Ladies, grab your biggest and best hat. Gentlemen, grab your best Derby attire. Let’s all get together for a little Derby-themed fun to benefit research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Join the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Saturday, May1, 2010 at the Matt Jones Gallery in Birmingham for it’s 2nd annual Derby for Duchenne event. The event and silent auction will help generate funds directly benefiting research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Derby for Duchenne features a wide selection of heavy hours d’oeuvres and drinks, including authentic mint juleps provided by Dram Whiskey Bar, live entertainment provided by Allen Barlow and Jon Campbell from The Negotiators, and a silent auction.
Dress is traditional “derby” attire; men can sport their seersucker or a sports coat and women are welcome to wear their large derby hats. The Derby for Duchenne official afterparty is hosted by Dram Whiskey Bar in Mountain Brook Village.
MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA has an office in the heart of Birmingham where it sponsors clinics atChildren’s Hospital and The Kirklin Clinic at UAB.
We can’t think of a better time to be had while supporting a great cause. So
Ticket prices for Derby for Duchenne are $45 per person and $85 per couple, and may be purchased in advance by calling MDA at 205.823.8191, online at www.derbyforduchenne.com, or may be purchased at the door the night of the event.
Also, All My Scoop “Scoopette” cardholders receive a $10 discount on Derby for Duchenne tickets! Check out the “Ticket Information” page for more details!
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day than at our favorite spot for respite among the urban sprawl of Birmingham – The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
On Sunday, April 25th from 1-5 pm, head out to the 13th annual “Earth Day at the Gardens” celebration. “Earth Day at The Gardens is a celebration of the diversity of Alabama’s biological life—Alabama ranks fifth in the nation in biodiversity—as well as the diversity of cultures of the people from across the globe who now call Birmingham home. More than one billion people across the globe are expected to honor the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this April.”
With many activities to take part in, the event will be a wonderful way to celebrate nature’s bounty – even a chance to recycle some used electronics! “Earth Day at The Gardens offers an afternoon of hands-on learning activities to help educate the public about modern environmental issues. Dozens of local environmental organizations will set up interactive activities designed for people of all ages, including children, adults and families. The Roaming Dome, a traveling planetarium from Huntsville’s Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center, will be open all afternoon. The inflatable mini-auditorium features digital presentations and movies, such as Earth’s Wild Ride, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Molecularium: Riding Snowflakes, Force 5, The Night Sky and Saturn and the Ring World.
Other highlights include presentations from Zulu Dancers of the Umdabu Dance Company, a Children’s Drum Circle from Rhythm Synergy in Atlanta, an Australian Didgeridoo performed by Neal Ross. Technical Knock Out (TKO) will be collecting used and unwanted electronics (except TVs) in the parking lot at The Gardens; more information is available at www.technicalko.net.”
For more information, please visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens website.
My new thing this week was actually last week 😀 I celebrated Easter for the first time in my life without my extended family. Usually, Easter is a busy, busy day filled with church service, Easter Lunch at one grandmother’s house, dessert at another and Easter Egg hunts at both. Because we moved so far from home and couldn’t travel back to Alabama to celebrate, we had to wing it on our own for the first time ever. We made the best of it with a huge brunch, homemade cake (see last week’s new thing) and our own Easter Egg hunt. We finished the day with a family nap! So, as hard as it was to be away on what is usually a very family-oriented day, we made the most of it with our own family.
Trish ~
My new thing this week was to do one kind and completely random thing each day. I forgot 2 days, but the other 5 were a mixture of kind words and helping out. It was fun to have a little secret mission each day. I think next week I’m going to do something similar!
Angie ~
For this week, my new thing was that I purchased and wore an animal print dress. This may not seem like a big deal to most, but I don’t do animal prints. Shirts, shoes, pants, dresses, even purses, I have always steered clear of them, thinking they actually look better on the animal rather than a bag or clothes. It just hasn’t been my style. I was out shopping and saw this really cute dress, and it was an animal print. I loved the style and it fit, so I bought it. I’m happy with it, I just don’t foresee making a habit of turning my closet into a wearable zoo, but I guess one dress does not a zoo make. Rawr!
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!
We all know that reusable totes are now the thing to carry to the store, market or just around town. We’ve found this gem of a company who does it in style and we’re in love.
