Snugride = Happy Babies

Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 by Angie

By: Amanda Pritchard

Calm, cooing and comfort is what babies call for in a car seat. Any car ride without shrill high-pitched squeals will let parents know truer words couldn’t be spoken. Allowing these stress free rides to occur is Graco!

Graco has come to the rescue of many a parents’ budgets and families by creating the only 4-to-40 pound car seat that takes little ones from newborn to toddler.

Recently BirminghamMommy.com and another Birmingham blogger Kat Balog were given the honor to host an event at Babies R Us in Homewood, Alabama demonstrating this exclusive product.

Mommies new and pro “ooo-ed and ahhh-ed” over the latest luxury in parenthood…not having to buy a car seat for the next two years!

Showing clusters of proud papas, mamas and gran grans too, the group was excited to see the eight positions that the adjustable base moves through as your little one blossoms.

Registering for a new baby can be very overwhelming. We were able to make that much easier for two lucky moms as Graco asked us to register all Graco Safety Event attendees for a chance to win a Graco Snugride Click Connect 40! The lucky ladies crowned with this new bling for their mommy wagons were Caroline Moss and Kat Esquivel. Both are expecting and were beyond thrilled to have won the Graco Snugride Click Connect 40 worth $220. See…already Graco is providing savings for these families.

Not only did this Graco event have major giveaways, it also provided top-notch safety information. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to keep toddlers facing car seats rear facing until the age of two or until they reach the maximum weight and height for their seat.

Lead author of the policy statement and accompanying technical report Dennis Durbin, MD, FAAP said, “A rear-facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash, because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body.” Providing more information, Durbin continued, “For larger children, a forward-facing seat with a harness is safer than a booster, and a belt-positioning booster seat provides better protection than a seat belt alone until the seat belt fits correctly.” Educating parents on car seat safety as well as Graco’s Snugride Click Connect 40 made for a sensational Saturday down South.
For more information on Graco products visit GracoBaby, and for car seat safety log onto the AAP Site

The Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 – the first and only newborn to two-year infant car seat that actually grows with your baby from four pounds all the way up to 40 pounds. The car seat is designed for a parent on the go. The infant car seat can be easily removed from the base and used as a carrier when the infant is small, providing portability and convenience so you can easily move your infant in and out of the car without disturbing them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently made the recommendation to keep all children in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2. Graco set out to make this product so parents can keep infants rear facing longer while still keeping them comfortable.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco. The opinions and text are all mine.

Thanks to Graco for inviting us to be a part of this special event!

Do You Judge How Little Girls Dress?

Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 by Angie

Jessica Simpson isn’t the first mom to be judged for what kind of clothes her daughter is wearing. Chances are, we’re all guilty of judging. I’ll freely admit- when I see very young girls dressed like they’re going to the night club, I judge those parents. I immediately assume that those parents are the ones who don’t know how to say no, who are permissive because they lack confidence.

In the name of fairness, I did a little digging to see why some parents allow their daughters to dress in a provocative manner. Here’s what I found:

1. They want their kids to like them, view them as a friend. Many moms stated that they feel like their daughter will be more willing to be honest with them about touchy subjects such as sex and drugs.

2. They choose their battles, and clothes just aren’t high on the list.

3. They personally like it. Some women just have different taste.

4. They are projecting. The women didn’t themselves admit to this, but psychologists cite it as a reason. Some women were unpopular and dealt with tough times in their childhood, and want to make sure their daughter doesn’t suffer that same fate.

Hopefully, this will help me keep my judging to a minimum. What do you think, why do some parents let their daughters dress provocatively?

Event of the Week: Disney on Ice, Treasure Trove

Posted on Monday, October 29, 2012 by Angie

Discover endless riches when Disney on Ice presents “Treasure Trove” comes to your hometown! Disney on Ice sets the gold standard with its newest skating spectacular.

Get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your other favorite Disney princesses – Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook and his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Neverland! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’ Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice and the Madhatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army of Cards.

