BigBham Deal: Jewelry from Jennarosity

Posted on Friday, April 15, 2011 by Angie

Pay $10 for $20 worth of Hand-Stamped Sterling Silver and Copper pieces for everyday wear from Jennarosity.
Click Here to Purchase

About This Deal

Rebecca Waganat started making jewelry for herself and friends 14 years ago. Using sterling silver and copper she creates customized hand stamped, textured, tarnished, and buffed jewelry for everyday wear. Hand stamping allows for customization of each piece; with names, phrases or scripture. So, you can be sure your piece of jewelry is one of a kind!

Today you can get $20 worth of your own beautifully hand-stamped bracelets, earrings or necklaces from Jennarosity.

Mother’s Day is only one month away! These customized hand-stamped pieces make a perfect gift for Mom. So buy one for yourself and one for the special Mom in your life.

What customers are saying about Jennarosity:

“LOVE this necklace!! Great quality! Will come back to purchase more as gifts for friends! Great gift for mommies! :)”

“Necklaces are just what I was looking for. Very fast order processing and shipping. Very fast and clear communication. Thank you so much!”

“Exactly the perfect Christmas present for my sister in law. flawless. fast fast shipping. Thanks!”

Droolicious Cuisine at BirminghamMommy.com: Tilapia Piccata

Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 by Angie

This is a 15-minute recipe that I found in Cooking Light that all of the family loves…Husby requests it on a regular basis, and we never seem to get tired of eating it. You can substitute most any flaky white fish or use veal or chicken cutlets. This recipe pairs well with a side of sauteed spinach or a mixed field greens salad. I modified the recipe a little bit to suit our tastes. This recipe yields 4 servings. Enjoy!

Tilapia Piccata

8 ounces uncooked orzo (about 1 1/2 cups)
3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup white cooking wine
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon drained capers
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1) Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and stir in tomatoes. Set aside and keep warm.

2) Combine salt, pepper, and flour in a large shallow dish. Dredge fish in mixture. Melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add fish to pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes with a fork. Remove fish from pan and keep warm.

3) Add wine, juice, 2 tablespoons butter, and capers to pan. Cook for 2 minutes. Spoon a portion of sauce over fish and add remaining sauce and feta cheese to orzo mixture. Serve fish with orzo.

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

About Kim:

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

BirminghamMommy Event of the Week – Paint The Town Red

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 by Angie

An event like nothing else happening in our fine city! It’s time again to Paint the Town Red!!

For one night… the blank brick walls and window fronts of 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham’s Loft District will be transformed into canvases for stunning digitally created art: graphic art, digital photography and digital animated shorts… all projected.

In it’s third year, Paint the Town Red is an innovative fundraiser for the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross. It combines stunning visuals, eclectic live music and great street food. Vote for your favorite entries, introduce kids to the future of creativity and indulge your eyes in a visual feast

In addition to great art, there will be a great line up of music programmed by another Birmingham treasure BAAM! Fest

April 16, 2011 from 6pm to 11pm.
Tickets are $15 at the gate $10 in advance: Click HERE to purchase

Birmingham Events Calendar: April 10th – April 17th

Posted on Sunday, April 10, 2011 by Angie

Spring Festivals are always fun family events and they are starting to heat up around town, many happening along side annual Easter Egg Hunts!

Enjoy a Movie on the Lawn, or check out Tannehill Trade Days, the Magnolia Festival, or Paint the Town Red this Weekend!

Whatever you decide to do, get out and enjoy the weather! Make sure to check out our complete list of Birmingham Area Egg Hunts – Have a GREAT Week!

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

Sunday April 10th:

Fairytale Festival – Samford University|
Games, sing-a-longs, cupcakes, lemonade and Easter Egg Hunt. Characters from Disney movies. Bolding Rose Garden on the campus. Tickets $10 and $15
2:30pm

The Great Pumpkin Patch Spring Fling
Live music, great food, inflatable park, craft fair, car show and more

Little Naturalists Series – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Do you have fond memories of playing in the woods and want to share that wonder with your children? Or, if you missed out on nature experiences when you were young, now is your chance to experience the joy. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center provides a safe haven for youthful exploration for kids and adults alike. Each month, we will focus on a different topic, sparking interest and inspiring curiosity. Bring your budding naturalist to the mountain and let’s explore!

•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for K – 2nd grade. •Drop-ins welcome.
2pm

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 11th:

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 12th:

MOPS Meeting – Riverchase Community Church
“Finances and going back to Work” 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.

Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am

Together Time– Emmet O’Neal Library
The Letter “Z”
All Ages Welcome
9:30 or 10:30

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Wednesday April 13th:

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
We’ll read Interrupting Chicken by David Stein and see how many times chicken will interrupt her papa. Create something artistic while enjoying a sweet treat from our Cafe. 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 14th:

Storytime Live – Hoover Public Library
Heads Up
10:30am

PJ Storytime – Hoover Public Library
Dance Off
6:30pm

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Friday April 15th:

Magnolia Festival – Gardendale
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Gardendale Magnolia Festival! New and exciting activities, large carnival, food, and live entertainment.
5pm – 9pm

Movie on the Lawn – Emmet O’Neal
Come get tangled in a new version of a classic fairy tale. Brink a blanket and some supper for a picnic on the lawn while you watch.
7pm

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 16th:

Paint the Town the Red
the blank brick walls and window fronts of 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham’s Loft District will be transformed into canvases for stunning digitally created art: graphic art, digital photography and digital animated shorts… all projected. In it’s third year, Paint the Town Red is an innovative fundraiser for the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross. It combines stunning visuals, eclectic live music and great street food. Vote for your favorite entries, introduce kids to the future of creativity and indulge your eyes in a visual feast.
6pm to 11pm.

ArtPlay ArtDay – ArtPlay Alys Stephens Center
UAB’s Alys Stephens Center invites the entire community to join in celebration of the Grand Opening of ArtPlay, Birmingham’s new arts education & outreach center. Bring the whole family to for fun festivities for every age. Then, stay for the dedication of the a new outdoor sculpture made by local students, prize giveaways, & more! You’ll get to see what happens in each classroom and take part in hands-on activities, plus see the beautiful renovation of one of Birmingham’s most important Victorian homes. Free and open to everyone. Event runs from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Festivities Include
RIBBON CUTTING
LIVE MUSIC
CLASS DEMONSTRATIONS
INTERACTIVE ART PROJECTS
SCAVENGER HUNT
FREE FOOD & DRINKS
GIVEAWAYS & MORE!

Magnolia Festival – Gardendale
Full day with carnival, live entertainment, over 150 arts and crafts and business vendors, pooch parade, antique car show-100 cars, free children’s art classes, and the best variety and quality of food around.
10am – 5pm

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

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

Belk Spring Charity Sale – All Belk Stores
Benefiting local charities, schools and nonprofit organization. A four-hour, in-store shopping event In exchange for a $5
donation, customers will receive a ticket admitting them to the Spring Charity Sale and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from 20 to 70 percent off on items throughout the store, including special savings on rarely discounted brands. Customers will also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double Rewards points (and Belk Elite cardholders triple Rewards points) for card purchases.
5am – 10am

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Parents will remember and kids will learn about the inspiring and timeless lyrics of Forever Young by Bob Dylan read as a story. While reminiscing, enjoy a treat from our Cafe and create some crafts. Then we’ll tour our new Educational Toys & Games Department
11:00am

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Sunday April 17th:

Building Fairy Houses – Aldridge Gardens
All ages welcome. Children younger than 3^rd 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

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

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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!

Animalopolis at the IMAX – ANIMALOPOLIS will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun for kids and their parents.

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!

BirminghamMommy Plastic Challenge: Take 30 Days to See What Plastics You Can Live Without

Posted on Friday, April 8, 2011 by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

Up for A Challenge? Take 30 Days to See What Plastic Products You Can Live Without

As a new parent I really struggled with bringing certain un-recyclable plastic products into our home. “Where would they eventually end up?” I wondered. After all, we can’t keep burying things beneath the Earth’s surface forever. And then add to that the mounting concern over learning about the serious health risks associated with bisphenol A (BPA), a highly toxic chemical used to make hard plastic and toys. It was all too much. My parenting instincts kicked in, and I stopped heating food in plastic containers, and began hand washing my children’s plastic dishes. I even traded in my beloved Nalgene bottles for bottles labeled BPA-free. I thought I’d covered all the bases, I thought I was doing enough to keep my family safe, and as an added bonus, reducing my family’s contribution to the local landfill. But I thought wrong.

