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Celebrate Birmingham Moms that Rock!

Posted on by Angie

We are so excited and overwhelmed with the nominations and votes we received for this Birmingham Moms Rock event. It’s finally here and we can’t wait! Call your friends and line up the sitter, we’ve got a great night planned.

Tonight,  September 16th at the Wine Loft downtown. This event is FREE (have we mentioned that?) We’ll have live music, food, drink specials, door prizes and swag…. We’ll be there from 6pm – 9pm, so come out and celebrate with us and find out who was voted the Birmingham Mom that Rocks.

Presented By: Brookwood Medical Center, B-Metro and BirminghamMommy.com

Sponsored By: Grandmothers Joy, Amanda Traywick, Moxii, Jim N Nicks Bar B Que, Medi Weightloss Clinics and The Wine Loft.

Tips for Everyday Life

Posted on by Angie

These are the things that you hear from your mom or your grandmother– the little tidbits of knowledge that get passed along. I have also found tons of little tips from the Queen of Good Things (Martha Stewart) and from Real Simple.

1. Use a few small marshmallows in your brown sugar to prevent it from getting hard/dried out

2. Use a clean toothbrush to get the threads out of corn on the cob

3. Use a raw piece of spaghetti to light a hard to reach candle

4. Use socks as travel shoe bags for your shoes in your suitcase

5. Use a bright wallet so it’s easy to spot in your big purse

6. Store your flat and fitted sheet in the matching pillowcase to keep it organized

7. Use a coat of nail polish to prevent rust on the bottom of shave gel cans, etc

8. Use a damp sponge to wipe up pet hair off of uphostery

9. Use hair conditioner as shave gel- cheaper and great

10. Use a penny in the water of wilted tulips to bring their zest back

11. Use a dryer sheet and water to get pans with tough stains clean

What tips do you have to share?

BirminghamMommy Picks for Fall Festivities

Posted on by Angie

Fall in Birmingham is one of, if not the best time of year in the Magic city. We get darn near perfect weather, college football is going strong and there is no shortage of fun family activities going on around town. In fact, we dare say there is so much going on there is no way you can possibly fit it all in. So, cue BirminghamMommy, we’re going to give you the run down on some of what we consider to be the don’t miss events for this fall. You’re going to need to get your calendar out, go ahead, we’ll wait…………

Pick #1

Spend a Sunday afternoon with our favorite Iron Man at Vulcan Aftertunes. Birmingham’s unique musical event returns to Red Mountain this fall for its 6th season! 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. Your kids will love this, trust us!

This year, to sweeten the deal for families you will be able to purchase a “Family Concert Pass” for just $50. This will allow 2 adults, and 2 children (ages 5-12) admission to all 3 concerts this season. The value is $84 and also includes your admission to the Vulcan Museum and Observation Balcony. These passes are available online only and for a limited time so go ahead, get your wallet, we’ll wait……..

Regular admission prices are as follows:
$10 for Adults – $5 for Vulcan Members – $4 for children ages 5-12, children 4 and under are free.
Food from Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria will be available for purchase at each show.

The concert series will be held, Sunday September 19th, Sunday October 3rd and Sunday October 17th

Pick #2

The 12th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival is a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham. Filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema. There is no doubt that you will be able to entertain the kiddos at Children’s Film Extravaganza that has been expanded this year to include 47 feature length and short films as well as hands on activities right smack in the heart of the festival at the McWane Science Center Rushton Theater. The programming has been grouped based on age so that it is easier for you to select the films that are right for you and your family. They are kid tested and parent approved! Kids get in free with a paid adult

The festival runs September 24th – 26th – for ticket pricing and show schedule visit their site.

Pick #3

While this is more for the Moms, it’s a must do if you want to get a  jump on some early Christmas shopping. Get ready for The Market presented by the Junior League. A 3 day shopping extravaganza!! Not only is it shopping early for great gifts, it’s shopping with a purpose. Every ticket purchased helps promote the mission of the Junior League to support the community by improving the lives of women and children. Feel great about the gifts you share this holiday season knowing that a portion of that gift is making a difference in the life of someone in the Birmingham community.

