☰

Pinspired Recipe: Healthy Chicken Taco Salad

Posted on by Angie

“Taco Tuesday” is a real thing in our house and needless to say, I’m always looking for a way to change things up a bit to add variety to our themed dinner night. This was being pinned left and right a few weeks ago so I decided to give it a try and it was absolutely DELICIOUS! I may have liked my plate!

Healthy Chicken Taco Salad

Ingredients:

2 chicken breast, cooked and sliced (we actually bumped this up to 4 for the extra protein and diced it, instead or try a rotisserie chicken to make it super quick!)
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can sweet yellow corn
2 small tomatoes, diced
4 green onions, chopped
1 head ice berg lettuce, washed and chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup crushed tortilla chips or strips
Sliced almonds (optional)

Dressing:
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup Greek-style yogurt
1 tbsp ranch seasoning
1 tbsp taco seasoning

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients together minus the tortilla chips.

In a separate bowl mix all dressing ingredients together. Pour dressing over salad amount to your liking. Top with crushed tortilla chips/strips.

Eat!

Enjoy!

For more of our favorite Pinterest finds, follow us!!

Medical Minute: Osteoporosis

Posted on by Angie

 

I had a proactive health screening a few months ago and was shocked when the nurse told me I needed to follow up about my bone density. Surely I’m too young for this I thought! This month, our friends at Brookwood Medical Center share some knowledge about Osteoporosis. It’s a disease in which there is a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue. This process causes weakening of the bones and makes them more likely to break. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists.

Osteoporosis affects over 10 million Americans over the age of 50, with women four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Another 34 million  Americans over the age of 50 have low bone mass (osteopenia) and therefore have an increased risk for osteoporosis. Estrogen deficiency is one of the main causes of bone loss in women during and after menopause. Women may lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause.

Although the exact medical cause for osteoporosis is unknown, a number of factors contribute to osteoporosis, including the following:

  • Aging. Bones become less dense and weaker with age.
  • Race. White and Asian women are most at risk, although all races may develop the disease.
  • Body weight. Obesity is associated with a higher bone mass, therefore people who weigh less and have less muscle are more at risk for developing osteoporosis.
  • Lifestyle factors. The following lifestyle factors may increase a person’s risk of osteoporosis:
    • Physical inactivity
    • Caffeine
    • Excessive alcohol use
    • Smoking
    • Dietary calcium and vitamin D deficiency
  • Certain medications
  • Family history of bone disease

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease because people with osteoporosis may not develop any symptoms. Some may have pain in their bones and muscles, particularly in their back. Occasionally, a collapsed vertebra may cause severe pain, decrease in height, or deformity in the spine.

The symptoms of osteoporosis may resemble other bone disorders or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

How osteoporosis is diagnosed:

In addition to a complete personal and family medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for osteoporosis may include the following:

  • X-rays (skeletal). A diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
  • Bone density test (also called bone densitometry). Measurement of the mass of bone in relation to its volume to determine the risk of developing osteoporosis.
  • Blood tests. These tests are done to measure serum calcium and potassium levels.
  • FRAX score. A score given to estimate the risk of a fracture within 10 years. The score uses the results of a bone densitometry test as well as other individual factors.

The effects of this disease can best be managed with early diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for osteoporosis:

Specific treatment for osteoporosis will be determined by your doctor based on:

  • Your age, overall health, and medical history
  • Extent of the disease
  • Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • Expectations for the course of the disease
  • Your opinion or preference

The goals of managing osteoporosis are to decrease pain, prevent fractures, and minimize further bone loss. Some of the methods used to treat osteoporosis are also the methods to help prevent it from developing, including the following:

  • Maintain an appropriate body weight.
  • Increase walking and other weight-bearing exercises.
  • Minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Maintain an adequate intake of calcium through diet and supplements. Vitamin D is also necessary because it facilitates the absorption of calcium.
  • Prevent falls in the elderly to prevent fractures (for example, install hand railings, or assistive devices in the bathroom or shower).
  • Consult your doctor regarding a medication regimen.

