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Balancing Business with Family

Posted on by Angie

Summer is a tough time for many parents who do most or all of their business from home. Here are some tips, from veteran businesswoman, and busy mom Renae Christine on balancing your business with your family.

•  Don’t apologize for your kids. We need to stop apologizing for our kids’ squawks and energy while we’re on the phone or in meetings. Kids are kids and to them, Mommy is Mommy and their home is their home 24/7. If anything, we can all learn from our children and lighten up during business chats.

•  Don’t pick up the phone when you’re not ready. I used to think I had to say yes to everyone, including the telephone whenever it rang. Don’t answer the phone if you’re not ready to speak; if it’s important, the caller will leave a message. Consider an online chat system for your website; I use a free one via craftysyntax.com.

•  Add a disclosure message to your call-answering service. My disclosure indicates the quickest way to reach me, which is chat or email. Email is quickly becoming everyone’s preferred method of communication anyway, and this way, we all have a digital trail that will help us stay organized.

•  Say no and don’t apologize for it. You can say no to lots of things, like PTA meetings and extra bake sales for your kids’ school. When you say yes to those things, you are saying no to your business. You have to think of your new business as if you are your own boss. Would you ask your boss for a day off so you can sell cupcakes? Probably not.

•  Pick a neutral location. If you need to have business meetings in person, I suggest choosing a neutral place like a coffee shop. Don’t allow them to come to your home and, if you can avoid it, don’t go to their office. If you’re negotiating, this can give them a home-field advantage.

•  Just say it. I continue to attend trade shows. When I tell companies that I work from home, they might give me an indifferent attitude and hastily move on to chat up a brick-and-mortar owner. I simply take my business elsewhere; I know the value of my business, and so will another vendor.

How do you make working from home, work when the kids are there too?

About Renae Christine:
Renae Christine is the owner of by Renae Christine, a company that has launched several successful businesses and has helped launch dozens more for others. A journalist, she’s known for her popular YouTube videos (search Rich Mom Business channel), which use humor and pragmatism to advise others who want to launch home-based businesses. She recently published “Home Business Startup Bible,” (www.richmombusiness.com), a comprehensive how-to guide. Christine is also the founder of the Rich Mom Business University and has come into popular demand as a speaker.

Giveaway: Family/IMAX Deluxe Membership to McWane Center

Posted on by Angie

As we mentioned last week, once we hit 6,000 fans on Facebook we would be giving away this awesome Membership to the McWane Science Center. Thanks to all of you.. We made it!

Up for grabs.. A Family/IMAX Deluxe Membership to McWane Center valued at $175.00, it includes:

• All member benefits for one family*

  • FREE admission to exhibit halls for 12 months
  • FREE parking in McWane Science Center’s parking deck
  • SAVE up to 30% on camps & classes
  • SAVE 20% in the Café
  • SAVE 20% in the gift store
  • DISCOUNTS on birthday parties
  • SAVE $1 Off guest tickets
  • FREE Eureka! subscription, McWane Science Center’s quarterly newsletter
  • FREE E-Newsletter every month

$1 OFF IMAX Feature-Length Hollywood Movies

AND!
• 18 FREE IMAX® Film and/or Simulator tickets

To Enter.. All you have to do is leave a comment here on this post letting us know you want it. Giveaway will end Thursday, May 29th at Noon. We will draw a winner at random and notify them via email and on our Facebook page.

Good Luck and thank you so much for helping us reach that goal!!

Birmingham Events Calendar: May 25th – June 1st

Posted on by Angie

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

Summer is here! Lots of Family Fun happening in and around Birmingham. The Barons are home this week, it’s the perfect chance to get out and catch a game, and on Friday stop by Railroad Park for Relax by the Tracks before heading over to the stadium.

Make sure to check out our list of Summer Movies if you’re looking for some free or discounted fun! Have a great week everyone!

Sunday May 25th:

Memorial Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Birmingham Zoo. Splash in the fountains, take a ride on the train or carousel, enjoy Wildlife Shows and experience all the Zoo has to offer. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, all active, disabled and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with proof of a valid military I.D.
All active, disabled, and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with the proof of a valid military ID.

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Monday May 26th:

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Birmingham Zoo. Splash in the fountains, take a ride on the train or carousel, enjoy Wildlife Shows and experience all the Zoo has to offer. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, all active, disabled and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with proof of a valid military I.D.
All active, disabled, and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with the proof of a valid military ID.

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Tuesday May 27th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Field
vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
7:05pm

Family Tours, Musical Moments – 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?

