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Lowe's Build & Grow!

Another Build and Grow Clinic at Lowe’s this Saturday! Winter is just around the corner! Bring your child into Lowe’s on November 21st and they can build this awesome Snowman!


The next clinic is scheduled for December 5th and they will be making a Ginger Bread house, but you can register now for both. Check out their site for more details.

The Magic of The Polar Express at Ross Bridge Resort and Spa

Throughout December, the Rennaissance Ross Bridge Resort & Spa will host it’s own holiday magic with live music, a gingerbread competition and a reading of The Polar Express.

Live entertainment will be showcased in the lobby. On Dec. 8, Hearts Desire will be performing from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by Keys and Trumpet on Dec. 15th and pianist Jon Michael Ogletree on Dec. 22nd. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., younger guests are invited to enjoy cookies and milk while listening to the story of The Polar Express straight from a conductor. At the end of the reading, each guest will receive a bell meant to commemorate the evening and celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Area bakeries will feature their own holiday delights in the form of gingerbread masterpeices, all in the spirit of The Polar Express. The competition will include familiar names such as Savage’s Bakery, Culinard, Barb’s Cakes, Jeff State and Klinger’s Bakery. The competition will officially begin on Dec. 6 when the professional entries are displayed throughout the lobby alongside ten amateur entries. Guests will play a vital role in the competition as they will vote to determine the winning gingerbread creations. The competition will conclude on Dec. 28 when Ross Bridge reveals the winning professional and amateur entries.

For more information on the events, please call 205-949-3006 or 205-916-7677.  Want to stick around for a day or two?  Check out our review of Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa!

Big Shout Out, to Gypsy Wings.

We just wanted to express our thanks to Georgia over at Gypsy Wings. In our New Moon giveaway she graciously supplied us with that uber cool, sea stone ring and the beautiful picture of LaPush beach.

She has some really great items on her Etsy shop. If you are a Twilight Mom, you should definitely check her out, and get your hands on one of these awesome rings, or any of her other “Twilight Inspired” pieces.

Not a Twilight fan, no worries! She has plenty more to choose from. I love
the butterfly wing jewelry too!

Get going, and tell her that BirminghamMommy.com sent you!

Junior League's Market is tomorrow!!


Get your shopping shoes on ladies! Thursday marks the beginning of Junior League of Birmingham’s Market at Cahaba Grand. The Market is a holiday shopping dream, and really gets you in the spirit! We took a little sneak peek at some of the goods… and they are GOOOOD!

For a list of the special events, click here.

The Junior League of Birmingham presents The Market 2009. This 3 day shopping extravaganza will be Thursday, November 19, 2009 through Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

Every ticket purchased promotes the JLB’s mission to support the community by improving the lives of women and children. Over 50 women have been working tirelessly to make this an event you won’t want to miss. 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. The JLB thanks you and we look forward to seeing you at The Market!

Iron Bowl Canned Food Drive.


Looking for a way to support your team? How about supporting your team while helping those less fortunate.

Iron Bowl Canned Food Drive
Campus Spirit at the Summit
November, 20-29

Show who you’re rooting for in the Iron Bowl. Receive a free face tattoo sticker for either Alabama or Auburn complements of Campus Spirit when you donate a canned good to the Iron Bowl Food Drive. Bring your canned good items to the donation bins inside Campus Spirit to drop off.

Donated food will go to the Collat Jewish Family Services and to Greater Birmingham Ministries food closets.

I know which team is getting my food, how about you?

Birmingham Glam Offers Hair & Make-Up Help This Holiday Season!

BirminghamGlam is offering some great “Holiday Glam Packages” to help you prepare for your special event or holiday photo.  Who doesn’t want the star treatment?  Well now you can get it. Schedule this awesome service to come to your location to take care of your hair and makeup – getting it “just right” before that office holiday party!

The packages are as follows:

PACKAGE #1
Service performed at location of your choice
Hair styled just how you want it…
Includes Up-do’s, Blow-outs or Flat-Ironed, what ever you desire
Make-up applied by Professional Make-up Artist
Includes Custom Lash Application
$125
 
PACKAGE #2
Service performed at location of your choice
Hair styled just how you want it…
Includes Up-do’s, Blow-outs or Flat-Ironed, what ever you desire
$65
 
PACKAGE #3
Service performed at location of your choice
Make-up Application
Performed by Professional Make-up Artist
Includes Custom Lash Application
$75
 
HOLIDAY BAIL-OUT PACKAGE
Service performed at Birmingham Glam
Make-up Application
Performed by Professional Make-up Artist
$35
Groups are subject to increased discount.
(Excludes Bail-out Package)

 
To schedule a service, call 205-789-5480.  Also Submit your beauty questions to Jessica on Twitter.com/BirminghamGlam or on facebook.

Kidz Klozet Gift Certificate Winner!