For postmenopausal osteoporosis in women, the FDA has approved the following medications to maintain bone health:

  • Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). ERT has proven to reduce bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of hip and spinal fractures in postmenopausal women. However, a woman considering ERT should consult her doctor, as the research conducted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health found several important health risks associated with this therapy. For many women, the risks of ERT outweigh the benefits.
  • Alendronate sodium (Fosamax). This medication, from a group of medications called bisphosphonates, reduces bone loss, increases bone density, and reduces the risk of fractures.
  • Risedronate sodium (Actonel). This medication is also from the bisphosphonate family and has similar effects as alendronate.
  • Ibandronate sodium (Boniva). This medication is a type of bisphosphonate that is taken once a month. It works by slowing the loss of bone, which may increase bone mass.
  • Raloxifene (Evista). This medication is from a new group of medications called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that help to prevent bone loss.
  • Parathyroid hormone (Fortéo). This medication is a form of parathyroid hormone, teriparatide, and is approved to treat postmenopausal women and men who are at high risk for fractures. It helps form bone.
  • Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva). This medication is a monoclonal antibody given by injection under the skin and is approved for women with osteoporosis at high risk for fractures, as well as for women who are being treated with cancer medications that can weaken bones.

Rehabilitation for osteoporosis:

An osteoporosis rehabilitation program is designed to meet the needs of the individual patient, depending on the type and severity of the disease. Active involvement of the patient and family is vital to the success of the program.

The goal of rehabilitation is to help the patient to return to the highest level of function and independence possible, while improving the overall quality of life–physically, emotionally, and socially. The focus of rehabilitation is to decrease pain, help prevent fractures, and minimize further bone loss.

In order to help reach these goals, osteoporosis rehabilitation programs may include the following:

  • Exercise programs and conditioning to increase weight bearing and physical fitness
  • Pain management techniques
  • Nutritional counseling to improve calcium and vitamin D intake and decrease caffeine and alcohol intake
  • Use of assistive devices to improve safety at home patient and family education, especially prevention of falls

 

Giveaway: Strength Conference

Posted on by Angie

Our Event of the Week is the Strength Conference, and they’ve so kindly offered a giveaway! To learn more about this exciting social media opportunity, head over to our original article about it.

Here’s how to win a Full Access Pass valued at $169.99:
1. Comment here.
2. Head over to Mitzi Jane Media on Facebook– comment on their page that your want a free pass.
3. Tweet and include @mitzijanemedia

Good luck! Contest ends on Wednesday!

Birmingham Spring Break Calendar: Week 2

Posted on by Angie

Some of us are headed back to school this week while some of you have hit the road and are just now starting your break. Here are some things going on around Birmingham to keep you busy this week!

If you’re looking for an Easter Egg Hunt, there are still a few to choose from. Take a look at our list here.

Have a great week, everyone!

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

Monday March 25th:

Tot Time with Mrs. Eve at Avondale Library – Hoppy Easter
Hop on in for a fun filled storytime guaranteed to make you extra “hoppy.” Come jump up, don’t delay, hop to it right away. 24-hour advance registration required.

Family Movie Night – Bessemer Public Library
An arcade villain rebels against his bad guy role and dreams of becoming a hero. He travels between games in the arcade and ultimately must eliminate a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade.
5:30 p.m

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday March 26th

Family Fun Night – The Giant, The Beanstalk and Jack – Avondale Library
Presented by Lee Bryan, “That Puppet Guy.” Based on the timeless tale of a lazy boy named Jack who outwits the Giant, gets the gold, and saves the farm. Fee-fi-fo-FUN!
Free but registration and 24-hour advance notice required.

Birmingham Museum of Art – Hippo Adventures
Meet at the Information Desk outside Bart’s ArtVenture!
Join us for a new in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art and hippos.

No reservations required. Hippo Adventures 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

The Pigeon Wants an Audience – Hoover Public Library
The Pigeon has left the pages of his book to host a day devoted to …him! Fun for the whole family in the Kid Zone. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

Homewood Public Library
Storytime – Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday March 27th:

Chicken Little – Hoover Public Library
The sky is falling, but don’t panic! Leave that to our talented staff. Fun for the whole family in the Library Theatre. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read The Amazing Hamweenie. What do you do with a cat who thinks he will be the biggest star ever? You read about him in this story. Afterwards, we will make a craft and enjoy something sweet from our Cafe.
11am

Birmingham Museum of Art: * Multiple Event Listings *

10AM-1PM – Bart’s Art Cart, games, and hippo activities!

10:30AM, 11:30AM, Noon – Three tour options to see our new family-friendly exhibition, Hip, Hippo, Hooray!