Visit their site for a list of the events going on to celebrate The Market or to purchase your tickets!

Pick #4

Birmingham’s weather is tricky, but in early November it’s a pretty safe bet that you’re going to get a good fall feeling day, so how will you spend it?  Enjoying the day at the Moss Rock Festival gets our vote! You can discover art, listen to live music and let the kiddos enjoy a little art of their own in the Kids Art Studio’s.
November 6th and 7th
*more information to come as soon as it’s available.

Pick #5

The summer market at Pepper Place may be ending and you may find yourself in a panic over what to do every Saturday morning, Fear not! On the tails of the their Summer Market comes their Harvest and Holiday market. What a great way to spend a crisp cool Saturday morning. Grab a Cup o’ Joe and head on down for leisurely stroll through the tents of fresh and local good for you food! 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! This market runs from October 16th – December 4th.

While this is just barely scratching the surface on everything going on this fall we think these are Must Do’s – Keep an eye on our calendar, we’ll keep you updated on all of the other fun stuff happening around town. Have a favorite fall activity or something you never miss out on? We would love to hear about it! Drop us a comment!

52 New Things – Week 36

Posted on by Angie

Angie –

I tried another new vegetarian recipe and it was a FAIL. I wanted spaghetti with meat sauce so instead of using hamburger meat, I used some type of soy/protein crumbles. While it looked like regular hamburger and didn’t actually taste bad the texture was just off. Almost mushy. I have texture issues and just couldn’t get past this one. I think I’ll be having my sauce sans meat from here on out.

Trish –

Kindergarten: I love it and I hate it.  We’re not early risers in my house.  We get up around 8-8:30 generally.  That was, until kindergarten.  Kindergarten drop off is at 7:30AM.  Which means getting up in the (GASP) 6:something time frame.  We have it down to an art, it takes us exactly 15 minutes to get up, dressed, and in the car.  But the new thing for me is TIME TIME TIME.  Getting up early is like adding 2 days to your week.  I’m getting so much done!!  My house has never been cleaner (I cleaned toilets before 8am one day, what is that!?).  My meals are planned out and my budget is below normal.  Who knew that a few hours a day was all it would take?!

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! Making Peace with the Muffintop

Posted on by Angie

By: Harmony

My son learned how to hop by watching me try to squeeze into a pair of jeans that no longer fit. You know the drill. I call it the hop-and-pull, first cousin to the lay-down-and-zip. I ripped my jeans that day, and had no choice but to accept defeat. They are now stored in the back of my closet waiting for a smaller, future me.

I know you all have that section in your closet where the small clothes go. Mine is a sad little corner full of wispy “going-out” shirts, strapless tops, and jeans in single-digit sizes made of stretchy denim. I have the wardrobe of three different women — skinny me, normal me, and fat me. My underwear drawer holds both big granny bras and teeny tiny bras that I’m sure these boobs will never fit into again. I just can’t bear to let them go because they looked so cute … once upon a time. Breaking up is hard to do.

I also can’t get rid of this stuff because I use these garments as a foolproof way of tracking my size. I’ve long since boycotted the scale … it becomes too easy to obsess over every little pound. Now I judge my weight by looking at myself to see if I have muffintops billowing up over my waist band or not. Lately, the answer has been yes.

We all have parts that we wish would shrink or go away altogether. I spent a lot of years battling my shape. I’m a white girl with a freakishly large behind. I grew up with a lot of other white girls who had little to no behind, and I felt like a total misfit. I finally started to accept myself in my mid-twenties after I met my husband. It took over a year for me to finally believe him when he told me that I was beautiful. I mean, to REALLY believe that he thought it, and wasn’t just saying it because he wanted to get in my pants. Since we met, that man has seen me looking my absolute WORST (in active labor, hung over, etc.) and my absolute BEST, and he loves me anyway.

