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5th Annual BIG McWane Discount!

Posted on by Angie

BirminghamMommy.com is thrilled to be partnering with the McWane Science Center for the 5th Annual McWane Membership Drive!!

We’re offering this AMAZING discount of $20 off any membership level to our readers, and it’s good for 1 week only!! November 15th – November 21st.

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.

Keep an eye on the website, we’ll have more details coming, along with the printable coupon, and a list of locations where we’ll be taking forms in person around town!

Parenting with a PhD: Teaching Empathy in 5 Easy Steps

Posted on by Angie

(O.K. – it’s not really that easy but you wouldn’t be reading this if I told you it’s a long process…).
Increasingly, social science research finds that empathy is one of the most critical skills we need to function successfully in the world. Empathy is defined as the ability to share or recognize the feelings of another person. It differs from sympathy in that we’re not just feeling sorry for the other person but trying to truly understand his experience. Empathy is necessary in our work relationships, our marriages, and in our interactions with our kids. It’s important in caring for elderly and ailing family members, dealing with our neighbors, and even buying groceries from the slowest checkout person ever. Empathy motivates us to help when others are in trouble and allows us to keep our emotions in check when we’re frustrated with someone.
It’s absolutely crucial that we teach our children to be empathic – even our boys especially our boys. People who lack empathy usually end up with really poor outcomes – broken relationships, legal problems, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, etc. etc. etc. If you teach your child only one thing during the years she spends under your roof, empathy would be an excellent choice. Here are a few ideas for helping your child develop empathy:

1. Volunteer with your kids. There are tons of opportunities out there to help someone in need – be they lacking resources, sick, struggling in school, or in emotional pain. There are volunteer opportunities to fit all skill sets – even those of a five-year-old (which, from what I can tell, includes gluing random crap together and singling “Let It Go” on repeat). The kind of volunteering that best builds empathy is when you’re brought face-to-face with the beneficiaries. But, even if you’re not working directly with someone in need, you can talk to your child about why you’re helping the people you’re helping and give them more information
about the problem you’re assisting with. For example, if your child helps to sell lemonade for the Birmingham-based Stand for Giving, she may not have the opportunity to see how the money raised will be used by the charity to which it’s donated. However, you and your child could look together at the website for the non-profit, the Bell Early Intervention Center, for example, and learn more about the kinds of challenges the children seen at the center are facing. Ask questions like, “What would it be like if you had trouble talking?” “How would you handle it if your sister needed to use a wheelchair?” The goal is not to get your child feeling
sorry for the served populations but to help him better understand what it would be like to be in their shoes.

2. Give feedback. When your child does something that hurts you – physically or emotionally – tell him how you feel. You may decide to punish the behavior but first, let your child understand the consequence you’re experiencing as a result of what he did. One I had to use with my son recently: “When you kicked me in the shin because you didn’t want to go to bed, it really hurt my leg. It also hurt my feelings that you kicked me.” My next step was to ask him to use words next time so that I’d understand him and no one would get hurt. This is a great strategy to try with sibling fights, too. Instead of each child telling on the other repeatedly and
for every minor infraction, prompt and encourage them to give each other feedback about what he/she did that caused a problem. “How did you feel when your sister tore your paper?” Then, “How did you feel when your brother hit you because you tore his paper?” Summarize that everyone got hurt in some way and that no one is very happy about the interaction. Problem-solve together how each child can show respect to the other and, hopefully, also receive respect.

3. Discuss empathy in others. Books, movies, and T.V. shows provide lots of opportunities to teach empathy. When you read or watch together, ask your child how she thinks various characters are feeling and why they might be feeling that way. Help her make connections between feelings and what has just happened to the character. In this way, you’re helping her to see that all people have emotional reactions to events around them – not just her. You’re also teaching her to pay attention to her own behavior and how others may be affected by it.