11AM and Noon – Bart’s Books: Bart’s Books: George and Martha by James Marshall and Maurice Sendak

1PM –  Film: We Bought a Zoo

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

—————————————————————————————

Thursday March 28th:

Thursday Night Party in the Park, Before Dark – Railroad Park
Thursday Night Parties in the Park Before Dark features live music and great food for purchase from Georges Boxcar.  Come on out and enjoy Birmingham’s living room! Don’t forget to bring a friend! This event is free and open to the general public. Check our Calendar of Events for up to date information about each weeks performers.
5pm – 8pm

SNAP – Movie and Popcorn – Emmet O Neal Library
Movie and popcorn. 3:30. Grades 3-6. No registration required.

Tweety and His Peeps – Hoover Public Library
The Looney Tunes cutie and the marshmallow “tweets” known as Peeps – what a combination! Fun for the whole family in the Kid Zone. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Friday March 29th:

Leaps and Bounds – Homewood Public Library
Limited to ages 2½ to 4 years old. Call 332-6619 to register the Monday on the week of the program. No older/younger siblings please. This is a movement class that is designed to get the wiggles out while building gross motor skills.
10:30am

—-———————————————————————————

Saturday March 30th:

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny – Birmingham Zoo
Make your reservations now for this popular event! Breakfast with the Easter Bunny takes place in the Kudzoo Café and features a delicious breakfast followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny. All children will receive a special treat. Call the Zoo at 205.879.0409 to make reservations.
9:15am & 10:30am
Members: $14 for adults, $9 for children
Non-members: $19 for adults, $15 for children

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Blackout. It was a normal summer night in the city. And then the lights went out. We will make a craft and have a treat from the Cafe.
11am

—-———————————————————————————

Sunday March 31st

Happy Easter!

—-———————————————————————————

 

Birmingham Area Easter Egg Hunts 2013

Posted on by Angie

Who’s ready to hunt eggs? Birmingham is offering a great many hunts to choose from this year. Check our list and see which ones work for you!

Avondale

Avondale UMC is hosting a great hunt Sunday, March 24th, 12:15 – 1:30pm.  Join the Easter fun with a FREE cookout and Easter egg hunt at the Avondale Park rose garden.  The event will begin right after worship with hot dogs and hamburgers for all at the rose garden pavilion.  Kids of all ages will then have an opportunity to hunt for eggs and win fun treats.

The cookout begins at about 12:15
The egg hunt begins at about 12:45
Note:  times are approximate.

Bessemer

“Light the Night” Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza – Hopewell Church of God of Prophecy
March 30

Calera

Cottontail Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Hop aboard for a ride to Peter Cottontail’s meadow. Join in the fun as we hunt for Easter eggs – you might win a prize! Jumpstation, temporary tattoos, coloring, and sandbox provide lots of fun! Bring your camera to take photos with Peter Cottontail!

Sat March 23 & 30 – 10:00, 1:00, 3:00
Sun March 24 – 1:00, 3:00

Clay

Clay Public Library
Sunday afternoon, March 24th, at 2:00 p.m. Prizes, snacks, the Easter Bunny, and Joey the Balloon Artist! Be sure to arrive a little before 2:00 as the eggs will be found quickly.

Gardendale

East Gardendale Baptist
Saturday March 30th – 10am – Noon

Gardendale Nighttime Easter Egg Hunt – Kenneth A. Clemons Athletic Complex
Night Hunt! Bring your flashlights!
Saturday, March 23 at 6 p.m. Registration for the egg hunt will be held that day from 6 until 6:30 p.m. at the splash pad.

Helena

The annual city wide Easter Egg hunt will be held Saturday, March 23rd at the Helena Amphitheater.  The first hunt will begin promptly at 9:30am and is for children 2 years of age and under. The second hunt will begin at 10am and will be for the 3-5 year olds. The last hunt of the morning is for children ages 6-8 years old and begins at 10:30am. Get there in early and bring a basket.

Homewood

Dawson Memorial Baptist
Egg hunts, games, rides, inflatables & food in Dawson’s backyard. Saturday March 23rd, 11am

Homewood Park
The Homewood Easter Egg Hunt is for toddlers up to ten years of age. Children will hunt for eggs with children of their own age group. There is also a section for children with special needs.

Location: Homewood Patriot Park

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013

Time: 11:00am

Don’t be late as it does not take long for all of the eggs to disappear!

Virginia College
Virginia College Friends and Family Easter Open House & Free Egg Hunt
10am – 2pm March 23

Hoover

Green Valley Baptist Church
Join us outside Fellowship Hall and enjoy a buffet of homemade breakfast goodies.  Then head across the street and hunt thousands of hiding eggs. This FREE event is intended for children 2nd grade & under.

