Thanksgiving Desserts: A Little Yummy for your Tummy

Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 by Angie

One of the most crucial parts of Thanksgiving dinner is dessert, almost as important as the turkey if I do say so myself. Here are some yummy recipes that we have gathered and thought we would share in case you are looking for a new twist on your dessert selection this year!

I’m a sucker for anything in “turtle” form so when I found these Turtle Cheesecake Balls, I knew immediately that they were going to make it on my “to cook” list for holiday baking!

Ingredients

8oz cream cheese

1/2 – 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

8 oz bittersweet chocolate cut into 1/2-inch pieces (I used Ghiradhelli chocolate chips)

1 tbsp vegetable oil

3 tbsp chopped pecans, finely chopped

1/4 cup caramel sauce (or melted caramel squares)

Instructions

Combine the cream cheese with 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs. Taste and add more graham cracker crumbs as desired. I found 1 cup of crumbs to be too much, but some people don’t care for the taste of cream cheese. Keep in mind that the chocolate and caramel add *plenty* of sweetness, so you want the cream cheese mixture to still have some tang. Use a melon baller to scoop up 1 1/4″ sized balls to a wax-paper lined baking sheet. Repeat until you’ve scooped up all of the cream cheese. You should have about 15 balls. Freeze for 10-15 minutes.
While the cheesecake balls are being chilled, melt the chocolate in a double boiler with the vegetable oil, stirring until smooth.
Using 1 or 2 forks, dip each cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip away between the tines. Place the chocolate covered balls back on the wax paper on the baking sheet. Repeat for all cheesecake balls.
Top each truffle with pecans. Drizzle caramel over each truffle. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Best if served within 24 hours.

Can’t have Thanksgiving without some type of pumpkin dessert gracing your table.. How about these yummy Pumpkin Fritters, they remind me of one of my most favorite sweets of all time, Beignets!

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1 tsp salt
4 cups canola oil for frying
confectionery sugar for topping

Pumpkin Pie Spice (2 tsp)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg

In a medium bowl using a mixer, combine pumpkin, egg, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and salt. Mix until smooth.

Heat oil in a deep saucepan to 325 degrees. Drop batter by spoonfuls into hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and serve immediately with sifted powdered sugar on top.

Yields: 24 fritters | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

5 Lessons Learned During My Healthy Pregnancy

Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 by Angie

By: Erin Holtz

After going through a normal and healthy pregnancy I can now look back and be thankful for all the things I did to maintain a normal, fit, and healthy lifestyle during my pregnancy. Here are 5 lessons I learned that I would like to share with all pregnant women.

1. Stay active and strong…

Going through labor I realized that I was able to maintain my strength by walking the halls, squatting, and stretching in order to progress further along until I delivered. This was all because I walked, jogged, and did weights throughout my pregnancy. This to me was the most important thing I could have done to help me through my labor and delivery. As long as your doctor allows you and you have been exercising before your pregnancy maintain a fit routine daily!

2. Listen to your body

During my pregnancy I continued to workout up until the day I had my baby because I felt great. I know there are days when I did not feel so great and had to take it easy but that is why it is important first off to listen to your body. This was one thing I learned early on. Morning sickness and fatigue is no joke but each day is different so therefore if you are unable to exercise or walk one day maybe you will feel up to it the next day. I had to stop running at 32 weeks due to contractions but I felt like if I would have continued to run despite my body telling me not to my baby could have been born too soon and that comes with a lot of complications.

3. A healthy diet = a healthy baby

Maintaining a healthy diet ensures that you and your baby are getting the right nutrients as well as maintaining a healthy weight. Trust me the more weight you gain during your pregnancy the more weight you have to lose afterward. I lost my belly within the first 2 weeks post delivery and now I am just in need of toning everything back up. It is a huge compliment when some one asks how old my baby is and I tell them 2 weeks old and they look at me and say there is no way you had a baby 2 weeks ago. That is all due to maintaining a healthy diet even though it was hard at times.

