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HCG Diet Debate

Posted on 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 by Angie
Photo from Trend Hunter Fashion

**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 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 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.

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 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:

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
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

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 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

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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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!

Going Green with BirminghamMommy.com

Posted on 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.

BigBham Deal: Camp Cosby

Posted on by Angie

Pay $50 for a $100 credit towards the YMCA’s Camp Cosby. Send your kids to Alabama’s best Summer Camp

Click Here to Save


About This Deal

With 137 acres nestled in east Alabama, Camp Cosby provides the perfect summer camp atmosphere to over 2,000 campers each summer. Camp Cosby’s facilities and activities include:

* 22 air-conditioned cabins
* Air-conditioned dining hall
* Waterpark
* Swimming Pool
* Over 10 miles of trails for BMX, mini-bikes, horses, and hiking
* Open air gym
* 22-stall horse barn
* 55-foot Alpine Tower
* Cosby Zoom (Cosby’s own zipline)
* Media Center
* Ski Nautique Boats

Along with the finest facilities, Camp Cosby staff members are among the best! Camp Cosby searches all over the world to find our wonderful camp counselors. Counselors are selected on their ability to relate to campers using their individual skills and talents. Summer camp staff attend intensive leadership training before summer begins to be equipped to meet every child’s needs.

Camp Cosby’s “I Am Third” motto helps set the tone of our camp environment. The “I Am Third” motto places God first, others second, and yourself third. In addition, our staff’s “No Bully Zone” approach provides a feeling of safety for our campers. The “No Bully Zone” concept allows for more open communication between campers and staff about bullying situations. All campers learn more about the “I Am Third” motto and the “No Bully Zone” approach on the Sunday Evening Camp-Wide Meeting. With our caring staff and our camping values combined, your camper is guaranteed to have a wonderful camp experience!

The Fine Print:

Promotional value expires August 31, 2011
Limit 1 per child, may buy additional as gifts

Top Potty Training Books for the Wee Ones

Posted on by Angie

If you’re in the middle of a potty training war with your little ones or have that in your not so distant future, here are some books that are fun to read when your spending hours on end sitting on the floor, coaxing your child to just pee already!

Everyone Poops – By Taro Gomi – Now, this book may not be up everyone’s alley, but we like it,  Maybe my kids are gross but we find this book charming in an odd way. There are pictures of animals and humans taking “poops” of all shapes, sizes, and colors. A great lesson in learning that poop is just a part of our daily lives.

Once Upon a Potty – By Alana Frankel – We like this book because there is a boy option and a girl option. It labels body parts as a part of the explanation, which really pulls it together for a small child. Full of bright, friendly illustrations.

Potty – By Lauren Patricelli – We originally picked this book out because we are such fans of “Yummy Yucky.” It’s humorous and engaging without too many words. My girls love the “Tinkle Tinkle Toot”

When You’ve got to go – By Mitchell Kriegman – Bear provides the reassuring answers and guidance that they — and readers — need to hear. Pip and Pop also have a great idea that will delight Bear fans who are just starting to use the potty!

A Potty for Me – By Karen Katz – If we have read this once we’ve read it a thousand times! My girls love following along and lifting the flaps to see the child play, sit on the potty, eat, sit on the potty, sleep, and then sit on the potty…until finally there is success. It’s written from a child’s point of view, this potty-training book will help children join in the final refrain, “I’m so proud of me!”

What books got you through this seemingly grueling process? What did your kids respond to the most?

Children's Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services take on Bullying

Posted on by Angie

We’ve all read the articles, and we’ve seen the videos on youtube and other various media outlets, bullying is a huge issue among our school aged children. Approximately 160,000 students are absent from school each day nationwide due to fears of being bullied. The impact can be devastating on a child’s self esteem, academic performance and overall health.

Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services (CHIPS) is offering a free education and support group for children ages 12-15 that have been a victim of bullying. This 9 week series will meet weekly from 3:45pm to 5:15pm at the CHIPS center located at 1600 5th Avenue South, beginning on April 13th.

Sessions will be held by Registered Play Therapist Amy Ray, LPC, NCC and child and adolescent Psychiatry Fellow Theodore M Morgan II, MD.

While this service will be available free of charge, anyone wanting to participate must complete an application process.

Applications are available at www.chsys.org by clicking on “CHIPS CENTER” under “FEATURED SERVICES.” Once you have completed your application fax to: 205.558.2750 or mailed to: 1600 5th Ave South, Ste 100, Birmingham AL, 35233

Birmingham Area Easter Egg Hunts

Posted on by Angie

Easter Egg hunts are always popular with the kiddos! Here’s a list of the ones going on around town, mark your calendars now for the hunting fun!

