Birmingham Events Calendar: August 19th – August 26th

Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2012 by Angie

What a busy week coming up here in the Magic City! Back to school for lots of kiddos.. Birmingham Restaurant Week is going strong and the Sidewalk Film Festival will kick off later this week, as well as the UniverSoul Circus!

Let’s just hope the teachers don’t give out too much homework this first week back!

If you’ve been waiting to visit the Dora and Diego exhibit at the McWane Science Center, now’s the time! It will only be here a couple more weeks.

Have a great week everyone!!

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

Sunday August 19th

Bart’s Art Cart, Warhol Inspired Sports Car – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in August to design your own sports car inspired by Andy Warhol and the Warhol and Cars: American Icons exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

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Monday August 20th:

Free Yoga Classes – Villager Yoga
Come check out our kids classes as we prepare to start our Fall yoga series. Free classes for kids ages 3-5, 5-8, 9-12 and teens, plus a free Family Yoga class.
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM (Kids 3-5yrs)

Monday Movies – Hoover Library
Join us for Monday at the Movies in The Library Theatre at the Hoover Public Library! Free admission and refreshments.

Feature Film: n this romantic drama based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. As she reflects upon the people and emotions that have defined her, it is clear that the isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. She must now act decisively to secure her own future and come to terms with the past that haunts her.

Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell
Focus Features; Directed by Cary Fukunaga
Rated PG-13; 121 minutes; 2011

Our license doesn’t allow us to publish the titles of our free movie showings. Please visit our website or call (205) 444-7815 for more information.
2:00pm and 6:30pm

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Tuesday August 21st:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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Wednesday August 22nd:

UniverSoul Circus – Legion Field Stadium
An all-new show that delivers irresistible fun for the entire family!

Laugh, dance in the aisles, and be amazed by world-class acts from around the globe, including Chinese aerialists, pretzel twisting contortionist, pampered pooches, tigers that will have you roaring, and more!

$19.50 Ticket + $6.65 Fees = $26.15
$25.00 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $32.15
$28.50 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $35.65

Children 12 months and older MUST have a ticket. Children 11 months and younger are FREE but MUST sit on Adult’s Lap. No outside toys, strollers or car seats.
7:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Find out what happens when a man’s books get scattered by a storm and how he gets them back. We will make something fun and have a treat from the Cafe.
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 August 23rd:

UniverSoul Circus – Legion Field Stadium
An all-new show that delivers irresistible fun for the entire family!

$19.50 Ticket + $6.65 Fees = $26.15
$25.00 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $32.15
$28.50 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $35.65

Children 12 months and older MUST have a ticket. Children 11 months and younger are FREE but MUST sit on Adult’s Lap. No outside toys, strollers or car seats.
10:30am & 7:30pm

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Friday August 24th:

Sidewalk Film Festival – Downtown Birmingham
The 14th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham, is set to take place August 24-26, 2012. Since its debut in 1999, filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema.

With nine venues located within Birmingham’s historic Theatre District (featuring the newly restored Alabama Theatre, a 2,200 seat movie palace built by Paramount in 1927), spontaneity rules the schedule of Sidewalk attendees. Low-priced weekend passes provide easy access to Sidewalk venues, encouraging attendees to seek out new films and sample programming they may not otherwise see. The result is a crowd rich in diversity and united in a hunger for new film.
Ticket Prices Range from $10 to $275 Many Festival Events are FREE!
Kicks off at 8:00pm in the Alabama Theatre and the Festival continues across seven venues until about 10:00pm Sunday.

For more information on the films and venues, visit the Sidewalk Film Festival Website.

Music on Main – Downtown Columbiana
Music on Main Street returns to Columbiana featuring live music and extended shop hours every Friday evening of the month. Music is sponsored by the Columbiana Merchants & Professionals Association, the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and the City of Columbiana.

Music is 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (times are approximate). Bands are subject to change and all events are contingent upon good weather. Bring a chair and enjoy the music.