4. Keep an open mind

Going into the hospital with an open mind is the most important thing when you are about to go into a huge life experience such as child birth. Your body and your baby know exactly what they can handle! I had my mind made up that I wanted to try and go all natural during delivery and I almost made it.. but things happened and my baby was bigger than expected so therefore I had to have help from an epidural. I went into this with an open mind and worked hard to go natural but in the end my body was telling me that I needed a little help with getting a bigger baby out of my small pelvis. I ended up with an epidural but the labor and delivery process could not have gone better. I delivered a very healthy baby and had an easy labor and delivery due to the epidural. Looking back I am very thankful that I chose to have an open mind and be flexible. Nothing goes as planned when delivering a baby and it is not the time to be upset, overwhelmed, or putting yourself through more stress.

5. Maintain a healthy weight

Watching how much you gain during your pregnancy will benefit you in the end. Again the more extra weight you put on now from not exercising and eating right the more you will have to lose. That is not to say that you shouldn’t put on weight, your baby needs extra fluid, fat, and blood to grow and mature but there is a healthy way of doing that. Your doctor will tell you an ideal amount of weight that you should put on and I would recommend sticking to that recommendation. You will certainly not fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes right away but it helps your self-esteem when you are dropping weight and starting to fit back into some things a few weeks after you deliver.

I found that since I did exercise and eat healthy during my pregnancy I am recovering faster, losing weight quicker, and feeling like myself again already at 3 weeks post delivery. This is all due to listening to my body, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program, and having a positive open mind set about pregnancy and childbirth.

Erin Holtz, ATC, ACE-CPT
Erin Holtz is a personal trainer as well as an Athletic Trainer with a degree from The University of Alabama. She holds personal training certification from American Council on Exercise as well as an instructor certification to teach CPR, First Aid, and AED for the infant, child, and adult. After moving to Birmingham, AL following graduation she started working full-time as an athletic trainer and part-time as a personal trainer where she began to realize her passion was not only in the athletic field, but also for helping the general public achieve their life and fitness goals. She now works one-on-one with her clients helping them focus on cardiovascular endurance, plyometrics, core development, rehabilitation, pre- and pos-termt pregnancy, strength, and weight loss. Erin recently joined the HomeFit team and is eager to help you achieve your goals in the comfort of your own home. For more information on Erin and the rest of the HomeFit team, visit www.homefitconsulting.com or call 205-675-7412.

Birmingham Events Calendar: November 16th – November 23rd

Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2014 by Angie

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

Our McWane Science Center Membership Drive is in full swing. We’ll be out all week with membership forms, so stop by one of our offsite locations to sign up.

Lots of other fun events happening around town. Market Noel presented by the Junior League kicks off and is the place to be to get a jump on that holiday shopping. If you’re ready to get in the Holiday Spirit, check out the Parade and Fireworks at the Summit.

Have a great week and stay warm!

Sunday November 16th

Mingle and Jingle, A Christmas Market – Pelham Civic Complex
MINGLE AND JINGLE- A Christmas Market presented by Shelby County Moms Guide is Nov. 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex. Join us for a day of arts, crafts, concessions, decorations, gifts and shopping. Free professional pictures will be taken with Santa Claus. Admission is $5. Kids free.
Info: 205-319-0563 ext. 2 or Events@momsguidealabama.com.
12pm – 5pm

G2K Once Upon A Mattress – RMTC Caberet Theatre
If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and The Pea, you may be in for a walloping surprise! Chances are, you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Young artists (age 7-14) perform in this charming adaptation.

*Getting To Know You series adaptations
Admission Info:
Tickets starting at $10
2pm

Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival – Homestead Hollow
Homestead Hollow festivals feature fine arts, unique – one of a kind – hand made crafts, pioneer demonstrations of the old time days. See wood carving, ironwork, blacksmithing, smoke house cooking, gardening, quilting, whiskey making at our original working still, and tour original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy our great food that makes your mouth scream for more.

Children’s activities: ride the ponies, circle in our wagon ride or jump in the moon walk. Visit and talk with our Herbalist and find out more about grandma’s remedies or those nature produces naturally.

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.

Directions: Homestead Hollow is located in Springville, Alabama, just 2 miles off I-59, exit 154. 27 acres of parking and our trams make it easy to park, get to the entrance and start having fun immediately.

