BirminghamMommy Pumpkin Decorating Contest

It’s time again to kick those pumpkin decorating skills up a notch and let us see that you’re going above and beyond our own Lazy Moms Pumpkin Decorating Ideas and doing something super cool with your pumpkins this year!

We want to see how creative our readers are.. Whether you carve, paint, or wax your pumpkins with melted crayon, we want to see what you’ve done, so we’re hosting a little contest.. We want you to submit your finest creation for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Crumbl Cookies.

Submit your photos to us at contact@birminghammommy.com or message them to us on Facebook.. We’ll be featuring some of our favorites on social media throughout the next week, The deadline for entries will be noon on Sunday, the 31st and we’ll announce the winner Monday, November 1st.

Make sure to include your name and an email where we can notify you if you win.

All pictures submitted are subject to posting on any and all of BirminghamMommy.com social media.

Fall Festivals and Happenings around Birmingham

Fall is such a fun time in Birmingham, lots of trick or treating and fall festival fun for all ages! Here’s a list of events to keep you out enjoying the amazing weather and some good food and drinks too!

Hoots and Howls 

Partake in the happy haunts by wearing your favorite costume. Enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo on the Candy Trail*, take a wild ride on our Haunted Red Diamond Express Train*, and go for a spin on the Protective Life Corporation Cobweb Carousel*. Guests will meet and greet special guests for photo opportunities on appearance days. Fun for the whole family, this wicked experience is sure to entertain children of all ages!

When: Saturdays and Sundays through October 31st. 10am – 4pm
Where: The Birmingham Zoo
Cost: Cost varies based on admission/arm band/candy trail additions.

Halloween in the Heights

Dress Up and Come Trick or Treating with the businesses of Cahaba Heights. Look for Orange Balloons with participating businesses. You never know what special treats are in store with the Merchants of Cahaba Heights. Walk around with your favorite beverages, we are an entertainment district, so open containers are allowed.

When: Saturday, October 30th 10m – 5pm
Where: The merchants of Cahaba Heights

Dia de los Muertos

The 19th annual Day of the Dead celebration with: individual, public + pet altars, artist Mercado, food trucks, music, memorial roll call + Modelo Beer Garden.
When: Tuesday-Thursday, November 2-4 – 5-9PM | Friday, November 5 – 5-10PM
Where: Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Price: $10

Bark in the Park

15th annual event benefiting Shelby Humane. Enjoy adoptable pets, bounvce houses, costume contest, dachshund races + more.
When: Saturday, November 6 | 9AM-2PM
Where: Veterans Park, 7305 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL, 35007
Admission: Free

Moss Rock Festival 

The perfect outdoor eco-creative festival with a regional focus on art + design.
When: Saturday-Sunday, November 6-7 | Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 10AM-4PM
Where: Hoover Metropolitan Complex, 5500 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244
Price: Advance – $10 | At Gate – 12 | Kids 15 + under – FREE

Magic City Mac N Cheese Festival

The cheesiest event in The Magic City. Expect: tastings from local restaurants, caters + corporate teams, family- + pet-friendly activities, live music + more. Proceeds benefit Community Grief Support.
When: Sunday, November 14 | 1-4PM
Where: Back Forty Beer Co, 3201 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222
Price: Early Bird – $15 | Day Of Event – $20 | Kids 5-12 – $5 | Kids 5 + under – Free

 

 

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

Trunk or Treat Spots in Birmingham

Halloween is just around the corner and there are lots of options for Trunk or Treating, we’ve got your rundown! If you’re still needing to hit up the pumpkin patch, make sure to check this list for your corn maze and hayride fun!

Grab your Kids, Costume & Mask and head out to Barnes & Associates, REALTORS Annual Trunk or Treat! They’ll be giving away FREE FOOD, FREE SHAVED ICE, FREE CANDY, FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES & MORE! There will also be games, dance competitions and home ownership education. SPREAD THE WORD!

Date/Time: October 23rd |2pm
Cost: Free
Location: The Avondale Gallery & Loft | 322 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
More Info: Facebook Event

Riders H-D is having a Halloween Bash open to the public, of course!! Bouncy house obstacle course for kids 10 y/o and younger!! FREE PIZZA AVAILABLE(while supplies last) Trunk(Bag) or treat 1 PM to 3 PM

Date/Time: October 23rd | 1pm – 3pm
Cost: Free
Location: Rider Harley Davidson Trussville | 4750 Norrell Drive Trussville, AL 35173
More Info: Facebook Event

Open to Hoover Residents. Food trucks, vendors, candy!

Date/Time: October 23 | 5pm – 7pm
Cost: Free
Location: Hoover Met Complex RV Park | 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway
More Info: Facebook Page

We know you are never too old for candy, or great fellowship and fun…that’s why Trunk or Treat is for everyone! No matter your life stage, Trunk or Treat is a great event to experience—enjoy meeting the community, inflatables for the kids, popcorn, candy and more. The kids love walking around to the decorated cars to collect their candy (and the adults may enjoy dressing up and handing out candy at their cars even more!)

