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Excuses, Excuses. What Keeps Your Kids From Getting to Bed on Time?

Posted on by Angie

“I need water, just one more story, one more kiss, one more hug, where’s my lovey?” These are just some of excuses we have to go through each night as we work our way through our bedtime routine. Only to be followed by a round of needing to go potty right after we’ve said good night for the “last” time, seeming to start the hugging, kissing and 50 other excuses all over again.

I don’t know about you but by 8:00pm each night, I’m done. I’m completely worn out, ready to sit on the sofa with my Haggen Dazs, catch up on my book or DVR and just be. But the little monkeys continue to win at this game we call, Night Night.

I used to feel bad for locking them in their rooms at night. I was always telling myself it was for safety reasons (it really was,) but now I’m thinking we were on to something more than we realized. With that barrier, they would play for a while before going to sleep, but that play didn’t require our assistance. It also kept them in their room past 5:45am every morning which is now the time they get up because they are free to roam. Once that door closed each night, the excuses were locked in there too. Now they come downstairs a dozen times most nights to tell us things or ask for something.

Now that they are bigger and potty trained, the excuses are never-ending. Jennifer Waldburger, co-founder of Sleepy Planet, a Los Angeles-based child sleep consultation firm tells WebMD, many parents fall short because they don’t see the bigger picture. The key in establishing a child’s bedtime routine is to delineate between what your child needs and what she wants, she says. “What she needs is some time with you and good sleep. There’s a whole war between a parent’s head and heart that keeps them from doing [the right things].”

Consistency is a huge key in getting kids to bed on time, plus they like that routine. They love knowing that they can always count on a story and a song or two. A piece of advice that I believe in whole-heartedly is that sleep begets sleep. Once they get overtired things will only go down hill. Keep their bedtime as close to the same time each night as possible.

Sometimes they fight sleep because they are social butterflies and afraid they are going to miss something, sometimes because they have a need for control, but whatever the reason, bedtimes can most definitely become a power struggle.

How do you win the battle over bedtime in your house?

For 10 great tips on getting your kids to bed on time you can read the full WebMD article here.

 

aMOMymous: A Letter to Myself

Posted on by Angie

A Letter to Myself
signed, aMOMymous

When your soul starts to bleed, you know you’re in trouble.

Hell, at least I’m feeling something.

And when I say something, I kind of mean a lot. I’m consumed with guilt, inadequacy, anxiety, sleeplessness, loss of libido, gaining of pounds, the admission of other people’s opinions on why I’m doing it wrong, a few emotions that involve hurting myself/my husband/my babies/the cashier at Target…

<gasp>

Yes.  If you could teach a soul to speak, I’m certain mine would break its silence with a sobbing plea for mercy.  I sit in my idle car at a red light and whimper to myself, “Can they hear me screaming inside?”  I mean, do you hear it, too?

Confession:  I used to be in love with myself.  No, seriously – full on vanity, full on lack-of-shame.  Ever since I got my first car I’ve been bending down the rearview mirror so I can take delight in my profile, viewed from just the right angle, in just the right amount of natural light, with just the right mysterious glare gazing back.  I admit it.  Sometimes I look to myself for inspiration.

But here lately I’ve realized that I’m avoiding my reflection.  I’m afraid I won’t be happy with what I see.  I’m afraid I won’t recognize myself.  I’m afraid to see the void and the anger and the desperation staring back at me.

Let me bring you up to speed.  I’m a thirty-something gal who’s deep in the trenches of her second round of post partum.  I haven’t slept in three months.  I haven’t slept soundly in three years.  I’m not sure how long it’s been since I’ve had sex with my husband.  I might be a little bit disgusted by my marriage, my house, the world.  The stretch marks, they sag now, and I can’t pound three margaritas in a row (to make it just all go away) because I’m breastfeeding.  I wear makeup to church, which is once a week.  On the other twenty-six days a month I just avoid the mirror.  I used to be fabulous.  I used to care.

God, help me.  I think my dark cloud is here.

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 4th – September 11th

Posted on by Angie

Labor Day Weekend! We hope you are all having a chance to enjoy a long weekend with family and friends!