“The adventure started in 2007 when Sandrine Cassidy Schmitt set out on a mission to create a line of reusable bags that would give stores and shoppers incentives to reduce and ultimately replace paper and plastic shopping bags.
After sporting her own jute shopping bags in public and getting spontaneous reactions to them, Sandrine realized that people were attracted to her bags for their natural materials, their practicality and style. With this premise and the commitment June 15, Inc. has to the environment, we succeeded in creating an original line of products that reflects both the values we honor, and a sense of design that excites us…” In addition,
• Each bag sold and used contributes to overall waste reduction and benefits dedicated environmental organizations through our donation policy
• Our stock in the US is packed by Americans with disabilities
We’re very excited to introduce June 15 to Birmingham and to give away THIS adorable bag – just perfect for you mommies out there! Giveaway begins April 16, 2010.
Have you ever realized how your life as a Mom could easily read as an ad in the Personals?
SAHM seeks other local Moms with children ages 2-4. Must enjoy parks, zoo, gossip and afternoon playdates. (wine optional) If interested call: 555-1234.
If you’re new to Birmingham, are a new mom, or new to having more than one child, maybe looking for a local Moms Group would be a great way to branch out and meet other Moms in the area.
Here are a few things to consider when looking for a group for you and the wee-ones.
1. Location, Location, Location. Make sure to pick a group that is convenient to where you live. While most groups in and around the Birmingham area will have meetups at our city hot spots, like McWane or the zoo, if they have members predominately from one area of town then those are the ladies who will be hosting in-home playdates. If you live in Trussville, it may not make geographical sense for you to pick a group centered around Alabaster. If you have older kids in school for a 1/2 day, or new babies that are on tight feeding schedules, you will end up spending a lot of time in the car and not a lot of time hanging with other Moms.
2. Size doesn’t always matter. Looking for a group with a certain number of ladies is not a great way to narrow down your choice. While a group may boast a membership of 75 Moms, ask the organizer how many of those are truly active members. Usually you will have a small core group of Moms that participate in most every event, it could realistically be about half of the groups overall member number. Some people think bigger is better, bigger pond, more chance of finding someone that you click with. If a group is on the large size, ask how playdates and events are broken down. The last thing you want in a group is a massive playdate where 6 year olds are mingling with or mauling the infants.
3. Group Requirements. Find out in advance what is expected of you as a member. Are you required to attend a certain number of events in a month, or a quarter? Are you required to host a certain number of playgroups at your house? Some requirements may not be suitable for your schedule or lifestyle.
Other things to consider are group fees. Most groups charge them but they are usually minimal. Look for a group with a Message Board, they are a great way to find support and advice from other Moms going through the same thing or from Moms that have been there, done that. Ask about the days they usually have their events, many groups focus mostly on weekdays, with very limited events scheduled on the weekends. Calendars that are updated in advance are a good sign of an organized Organizer, and it helps when you’re planning you’re personal appointments to know what’s going on in advance so you don’t miss out on something you really wanted to experience with your group.
Don’t be afraid of groups that require a face to face meeting before allowing you to join them. This is typically a measure of security, to make sure that you are who you say you are via your email or online application. No one wants some pervert having access to all of the information you can typically find on the message boards or sites. Think of it also as a chance for you to meet with the group leaders and discuss any questions you may have about the way the group runs. Make sure it’s a good fit for everyone involved.
Now, with that said, how does one go about finding a group, you ask? Here is a list of some of the local groups for you to consider.
Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples: Support group for mothers of twins, triplets, quads or more. Serving the greater Birmingham area. Website
Moms League of Birmingham: For all Moms of babies, toddlers, and Pre-k! Looking for Rookies, Pros and even Mom’s to be. Join them for trips to the zoo, local parks, storytime, playdates, and much more. Website
Chubby Cherubs: Jefferson & Shelby County. Guardian’s and cherub’s that like to get together and have fun. Involved in all Jefferson & Shelby County events that include Story Times at different Library’s, Craft Fairs, School Fairs, Festivals, Parks & Recreation, Our new Safe House, The Humane Society, the Zoo and much more! Website
Mommys Munchkins: A diverse group of moms, in the Hoover/280 area, of all ages and personalities. A mix of SAHM and Working Moms. Playgroups are targeted for children ages 3 and under. Activities include in-home playgroups, trips to the mall, park and zoo and mom’s night out! Website
Moms n More: A modern group of ladies who get together at least twice a week. In-home playgroups, trips to the park, zoo, movies, mom’s night out, and many other fun events! Website
Mommy Network of Ross Bridge: A group of fun-loving Moms who live in Ross Bridge in Hoover, AL. Website
Pitter Patter Playgroup: A playgroup that is targeted around the age of 4 and under. The purpose is to involve, inform and connect with other SAHM’s & their children in the area and in your similar situation. Offering plenty of playgroups, crafts, MNO’s, holiday parties and other social gatherings on the calendar.
