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Father's Day Giveaway: Butler's Grooming Salon

Posted on by Angie

If there were to be a version of the spa for men, Butler’s Grooming would be it.  Any Birmingham Daddy would enjoy a nice hot lather shave and 30 minute swedish massage.  Add in a beverage (spirits and beers) and you have the best Daddy Day gift!

To enter:
1. Comment here, easy!  1 entry
2. Tweet this, ” @ButlersGrooming has a giveaway on @BirminghamMommy  http://ow.ly/5hDyK ”   1 entry
3. Write on Butler’s Facebook wall- tell them hello or whatever you want!  1 entry

Contest ends on Friday June 17th at Noon.
Father’s day promo expires in 30 days
Phone number: 323.4100

Birmingham Events Calendar June 12th – 19th

Posted on by Angie

If you’re looking for something to do that doesn’t involve soaking in an nice cold pool, we’ve got a list of activities happening this week.

Don’t forget Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, have you made any plans for the Husband of Father in your life? Don’t let it sneak up on you!

Have a great week and try to stay cool!

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

Sunday June 12th:

Alabama Symphony Orchestra – Railroad Park
Family Fun Day at Railroad Park – playing The Beatles, Brahms and Harry Potter.
5pm

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

—————————————————————————————

Monday June 13th:

World Travelers – Gardendale Martha Moore Library
Let’s go to Asia today! Join Mrs. Janet for stories, folklore, games and crafts from this country. 1st – 3rd grade.
3:30 – 4:30pm

Monday Movie – Homewood Library
Come join us for a fun flick and tasty treat!
3pm

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Tuesday June 14th:

WORLD OF FAIRY TALES: THE FAIRY TALES OF GRIMM – Emmet O’ Neal Library
Atlantic Coast Theater presents “Fairy Tales of Grimm.”  All ages. No registration required.
10:30 am and 3:30 pm.

Safari Greg – Hoover Public Library
Safari Greg presents a wacky and wild adventure that includes animals, magic, comedy and tons of fun in the Library Theatre! For ages 4 and up.
10:30am, 1:30pm and 6:30pm

Storytime  – Jane Boyd Holmes Public Library Helena
Come and enjoy story time here at the library
11am.

Free or Discounted Movies
Amstar Alabaster – Monster’s Vs. Aliens
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Regal Trussville – Cats and Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore and Megamind
Edge 12 – Chicken Run, Shrek the Third

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday June 15th:

Safari Greg – Hoover Public Library
Safari Greg presents a wacky and wild adventure that includes animals, magic, comedy and tons of fun in the Library Theatre! For ages 4 and up.
10:30am and 1:30pm

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
Join us (a day late, we know) for a special Flag Day Storytime. We’ll learn about the alphabet and our country as we read D Is for Democracy: A Citizen’s Alphabet by Elissa Grodin. Continue the learning in our Educational Toys & Games Department
11:00 am

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

Free or Discounted Movies
Amstar Alabaster – Monster’s Vs. Aliens
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Regal Trussville – Cats and Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore and Megamind
Edge 12 – Chicken Run, Shrek the Third

—————————————————————————————

Thursday June 16th:

Pippi and Friends – Homewood Public Library
Pippi Longstocking is coming into your world. Come meet Pippi and her friends Old Man and Mr. Nilsson. I hear Old Man will be offering rides. We will also be sampling a treat from Pippi’s famous lemonade tree.
10:30am

My World Storytime  – Hoover Public Library
My Car Seat – Summer storytime for children under four.  In the programming room with Miss Traci and Mr Jeremy.
10:30am

Storytime  – Jane Boyd Holmes Public Library Helena
Come and enjoy story time here at the library
11am.

Free and Discounted Movies
Carmike Summit – How to Train your Dragon

—————————————————————————————

Friday June 17th:

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

Free or Discounted Movies
Homewood Park – Wizard of Oz
Helena Amphitheater – Iron Man 2

—————————————————————————————

Saturday June 18th:

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
7am – Noon

Fresh Market on the Green – Ross Bridge
Fresh Alabama grown fruits, vegetables, honey, fresh baked goods, coffee café, local artists, kids activity and more!
8am – Noon

Storytime on the Mountain – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Is your child a budding naturalist? Do you want to encourage an appreciation for the natural world in your child? If so, bring them to Story Time on the Mountain! Story Time themes focus on children’s books about wildlife, nature, and the outdoors. Following the story, children will make a craft that reinforces the theme of that day.
10am

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make an African inspired elephant mask.

