☰

Birmingham Events Calendar: March 4th – March 11th

Posted on by Angie

We hope you’ve all had a wonderful weekend and are ready to tackle this week!

Some fun things on the calendar this week and if you  um, you’re kids are a fan of the Hunger Games trilogy, the local Libraries are hosting some events to get you ready for the upcoming release of the movie.

Shake Rattle and Roll for Parkinsons is coming up on Thursday night, it’s always great to get out for a night of fun, but when it benefits a great cause, it’s even better!

You may have seen that we made our Mom Picks and our Kid Picks for spring, thanks to the help of our friends at the Heights Village in Cahaba Heights. They’ll be having a great open house this Friday and Saturday so if you’re looking to spruce up your spring and get ready for break check them out!

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

Sunday March 4h:

Read Across America Day and Dr Seuss Celebation – Pottery Barn Kids
Join Pottery Barn Kids as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of Dr. Suess’s classic stories. All weekend long, the will host storytimes and activities in honor of the author’s spirit and imagination.
4:30pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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

——-——————————————————————————

Monday March 5th:

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.

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday March 6th

LEGO Block Party – Hoover Public Library
We provide the Legos, you bring your imagination. All participants entered into drawing for Lego door prizes. Ages 7-12.
Register: 205-444-7833
6:30pm

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
LEGO Garden – Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only.
5pm – until supplies last.

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

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday March 7th:

Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet – Books A Million, Brookwood Village
Fancy Nancy Activities, giveaway tiaras and bookmarks, a reading from the Mermaid Ballet, followed by a book signing where Robin Glasser, Author will personalize your new book! Bring your tutu, feather boas and tiaras to celebrate!
6pm

Hunger Games Challenge – Homewood Public Library
Gr. 6-12 only. No registration required. Enjoy a feast worthy of Panem and design outfits for your District before competing in the Hunger Games. Only one will survive to win tickets to the movie!
4pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Please join us for Storytime as we read No Sleep for the Sheep. Will the sheep ever be able to go to sleep? We will make a craft and have something sweet 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

—————————————————————————————

Thursday March 8th:

Shake, Rattle and Roll, benefiting the Parkinson Association of Alabama – Avondale Brewery
Come on out for a fun evening of networking while enjoying wine, Avondale Brews, appetizers and entertainment by “The Expandables”. All benefiting the Parkinson Association of Alabama. Purchase tickets ahead of time for $40 a ticket by visiting the PAA website www.parkinsonalabama.org or calling 871-9941 or at the door for $50.
Looking forward to Shake, Rattle and Rolling with you all!
6:30p – 9:30p

Tween Zone: St Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt – Vestavia Library in the Forest
Grades 4th – 6th. Help us find the pot of gold on our special scavenger hunt. If we succeed in finding the gold, you may get to keep some for yourself! Make sure to register by calling us.

For every friend your child brings, your child and their friend will receive 5 entry slips to use during our Summer 2012 Reading Program.
3:30 – 4:30

Mommy and Me – Homewood Public Library
Story time for ages birth-30 months and their lap partner.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Friday March 9th:

Spring Open Houses – Heights Village in Cahaba Heights
‘Hit The Heights b4 The Break’ Get everything you need for Spring Break and Easter in one stop! The merchants of the Heights Village are putting on an amazing shopping event with special promotions in each store!

With each purchase at Little Soles Shoes, draw an Easter egg for a surprise discount at time of purchase. Also, register to win $150 in Merrell Money.

Learning Express Toys will have craft playdays, a visit from Elmo will be giving away TWO $50 gift cards!

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Stories, songs, and snacks as Mrs. Renee Schmidt leads the fun.
10am

—-———————————————————————————

Saturday March 10th:

Spring Open Houses – Heights Village in Cahaba Heights
‘Hit The Heights b4 The Break’ Get everything you need for Spring Break and Easter in one stop! The merchants of the Heights Village are putting on an amazing shopping event with special promotions in each store!

With each purchase at Little Soles Shoes draw an Easter egg for a surprise discount at time of purchase. Also, register to win $150 in Merrell Money.

Learning Express Toys will have craft playdays, a visit from Elmo will be giving away TWO $50 gift cards.

