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America Recycles Day

Posted on by Angie

If you missed Birmingham Recycles Day in October, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Take that cereal box out of the trashcan and take the “I Recycle” pledge with your kids as part of America Recycles Day (ARD) November 15.ARD is a nationally-recognized initiative of Keep America Beautiful dedicated to encouraging people to recycle more at home, at work, and on the go.

Join the millions of Americans who have already pledged to increase their recycling habits. To take the “I Recycle” pledge and to learn more about recycling, visit http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ARD_Overview.

Visit the Alabama Environmental Council website to learn more about recycling programs and drop-off locations in the Birmingham area.

http://www.aeconline.org/recycling/center

Recycling Education Resources and Activities for Kids

KAB Kid’s Zone

Keep America Beautiful offers kids resources like games and tips for taking care of their environment with their families, in their neighborhoods and at their schools.

The EPA Environmental Kids Club

The Environmental Protection Agency’s website for kids contains games, stories and pictures to help your little ones and students explore the environment and learn how to protect it.

Disney Friends for Change

Disney’s interactive initiative that empowers kids to help the planet by learning practical ways to help the environment, get their friends involved, and track their collective impact.

Auntie Litter

The website of Birmingham’s favorite aunt, Auntie Litter, offers a Fun for Kids section with coloring pages, activities and games that are fun and educational.

– Amy W. Richardson

Birmingham Events Calendar – November 14th – November 21st

Posted on by Angie

We’ve got a BIG and BUSY week coming up! As you may have heard we are partnering up to help McWane with a deeply discounted Membership Drive, we’ll be out and about this week to help you all sign up and take advantage of this great deal, renew yours and buy one for friend or family member for the holidays, it really would make a perfect gift, it will last a year and won’t take up any room in the house, ahem… Grandparents!

More shopping to do for you Moms this week and Jack the Conductor will be at Hoover Library. Tickets are still available for the Weasley Wedding on Saturday, sure to be a great night of fun. Get the husband on board and head out for a date night! We’ll see you there!

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

Sunday November 14th

Little Naturalists Series – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
It’s a great time to go outside and explore! The temperature is beginning to drop, leaves are changing colors, and the animals are gearing up for winter. Little Naturalists will focus on a different topic each month as we explore the mountain.
Reservations required.
Suited for K – 2nd.
All children must be accompanied by an adult during the program.
$3/ $2 (member) — 2pm

Prince of Peace – Christmas in November
Get into the Christmas spirit early with our 4th annual Christmas in November craft and gift show. Vendors will display a variety of items to include Christmas decorations, childrens clothing, monogramming, jewelry, candles, homemade jams, marinades and much, much more! Admission is FREE!
9am – 5pm

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 November 15th

McWane Membership Drive Kickoff-  Joe Muggs Summit
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
9:30am – 11:30am

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Tuesday November 16th

McWane Membership Drive –  Joe Muggs Summit
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
9:30am – 11:30am

McWane Membership Drive –  Zoe’s Summit
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
6:00pm – 8:00pm

Conductor Jack – Hoover Public Library
The Brain Train Tour is an innovative, multi-media, theatrical show for kids . . . as fun as it is educational! Get ready to sing and hop with Conductor Jack!
6:30pm

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 November 17th

McWane Membership drive –  Edgewood Creamery
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
3:00pm- 4:30pm

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

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Thursday November 18th

McWane Membership Drive –  Starbucks Trussville
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
9:30am – 11:30am

McWane Membership Drive – Zoe’s Patton Creek
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
6:00pm – 8:00pm

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Friday November 19th

McWane Membership drive –  Dreamcakes
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
10:00am – Noon

McWane Membership Drive –  Light up the Summit (near Brooks Bros)
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
6:00pm – 8:30pm

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Come meet Mrs. Renee Schmidt “NeNe” as we bring you a new format for storytime. Enjoy storyboards, songs and snacks!
10:00am

Wild about Books Story Time – Birmingham Zoo
Come join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo area
10:00am

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Saturday November 20th

Weasley Wedding Party – McWane Science Center
Your presence is requested for the Weasley Wedding Party for a magical evening of wizardry and witchcraft.  Enjoy cocktail concoctions, a delightful feast of magical treats and compete in the costume contest. Then, watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 come alive on the IMAX screen. Reservations are required.
8:00 – 10:00
Movie @ 10:00 PM
Must be at least 21 to attend
Tickets: $20 Members, $25 Non-Members

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic
Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this great Snowman! Add a Lowe’s gift card and it makes the perfect present for anyone on your list!