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

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Monday November 17th:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for popcorn and a drink as we watch a great movie!
3:30pm

Tot Time with Mrs Eve: Show and Tell – Avondale Library
We will be cooking up some really yummy fun at this storytime! Join Mrs. Eve as she presents stories, songs, and crafts geared for 2 to 4 year olds with a caregiver. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30 and 11:00am

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Tuesday November 18th:

Magic Treehouse Adventure – Hoover Public Library
Join Jack and Annie as they take Junie B. on an exciting escapade. Registration begins November 4. Grades 1-3
4:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Love Monster and the Perfect Present Storytime. This adorable follow up to Love Monster is sure to be a new holiday favorite! Join us for Storytime and activities.
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 November 19th:

“Preview Noel” Market Noel – Grandview Conference Center
Market Noel is the Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) annual holiday market, a three-day shopping extravaganza that benefits the programs of the JLB.

Market Noel raises money for the league’s community projects, serving women and children in the Birmingham area, in the areas of Education, Health, Financial Stability, and Safety and Crisis Intervention.
$48– Preview Noel
Includes one bonus General Admission ticket
7pm – 10pm

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 November 20th:

“Market Bliss” and Market Noel – Grandview Conference Center
Market Noel is the Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) annual holiday market, a three-day shopping extravaganza that benefits the programs of the JLB.

Market Noel raises money for the league’s community projects, serving women and children in the Birmingham area, in the areas of Education, Health, Financial Stability, and Safety and Crisis Intervention.
$12 – General Admission
9a.m. – 8p.m.
Stroller Free: 9a.m. – 2p.m.
$24 – Market Bliss
6pm – 8pm

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

PJ Storytime – North Shelby Library
Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All Ages. No Registration Required.
7pm

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

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Friday November 21st:

Lights up at the Summit!
Lights Up at The Summit is the annual kickoff to the holiday season. The main event of Lights Up is a festive parade that will begin at 6:30 pm at Barnes and Noble and end at Carmike Cinema. At the conclusion of the parade, Santa Claus will officially kick off the holiday season with a grand fireworks show. Santa will also be available for pictures near the Cinema following the parade until 9:30 pm.

Thousands of visitors will be attend the event and will be entertained prior to the parade at various locations throughout The Summit by the Birmingham Boys Choir, Red Mountain Theatre Company and the Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Arrive early and enjoy the festivities with Lights Up at The Summit.

Parade begins at 6:30 pm
Birmingham Boys Choir to perform at 5:30 in front of Kendra Scott (near Belk)
Birmingham Children’s Theatre to perform at 5:30 pm in front of Brooks Brothers
Red Mountain Theatre Company to perform at 5:30 pm in front of Williams Sonoma
Pictures with Santa Claus following the parade until 9:30 pm outside Carmike Cinema

Sponsored by Magic 96.5 who will have a Children’s Christmas Craft Area at their booth near the Carmike Cinema.

BirminghamMommy.com and McWane Science Center will be set up in front of Ann Taylor and Kate Spade, we’ll have plenty of Membership Forms available ready to get you signed up! Come see us!

Magic of Model Trains Preview Party – McWane Science Center
Cost: $15 Adults, $10 Kids (Members: $12.50 Adults, $7.50 Kids)
Be the first to experience both the Magic of Model Trains exhibit and Rocky Mountain Express IMAX film.

Event Includes

Admission to the museum and a screening of Rocky Mountain Express (7 PM Screening)
Hot chocolate and cookies in the museum
Train rides
Small popcorn
Free train whistle following the film screening for all kids 12 and under

Market Noel – Grandview Conference Center
Market Noel is the Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) annual holiday market, a three-day shopping extravaganza that benefits the programs of the JLB.

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Saturday November 22nd:

Winter Wonderland Opens at McWane Science Center
Sleigh bells ring…are you listening? It is the sound of Winter Wonderland at McWane Science Center. Bring your family to the most magical place around this holiday season. Laughter is in the air as children coast down the Ice Slide and take a whirl across the room on the extended zip line. Climb aboard the McWane Train and go for a ride or try your luck at ice fishing.

Our always popular Zip Line will be even longer this year as visitors fly through the air on 70 feet of suspended wire.

The Ice Slide allows kids and grown-ups alike to take the plunge down a 40 foot tube slide covered in holiday lights

The McWane Train, a three-car ride-on train, will double in size this year as it takes kids on a holiday-themed ride around 200 feet of track.