Bart’s Artventure Grand Opening – Birmingham Museum of Art
Free and open to all ages. There is something for everyone!Join Bart the Art Bat for the grand opening of Bart’s ArtVenture! Cheer Bart on as he cuts the ribbon and opens the doors. Be among the very first to explore the cutting-edge technology and art making opportunities. Step into one of the Museum’s masterpieces via green screen technology. Make an abstract painting with your body on a giant digital canvas. Feast on Bart Cake, make cool art projects, follow Bart on a new Museum adventure.
3pm – 6pm

Barts Art Cart –  Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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

Cat in the Hat Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a very special Storytime and visit from The Cat in the Hat! We’ll make our own special hats!
11am

Hunger Games Forum for Book 1 – Barnes and Noble Summit
The movie event of the year will be opening March 23, 2012 — are you ready? If you have read the books or are just beginning, join us for an in-depth discussion of characters, plot and all things Katniss! We will also have a trivia game for prizes!
4pm

—————————————————————————————

Sunday March 11th:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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

—————————————————————————————

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.

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.

Mom Picks for Spring!

Posted on by Angie

While the weather has been very spring like throughout this winter, spring doesn’t officially start for a few more weeks but we want to be ready! We were out doing a little shopping at the Height Village in Cahaba Heights and we decided to hit up their stores and make a list of things we want for this spring, what’s on your list?

I hesitate to share this dress from Manhattan South – I absolutely adore it and haven’t had a chance to get back over there to try it on. So save me a medium – This dress can be worn for so many occasions. LOVE IT!

You could actually even wear it when you host your garden party with this very springy table setting and decorations from the Nesting Place. They have a great selection of Easter gifts and of course the beautiful tableware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another option for your spring parties is this colorful dress. “Pops of Color” are in this season and this dress does not disappoint. You can find this and several others very similar to this at Serendipity Boutique.. You’ll also find a great collection of fun jewelry for all of your accessorizing needs!

 

While we were shopping, we stopped in Flower Buds because who doesn’t love to look at and smell beautiful fresh flowers? What we didn’t expect to find was their wide variety of gifts for new Moms, Easter and they even have some really cute pieces for the next birthday party on your list. A Birthday plate or some adorable hats or hand bands for your Birthday child will make their day complete.

 

 

 

If you’re crafty, then you’re going to want to stop by In the Making, a fabric and knit shop that has a calendar full of events and classes for you to check out. You see all of those stylish scarves that everyone is wearing? Here, you can learn to make your own!

We’re sure you will work up an appetite while you’re shopping, so make sure to grab you a slice of pizza from Yankee Pizzeria or stop in to the Suburban Grill for some southern, down home dishes. You’re going to need you’re energy when you get home and have to organize all of your purchases! Don’t want to do it yourself? Then call on The Professional Services of the Amanada’s, they will make your Spring Cleaning a snap!

If you like what you see here, make sure to check out the Heights Village Open Houses going on Friday March 9th and Saturday March 10th. There will be special events and promotions going on in each store! Log on to their Facebook page to be entered to win a Spring Break Shopping Bag filled with cool products and gift certificates from every store. Drawing will be held March 10th.

Thanks so much to all of the shops for letting us come in and poke around!

Happy Spring!!

Kid Picks for Spring!

Posted on by Angie

It’s official. Spring is just around the corner.

What’s hot and what’s not for the kid crew, you ask? Don’t rely on Suri Cruise, we have some way hot picks for your tykes!

The Heights Village in Cahaba Heights is perfect for finding great clothes, shoes, and goodies for the kids. (Then sneak and get you an outfit, there are plenty of shops for you too and we’ll have our Moms Picks out soon!)

For the feet- Little Soles has a great reputation. They help with fitting, their selection and brands are amazing, and their prices are great. Their sales are even better. Check out some of the bright and shiny shoes your little one will love, and don’t forget to get the trusty neutrals to go with everything.

For the body- GiGi’s is just next door to Little Soles and they have a great selection of classic smocked pieces, all the way to contemporary hip trends for kids. One of our favorites was this tank dress. Does it come in our size?!?


If your wee one wants to stick with the hot color this spring, orange/coral is the way to go.