We’ll be happy to add your hunt to our list, just email us at angie@birminghammommy.com

Alabaster

Albert Scott Library – Alabaster
Bring your basket & camera to hunt and meet the Easter Bunny! Program is in the mobile unit and on library grounds. Wednesday, April 20th 10:30am

Atalla

Tigers for Tomorrow
Untamed Mountain Egg Hunt
Hunt begins at 2 pm. and is included with admission to park. Admission is $5.00 for children ages 3-11, $12.50 for ages 12 and above. Sunday April 24th  2:00 – 5:00
Location: 710 County Road 345, Attalla, AL 35954
Contact: Call (256) 524-4150

Chelsea

Chelsea Community Church
Egg-Stravaganza
Ages 0-12yrs old  Broken into 4 age groups
Fun, Games, Food and Prizes
Special Guest will be available for Pictures
Saturday April 23rd 10am – 12pm

TreeTop Family Adventure
An Easter egg hunt for all ages plus the Easter bunny will be visiting
Saturday April 16th

Gardendale

East Gardendale Baptist
Saturday April 23rd

Moncreif Road
Night Hunt! Bring your flashlights!
Saturday April 16th 7:30pm

Hayden

Great Pumpkin Patch
Easter egg hunt on the Farm. April 9-23. Bring your kids, grandkids, Sunday school, school group or have your neighborhood hunt with us. $10 per child include wagon ride to the field, 10 surprise eggs, inflatable park, pony ride and train ride. Fun for all ages!!! Call or email: info@greatpumpkinpatch.com 205-616-6431 (Day) or 205-647-7002 (Night) or fax us at 205-647-2308.

Helena

Helena Amphitheater
1st hunt starts promptly at 9:30am
Saturday April 9th

Homewood

Dawson Memorial Baptist
Saturday April 16th
11:00a – 1:00p
4 separate egg hunts: 2 and younger, 3-4 year olds, 5 year olds-Kindergarten., 1st and 2nd grade at no cost
Families will enjoy pony rides, inflatables, rides, egg hunts, crafts, puppet, and ponies!

Homewood Park
The Homewood Easter Egg Hunt is for toddlers up to twelve years of age. Children will hunt for eggs with children of their on age group. There is also a section for children with special needs.
Time: Hunt begins at 11am sharp. It does not take to long for all of the eggs to disappear! Moon Walk, Train Ride and Merry Go Round will be available prior to and just after the event. Live music on the stage beginning at Noon.
Date: Saturday April 16

Hoover

Aldridge Gardens
2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Egg and I. Gates open at 9am for a morning full of fun in the Gardens. Inflatables, Face Painting, Crafts, Photos with the Easter Bunny, over 2000 eggs and more!
Saturday April 16, 8-10am
Ages 2-5 year olds – 9:30am
6-10 year olds – 10:00am
Free but you are strongly encouraged to pick up a free pass from the “Egg and I” – On HWY 31, Riverchase. Rain or Shine!

Green Valley Baptist Church
Saturday April 23rd
10am at the Fellowship Hall

Leeds

Leeds Memorial Park|
Community Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored by Overton Church
Inflatables, face painting, balloons, egg hunt, prizes and lots of fun!! We will be hiding over 2000 eggs
Saturday April 23rd – 3pm – 5pm

Bass Pro Shops
No Easter Egg hunt is planned at this time. They will have plenty of Easter Activities including pictures with the Easter Bunny. We’ll keep an eye out for more specific details.

Montevallo

Orr Park
The Easter Bunny appears for photos with children. Hundreds of eggs are hidden in the park with area divided for age groups.
Saturday April 23rd, 10am

Moody

First Baptist Church of Moody
Easter Egg Hunt, Inflatables, Face Painting, and Pizza
April 23rd, 10:30-Noon

Mountain Brook

Crestline
Crestline Village at Country Club Park field across from the Emmet O’Neal Library. Children through age 10 are invited to come and bring their Easter baskets to hunt for colorful eggs filled with treats.  A special visit from the EASTER BUNNY is planned.
Saturday April 23rd, 10am

Pelham –

Oak Mountain State Park
3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt. 10,000 eggs hidden, as well as other activities such as face painting, hayride, moonwalk, cake hop, sack races, and more. Some activities have an additional charge after admission into the park. There will be a separate area for the younger kids to hunt.
Saturday April 23rd – 10am

Pinson

Solid Rock Church
Saturday April 23rd.
Gates open at 10am. Hunt starts at 11am
Ages 0-12 may

First Baptist Church of Pinson
Sunday April 17th 10:30am
1st-5th grade

Pinson United Methodist
Saturday April 16th 10:30am
Preschool-5th grade

Trussville

Trussville Parks and Recreation
Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday April 16th 6:30pm Ages 2-8
Trussville Youth Football Field
Don’t forget your flashlight AND Basket!