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

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
In Dogs Night, animals from classic paintings come to life in the museum!
11am

Summer Movie – Alabama Theatre
Ramona and Beezus

Saturday Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
What makes a super hero “super”? Bring your dad to Storytime as we share the story My Dad, My Hero. We’ll show him that he doesn’t have to leap tall buildings to be a hero. Make a gift for Dad and share “super” refreshments from our Cafe too!
11am

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Sunday June 19th:

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

—————————————————————————————

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.

Safety Concerns at Alabama Adventure

Posted on by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

In the wake of several fights spiraling into a near riot-like situation this past Monday at Alabama Adventure, many Birmingham area parents are now thinking twice about visiting the area’s largest water and theme park. Alabama Adventure Park officials indicate Monday’s $10 admission promotion as what they believe to be a major contributing factor to the fights and subsequent chaos that broke out near the park’s entrance mid-afternoon. The park, which is located in the town of Bessemer, about 25 minutes South West of Birmingham, has offered a similar promotion in the past with no reported problems.

Many area parents believe that the incident transpired due to other, far more concerning factors, however. Laura Gorham, a Birmingham mother of four, said her family has purchased season passes to the park in past years, but during the last few summers her concern has risen over the quality of the park and the type of people who attend. She believes that incidents  such as Monday’s “could happen on any day of the week there,” not just during special promotions. “I would rather spend my money elsewhere and feel safe.”

According to several eyewitnesses, the majority of those instigating the fights were unsupervised juveniles. In fact, many Birmingham Mommy readers have expressed a common opinion over what appears to be a growing problem regarding the issue of unsupervised children and teenagers left at Alabama Adventure each day. One mother said that Monday’s incident may not so much have been caused by the special promotion as it was by the massive number of “unsupervised teens” and parents who continually use Alabama Adventure as a “daycare.”

Others however, feel that Alabama Adventure remains a safe and secure place for families to visit. Lee Halfacre, a Hoover father of three, states that Monday’s circumstances “will not impact any decision I make to go to the park or not.” Currently in his second year as a season pass holder, Halfacre says he has been satisfied with the overall safety and security measures taken by the park. “Short of common discourteous behavior…it has usually been a fun and enjoyable experience.”

Reports indicate that park security and local police promptly responded to the June 7 outbreak, and that only one teenager, a 15-year-old male, was arrested and charged with inciting a riot. Park officials have decided to discontinue offering the $10 special promotion for the remainder of the season.

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.

Getaway to Callaway with BirminghamMommy

Posted on by Angie

As you might have heard, we are currently at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA and we are having an incredible time.  We can’t say it enough, it’s like Summer Camp for the family!  Here’s what we have done the last couple of days:

We flew through the air with the greatest of ease! (Trish wants to join the circus.) The kids played tiny tots tennis, limbo’d and macaraena’d. We suited up then climbed and zipped our way through the Treetops, we’ve even made a few new friends! And to think… The week isn’t even over yet!

The kids enjoyed some tiny tots tennis:

Giveaway: Kalos Photography

Posted on by Angie

Kalos Photography is a mother/daughter team working in Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA.  Newborn, baby, toddler, teen, and family photography are their specialties.  They have a very contemporary and natural style, check out their gallery for some inspiration!

The Giveaway:   Free regular session fee and (1) 8×10 portrait.  value is $155.00 To be redeemed by 12/31/11.

To enter:
1.  Comment here, 1 entry total.
2.  Head to Kalos Photography’s page on Facebook and write your favorite season for photos on their wall. 1 entry total.
3.  Our MommyMail is always a guaranteed entry! Make sure you subscribe.  1 entry total.

Good luck, contest ends on June 9th, 2011 at 11:59pm.

Birmingham Events Calendar – June 5th – June 12th

Posted on by Angie

So much to do, so little summer! Libraries continue to be super busy. You can catch a storytime at Ruffner Mountain, or Lowes Build and Grow clinic will help you get ready for Father’s Day. Don’t forget to pick up some cookies from Whole Foods for 10 cents, Yum.

Make sure to check out our list of Summer Movies for more details on what goes on at each theater!