 

 

 

 

For the mind- How can you go to Heights Village and not pop in to Learning Express? We get all of our birthday gifts there (FREE gift wrapping and a birthday registry!).  Hot items for the milk-moustached kids are, POP phones – the hip new cell phone accessory, and a cool pad called the “Boogie Board.” Buy this and you might be able to regain control of your ipad and iphone!

Once you’ve finished your shopping, treat yourself to lunch at O’Carrs, they even have a great healthy kids menu with fruit and cheese plates, and panini cheese sandwiches. Since your “treating” yourself, don’t forget how delicious their milkshakes are!

Make sure to check out the Heights Village Open Houses going on Friday March 9th and Saturday March 10th. There will be special events and promotions going on in each store! Log on to their Facebook page to be entered to win a Spring Break Shopping Bag filled with cool products and gift certificates from every store. Drawing will be held March 10th.

6 Tips to Avoid Childhood Obesity

Posted on by Angie

It’s all over the news. Childhood obesity is a terrible problem. The risks are high: heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, and more. There are also psychological risks- social discrimination and teasing can’t be ignored.

As parents, we want the best for our kids. Research shows that the problem is based on parents passing bad habits down and low access to healthy foods. We know it’s hard, but we have to be the gatekeepers of our children’s health. It may involve breaking some of our own personal bad habits to lead by example.

Tips for better health:

1. Portion size- don’t over serve, research the appropriate serving size for your size child. Find some printable charts here.
2. Limit sugary beverages- Make soft drinks or juices a special occasion drink. We reserve them for restaurants, and even then we water them down.
3. Use low-fat or non-fat dairy products.
4. Drink water!
5. Provide veggies, fruits, and whole-grains- steaming broccoli only takes a few minutes, buy seasonal to save money, use the colors of the rainbow encourage kids to eat a variety of foods. Hide the veggies if you have to. Just remember, kids that are exposed to healthier foods will eventually eat those foods. It just might take some time.
6. Have Meatless Mondays- saves money and is healthy too.

If you have picky eaters, visit our Parenting with a PhD article on food struggles for more tips and tricks on getting them to try something new!

Harlem Globetrotters: Discounted Tickets from BirminghamMommy!

Posted on by Angie

On the heels of signing one of the most remarkable rookie classes in team history, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2012 World Tour to the Pete Hanna Center at Samford University on Tuesday, March 20th at 7:00pm.

Discounted tickets are available by contacting Paul Marranca at the Harlem Globetrotters for all Birminghammommy.com readers and their families!

Tickets start at $17 but if you mention “BirminghamMommy” when you call, you’ll receive $7 off!

Paul can be contacted at 602-707-7030 or marranca@harlemglobetrotters.com

Mark your calendars now!

 

Medical Minute: Exercise During Pregnancy

Posted on by Angie

Regular exercise, with the approval of your physician or midwife, can often help to minimize the physical discomforts of pregnancy and help with the recovery after the baby is born. There is evidence that physical activity may be especially beneficial for women with gestational diabetes. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who exercised and were physically fit before pregnancy can safely continue exercising throughout the pregnancy. Women who were inactive before pregnancy or who have medical or pregnancy complications should consult with their physician or midwife before beginning any exercise during pregnancy.

All women should be evaluated by their physician or midwife before beginning or continuing an exercise program in pregnancy.

Exercise may not be safe if the pregnant woman has any of the following conditions:

  • Preterm labor in current or past pregnancies
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Cervical problems
  • Leaking of amniotic fluid
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness and/or fainting
  • Decreased fetal activity or other complications
  • Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart disease

Types of exercise to avoid during pregnancy:

  • Horseback riding
  • Water skiing
  • Scuba diving
  • High altitude skiing
  • Contact sports
  • Any exercise that can cause a serious fall
  • Exercising on your back after the first trimester (because of reduced blood flow to the uterus)
  • Vigorous exercise in hot, humid weather, as pregnant women are less efficient at exchanging heat
  • Exercise involving the Valsalva maneuver (holding one’s breath during exertion), which can cause an increased intra-abdominal pressure.

What is your favorite type of exercise to do during pregnancy?

Cat and the Hat Playdate!

Posted on by Angie

Celebrate Seuss this week with a themed out playdate! We hit up our trusty Pinterest and found some really cute ideas, invite your friends over, read a few books and try one of these adorable crafts or games or snacks!

