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Birmingham Events Calendar: December 11th – December 18th

Posted on by Angie

It’s hard to believe we’ve only got about 2 weeks left until Christmas. As we all prepare for the upcoming holidays and years end, this will be our last full calendar of events for 2011!

There are still plenty of activities going on this week including visits with Santa and the holiday film festival that kicked off at the Alabama Theatre.

There are a few festive storytimes happening and of course Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo. We’ll continue to update you on any events we come across between now and the end of the year so check our facebook page and twitter for the most current events.

We hope you all have a very happy holiday season!!

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

Sunday December 11th:

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo
The only place in Birmingham where it snows every night!

  • Visit with Santa until Dec. 23
  • Enjoy synchronized lights as they blink to your favorite holiday tunes
  • Experience the holiday train ride, the carousel, story time, animal demos and more
  • Take a hayride
  • Watch the Santa Rollers
  • Children’s Zoo barn will be open every night
  • And so much more!

The Zoo will close at 4pm every night of ZooLight Safari and reopen at 5pm.

Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.

Admission $8, Free to Members.

Ride Tickets $3.50. Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10

5pm – 9pm

Barts Art Cart – Holiday Cards, Birmingham Museum of Art
Tis the season! Design and create custom holiday cards for your friends and family with Bart the Art Bat!

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

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Monday December 12th:

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 December 13th:

Santa’s Gingerbread Man – Hoover Public Library
Our talented staff presents a tasty Christmas tale in the Library Theatre. After the show, we’ll decorate and eat gingerbread cookies. And you’ll have a chance to meet Santa!
6:30pm

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For larger groups, a call is nice but not necessary.
10:30am

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Wednesday December 14th:

Barnes and Noble Storytime – Summit
Join us as we read The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, the latest book by the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We’ll “color outside the lines” when we create some Eric Carle style crafts. Of course, we’ll have snacks 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

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Thursday December 15th:

Storytime Fun – Vestavia Hills Library
join Ms. Amanda for Storytime Fun. Adventures of all kinds for kids ages 3 years through 5 years.
10:30am

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Friday December 16th:

Holiday Cookie Fun – North Avondale Library
Come join us as we make holiday cookies and funny stories!
3:00 – 4:30

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo
The only place in Birmingham where it snows every night!

  • Visit with Santa until Dec. 23
  • Enjoy synchronized lights as they blink to your favorite holiday tunes
  • Experience the holiday train ride, the carousel, story time, animal demos and more
  • Take a hayride
  • Watch the Santa Rollers
  • Children’s Zoo barn will be open every night
  • And so much more!

The Zoo will close at 4pm every night of ZooLight Safari and reopen at 5pm.

Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.

Admission $8, Free to Members.

Ride Tickets $3.50. Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10

5pm – 9pm

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Saturday December 17th:

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo
The only place in Birmingham where it snows every night!

  • Visit with Santa until Dec. 23
  • Enjoy synchronized lights as they blink to your favorite holiday tunes
  • Experience the holiday train ride, the carousel, story time, animal demos and more
  • Take a hayride
  • Watch the Santa Rollers
  • Children’s Zoo barn will be open every night
  • And so much more!

The Zoo will close at 4pm every night of ZooLight Safari and reopen at 5pm.

Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.

Admission $8, Free to Members.

Ride Tickets $3.50. Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10
5pm – 9pm

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – Columbiana Library
e’s making a list and checking it twice. Make sure to come to let the big guy know you have been good this year. The lovely Mrs. Claus will share stories from around the world, and everyone will have the chance to sit on Santa’s lap. Santa’s guest will also have the chance to experience new Christmas treats from different countries of the world.
10am – 12:00pm

Barts Books Snow Music – Birmingham Museum of Art
Dive into a winter wonderland and explore the sounds and feeling of snow.
11am

Barts Art Cart – Holiday Cards – Birmingham Museum of Art
Tis the season! Design and create custom holiday cards for your friends and family with Bart the Art Bat!

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

Saturday Market – Pepper Place

Visit our region’s farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market. They grow vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies, tend the bees, and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labors.

