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52 New Things, 2014. Week 39

Posted on by Angie

What we did that was new!

Angie-
I tried the new gameday meal from Zaxbys. It what quite tasty. Highly recommend giving it a try the next time you cruise through there.

Kristen –
My new thing this week is revealing a Disney Trip to my Kids. We’ve been planning the trip for 6 months but managed to keep it a secret until the night before. The reveal video made it worth the wait!

Shirley-
My new thing is not being overly upset over an Alabama loss. We world must be nearing the end.

Did you try anything new this week? We would love to hear about it!

Parent Teacher Conference Tips

Posted on by Angie

Parent Teacher Conferences are firing up. Here’s how to make the most out of your site down with your child’s teacher.

1.  Listen more, talk less. So many parents feel like they’re on trial and they have to justify and explain themselves.  No one is accusing you, calm down. Being defensive is not productive, especially when you’re not being attacked.

2. List your concerns. Does your child seem to be a slow reader? Does math make him cringe? Talk to the teacher, get her thoughts.

3. If needed, ask for special services. Most schools have some sort of intervention in place for just about anything. Reading Specialists, Gifted Programs, Learning Disability help… find out what your school offers, and if you think it can benefit your child, request it.

4. End on time. You’re not the only parent in the world, and teachers hate to rush you out. Don’t put them in that position. End on time, and if needed, request an additional conference at a later time.

SocialMedia-itis – Do you have it?

Posted on by Angie

Do you put the “Social” in social media? Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Plurk (Remember that one?)  Linkedin or just in case it ever makes a come back, Myspace, the world of Social Media users is on the rise and we decided we should take a second and do a little Public Service, a bit of an intervention, if you will.

If you answer yes to the following questions, you may be addicted to social media. Remember admitting your problem is the first step to recovery.

1. Do you find it completely appropriate to “poke” people in a public forum?

2. Do you consider your day an epic FAIL if no one “re-tweets” you.

3. Have you mastered the art of being witty and charming in 140 characters or less

4. Do all of your best friends names start with @?

5. You know everyone’s full name, as listed on Facebook.

6. You speak in #hashtag

7. You’re late everywhere you go because you’re busy Facebooking where you’re going and who you’re going to be with.

8. You read number 7 and didn’t even think about “Facebooking” not being a word.

9. You know your Klout.

10. You’ve claimed the title as “Mayor” of anything without ever actually campaigning or running for office.

So, what do you think? Do you have SocialMedia-itis?

Sadly, I do.

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 28th – October 5th

Posted on by Angie

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

It’s hard to believe we’re moving into October and our most favorite time of the year. Football, Pumpkins, Festivals and fun fun fun!

This calendar is full, especially this weekend, it’s going to be hard to narrow down or fit it all in! If you’re looking for more ideas on fall fun, check our list of Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals.

Monday September 29th:

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Public Library
Join Mrs. Eve as she presents her favorite fabulous fall stories, songs, and crafts geared for 2 to 4 year olds with a caregiver. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30a and 11:30a

Shelby County Fair – Shelby County Exhibition Center
The 65th Annual Shelby County Fair is the annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbiana and Chelsea. The proceeds from the Fair support the service projects of the two clubs, primarily local schools, youth sports leagues and Scout groups.
$10 at the Gates
$9 Online
Admission includes all rides, parking, entertainment, Exhibition Center
6pm – 11pm

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Tuesday September 30th:

Shelby County Fair – Shelby County Exhibition Center
The 65th Annual Shelby County Fair is the annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbiana and Chelsea. The proceeds from the Fair support the service projects of the two clubs, primarily local schools, youth sports leagues and Scout groups.
$10 at the Gates
$9 Online
Student Night $2 discount with coupon
Admission includes all rides, parking, entertainment, Exhibition Center
6pm – 11pm

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
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
The Crayons Decide. Will all of our support convince the Crayons not to quit? Or, will they walk away, never to color again? Come to our store and see all of our community’s support for the Crayons. Join us for a reading of The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, activities and more as we make one final effort to convince them not to quit.
11am