Vestavia Hills

Wald Park
The Dogwood Fun Day is part of the 2011 Dogwood Festival. Come out to Wald Park for an Easter Egg Hunt and other fun children’s activities!
Saturday April 16th –
Easter Egg Hunt begins at 9:30 am.
Fun Day Activities 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Liberty Crossings
Face painting, Inflatables, Art Area and Horseshoes as well.  Hamburgers and Hotdogs will also be served.
April 23rd 11am – 1pm

A Mother's Shade of Green – The Great Outdoors

Posted on by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

“You’re so lucky to live in the South,” a Northern dwelling friend of mine recently said to me. “You don’t have to worry about piles of snow and freezing temperatures, your kids can open the door and run outside to play whenever they want.” Well not exactly, I thought to myself, after all, summers in Birmingham can get ridiculously hot. In fact, Birmingham can get so hot that by the end of our fist summer here I felt as though I would go stark raving mad if I had to spend one more afternoon trapped inside. Oh, don’t get me wrong, we kept busy with library events, museum memberships, and plenty of good old fashioned play dates, yet, something was still missing. I missed spending time outside. Simply put, I had begun to feel disconnected from nature, and worse, I feared my children were also suffering from the disconnection as well.

Extreme heat aside, the year-round typical warmer weather of the South does afford us the luxury to spend more time outside, and therefore more time enjoying nature. Yet, do we really take advantage of it?  Sadly, for many of us, the answer is probably a resounding no.  You might say, “it’s nothing against nature, I’m just busy,” or, “I just can’t trust my child to be outside by themselves.” The simple truth revolves around a growing list of obstacles that continue to merit the great concern over  a tremendous lack of nature in our lives.

We live in a world that is becoming more and more centered around technological advances, and less and less focused on real outdoor experiences. As a society we are increasingly dependent upon computers, TV, and cell phones in order to entertain, learn, and even communicate with one another. Although there are incredible benefits to such advances, negative factors exist as well, such as the now proven association between an abundance of screen time and disturbing childhood trends like obesity, attention disorders, and poor academic performance. Scary to think about, isn’t it? Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, explores the idea that our children are so plugged in, and so out of touch with nature that their most crucial functions—their health and emotional well being—are being compromised. “Direct exposure to nature is essential for the physical and emotional health of children and adults,” says Louv. “Our kids are actually doing what we told them to do when they sit in front of that TV all day or in front of that computer game all day. The society is telling kids unconsciously that nature’s in the past. It really doesn’t count anymore, that the future is in electronics, and besides, the bogeyman is in the woods.”

Right now, you might be thinking something like this: “my kid spends plenty of time outdoors, he’s on a soccer team, and we go to the beach three times a year.” Yet, there are other factors associated with a nature-deficit existence, including the less dominant, yet still crucial components. Take into consideration the lack of imaginary play, or freedom from routine and structure? Having spent most of my childhood living in a small coastal town in Southern Maine, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had both the beach and the forest within walking distance of my backyard. I can’t recall a weekend where my sisters and I weren’t outside exploring, playing, and imagining with our friends, or even by ourselves. We collected acorns for the squirrels, built forts, and spent hours pushing one another on our tire swing. But times are different now you might say. Yes, I suppose in many ways they are, but have the fundamentals really changed all that much? Are the necessities for human development all that different? I don’t believe they are. I believe that bringing our children closer to nature—plants, grass, trees, gardens—and yes, even bugs—means making it a tangible experience for them. Once nature is in their sight—or better yet in their hands—our children are able to appreciate it far better than by simply “experiencing” it via TV or computer. And when they appreciate it, they also really understand it, helping them to become better environmental stewards in the future.

So if you’re windows are still closed, open them up, let the fresh air in. If you’ve been meaning to stop by that beautiful new park but just haven’t made the time, do it now—and bring along a magnifying glass, or even a kite. Turn off the TV, make the most of this pleasant spring weather, and while you’re encouraging your children to get outdoors to play, take a moment to remind yourself that it’s good for you to head outdoors as well.

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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