In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers you can enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. There is a cooking demonstration at 9:00 a.m. every Saturday morning by Birmingham’s finest chefs.
7am – Noon

Christmas Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read It’s Christmas, David! by David Shannon. Will Santa bring David presents or a lump of coal? Find out at today’s Storytime. We’ll also make our own Christmas crafts and have some holiday snacks!
11am

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Sunday December 18th:

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo
The only place in Birmingham where it snows every night!

  • Visit with Santa until Dec. 23
  • Enjoy synchronized lights as they blink to your favorite holiday tunes
  • Experience the holiday train ride, the carousel, story time, animal demos and more
  • Take a hayride
  • Watch the Santa Rollers
  • Children’s Zoo barn will be open every night
  • And so much more!

The Zoo will close at 4pm every night of ZooLight Safari and reopen at 5pm.

Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.

Admission $8, Free to Members.

Ride Tickets $3.50. Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10

5pm – 9pm

Barts Art Cart – Holiday Cards, Birmingham Museum of Art
Tis the season! Design and create custom holiday cards for your friends and family with Bart the Art Bat!

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

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Winter Wonderland:
This magical holiday experience gives families a chance to learn about the science of the season together as they play in the snow, go ice fishing, and watch toy trains zip around the tracks.

Winter Wonderland offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy together. Inside the snow room, children can make snow angels, build snow castles and more. Children can catch fish through the ice in the ice fishing area.

Guests can even sled down the giant slide between the third and second floors in the museum or try the zip line.

Families also have a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks in the Magic of Model Trains area. This year children will be able to become conductors at one of the new stations and also see several new additions to the train sets.
Through January 8th 2012

Magic of Model Trains Exhibit:
The Magic of Model Trains exhibit offers families a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks. This year children will enjoy the chance to become a conductor at one of the new stations and also see several new additions to the train sets. Through January 8th 2012

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 and Santa vs The Snowman

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.

Handmade Holiday Cards and Thank You Notes

Posted on by Angie

Christmas cards don’t have to be expensive to be special or admired. In fact some might say that a card made from some teeny tiny fingerprints might bring a bigger smile to the Grandparents face when they open their mail.

Here are a few ideas on making some cute hand made cards for the holidays.

The base for your cards can be easily made from plain cardstock that you might have on hand, you can also purchase blank cards pretty inexpensively at your local craft store.

You’ll need some paint for fingerpainting and/or cookie cutters or something to use as a guide for cutting out shapes (holidays or otherwise)

For the shapes, if you take old scribbled on scrap paper that your kids have done, it adds yet another personal touch. I don’t know about your household but in mine, there is never a shortage of scribbled on papers. Cut those into Christmas Trees, or stars and glue them on.

Little fingerprints can make all kinds of designs for your cards, try a wreath, reindeer, or a string of lights. Hands are great for Christmas trees.

If you’re looking to make handmade thank you notes, try flowers from fingerprints, butterflies and bees are cute too. Then use other non holiday shapes if you want to use up those scraps of paper, just make sure to trace on the backside, cut them out and glue them on, add your thank you on the inside and you’re done!

Giveaways to Giftaway: Night Night Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Our yearly holiday giveaway is back and we’re kicking things off with the bedtime book, Night Night Birmingham, written by Laurel Fain Mills and Illustrated by Michelle Hazelwood Hyde.

Night Night Birmingham is a book for Birmingham’s children. Highlighting the many unique and special sites of our town, from the McWane Science Center to the Botanical Gardens, Night Night Birmingham is the perfect bedtime read for your little one.

Here’s how you enter:

1. Leave a Comment on this post – 1 per person per day

2. Head over to their Facebook page and give these 2 local ladies some love for writing such a cute book. (Come back here and let us know that you did.) 1 per person

3. Tweet the Giveaway: “@BirminghamMommy is giving away a signed copy of Night Night Birmingham  http://ow.ly/7QlGf ” 1 per person, per day

If you would like to purchase a copy of Night Night Birmingham, you can do so on their site or at one of the many local stores listed here.

