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Giveaways to Giftaway: Zkano Organic Socks

Posted on by Angie

A while back we asked the moms of Birmingham what they look for in a kids’ sock.  Zkano took those answers and made the ultimate socks for kids!  Organic cotton socks made in the USA.  Comprised of the highest quality certified organic cotton, zkano are truly the coziest socks you will ever put on your feet. Zkano is a small family business, they manufacture zkano in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Socks, simplified.

-Stitched-in Sizing for easy pairing
-Stitched-in Left & Right to teach direction
-Made with Certified Organic Cotton
-Made in USA
Sizing and styles shown HERE

10 winners will each win 1 pair of zkano kids, winner chooses sizes and colors (1 pair per winner)

To enter:
1.  Comment here, include children’s size and style. (1 entry per person per day)
2.  Like zkano on Facebook and comment here that you did.  (1 entry)
3.  Send a friend over to enter, and you’ll both get an entry!  (1 entry per friend, unlimited friends. They need to reference your name in the comment)

Giveaway will end Tuesday night December 14th at 6pm. We will contact the winners by email and will post on Facebook. The winners will be responsible for getting us the information we need to provide the prize. Winner will be announced after 6pm on Tuesday evening.

Working Mommy Madness: Not Your Mama's Dinner

Posted on by Angie

By: Harmony

There are few things in life that I hold true, and one of them is dinnertime. Actually, let’s be real–I love meals. Any meal will do.

I grew up in a happy household and I like to believe part of that had to do with dinnertime. It seems to be one of the keys to family togetherness. There is a part of me that longs to replicate what Italian families do best – meal time. They gather, they banter, they eat amazing food and drink amazing wine. The women hover, whisking away dirty plates and doling out second helpings. The traditionalist in me finds this scenario appealing.

Please note that I am not Italian; I do, however, love me some wine.

In today’s fast-paced world, you have to wonder HOW and IF people manage to pull off family dinnertime anymore. Does traditional “dinnertime” still exist? Does anyone even bother with it?

Well … I bother with it. But it’s not pretty.

You see, I have an unrealistic, idealistic idea of what is expected of a wife and mother. Probably because my own mother (who stayed at home) always had dinner on the table for my dad by the time he got home from work. If it wasn’t ready when he arrived, he and I would gather and stare at her in helpless hunger until she produced a meal.

Now I have my own family to produce meals for. I work outside the home, so I don’t have the luxury of leafing through cook books or making random trips to the grocery store as my mother used to do. My recipes come from internet searches on my office computer and I don’t even want to talk about the issue of grocery shopping. And, although I have made many attempts to involve my husband in the meal-making process, he remains uninterested. I’ve come to realize that this is best, because his idea of a balanced meal involves fish sticks and tater tots.

The wannabe Italian in me is secretly happy that the responsibility of feeding my family falls on my shoulders, because it’s what I love. I love to cook and I love to eat. It’s perfect, really. Except … it’s not.

My daily routine involves the following: I Google “quick and easy recipes.” I print one that contains ingredients I already have at my house. I space out momentarily and indulge in a  fantasy of what will transpire once I pick up my two-year-old son from daycare. I imagine that my husband will arrive home right on time. I imagine that we will gather around the table, hold hands, and bless our food. I imagine that dinner will be a time of relaxation as we idly chat about our day and recharge our bodies with warm, homemade food.

The reality is, that’s a CROCK. A big, fat figment of my imagination.

This is what will actually happen: my son (who inherited a love of food from both sides) will begin screaming “EAT! EAT!” the moment we wrangle ourselves through the front door. In a panic, I’ll drop an armful of items – purse, cell, jacket, coffee mug, artwork from daycare, mail– on the dining room table. We won’t be eating there anyway.

Then I’ll park him in front of NickJr, hand him some crackers to shut him up, and hurriedly throw together that recipe—now a crumpled wad of paper—I found online a few hours earlier. It’s never anything fancy. It’s nothing like my daydreams, which often feature gourmet creations whipped up from scratch. And of course, a salad.  My mother’s meals always included the perfect combination of proteins, starches, and vegetables. I strive to attain the same. Generally speaking, I fail.

