Pinspired Pimiento Cheese

Posted on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 by Angie

pimento cheese sand 022 — Photo: From Whats4dinnertonite

I love pimiento cheese in the summer. It’s the perfect appetizer or sandwich filling. After scouring Pinterest, I found a few recipes that I liked and morphed them together to get this simple and yummy version! Serve this as an appetizer with crackers or make the best sandwich ever using the fluffiest white bread you can find. It’s to die for.

1 pound sharp cheddar cheese (1 bag, finely shredded)
1/4 pound cream cheese, softened
1 jar of pimientos
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature, then mix it with the mayonnaise. I used a hand mixer for this part.
Add in the bag of cheese, stir.
Add in the drained jar of pimientos and stir without crushing them.

That’s it! The longer it’s refrigerated, the more it gets “set.” I served it after about 2 hours and it was good, but the next day it was perfect. This would be a great dish to make the day before.

Birmingham Events Calendar: June 30th – July 7th

Posted on Sunday, June 30, 2013 by Angie

What a busy week we have coming up for Birmingham!! With the 4th of July on Thursday, you will find celebrations and specials happening all week!

Check out the I Love America Day Celebration in Vestavia, Thunder on the Mountain or Freedom Fest at the Hoover Met.

The Barons will have a home stretch beginning on the 4th and there are several fun storytimes planned at local libraries!

We hope you have a wonderful 4th of July Week!

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

Sunday June 30th

Jazz in the Park – Avondale Park
Magic City Smooth Jazz (MCSJ) is pleased to unveil the lineup for the upcoming Jazz in the Park® summer concert series, which marks the entry of the series into its fourth full season.
6pm – 9pm

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Monday July 1st:

We Dig Pirate Storytime – Hoover Public Library
Summer storytime for children under four.
10:30am

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 July 2nd:

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
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

Ronald McDonald – Homewood Public Library
Our favorite clown puts on a magical show!
10:30am

Mark Seymour, Be-at Your Best – Hoover Public Library
Mark Seymour brings and plays almost 70 different percussion instruments. Students sing along and learn positive life lessons through Mark’s original songs. In The Library Theatre
11:30a, 2:30p, 7:30p

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Wednesday July 3rd:

32nd Annual I Love America Day Celebration
Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 32nd Annual I love America Day. There will be free Swimming from 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Children’s Activities by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Pops in the Park~Patriotic Music by the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra at 7:00 pm and then ending the evening with the movie, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted showing at 8:00 pm. Fun for all ages!

For the comfort of others, no pets allowed

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Do you have a favorite pair of shoes? Pete the Cat does! Join us to find out why Pete loves his white shoes! We will also read Pete the Cat: Wheels on the Bus.
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 July 4th:

Thunder on the Mountain
For decades, Thunder on the Mountain, Birmingham’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration, has been hailed as one of the largest and most extravagant Independence Day traditions in the state of Alabama, and this year will be no exception. On Thursday, July 4 at 9:00 pm, Thunder on the Mountain 2013 will once again illuminate the skies above Birmingham’s beloved iron man, Vulcan. Free to the public, this year’s show will last approximately 20 minutes and will feature a variety of firework shells that will brighten the sky with new colors and patterns. The show will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack that will feature a mix of patriotic favorites and popular musical performances.

Flag Making and 4th of July Crafts
Let’s celebrate our freedom and those that have given us the opportunity to have that freedom. Will meet at the Campground Pavilion.
10am

Jazz in the Park – Railroad Park
6pm – 9pm

Independence Day 1776 – American Village
Celebrate Independence Day 1776! Alabama’s best ‘up close and personal’ fireworks

• Costumed historical interpreters

• Revolutionary Army drills 18th century games

• Independence Ball Full Moon BBQ and other tasty fare!
Noon – 9pm

Freedom Fest – Hoover Met
Freedom Fest is completely free fun on July 4th for your entire family! Car Show will begin at 5 pm in the parking lot, Music & Entertainment will take place inside the stadium from 6-9 pm, and a grand firework show beginning at 9 pm. You won’t want to miss this event as we celebrate our great America together!