Giveaway will close Thursday, December 8th at Noon. We will notify the winner via email and on Facebook –

Good Luck!

Birmingham Events Calendar: December 4th – December 11th

Posted on by Angie

The Hustle and Bustle of Christmas is starting to show itself around the city with more and more decorations. This week you will have the chance to catch tree lightings,  special storytimes and the Birmingham Zoo will kick off their annual Zoolight Safari.

We’ve got a LEGO mini build, and a Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic going on this week too.

We’ve added a few more Santa Happenings to our list so if you’re looking for a special event for your kids to do, make sure to check it out!

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

Sunday December 4th:

Holiday Caroling at the Plaza – Hoover Public Library
Join us at the Hoover Public Library for community-wide caroling. We’ll provide the words and you provide the voices and the fun.
2:30pm

Southern Tales at the Gardens
A jolly collection of Holiday stories, songs, and sing-a-longs to warm your heart and jump-start your holiday!
2pm – 4pm
Tickets $20

Barts Art Cart – Holiday Cards, Birmingham Museum of Art
Tis the season! Design and create custom holiday cards for your friends and family with Bart the Art Bat!

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

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Monday December 5th:

Roger Day – Springville Road Library
Parents’ Choice award winner Roger Day will be sharing old favorites like Mosquito Burrito to his newest hit Brain Freeze at the Springville Road Library. Join us for an evening of high energy musical fun and bring a friend!
6:30pm

Holiday Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for a holiday movie and a tasty treat!
3:30pm

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Tuesday December 6th:

Roger Day – Avondale Library
It’s time for an Avondale Library Open House Holiday Celebration! Join two-time Parent’s Choice Award winner, Roger Day, for an evening of family musical fun. His music encompasses joyful children’s songs that exercise mind and
muscles, body and brain, featuring old school rock-and-roll to new school rap.
6:30pm

Family Night, Dinner and a Movie – Emmet O’Neal Library
He’s grouchy…he’s green…he’s awfully grinchy! Come see a holiday classic. Dinner at 5:30, show at 6:00. All ages. No registration required.

City of Birmingham, Christmas Tree Lighting – Linn Park
The annual City of Birmingham Christmas Tree Lighting: enjoy seasonal musical entertainment on the main stage, 4th Avenue Christmas Parade, decorated City Center store windows, arts and crafts for the kids, great prize giveaways, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and other family-friendly activities. Plus, dozens of free Birmingham hams to be given away.
5pm – 7pm

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
One free per child. Event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only.
LEGO Nutcracker: December 6, begins at 5:00pm until supplies last.

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For larger groups, a call is nice but not necessary.
10:30am

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Wednesday December 7th:

Barnes and Noble Storytime – Summit
Bring your dancing shoes to today’s Storytime featuring Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton. We’ll dance and moo and cock-a-doodle-doo! We’ll eat snacks and make “Udderflies” that you can take home 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

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Thursday December 8th:

Storytime Fun – Vestavia Hills Library
join Ms. Amanda for Storytime Fun. Adventures of all kinds for kids ages 3 years through 5 years.
10:30am

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Friday December 9th:

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo
The only place in Birmingham where it snows every night!

  • Visit with Santa until Dec. 23
  • Enjoy synchronized lights as they blink to your favorite holiday tunes
  • Experience the holiday train ride, the carousel, story time, animal demos and more
  • Take a hayride
  • Watch the Santa Rollers
  • Children’s Zoo barn will be open every night
  • And so much more!

The Zoo will close at 4pm every night of ZooLight Safari and reopen at 5pm.

Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.

Admission $8, Free to Members.

Ride Tickets $3.50. Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10

5pm – 9pm

Polar Express Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
A Polar Express Party, highlighted by a special reading of the holiday classic, hot chocolate and cookies. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.
7pm

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Saturday December 10th:

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo
The only place in Birmingham where it snows every night!

  • Visit with Santa until Dec. 23
  • Enjoy synchronized lights as they blink to your favorite holiday tunes
  • Experience the holiday train ride, the carousel, story time, animal demos and more
  • Take a hayride
  • Watch the Santa Rollers
  • Children’s Zoo barn will be open every night
  • And so much more!