Leeds

Outlet Shops, Grand River
Egg Hunt Shops of Grand River free
March 30th – 10a to 11 a.m.

Bass Pro Shops
Here comes Peter Cottontail! Come out and get in the spirit of Easter with FREE photos of you and your family with the Easter Bunny. FREE Crafts for the kids to enjoy (while supplies last). Free East Egg Hunt!

Easter Egg Hunt – March 23-24 and March 30- 31 1pm for 1 hour

Pictures with the Easter Bunny – Receive a FREE 4 x 6 photo March 23- 31
Saturdays and Sundays – 1pm – 4pm
Monday – Friday – 6pm – 8pm

Make a Bunny Magnet (while supplies last)
March 23rd and 24th – 1pm – 4pm

Create a Bunny Frame or Scratch Art Egg Craft
March 29th  – 6pm – 9pm
March 30-31 – 1pm – 4pm

Moody

Community Presbyterian Church
Preschool – 3rd grade/ two separate hunts for younger/older kids
Hundreds of eggs, Snacks, Hear the Easter story through fun activities after the hunt!
For more info. 640-5698
Saturday, March 30 10 am- 11am

Mountain Brook

City of Mountain Brook
The Merchants of Crestline Village are organizing the annual Easter Egg Hunt for April 7 at 10 a.m. The hunt will take place in the field across from the Emmet O’Neal Library, 50 Oak Street.
The Easter Bunny will be available for photos after the egg hunt.

Whole Foods Market
March 23
11am to 3pm
Kids Korner egg hunt & more.

Pelham

Oak Mountain State Park
March 30th 10am – 2pm
Dogwood and Lakeside Pavillions – Terrace Drive
Egg hunt at 11a.m. for ages 5 & under, egg hunt at 1p.m. for ages 6 & up.
Moonwalk, Hayrides,Face Painting, Cake Walk, and more!

Pinson

Pinson United Methodist
Saturday March 23rd 2pm – 4pm
Bring the kids to Pinson UMC’s Easter egg hunt! We will meet at the church and walk over to the preacher’s house for the hunt! Come join the fun in the sun and maybe see our special guest you don’t want to miss!

Trussville

City of Trussville

4th Annual Trussville Parks and Recreation Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt March 23 – 6:30pm
Trussville youth football field (20 Palm Street).
For ages 2- 8.
HUNT BEGINS AT DARK. Be sure to bring your flashlight and basket!

  • 4000 Candy and Toy-filled Eggs
  • Face Painting
  • Easter Bunny
  • Sparky the Fire Dog
  • Cotton Candy
  • Inflatables

Other Special Events:

Edgars Bakery – All Locations
Easter Bunny at the Bakery
Saturday, March 31st at any of our bakeries as the Easter Bunny stops by! From 9am to 5pm, the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures! A kid’s coloring station will be available, and random prize drawings will take place for parents! The event is free and open to everyone! Hop on in and have a good time!!

 

Event of the Week: Strength Conference

Posted on by Angie

Our Event of the Week is actually an event every week during the month of April! We know so many moms who want to start their own business, or may have already taken the leap. This series is perfect for everyone! The Strength conference is going to provide social media to small businesses to help them expand their online brand, gain a competitive edge, and build networking support. One of our favorite mommy bloggers, Rachel Callahan, is also a presenter! Here are the topics:

April 1 – Understanding Social Media

What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Mitzi Eaker, Mitzi Jane Media, will share the top 5 mistakes business make in online marketing and then share what every brand owner needs to know to stand out and thrive in the ever-expanding, ever-changing, fast-pace world of social media marketing.

Basics of Social Media Tools

Teri Lynne Underwood will bring to light the social media platforms that are most applicable to your business and share personal insights into what has worked for her and her clients. She will highlight the best practices in marketing on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+.

April 8 – Social Media Strategy

Creating a Social Media Strategy

Mitzi Eaker, Mitzi Jane Media, will share steps to create a social media strategy that supports your mission and goals, is maintainable, yet sets your brand apart from your competition. She will interview business leaders about how they create and implement strategy for their businesses.

Creating Content Your Customers Want

Karla Archer, Archer Creative, will teach you how to create customized content for blogging and social media that strengthens your brands, adds value to your online communities, and grows your business.

