How to Handle Criticism: The Mom's Guide

Posted on Friday, October 11, 2013 by Angie

No one likes being told what they’re doing wrong, or what they’re not good at. However, it is hearing other’s opinions that can help improve your relationships, job satisfaction, and academic performance. As a mom, we have to show our children how to accept and handle criticism so they can learn too.

There is a such thing as destructive criticism, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. Constructive criticism is thoughtful feedback that help gain insight into our actions and increase other’s trust in us.

The low-down:

1. Don’t be too sensitive. Take it in, process it, and determine if it is helpful or rude. Try to hear what someone is really saying to you.

2. Respond calmly, even if it was not nice. Show your kids how to kill ’em with kindness.

3. Make a plan- consider the area that was being critiqued. Even if you disagree and think you’re awesome in that area, you need to reevaluate. Your ability and the perception of your ability may not be in line. Take a few minutes to make a plan to improve that area.

How do you accept criticism and learn from it?

Giveaway: Boo at the Zoo Passes

Posted on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 by Angie

***** GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED *****

It’s time to get in the Halloween Spirit and what better way than with a giveaway to Boo at the Zoo!

Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure

BirminghamMommy.com has a 4 pack of tickets to giveaway to 1 lucky reader.

Here’s how to enter.

1. Leave a comment on this post letting us know you want them

2. Head over to the Birmingham Zoo’s Facebook page and thank them for the chance to win

3. Share this with your friends on Facebook. Make sure to use @BirminghamMommy in the post.

Giveaway will end Thursday Morning, October 10th at 10am and we’ll get the tickets to you in time to use this weekend!

Good Luck!

Birmingham Area Fall Festivals and Happenings – Fall 2013

Posted on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 by Angie

Fall in Birmingham one of our most favorite times of the year. With Fall comes the fun of Pumpkin Patches, Trick or Treating and Fall Festivals. Here is a rundown of what you can do to keep your family busy over the next month or so!

Pumpkin Patches

Old Baker Farm – Harpersville – September 28th – 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 12, 2012, 9am until Dark and Sunday, October 14, 2012, 1pm until Dark
Shootouts, Western Music, Hay Wagon Rides, Hay Mountain, Pumpkin Patch, & More!
Kids, come dressed in your western attire!

Cotton Pickin’ Celebration – Saturday October 26th 9am – 5pm and Sunday October 27th 9am – 5pm. Exhibitors from all over the South including handmade Indian arts & crafts, blacksmiths, basket makers, broom maker, goats milk soap, and many more!

Great Pumpkin Patch – Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit. September 24th – October 31st
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.
Admission to the Pumpkin Patch is free, pay for each activity.

Grand Ole Patch – Clanton – 65 South to the Clanton/Lay Dam exit 212. October 1st – October 31st
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 5pm.
Friday and Saturday 8am – Dark.
Sunday 1pm to dark.
Pay Per Activity

Bennett Farms – Heflin – I-20 toward Atlanta, exit 199. Opening day, Saturday September 29th. In October – Open Thursday and Friday, 2pm – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm.

Pumpkin Patch Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Musuem – Open Every Saturday and Sunday in October, beginning October 5th. Hayrides, jump stations, coloring and more! It is recommended you purchase tickets in advance. See site for schedule and hours.

**Tuscaloosa Barnyard
“Petting and Fun Farm” is open every Friday and Saturday in October from 10am to 1pm. 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 18th, 6pm
Fairytale Forest Maze, Crafts, Costume Parade, Games, Fairytale Foods and More! Movie on the Lawn will be Princess and the Frog.

Trick or Treat Around the Library – October 31st, 9am -9pm

Homewood Library

Camp Fire Ghost Stories: October 24th 6:15pm – 7:15pm
For our older, braver patrons. Hear a chilling tale and enjoy some Halloween treats. Suggested age range: 7 to 12 AND a parent.

Halloween Tricks and Treats: October 31st, 1pm – 7:00pm
Stop by in your costume and perform a trick for a treat!

Hoover Public Library –

Annual Pumpkin Painting Workshop
It’s time to get out those pumpkins and bring them to the library to decorate and enter our Pumpkin Painting Contest.
Wednesday, October 16, 2012 at 6:30pm Entries accepted until October 30. FREE

Bippity Boppity Boo: October 18th, 7:00pm
A haunted mansion, a princess castle and a slew of Caribbean pirates:
put them together and what have you got? The best Halloween party in town! Join us as the library transforms into a truly magical kingdom. Dont forget to wear your costume! FREE

Trick or Treat
Trick or treat throughout the library on Halloween!