Recent studies continue to warn of plastic products made with a litany of toxic chemicals (many of which still contain BPA). These studies talk about the adverse effects upon children who are exposed to these chemicals and the increased risk for developing cancer, and reproductive and developmental disorders. Studies also indicate that most plastics contain certain chemicals that are widely known to increase estrogen levels. Scary stuff there. On top of the rising health concerns, there is also the fact that our Earth is practically oozing with waste and plastic products that simply won’t go away-because they can’t.

Plastic is made from nonrenewable resources, petroleum or natural gas. The manufacturing process for the sheer volume of plastic products used by today’s society necessitates millions of barrels of oil each year. In fact, it takes the United States an estimated 1.6 million gallons of oil each year just to create plastic bags alone. Plastic is virtually impossible to break down-the material is simply not capable of biodegrading. And even worse, the toxins released from this un-biodegradable plastic leaches into the surrounding soil, water and air, contaminating our most precious natural resources, as well as compromising our health.

So what can we do? If I asked you to try and eliminate plastic from your life, you’d probably think I was crazy. After all, plastic is pretty much unavoidable, right? It’s in our phones and computers, our furniture, and our children’s toys-heck, it’s even in our cars. I could think of a gazillion different plastic products that we use and depend upon every single day. Complete elimination of it all seems impossible, but beginning to let go of the single use disposable plastics, can be a much more realistic alternative.

Erica Frey-Delaportas, a Birmingham mom of two little boys, explains that by using less plastic on a daily basis, her family is actually already doing something that comes naturally to most parents- multitasking. “One simple choice of not using plastic wrap or plastic containers for leftovers has multiple positive results,” says Frey-Delaportas. “By using ceramic or glass containers with lids, I am saving money, not letting dangerous chemicals leach into my kids’ foods, and we’re also reducing the amount of plastic waste destined for a landfill.” For lunch on the go, she also suggests replacing juice boxes with a thermos, and Ziploc bags with reusable lunch containers.

So what else can you do?

Ban the bags. Seriously, you can do this. Get in the habit of bringing your own cloth bags to the store-every store. And once you’re there try to keep the momentum going by asking yourself things like,“do I really need to put one produce item in its own plastic bag?” Instead, let it hang loose and toss it sans plastic into the cart. And what about that huge stash of plastic bags you’ve been hoarding under your sink? Do you know you can actually bring them to some stores, including Publix, to recycle?

Say no to stupid plastic. Rodale.com suggests avoiding “stupid” or unnecessary plastic, like straws for example. Sure they’re fun, especially for the little ones, but they’re not essential. And if you already know you won’t use the plastic hangers some stores give you with clothing purchases, leave them behind-they’ll surly be used again.

Plastic water bottles. This is one plastic elimination that I know will be tough for some of you. You know who you are too, I’ve seen you at the store buying them in bulk-there are some of you who even do it every week. Alright listen up: You can do this. Here’s what I want you to do, first, purchase reusable water bottles (preferably aluminum) for each member of your family. Make it fun, let them write their name on it, or even decorate it if they want. Second, every day fill them with water-and yes, I mean the water from your own tap. Third, when grocery shopping, resist walking down the water bottle aisle (side note: think about that, a whole aisle just for water?!). Fourth, put a pretty glass jar on the kitchen counter. Fifth, once a week insert into glass jar the money you save from not buying pallets of plastic water bottles. Sixth, one year later, use that money to pay for a family vacation. Simple as that. I promise.

Don’t buy it if you can’t recycle it. Well, at least try not to anyway. Believe it or not, there is actually plastic out there that is not recyclable. Even if you intend on passing these items on and on, in their end there is only one way out-through the trash. Americans recycle very few plastics as it is. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that in 2009 Americans recycled only seven percent of the 30 million tons of total plastic waste generated that year. Just to make my point well heard, let me repeat that, seven percent. If you can’t recycle it in some way, shape or form, try not to bring it into your life.

Cook more, buy less take out. By doing so you’ll avoid plastic take out containers, spend less money on your food budget, and ultimately have more time with your family in your own kitchen. It’s a win, win, simple as that.

Get motivated, learn the facts, and take pride in whatever accomplishments you achieve! For a complete guide to recyclable items and to learn more about which plastics to avoid, please visit Healthy Child, Healthy World: Be Wise with Plastics.

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.

HCG Diet Debate

Posted on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 by Angie

As women we talk a lot about weight loss and how to get back to our pre-baby body or at least something that might closely resemble it.

Recently the hot new fad diet is based on injecting your body with HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)… You know, the pregnancy hormone. The hormone that burns belly fat to feed the baby when a Mom isn’t getting enough nutrients during pregnancy.

