Birmingham Restaurant Week is Kid Friendly

Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2011 by Angie

Birmingham Restaurant Week is back and in case you didn’t know, it’s kid friendly! That’s right, now you have absolutely no excuses not to participate. From August 19 to August 28, restaurants throughout the metro area will offer special prices for complete dinner, lunch and/or brunch menus to entice diners to revisit their favorite restaurants or sample new ones they’ve been meaning to try.

Some of the restaurants that will be offering a kids menu are, Frio en la paz, La Paz, Maki Fresh, Do Di Yo’s and more!

For more information on kids menus, pricing and all of the wonderful Birmingham Restaurants participating, visit their site.

Happy Eating!

2nd Annual Birmingham Moms Rock

Posted on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 by Angie

Mark your calendars now for our 2nd Annual Moms Rock Event, presented by Brookwood Medical Center.

Do you know a mom who manages to make “mommy” look like a verb? We’re not looking for the “perfect” moms, we’re looking for the ones who love their families and make mommying fun. We want the women who manage to keep their life balanced, all while putting their kiddos first. Face it, the moms who rock are everywhere… they’re at the grocery store in stained sweats, they’re at work in a business suit, they are donating their time to local charities, driving carpool and rockin’ the PTA with baked goods, they’re all around you!

We want you to nominate your friends or loved ones who are a “Birmingham Mom who ROCKS!” 10 finalists will be chosen by panel for the chance to win some fabulous prizes and swag provided by: Callaway Gardens, Diamonds Direct, Jen Cowsar Photography, Cheeriodicals, Alys Stephens Center, Brookwood Medical Center, Buds Best Cookies, Rodan and Fields, CosmetAssure, and more!

This will be an exciting and fun night out with live music, chair massages, food, prizes, swag, and of course some Rockin’ cocktails! It’s sure to be a great night of fun for you and your Mommy Friends so make plans to join us that night and find out who will be Birmingham’s Most Rockin’ Mom.

September 15th
McWane Science Center Plaza

Use the form below to nominate your Rockin’ Mom. We will accept nominations until August 31st. 10 finalists will be chosen from the nominees and the winner will be selected via reader voting. A grand prize will be awarded to the winning Mommy at the event on September 15th.

*Nominees from last years event are eligible for nomination again this year, winners from last year’s event are not.

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Birmingham Events Calendar: August 14th – August 21st

Posted on Sunday, August 14, 2011 by Angie

This weeks calendar is PACKED! So much to do we dare your to try and fit it all in!!

Did you know that Winnie the Pooh is turning 90? You can celebrate all week by stopping by the youth dept at the Birmingham Public Library and making a card for Pooh.

The UniverSoul Circus kicks off this week and if you missed the fun at Alabama Adventure’s KidFest this past weekend, not to worry you can catch it going on again this weekend as well as Stokin’ the Fire BBQ and Music Festival at Sloss Furnace.

The much anticipated Birmingham Restaurant Week is Back, it kicks off this week at the Alabama Theatre! As you will see there are so many choices to keep you and your family busy this week!

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

Sunday August 14th:

BAAMfest

Birmingham Arts and Music festival (BAAMfest!) is a celebration of Birmingham’s rich and diverse cultural arts scene. Transforming the local venues into destinations, BAAMfest! seeks to reintroduce the city to its community with an emphasis on local musicians, artists, experiences and performances. Taking a cue from SXSW, BAAMfest! encourages attendees to explore the city’s local businesses and engage them in a way they may not have engaged before. Interaction and exploration are the cornerstones to BAAMfest! We invite you to join us on our journey as we discover the hidden talents of our City.

New for the 2nd annual festival is addition of Experience Venues such as Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, McWane Center and Alys Stephens Center. Attendees to BAAMfest! will have the opportunity to take advantage of special events within these Experience Venus such as art shows, industry panels, children’s events and more.

For tickets and more information on where to be and win, visit their site.

Alabama Adventure Kids Fest
Get ready for school with a stop into Alabama Adventure’s Kids Fest. Meet some of this year’s show characters like Curious George, Bob the Builder, and Clifford the Big Red Dog. And they’re not all, stop in and meet Ronald McDonald, Grimace, and Hamburglar . There will be lots for the kids to do!
10:30am – 7:00pm

CDF Community Fest – Children’s Dance Foundation
A creative and interactive celebration for all ages!