Travel across the globe to Africa!
10:30

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
Story Time
10:30am

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Wednesday May 28th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Field
vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
7:05pm

Stories and Crafts with Ms Karen – Clay Public Library
Join Ms. Karen for Stories & Crafts: Three Little Pigs, and enjoy some fun stories about pigs, and make a related craft. . All ages are welcome! Programs last approximately 30 minutes.
10am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Following Papa’s Song by Gianna Marino, an enchanting story of a papa and baby whale.
11am

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

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Thursday May 29th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Field
vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
7:05pm

Brookwood Live! Colonial Brookwood Village
Great shopping. Outside dining.  Live music.  Fun for all.
Music by: Bicho Brothers
5pm – 9pm

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday May 30th:

Relax By the Tracks – Railroad Park
Join us for free music from Craig Stilley and Shariff Simmons. Food and drinks are available for puchase at George’s Boxcar Cafe. Leave work behind… Relax by the Tracks!
Barons home games begin at 7:05pm after every Relax by the Tracks event.
5pm – 7pm

Birmingham Barons – Regions Field
vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
7:05pm

Alabama Phoenix Festival – Sheraton Hotel Downtown
The Alabama Phoenix Festival is a family-friendly, multi-genre, fan convention featuring celebrity guests, authors, comic book writers and artists, vendors, and much more. We have activities for people of all ages and welcome you to come join us in the fun.

Pre-registration: $20-$55 (three-day only)
On-site: $15-$65 (three-day and single day)
Children under 8 are free with the purchase of an adult membership.

To attend APF all you need is a 2014 Membership.  A Membership includes a 2014 badge access to APF 2014 events and programming, Expo Hall, Author’s Alley and Comic’s Creators Corner, with the few exceptions and restrictions.  Memberships also include the 2014 Program book and schedule (while supplies last).  You may preresgister for your 2014 3-Day Membership through  through our online store or by downloading the 2014 membership application form and mailing it to us with a check or money order.
8pm – 8pm

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Saturday May 31st:

5th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ Cookoff and Blues Festival – DeBardeleben Park
Get ready for the 5th Annual Bob Sykes Bbq and Blues Festival! The event will take place at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park located in downtown Historic Bessemer, Alabama. It’s a relaxing atmosphere for the entire family to enjoy a variety of true blues musicians. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day.
$15 Pre-sell tickets
$20 at the gate
12 and under are free
Gates open at noon
Live music 12:30 – 9:00 pm

Summer Reading Kickoff – North Shelby Library
Inflatables, Refreshments, Games, Face Painting, & MORE!!
All Ages Welcome. No Registration Required.
10am – 1pm

Ross Bridge Spring Market – Ross Bridge Welcome Center
The Annual Spring Market at Ross Bridge in Hoover will host vendors selling fresh-picked local produce, honey, hand-made jams and jellies, artisan and specialty products, and regional crafters. Kid’s activities, Music, and more! Come out and bring the family. Enjoy the ambiance of the place voted the Best Community of 2011.
9am – 2pm

Alabama Phoenix Festival – Sheraton Hotel Downtown
The Alabama Phoenix Festival is a family-friendly, multi-genre, fan convention featuring celebrity guests, authors, comic book writers and artists, vendors, and much more. We have activities for people of all ages and welcome you to come join us in the fun.

Pre-registration: $20-$55 (three-day only)
On-site: $15-$65 (three-day and single day)
Children under 8 are free with the purchase of an adult membership.

To attend APF all you need is a 2014 Membership.  A Membership includes a 2014 badge access to APF 2014 events and programming, Expo Hall, Author’s Alley and Comic’s Creators Corner, with the few exceptions and restrictions.  Memberships also include the 2014 Program book and schedule (while supplies last).  You may preresgister for your 2014 3-Day Membership through  through our online store or by downloading the 2014 membership application form and mailing it to us with a check or money order.
8pm – 8pm

Barts 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!

