Send Halloween Cards To Patients At Children’s Of Alabama

This Halloween, Children’s of Alabama wants to provide a special treat for its patients, and hospital staff hope the public will help.

Today through Oct. 29, you can send free greeting cards to kids in the hospital at Children’s. All you have to do is go to give.childrensal.org/Halloween and select one of three designs. Hospital staff will print the cards and distribute them to patients on Oct. 29.

“When children are in the hospital, a simple gesture like a Halloween card can really lift their spirits,” Children’s of Alabama community development manager Mindy Wald said.

The card drive, which is sponsored by Protective, is a chance for the public to bring smiles to kids’ faces during a time when hospital visitation is limited. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Children’s cannot accept in-person gift donations, but you can still make a child feel special by sending a card through the website (Children’s does not accept handmade cards) or by purchasing other gifts from the hospital’s online registry.

“Online shopping is a great way to support our patients any time of the year because the gifts can be shipped directly to the hospital,” Wald said.

The registry features perfect gifts for boys and girls of all ages. By shopping there, you can ensure that you’ll be purchasing a gift that fits within the hospital’s guidelines. Children’s is unable to accept food/candy, stuffed animals, toys that depict violence, religious items, crocheted/knit items, and gently-used or homemade items on behalf of patients.

For more information about donating to patients at Children’s of Alabama, visit ChildrensAL.org/Foundation.

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient, outpatient and primary care throughout central Alabama. Ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s serves patients from every county in Alabama and nearly every state. Children’s is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs. The medical staff consists of UAB faculty and Children’s full-time physicians as well as private practicing community physicians.

Birthday Party Spotlight: Pigtails and Crewcuts

If you’re looking for a unique spot for your next birthday party or special celebration, imagination rules with parties hosted at Pigtails and Crewcuts, where kids can play dress up, create arts and crafts, build friendships, laugh and more.

The best part? They handle the planning, the oversight and the cleanup so that you can focus on the fun! The Salon offers different party themes and can customize the event so it’s perfect for your friends and family and will be tailored to fit your needs.

Parties include:

Set up and clean up
Paper products
Two party-themed crafts
Services that could include fairy hair, up dos, braids, make up, and nail polishing

To book a party, call the salon at 205-732-6748

Pigtails and Crewcuts is located in Vestavia at:
700 Montgomery Highway | Suite 120 | 35216

 

Tips for Creating Fall Curb Appeal

With inventory still at some of the lowest rates it’s been in recent history, now is a great time to sell your Birmingham home. Whether you’re ready to list now or want to wait, fall is one of the best times to boost your curb appeal. Here are some easy ways to elevate your seasonal game.

Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior. Pressure wash your home’s exterior, clean windows and screens, clear out your gutters, and make any necessary repairs to shutters, siding and paint to keep your home looking its best.

Showcase Your Front Door. A charming entryway is key to great curb appeal. Consider repainting your front door or updating your house numbers for a fresh look. Add visual interest by framing your front door with a couple of urns and a simple-yet-elegant wreath of fall foliage.

Update Your Landscaping. Clear your landscaping of any dead plants and leaves and consider adding fresh mulch or pine straw. If you have a green thumb, get creative with fall flowers to add a splash of color to your front yard.

Add Outdoor Lighting. With the days getting shorter and shorter, outdoor lighting creates a cozy glow about your home that people can’t help but admire. Simple solar lighting along the sidewalk leading up to your porch does the trick, or opt for elegant gas lanterns or extra lighting on your porch for the colder months.

Keep Seasonal Decorations Simple. Subtle fall decor and plantings add charm and appeal to your home’s exterior, but going too overboard will distract from your home’s best features. Keep the spooky decor to a minimum, especially if your home is already on the market.

If you’re thinking of selling this fall, speaking with a knowledgeable real estate agent is a great first step. From helping you prepare your home to go on the market to creating personalized marketing plans to showcase your home’s best features, Sophia and Scott are here to guide you every step of the way.