If the weather cooperates at all make sure you sneak in a trip to the Birmingham Zoo to meet the new lion cubs, they’ll have special events going on and you’ll have the opportunity to cast your vote on what to name the last one.

We’ve got a LEGO mini build, 10 cent cookie Tuesday at Whole Foods, Family Day at the Birmingham Museum of Art and Artwalk kicks off on Friday!

If you’ve been missing your local storytimes, check your favorite library this week for a new schedule, they should be getting underway again moving into the fall season.

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

Sunday September 4th:

Meet the Royal Family – Birmingham Zoo
The Zoo be rolling out the red carpet as you get your first opportunity to view the five African lion cubs on exhibit with their parents.celebration will feature a lion cub naming contest, regal crowns for the children (while supplies last), special Zookeeper talks, photo opportunities of the cubs and face painting. The naming contest is for the 5th lion cub, who weighs in at around 24 lbs. and is the second male in the litter. Come to the Zoo to get to know his personality and submit your favorite name. The chosen name will be announced on Sept. 12th and the winner will receive a Zoo Prize Pack!

    • Face painting – 11am & 2:30pm
    • Zookeeper talks (Lion Exhibit) – 9:30am, 11:30am & 3:30pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make a drum inspired by African musical instruments with Bart! The Museum now offers a fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover 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, then stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

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Monday September 5th:

Meet the Royal Family – Birmingham Zoo
The Zoo be rolling out the red carpet as you get your first opportunity to view the five African lion cubs on exhibit with their parents.celebration will feature a lion cub naming contest, regal crowns for the children (while supplies last), special Zookeeper talks, photo opportunities of the cubs and face painting. The naming contest is for the 5th lion cub, who weighs in at around 24 lbs. and is the second male in the litter. Come to the Zoo to get to know his personality and submit your favorite name. The chosen name will be announced on Sept. 12th and the winner will receive a Zoo Prize Pack!

    • Face painting – 11am & 2:30pm
    • Zookeeper talks (Lion Exhibit) – 9:30am, 11:30am & 3:30pm

Labor Day Celebration and Moon Pie Eatin’ Contest – Tannehill
Participate in Alabama’s largest moon pie eating contest and compete for prize money in both children and adult categories. Across the park, the United Mine Workers hold their annual Birmingham District Labor Day celebration. There’s also plenty of good BBQ and some “picking and singing” too.

Day-Use Admission:
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free

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Tuesday September 6th:

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

10 Cent Cookie Tuesday – Whole Foods
Barring any cookie monster attacks we’ll have our silver dollar-size chocolate chip cookies, baked fresh in the Bakery, for just 10 cents each. Buy a whole bushel and freeze them for later!
While Supplies Last

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
LEGO Scarecrow
One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.
5pm until supplies last

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Wednesday September 7th:

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Rumpelstiltskin, the story in which a beautiful girl is locked in a room and ordered to spin straw into gold for the king. As we enjoy something cool from our Cafe, we will do some arts and crafts and play with NOOK!
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 September 8th:

SNaP Movie and Popcorn – Emmet O’Neal Library
Come watch the next installment of your favorite wimpy kid.  3rd-6th graders. No registration required.
3:30pm

Cocktails in the Gradens – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Live music, signature cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Admission is free for members* and $15 for non-members.
5:30pm – 8:30pm

Sunset Cinemas – Railroad Park
Talladega Nights – 7pm
George’s Boxcar Cafe and Jim ‘N Nick’s Barbecue will be selling food and drink during the movies! George’s Boxcar Cafe will have all of your movie favorites, including popcorn, nachos, and candy; PLUS they will be serving cocktails! Jim ‘N Nick’s will be grilling their famous barbecue and will have other delectable Southern treats, including their famous cheese biscuits!

What to bring: a blanket or lawn chair and cash or credit card to so that you can purchase delicious food and beverages from George’s Boxcar Cafe and Jim N Nick’s!

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Friday September 9th:

Birmingham Artwalk –
Arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s loft neighborhood into an arts district, featuring the work of more than 100 visual artists, live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors, and children’s activities.

The event is free to the public and in the last three years has become a much anticipated fall event drawing visitors from all over to downtown Birmingham. For the past two years, more than 10,000 people walked the streets of downtown during the two-day event.

