For the past couple of years BirminghamMommy.com has had the pleasure of taking a sneak peek at the marvelous treasures at Bargain Carousel. This year we nearly fainted when we saw the amazing items and deals! My favorite was a cute H&M dress with tags on for $4! Also spotted were New With Tags sandals that retail for $90, only $9. The childrens’ clothing was phenomenal, high quality and priced to sell. So much stuff was brand new! Scroll down and check out the smocked Auburn dress for only $12!
Medical Minute: Infertility Causes
As mothers, we understand the joy of having a child. Imagine the pain of not being able to fulfill that dream. Infertility affects about 12 percent of couples of childbearing age. This is not just a woman’s concern, men suffer the effects too and a problem with the male is often the sole cause, or a contributing cause, of infertility in about 50 percent of infertile couples. About one-third of infertile couples have more than one cause or factor related to their inability to conceive. About 20 percent of couples have no identifiable cause for their infertility after medical investigation.
What causes infertility?
Many different factors and problems can cause infertility, including problems in the female reproductive system, the male reproductive system, or a combination of the two. The following are some of the conditions or factors that are associated with infertility:
- female factors
- ovulation dysfunction
With this condition, the woman’s reproductive system does not produce the proper amounts of hormones necessary to develop, mature, and release a healthy egg. - anatomical problems
Abnormal development or function of the female anatomy can prevent the egg and the sperm from meeting. The most common anatomical problem is blockage of the fallopian tubes. Other anatomical problems may include the presence of pelvic scar tissue from previous surgeries or infections. - endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus develops outside the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity. Each month, this misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle by building up and breaking down, resulting in internal bleeding which can cause scar tissue to form and affect reproductive organ function. - birth defects
Abnormal development and function of reproductive organs resulting from birth defects can affect fertility. One of the most common reproductive system birth defects occurs following a woman’s exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol) taken by her mother during pregnancy. In years past, DES was given to women at risk for pregnancy loss. Fetal DES exposure often causes abnormal development of the uterus and cervix. - infection
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by a type of bacteria such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. PID can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or the ovaries. It can lead to pelvic adhesions and scar tissue that develops between internal organs, causing ongoing pelvic pain and the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg becomes implanted outside the uterus). - immunological problems
A problem with a woman’s immune system can lead to pregnancy loss. Antibodies (immune or protective proteins) in a woman’s system can fail to recognize a pregnancy, or there may be an abnormal immune response to the pregnancy. Women can also develop antisperm antibodies which attack and destroy sperm.
- ovulation dysfunction
- male factors
- low or absent sperm production
Without proper numbers of healthy sperm, the chance of fertilization is decreased. - abnormal sperm function
Sperm must have proper motility and the ability to penetrate the egg. - varicocele
This is a condition in which varicose veins develop around the testes. It is a very common cause of male factor infertility and is usually treatable and reversible with surgery. - lifestyle
Use of recreational drugs (i.e., marijuana, cocaine), heavy alcohol use, cigarette smoking, certain medications, and excessive heat to the genital area (as in hot tubs) can affect sperm quality and function. - hormonal disorders
Improper male hormone or endocrine function can affect sperm production and fertilization ability. - chromosomal defects
Certain chromosomal abnormalities are associated with male infertility. - birth defects
Abnormalities in a man’s reproductive system can occur during fetal development. Some birth defects are due to a man’s exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol) taken by his mother during pregnancy. - immunological problems
A man may have antisperm antibodies (immune or protective proteins) which attack and destroy sperm
- low or absent sperm production
Infertility can be brutal on a couple or a family as a whole, men and other siblings are not immune to the emotional roller coaster. It can become consuming and can cause depression and many experts advise trying to limit the amount of time you and your partner talk about your infertility. To prevent it from taking over, try to discuss it only during your cycle, let out all of your emotions, frustrations, fears and tears, then spend some quality time having fun together. Learning to manage your day to day can help minimize the emotional toll it can have on your family.
Stay tuned for our next series on diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
Birmingham Area Summer Movie Guide
We love movies, and we really love movies when they are free or discounted. Many of our local theaters and parks will be 
hosting their summer series again this year for kids and families. We’ve got the rundown on what’s going on when and where!
Here are the specifics on the deals at each theater, followed by a list of shows and dates:
Rave Motion Pictures – Patton Creek and Lee Branch – Free Admission, first come first served. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10am. * Make sure to keep your stub from the Free Family Film Festival. You’ll be able to get a kids ticket for just $4 on a return trip. Must be used on or before the following Monday – See box office for more details.