Thursday, October 31, 2012
9am-6 p.m.

Pelham Library

Halloween Carnival: Saturday October 26th 1pm- 2:30pm
Come in your favorite costume to play some carnival games and leave with plenty of treats.

Festivals and Miscellaneous Happenings

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 4-6, 11-13, 20, 23-24, 27 & 31 (5-9pm)
October 18,19, 25 & 26 (5-10pm)

OzTober at Desoto Caverns –
Every Saturday in October for an interactive, roaming production of the Wizard of Oz. Show times are 10:15 and 12:15.
Tickets – $19.99. Only $9.99 when you purchase a Fun Pac. Wear your favorite Oz costume and receive $2.00 off your ticket.

Oak Mountain State Park –
Come out and enjoy the festivities at the 2nd Annual Fall Festival at the Dogwood Pavilion. We will have a dunking booth, face painting, cake walk, hayrides, and more. Park admission is $3 adults, $1 children (6 to 11), 5 & under free, $1 seniors (62+). Activities require 1 ticket each, and they can be purchased under the Dogwood Pavilion for $1 each.
Saturday October 13th, 1oam – 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 26th

Dawson Baptist Church
Bring your family to Dawson’s Family Fall Festival! Games, rides, carnival foods, and candy!
October 25th, 6pm – 9pm

Homewood Church of Christ
Trunk or Treat
Sunday October 27th
4pm – 7pm

Town of Mt Laurel
Harvest Festival –Farmers Market & Craft Fair, complete with Hayrides, MoonWalks, Cotton Candy, Music and much, much more!
Saturday, October 12th. 10am – 3pm

Ruffner Mountain
Pumpkin Carving Party. Join us for a pumpkin carving party at the Backporch. Let your creativity run wild as you create your very own Jack-O-Lantern. You may either bring your own and carve it for free, or purchase one from Ruffner (price depends on size). You are free to take your pumpkin home with you, or leave it at Ruffner to display for Faces in the Forest.
October 27th, 3pm – 5pm

Face in the Forest Hike – Visit Ruffner for a truly spooktacular evening. Walk along the forest trail with only the guidance from glowing Jack-O-Lanterns to lead the way.Reserve your spot at http://shop.ruffnermountain.org/
October 31st / November 1st. 6:30 – 8:30pm

Homewood Parks and Recreation – West Homewood Park – Upper Multi Purpose Field (6 Acres Field)
Fall Festival – A variety of games, goodies, a concession stand, inflatable and a costume contest.
Thursday, October 31st. 6pm – 8pm
Unlimited Attraction Wristband $5.00 per individual

Whole Foods Halloween Party
Face painting, Pumpkin Craft and Trick or Treating.
Friday, October 25th 6pm – 8pm

Trick or Treat Downtown Homewood
More than 20 shops and businesses participating.
Saturday, October 26th 9am – 10am

McWane Science Center and Alabama Theatre Present:
Magic City Zombie Fest

What happens when you combine George A. Romero’s Halloween classic “Night of the Living Dead” with a spooktacular party on McWane Science Center’s plaza – the first annual Magic City Zombie Fest. Get into your best zombie costume and creep to downtown Birmingham for a night of food, fun and flesh-eaters. The festivities begin at 7 pm with a screening of “Night of the Living Dead” at the Alabama Theatre, followed immediately by a party on McWane’s plaza with music, food, drinks, costume contest and other undead actvities.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE PARTY:
– Zombie costume contest
– Zombie Walk from theater
– Finger foods and bar
– D.J.
– Zombie photo booth
– Zombie makeup station

Cost: $20 (Ticket includes admission to Night of the Living Dead, McWane’s Zombie Block Party and one drink ticket)

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Advance reservations required.

Must be 18 and over to purchase tickets.
Movie Screening: 7 P.M, with doors opening at 6 P.M
Block Party: 8:30 pm (immediately following movie)

If you’re a scary movie buff and can get a sitter, the Alabama Theatre will be hosting Halloween Movie Week starting Friday, October 18th. Visit their site for a full schedule.