Thank you to our site sponsors, Sophia Leece and Scott Boudreaux with LAH Real Estate. For more information on what’s happening in the Birmingham Housing Market, or to schedule a free home buyer/seller consultation, you can reach them:

Sophia Leece, 205.895.9120 | sleece@lahrealestate.com
Scott Boudreaux, 205.835.9787 | sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com

Pumpkin Junction at Heart of Dixie Railroad

Gather up the entire family and board the Calera and Shelby Railroad for a short ride to Pumpkin Junction!
It’s more than just a place to purchase a pumpkin, it’s a destination for family fun, food vendors and more!
-Board the Calera & Shelby Railroad for a short ride through the woods of Shelby County to the Pumpkin Junction.
-Arrive at the Junction to purchase your favorite pumpkins, hop aboard a hayride, play all kinds of family games, and more!
-Food vendors will be at the Junction for lunch, snacks, drinks or sweet treats!
-When the train whistle blows after your approximate 45 minutes at the Junction, bring all your things back onboard for the ride back to the Depot.
-The Shelby & Southern Narrow Gauge Steam Railroad will be operating with departures throughout the day.
Purchase tickets at the Shelby & Southern Depot next to the Gift Shop.
All aboard for Pumpkin Junction!

Birmingham Area Pumpkin Patches, Fall 2021

Corn mazes, hay rides and delicious fall foods and snacks are the perfect way to celebrate the change of seasons. Here’s a list of Birmingham Area Pumpkin Patches to choose from!

BIRMINGHAM AREA PUMPKIN PATCHES

Old Baker Farm– Harpersville –
Open Now – October 31st. Just off Hwy 280.

Open weekdays 3pm – 5pm
Saturdays 9am – 5pm
Sundays 1pm – 5pm
ADMISSION COST:
$10 per person (children under 2 free)
Admission includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, and horseback rides.
Visit Site for more information.

Cowboy Day – Saturday October 9th, 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 10th, 1pm -5pm.
Columbus Day – Open 9am – 5pm
Halloween Party – Saturday October 16th 6pm – 9pm
Festival Weekend – Saturday October 23rd and Sunday the 24th 9am – 5pm both days

Great Pumpkin Patch – Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit.
Open Now – November 15th

Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.
Admission to the Pumpkin Patch is free, pay for each activity.

Bennett Farms – Heflin –   I-20 toward Atlanta, exit 199.
Open October

Wednesday 2pm – 5pm
Friday 2pm – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 5pm.

Hayride, petting farm, corn crib, hay maze, pipe slide, tire crawl, pipe swing, wagon train.

4D Farm Farm Location | 7182 County Road 703 |  Cullman, AL 35055
Open now – November 6th

Visit 4D Farm this fall and experience a day of family fun and yummy food!  Located in Cullman… just a short county drive from Birmingham and Huntsville!

Helena Hollow
10am – 6pm Saturdays and Sundays in October

Admission $10 for ages 3 & up, 2 & under free!

Admission includes hayrides, a tire mountain, rope climbs and tire swings, hay maze and obstacles, petting zoo access, land slides, corn barn and silo playhouses.

Griffin Farms | West Blockton, AL
Opening weekend for pumpkin season October, 2nd

Saturdays 10am – 6pm
Sundays 12pm – 6pm

General Admission $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free
Admission includes: 1 pumpkin per paid admission, animal farm, bouncy houses, corn maze, hay ride, slides, swings, hay mountain and much more!

Fall Classes at Red Mountain Theatre

Registration is open NOW for fall classes at Red Mountain Theatre!!

Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham has announced its lineup of education classes for the fall of 2021, including adult classes. The first block of classes will begin Sept. 11.

Fall Classes at Red Mtn Theatre

Classes will vary in age groups and subjects, ranging from Imagination Zone classes for ages 4-6 to adult tap and yoga classes.

“We’re thrilled to begin our first education season in our new Arts Campus,” director of education Bradford Forehand said. “After last year, we are eager to welcome community members of all ages to our Education Center as we grow in our shared passion for the arts.”

Classes will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Adult classes can be purchased in bundles or individually. Individual classes will go on sale the week before classes begin. Registration for these courses can be completed online.

Below is a list of each class Red Mountain Theatre will offer, including the age range, time and date each class will take place. All classes will be held at the RMT Arts Campus (1600 3rd Ave. South), located in Downtown Birmingham’s Parkside District:

Saturday Classes

1. Subject: Imagination Zone
Ages: 4-6
Dates: Sept. 11 – Oct. 30
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Description: In a class where a stick can be a baton and a box can be a spaceship, young children have the opportunity to express themselves while they creatively explore theatrical storytelling. These classes are designed to cultivate inventiveness as students learn the basics of theatre through collaboration and creative play.