Play Hop on Pop! Cut out a square of bubble wrap for each child. Read Hop on Pop aloud, and every time the children hear a word that rhymes with “hop” they get to pop a bubble. When the book is finished, the kids can “hop” on their squares to “pop” the remaining bubbles.

Fox in Socks – for the older children maybe a game of Jenga. For the smaller kids get out your blocks and see who can stack the most “bricks.”

Have all the children sit around a pile of socks and set a timer, see which child can put the most socks on one foot in the time allotted.

Organize an egg hunt (use plastic eggs!) to act out “Scrambled Eggs Super!”

For Food:

Make a Cat and the Hat pizza by rolling your dough into a rectangle, add your sauce then using pepperoni and cheese, make the “stripes” of the hat.

For Snacks, goldfish of course would be perfect for One Fish, Two Fish… Create an edible centerpiece inspired by Fox in Socks by using a styrofoam cup with cheese cubes stuck into it with toothpicks. Easy Breezy Cheese trees!

We found these adorable little Cat Hats via Pinterest from Fancy Frugal Life –

What you’ll need:

Oreos
Red gummy life savers
White icing

What you’ll Do:

Pull the top off of an Oreo, leaving the icing
Layer your gummies with the white icing

In addition to celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday this week, we are super excited about The Lorax hitting the big screen – make your own Truffla Trees by using cotton candy and pretzel sticks. Super Easy, super cute!

How will you be celebrating Dr. Seuss this week?

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 26th – March 4th

Posted on by Angie

We hope you’ve been able to get out and enjoy some of this most beautiful weather! We’ve got a very full calendar this week with lots of Dr Seuss celebrations happening around town, including the opening of the new movie, The Lorax!

There’s a Chili Cookoff, a lake trail walk and plenty of storytimes! Beginning March 1st, you can make a submission to help name the new baby girl Orangutan, at the Birmingham Zoo!

Enjoy your week!

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

Sunday February 26th:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In February, Bart will draw inspiration from The Look of Love exhibition to create Valentine’s jewelry boxes fit for tiny treasures.

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

Picadilly Circus – Pelham Civic Complex
PICCADILLY CIRCUS has everything you’d expect to see at a Circus. Celebrating 25 years entertaining families throughout North America “we’ve pulled out all the stops!” You’ll see the ‘Elephant Extravaganza’, an elephant stands on one foot; ‘Motorcycle Madness’ has motorcycle daredevils somersaulting and spinning in a big Globe of Doom; ‘Katunga’ the giant jungle monster; the fabulous ‘Mongolian Angels’ outstanding contortionists; the ‘White Tiger Spectacular’, crazy comedy with circus clowns, even a 1923 Model T with a mind of its own; daring aerialists; cirque artists and much much more! Its 1½ hours of excitement and fun at PICCADILLY CIRCUS.

Special “Buy One Get One Free” adult tickets are available on-line at www.TheFunCircus.com (limited time offer!!) See site for details and ticket pricing.

1:30, 4:30 & 7:30

——-——————————————————————————

Monday February 27th:

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.

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday February 28th

Zoo Tots – Birmingham Zoo
This intermediate class introduces children to animals in the classroom  and out in the Zoo!

A parent/caregiver must stay with the child.

You and your little one are certain to enjoy this adventure as you learn about wildlife in our comfortable classroom environment and on guided tours of the Zoo.

Animal interactions may include mammals, birds, invertebrates, snakes and other reptiles.

Special Discount!: Buy 10 classes and receive 10% off your total transaction. That’s equal to receiving one class for free!

Additional Parents/Caregivers and Children for “Zoo Tots”

  • Each class registration will allow for one parent/caregiver and one child of the appropriate age to attend class.
  • For members, each additional parent/caregiver will be charged $3 upon entrance into the Zoo to attend class.
  • For non-members, each additional parent/caregiver will be charged $9 upon entrance into the Zoo to attend class.
  • No unpaid children or adults may attend class regardless of whether or not they are participating in the class

In the event of inclement weather, please call (205) 879-0409 for potential class cancellations.

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

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday February 29th:

Zoo Tots – Birmingham Zoo
This intermediate class introduces children to animals in the classroom  and out in the Zoo!

A parent/caregiver must stay with the child.