April 15 – Website Metrics

Google Analytics 101

Jerry Brown, Infomedia, shares the ten things you should know about Google Analytics and more importantly, why you should care. Including: How do people find me online? Who are they? Do they like me? Are they a valuable customer? How can I plan for the future?

Search Engine Optimization

Jerry Brown, Infomedia, cuts to the chase about getting your business found online. If you want your business to be a player on the web today, you need to know the SEO rules of the game. Come hear all about how the world of SEO is changing.

April 22 – Social Media Branding

Business vs. Personal Branding

Online branding for small businesses is a living organism that is blend of personal and business networks which sometimes conflict with one another and your brand image. Julie Brannon, TELP Media, will share how to use your personal brand to strengthen your business brand while protecting your personal life and maintaining professionalism.

Partnering with People

Rachel Callahan, Alabama Bloggers, will give you an insider’s look at how to connect with bloggers and social media influencers. Rachel will share how to find bloggers to represent your brand and how to developing partnership beyond advertising. She will show participants how partnering with the “right” online influencers can expand your brand in Birmingham and on the worldwide web.

Cost

  • $169.00 full conference pass after March 8
  • Or $39.99 per night
  • Birmingham Mommy community is offered a special $20 off promo code to use. Promo code “mommy”. This is active now and currently set to expire March 27th at 11:55 PM. It is only off the All Access Pass and the Podcast (everything over $99).  Get it while you can!

Healthy Muffins: Perfect for Picky Eaters!

Posted on by Angie

I found this recipe on food.com. I was looking for healthier versions of the high-fat muffins that my daughter likes to take in her lunch. These were a huge hit! There is a 1/2 cup of sugar, but the bananas and applesauce did the majority of the sweetening. I bet some of you bakers could figure out how to ditch that last bit of sugar, if you do, let us know how!

  • 3 large bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup flour (you can use whole wheat for a change if you like)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (instant is fine)
  • 1/3 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Add sugar to mashed bananas and mix.
  2. Add beaten egg and mix.
  3. In a separate bowl mix all dry ingredients.
  4. Add dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix well.
  5. Mix in applesauce.
  6. Add chocolate chips and Stir.
  7. Spoon into medium size muffin tin (I use paper muffin cups so they won’t stick) and fill 3/4’s full.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350.
  9. Enjoy

The Gray Area: Love or Convenience?

Posted on by Angie

By: Misty Smith

Why do we get married? Why do we stay married?

Girl meets boy. Girl finds boy attractive. Girl and boy date. Girl and boy fall in love. Girl and boy become husband and wife. Girl and boy have children. Then what? Life gets busy….really busy!!! Jobs, kids, bills, dance lessons, soccer practice, responsibilities…ugh! Girl and boy grow apart without even realizing it has happened. They once spent all of their time together. They kissed, they hugged, they partied, and they had sex…not just the “once a week (or month) obligatory sex,” they had the “all-in, mind-blowing, all-night sex!” When did THAT stop?! 5 years in, 10 years in, after kids? I don’t even think most people realize it is happening until they are there, and, unfortunately, it might be too late.

So what do you do when it IS too late? Do you stay for the sake of the kids? Do you stay because you have no other choice? Do you stay because it’s “complicated”? Do you choose to endure the passionless, uninspiring relationship you call your marriage? If you make this choice due to convenience, does your spouse know? Are you both making the choice of convenience together, or is one half of the partnership still laying their heart on the line and hoping for reciprocation? If you are choosing to stay in a marriage due to convenience, where is the harm in trying to find that love again?

I know this article is FULL of questions, but this is all I can do right now…ask questions. I have seen so many people lately who fall into this situation, and all I can do is ask these questions. I do believe that a “marriage of convenience” can be the best thing in many situations. If it is beneficial to the kids’ well-being, if the parties can function as friends only, and if the stability of the home can be maintained, then this “marriage of convenience” may actually be a good idea.  There is a HUGE problem with this though…the lack of passion and true love that one or both may be able to find elsewhere if not in the “marriage of convenience.” Is it possible to be in a loveless relationship forever, or is it better to cut your losses, and find the new love of your life? Then one might ask themselves the question, “Is this as good as it gets?”  As I speak to these couples both personally and professionally, my heart breaks for them.  The idea that they have fallen so far from the roots of their relationship, and have let the mighty oak tree fall in the forest is very sad to me.  But is it too late to stop that mighty oak from falling?  Can you water those roots and revive the tree? If you are going to stay in the relationship, what’s the harm in at least trying to make things better? What’s the worst that could happen…things stay the same???