Market Noel raises money for the league’s community projects, serving women and children in the Birmingham area, in the areas of Education, Health, Financial Stability, and Safety and Crisis Intervention.
$12 – General Admission
9pm – 5pm
Snaps with Santa
9am – 11am
$12

United Way Food Drive – Birmingham Zoo
Help the Zoo give back to the community this fall with the annual United Way Food Drive! Bring any canned or non-perishable food item and receive half-price admission*. Get up-close and personal with the elephants at the Boma Encounter, visit the animals at the Junior League- Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo Barn, experience a pelican feeding and much more!
*Limit one discounted ticket per guest.

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!
10:30

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!

Create a flag that represents you! Take one home and string it up for all to see.
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
Join us for The Elf on the Shelf: A Holiday Tradition Storytime and Elf Adoption Event. This holiday season, begin a new family tradition – this interactive holiday hide-and-seek with Santa’s elf is perfect for children and families of all ages.
11am

Puppet Making and Holiday Sing A Long – Barnes and Noble Summit
Kids are invited to make a puppet and sing holiday songs with our booksellers and their newfound puppet friends. Please arrive early; space and supplies are limited. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.
1pm

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Sunday November 23rd:

Snowmen at Night Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? Discover and experience the secret life of snowmen at night. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.
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: 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 45

Posted on Saturday, November 15, 2014 by Angie

We’re getting close to the end of the year… Less than 10 weeks left in 2014!! Hard to believe! Here’s what we did that was new.

Angie-
I tried a new recipe using ground chicken. Yes.. This is an actual thing. They sell it at Target and Publix, that I know of. I had never heard of this and the few people I asked had never heard of this.. Most likely because it’s disgusting. The texture and taste are just off. The recipe was for Buffalo Chicken Chili which I think would actually be very tasty if you use chicken breast rather than ground chicken. I’m not a fan.

Kristen-
My new thing is St Paul and the Broken Bones at the Alabama Theatre. Amazing Show!

Shirley-
I was an Alabama Fan, dress shopping in Atlanta while my team was playing and beating the number 1 team in the nation.

McWane Science Center Memberships, $20 Off! 1 Week Only!

Posted on Friday, November 14, 2014 by Angie

We’re partnering up with the McWane Science Center for their 5th Annual Membership Drive, We’re offering Birmingham Moms some BIG Savings!

We’re offering this AMAZING discount of $20 off any membership level to our readers, and it’s good for 1 week only!! November 16th – November 22nd.

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 must purchase in person from a BirminghamMommy representative, or in person at the McWane Center. 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.

We’re moms, we know it’s hard to get out and run errands. To make purchasing easier, we will be set up at some offsite locations that we hope will be convenient for you. You can always purchase in person at McWane as well, just remember the coupon.. You must have it in order to get the discount. Coupon will be posted on here on our site and on Facebook, when the sale starts.

Here is a tentative schedule of where we will be and when. We will be updating any changes to these locations and times on Social Media. So please make sure to check before heading out. We’ll update here too as quickly as possible, but Social Media will be immediate. Look for a BirminghamMommy Rep in the following locations. (We’ll be wearing our cute new t-shirts!)

Saturday, November 14th
Books a Million at Brookwood Mall. In the Cafe from 11am – 1pm

Monday –
Hart and Soul Coffee Shop, Homewood. 9:30am – 11:30am

Tuesday
Starbucks, Hoover Hwy 31 near Publix 9:30 – 11:30
Yogurt Lab, Vestavia, 3:30 – 5:30

Wednesday
Chick Fil A, Fultondale, 9:30am – 11:30am
Chick Fil A, Leeds, 6pm – 8pm

Thursday
Starbucks Lakeshore, 11:30 – 1:30

Friday
Lights Up at the Summit – 5pm – 7pm. Our tables will be set up in front of Ann Taylor and Kate Spade.

Saturday –
Yogurt Mountain, Trussville 11am – 1pm

Forms will be available all week at the Following locations:

Do It Yourself Crafts in Homewood – Regular Business Hours
Do It Yourself Crafts in Hoover – Regular Business Hours

Instant Sign Center in Trussville – 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday

McWane Coupon 2014

Posted on Thursday, November 13, 2014 by Angie

Alabama Theatre Holiday Film Series

Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 by Angie

If you’re ever looking for an excuse to visit the Alabama Theatre, the Holidays are the perfect time. With beautiful decorations and some of your favorite films, there’s really no reason not to go!