Date/Time: October 24 | 3pm – 5pm
Cost: Free
Location: Mt Laurel Square
More Info: Website

Trunks will be set up in our lower parking lot handing out candy, along with food and other treats! Wear your costumes and join us for an afternoon of fun.

Date/Time: October 24 | 4pm – 6pm
Cost: Free
Location: Mountain Brook Baptist Church | 3631 Montevallo Road South, Birmingham, AL 3
More Info: Website

In partnership with Iron City Wranglers, join us for our Jeepers Creepers Trunk or Treat festival taking place right here at The Backyard and Grand River Drive-In.
FREE to attend for all ages!
Pups Welcome. Festive costumes / attire welcome.  Free Face painting, arts and crafts and live music!
Bring your own candy bag.
Donations are encouraged and will be turned over to our sponsored non-profit, Saving Forgotten Warriors, 501c-3.
CONTEST TIME! Each guest will get a “people’s choice” ticket to vote on the most festive jeep!
Guests will receive 1 ticket to each activity. First come first serve on swag and activity tickets.

Date/Time: October 24th | 2pm – 7pm
Cost: Free (donations accepted)
Location: The Backyard, Leeds
More Info: Facebook Event

Kids of all ages are invited to a free trunk or treat with games and prizes, candy, costumes, a hay ride, and more! Chili is free (courtesy of the chili chefs) and a hot dog supper is $5 per person.

Date/Time: October 27 | 6pm – 8pm
Cost: Trunk or Treat and Chili is free, hot dog dinner $5
Location: Grace, a United Methodist Congregation | 5125 Sicard Hollow Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
More Info: Facebook Event

Join us all outside for our Annual Trunk or Treat event. There will be decorated trunks in the Carpenter Hall parking lot and games on the patio. Hotdog dinners will be available outside.

Date/Time: October 27 | 5:30pm – 7pm
Cost: Free
Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal | 3775 Crosshaven DriveBirmingham, AL, 35223
More Info: Facebook Event

VHUMC Family Ministries invites all children to dress up and join us for Trunk-or-Treat. Stop by the Fellowship Hall starting at 5:00 pm for dinner before heading out to the parking lot to trick or treat from trunk to trunk. And you can’t leave without a visit to the Photo Booth to commemorate this fun evening! All children must be supervised by an adult.

Date/Time: October 27 | 6pm – 7pm
Cost: Free
Location: Vestavia Hills UMC | 2061 Kentucky Ave, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
More Info: Facebook Event

Join Meadow Brook Baptist for a night of free fun for the whole family from 5pm-7pm. Candy, prizes, inflatables, hot dogs, contests and more!

Date/Time: October 27 | 5pm – 7pm
Cost: Free
Location: Meadowbrook Baptist Church | 4984 Meadowbrook Road, 35242
More Info: Website

Hotdogs, hayrides, live music, and of course a fun and safe place for kids in our community to Trunk or Treat!

Date/Time: October 27th | 5:30pm – 8pm
Cost: Free
Location: Clearbranch UMC | 8051 Glenn Rd, Trussville, AL 35173
More Info: Facebook Event

Rides, games, candy, trunks, food and photo opportunity! And the best thing is everything is FREE!!

Date/Time: October 27th | 6pm -8:30pm
Cost: Free
Location: 180 Church in Springville | 770 US Highway 11, Springville, AL 35146
More Info: Facebook Event

Join us for a great night of fun! Chili, corndogs, popcorn and treats for the kids up to 6th grade.

Date/Time: October 27 | 6pm -7:30pm
Cost: Free
Location: First Baptist Church of Birmingham | 2209 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
More Info: Facebook Event

Decorate your cars, dress up in your spookiest, silliest costumes, and join us in the preschool parking lot for tricks and treats!

Date/Time: October 27 | 5:30pm – 7pm
Cost: Free
Location: All Saints Episcopal Church | 110 West Hawthorne Road, Homewood
More Info: Facebook Event

Trunks, games, treats, food and more!! Come out for some fun!

Date/Time: October 30 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Children’s Lighthouse | 4731 Chace Circle, Hoover
More Info: Facebook Info

Trunk or Treat, Costumes, Prizes, Games, Snacks, Movie, and More!
Date/Time: October 30 | 6pm – 9pm
Cost: Free
Location: The Episcopal Church of St Francis Assisi | 3545 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
More Info: Facebook Event

Please join us for BRCC’s “2021 Trunk or Treat” event for children & youth! Masks and social distancing. We can’t wait to greet you!

Date/Time: October 30th | 3pm – 5pm
Cost: Free
Location: Brewster Road Community Church | 1661 Brewster Road, Birmingham
More Info: Facebook Event

MORE THAN 50 CARS with trunks open, creatively decorated, and filled with loads of great candy–that’s Trunk or Treat! You and your family are invited to be a part of it! Come in costume and prepare for a great time! Don’t forget your bags or buckets!

• A FREE, FAMILY EVENT OPEN TO ALL!
• HOT BEVERAGES, EXTRAS, LIVE MUSIC, LOTS OF FUN!
• COME AND GO AS YOU PLEASE
• RAIN OR SHINE!