The Zoo will close at 4pm every night of ZooLight Safari and reopen at 5pm.

Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.

Admission $8, Free to Members.

Ride Tickets $3.50. Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10
5pm – 9pm

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
It’s the second part of the 2011 Lowe’s Train! Bring your kids to Lowe’s and they can build this awesome Coal Car!
10am

Barts Art Cart – Holiday Cards – Birmingham Museum of Art
Tis the season! Design and create custom holiday cards for your friends and family with Bart the Art Bat!

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

Saturday Market – Pepper Place

Visit our region’s farming families at the Pepper Place Saturday Market. They grow vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies, tend the bees, and drive into the Lakeview District of Birmingham to sell the fruits of their labors.

In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers you can enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. There is a cooking demonstration at 9:00 a.m. every Saturday morning by Birmingham’s finest chefs.
7am – Noon

Snowball Snack – Ruffner Mountain
Brr! It’s cold outside! We know the chances of snow are pretty slim in Birmingham, so let’s make our own snow – a snowball that is! This treat is a blast to make and delicious as well. •FREE.
10:30am  and 1pm

Super Snowman Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
Come find out what crazy shenanigans snowmen get up to at night when we read Snowmen at Night by Carolyn Buehner. Plus, make a snowman of your very own to take home! We’ll have snacks and a chance to play with NOOK too.
11am

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Sunday December 11th:

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo
The only place in Birmingham where it snows every night!

  • Visit with Santa until Dec. 23
  • Enjoy synchronized lights as they blink to your favorite holiday tunes
  • Experience the holiday train ride, the carousel, story time, animal demos and more
  • Take a hayride
  • Watch the Santa Rollers
  • Children’s Zoo barn will be open every night
  • And so much more!

The Zoo will close at 4pm every night of ZooLight Safari and reopen at 5pm.

Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.

Admission $8, Free to Members.

Ride Tickets $3.50. Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10

5pm – 9pm

Barts Art Cart – Holiday Cards, Birmingham Museum of Art
Tis the season! Design and create custom holiday cards for your friends and family with Bart the Art Bat!

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

Santa at the Alabama Theatre

Posted on by Angie

Can you imagine a more fantastic backdrop for your Santa pictures than the Historic Alabama Theatre?

This year, Blue Moon Studios is bringing Santa to the Alabama Theatre on December 11th, 17th and 18th to coincide with their 2pm matinees. So bring the family down a little early or stay a little late and get your pictures made with Santa. Come see a classic Christmas film, at Alabama’s most beautiful and grand theatre.

Photos will begin at 1:00 and will end about 30 minutes after the end of the film.

You will receive your images on CD with printed copyright release. Cost for Santa photos is $35.00 plus tax.  Admission to the Alabama Theatre is not included in the Santa package.

The movie for those weeks are as follows:

Saturday, December 11th – Miracle on 34th Street

Saturday, December 17th – Polar Express

Sunday, December 18th – White Christmas

For a complete listing of the Holiday Film series at the Theatre, visit their website. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for sr citizens and children under 12.  Free parking is available in Central Parking lots around the theatre.

Medical Minute: A New Women's Center

Posted on by Angie


The new Women’s Center at Brookwood Medical Center has certainly set a new standard for women‘s health care here in Birmingham.

Brookwood Women’s Medical Center offers specialized services for all types of pregnancies. The new facility houses a dedicated water birthing suite, which features special amenities designed to accommodate natural birthing plans. Private neonatal intensive care rooms can accommodate single babies, as well as multiples to allow family and babies to stay together.

They also boast:

12 high risk pregnancy suites
19 labor and delivery suites
Four operating suites for cesarean deliveries
29 private neonatal intensive care rooms
Two overnight “care-by-patient” rooms on the NICU floor to ease transition home

Opening in December, ahead of the original 2012 due date we can certainly see the appeal of making Brookwood a part of your birth plan.. I’m thinking about having another baby just so I can deliver in the new hospital.