Fourth of July at the Birmingham Zoo
In honor of this holiday, all active and retired military and their dependents can take advantage of free admission to the Zoo with proof of military I.D. from Thursday, July 4th to Sunday, July 7th.

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
VS. Mississippi Braves
6:30pm

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Friday July 5th:

Independence Day at The Outlet Shops of Grand River
The Outlet Shops of Grand River is celebrating Independence Day with family fun all weekend! All ages can come enjoy Amazing Animals on The Plaza at Grand River, featuring a Petting Zoo, barbecue and incredible shopping deals at participating stores. HK Exotic Petting Zoo is free to the public, with the option to purchase feeding bags for $1.
11 a.m. until 6 pm

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
VS. Mississippi Braves
7:05pm

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Saturday July 6th:

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

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! Celebrate with Pinwheels! // Get in the summer spirit and make your own pinwheel!
11am

Nature Scavenger Hunt – Oak Mountain
Come out to the park and hunt for something really cool things on this Nature Scavenger Hunt. We will start at the Campground Pavilion.
10am

Fourth of July at the Birmingham Zoo
The Zoo will celebrate the 7th birthday of the red river hogs, Star, Spangle and Banner! While you are here, go on an expedition through Dino Discovery*, check out Predator Zone, enjoy the Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show and much more. In honor of th 4th of July, all active and retired military and their dependents can take advantage of free admission to the Zoo with proof of military I.D

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
VS. Mississippi Braves
6:30pm

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 July 7th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
VS. Mississippi Braves
3:00pm

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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.

Giveaway: McWane Tickets

Posted on Friday, June 28, 2013 by Angie

Just a little something to help you have some fun this summer. Up for grabs we have a pack of 4 general admission tickets to the McWane Science Center. Tickets expire Dec, 2013 and are good for museum admission, does not include Imax.

We’re going to make it super easy on you, just leave a comment here on this post letting us know you want the tickets, and you’ll be entered to win. 1 entry per person, per day.

Giveaway will be end on Tuesday, July 2nd and the winner will be notified via email.

Good luck!

Tips for Safe Play on Indoor Playgrounds

Posted on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 by Angie

When the summer temperatures rise, parents look to indoor playgrounds to keep their kids active, but cool.

With more than 15,000 nationwide, indoor playgrounds have become increasingly popular venues for play dates and birthday parties. They are like kiddie heaven, stocked with pillowy inflatables and candy-colored tubes, ball crawls, trampolines and more.

But, are they safe?

Brian Geiger, Ed.D., a professor of health education in the Department of Human Studies University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has assessed playground safety at schools and communities around Alabama. He said that while playing indoors may offer reduced threats of uninvited visitors, animals and motor vehicles, there are things parents should keep in mind to help keep their child free from injury.

Installation and maintenance guidelines for playgrounds are set by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and municipalities require initial inspections before granting a license to a new operator, but dangers still exist.

Geiger recently teamed up with Gary Edwards, Ph.D., chief executive officer of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, to share helpful tips for parents.

Give the area a scan. Take a good look at the play area to spot any potential dangers, and report any safety concerns to the operator. Geiger suggests bringing a safety checklist of things to avoid:

· Unanchored equipment that moves with use

· Pinch-points

· Exposed hardware

· Gaps in guard rails or between rungs of a ladder large enough for a head to fit through

· Open climbing structures and unsecured platforms

· Damaged fall surfaces

· Slides with a sharp angle of descent

· Plexiglas, rope and cargo webbing in need of repair

· Unsupervised ball pits

Have good, clean fun. “Germs may be transmitted through shared play equipment,” Geiger said. “Indoor playgrounds should be sanitized daily, more often in areas of high use.”

Ask the operator about their cleaning schedule, he said. In addition, since food and drinks are usually served at these places, be on the lookout for and report any spills or fall hazards.