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Wednesday October 1st:

Shelby County Fair – Shelby County Exhibition Center
The 65th Annual Shelby County Fair is the annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbiana and Chelsea. The proceeds from the Fair support the service projects of the two clubs, primarily local schools, youth sports leagues and Scout groups.
$10 at the Gates
$9 Online
Admission includes all rides, parking, entertainment, Exhibition Center
6pm – 11pm

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 2nd:

Marvel Universe Live! – BJCC
A MIND-BLOWING LIVE-ACTION ARENA EXPERIENCE, FEATURING THE GREATEST MARVEL SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS.

Marvel fans, assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with a mind-blowing show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers – Iron Man, Hulk, and more, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to cities around North America. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever. Join Marvel fans of all ages for this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!
7pm

Storytime Live – Hoover Public Library
Stories, songs, poetry, puppetry and more for ages 3 and up. Groups must register.
10:30am

Shelby County Fair – Shelby County Exhibition Center
The 65th Annual Shelby County Fair is the annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbiana and Chelsea. The proceeds from the Fair support the service projects of the two clubs, primarily local schools, youth sports leagues and Scout groups.
$10 at the Gates
$9 Online
Admission includes all rides, parking, entertainment, Exhibition Center
6pm – 11pm

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 3rd:

Marvel Universe Live! – BJCC
A MIND-BLOWING LIVE-ACTION ARENA EXPERIENCE, FEATURING THE GREATEST MARVEL SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS.

Marvel fans, assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with a mind-blowing show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers – Iron Man, Hulk, and more, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to cities around North America. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever. Join Marvel fans of all ages for this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!
7pm

Alabama Butterbean Festival – City of Pinson (main street)
The 2014 Alabama Butterbean Festival is stirring up pots of butterbeans and family fun for the 9th year in beautiful downtown Pinson, Alabama. All proceeds benefit: the Pinson Education Foundation, Salvation Army Angel Tree and Jimmie Hail Mission.

One of the largest festivals in the Southeast, the Alabama Butterbean Festival rounds up country cooks, families and die-hard fans of the yummy butterbeans for a fun-filled weekend including 12 hours of live music, carnival rides, fair food, petting zoo and pony rides.

The free festival also features the World Record Holding Butterbean Pot, set in 2010 for the largest pot of baked beans (1,010.65 gallons)!

The small-town charm of Pinson’s Main Street will be packed with more than 150 arts and crafts vendors. Special events to include Friday night fireworks show 9:30 – 10:00 pm, and on Saturday Festival Races: 5k and 1-mile fun run at 7:00 am, plus a free antique car show and dog show.
6pm – 10pm

Shelby County Fair – Shelby County Exhibition Center
The 65th Annual Shelby County Fair is the annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbiana and Chelsea. The proceeds from the Fair support the service projects of the two clubs, primarily local schools, youth sports leagues and Scout groups.
$10 at the Gates
$9 Online
Admission includes all rides, parking, entertainment, Exhibition Center
6pm – 11pm

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Saturday October 4th:

Marvel Universe Live! – BJCC
A MIND-BLOWING LIVE-ACTION ARENA EXPERIENCE, FEATURING THE GREATEST MARVEL SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS.

Marvel fans, assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with a mind-blowing show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers – Iron Man, Hulk, and more, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to cities around North America. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever. Join Marvel fans of all ages for this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!
3pm and 7pm

Kidz Kitchen with Hello Kitty – Hoover Public Library
Make Halloween inspired treats that are adorable and delicious!  All ages are welcome.
10:30am

Fire Prevention Parade – Main Street Montevallo
Fire trucks and sirens, oh my! This event is great for families. Parade begins on Main Street at 10 AM.
10am – Noon