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

Helena Market Days/Farmers Market – Helena Amphitheater
8:00am – 12:00pm

Harvest and Holiday Market at Pepper Place
Autumn in Alabama means fresh-grown apples, pumpkins and squash for your fall meals. November markets will also bring hand-made gifts just in time for the Holiday Season!
7:00am – Noon

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
2:00pm

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Sunday November 21st

Moms Market Holiday Expo – Pelham Civic Complex
Vendors include.. Stuck on You Wall Decor, Inviting You Designs, Willow House – Ellen King, Sassy Polka Dots, Too Sassy Personalized Gifts, nest EGgS design and many more!! First 50 shoppers get swag!
1:00pm – 5:00pm

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

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!

Droolicious Cuisine – Bacon Egg and Cheese Casserole

Posted on by Angie

With the holidays around the corner you’ll need to think beyond casseroles, hams and turkeys if you have some family in town  crashing at your place. We’ve got a yummy Bacon, Egg and Cheese Casserole you can make up for when the mob wakes up hungry and wants something more than Captain Crunch!

This casserole can be made ahead of time and still tastes great re-heated. At a Weight Watchers Points Value of 5, this is a filling meal that is a great start to the day. You can also add vegetable fillings.. steamed spinach and mushrooms are very good! Enjoy!

Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:
6 slices turkey bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen hash brown potatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
3 large eggs
3 egg whites
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray three 2-cup oval baking dishes, casseroles, or ramekins with cooking spray.
2) Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 4 minutes. Add the potatoes and onion and cook until potatoes are tender and golden, about 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let cool slightly.
3) Beat the eggs and egg whites in a large bowl. Add the ricotta, 1/3 cup of the Swiss cheese, the Parmesan, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne, stirring until blended. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/3 cup of Swiss cheese.
4) Bake until the casseroles are slightly puffed and golden and the cheese is melted, approximately 20-25 minutes.

(*If you bake the casserole in a single dish, the cooking time should be increased.)

Yields 6 servings.

Nutritional Info (per serving): 220 Cal, 9g Fat, 4g Sat Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 134mg Chol, 445mg Sod, 17g Carb, 1g Fib, 18g Prot, 271mg Calc

Thanks to MommaDrool for the recipes in this series. You can find many more droolicious recipes over at her site, “2 Little Chicks”

Parenting, Mission: Possible – Bullying

Posted on by Angie

By: Caroline Taylor, M.ED

Many of you have been following the recent cases of bullying that have been in the news. Due to the recent media, the government and many schools are organizing task forces to educate children and parents of the harmful effects of bullying. After hearing these stories, it is understandable that many parents are worried and scared for their own children.

First, it’s important for parents to understand the biological aspect of peer groups. Human beings form social hierarchies as a way to organize themselves. These social hierarchies are normal for all “social animals”; a hierarchy is a chain of perceived importance in a species. Children consistently define and change their roles in the social hierarchy. Young, school age boys typically perform more physically competitive tasks such as, who runs faster, who is stronger, who is the longest jumper, to define dominance. Young school age girls define their positions through role-playing…best friends, party invitations and exclusion. Typical school age child behavior will include some form of social ladder climbing.

When social ladder climbing becomes extreme, it is in the form of bullying. If your school age child tells you they are being bullied, make sure to find out what the word “bullying” means to them and find out exactly what they perceive is the problem. Some children may not feel comfortable discussing bullying with their parents; watch your child’s behavior surrounding going to school and friends. Has anything changed, is your child more moody, anxious, not sleeping well, or not eating? If so, look for chances to talk to your child about bullying indirectly. For instance if something comes on TV that illustrates bullying, ask your child what they think about that behavior.

Realize that it takes a lot of courage for a child to report bullying to a parent. It’s important to recognize the courage and empathize with the child while gaining more information about the bullying event.

So, what do you do as a parent if you realize your child is the target of bullying at school? Studies suggest the best thing for a parent to do is approach their child’s teacher without blaming and try to understand the bullying in a broad perspective. I recommend, trying to channel your “inner reporter” and report “just the facts”, as you know them, to the teacher or the school counselor. Ask about their policies and check to see if they have any programs in place that address bullying. Research suggests, it’s most effective for schools to deal with bullying through group education; many schools have already implemented these types of programs.

It may seem counter intuitive, but do not contact the bully’s parents. The school should contact the parents if the bullying is happening on school property. Remember, children who bully at school, may be subjected to bullying at home by their parents or siblings.