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

Sunday June 5th:

Vulcan’s 107th Birthday Bash
Make plans to attend the BIGGEST birthday bash in Birmingham! Vulcan may be the world’s largest cast iron statue, but he still needs help blowing out his birthday candles! On Sunday, June 5, Vulcan Park and Museum will host a festive outdoor community celebration for Vulcan’s 107th birthday. Enjoy an afternoon of fun festivities for the whole family at the biggest birthday bash of the year!
$3 all ages 5 and up – Children 4 and under are free.
12:00 – 4:00pm

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

—————————————————————————————

Monday June 6th:

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
World Travels – Gardendale Library
Welcome World Travelers! Join Mrs. Janet as she introduces her newest program for the summer. Re-enact Ferdinand Magellan’s trip around the world, taste spices from the Spice Islands, then we’ll travel to Africa w/ folklore, stories, games and a cool lion tube craft. 1st – 3rd Grade
3:30 – 4:30

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday June 7th:

10 Cent Cookie Tuesday
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

Summer Reading Kickoff – Homewood Public Library
Join us for our kickoff event starring America’s most famous Chinese acrobat…Liang with MC/comedian Bill Patti. Experience the acrobatics,dance & music of China…with a touch of comedy. You must be registered for Homewood’s summer reading program to attend, but anyone can register.
10:30am

Geddy the Gecko – Emmet O’Neal Library
WORLD’S BIGGEST REPTILE: GEDDY THE GECKO
He sings…he dances…he does tricks…he’s Geddy the Gecko! All ages. No registration required.
10:30 am and 3:30 pm

Storytime  – Jane Boyd Holmes Public Library Helena
Come and enjoy story time here at the library
11am.

Books! The Magic is Real – Hoover Public Library
Brian Curry unveils the magic of books in the Library Theatre!
10:30 am, 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm

Free or Discounted Movies
AmStar Alabaster – MegaMind
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Yogi Bear
Regal Trussville – Tales of Despereaux and Chronicles of Narnia
Edge 12 – Horton Hears a Who, ET

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday June 8th:

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

Books! The Magic is Real – Hoover Public Library
Brian Curry unveils the magic of books in the Library Theatre!
10:30 am & 1:30 pm

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Don’t forget to join us as we read I Just Forgot by Mercer Mayer. This story features Little Critter, a perennial family favorite. We’ll read the story, create fun crafts, and interact with the story on NOOK Color.
11:00 am

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

Free or Discounted Movies
AmStar Alabaster – MegaMind
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek Yogi Bear
Regal Trussville – Tales of Despereaux and Chronicles of Narnia
Edge 12 – Horton Hears a Who, ET

—————————————————————————————

Thursday June 9th:

Storytime  – Jane Boyd Holmes Public Library Helena
Come and enjoy story time here at the library
11am.

My World Storytime – Hoover Public Library
My Sippy Cup– Summer storytime for children under four.  In the programming room with Miss Traci and Miss Katie Jane
10:30am

Free and Discounted Movies
Carmike Summit – Hotel for Dogs

—————————————————————————————

Friday June 10th:

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

Summer Concert by Homewood Library – Homewood Park
Join us at Homewood Park for a family friendly free summer concert! Stick around afterward for Free Friday Flicks.
6:30-7:30pm

Free or Discounted Movies
Homewood Park – Shrek
Helena Amphitheater – Shrek Ever After
Veterans Park, Valleydale Road Hoover – Megamind

—————————————————————————————

Saturday June 11th:

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
7am – Noon

Zucchini 500 at the East Lake Farmers Market
Start your vegetables! Come make a zucchini race car and compete in the Zucchini 500, then spend the morning shopping at the East Lake Farmers Market.

9:00 a.m. – Zucchini race car construction opens
10:30 a.m. – Let the races begin!

Winners will be crowned in the following categories:
* 1st to the finish
* Most Creative
* Most Nutritious

Construction supplies available for purchase at the market.

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
Fun Kit to build and makes a great Father’s Day gift! Bring your child in and they can build this awesome Goofy Golf kit!
10am

Summer Celebration – Desoto Caverns
$25 off Memberships, Free Hot dogs with membership purchase.
One Day only!

Geddy Gecko – Hoover Public Library
Come and experience Geddy the Gecko’s breakdancing performance of “One World, Many Stories” in the Library Theatre!
10:30am

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make an African inspired elephant mask.

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 Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a fun story and activity on our Children’s Department stage. Today we’ll read Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton. After some sweet treats from the Cafe, you can play with the story on NOOK Color and browse our huge selection of Toys & Games
11am

—————————————————————————————

Sunday June 12th:

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

—————————————————————————————

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.

Mommy Makeovers: Too much plastic surgery at once?

