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Top Nursery Trends

Posted on by Angie

If you will be decorating a nursery any time soon, then stick around as we talk about some of the top trends gaining steam from 2020 or making their way on scene this year.

Wood Accent Walls

While we have seen reclaimed barn wood fade on in the last two years, wooden accent walls are still as popular as ever. Consider an abstract wood design or full colored wood panels. Plus, these can be extremely affordable to DIY!

Woven Accents

We saw woven blanket baskets in nurseries everywhere last year, but this year, woven accents will become increasingly popular. Think cane, wicker, and rattan furniture and accent pieces. You know you’ve been eyeing that gorgeous woven light fixture!

Muted Rainbows

These neutral toned, or muted, rainbows were a hit last year with DIY’d arches popping up all over TikTok during quarantine, and they are still on fire this year. You can find the pattern in stores on textiles or opt for the popular hand painted arch behind the crib.

Decals

Wallpaper is back in action, but it can be overwhelming to install. If you love the look of wallpaper but aren’t quite up for hanging it at 8 months pregnant, consider using decals. Decals are incredibly easy to use and can also be placed in a pattern to mimic the look of wallpaper.

Stargazers

For those that love the stars, you are going to love this new celestial trend. With deep blues and blacks paired with metallic accents, it creates a cozy nursery ready to lull any baby to sleep.

Earthy Baby

Not surprising, the earthy trend seems here to stay. With creamy beiges, warm browns, and dusty pinks, this color palette is extremely popular. Add some pampas grass in a clay pot and some of those woven accents from above, and you have the perfect earthy nursery design!

 

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

The Addams Family Young@Part Red Mountain Theatre Auditions

Posted on by Angie

Thespians in Birmingham have an opportunity soon to try out for the next youth production at Red Mountain Theatre. The theater company will hold auditions for “Addams Family Young@Part” July 31.

Auditions for the show will take place on from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with callbacks from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Red Mountain Theatre’s Arts Campus at 1600 3rd Ave. S in Birmingham.

Those who audition will be asked to sing 16-32 measures of a song from memory, participate in a dance, and perform a cold read from the show’s script.The song can be one of the performer’s choosing, or Red Mountain Theatre can provide one for them. A backing pianist will be provided.

Performers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes to dance in and to bring a water bottle.

Those who are chosen to participate in the show will have rehearsals from August 23 – Sept. 23, with four performances between Oct. 1 -3. The Addams Family Young@Part is the authorized 60-minute edition of the Broadway musical for youth performers.

Keeping Kids Safe During Summer Outdoor Activities

Posted on by Angie

Summer is a time for outdoor fun, and a few tips from Dr. Alicia Webb of the Children’s of Alabama Emergency Department can help kids stay safe in the heat and humidity.

Heat-related illness and dehydration are two primary concerns.

VIDEO: Keeping Kids Safe in Summer Heat

The UV rays from summer sun are strongest during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Try to avoid being out in the heat during those peak summer high heat hours if possible,” said Dr. Webb.

Staying hydrated is key. “Encourage your children to drink plenty of fluids both before during and after all outdoor activities.” Plain water is preferred.

During vigorous exercise, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children from 9-12 years of age generally need to drink about 3 to 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes to stay hydrated. Teens need to drink about 34 to 50 ounces per hour. If vigorous exercise extends beyond one hour in a day or your child is sweating a lot, electrolyte-supplemented beverages may be necessary.

And sun protection is important for all ages. The AAP provides the following guidance for protecting your family from sunburns:

  • Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (up to SPF 50). An SPF of 15 or 30 should be fine for most people. More research studies are needed to test if sunscreen with more than SPF 50 offers any extra protection.
  • For babies younger than 6 months: Use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available.
  • For babies older than 6 months: Apply to all areas of the body, but be careful around the eyes. If your baby rubs sunscreen into their eyes, wipe their eyes and hands clean with a damp cloth. If the sunscreen irritates their skin, try a different brand or sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. If a rash develops, talk with your child’s doctor.
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. Because most people use too little sunscreen, make sure to apply a generous amount.

For more summer safety tips from Children’s of Alabama:

It’s Sunflower Time in Autaugaville!