People of all ages can enjoy being downtown at a safe, family-friendly, community event. Friday night has been compared to a huge gallery opening with a street festival atmosphere, while Saturday afternoon caters more to the family crowd with special children’s activities.
5pm – 10pm

Grandparents Day – Ensley Library
Come join us in the amazing activities for children, as we celebrate our Grandparents!
3:00pm

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Saturday September 10th

Birmingham Artwalk –
Arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s loft neighborhood into an arts district, featuring the work of more than 100 visual artists, live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors, and children’s activities.

The event is free to the public and in the last three years has become a much anticipated fall event drawing visitors from all over to downtown Birmingham. For the past two years, more than 10,000 people walked the streets of downtown during the two-day event.

People of all ages can enjoy being downtown at a safe, family-friendly, community event. Friday night has been compared to a huge gallery opening with a street festival atmosphere, while Saturday afternoon caters more to the family crowd with special children’s activities.
12:00 – 6:00pm

Harvest Day – Birmingham Zoo
Don’t miss our Harvest Day festival in the Children’s Zoo. We will have some old-fashioned fun with music, games, animal demonstrations, and more! We will also have story time, a craft, and learn about the harvest season.

Family Day – Birmingham Museum of Art
Whether it’s modern rock, drumming from ancient lands, or folks just getting jiggy with it, the Museum is filled with artwork celebrating music and dance from around the globe. Discover the energy of movement and sound through visual art. Live music, art activities, and dancing turn an ordinary Saturday into a rockin’ event!

Full schedule:

11am-3pm
Bubble Mania Dance Party
Get Rhythym! Drum Circle
Art activities
Scavenger Hunts
Face Painting and Glitter Tattoos
Refreshments

Noon
Live performance by the Red Mountain Theatre Company

12:30pm and 2pm
Story time with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make a drum inspired by African musical instruments with Bart! The Museum now offers a fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover 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, then stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
7am – Noon

Saturday Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
This story will be just right! Let’s read Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Afterwards, we will sip on something sweet from our Cafe and play with NOOK. Then we will do some arts and crafts.
11am

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Sunday September 11th:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make a drum inspired by African musical instruments with Bart! The Museum now offers a fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover 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, then stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Eat Well, Play Well Exhibit:
What is in the food we eat? Are fruits and vegetables important? Can everyday activities burn calories? Visitors will find the answers to these questions by exploring nutrition and fitness in this summer’s traveling exhibit called Eat Well, Play Well. This highly-interactive exhibit encourage healthy living by teaching the science of making healthy-food choices and helping children and adults discover that there are many fun and interesting ways to stay active. Visitors will discover what an appropriate serving size looks like, see first hand what it takes to burn off calories, test their flexibility and balance, review the latest clinical research and realize that they can reduce their risk of disease with healthy choices that are within their reach.

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: Tornado Ally,  Born to Be Wild, and Wild Ocean.

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.

Moms Rock 2011 VOTING

Posted on by Angie

Vote as often as you like! Voting ends 9/15/11 at Noon CST.

Do it Yourself: Game Day Wreath

Posted on by Angie

Football starts tomorrow, are you ready? We are! Well I am now.

I have a red front door. A very, very red front door, which I love except for when it comes to football season. I’m an Auburn fan and having a red front door is just not acceptable. So I set out to “Auburn it up” a little bit before hosting our kickoff party this weekend. (Don’t worry Bama fans, this is just as easily made into Alabama colors.)

I have recently become a fan on Pinterest and was inspired by all of the homemade wreaths I was seeing on there so I decided to try my hand at whipping one up. I have to say I’m pleased with the result.

What you’ll need:

* Wreath “base” (I found mine for 3.99 at Hobby Lobby) You can always use a styrofoam base and completely cover it in ribbon.
* Ribbon (I had this on hand)
* A fabric or two of your choosing. I bought a quarter yard of 2 different styles in orange and white. I had gracious plenty left over, but having never made rosestte’s before I had no idea what to expect or how much I would mess up.
* Glue gun

What you’ll do:

*Figure out where you want to place your rosettes and wrap a small portion of the wreath in ribbon
* Use this tutorial to make a few rosesttes. It’s actually extremely easy and slightly addicting. (I’m wandering around trying to figure out what else I can add rosestte’s to.)
* Glue your rosettes in place
*Use your remaining ribbon to hang it and tie a bow on top.