There is something liberating about being able to truly accept yourself. He taught me how to do that. Men simply do not care about their appearance the way that women do. I’ve observed him look at his belly in the mirror, rub it like a magic lamp, slap it with gusto, and tell me I am a lucky woman. If his pants were too tight, he’d just pull out a bigger pair; he didn’t get all cranky about it. He ate when he was hungry and ate what he felt like eating. Amazing.

When I turned 30, I made up my mind that I am going to start living with more gusto. I was going to be more like … a man. I decided to stop worrying so much about my appearance and being so unhappy with myself all of the time. I decided to stop comparing myself so much to other women. And you know, I’ve packed on 15 pounds since I made this decision and despite that, I’m quite happy with myself. This year, I karaoked for the first time, started dancing in public, ran a 5k, and took more risks. I started speaking my mind more.

I still wish I could fit into my skinny jeans, but I’m not going to let it ruin my day anymore. My son thinks I’m the most beautiful woman in the world, and that is the greatest compliment I could ever hope to receive.

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 www.workingmommymadness.com.

BigBham Deal – Grandmother's Joy

Posted on by Angie

$15 for $30 worth of fine children’s clothing from Grandmother’s Joy in Mountain Brook

PURCHASE HERE

Grandmother’s Joy was founded in 1985 and has been serving the Birmingham area with classic, timeless styles for children ever since. Located in Crestline Village, this boutique children’s store specializes in classic infant and children’s clothing and heirlooms, in addition to fun, upscale play wear, accessories and gift items. Grandmother’s Joy also offers custom clothing, monogramming and embroidery and holds monthly DIY (Design it Yourself) events for moms and children to come in and design their own outfits from a beautiful selection of fabrics and patterns.

  • Each customer may purchase and use 2 at a time!
  • Not valid on sale items or custom orders
  • Cannot be used with other promotions
  • Please use before Jan 1, 2011

Learn more: joychildrensboutique.com

Birmingham Events Calendar: Sept 13th – 19th

Posted on by Angie

It’s finally here! The week we find out which Birmingham Mom Rocks! We’re busy putting the finishing touches on this sure to be awesome event but in the meantime why don’t you check out what else is going on around town? Folksy Fun, a block party, talk like a Pirate day, Matey! There is no shortage of things happening around the city this week and weekend! We hope to see you all on Thursday night for our big event! Have a great week!

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

Monday September 13th

Holy Inappropriateness!!  We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ham’ today. See below for what’s going on daily at the Birmingham Zoo, McWane Science Center or Southern Museum of Flight.

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Tuesday September 14th

Family Folksy Fun – Emmet O Neal Library
Mr. Eric, author and storyteller, will share with us for the first family night of the school year! Dinner is at 5:30 and the show starts at 6:00. No registration or cost – all ages are welcome!

Larry Moore the Magic Man – Hoover Library
A local favorite presents an evening of comedy and magic in the Library Theatre! Fun for the whole family!
6:30pm

Barnes and Noble –  Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
Bestselling author Rob Sctton of Russell The Sheep, does it again with Splat the Cat. A whimsical story of first day school jitters and making new friends. Join us as we follow Splat’s journey and how he learns a valuable lesson.
11:00am

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Wednesday September 15th

Block Party – Homewood Library
Grades 6-12 only. Join us after school to create a masterpiece using our Lego stash. Snacks will be served.
3:30 – 4:30

Pirates and Princesses – Emmet O Neal
School is in session, which means after-school specials are back! Visit our medieval market from 3:30 – 4:15 on Wednesday, September 15th. No registration or cost – ages 3 and up.