Moms Club of Birmingham – Inverness: Non profit Organization, for Stay at Home Moms the club includes mothers of children of all ages. Zip codes for this chapter are: 35242, 35243, 35094, 35147, 35186, 35043 Website
Moms Club of Birmingham – South: Non profit Organization, for Stay at Home Moms the club includes mothers of children of all ages. Zip codes for this chapter are: 35111, 35080, 35114, 35115, 35124, 35040, 35007, 35202, 35021, 35022, 35023 Website
Moms Club of Birmingham – Over the Mountain – Website
MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) – MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom – urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms – moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! Website
** There will be a Membership open house for Moms Club of Birmingham – Over the Mountain Chapter on Friday, April 23rd at 10am. This ice cream social will take place at Homewood park, and they will try to set up at the pavilion closest to the playground.
Alright, so now you are armed with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on joining a local group. Come back and let us know how your new group is working out for you!
Going green for your baby is really not that hard now. Whether you’re a self proclaimed “Tree Hugger” or just trying to do a small part, there is something out there for everyone. It seems like the recent demand and interest has driven retailers to carry more of a selection, even in Birmingham!
Big Box retailers are getting on board and more and more boutiques are popping up specializing in, or offering a wide variety of “Green” products to choose from. And the best part is, they are becoming more and more affordable.
Here are some of the things that we here at BirminghamMommy.com use and or love!
Petit Collage Bamboo Mobile- (Also featured in our buying guide) Sustainably harvested from bamboo plywood and made and packaged in the USA by a non profit that employs disabled adults, this decor is modern and sensible. There are several designs to choose from to match any nursery, kid’s room, or play room. Swaddle in Homewood is a local spot to check out.
Cotton Muslin Swaddling blankets- Brilliant! These breathable and stretchable swaddling blankets let babies self-regulate their body temperature. It even softens with use and washing, so it only continues to get better and better. Guaranteed to become baby’s blankie in no time! Also available at Swaddle in Homewood, in a variety of colors and hip designs.
All things Method! This even goes beyond baby, they have so many wonderful products available it’s easy to intergrate some “Green Cleaning” into your household.. ( which will also be good for baby, say bye-bye to the 5 second rule!) Their baby products are gentle, and smell Oh, so good! Smelling of Rice Milk and Mallow, you will almost want to eat your kids up when your finished getting them ” Squeaky Green.” If you know of someone having a baby, this “Bundle of Joy” bundle would make a great gift. From diaper cream to laundry soap, Method makes everything you need to make your baby green.
Cloth diapers have come a long way since the days of cotton and a safety pin. They are making a come back and they are actually stylish. Bambino Mio is an environmentally safe solution to a stinky problem. Not sure how the system works? It’s really quite easy and you can get a starter kit complete with instructions. Properly place the cotton “nappy” over the little bum, and cover with a “nappy” cover. Disposable liners are also available to add extra protection and absorbtion. You can find these at local retailer Swaddle, in Homewood. Another great brand is gDiapers, available at Babies R Us.
So, what if you aren’t ready for the commitment of cloth diapers? It’s alright, try out Seventh Generation Chlorine Free diapers. While these will still end up in the land fill you can feel good in knowing that you helped reduce the amount of chlorinated toxins released into the environment. In fact, if every household in the United States replaced just one package of diapers processed with chemicals containing chlorine with these diapers, we could prevent 2800lbs of chlorinated hydrocarbons from polluting our air, lakes and streams.
Whether you’re hard core or just the slightest shade of green, I think we all agree that anytime we have a chemically safe alternative for our kiddos, it’s probably a good thing!
So next time you are looking to try something new, try one of these products, our environment (and your baby) will thank you!