2. Subject: Character Study
Ages: 7-10
Dates: Sept. 11 – Oct. 30
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Description: In this class, your budding young star will explore in-depth scene and monologue preparation from the contemporary stage. Studio work will focus on the given circumstances, creating a physical life for the character, and miming the relationships that drive the play or musical.

2. Subject: Triple Threat Training
Ages: 11-14
Dates: Sept. 11- Oct. 30
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Description: Learn what it takes to be a true triple threat star. By working together, students will learn to sing, dance, and act in a variety of styles from the Broadway stage, gaining confidence in their ability to perform.

Sunday Classes

Subject: Adult Yoga
Ages: Adults
Dates: Sept. 12 – Nov. 14
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Description: Basic, foundational yoga postures will help you align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also integrated. You can expect an emphasis on simplicity, repetition, and ease of movement. This bundle is for all 10 classes.

Tuesday Classes

1. Subject: Private Acting Coaching

Ages: 9-18
Dates: Sept. 14 – Nov. 2
Time: 4 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Description: Trained professional actors lead one-on-one coaching sessions for monologues, songs, and solo acting skills.

2. Subject: Tap I
Ages: 9-18
Dates: Sept. 14 – Nov. 2
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Description: Learn how to create different sounds with your feet, which is exactly what this class will teach. This dance class will focus on introductory tap steps and is great for beginners. Students will need tap shoes for this class.

2. Subject: Tap II
Ages: 12-18
Dates: Sept. 14 – Nov. 2
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Description: This dance class will focus on intermediate tap steps. Students must have a proficiency in basic tap to participate and will need tap shoes.

3. Subject: Adult Musical Theatre Dance
Ages: Adults
Dates: Sept. 14- Nov. 2
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Description: Fulfill your Broadway fantasies – or just get some fun exercise – in this class where you will learn famous musical theatre numbers.

Thursday Classes

1. Subject: Private Acting Coaching
Ages: 9-18
Dates: Sept. 16 – Nov. 4

Time: 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Description: Trained professional actors lead one-on-one coaching sessions for monologues, songs, and solo acting skills.

2. Subject: Musical Theatre Dance I
Ages: 9-14
Dates: Sept. 16 – Nov. 4
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Description: In this class, students will focus on basic, Broadway-style dance steps. Classes incorporate the style of dance one would typically see on a Broadway stage. This form of dancing emphasizes learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and facial expressions.

3. Subject: Musical Theatre Dance II
Ages: 12 and older
Dates: Sept. 16 – Nov. 4
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Description: In this class, students will focus on intermediate, Broadway-style dance steps. Classes incorporate the style of dance one would typically see on a Broadway stage. This form of dancing emphasizes learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and facial expressions.

4. Subject: Adult Tap
Ages: Adults
Dates: Sept. 16 – Nov. 4
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Description: Adults will learn tap combos and have fun working their tap rhythms. Tap dance sharpens reflexes and improves memory skills and coordination. This beginner’s class will work toward establishing fundamental tap movements, vocabulary and work on basic rhythms and steps that progress into fun and lively dance combinations.

For more information or to register visit the Red Mountain Theatre Website

Top Lifestyle Considerations for Buying a Home

 

You’re not just buying a house, you’re buying a lifestyle! That means when you’re writing out your list of must have home features and deal breakers, you need to think beyond the “house data” and figure out which features to focus on that will give you the lifestyle you want to live! As a buyer, you might say you’re looking for a 3 bedroom home with a finished basement on at least an acre and with an updated kitchen. An example of what you really might be looking for is a place to raise your growing family, a kitchen that overlooks the private backyard where you can watch your kids play catch while you make dinner, and extra space in the basement for games, toys and movie night! That’s just an example but I think you get the idea. So the lifestyle you are going to have in your new home is something you want to consider when determining which home features are best for your needs.

Number one – LOCATION MATTERS FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE! You hear it all the time in the real estate world – it’s all about the location, location, location, location… and it really is true! Because while you can change paint colors, counter tops and put on that massive deck you’ve always dreamed of, you can’t move your house to a new spot (not without a lot of money anyways).