You and your little one are certain to enjoy this adventure as you learn about wildlife in our comfortable classroom environment and on guided tours of the Zoo.

Animal interactions may include mammals, birds, invertebrates, snakes and other reptiles.

Special Discount!: Buy 10 classes and receive 10% off your total transaction. That’s equal to receiving one class for free!

Additional Parents/Caregivers and Children for “Zoo Tots”

  • Each class registration will allow for one parent/caregiver and one child of the appropriate age to attend class.
  • For members, each additional parent/caregiver will be charged $3 upon entrance into the Zoo to attend class.
  • For non-members, each additional parent/caregiver will be charged $9 upon entrance into the Zoo to attend class.
  • No unpaid children or adults may attend class regardless of whether or not they are participating in the class

In the event of inclement weather, please call (205) 879-0409 for potential class cancellations.

Leap Day Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
It only happens once every four years. It’s the Leap Day Storytime! To celebrate leaping, we’ll read Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss. We’ll leap from the Children’s Department to the Toys and Games Department. We’ll have snacks and fun crafts, too.
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

—————————————————————————————

Thursday March 1st:

Mommy and Me – Homewood Public Library
Story time for ages birth-30 months and their lap partner.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Friday March 2nd:

Happy Birthday Dr Suess!

Dr Seuss’s Birthday – McWane Science Center
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish! Discover Seuss Science with exciting programs on Dr. Seuss’s Birthday!
Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members.

Read Across America Day and Dr Seuss Celebation – Pottery Barn Kids
Join Pottery Barn Kids as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of Dr. Suess’s classic stories. All weekend long, the will host storytimes and activities in honor of the author’s spirit and imagination.
4:30pm

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Stories, songs, and snacks as Mrs. Renee Schmidt leads the fun.
10am

—-———————————————————————————

Saturday March 3rd:

The Exceptional Foundation Chili Cookoff
The Exceptional Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization which provides social and recreational activities to mentally challenged individuals in the Greater Birmingham area. This is the 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off.Enjoy all the chili you can handle.

The Chili Cook-Off is held in The Exceptional Foundation parking lot, which is shared with Homewood Park. Google has a handy map. There are three pedestrian entrances to the event: Front Entrance (Oxmoor Road), Park Entrance (end of the bridge connecting to the park) and Rear Entrance (between the pavilion and Homewood Recreation Center.)

Tickets can be purchased on this site or at The Exceptional Foundation location prior to the event for $10 each. The day of the event, tickets can be bought at the entrance for $15. Children 12 and under are FREE.
10-30 AM – 3:00 PM.

Read Across America Day and Dr Seuss Celebation – Pottery Barn Kids
Join Pottery Barn Kids as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of Dr. Suess’s classic stories. All weekend long, the will host storytimes and activities in honor of the author’s spirit and imagination.
4:30pm

Lake Trail Walk – Oak Mountain State Park
Come out and take a walk around the Lake Trail. Gentle rolling slopes along the edge of the Lake. You never know what we might find. Meet at the Marina Parking Lot on Terrace Drive at 10a.m. Bring some water and wear some good hiking/walking shoes.
Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.

WEE Read: Across America – Carmike Summit
In an effort to encourage a love of reading among Birmingham’s youngest citizens, the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services (DYS) will host its WEE Read: Read Across America Celebration. This  event is for K4 to 5th graders.

Those that attend will:
• Receive FREE books (the first 100 youth only)
• Interact with local authors
• Participate in fun activities
• Receive a FREE PASS for you and a parent to attend the Youth First Special Screening of “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax”

Each child registered will receive two (2) tickets, one for them and one for their adult chaperone Each person must have a ticket to enter (adult & child).Tickets will be dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis until all tickets have been disseminated.
9am

Must Pre-register to Attend. Call between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to reserve tickets for the youth. Info Phone: 205-320-0879

Storytime on the Mountain – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Join Ms. Jerri in the Activity Hall of the Treehouse for the reading of “I am a Big Snake” by Lidia Di Blasi. We’ll make our very own spiral snake craft to take home along with a free copy of the book thanks to our sponsor, Target. Stick around after Story Time and see one of Ruffner’s real snakes up-close!
10am

Barts Art Cart –  Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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

Lorax Storytime – Barnes and Noble
In celebration of Dr.Suess’ birthday we will be reading The Lorax. Come and join us for activities and learn how you can be green.
11am

—————————————————————————————

Sunday March 4th:

Read Across America Day and Dr Seuss Celebation – Pottery Barn Kids
Join Pottery Barn Kids as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of Dr. Suess’s classic stories. All weekend long, the will host storytimes and activities in honor of the author’s spirit and imagination.
4:30pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.