Amstar Cinemas – Alabaster – Admission is $3 per person, price includes Movie, Drink and Popcorn. All movies will start at 10am, box office opens at 9:30. Seating is limited, first come first served.
Regal Cinemas – Trussville – $1 per person. Movies will start at 10am. Seating is limited, first come, first served. *A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Will Rogers Institute.
Carmike Cinemas – Summit – Admission is $1 per person, a kids combo will be available for $4, it includes popcorn, drink and snack/sweet. All movies will start at 10am. Seating is limited, first come first served.
The Edge 12 – Free Family Film Festival. 10am on Tuesdays and Wednesday. Seating is limited, first come first served.
Homewood Park – Free Friday Flicks. Bring your blankets and chairs out for family movies throughout the summer. Concessions available for purchase.
Helena Amphitheater – Sundown Cinemas show starts at 8pm. No Outside Food allowed
Veterans Park – Valleydale Road, Hoover – Friday Night Movies. Movies will start at approximately 8:15 – to check for updates or cancellations call: 739-RAIN
Alabama Theater – Saturday Children’s Matinee – Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for children under 12. Shows are scheduled for 2pm (show times may vary due to scheduling, check before you go)
Summer Movie Schedule:
Tuesday May 31st
Amstar Alabaster – How to Train your Dragon
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – MegaMind
Edge 12 – The Polar Express, Shrek 2
Wednesday June 1st
Amstar Alabaster – How to Train your Dragon
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – MegaMind
Edge 12 – The Polar Express, Shrek 2
Friday June 3rd
Homewood Park – How to Train your Dragon
Helena Amphitheater – Despicable Me
Tuesday June 7th
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
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
Carmike Summit – Hotel for Dogs
Friday June 10th
Homewood Park – Shrek
Helena Amphitheater – Shrek Ever After
Veterans Park, Valleydale Road Hoover – Megamind
Tuesday June 14th
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
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
Carmike Summit – How to Train your Dragon
Friday June 17th
Homewood Park – Wizard of Oz
Helena Amphitheater – Iron Man 2
Saturday June 18th
Alabama Theater – Ramona and Beezus
Tuesday June 21st
Amstar Alabaster – Despicable Me
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Marmaduke
Regal Trussville – Alpha and Omega and Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Edge 12 – Rugrats the Movie, Home Alone
Wednesday June 22nd
Amstar Alabaster – Despicable Me
Rave,Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Marmaduke
Regal Trussville – Alpha and Omega and Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Edge 12 – Rugrats the Movie, Home Alone
Thursday June 23rd
Carmike Summit – Kung Fu Panda
Friday June 24th
Homewood Park – E.T
Helena Amphitheater – Madagascar 2
Veterans Park Valleydale Road, Hoover – Life as We Know It
Saturday June 25th
Alabama Theater – The Wizard of Oz
Tuesday June 28th
Amstar Alabaster – Tales of Despereaux
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Ramona and Beezus
Regal Trussville – Charlotte’s Web and Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Edge 12 – Anastasia, Shrek
Wednesday June 29th
Amstar Alabaster – Tales of Despereaux
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Ramona and Beezus
Regal Trussville – Charlotte’s Web and Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Edge 12 – Anastasia, Shrek
Thursday June 30th
Carmike Summit – Madagascar 1
Friday July 1st
Homewood Park – Despicable Me
Helena Amphitheater – How to Train your Dragon
Tuesday July 5th
Amstar Alabaster – Kung Fu Panda
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Regal Trussville – Furry Vengeance and Shrek, Forever After
Edge 12 – Pokemon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Wednesday July 6th
Amstar Alabaster – Kung Fu Panda
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Regal Trussville – Furry Vengeance and Shrek, Forever After
Edge 12 – Pokemon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Thursday July 7th
Carmike Summit – Madagascar 2
Friday July 8th
Homewood Park – The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
Helena Amphitheater – Footloose
Saturday July 9th
Alabama Theater – Space jam
Tuesday July 12th
Amstar Alabaster – Muppets Take Manhattan
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Regal Trussville – Kitt Kittridge and Despicable Me
Edge 12 – Charlotte’s Web, Despicable Me
Wednesday July 13th
Amstar Alabaster – Muppets Take Manhattan
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Regal Trussville – Kitt Kittridge and Despicable Me
Edge 12 – Charlotte’s Web, Despicable Me
Thursday July 14th
Carmike Summit – MegaMind
Friday July 15th