While the options may lead you in one direction or the other, is it possible to change the situation and better your marriage?  Over the years I have seen couples succeed at rekindling the fire, but all too often I seem them let the fire burn out because they just don’t try.  Much of the time, it is a case of too little too late.  For the successful couples, it comes down to a positive attitude.  Love is a feeling, but love is also a choice. The successful couples choose to make a “good faith effort,” and they really put forth 110%. They aren’t out there searching for greener pastures because this man/woman WAS the greenest pasture when they committed themselves to the marriage, and quite frankly.. the grass isn’t always greener on the other side! If you find yourself having lost that “loving feeling,” try “starting over.” Girl meets boy. Girl and boy date each other again. This is one of the most common mistakes that girl and boy make when they get married. They stop dating. They stop trying to impress one another. They live in the same house, and there are so many things that we do as “roommates” that we did not do during the dating process that are JUST NOT SEXY! Be romantic. Get a sitter. I have seen people in marital crisis who haven’t had a night away from their kids in 1, 3, 5, 10 years -since the first child was born, and then they are wondering why they aren’t “in love” anymore. Of course you’re not, girl and boy had kids and decided that parenting was the most important thing in their lives, or at least one of them did. Guess what? IT IS!!! However, those beautiful little babies that girl and boy made are going to suffer a lot more when they are splitting time and holidays than they would from their parents taking a couple of romantic weekend getaways each year and having a date night once a month or even once a week.

Intimacy is almost always necessary for couples to really keep that “in love” kind of feeling. It creates a connection that separates you from the “roommate” category. So, if you think it is worth trying to save, here are some suggestions I have. Girl and boy need to hold hands more often. Girl and boy might try putting kids to bed early and snuggling on the couch with a movie and not with their smart-phones. Girl and boy definitely need to start kissing every day. I can’t remember where I heard it, but I like it—what happens in the first four minutes that you and your spouse see one another in the afternoon sets the tone for the night. If you walk in and start griping, it’s probably going to be a bad night. If you walk in and kiss your spouse passionately (even if you are not in the mood), you will most likely have a much better evening. SEX…girl and boy actually need to have it and maybe more than once a month!!! I know this is going to sound a little harsh, but, if you think that sex isn’t important to your relationship as a couple, expect that your partner will probably be getting that need met by someone else at some point in time. Priorities. Think about them!

Do you have any amazing ideas for rekindling that in-love feeling when things seem completely hopeless?

About this column: Please be aware that this column potentially addresses sensitive issues that might, at times, be considered offensive. Feel free to send your relationship-related questions to my email: mistysmithphd@convenienttherapy.com. Be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured in the column, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way, and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to seek counseling services from a professional. You may also join in on the conversations over on her Facebook page.

Misty Smith, Ph.D. is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She owns a private practice, Smith Counseling Services, Inc. She obtained her Master’s degree in Counseling from Jacksonville State University, an Educational Specialist degree from The University of Alabama, and her Doctorate in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University. She provides counseling services in the following areas: couples/marriage, family, stress management, employee assistance services, time management, divorce, and other major life changes. She generally focuses on solution-focused brief therapy, as well as, behavioral and cognitive-behavioral techniques, but feels a flexible approach to therapy is necessary because all people are different. She is a wife of 10 years and a mom to a 5 year-old daughter, a 3 year-old son, a 19 year-old step-son, a 16 year-old step-daughter, and a 20 year-old Russian exchange daughter.

Birmingham Spring Break Calendar

Posted on by Angie

Spring Break is HERE!! How is that possible? This listing is sure to keep you busy with the tiny humans while they’re out on break. Have a suggestion that we haven’t listed? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Happy Spring Break!

 

 

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

Saturday March 16th:

St Patrick’s Day Parade – 5 Points South
Parade Info

Line-up starts at 11am between 10th & 11th Ave South near the Alys Stephens Center
Start time – 1:30pm
End time – 2:30pm

Parking

Parking available in the Parking Deck next to Cosmo’s Pizza on Magnolia Ave
Parade Map Click Here For Map

Dino Discovery – Birmingham Zoo
Members-Only VIP Preview Days:
FREE for members!
9am-12pm
*Opens to the public at Noon

Bart’s Art Cart, Hip, Hippo, Hooray – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different gallery activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart! Decorate your own animal cup and saucer with a hippo or your favorite animal!
11am

Bart’s Book – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy.

This month, Bart has selected Roger Duvoisin’s Veronica.

