The Birmingham Zoo Trails of Africa – VIP Preview

Posted on Monday, March 7, 2011 by Angie

The much anticipated and long awaited Trails of Africa will open this spring at the Birmingham Zoo. If you are a member you’ve seen the construction and have had the opportunity to watch the excited progress unfold over the past year or so, well now you can get a sneak peek!

Be the first to see Trails of Africa during the Zoo’s Member VIP Preview Days. This members only event will take place March 10th and 11th at 10:30am and 2:30pm and March 12th at 10:30am. Not only will you get to see Trails, but you will also have the opportunity to see Bulwagi, the Zoo’s first African bull elephant up-close in the educational Boma Yard, see African biofacts and hear informative keeper talks. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t miss out!

Birmingham Events Calendar – March 6th – March 13th

Posted on Sunday, March 6, 2011 by Angie

Laissez les bons temps rouler! It’s Mardi Gras week – Did you know Birmingham hasn’t had a Mardi Gras parade since 1901? That changes this year so head out to Southside this Tuesday and pretend like your on Bourbon Street!

The Birmingham little Theatre will be at the Emmet O’ Neal Library with Hansel and Gretel, dinner and a show! You’ve got a Build and Grow workshop at Lowe’s, a LEGO Block party and more this week!

What will you do?

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

Sunday March 6th:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Make a Monkey Mask
Make a mask a king would be proud of! Using inspiration from Indian King Hamuran, you can fashion a monkey mask for yourself. FREE!
1:00pm – 3:00pm

Candyology – McWane Science Center
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of sweet science. Learn the science behind Pop Rocks, make your own Geodesic Gumdrop Structure and the science of your favorite candies. Plus get ready for delicious demonstrations from Jelly Belly on tour (samples for all…yum)
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
12 – 4 PM

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 March 7th:

Storytime on the Mountain – 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.
10am

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

Lego Block Party – Hoover Public Library
Tween Scene
We’ll provide the Legos, you bring your imagination. All participants entered into drawing for Lego kit door prizes. Ages 8-12 years. Call 444-7833 to register
6:30pm

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Tuesday March 8th:

FAT TUESDAY!!!!!!

Mardi Gras Parade – 5 Points South
The Parade will start at the corner of Highland Avenue and 20th Street and move through historic Five Points South, ending at University Boulevard.
8pm

Hansel and Gretel – Emmet O’Neal Library
With B’ham Little Theater
5:30 Dinner – 6:00 Show
All Ages

Together Time – Emmet O’Neal Library
Action-packed storytime The Letter “V”
All ages. 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

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

Mops Meeting – Riverchase United Methodist Church
“Spring cleaning and Chores for kids” topic at the Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS) for Expecting Mothers thru to Mothers with preschoolers.
6:30-8:30 pm RSVP child care with Lynn 664-4531.
http://riverchase.cc/mops.php

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Wednesday March 9th:

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

123 Play With Me – Avondale Library
Avondale is providing a special time and place for you to come to the library and spend one-on-one time playing with your child. We will have toys, books, and art activities just for you and your child. A special guest will join us each week to answer some of your parenting questions. Don’t delay, call and register you and your child today.
10am

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Marley Goes to School by John Grogan will make you laugh and say, “Oh no, Marley is loose at school!” Will Cassie be able to catch him? Find out while enjoying some yummy Cafe treats and taking a tour of our New Educational Toys and 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 March 10th:

SNAP – Emmet O’Neal Library
Popcorn and Movie
Scorcerer’s Apprentice
Grades 3 -6
3:30pm – 4:30pm

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Friday March 11th:

Holy Inappropriateness – We couldn’t find any special events happening in the Ham’ today! Check out something going on daily on our list below

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Saturday March 12th:

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The parade lineup is at 11 a.m. at Powell Avenue and 20th Street South; parade begins at 11:30 a.m., going south up 20th Street South and ending at Five Points South at approximately noon.

Beginning at 11 a.m., Guinness will present Shamrockin’ in Five Points. Join Guinness, the Alabama Celtic Association, and the Five Points Neighborhood and Merchants Associations for an afternoon of music, dance, and fun. Performers include Hooley, Henri’s Notions, Alabama Pipes and Drums, Anam Cara Irish Dancers, Drake School of Irish Dance, and Birmingham Irish Set Dancers. Corner of 20th Street South and 12th Avenue (former Ruby Tuesday’s location).

Hand Hand Fingers Thumb – Hoover Public Library
Get your hands dirty at the Hoover Public Library for a morning of finger-painting fun! Call 444-7833 to register
10:30am

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Little Mouse and the Big Cupcake by Thomas Taylor. See how Little Mouse shares his treat with all his friends! Create some art while enjoying a treat from our Cafe and then you can explore our New Educational Toys and Games Department.
11:00am

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
Shoot Around Basketball: It’s tournament time! Your child will love challenging their friends to a game of shoot around basketball!
10am

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Sunday March 13th:

Little Naturalists – 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.
2:00- 3:00pm

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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!

Tips for taking kids to funerals and other sensitive events

Posted on Friday, March 4, 2011 by Angie

This is one of those topics that no one really talks about much. Hopefully it doesn’t happen often enough to require too much thought, but it does happen.

Right before the holidays, our family lost my husband’s grandfather, a great man. My 5 year old son took it very hard. We flew to Connecticut to attend the funeral, and I must admit, I was very nervous about taking a 3 year old and 5 year old to a viewing, funeral, and graveside.

By no means am I an expert! This is simply what worked for us being shared with anyone else who may be facing the same situation.

1. PREPARE- Prepare your kids in every way possible. Discuss death, dying, and funerals before you get there if it’s possible. Explain what will happen at each event to the kids. Tell them how important their behavior is to everyone, not just you.

2. EXPLAIN- Don’t just tell them to behave, explain to them what exactly they need to do. Be explicit: “I expect you to stay in your seat and stay quiet.” Keep your ‘demands’ to 2-3. Giving them a list to remember is overwhelming. Ask them to repeat the 2 rules, seated and quiet.

3. PRAISE- Once you’re there, give them some positive praise immediately so they can start on the right foot. Keep the praise coming the whole time.

Attending sensitive events with kids is hard for the kids and for the parents. We expect a lot out of kids and we need to be understanding. If they misbehave, stay calm and remind them of the rules. Understand that doing the best you can is all anyone expects. It’s a lot of effort to keep the kids calm and in control, but it will teach them the importance of the event, and how they need to behave in these situations.

Bethenny Frankel talks to BirminghamMommy.com

Posted on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 by Angie

BirminghamMommy recently had the opportunity to talk with the star of the new Reality show Bethenny Ever After.

Bethenny Frankel may have started as a Real Housewife of NY, but she has become so much more. Women love her because she is real and she takes ownership of who she is. (She also created Skinny Girl Margaritas, what’s not to love?) She is busy with her show, her book, her husband, and her baby Bryn, all under the watchful eye of a camera crew.

This show will be different because it’s a natural pick up from where we last saw Bethenny. She has a new baby and is navigating the first year of marriage. The first year is hard, but to do it in front of a camera is exhausting. Bethenny puts her usual positive yet realistic spin on it by saying “…it’s two people from two different worlds now aligning, living together.” This show promises to be exciting because of how different she and Jason are. “We’re very different. He’s from a small town. He’s lived in the same place his entire life. I’ve lived in dozens of places. He’s Catholic and religious and I practice yoga. He likes his parents to be around all the time. I like to be alone a lot because my life is often very public.”

In-laws and religion are just a couple of the areas where this show will go, which is so refreshing in the canned-drama reality world.

One thing we can always count on Bethenny for is to stay true to herself. That’s why we watch, we believe her and we appreciate the truth she brings. “If it’s something monumental that could help women and it goes on in people’s relationships and lives, I kind of want to experience that- whether it’s turning 40 and having difficulty with it or whatever it is because I agreed to do this show and once I got on this journey with my fans I do feel a responsibility.”

We’re so glad she feels that responsibility- it comes through and hits a chord with us. We’re women, we know when someone is hiding something. “If we’re going to paint part of the picture, might as well paint the whole picture.” We couldn’t agree with you more, Bethenny.

Bethenny Ever After can be seen on Monday Nights on Bravo, set your DVR’s!

BirminghamMommy Giveaway: Moe's Southwest Grill

Posted on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 by Angie

You know BirminghamMommy loves a giveaway! This time it’s all about some yummy eats!

Moe’s Southwest Grill is on a Food Mission to bring you and your family more delicious and healthy eating options! Eating healthier has never been easier or tastier with Moe’s recently unveiled new meny and food mission wheel that steers fans to low-calorie, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Free from microwaves, animal fat, lard or MSG, and all made with over 20 organic, freshly prepared ingredients including hormone-free grilled chicken, beef, and organic tofu, Moe’s lets you feed the “Moe-ment” with its burritos, nachos, rice bowls and more!
And, Moe’s is also a part of Meatless Mondays. (If Oprah likes it, it HAS to be good, right?!)

Our lucky winner will receive a $25 gift card to Moe’s.

1. Comment here. (1 total)

2. Love us on Facebook, then comment here that you do! (1 total)

3. Love Moe’s on Facebook, comment here that you did. (1 total)

4. Tell a friend to enter! Have them comment your name for the referral and you BOTH get an extra entry! (unlimited)

Winner announced

BirminghamMommy.com Event of the Week: Chili Cookoff

Posted on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 by Angie

Are you ready to heat things up for the spring? The Annual Exceptional Foundation Chili Cookoff is coming up this Saturday and it’s a great way to spend the day, hang out with friends, take the kids and eat some yummy chili! You can buy your tickets at the gate the day of for $15 or pick them up from the Exceptional Foundation location in advance for $10.

The Chili Cook off is held in the Exceptional Foundation parking lot that is shared with Homewood Park. Parking for the event is available at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Trinity Methodist Church, Dawson Memorial Church (parking lot and deck), Shades Cahaba Elementary, Soho Square, and along any street you can find! There will be golf carts running from Dawson to the front entrance of The Exceptional Foundation that you may hop on at anytime if you park at Dawson, Trinity, or nearby these locations.

Saturday March 5th
10:30am – 3:30pm

Don’t miss the after party in SOHO Square: Featuring Mile Marker 7, food and Drink Specials. Starts at 4pm

For more information on this event visit their site

A Mother's Shade of Green: Cleaning House, The Eco Friendly Way

Posted on Monday, February 28, 2011 by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

The weather is warming up, the leaves on the trees are budding, and hints of green are sprouting up from the ground—signs of spring are showing up everywhere here in Birmingham. Spring’s arrival means the luxury of getting to spend a lot more time outdoors (making most of us giddy), but it also means beginning the (dreaded) task of spring cleaning. As moms, we often wage war every day against germs and bacteria, pledging to destroy even the smallest amount that lurks in the path of our children. Yet frighteningly enough many parents are unaware of the significant health impacts caused by the chemicals found in the household cleaners we use every day. In fact, many of these chemicals are some of the leading contributors of our children’s illnesses and immune deficiencies.

Stop for a moment to consider all of the cleaning products you have stashed in your home. Think about the products under your kitchen sink, in the laundry room, the bathrooms, and even in the garage. Kind of mind boggling, isn’t it? We use these chemical-laden products to clean the floors, counters, clothes, dishes, and strangely, even the air! Most of the conventional cleaning products we all grew up with are petroleum-based which has been proven to create immeasurable consequential effects upon our health and environment. Switching to all natural cleaning products and methods will not only keep your house clean and fresh-smelling, but also greatly reduces the presence of dangerous toxins in your home. According to the non-profit organization, Healthy Child Healthy World, even the most common household chemicals like chlorine bleach, can have extremely damaging effects on human health. As a potent irritant to the human eye, skin, and respiratory system, bleach is a highly corrosive chemical and can cause permanent damage to human tissue.

As these and other further implications are more thoroughly understood, more and more companies are now producing greater quantities of eco-friendly cleaners. In fact, many stores carry these healthy, green cleaning products right alongside conventional cleaners, making their presence all the more familiar to consumers. The majority of these green products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources (not petroleum) and are still just as effective. Yet when purchasing these products, be sure to read labels and do a little research on your own—many of them claim to be made from all natural ingredients, but also contain other components that may have harmful side effects.

Despite the growing variety and availability of natural cleaning products on the market, home-mixed cleaners can also get the job done just as well. In addition, their cost effectiveness tends to be very appealing. For example, vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean almost anything. Simply combine a little warm water with either of these and you’ve got yourself an all-purpose cleaner.

For a soft scrub—perfect for cleaning the kitchen sink—mix together baking soda and liquid soap until you form a thick, yet paste like consistency. Make only as much as you need however, as it tends to dry up quickly.

For furniture and other wood surfaces, simply dust with a damp cloth. For added shine and protection, combine 1 teaspoon olive oil per 1/2 cup vinegar, and apply with a dry soft cloth.

For windows, Healthy Child, Healthy World recommends mixing 3 tablespoons vinegar per 1 quart water in a spray bottle. For heavier grime, reduce the water to 2 cups and add 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap, shake well. In addition, to achieve the best streak-free windows use newspaper instead of paper towels.

Investing in cleaning tools such as microfiber cloths and hand held steam cleaners are also effective green cleaning concepts that can further reduce a need for cleaning products.

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.

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 27th – March 6th

Posted on Sunday, February 27, 2011 by Angie

Dr. Seuss Celebrations are happening all over Birmingham, visit the North Shelby Library anytime in March and get a treat for checking out a Dr Seuss book, attend one of their events and you will get a certificate of achievement.

It’s time again for the Exceptional Foundation Chili Cookoff, Spring must really be close!

There’s a LEGO Mini Build, and a chance to participate in the Dream Rocket Art Project at Ruffner Mountain!

Make sure to check back with us through out the week, if we find any more activities we’ll be adding them to the calendar!

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

Sunday February 27th:

Celebrate the Chinese New Year– Birmingham Museum of Art
Celebrate the Chinese New Year by creating a unique piece of Chinese art!
1:00pm – 3:00pm

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Monday February 28th:

Holy Inappropriateness – We couldn’t find any special events happening in the Ham’ today! Check out something going on daily on our list below

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Tuesday March 1st:

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
LEGO Bird: begins at 5:00pm until supplies last.
One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.

Together Time – Emmet O’Neal Library
Action-packed storytime The Letter “U”
All ages. 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

10 Cent Cookie Tuesday – Whole Foods
Barring any cookie monster attacks we’ll have our silver dollar-size chocolate chip cookies, baked fresh in the Bakery, for just 10 cents each. Buy a whole bushel and freeze them for later!
While Supplies Last

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

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Wednesday March 2nd:

Dr Seuss’ Birthday Party – McWane Science Center
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish! Discover Seuss Science with exciting programs on Dr. Seuss’ Birthday!
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
10am – 2pm

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read A Pet for Petunia! by Paul Schmid. More than anything, Petunia wants a pet. Will she get one? Let’s find out! Also, enjoy a yummy treat from our Cafe while you create arts and crafts and have fun in our New Toys and Games Department..
11:oo am

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

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Thursday March 3rd:

SNAP – Emmet O’Neal Library
Game On!
Play video games with your friends. No registration required.
Grades 3 -6
3:30pm – 4:30pm

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Friday March 4th:

Dr Seuss Birthday Party – North Shelby Library
Cake, Ice Cream Stories and Fun!
All Ages Welcome
4:00pm – 4:45pm

Storytime with Nene – Whole Foods Market
In the Cafe. Snacks, Songs and Storyboards
10:00am

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Saturday March 5th

Chili Cookoff – Exceptional Foundation
A great way to spend the day, hang out with friends, take the kids and eat some yummy chili! You can buy your tickets at the gate the day of for $15 or pick them up from the Exceptional Foundation location in advance for $10.

Don’t miss the after party in SOHO Square: Featuring Mile Marker 7, food and Drink Specials. Starts at 4pm

Dream Rocket Project Art – Ruffner Mountain
We all have dreams for the future. Express your though art! We are participating in the Dream Rocket Project. Groups from all over the world submit their art expressing their dreams for the future. These pieces are then joined together and wrapped around the 37 story Saturn V Moon Rocket at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Hunstville for display! Not only will your artwork be a part of the Saturn Rocket wrap, it will also be displayed at other venues leading up to the event, and the Dream Rocket Project’s website. Don’t mis the opportunity to be part of an inspiring project. For more information visit www.dreamrocket.com
All materials provided – Free

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read the Caldecott Award-Winning children’s story Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Max and his wild friends will take you on their adventure while you enjoy a treat from our Cafe and discover our New Toys and Games Department.
11:00am

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Sunday March 6th:

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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:

Finding Fables: Rhythm and Rhyme Storytime, Homewood Library

Posted on Friday, February 25, 2011 by Angie

We absolutely love Homewood library for 3 reasons:

It’s close to our house
They have a fantastic children’s library
They have wonderful storytimes

I took my girls to the Rhythm and Rhyme Storytime. An all ages storytime filled with music, instruments and hands on fun. The storyteller knows her audience and moves from one activity to the next keeping the children from getting bored. My children loved shaking the morrocas, and the visuals held their attention… Not an easy task!

While it is set as an all ages storytime, my girls (almost 3) were definitely some of the oldest there. This may be because of school and MDO, but it was filled with itty bittys. I still think the content and flow are suitable for the 18 months to about 2 1/2 to 3 year olds.

If you want to check out Rhythm and Rhyme Storytime, you can catch it every other Thursday at Homewood Library at 10:30am. No registration required! To double check time and date, you can visit their website

Style Mommy: Spring

Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 by Angie

Spring is the fresh breath of air we’ve all been waiting for. As moms, the stereotype is that we let ourselves go. You know what I mean, yoga pants and pony tails! That doesn’t have to be the case. You can stay current and feel great about what you’re wearing too. It doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or cost a fortune, let us guide you!

1. Flowy tanks in neutral colors- These are a great way to shed the tank top and throw on a flowy top that not only looks great but is just as comfortable as a tank top. Neutrals are in this Spring– think in the gray, pewter, ivory, khaki shades.

2. Skirts and Shorts, oh my! – Key staples to have are a denim skirt and a good pair of shorts. White shorts go with everything and make summer skin glow, but can be hard with kids and pantylines. Personally, I rarely find shorts that fit the way they are supposed to. I tend to lean towards the skirt option. Opt for denim and then some of the neutral colors that are in, especially since neutral never really goes “out” and it’s so versatile.

3. Nude Sandals, with a wedge if you dare! – A pair of shorts or a denim skirt look best with long legs. Sadly, flip flops will not help make legs look longer. Find a pair of comfortable wedge sandals and give them a try. Maybe these are a baby step from flip flops to heels:

4. Perfect Accessory- Not only does it need to be cute, but it needs to be durable and go with everything. This knot necklace is divine! Browse around on Etsy, a lot of great items can be found there for great prices.

What’s your must have for this spring?