Posted on by Angie

* DAY TRIP ALERT* If you want some happy in your life, you’re going to want to check out this Sunflower Field in Autaugaville, Ala. Located at 3301 Hwy 14 West, Autaugaville, AL 36003 the field will be open now, from daylight until dark though July 11th

There is no charge to enter the field and there is no charge to take photos of your own children with your phone or camera, however there is a $20 photography fee per client/session for photographers doing sessions in the field.

Buckets are available for purchasing flowers and each bucket will hold about 14 flowers for $10. You keep the bucket. You can also buy the flowers for $1 each if you chose. CASH ONLY!

The Takeaway:

1) Bring cash, they don’t accept cards
2) If you have clippers, you may want to bring them. They have a lot but sometimes  run out
3) They will be open thru Sunday, the 11th at dark.
4) NO PETS ALLOWED

For more information visit their website

Crumbl Cookies Grand Opening in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Crumbl Cookies is holding their grand opening in Birmingham today, July 1st!

If you’ve been following our social media you know that I allowed my teenage daughter to talk me into driving to the location in Madison about a month ago to see what all the TikTok hype was about (as if you have to really twist my arm to go on a cookie adventure) after tasting everything on the menu that day, we were hooked and so excited about the location coming to Birmingham. We’ve been stalking the progress almost weekly and finally scored our first batch yesterday at their soft opening. In addition to warm, yummy cookies, make sure to try some of their crumbl cream ice cream in flavors like Biscoff (our favorite) Buckeye Brownie, Hot Chocolate, and of course Vanilla.

If you’re not familiar, Crumbl Cookies started in Logan, Utah back in 2017. Since then, they’ve expanded to more than 91 locations across 15 states.

The gourmet cookie chain is known for its weekly rotating menu of over 120 specialty flavors, while flavors like milk chocolate chip and chilled sugar cookies are always available.

They also offer curbside pickup and local delivery as well as nationwide shipping.

Their new location is located in Vestavia at 708 Montgomery Hwy Suite 116.

4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Fireworks and 4th of July Celebrations are kicking off  this weekend all around Birmingham, here’s where you can celebrate and see some incredible shows!

Alabaster Fireworks Show

Friday, July 2nd
Events begin at 6pm
Fireworks begin at 9pm at Thompson highschool

Food Trucks
Big Axe Hangout Truck Ages 10 and Up
$10 for 10 throws
Coca Cola Music Truck
Bounce Houses

VIEWING, PARKING, ETC.:

​Viewing areas will be all the parking areas around the school and the open meadow areas in front of the school.
Absolutely NO parking allowed on any grassy area on school property!
Parking will be prohibited on State and County road right of ways during the show.
Kent Dairy Road: Traffic will be able to enter and exit from Kent Dairy Road to and from THS at all times.
Thompson Road: Traffic will be able to enter and exit  from Thompson Road to THS until 8:00 PM.
IMPORTANT: Due to fireworks protocol and safety issues, the Warrior Parkway entrance and exit from Thompson Road will be closed from 8:00 PM until 30 minutes after the final firework.
If you arrive at 8:00 PM or later, you will need to enter from Kent Dairy Road.

All American Blast at the Backyard Grand River Drive In

Friday, July 2nd
Events start at noon, fireworks at 9pm

Live music, face painting & balloon art, great food and drinks, movies and yes, a huge firework show. Home to the newly opened Neighbors Brew & Pies and Saw’s BBQ Leeds – guests are encourage to show up early and enjoy all there is to offer!

FreedomFest at the Hoover Met

Friday, July 2nd
9pm

The stadium itself will not be open, but people are invited to watch the fireworks from the upper parking lot. While there will be no music festival, patriotic music that coincides with the 15-minute fireworks show will be broadcast over 87.9 FM

ChelseaFest and the Big Boom

Saturday, July 3rd
Free Entry begins at 5pm
Fireworks at 9pm

ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom is Chelsea’s city-wide annual 4th of July celebration. This is one of the premiere events for the city of Chelsea. ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom features great music on the main stage, food from many different food trucks and, of course, one of the largest fireworks shows in Alabama!

Helena Festival in Helena’s new Entertainment District
Saturday, July 3rd
5pm – 9pm

Artisan & Craft Vendors, Food trucks, Live Music and Fireworks

Oak Mountain Fire on the Water

Saturday, July 3rd
5pm – 9pm

Fireworks, Food vendors, swimming, activities, food trucks  and music.