Tips from a mediocre Mom, neatly packaged in list form
~Kristine Gresh
It takes a village… a village and a portable entertainment device
Sure, it’s nice to be able to “do it all” and feel that sense of Supermomma pride, but sometimes the cape needs a rest. And so do you. Plus, kids benefit from ‘other’ people getting involved in their upbringing. They need to experience other voices, other sources of information, other noises, smells and sights. And it helps them realize that they are capable, independent and one part (albeit an adorable one) of a great big world…not just a world that exists when their parents are around. How to make it happen? Read on…
1 Ask for help from your inner circle – but don’t stop there!
It’s great to have family in the vicinity to spend time with your child. It’s also a perk to have friends and babysitters that you trust. And this is a great start. However, they are treating your child according to YOUR directions, YOUR wishes, and sometimes in YOUR house. It’s a baby step for those uncomfortable leaving their children, but it shouldn’t be the only time child and parent separate.
2 Take advantage of local MDOs/preschools/camps.
This is the option that will do more for your child. Someone else (that you trust, but that doesn’t take direction from you) will be in charge. Preschool and “Mom’s Day Out” programs are the best and easiest ways to get your child to listen to someone else, to follow instructions, but also to question authority when confused, and maybe most importantly, to see that things are not going to fall apart simply because you’re not around. Start with a half-day, move on to a few days a week. Or try a camp, some lessons, something. But something where you are not 10 feet away with a camera.
Go forth and read. Let your child read (or be read to). Fiction and non-fiction! Don’t forget to pick up the books that explain thunder, or pinpoint where the Galapagos Islands are, or describe how guitars are made. Let your child see you researching information from sources you trust. Ask him what he’s curious about/fascinated by and plop down in that section of Barnes and Noble. Or google it. Bing it. Whatever you have to do. And this can be done from a very early age, with appropriate “literature” (whether that’s a picture book or The New York Time’s website). Just help him understand that in order to “know” stuff about the world, you have to read and research and ask follow-up questions, then read and research more…
4 Demonstrate friendliness…to the Earth.
If your child finishes a yogurt, studies the container, and asks if it should go into the garbage or the recycling container next to it, you’re on the right track. Strong work. Kids need to grow up thinking about the Earth and what they (as small but already-significant individuals) can do to protect it. Yes, it helps them grow up “thinking green,” but it also is a small way of illustrating the relationship between human and planet. Not to get all hippy or philosophical, but kids need to realize there is life outside their walls, their town, their country. With Earth Day occurring this month (April 22), now would be a fantastic time to start making small household changes if you haven’t already…carrying reusable bags, turning lights off, planting your own vegetables, etc. Just make sure to explain as you implement some of these projects, so they get the connection.
5 TVs/iPhones/video games aren’t evil.
Well, let me clarify…catching a glimpse of Jersey Shore may lead to brain deterioration, but other than that, a little entertainment can be a good thing. So let the kiddos put in a DVD while you take a shower long enough to condition, let them play on your iTouch when there’s traffic, and let them watch the latest “Sid the Science Kid” on YouTube. You’ll have some “me” time and so will they. Sure, no one wants kids who sit still too much…but no one wants kids that can’t sit still either. So strike a balance. Children need to have different ways of occupying their time. And if some of it seems indulgent and mindless, don’t panic. Similar to how you like to unwind with your favorite show on Sunday night or that one game of iPhone “Word Warp” in the carpool line (what, it’s fun!), it’s ok for kids to spend some (some!) of their time “goofing off” and indulging in some fun gadgets/shows, etc…
Basically, just remember you’re not in this alone – and you shouldn’t pretend to be. It’s not benefiting you or your offspring. Rely on friends, teachers, books, and a little Mario Bros to help get you through … and to show your kids there’s a bigger world out there ready for them when they’re ready for it!
Kristine Gresh is a freelance writer who thinks it’s ok to have just one child… and to enjoy an afternoon cocktail with a friend instead of cleaning…and that it’s definitely ok to jump on hotel beds. krisgresh@yahoo.com
Imagine using your discards to make high quality, original clothes! You will smile when you see your hip and modern kid, and your wallet will sigh a breath of relief. It’s time to rethink couture…
Moms in Birmingham love to dress their children. Stroll around any given shopping center and you’ll see some cute outfits on the tots of the town. The next big thing to hit Birmingham is upcycled clothes. This is how it works: you use old clothes and repurpose them to make unique boutique style clothing for your kids. It’s sustainable and fashionable!