Check out GenB.com for more information and to take a virtual tour of the new amenities.


Droolicious Cuisine at BirminghamMommy: Apple and Pomegranate Cider

Posted on by Angie

Along with the Holiday Season comes the Season of Entertaining.. Try this twist on the old favorite, apple cider:

Ingredients:
6 whole cloves
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1 (3-inch) strip lemon rind
1 (3-inch) strip orange rind
8 cups unfiltered apple cider
1 cup pomegranate juice
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions:
1) Place first 4 ingredients on a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather edges of cheesecloth together; tie securely.
2) Combine cheesecloth bag, cider, and remaining ingredients in a Dutch oven; bring to a simmer. Cook 30 minutes. Discard cheesecloth bag.

About Kim:

I have been blessed with 2 beautiful kids, one funny little girl & one sweet little boy. They are always the best part of my day. I’m also the luckiest gal in the world because I am married to my soulmate, the kindest and most selfless man I know.

Like this? You can find many more droolicious recipes over at her site, “2 Little Chicks”

Join the Club, Birmingham!

Posted on by Angie

If you’re a parent, (and we kind of assume that you are if you’re reading our site… ) then you are probably aware of the membership packages that are offered by McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Zoo, but you might be surprised to find out how many local attractions around Birmingham offer memberships and how beneficial they can be for families, especially when it comes to camps and classes. Many times buying a local membership will open up possibilities across the country for free and discounted admissions on similar museums, parks or zoos.

Here is a rundown on some of the Memberships that you might find appealing for your family.

McWane Science Center –
FREE admission all year long and much, much more!

  • FREE parking in McWane Science Center’s parking deck
  • FREE or discounted admission to over 270 science centers worldwide Click here for a full list of participating Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC).
  • SAVE up to 30% on camps & classes
  • SAVE 20% in the Café
  • SAVE 20% in the gift store
  • DISCOUNTS on birthday parties
  • SAVE $1 Off guest tickets
  • FREE Eureka! subscription, McWane Science Center’s quarterly newsletter
  • FREE E-Newsletter every month
  • $1 OFF IMAX Feature-Length Hollywood Movies

For pricing and membership options visit the McWane Science Center website

Birmingham Zoo

Share the wonders of the Birmingham Zoo with your family and friends! Membership benefits include:

  • Unlimited visits 363 days a year
  • FREE admission to 17 nights of ZooLight Safari
  • FREE or discounted admission to over 150 participating Zoos and Aquariums nationwide for one year
  • FREE one year subscription to Animal Tracks magazine
  • 10% off merchandise in the gift shop
  • Discounts on over 100 Zoo classes, camps, events and birthday parties
  • Invitations to member only events, previews and so much more!

For pricing and membership options visit the Birmingham Zoo Website

Birmingham Museum of Art

Because the museum is free to the public, membership support is vital to continuing to provide exciting exhibitions, educational activities, and social events for which the Museum is known.

Members of the Birmingham Museum of Art enjoy an array of benefits ranging from discounts on art classes to curator-led gallery tours to international travel opportunities.  Whatever your interest, they strive to create a personal, engaging, and memorable experience.

Individual memberships start as low as $50 per year and allow you Free or discounted admission to 75 museums across the Southeast.

For pricing and membership options visit the Birmingham Museum of Art website

Alabama Theatre – Friends of the Alabama

Beginning is January 2012, the Alabama Theatre will be offering memberships through a program called “Friends of the Alabama” and will range in price from $25  for the Paramount Membership that will get you 6 free tickets to the Summer Movie series –
up to $1500 for the Spotlight Membership that will get you a Friends of the Alabama membership card, Alabama Theatre e-mail updates, 10 Summer Film Series tickets, 2 Holiday Film Series tickets, 4 free soft drink and popcorn passes good for any movie, Alabama Theatre t-shirt, Alabama Theatre coffee mug, Mighty Wurlitzer cd, Alabama Theatre lapel pin, a personal message on the side of the marquee or personal message on-screen before a theatre sponsored movie, complimentary tour of the Alabama Theatre for you and up to 50 of your guests during theatre business hours as long as there is no event scheduled, nameplate on a seat of choice in theatre, and a 2 hour rental of The Spotlight Lounge or The Loft.