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

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 September 16th

Birmingham Moms Rock Event – Wine Loft Downtown
Join us for a fun night of food, live music, drink discounts and specials, prizes and swag all while we celebrate Birmingham Moms that Rock! Presented by Brookwood Medical Center, B-Metro and BirminghamMommy.com
Free Event with Complimentary Valet
6pm-9pm

Snap – Emmet O Neal
Go green at the Emmet O’Neal Library! We’ll be making crafts out of used materials. All 3rd-6th graders are welcome in our kids-only zone
3:30 – 4:30

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Friday September 17th

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 September 18th

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

Barts Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
WABI SABI A little cat in Tokyo on a quest to discover the meaning of his name.
READER: Ms. Blair, Our Lady of Sorrows School Librarian
11am

Children’s Storytime Ruffner Mountain
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 2 – 5. All children must be accompanied by an adult during the program.
10am

30th Birthday Party Celebration – Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market is turning 30 years old this Fall! And we’ve got a celebration in store for you! More details to come!
Noon – 6pm

Talk Like a Pirate Day – North Shelby Library
Talk Like a Pirate Day: Avast me hearties! Stop by the Children’s Department anytime today to celebrate this day by talking like a pirate and go home with some special “booty!”

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

Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market – Downtown Homewood
7am – Noon

Pepper Place Saturday Market
We spread out of the parking lot to include 29th Street as we accommodate local farmers, artisans, music, art and food!
7:00am – Noon

Valleydale Farmers Market –
Valleydale Farmers Market is dedicated to bringing fresh, local produce to communities around Alabama and the Southeast.
Music, cooking demos and storytimes along with fresh produce a great way to spend a day!

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
If you give a cat a cupcake – The lovable cat who first appeared in If You Give a Pig a Party has his very own book! Author Laura Numeroff’s newest story will show everyone that Cat is where it’s at!
2:00pm

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Sunday September 19th

Vulcan Aftertunes – Vulcan Park
Birmingham’s unique musical event returns to Red Mountain this fall for it’s sixth season! Enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews, and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with Birmingham’s hip iron man, Vulcan. Vulcan AfterTunes is a three-part concert series featuring local and national singer/songwriter acts. Kick back, relax and end your weekend with some of the area’s best music while enjoying spectacular views of Birmingham’s city skyline. Ticket price includes admission to Vulcan’s Observation Balcony and Museum.
Cool Tunes. Fresh Brews. Sweet Views.
Price: $10 General Admission; $5 Vulcan Members; $4 Ages 5 -12; FREE for Children 4 and under! Available this year a Family Pass for just $50 Learn More
3pm

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!
1pm – 3pm

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

Mr Potato Head Exhibit – Families won’t want to miss The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD, a new interactive traveling exhibit that features the much-loved MR. POTATO HEAD character will lead young visitors and parents on a number of fun and educational adventures. From trips to outer space to jungle safaris and archaeological digs, each activity will provide children with engaging learning experiences. Through Sept. 26

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!

Meanwhile, at gymnastics

Posted on by Angie

By Country Fried Mama

As a mother, I am still fresh out of the baby years.  The Belle just turned two.  Miss D. is 4.  And I am still shocked by things those of you with older kids probably find obvious.

I no longer need to carry anyone down the stairs.

No one will collapse if I fail to produce snacks on demand.

My children are not me.

That last one hits me each week during Miss D.’s gymnastics class.  I sit in the parents’ holding pen for 45 minutes and watch her through the glass.  She is all ta-da hands on the gym floor, while my own fingers are gripped tightly to the edge of my chair.  I try not to gasp as the older girls go flipping and flying across bars and beams.  Miss D., thank goodness, is not performing circus feats yet.  But she is doing lots of things for the first time and approaching them with enthusiasm and glee.

There is little fear in this child.

Somersault on the balance beam? Sure.  Flip over the uneven bars?  Okey-dokey.  Hang from the rings and swing?  You got it.  Spend an hour a week with girls whom she (mostly) just met?  Of course.

She tries to talk to me through the glass sometimes, and I can’t hear her, but I’m certain of what she says. Her body language is far more: Did you see me?  I did it! than: I’m scared.  I don’t want to.  Can you come in here?

Who is this child?  Quite clearly, she is not me.  Sure, she has a white chalk handprint on her black leotard-clad bum, and that is totally something that would happen to her mother.  But otherwise?  This one is already her own person.

Which makes me feel three things:
We’re doing a great job!  She’s no mini-me!  She feels free to be herself in almost any circumstance!
She needs me less.  I am making myself redundant.  I am going to need to find some hobbies.  Or additional employment.
What if this doesn’t last?  What if she adopts self-doubt on her fifth birthday.  Or her sixth?  Or (more likely) her 12th?