What are some ways to avoid bullying? A child that has good self-confidence is less likely to become a target. It’s important to cultivate your child’s strengths to increase their confidence and self esteem. Things like; music, sports, and, art activities are good ways to grow self-esteem. Find out what your child excels at and nurture his interest. Talk your child’s teacher about connecting her with like-minded friends. Set up play dates to continue to foster strong relationships.

There are some good children’s books on the subject of bullying. Some of my favorites are:

Bully B.E.A.N.S by Julia Cook
Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Bullies by Howard Binkow
The author Trudy Ludwig’s books- Confessions of a Former Bully, My Secret Bully, Sorry, and Just Kidding

Note: Bullying can become extreme and life threatening. If you feel your child is in a crisis situation, contact your child’s school and your local crisis center for immediate help. The crisis center kid’s help line in the Birmingham area is: 205-328-5437. The main number is 205-323-7777 and is answered 24/7

For specific questions and or more information on bullying: caroline@carolinetaylorlpc.com

Caroline Taylor, M.Ed
Licensed Professional Counselor

Ms. Taylor obtained a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Florida State University focusing on Child Life. After graduating she worked with children and families coping with terminal and chronic illness in the hospital and an outpatient setting.

She received a Master of Education in Counseling from Auburn University while working as a counseling intern at University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Counseling and Wellness Center. She worked as a counseling intern at University of Alabama at Birmingham counseling and wellness center. Before opening her private practice, Ms. Taylor worked with children and families in various diverse settings from community mental health and outpatient psychotherapy to in home intensive family restoration.

She specializes in:

  • children,
  • adolescents
  • individuals
  • challenged families
  • parent training
  • trauma recovery in children
  • ADD/ADHD
  • helping families to cope with transitions such as divorce or death.

Giveaway: Are you Birmingham's biggest Harry Potter fan?

Posted on by Angie

The Weasley Wedding Party is a magical evening of wizardry and witchcraft- all themed out for the truest of Potter fans.  Enjoy cocktail concoctions, a delightful feast of magical treats and compete in the costume contest.  BirminghamMommy is providing some fabulous prizes for the costume winners!  Then, watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 come alive on the IMAX screen. Reservations are required.

Here’s your chance to win some tickets!  We have 2 tickets for 1 lucky winner.
To enter:
1.  Comment here–  Tell us why you are the biggest HP fan in Birmingham.  (1 entry per day)
2.  Our Facebook fans get an automatic entry just for loving us.  Comment here if you’re a fan.  (1 entry total)
3.  Tweet this phrase:  I’m the biggest Potter fan! @mcwane and @BirminghamMommy   (1 entry per day)
4. Subscribe to our Newsletter (New Subscribers Only, 1 entry total)

Contest ends on Nov 12, 2010 at 3pm CST.  Winner announced Nov 12, 2010.  Must be 21 to enter.

Weasley Wedding Party
Saturday, November 20
8:00 – 10:00
Movie @ 10:00 PM
Must be at least 21 to attend
Tickets: $20 Members, $25 Non-Members

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

If you aren’t a member, you can still get $5 off by using the discount code “BhamMommy.” Must call (205) 714-8414 to redeem. Discount not valid with other discounts and space is limited, so what are you waiting for? Order your tickets now or we’ll send the Dementors after you!

Our Harry Potter winner is…

Posted on by Angie

Casey A. !!  Just email us at contact@birminghammommy.com and we’ll get you all set up to Potter the night away!

52 New Things – Week 44

Posted on by Angie

Angie –

This week I finished a book that was out of my comfort zone, Science Fiction. Science Fiction is really, really not my thing, at all. But after picking it up and putting it down about 3 different times, extending the check out at the library once and trying it yet again, I finished it. Not only did I finish it, I devoured it after I got to about Chapter 7. If you have some time and like to read, pick up The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Even if you think it’s not your thing.

Trish –

My new thing this week is letting my 5 year old check the mail while I wait at the door.  This seems like nothing, but the mere fact that he is so close to the road is terrifying to me.  It’s my baby step in encouraging independence.

For more New Things or if you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy and many others – please join in by posting your new thing to your blog, facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – Also, you can head over to www.willblogforshoes.com to link up every Thursday!

Working Mommy Madness – "Modern" Motherhood

Posted on by Angie

By Harmony Hobbs

Fact: I am a 1950’s housewife trapped inside the body of a career woman.

The only reason I went to college was to find myself a husband. That’s right. I might as well have tattooed “MARRY ME” on my forehead. Looking back, I don’t know why I wasted so much time thinking about marriage when I should have been experimenting with controlled substances.

My plan was very … vintage. I was only getting a degree to fall back on in case my husband died or lost his limbs. I never planned to have a career.  I wanted a man, some children, and a double oven – in that order.

