BirminghamMommy's Picks from the Market

Posted on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 by Angie

What a Mommy wants…
It’s that time of year again, get ready for the Market! We took a sneak peek tonight and we found so much great stuff. This year seems to be especially good in the areas of clothes for us, cute scarves, college team items, and of course the cute kids’ clothes. Here are our picks for the “must have” Market items!

This may be my favorite item– it is the perfect vintage bag. It’s in the DeJaVu booth, and there were only a few.

This top from “V” is super soft and hangs well-not too fitted and not loose. The adornment of rosette and feathers is subtle and dramatic at the same time.

This outfit is a good representation of the adorable kids’ clothes offered at the Market. This set is so cute, you may ovulate just from looking at it. It’s in the Piperbrooke booth. (They also have gameday outfits for kids.)

Tracy Negoshian has a great selection of gameday outfits for us- plenty of choices and all of them are flattering.

Great tops and scarves, as well as some great belt buckles at the Make a Statement! booth.

The puppy purse will make a little girl very happy! Tons of cute stuff- all very unique. This is a new vendor and we’re excited to see what everyone thinks of their stuff!

Gifts and Gratitude booth has the cool scarves of the season- scrappy knot scarves that go with everything. You can get yours in team colors, or in non-college football combinations. 😉

Working Mommy Madness: Poop, Lunch, and Becoming "That" Mom.

Posted on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 by Angie

By Harmony Hobbs:

I swore I would never do it.

I never wanted to be “that” mom. The one that discusses her child’s poop. No one wants to hear about it, really. And I know that. Yet despite my best efforts, I failed.

My toddler is afraid to poop. For reasons unknown to me, he is so terrified of the act that he is spending a lot of time and energy holding it in. It’s worrisome, it’s weird, and we’re working through it. I am so consumed with solving this problem that I felt the need to discuss it during lunch.

I met my girlfriends from work at our usual time. We chatted about what is new this season in footwear. We discussed whether or not wearing high-heeled, tall boots means you’re looking for a good time (I submit that it does not).

We talked about men. We talked about Snookie from Jersey Shore, our bosses, our jobs, and our plans for the weekend. It was a beautiful day, so we ate outside — which required us to wear our oversized sunglasses. This is the time of my day where I can forget about everything serious, and focus on the frivolities of life. Like skincare, and reality television.

When the conversation lulled, I had an out-of-body experience that involved me telling them about my son’s constipation. I thought I should probably shut up, but I just kept going … and before I could stop myself, I was talking about the glycerine suppository that I was going to have to administer that afternoon.

I have to give them credit –my companions didn’t flinch. They listened politely … and so I. Kept. Going. I said that we tried prunes. I said we tried fiber gummy supplements. I repeated what the pediatrician’s office and his teachers at daycare said to me about it. All in all, in one conversation I managed to completely become what I have spent years trying to avoid – THAT MOM.

You know who I’m talking about. “That” mom lures you into a conversation and holds you hostage for half an hour talking about her kid’s allergies or exploding diapers. It’s always something you definitely do not care to know about, yet “that” mom seems to believe it’s the most fascinating topic in the world. “

“That” mom also has no objectivity about her children. She truly thinks her kid is smarter, more advanced and better-looking than yours and she will find a way to say so. She is just plain obnoxious and irritating, and I thought I was doing a decent job of not being like that.
Until I was.

Hello, my name is Harmony and I discussed poop at an inappropriate time. My friends have forgiven me for it … time will tell if it was just a temporary slip up, or if I’m headed down a path of obnoxious mom behavior. Please feel free to stage an intervention if needed.
Thank you.

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 at Working Mommy Madness

52 New Things – Week 40

Posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 by Angie

Is it really possible that there are only 12 weeks left in this year!? I think we should make it a goal to do something crazy new in the next 12 weeks. I’m not talking about new recipes or cleaning products, I’m thinking a new Country or Sky diving – something big, something huge! Hmmm… We’ll be thinking about this.

Angie – This week my new thing is something I had absolutely no control over but it’s new nonetheless. My little girl turned 5! I’m the Mommy to a 5 year old! Crazy and it needs to slow down.

Trish – My new thing this week was a realization. I’m an aggressive driver. I go fast, I take risks. I have toned it down incredibly since having kids, but when they’re not with me I still zoom down the highway. So I quit. I’m officially a better driver. 🙂

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!

Giveaway: The Market tickets

Posted on Monday, October 11, 2010 by Angie

It’s time to start shopping– the holidays are just around the corner and in a few blinks of the eye it will be the middle of December. The Junior League of Birmingham’s annual Market is a great place to find unique and charming gifts. Plus, we’ll be there! So come see us and we’ll have some little goodies for you.