CDF Community Fest is a free event, with activities and performances for the entire family to enjoy….

an interactive drum circle led by Get Rhythm Program’s John Scalici, kids’ craft zone, face-painting, outdoor moonwalk,
world dance performances, food and drinks, instructional line dancing and a silent auction full of family fun!
2:00pm-5:00pm

Tickets:

Included in park admission:
General Admission $35.99 ($30.99 ONLINE)
Junior/Senior (Under 48″ or over 62 years) $25.99
Children 3 and under get in free FREE

One Day Parking $10.00

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 15th:

Celebrate Winnie the Pooh’s 90th Birthday – Birmingham Public Library
Join the youth department in wishing Winnie-the-Pooh a happy 90th Birthday, by coming by and making Pooh a birthday card!
All Day

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Tuesday August 16th:

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Wednesday August 17th:

UniverSoul Circus – Legion Field Stadium – Birmingham Park
Throughout the years the show has included clowns, trapeze acts, motorcycle daredevils, break dancing, acrobats, bicycle daredevils, magical illusions, dogs, lions, tigers, elephants, stilt walkers, Caribbean limbo dancers, and more. The performers have been from the USA, Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Colombia, Dominican Republic, China, Cuba, Russia, and Brazil.

BOX SEATING
$27.00 Ticket + $6.15 Fees = $33.15
GRANDSTAND SEATING
$17.50 Ticket + $5.15 Fees = $22.65
$23.00 Ticket + $5.65 Fees = $28.65

Infants 11 months and under are free but must sit on adult’s lap.

Info Phone: 800-277-1700

7:30pm

Storytime Science – McWane
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for your early learner to experience science through literature. Enjoy an enriching story coupled with an intriguing science concept that is sure to spark the curiosity of your child.
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
10:30am

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
There’s a Wocket in My Pocket! What is a Wocket? Come find out and make some fun arts and crafts!
11am

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday August 18th:

Birmingham Restaurant Week Preview Party – Alabama Theatre
he preview party will feature many B’ham restaurants. Guests will enjoy local food and drinks. All proceeds go to the Lyric Theatre. Enjoy food, drink, and Lyric Theatre tours!

For more information on BRW that will run through the 28th or to purchase tickets, visit their site

Alabama Outdoors Climbing Wall – Alabama Outdoors Homewood
Family friendly climbing wall
Admission: Free
2pm-6pm.

BOX SEATING
$27.00 Ticket + $6.15 Fees = $33.15
GRANDSTAND SEATING
$17.50 Ticket + $5.15 Fees = $22.65
$23.00 Ticket + $5.65 Fees = $28.65

Infants 11 months and under are free but must sit on adult’s lap.

Info Phone: 800-277-1700
10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m

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Friday August 19th:

BOX SEATING
$27.00 Ticket + $6.15 Fees = $33.15
GRANDSTAND SEATING
$17.50 Ticket + $5.15 Fees = $22.65
$23.00 Ticket + $5.65 Fees = $28.65

Infants 11 months and under are free but must sit on adult’s lap.

Info Phone: 800-277-1700
4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m

Wild About Books Storytime – Birmingham Zoo

Join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo. We’ll talk about sheep, turtles, elephants, parrots; and we might even get a visit with a few of our furry friends!
10am

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Saturday August 20th:

Dylan’s Candyland Birthday Party – Swoozies, Summit
Yummy Activities, Candyland Fun, Sweet Favors and gift cards for kids.
First 25 children to arrive get free gifts.
1pm – 3pm

RSVP specific location (Summit) and number attending to rsvp@swoozies.com

Stokin’ The Fire BBQ and Music Festival – Sloss Furnace
In addition to the BBQ battles, the festival has something for everyone this year including: Art demonstrations provided by the Sloss Furnaces metal arts staff. Live popular musicians known locally and around the southeast, Cajun dancing demonstrations, BBQ sampling during the People’s Choice competition (12pm-5pm) VIP Tickets available for sale this year! Kids will have plenty of rib ticklin’ fun in the expanded kids’ zone.
11am – 9pm

Adult Saturday Pass – $17
Adult VIP pass – $35 (VIP pass must be picked up at the front gate.)
Child Day Pass (5-12 years of age) – $5
Children under 5 years of age – free

Click here to buy tickets online. Please note that all tickets purchased online will include convenience fees. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the front gate during festival hours. For questions regarding ticket sales, please call 205.324.1911.

