To Have a Dream..

Posted on Monday, January 17, 2011 by Angie

We wanted to take a moment today to reflect on some of the powerful words spoken by Martin Luther King, Jr. A man who’s policy of nonviolence was a dominate force in the Civil Rights Movement. He was a man of hope and inspiration to many.

This is a great day to talk to your kids about who MLK Jr was and what he stood for, especially the principle of loving humankind. Here are a few quotes that can lend some inspiration.

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”

“At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love”

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.”

Birmingham Events Calendar January 16th – January 23rd

Posted on Sunday, January 16, 2011 by Angie

MLK Day is tomorrow, check out Barnes and Noble at the Summit for a special storytime! McWane Science Center has the Itty Bitty Magic City back up with an expanded “Tot Spot” that is for 2 and under only! If you are doing a little shopping at the Shops at Grand River your kids can get a special treat with the Backyardigans or Dora and Diego, someething that will make shopping a little more fun for them!

Make sure to check back here throughout the week, we update the calendar as we learn of new events! Have a fantastic week!!

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

Sunday January 16th:

Shops at Grand River –
Dora The Explorer & Diego
– Magic City Face Art
– Dr. B. Looney Balloon Artist
1pm – 5pm

Barts Art Cart, Spin Your Own Work of Art – Birmingham Museum of Art
Take inspiration from the Museum’s current exhibition, Spiral: Perspectives on an African-American Art Collective, and come spin your own work of art!
11:00am – 1:00pm

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

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Monday January 17th:

Shops at Grand River
– The Backyardigans
– Magic City Face Art
– Dr. B. Looney Balloon Artist
1pm – 5pm

Special MLK Day Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
11:00am

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Tuesday January 18th:

Sippin’ with the Fishes – McWane Science Center
McWane Science Center is teaming up with Black Warrior Riverkeeper for a FUNdraising event called ‘Sippin with the Fishes’ on Tuesday January 18, 2011. Guests are invited to experience the aquarium after dark, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks including SweetWater beer. Then, head to the IMAX® Dome Theater, learn about Black Warrior Riverkeeper from Nelson Brooke and watch the Wild Ocean film come alive on the largest movie screen in the state.

Tickets:
$20, Adults
Ticket includes Wild Ocean IMAX®, open bar, hors d’ouvres, and parking.
Must be 21 & up to attend

Together Time – Emmet O’Neal Library
Action-packed storytime with Ms. NayNay.
All ages. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

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

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Wednesday January 19th:

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Goldilicious!
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 January 20th:

Rhythm and Rhyme Story Time – Homewood Library
Storytime fun with a musical twist! All ages welcome.
10:30

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Friday January 21st:

Scrapbook Crop Fundraiser By MOPS of Riverchase Community Church
Table space, door prizes, tools, mini-class, a meal and snacks;
$20 per session ($15 if paid in advance) or $45 for 3 sessions. For more info or
registration contact Andrea at mrs@bensteed.com or 908-9959
5pm – 11pm

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

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Saturday January 22nd:

Kidz Kitchen – Hoover Library
Reveal your inner chef by decorating your very own chef’s hat and creating delicious snacks. Call 444-7833 to register Jan. 7-21.
10:30am

Scrapbook Crop Fundraiser By MOPS of Riverchase Community Church
Table space, door prizes, tools, mini-class, a meal and
snacks; $20 per session ($15 if paid in advance) or $45 for 3 sessions. For more
info or registration contact Andrea at mrs@bensteed.com or 908-9959
9am – 3pm or 3pm – 10pm

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Please join us as we read Hugless Douglas! All Douglas wants is a hug!
11:00am

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Sunday January 23rd:

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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!

Birmingham's Next Big Thing!

Posted on Thursday, January 13, 2011 by Angie

In an effort to keep the momentum flowing for the revitalization of Birmingham’s downtown area Prize 2 the Future is looking to expand the green space that is the brand new Railroad Park – 17 acres in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. Now Birmingham is seeking the next big idea…to make it even more vibrant.

From the Prize 2 the Future Website:

“Three years ago, in response to citizen requests for more parks and greenspace across the city of Birmingham, Alabama, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham provided leadership and $1 million dollar in seed money to create two new parks and enhance another one. The Three Parks Initiative represents more than 2,000 acres total and is now well underway, transforming Greater Birmingham into a national leader in terms of greenspace per capita.

The Prize2theFuture physical site is part of a longer range master plan to connect Railroad Park to the historic Sloss Furnaces National Landmark by creating a linear, green connector path that runs through the heart of Birmingham. A regeneration of the Prize Site holds the potential for renewal, for connectivity and for vibrancy that will serve as important signs of further innovative developments to come. In short, it’s a block that’s critical to the Greater Birmingham community.”

So here’s the cool part. They want our ideas! Submit a plan to them about what you think should be done with this space, keeping practicality and sustainability in mind and you might win 50k! Not a bad chunk of “walking around money” if I do say so myself.

So put your thinking caps on and come up with something you think will improve our city! You can find more details on the project and how to enter on their site.

Busy Mommy Bonding – Popcorn Snowmen

Posted on Thursday, January 13, 2011 by Angie

In the spirit of all things Winter Storm 2011 – we decided to stick with the theme and show you some snowmen you can actually build inside. The storm seemed to have dumped more ice than snow in our yard so our attempts at making snowmen out of ice failed miserably, leaving some little ones wanting to still make a snow family. So here’s what we did.

What you’ll Need:

Popped Popcorn (about a 1/2 batch or bag)
2T Butter
1/2 Bag of marshmallows
Misc candies for dressing your snow man. Hershey kisses make great hats, mini m & m’s or mini chocolate chips for buttons, fruit roll ups for scarves (cut to size of course) Pretzels for arms.. Use your imagination. No need to go out and spend extra money, use what you find in your kitchen or candy bowl.

What you’ll do:

Melt butter and marshmallows together over medium heat (a la Rice Krispy Treats)
Mix butter and marshmallows with popcorn

When mixture has cooled enough, allow your kids to shape the mixture into balls to use for their snowman. Make sure to do several sizes. Once your snowmen are assembled, decorate!

Juicebox Jukebox with Ericka Woode

Posted on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 by Angie

We were so excited to be able to work with Local DJ and fellow BirminghamMommy, Ericka Woode of Magic 96.5 for this months edition of the Juicebox Jukebox. We asked Ericka to give us a list of songs that she likes to listen to with her daughter, Ava, and she came through with flying colors! Here’s what gets them movin’ and groovin’.

We absolutely love the eclectic nature of this list!!

You can hear Ericka weekdays on Magic 96.5 from 9am – 3pm, you can also learn more about her life as a mom on her blog The Dalai Mama

(click to listen)

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean

Frank Sinatra – Fly Me to the Moon This was Ava’s first favorite song. The CD was misplaced for the longest time…I just have no idea how that happened. hmmmmmm 😉

Ozzy – Crazy Train (and Mama I’m Coming Home)

B-52’s – Rock Lobster

Run DMC – You Be Illin’

LIttle Big Town – Little White Church

Van Halen – Hot for Teacher (The first time Ava heard this song, she LOVED it. It worried me a tad until I heard her singing the “Avanese” lyrics which are, “HOP for Teacher”. So in the spirit of HOPPING for your teacher, if we’re at home when we play it, we hop like bunnies. ~side note: at the end of the song, “Momma and/or Daddy sing LOUDLY: “OH MY GOSH!!” You’ll know where to put those lyrics if you know the song. 🙂

Aretha Franklin – Respect

Foo Fighters – All My Life – Makes for GREAT air-guitar and air-drums!!

Michael Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’

Dean Martin – Mambo Italiano – Cheers her up every single time! 🙂

The Doors – Hello, I Love You

Beyonce’ – Single Ladies

Lady GaGa – Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) (It was never released as a single, but it’s GREAT.)

Janis Joplin – Me and Bobby McGee (the ending of the song is the best part to sing at the top of your lungs!)

Michael Jackson – P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)

Other songs of note from her list –

Kanye West – “Gold Digger” MUST PLAY CLEAN VERSION!! I personally do NOT like this guy, however, I will admit I still like the song, especially when Ava sings: “Go ahead girl, get down get down.”

Spacehog – “In the Meantime”

Madness – “Our House”

Motley Crue – “Home Sweet Home” (again, fantastic air- guitar, drums and air-piano!)

The Go-Go’s – “We’ve Got the Beat” (“Mama, are those all girls?” “Yes.” “Well, they totally ROCK! Girls Rock!”)

Wheezer – “Buddy Holly”

The Beatles – “Yellow Submarine”

The Cure – “Love Cats”

Sister Sledge – “We are Family”

Bob Marley – “One Love” from the “B is for Bob” album

The Knacks – “My Shorona”

US3 “Cataloop”

Kiss – “I Love it Loud”

Nancy Sinatra – “The Boots are Made for Walking”

The Village People – “YMCA”

Charlie Rich – “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” (The “Hey” part in the song is our favorite.)

Elvis – “Hound Dog”

The Breeders – “Cannonball”

Paul Simon – “You Can Call Me Al”

Waylon Jennings – “My Heroes have Always Been Cowboys”

Smashing Pumpkins – “Today” (again, great opportunities for both air-guitar and air-drums!)

Queen – “Bicycle”

Working Mommy Madness – Resolution Rebellion

Posted on Monday, January 10, 2011 by Angie

Hello, 2011.

I had to endure 48 hours cooped in a 1,500 square foot house with my two-year-old and my in-laws to get here. I witnessed my husband’s 86-year-old great-aunt call my brother-in-law an “egotistical sack of SH!T,” learned that my own grandmother is a closet wine drinker (now I see where I got it from), and ate a lot of food — not out of hunger — but simply because I didn’t know what else to do with myself.

We spent hundreds of dollars on Christmas, hours wrapping gifts that were ripped open in seconds, days slaving in front of a stove for reasons I still don’t understand, and finally … we made it. The other side of the holidays. Thank God.

I suppose now it’s time to make a list of resolutions.

As a goal-oriented type of person, I can see value in the New Year’s resolution. It’s a way to get your mind right. But this year, I’m rebelling. Rather than resolving to join a gym/learn how to make pie crust from scratch/lose 10 pounds, I’m resolving to be realistic. Which means … no resolutions.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to naysay the rest of you who are resolving to do better, look better, and be better people. And it’s not like I couldn’t use improvement. I’m simply working on trying to accept the facts. I have outlined them below for your review.

First: I’m simply not meant to wear skinny jeans. I am not a skinny person. Anything with “skinny” in the title, including food and beverages, is not for me. I also do not know how to wear those baggy, shapeless shirts that are supposed to go over said skinny jeans. I end up looking like an idiot. Even if I lost 10 pounds, I would still look ridiculous. Those are the facts.

Second: the triple threat of working, mothering, and wifeing is hard — like really hard. I cannot do it all without feeling like a crazy person. I need help … and not in the form of a pill. I need to learn how to ask for real, live, help from other people. I don’t know how to do this better, so I won’t be resolving to try.

Third: I cannot change genetics. My hair will never be completely straight and smooth-looking, even if I use a straightening iron. I will never enjoy strength training or running. Yes, I ran a 5k last summer — I don’t want to do it again. Ever. I’m happy walking, thank you. Which I may or may NOT do 3-4 times a week this year — it depends on whether or not I feel like it. I probably won’t, which is also why I probably won’t lose 10 pounds this year.

Fourth: I can strive every day to be a better mother, but I’m still going to lose my temper and yell at my kid. The same goes for my husband. I want to be a better wife, but I am going to have bad moments that make me cringe later, whether I like it or not.
I will still have dirty baseboards and a cluttered car and I have never, ever cleaned my oven … because I don’t know how. And so, in 2011, it will remain dirty.

My point in sharing all of this is to say, this year will be the year that I’m easy on myself. It’s not that I want to become a fat, screaming-at-my-family, dirty slob who stops washing her hair. It’s not about going BACKWARDS. It’s about being okay with the person that I am currently, without the added pressure of feeling like I have push myself to be better and better every year. I’m accepting the reality of me the way that I am, right now. Imperfect. Perhaps next year I’ll resolve to change or take great strides to improve, but this year, I’m enjoying my life the crazy way that it is.

We will see how it goes. So far, I’m liking it a lot.

Harmony blew into Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina and is a self-proclaimed “never home maker” striving for a balance between her career and family life. Visit her blog Working Mommy Madness to read more!

The Mother of All Consignment Sale Lists for Birmingham, Spring 2011

Posted on Monday, January 10, 2011 by Angie

Ready, Set, Tag! Consignment Season is here.

Here is a list of the sales we know about so far and they’re sooner than you might think. We will be updating this list constantly, so check back often for the most up-to-date information.

All sale and receiving dates vary by sale, so please check the links on each location for specific times and details. If you know of a sale that you would like to have listed, please drop us a comment or email us at contact@birmighammommy.com We will be happy to add it to this post.

Gardendale:

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mt.Vernon United Methodist

February 28th – March 5th
Sale Info

Helena:

New 2 You Consignment Sale
Church of Cahaba Bend –

Friday, March 4th: 9am – 7pm
Saturday, March 5th: 9am – 1pm
Sale Info

Homewood:

Lil Lambs Consignment
Trinity United Methodist –

Registration begins: February 8
Open to the Public: March 5 and 6
Sale Info

Kids Market and Mom
Old Academy Sports location at Wildwood Shopping Center

Receiving (by Appt)
Monday February 28th thru Wednesday March 2nd

Regular Receiving:
Saturday March 5th
Monday and Tuesday March 7th and 8th
Wednesday March 9th – Clothing only

Public Sale:
Monday March 28th – Wednesday April 6th
*Closed Sunday April 3rd

Discount Days:
Thursday April 7th – Saturday April 9th

Site Info

Hoover:

Kids Wear Plus
Hoover Gallery Shopping Center

Receiving:

Friday February 12th – 7am – 4pm
Monday February 14th – 9am – 6pm
Tuesday February 15th – 9am – 11am

Open to the Public: February 21st– February 26th
Sale Info for new hours!

Bargains on the Bluff
Bluff Park United Methodist –

Receiving: Monday February 21st – Wednesday 24th
Preview Sale: Thursday February 24th
Open to the Public: February 25th and 26th.

TNT Sale
Riverchase United Methodist –

Open to to the Public:

Friday, March 4th – 9am – 6:30pm
Saturday March 5th 8am – 1pm
Sale Info

Hueytown:

Twice Blessed Sale
Garywood Assembly of God –

Receiving:
Friday, February 25th – 4:00-6:30pm
Saturday, February 26th – 9:30am – 2:30pm
Sunday, February 27th – 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Workers and Consignors Sale:
March 1st

Open to the Public:
Thursday, March 3rd – 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Friday, March 4th – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday (1/2 off day) March 5th – 9:00am – Noon

Sale Info

Irondale:

Twice as Nice Sale
BAMOM – Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples –

Open to the public: February 25th and 26th
Sale Info

Oak Mountain:

Giggles and Grace
Asbury United Methodist

Registration going on NOW! Limit is 350 consignors.

Receiving: February 16th and 17th
Open to the public: February 18th and 19th
Sale Info

Trussville:

Growing Kids Consignment Sale
Trussville United Methodist –

Open to the public: March 4th and 5th
Sale Info

Vestavia

Kids’ Korner
Mountain Chapel United Methodist –

March 3rd and 4th
Sale Info

Market on the Mountain
Mountaintop Community Church –

Friday, February 18th 9am – 5pm
Saturday, February 19th 9am – 1pm (25% off select items)
Sale Info

Whale of a Sale
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

Preview Sale for Volunteers and Sellers: February, 10th – 4pm – 6pm
Public Sale: February 11th 9am – 6pm
Sale Info

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 9th – January 16th

Posted on Sunday, January 9, 2011 by Angie

I guess we should start this week out by saying “Weather Permitting.”

Looks like the Magic City is gearing up for a bit of a winter storm. Have you bought your milk and bread? Auburn Fans are gearing up for a run at the National Championship and hoping the weather won’t affect their party plans!

It’s going to be a cold week following the storm so we have plenty of indoor activities and storytimes listed for you so you can have a little fun and keep warm too!

Be sure to check this page often throughout the week as it’s constantly updated! We hope you have a fantastic week!

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

Sunday January 9th:

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Monday January 10th:

That Puppet Guy – Trussville Public Library
We are excited to welcome Lee Bryan – better known as That Puppet Guy – to our library! He is bringing his “Big Bad, Little Red, Pig Show,” which is sure to make you howl with laughter! This is great fun for all ages!
6:30 – 7:30pm

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Tuesday January 11th:

Family Night – Emmet O’Neal Library
The Big, Bad, Little Red, Pig Show
Dinner 5:30, Show 6:00pm
All Ages Welcome

Together Time – Emmet O’Neal Library
Action-packed storytime with Ms. NayNay.
All ages. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

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

Mothers of Preschoolers Meeting – Riverchase Community Church
Expecting Mothers thru to Mothers with preschoolers –
Topic – Sibling Rivalry
6:30pm – 8:30pm
RSVP child care with Lynn 664-4531. http://riverchase.cc/mops.php

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Wednesday January 12th:

After School Special – Emmet O’Neal Library
Dr. Dinosaur – Puppet Show
3:30 – 4:15. Ages 3 and up

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read Dog Loves Books! Find out what happens when Dog opens a bookstore!
11:oo am

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

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Thursday January 13th:

Rhythm and Rhyme Story Time – Homewood Library
Storytime fun with a musical twist! All ages welcome.
10:30

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Friday January 14th:

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

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Saturday January 15th:

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Saxaphone Sam and his Snazzy Jazz Band
With a reading of Saxaphone Sam and His Snazzy Jazz Band by Christine M. Schneider, you might be encouraged to start singing a tune and tapping your feet!
11:00am

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a special No Name-Calling storytime. Featuring One by Kathryn Otoshi and Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes.
11:00am

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Sunday January 16th:

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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:

Insider Tips on Consignment Shopping in Birmingham

Posted on Friday, January 7, 2011 by Angie

Consignment time is here! Consignment sale dates are starting to pop up all over Birmingham. Since we have so many new readers and fans, we thought we would re-post this great article we ran a while back. If you’re new to consignment, shopping or selling, you might pick up some tips!

We spoke with Kim Meadows of Kids Market and Mom, one of the largest consignment sales here in the Magic City, and she was happy to give us the lowdown on what you need to know to make consignment sales successful.

Kim believes that consignment sales are so popular among Moms with small children because of the fact that children out grow their clothes so fast. Most of the time children grow out of them before they have a chance to even show a little wear and tear. “It is a small way to recoup some money that you have put into every item that we purchase for our children, and the buyer benefits for gently used clothing and items without paying the high prices.” says Meadows.

If this is your first time to contribute, look thoroughly at each item you plan to sell. Items sell best when they are clean, pressed, in style and have a detailed description. Check for stains, buttons, make sure that zippers are zipping and do your homework on recalled items. Meadows suggests putting yourself in the buyers shoes, “would you want to buy something that you couldn’t use or that might cause harm or danger to your children?”

If you’re just shopping, take a laundry basket to put your items in, some people will even tie a belt or rope to the basket so it’s easy to pull along as they shop. I didn’t know this the first time I shopped, and wished I would have had a place to put the items I ended up carrying around for 2 hours. Take a breath and don’t get overwhelmed, just take it one rack at a time. Kim advises having the measurements of the children you are buying for, with most consignment sales, all sales are final. “Remember that these clothes have been worn and washed, be prepared for shrinkage.” Not all size 3T’s will fit like a new 3T.

Most sales offer shopping perks for consignors or volunteers, but each sale is different. Some sales charge a listing fee in addition to the percentage they keep for items sold. The best way to find out what sale is right for you is to check out each website. Look at the dates, the locations, and the fees involved and see what works best with your schedule. We even know some BirminghamMommy’s that are advantageous enough to plan their sales so that “rejects” from their first sale can be included in a sale that starts a little later in the season. Why not? The items are already tagged, it’s worth a shot.

As always, look for our Mother of All Consignment Sale Lists to be posted very soon!

Advanced Auto Parts Monster Jam: Giveaway!

Posted on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 by Angie

We have a very quick, last minute giveaway for a Monster of a show this weekend at the BJCC!

The biggest performers on four wheels are rolling into the Magic City. Monster Jam is coming and we have a family 4 pack of tickets to giveaway for the Saturday, January 8th show at 7:30pm. Each show will feature rare matchups between fan favorites Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, El Toro Loco and many more.

Here are the ways you can enter, do one or all!

Leave a comment here on this post. (1 per person per day)
Like us on FB (1 per person, Leave a comment here letting us know you did/do)
Tweet This: “@BirminghamMommy has a Monster of a giveaway, Enter here: http://ow.ly/3z61C ” (1 per person, Leave a comment here letting us know you tweeted)

More info on tickets:

50% OFF Adult Tickets! – Good for all performances (Excludes Front Row, Gold Circle, and Kids Tickets). Encourage your audience/friends to purchase tickets early, as this offer expires Thursday, January 6 at 11:59 PM. CODE: MJ2011 Redeem savings with code online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at the BJCC Box Office.

Kids Seats are just $5!!

Giveaway will end Friday, January 7th at 9am, the winner will be contacted via email and announced on FB, the winner must reply back to us no later than noon on Friday the 7th. Tickets will be held at will call in the winners name and a photo id will be required to pick them up.