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

1pm

—————————————————————————————

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.

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.

Make Mornings Less Maddening

Posted on by Angie

Mornings can be hard on everyone because they are hectic and rushed, but they don’t have to be. Naturally, it will require planning and proactive thinking.

Routines are KEY to smooth mornings. Strict routines provide the structure needed to make sure everyone does what they’re supposed to do. Some tips that have worked for us are:

1. Wake up time! Preschoolers and up are ready for an alarm clock. Set it to music rather than the alarm, they’ll love waking up to some tunes.

2. Get dressed on your own. We lay clothes out the night before to avoid battles over clothing. Include socks, accessories, etc.

3. Potty and brush teeth. Our kids know not to come to our room or downstairs until they have gotten dressed, brushed teeth, and peed.

4. No TV, especially during breakfast. It slows them down and distracts them. A bowl of cereal will take 3 times as long!

5. Breakfast- Avoid arguments and indecisiveness by doing a weekly menu or sticking with the same 2 choices everyday. At our house, you get cereal or yogurt.

6. Have a designated spot for the many things you need. Our mudroom is where coats, shoes, backpacks, ballet bags, chess supplies, etc all go.

7. Prepare, prepare, prepare! The night before is imperative. Pack lunches the night before, make the kids get all homework, books, etc loaded in to backpacks before they hit the hay. Check your calendar to make sure that any sports bags or extras are with the backpacks.

8. Family Calendar- Especially when you have more than one child in extracurriculars or both parents working. A calendar makes planning easier and is a great central place for everyone to stay in the know.

9. Large families- stagger wake up times. Start with the kids who move at a slower pace. Encourage older kids to help younger ones stick to the routine.

10. Don’t forget to be a role model. If you whine or are always frantic and grumpy, they’ll follow that behavior. Be organized and prepared, stay calm, and have a good attitude.

Enforce the routine at all times. When we get home from school, the kids know to put their backpacks, jackets, shoes, etc in their “spots” so I’m not searching for it later.

How do you keep your family on task in the mornings?

Birmingham Area Spring Break Camps: 2012

Posted on by Angie

If you’re planning to be around Birmingham for spring break this year, you have lots of options for keeping the kiddos busy for the week!

Here is a list of spring break camps happening at some of our favorite places!

McWane Science Center –

Camps Include:

  • 1st rate hands on educational programming
  • ½ day or all day options
  • Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks
  • Lunch
  • Before Care for morning sessions 8:00am – 9:00am*
  • After Care for afternoon sessions 5:00pm – 5:30pm (only for afternoon camps)*

*Late pick-ups will be charged a fee of $5 for every five minutesyou camper(s) stays after pick up time.  Pick up required by 1:30 for morning camps and 5:30 for afternoon camps

COST:
Full Day
(Morning & Afternoon Sessions):
Members $60, Non-Members $80

Half Day
(Morning OR Afternoon Sessions):
Members $30, Non-Members $40

Reservations:
Reservations Required. Full Payment required at time of registration. Registration Now Open
Click here for a full schedule

Wee Flip –

In camp we will have snack (provided) but bring your own lunch!  There will be lots of gym time to practice your gymnastic skills, fun games and arts & crafts!  Dress comfortably and come flip with us!

Time: 10:00am 1:00pm

Tuesday, March 20 – Circus Day
Come clown around with us!

Wednesday, March 23 – Princess & Pirate Day
Dress as your favorite Princess or Pirate and come walk the plank!

Thursday, March 24 – Beach Blanket Bingo
Tumble in for fun in the sun!

Tuition: $120 (all 3 days)
Daily Rate: $45
(Your reservation is held with payment in full)
20% Family Discount: 20% Family Discount applies only for siblings attending camp simultaneously (no discount for different camp days).
Registration Fee is NOT required for day camps.