Teddy Bear Clinic – Birmingham Zoo
Bring your favorite stuffed animal for a chuck-up at the hands of UAB Medical School students, and receive their certificate of good health. Experience up-close encounters with some of the Zoo’s amazing animals and have your face painted during the event.

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Suzette and the Puppy: A Story about Mary Cassatt introduces young readers to Edgar Degas’s Little Girl in a Blue Armchair and follows the adventures of a French girl and the puppy she meets in the park.

Bart the Art Bat selects one book each month about art that he think 4-7 year olds will enjoy. The storytellers are often our favorite teachers from local schools
11:00am

BOX SEATING
$27.00 Ticket + $6.15 Fees = $33.15
GRANDSTAND SEATING
$17.50 Ticket + $5.15 Fees = $22.65
$23.00 Ticket + $5.65 Fees = $28.65

Infants 11 months and under are free but must sit on adult’s lap.

Info Phone: 800-277-1700
Noon, 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.

Park 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
7am – 5pm

Music on Mainstreet – Columbiana
This festival features live music and food vendors right in the middle of Main Street. People should bring chairs, kids bring Frisbees, and pets can come on a leash.

Music on Main Street is sponsored by the Columbiana Merchants and Professional Association with assistance of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and the Columbiana Police Department.
7pm – 9pm

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
7am – Noon

Helena Market Days – Helena Amphitheater
Buy Fresh, Buy Local” at Helena Market Days this Summer! Helena Market Days seeks to provide the citizens of Helena with an alternative source for locally grown foods and locally made products. Products Vegetables, flowers, honey, pottery, bread, coffee and breakfast treats.
6am – Noon

Mt Laurel Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair
Activities, music and family fun
8am – Noon

Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market – Homewood
Just farmed produce to specialty food vendors and creative artisans.
7:30 – 12:30

Saturday Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
What does Horton hear? He hears a Who! We all love this story, so come hear it read to you. Then, we will create some arts and crafts and take a look at NOOK!
11am

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Sunday August 21st:

Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.

Park 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
7am – 5pm

BOX SEATING
$27.00 Ticket + $6.15 Fees = $33.15
GRANDSTAND SEATING
$17.50 Ticket + $5.15 Fees = $22.65
$23.00 Ticket + $5.65 Fees = $28.65

Infants 11 months and under are free but must sit on adult’s lap.

Info Phone: 800-277-1700
2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art

Color and Joan Mitchell

1pm

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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.

Review: Planetbox Lunch Box

Posted on Friday, August 12, 2011 by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

Once my children reached an age where they began taking lunch to school, l knew I needed to start looking for a reusable lunchbox that was not only fun and durable, but also met some decent sustainability and Eco-friendly standards. Over the years we’ve tried a few different types, and for the most part I’ve been happy with our choices. Yet, despite their making it through the entire school year (with lots of washings might I add) the lunchboxes still seemed too worn and torn to make an encore appearance the following Fall. So this school year we’ve upped our game plan and decided to send the kids to school with lunches packed in a Planetbox.

Made from stainless steel, Planetbox uses the lunch tray concept, which allows you to pack different foods in individual compartments. A tight fitting lid closes down over the tray and latches closed, helping to keep those foods securely in place. The Planetbox fits snugly inside of a washable carry bag that is made out of 100% recycled fibers from plastic bottles (how cool is that?). The outside of the zippered carry bag comes with a water bottle holder and a snack sized pocket with a Velcro flap top. Inside, a mesh pouch is the perfect size to hold a cloth napkin or eating utensil. Decorative magnets come with a Plantebox (you can choose from a variety of themes) adding some extra fun for the kids, not to mention some much needed color to the otherwise plain and institutional look of stainless steel.

Planetbox offers additional products as well, such as different size sealed containers made to fit into several compartments, and perfect for packing “wet” foods.