Running a cool $1000 per session, women who aren’t pregnant and men (also not pregnant) are giving themselves this hormone while restricting their daily calorie intake to only 500 calories. Thus tricking the body into starvation and making it think it needs to feed a baby. HCG signals the area of your brain that affects the metabolism to mobilize fat stores. During pregnancy, this helps your body bring nutrients into the placenta, fueling the fetus with the energy to grow

HCG is not approved by the FDA for this purpose but many people say it is effective, while some Doctors argue that it’s not the hormone causing the weight loss but the restricted calories that cause the dramatic, short term weight loss. Which makes sense. Wouldn’t we all drops some pounds if we restricted ourselves to only 500 calories per day? We might be irritable and short tempered, but hey! We’d all be skinny!

The FDA even requires all marketing of HCG to include the following: “HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or ‘normal’ distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.”

Some known negative side effects you may experience: “Headaches, mood swings, depression, blood clots, confusion, and dizziness. Some women also develop a condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS); symptoms of this include pelvic pain, swelling of the hands and legs, stomach pain, weight gain, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting/nausea, and/or urinating less than normal.”

So, what do you think? Is this another extreme, too good to be true fad? Or would you try it if money was no issue?

Giveaway! Tiny TOMS from Mountain High Outfitters

Posted on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 by Angie

**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**

TINY TOMS are some of the newest shoes to be released from TOMS, giving even the tiniest humans the chance to be a socially conscience kid.

These small shoes, just like the adult version, will help provide footwear for the less fortunate. As we mentioned in our post yesterday TOMS matches each pair of shoes purchased by giving a pair to a child in need. The One for One Movement they have become known for. It’s a buy one give one! A new kind of BOGO!

Mountain High Outfitters has given us (1) pair to give out to one lucky reader, here’s how to enter:

1. Leave us a comment on this post – 1 per person total

2. Check Mountain High Outfitters out on FB and tell them thanks for doing the giveaway. 1 per person total

3. Head over to twitter and tweet the following: “@BirminghamMommy & @Mt_High are giving away a pair of tiny Toms! http://ow.ly/4tSZw” 1 per person total

You must come back here and leave a comment letting us know that you did 2 and 3..

Giveaway will end at noon on Thursday, April 7th – Winners information will be passed along to Mountain High Outfitters and they will have your information on file for redemption

Lose your Shoes for the TOMS One Day Without Shoes Challenge

Posted on Monday, April 4, 2011 by Angie

TOMS shoes is raising awareness of the impact that a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life by encouraging you to go without yours for just one day! Can you do it?

In many developing Countries, children must walk barefoot for miles to school, clean water or to get medical help. This leaves many children exposed to infection, intestinal worms and cold weather illness.

This worldwide challenge urges adults and children to go shoeless to create awareness of those who have no choice. Last year, 250,000 people participated with more than 1600 events being held worldwide.

Founded in 2006, TOMS shoes became a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need, the One for One Movement.

So on Tuesday April 5th, kick off those stilettos. and put away those sneakers for just one day!

In the spirit of the One for One Movement, Mountain High Outfitters will be giving us a pair of Tiny TOMS to give to one lucky reader! Watch our site for more details tomorrow!

Birmingham Events Calendar: April 3rd – April 10th

Posted on Sunday, April 3, 2011 by Angie

The MOMS Market Springpaslooza is TODAY! (Sunday) Come see us and shop around with 100 vendors to choose from! We’ll be there from 1pm – 5pm handing goodies so make sure to say hi on your way in!

If you’re planning to shop with us, the husband with the kids to Homewood Library for “An Afternoon with the Pete the Cat” a special storytime and musical performance!

On this weeks calendar, you have 10 cent cookies at Whole Foods, a LEGO Mini build, Lowes Build and Grow workshop as well as 2 day Spring Fling at the Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden. Enjoy your week and as always make sure to check and see if we’ve added anything new!