Homewood Park – Over the Hedge
Helena Amphitheater – Racing Stripes
Veterans Park Valleydale Road, Hoover – Yogi Bear
Saturday July 16th
Alabama Theater – Aquamarine
Tuesday July 19th
Amstart Alabaster – Shrek 3
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Gulliver’s Travels
Regal Trussville – Gulliver’s Travel and How to Train your Dragon
Edge 12 – Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius – Night at the Museum
Wednesday July 20th
Amstar Alabaster – Shrek 3
Rave, Lee Branch & Patton Creek – Gulliver’s Travels
Regal Trussville – Gulliver’s Travel and How to Train your Dragon
Edge 12 – Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius – Night at the Museum
Thursday July 21st
Carmike Summit – Monsters V. Aliens
Friday July 22nd
Homewood Park – Chicken Run
Helena Amphitheater – Megamind
Saturday July 23rd
Alabama Theater – Aliens in the Attic
Tuesday July 26th
Amstar Alabaster – Alvin and the Chimpmunk The Squeaquel
Regal Trussville – Pirates who Don’t Do Anything and Marmaduke
Edge 12 – Rugrats in Paris, Shrek Forever After
Wednesday July 27th
Amstar Alabaster – Alvin and the Chimpmunk The Squeaquel
Regal Trussville – Pirates who Don’t Do Anything and Marmaduke
Edge 12 – Rugrats in Paris, Shrek Forever After
Thursday July 28th
Carmike Summit – Shrek 1
Friday July 29th
Homewood Park -Rango
Helena Amphitheater – The Blind Side
Veterans Park Valleydale Road, Hoover – Grown Ups
Saturday July 30th
Alabama Theater – Tooth Fairy
Tuesday August 2nd
Amstar Alabaster – Charlotte’s Web
Regal Trussville – Ramona and Beezus and Yogi Bear
Edge 12 – Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakuel
Wednesday August 3rd
Amstar Alabaster – Charlotte’s Web
Regal Trussville – Ramona and Beezus and Yogi Bear
Edge 12 – Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakuel
Thursday August 4th
Carmike Summit – Shrek 2
Friday August 5th
Homewood Park – Tangled
Helena Amphitheater – Tangled
Saturday August 6th
Alabama Theater – E.T.
Thursday August 11th
Carmike Summit – Last Airbender
Saturday August 13th
Alabama Theater – National Velvet
Event of the Week – Earth Day Celebration, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Keeping with our Green Theme this month we have chosen the Birmingham Botanical Gardens annual Earth Day Celebration as 
our event of the week.
Alabama’s longest continually-running Earth Day event brings education to life with unique, educational activities for kids, families and the young at heart. The day will be filled with hands-on, interactive fun and games provided by The Gardens and like-minded organizations. Learn what makes native plants so vital to our environment, how to help protect plant pollinators, why sustainable gardening matters and how outdoor activities can improve your quality of life.
This year’s celebration will be held Sunday, May 1st from 1pm – 5pm
Bargain Carousel is here again! Birmingham's fave sale
It’s that time of year again! Our favorite 1000 family yard sale is this weekend, and we’re already lacing up our shopping shoes. And this year there’s an exciting announcement… the sale will be held at the Riverchase Galleria! (In the vacant dept store area) BirminghamMommy.com is always proud to help spread the word about an event that is beneficial to everyone involved. We’re even going to get a sneak peek of the goodies! Don’t worry, we’ll post some pictures and video so you can get excited about shopping.
The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel provides shoppers with quality items at affordable prices. The proceeds raised at Bargain Carousel are returned to the community through the JLB’s 30 Community Projects.
- Over 3,000 volunteer hours
- Over 5,000 shoppers
- Over 100,000 items for sale
Sale dates and times:
- SAVE THE DATE for the Bargain Carousel Preview Party, Thursday, April 28 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm
- Saturday, April 30, 2011 – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday, May 1, 2011 – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (ALL items 1/2 off!! – No Cover Charge)
Sale Location:
- Riverchase Galleria – vacant anchor store
Items on sale at Bargain Carousel:
- Clothing
- Infant Furniture
- Toys
- Appliances
- Kitchen Items
- Outdoor/Sporting Goods
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Books
- Linens
BirminghamMommy will be at the Preview Party, would you like to come too? We have 2 tickets for one lucky winner! Here’s how to enter:
1. Comment here, 1 entry total
2. Thank the Junior League of Birmingham for the tremendous effort this sale takes on their Facebook page, 1 entry total
3. Tweet this: ” @BirminghamMommy has the scoop on @JLBirmingham and Bargain Carousel! ” 1 entry total
4. Heck, it’s for a good cause… go ahead and comment here one more time! We’ll count 2 entries!!
Good luck! We’ll announce the winner Tuesday night!