That’s it – You’ve got a very cute wreath that represents your team. Cost around $10, depending on the fabric you choose.

 

Mommy Voices: Normalizing Pedophilia-like Behavior? I Don’t Think So.

Posted on by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

Recently, a group of activists called B4U-ACT sponsored a controversial conference aiming to (for lack of better words) normalize Pedophilia.  The conference, which took place in Baltimore, was held in an effort to convince the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to alter its definition of Pedophilia, as well as any information pertaining to Pedophilia within the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In fact, if you want to take it one step further, the main goal of B4U-ACT is to promote more compassion and sensitivity for what they term, “Minor Attracted Persons” (otherwise known as the sicko down the street who wants to have sex with your 5-year-old).

According to the APA, any adult who sexually molests children is considered to have Pedophilia, a mental disorder. In the APA’s most current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the APA states that an “adult who engages in sexual activity with a child is performing a criminal and immoral act which never can be considered normal or socially acceptable behavior.” Agreed, 100 percent, right? The group B4U-ACT however, believes that pedophiles and adults attracted to minors alike, should not be considered abnormal, and don’t deserve to be demoralized by our society. In other words, they feel that this type of sexual behavior should be, well, considered natural to some, and therefore perfectly normal.

I know! What?! Look, don’t get me wrong, if you’re an adult who is attracted to minors, and you never physically act on your impulses, (this includes indulging in viewing child pornography (ack!)) I don’t think you should be thrown in the big house. I do however, see that there is significant reason for concern, and strongly agree that anyone suffering from this level of mental illness should benefit from proper mental health treatment. However, if you are an adult who is attracted to minors and you choose to avoid help, and then you also choose to act upon your corrupt state of mind, don’t you dare come crawling around asking to be protected by the umbrella of our country’s mental health policies.

I truly believe the steps being taken by B4U-ACT are part of a larger ploy to begin the process of desensitizing our society to the unimaginable sexual tendencies experienced by adults attracted to minors. Pedophile or not, adults who feel attracted to minors are suffering from the effects of a mental health illness, and are therefore prone to very abnormal behavior. Attempting to alter society’s views of this as being unnatural gains no progress for anyone associated with such a mental illness. Trying to convince the APA, among others, that adults who are attracted to minors are normal, only deters someone in that position from realizing their symptoms are truly abnormal and that they are suffering from mental illness. There in effect, promoting the normalcy of adults being attracted to minors ultimately prevents those suffering from such a mental illness from reaching out and benefiting from the mental health therapy they so desperately need.

To the American Psychiatric Association: Stop wasting your time considering the demands of those fighting for the normalization of criminal activity. Instead, stick to your guns, and continue acting in the interest of those in need of mental health therapy- No matter if they choose it before committing a sexual crime against a child, or are forced to receive it from within the cold, concrete walls of prison. The bottom line remains the same, any sexual encounter between an adult and child, regardless of fantasy versus actual occurrence, should never even come close to being considered normal behavior.

A Mother's Shade of Green: Simple Ways to Conserve Water

Posted on by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

It’s August. It’s hot, and despite the humidity in the air, everything is dry and parched. In the midst of heat waves and drought, water usage among average households typically tends to massively increase. However, with a great deal of our city and state facing water shortages, there’s never been a better time to start using some simple water conservation techniques.

Before you begin making changes however, familiarize yourself with your family’s overall water usage. Having this knowledge on hand can help you decide how much water use should be reduced, and where and when it needs to be done. Get your whole family on board as well. Conserving resources in the home should be a group effort, not a challenge reserved just for mom or dad. There are dozens (if not hundreds) of more efficient and effective ways to save water, but they all begin with your efforts. Here are few great ways to get started:

  1. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
  2. Skip hand washing dishes and instead load them in the dishwasher. Its been proven that washing dishes in the sink can use upwards of a 1,000 gallons more each month.
  3. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
  4. Water your lawn and garden in the early morning or evening time when temperatures are a bit cooler to maximize moisture absorption and minimize evaporation.
  5. Adjust your sprinklers so that they only water the lawn, and not your house, sidewalk, or road.
  6. Check for leaks in plumbing pipes. (Tip: Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.)
  7. Make sure toilets aren’t continuously running water. Replace the toilet flapper if necessary.
  8. Minimize use of your garbage disposal. Try starting a compost and toss your vegetable peels in there instead of down the drain.
  9. Add nutrient-rich compost to your soil while planting shrubs, flowers and vegetable gardens. This improves the soils ability to absorb and hold water.
  10. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
  11. Fill the bathtub only half way, and add more toys!
  12. Collect and store rain water to use for watering your garden or houseplants. Simply set up a large bucket or other sturdy container underneath your roof line or gutter, and wait for rain.
  13. Don’t use running water to thaw frozen food. Instead, defrost food in the refrigerator.
  14. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
  15. If your kids want to run in the sprinkler, set it up in an area of the lawn that needs extra watering.

Spread the word! Share these water saving techniques with friends and family, and challenge one another to see who can produce their lowest water bill yet!

About Kate:

Kate, a freelance writer and mother of two, most often finds creative inspiration in writing, but occasionally at the bottom of an empty wine glass. She has hijacked her family’s former lifestyle and is in the midst of creating a simpler and greener approach to life. To follow her family’s challenges and successes in this endeavor, visit her blog, at Kate’s Musings. She and her family have lived in Birmingham since 2009.

Birmingham Events Calendar: August 28th – September 4th

Posted on by Angie

If you haven’t had a chance to make it down the McWane Science Center and explore the Imagination Lab, you better hurry! The exhibit will end after Labor Day Weekend.

Beginning Friday you will have a chance to see the Lion Cubs at the Birmingham Zoo as they roll out the red carpet for their introduction to the public! Football kicks off this weekend and Home Depot will celebrate by letting the kids make an ESPN College Gameday Board in their Kids Workshop.

Have a great week and enjoy your long Labor Day Weekend!

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

Sunday August 28th:

Sidewalk Film Festival
The 13th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham. Since its debut in 1999, filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema.

With nine venues located within Birmingham’s historic Theatre District (featuring the newly restored Alabama Theatre, a 2,200 seat movie palace built by Paramount in 1927), spontaneity rules the schedule of Sidewalk attendees. Low-priced weekend passes provide easy access to Sidewalk venues, encouraging attendees to seek out new films and sample programming they may not otherwise see. The result is a crowd rich in diversity and united in a hunger for new film.

For more information and a complete schedule visit their site

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art

Color and Joan Mitchell

Explore color on a large scale inspired by the painting of Joan Mitchell with Bart! The Museum now offers a fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover 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, then stop by and make art with Bart!

1pm

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Monday August 29th:

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

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Tuesday August 30th:

Fiddlesticks Music Classes – All Saints Episcopol Church, Homewood
Music Together Big Kids class (for ages 5-7)
3:30-4:30
Free
To attend any class, parents should email me at syoungson@bellsouth.net.

Storytime – Pottery Barn Kids
Hungry Caterpiller – Read along and help build a mobile about healthy eating.

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Wednesday August 31st:

Fiddlesticks Music Classes – All Saints Episcopol Church, Homewood
Music Together Mixed-Age class (for ages 0-5)
9:15-9:45
Free
To attend any class, parents should email me at syoungson@bellsouth.net.

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Oh, the places you’ll go! What places did you go this summer? Tell us about it at Storytime! Don’t forget to take a look at NOOK!
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 September 1st:

Sunset Cinemas – Railroad Park
XMen – 7pm
George’s Boxcar Cafe and Jim ‘N Nick’s Barbecue will be selling food and drink during the movies! George’s Boxcar Cafe will have all of your movie favorites, including popcorn, nachos, and candy; PLUS they will be serving cocktails! Jim ‘N Nick’s will be grilling their famous barbecue and will have other delectable Southern treats, including their famous cheese biscuits!

What to bring: a blanket or lawn chair and cash or credit card to so that you can purchase delicious food and beverages from George’s Boxcar Cafe and Jim N Nick’s!

