Send a Valentine to Patients at Children’s Of Alabama

Children’s of Alabama is asking for your help to show some love to its patients on Valentine’s Day.

Beginning today through Feb. 14, you can send free greeting cards to patients in the hospital. Visit give.childrensal.org/valentinesday and select one of three Valentine’s Day card designs. Hospital staff will print the cards and distribute them to patients on Valentine’s Day.

“Hospitalized children can’t attend school parties or exchange Valentines,” Children’s of Alabama community development manager Mindy Wald said. “A simple gesture like a Valentine’s Day card can really lift their spirits.”

The card drive is sponsored by Spire, a proud supporter of Children’s since 2017. Spire will also match donations made by donors during this card drive up to $5,000.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the medical play program brings smiles to the patients and families at Children’s and helps brighten up their day,” Joe Hampton, president of Spire Alabama, Mississippi and Gulf Coast, said. “That’s why Spire is excited to once again support this special Valentine’s Day campaign.”

Children’s cannot accept any in-person gift donations, handmade cards, food/candy, stuffed animals, toys depicting violence, religious items, crocheted/knit items and gently used homemade items due to infection control protocols.

For more information about donating to Children’s of Alabama patients, visit Childrensal.org/foundation.

Where to get a King Cake in Birmingham this Mardi Gras

It’s time to get your King Cake! The King Cake ‘season’ traditionally starts on January 6th in honor of Epiphany. New Orleans Residents host parties centered around the King Cake from Epiphany to Mardi Gras. It is said that if King Cake is eaten outside of the season, it can bring bad luck and rain on the day of the Mardi Gras Celebration. Wondering where in Birmingham you can pick up your very own bit of tasty goodness? Here are some options!

Where to Find King Cakes in Birmingham

Hero Doughnuts

A fluffy brioche bread, a vanilla glaze, milk jam, frosting and sprinkles? Yes, Please!
Pre-order your king cake online for downtown,Homewood or Trussville.

Savages Bakery

Made fresh daily and still available for special order pick-up. Made sweeter with a choice of cream cheese or cinnamon. Available in two sizes . . . small & large. Limited quantities available in-store. Call (205) 871-4901  to place your order.

Edgars Bakery

Award winning king cakes are NOW AVAILABLE at all locations. Stop by your nearest location to grab yours today or order online at: edgarsbakery.com

Homewood Gourmet

Call ahead to place your order for their tasty King Cake. (205) 871-1620.

The Heavenly Donut

Mardi Gras donuts are available for preorder or limited availability in the case daily through Mardi Gras.

Have you ordered your king cake yet?

Big Machines Day at McWane

Your construction crew—McWane Science Center and Craneworks—are gearing up once again to bring Big Machines Day to Birmingham, Alabama. On February 11, 2023, visit McWane Science Center and build an incredible day of science, learning, and fun.

Big Machines Day is from 10 am to 4 pm, and participation is included with the cost of admission.

February Events Not to Miss in Birmingham

Valentine’s and Mardi Gras, Monster Jam and More! February is packed full of love and fun! Here’s what’s happening around Birmingham to keep you busy all month long!

Community Cupids with BirminghamMommy and Scott Boudreaux Group

 

Make and donate your Valentines cards for the patients at Greenbriar at the Altamont and this in need through FeedBhm! Drop them off at LAH Crestline, Heavenly Donut (or make one when you’re there getting your donuts) or stop by Goldfish Swim school in Hoover, of you take your card there, you can exchange it for a FREE trial swim lesson card! We’ll be collecting cards until February 10th!

Kami-Con at the BJCC East Exhibition Hall

Three days dedicated to anime, Japanese culture, gaming, comics, TV shows, movies + more. You can get autographs from your favorite voice actors + win big in competitions.

February 10th and 11th

Big Machines Day At McWane Science Center

Your construction crew—McWane Science Center and Craneworks—are gearing up once again to bring Big Machines Day to Birmingham, Alabama. On February 11, 2023, visit McWane Science Center and build an incredible day of science, learning, and fun.

Big Machines Day is from 10 am to 4 pm, and participation is included with the cost of admission.

Monster Jam at the Legacy Arena

The most unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable motorsports experience for families and fans in the world today returns to Birmingham for the first time since 2020 with an adrenaline-charged weekend at Legacy Arena at the BJCC.

At Monster Jam, world champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill. Monster Jam drivers are trained, world-class male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 12,000-pound machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 70 miles-per-hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action seen around the world. Monster Jam. As Big As It Gets!TM

February 11-12, 2023.

Mardi Gras Market at Ross Bridge

Saturday, February 18th 1pm – 5pm

Enjoy a free community event that supports local farmers, artisans, & more!
✨Live Music
✨FOOD TRUCKS
✨Make your own mask station
& local shopping with free kids activities

Fat Tuesday Parade

Tuesday, February 21st 11am

Near Morris Ave and 14th street.