4. Express empathy, particularly when it’s really difficult. We don’t want our children mistreated by classmates and it’s tempting to call kids who aren’t nice “bullies.” However, when we do that, we completely disregard what might be going on for those kids that has led them to be angry and aggressive. When your child tells you about being teased or bullied, first validate how upsetting that must have been for him. Then, take it a step further and talk about why the other child is acting the way he is. Avoid assumptions that your child may have started the problem but do look at other factors. Is the child who is doing the teasing being left out? Is he struggling in school? Is someone else bullying him? Helping your child to think about this kid as something other than “bad” or “mean” will prepare him to deal with unkind people in the future and equip him to better understand complex social issues in adulthood. Rarely are interpersonal problems simply “good” versus “bad.”

5. Play Kids’ Court. When social issues arise that seem unfair, encourage your child to try and give an alternate perspective to her original assumptions. Set up two chairs – a “Prosecution” and a “Defense” chair. Have her sit in the “Prosecution” chair to tell how she thinks the other person has wronged her and done so on purpose. Ask for explanations as to why the person may have done that. Now, have her switch to the “Defense” chair and give a different explanation for what happened. Did the teacher make her move seats because she was angry with her (i.e., “Prosecution”) or because she wanted your daughter to sit next to a child who was struggling so she could help him (i.e., “Defense”)? Sometimes, your child’s original assumptions will be right on and the other person was, in fact, being kind of jerky, but this exercise will help your child to see reasonable alternatives and to better understand how others may have understood a situation differently.

These are just a few ideas – there are hundreds of more ways to teach empathy. As always, the best way for you to teach your child something is to model it yourself. So, you know – be nice.

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

About Kristen:

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

Birmingham Events Calendar: November 2nd – November 9th

Posted on by Angie

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

Sunday November 2nd

Dia De los Meurtos
It is sure to be an energetic All Soul’s Day, Día de los Muertos, and Alabama’s Day of the Dead Festival (Dia de los Muertos numero doce). This year is our twelfth 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 4:00 pm

PRICE: $10 Everyone age 13 and older | $3 Kids age 12 to 7 | Free under age 7

WHERE: 2115 1st Avenue S

Moss Rock Festival – The Preserve
Celebrate nature, open spaces and eco-ideas through art and design at this highly popular annual Moss Rock Festival. There is something around every corner for visitors to discover including juried art influenced by nature; a sculpture competition showcasing outdoor installations and designs – this year’s theme is “Big Ole’ Bug” where kids from surrounding schools will create a giant bug made only of recycled materials. There’s more — eco-friendly living ideas, products, businesses and organizations; live music, kids’ art workshops for all ages; the 1st annual sweets expo and tasting; a smart-living section where companies across Alabama display and sell their products and services to promote healthier eating and lifestyles. There will be guided hikes in the Moss Rock Preserve; great food and drinks and more. Don’t forget about the Beer Garden- a section of the festival where local breweries walk guests through the ins and outs of craft beer. Come enjoy art, design, green living ideas, and the great outdoors under a blanket of beautiful fall colors. Bring the whole family and get outside!
10am – 2pm

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Monday November 3rd:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for popcorn and a drink as we watch a great movie!
One popcorn and one drink per patron, please.
3:30pm

Tot Time with Mrs Eve: Show and Tell – Avondale Library
You bring something special for show and tell, and I will too! Join Mrs. Eve for a fun-filled morning of show stopping 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 4th:

Fall for Fall – Hoover Public Library
Stories and crafts for all ages.
6:30pm

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

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

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

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Wednesday November 5th:

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.
Private Shopping Day – $20, must be purchased in advance.
For one day you can shop with ease WITHOUT strollers, 2 wheeled rolling bags, and wire shopping carts. Our handicapped customers have found this the perfect day to maneuver through the aisles.
9am – 4pm

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 6th:

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.
10am – 8pm

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 7th:

Magical Tree Lighting – Riverchase Galleria
Join us for a day of family oriented music and entertainment leading to our Annual Magical Tree Lighting Ceremony. Don’t miss the Holiday Magic Parade and Santa’s arrival and of course… the big show! Entertainment begins at 11am with performances by: Desiree & Rush, Miss Used, Goodfellas, Jarrett & Allison, Byron Thomas, Brad Ryan, Alabama Dance Academy and Showstoppers Holiday Trio. Enjoy fashion shows by The Gap and Arzel and much, much more!
Music & Entertainment begins at 11am, the Holiday Magic Parade and the Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin around 7:00 pm.