In May, we will make hope holders! Wrap your wishes for the summer in a beaded pouch.
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 as we read Tulip Loves Rex from the author of Biscuit, Alyssa Satin Capucilli, and discover that wishes sometimes come true.
11am

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Sunday June 1st:

Vulcan’s 110th Birthday Bash – Vulcan Park
Make plans to attend the BIGGEST birthday bash in Birmingham! Vulcan may be the world’s largest cast iron statue, but he still needs help blowing out his birthday candles! On Sunday, June 1, Vulcan Park and Museum will host a festive outdoor community celebration offering fun activities for the whole family in celebration of the BIG GUY’s 110th Birthday! Admission will be charged and includes admission to the party, Vulcan’s Observation Tower, Museum and a special exhibition in the Linn-Henley Gallery.
$5 all ages 5+.
4 and under and Vulcan Members are FREE!
Noon – 4pm

Alabama Phoenix Festival – Sheraton Hotel Downtown
The Alabama Phoenix Festival is a family-friendly, multi-genre, fan convention featuring celebrity guests, authors, comic book writers and artists, vendors, and much more. We have activities for people of all ages and welcome you to come join us in the fun.

Pre-registration: $20-$55 (three-day only)
On-site: $15-$65 (three-day and single day)
Children under 8 are free with the purchase of an adult membership.

To attend APF all you need is a 2014 Membership.  A Membership includes a 2014 badge access to APF 2014 events and programming, Expo Hall, Author’s Alley and Comic’s Creators Corner, with the few exceptions and restrictions.  Memberships also include the 2014 Program book and schedule (while supplies last).  You may preresgister for your 2014 3-Day Membership through  through our online store or by downloading the 2014 membership application form and mailing it to us with a check or money order.
8pm – 8pm

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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 20

Posted on by Angie

Here’s what we did that was new this week.. Do you have anything to share?

 

Angie –
I went on a kind of cleaning spree and was on a mission to clean some spots out of the carpet in my room. I have tried several different concoctions as well as our little steam cleaner, to no avail. So, I saw this little recipe floating around pinterest/facebook/interwebs and thought what the heck! I was shocked that it worked like a charm!

Try it for yourself:

¾ cup hydrogen peroxide, a few teaspoons of baking soda, and a little squirt of Dawn (maybe about 1 tsp) Swish it around, dip your cleaning cloth in it, and started scrubbing.

Kristen –
My new thing was Reunion Bootcamp at my small college outside of Atlanta. I got to hang out all day with two close friends, tasting food options for the reunion, and plan a big party. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday! Bonus: Solo trip to IKEA afterwards!

 

McWane Science Center Presents "Animation"

Posted on by Angie

The McWane Science Center in opening a new exhibit this weekend.. Animation featuring Cartoon Network.

BirminghamMommy.com had the chance to preview the exhibit this week and we have to say it’s one of the coolest ones we’ve seen come through McWane in the 8+ years we’ve been going.

“In Animation, it’s about exploring, questioning and experimenting with the science behind the art of animation in a way that makes learning fun,” said Amy Templeton,  President and CEO of McWane Science Center. “Animation has proven to be a powerful and effective tool for engaging and teaching people of all ages about science concepts such as perception, illusion, geometry, and measurement.”

“What this exhibit reveals in full interactive detail is the number of different skills  involved in creating animation, from voice-acting and recording to computer programming and scoring, from screenwriting and storyboarding to sound-effects and editing,” said Dennis Adamovich, senior vice president of marketing, Cartoon Network.

The exhibit as a whole is very hands on and interactive allowing your children to learn the process behind animation and to use their imagination to create some of their own. One of my favorite parts of the exhibit was the Foley Artist Area, where you have the chance to add sound effects to a clip. Getting the timing right is harder than you might think, I failed miserably.

In the six thematic areas of the exhibit you will find:

History – Visitors learn about early animation and apparent motion.
Animation Studio – Visitors explore the process of animation, story creation, animator techniques and tools.
Art in Motion – With help from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, visitors discover why art and math are important allies when creating characters, motion, and change.
Science Laboratory – In Dexter’s Laboratory, visitors can delve into the science and technology that make animation possible. Sound and Stage – Visitors can discover the principles of sound and phonetics with characters from Chowder, Ben 10: Alien Force, and Kids Next Door.
Cartoon Museum – Visitors will take a seat in this intimate theater setting and view clips of popular animations while learning the secrets behind their production.

The Animation exhibit will be on display at McWane Science Center from May 24 through September 1, 2014.

Make plans to check it out this weekend or add it to your Summer Fun List.. You’ll be glad you did!

** Random Side Note: The Photo Ops in this exhibit are endless!

 

Photos By: Scott Butler

6000 Fan Giveaway!

Posted on by Angie

BirminghamMommy.com is THISCLOSE to reaching 6000 fans on facebook and we would love to have you help us reach that goal! As an incentive once we reach that 6000 fan mark, we’ll be doing a giveaway, compliments of the McWane Science Center!