Best of all with the Friends if the Alabama you are helping support a historic landmark. For more information on the program you can call Jessica Cannon at 205-252-2262 ext 118 or e-mail jessica@alabamatheatre.com

Southern Museum of Flight

Dedicated to investigating, preserving, and promoting the rich stories of Southern Aviation and to providing exciting, interactive educational programming for people of all ages. Through collaborative partnerships with the community, the Southern Museum of Flight provides a continuum of exhibitions, displays, and educational services with a sincere devotion to cultural and historical literacy.

Membership will allow you unlimited Visits For the Year and Discounts on Birthday parties.

For pricing and membership options visit the Southern Museum of Flight website

Vulcan Park and Museum

Vulcan’s roots reach deep into Red Mountain, yet the mountain alone will not keep him standing. Membership to Vulcan Park and Museum is a commitment to upholding a proud Birmingham tradition, offering special privileges and benefits for you and your family.They offer special events, such as Thunder on the Mountain and exhibits in the Linn-Henley Gallery throughout the year to enrich your experience and to make sure you’ll keep coming back to visit Vulcan!

Benefits include:

  • Annual pass to Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Balcony
  • Free admission to Vulcan’s Annual Birthday Bash
  • Discounted admission to VPM events throughout the year
  • Invitations to special events
  • 10% discount in Vulcan’s Gift Shop
  • Set of four Vulcan postcards
  • Subscription to Voice of Vulcan monthly e-newsletter
  • Contribution is fully tax deductible

For pricing and membership options visit the Vulcan Park and Museum website

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Members are eligible for FREE member classes, a discount on additional classes, a 10% discount at the gift shop and cafe, reciprocal privileges at over 180 U.S. gardens, invitations to members-only events, one pass to the members’ preview at the Spring Plant Sale, and many more benefits depending on the level you choose.

For pricing and membership options visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens website

Aldridge Gardens

All memberships receive these basic benefits:

  • Subscription to quarterly newsletter In Bloom
  • Hydrangea Sale Previews10-30% discount at Hydrangea Sales
  • 15% discount in gift kiosk
  • 25% discount on concerts
  • 25% discount on seminars
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Invitation to members-only events
  • Reciprocal benefits at more than 200 botanical gardens across the country

For pricing and membership option available visit the Aldridge Gardens website

Memberships are  a great way to show support in your community and save you money down the the road.

If you know of a membership opportunity for an area attraction that we haven’t listed we would love to hear about it!

Sloss Furnaces

Ranging in price from $35 up to $175, Sloss Furnaces has many options available when it come to memberships, included a kids club. Perks for membership includes free admission, free parking, discounts on special events, discounts in the gift shop and much more.

The money brought in from memberships will be used for educational programming, site development and preservation. For more information on memberships to Sloss Furnaces, visit their site.

What local Membership is a must for your family?


 

Birmingham Events Calendar: November 27th – December 4th

Posted on by Angie

Tis’ the season! The calendar is starting to pick up again with lots of holiday activities! Don’t forget that the Winter Wonderland Exhibit opened this weekend at the McWane Science Center.

We have a list of Santa Happenings so you can keep up with what’s going on around town, make sure to check that list if you’re looking for a picture op or breakfast with Jolly Old St. Nick.

Have a great week!

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

Sunday November 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.

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Monday November 28th:

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 November 29th:

Holidazed! Stories of the Season with Storyteller Dolores Hydock – Springville Library
Take a last-minute break from the holiday hubbub, and relax with an evening of funny, affectionate Christmas stories about family, friends, and finding the spirit that makes holidays special.
6:30pm

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For larger groups, a call is nice but not necessary.
10:30am

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Wednesday November 30th:

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 December 1st:

Storytime Fun – Vestavia Hills Library
join Ms. Amanda for Storytime Fun. Adventures of all kinds for kids ages 3 years through 5 years.
10:30am

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Friday December 2nd:

Everything Christmas – Trussville Civic Center
The Trussville Historical Society along with the City of Trussville and Trussville Fire Department are sponsoring the “Everything Christmas” event at the Trussville Civic Center.