Be sure to see this show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Tickets will also be available at the BJCC Central Ticket Office and Publix. The CTO is open 9am-5pm daily. For group sales call 888-305-9550

General Day and Time Info:

Wed, Oct 31 2012 7:00PM
Thu, Nov 1 2012 7:00PM
Fri, Nov 2 2012 7:00PM
Sat, Nov 3 2012 11:00AM and 3:00PM
Sun, Nov 4 2012 1:00PM and 5:00PM

Ticket Pricing:

$76.50 + $11.95 Fees = $88.45(VIP Dining)
$56.50 + $9.45 Fees = $65.95(Rinkside)
$33.50 + $7.95 Fees = $41.45(Lower VIP)
$12.50 + $6.40 Fees = $18.90

Birmingham Events Calendar: October 28th – November 4th

Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2012 by Angie

It’s Halloween Week, Finally! Do you have your costumes ready? We have been busy trying to keep our kids at bay and have relentlessly been counting down the days until they could hit the streets and start collecting free candy!

If you want to get some extra wear from those costumes this week, see this list.

Trick or Treating at the Outlet Shops of Grand River, tons of spooky storytimes and just about every library in Birmingham this week. Moss Rock Festival next weekend and Disney on Ice, Treasure Trove opens this Wednesday! Have a super spooky week everyone!!

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

Sunday October 28th

Trick or Treat at The Outlet Shops of Grand River
Celebrate Halloween with us! Trick or Treat at participating stores. Stores participating in Trick or Treating will have a pumpkin cling on their front window. We are giving away 3-$250 gift cards to The Outlet Shops of Grand River. Register to win the $250 shopping spree by visiting these stores. You will receive a registration form to complete and turn in at the WZZK remote table before 6:00 pm. The 3 winners will be drawn and notified the following day. No purchase necessary to receive a registration form and you can register multiple times.

Hosted by Speedy from the Rick & Bubba show

Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in three different age categories (0-4 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 9-12 year olds)
Face Painting, Balloon Twisting & Fun Games for the whole family
6pm

Matinee – Birmingham Public Library, 5 Points West
Join us for an afternoon matinee movie and popcorn. Madagascar 3
3pm

Liberty Park Pumpkin Patch – Prominence Shops at Liberty Park
The Liberty Park Business District and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the Liberty Park Pumpkin Patch across the street from the Shops of Prominence in Liberty Park.

Entertainment includes inflatable bouncers, face painting, live music, children’s activities, and much more! The Liberty Park Pumpkin Party is a great fundraiser and fun for the whole family! Admission is free, but tickets can be purchased for .50¢ for certain activities with proceeds all going to the Alabama Red Cross for Tornado Relief.
1pm

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Monday October 29th:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
A movie for all ages. Real movie popcorn and juice for children in attendance.
3:30pm

Character Kids – Gardendale Public Library
A fun interactive program for kids K5, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Ms. Molly uses character development through games, stories, science, and more.
3:30pm

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
A story program for children and a caregiver. Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts make up a lively program designed especially for short attention spans. Best suited for ages 19 months to 3 years. Must Register
9:30am and 10:30am

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Tuesday October 30th:

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the best part of your week with stories that make you laugh and songs that make you dance! Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For large groups, a call to 332-6619 is nice.
10:30am

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Wednesday October 31st:

Happy Halloween!

Disney on Ice, Treasure Trove – BJCC
Discover endless riches when Disney on Ice presents “Treasure Trove” comes to your hometown! Disney on Ice sets the gold standard with its newest skating spectacular.

Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade
A Halloween parade with the feel of Mardi Gras. Parade participants throw Mystics of Mounntain Brook t-shirts, beads, stuffed animals, and footballs to the huge crowd that lines the streets of Crestline Village. The parade has over 23 floats, the high school cheerleaders, a roller derby, and Mayor Terry Oden driving his antique fire truck.