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

Social Media Kids

Posted on Monday, October 7, 2013 by Angie

I am a huge advocate for Social Media. I’m kind of a junkie, actually. I think it’s a great tool for businesses, a wonderful way to connect with friends, new and old, and it works great as a way to journal your child’s milestones/achievements on the go.

But when it comes to kids? No way, uh-uh, no how.

Originally introduced in 2000, COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) states that websites cannot collect information about users under 13 years of age without parental consent, this includes providing access to interactive websites and applications which could enable them to share information with others. Therefore websites have to either incorporate a method of collecting parental consent or forbid the use of the site by any users under 13 years of age (as Facebook has opted to do). Although a US law, this could still apply to international sites that may be accessed by underage US users.

There has been some chatter recently about Facebook lowering the age limit for using Facebook, it’s currently 13. Which in my prudish opinion is still too young. It is well known that the social sites do not have the tools or manpower to effectively enforce their age restrictions. If your child lies about his age, or you do it for him, it is unlikely that the infraction will ever be discovered.

Young children can’t comprehend the dangers or repercussions that can come along with social media. They lack the awareness and self censorship to know what is acceptable content and that once they put it out there, their digital footprint is there for the world to see and can come back to haunt them later on in life, in relationships or college applications or when they get a job in the real world.

What’s more important is that according to Federal Bureau of Investigations, it is believed that more than half a million pedophiles are online every day, making sexual predators a very real threat to your child. With millions of people logging on to social sites each day, odds are that dangerous people will attempt to contact your child at some point.

So, here are 5 Golden Rules (compliments of Social Media Today) to keep in mind when trying to keep your child safe in the Social Media World.

1. Show Me.
Ask your child to show you the sites that they use. Show an interest and take note of the sites they visit and re-visit them later when you’re alone. Find out how to set safety features and how to report any issues directly to the site.

2. Low Profile.
Ask your child to set profile settings to private. Since children use social media sites to share just about everything they do, setting their profile to private can help protect them against photos, personal information and even location in the real world ending up in the wrong hands. (Side note, this rule suggests “Asking” your child to do this. Require is the word I would have used.)

3. Just Ask.
Ask your child about their online friends. Help your child understand that people can create fake identities online and lie about who they really are. They should only give out personal information and be “friends” with people they know in the real world.

4. Photo Check
Ask your child to only share photos that they don’t mind showing to you first. Talk to your child about the images they send, the sites and apps they use to share them and who they are sending them to. (again, I would say require, don’t ask)

5. Don’t Worry
Ask your child to tell you if they are worried about something online. By talking to your child about the internet, their favorite sites, and the risks they may encounter, they are more likely to come to turn to you if they get into situations online where they feel uncomfortable or see something they don’t want to see.

And when in doubt, just say no. It may seem like the end of the world for them at the time but in the long run, keeping them safe is what’s most important and if you don’t feel like you can supervise them closely enough, it’s best to hold off until they’re more mature.

Do you allow your child to access social media? What age do/would you allow this from?

How do you monitor their activity?

Follow this link for the infographic on the 5 golden rules of social media for kids

Birmingham Events Calendar: October 6th – October 13th

Posted on Sunday, October 6, 2013 by Angie

Cooler weather is coming and the fall activities are in full swing!

We hope you will take the time to get out this week and enjoy some of what Birmingham has to offer.

Boo at the Zoo has officially kicked off, you can catch the Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest or the Mt, Laurel Fall Festival happening this weekend.

If you’ve got a LEGO Fan in the house, check out the Special LEGO Event happening at Barnes and Noble Summit on Friday!

Have a great week!

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

Sunday October 6th:

Boo at the Zoo
Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 15 nights of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. This year, you can seeyour favorite ©Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America*! Don’t miss your chance to experience special meet and greets with the heroes, get their autographs and take your very own pictures!
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to search for Bigfoot on the Sasquatch Safari*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, participate in animal-themed games at the Creepy Carnival tent, trick-or-treat your way through safe candy villages and much more! Boo at the Zoo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!
*©Marvel character appearance dates: October 4-5 (Captain America), 11-12 (Thor), 18-19 (Iron Man) & 25-26 (Spider-Man)
*The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
*Animals will not be on exhibit for Boo at the Zoo.
* Daily attraction fees still apply
* Wristband includes unlimited access to: Eerie Express Train, Sasquatch Safari, Scarousel, Creepy Carnival, Gruesome Golf, Ghost Rollers and Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure
$8 Non-members*
$6 Members*–NEW MEMBER DISCOUNT!
$11.50 wristbands*
$3.50 attractions*
5pm – 9pm