Kids Mardi Gras Parade at Homewood Central Park

Tuesday, February 21st 4pm

Decorate your wagon, stroller or box to join in on the fun! Bring beads, candy or moon pies to throw. Line up in you’re participating will be at 3:45. In case of rain the parade will be held on Thursday the 23rd

Birmingham Bulls at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena

February 9th, College Night
February 11th, Nickelodeon Night featuring Paw Patrol
February 20th, Educator Appreciation Day
February 24th, Church Night, trading cards giveaway
February 25th, Hawaiian shirt night

Birmingham Squadron at Legacy Arena

February 1st, Mardi Gras Night/Ladies night 7pm
February 23rd, Art in the ‘Ham 7pm
February 24th, HBCU Night 7pm

What are you looking forward to this month?

How to Heart Attack Your Friends this Valentine’s Day

We could all use a little extra love this Valentine’s Day, so why not Heart Attack your kids,family and friends!? It’s super simple, here’s how!

For your kiddos, cut hearts of all different shapes and sizes then write nice comments about each of your children on the hearts. Then starting on February 1st,  stick a heart each day on your child’s door.  At the end of 14 days, you have a heartfelt heart attack.

For your family or friends, do the same but instead of doing one heart each day, sneak up to their front door and/or windows tape all the hearts with sweet message up, then ring the doorbell and run!

To make it even easier on you, check out this printable of pre-made hearts you can download from home!

Birmingham Consignment Sales, Spring 2023

It’s time again to score some deals or clean out those closets, consignment season is upon us! Here’s your Ultimate Guide to all of the Consignment Sales happening in and around Birmingham this Spring!

Birmingham Area Children’s Consignment Sales Spring 2023

Alabaster:

Renewed Threads 
Alabaster First United Methodist Church

Presale: March 2nd at 5:30pm
Friday, March 3rd 8am – 6pm
March 4th 8am – 12pm with many items at 50% off
Sale Info

Gardendale:

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mt.Vernon United Methodist

Public Sale Dates:
Thursday, March 9th 8am – 7pm
Friday, March 10th 8am – 5pm
Saturday, March 11th 7am – 12pm (1/2 most items)
Sale Info

Kids Consignment Sale
Grandview Clubhouse, 136 Grandview Parkway 35114

Saturday, March 4th 9am – 1pm
*** CASH ONLY SALE

Homewood:

Lil Lambs Consignment 
Trinity United Methodist

Friday, February 3rd 9am – 4:30pm
Saturday, February 4th 9am – 12pm (many items 1/2 off)
Sale Info

Hoover:

Bargains on the Bluff 
Bluff Park United Methodist

Public Sale:
Friday, February 10th 9am – 6pm
Saturday, February 11th 9am – 2pm (discount day)
Sale Info 

Tried N True (Riverchase TNT Sale)
Riverchase United Methodist

Public Sale:
Wednesday, March 8th 9am – 3pm and 5pm – 7:30pm
Thursday, March 9th 9am – 3pm and 5pm – 7:30pm
Sale Info

Twice as Nice Sale 
BAMOM – Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples –
Metropolitan Church of God

Open to the Public:

Friday, March 3rd 4:30 pm to 8:30pm
Half Price Saturday, March 4th, 8:00 – 12:00
Sale Info

Homewood:

Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale 
Asbury United Methodist Church

Open to the Public:

Friday February 10th, 8am – 6pm
Saturday, February 11th, 8am – 12pm
Sale Info:

Irondale:

Kids Market and Mom
Located in the old KMart  in the Eastwood Shopping Plaza.
7845 Crestwood Blvd (Hwy 78),
Irondale, AL

Public Sale:

Monday March 6th, 9am – 8pm
Tuesday, March 7th 9am – 6pm
Wednesday, March 8th 9am – 6pm
Thursday, March 9th 9am– 6pm
Friday, March 10th 9am -6pm
Saturday, March 11th 9am – 6pm

Monday, March 13th 10am – 3pm
Tuesday, March 14th 10am – 3pm
Wednesday, March 15th 10am – 3pm

Discount Day Thursday, March 16th 9am– 8pm
Discount Day Friday, March 17th 9am – 6pm
Discount Day Saturday, March 18th 9am – 4pm
Sale Info

Mountain Brook:

Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment 
Mountain Brook Community Church

Friday, February 24th  9am – 6pm
Saturday, February 25th 9am – 12pm
*Saturday select items will be reduced to 1/2 price!!
Sale Info

Trussville:

Trussville Methodist Consignment Sale 
Trussville Methodist Church

Friday, March 17th 8am – 7pm
Saturday, March 18th 8am – 2pm (many items are 50% off)
Sale Info

Vestavia:

Whale of a Sale 
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

Thursday, February 23rd
Friday, February 24th
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 and/or Facebook pages for the most current and up to date information. If you have a sale you would like to see on our list, email us at contact@birminghammommy.com

The Weekend Roundup: January 20th-22nd

It’s almost time for the weekend! Here’s your rundown on what’s happening around Birmingham!