Birmingham Events Calendar: April 24th – May 1st
We hope you all enjoyed your Easter Weekend and got to spend some time with your family!
There are still some Earth Day Celebrations happening this week. The Auntie Liter Earth Day celebration and parade was rained out last week and is now set for this Tuesday. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host their big celebration on May 1st.
Spring time always means lots of festivals and this weekend is no exception! You have the Festival of Springs, a Strawberry Festival and the always popular Schaeffer Eye Center crawfish boil!
Have a Great Week!
It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!
Sunday April 24th:
Easter Day Celebration – DeSoto Caverns Park
The Easter Bunny will be at the park meeting all visitors with candy and will be available for pictures!
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Quilted Squares – Craft a quilt square to express your inner folk artist.
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 – 3pm
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
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Monday April 25th:
Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the Ham’ Today! Check our list of local attractions that are open daily!
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Tuesday April 26th:
MOPS Meeting – Riverchase Community Church
“Art with Kids” topic at the Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS) for Expecting Mothers thru to Mothers with preschoolers at 6:30-8:30 pm at Riverchase Community Church. RSVP child care with Lynn 664-4531. http://riverchase.cc/mops.php
Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am
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Wednesday April 27th:
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
Oh no! That’s what we’re reading today. Written by Mac Barnett, this is a tale about a science project gone horribly wrong! Enjoy a treat from our Cafe while working on your own crafts. Then, we’ll tour our new Educational Toys & Games Department.
11:oo 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
Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am
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Thursday April 28th:
Auntie Liters Earth Day Parade – Kelly Ingram Park
Auntie Litter’s Earth Day Parade and Festival is the country’s largest Earth Day Parade for children. School children from around Birmingham fill the park for a day of fun and education. Environmental entertainment, picnic lunch and time with 30+ exhibitors fills the morning. The six block parade through the streets of Birmingham is the culmination of the day’s events.
9am – 2pm
Storytime Live – Hoover Public Library
Commotion in the Ocean
10:30am
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Friday April 29th:
Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil
Outside of the BJCC, Richard Arrington Jr Blvd between 22nd and 24th streets
For more information on tickets, hours and the line up visit their site
13th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival – St Elias Maronite Church
wo day event featuring food and culture of Lebanon. Authentic food including kibbee, grape leaves, tabouleh, grilled chicken, homus, baklawa and more. Dancing by our children performed on stage throughout Friday evening and Saturday. Professional Lebanese band from New York, Amin Sultan, performs each night in tent outside from 5 to 9
Storyday with Ms NeNe – Whole Foods
Come meet Mrs. Renee Schmidt “NeNe” as we bring you our beloved storytime. Enjoy storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am
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Saturday April 30th:
Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil
Outside of the BJCC, Richard Arrington Jr Blvd between 22nd and 24th streets
For more information on tickets, hours and the line up visit their site
BBQ and Blues Festival – Downtown Bessemer
The 2nd Annual Bob Sykes Bbq and Blues Festival will feature talented award winning blues musicians from local to nationwide playing music on one stage beginning at noon-11pm. There will be great blues music, delicious Bob Sykes BBq, children and adult
Pre-sell general admission tickets are $20 and $25 at the festival gate. 12 and under are free. Food and drinks sold separately
Noon – 11pm
Calera Farmers Market Strawberry Festival – Oliver Park
We hope you and your family will make plans now to enjoy simple down home company with those in your community during our first annual Strawberry Festival. It’s a perfect day to Celebrate Calera & all that’s great about our town!
Delicious Farm Fresh Strawberries, Free Kids Zone– Calera Baptist, Many 2010 Vendors you know & love, Shelby Stompers, 4-H Dance Club , Montevallo FFA, Shinbone Bluegrass Band @ Noon, LifeSouth Blood Drive, Ribs to Go—delicious hometown BBQ, And so much more….
10am – 2pm
Festival of the Springs – Reed Harvey Park
Features entertainment, vendors with food, arts, crafts, etc. Park includes lakes, natural springs, a playground and a veterans memorial.
10am – 4pm
13th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival – St Elias Maronite Church
wo day event featuring food and culture of Lebanon. Authentic food including kibbee, grape leaves, tabouleh, grilled chicken, homus, baklawa and more. Dancing by our children performed on stage throughout Friday evening and Saturday. Professional Lebanese band from New York, Amin Sultan, performs each night in tent outside from 5 to 9
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Sunday May 1st:
Earth Day at the Gardens – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Alabama’s longest continuously-running Earth Day event, Earth Day at The Gardens, is slated for Sunday, May 1 from 1-5 p.m. Dozens of local and regional organizations focused on issues such as conservation, energy efficiency and clean air will fill the Formal Garden, the lawn in front of the Conservatory, will fun-filled, family-focused activities. More than 1,300 attended last year’s festival, placing it among the region’s most-attended free Earth Day celebrations.