Storytime – Books a Million, Brookwood Mall
Wizard of Oz Storytime, featuring Dorothy
11am

Kid In Nature – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
KIN (Kids in Nature) Club, $5/$7 per child (chaperones free )
Let’s go outside and explore!  KIN Club focuses on a different topic each month and includes a naturalist-led hike and a craft.  Suited for 3rd – 5th graders and their family.   Check our website for each month’s topic.  Reservations required.  Reserve your spot at http://shop.ruffnermountain.org/.
1:00 – 2:30pm

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.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Mossy. Scoot has never seen a turtle as beautiful as Mossy, but someone picks her up and takes her away. We will make a craft and have something delicious from the Cafe.

—————————————————————————————

Sunday March 17th:

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

St Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Participate in our green scavenger hunt and learn about some of the myths and legends of St. Patrick’s Day. Return your completed scavenger hunt to the front desk and receive your very own pot of gold prize!
1pm – 5pm (come and go)

The Harlem Globetrotters – Pete Hanna Center
For the first time ever, during the Globetrotters 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour, fans will decide the rules that could decide the final outcome. This includes anything from playing with two basketballs at once to getting the double the points for each basket made. By visiting www.harlemglobetrotters.com, you can register your vote and get ready to see the Globetrotters at the Pete Hanna Center
4 pm – 6 pm

—————————————————————————————

Monday March 18th:

McWane Science Center – *Multiple Event Listings*

Skins & Skulls
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Join us for a hands-on look at native Alabama wildlife from the inside and out.

Meaty Mealworms
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Learn about the lifecycle of the Darkling Beetle and why they are an important food source for many countries. You can even try one yourself! Choose from cheddar, BBQ or Mexican Spice flavored.

Gulf Tank Feedings
1:30 PM

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
All ages welcome. Delicious freshly popped popcorn along with juice will be served to all children in attendance.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday March 19th

McWane Science Center – *Multiple Event Listings*

Beastly Behaviors
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Discover the disgusting habits of McWane Science Center’s very own animal staff.

Whose Scat is That?
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Animals tell their stories by what they’ve left behind. Join us and get the Scoop on Poop!

Mighty Monarchs
10:30 AM
Flutter by and learn about the amazing life cycle of the monarch butterfly. Through crafts and hands on activities you will gain an appreciation of these beautiful creatures

Birmingham Museum of Art – Hippo Adventures
Meet at the Information Desk outside Bart’s ArtVenture!
Join us for a new in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art and hippos.

No reservations required. Hippo Adventures 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

The Pigeon Wants an Audience – Hoover Public Library
The Pigeon has left the pages of his book to host a day devoted to …him! Fun for the whole family in the Kid Zone. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday March 20th:

McWane Science Center – *Multiple Event Listings*

Skins & Skulls
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Join us for a hands-on look at native Alabama wildlife from the inside and out.

Meaty Mealworms
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Learn about the lifecycle of the Darkling Beetle and why they are an important food source for many countries. You can even try one yourself! Choose from cheddar, BBQ or Mexican Spice flavored.

Gulf Tank Feedings
1:30 PM

Chicken Little – Hoover Public Library
The sky is falling, but don’t panic! Leave that to our talented staff. Fun for the whole family in the Library Theatre. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

An Afternoon Movie & Build a Snack – Homewood Public Library
The Children’s Department will provided ingredients to build a delicious and nutritious snack to munch on while watching an afternoon film. All ages welcome. Peanut allergies will be taken into consideration, please notify staff.
Round Auditorium – 3:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Emeraldalicious!If you love to read about Pinkalicious, you definitely want to find out what she and her brother Peter are doing in her new book! Learn how you can be greentastic!
11am
Birmingham Museum of Art: * Multiple Event Listings *

10AM-1PM – Bart’s Art Cart, games, and hippo activities!

10:30AM, 11:30AM, Noon – Three tour options to see our new family-friendly exhibition, Hip, Hippo, Hooray!

11AM and Noon – Bart’s Books: Eleanor the Hippo Learns to Tell the Truth by Andy McGuire

1PM –  Film: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

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

—————————————————————————————

Thursday March 21st:

McWane Science Center – *Multiple Event Listings*

Beastly Behaviors
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Discover the disgusting habits of McWane Science Center’s very own animal staff.

Whose Scat is That?
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Animals tell their stories by what they’ve left behind. Join us and get the Scoop on Poop!