UniverSoul Circus – Legion Field Stadium
An all-new show that delivers irresistible fun for the entire family!

$19.50 Ticket + $6.65 Fees = $26.15
$25.00 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $32.15
$28.50 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $35.65

Children 12 months and older MUST have a ticket. Children 11 months and younger are FREE but MUST sit on Adult’s Lap. No outside toys, strollers or car seats.
4:30pm & 7:30pm

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Saturday August 25th:

For more information on the films and venues, visit the Sidewalk Film Festival Website.

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic –
Build and Grow Clinics are free to the public. Build and Grow Clinics are free to the public. Our DreamWorks Summer is coming to an end this week. Don’t miss the fun! You child will love this cool Onion Carriage featuring Shrek and Fiona!
10am – Register Here

UniverSoul Circus – Legion Field Stadium
An all-new show that delivers irresistible fun for the entire family!

$19.50 Ticket + $6.65 Fees = $26.15
$25.00 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $32.15
$28.50 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $35.65

Children 12 months and older MUST have a ticket. Children 11 months and younger are FREE but MUST sit on Adult’s Lap. No outside toys, strollers or car seats.
Noon, 4:00pm & 7:30pm

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

Yard Sale and Market –
Yard Sale, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Baked Goods, Local Arts and Fun Children’s Activities. For more information please contact the Norwood Resource Center at 205.322.7361.
Norwood Community @ 15th Avenue and 32nd Street North on Norwood Community Blvd.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

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 It’s Raining, It’s Pouring. Find out what happens when it rains and the kids decide to play inside. We will make a craft and have something cool from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday August 26th:

For more information on the films and venues, visit the Sidewalk Film Festival Website.

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic –
Build and Grow Clinics are free to the public. Our DreamWorks Summer is coming to an end this week. Don’t miss the fun! You child will love this cool Onion Carriage featuring Shrek and Fiona!
2:00pm Register Here

UniverSoul Circus – Legion Field Stadium
An all-new show that delivers irresistible fun for the entire family!

$19.50 Ticket + $6.65 Fees = $26.15
$25.00 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $32.15
$28.50 Ticket + $7.15 Fees = $35.65

Children 12 months and older MUST have a ticket. Children 11 months and younger are FREE but MUST sit on Adult’s Lap. No outside toys, strollers or car seats.
2:30pm & 5:30pm

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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: Born to Be Wild, & Flying Monsters.

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

Dora and Diego, Let’s Explore Exhibit
Get ready for adventure with Dora and Diego at McWane Science Center in the new exhibit Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! The exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for children to explore as they learn and play along.

This new, interactive traveling exhibit, was created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon, and presented by the WellPoint Foundation.

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.

Stay Organized as the Kids Head Back to School

Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2012 by Angie

Megan Brown, Co-founder of HatchedIT.com

As another summer draws to a close and we begin to prepare our kids for the start of a new school year there are several tips we can follow to help stay energized, organized and on track.

Turn off the TV:
Television time is ok but it should be designated. It is too easy to get sucked in and waste hours in front of the tube. Create a schedule with your kids on when they can watch TV and how much they can watch at a given time.

Schedules:
With sports, after school activities, homework, play dates and more scheduling can be one of the more stressful tasks during the school year. It is important to be on top of your scheduling by using calendars, online organizers, and reminders to help you keep track of your busy day. HYPERLINK “http://www.hatchedit.com/”

Storage:
Buy boxes and baskets to help store things around the house like toys and gadgets. Compartmentalizing is great for organization and de-cluttering! They are also the perfect way to help each child know where to put items specific to them like homework assignments, permission slips and after-school activity information. Kids are used to putting things into labeled bins at school – why not let them help you keep organized at home too!

Cleaning:
“A place for everything and everything in its place” is a great motto to live by. Don’t let the cleaning work pile up; try and disperse chores through the week so that you aren’t overwhelmed.

Preparation:
Start preparing anything and everything that you can ahead of time. Some examples? Prep your outfit for work before you go to bed, prep dinner meals on the weekend, pack the kids’ lunches the night before and keep them in the fridge. This way everything is ready when you need it to be and you can start the day feeling prepared rather than discombobulated or rushed.

To Do Lists:
To gain perspective on what needs to be done now and what can be held off – lists are always a great tool. However, sticky notes scattered across the walls of your home are not the best method for list making. Make one list at the start of your day and use it as you get things done throughout the day.

Sleep:
You may not realize it, but getting adequate rest and having a regular sleep schedule will help you to be more organized throughout your day. Both kids and parents should have a bedtime.

Communication:
Coordinating is never going to work without communication. Talking it out is also important in any busy family.

Stop Buying Things:
Seriously! Consider what you actually need versus what you want. Not only will you be saving money, but you will also have less to clean up.

Reward Yourselves:
Give credit where credit is due! If the kids are doing their chores and helping, don’t forget to reinforce their good behavior with compliments and rewards like going out for ice cream or renting a movie. And if the parents have had a great week, treat yourselves to a night out.

The most helpful hint of all- Don’t over stress the start of the school year. If the family supports and loves one another then being organized will happen naturally, especially if you remember to follow the tips!

About Megan Brown:

Megan Brown is the co-founder of HatchedIT.com the online organization and collaboration tool for families. She has over a decade’s worth of Wall Street experience spanning both sales trading and Asset Management Sales & Marketing.

Birmingham Restaurant Week 2012: Let's Eat!

Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 by Angie

It’s time again to indulge in some of the best that Birmingham has to offer when it comes to dining out in our fine city!

In its 3rd year as the Magic City’s most successful and anticipated culinary event, Restaurant Week was launched in 2010 to spotlight Birmingham as a premier dining destination. This ten-day event features some of Birmingham’s best locally-owned and operated restaurants, offering prix fixe menus and drink specials.

Two Course Prix-fixe Lunch Menu: $5 & $10
Three Course Prix-fixe Dinner Menu: $10, $20 & $30.
Healthy Kids Menu & Brunch Options

Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during Birmingham Restaurant Week. Diners can revisit their favorite restaurants or explore new dining opportunities. Advance reservations are strongly recommended (where reservations are accepted) and can be made by calling restaurants directly or visiting their profile online.

There are no tickets or passes required for any restaurants.

Kicking off on Wednesday, August 15th with a Preview Party at Vulcan Park and Museum, this is an event you don’t want to miss! For more information on the preview party or to purchase tickets visit their website.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, chefs and sponsors check out the Birmingham Restaurant Week Website.

Now comes the hard, where to go first! Which restaurant are you looking forward to visiting?

Pinspired Breakfast: Sausage, Egg, and Biscuit Casserole

Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 by Angie

I love breakfast casseroles! They’re typically made with either hash browns or bread, but this one uses frozen buttermilk biscuits. The result is a texture that is rich and yummy, and unlike any breakfast casserole I’ve tried. I sent this to a friend who had just had surgery and got several texts raving about it!! We found this on one of our favorite sites www.PlainChicken.com.

1 lb breakfast sausage
7 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
8 frozen buttermilk biscuits, slightly thawed, halved
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly spray a 7×11-inch dish with cooking spray.

Brown sausage in pan, breaking into chunks. Drain fat.

Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt and pepper in a large measuring cup. Set aside.

Slice each biscuit in half with serrated knife. Place biscuit bottoms in baking dish. Sprinkle half of cooked sausage over biscuits and top with half of the cheese. Place remaining biscuits on top of cheese and cover with remaining sausage. Pour egg mixture over biscuits. (Can cover and refrigerate at this point)

Bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese over casserole and bake until eggs are set, about 10-15 minutes. Let casserole stand 10 minutes before serving.

Make sure you’re following BirminghamMommy on Pinterest for more Pinspired recipes and ideas.

Parenting with a PhD: Solving Problems as a Family

Posted on Monday, August 13, 2012 by Angie

By Kristen Berthiaume:

On a daily basis, your family encounters dozens of problems – from what to wear, to what to eat, to whose turn it is to clean out the litter box. Most problems are easily addressed with a little discussion or you pulling rank and making a decision for everyone. However, sometimes problems come along that require a little more thought and this is where a Family Problem-Solving Approach can be helpful. When one of you or the family as a whole is facing a big issue – bullying at school, jitters about an upcoming move, problems with a co-worker, sibling rivalry – consider holding a family meeting to go through the following steps together. Your kids will benefit from learning how to solve problems systematically and will appreciate knowing that grown-ups have trouble knowing how to handle situations sometimes, too. Hold each other accountable to the solutions you come up with and keep track of the outcomes.

Stop, Calm Down, and Think! If tensions run high with the problem in question, choose a time to talk when everyone is calm and can talk rationally. Sit down as a group, preferably with a white board and dry erase markers handy. You’ll want to take notes on your progress as you go. Let everyone know that if the discussion becomes too heated, you’ll have to table it for another time (and follow through on this warning, if needed!)

Say the Problem and How You Feel. Do your best to state the problem as factually and simply as possible. Try to avoid assigning any blame. Then, talk about how the problem makes you all feel. A simple sentence like this works: “The problem we’re having there is a lot of fighting over which T.V. show to watch after school. I feel frustrated to hear you fight.” Then, ask other family members how they are feeling about the issue.

Set a Positive Goal. This isn’t a solution – it’s what outcome you want to reach and it should be as fair as possible to everyone involved. In the above example, you might set the goal of getting along during T.V. time.

Think of LOTS of Solutions. This is the fun step because anything goes. Ask each family member to contribute one or two possible solutions to the problem. Solutions may be great or they may be terrible but keep them all at this stage. It’s really important to write down the solutions family members suggest so you don’t forget any in the next step. To keep things from getting out of hand, limit yourselves to no more than 10 possible solutions. Here’s an example:

Devise a schedule for who gets to pick the T.V. show
My sister has to watch what I want to watch
Give away the T.V. (HA!)
Restrict T.V. to the weekends
Let whoever turns on the T.V. first decide
Sell my brother
Everyone has to agree on the show

Think Ahead to the Consequences. In this step, you’ll discuss the potential consequences, positive or negative, for each solution. Adding a “+” next to solutions for every positive consequence and a “-“ for every negative is a nice visual way to keep track. Be aware that many solutions will have both positive and negative potential consequences, which is O.K. Solutions can have as many positive and/or negative consequences as you can come up with (or have time for). Your Step #5 might look something like this:

Devise a schedule for who gets to pick the T.V. show:
+ (This will be fair and everyone gets a turn)
+ (This will reduce fighting)
– (I might not get to watch my favorite show)
– (My brother might not follow the schedule)

My sister has to watch what I want to watch:
+ (I’ll always get to watch my favorite shows)
– (It’s not fair to my sister)
– (It won’t reduce fighting)

Continue for each solution (Hint: “Sell my brother” should have several negatives).

Go Ahead and Try the Best Plan!
Pick the solution that seems to have the best outcomes for everyone. Make sure you also choose a few back-up solutions in case the first one doesn’t work. That way, you’ll have a fall-back plan and won’t get flustered trying to think on your feet.

Happy Problem-Solving!
About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com Please 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, 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 bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates (www.graysonmentalhealth.com). She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her five-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

Birmingham Events Calendar: August 12th – 19th

Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2012 by Angie

Well, we’ve got about 1 more week left of summer vacation for most families. Lots of meet the teachers and back to school shopping going on, but how will you spend your last week of summer fun?

Libraries are taking a break on storytimes but we still came up with several things to keep you busy this week, we’ve even thrown in a couple of things that would be great ideas for a date night or a night out with your best Mommy friends.

Have a great week!

Sunday August 12th

CDF – Community Fest
Get out of the heat and join us in our Community Arts Center for CDF Community Fest! – a free event with creative activities and performances for the entire family to enjoy, including an interactive drum circle led by John Scalici, kids’ craft zone, face-painting, outdoor moonwalk, dancing and dance performances, food and drinks and a silent auction full of family fun.
2pm – 5pm

Saturday Studio: Design a Miniature Museum – Birmingham Museum of Art
What would your dream museum look like? Would it be modern or more traditional? What art would you put in it and where? Imagine and build your own miniature museum in a box. During the first day, we will brainstorm ideas and design the look of your museum. You will create miniature art for your museum, add final touches on the second day and install it in your very own miniature museum. Ages 7-11.
1pm – 3pm

$5 Fun Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Guests will enjoy $5 admission!
Have you ever seen a tiger tear open a piñata? Or a sea lion solve a water jug feeder puzzle? AZA-accredited zoos use exciting enrichment activities like these to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for the animals and help keep them mentally and physically fit. Guests can see animals in action while learning how the Zoo uses enrichment programs to encourage the animals to exhibit natural behaviors they display in the wild. Enjoy enrichment demonstrations, keeper talks, activities for kids and much more throughout the event. You won’t want to miss the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter, Sea Lion Splash Show and Wildlife Show, as well as exciting activities such as the Boma Encounter and Predator Zone. Come feed the giraffes and lorikeets, watch keepers feed the alligator and pelicans, and much more. Come enjoy all the Zoo has to offer until 7pm each day.
Make sure to also take advantage of $1 hotdogs at the Safari Café and Kudzoo Café!
For a detailed $5 Fun Days schedule, please visit www.birminghamzoo.com

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Monday August 13th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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Tuesday August 14th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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Wednesday August 15th:

Birmingham Restaurant Week Kickoff Party – Vulcan Park and Museum
The third annual Birmingham Restaurant Week (BRW) presented by Regions Bank will celebrate its launch at the BRW 2012 Preview Party sponsored by Alagasco and the City of Birmingham. Chefs from more than 10 participating restaurants will serve samples of their most popular menu items at the event, which will benefit Vulcan Park and Museum/Vulcan…
Individual – $25 in advance/$30 at the door
Couple – $35 in advance/$40 at the door
5:30pm – 8:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Baby Bear Sees Blue. We will see what a baby bear will find when he goes outside. We will make a craft and have a treat from the Cafe.
11am

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Thursday August 16th:

Back to School Bash – Adamsville Library
Come join us at the library as we help get ready for back to school with our “Back to School Bash”
We will have games, prizes, and light refreshments. Win school supplies and more.
2pm – 4pm

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Friday August 17th:

Outer Space – Kliutz Style – Barnes and Noble Summit
Parents and children ages 4 and up are invited to the Klutz Explore the Galaxy Hands-On Learning event. Kids will have fun designing and coloring stickers for decorating the night sky and space-themed scenes.
10:30am

Art of the Rocks – Birmingham Museum of Art
Join us this summer as we continue the popular summer series of Art on The Rocks. This summer it’s all about Warhol. Participate in gallery led tours, art activities, scavenger hunts, and listen to music in the Garden.

Members of the Junior Patrons are invited to enjoy an exclusive VIP tent in the middle of all of the action at Art on The Rocks! JP members get prime seating near the band on the upper plaza, complimentary food, and two complimentary drinks inside the tent. If non-members join the Junior Patrons beginning on June 1st, they will receive complimentary ticket(s) to Art on The Rocks and admission into the VIP tent!
$10 for members and $20 for non-members.
5pm – 10pm

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Saturday August 18th:

Stokin’ The Fire BBQ Competition – Sloss Furnace
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark will host the 8th annual Stokin’ the Fire BBQ Festival at the historic Sloss Furnaces. At the cornerstone of the event is a world class BBQ competition. The competition will consist of all amateur teams, allowing for over 80 local BBQ teams to compete for the braggin’ rights to the best Q in Birmingham. Grill masters compete in two divisions: backyard grillers (graded by Volunteer & KCBS judges), and the People’s Choice competition (judged by the bellies of the public). In addition to the BBQ battles, the festival includes art demonstrations by Sloss Furnaces metal arts staff, popular musicians, Cajun dancing demonstrations, barbecue sampling and a kid’s zone.
11am – 8pm

Things that Go Bump in the Night – Oak Mountain State Park
Have you ever wondered about what the animals do after we go to sleep? Here’s your chance to find out. Come take a look & listen to what the animals are doing at night. You can learn what type of animal it is by the color of its eyes or by the sounds it makes. The animal world comes alive at night. Hike to find some of these guys. Meet at 7:30p.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Bring a flashlight for the hike. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
7:30pm

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart selects one book each month about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. This month’s selection is Uncle Andy’s: A Faabbuulous Visit with Andy Warhol by James Warhola.
11am

Free Kids Yoga Classes – Villager Yoga
Come check out our kids classes as we prepare to start our Fall yoga series. Free classes for kids ages 3-5, 5-8, 9-12 and teens, plus a free Family Yoga class.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM (Familty Yoga 2yrs+)

Back to School Saturday Bash – Shops of Grand River
Join The Outlet Shops of Grand River and TEEN VOGUE for the biggest Back to School event in Alabama!

Valleydale Art Festival – Faith Presbyterian Church
Join us for the first annual Valleydale Art Festival, hosted by Valleydale Farmers’ Market. View and purchase works by local artists and craftsmen, participate in the silent auction benefiting Faith Presbyterian Church’s Adoption Fund, and vote for your favorite for the People’s Choice Award! Artists and craftsmen will receive cash and gift prizes!
8am – 4pm

Cars by the Creek – Orr Park, Montevallo
Bring the family and enjoy food, music and more. Prizes awarded for top 20 cars and top 10 trucks.

Free admission
Car Registration 8am-11am
Presentations at 2pm

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 Dragons Love Tacos. Find out what happens when you give dragons tacos and why it’s not a good idea to give them anything spicy. We will make something fun and have a delicious treat from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday August 19th:

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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

This new, interactive traveling exhibit, was created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon, and presented by the WellPoint Foundation.

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:

Back to School Tips for the Working Mom

Posted on Friday, August 10, 2012 by Angie

Getting to the office on time is even harder when the kids don’t cooperate, and kids frequently don’t cooperate. 🙂

Some “efficiency rules” that keep us on target are:

1. Be organized. Have lunches packed and backpacks ready the night before. Include your lunch and work items in the process. For us, one of us loads the dishwasher while the other preps for the following day.

2. Have a designated spot for ALL items. Your kids won’t have to search for their shoes or backpack if they know where it is. The first 2 weeks are the hardest- you have to stay on them. You could even put a picture of a backpack in the backpack spot.

3. Invest in a good planner and/or family calendar. Keep on top of dates by starting off on the right foot.

4. Designate some quality time- for us it is when I get home from work. I will not clean or do anything except play for about an hour. Now that my kids are getting older and are getting homework, we’ll have to tweak that.

5. Request a schedule from your child’s teacher- find out when field trips and class parties are ahead of time.

Are you a working Mom? How do you get everyone ready and out of the house on time?

Bedtime Book Club: The Secrets of Droon

Posted on Thursday, August 9, 2012 by Angie

The Secrets of Droon is a series of 40+ books that have been a hit at our house. Because I have a son and daughter, I have to find books that keep both of them engaged. This series has magic, adventure, royalty, and is creative. It has been described as Harry Potter for the younger crowd. The reading is simple- a 7 year old could probably handle reading it themself. Mine have both enjoyed me reading it, and can follow the story very well.

BirminghamMommy.com’s Bedtime Book Club gives The Secrets of Droon 2 sticky thumbs up!

The Secrets of Droon is a fantasy book series by Tony Abbott aimed at elementary school-age children. The series was named by the American Booksellers Association.

If your mom is your best friend, then who is your mom?

Posted on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 by Angie

I read an interesting article by Belinda Goldsmith on reuters.com the other day about moms who are their child’s best friend. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Do you know a mom who tries to be her child’s friend instead of authority figure? Read this excerpt and let us know what you think:

There’s perfectionist mothers, unpredictable mothers, “me first” mothers and “complete” mothers but family experts say the fastest growing group of mothers is the “best-friend mother” — and it can only end badly.

Clinical psychologist Stephan Poulter, who works with family relationships, has come up with five categories that he finds fit most mothers. He finds the group that is on the rise is mothers who want to be best friends with their children.

But he said going partying with your children, wearing the same clothes as them, trying to keep up with their youth with breast implants and surgery, erodes all boundaries — and leaves the children without a mother who can guide them.

“You see this all over the media with a lot of the actresses in Hollywood — their mothers are their friends,” said Los Angeles-based Poulter in a telephone interview.

“One tragic one is Lindsay Lohan. Her mother is out drinking with her. Now she’s been in and out of rehab and arrested twice. What kind of role model is she getting? Look at Paris Hilton too. Same story.”

He said Anna Nicole Smith, the former Playboy model, was another prime example. She died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in Florida in February 2007 — just five months after her 20-year-old son Daniel died of a drug overdose.

Poulter, who has just released a book called “The Mother Factor,” said this style of mothering had been on the rise for about 15 years but now accounted for 30-40 percent of mothers.

“EPIDEMIC”

“This really is an epidemic. Because of unresolved issues with their parents, some parents today don’t want to be so hard and just want their children to like them. At the end of a long working day they don’t want conflict,” he said.

“But kids need a parent, not another friend, and this leaves them motherless. This can create a lot of rage in boys, and daughters who are drug-orientated and out of control tend to be motherless daughters of this type.”

Rose Rock, the mother of U.S. comedian Chris Rock, who has raised 10 children of her own and looked after 17 foster children, has also warned about this shift in parenting.

She has laid down the 10 commandments of parenting in a new book, “Mama Rock’s Rules: Ten Lessons for Raising a Houseful of Successful Children,” and No. 1 is to be a child’s mama, not their friend — and to have rules in your house.

“At no time should you let your children think they can disrespect you or treat you like a buddy,” Rock told Reuters.

She attributed the rise in the number of mothers wanting to be their children’s best friend to a lack of time and to parents finding it is easier to let children lay down their own rules.

“It is a new thing that everyone wants their children to like them but parenting is not a popularity contest,” she said.

“I don’t need to be a 12-year-old’s friend but I do need to be their protector, guide and warden. This is just a cop out.”

Poulter says he tries to make families realize that they need to take back the traditional roles.

“I need the parents to recognize that they are not their child’s friend and get their kids’ respect and then the kids can separate from their mother and move forward in their life and not feel they are responsible for their mother,” he said.

“For the kids this can work. But I think it is very hard for the mother to shift and to become the parent.”

What do you think Mommies, being your child’s best friend, good idea or bad idea?

Mother Of All Consignment Sale Lists – Fall 2012

Posted on Monday, August 6, 2012 by Angie

It’s consignment time Birmingham!! Plan your selling and shopping with our list of sales that will be happening around town!

Make sure to check back often as we will update with any sales we learn about in the coming weeks. If you know of a sale in Birmingham that you would like to have listed, please contact us and we’ll get it added!

Happy Consigning!

Alabaster:

Renewed Threads Fall Consignment Sale
Alabaster First United Methodist Church
10903 Highway 119, Alabaster
Restore Building
Friday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sale Info

Gardendale:

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mt.Vernon United Methodist

August 19th – August 25th
Open to the Public 21st – 25th
Sale Info

Helena:

New 2 You Consignment Sale
Church of Cahaba Bend –

Friday, Sept 28th – 9am-7pm
Saturday, Sept 29th – 9am-1pm
Sale Info

Homewood:

Lil Lambs Consignment
Trinity United Methodist –

Open to the Public: September 7th and 8th
Friday – 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday – 9:00 AM – 12 Noon
Sale Info

Kids Market and Mom
Old Academy Sports location at Wildwood Shopping Center

Receiving (by Appt)
Tue, Sept. 4th, 9am – 7pm
Wed, Sept. 5th, 9am – 7pm

Regular Receiving:

Sat, Sept. 8th, 7a – 6p
Mon, Sept. 10th, 9a – 6p
Tues, Sept. 11th, 9a – 6p
Wed, Sept. 12th, 9a – 3p
(Clothing items only on the 12th)

Public Sale:

Tue, Oct. 2nd, 9a – 8p
Wed-Fri. Oct. 3rd – 5th 9a – 6p
Sat. Oct. 6th, 9a – 4p

CLOSED Sun. Oct. 7th

Mon-Wed. Oct. 8th – 10th 9a-3p

Site Info

Hoover:

Kids Wear Plus
Hoover Gallery Shopping Center

Open to the Public: September 17th – September 22nd
Visit Site for new hours
Sale Info

Bargains on the Bluff
Bluff Park United Methodist –

Open to the Public:
Friday, September 14th, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, September 15th, 9am – 2pm

Kids Corner Children’s Consignment
Mountain Chapel UMC

Wednesday, September 19th – 4pm-8pm
Thursday, Thursday September 20th – 9am-12pm ( half price sale from 4pm-7pm)
Sale Info

TNT Sale
Riverchase United Methodist –

Open to to the Public:

Friday, September 21st 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday, September 22nd 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sale Info

Hueytown:

Twice Blessed Sale
Garywood Assembly of God –

Public Sale:
TBA
Sale Info

Irondale:

Twice as Nice Sale
BAMOM – Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples –

Private/Invitation Only Sale:
Friday August 24th
5pm – 9pm
$2 Cover Charge

Open to the public:

Saturday, August 25th
7:30am – 1:00pm
11:00am – 1/2 price sale begins
Sale Info

Mountain Brook:

Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment
Mountain Brook Community Church

Friday, September 14th
Saturday, September 15th

Sale Info

Oak Mountain:

Giggles and Grace
Asbury United Methodist

Registration begins August 1st
Receiving: September 5th and 6th

Open to the public:
September 8th 8am – 7pm
September 9th – 8am – 1pm
Sale Info

Odenville:

Valley Kids Consignment
900 Woodland Circle, Odenville, AL 35120

Friday, September 14th 9am-7pm
Saturday, September 15th 8am-1pm (50% off day)
Sale Info

Pelham

Kids Exchange Consignment
August 8th – 12th
Next to Golds Gym in Pelham
Sale Info

Trussville

Growing Kids
Trussville Methodist Church –

Friday, October 5th 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday, October 6th 8:00am – 2:00pm
(Saturday is 50% off many items in sale)

Registration for Consignors begins August 27th for volunteers. August 28th for all others.

Vestavia

Whale of a Sale
Vestavia Hills Untied Methodist Church
Friday, September 14th 9am – 6pm
Most items 1/2 off 4pm – 6pm
Sale Info

Market on the Mountain
Family Life Center, Mountaintop Community Church –

Friday, September 7, 2012 (9am-5pm)

Saturday, September 8, 2012 (9am-1pm/ 25% off selected items)
Sale Info

** Please remember that all dates and times are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy. Please make sure to double check the sales website for the most current and up to date information.