Fiddlesticks Music Classes – All Saints Episcopol Church, Homewood
Music Together Mixed-Age class (for ages 0-5)
10:15-10:45
Music Together Babies class (for babies 8 months and under)
12:15 -12:45
Free
To attend any class, parents should email me at syoungson@bellsouth.net.

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Friday September 2nd:

Meet the Royal Family – Birmingham Zoo
The Zoo be rolling out the red carpet as you get your first opportunity to view the five African lion cubs on exhibit with their parents.celebration will feature a lion cub naming contest, regal crowns for the children (while supplies last), special Zookeeper talks, photo opportunities of the cubs and face painting from Friday, September 2nd through Monday September 5th. The naming contest is for the 5th lion cub, who weighs in at around 24 lbs. and is the second male in the litter. Come to the Zoo to get to know his personality and submit your favorite name. The chosen name will be announced on Sept. 12th and the winner will receive a Zoo Prize Pack!

    • Face painting – 11am & 2:30pm
    • Zookeeper talks (Lion Exhibit) – 9:30am, 11:30am & 3:30pm

Alabama Butterbean Festival – Downtown Pinson
The Alabama Butterbean Festival has activities to offer people of all age groups ranging from kids to grandparents! Bring out the cook in grandma with our “Butterbean and Cornbread Cooking Contest!” Take grandpa back in time to the “good ole’ days” with our Antique Car Show! Make your dog feel special when he competes in our “Tail Waggin’ Dog Pageant!” Get dad back in shape with our 5k run… while mom takes her time enjoying endless amounts of Arts and Crafts! And, capture your kid’s heart with the Children’s Parade, Kid’s Zone and Greased Pig Contest…and so much more! All of this plus FREE PARKING & FREE ADMISSION!

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Saturday September 3rd:

Meet the Royal Family – Birmingham Zoo
The Zoo be rolling out the red carpet as you get your first opportunity to view the five African lion cubs on exhibit with their parents.celebration will feature a lion cub naming contest, regal crowns for the children (while supplies last), special Zookeeper talks, photo opportunities of the cubs and face painting from Friday, September 2nd through Monday September 5th. The naming contest is for the 5th lion cub, who weighs in at around 24 lbs. and is the second male in the litter. Come to the Zoo to get to know his personality and submit your favorite name. The chosen name will be announced on Sept. 12th and the winner will receive a Zoo Prize Pack!

    • Face painting – 11am & 2:30pm
    • Zookeeper talks (Lion Exhibit) – 9:30am, 11:30am & 3:30pm

Alabama Butterbean Festival – Downtown Pinson
The Alabama Butterbean Festival has activities to offer people of all age groups ranging from kids to grandparents! Bring out the cook in grandma with our “Butterbean and Cornbread Cooking Contest!” Take grandpa back in time to the “good ole’ days” with our Antique Car Show! Make your dog feel special when he competes in our “Tail Waggin’ Dog Pageant!” Get dad back in shape with our 5k run… while mom takes her time enjoying endless amounts of Arts and Crafts! And, capture your kid’s heart with the Children’s Parade, Kid’s Zone and Greased Pig Contest…and so much more! All of this plus FREE PARKING & FREE ADMISSION!

Ross Bridge 8k and Health Expo
The Ross Bridge 8K is a race experience like no other! Our aim is to create a family friendly atmosphere while at the same time conduct a competitive 8K run. Snacks will be available as part of your race registration. Medals will be given away for the top three finishers in each age category plus grand prizes for the top male and female. The professionally measured course includes a scenic route starting in the Ross Bridge Village Center, carefully patterned after historic resort style living of early America, and crossing through the six distinctive neighborhoods of the classic American resort town. The route also takes advantage of just some of the five miles of activity trails that criss cross a slice of Civil War era history, with a grand finish at the vintage train station and welcome center!
8am

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make a drum inspired by African musical instruments with Bart! The Museum now offers a fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover 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, then stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Home Depot – Kids Workshop
ESPN College Gameday Board
Ages 5 – 12
9am – Noon

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
7am – Noon

Saturday Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
Get ready for school with If You Take a Mouse to School! We will also have Mouse as a special visitor too! Come enjoy a treat from our Cafe and create some arts and crafts. It will be a special Saturday Storytime!
11am

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Sunday September 4th:

Meet the Royal Family – Birmingham Zoo
The Zoo be rolling out the red carpet as you get your first opportunity to view the five African lion cubs on exhibit with their parents.celebration will feature a lion cub naming contest, regal crowns for the children (while supplies last), special Zookeeper talks, photo opportunities of the cubs and face painting from Friday, September 2nd through Monday September 5th. The naming contest is for the 5th lion cub, who weighs in at around 24 lbs. and is the second male in the litter. Come to the Zoo to get to know his personality and submit your favorite name. The chosen name will be announced on Sept. 12th and the winner will receive a Zoo Prize Pack!