Posted on by Angie

Hollywood moms seem to bounce back much faster than the rest of us after having a baby.  With the easy access to top trainers, diets, and plastic surgery, it isn’t a surprise that they are back to pre-baby body in no time.  For the rest of us, we work hard to lose the extra weight and gain some semblance of our former body.  Sometimes, it just doesn’t happen and some will begin to research plastic surgery.

The most requested procedures by moms are liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast augmentation.  There’s a new trend known as “Mommy Makeovers” that have become the hot gift to give new moms so they can regain their body.  It’s basically a trio of all 3 procedures (liposuction, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation) at one time.  Although it is tempting to take care of everything in one day, it can pose some serious health problems according to Dr. James Grotting, a Board-Certified plastic surgeon based here in Birmingham.  Some surgeons worry that packaging multiple procedures under a cutesy name could cause women to undergo more operations than needed, or cause them not to take these major medical procedures seriously.  There’s always a risk of infection and other complications.

If you decide to receive elective surgery, please know that if any complications such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots or air way obstruction occur, those likely fall outside the scope of traditional major medical insurance policies and are the responsibility of the patient to pay.  Too many people assume that their insurance will cover any problems, but it most likely will not.

Be educated and be prepared. Complications arise in more surgeries than you think, approximately 1 in 61.  Consider looking into an extra insurance program that will provide coverage for complications that result from the elective surgery. CosmetAssure helps patients of elective cosmetic surgery avoid the financial burden of unexpected post-surgery complications, and is endorsed by the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).  It is exclusively available to its members and candidate members who have passed their written boards.  Their website would be a great place to add to your list of resources.

Family Vacation Time: Callaway Gardens

Posted on by Angie

We are always on the lookout for fun ideas for activities and trips in the region.  A secret gem that is only a few minutes from Auburn in Pine Mountain, GA is Callaway Gardens Resort.  We’ve decided to load up the kids and head down for a week of summer fun.  They have several different packages, but we’re going to try the Summer Family Adventure since it focuses on fun for the entire family.  We’ll report back with details on our adventure in June!

Here’s what we have to look forward to, with my “take” on it in bold:

A Private two-bedroom Cottage: SO crucial for having time to relax after the kids hit the hay.

A Day Camp for the kids, where they will do arts/crafts, swim, mini golf, circus activities, and other outdoor adventures.  (ages 3 to 18)  If my kids are in day camp, what ever will I do with my free time??  POOL.  SPA.

Access to rounds of golf on Callaway Gardens’ award-winning golf courses: I’ll try not to get all “Happy Gilmore” on Angie!

Exercise classes, tennis, fishing and even circus skills: I wanted to join the circus when I was younger… a dream fulfilled!?!

Workshops and classes to learn more about photography, painting, drawing, gardening and nature:  all the things I don’t currently have time for!

Evening family fun with bingo, beach activities, marshmallow roasts, miniature golf, bike rides, star gazing and more: I LOVE BINGO.  It’s the one time when the elderly get no respect from me.

NEW Callaway Gardens TreeTop Adventure featuring aerial challenges for all ages and a NEW Farmers Market featuring locally, regionally available food, flowers and more:  I will fly through the air and then buy fresh tomatoes for my BLT’s, what more could I want?

Have you been to Callaway Gardens? What do you suggest we put on our list of “Must Do’s” while we’re there?

Make sure to watch our Blog on al.com, we’ll be journaling our adventures there throughout the week!

Your Dose of Disney! Things to do, Part 2

Posted on by Angie

So where were we? In our last Disney article we started covering things to do while visiting the Magic Kingdom, here is the wrap up to that information. In case you missed the Must Do’s 1-5, check them out here before planning your trip!

6. Eating. From Mickey ice cream bars to five-star dining, Disney Parks bring all the best to your magical vacation. Whether you’re schmoozing with the Big Cheese himself at Chef Mickey’s at Walt Disney World or rubbing elbows with his clumsy counterpart at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, character meals allow for families to take a break from the parks while filling tummies with chef-prepared cuisine. Plus, it helps to check that all-important item off Mom’s list — pictures and autographs with the characters (without having to stand in line at the parks).  For a more elegant dining option, try either award-winning restaurant – Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian or Napa Rose at Disneyland’s Grand Californian.

7. Relaxing. You are on vacation, right? So in and amongst all that seeing and doing, you certainly have to squeeze in a little rest and relaxation, too. Consider booking a relaxing massage or facial at one of the spas, enjoy a guided tour through a park or resort or simply sip something cool by the pool.