Check out their 2014 Holiday Film Series Schedule below, and grab your tickets soon before they sell out!

Friday, December 12th – White Christmas
A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. 120 min. Not Rated.
This movie will begin with a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7pm.

Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Saturday, December 13th – Polar Express
10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Movie Showings
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
19th Street North (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue North)

Kids can get “hands on” with various types of transportation, including a fire truck, cars, motorcycles and a Rutan VariEze courtesy of the Southern Museum of Flight

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’s home. 100 min. PG.

This film is a fundraiser for Kid One Transport.

This movie will begin with a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Doors open at 8:30 AM, with the feature beginning at 10 AM.
Tickets are $12 at the door and in advance through Ticketmaster.

Saturday, December 13th – It’s a Wonderful Life
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Sunday, December 14th – Miracle on 34th Street
Doors open at 12:30, with the feature beginning at 2pm
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Monday, December 15th – Christmas Vacation
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Tuesday, December 16th – Home Alone
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Wednesday, December 17th – Scrooged
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Thursday, December 18th – Elf
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Friday, December 19th – A Christmas Story
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Followed by a Midnight Feature of Christmas Vacation
Doors open at 10:30, with the feature beginning at Midnight.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Saturday, December 20th – Cartoon Matinee

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Repelled by the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas. 25 min. G.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them. 47 min. G.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas
A grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. 26 min. UR.

The triple feature will begin with a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. There will not be an intermission between movies.

Doors open at 12:30, with the feature beginning at 2.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Saturday, December 20th – It’s a Wonderful Life
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Sunday, December 21st – White Christmas
Doors open at 1:30, with the feature beginning at 2.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Monday, December 22nd – Christmas Vacation
Doors open at 5:30, with the feature beginning at 7.
Tickets are $8 at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

Which Movie are you looking most forward to seeing?

Why It's Ok To Hurry

Posted on Monday, November 10, 2014 by Angie

I read an article once that talked about a Mom who would no longer use the overused words “Hurry Up” when talking to her daughter.

When I first read the article I thought it sounded great. There have been numerous occasions in my 9 year career as a Mom that I thought about and discussed with my friends how I felt like I was going to give my kids a complex of some sort by asking them to “Hurry” all. the. time.

After reading the article I was hyper aware of how many times I used that phrase.

It’s a lot. I won’t lie.

I’ll be the first to admit that I could stand to hurry less and enjoy more.. but with 3 kids in tow and places to be, it’s not always possible to allow that “free spirited child” to stop and smell the roses, or pick the dandelion, or eat cheerios off the floorboard of the car, or change clothes a tenth time, or spend 1 1/2 hours eating a half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.. and so on. We would never make it anywhere. Ever.

While I know I need to learn to slow it down, kids need to learn the art of time management. I personally feel that this is as important for them as learning to read or write. Learning to manage their time will set them up for success later in life whether it’s school projects in 5th grade, studying for finals in college, or in their career. Time management doesn’t just happen, it’s a learned skill and it’s our job to teach them.

Beyond just setting them up for success in life, it teaches them to be respectful of other peoples time.

Now, I’m not saying to rush them through their ice cream cone on a Saturday afternoon, but if you decide to run some errands or to stop for an after school treat before gymnastics or swim team, they need to understand that their team is waiting on them and they have the responsibility to be there on time. Even if that means leaving without finishing their treat because they were busy picking the sprinkles off one by one, or daydreaming out the front window of the bakery instead of eating their cupcake.

It’s easy to get caught up in a hurry trap, feeling like we need to rush even when we don’t and that’s something I’m personally working on, but it’s ok to set expectations for your child and to follow through. You can do this without cramping their personality or killing their spirit.

The time we have with our kids is short, no doubt, and I want to cherish every precious second, sometimes we just have to cherish it on the go..

Birmingham Events Calendar: November 9th – November 16th

Posted on Sunday, November 9, 2014 by Angie

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

Another busy week in Birmingham! Make sure to check out the Veterans Day Parade tomorrow in Downtown. Looks like we’re in for a cold snap but luckily there are plenty of indoor events and storytimes to keep you busy. G2K Once Upon a Matress Kicks off at Red Mountain Theatre Company later this week, make sure to get your tickets for this adorable production.