10m – 5pm
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Local Attractions Open Daily!
McWane Science Center:
Itty Bitty Magic City –
The mini-sized Magic City – complete with buildings and factories – encourages young learners to explore new skills as they join the cities’ workforce. By dressing up in a favorite career costume and becoming a steel worker, doctor, pilot scientist or train conductor, preschoolers take one small step into the world around them. While operating cranes, turning gears, pulling pulleys, and building structures – to name just a few of the hands-on activities – children expand their understanding of themselves as they experience how objects behave and how their own actions affect the objects around them. Little explorers are free to navigate this active learning area at their own pace, allowing creativity, fun and discovery to flourish in the Itty Bitty Magic City!
NatureScope – Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!
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.
Breaking the Organic Code
By Amy Whitfield Richardson:
Food recalls seem to happen on a more regular basis now, and acronyms like GMO and HFCS are popping up in conversations regarding food and children pretty much everywhere you turn. You can buy Organic, Locally Grown, All Natural, Free Range, and Grass Fed but what does it all really mean?
As parents we have enough to stress over without the added pressures of reading labels we don’t understand. So, to put your mind at-ease and help you out next time you’re at the market, BirminghamMommy decided to decipher some of the jargon for you.
100% Organic
– Organic farming completely avoids the use of artificial inputs, like synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and bans the use of animal by-products, antibiotics and sewage sludge among other practices.
USDA Organic
– Meaning it avoids the use of MOST artificial inputs. It should be at least 95% free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers as mentioned above. Unlike many of the eco labels you find, “USDA Organic” claims are verified by the USDA.
All Natural
– Contains no synthetic or artificial ingredients (flavors, colors, chemical preservatives). With the exception of USDA-approved meat and poultry. Currently there is not an organization that can verify a manufacturer’s claim so essentially anyone can use the All Natural label on their product.
Free Range
– The “free-range” label doesn’t necessarily mean the animals went outdoors, it does mean that animals have “access” to the outside, per the USDA. However, there is no guarantee of lower salmonella rates or that they have freedom to roam. The term “pasture-raised” is a better indicator of how the animal grew up on the farm.
Cage Free
– When it comes to eggs, Cage Free means hens are uncaged in barns or warehouses, but not they have access to outdoors. Uncaged hens can freely walk, nest and spread their wings. But no third-party, such as the USDA, verifies Cage Free labeled products.
Grass/Grain Fed
– Grass Fed, good. Grain Fed, not so good. As opposed to Grain Fed beef, Grass Fed beef is less fatty and contains high amounts of conjugated linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that is known for many health benefits, including decreasing inflammation in the body. However, much like the term “Free range”, Grass-fed doesn’t necessarily mean the cows went outside to graze, but that they at least had access to pasture.
Locally Grown –
-Locally grown doesn’t always mean better grown or local in the sense you might think. Unlike certified organic labels, Locally Grown claims are not regulated by the USDA and are defined by retailers in vastly different ways. It could mean the food you’re buying is from the next state over, maybe within a day’s drive, but probably not 20 minutes down the road.
As you’ve noticed, organic foods aren’t as budget-friendly as conventional food items. Now with the labels decoded, which foods are best to find in your organic food aisle, and which ones are okay not to buy? Here are some organic do-buys and don’t-have-to-buys to help you to balance food safety and nutrition with the cash in your grocery fund.
Usually fruits or veggies with a thicker outer skin are less likely to be affected by pesticide levels because the thick skin acts as a protector, blocking pesticides from seeping in. That means fruits like strawberries and leafy greens are more prone to contamination. Even a good wash, doesn’t get rid of all pesticides. Bottom line, if you eat the skin and all, it’s better to go organic.
Better to Buy Organic:
Apples
Bell Peppers
Blueberries
Carrots
Celery
Cherries
Grapes
Kale
Leafy greens
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomato*
Okay to not buy Organic:
Asparagus
Avocado
Cabbage
Bananas
Broccoli
Eggplant
Kiwi
Mango
Onions
Papaya
Pineapple
Sweet Corn
Sweet Peas
Tomato*
Watermelon
* According to the Environmental Working Group, in 2008 the tomato was one of the most pesticide-ridden veggies, but has cleaned up its act since, that‘s why you can find it on both lists. You may want to try growing tomatoes on your own if you’re worried about this sudden shift in the tomato’s cleanliness.