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.
10am – 8pm

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Saturday November 8th:

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.
10am – 8pm

Penguin Party – Hoover Library
Join the black and white super spies for games, crafts and classified fun!  All ages
10:30am

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 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 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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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 43

Posted on by Angie

Here’s what we did that was new.. What did you do new this week?

 

Angie-
My new thing this week was Sweat and Gears Indoor Cycling Studio, and it is AMAZING. Spin Classes are not new to me. I happen to get obsessed with these classes off and on (I need to stay “on” but that’s another story for another day… ) I had never visited this newish studio that happens to be less than 5 minutes from my house, and located in Homewood. I ended up going to 3 classes this past week, with 2 different teachers and am completely in love with this place. It’s amazingly clean. You reserve your bike in advance which means no having to go sign up in person early, or sit and wait outside a room for 30 minutes to make sure you get a bike. And the BIG Kicker… Once they know your bike settings, they set your bike up for you in advance!!! The studio is crazy clean, very cool and you’re going to get an amazing work out that can be tracked with all of the technology they have hooked to each bike. After each work out, I get an email telling me my stats, approx calories burned included!! If you’re looking for a new spin class, or to try it for the first time (first class is free) you need to check them out! I had Kristen THISCLOSE to coming with me.. Maybe it will be her new thing for next week!

Kristen –
My new thing for this week was seeing The Secret Sisters at Workplay. On a School night! They were fantastic – it was worth the lost sleep!

Shirley –
Paint Chip Art! I was scanning Pinterest in search of some Halloween craft ideas for the girls class parties. Saw this great idea to use the paint chip samples (found at any paint/home improvement store) as art. We constructed pumpkins, witches, and Frankensteins. All out of the samples. The turned out so cute, the kids loved doing them, and it hopefully inspired them to think outside the box with their creativity!

Making Halloween Less Scary

Posted on by Angie

As Halloween approaches many families are amping up the scary in their households with decorations, parties and maybe even some scary movies. But what might be fun-scary for adults and older children, can be quite frightening for the little ones.

Consider arming them with some “Monster Spray,” It can help make children feel less afraid of what might be lurking around this Halloween! Never heard of it? It’s simple. All you need is a spray bottle and a little creativity. Creativity in the form of some water, some essential oils, like lavender, and stickers or labels to decorate your very own bottle of Monster Spray.

“Preschool children and those in early elementary school often have a difficult time with Halloween,” says Theresa Kruczek, a counseling psychology professor at Ball State University. “Some may say they understand when things are make believe and when they are not, but it still may not register when the event occurs.

“After a frightening experience, children may have nightmares. They really can’t tell us too much about the dream, but we can take some precautions to ward off those dreams by using a can of air freshener, otherwise known as anti-monster spray, to keep monsters at bay. Monsters don’t like nice-smelling stuff.”

Kruczek also advises:

• Limit preschoolers to 30 minutes or less of activities, including trick-or-treating, and only during daylight hours.

• Ask friends and strangers to take off masks to show children that there really is a person under the costume.

• Parents and siblings should never wear masks around youngsters afraid of such items.

• In families with children of varying age ranges, allow each youngster to participate in age-appropriate activities.

• Avoid haunted houses unless the facility offers age-appropriate activities.

“Just because you love haunted houses doesn’t mean your 4-year-old will,” Kruczek says. “Remember that parents are the best judges of their children’s abilities. If kids freak out during a scary movie, they’ll freak out at a haunted house or when someone in a scary outfit comes by.”

How do you keep your little ones from being too scared on Halloween?

 

photo credit: <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/chavezonico/5119937688/”>chavezonico</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/”>cc</a>

 

Halloween S'Mores!

Posted on by Angie

Any excuse for a S’mores is a good excuse, in our opinion.

This is a great treat when you’re looking to re-purpose that leftover Halloween Candy. Or if you’re sitting around the firepit in the backyard or camping before the Candy Holiday arrives!