In case you missed our Big announcement last week, our 5th Annual McWane Membership Drive kicks off this weekend, we’ll have a list of details coming later this week, make sure to keep an eye out! We’re hoping to make it the most successful drive so far!

Sunday November 9th

Christmas Village – BJCC Arena and Exhibit Halls
Over 700 booths! Photos with Santa! Food Court! Free Package Check Service!

Even though we search throughout the year for exhibitors with quality crafts, in many cases quality does not necessarily mean expensive. Stocking stuffers priced less than one dollar may be found on the same aisle as a one-of-a-kind original watercolor.
Adult Tickets: $10.00
Children 6-12: $4.00
Children under 6 admitted Free!
$1.50 handling fee per order.
12pm – 5pm

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Monday November 10th:

Free Admission for Veterans – Birmingham Zoo
In honor of this special holiday, all active and retired military personnel and their dependents will receive FREE admission on November 10 and 11! Bring your military identification card to take part in all the fun the Zoo has to offer, including the all-new over 100ft slide**! Ride the slide with speed, fun for all ages, the train* and carousel,* watch sea lion training demonstrations, feed the lorikeets* and much more! Bring your family and spend this Veterans Day at the Zoo!
*Additional cost.
**Open November 11 only, additional cost.

Tot Time with Mrs Eve: Show and Tell – Avondale Library
Happy un-birthday to you, Happy Un-birthday to me. Happy un-birthday Avondale children. Happy un-birthday to us! Please join Mrs. Eve for a silly un-birthday celebration filled with stories and songs. Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with a caregiver (no groups please). 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30 and 11:00am

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Tuesday November 11th:

Veterans Day Parade – Boutwell Auditorium
Parade begins at 1:30

1.Start on 18th St. and 8th Ave N.
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 8th Ave N.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime, activities and Cafe treats. We love to share our favorites!
11am

Evenings at Emmet O’ Neal Library
You bring the family, we’ll bring the board games and LEGOs for free play. All ages. No registration required.
6pm

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a Thanksgiving Storytime featuring The Great Thanksgiving Escape. The title is a hilarious, kid-friendly take on Thanksgiving – full of family, food and lots of fun! Join us for Storytime and activities.
11am

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Wednesday November 12th:

After School Special, Eric Litwin – Emmet O’Neal Library
Eric Litwin, author of the Pete the Cat book series, entertains with clever, interactive songs.
3:30pm

LEGO Club – Springville Road Library
Visit the library to enjoy some creative play with Legos! Elementary school students are invited to join in the fun with our library Lego set. All you need to bring is yourself!
4pm

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

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Thursday November 13th:

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

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Friday November 14th:

*Getting To Know You series adaptations
Admission Info:
Tickets starting at $10
7:30pm

Preschool Pals, Pete the Cat – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come have your picture made with Pete the Cat and laugh along with him in our “I Love My White Shoes” play. Then gather your four groovy buttons at our fun activity stations and earn a tasty treat. Fun for all Pete the Cat fans! Ages 5 & under.
10:30am

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.

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

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Saturday November 15th:

*Getting To Know You series adaptations
Admission Info:
Tickets starting at $10
2pm and 7:30pm

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.

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

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 Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy.

This month, Bart has selected Phyllis Kravilovsky and Jim Fowler’s Benny’s Flag.
11am – 12pm

Create a flag that represents you! Take one home and string it up for all to see.
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
Join us for Paddington Storytime. This holiday season, enjoy the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition of the book – featuring a scrapbook of Paddington’s travels. Join us for Storytime and activities.
11am

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Sunday November 16th:

*Getting To Know You series adaptations
Admission Info:
Tickets starting at $10
2pm

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.

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

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

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

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:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

52 New Things, 2014. Week 44

Posted on Saturday, November 8, 2014 by Angie

What’s new? Here’s what we tried this week.

Angie-
I tried a new eyeliner I picked up in a hurry at the drugstore. I didn’t have time to get by and pick up my normal clinique eyeliner last week, so I picked up something I thought was similar. Only it turned out having glittery specks in it that left me looking a little like a old chick trying to be a popstar.. No Beuno.

Kristen-
My New thing.. I went to my first UAB Football game. Not quite as exciting as the games some other schools in the state (and the concession situation was not good. At all.) but much closer and the kids enjoyed it.

What did you do that was new?