Congratulations to Tiffany P!  We’ve emailed you!

Thanks to everyone for participating and thanks to Kidz Klozet for generously providing the gift certificate!

Kidz Klozet Giveaway Ended!

Thanks to all that entered our giveaway for the gift certificate. The Contest is now closed and we will be announcing our winner very soon! Stay Tuned.

Half Price Admission to the Zoo!

This weekend the Birmingham Zoo invites the community to give back to those in need this season.

All visitors can enjoy ½ price admission Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22. The Zoo requests visitors to bring a non-perishable item to the Zoo, per individual, to support the canned food drive. Together, we can do our part to help those less fortunate in our community.

We hope to see you here!

Droolicious Cuisine at BirminghamMommy.com: Holiday Feast!

Mommadrool does not let us down with this one. It’s a holiday feast that will make you D.R.O.O.L.

Holiday Dinner Menu:
Sunset Punch
Apple and Pomegranate Cider
Spiced Pecans
Spinach, Artichoke & Bacon Dip with Crusty French Bread
Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Corn Casserole
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Smashed Red Potatoes
Booze Meat
Bourbon Pecan Tart with Chocolate Drizzle

Sunset Punch

Ingredients:
2 cups pineapple juice
2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 large limes)
9 lime slices
1 (11.5-ounce) can apricot nectar
24 ounces champagne

Directions:
1) Combine first five ingredients in a large pitcher. Cover and chill.
2) Add champagne immediately before serving.

Apple and Pomegranate Cider

Ingredients:
6 whole cloves
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1 (3-inch) strip lemon rind
1 (3-inch) strip orange rind
8 cups unfiltered apple cider
1 cup pomegranate juice
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions:
1) Place first 4 ingredients on a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather edges of cheesecloth together; tie securely.
2) Combine cheesecloth bag, cider, and remaining ingredients in a Dutch oven; bring to a simmer. Cook 30 minutes. Discard cheesecloth bag.

Spiced Pecans

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pound pecan halves
Cooking spray

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 325°. Combine all ingredients except cooking spray in a large bowl, tossing well to coat.
2) Spread mixture evenly on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Coat nuts with cooking spray.
3) Bake at 325° for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Remove from oven; cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Spinach, Artichoke & Bacon Dip with Crusty French Bread

Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) French bread baguettes, each cut into 32 (1/4-inch) slices
Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
1/3 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-ounce) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
1 (8-ounce) package fat-free cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
5 center-cut bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on 2 large baking sheets, and coat bread with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned.
2) Place mayonnaise, garlic, 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, and fat-free cream cheese in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended and creamy.
3) Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, bacon, artichoke hearts, and spinach.
4) Spread mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
5) Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with toasted baguette slices.

Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Ingredients:
1 bag spinach salad
2 hard boiled eggs, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup bacon pieces
1 bottle bacon dressing

Directions:
1) Place spinach salad in a large bowl and top with egg slices, mushrooms, and bacon pieces.
2) Heat bacon dressing in the microwave for 1 minute and serve over salad.

Corn Casserole

Ingredients:
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (8-ounce) package Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together the 2 cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter.
2) Pour into a greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. 3) Remove from oven and top with Cheddar. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Let stand for at least 5 minutes and then serve warm.

Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:
2 cans drained French cut green beans
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons grated onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 cup crushed corn flakes
Cooking spray

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine first nine ingredients and mix until well combined.
2) Spread mixture into a glass baking dish and top with corn flakes. Spray corn flakes with cooking spray.
3) Bake in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes.

Smashed Red Potatoes

Ingredients:
13 cups cubed red potato (about 4 pounds)
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 teaspoon salt object
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried dill

Directions:
1) Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until tender; drain.
2) Place potatoes in a large bowl. Add sour cream and remaining ingredients; mash with a potato masher to desired consistency.

Booze Meat

Ingredients:
3 cups red wine
3/4 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons onion salt
2 teaspoons garlic salt
3 flank steaks

Directions:
1) Combine first seven ingredients, red wine through garlic salt, and stir well with a whisk.
2) Run a serrated knife over the outside of flank steaks to make shallow cuts in the surface of meat. Place steaks in a shallow glass dish.
3) Pour marinade mixture over steaks, cover, and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.
4) Preheat grill and cook steaks until meat is at medium temperature. Slice flank steaks into thin slices.

Bourbon Pecan Tart with Chocolate Drizzle

Ingredients:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg white
2/3 cup pecan halves
1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)
Cooking spray
1/2 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) Combine first 10 ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in pecans.
3) Roll dough into a 13-inch circle; fit into a 9-inch removable-bottom tart pan coated with cooking spray. Trim excess crust using a sharp knife.
4) Spoon sugar mixture into prepared crust. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
5) Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Drizzle chocolate over tart.


You can find many more droolicious recipes over at Mommadrools blog “Close Encounters of the Drool Kind”