From both an environmental and a mom point of view, I’m really excited about this new method of carrying lunch. Sustainability, efficiency, and especially practicality, all score high when rating a Planetbox, however, you do pay dearly for it. The entire kit, complete with the steel lunch tray, two additional containers, decorative magnets, and the carry bag, costs about $60. Sold individually however, the Planetbox lunch tray sells for around $35, and may be a more feasible option for those looking to spend less. Although it seems like a lot of money to pay upfront, I feel confident that investing in a Planetbox serves multiple purposes, and will easily carry us through several years of lunchbox use.

For more information, including where to buy Planetbox products, visit www.planetbox.com.

About K

ate:

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.

Two Free Tickets to the Gulf Coast Exploreum

Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2011 by Angie

You know we love free and we love to pass along a good deal. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to travel to south Alabama now you have one!

Share your summer story and receive two free tickets to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Alabama. To receive the tickets, log on and share your story on this site by August 21.

Tickets may be used for one visit through December 31, 2011, and are courtesy of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. This ticket giveaway is part of Blue Cross’ ongoing “Be You” campaign, which invites everyone to submit personal stories and share them on the website. Participants can also share stories through email, Twitter and Facebook.

The Gulf Coast Exploreum has been the number one family attraction for nine straight years and one of the top 15 science centers in the country, the Exploreum is the only science and technology center serving south Alabama, south Mississippi and northwest Florida. Blue Cross has been a longtime supporter of the Exploreum.

So what are you waiting for? Submit your story now and snatch up those free tickets!!

Sidewalk Film Festival: Family Film Lineup

Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 by Angie

The Sidewalk Film Festival is just around the corner and in case you didn’t know, it’s a very family friendly event! Mark your calendars now and use this lineup below to decide what you’ll see with your kiddos!

* All Family Film Festival events will take place the the Rushton Theater at the McWane Science Center and admission is free!

Features:

Mia and the Migoo
Director: Jaques-Remy Girerd
91mins/France/Animated Feature
Saturday, August 27th – 12:15pm

Mia and the Migoo features a tenacious female lead character and strong environmental messages, as well as themes related to the importance of family. Animator Jacques-Rémy Girard created Mia and the Migoo from over 500,000 hand-painted animated frames, a refreshing change from the popular, modern computer generated approach to animation. Dany Boon, Matthew Modine, Whoopi Goldberg and more lend their voices to the film. Appropriate for all ages.

David
Director: Joel Fendelman*
80mins/USA/Narrative Feature
Saturday, August 27th – 4:15pm
*scheduled to attend

A powerful and entertaining film, David packs in a long history of religious tension with elegance and respect. Its star, Muatasem Mishal, carries the film like a trained veteran. It’s a story that should appeal to all ages and personal beliefs.

Eleanor’s Secret
Director: Dominique Monfery
80mins/France/Animated Feature
Sunday, August 28th – 12:10pm

Eleanor’s Secret is the new, imaginatively animated work from Academy-Award-nominated Director/Animator Dominique Monfery. The film presents a pro-literacy message through the frames of a beautifully animated setting. Appropriate for all ages.

Fort McCoy
Directors: Kate Connor and Michael Worth
101mins/USA/Narrative Feature
Sunday, August 28th – 4:10pm

Eric Stoltz, Camryn Manheim, screenwriter Kate Connor and many other renowned actors star in Fort McCoy. Aside from the expectedly exceptional performances, the incredible work done by the wardrobe, prop and locations departments is exceedingly notable. Part adventure, part romance and part drama, Fort McCoy, mostly told through the eyes of young Gertie, is a surprisingly family-friendly, patiently paced independent film with a pleasantly wholesome and old-fashioned tone.

Short Blocks:

Fun for the little ones. Saturday, August 27th 10:30am:

Karl Dahl and the Golden Cube
Directed by Chris Olsen
13mins/USA/Animated Short
Twin vaudevillian nutcrackers (Karl and Vincent Dahl) inadvertently foil a major Museum Gold Heist in this epic animated comedy adventure!

Midtown Twist
Directed by Gary Leib
1min/USA/Animated Short
An animated story of Midtown Manhattan

Hola Gorilla
Directed by Walter Moore (Alabama Filmmaker)
2mins/USA/Animated Short
An animated Gorilla speaks Spanish!