The name says it all. You will find everything you need for Christmas at this show. We have already lined up local retailers such as Gigi’s Boutique, All About Décor, Southern Magnolia Gifts and Plant’s Framed Art just to name a few. We also have over 60 local vendors who will be showcasing their products as well.

There will also be entertainment while you shop featuring the jazz band from Hewitt Trussville Middle School and other local performers.
1pm – 8pm

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Saturday December 3rd:

Everything Christmas – Trussville Civic Center
The Trussville Historical Society along with the City of Trussville and Trussville Fire Department are sponsoring the “Everything Christmas” event at the Trussville Civic Center.

The name says it all. You will find everything you need for Christmas at this show. We have already lined up local retailers such as Gigi’s Boutique, All About Décor, Southern Magnolia Gifts and Plant’s Framed Art just to name a few. We also have over 60 local vendors who will be showcasing their products as well.

Santa will arrive for cookies and pictures from 9-1pm. There will also be entertainment while you shop featuring the jazz band from Hewitt Trussville Middle School and other local performers.
9am – 1pm

Bird Treat Making – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
As the holidays approach, let’s make a delicious treat for our wild bird friends. These feeders will add a festive touch to your yard, as well as be a welcome snack to the birds around your house.
10:30 AM and 1 PM
FREE

Barts Art Cart – Holiday Cards – Birmingham Museum of Art
Tis the season! Design and create custom holiday cards for your friends and family with Bart the Art Bat!

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

Holiday Faire! – Alabama Waldorf School
Join us for an Alabama Waldorf School annual favorite! Bring in the season with games, an international buffet, bake sale, live music, and vendors featuring local artists, crafts & handmade goods.
10am-3pm

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
7am – Noon

Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
Christmas is just a few weeks away! Come out for some feline fun as we read Merry Christmas, Splat by bestselling author Rob Scotton. We’ll make some cat crafts, play with Splat on NOOK, and eat some delicious snacks.
11am

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Sunday December 4th:

Holiday Caroling at the Plaza – Hoover Public Library
Join us at the Hoover Public Library for community-wide caroling. We’ll provide the words and you provide the voices and the fun.
2:30pm

Southern Tales at the Gardens
A jolly collection of Holiday stories, songs, and sing-a-longs to warm your heart and jump-start your holiday!
2pm – 4pm
Tickets $20

Barts Art Cart – Holiday Cards, Birmingham Museum of Art
Tis the season! Design and create custom holiday cards for your friends and family with Bart the Art Bat!

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

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Winter Wonderland:
This magical holiday experience gives families a chance to learn about the science of the season together as they play in the snow, go ice fishing, and watch toy trains zip around the tracks.

Winter Wonderland offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy together. Inside the snow room, children can make snow angels, build snow castles and more. Children can catch fish through the ice in the ice fishing area.

Guests can even sled down the giant slide between the third and second floors in the museum or try the zip line.

Families also have a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks in the Magic of Model Trains area. This year children will be able to become conductors at one of the new stations and also see several new additions to the train sets.
Through January 8th 2012

Magic of Model Trains Exhibit:
The Magic of Model Trains exhibit offers families a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks. This year children will enjoy the chance to become a conductor at one of the new stations and also see several new additions to the train sets. Through January 8th 2012

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 and Santa vs The Snowman

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.

Santa Happenings around Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Thanksgiving is behind us, and if you haven’t started thinking about it yet, it’s time for those yearly visits with Santa.. Find out where and when and schedule your breakfast with Santa or just swing by one of the malls for a photo…

Pictures at the Mall

Colonial Brookwood Village

Santa’s hours are Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM
and Sunday 12 – 6 PM

Santa has Special Hours starting 12/18
Sunday 12/18 – 11 AM – 7 PM
Monday through Thursday 9AM – 9 PM
Christmas Eve – 9 AM – 4 PM

Riverchase Galleria

Through 12/24/11

Free Hugs, Free Smiles, Free Wishes and of course Free HO HO HOs!