They have generously offered up a Family/IMAX Deluxe Membership valued at $175.00, it includes:

• All member benefits for one family*

  • FREE admission to exhibit halls for 12 months
  • FREE parking in McWane Science Center’s parking deck
  • SAVE up to 30% on camps & classes
  • SAVE 20% in the Café
  • SAVE 20% in the gift store
  • DISCOUNTS on birthday parties
  • SAVE $1 Off guest tickets
  • FREE Eureka! subscription, McWane Science Center’s quarterly newsletter
  • FREE E-Newsletter every month

$1 OFF IMAX Feature-Length Hollywood Movies

AND!
• 18 FREE IMAX® Film and/or Simulator tickets

Summer Reading 2014

Posted on by Angie

We all like to keep our kids learning over the summer and there are many incentives happening to get them interested in reading, check out some of these fun reading programs:

Scholastic Summer Challenge – Log your reading minutes to the Scholastic site and your child will be able to participate in a World Record challenge as well as earn digital prizes!

Pottery Barn Summer Reading Challenge – For children under 10 years of age on any day during the promotion period. Must present completed Award-Winning or Early Reader book list to receive a free book at participating Pottery Barn Kids stores.

Chuck E. Cheese – Earn 10 FREE tokens every time your child reads for 2 weeks in a row. Just fill out the form and bring it in to claim your free token.

Barnes & Noble Imagination Destination – This summer reading program through Barnes & Noble gives your child the ability to earn a FREE book after reading 8 books and keeping track of them in a reading log.

Junie B Jones Reading Club – Sign up and get a FREE starter Kit that includes a copy of Junie B Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, Activity sheets and a membership ID card while supplies last.

Your local Library is always a great place to start if you’re looking for a Summer Reading Challenge. Summer Reading 2014 registration is now open at all 19 locations of the Birmingham Public Library. Special programs will be held in June and July.

Here are just a few of the many local libraries to check out:

Homewood Public Library – Register online here
Emmet O’Neal Public Library – More Information here
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest – More Information here
Hoover Public Library – More Information here
North Shelby Library – More Information here

If you’re looking to challenge your kids at home, here’s a great idea from a BirminghamMommy friend. A “Summer of 100 Chapters” reading challenge, I love the idea of throwing yourself in the mix.

Here is the blank copy of that challenge chart if you want to do this at home!

Happy Reading!!

Birmingham Events Calendar: May 18th – May 25th

Posted on by Angie

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

Sunday May 18th:

Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.
Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free

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Monday May 19th:

Monday at the Movies – Hoover Public Library
Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show.

Admission is free and we provide refreshments too!
6:30pm

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Tuesday May 20th:

Family Tours, Musical Moments – 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?

Travel across the globe to Africa!
10:30

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
Story Time
10:30am

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Wednesday May 21st:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Found by Salina Yoon and find out what happens when Bear finds a lost toy bunny in the forest.
11am

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

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Thursday May 22nd:

Sesame Street Live! – BJCC
When Elmo gets his furry fingers on Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, there’s something in the air – and Sesame Street becomes a nonstop, all-singing, all-dancing musical montage! Grover and Baby Bear sing their highs and lows, Cookie Monster sings fast and slow, Bert and Ernie converse in song and Murray makes mouth music for all to sing along! Learn why it feels good to sing a song, but why it feels good to stop, too! What will Elmo learn about the power of musical magic? Join the conga line of fun to find out!

$15.00 Ticket + $6.70 Fees = $21.70
$30.00 Ticket + $8.60 Fees = $38.60

Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTO is open 9-5 daily.
3 pm
6:30 pm

LEGO Mania – Leeds Public Library
Come play with us! (Children old enough not to put Legos in their mouths are welcome!) We spend an hour creating new structures and having fun!
4pm – 5pm

Brookwood Live! Colonial Brookwood Village
Great shopping. Outside dining.  Live music.  Fun for all.
Music by: Rock Candy
5pm – 9pm

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday May 23rd:

Animation – McWane Science Center
New Exhibit!!
Explore how art, math, science and technology come together in the exciting world of Animation featuring Cartoon Network. Experiment with animation from concept to finished product — from storyboarding, character design and drawing techniques to movement, timing, filming and sound.

Memorial Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Birmingham Zoo. Splash in the fountains, take a ride on the train or carousel, enjoy Wildlife Shows and experience all the Zoo has to offer. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, all active, disabled and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with proof of a valid military I.D.
All active, disabled, and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with the proof of a valid military ID.