We have 3 pairs of tickets to giveaway. Here’s how to enter:
1. Leave a comment here. (1 per day)
2. Tweet this ” @BirminghamMommy LOVES @JLBirmingham and The Market ” then comment here that you tweeted. (1 per day)
3. Send a friend to comment, make sure they include your name so you both get the extra entry. (unlimited)

Contest ends on Wednesday 10/13/10 at midnight CST. Winners will be announced Thursday morning.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Event of the Week: BirminghamMommy loves The Market!

Posted on Monday, October 11, 2010 by Angie

It’s that time of year again… The Market is here for your holiday shopping needs! Make sure you get your tickets and bring your wishlists. And to make your shopping more fun, BirminghamMommy.com will be there to provide you with some free goodies!! Look for us, we’ll be there on Friday 10am-noon and Saturday 10am-2pm. We’ll also be at the big party Thursday night!!

We also have tickets to give away, stay tuned!

Shopping Days–

Thursday, October 14th, 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Cahaba Grand Conference Center, Thursday is STROLLER-FREE all day!
Friday, October 15th, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Cahaba Grand Conference Center, Friday will be STROLLER-FREE until 2:00 p.m. Strollers are welcome beginning at 2:00 p.m. (and all day Saturday).
Saturday, October 16th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Cahaba Grand Conference Center

Birmingham Events Calendar – Oct. 11th – Oct. 17th

Posted on Sunday, October 10, 2010 by Angie

Just when we started to enjoy the fall weather the temps have started creeping back up and it’s hot! Know what else is hot this week? Our calendar! Are your kids out of school for Columbus day? McWane has a special day planned featuring some “Dino-mite” activities! The Pepper Place market is switching to it’s holiday and harvest market, and speaking of “The Market” the 3 day shopping event sponsored buy the Junior League kicks off on Thursday.. So many choices how will you ever decide?

We update the calendar as we learn of new events so stop back by throughout the week to see what’s new!

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

Monday October 11th

Dinosaur Day -McWane Science Center
We’re having a prehistoric party all day! Join us for dino-mite programs including fossil making, pasta skeletons, and coloring contests! Dress up in dinosaur clothes and get a prize! All activities are FREE for members and included in cost of admission for non-members!

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Tuesday October 12th

Family Night – Emmet O’Neal Library
Family Night w/Archie Wade . All ages.
5:30pm Dinner 6:00pm Show

Barnes and Noble – Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
Fancy Nancy, Bonjour Butterfly – In this magical story from Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, everybody’s favorite fancy girl gets a surprise lesson in fancy from her grandparents.
11:00am

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.
2:00pm

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Wednesday October 13th

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 October 14th

The Market – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by the Junior League – A 3-day shopping extravaganza
10:30am – 7pm This opening day is a STROLLER FREE shopping day.

The Market Beauty & Bauble Party – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by Southern Beauty Magazine and Diamonds Direct,
7pm – 10 p.m.,

Railroad Park Sunset Cinema
Mean Girls 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Join us at 7 PM for this movie at Railroad Park.

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Friday October 15th

The Market – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by the Junior League – A 3-day shopping extravaganza
9:00am – 9:00pm This is day STROLLER FREE until 2pm.

Boo at the Zoo
Wear your favorite costume and make your way through safe candy villages and game zones. Ride the Jurassic Express, Creepy Crawly Carousel and the Hallowed Hay Ride. Enjoy live entertainment each night and see an animal up close. Don’t forget to walk through the Alien Reptile Experience. Ghoul Skool is a time honored tradition at Boo At the Zoo. The classes are about ten minutes long and little goblins are taught how to howl like a wolf, rattle chains like a ghost, walk like a monster, cackle like a witch, and much more to graduate! Classes are taught by our Ghoul Skool Mistress!
Tickets $8

*Animal exhibits will be closed for Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. on each day of Boo at the Zoo.

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 October 16th

The Market – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by the Junior League – A 3-day shopping extravaganza
9:00am – 5:00pm

Storytime at The Market – Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Presented by Birmingham READS and Barnes & Noble. Bring the kids in their Halloween costumes and join us for storytime and fun with Clifford, the Big Red Dog
9:30 AM and 11:00 AM

Pumpkin Patch Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
The entire family will enjoy an autumn train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express! The excursion lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, including our time at the Pumpkin Patch. At the Pumpkin Patch, riders will de-board to enjoy a hayride, jumpstation, coloring, and temporary tatoos (all activities are included in the price of your ticket!) Bring your camera to take photos in front of the giant pumpkin! Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee.

*Animal exhibits will be closed for Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. on each day of Boo at the Zoo.

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
Award-winning author Toni Morrison and son Slade Morrison retell the famous fable. The Tortoise or the Hare story examines if slow and steady really wins the race. Find out who wins, Jimi Hare or Jamey Tortoise.
2:00pm

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Sunday October 17th

Vulcan Aftertunes
Featuring Joe Ely – This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with friends and family (of all ages) while listening to some of the area’s best music. Admission is charged.
Price: $10 General Admission; $5 Vulcan Members; $4 Ages 5 -12; FREE for Children 4 and under!

