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Should You Invest in Upgrades Before Listing Your Home?

Posted on by Angie

Most people have wandered through new home developments and perused Instagram and Pinterest wishing their own home looked as modern and chic. Model homes showcase the latest upgrades and decorating trends; for home sellers these homes are their competition, and it can feel daunting to offer an older floorplan and design. While it might seem like a smart idea to simply offer a buyer credit and list, there are downsides to this plan, and taking the time to update a bit on your own first could mean thousands of dollars in your pocket. Here are a few reasons why offering a credit might not be the best strategy:

•Buyer Impression –A dated home looks old and not all buyers can see the potential.

•Lower Offers –Offering a credit could be viewed as high seller motivation, resulting in lower offers.

•Value Differences – You and your buyer might disagree on the value of needed upgrades. For example, you might feel $7,500 is a fair cost for a new countertop whereas your buyers might expect considerably more; this can lead to more negotiations and lower sales price.

•Home Condition – A property that shows its age can prompt the buyer to worry about the overall condition.

Home design trends change quickly. If you’re ready to sell, it could be tempting just to list your home in its current condition. Before you just add a credit to the listing, consider some simple updating so your buyers can see the value of your home.

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 | Website
Scott Boudreaux, 205.835.9787|sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com | Website

31 Nights of Halloween on Freeform is Back!

Posted on by Angie

Come little children, we’ll take you away…to a land of enchanting and eerie movies. (Sorry, Sarah Sanderson. We COULDN’T resist.) 31 Nights of Halloween starts October 1st, and Freeform has cooked up a new spell-binding line-up.

The Full 31 Nights of Hallloween Schedule:

WEEK OF OCTOBER 1

Thursday, Oct. 1

12:30p/11:30c – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

3p/2c –  Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

5p/4c – Casper (1995)

7p/6c – Hotel Transylvania

9p/8c – Hocus Pocus

12a/11c – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Friday, Oct. 2

11a/10c – The Goonies

1:30p/12:30c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

3:05p/2:05c – Casper (1995)

5:10p/4:10c – Hotel Transylvania

7:15p/6:15c – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

8:55p/7:55c – Beetlejuice

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horro-thon

Saturday, Oct. 3

7a/6c – Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins

7:30a/6:30c – The Goonies

10a/9c – Ghostbusters (1984)

12:30p/11:30c – Ghostbusters II

3:05p/2:05c – Beetlejuice

5:10p/4:10c – Hocus Pocus

7:20p/6:20c – The Addams Family (1991)

9:25p/8:25c – Addams Family Values

11:30p/10:30c – The Craft

Sunday, Oct. 4

7a/6c – Ghostbusters (1984)

9:30a/8:30c – Ghostbusters II

12p/11c – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

2:05p/1:05c – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic

3:05p/2:05c – Casper (1995)

5:10p/4:10c – The Addams Family (1991)

7:15p/6:15c – Addams Family Values

9:20p/8:20c – Hocus Pocus

11:30p/10:30c – Sleepy Hollow (1999)

WEEK OF OCTOBER 5

Monday, Oct. 5

11:30a/10:30c – Casper (1995)

1:30p/12:30c – Sleepy Hollow (1999)

4p/3c – Ghostbusters (1984)

6:30p/5:30c – Ghostbusters II

9p/8c – Beetlejuice

12a/11c – Boxtrolls

Tuesday, Oct. 6

11a/10c – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

1:30p/12:30c – Ghostbusters (1984)

4p/3c – Ghostbusters II

6:30p/5:30c – Beetlejuice

8:30p/7:30c – Hotel Transylvania

12a/11c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Wednesday, Oct. 7

11a/10c – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic

12p/11c –  Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

2p/1c – Matilda

4p/3c – Hotel Transylvania

6p-11p / 5-10c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horro-thon

12a/11c –  Jumanji (1995)

Thursday, Oct. 8

12p/11c – Matilda

2p/1c – Jumanji (1995)

4:30p/3:30c – Goosebumps (2015)

7p/6c – The Addams Family (1991)

9p/8c – Addams Family Values

12a/11c – Warm Bodies

Friday, Oct. 9

11:30a/10:30c – The Mummy (1999)

2:20p/1:20c – Goosebumps (2015)

4:45p/3:45c – The Addams Family (1991)

6:50p/5:50c – Addams Family Values

8:55p/7:55c – Hocus Pocus

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Saturday, Oct. 10

7a/6c – The Mummy (1999)

10a/9c – The Mummy Returns

1:05-3:35p / 12:05-2:35c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

3:35p/2:35c – Casper (1995)

5:40p/4:40c – Hotel Transylvania

7:45p/6:45c – Freeform Premiere Hotel Transylvania 2

9:50p/8:50c – Freeform Premiere Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

12a/11c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Sunday, Oct. 11

7a/6c – The Mummy Returns

10:05a/9:05c – Casper (1995)

12:10p/11:10c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

1:50p/12:50c – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

3:30p/2:30c – Hotel Transylvania

5:35p/4:35c – Hotel Transylvania 2

7:40p/6:40c – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

9:50p/8:50c – Twitches

11:55p/10:55c – Twitches Too

WEEK OF OCTOBER 12

Monday, Oct. 12

7a/6c – Freeform Premiere The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

12:30p/11:30c – Halloweentown

2:30p/1:30c – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge

4:30p/3:30c – Scared Shrekless

5p/4c – Shrek

7p/6c – The Addams Family (1991)

9p/8c – Addams Family Values

12a/11c – Freeform Premiere The Scorpion King

Tuesday, Oct. 13

11a/10c – The Goonies

1:35p/12:35c – Scared Shrekless

2:05p/1:05c – Shrek

4:10p/3:10c – The Addams Family (1991)

6:15p/5:15c – Addams Family Values

8:20p/7:20c – Hocus Pocus

12a/11c – Casper (1995)

Wednesday, Oct. 14

1p/12c – Casper (1995)

3-9p / 2-8c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

9p/8c – Beetlejuice

12a/11c – Boxtrolls

Thursday, Oct. 15

7a/6c – Scream 3

11a/10c – Jumanji (1995)

1:30p/12:30c – Beetlejuice

3:30p/2:30c – Scream

6p/5c – Scream 2

8:30p/7:30c – The Craft

12a/11c – Jumanji (1995)

Friday, Oct. 16

11:30a/10:30c – The Craft

2p/1c – Matilda

4p/3c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

6p/5c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!