Southern Women’s Show – BJCC
The Southern Women’s Show returns to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.
One of the largest consumer events in Birmingham, the annual Southern Women’s Show attracts thousands of local women each year for four jam-packed days of fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, beauty tips, health screenings, decorating ideas and personal growth opportunities — all tailored especially for women — as well as celebrity appearances.
The 2013 edition features Miss Kay from A & E’s wildly popular Duck Dynasty.
Admission is $10 at the door, $8 in advance online, $7 in advance at participating Piggly Wiggly’s, $5 for children 6–12 years old and free for children under 6 years of age (with paying adult). Special $5 after 5 pm pricing is available every day.
11am – 5pm

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Monday October 7th:

Halloween Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for hot popcorn and a cool movie.
3:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Storytime for 2-4-year-olds with a caregiver. Includes stories, songs, and craft. 24-hour advance registration required.
10:30am

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Tuesday October 8th:

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join us for an in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore our collection, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

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

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Wednesday October 9th:

Annual Fire Prevention Parade – Downtown Birmingham
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service annual Fire Prevention Parade will follow 20th Street from Powell Ave to Rev Abraham Woods Blvd then over to 19th Street North to 10th Ave N. The parade will include new and antique fire apparatus from the city of Birmingham and surrounding areas, various mascots, bands, and other organizations.
11:30am

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
All Ages
10:30am

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join a little girl on her exciting trip to the local farm. From apple picking to finding the best pumpkin, discover how much fun the harvest season can be!
11am

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Thursday October 10th:

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Friday October 11th:

Special LEGO Event – Barnes and Noble Summit
If you love Lego, then this is the event for you! Adults, teens, older children, will have the opportunity to try out the new Lego Architecture Studio line of kits. Learn about scale, models, and other aspects of design — with Lego!
7pm

Magic Tree House – Hoover Public Library
Join Annie and Jack for an adventure of games, crafts and snacks inspired by one of Hoover’s favorite series. Grades 1 – 3.
4pm – 5pm

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Saturday October 12th:

Fresh Air Family Fossil Hunt – Walmart Sumiton
Giant creatures crawled out of a swamp in Alabama millions of years ago, leaving footprints for modern fossil hunters in an abandoned coal mine. On one of our digs, we found a museum-quality fossil! On October 12, you can dig for rare fossils in one of the most important fossil sites in world, where scientists study ancient sea creatures. And you keep what you find! Sponsored by Dayjon, Inc. a company creating products for the modern coal industry.

Fresh Air Family has scheduled the fossil hunt for at the Union Chapel coal mine, near Suniton. The hike will be led by Carl Sloan of the Birmingham Paleontology Society, which has been credited with many of the discoveries on the site.

At one fossil hunt, we found seven human-hand-sized prints left there more than 300 million years ago by a sailback reptile, which roamed a Coal Age Forest that covered Alabama. The six-foot-long amphibian resembled a giant salamander with a fin on its back, in an age predating dinosaurs.

This fossil site has been rated as the most important Coal Age footprint in the world by international experts, according to Congressional findings that resulted in saving the mine from being destroyed by the Mining Reclamation Act. Only three other places in the world are known to have these types of fossils: Scotland, Nova Scotia and the Czech Republic.

Please note that this site has jagged rocks and uneven surfaces. Children must be supervised by parents.
$15 non-members
$10 members

Two sessions
9:00 am – noon
1:00 – 5:00 pm

Kicki’n Chick’n Wing Fest – SOHO Square
The 2013 Magic Moments Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest is upon us! The outdoor wing cook-off, referred to as the “ultimate tailgate party” by the Birmingham News, features local restaurants, games for kids, local celebrity judges, a wing eating contest and, of course, live football games on big screen TVs. More football, more wings, more people, and more fun! Come eat some wings and show your support of Magic Moments. It’s all about the MAGIC baby!
$10 per person
11am – 4:30

Oktoberfest – Trussville, Holy Infant of Prague
Trussville is again hosting a family-fun Oktoberfest. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge to attend. Enjoy Authentic German food and live music along with lots of other treats such as German pretzels, cakes, strudels, funnel cakes, cookies and other goodies such as cotton candy, peanuts, pizza and nachos.