Play Day at Red Mountain Theatre

Winter is blah, but it’s better in Hogsmeade! Ages 7-12 can enjoy a day of creative world-building in everyone’s favorite magical village this Saturday, 9am-4pm at Red Mountain Theatre
Hurry, register HERE before Friday at 9am to join

Explore your World at McWane Science Center

New Exhibit opening this Saturday!!

Complete a quest across land and sea as you discover our planet with McWane Science Center through the upcoming traveling exhibit, Explore Your World!

Maps are created using layers of data to help us understand the world around us and guide how we interact with it. Mapping and navigation have been at the heart of the human experience since the dawn of our species, underpinning advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) over millennia.

Vocabby’s World: Transportation

Beep Beep! Join Vocabby’s World and your ArtPlay friends to learn new vocabulary words about Transportation! We will explore new words through song, movement and creativity. (Children Ages: 0-5 years)
Vocabby’s World is a community vocabulary program in partnership with ArtPlay and sponsored by PNC Foundation. The adventures of Vocabby take pre-K children on travels around the world as they learn vocabulary words through science and arts concepts. Through this partnership, ArtPlay is providing hands-on activities that reach families in our communities and across the country. Free books, curriculum and art materials reinforce the new vocabulary learned.
If you have any questions about this free event, please contact Julie Danley, jldanley@uab.edu.
Vocabby’s World is made possible by PNC Foundation

Saturday, January 21st 10:30am at Woodlawn UMC

Birmingham Squadron at the BJCC Legacy Arena

Saturday 21st, 7pm First Responders Night
Sunday, 22nd, 6pm Faith and Family Night

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

2023 Salamander Festival

The event is hosted by Friends of Shades Creek, a local nonprofit that supports and protects the 56-mile-long creek. During the event, different groups will be on hand to educate participants about environmental awareness and protection, focusing on the Homewood salamanders. This event is open to the public and is for all ages. You will also find other fun activities such as:

Arts + crafts
Hike to the salamander ponds on South Lakeshore Drive
Live music
Refreshments
Tour of the high school’s rain garden

The when and where:

When: Saturday, January 28 | 1:30-4:30PM
Where: Homewood High School | 1901 S Lakeshore Dr S, Homewood, AL 35209
Cost: Free, donations are encouraged

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Winter is the perfect time for a warm cup of hot cocoa but what about a hot cocoa cookie? Yep! Hot Cocoa AND a delicious snack all in one! Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
one 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
about 8 ounces dark chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
approx. 12 large marshmallows, cut in half

Directions:

Melt chocolate chips and butter in the microwave, combine with the sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Stir in the dry ingredients, then cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.

Roll the cookie dough into balls and bake for approx. 10 minutes. Carefully place a chunk of dark chocolate in the center of each cookie and top with half a marshmallow.

Return cookies to the oven and bake until the chocolate chunk is melted and the marshmallows puff up. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Weekend Round Up! MLK Day Weekend

It’s a long weekend for many, here’s what’s happening around Birmingham!

Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo

It’s your last weekend to catch Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo!

Birmingham Zoo’s larger-than-life illuminated experience, Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration continues! This extraordinary event will be held on select nights from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm during the through January 16th. Watch the Zoo come alive with larger-than-life, jaw-dropping wild animal and sea life lantern creations brilliantly lighting up the night! Take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train* or go for a spin on the Protective Life Carousel*. Spend all winter long with your Birmingham Zoo and GLOW WILD into the new year!

Thursday – Monday
More info HERE

Birmingham Squadron at the BJCC

Friday, January 13th, 7PM College Sports Industry Night
Saturday, January 14th, MLK Celebration

Birmingham Bulls at the Pelham Ice Arena

Friday, January 13th 7pm  – Star Wars Night
Monday, January 16th – MLK Day (first 1000 kids 14 under receive mini stick, special appearance by zooperstars, skate with the Bulls after the game)

Play Day at Red Mountain Theatre 

Play Days are one-day experiences that are designed to let imaginations run wild! Spend a day exploring the world as a character from one of your favorite stories. Students will learn introductory theatre skills in a fun, creative atmosphere!

Spongebob and his pals have invited you to spend a day in Bikini Bottom! Take a dive under the sea and explore all of your favorite locations from the popular children’s series.

Monday, January 16th
9am – 4pm

Register Here