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Saturday May 24th:

Memorial Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Birmingham Zoo. Splash in the fountains, take a ride on the train or carousel, enjoy Wildlife Shows and experience all the Zoo has to offer. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, all active, disabled and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with proof of a valid military I.D.
All active, disabled, and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with the proof of a valid military ID.

Salsa Showdown – Avondale Brewing Company
A fundraising competition between local restaurants & catering companies to determine who offers the best salsa, guacamole, queso, and specialty dip. Admission will include unlimited sampling privileges at each competitor’s station, a ballot for casting an “Audience Choice” vote, Piñata smashes, Kid Zone sponsored by Alabama Baby and Child Magazine, live entertainment, beverage vending, and the Hot Pepper Eating Contest with cash prize.
$10 advance online
$15 at the gate
Kids 12 and Under FREE
2pm – 6pm

Barts 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!

In May, we will make hope holders! Wrap your wishes for the summer in a beaded pouch.
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
Today we will read How Do You Hug a Porcupine? written by Laurie Isop and illustrated by Gwen Millward, because everyone deserves a hug!
11am

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Sunday May 25th:

Memorial Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Birmingham Zoo. Splash in the fountains, take a ride on the train or carousel, enjoy Wildlife Shows and experience all the Zoo has to offer. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, all active, disabled and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with proof of a valid military I.D.
All active, disabled, and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with the proof of a valid military ID.

—————————————————————————————

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 19

Posted on by Angie

French Toast, Dancing and Sewing.. It was a very well rounded week for new things here at BirminghamMommy.

What did you do that was new?

 

Kristen –
My new thing was taking the baby to Kindermusik class this week. She mostly just walked around but it was fun to watch her enjoy the music. Besides, doing the Kindermusik now will turn her into a violin virtuoso when she’s older, right?

Angie-
This week I attempted to make homemade whipped cream and french toast. When we went to Atlanta for our Aquarium trip we stayed in a hotel that served the most AMAZING french toast I’ve ever had. It quickly became a favorite with one of the twinlets whose talked about it a lot since then. So, I searched the web and settled on this recipe for the toast, and whipped up some heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla to go on top. All was tasty. So very tasty. Put this on your Memorial Day menu.


Shirley –
My new thing this week is a “Darning Foot” for my sewing machine. It allows me to write and draw with my sewing machine. This is by far one of the coolest gadgets for us 1:00am craft club members.

Take it or Leave it? What goes in your Hospital Bag?

Posted on by Angie

Getting ready for baby is an exciting time but guessing when that little bundle of joy will arrive can be tricky. It’s best to go ahead and get that bag packed ahead of time, but what do you really need? What can you skip? We talked to a few Moms and pulled from our personal experience and came up with this list!

1. Lip Balm. This is my number 1 go-to for pretty much anytime, but when it comes to laboring and a couple of days in the hospital, you’re going to need it.

2. Ipod/Some way to play music – There will be a lot of time to just “hang out.” A little background music might be nice, or pop in those ear buds and try to take your mind off the contractions.

3. Bathrobe, Flip Flops, Slippers or non skid socks – The bathrobe is great for keeping yourself covered when you have a bunch of unexpected visitors who may or may not knock.

4. Gum and Mints – You’ll be too tired/too sore to walk/too busy holding a precious baby to care whether or not you’ve brushed your teeth in 2 days. These will come in handy.

5. Toiletries – Tooth brush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair dyer and even your own shampoo and conditioner. While the hospital will provide some of those things, I always found it nice to have my own brand of these items.

6. Snacks – 2 words. Hospital. Food.

7. Laptop/Ipad/Kindle This is handy for reading, passing time or “Facebragging” new pictures of your adorable new bundle of joy. If you have younger children, this will give them something to do when they visit.

9. Gift for siblings from baby. We love the idea of the new baby gifting something to an older sibling, even if it’s just a little note from baby telling Big Brother or Sister how much they love them and look forward to having them as a sister or brother.

10. CarSeat – You’ll need to have this installed, prior to your hospital stay. You won’t get home without it.

11. Nursing supplies – Boppy/Nursing Pillow, Nursing Bra, and pads. You may think you won’t need them but if you plan to nurse or even try. Go ahead and toss them in.

12. Camera/Phone and Chargers – If you’re anything like me, your life is in your phone. I use it for everything from music to pictures to keeping track of my day.

What items would you add to this list? Are there any you would skip?

 

 

Photo Credit: photo credit: <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/prudencemapstone/2081178402/”>freeform by prudence</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

 

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