There are plenty of activities planned for the entire family from tots to seniors and everyone in between. Some of the offerings include hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a rock wall, obstacle course, pumpkin painting, jewelry- making, lots of children’s games with prizes, football toss, ring toss, corn hole, hole-in- one, grab bag wheel, balloon figures, miniature golf and face-painting. There are opportunities to win prizes, cakes, and even cash with games, the cake wheel, bingo, and a raffle that includes a $1500 vacation, large screen TV and iPad. Grandma’s back porch will be open with homemade jellies & jams, pickled vegetables and hand- made candies, cookies and other delicacies, including gluten-free and sugar-free selections.
9am – 3pm

Kids In Nature – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Let’s go outside and explore! KIN programs focus on a different topic each month and includes a naturalist-led hike and a craft. October’s theme is fall foliage.
1pm – 2:30pm
$5/ $7 (non-members) per child.
Chaperones are free.

Mt Laurel Fall Festival
Farmers Market and Craft Fair with music, food, hay rides, petting zoo and rides for children
10am – 3pm

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! Sugar Skulls // Trick us with your sweet skills while decorating these ornamental treats!
11am

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

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 13th:

Fall Scavenger Hunt – Ruffner Mountain
Enjoy a walk through the forest and search for answers to the clues from Ruffner’s Fall Scavenger Hunt. Once you have found all the answers, return your paper to the front desk and claim your prize! Children of all ages. Scavenger sheets will be at the front desk.
This event is on-going. Come any time between 1 and 5.

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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: Flight of the Butterflies, Titians of the Ice Age

Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age – through December 31st, 2013
McWane Science Center is home to Alabama’s second largest natural history collection. Made up of over 500,000 specimens and objects pertaining to the natural history of the state, this important collection focuses on the preservation, education, and research of Alabama’s rich biodiversity and paleobiodiversity. One of the more significant subsets of the collection is Alabama’s largest collection of Late Pleistocene faunal remains – or Ice Age fossils.

Made up of nearly 10,000 cataloged specimens, the McWSC Pleistocene collection contains a unique diversity of fauna that not only includes those native to North America, but migrants to the state from both South America and the Old World. This collection includes mammals, both extant and extinct, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fishes, and botanical remains collected from both cave and stream localities in the state. Extinct mammals represented in the McWSC collection include mammoths, mastodons, giant beavers, saber-toothed cats, giant armadillos, tapirs, peccaries, and giant ground sloths.

This spring, visitors will have an opportunity to view some of the fossils in the collection with a new exhibit titled — “Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age.” This exhibit will not only highlight many of the Ice Age animals from the McWane Science Center Collection, but will highlight and dispel many of the common misconceptions surrounding the Ice Age in the state. The goal is for visitors to have a better understanding and appreciation for this time in Alabama. For example, guests might learn that Alabama was on average only five degrees colder than today, glaciers did not reach farther south than southern Illinois or that all the Ice Age animals did not go extinct at the end of the Ice Age. While the largest animals, such as mastodons, giant ground sloths, and saber-tooth cats died out, nearly all the animals that are living in Alabama today were also around in the Ice Age.

The Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age Alabama display is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum. It is included in the cost of admission to the museum and free to members.

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.

Revive Birmingham.

Posted on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 by Angie

By Nanci Scarpulla:

I was born and raised in Birmingham. My mother was born and raised in Birmingham, as was my grandmother and so on…

Birmingham is in my blood as much as Alabama is in my soul.

My husband has an equally heavy Birmingham story. His great grandparents embraced the American dream as Italian immigrants and came through Ellis Island, on their way to the Magic City.

Whether the Magic City was a playground for a little curly headed girl, whose sweetest memories were growing up in Woodlawn, and awaiting the day she could pick her father up at the Birmingham Terminal after his overseas service in World War II, or a sweet Italian family who came over to celebrate their faith, and freedom, in a city that offered the opportunity to those who sought change in their lives, Birmingham held a special place in our families, and it still does.