The Gruffalo
Directed by Max Lang and Jakob Schuh
27mins/UK/Animated Short
Based on the bestselling book, a cunning mouse goes for a walk in the forest and outwits a succession of predators.

Neighborhood Watch
Directed by Zack Booth
3mins/USA/Animated Short
With an unlimited supply of chalk, this short film explores various interpretations of the phrase “neighborhood watch”

Coonpipes
Directed by Madeleine Mathis
2mins/USA/Animated Short
A stop motion short in which a junkyard dog chases a thieving raccoon through the forest, only to discover something he did not expect.

Fun for the “big kids” Saturday, August 27th 2:30pm:

Regular Kids
Directed by Rich Leder
12mins/USA/Narrative Short
Children of circus performer’s don’t get to trick-or-treat on Halloween like regular kids.

Chicken Cowboy
Directed by Stephen P. Neary
7mins/USA/Animated Short
A chicken cowboy rides into town.

Lunch
Directed by Irina Golina-Sagatelian
2mins/Israel/Animated Short
Vlad wants to eat his lunch alone but someone drops a small cat near his door.

Report Card Day
Directed by David Kilgo (Alabama Filmmaker)
1min/USA/Animated Short
Father checks his kid’s report cards. Let’s hope they’re good.

Sebastian’s Adventure
Directed by Nat Motulsky (Teen Filmmaker)
2mins/USA/Narrative Short
Imagine escaping…

The Director
Directed by Destri Martino
1min/USA/Animated Short
One director attempts to make a statement.

Bait
Directed by Michael Moore
10mins/USA/Animated Short
A group of worms wake up one morning to find themselves trapped in a young boy’s bait bucket.

Joe the Clay Guy and the Crystal Sword
Directed by Jeff Novaez
3mins/USA/Animated Short
Joe is out on his motorcycle in search of the cave that houses the legendary Crystal Sword

See
Directed by Molly Cinnamon and Miranda Kasher (Teen Filmmakers)
2mins/USA/Narrative Short
A child gathering seashells at the seashore discovers that under the surface things are not as they should be.

FFrizelda
Directed by Kate McMath (Alabama and Teen Filmmaker)
8mins/USA/Animated Short
This film tells the silly story of a girl who has a great heart and lives in a village where everyone is blind.

Without Wings
Directed by Jo Meuris
4mins/Canada/Animated Short
A celebration of the human body in motion.

There will also be a Young Filmmaker Showcase, Films made by Teens for Teens (well mostly) on Sunday, August 28th, 2:10pm.

For more information on the Lineup for the Young Filmmaker Showcase or Sidewalk Film Festival in general, you can visit their site.

Blogging: It's not just for Moms anymore

Posted on Monday, August 8, 2011 by Angie

Seems like over the past few years having a kid not only made you a Mommy, it made you a blogger too. It’s as if the doctor was delivering a child and a cute little blog name all at the same time. “Congratulations It’s a girl! Your blog will be called ‘The Incoherent Ramblings of a Sleep Deprived Mom.’ Good luck with that, I’ll see you when the stitches heal.”

Moms start their blogs for many reasons, to journal the life of their sweet babes, to update friends and family who aren’t around every day, to gripe, to cope, to find a little peace in a world that has shocked their systems. They craft, they cook, they clean up poop, they blog. But more and more Dads are stepping up to their keyboards or iPads and who knew? They’re actually very entertaining and they have a lot to say.

What is driving these Daddys to step into this virtual world and share their deep-dark secrets? I have to imagine that if they are in the role of a Stay at Home Parent, they are going through many of the same things we have as New Moms….minus the postpartum depression, and having to sit on an inflatable doughnut for weeks after giving birth. One might say that their feelings of being terrified and out of place trump our own, after all, we have those “motherly instincts” to fall back on.

Adrian Kulp, the hysterical Dad behind the edgy, tell-it-like-it-is blog, Dad or Alive, found himself blogging after becoming an “unexpected Stay and Home Dad” living in Los Angeles, California. He chronicles his days of diaper changing, playing at the playground, and shares what it’s like to be the only Dad there and what it’s like trying to convince the Soccer Moms and Nannies that he is an “unemployed, devoted father and not some seedy weirdo with a candy van that hangs out at playgrounds during the day.”