Oak Mountain Fall Festival – Oak Mountain State Park
Come join us for a fun way to celebrate fall. Some activities at the festival will be hayrides, face painting, cake walk, bobbing for apples, and more! This event will take place at the Dogwood and Lakeside Pavilions on Terrace Drive. Some activities will cost $1.
Park admission:
Everyday: $3 for Adults
Children 6 to 11 years of age: $1
Senior Citizens 62 years of age and older: $1
10am – 4pm

11th Annual Oktoberfest – Moody City Park
11th Annual Oktoberfest 2014 – Saturday, October 4, 2014 – which will include lots of family fun at Moody City Park including Football Games in the Big Screen TV at Aarons Tailgate Party, Arts & Crafts, Pony Rides, Bungee Jumping, Great Food, Live Entertainment including Terry Turner and the Man of Many Voices, Fantastic Car Show, Mascot Challenge, Face Painting, Clowns, Prizes and much, much more.
This is a FREE event and is hosted by the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce.

Alabama Butterbean Festival – City of Pinson (main street)
The 2014 Alabama Butterbean Festival is stirring up pots of butterbeans and family fun for the 9th year in beautiful downtown Pinson, Alabama. All proceeds benefit: the Pinson Education Foundation, Salvation Army Angel Tree and Jimmie Hail Mission.

One of the largest festivals in the Southeast, the Alabama Butterbean Festival rounds up country cooks, families and die-hard fans of the yummy butterbeans for a fun-filled weekend including 12 hours of live music, carnival rides, fair food, petting zoo and pony rides.

The free festival also features the World Record Holding Butterbean Pot, set in 2010 for the largest pot of baked beans (1,010.65 gallons)!

The small-town charm of Pinson’s Main Street will be packed with more than 150 arts and crafts vendors.
8am – 4pm

Shelby County Fair – Shelby County Exhibition Center
The 65th Annual Shelby County Fair is the annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbiana and Chelsea. The proceeds from the Fair support the service projects of the two clubs, primarily local schools, youth sports leagues and Scout groups.
$10 at the Gates
$9 Online
Admission includes all rides, parking, entertainment, Exhibition Center
6pm – 11pm

Lego Club – North Shelby Library
The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10:00 and 11:00 to build spectacular creations. Creations will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All Ages Welcome. No registration is required.
10am – 11am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble
Join us for a great story, fun activities and a sample from our Cafe!
11am

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

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!

Engrave your own “silver” piece, just like Hester Bateman!
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 October 5th:

Marvel Universe Live! – BJCC
A MIND-BLOWING LIVE-ACTION ARENA EXPERIENCE, FEATURING THE GREATEST MARVEL SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS.

Marvel fans, assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with a mind-blowing show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers – Iron Man, Hulk, and more, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to cities around North America. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever. Join Marvel fans of all ages for this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!
1pm and 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 38

Posted on by Angie

Our new things for this week.

 

 

Angie –
I’m a sucker for packaging and saw these nutritional supplement drinks at the check out at Target. With promises of making me sleep and chill out, packaged in cute little bottles, I couldn’t resist. While the flavors were ok,  I don’t think it did much to help me chill out or sleep. I’ll skip these on my next Target run.

 

 

 

 

Kristen-
My new thing is the Tropical Sno place off 11th Ave South, near UAB. Huge fan of the sandy area, complete with colorful sand and beach toys. The kid’s size snow cone is generous and cheap and they have a million awesome flavors. A little beach in Birmingham. Love it!

Giveaway! Marvel Universe Live!

Posted on by Angie

A mind-blowing live-action arena experience, featuring the greatest Marvel Super Heroes and Villains.

Marvel fans, assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with a mind-blowing show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers – Iron Man, Hulk, and more, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to cities around North America. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever. Join Marvel fans of all ages for this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!

BirminghamMommy.com has 2, Family 4 packs of tickets to giveaway for opening night, Thursday October 2nd at 7pm.

Leave a comment here letting us know your favorite Marvel Superhero. 2 Winners will be drawn at random on Sunday, September 28th at 6pm.