For the next month, REV Birmingham will host the Street Life Project, including Pop Up stores and businesses through out several Birmingham neighborhoods. REV Birmingham is an economic development program that encourages entrepreneurs and business owners to grow their business in our city and bring new life to areas.

Why is this important? As a mom, I believe this so very important to the success of not only our economic recovery, but to the revitalization of neighborhoods by providing jobs, cleaning up abandoned or neglected areas, increasing tourism, providing events and programs, and most importantly, encouraging civic pride and community in our children.

Plus, if you are interested in opening up your dream business, this is a great opportunity to learn the ins and outs with the help of REV Birmingham’s Retail Revolution.

Each week for the next month, I will feature the Pop Up Projects and events going on around the city. I encourage you to shop, walk, eat, and see what our city has to offer.

Whether you are a native to Birmingham, or you relocated and now call Birmingham your home, this is our city and this is our chance to REVive it.

As a city, we have created and recreated ourselves many times. Neighborhoods change, laws change, people change, and environments change, yet the very soul of our city never seems to change as long as we have people who will continue to believe
in the magic of the Magic City.

#ReviveBham

#walkeatshop

Week One: Downtown Birmingham

(For more information, visit www.revivebirmingham.com)

For one week, downtown’s 1900 block of 3rd Avenue North will be vibrant with street life, pop-up retail and art installations. We ask you to celebrate this vision of revitalization by joining the street life as you walk, eat and shop. Come grab a doughnut before work, grab a quick lunch and catch an outdoor dance class, then come back by to shop a bit in the evening.

Check out the Revive Birmingham Calendar for up to date events including FREE dance lessons, parties, and unique new businesses in the area.

This weeks pop up stores include:

BIG City Brand, with Yellowhammer Creative,

Made in the Magic City

Rugged & Fancy

Harold & Mod

Freshfully

The REVIVE 2013 Schedule Includes:

Downtown, 3^rd Ave. N. – September 30 – October 4

East Lake – October 7 – October 11

Ensley – October 14 – October 18

Five Points South – October 21 – October 25

Woodlawn – October 28 – November 1

Bedtime Book Club: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Posted on Monday, September 30, 2013 by Angie

Moving from the toddler board books that are loaded with pictures was a big deal for us. Our very first “real” book was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We chose this book because of our friend Rachel at Grasping for Objectivity’s recommendation. (See her list of over 200 great books here.)

Charlie was a perfect transition book for the kids. Though there were only a few pictures, the imagery and creativity were right on target for my kids, ages 4 and 6. The book moved at a great pace that kept them excited and engaged. It was a joy for me to hear, “Read 1 more chapter, pleeeease!!” That is how I want my kids to feel about reading, and Charlie delivered the passion for a story.

After different parts of the book we had some great discussions:

Why was Veruca Salt so spoiled? What is spoiled? Was it her fault? Her parents?

Who deserved a golden ticket?

Why did Charlie’s dad step aside so that Grandpa Joe could go?

What is greed? Was Augustus Gloop greedy?

What does it mean to be grateful? Which child was grateful?

BirminghamMommy’s Bedtime Book Club gives Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2 sticky thumbs up!

Bedtime Book Club is an original BirminghamMommy.com series that focuses on great books for the tiny humans.

Birmingham Events Calendar September 29th – October 6th

Posted on Sunday, September 29, 2013 by Angie

Fall is one of our most favorite times in Birmingham. We get the best weather and the calendar really starts to heat up with so many cool local events.

From food truck festivals, music at Vulcan to Fall Festivals and one of the kids all time favorites, Boo at the Zoo!

Lots of great things happening this week! Have a good one!

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

Sunday September 29th

Vulcan AfterTunes – Vulcan Park
Birmingham’s unique musical event returns to Red Mountain this fall for its 9th season! Enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews, and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with Birmingham’s hip iron man, Vulcan. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with friends and family (of all ages) while listening to some of the area’s best music.
Concerts will take place at 3 p.m. on select Sundays
Gates open at 1 p.m. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and general admission. Lawn chairs and blankets strongly encouraged. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. No pets or outside alcohol allowed. All shows rain or shine. For additional concert details and up-to-date artist information, log onto www.visitvulcan.com.
General Admission – $15 (Includes concert, admission to Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Tower and tax)
Children 12 & under are FREE!
Vulcan Members – $7.50
VIP Ticket Packages are available for $75

Truck By the Tracks – Railroad Park
Trucks by the Tracks is back, this year with more food trucks and even more fun! Make plans to join the Railroad Park Foundation Junior Board on for live music, entertainment, food trucks, and beverages. Admission is free!