My meals are healthy, but they are also boring, rushed, and poorly planned. Dinner is not eaten at the dinner table. It’s eaten on barstools at our tiny kitchen table. I usually inhale my meal before the others have eaten half of theirs, then I jump up to start on the dishes. I wish I could relax and enjoy my food, but it’s really hard to relax on a bar stool. In fact, it’s downright dangerous.

There is really no good reason for any of the crazed behavior I just described. It’s just that I’m always running behind, so I tend to rush through everything—including dinner—until I collapse with exhaustion around 7 p.m. In fact, now that I think about it, I’m quite proud that I  manage to pull off some semblance of dinner on most nights.

I do it because it’s been ingrained in me that it’s important to dine together as a family. I cherish that small amount of time each day that I get with them, TV off, connecting over food. I want our kids to talk to us. I want to know what happened during the day while I was at work. These things matter to me … it’s what my life is truly about.

So to answer the question “does family dinnertime still exist?” I say, yes – it does, at least in my house. But it’s a weak imitation of my mother’s. Thankfully, I still have time to perfect the art before my son starts forming memories of the chaos.

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!

Music to our Ears! Birmingham Mountain Radio

Posted on by Angie

We can’t even begin to tell you how excited we were to find out that some familiar voices would be returning to radio here in the Magic City in the form of an Internet Based Radio Station called Birmingham Mountain Radio. This new station will have a world class rock/adult album alternative format and will focus on local content through local DJ’s, specialty shows, promotions, and through highlighting local and regional bands.

Many people were devastated when Live 100,5 went off the air almost 1 year ago, taking with it one of Birmingham’s most beloved DJ’s Scott Register.  Register has been responsible for bringing new music to Birmingham for years and I still say he’s responsible for introducing me to the sweet sounds of one of my favorite artists of all time, John Mayer. Mayer was an unsigned artist when 107.7X first played him here in Birmingham.

We had the opportunity to chat with Birmingham Mountain Radio’s Program Director, Geno Pearson and get a little more information about the launch of this new station that will at last fill a void for music lovers across the city (and beyond.)

Like us, You might be wondering about their decision to go with an internet based format rather than going back on air with a typical radio station. Pearson explains:  “The growth of internet radio over the past 2 years have been tremendous. It is also easier money wise to broadcast on the internet rather than terrestrial radio.”

What we love about this idea is that you can listen from anywhere. And with the launch of an app for your smart phones that Pearson says is coming “as soon as possible” you will be able to plug them in “Pandora style” when you head out for carpool or for a run.

When asked if this new station would be instrumental in bringing new bands, artists and music to Birmingham, Pearson tells us, “we won’t be a “cookie cutter’ radio station. We won’t necessarily follow the charts. If we think it’s a great song or band and it fits for Birmingham we will play it.”

Birmingham Mountain Radio is committed to being a service to Birmingham and to being part of the local community. “The Mountain” is bringing radio back to the way it was and the way it should be. That? Makes us very happy!

The new station is scheduled to launch any day now, to keep up with what’s going on with them you can visit their website or check them out on Facebook.

Let us know what you think, will you listen?

Giveaways to Giftaway: Trisha's Tutus

Posted on by Angie

Trisha’s Tutus are custom and hand-made by a stay-at-home mom. They are perfect for dress up, ballet, birthdays, photos, baby shower gifts or any gift, holiday pictures…and 10% of all sales will be donated to non-profit organizations helping children.

Winner will get 1 free tutu!

Ways to enter:

1.  Like Trisha’s tutus on Facebook.  Comment here that you liked them.  (1 entry total)

2.  Comment here.  (1 entry total)

Giveaway will end Friday December 10th at 5pm with the winners being announced Friday evening. We will contact the winner by email and will announce the winners name on FB. It will be the winners responsibility to contact us to claim their prize.

A Dickens Christmas – Alys Stephens Center

Posted on by Angie

Just a little something to get you in the holiday spirit! Join the Cratchets, Tiny Tim, all of the Spirits, and of course Ebeneezer Scrooge in his journey toward redemption and enlightenment. Adapted and directed by ASC’s own Jerry Sims, whose popular original Kids’ Club presentations include “Alice’s Tea Party,” “Yuletide in Dogtown,” and “Down the Yellow Brick Road.”