If a child has the flu, diarrhea, other illnesses or exposed wounds, they should avoid contact with others.

Age appropriateness is important. Geiger said it is the parent’s responsibility to make sure that older and larger children are not playing “energetically” in the same area as toddlers and infants.

“Consider whether the space for physical activity is large enough to accommodate all children moving at the same time,” he said. “If you have young children, plan your visit on a weekday, perhaps in the morning.”

Ensure supervision. “Do not assume that someone else will supervise safe use of indoor playgrounds and party centers,” Geiger said. “Ask the operator about training and the number of play supervisors.”

Dress for safe play. Choose clothing that fits well without loose drawstrings, and tie shoe laces. Remove any necklaces, as well as items that can fall from their pockets.

Talk to children. “Teach children how to play safely,” Geiger said. “For example, take turns climbing ladders and going down the slide feet first.”

The U.S. Product Safety Commission and National Program for Playground Safety websites can also be helpful resources to parents concerned about playground safety.

About UAB

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center and the state of Alabama’s largest employer with some 23,000 employees and an economic impact exceeding $5 billion annually on the state. The five pillars of UAB’s mission include education, research, patient care, community service and the economic development. UAB: Knowledge that will change your world. Learn more at www.uab.edu.

VIDEO: www.youtube.com/uabnews TEXT: www.uab.edu/news TWEETS: www.twitter.com/uabnews

Using Kid Created Art

Posted on Monday, June 24, 2013 by Angie

My kids love to create some little masterpieces. We have discussed the battle of the artwork before, but I found a new way to use their art, preserve it, and not have piles of it sitting around. Take photos of the artwork, reduce the size, print. Cut them out and paste them onto a background. Pick a great frame to go around it and Voila!

Birmingham Events Calendar: June 23rd – June 30th

Posted on Sunday, June 23, 2013 by Angie

Summer has officially arrived and we’ve got a rundown on all of the fun things happening around Birmingham this week.

Summer Movies are still going strong and the Barons are back all week for a home stretch.

If you like Puppets there are a couple of options to see those this week. Check out Jazz in the Park or the Bike Parade and Fishing Rodeo happening at Avondale Park.

Have a great week!

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

Sunday June 23rd

Monsters University Chest – Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
The monster fun continues at Lowe’s this weekend! Your child will love building this chest inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University. Registration going on now.
2pm

The Princess Bride – Alabama Theatre
A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather). 98 min.

The movie will begin at 2 pm, with doors opening one hour before showtime. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ will perform before each movie. Tickets are $8 and will be available at the door and through Ticketmaster.

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Monday June 24th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
vs. Huntsville Stars
7:05pm

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 June 25th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
vs. Huntsville Stars
7:05pm

Afternoon Movie and Popcorn – Emmet O’Neal Library
Wendy and her brothers are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland with a mysterious boy named Peter. (Rated G)
3:30pm

Beatin’ Path Rhythm – Emmet O’ Neal Library
An interactive drumming program with stories and music
10:30am

Family Night – Homewood Library
We welcome international award-winning astrophysicist and former consultant to NASA, Kevin Manning, as he shares his passion for astronomy by transporting people of all ages into a fascinating world beyond their own. You will enjoy an educational and entertaining exploration of the universe, the stars and other celestial wonders, as well as a refreshingly large perspective gained by looking up to the stars. This dynamic program is open to everyone who would love to have the opportunity to view the amazing rings of Saturn, craters of the moon and other jewels of the night sky through a powerful telescope, weather permitting! Family programming at it’s best!