Good Luck!

 

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 21st – September 28th

Posted on by Angie

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

Thank you again to everyone that helped make Moms Rock 2014 a HUGE success. We had a great night, celebrated some amazing women and can’t wait to do it again next year!

Lots of fun stuff happening around Birmingham this week, libraries are a hot spot and we are looking forward to the weekend and the Whistle Stop Festival and Vulcan Aftertunes. If you missed the Middle Eastern Food Festival this past weekend, make sure to check out the Greek Food Festival going on later this week!

 

Monday September 22nd:

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Public Library
Join Mrs. Eve as she presents her favorite fabulous fall stories, songs, and crafts geared for 2 to 4 year olds with a caregiver. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30a and 11:30a

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Tuesday September 23rd:

PJ Palooza Storytime – Avondale Library
Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal for a night of PJ stories, songs, and fun! 24-hour advance registration required. Please note that peanut butter will be served.
6:30pm

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
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
Featured titles are Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble by Judy Schachner and a reading of select letters from The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Help Green show the Yellow and Orange Crayons all the great things they can be to help resolve their dispute over which is the true color of the sun. Customers will be invited to create a letter, make a list, draw or color a picture and place it in the Support the Crayons! Message Box.
11am

Elf on the Shelf Birthday Party – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for The Elf on the Shelf: A Birthday Tradition. Storytime, activities and treats. Be a special guest if you have a September birthday, but we’ll celebrate for all other months of the year, too!
4pm

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Wednesday September 24th:

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 September 25th:

42nd Annual Greek Festival – Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
It’s one of Birmingham’s most highly anticipated events and a true cultural experience, the festival is an act of love of Birmingham’s Greek community. Besides delicious Greek cuisine, you’ll enjoy live Greek music. Greek dancing by the youth, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that embraces everyone as family. As thousands of returning patrons can attest, you will leave a devoted fan.
10:30am – 10pm

Storytime Live – Hoover Public Library
Stories, songs, poetry, puppetry and more for ages 3 and up. Groups must register.
10:30am

PJ storytime – Hoover Public Library
Wear your pajamas to this storytime! Kids of all ages can enjoy stories, finger plays, songs, and a bedtime snack.
6:30pm

Bookmania: Star Wars Jedi Academy – Emmet O’Neal Library
4th-6th graders, read Star Wars Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown, then bring your friends to the library to enjoy pizza, games, and a chat about the book. Space is limited, so make sure to register.
6pm

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

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Friday September 26th:

42nd Annual Greek Festival – Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
It’s one of Birmingham’s most highly anticipated events and a true cultural experience, the festival is an act of love of Birmingham’s Greek community. Besides delicious Greek cuisine, you’ll enjoy live Greek music. Greek dancing by the youth, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that embraces everyone as family. As thousands of returning patrons can attest, you will leave a devoted fan.
10:30am – 10pm

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Saturday September 27th:

Whistle Stop Festival – Historic Downtown Irondale
The Whistle Stop Festival annually brings a wide variety of food, crafts, music and other activities to Irondale’s Historic District.The Irondale Chamber of Commerce is located in the center of the festival.
9am – 5pm

42nd Annual Greek Festival – Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
It’s one of Birmingham’s most highly anticipated events and a true cultural experience, the festival is an act of love of Birmingham’s Greek community. Besides delicious Greek cuisine, you’ll enjoy live Greek music. Greek dancing by the youth, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that embraces everyone as family. As thousands of returning patrons can attest, you will leave a devoted fan.
10:30am – 10pm

Fiesta Birmingham – Linn Park
Diverse Hispanic dance and music performances. A family village that includes a FunZone, reading and storytelling tent, and family building together tent. Face painting, balloon artist, children’s performances and inflatables and much much more!
Noon – 8pm
Tickets are $5, you can purchase here

Museum day Live!
In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket… for free.

  • Only an official Museum Day Live! ticket is eligible for free entry. Official tickets can be found here on the Museum Day Live! Website.
  • One ticket per household, for two people.
  • A ticket will gain entry to only one of the participating museums, excluding parking and special events and exhibits.
  • If museum reaches capacity, museum has the right to limit the number of guests until space becomes available.

Participating Museums in Birmingham and surrounding areas are

Costume Character Visit, Biscuit the Dog – Barnes and Noble
Join us for Storytime, treats and crafts with Biscuit!
11am

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!

Grind your own shell to create a bead – just like some Native American cultures do! They used shells and glass beads as money to buy things they need. What would you buy?
11am – 1pm

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
This month, Bart has selected Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Jingle Dancer.
11am

Ride the Calera Shelby RR Train – Heart of Dixie RR Museum
RIDE THE TRAIN! The golden age of railroads and the rich heritage of the people who built and operated them come together at the Heart of Dixie, the official railroad museum for the state of Alabama. Visitors will see railroad artifacts and memorabilia in restored depots. Locomotives, railcars, railroad equipment and railroad signals are displayed in a large railroad yard — a living monument to railroad history.

Refreshments, souvenirs and collectibles are available in the Visitor’s Center gift shop. A shaded picnic pavilion offers the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors. Groups welcome!
Adults ages 12 and up – 12.84
Child ages 2 through 11 – $9.17
Family Four Pack, Two adults & Two children – save $5
Caboose – $22.94
Locomotive – $32.11
11am and 2pm

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 September 28th:

Vulcan AfterTunes – Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan Park and Museum will kick off its 10th year of Vulcan AfterTunes featuring The Revivalists, Dumpstaphunk and Milo Greene.
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, Children 5-12- $8, Members- $8, Children 4 and under-Free
3pm – 6pm

Cahaba River Fry Down – Trussville Springs
Join the Cahaba River Fry-Down for fun, friends and a good ole’ fashioned fish fry!

Learn more about the relationship between water quality and the health of humans and aquatic life while socializing, eating, playing family-friendly games, visiting the beer garden, and competing in the Fry-Down.

Last year nearly 1,000 people joined us on the river for this day of fun and water-smart learning activities. Our Fry-Down competition was a great success, with 11 hotly-competing teams and an esteemed panel of judges. Partner organizations offered their knowledge about drinking water, low impact development, wildlife conservation, and ways to enjoy the Cahaba.
$20 per person
Noon – 4pm

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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.

Birmingham Area Fall Festivals and Happenings – Fall 2014

Posted on by Angie

Fall is in the air.. Can you feel it? There’s no better way to get in the mood for this season than to check out a few pumpkin patches or fall festivals.

Check out this list of what’s happening in and around the Birmingham Area!

Pumpkin Patches:

Old Baker Farm – Harpersville – September 27th – October 31st. Just off Hwy 280.
Open weekdays 3pm – dark
Saturdays 9am – dark
Sundays 1pm – dark
ADMISSION COST:
$10 per person (children under 2 free)
Admission includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, and horseback rides.
Visit Site for more information.

  • Western Cowboy Day – Saturday October 11th, 9am until Dark and Sunday, October 12, 1pm until Dark
    Shootouts, Western Music, Hay Wagon Rides, Hay Mountain, Pumpkin Patch, & More!
    Kids, come dressed in your western attire! Cost: $10 per person; kids under 2 free (Payment types accepted: Cash or Check only) Admission Fee includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, horseback rides
  • Cotton Pickin’ Celebration – Saturday October 25th 9am – 5pm and Sunday October 26th 9am – 5pm.
    Cost: $10 per person; kids under 2 free (Payment types accepted: Cash or Check only) Admission Fee includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, horseback rides

Great Pumpkin Patch – Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit. September 25th – November 2nd
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.
Admission to the Pumpkin Patch is free, pay for each activity.

Pumpkin Patch at Shadow Lake

Inflatables ($4)
Hay Ride ($2)
Train Ride ($2)
Petting Zoo ($2)
Face Painting ($2)
Pick Your Pumpkin (priced by size)
Story Time & Games ($2) (Thursdays & Fridays) Games & Balloon Animals ($2) (Saturdays & Sundays) Concessions & Baked Goods (weekends only)

Picnic areas and restrooms are available. (No smoking or pets please.)
October 16th – 19th
October 23rd – 26th

Thursdays: 9am – 2pm
Fridays: 9am – 2pm
Saturdays: 10am – 5pm
Sundays: 1pm – 5pm

Bennett Farms – Heflin –   I-20 toward Atlanta, exit 199.  In October – Open Thursday and Friday, 2pm – 5pm,  Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm. Live Music on Saturdays

Pumpkin Patch Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Musuem– Open Every Saturday and Sunday in October. The entire family will enjoy an autumn ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express. Join in the fun as we visit the pumpkin patch for a hayride, jumpstation, cornstalk maze, coloring, and fun tattoos. Snacks, soft drinks, and good ol’ fashioned boiled peanuts available for purchase. Pick your favorite pumpkin from the patch for an additional charge.

The Pumpkin Patch event will take approximately 90 minutes.

**Tuscaloosa Barnyard
Pumpkin Patch, Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 2pm. Sundays, 1pm – 4pm. Bring your lunch & friends! 248-0773 (Pony ride, boat ride, animal feeding, hands on petting area, pumpkin patch, hayride, playground, etc ONLY $15 per person)

Local Libraries:

Emmet O’Neal Public Library

  • A Night Dark and Grimm: October 17th, 6pm
    Enchanted Games, photo booth, face painting, fantasy forest, crafts and snacks, and more! Sing a long movie with Frozen characters.
    6pm
  • Trick or Treat Around the Library – October 31st, 9am -5pm

Homewood Public Library

  • Trick or Treat through the Library, wear your costume!
    10am – 5pm Friday, October 31st

Hoover Public Library

  • Kidz Kitchen with Hello Kitty
    Make Halloween inspired treats that are adorable and delicious. Free event for all ages.
    October 5th – 10:30am
  • Pumpkin Painting Workshop
    Bring your own pumpkin! We’ll supply the paint and fun. All ages
    October 7th – 6:30pm
  • The Wizarding World of the Hoover Library
    Calling all wizards! Don your costume, grab your wand and head to the Hoover Public Library as we celebrate our favorite time of year. Visit Ollivander’s shop in Diagon Alley, make a sleeping potion with Maleficent, sing-a-long with Elsa and much, much more!
    October 17th – 7pm
  • Hallo-Tween Video Game Spectacular
    Dress up as your favorite game hero and play away! Registration begins Oct. 3. Grades 4-6
    October 24th, 4pm
  • Spooktakular Shirts and More
    Bring your own t-shirt to create some unique ghoulish-wear. Registration begins Oct. 7. Grades 1-3
    October 28th, 4:30pm
  • Trick or Treat
    Trick or treat throughout the library on Halloween!
    October 31st, 9am

Pelham Public Library

  • Halloween Carnival
    Little Princesses, superheros, goblins and mummies, dust off your costumes and join us at the library for fun carnival games and snacks.
    October 18th, 2pm – 3:30pm

Festivals and Miscellaneous Happenings:

Oak Mountain Big Fall Festival
Thrill Rides; Kiddie Rides; Fun for the entire family! This Oak Mountain Big Fall Festival, not to be confused with the Oak Mountain State Fair, will feature live music on the midway each night, as well as the Fearless Flores Family Thrill Show. Another new attraction we will have for the kiddies will be the Barnyard Cackle Review.
Discount tickets can be purchased at your local Walgreens for $5.
October 1st – October 4th

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.