    • Face painting – 11am & 2:30pm
    • Zookeeper talks (Lion Exhibit) – 9:30am, 11:30am & 3:30pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make a drum inspired by African musical instruments with Bart! The Museum now offers a fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover 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, then stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Imagination Lab – This summer, McWane Science Center invites you to discover the power of your imagination in a collection of new exhibits called The Imagination Lab.

Dive right into the Bubble Room where you can discover the science of suds when you step inside a giant bubble. Try your hand at making all kinds of bubbles in this unique area including square and triangular bubbles.

The Imagination Lab’s zip line offers an exciting experience for adventure seekers of any age. Parents and children alike can fly through the air on the new zip line and have a safe landing at the end of the line! Learning lurks around every turn inside a giant maze in the exhibit as you find your way around dead ends and wrong turns. With a few lessons learned, you will find your way to the end in no time.

The new Imagination Lab also features a Messy Art Studio. Splatter paint, mix colors and experiment with a variety of materials to create masterpieces of your imagination.

Inside the lab you can use giant foam building blocks to construct forts, tall towers, and more.

Eat Well, Play Well – What is in the food we eat? Are fruits and vegetables important? Can everyday activities burn calories? Visitors will find the answers to these questions by exploring nutrition and fitness in this summer’s traveling exhibit called Eat Well, Play Well. This highly-interactive exhibit encourage healthy living by teaching the science of making healthy-food choices and helping children and adults discover that there are many fun and interesting ways to stay active. Visitors will discover what an appropriate serving size looks like, see first hand what it takes to burn off calories, test their flexibility and balance, review the latest clinical research and realize that they can reduce their risk of disease with healthy choices that are within their reach!

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.

Kidfresh Foods: My Golden Ticket to Healthy Eaters

Posted on by Angie

To say that my kids are picky eaters is a complete and total understatement. For the longest time my twins thought that fruit was something that only came in a squeezy pouch from Buddy Fruits.. Seriously.

We have now, (very slowly I might add) expanded our horizons to include bananas, and on occasion grapes. If we want to try anything else, we have to get sneaky. Just like with vegetables. So I was beyond thrilled when I learned about Kidfresh, a line of all natural kids meals that was founded by a Dad. They claimed to have done my dirty work for me by hiding veggies in every single one of their meals. What’s that? No more steaming and pureeing the carrots myself in order to sneak them into the one thing my kids will eat… Mac & Cheese.

Intrigued, we reached out to them on twitter and they were happy to send us some coupons that would allow us to try their product. Our taste buds were delighted (not just the kids either.) So, to make sure we were giving a fair assessment, we then set out to get feedback from some other Moms…. You know how we get when we find a product we love. We obsess and insist that everyone we know, know what we know. Ya’ know?

Local Blogger, Rachel from Grasping for Objectivity says: “I didn’t have a lot of expectations of these, because let’s face it: I’m not organic and I’m barely green (and that’s only because it’s my favorite color).  But I dutifully went to Whole Foods and bought them for Ali.  I got the quesadillas (with hidden carrots) and mac and cheese (again with the carrots).  I fixed the quesadilla first, and tasted a bite.  I was shocked – it was seriously the best quesadilla I had ever put in my mouth!  The carroty cheese was especially creamy (who knew? Maybe I should put carrots in my cheese), and the tortilla was surprisingly fresh for just having been frozen.  It was seriously delicious.  And Ali loved it too! She was quite the fan.  I fixed the mac and cheese a few days later, hoping to quench my desire for some more of the creamy carroty cheese.  Sure enough, it was awesome too!! Ali, Noah and I all fought over it, and loved it to the last bite.” 