Mighty Monarchs
10:30 AM
Flutter by and learn about the amazing life cycle of the monarch butterfly. Through crafts and hands on activities you will gain an appreciation of these beautiful creatures

Tweety and His Peeps – Hoover Public Library
The Looney Tunes cutie and the marshmallow “tweets” known as Peeps – what a combination! Fun for the whole family in the Kid Zone. Part of “Spring Break: Birds of a Feather Read Together”
10:30am

Homewood Public Library * 2 Listings*

Duplo Storytime
10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium.
A story time for the very young which combines a story with hands-on learning. All ages welcome.

Lego Build
3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium.
Hosted by the Magic City Lego Group this program is a master build. The group will provide the bricks to create structures out of your imagination. Open to ages 6-12 yrs old. For safety concerns, no younger children.

—————————————————————————————

Friday March 22nd:

McWane Science Center – Multiple Event Listings

Skins & Skulls
11:00 AM
NatureScope, Level 2
Join us for a hands-on look at native Alabama wildlife from the inside and out.

Meaty Mealworms
4:00 PM
Animal Grossology, Level 3
Learn about the lifecycle of the Darkling Beetle and why they are an important food source for many countries. You can even try one yourself! Choose from cheddar, BBQ or Mexican Spice flavored.

Gulf Tank Feedings
1:30 PM

Build A Spring Garden – Homewood Public Library
2:00-4:00 p.m. Round Auditorium.
Stop by the Children’s Department to put together the perfect spring addition to your garden. You will take home a cup of dirt and watch a seed sprout into a living plant. All ages welcome.

—-———————————————————————————

Saturday March 23rd:

Birmingham Z00
11am-1pm: Get Rhythm® will provide a two hour interactive “community music-making experience” in Trails of Africa using drums and percussion from around the world. All instruments will be provided by Get Rhythm!®

Birmingham Museum of Art – Hippo Adventures
Meet at the Information Desk outside Bart’s ArtVenture!
Join us for a new in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art and hippos.No reservations required. Hippo Adventures 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

Barts Art Cart –  Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different gallery activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!
Decorate your own animal cup and saucer with a hippo or your favorite animal!
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 Summit: Multiple Event Listing
Join us for Storytime as we read Wild About Books. Find out what happens when even the animals in the zoo love to read books. We will make a craft and have something delicious from the Cafe.
11am

Special Event, Young Readers, Children’s Event
We’re proud to join American Girl with a fun workshop, Just Between Us: A Parent and Daughter Event. This event is based on The Care and Keeping of You for girls age 8+.
3pm

—————————————————————————————

Movie Review: The Croods

Posted on by Angie

The Croods tells the story of the world’s first family road trip. When their cave is destroyed, the Crood family must embark on a comedy adventure into strange and spectacular territory in search of a new home. As if patriarch Grug (Cage) didn’t already have enough to handle, it goes from bad to worse when they encounter an imaginative nomad named Guy (Reynolds.) With Guy’s help the Croods conquer their fear of the outside world and discover that they have exactly what it takes to survive – each other.(c) Paramount.

We had the pleasure of catching an advanced screening of The Croods last weekend. My girls, ages 7, 5 and 5 had been awaiting the release of this film since they saw the previews at another movie months ago. This one didn’t strike me as something I would like, like I did Brave, Tangled or Up, I was definitely surprised.

My initial impression of the movie was that it would just be a caveman cartoon, with a hormonal teenage daughter, who was dangerously close to losing her top. Once I got over my concern for her “side boob” and started getting into the story, I enjoyed it. I thought the Father/Daughter dynamic was spot on, and very sweet.

It’s action packed, fairly humorous and did a good job of modernizing a pre-historic era. I loved the landscape and hybrid creatures they encounter along their journey.

The characters are somewhat stereotypical, as knuckle-dragging, mono-browed Neanderthals, with the exception being “Guy,” a fire wielding hottie that immediately captures the attention of the sheltered daughter, “Eep.” “Grug” the overprotective father that he is, does not like the budding relationship and like any father of a teenager daughter tries to meddle.

Even during the height of the danger and excitement, my 5 year old’s were never scared and absolutely fell in love with “Belt,” the 3-toed sloth and pet who accompanies “Guy” on his journey.

While not a “classic,” I think this will be a big hit and even with the PG rating, I found it way more suitable for my kids ages than Wreck It Ralph or ParaNorman.

The Croods opens in theaters, March 22nd. Just in time for Spring Break!

Advertisements