Think of things like what your work commute will be like, how far of a drive you’re willing to have each day, the features you want in your community, and the school district you want to be in if that is important to you. Do you want to be in walking distance to the downtown? Do you want to be set further back from the road for privacy? What about the size of the city you live in? Do you want the feel of a small town lifestyle or are you happier in a busier city? The location of your home will be something that isn’t going to change so figure out what is essential to you when it comes to the location of your home and the lifestyle it will create!

Now let’s talk about the home features that fit your lifestyle. When you think of home features it’s easy to automatically jump to your running list of criteria such as the size of the garage, how many bedrooms you want, that must have updated kitchen and all of the “house data” like I mentioned. However, you are ultimately buying a lifestyle, not just a house. So I have some things for you to consider when it comes to the type of lifestyle you are ultimately looking for when you make a move! Write down these questions and really think about what your answers are:

Where do you spend most of your time at home? If you love to cook and spend most of your time in the kitchen, you’ll want to prioritize the layout of the kitchen when looking for a home. You can always add in upgraded quartz countertops or that dreamy double oven but the size, layout and location of the kitchen should be a top concern if you don’t want to do any major renovations.

What is something you wish you had in your current home?

What is something you don’t want any longer in your current home? Is your yard a lot to maintain and you want something smaller with a lot less maintenance? Maybe it’s the opposite and your current yard is just too small for the lifestyle you have making one of your top priorities having a bigger yard with privacy.

Which room in your house do you spend the most time in?

How much space do you need to live comfortably and be able to enjoy the things you love the most?

Are you hoping to have enough bathrooms to avoid chaotic mornings?

These questions will help you determine which features could be the most important to focus on when the time comes to look for a new home. Maybe features like hardwood floors aren’t as necessary as having a layout that is perfect for entertaining and hosting holiday parties. You can always swap out flooring later but the layout will be a little harder to change!

Think about how much time you want to put into your house. Do home flipping shows on HGTV resemble your homeownership goals? Many buyers are intent on finding a house they can remodel exactly they want they want which is awesome! However, they often don’t realize how much work, time and money it can take. HGTV can make remodeling and flipping houses look a lot easier than it is in reality. Consider how much time you have to spend on home projects before getting yourself into something that is over your head and potentially over your budget which leads us to…

Your lifestyle budget. Lastly, make sure to budget for your lifestyle, not just your house. It’s important to consider how much you can afford comfortably, not just what you can afford on paper.  Many buyers are pre-approved for a significantly higher amount than what they are actually comfortable spending on a monthly basis. Think about other expenses you have when it comes to your lifestyle – what else is important to you? Do you love to travel or go out to nice dinners on a regular basis? Do you love attending as many games of your favorite football team as possible? What hobbies do you have that cost money every month?  Make sure the amount you spend on your house doesn’t eat up all of your extra funds so you’re glued to the house and can’t have any fun doing the things you love!

There you have it, the top lifestyle considerations for buying a home! Location, home features that fit your lifestyle, how much work you’re willing to do and remember to budget for your lifestyle! If you’re considering buying a new home in the near future and you want to chat more about the type of lifestyle you’re looking for, comment below or send me a direct message so we can set up a time to grab coffee!

Thank you to our site sponsors, Sophia Leece and Scott Boudreaux with LAH Real Estate. For more information on what’s happening in the Birmingham Housing Market, or to schedule a free home buyer/seller consultation, you can reach them:

Sophia Leece, 205.895.9120 | sleece@lahrealestate.com
Scott Boudreaux, 205.835.9787 | sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com

Birthday Party Spotlight: Spare Time Trussville

Spare Time Entertainment knows birthdays are a big deal. That’s why they have four epic packages to choose from and customize with party platters and activity add-ons! Craft your custom event and prepare to make memories this year!

Bowling party

All of their party packages include hand-tossed pizza, soft drinks, celebratory decorations, and a dedicated party host to set up, clean up, and ensure your event runs smoothly. They handle all the mess and hard work while you kick back, relax and enjoy the party!

Party package options are as follows:

Bowling Birthday:
our 2-hour BOWLING Party Includes:
• Bowling & Shoe Rental (approximately 1 hour)
• Hand-tossed Pizza & Soft Drinks
• $5 Game Zone play for each guest
• Music, lights & party place settings
• Party host

For the birthday child:
• Souvenir Signature Bowling Pin
• 2000 Win Zone Prize Points!

Lanes and Laser Bash
Your 2-hour BASH Party Includes:
• Bowling & Shoe Rental (approximately 1 hour)
• One game of Laser Tag
• Hand-tossed Pizza & Soft Drinks
• $5 Game Zone play for each guest
• Music, lights & party place settings
• Party host
For the birthday child:
• Souvenir Signature Bowling Pin
• 2000 Win Zone Prize Points!

Laser Tag Blast
Your 2-hour LASER TAG Party Includes:
• 3 Games of Laser Tag
• Hand-tossed Pizza & Soft Drinks
• $5 Game Zone play for each guest
• Music, lights & party place settings
• Party host

For the birthday child:
• 2000 Win Zone Prize Points!

The Gamer
Your 2-hour GAMER Party Includes:
• 1 Hour of Unlimited Gameplay
• Hand-tossed Pizza & Soft Drinks
• 400 Prize Points for each guest
• Music, lights & party place settings
• Party host

For the birthday child:
• 2000 Win Zone Prize Points!

For more information or to book your party, visit their website

Minimum of 10 children. $50 deposit required to reserve.
To book weekday parties, or large parties of more than 20 guests, please call us at (205) 655-4500!

Partners in Kids Health: Ticks and Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a tick bite. If left untreated it can lead to problems with the skin, heart, brain and joints. Tori Gennaro, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s of Alabama, says it’s important for parents to be on the lookout for ticks and the symptoms of Lyme disease in their child.
The good news is, not all tick bites cause Lyme disease, and it’s more common in the Northeastern part of the United States. It’s spread from the deer or black legged tick, usually in the summer months.
Fortunately, in most cases, Lyme disease is easily treatable. “It’s usually treated with a 10–21-day course of antibiotics,” Gennaro say. “Once they’re treated with antibiotics the recovery is fairly quick and complete. It can take a few weeks or longer.”
Usually, because ticks are so small, a parent or child may not even see one or know the child was bitten until there are symptoms.
Symptoms of Lyme disease include:
  • Red, circular rash that looks like a bullseye
  • Flu like symptoms
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
“Prevention is key,” Gennaro says. “We recommend using a good insect repellent that has DEET.” She also advises to wear long sleeves and pants when walking in the woods, stay on trails and avoid tall brush, shower immediately after being in the woods and check daily for ticks. “Make sure you’re checking armpits, in your hair and groin as those are the areas where ticks tend to hide,” Gennaro says. If you believe your child has suffered a tick bite and is demonstrating the symptoms of Lyme disease, contact your pediatrician.

Birmingham Area Birthday Guide 2021

Looking to plan a Birthday Party in Birmingham for the kiddos big day? BirminghamMommy has got you covered with the Mother of All Birthday Party Lists! Here’s a rundown on Birmingham Attractions that offer parties perfect for your next celebration! Know of something we missed? Use the contact us form to let us know and we’ll get it added!

Arts and Crafts

Do *It* Yourself Crafts 
Painting with a Twist
Sips N Strokes
Party Art
Pinspiration Birmingham

Sports

Head over Heels Gymnastics
Tumble Bus
Bowlero
Premier Gymnastics
High Point Climbing
Mountain Brook Gymnastics
Pelham Ice Arena
Birmingham Boulders
Villager Yoga
Birmingham Academy of Marital Arts
Ace Tribe
Legacy Gymnastics

Music and Dance

Corky Bell Dance Studio

Nature and Animals

Eds Pet World
Helena Hollow
Starlite Stables

Play

Game Zone Laser Tag
Pump it Up Trussville
Urban Air Homewood
Urban Air Trussville
Surge Trampoline Park
Trussville Playstation
Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure
Autobahn Indoor Speedway
Off the Wall Family Fun
Oak Mountain Lanes
Dave and Busters
Let’s Play
Chuck E Cheese
Bumpernets
Fun Time Skate Center
Vestavia Bowl
Hooligans Family Fun
Skates 280

Museums

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum??
Southern Museum of Flight

Miscellaneous

Skates 280
SugarPlum Kids Spa
Soca Girl Clothing
Louisa’s Cakes & Supplies
Breakout Birmingham
Itty Bitty Bakers
Central Alabama Paintball Park