Date/Time: October 30 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Location: The Church of Brookhills | 3145 Brook Highland Pkwy
More Info: Website

FBC Pinson’s annual Trunk or Treat. Come out and have a safe, great time with the community.

Date/Time: October 31 | 2pm – 4pm
Cost: Free
Location: Pinson Bicentennial Park
More Info: Facebook Event

MORE Events to check out!!:

Life of Faith Church Fall Festival:
Fall Festival with food trucks, bounce houses, trunk or treat, and so much more!
October 24th | 4pm – 7pm
Cost: Free
Location: Life of Faith Church | 965 Grantswood Trail, Irondale, AL 35210

Valleydale Church Fall Festival:
Free event for our community! Rides, petting zoo, trunk or treat, inflatables, free cotton candy and popcorn, live sound stage, handicap accessible rides, photo booth. Food trucks are available so you may purchase your dinner!
October 27th | 5pm – 8pm
Cost: Free (food available for purchase)
Location: Valledale Church | 2324 Valleydale RoadBirmingham, AL 35244

Calera Main Street – Trunk or Treat Drive Thru Event:
Calera Main Street, will hold the third annual “Trunk or Treat” event in downtown Calera, on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, sponsored by Collectivus Church.
‍Upon entering the event each vehicle will receive a special bag that will be held outside the car window. Participants at each decorated trunk will place treats in the bag as the vehicles slowly drive through, experiencing the parade of cars and candy. There will even be an interactive radio station to set the mood throughout the event.

There will be food trucks as well as a drive-in movie starting at dark in the Calera Courtyard, located behind the downtown shops at 1120 17th Ave. Many local Main Street merchants will also be open late with specials and promotions for the event.

Halloween in the Heights:

Dress Up and Come Trick or Treating with the businesses of Cahaba Heights. Look for Orange Balloons with participating businesses.
You never know what special treats are in store with the Merchants of Cahaba Heights. Walk around with your favorite beverages, we are an entertainment district, so open containers are allowed.

Saturday October 30th, 10am – 5pm

 

Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival

The Junior Board of Community Grief Support will host the Fourth Annual “Magic City Mac N’ Cheese Festival” on Sunday, November 14, from 1-4 p.m. at Back Forty Beer Company. The festival is part-competition, part-celebration of the south’s ultimate comfort food, and a fundraiser for Community Grief Support (CGS).

An estimated 2,000-plus participants will taste various Mac N' Cheese dishes from Birmingham’s favorite restaurants, food trucks, caterers, corporate teams, and home chefs. The Mac N’ Cheese Festival will be a family- and pet-friendly event including live music and children’s activities like balloon artists, face painting, crafts, a scavenger hunt and more.

There will also be a local ‘celebrity’ judging panel and other food and beverages for sale on site.
“The Mac N’ Cheese Festival has been a tradition for the past 4 years,” says Callie Eldredge, the Junior Board Coordinator. “We decided on an annual Mac N’ Cheese Festival to represent the comfort that mac n’ cheese brings, just as CGS brings comfort to those who are grieving.”

Vendors so far for 2021 include:

John’s City Diner, The Southern Kitchen & Bar, Vegan Underground, Troup Pizza, and Carlile’s Barbecue…with more signing up daily.

Sponsors this year include Medical Properties Trust and Wood Fruitticher with more to be added.

“This year the festival will be particularly special as so many in our community have not been able to gather throughout these past (almost) 2 years,” says Sydney Sims, the PR Chair for the Junior Board. “Not only will the event benefit those who have lost loved ones in the past, and during this pandemic, but I hope it will bring some light to those who are ready to get outside and live again.”

For interested vendors or sponsors, please contact Callie Eldredge at 205/870-8667 or macfestbhm@gmail.com.

All proceeds benefit Community Grief Support to help fund free grief support groups, grief counseling and community grief education in the Greater Birmingham area. Tickets may be purchased through the Magic City Mac N’ Cheese Festival website at www.macfestbhm.com.

$15 Early Bird Ticket Sales
$20 Day of Ticket
$5 Children 12 and under
Children 5 and under free!

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Soup season is here and I don’t know about you, but anything we can throw in a crockpot and forget about until dinner time is a win in our book! Here’s another great recipe from our friend Erin at Pure Fitness. We tried this the other night and it was DELICIOUS!!

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

INGREDIENTS
2 lbs. chicken breast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, do not drain
½ cup yellow onion, chopped
1 poblano pepper, seeds removed, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen grilled corn, or regular corn kernels will also work
4 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix ins:
¾ cup sour cream
¼ cup shredded cheddar, optional
Toppings:
Tortilla strips, crumbled cotija cheese, lime wedges, cilantro, sliced jalapeño
INSTRUCTIONS
In a skillet over medium heat add the olive oil with the onion and poblano pepper.
Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until they are softened.
Transfer to the Crock-Pot with the rest of the ingredients (not the mix ins or toppings)
Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
Remove chicken and shred with two forks, transfer back to the Crock-Pot.
Mix in the sour cream and shredded cheddar. Stir to combine.
Cook on low for 30 more minutes.

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!