Buying Local:
Over the last few years big retailers such as Wal-Mart and of course Whole Foods have jumped on the “locally grown” bandwagon, but if you’re truly looking for food grown within the county limits, your best bet is a local farmer’s market where you can meet the actual farmers and ask them questions about their farming practices. Ideally, buying local means you are putting your dollars back into your local economy by buying from Farmer Joe down the road instead of Wal-Mart. Environmental benefits come from reduced shipping, meaning less fuel consumption, less packaging, and not to mention that warm and fuzzy feeling you get inside from doing your part for the environment and for Alabama’s farmers.
Here are a few nearby farmer markets where you can buy local this season:
Unlike other Birmingham farmer’s markets, the Alabama Farmer’s Market, located on Finley Ave. West, is open daily year-round and is part of Birmingham‘s rich food heritage, dating back to 1921. This open-air, indoor facility offers just about anything you could imagine, produce-wise, attracting 2,000 to 2,500 Alabama farmers each year.
Located in Birmingham’s Lakeview District, Pepper Place Saturday Market, which officially kicked off their season April 16, offers veggies, flowers, honey, and bake goods, mixed with live music and cooking demonstrations every Saturday.
East Lake Farmer’s Market will open May 7 with a Strawberry Festival. In addition to the fresh veggies, you can find canned jars of jam, relish, soup, or spaghetti sauce. A family-friendly atmosphere lets you shop local while your kids craft under the kids-only canopy.
Serving south Birmingham, the Valleydale Farmer’s Market in the parking lot of Faith Presbyterian Church on Valleydale Road offers fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, including naturally grown produce with no chemical pesticides or herbicides. This Saturday market begins in May.
Urban Cookhouse Farmer’s Market
With the slogan “Buy Local, Eat Urban,” this homegrown restaurant in downtown Homewood is set to host a Saturday farmer’s market for its second year beginning May 21. Beyond fresh food, look for artist booths, live music and chef demonstrations.
Sources:
Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.com
Consumer Report’s greenerchoices.org
www.OrganicGrassFedBeefinfo.com
www.humanesociety.org
About Amy:
A Birmingham native, Amy Whitfield Richardson, isn’t a mommy, but a proud PANK who learns a lot from her friends at BirminghamMommy. When she’s not writing for this website, you can find her blogging about her love for midcentury architecture at Mod Room
Working Mommy Madness: Mother's Day In
By: Harmony Hobbs
Ugh … daycare. How I loathe and love you.
The hardest part of being a working mommy is the issue of childcare. I love to work, but I hate leaving my son. It sent me into a major depression-like funk for the entire first year of his life because I was so laden with guilt over it. We did our best to choose the best possible daycare for him, but no matter how wonderful the staff, or how much fun he seemed to have, I still felt like I was falling way short as a mother.
There are two schools of thought on this subject. My mother said it was “unnatural” to leave my child while I went off to work. She’s right. It is. I hate it. My co-workers (read: working mothers) told me to buck up. And they are also right. If the path I’m on is working motherhood, then I have no choice but to make the very best of it. So I did. I bucked up.
It has gradually gotten easier with time, but dropping him off at daycare is still a task that bothers me so much that I straight up refuse to do it. My husband has to. We really do have a wonderful daycare, but it’s still that – DAYCARE. Let’s not sugar coat here. People who are pretty much strangers take care of my child for 8 hours a day. And even though my son is almost three years old, I still feel like I’m failing him every day that we aren’t together. I deal with it by not dwelling on it.
That is the honest, ugly truth of working motherhood – there are parts that really suck. There is a lot of guilt. You just have to take that as part of the deal and accept it, own it, and work with it.
You might think, based on what I just said, that when I have a day off during the week (a rarity), I would keep my son at home with me without exception. I used to, when he was small. Before I understood how hard motherhood was going to get. Before he learned to walk and talk and exhaust me beyond my wildest dreams. Whatever fatigue I felt as a new mother pales in comparison to the weariness of raising a gregarious, boisterous toddler. This is why I feel that people who have never raised a toddler have no right to judge the actions of other parents who have raised, or are currently raising, toddlers.
You just do what you have to do to survive. Sometimes you do things you might call “crazy.” Or “desperate.”
Don’t worry. You don’t have to tell anyone.
As for me, I need breaks. Now that he is bigger, and more of a handful, there are times when I thank my lucky stars that I have somewhere safe to send him. It’s like what stay-at-home-moms refer to as “Mother’s Day Out.” I send him to daycare so I can have what I like to call “Mothers Day In.”