Gates open at 7 am! Come and spend the day with us! Grab a good spot on the beach and enjoy the day in the park as you wait for the show to start!

In the interest of public safety, a limited number of tickets will be sold for Fire on the Water. They cost $15, however, Pelham residents may purchase them at a discounted rate of $10 per ticket. Each ticket is valid for one vehicle carrying up to four people. A state-issued ID or utility bill is required for proof of residency.
Pelham residents also have the benefit of purchasing tickets a week before they officially go on sale. Pelham residents can buy tickets beginning Tuesday, June 1st, and sales open to everyone on June 8th.
No event tickets will be sold on July 3rd, and regular entrance fees will apply. Cash only at the gate.

Fire on the Water event tickets may be purchased at Oak Mountain State Park, either at the Ranger Station or at the Main Office. Entrance fees will not be charged for those coming to the park to purchase these tickets.

Both gates will CLOSE to the public at 7 pm SHARP. Please plan accordingly!
Remember, gates take CASH ONLY!

Annual Passes are valid on July 3rd, 2021.

Birmingham Barons at Regions Field

Independence Day Celebration
Sunday, July 4th
Game at 6:30pm

Independence Day Celebration and post game fireworks.

Trussville Freedom Celebration

Sunday, July 4th
6pm – 9pm

Food, fun and fireworks on the mall in Trussville.

Thunder on the Mountain

Sunday, July 4th
Fireworks at 9pm

The state’s largest 4th of July celebration will again ignite the sky atop red mountain with an array of fireworks in honor of both the cities’ sesquicentennial and our nation’s birthday.

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

 

Recipe: Tomato Pie

Posted on by Angie

Much like chili is to winter, tomato pie is to summer. We had a family cook out (in the rain) last weekend and decided to make the most  of some tasty tomatoes we had picked up at our local Farmer’s Market. Here’s the recipe we teased on our Instagram it was a hands down winner with everyone:

What you’ll need:

1 9-inch pie shell – (we used a store bought)
1/2 cup chopped yellow or red onion (about 1/3 onion, diced)
3 to 4 tomatoes, cut in half horizontally, squeezed to remove excess juice, roughly chopped, to yield approximately 3 cups chopped tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup sliced basil
2 cups (8oz) grated cheese (combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, or Gruyere or Mozzarella)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon (or more to taste) of your favorite hot sauce.
Freshly ground black pepper

What you’ll do:

Pre-bake the crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

If you are using a store-bought pie shell, follow the directions on the package for pre-baking, or pre-bake it in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes (a little longer for a frozen pie shell), until lightly browned.

If you are using a homemade crust, freeze the crust first, then press a sheet of aluminum foil into the crust to keep the sides of the pie crust from falling down as it cooks. Fill the pie with pie weights such as dry beans or rice to help hold the foil in place.

1: Pre-bake the homemade crust for 15 minutes, then remove the foil, use the tines of a fork to poke a few small holes in the bottom of the crust (for venting), and bake for 10 more minutes.

2: Salt and drain the tomatoes:
Lightly salt the chopped tomatoes and set them in a colander over a bowl to drain while you are pre-baking the crust. Squeeze as much moisture as you can out of the chopped tomatoes, using either paper towels, a clean dish towel, or a potato ricer.

3: Layer pre-baked pie shell with onions, tomatoes, basil:
Sprinkle a layer of chopped onion over the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust shell.

Spread the drained chopped tomatoes over the onions. Sprinkle the sliced basil over the tomatoes.

4: Make cheese mixture, spread over tomatoes:
In a medium bowl, mix together the grated cheese, mayonnaise, Tabasco, a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper.

Spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes.

5: Bake:
Place in oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) until browned and bubbly, anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes.

Rail Safety Day 2021

Posted on by Angie

Free Train Rides & Fun Family Activities! This Friday, June 25th!

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is proud to partner with Alabama Operation Lifesaver as we work together to educate the public regarding railroad safety.

Short, educational sessions will be provided by Operation Lifesaver of Alabama representatives throughout the day, and each session attendee will be provided with a FREE ticket to then take a ride on the Calera & Shelby Railroad on the same day.

Between sessions and train rides, attendees are encouraged to visit the community safety partner booths, vehicles, and displays available on the grounds.