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

Sunday April 3rd:

MOMS Market Springpalooza – Pelham Civic Complex
Come out and join us for a great day of shopping fun, supporting local Moms with businesses as well as PADS (Parent Advocates – Down Syndrome) BirminghamMommy.com will be there, so stop by our table to say hi, we’ll have goodies and a chance to win a prize or two!
1pm – 5pm

An Afternoon with Pete the Cat – Homewood Library
Eric Litwin, The New York Times bestselling author of Pete the Cat, is coming for a special storytelling and musical performance to benefit The Bell Center. This is an afternoon of fun your children can’t miss!
Free admission, donations happily accepted!
3:00pm

Day out with Thomas – Heart of Dixie RR Museum
All little engineers are invited to take a train ride with Thomas! The fun-filled family experience includes photos with Sir Topham Hatt, putt-putt golf, jumpstation, petting zoo, bubble station, temporary tattoos, storytelling, videos, live music and hands-on fun in the Imagination Station! You’ll find commemorative activities, merchandise and give-aways available ONLY at this Day Out With Thomas event.The 25-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every 45 minutes, rain or shine, with departure times at 9:45 am through 3:45 pm daily. Tickets for the Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011 are $18 for ages two and up.

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Monday April 4th:

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

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

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Tuesday April 5th:

LEGO Mini Build -Riverchase Galleria
Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store and offer is good while supplies last only. Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.
LEGO Watering Can: begins at 5:00pm until supplies last.

10 Cent Cookie Tuesday – Whole Foods Market
While Supplies Last
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!

Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am

Together Time– Emmet O’Neal Library
The Letter “Y”
All Ages Welcome
9:30 or 10:30

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Wednesday April 6th:

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Calling all divas! Come hear us read Little Diva by LaChanze Pinkney, and learn how a young girl wants to be like her starlet mom. Afterwards, we will tour our new Educational Toys & Games Department while sipping on something sweet from our Cafe.
11:oo am

Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome.
10:30am

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Thursday April 7th:

Storytime Live – Hoover Public Library
Heads Up
10:30am

PJ Storytime – Hoover Public Library
Dance Off
6:30pm

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Friday April 8th:

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 9th:

The Great Pumpkin Patch Spring Fling
Live music, great food, inflatable park, craft fair, car show and more

Mt Laurel Spring Fling
Activities for kids, shopping, food vendors. Great way to kick off spring with the family!
10am – 3pm

Shape a Story and Rainbow a Rhyme – Hoover Public Library
Paint a new fairy tale, color a poem and spin tall tales with the wonder of fantasy, art and words. Ages 5-12.
Call to register Mar. 25 – Apr. 8.
10:30am

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic
Spring sports are just starting up! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this awesome Sports Pinball game!
10am

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Dance with us as we read Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andrede. His legs are too skinny, and his neck is too long! What will Gerald do at the jungle dance? Then explore our new Educational Toys & Games Department and have a tasty snack from our Cafe.
11:00am

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Sunday April 10th:

The Great Pumpkin Patch Spring Fling
Live music, great food, inflatable park, craft fair, car show and more

•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for K – 2nd grade. •Drop-ins welcome.
2pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

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

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

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

Going Green with BirminghamMommy.com

Posted on Friday, April 1, 2011 by Angie

As many of you know April is Green Month and we like to take the opportunity here on the site to focus on ideas, tips and tricks on how we all can incorporate some green living into our daily lives. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment, think baby steps.

We hope that you will walk away with just a couple of things that you can do from now on that will lessen your impact on the planet. Who knows, some of these changes might even save you some green in the long run… More on that to come!

We save a lot of energy and natural resources by producing things out of recycled material instead of virgin materials.

Did you know that by recycling 1 aluminum you can save enough energy to light up a room for 20 hours with a 100-watt light bulb, or use your laptop for 3 hours, or kick back and watch television for 2 hours.. Just one teeny little can.

Being green, recycling and caring about our environment is often seen as a left wing inspired hippie movement but who doesn’t want clean air to breathe? I know I do. Take a look at these statistics and see where you can make even the smallest change (think 1 can) to help us all breathe a little easier.

Plastic garbage thrown into the ocean kills over 1 million sea animals every year

An aluminum can would still be recognizable as a can in 500 years; a plastic bag would take more than 1,000 years to begin to decompose; and a glass bottle would take more than 4,000 years to break down.

Worldwide, annually, we consume 500 billion plastic bags, which required 60 million barrels of oil to make.

Americans consume more than 1 million plastic bags per minute

Junk mail creates 2.1 million tons of solid waste; consumes 28 billion gallons of fresh water in production; and requires over 350,000 dump trucks to haul away… every year.

Did you know, the Hershey Company in the US produces about 20,000,000 kisses each day using 133 square miles of aluminum to wrap them in; this material is recyclable and most of it ends up in the trash rather than the recycle bin.

The United States in the world’s largest trash producing country with more than 1,600 pounds of trash per person per year.