In the Large Auditorium.
6:30pm

Safari Greg – Hoover Public Library
Our favorite Nashville-based animal guy! Get ready for fun and lots of surprises in The Library Theatre.
10:30 am, 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm

Pepper Place Street Market
Farmers, Food Trucks and live music with Contra dancing! Music provided by Red Mountain White Trash. Bring your kids, dogs and dancing shoes and join the fun! Eat supper at one of our food trucks, Cantina, Bettola or Vittoria. Pick up a cocktail at The Red Cat or Cantina and enjoy the evening with friends and family.
4pm – 8pm

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Wednesday June 26th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
vs. Huntsville Stars
11am

Safari Greg – Hoover Public Library
Our favorite Nashville-based animal guy! Get ready for fun and lots of surprises in The Library Theatre.
10:30 am & 1:30 pm

Walk About Puppets – Homewood Public Library
Puppet show of giant proportions!
10:30am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andreae. Lions and tigers and bears — oh my! Enjoy a special activity and have fun with friends!
11am

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Thursday June 27th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
vs. Huntsville Stars
7:05pm

Safari Greg – Hoover Public Library
Our favorite Nashville-based animal guy! Get ready for fun and lots of surprises in The Library Theatre.
10:30 & 1:30 pm

Thursday Morning Movie – Emmet O’ Neal Library
When a despicable criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds their love is starting to change him for the better. (Rated PG)
10:30am

The Magic of Archie Wade – Clay Community Center
Join us for a magic show with Magician Archie Waid at the CLAY COMMUNITY CENTER!
10am

Red String Shadow Puppets – Liberty Park Elementary School
Red String Shadow Puppets brings the rare and enthralling art of shadow puppetry to everyone. They will be performing two stories and children of all ages will be enchanted by something they rarely have the opportunity to see.
3pm

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Friday June 28th:

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
vs. Huntsville Stars
7:05pm

Dig into Painting – Springville Library
We will learn to make our own paints out of dirt and other materials that you can dig up, right out of your own backyard.
4pm

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Saturday June 29th:

Avondale Park Bike Parade & Fishing Rodeo
A Bicycle Parade and a Fishing Rodeo for children will be held Saturday, June 29, 9 am until noon in Avondale Park. The Avondale Park pond will be stocked with hundreds of large Catfish, and there will be awards for the largest fish caught and for the best decorated ride: bicycle, tricycle, scooter or wagon, and awards will be presented for the greatest distance for a watermelon seed spit. There will be prize drawings every half-hour for valuable door prizes for all ages given by local businesses for all ages.
9am – 12pm

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! June is for Animals // Hippo mania is still going on at the BMA!
11am

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
Join us as we read ABC Animal Jamboree by Giles Andreae. What’s your favorite animal? We’d love to know! We will also read Giraffe’s Can’t Dance!
11am

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Sunday June 30th:

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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:

Anxiety in Moms

Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2013 by Angie

Nothing induces anxiety like becoming a mother. You’re in charge of caring for this tiny precious life. It’s a big load to carry. Many women notice a surge in their anxiety levels after having children. A few tips for controlling the anxiety:

Beware of catastrophic thoughts. When you find yourself worrying about the worst case scenario, try to turn the tables on your worry by using logic. Ask yourself what the statistical likelihood is of the scenario happening. Then ask yourself to admit what the most realistic outcome is.

Distractions. Listen to a song, have a snack, draw a picture… anything to help your mind ease.

Keep tension levels low. Exercise, walk the dog, do some yoga. All of these activities can help you keep tension low, which helps your body keep anxiety at bay.

When you feel like you can’t control it, don’t be afraid to discuss it with your doctor. If you want to see a checklist of symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, click here.

Pack the Perfect Picnic!

Posted on Monday, June 17, 2013 by Angie

Summertime means lots of being outside, whether your packing a picnic lunch for a hike or road trip or just enjoying being outside in your own backyard, we have a few ideas to make your picnic perfect!

If you have kids that don’t really like sandwiches or are just tired from eating them everyday at school, try some of these ideas:

A sandwich minus the bread (can that still be called a sandwich?) Let’s call them turkey (or ham or pepperoni) and cheese roll ups. If your kids will actually eat lettuce, or a tortilla, you could roll it all up and stick them with a toothpick. Or try this recipe wrapped around a pretzel rod.