So many of the 12-year-old gymnasts, the ones flipping and flying across the mats, wear shapeless T-shirts over their leotards.  They hunch their shoulders.  They look at their feet.  They spend their time at an activity designed to draw attention, and yet, they clearly don’t want anyone looking too closely.

When did that happen to them?  Were they confident and exuberant four-year-old gymnasts once, too?  And is there any way to stop the march from exhibitionist pre-schooler to shrinking pre-teen?

At the end of gymnastics class this week, Miss D. was sporting a pretty severe leotard wedgie.  She didn’t notice or care, though.  Four is a pretty wonderful age.

Country-Fried Mama is a transplanted Yankee raising two girls in the land of college football, sweet tea, and refined manners. Visit her blog at Country Fried Mama and follow her on Twitter @countryfried

When Mommy Needs a Time Out

Posted on by Angie

I’m so glad we’re all friends here. If I weren’t able to call you my friends I probably couldn’t confess to you that lately I’ve been spending a lot of my time in “time out.”

My days with 2 year old twins and a very outspoken, argumentative, smart and imaginative 4 year old have been trying. These are the parenting moments that don’t make the Kodak commercials, the moments you don’t really read about in books or magazines, the moments that most other Moms aren’t really talking about for fear they’ll be judged. I’m snappy, angry and couldn’t find my patience if it hit me in the head like a toy dinosaur.

I can’t even tell you how many times while I’m sitting in my time out I think, “Who am I and how did I get here?” My life is no longer my own, I am living under a dictatorship and answering to these tiny humans that are sticky, loud and color on my hardwood floors.

So how do we (please tell me I can use “we”) cope?

First off I think a Mommy Time Out is on the right track. Whether you’re dumping the kids with your family or neighbor and hightailing it to the car yelling “Serenity Now” or pulling a Charlotte from SATC 2 and crying in the pantry, don’t be afraid to sideline yourself. I read something lately that I try my best to remember before I blurt out things like “Are you Crazy? Of course we don’t scale the outside of the refrigerator like a zoo animal” It was something along the lines of:  “You can’t regret words you haven’t said.” A pretty powerful sentence to keep at the fore front of your mind. None of us want to do damage to our children’s psyche and words can be terribly hurtful. Take a breathe and walk away before saying something you might regret.

Spend a little time reflecting (even if it is while you’re in your time out) When was the last time you took time to enjoy just being you?  If you can’t remember the answer to that question then I have to say, you’re over due. Can you remember a time with no schedules, no lessons, carpools, or commitments? We must make time to take care of ourselves, mentally and physically. Call some friends or don’t, but get out of the house, have a kid free meal. Do you like to read? Head to the bookstore grab a coffee and just listen to the sweet sound of well, nothing. Have you forgotten what quiet sounds like?

Always say “I love you.” No matter how frustrated we are it’s so important for our children to know that even though Mommy is having a bad day, we still love them.

Parenting is not all rainbows and lollipops, it sucks sometimes and feeling that way or even saying it our loud does not make you a bad Mommy. How do you cope when you are having one of “those” days or when you’re running on fumes and have little to no patience to call your own?

Busy Mommy Bonding Series: Colors

Posted on by Angie

This month the theme is COLORS!

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:  Color mixing,  This  shows kids how two colors can combine to make a new one.  It’s a very tactile and sensory oriented activity great for all learners.

Materials:
Ketchup
Mustard
Sandwich baggies

This is easy- put some ketchup in one corner of a baggie, then the same amount of mustard in the other corner.  Seal it.  Double check that you sealed it, trust me on this one.  Then let your kids squeeze their little hearts out.  (If you’re one of those free spirited parents, you can even let them do this with bare hands and no baggie.  But that’s just crazy to me.)   Talk to the kids about the change that’s happening, pointing out that red plus yellow makes a new color.  (Technically they make orange, but because of the darker coloring of the mustard, it turns out brown.)

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