Upcycling is nothing new. Turning hand-me-downs into something amazing and high quality is the new angle. Upcycled garments are often superior in quality to mass manufactured clothing. The very nature of upcycling requires a very hands on approach to design and construction, and the result is kiddie-couture!
Jayme Lillie designs some amazing upcycled clothes. She taught us the ins and outs of upcycling. She’s even contributing to a book being published soon, Crafty Planet Goes Green. She also loaned us some of her fabulous frocks for our NBC fashion show, thanks Jayme!
Why bother to upcycle? It’s green, it gives a garment a second chance at life and keeps it out of landfills. The fashion reason? Originality. It’s extremely difficult to reproduce upcycled garments in any kind of large quantity, ensuring that the garment one chooses is one of a kind.
Can “regular” people do it at home? Are there any easy first projects?
The beauty of reclaimed clothing and accessories is that there are many projects beginning crafters can accomplish. It takes a bit of planning and a willingness to think outside the seams. A beloved T-shirt can be transformed into a useful eco friendly grocery tote with just a seam and scissors. A lovely vintage pillowcase can become a sweet dress for a little girl with just a bit of ribbon. An outdated wool sweater can be easily felted in the washing machine and made into a handbag, legwarmers, a scarf… whatever you can imagine!
And for those of you who prefer to stay away from the needles… we have a few local recommendations for crafty help! These ladies can sew, so you can let them inspire you!
The sun sets slowly behind The Piggly Wiggly. Across a four-lane road clogged with rush-hour traffic, a dozen three- and four-year-olds gather on a dusty field. Clothed in new cleats, heavy socks, too-long shirts and varying degrees of disinterest, the kids eye each other, their coaches and the goals. These final things appear to be important to all the grown-ups, but few of the players seem to understand why.
This is youth soccer.
After much cajoling, each team offers up five players. One player sits in the dirt, his hands folded in his lap. Another is crying. A tiny boy in an enormous, shiny shirt fiddles with his sunglasses. Two girls at midfield discover, gleefully, they are wearing identical shoes. A coach blows a whistle to capture everyone’s attention and ask an important question before the game begins.
“Where’s your goal?”
The kids avoid eye contact. My daughter strokes her chin thoughtfully. Another child stares off at the slow-moving traffic at the edge of the field. One of the more reluctant players wanders off the field toward his mother.
“Your goal is over there, folks,” the coach says. He is clearly skilled in the game – a font of soccer strategy.
As play finally begins, my husband and I notice our child is quite a runner. Her teammate kicks the ball forward, and Miss D. drops back, runs in a wide arc around the knot of kids surrounding the ball, then dashes out ahead of them. Aside from a couple of moments when her coach invites her to kick from the sidelines, Miss D. never touches the ball. But she runs. Hard.
After half-time, Miss D. is still running, this time toward me to gasp for water. It’s 83 degrees at 6:30 in the evening, and Miss D.’s soccer uniform covers most of her body. Her face is red. She takes a drink, then sprints back to the game, turning around to give us a thumbs up. She high-fives her coach, then continues with her strategy to run circles around the ball, making sure to never, ever kick it.
A couple of the kids turn out to be pretty good, and each team scores a goal or two. Miss D.’s team scores at least one goal against itself. At the end, none of the kids asks who won, and I’m almost certain none of the adults knows.
The parents gather on the field in two lines facing each other, arms outstretched to form a tunnel. The kids run through, and we cheer them as they pass. Miss D. looks confused, but when I find her afterward, she smiles.
It’s a relief to see her smile. After all, her daddy and I spent most of the game screaming, “Kick it! Kick the ball! Miss D.! Kiiiiiiick it!” We clearly lost our minds in under an hour and turned into the types of horror-show parents we would have scorned and judged in our previous lives before kids.
Miss D. doesn’t appear to be scarred by our enthusiasm; at least, not yet.
“I like soccer,” she tells me in the car.
“I’m so glad, sweetie. What do you like about it?”
“I really, really like the running,” she says.
And if her little, pink cleats never touch that ball all season, that answer leaves me satisfied.
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 www.countryfriedmama.com and follow her on Twitter @countryfried.
Derby for Duchenne features a wide selection of heavy hours d’oeuvres and drinks, including authentic mint juleps provided by Dram Whiskey Bar, live entertainment provided by Allen Barlow and Jon Campbell from The Negotiators, and a silent auction.