Another Daddy Blogger site we find funny and entertaining is DadCentric – it’s a gathering of sorts of several daddy bloggers and writers who are staging a revolution to “overthrow the outdated notions of fatherhood.” On their site you will find stories, essays and reviews. Just like many of the mom-blogging sites you might already be familiar with.

Many Daddy Bloggers are getting in on the product reviews and giveaways and why shouldn’t they? If they are the ones staying home and putting the product to use, then their opinion is the one the company needs.

So, whether they are stay at home dads, or dads that just take the time to write about their life as a father in general, Dads are pretty darn funny and I hope to see more and more of them join the bloggy world!

Do you know of a Daddy Blogger we should be following? Let us know!

Birmingham Events Calendar: August 7th – August 14th

Posted on Sunday, August 7, 2011 by Angie

Are we there yet? Many schools are kicking off the new school year this week and the heat is still sweltering, Hello August!

We still have some fun things going on around town and this weekend will bring the 2nd Annual Birmingham Arts and Musical Festival, complete with children’s activities that will be taking place at the McWane Science Center.

Lowe’s is hosting a back to school themed Build and Grow clinic and you can catch the Kids Fest going on at Alabama Adventure, all this week!

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

Sunday August 7th:

$5 Fun Days at the Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo invites the entire community to visit during Five Dollar Fun Days! Head this way to enjoy $5 admission, $1 hotdogs and FREE carousel rides. You won’t want to miss out on this experience plus several FREE activities and shows like the Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show, Wildlife Show, Boma Encounter, Animal Keeper Talks and much, much more!

Jazz in the Park – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2nd annual Jazz in the Park concert series in Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Bring your picnic basket and lawn chair for an evening of Jazz featuring diverse group Birmingham area Jazz musicians. Jazz in the Park is a smoke-free event and healthy food vendors will be available including Jones Valley Urban Farm and West End Gardens.
5pm – 8pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art

Color and Joan Mitchell

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Monday August 8th:

Children’s Storytime – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Nature inspires creativity in children by engaging a full range of the senses. During Story Time we will stimulate the imagination by reading themed books about nature, wildlife, and the great outdoors. After the story, we make a craft that reflects the theme of the day. This program encourages a child’s limitless imagination. We will gather in the Tree Top Visitor Center’s Activity Hall for this Story Time adventure.

•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for pre-school age. •Drop-ins welcome.
10am

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Tuesday August 9th:

Birmingham Barons $1 Days
Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to a Barons game on Tuesdays for a steal of a deal! Visit kraftsingles.com for more info! Exclusions apply.
7:05pm

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Wednesday August 10th:

Back to School Bash – Adamsville Library
Games Prizes and light refreshment with a chance to win some school supplies!
10am

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a reading of Wacky Wednesday. We will make some arts and crafts and play in our Toys & Games Department.
11am

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Thursday August 11th:

Free and Discounted Movies
Carmike Summit – Last Airbender

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Friday August 12th:

30th Annual I love America Summer Series – Wald Park Vestavia
Children’s activities, music by the Vestavia Hills High School Band and family movie.

Presented by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation Department. All events held at Wald Park.
6:30 – 9:00pm

BAAM Fest

For tickets and more information on where to be and win, visit their site.

Wild About Books Storytime – Birmingham Zoo
Join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo. We’ll talk about sheep, turtles, elephants, parrots; and we might even get a visit with a few of our furry friends!
10am

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Saturday August 13th:

BAAM Fest
Birmingham Arts and Music festival (BAAMfest!) is a celebration of Birmingham’s rich and diverse cultural arts scene. Transforming the local venues into destinations, BAAMfest! seeks to reintroduce the city to its community with an emphasis on local musicians, artists, experiences and performances. Taking a cue from SXSW, BAAMfest! encourages attendees to explore the city’s local businesses and engage them in a way they may not have engaged before. Interaction and exploration are the cornerstones to BAAMfest! We invite you to join us on our journey as we discover the hidden talents of our City.

For tickets and more information on where to be and win, visit their site.