Birmingham Zoo –

Full-day camps are available for 4K through 5th grade students!
While attending School Break Camps, campers can experience:

  • Train and/or Carousel Ride (as weather permits)
  • Crafts and Activities
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tours
  • Mid-morning and Mid-afternoon Snacks
  • Live Animal Demonstrations
  • Animal Artifacts (Biofacts)

Camp is 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Click here for the School Break Camp informaiton packet that includes pricing, camp descriptions and detailed information.

Click Here to Register

Villager Yoga –

Spring Break Mini Camps
yoga camps allow kids to find their inner and outer strength, while being creative and expressing themselves. Group exercises and games teach considerate peer interaction and leadership skills in a non-competitive environment. Children will find a calm mind and body and learn self-soothing techniques through mindfulness activities and relaxation. Yoga poses will be introduced around a theme and camp will include the thoughtful preparation of a healthy snack, group game time, a creative art project and mindful breathing and visualization exercises.

5-8 years old | Tuesday, March 20, 3:00 – 5:00 pm |Yoga Trails

5-8 years old | Wednesday, March 21, 3:00 – 5:00 pm | Yoga Adventure

9-12 years old | Thursday, March 22, 3:00 – 5:00 pm | Yogi Knows

$35 per camp |View agendas & register

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center – 

Every day will be filled with activities, art projects, games, and outdoor adventure. K – 5th grade.

Each day of camp is from 9 AM – 3 PM.
$40/day (non-member) $30/day (member).
Extended care is available from 7:30 AM – 9 AM ($5/day) and 3 PM – 5:30 PM ($5/day)

Sign your child up for one day or multiple days. All camps include two snacks. A 10% discount will be given if you sign up before March 1!  Take advantage of our early sign-up discount!  Reserve your spot(s) here.  After reserving your spot(s), please fill out a registration packet and fax, email, mail in, or bring with you on the first day of camp.  After you have reserved your place, you will receive an email confirmation and more details.

Spring Break Camp Day Themes:

March 19: Dirt Diggin’
March 20: Leap Into Spring
March 21: Arts and Nature
March 22: Wetland Wonders
March 23: Geology Rocks

Heathermoor Farms –

March 19-23. All sessions 8am-3pm

Cost: $350 per week. A $25 discount is offered for each additional child from the same household that is attending the
same week.
What to Bring:
• packed lunch
• hard-soled shoes (paddock boots recommended, but tennis shoes are acceptable)
• helmet (optional)

Other Information:

• Several local tack shops offer camp specials on boots, riding pants, and helmets. (Carousel Tack: 205- 991-0007 or AL Blue Ribbon Tack: 205-444-0240)
• Please wear long pants for all horse activities.
• In order to reserve your spot, mail application and a $75 deposit to: 2484 Eastern Valley Road Leeds, AL 35094
• Space is limited to 12 campers per session.

Camp Activities:
• Daily, 30 minute riding lesson
• Horse grooming
• Tacking instruction
• Basic horse care lessons
• Games on horseback
• Arts and crafts
• And much, much more!

For more information or to register visit their site.

Birmingham Children’s Theater –

During the Spring Break Intensive, your child will be immersed in theatre for one-week of learning with BCT’s team of experienced professionals and instructors. With a focus on acting, dancing and puppetry, the Spring Break Intensive provides a well-rounded curriculum and builds upon the skills taught during the Fall Workshops Series. Maximum 16 students per class. No audition required.

Meets: Monday-Friday, March 19-23, 2012, in BCT’s BJCC performance spaces.

Class Level Age Meeting Time Tuition
Little Ones Current PreK & K 9:30-12:30am $150
Primary 1st & 2nd Graders 1:00-4:00pm $150
Ensemble 3rd & 4th Graders 9:30am-4:00pm $275
Supporting 5th & 6th Graders 9:30am-4:00pm $275
Principals 7th & 8th Graders 9:30am-4:00pm $275

Registration Deadline: Monday, March 5, 2012

To Register: Download the application HERE and return it by mail or fax. You may also call Stephen Pierce at 205-458-8185 or e-mail Dane Peterson for detailed information.

If you think spring got here fast, then you don’t want to hear that summer is just around the corner! Watch for our Summer Camp guide coming soon!!

 

 

Advertisements