October 3-5, 10-12, 19, 26, 29th, 30th and November 1st (5-9pm)
October 17th -18th, 19, 24 & 25 and 31st  (5-10pm)

Town of Mt Laurel
Harvest Festival –Farmers Market & Craft Fair, complete with Hayrides, MoonWalks, Cotton Candy, Music and much, much more!
Saturday, October 11th. 10am – 3pm

JCA Annual Heritage Festival – Jefferson Christian Academy
Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment such as carnival rides, huge inflatables, live music, arts and crafts vendors, informational booths, several food choices, great values in the silent auction, pony rides, games and more!
October 18th
10am – 3pm

Liberty Park Pumpkin Patch – Alston Meadows
This is an annual festival and fundraiser in the beautiful Liberty Park area. We invite people from all over to come have family fun with games, food, and candy all to benefit theVestavia Hills Civitan Club. Local businesses will set up booths and provide games and giveaways. This event is designated as a Halloween Safe Zone by the Vestavia Hills Police Department.
October 19th
1pm – 4pm

Dawson Baptist Church
Bring your family to Dawson’s Family Fall Festival! Games, rides, carnival foods, and candy!
October 24th, 6pm – 9pm

Alabama Wildlife Center Presents – Owl O’ Ween
Live Bird of Prey Shows
Candy, Games, Crafts, and cookie decorating..
October 25th, 11am – 2pm

Tannehill –
The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the October 31 event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival T-shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal.
October 25th

Desoto State Park –
Spookapalooza! Storytelling, Treats, Fun, & Games!

Join the staff & volunteers of DeSoto State Park for a weekend of fun events guaranteed to run shivers up and down your spine! Trick or treating, games, storytelling, games & more are in store during this popular annual event. Grab your favorite costume, bring the family, & come stay with us! All events are free to the public & great for all ages!
Date: October 24th-26th, 2014
DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama

McWane Science Center and Alabama Theatre Present:
A Very Carrie Prom

Get into your best prom attire and head to downtown Birmingham for a night of food, fun and buckets of blood as McWane Science Center and the Alabama Theatre present “A Very Carrie Prom.” The festivities begin at 7 pm with a screening of “Carrie” at the Alabama Theatre, followed immediately by a Senior Prom inside McWane’s Events Center with music, food, drinks and a special prom costume contest.

FOR TICKETS: VISIT WWW.ALABAMATHEATER.COM, advance reservations required, must be 18 and over.

October 28th
MOVIE SCREENING: 7 PM — PROM: 8:30 PM
COST: $20 includes admission to ‘Carrie’ and the Very Carrie Prom, plus one drink ticket

Homewood Parks and Recreation –
Homewod Patriot Park
Fall Festival – A variety of games, goodies, a concession stand, inflatables and a costume contest.
Saturday, November 1st. Time TBA
Unlimited Attraction Wristband $5.00 per individual

If you have a festival or fall event you would like added to our list, email us at: contact@birminghammommy.com subject line, Fall Festival

52 New Things, 2014. Week 37

Posted on by Angie

What we did that was new!

Angie-
I must admit that I had been super busy getting everything together for Moms Rock that I couldn’t think of anything that I did that was new. So in a panic to not miss a week of “New Things” I did something I will never, ever do again. Oil Pulling.

2 of my friends were discussing this the other night and I swore it off right then on the spot. They discussed the health benefits of it and how it’s supposed to whiten your teeth.. I love white teeth, but Hello… Crest White Strips! So as I realized it was time to post our new things and I didn’t have one, I went to the kitchen and shoved a teaspoon of coconut oil in my mouth. It was in there all of 2 seconds before I gagged and almost puked. For those of you not familiar with Oil Pulling.. Read this article. If you decide to make it your new thing.. I would love to hear your results.

Kristen-
My new thing this week is a snack box for work from “graze.” They take your dietary preferences and restrictions and create a custom snack box for you, delivered weekly and right to your office. The snacks were yummy – I may have already eaten some when I took the pictures!