At first the whole concept seemed terribly wrong to me. I wondered if I was becoming desensitized. I worried I was selfish, a bad mother, or neglectful. And you know, maybe I am all of those things. But my child stays on his schedule, and I get a whole glorious day to myself to regroup. Or, if I happen to be sick, I can actually REST – in my own bed – knowing my child is doing what he’s used to doing every other day of the week.
The very thing that causes me so much guilt – daycare – often saves me from crossing over to the dark side. I love it and I hate it, all at the same time. Just like how I feel about underwire bras, three-inch heels, and family gatherings.
It’s complicated.
Harmony blew into Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina and is a self-proclaimed “never home maker” striving for a balance between her career and family life. Visit her blog Working Mommy Madness to read more!
Giveaway! Awesome 80's Prom at Alys Stephens Center
Whether your prom in the 80’s was the bomb or a total bomb, here’s your chance to go back in time and do it all over again…and this time maybe YOU can be the star of the show!
Awesome 80’s Prom is a blast-from-the-party past circa 1989! So grab your parachute pants and come join us! (Seriously, we encourage everyone to dress the part!) Trust us, this isn’t a sit down and watch kind of show. It’s literally a dance party – exactly like attending your senior prom!
All the characters from your favorite ‘80s movies are at THE PROM, from the Captain of the Football Team, to the Geek, and the hottie Head Cheerleader. And the fun part is, the “audience” (meaning the dancefloor) decides who wins prom King and Queen! There will be retro hits like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go!” The Awesome 80’s Prom won’t gag you with a spoon, cause it’s totally rad! Start digging out those old yearbooks for your own personal prom photos to share with us!
BirminghamMommy.com thanks to Alys Stephens Center has 2 pair of tickets to giveaway to 2 lucky readers – Here’s how to enter:
1. Leave a comment on this post letting us know your favorite 80’s band or song – 1 per person
2. Follow Alys Stephens Center on Twitter @ascbham – 1 per person
3. Tweet the following: “@Birminghammommy and @ascbham are doing a totally rad giveaway for the 80’s prom http://ow.ly/4Egj2 ” – 1 per person
4. Head over to the Alys Stephens FB page and upload a photo of you from the 80’s, big hair and all – 1 per person
Make sure to come back to this post and leave a comment for each thing you do..
Giveaway will end Friday(April 22nd) at Noon and winners names will be given to Alys Stephens Center for Will Call.
Birmingham Events Calendar: April 17th – 24th
We’ve been going green all month but this week things get busy around town with Earth Day celebrations happening all over! It’s time again for Auntie Liters Earth Day parade, a fun filled day for the entire family!
You’ll also be able to get in on some “Green” fun at the McWane Science Center and the Zoo too! Challenge yourself this week to make just one small change that will help you and our environment for a lifetime!
Sunday is Easter, DeSoto Caverns is celebrating all week with a special Easter Themed light show in the caverns, as well has having the Easter Bunny on site Sunday handing out candy and posing for pictures!
Don’t forget to check our list of area Easter Egg hunts going on, there are still a few! Happy Easter and Happy Earth Day!
It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!
Sunday April 17th:
Building Fairy Houses – Aldridge Gardens
All ages welcome. Children younger than 3rd grade must be accompanied by an adult. Members $5 per family/Non-members $6.50 per family. Hear a story, learn what kind of houses the tree and flower fairies prefer, then, try your hand at building a fairy house with natural materials. You may bring cones, nuts, shells, leaves, feathers, anything found outdoors. Natural materials purchased in a store will not be used. This class is outdoors so wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
Picnic Area 2pm
Tannehill Trade Days
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. Simple fun for all ages. Please Note: No Pets are allowed in the Trade Days Area.
7am – 5pm
Earthbounds Earthfest – Bessie Estelle Park
Local musicians Earthbound will play their highly-anticipated annual free outdoor concert, Earthbound’s Earthfest, to increase awareness for Earth Day and raise funds for Black Warrior Riverkeeper, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization. Free for all ages, Earthbound’s Earthfest will feature a bounce castle, dunk tank, hula hoops, frisbees, and plenty of other fun for children. Local artists and environmental organizations will bring displays. Optional donations from the crowd will support Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s efforts to protect local waterways and Birmingham-area drinking water, which is threatened by the Shepherd Bend Mine proposal.
2pm – sundown
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
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Monday April 18th:
Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the Ham’ Today! Check our list of local attractions that are open daily!