Schedule:
Friday, June 25th, 2021
Departure Times: Throughout the day from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Central

Free tickets to ride the Calera & Shelby Railroad for Rail Safety Day are available solely on the Museum grounds on the day of the event to passengers who attend the railroad safety sessions.

For added fun, the Shelby & Southern Narrow Gauge Steam Railroad will be fired up and ready to take your family on a trip back to the days of steam! Tickets will be available for purchase at the Shelby & Southern depot the day of the event. $3.50/person ages 2 and up. $10.00 / ticket for unlimited rides and unlimited fun on the Shelby & Southern Railroad.

https://www.hodrrm.org

Summer Camp Spotlight: Thomas Andrew Summer Art Camps for Kids

Posted on by Angie

Thomas Andrew Art Studio offers week-long sessions, and the week is all about art education and creation. Your child will learn about the life and styles of artists such as Bob Ross, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse, and more. They will be working with paint on canvas, wood, fabric, stone and tar-paper. Moreover, they will  help create a wall mural and have some extra fun time in the splatter room! At the end of the week there is gallery-style event, and parents are invited to see what their child has learned and created.

Because Thomas Andrew is an actual professional artist, our program is a cut above the rest for creative minds. A variety of artists will help lead the sessions, and each teaching artist will be trained by Thomas Andrew. The artwork is different from session to session, so your child may sign up for multiple sessions. Camp is limited to 12 kids per session.

Lastly, you may cancel your child’s camp order up to 48 hours after the order is placed to receive a full refund. After 48 hours, camp orders may not be cancelled, but they may be transferred to another week if space is available. If space is not available, you will receive a store credit at Thomas Andrew Art that is valid for 1 year.

JULY CAMPS STILL AVAILABLE! REGISTER HERE

Location: Thomas Andrew Art Studio + Gallery
1925 29th Ave. South / Homewood, AL 35209
205-427-5299

Weekend Rundown: Father’s Day Weekend

Posted on by Angie

Father’s Day weekend in the Magic City is packed with lots of fun for the whole family… Soccer, live music and free admission to some of our area attractions!

Euphonious at the Birmingham Zoo

Euphonious is Birmingham’s new music festival, taking place Father’s Day weekend (June 18-20) at the multi-million-dollar Henley Park Event Lawn at the newly-renovated Birmingham Zoo.

This is one of the first live music events to take place across the United States, right here in Birmingham, Alabama.

Headliners include Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Moon Taxi, and Tonic.

Proceeds for the event benefit United Ability, a longstanding Birmingham non-profit organization which helps those with disabilities live better lives.

United Ability, Birmingham Mountain Radio, and UAB’s Voice Center will all be spotlighted during the course of the music festival, which will also feature a number of prominent local artists.

For information and to purchase tickets, visit Euphonious.AI.

Father’s Day at the Birmingham Zoo

In celebration of Father’s Day, every adult who pays admission for the day will receive ONE FREE child’s admission to the Birmingham Zoo on Saturday, June 19 & Sunday, June 20. Guests can take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train*, spin on the Protective Life Carousel*, and enjoy a fun day at the Zoo. Create memories that will last a lifetime at your Zoo this Father’s Day Weekend!
*Additional cost
WHEN
Saturday, June 19
Sunday, June 20
OFFER
One (1) FREE Child’s admission (age 2-12) with the purchase of one (1) Adult admission.
*This offer is exclusive for Father’s Day Weekend only. Cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts, or coupons.
HOW TO PURCHASE
Father’s Day discount offer is only available for purchase onsite at the Zoo’s ticket booth. *Offer is NOT available online.
**Please Note: The Zoo will have a designated amount of timed tickets to sale onsite for the Father’s Day offer (June 19 & 20).

National Juneteenth Festival and Parade

The annual National Juneteenth Festival will be held at Birmingham’s Kelly Ingram Park on Saturday June 19, 2021. The free event will begin with a parade at 9am and the community celebration in the park will start at 10:30am.

Attendees will enjoy food, music, vendors, entertainment and more!

Birmingham Legion at BBVA Compass Field

v. Austin Bold
June 19th at 6:30pm

Father’s Day at McWane Science Center

Dad deserves some FUN this weekend! As a “thank you” to all the awesome dads out there, dads get in FREE on Father’s Day, June 20th, with purchase of child’s admission ticket.

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