Cahaba River Frydown – Trussville Springs
The best amateur catfish fryers in Alabama will square off for the 4th Annual Cahaba River Society Fry-Down, a competitive catfish cooking contest and riverfront festival to celebrate the beauty and significance of the Cahaba River. A fundraiser for the Cahaba River Society. At Trussville Springs, along the banks of the Cahaba in Trussville, Ala.

The Fry-Down is like a BBQ or chili cook-off, but with catfish and hushpuppies. Local teams of enthusiastic chefs will prepare catfish and fixings for a panel of celebrity judges. Fest-goers can sample their efforts and learn about the diversity of the Cahaba River and its role as a source of drinking water and recreation for Alabama.
Noon – 4:00pm

The Dish on Downton Abbey – Barnes and Noble Summit
While you are waiting for Downton Abbey, come join us! BYOTC (Bring Your Own Tea Cup) and enjoy Harney Tea and our famous cranberry orange scones. 10 am in our Cafe!
10am

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Monday September 30th:

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Storytime for 2-4-year-olds with a caregiver. Includes stories, songs, and craft. 24-hour advance registration required.
10:30am

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Tuesday October 1st:

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

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

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Wednesday October 2nd:

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
All Ages
10:30am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Wow, look around – the colors of the leaves are changing! Instead of green, the leaves are red, yellow and orange. It’s fall! Join us as we read about all the different changes fall can bring.
11am

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Thursday October 3rd:

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Friday October 4th:

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Saturday October 5th:

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

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
Monster, monster everywhere! Join us as we learn all the fun things you could do if you were a monster.
11am

Star Wars Reads – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Star Wars Reads Day on Saturday, October 5, with costume contests, trivia, crafts and more. All ages welcome. May the Force be with you!
6:00pm

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Sunday October 6th:

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

The Unearthing Alabama’s Ice Age Alabama display is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum. It is included in the cost of admission to the museum and free to members.

Birmingham Zoo:

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

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

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

Trucks By The Tracks – Railroad Park

Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2013 by Angie

If you’ve been reading BirminghamMommy.com for a while, you may have realized that we have a food truck obsession. And this is the perfect event to feed our need and our bellies!

Trucks by the Tracks is back, this year with more food trucks and more fun! Make plans to join the Railroad Park Foundation Junior Board on Sunday, September 29 for live music, entertainment, food trucks and beverages. Admission is free!

Trucks include Slice Pizza & Brew, Shindigs, Spoonfed Grill, Cantina, Melt, Nola Ice, Jim n’ Nick’s, Hank’s Famous Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, Dreamcakes, Repicci’s Italian Ice, Avalanche Delights, Birmingham Fashion Truck, Steel City Pops, Urban Wings, Off the Hook, and Biscuit Love! 10% of your purchase from these trucks during the event will go directly to Railroad Park Foundation, the non-profit organization that runs Railroad Park.

11am – 5pm

Hope to see you there!!

Giveaway: Southern Women's Show Passes

Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 by Angie

The Southern Women’s Show is coming and BirminghamMommy has some passes to give out to 2 lucky readers.

The Southern Women’s Show returns to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex October 3-6, 2013.
One of the largest consumer events in Birmingham, the annual Southern Women’s Show attracts thousands of local women each year for four jam-packed days of fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, beauty tips, health screenings, decorating ideas and personal growth opportunities — all tailored especially for women — as well as celebrity appearances.
The 2013 edition features Miss Kay from A & E’s wildly popular Duck Dynasty.

Admission is $10 at the door, $8 in advance online, $7 in advance at participating Piggly Wiggly’s, $5 for children 6–12 years old and free for children under 6 years of age (with paying adult). Special $5 after 5 pm pricing is available every day.

Oct 3, 2013: 10 am – 7 pm (Thu)
Oct 4, 2013: 10 am – 8 pm (Fri)
Oct 5, 2013: 10 am – 7 pm (Sat)
Oct 6, 2013: 11 am – 5 pm (Sun)

We’ll be giving out 2 pairs of tickets good for admission on any day of your choice. Winners name will be left at will call.

To enter: