I tried a new face wash that I love! Philosophy Purity. I love it so much I’m glad I bought the super duper size!
Trish –
My new thing was to try new foods that scare me. A crawfish is basically a cockroach of the river to me. But I was at a crawfish boil so I decided to try it. It was too much work for such a tiny bite. I’m a lobster gal.
Angie –
I tried something new at Zaxby’s. I love their salads and decided to try the new Chicken Salad Sandwich. I like it a lot. I have to say it’s not as good as Zoe’s but better than Chick-Fil-A. I’m a chicken salad nut, so anywhere I can get good chicken salad without getting out of my car makes me happy.
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!
>BirminghamMommy.com is thrilled to be teaming up with McWane Science Center and 103.7Q to bring you a night of the Twilight Saga: Eclipse. We’ll be celebrating the love of all things Twilight under the moonlight on the plaza. Complete with games, prizes, great food and cocktails.
We’re happy to be giving one lucky reader a FREE TICKET to Twilight Over 21!
You’ll be able to walk the red carpet and have your picture made with the life size cutouts of some of your favorite vampires or werewolves. You can declare your love with a Vampire bite or Wolfpack tattoo, all guests will receive a Dazzle Bag full of goodies. So come toast to Twilight with blood red cocktails that even a Vampire would kill for!
Here’s how to enter:
1. Comment here, tell us why you love Twilight! (1 entry per day allowed)
2. Subscribe to our newsletter if you don’t already. Then comment here (again) that you did so or do already. (1 entry total allowed)
3. Tweet this EXACTLY: “@BirminghamMommy and @Mcwane are having the ULTIMATE Twilight over 21 party! http://ow.ly/1V5gd” (1 entry per day)
4. Refer a friend. If a friend comments that you referred them to the giveaway, we’ll give you each an extra entry!
Giveaway will begin on Monday June 7 and will end on Monday June 14 at NOON CST. Winner will be announced the next day. Good luck!
Event Details:
TWILIGHT OVER 21
Date: July 1
Party Time: 8 pm – 10 pm
Movie Time: 10 pm
Where: McWane Science Center
Tickets: $25, BirminghamMommy followers will get $5 OFF that price! (Includes party, food, and movie ticket)
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Must call (205) 714-8414 with promo code BHAM MOMMY to get the discount. It will not be available online.
June 12-13, 2010 Saturday, June 12 and Sunda, June 13, head to Childersburg and you’ll find “Country and Bluegrass performers, appearances by Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer, Spiderman, and Happy Hernando. Also, vendors and hay rides!” All in addition to the fun environment of DeSoto Caverns!
In the meantime, check out some of the interesting history of the caverns, including being the first recorded cave in the United States, being a Civil War Gunpowder Mine and more.
For even more fun, check out our weekly calendar. We break down the family friendly fun one day at a time!
We all love taking hundreds or thousands of pictures of our kids. Then, if you’re like me, you end up letting them sit on your computer because they all look the same or they just aren’t “print-worthy.” It’s time to get print-worthy! We asked 2 local photographers for their top tips in photographing kids.
Both of our photographers interviewed agreeed on 2 main points: Turn OFF the flash and don’t force the smile! Read on for more great tips, and feel free to head over to our Facebook discussion page to share some pictures of your little ones!
Tips from Jen Cowsar of Jen Cowsar Photography
1. Turn OFF the FLASH! Natural light is unbeatable. If photographing inside, open the curtains and let in the light. Shoot near a window with light shining through. You will have to lower your shutter speed shooting inside so compensate by dialing up the ISO. Example: set shutter speed to 60 but dial up the ISO to 800. Never shoot lower than a 60 shutter speed without a tripod.
2. NIGHTY NIGHT! Sleeping babies are beautiful. Utilize naptime to get some beautiful sleepy time shots.
3. WATCH THE CLOCK!!! When shooting photographs outside, the best times are early and late. Try to plan photos for between 8 and 10 am or between 4 and 6 pm. The light early and late is the best filtered light and you will have less problems with shadows and squinty eyes.
4. GET BEHIND ME!!! Put the sun behind your subjects. Yes, you will squint as the photographer but your kiddos won’t.
5. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF…Cloudy days are often the best days for a great photo shoot. You will have less problems overall with shadows and kids squinting because of the sun. I personally love cloudy days with my camera.
6. DON’T SAY CHEESE!!! Some of the best photos I have ever snapped have no posing involved. Take photos of your kids talking and interacting. Snap the shutter when they are playing like they usually do everyday. Those everyday moments are the ones you will want to always remember.
1) TURN OFF THE FLASH: Sometimes going near a window or outside allows the beautiful natural light to be the main light source. No flash should be on in this case, as it casts unwanted shadows, and can really wash out the
subject. Natural light is so soft and compliments any image.
2) SHOOT FROM YOUR KIDS’ LEVEL: As adults, we’re obviously bigger than our children. Sometimes sitting, squatting or laying down in front of them so that the camera is on the same level with their face brings a whole new
dimension to the image. Not only that, but it helps you connect with your child better and it will help you get the close-ups of those precious faces.
3) DONT FORCE THEM TO SMILE: Dont always ask for a smile. If a smile isnt genuine, you can usually tell in the resulting photo. Instead, let your child(ren) do something fun. Anything that lets them be their natural selves will create a genuine smile/laugh, and more memorable pictures for you. Photograph them jumping in rain puddles with their rainboots, capture them laughing on a swing, let them enjoy that lollipop or popsicle. You will love these pictures so much more years down the road than you will those where they are sat down and being told to say ‘cheese’.
4) FILL THE FRAME: We all want to take pictures that show our children’s entire bodies, or maybe a cool location we visited. But dont be afraid to get in realllly close and fill the whole frame with your child’s face.
Sometimes it is the expressions and tiny details of their faces at that particular age that should be the focus, rather than the head-to-toe shots.
5) READ YOUR CAMERA MANUAL: So many of us have the latest and greatest digital cameras on the market. We buy them, we take them out of the box, and we start snapping away. Yet, we know so little about what each camera can
really do to help us. Whether you have a point-and-shoot, or a snazzy SLR, reading the manual is a must so that you are getting the most out of such a precious tool.
Father’s Day will be here before you know it. What do you get the man who has everything? We have a few ideas from Birmingham and beyond, as well as a deal exclusive to BirminghamMommy.com readers!
If you have a Dad that Rocks in your house, we have just the gift for this Father’s Day. Remember the thumbprint necklaces we love so much for moms? Well, we got together with Do It Yourself Crafts and came up with a version that we think dads all over Birmingham are going to love. Not only is this a super cool gift for Dad but DIYC is offering the keychain free with the purchase of the guitar pick to the first 20 readers that that go in and mention BirminghamMommy.com.
If you fancy yourself a Do It Yourself-er and you have a kid that likes to do crafts, check out this manly picture frame, made with washers and nuts. Incredibly easy, and super inexpensive, especially if you pilfer through Dads tool box! Here’s what you need:
Small wooden frame (any craft store for about a buck)
Photograph of the kiddos ( or you in a bikini, we aren’t here to judge)
Remove glass from frame.
Paint frame black and let dry.
Use permanent adhesive glue to decorate outside of frame with nuts and washers. Let dry completely.
Insert your photo and the glass into the frame
Done and Done, how easy is that?
If the Dad on your list is an adrenaline junkie, check out the Dale Jarret Racing Adventure at the Talledega Super Speedway. Got a golfer in the house, how about a gift card to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trails? That’s a win/win, he’s happy to play golf, you are happy to have him out of the house for a day!
Need more ideas? Check these out!
A gift certificate from Butler’s Executive Grooming Lounge. This is like a spa for men. It’s swanky – why not introduce your guy to the joy of pampering. Then it will be an easier sell when you’re ready to head to the spa.
Tickets to a Braves game. Ok, I’m going to admit it. This is my standby Father’s Day gift. My dad and husband can attest to receiving primo seats to a Braves game for many, many years. What can I say, it’s easy and a good time.
Head out to the great outdoors – either with him, or without. Check out the many hunting, fishing and outdoor resorts located in Alabama. This one looks amazing, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Zac Brown Band? Kings of Leon? Check out the many great shows heading to Birmingham soon – a night out is a great way to say thanks for being a rockin’ dad!
Need to think a little outside of the box? How about a personalized gallon of Tabasco 😀
Ok, it’s not just moms who are App addicted. Go grab an ipad for him. Bonus – you get to play with it when he’s not looking!
You could get really creative and have “Dad Day” – start off with his favorite breakfast, served by his favorite munchkins. Move on to his favorite activities all day. Fill in the holes with picnic lunches, trips to the ice-cream shop – make the whole day revolve around him – when was the last time that happened?
My new thing was I took a hike. It wasn’t my first hike 🙂 but one day when we found ourselves bored, we hopped in the car and headed off to a hiking spot rather than vegged out in front of the tv like we would’ve done usually 😀
Trish –
My new thing this week was layers. I have long hair that is all the same length. It doesn’t change much. Everyone tells me to get long layers and so I did it. Not sure how I feel about it though…
Angie –
For my it was my first time to try Snapple.. Don’t judge me. I happen to be a fan of Celebrity Apprentice (you can judge me now) and their last assignment involved Snapple. I was thinking that it all looked tasty and would be yummy if ice cold during this summer, so I bought some and it was meh. I don’t hate it, but don’t love it like I thought I would.. Maybe it was the flavor choice, so I think next time I’ll try something not diet and in a different flavor.
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!
If you are looking for a way to kick off your summer, how about a quick trip to the Tennessee Aquarium? This weekend is going to be packed full of fun as they celebrate 50 years of Dr. Suess’ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and World Oceans Day.
Inspired by the theme of diversity in One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Aquarium events scheduled for the World Oceans Day party will teach children how everyday actions impact the ocean and about the importance of protecting the variety of life found within its depths. Children will have Seussational fun getting to know the ocean’s creatures with Seussian crafts, tattoos, dive shows and activities in both Aquarium buildings.
Here’s something you need to do before hitting the road, it will save you a litte cash when you get there!
Visit the Tennessee Aquarium’s website to download a Suess-Styles scavenger hunt activity sheet. present the sheet at the Aquarium ticketing center to receive half off child’s admission. Offer Valid on June 5, 2010 only. The first 3,000 children will receive a FREE Dr. Seuss’s “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” activity book and if you dress up as your favorite Dr. Seuss character you may receive a prize!.
Mr. Potato Head arrives this week to McWane Center in Birmingham! You won’t want to miss this neat exhibit following “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 archeological digs, each activity will provide children with engaging learning experiences”
Also, they’re now offering Potato Parties! “Sundays only this summer, celebrate your special day @ McWane with a party featuring Mr. Potato Head! Meet Mr. Potato Head, enjoy a crafts project & you will even a Mr. Potato Head stuffed animal for the birthday child! Book your spot: RESERVATIONS: 205- 714 – 8414″
I’m not exactly a professional, but I’m no freshman either. I’ve clocked nearly 5 years of experience in this “I am mom” gig, so I feel capable enough to start tossing out classifications for all of us. Bring on the labels, right? The following is an attempt to throw us all under a bus, group us together and strip us down.
The Type A Mom:
Oh goodness. Her. The one with an art degree, a schedule and an attitude. She’s well-dressed and all of her clothes are ironed. Her children’s clothes are ironed too, and it’s May Day at school. On rainy days, the kids have matching goulashes, rain coats and hats. They are, of course, monogrammed.
She’s the mom who makes the schedule for all the parties, and the one that organizes the snack rotation. She calls, and emails, and assigns us all our “role” for the upcoming party, and we don’t deviate because frankly – it works. She might not be the friendliest person, but the parties go off without a hitch, so we don’t complain.
I can never be friends with this one.
The Homemade Cookies:
She’s sweet, well-kept, but never overdone. Her children are “normal”, yet flawed like the rest of them and rather nice to your children (thank goodness). She’s never late, but never early and the tone of her voice could put even the fussiest of us to sleep.
Always accept her birthday party invites – but be careful to forget your husband. Wouldn’t want him to know it’s possible to keep house like that all the while baking amazing pies.
I suggest you ask her for her best recipe. It’ll never fail you.
The High Strung And Annoying One:
She’s the one with 11,000 off-the-wall questions at the “meet the teacher” event just before the school year begins. The mom that just has to ask “well… what about peanuts?” when their child doesn’t even have a peanut allergy (and no one else in the class does either), but finds a way to start a 30-minute soliloquy on the subject.
“But my mother-in-law does have a peanut allergy and she’ll be picking up <Child’s Name> every other Wednesday and…” which inevitably leads to an outright ban on peanut butter crackers, trail mix and anything that’s been “processed in a plant that also processes nuts”. Fabulous.
Then, one afternoon in the pick-up line, you catch her child with a yellow M&M bag. That bitch.
The Not-So-Great-But-Trying:
I may or may not be this person.
She’s late to a few parties, and the last one to remember the tuition check, but she’s never forgotten the snack bucket and takes directions from the Room Mom quite well. The homework may be ugly, but it’s done. It’s likely she’s bogged down with work, or her other young child(ren). Or maybe she was just never good at this whole “multi-task” thing in the first place.
The Super Mom:
Oh, the holy grail. She’s super sweet, and a great listener (actually, that’s the post that inspired my current blog name, just so you know). Her children are well-behaved and outgoing. Her house has the perfect yard for end-of-the-year parties and she has a wonderfully supportive husband and mother to lend a hand as well.
She seems to have the best recommendations for dentists, summer reading programs, and soccer camps. She has 3 kids, all boys, and you have no idea how she looks showered.
The Old Hand:
She’s doesn’t stress – it’s all no big deal. With several older children in “big school”, she diligently follows the manual because she knows it by heart. If you ever have a question, but can’t find the teacher, she can answer (probably even better than the teacher). You’ve won the lottery if this one IS your teacher.
She’s a wonderful source of wisdom for the rest of us – school related, child related, and otherwise.
Other Notables:
The Certifiably Crazy One
The Dorky Mom
The Power Suit
The Granola
About Amanda:
My name is Amanda and my last name is hardly pronounceable. I’m currently 25 and the mother of 2 half-breed monkey/gorilla hybrids wonderfully rowdy boys (under 5), blogging LIVE! from a city somewhere in Alabama… I have the personality of a 6′6″ man trapped in a 4′10.5″ body. I’m loud, sometimes bitchy, occasionally moody, disorganized yet incredibly passionate and a total goofball. My friends just think I’m odd and that’s fine by me.
You can read more from Amanda over at hush, amanda and you can follow her on twitter @hushamanda
Jamie –