Much to my disappointment, I did not find a husband in college. I got a degree in Mass Communication instead. At the age of 22, I was convinced that I was destined to die alone as a dusty, old maid. I gave up on my double oven dream – and by the time I met my husband-to-be, I actually had some practical career goals in mind.

But then, on that hot September day in 2008, my son was born and I suddenly remembered my 1950’s fantasy. I had an overwhelming urge to walk away from my corporate job. I started to wear an apron. I learned to bake.

By this point, our life had become so complicated that living on one income just wasn’t feasible. With the birth of my son came my daily battle with guilt — balancing work and motherhood. I love working and I get a lot of satisfaction from it, but my truest love is being a mom.

Achieving that balance is a constant struggle.  I never feel like I get it right.

According to all of the parenting books I’ve read, I’m what they call a “modern” mom. But the women they describe don’t sound like me – they actually seem to have it together. I obviously do not. I can barely manage to put conditioner in my hair instead of body wash, and even though I have all of the materials, I have never scrap-booked a thing in my life.

I submit that these women are fictitious.

I make lists, I have a personal organizer and several calendars,  but I can never seem to stay on top of my various roles as wife, mother, employee who is trying to scramble up the corporate ladder,  and friend. Sadly, tasks that should be a priority, like plucking my eyebrows or having marital relations with my husband, often fall to the bottom of my list. Yet for some reason, I continue to try to do it all.

If I was an outsider looking in, I would think to myself, “OMG, that girl must be crazy!” Well … maybe I am. Our “modern” lives are crazy. It’s not just MY life, it’s everyone I know. We all keep trying to live at a breakneck speed, and it’s not normal — I don’t care what the experts say. I will always long for a simpler life.

It is 2010, I am almost 31 years old, and I have a very bright future. However, I’m what you might call a functional wreck. I have decided this is acceptable. I have not figured out how to have it all without miserably failing in one of my roles.

While I continue to work on striking a balance between the different parts of my life … I am cursing those bitches who burned their bras.

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. To read more from her visit her blog Working Mommy Madness

Birmingham Events Calendar – November 7th – November 14th

Posted on by Angie

There’s a Harry Potter Buzz in the air, can you feel it? There are a couple of events going on this week to help get you ready! The Magic of Model Trains Exhibit opened this weekend at the McWane Science Center and we’ve included a couple of shopping events just for you moms!

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 November 7th

Moss Rock Festival
A little bit of art and culture for the whole family!
For information on parking and events visit their site

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 November 8th

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 November 9th

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

Holiday in the Heights/David’s Holiday Open House – Community Event w/ Merchants of Cahaba Heights
Stop by to register for some great door prizes & check out “Color Continuum” painting exhibit in the gallery by UAB students.
HOLIDAY IN THE HEIGHTS – A Community Open House Event..
Go to www.enjoytheheights.com & print a shopping pass for special deals at David’s & other merchants in Cahaba Heights. This is a community open house event with different merchants participating so make sure to check out the web page to see who is involved & what specials you can get.
5-8pm

Harry Potter Movie Night –  Emmet O’Neal Library
We’re counting down the hours until the 7th Harry Potter movie comes out! Let’s catch up on the story with an earlier HP movie, shown on the Emmet O’Neal lawn. The movie is rated PG, and every child must be accompanied by a caregiver.
6pm

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 November 10th

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

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Thursday November 11th

Veterans Day!

Birmingham Zoo – free admission for all active, disabled & retired military individuals

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Friday November 12th

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Come meet Mrs. Renee Schmidt “NeNe” as we bring you a new format for storytime. Enjoy storyboards, songs and snacks!
10:00am

Wild about Books Story Time – Birmingham Zoo
Come join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo area
10:00am

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Saturday November 13th

Hogwarts Night at the Birmingham Zoo
This a magical night will feature sorting ceremonies, wizarding classes, characters from the popular J.K. Rowling books and Diagon Alley-inspired fair-style booths for younger children. Aspiring wizards in Grades 3 through 6 who are interested in attending the event can register at the membership window of the Birmingham Zoo but hurry registration ends at 5pm on November 11th or earlier if all spaces are filled. Entrance is $5 for the general public who aren’t registered for classes. The event is free to all library patrons and Zoo members who preregister. So come to the Zoo for great family entertainment. Student’s families will be able to visit the shops in Diagon Alley, play wizarding games and meet characters from Harry Potter during class time. For more information please contact Carol Hendrickson, Curator of Education, at 205-397-3847 or chendrickson@birminghamzoo.com.
5pm

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic
Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this cool working periscope!
10:00am

Jeff Kinney Comes to Birmingham for release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth! BJCC Concert Hall
Celebrate the release of book 5 in the #1 bestselling series with author Jeff Kinney! You must have a ticket to enter the event and the signing line after.
Pick up your FREE tickets at Books-A –Million Brookwood Village. Limit 4 tickets per person (children under 2 do not need a ticket to enter). Ticket available beginning Sunday, October 31st.