We have a special offer to help you get the whole family involved! Family Night Out!  Buy one adult ticket to “A Dickens’ Christmas,” get one child ticket free. Offer good for the Saturday, 7:30 p.m. performance only. Not valid on previously purchased tickets.

To redeem this “Family Night Out” offer, call the Alys Stephens Center Box Office at (205) 975-2787 and reference “Family Night Out.” For more information: http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=97

  • Saturday, December 18, 2010 · 10 AM
    Adults: $10 · Kids: $8 · tickets
  • Saturday, December 18, 2010 · 1 PM
    Adults: $10 · Kids: $8 · tickets
  • Saturday, December 18, 2010 · 7:30 PM
    Adults: $10 · Kids: $8 · tickets

Giveaway's to Giftaway – Amstar Cinemas Alabaster

Posted on by Angie

You can’t get through the holiday’s without a trip to the movies! One lucky reader will win four passes to Amstar Cinemas in Alabaster. Each pass is good for any movie, at any time until February 2011, valued at up to $13 per pass. (this is one I would not be gifting away!)

Amstar Cinemas is located at Colonial Promenade Parkway. Amenities include: Wall to Wall screens, 3D Capabilities, Stadium Seating, Digital Sound, High Back Chairs, Game Room, and free refills on large popcorn and large drinks.

Here’s how to win:

  • Leave a comment here telling us which movie you are looking forward to seeing (1 per person)
  • “Like” Amstar on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alabaster-AL/AmStar-Cinemas-Alabaster-14/356222740245 (Come back here and leave a comment letting us know you liked them, 1 person)
  • Follow Amstar on Twitter @TheGrand_Amstar (Come back here and leave a comment letting us know you followed, 1 per person)

Giveaway will end Wednesday December 8th at 5pm with the winners being announced Wednesday evening. We will contact the winner by email and will announce the winners name on FB. It will be the winners responsibility to contact us so that we can mail the passes.

Chronicles of The Anonymous Dad: 0 to 18 in 60 Seconds

Posted on by Angie

As it relates to your kids, the window of youth doesn’t stay open forever. As a matter of fact, parents of teenagers say that the window has already been slammed shut on them. For those dads who may not have as much time with their kids as the moms do, you need to “take it all in”. I know that sometimes minutes may feel like hours and a few hours may feel like a full day, but just like your child was not in diapers forever, they will not be a child forever either. Do you sometimes really wish that you could have them crawling or totally dependent on you, just like that special memory or snapshot we all have in our mind of our babies?

My snapshot is of my kids standing at a window overlooking our backyard. They could barely see over the windowsill and even so, they were using it to be able to stand up. That feels a little bit like yesterday, when in fact the time counts in years. What is your snapshot?

For those younger dads, it can be hard to manage it all: work, family, marriage (and yes, this is sometimes the natural order of priorities, admit it). The fact is: It doesn’t have to be. The difference is perspective. If you look around, even with all the commotion out there, we (Americans) have it pretty darn good. We’re not covered in volcanic ash like Indonesia; we’re not living in squalor like Haiti, and our families live in relative safety compared to most. So, putting all or that into perspective,

  1. When you put your kid to bed at night, remember how special that was for you when you were just a kid and know that those types of nights are truly limited.
  2. Document the snapshots (1 per week) in a memoir (fancy term for word document). 10 years from now when you go back and read, it will make your day!
  3. Take pictures and often, and then put them in an album and leave it out to look at.
  4. Don’t just follow the Joneses. You don’t have to do Sunday soccer at the age of 3. Instead, go feed the ducks on a Sunday afternoon at a local lake.
  5. Go in their bedroom when they are sleeping, look at them, and think about their life and where they are at today: Young, impressionable, naïve (which can be a good thing), numb to some of the harsh realities that many families are currently encountering. It is a beautiful time in life for them. Dads, do your best to share it with them.

When your mom and dad tell you to appreciate this time and to “stop and smell the roses”, think about it. That may be some of the simplest, yet best advice they could ever give. And, in 60 seconds or 18 years, whichever comes first, you may be giving that same advice to your son or daughter.
‘Til Next Time,
The Anonymous Dad

Birmingham Events Calendar December 5th – December 12th

Posted on by Angie


It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. Are you finished shopping? Have you even started? We have a lot to keep you busy this week but none of it will help you mark names off of that Christmas list! Zoolight Safari kicks off this week,  there are several places you can go to have breakfast with Santa, make some ornaments, hear some holiday stories and see a tree lighting and parade! Many of the activities on our list this week require registration, make sure you call ASAP to save your spot if you see something you want to do!

Be sure to check this page often throughout the week as it’s constantly updated!

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

Sunday December 5th

Holiday Craft Bazaar – South Avondale and Forest Park
The 5th Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar is back & it is bigger & better than ever. December 3rd, 4th and 5th, crafters and artists will be setup in current businesses and empty retail spaces on 41st Street in Avondale as well as in Forest Park. Offering holiday gift items for the holiday and Christmas season shopper.
11am – 4pm

Holiday Iron Pour – Sloss Furnace
Create that unique gift this holiday season: cast iron art!
Are you looking for a unique Christmas gift this year? Make a cast iron tile or a cast iron bowl.
Santa will also be at Sloss! Come have your picture made with the Jolly Old Saint! Each picture costs $10.
1pm – 4pm
Visit their site for more information on what you can make or to purchase tickets

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever –  Birmingham Children’s Theatre
What happens when the notoriously nasty Herdman kids show up at church group and volunteer to be the starring roles in the church’s annual Christmas Pageant? Only the BEST Christmas Pageant Ever! Experience the joy of the season with your family and begin a new Christmas tradition by attending BCT’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, every member of the family will walk away with a good feeling and a wonderful lesson learned. Don’t miss this modern Christmas Classic as only BCT can tell it!
Recommended ages: 2nd to 8th Grades
2pm – 3pm – Child $8.00 Adult $10.00 | Buy Tickets

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
The Museum is offering a new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!

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 December 6th

Storytime – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Is your child a budding naturalist? Bring them to Storytime to encourage their excitement about the outdoors. We will read a story with a nature theme. Following the story, there will be a short activity.
Suited for children 3 – 5.
All children must be accompanied by an adult during the program.
$3/ $2 (member)

Toddler Tales- Emmet O’ Neal Library
Lapsit storytime with Ms. Traci.
Ages 24-36 months and a caregiver.
Registration required – call 879-0497 to register.
9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

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Tuesday December 7th

Family Autism Night – McWane Science Center
On this special night, for families with children with Autism and their siblings, guests will enjoy sensory friendly science activities like making snow that are designed for all ages across the spectrum.
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Tickets: $10 Non-Members, $5 Members

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE
Ticket includes dinner, museum and all activities.
Reservations are required.
Questions: Call (205) 714-8414.

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

City of Birmingham Christmas Tree Lighting
4th Avenue Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration
Entertainment: Birmingham Heritage Jazz Band, Birmingham Swing Dancers, Neo Jazz Collective, Ballet Folklorico Corazon Azteca & Woodlawn Ballet. Visit with Santa, Arts & Crafts, Giveaways and more!
Free photo with Santa for the first 300 children at the Carver Theatre. Call 328-1850
Linn Park 9am – 12pm

Lego Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
Lego Tree – One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. Begins at 5:00pm until supplies last

12 Days of Christmas Family Fun Night – Emmet O’ Neal Library
Mrs. Claus and Atlantic Coast Theater
Elves from the North Pole arrive for a world premiere performance, but the actors are caught in a snowstorm. Audience participation and theatre education must save the day in this totally interactive show.
5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:00 p.m. Show

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
11:ooam

Education Celebration – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a fun-filled hour of hands-on learning featuring our brand-new Barnes & Noble @ School section with educational toys and games.
11:30am

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Wednesday December 8th

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 December 9th

Homewood Christmas Parade
Parade Route:
* The parade will begin at the Homewood Library and travel east on Oxmoor Road.
* Turn left onto 18th Street S., travel under the Christmas Star through the Plaza
* Turn right onto 28th Avenue South
* Turn right onto 19th Street and travel past City Hall and terminate at the intersection of  19th Street and 29th Avenue.
* From there you may travel to Oxmoor Road or turn on 29th Avenue.
6:30pm

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Friday December 10th

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo

  • See the Zoo illuminated with over half-a-million lights
  • Holiday Express Train Ride*
  • Jingle Bell Carousel*
  • Santa’s Rock ‘n Roller Racers*
  • Winter Trail Ride*
  • Enjoy story time, animal demos and much more!

Get the best deal and enjoy all holiday rides with the All-You-Can-Ride wristband for only $10.00! Be sure to stop at the Barn in the Children’s Zoo for photo opportunities and animals for all to enjoy. The Zoo will close at 4 pm every night of ZooLight Safari. Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.
Free to Members – Non Members $8
5pm – 9pm

Santas Lane – Summit
Capture the holiday magic with a free professional photo with Santa (in his sleigh in front of Belk). Every child will receive yummy cookies compliments of Bud’s Best Cookies.
9-11am
Noon-4 pm
5-9 pm

Santa Special Train Rides – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he greets passengers, poses for photos, and gives a special treat to each child. Bring your camera!
Trains depart at 11am and 2pm. Advance purchase recommended.
All coach seats $15 (2 years of age and older), Caboose $20, Locomotive $30, plus processing fee for each ticket. Admission to museum is Free. | Buy Tickets

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Saturday December 11th

Bird Ornament Craft – Ruffner Mountain
Ruffner has gone to the birds! We will make tasty treats to set out in our backyards as a delicious winter snack for our feathered friends.
Free! 2pm – 4m (come and go)

Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop – McWane Science Center
Bring your little elves to have breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. Decorate gingerbread houses, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera!
Ticket includes admission to the museum, breakfast, activities and visit with Santa!
Reservations are required. Call (205) 714-8414
Times: 8:30am
Cost: $15 Adults, $12 Kids (Members get $5 OFF)
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo

  • See the Zoo illuminated with over half-a-million lights
  • Holiday Express Train Ride*
  • Jingle Bell Carousel*
  • Santa’s Rock ‘n Roller Racers*
  • Winter Trail Ride*
  • Enjoy story time, animal demos and much more!

Get the best deal and enjoy all holiday rides with the All-You-Can-Ride wristband for only $10.00! Be sure to stop at the Barn in the Children’s Zoo for photo opportunities and animals for all to enjoy. The Zoo will close at 4 pm every night of ZooLight Safari. Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.
Free to Members – Non Members $8
5pm – 9pm

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
You don’t want to miss this clinic! This is part one of a three part Train kit! Come back each weekend in December to build a new piece of the Train!
10am

Breakfast with Santa – Village Tavern
Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast, as well as art activities. Visit with Santa to tell him what’s on your wish list, and let us capture the magic in a photo taken by the fireplace. There’s also a special goody bag for the kids. The $15 ticket benefits the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs
Kids 2 and under are free. Call 967-0111 for details.
8:30 – 10:30 am

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Holiday Hairdo Hullabaloo – Emmet O’ Neal Library
Drop by between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to get FANCY with Nancy!

Merry Grinchmas – Hoover Public Library
Come celebrate the holiday with everybody’s favorite villian, the Grinch! Call 444-7833 to register Nov. 27 – Dec. 10.
10:30am

Holiday with the Animals – Birmingham Zoo
Watch the animals unwrap their holiday gifts. Animals will receive gifts from the Zookeepers throughout the day and their keepers will talk about topics relative to that animal, so come out to share their excitement for the season.

Santas Lane – Summit
Capture the holiday magic with a free professional photo with Santa (in his sleigh in front of Belk). Every child will receive yummy cookies compliments of Bud’s Best Cookies.
10-11 am
Noon-4 pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
A new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am – 1pm

Santa Special Train Rides – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he greets passengers, poses for photos, and gives a special treat to each child. Bring your camera!
Trains depart at 11am and 2pm. Advance purchase recommended.
All coach seats $15 (2 years of age and older), Caboose $20, Locomotive $30, plus processing fee for each ticket. Admission to museum is Free. | Buy Tickets

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
2:00pm

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Sunday December 12th

Zoolight Safari – Birmingham Zoo

  • See the Zoo illuminated with over half-a-million lights
  • Holiday Express Train Ride*
  • Jingle Bell Carousel*
  • Santa’s Rock ‘n Roller Racers*
  • Winter Trail Ride*
  • Enjoy story time, animal demos and much more!

Get the best deal and enjoy all holiday rides with the All-You-Can-Ride wristband for only $10.00! Be sure to stop at the Barn in the Children’s Zoo for photo opportunities and animals for all to enjoy. The Zoo will close at 4 pm every night of ZooLight Safari. Animal exhibits will be closed during ZooLight Safari.
Free to Members – Non Members $8
5pm – 9pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
The Museum is offering a new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!

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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Open Daily

McWane Science Center

Winter Wonderland Exhibit
Brrrr! When the weather outside is frightful, McWane is so delightful! Come inside the museum this holiday season and let your imagination be your guide through the new Winter Wonderland exhibits where snowflakes glisten above your head and toy trains zip around the tracks. Inside this new holiday exhibit, wonder is in the air as children explore the snow room where everyday they can touch the “almost” snow! Kids’ laughter can be heard as they try to catch fish through the ice. Brave winter wonder seekers can even sled down a giant snow hill between the third and second floors in the museum. Then, skate around the ice pond in your slippery socks.
November 26th – January 2nd

MAGIC OF MODEL TRAINS EXHIBIT
November 6, 2010 – January 2, 2011
The holidays are picking up steam at McWane Science Center with the return of the Magic of Model Trains exhibit. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit which features over a dozen different train displays. Sets include several tiny trains that are built to scale with surrounding cities and scenes including the LG&W that depicts central Alabama in the 1950’s. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery including covered bridges, downtown storefronts and of course, several train stations will keep your family entertained for hours!

Itty Bitty Magic City –
The Itty Bitty Magic City will be on display this summer in addition to The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head exhibit. The Itty Bitty City is a little bit smaller than usual, but favorite areas including the grocery store, Tot Spot area, crane, and factory are still in the city. The Itty Bitty Golf Course and a few other items were removed temporarily to make room for the new exhibit “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” that is also designed for an early childhood audience and they will return in the Fall.

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

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!

Giveaways to Giftaway: Moxii.com (and you have choices!)

Posted on by Angie

If you’re decorating, you need to head over to moxii to check out their bedding, bath, kitchen, home decor, and more.  Moxii is a hip website (and store in Auburn) that specializes in helping you find a unique way to express yourself.  There’s even a Do it yourself blog that has some of the cutest ideas we’ve seen.  My particular favorite is the burlap headboard.

So, for our giveaway you have 3 options to choose from:
Cake Stand
Coasters

Welcome mat

Here’s how you win:

  • Leave a comment here on this post telling us WHICH ITEM YOU WANT– Cake stand, welcome rug, or coasters.

That’s it, simple as pie!  One entry per day, per person. There will be 3 winners for this one giveaway… 1 for each item.

Giveaway will end Monday December 6th at 5pm with the winners being announced Monday evening. We will contact each winner by email and will announce winners names on FB. It will be the winners responsibility to contact us back to make arrangements for pick up or shipping.

Giveaways to Giftaway – Chuy's: Dinner for Four

Posted on by Angie

If you read this website even a little bit you know how much we love some Chuy’s!  The first up in our series of “Giveaways to Giftaway” (or keep for yourself, we won’t tell) is a certificate for Dinner for 4 at Chuy’s.

Chuy’s is located at the top of the Summit with an amazing patio and amazing view – Menu items include the Chuychanga, the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and of course the “Big as yo’ face burritos” You can’t go wrong if you love Mexican Food! Have we mentioned before that they margarita’s, yummy yummy margarita’s.. They do.

Here’s how you win!

  • Visit the Chuy’s website and Leave us a comment here on this post telling us what you like best on their menu or what you want to try when you go – (1 per person)
  • Follow us on Twitter @birminghammommy – (come back and leave a comment telling us you followed – 1 per person)
  • Go like Chuy’s on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/ChuysBirmingham – (come back and leave a comment telling us you liked them – 1 per person)

Giveaway will run until Thursday at 5pm, winner will be announced Thursday evening. Winner will be contacted by email and it will be the winners responsibility to contact us back. We will then mail the certificate to the confirmed address.

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