the Zoo through an all-new, nearly 30 foot tall illuminated giraffe arch.

Enjoy a ride on the Candy Cane Train, take a photo with Santa, go for a spin on the Jingle Bell Carousel, experience the thrill of the Holiday Hayride and so much more. Every night at 5pm, watch a tree lighting ceremony with an illuminating tree reaching nearly 30 feet tall by the front gate! Be sure not to miss a special appearance and photos with Santa through December 23.

Here’s how to enter:

Leave a comment on this post letting us know you want to win the tickets.

For an extra entry:

Head over to the Birmingham Zoo Facebook Page and thank them for the giveaway (come back here and let us know you did!)

The giveaway will end at noon on Saturday, December 6th. BirminghamMommy will draw 2 winners at random and they will be notified via email.

Event of the Week: Holiday Spectacular, Red Mountain Theatre

Posted on Thursday, December 4, 2014 by Angie

Opening tonight! You don’t want to miss Birmingham’s most entertaining celebration with the “Holiday Spectacular.”

Written each year for the local community, “The Holiday Spectacular” pairs holiday fun with good-natured “poking fun”—spoofing the events of another year passed. Part satire and part holiday medley, “Holiday Spectacular” is this season’s show that features something for everyone in the family.

This year’s show features some of Birmingham’s finest professional actors—Tam Debolt, Amy Johnson, Belinda George Peoples, Natalie Valentine, Keith Cromwell, Saxon Murrell, Lonnie Parsons and Cameron White. And audiences won’t want to miss the youth talent in “Holiday Spectacular,” either, as the production showcases the unrivaled talent of RMTC’s youth ensemble. The young actors who participate in RMTC’s musical theatre conservatory are “extraordinary,” Cromwell says. “Our eldest girls are Rockettes, and I’d put their numbers up against any Rockette performance I’ve seen in New York.” Cromwell compares seeing the RMTC ensemble perform with that of witnessing a miracle. “And I mean that,” Cromwell says, “because these kids are so talented, so gifted, and to watch them execute this production is simply remarkable. I think we all want to feel like kids again at the holidays—to feel full of wonder and hope—and watching this show does that.”Come celebrate the season, be entertained, and feel like a kid again with “The Holiday Spectacular.”

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Rated G
Sponsored By: Business Electronics, Ginger & Lane Milam, Shannon & John Smith and Sara & Logan Taylor
The “Holiday Spectacular” runs December 4-21, 2014, at the RMTC Cabaret.

Show times: Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
To purchase tickets, visit RedMountainTheatre.org, or call (205) 324-2424.

Holiday Traditions in Birmingham

Posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 by Angie

Everyone loves a good Holiday tradition. Whether it’s your Great Grandmother’s Pecan Pie or a drive through some of your favorite and highly decorated neighborhoods on Christmas Eve, there are lots of things you can choose to do in Birmingham to make some great memories with your family. Here are our top picks.

1. Zoolight Safari, Birmingham Zoo.

Watch as the Zoo comes alive for 18 nights of holiday-centric fun at Wells Fargo ZooLight Safari! New this year, take a ride on the over 100 foot Yuletide Slide attraction each night near the Primate Building. Fun for all ages, ride the slide with speed, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

General Ticket – $8.00

2. Holiday Movie Series – Alabama Theatre

The Holidays are the perfect time to visit the Alabama Theatre, with beautiful decorations and some of your favorite films, there’s really no reason not to let this be one of your Holiday Traditions each year. From Elf, to Polar Express they show movies that will appeal to anyone of any age. Here is their full Holiday Movie Series Schedule.
Ticket prices and movie times vary.

3. Singing Santa at Colonial Brookwood Village

If a visit to Santa is on your list of things to-do before Christmas, why not see Santa and get a little song too. Enjoy visits and photos with the legendary Singing Santa.
A variety of photo packages available.

4. North Pole Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad

“All Aboard” says the conductor, and your journey begins. Through the dark night, the magical train speeds to the top of the world. Upon arrival at the brilliantly decorated North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train to visit with everyone, so be sure to bring your camera!

Coach Class
You’ll enjoy chocolate milk and cookies and sing Christmas carols. Listen to a special Christmas story and receive a Christmas gift!
$27 per person. Under 2 is free

First Class
The Silver Maple and the Kayenta offer First Class service – hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, special dessert treat, and specialized service. Listen to a special Christmas story and receive a premium Christmas gift!
$47 per person. Under 2 free

Live Entertainment
C&NW – A side passengers will see and interact with the on board entertainer providing the carols, story, and good cheer for the rest of the train!
$37 per person. Under 2 free

5. Santa Special – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Santa rides the train with you and gives a special treat to each child! Tell him what you would like for Christmas and take photos with Santa! Ride last around 1 hour.
Saturdays Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 11:00 am, 2:00 pm
$17 per person. Under 2 is free.

Bonus Pick!

We see this becoming a new holiday tradition for lots of Families.

In it’s first year here in Birmingham, we had to include the Oak Mountain Festival of Lights!
Oak Mountain has put a modern day twist on the old holiday tradition of looking at Christmas lights. The best part is, you enjoy it all from the comfort of your own car!