8. Playing. There’s a world of fun to be had outside the parks, too. At Walt Disney World, championship golf courses beckon you onto the greens, and there are two miniature golf courses for the less-serious putters. At Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the resorts offer games and activities for the entire family as well as Kids’ Activity Centers which allow for parents to explore Disney Parks or resorts on their own. At Walt Disney World, two water parks give a whole new meaning to fun in the water, and then there’s horseback riding, watercraft rental, fishing and much more!

9. Shopping. From finding just the right souvenir to spending the day for a shopping extravaganza, Disney Park’s answer to any guest wanting to bring a little of the magic home is Downtown Disney – at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida. There is where you’ll find a mix of great entertainment, wonderful shopping alongside fabulous and unique dining. No
trip to either resort is complete without a day at Downtown Disney.

10. Reliving. After you’ve experienced a magical vacation, there’s nothing better than to savor it’s memories with photos you’ve taken in the parks. Another way to enhance your photos is to use Disney’s Photopass Services. By allowing Disney’s professional photographers to take casual or scheduled photos you can keep you photos safe, organized and available to you when it comes
time to relive the memories of your magical vacation.

Are you ready to book your trip? We are!

“Andi Sims is a wife and a mother of four children ranging in age from 7 to 16.  A frequent traveler, she is a member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel — which answers thousands of guests’ questions online at www.disneyworldmoms.com.  This year, she answers questions exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.  Andi also maintains her personal blog concerning stories, tips and ideas on everything to do with her first (and hardest) job at www.wifeandmomuniversity.com. You can also find her on Twitter @wifeandmomuniv.  She’s a sucker for anything chocolate, Mickey Mouse related or having to do with being more organized or efficient, and she runs to keep her sanity and to be able to eat more chocolate.”

As an independent contractor for Disney, Andi’s advice and opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Disney company. She is under contract with Disney and is awarded a trip for her and her immediate family in exchange for her writing on the site.

A Mother's Shade of Green: Birmingham Air Quality

Posted on by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

Summer is Here—Stay Indoors? Yikes, Birmingham Air Quality Ranks Among Worst in Country!

Stop what you’re doing for just a few seconds to inhale deeply—just humor me, if you will! Okay, you can exhale. If you are indoors, you are probably able to to take that deep breath and not worry about potential health issues resulting from poor air quality. However, if you’re outside, and breathing in the air circulating in and around the Birmingham area, that deep breath you just took is filled with lots of reason to worry.

According to the American Lung Association, the greater Birmingham-Hoover area is ranked as the 8th worst place in the country for air quality. In fact, when looking at the overall 2011 ozone and particle pollution, the American Lung Association graded both Jefferson and Shelby counties with big fat F’s.  As residents of the greater Birmingham area, we are literally breathing some of the dirtiest and most dangerous air in the country.

Science has proven air pollution to have an incredibly damaging impact on our health—especially on the health of young children and elderly, and even more so in those who suffer from asthma or other breathing difficulties. It’s been established that air pollution has an extremely negative effect upon the ozone layer. In turn, the damage caused to the ozone layer contributes to poor air quality, and the vicious cycle ensues. Aside from ozone pollution, another major contributor to poor air quality is particle pollution. Particle pollution is a mixture of several components such as acids, metals, dusts and allergens that literally float through the air. Sadly, Birmingham’s poor air quality is a result of both kinds of air pollution. According to GASP, (Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution) the vast majority of particle pollution comes from three, decades old, coal-fired power plants situated in the surrounding area.

It’s difficult enough to fathom a workable solution to the problem as a whole, let alone manage a tactile method of protecting you and your children while outdoors. So what else can you do?  You can empower yourself with knowledge about this ongoing issue, stay in tune with the daily air quality forecast, and if you’re up for it, lend your family’s support to this important battle. GASP serves our community as a tremendous resource, offering the simple facts, methods that can help tackle this huge problem, and answers to the tough questions.  Additionally, you’ll also find on their Web site, a daily air quality index. This simple widget supplies you with the knowledge you need in order to better plan your children’s daily outdoor activities. It works similarly to a pollen count/UV index, and can help you determine if the air quality is safe enough for a trip to the park, or if it’s a stay indoors kind of day.

To learn more about Birmingham’s air quality issue, and to view or download this widget, (free of charge) visit their site at gaspgroup.org.

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.

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