What you’ll need:

2 Graham Crackers
Halloween Marshmallow or Peep (they have them for all seasons and holidays now)
Chocolate (the little mini versions you give to Trick or Treaters are the perfect size)

What You’ll Do:

Inside Version:
Place 1 graham cracker on microwaveable plate, top with marshmallow, microwave for about 10 seconds. Add chocolate on top of marshmallow and microwave for 5-8 more seconds, top with remaining graham cracker and smush together.

Outside:
If you make smores outside, no difference.

Eat.
Enjoy

For a new take on this old time favorite, try this recipe for Halloween Candy Bark S’mores… Looks and sounds yummy!

Birmingham Events Calendar: October 26th – November 2nd

Posted on by Angie

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

Another busy week full of fall festivals and Halloween. There’s not shortage of opportunities to trick or treat this week at your local library, and of course there are still plenty of carnivals going on around town. Get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather we’ve been having! And don’t forget to set those clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed on Saturday Night!

Sunday October 26th:

Vulcan Aftertunes – Vulcan Park
Milo Greene quintet is a cinematic pop group coming out of LA, with a smooth indie rock edge and combines wisps of guitar, drums and vocals into an airy sound you can imagine playing out of your television speakers as onscreen waves roll onto the beach. Their self-titled debut album came out in 2012 and their second album is coming soon.

Now in its 10th year, Vulcan AfterTunes has become a highly anticipated event for music lovers and a unique cultural outing for families to enjoy in a one-of-a-kind city setting! This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with your favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with some of the area’s best music while witnessing spectacular views of Birmingham’s city skyline. This three-part series features local and national singer/songwriter acts often heard on Birmingham Mountain Radio.
Adults-$15, Member Adults-$8, Children 5-12-$8, Children 4 and under-Free
3pm – 6pm

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Monday October 27th:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for popcorn and a drink as we watch a great movie!
One popcorn and one drink per patron, please.
3:30pm

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Tuesday October 28th:

Booktacular Family Fun Night – Avondale Library
Join us for a family night filled with stories, songs, and games guaranteed to tickle every little funny bone. No scary costumes please. 24-hour advance registration required.
6:30pm

Spooktacular Shirts and More! – Hoover Public Library
Bring your own t-shirt to create some unique ghoulish-wear.
4:30pm

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

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.
10:30am

Family Tours, Serve it Up– 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?

Serve It Up! What do you use to eat? Explore the Museum for all items. Hester Bateman created fancy silver items for people to use in the 1700s. Her artworks are some of many in the Museum that are used for food. How are other objects in the Museum the same, or different? Explore different cultures with a Museum educator. Come back to Bart’s ArtVenture to create something fancy for your table at home.
10:30

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

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Wednesday October 29th:

Shades Mountain Carnival –
While music fills the air, families are invited to enjoy an evening out together to take in their fill of candy and prizes from a collection of traditional carnival games scattered throughout the campus. Kids of all ages are encouraged to come in costume to bounce and play on inflatables. Families with preschool children will have a special area designed just for them. The people of Shades are also happy to accommodate children with special needs.

All the excitement that night will certainly cause guests to work up an appetite! With tasty hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers and fries, no one will leave the Carnival hungry! Cotton candy and popcorn are free to all who attend. Visitors can try their luck at the cake and cookie walk to win plenty of homemade treats. Birmingham area food trucks including “Melt,” “Off the Hook,” “Moe’s Southwest Grill,” and “Saws,” will also be on hand to satisfy a wide range of tastes during the night.

All the fun, games, snacks and parking are free. Food and beverage prices will vary by truck and company.
5pm – 8pm

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 October 30th:

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

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Friday October 31st:

Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat in these places throughout the day!

  • Hoover Public Library 9am – 6pm
    Wear your costume and trick or treat through the library.
  • Publix Greensprings
    Dress up in your most jawsome disguise. defrightful or boo-tiful- or improvise. It’s fun , not scary- you won’t hear a “boo!” get a coloring sheet and some candy too!
    4pm – 7pm
  • Springville Road Library
    Too old for trick or treating? No worries, you can show off your costume and collect candy in the Adult Department! For grades 6-12.
    4pm
  • Homewood Public Library
    Trick or Treat at the Library from 10am – 5pm

Boo At the Zoo!
Wear your favorite costume for the 22nd annual Boo at the Zoo. Make your way through safe candy villages and game zones, organized by local non-profits and child-centered businesses.  The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
Admission: $8 (tax included)
Some attractions require ride tickets. Ride tickets are $3.50, or you can purchase an unlimited attraction wristband for only $12. Wristbands do not include Children’s Pony Rides. Children’s Pony Rides are $5.50. Riders must weigh less than 80 lbs.
5pm – 9pm

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Saturday November 1st:

Daylight Savings Time Ends.. Set those clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed!

Moss Rock Festival – The Preserve
Celebrate nature, open spaces and eco-ideas through art and design at this highly popular annual Moss Rock Festival. There is something around every corner for visitors to discover including juried art influenced by nature; a sculpture competition showcasing outdoor installations and designs – this year’s theme is “Big Ole’ Bug” where kids from surrounding schools will create a giant bug made only of recycled materials. There’s more — eco-friendly living ideas, products, businesses and organizations; live music, kids’ art workshops for all ages; the 1st annual sweets expo and tasting; a smart-living section where companies across Alabama display and sell their products and services to promote healthier eating and lifestyles. There will be guided hikes in the Moss Rock Preserve; great food and drinks and more. Don’t forget about the Beer Garden- a section of the festival where local breweries walk guests through the ins and outs of craft beer. Come enjoy art, design, green living ideas, and the great outdoors under a blanket of beautiful fall colors. Bring the whole family and get outside!
10am – 2pm

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.

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Sunday November 2nd:

Dia De los Meurtos
It is sure to be an energetic All Soul’s Day, Día de los Muertos, and Alabama’s Day of the Dead Festival (Dia de los Muertos numero doce). This year is our twelfth 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 4:00 pm

PRICE: $10 Everyone age 13 and older | $3 Kids age 12 to 7 | Free under age 7

WHERE: 2115 1st Avenue S

Moss Rock Festival – The Preserve
Celebrate nature, open spaces and eco-ideas through art and design at this highly popular annual Moss Rock Festival. There is something around every corner for visitors to discover including juried art influenced by nature; a sculpture competition showcasing outdoor installations and designs – this year’s theme is “Big Ole’ Bug” where kids from surrounding schools will create a giant bug made only of recycled materials. There’s more — eco-friendly living ideas, products, businesses and organizations; live music, kids’ art workshops for all ages; the 1st annual sweets expo and tasting; a smart-living section where companies across Alabama display and sell their products and services to promote healthier eating and lifestyles. There will be guided hikes in the Moss Rock Preserve; great food and drinks and more. Don’t forget about the Beer Garden- a section of the festival where local breweries walk guests through the ins and outs of craft beer. Come enjoy art, design, green living ideas, and the great outdoors under a blanket of beautiful fall colors. Bring the whole family and get outside!
10am – 2pm

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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 42

Posted on by Angie

What we did that was new this week..

Angie-
I had a big week of new things. We took a family trip to Disney World. While I’ve been to Disney world before, I have never taken 3 kids. I had never been to Animal Kingdom, eaten at Whispering Canyon Cafe, with Cinderella, Charming and the Fair Godmother. I had never participated in an Anna and Elsa Sing a long, met Pocahontas, or stood in line an hour and forty minutes for the Seven Dwarfs Mine train. Lots of new things for me this week!

Kristen-
My New Thing was Babalu Tacos and Tapas. I will be back again. And again. And Again…

To see our full write up on what we thought about Babalu, check it out here.