 

Keep your body fit during pregnancy for better results post pregnancy

Posted on by Angie

By: Erin Holtz

There are so many women who lose control of their eating and exercising during pregnancy which makes it so much harder to lose the weight post pregnancy. The number one excuse I hear women say during pregnancy is that they will let themselves go for now and just try and lose the weight after they deliver their baby. This doesn’t always happen and then they end up carrying the weight plus more the rest of their life. Your fetus while in the womb needs good nutrition and exercise since they are developing into the human being that they will be when they arrive. The more you watch your weight now the easier it will be to lose it afterward.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when exercising and eating healthy during pregnancy to help you jump back quicker
to your pre-pregnancy body.

1.. Curve your cravings by making smart, healthy choices
2. Exercise daily to maintain cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone
3. Protect your abdominals to avoid diastis recti

1. Learning to curve your cravings:

Lets face it doctors want you to gain 25-35 lbs for a healthy pregnancy but this doesn’t mean you are eating for two people. Most of that weight will be extra fluid, placenta, and the fetus and only requires a few extra calories during your second and third trimester. Remember whatever you eat, your baby eats so you are developing their body composition with everything you put into your mouth. Yes you are craving certain food items that your body might need during your first and second trimester but that is no excuse not to try and choose healthy food options. For me I would crave pizza but instead of ordering a pizza I would make my own homemade whole grain veggie pizza at home so I could still get all my nutrients for the day. You should try and stick with eating your fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Some helpful tips..

~Eat a small meal or snack as well as a drink a glass of water as soon as you get out of bed
~Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar level regulated.
~Eat protein at every meal to help sustain your appetite.
~Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
~Learn to choose healthier options of foods your are craving.

2. Exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight gain:

Some days it will be easier than others to exercise but trust me you will feel better after your do something active. During your first trimester it will be hard to fight the fatigue, nausea, and just feeling to exhausted to get out of bed but getting on your feet and doing something every day will help in the long run. Remember exercise increases your blood flow to your placenta that helps in fetus growth and development and also helps with swelling and blood circulation. It also helps with headaches, stress, depression, pelvic pain, back pain, constipation, and muscle cramping. So why not get off the couch and get moving!

If you did not exercise prior to pregnancy then you should start slowly by walking or riding the stationary bike but if you were previously working out then maintain your workout.

Some things to avoid during your workouts to keep you and your baby safe from harm…

1st Trimester:

-Avoid hot conditions
-Avoid contact sports or exercises that might cause you to fall.
-Gradually increase exercises that are new to your workout routine.
-Exercise when you feel up to it and don’t push yourself to hard.

2nd Trimester:

-Monitor your heart rate. If you can’t hold a conversation you might be pushing it too hard.
-Avoid crunches, sit-ups, and other abdominal exercises that will cause further damage.
-Avoid lying directly on your back.

3rd Trimester:

-Listen to your body. If it is uncomfortable or causes contractions then stop and try something different.
-Swimming, walking, and rowing are great, safe cardio exercises.
– Avoid lifting too much weight or straining.

3. Protect your abdominals

Not many women realize that doing abdominal exercises during early pregnancy or lifting something too heavy can lead to a life long consequence of diastasis recti. I know this is a foreign term but let me tell you a little bit about it. Diastasis is the splitting of your connective tissue between your right and left abdominal muscle wall. This tissue stretches during pregnancy to allow your fetus to grow but is normally closes nicely after pregnancy and after the relaxin hormone is depleted. I have seen a few women with this condition and most of the time you will work hard after pregnancy to close this gap back together but most of the time it is a permanent condition with corrective surgery being your only option.

To prevent diastasis from occurring during your pregnancy and to have a quicker recovery of your abdominal minuscules here are some things to avoid.

~Exercises that require flexing of the spine including crunches, bicycles, sit-ups, and oblique twists.
~Abdominal exercises on a physio ball
~Any exercises that require heavy lifting or involve twisting at your abdominals/core.

Overall if you maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise during pregnancy then you and your baby should have a much easier recovery after labor and delivery. This will help you bounce back to your normal self and be able to be a fit mom!

 

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.

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