Substitute your bread with yummy crackers then cut your meats and cheeses into smaller sizes so the kids can make their own little cracker sandwich. My kids like having the ability to choose what they want to eat and mix it up from one to the next.

Think breakfast for lunch – we make lots of muffins for breakfast and those are super easy to pack up and toss in your picnic basket. If you’re a planner, make them up the night before and you have breakfast and lunch taken care of, you might actually make it out of the house on time.. maybe.

All picnics need fruit and/or veggies. We love that you can now buy peanut butter and hummus in single serve packs. While they are a little more costly, they are super convenient and add a little something to your lunch on the go. If you want to save a little cash, you can always use reusable containers. Pair these up with apples slices, pretzels, cut up veggies or anything dunkable and you’re good to go.

A yummy, non mayo based pasta salad is always a yummy addition (Moms like this too!)

Try Prepackaged cereal bars, granola bars or clif bars. They’re easy to toss in, along with a yogurt tube. We keep Clif bars with us almost always, whether it’s a picnic or just a trip to the park, they make a great healthy snack. You can buy a box of the “Kids Clif Bars” at most grocery stores or Walmart and Target.

Don’t forget a little sweet treat! We usually throw in some sugar cookies, or maybe some oatmeal raisin. We always avoid anything chocolate, even during the spring here, it’s warm enough to melt.

If you’re planning a hike around your picnic, make sure to pack plenty of waters for everyone!

What do you pack in your picnic lunch?

Birmingham Events Calendar: June 16th – June 23rd

Posted on Saturday, June 15, 2013 by Angie

Happy Father’s Day, Dads! We hope you’re enjoying your day!

We hope you’re having a great summer so far! We’re slowly but surely marking some activities off of our Summer Fun List. There are lots of things to choose from this week whether you want to do something free, cheap or splurge, there is something for everyone!

Have a GREAT week!

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

Sunday June 16th

Happy Father’s Day!!

Father’s Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Spend this special day with your dad at the Zoo! In recognition of Father’s Day, dads get in free at the Zoo with the purchase of a full-price child’s admission ticket.

Bird House Extravaganza -Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Bird houses are home tweet home for some birds. Other bird houses, however, are simply meant for decoration. Join us at Ruffner and decorate whatever kind of bird house suits you. You are welcome to bring your own bird house to decorate, or buy one. Paint and other art supplies will be provided. Judges will pick winners for: Most Creative Bird House and “Greenest” Bird House (Children and Adults categories). All houses will then be displayed in the large tree next to the Treehouse. Not only will your bird house be a piece of art work on its own, it will also be a part of a bigger collaborative piece!
1pm – 5pm Come and Go
Free

Hip, Hippo Hooray – Birmingham Museum of Art
Today is your last chance to see the unique, amusing, and beautiful porcelain table service from the collection of Richard Baron Cohen. Combining two of his greatest collecting passions–ceramics and hippos–Mr. Cohen commissioned a large dinner service from the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory in Denmark that captures the spirit and personality of his favorite animal.

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Monday June 17th:

We get Dirty – Hoover Public Library
Summer storytime for children under four.
10:30am

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

Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
vs. Jacksonville Generals
11:30am

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Tuesday June 18th:

World’s Largest Swim Lesson – Splash Adventure Waterpark
Have you always wanted to help set a Guinness World Record? If so, here is your chance! On June 18, 2013 at 10:00am, kids and adults around the world will unite to hold the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™. Come to Splash Adventure to show your support for the importance of teaching children how to swim while setting a Guinness World Record at the same time!