Music and Fireworks in the Vineyard – Morgan Creek Vineyard
Enjoy the music of Bonus Round as Morgan Creek continues its annual summer concert series. Each Music & Fireworks event at Morgan Creek is family-friendly and includes parking, a winery tour, wine tasting, live music and spectacular fireworks. Guests are welcome to pack a picnic or purchase food on site. $10 per person
6:00pm – 10:00pm

Tickets:

Included in park admission:
General Admission $35.99 ($30.99 ONLINE)
Junior/Senior (Under 48″ or over 62 years) $25.99
Children 3 and under get in free FREE

One Day Parking $10.00

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
School House Photo Holder
10am

Matinee – Alabama Theatre
Alabama Theater – National Velvet
$7 adults $6 sr. citizens and children under 12. Available at the box office 1 hour before show time.

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
7am – Noon

Mt Laurel Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair
Activities, music and family fun
8am – Noon

Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market – Homewood
Just farmed produce to specialty food vendors and creative artisans.
7:30 – 12:30

Saturday Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
Can you read with your eyes shut? The Cat in the Hat can! Come see how in this classic Dr. Seuss story. Create arts and crafts, and sip on something sweet from our Cafe. Then, play in our Toys & Games Department and take a look at NOOK!
11am

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Sunday August 14th:

BAAMfest

For tickets and more information on where to be and win, visit their site.

CDF Community Fest – Children’s Dance Foundation
A creative and interactive celebration for all ages!

CDF Community Fest is a free event, with activities and performances for the entire family to enjoy….

Tickets:

Included in park admission:
General Admission $35.99 ($30.99 ONLINE)
Junior/Senior (Under 48″ or over 62 years) $25.99
Children 3 and under get in free FREE

One Day Parking $10.00

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art

Color and Joan Mitchell

1pm

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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.

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.

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

Tax Free Weekend 2011, Birmingham

Posted on Thursday, August 4, 2011 by Angie

Every little bit of savings can help when it comes to buying school supplies and clothing. This weekend is tax free weekend (August 5th – 7th ) around the city so you, the parent- a.k.a the one with all of the money, can get a little relief on some of the things you need to buy.

So, what items are you eligible to save on?

Clothing under $100
School supplies under $50
Books under $30
Computers/computer equipment under $750

Not all counties are participating so before heading out, check this list and make your game plan for where you want to shop. Keep in mind that the sales start at 12:01 Friday morning, so if you can sneak out and do some of your shopping at a big box retailer that is open 24 hours, it might be a great way to avoid some of the crowds you might encounter during normal shopping hours throughout the weekend.

Don’t forget your coupons and make sure you don’t get sucked into a false sense of savings. Do a little research before making a big purchase to be sure the items you’re looking for aren’t typically less expensive before (or after) the tax free weekend. A great way to do this is to check online before you shop!

We hope you have a very happy and successful tax free holiday!

Droolicious Cuisine: Garden Vegetable Crepes

Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 by Angie

“Take advantage of some great late summer produce and sneak in those extra servings of vegetables with this family-friendly dinner. Trust me, the kids will forget they are eating vegetables with this recipe!” Yields 4 servings

Ingredients:
1/3 cup lowfat sour cream
2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lowfat milk                                                          Crepe Ingredients:
2 teaspoons lemon juice                                                            1 cup whole wheat flour
salt and pepper                                                                        2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil                                                                 1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups zucchini, chopped                                                           1 cup lowfat milk
2 cups corn kernels                                                                  1/2 cup water
1 cup green beans, chopped                                                       2 teapsoons butter, melted
2 ounces Neufchatel cream cheese                                             2 eggs
1/2 cup shredded lowfat Monterey Jack cheese

1) Whisk together sour cream, onion, milk, and lemon juice in a small bowl with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Refrigerate.
2) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add vegetables and cook until tender. About 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3) Preheat an 8-inch skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter into pan and quickly tilt pan in all directions to coat pan. Cook 1 minute. Flip with a spatula and cook an additional 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter. Separate cooked crepes with parchment paper or paper towels.
4) Add both cheeses to vegetable mixture and toss until melted. Remove from heat.
5) Evenly divide vegetables among crepes. Roll up and place seam side down on plates. Top with sour cream mixture.