Daylight Savings Time: Reset Your Baby's Clock

Posted on by Angie

We’ll soon be turning back the clocks as Daylight Savings Time is quickly coming to an end, leading many moms to wonder how the time change will affect their baby, especially when it comes to little one’s sleeping patterns. “How will my baby adjust to the time change?” and “Will that mean an even earlier wake up time?” are just a few questions mothers may have. To help ease concerns when worries about baby sleep are top-of-mind, Pampers is partnering with  sleep expert, Kim West, to offer essential sleep tips, not only for Daylights Savings Time, but for the months ahead. Some of Kim’s tips include:

1.       Preparation is key:  Rather than deal with the effects of Daylight Savings on Sunday and the following week or two, you can be proactive in resetting your little one’s body clock.  Since children who are used to going to bed at 7 PM will now be going to bed at 6PM, try putting them to down to nap and to bed later in the days and nights leading up to Daylight Savings fallback to make the transition easier.

2.       Expect some early rising:  Be prepared for some temporary early rising. After all what was 6 am one day, is now 5 am the next day! Be firm about your wake up rules and when everyone can get out of the bed or crib and start their day

3.       Dry babies are happy babies: Very important to note, a dry diaper is key to ensuring your baby sleeps through the night.

4.       Adjust Your Schedule: It may feel strange, but adjusting your schedule to the new clock times on Sunday morning will help everyone to transition easier. Move your meals, naps and bedtimes to sync with the time change. Your baby may need an additional bonus nap to make it until the new later bedtime on Sunday. Though your family may take a few days to completely transition, a gradual change should help to mitigate cranky, tired children.

KIM WEST is a mother of two teenage girls and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a practicing child and family therapist for more than twenty years. Known as The Sleep Lady® by her clients, she has helped tens of thousands of tired parents all over the world get a good night’s sleep without letting their children cry it out alone. Kim has appeared on Dr. Phil, the Today Show and Good Morning America and is the author of three books: “GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT: The Sleep Lady’s Gentle Guide to Helping Your Child Go to Sleep, Stay Asleep and Wake Up Happy”, the “Good Night, Sleep Tight Workbook” and “52 Sleep Secrets for Babies”.

Review: Babalu Tacos and Tapas

Posted on by Angie

Saturday night, we got a chance to preview the newest addition to the Lakeview District: Babalu Tacos and Tapas. Get ready, Birmingham! On the menu are tacos, tapas, and sandwiches (and apps, sides, drinks, desserts…) with Spanish, Mexican, and Southern influences. Especially influenced by the South is the staff’s hospitality – we were greeted or helped by no less than ten staff members and everyone was all smiles. Babalu’s opening has been hotly anticipated by locals and the staff was obviously just as excited as the customers. With two other locations in Jackson, MS, and Memphis, TN, the restaurant’s formula has already been tried and perfected – there should be no major “growing pains” for this place!

We started with their fantastic guacamole, which is made table-side and includes sundried tomatoes and cilantro (served with super healthy delicious homemade tortilla chips). We washed it down with a glass of sangria and a crazy-good berry Bourbon cocktail with a salted rim (sounds weird but it was not). We then sampled a hearty potato soup garnished with smoked salmon and a Cesar Salad with grilled lettuce and homemade croutons. For our main meal, we had a Tuna tapa with wasabi aioli (Note: I will order anything that includes aioli), which was perfectly seared, and a trio of tacos: oyster (I KNOW but SO good!), beef, and lamb. For a side, we ordered these amazing Patatas Bravas, which were rosemary potatoes deep fried and covered in a sauce that I can only assume contains some kind of addictive substance. Even though we were stuffed by this point (the tapas are good-sized portions), we bravely sacrificed (this is all done for you, after all) and ordered dessert. Another fun trio – Dulce de Leche Cheesecake, Cinnamon Bread Pudding (but with no distracting raisins), and, my definite favorite, a Cayenne Chocolate Truffle. These were covered in all sorts of amazing like Kahlua Caramel, Mexican chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, and Patron XO Café Chantilly Cream (Wow. Do they sell that at Publix?). A perfect end to a wonderful meal.

Babalu makes for a great lunch or dinner date but would also be perfect for girls’ night, small get-togethers, or a casual meal with the kids. Prices were reasonable, staff was wonderful, and fun “I Love Lucy” re-runs played on a big screen. Babalu’s Grand Opening was Monday, October 21st and you are going to want to visit as soon as humanly possible. Check them out on the web (www.babalutacos.com) or on Facebook.

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