Books will be available for sale at this event!
Jeff Kinney will be signing his new book after the presentation!
Seating: Upon arrival ushers will show you where your section is. Please sit in the section number printed on your ticket. Seating is general admission within each section. Please be courteous to other people by not putting bags or coats on seats and by filling in the middle seats first.
Book signing: The official bookseller for this event is Books-A-Million. A book signing will take place after Jeff Kinney’s presentation. Jeff will sign his name in copies of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth and one other Wimpy Kid Book. People will be called to the signing line in groups, starting with group 1. If you do not wish to wait to have your books signed there will be copies of The Ugly Truth available for purchase while supplies last.
Doors Open at 10am – Jeff Kinney will take the stage at 11:00am

Any questions? Contact Christine Corbitt, Book-A-Million Special Events, at corbittc@bamm.com or call (205) 870 – 0213 for more information.

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

Helena Market Days/Farmers Market – Helena Amphitheater
8:00am – 12:00pm

Harvest and Holiday Market at Pepper Place
Autumn in Alabama means fresh-grown apples, pumpkins and squash for your fall meals. November markets will also bring hand-made gifts just in time for the Holiday Season!
7:00am – Noon

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
2:00pm

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Sunday November 14th

Little Naturalists Series – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
It’s a great time to go outside and explore! The temperature is beginning to drop, leaves are changing colors, and the animals are gearing up for winter. Little Naturalists will focus on a different topic each month as we explore the mountain.
Reservations required.
Suited for K – 2nd.
All children must be accompanied by an adult during the program.
$3/ $2 (member) — 2pm

Prince of Peace – Christmas in November
Get into the Christmas spirit early with our 4th annual Christmas in November craft and gift show. Vendors will display a variety of items to include Christmas decorations, childrens clothing, monogramming, jewelry, candles, homemade jams, marinades and much, much more! Admission is FREE!
9am – 5pm

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

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!

Medical Minute: Breast Cancer Awareness

Posted on by Angie

We just wrapped up Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it is important to make it a year long awareness.  We are all busy and we all let things slide, but our health is one area where that is unacceptable.  Don’t neglect the boobs!  It’s important to know how your breasts look and feel normally so you can detect any changes that might indicate a problem.  Breasts change during your period, breastfeeding, pregnancy, and in menopause.  The best way to know doesn’t even require you to leave your house!  Regular self-exams can help you stay aware.  Our friends at Brookwood Medical Center have us a few tips to share:

  1. Breast self-exams to aid in the detection of breast cancer are considered optional by the American Cancer Society. Rather, you should be familiar with the normal consistency of your breasts and underlying tissue so you can be aware of any abnormal lumps or other changes. You should, however, get a regularly scheduled mammogram and clinical breast exam, which are recommended to help detect breast cancer.
  2. Breast problems usually are benign, such as fibrocystic changes, cysts (fluid-filled sacs), or fibroadenomas (solid lumps). Most women have lumps or changes in their breasts that fluctuate during their menstrual cycles. This is normal, as is a firm ridge along the bottom of each breast. Breasts also may feel different in different places.
  3. You can still perform breast self-exams even if you have breast implants. You may want to ask your doctor to help identify the edges of the implants so you know what you are feeling. A woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding also can perform regular breast self-exams.
  4. The best time to do a breast self-exam is on a monthly basis, usually about three to five days after the end of your period when your breasts are less tender or swollen. If you do not have a period, try to remember to do the exam on the same day every month.
  5. Changes to look out for during a breast self-exam that you would need to talk to your doctor about include:

•Dimples, puckers, ridges or bulges of skin on the breast

•A nipple that turns in rather than sticks out

•Skin that itches, or has scales, sores or rashes

•Discharge from the nipple, other than breast milk

•Pain, redness, swelling or warmth

•Any change in the color, shape, size or texture of the breast

Breast self-exams are an option for women starting in her 20s. They are not a substitute for regular screening mammograms or clinical breast exams to detect breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam at least once every three years. Beginning at age 40, women should have a clinical breast exam and screening mammogram every year. Women at high risk of developing breast cancer should add magnetic resonance imaging screening to their yearly mammogram.

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