*Animal exhibits will be closed for Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. on each day of Boo at the Zoo.

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

Itty Bitty Magic City – NOTE: ITTY BITTY IS AN ITTY BIT SMALLER THIS SUMMER!
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!

Busy Mommy Bonding Series: Fall

Posted on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 by Angie

This month our theme is Fall!

We’re all moms, and we know how busy life gets. It’s hard to find meaningful activities to share with your children when there are literally millions out there. Especially the 9-5 moms who come home and have only a few precious hours, of which dinnertime and bathtime take up most. So we decided to start a series of BirminghamMommy tested, BirminghamMommy approved activities- every month we’ll share 2-3 fun and not-so-complicated-it-makes-you-quit-halfway-through projects. Gather your supplies ahead of time and be ready for some serious bonding time with your babe!

Activity: Fall Tree, This makes a cute handprint/fingerprint decoration that grandparents will love, and lets kids explore the fall colors, especially Brown.

Materials:
Fall color paints- red, yellow, orange, brown, etc
Brown Paint
Large piece of paper (construction paper is fine)
Baby wipes or a tub of water to clean up in

Create a Fall tree by painting each child’s hand and arm brown and lay it on paper to make the tree. The hand part is the branches at the top of the tree and the arm part is the tree trunk. Let it dry a bit, then have children make red, brown, yellow, and orange fingerprints all over the “hand” part of the tree.

If you want to make this as a keepsake for a loved one, add the line “I’m ‘fall’-ing for you!”

Spicing up Lunchtime!

Posted on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 by Angie

School is officially in swing! If you’re like me, you start out the new school year with uber creative, delicious, healthy, and cute lunches. Then rushed schedules, hectic mornings, and forgotten grocery shopping come in. So here’s a couple of fresh and fun ideas to keep lunch fun. And the great part is that they’re simple and take no time!

Puzzling Sandwich cutters– These cookie cutters turn an ordinary PB&J into a fun eating experience. No kid can turn these down!

Anti-Theft Lunch Bags– You may want to keep these for your own lunch. The original purpose is to discourage co-workers from swiping your food. Your kids can also enjoy the fun– what 9 year old boy wouldn’t LOVE this bag?!?

Don’t forget our Kids Sushi ideas! We’ve got everything from Peanut Butter and Fluff to Cheese Sticks and Sun chips. It’s a little more effort than a discouraging lunch bag but well worth it!

How do keep lunches from getting boring in your house?

52 New Things – Week 39

Posted on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 by Angie

Angie –

Yet another new recipe but this time it was an EPIC success! Epic! It’s not a difficult recipe but it does take a bit of prep work. If you like fish tacos, you will need to put this on your to – do list. Try it out and let me know what you think! Fish Tacos with Honey-Cumin, Cilantro Slaw with Chipotle Mayo

Trish –

My new thing this week is big girl weights. I’ve been working out regularly for over 1 1/2 years now. I always stick to the medium size weights because I can’t imagine my toothpick arms carrying the load of the big ones. This week, I decided to go big. I put on the big weights and started my clean and presses, then the squats… I may or may not have thrown my back out, and I had a hard time sitting the next day, but I did it. Stronger than I thought, and all the work is paying off!

Halloween Costumes: Dress me up before I grow-grow

Posted on Monday, October 4, 2010 by Angie

Decisions, Decisions… Halloween is one of our most favorite times of year. We go all out with the snacks, the parties, the decorations and yes, the costumes. But unfortunately, at the ripe old age of 5, my oldest daughter now has a mind of her own, meaning no more letting me pick out her costumes. What does she want to be? A princess, of course. Gone are the days when she would say “Princess” and I could somehow talk her into something I actually wanted like “Princess Lea” (No, not the gold bikini version.)

I have nothing against Cinderella, or Snow White or Belle or the lovely Tiana but *snore* where’s the creativity? I’ve got 3 kids and could work wonders with some group participation, although making the twins “Dwarfs” might border on politically incorrect. Which is funny because as adults, isn’t that what we strive for? The most outrageous current event we can replicate in costume? Hot topics that have included but are not limited to, the Unibomber, Janet Jackson’s “Wardrobe Malfunction,” Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky and the Blue Dress, or Balloon Boy. Maybe this year we’ll get lucky and see someone try their hand at Lady Gaga’s meat dress or a Greedy BP Oil Executive.

Does originality and creativity come later in life when there are contests to be won and prizes to collect? I remember laboring over my costumes growing up, and as an adult I start thinking about it months and months in advance.

I guess this year, I will just hold tight to the twins who in the past have been “2 peas in a pod” and “Garden Gnomes.” I will relish this coming Halloween knowing that by next year, at the wise old age of 3, they will most likely be following in the glass slippered foot prints of their older sister.

Have you started construction and planning on your costumes for this year? If they aren’t top secret, share them with us.