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Tuesday April 19th:
Game Night – Barnes and Noble Summit
In support of Turnoff Week, we are hosting a fun-filled evening of game playing and laughter. Join us in the Cafe where you can enjoy some delicious pastries or hearty sandwiches. We look forward to seeing you!
7pm
Walkabout Puppets on the Plaza – Hoover Public Library
Australian puppeteer, Bob Parsons, performs Goldilocks and the Three Bears using marionettes.
6:30pm
Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am
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Wednesday April 20th:
Auntie Liters Earth Day Parade – Kelly Ingram Park
Auntie Litter’s Earth Day Parade and Festival is the country’s largest Earth Day Parade for children. School children from around Birmingham fill the park for a day of fun and education. Environmental entertainment, picnic lunch and time with 30+ exhibitors fills the morning. The six block parade through the streets of Birmingham is the culmination of the day’s events.
9am – 2pm
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
Can you guess how much you are loved? Find out in Guess How much I Love You by Sam McBratney. As we read, sip on something sweet from our Cafe while doing arts and crafts. After, we’ll take a walk through our new Educational Toys & Games Department.
11:oo 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
Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am
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Thursday April 21st:
Party for the Planet – Birmingham Zoo
Come to the Zoo April 21-23 for a fun filled event featuring activites and wildlife presentations promoting the care and conservation of our planet. Guests will see special shows and animal demonstrations.
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Friday April 22nd:
Earth Day Celebrations – McWane Science Center
Join the party for the planet with cool programs like “Newspaper Masterpieces” where you can use recycled materials to create works of art!
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Party for the Planet – Birmingham Zoo
Come to the Zoo April 21-23 for a fun filled event featuring activities and wildlife presentations promoting the care and conservation of our planet. Guests will see special shows and animal demonstrations.
Storyday with Ms NeNe – Whole Foods
Come meet Mrs. Renee Schmidt “NeNe” as we bring you our beloved storytime. Enjoy storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am
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Saturday April 23rd:
Earth Day Celebrations – McWane Science Center
Join the party for the planet with cool programs like “Newspaper Masterpieces” where you can use recycled materials to create works of art!
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Park It and Picnic – Sloss Furnaces
Go green with an old-fashioned family picnic. Bring your family, your picnic lunch, and come celebrate at Sloss Furnaces with a day of family fun.
Fun prizes to be given away!
Free self-guided and cell phone tours of Sloss, free guided tours at 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM, badminton, croquette, horse shoes, and more!
Raptor Treck – McWane Science Center
Learn all about feathered friends who live here in Alabama. See real owls, falcons, hawks and even an American Bald Eagle.
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Party for the Planet – Birmingham Zoo
Come to the Zoo April 21-23 for a fun filled event featuring activites and wildlife presentations promoting the care and conservation of our planet. Guests will see special shows and animal demonstrations.
Cottontail Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Hop aboard for a spring train ride to Peter Cottontail’s meadow! Join in the fun as we hunt for Easter eggs – you might win a prize! Bring your camera to take photos with Peter Cottontail!
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny – Birmingham Zoo
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny takes place in Kudzoo Cafe and features a delicious breakfast followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny.
8:30am – Registration Required
Bart’s Books Water Dance – Birmingham Museum of Art
April showers bring May flowers! Wonder what else water can do? Bart the Art Bat selects one book each month about art that he thinks 4-7 year olds will enjoy. The storytellers are often our favorite teacher volunteers from local schools
11am
Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Celebrate Easter with us as we read The Easter Egg by Jan Brett. Will Hoppi make the winning egg? Come find out while creating some art. Our Cafe will be serving a tasty treat, and later we’ll hunt through our new Educational Toys & Games Department.
11:00am
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Sunday April 24th:
Easter Day Celebration – DeSoto Caverns Park
The Easter Bunny will be at the park meeting all visitors with candy and will be available for pictures!
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
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Local Attractions Open Daily!
McWane Science Center:
Itty Bitty Magic City –
The mini-sized Magic City – complete with buildings and factories – encourages young learners to explore new skills as they join the cities’ workforce. By dressing up in a favorite career costume and becoming a steel worker, doctor, pilot scientist or train conductor, preschoolers take one small step into the world around them. While operating cranes, turning gears, pulling pulleys, and building structures – to name just a few of the hands-on activities – children expand their understanding of themselves as they experience how objects behave and how their own actions affect the objects around them. Little explorers are free to navigate this active learning area at their own pace, allowing creativity, fun and discovery to flourish in the Itty Bitty Magic City!
NatureScope – Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!
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!
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