Santa has made his way from the North Pole and is ready to greet children of all ages. Holiday photo packages are also available.

Santa’s Hours:

  • Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
  • Sunday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm

Please note: Santa will be taking breaks throughout the day to feed the reindeer and check on toy production at the North Pole.

The Summit Shopping Center
Photos with Santa
November 25 – December 24

Meet Santa between Gus Mayer and Belk and get a professional photo. Nov. 25th: 9-11am, noon-4pm, 5-9pm; Nov. 26th: noon-4pm; Nov. 27th: 1-5pm; Nov. 30th – Dec. 23rd: Wednesdays – Fridays: 2-7pm, Saturdays: noon-4pm, Sundays: 1-5pm; Dec. 24th: 9am-2pm

Night Out with Santa Learning Express Cahaba Heights

A holiday staple for the Learning Express store in Cahaba Heights. Stop by the store on Thursday December 8th from 5pm – 7pm and get a little face time with Santa!

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

November 27th – December 24th

Monday – Friday:
Free Photo with Santa – 10am – 8pm
Free Crafts – 5pm – 7pm
Free Games and Activities – Open to Close
Free Santa Bandz – 5pm – 7pm

Saturday:
Free Photo with Santa – 10am – 8pm (except for 12/24, hours will be 10am – 5pm)
Free Crafts – Noon – 5pm
Free Games and Activities – Open to Close

Sunday:
Free Photo with Santa – 10am – 5pm
Free Crafts – Noon – 5pm
Free Games and Activities – Open to Close

Breakfast with Santa

McWane Science Center –
Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop
Date: December 3, 10 & 17
Times: 8:00 – 10:00 am
Cost: $15 Adults, $12 Kids (Members: $12 Adults, $10 Kids)

Bring your little elves to have breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. Make holiday crafts, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera! Tickets also include museum admission.
Reservations are required.
CLICK HERE to buy tickets online
Or call (205) 714-8414 to make a reservation.

Birmingham Zoo –

Saturday – December 3, 10 and 17
8:00am, 9:15am and 10:30am

Make your reservation now for this popular holiday event. Breakfast with Santa takes place in the Zoo’s Kudzoo Cafe, featuring a delicious breakfast, animal encounters and a visit from Ole Saint Nick. All children will receive a special treat. Call 205.879.0409 to make your reservations today!

The Summit Shopping Center

Breakfast with Santa
December 3 – December 17

Saturdays, December 3, 10 and 17 from 8:30am-10:30am. Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Village Tavern featuring food, art activities, photos with Santa and more. $15 ticket benefits the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. Kids 2 and under are free. Call 967-0111 for reservations.

The Santa Special at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Musuem

November 25 – December 18, 2011

Santa and Mrs. Claus ride the train with you! Start your own family holiday tradition with a Christmas train ride. Tell Santa what you would like for Christmas and bring your camera for photos. Every child will receive a Christmas gift!

Please note: children who have not yet celebrated their second birthday are free, but you must reserve an INFANT ticket for them. Children under the age of two must be seated on your lap.

Know of a Santa Happening we didn’t cover on our list? Let us know!

Santa Saturdays at Marvin’s

Free Photos with Santa – November 26th, December 3rd and 10th. 10am – 2pm

Santa At the Alabama Theatre

December 11th, 17th and 18th – During the 2pm Matinee.. Come early or stay late and have your picture made with Santa!

Breakfast with Santa and the Elves – Courtyard Cafe and Bakery

Get away from the hustle and bustle and come to the charming Courtyard Cafe and Bakery located in downtown historic Bessemer a block from the Bright Star for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 10th.

Each child will have a special one on one visit with Santa and his elves, decorate a holiday cookie, receive a breakfast buffet, and a treat from Santa all for $10 per person.

Reservations are required for the following times: 8:00am, 9:30am, and 11am. Photo packages will be available. Please call 424.3406 for reservations.

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