The parade route starts by the Emmet O’Neal Library, goes to the Tot Lot, turns left on Church Street and then right onto Dexter Avenue and ends on Vine Street.
4pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Bailey at the Museum. Find out what happens when Bailey the dog goes to The Museum of Natural History. We will have a treat from the Cafe and make something fun.
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 November 1st:

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Friday November 2nd:

Storytime with NeNe – Whole Foods
NeNe is back and better than ever! Join Whole Foods most Fridays’ for storyday! There will be storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am

Friday Night PE – Railroad Park
Friday Night P.E. is a mix of your favorite childhood games such as kickball, dodge ball, ultimate frisbee, musical chairs, Simon says and 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 Red-light to help you burn calories and improve your health. This class is perfect for groups. So if you want to socialize, have fun, get heart healthy and celebrate the the inner kid in you try Friday Night P.E., the reason people say, T.G. I. F. This class is FREE thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama!
6pm – 7pm

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Saturday November 3rd:

Moss Rock Festival
Grab friends and family and get outside to The Preserve in Hoover for the premier free eco-creative 2- day festival in Alabama exploring Nature & Eco-Ideas in the same breath with Art & Design. At the 7th annual Moss Rock Festival fun features await visitors at every turn including 100 artists whose work is inspired by nature; an eco-district featuring green living ideas, products, services and organizations; live music; craft beer tasting; a cake design expo & tasting; wonderkid studios; wreaths re-imagined exhibition; hiking, biking, and geocaching; fuel efficient car exhibitions; a café, and much more. There is something for everyone to do & see. We guarantee it will be a weekend where discoveries are the norm so come enjoy art, design, green living, and the great outdoors under a blanket of fall colors.
FREE SHUTTLE – SCHEDULE
It’s quick & easy. Only a short 5 minute ride. Shuttles will run regularly from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and 9:30am to 5:00pm. The site will be blocked to thru traffic except for home owners & their guests.

10am – 5pm

Warrior Day Parade and Festival – Warrior Ball Park
Join us Saturday November 3rd in Warrior Alabama for the Warrior Day Parade and Festival. The Parade starts at 9:00 A.M, at the Warrior Elementary School and ends at the Warrior Ball Field where the Festival will be held.

Expect candy and entertainment at the Parade. The festival will include, music, food, arts and crafts, raffles and activities.
9am

Storytime on the Mountain – Ruffner Mountain
Nature inspires creativity in children by engaging a full range of the senses. Join Ms. Jerri in the Treehouse for a fall themed story and craft. Each family will receive a copy of the book read thanks to Target.
10am

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
Pepper Place Saturday Market brings the best local growers, food producers and artisans to you each Saturday morning. Rain or shine!
7am – Noon

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 The Monsters’ Monster. Find out what happens when a group of monsters decide to make their own monster. Wear your Halloween costume for a store parade! We’ll have special treats and activities too!
11am

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Sunday November 4th:

10am – 4pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Rescue and The Last Reef

The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.

Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.

In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.

With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.

Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all their friends in the Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog™ exhibit! Featuring the people and places of the beloved children’s book and PBS Kids television series, this new interactive exhibit brings Clifford’s home on Birdwell Island to life with playful activities and enchanting environments for early learners to explore.

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.

Clifford The Big Red Dog Comes to McWane

Posted on Friday, October 26, 2012 by Angie

We were so happy to get a sneak peek of the newest exhibit at the McWance Science Center. We’re pretty certain that you’re little ones are going to be happy with it too!

Join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all their friends in the Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog™ exhibit! Featuring the people and places of the beloved children’s book and PBS Kids television series, this new interactive exhibit brings Clifford’s home on Birdwell Island to life with playful activities and enchanting environments for early learners to explore.

This exhibit truly is a hands on experience for your little one. While my 4 year olds loved all of it, I think what they enjoyed most was playing in the Post office. Sorting and delivering the mail to each of the houses/locations for all of the characters you find in the Clifford stories. From Jetta and Mac to The Howards, they all have mailboxes and your little mail carriers will love sorting the letters by either reading the name or matching up the pictures.

If you have a budding chef they will love “cooking” you up a little lunch at Samuel’s Fish and Chips Shack. They can take your order, ring you up, and cook for you.

The exhibit is set up on the 2nd floor, which is a little different than most of the traveling exhibits that come through McWane. The 3rd floor will be home again to the Winter Wonderland exhibit that will open at the end of November. As you can see, there will be lots to keep your family busy at the Museum this fall and winter!

The Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog will officially open this Saturday, October 27th and is free with paid admission to the museum.

So make plans now to check out our own little piece of Birdwell island.

Event of the Week: Halloween at the Southern Museum of Flight

Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 by Angie

We love to have an extra excuse to wear a Halloween Costume! We also love the opportunity for a fun, family, fall outing! If you do too, then you’ll want to be at the Southern Museum of Flight this Saturday, October 27th from 9:30am -4:30pm.

ALL costumed guests will get in free! So, play along Moms and Dads. There will be a scavenger hunt and trick or treating on the way to tour the museum. What a great way to spend the day as a family!

So, load up your little zombies and have some fun!

Homework Should Be a 4 Letter Word

Posted on Monday, October 22, 2012 by Angie

School is officially in swing, how’s it going? If your family is like ours, you’ve had to adjust a few things in your life. Number one on that list is homework. Some parents complain about homework, but it is crucial in establishing the study habits that will make successful high school and college students. I miss the days when we could play in the fall leaves all afternoon, but I understand the importance. I also make sure to communicate that to my kids.

*Never complain about homework or the teacher in front of your child.

So, we adjust and we make it work. At first it was awful. My son came home tired and hated doing homework. That’s understandable- he was learning a lot of new stuff and was tired from being there all day. Now he has had well over a month to get in to the routine, and the tired grumpiness is gone.

*Make homework a part of your daily routine. Same time, same quiet place.

Now, both of my kids come in from school, lay their homework out, have a snack, and then get started. It took several weeks to set that routine, but it has made everyone’s life easier.

Homework really should be a four letter word… EASY!

Birmingham Events Calendar: October 21st – October 28th

Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2012 by Angie

Fun stuff happening in Birmingham this week, Moms! A new exhibit opens up at the McWane Science Center. That’s right! Clifford the Big Red Dog is coming to town!

We will be hosting our Vault Denim and Vintage jewelry party this Friday so make sure to call your girlfriends and make a night of it! You can RSVP here and if you’re wanting a sneak peek of the jewelry, check out the Here a Chick There a Chick Facebook page.

Have a great week everyone, we look forward to seeing you all Friday night!

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

Sunday October 21st

Vulcan Aftertunes – Vulcan Park
This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with your favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with some of the area’s best music while witnessing spectacular views of Birmingham’s city skyline. This three-part series features local and national singer/songwriter acts often heard on Reg’s Coffee House and Birmingham Mountain Radio!

Enjoy the Kids Zone with face painting and more!
Musical Guest: Jason Isbell
Admission Info:
General Admission – $15 (Includes concert, admission to Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Tower and tax)
Children 12 & under are FREE! Vulcan Members – $7.50
3pm

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Monday October 22nd:

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Tuesday October 23rd:

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Wednesday October 24th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read How to Catch a Star. We will read about a little boy who wants to catch his very own star so he can play with it. We will have a craft and enjoy something yummy from the Cafe.
11am

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Thursday October 25th:

Are You Man Enough, Breast Cancer Seminar – Southern Museum of Flight
Do you have what it takes to be a Wife Saver? Join the Southern Museum of Flight for a special night. It might just save the life of someone you love. For more details on this event or a schedule of event, visit their site.

Sip and Savor, Kick off to Shop Save and Share – Shops of Grand River
Join the Junior League of Birmingham as they kick off their Shop, Save and Share event at The Outlet Shops of Grand River. The night will be filled with a fashion show featuring fall’s top trends from stores at The Outlet Shops of Grand River, along with Fashion Lounges showing off pulled together looks for every fashionista and the coolest cocktails in town. The hottest trends that you see on the runway and in the lounge will be available at The Outlet Shops of Grand River and participating stores.
There will be activities and music throughout the night. The first 100 guests will receiv a SWAG bag with goodies from The Outlet Shops of Grand River. Guests will receive 20% off at participating Shop, Save & Share retailers.

Shop, Save and Share cards will be available for purchase during the event and can be used at various stores throughout The Outlet Shops of Grand River.
6pm – 9pm

Monsters Mummies and Cake Pops – Vestavia Hills Library
Join us for a devilishly delicious program of Monster & Mummy cake pops! We will have everything you need to make one to eat and make one to take home and share with your favorite monster! This Kids Klub program is for grades K-3rd grade
3:30pm

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Friday October 26th:

Vault Denim and Vintage Jewelry Party – Villager Yoga
Step away from your mom jeans! Vault Denim is bringing their designer jeans to you at a fraction of the cost! Come party with us we’ll have 100’s of jeans to choose from, something for everyone!

Vintage jewelry from Here a Chick, There a Chick – Vintage jewelry upcycled and handmade original jewelry creations from found items.We are thankful to our host Villager Yoga. She will be offering a free yoga class before the shopping starts. Fat Flow a “feel good in

your own body” class. Leave your body image concerns behind and come move where there is no judgment for what your body can do today in this moment. The flow of this class is based on the Ashtanga primary series standing poses with some seated poses. Open to all sexes, shapes and sizes. Beginner to intermediate, class has an active pace. Modifications and alternate poses are offered.So come, bring some friends, do a little yoga and shop. We’ll have appetizers and wine and maybe even a door prize or two!
Yoga begins at 4:30
Denim and Jewelry 6:00 – 9:00pm

Storytime with NeNe – Whole Foods
NeNe is back and better than ever! Join Whole Foods most Fridays’ for storyday! There will be storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am

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Saturday October 27th:

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog – McWane Science Center
It’s opening weekend for this new exhibit!! Join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all their friends in the Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog™ exhibit! Featuring the people and places of the beloved children’s book and PBS Kids television series, this new interactive exhibit brings Clifford’s home on Birdwell Island to life with playful activities and enchanting environments for early learners to explore.
Runs until February

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
Pepper Place Saturday Market brings the best local growers, food producers and artisans to you each Saturday morning. Rain or shine!
7am – Noon

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 28th:

Matinee – Birmingham Public Library, 5 Points West
Join us for an afternoon matinee movie and popcorn. Madagascar 3
3pm

Liberty Park Pumpkin Patch – Prominecce Shops at Liberty Park
The Liberty Park Business District and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the Liberty Park Pumpkin Patch across the street from the Shops of Prominence in Liberty Park.

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

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:

Giveaway: Disney on Ice, Treasure Trove

Posted on Friday, October 19, 2012 by Angie

Disney on ice is coming to Birmingham and we want to give our Moms a chance to win some tickets!

Your favorite Disney characters and stories brought to life with the artistry of ice skating to create an unforgettable family experience. Get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your other favorite Disney princesses – Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one that started it all, Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Neverland! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ’Circle of Life.’ Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don’t be late for a very important date with Alice and the Madhatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army Of Cards. Be sure to see this show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.

We will have a total of 4 winners. Each winner will receive a family 4 pack of tickets for the Sunday show. November 4th at 5pm. (Please do not enter if you cannot attend that showtime)

To enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post letting us know which Disney Character listed above is your favorite. (1 per person)

2. Share/link this giveaway on your Facebook page, come back and leave us a comment letting us know you did. (1 per person)

3. Tweet the following: “@BirminghamMommy is giving away tickets to see Disney on Ice Treasure Trove http://ow.ly/eBK4t ” Come back and leave a comment letting us know you did. (1 per person)

The giveaway will be open until Tuesday October 20th at 10pm. All winners will be contacted via email. Winners will claim their tickets at Will Call the day of the show. A valid id will be required to claim tickets.

Good Luck! And a huge thanks to Disney for the opportunity to send you to the show!

Medical Minute: Coping with Breast Cancer

Posted on Thursday, October 18, 2012 by Angie

Overwhelming is one way to put it. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is shocking and scary. As a mother, you have people who need you. It can be so hard to stay strong for them when you just need to cry. And at the same time, you’re being asked to make some crucial decisions.

There’s no single method for coping, everyone finds their own way to handle things. But if you’re looking for a few tips, read on:

Get educated- learn what you need to know about your breast cancer: the type, stage, and hormone receptor status. The more you know, the more confident you will feel in making decisions.

Speak with survivors- No one will understand you better than someone who went through it as well. The American Cancer Society can help you find a support group. Consider asking your doctor or local hospital about their resources as well.

Have a go-to person for talking- everyone needs that person who will listen. It can be a spouse, friend, mom, or trusted counselor.

Take care of yourself- Make your well-being a priority. Sleep may be hard, but try to get some. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and try to find time to do the things you enjoy.