Kristen B. Our “Parenting with a PhD” Contributor also loved the Mac & Cheese: ” I made the Kid Fresh Wagon Wheels Mac-and-Cheese for my four-year-old daughter.  Fortunately, it only took two minutes to cook in the microwave because she was chanting: “MAC-AND-CHEESE!” over and over while I got it ready.  I was relieved to find that I really couldn’t see the vegetables hidden inside because that meant neither could she.  She ate the entire bowl in under five minutes, pronounced it “Yummy” and “Delicious,” and I didn’t feel guilty for not having planned ahead or made a vegetable side dish.  A resounding success!”

Erin D. adds her thoughts, saying: “We are eating the cheese quesadillas and the spaghetti noodles. My son is eating the spaghetti like crazy. He loves it, but he will eat anything I put in front of him. It’s easy for him to pick up but he can also hook the noodle on the end of a fork and get it in his mouth which seems to be a plus for older kids. My daughter seems to like bot. She’s not a big eater- she will just randomly eat which I guess is similar to most 2 year olds. She has eaten several spoonfuls of the spaghetti and one quesadilla. Both kids seems to like the food. It’s very east to heat in the microwave and get it on the table for them. It doesn’t seem to taste too bad as most kids food tastes terrible to me.”

The only downside we can seem to find is availability. You can find them at Whole Foods and a handful of Publix stores (Hoover, Hueytown, Bessemer, Alabaster, Helena, Pelham.) So, next time you’re in or near one of those stores, stop in and stock up. Getting your kids to eat healthy is completely worth it!

Have you tried Kidfesh meals? What are your thoughts or favorites?

Positively Unique Birthday Parties!

Posted on by Angie

Want to throw a thoroughly unique birthday party to surprise both your honored birthday girl or boy and your guests?  Check out these unique ways to make your party pop!

Choose a theme unlike what you’ll find at your local party store:

Move away from the typical character themes and the usual.  Think outside of the box.  How about:

  • A Party in Paris
  • Vintage Circus
  • Gone Fishin’
  • Vintage Cowboys and Cowgirls
  • Purple Party!
  • Creeping Creatures Party
  • Polka Dot Party


We love a vintage-themed party.  Deanna Gardner of The Baby Gardner has a few ideas to spice up your birthday parties. “If you really want to make your birthday party unique, take a common theme and add a vintage twist to it. Circus, cowboys, fairies, cars, zoo animals — the list goes on and on. These are some of the most popular party themes, but give them a vintage feel and you’ve created something totally unique.”

The Baby Gardner has some great resources for getting your party in full swing in a very unique way.  Their top-5 list of favorite resources include:

1. Layer Cake Shop: This is my all time favorite resource for birthday baking novelties. If you’re not sure about your party theme (or even if you are), hit this shop first for all kinds of inspiring ideas. (I could design an entire party around these vintage car cupcake toppers!)

2. Tin Parade: Tin Parade designs vintage-inspired packaged parties for children’s birthdays. These memorable parties are one-of-a-kind and full of things you or your child will keep for years to come. If you want to pull out all the stops, this is the place to do it. My personal favorite is Ruby’s Tea Party Set.

3. The Baby Gardner: If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all your vintage birthday party needs, the selection at The Baby Gardner can’t be beat. A wide variety of vintage-themed birthday invitations are available, as well as exclusive birthday party supplies complete with cupcake picks, banners and favor bags.

4. Rolling Pin Productions: Delight your eyes and taste buds with custom decorated sugar cookies. Vintage styles available. Be sure to check out the Baby section and the Kid section to see all the possibilities. Wouldn’t the baby shoe cookies be adorable for a first birthday?

5. Silver Spoon Scraps: Offering handmade vintage-inspired party hats that are a must for all those birthday photos. Crepe paper and vintage graphics make these simply fabulous and the selection goes on for days. Don’t miss the Vintage Ballerina Party Hat and the Vintage Airplane Party Hat. (The Baby Gardner also carries three exclusive party hat designs crafted by Sita Riddle of Silver Spoon Scraps. Check them out in our Birthday Party Collection.)

Want even more resources for planning your darlings perfect day, check out PlumParty.com – you’ll find a wonderful array of party themes and even printable party items!

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