Afternoon Movie and Popcorn – Emmet O’Neal Library
Monsters generate their city’s power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children. When a little girl enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sully finds his world disrupted. (Rated G)
3:30pm

Chalk on the Walk – Clay Community Center
In one of our special evening programs, children will create works of art using sidwalk chalk. This program will be held in the parking lots of the CLAY COMMUNITY CENTER and SENIOR CENTER.
6pm

Huck’s Lost Mine, Mobile Gem Mining
Climb on board Huck’s gem mining truck and see what you can dig up!
10:30am

Water Play Day – Homewood Public Library
Wear your swim wear& flip flops, bring a towel, and lather on that sun screen ‘cause we will be playing in the water and enjoying Chick-fil-A lemonade!
10:30am

That Puppet Guy – Hoover Public Library
Join Dr. Dinosaur on an exciting expedition of prehistoric proportions!
10:30 am, 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm

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Wednesday June 19th:

Lulu and the Brontosaurus – Springville Library
Come have a dino-rific time as the Springville Road Children’s Department Staff performs a dramatization of Judith Viorst’s Lulu and the Brontosaurus.
10am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read ABC Animal Jamboree by Giles Andreae. What’s your favorite animal? We’d love to know! We will also read Giraffe’s Can’t Dance!
11am

That Puppet Guy – Hoover Public Library
Join Dr. Dinosaur on an exciting expedition of prehistoric proportions!
10:30 am, 1:30 pm

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Thursday June 20th:

Thursday Morning Movie – Emmet O’ Neal Library
Young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended and sometimes monstrous consequences. (Rated PG)
10:30am

That Puppet Guy – Hoover Public Library
Join Dr. Dinosaur on an exciting expedition of prehistoric proportions!
10:30 am, 1:30 pm

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Friday June 21st:

Splash Zipping at Red Mountain Park
Join us as we kick off the first day of summer with Splash Zip Tours from 10:00 am-1:00 pm! Come experience the Red Ore Zip Tour as it’s never been experienced before; our guides will be armed with water guns and you’ll have the chance to seek revenge with water balloons! Visit our website (www.redmountainpark.org) or give us a call (205) 913-7899 to book your reservation today!

**Proper dress attire still required

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Saturday June 22nd:

Monsters U – Hoover Public Library
You have been accepted into our University, where you will learn the fine art of scaring, sneaking and hiding. All ages.
10:30am

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! June is for Animals // Hippo mania is still going on at the BMA!
11am

Magic City Music Fest – Avondale Library
Urban Mystic, Mel Waiters, Shirley Brown, Floyd Taylor, Jeff Floyd, Lattimore, Big Rob, Omar Cunningham, Smokie Norful and more. Picnic baskets welcomed, no glass containers, no coolers.
$48.50 Ticket + $10.30 Fees = $58.80
Ages 6 and under free.
Tickets available through Ticketmaster.
3:30pm

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.

Join us as we read ABC Animal Jamboree by Giles Andreae. What’s your favorite animal? We’d love to know! We will also read Giraffe’s Can’t Dance!
11am

Phonics Fun with Leapfrog Letter Factory – Barnes and Noble Summit
We’re having fun with phonics at a Hands-On Learning event with the LeapFrog Letter Factory. Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to create words and sing alphabet songs!
11:30am

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Sunday June 23rd:

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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:

Pinspired Eats for Kids: Cauliflower Bites

Posted on Friday, June 14, 2013 by Angie

In my never ending quest to make sure my kids eat healthy foods and try an array of vegetables, I have had to get creative. Cauliflower doesn’t smell so good when being steamed, so my kids hated it. I found this recipe on pinterest and tried it. It was a huge success! The recipe recommended dipping in ketchup but my kids didn’t even need that. They gobbled it up. The best part was how simple it was.

It’s simple:

2 heads of cauliflower (I only used 1 and it was PLENTY)
1/4 cup of olive oil (reduced a bit because I only used 1 head)
1 1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Wash and clean the cauliflower. Cut off and discard the stem. Cut the cauliflower up into small pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt and pepper. Add the cauliflower pieces and thoroughly coat each piece.
Place cauliflower pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for one hour and turn 3 times during cooking until each piece has a nice brown coloring. The browner they are the better.
Remove from oven and enjoy!