6:30p/5:30c – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.

8:30p/7:30c – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters University

12a/11c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!

12:30-2a / 11:30-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Saturday, Oct. 17

7a/6c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

8:55a/7:55c – Matilda

10:55a/9:55c – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

12:35p/11:35c – Ghostbusters (1984)

3:05p/2:05c – Ghostbusters II

5:40p/4:40c – Beetlejuice

7:45p/6:45c – Hocus Pocus

9:55p/8:55c – Halloweentown

12a/11c – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge

Sunday, Oct. 18

7a/6c – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

9:30-11a / 8:30-10c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

11a/10c – Twitches

1:05p/12:05c – Twitches Too

3:05p/2:05c – Beetlejuice

5:10p/4:10c – Hocus Pocus

7:20p/6:20c – The Addams Family (1991)

9:25p/8:25c – Addams Family Values

11:30p/10:30c – Gremlins

WEEK OF OCTOBER 19

Monday, Oct. 19

11a/10c – Matilda

1p/12c – Gremlins

3:30p/2:30c – Casper (1995)

5:30p/4:30c – The Addams Family (1991)

7:30p/6:30c – Addams Family Values

9:30p/8:30c – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

12a/11c –  Matilda

Tuesday, Oct. 20

11a/10c –  Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

1p/12c – Casper (1995)

3p/2c – Sleepy Hollow (1999)

5:30p/4:30c – Ghostbusters (1984)

8p/7c – Ghostbusters II

12a/11c – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Wednesday, Oct. 21

11a/10c – Sleepy Hollow (1999)

1:30p/12:30c – Ghostbusters (1984)

4p/3c – Ghostbusters II

6:30-11p / 5:30-10c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Thursday, Oct. 22

11a/10c –  Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

12:35p/11:35c – Jumanji (1995)

2:35p/1:35c – The Mummy (1999)

5:45p/4:45c – The Mummy Returns

8:55p/7:55c – Hocus Pocus

12a/11c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Friday, Oct. 23

11a/10c – Jumanji (1995)

1:30p/12:30c – Scream

4p/3c – Scream 2

6:30p/5:30c – Beetlejuice

8:30p/7:30c – Sleepy Hollow (1999)

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Saturday, Oct. 24

7a/6c – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic

8a/7c – Halloweentown

10:05a/9:05c – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge

12:05p/11:05c – Beetlejuice

2:10p/1:10c – Sleepy Hollow (1999)

4:40p/3:40c – Hocus Pocus

6:50p/5:50c – The Addams Family (1991)

8:55p/7:55c – Addams Family Values

11p/10c – Freeform Premiere Ghostbusters (2016)

Sunday, Oct. 25

7a/6c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

9a/8c – Ghostbusters (1984)

11:30a/10:30c – The Craft

2p/1c – The Addams Family (1991)

4:05p/3:05c – Addams Family Values

6:10p/5:10c – Ghostbusters (2016)

9:20p/8:20c – Hocus Pocus

11:30p/10:30c – The Craft

WEEK OF OCTOBER 26

Monday, Oct. 26

11a/10c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

1p/12c – Casper (1995)

3p/2c – Twitches

5p/4c – Twitches Too

7p/6c – Hotel Transylvania 2

9p/8c – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Tuesday, Oct. 27

11a/10c – Casper (1995)

1p/12c – Scared Shrekless

1:30p/12:30c – Jumanji (1995)

4p/3c – Hotel Transylvania 2

6p/5c – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

8p/7c – Hocus Pocus

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Wednesday, Oct. 28

12p/11c – Jumanji (1995)

2:30p/1:30c – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

4:30p/3:30c – Matilda

6:30p/5:30c – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.

8:30p/7:30c – Disney and Pixar’s Monsters University

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Thursday, Oct. 29

12p/11c – Ghostbusters (1984)

2:30p/1:30c – Ghostbusters II

5p/4c – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

6:30p/5:30c – Sleepy Hollow (1999)

9p/8c – Beetlejuice

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Friday, Oct. 30

11a/10c – Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic

12:05p/11:05c – Sleepy Hollow (1999)

2:35p/1:35c – Beetlejuice

4:40p/3:40c – Hocus Pocus

6:50p/5:50c – The Addams Family (1991)

8:55p/7:55c – Addams Family Values

12-2a / 11-1c – The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror-thon

Saturday, Oct. 31

7a/6c – Twitches

9a/8c – Twitches Too

11a/10c –  Halloweentown

1p/12c – Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge

3p/2c – Hocus Pocus

5:10p/4:10c – The Addams Family (1991)

7:15p/6:15c – Addams Family Values

9:20p/8:20c – Hocus Pocus

11:30p/10:30c – Ghostbusters (1984)

Who’s ready to go to Halloweentown? Watch 31 Nights of Halloween all October long on Freeform.

(All programming subject to change without notice)

Preventing Eye Strain in Kids

Posted on by Angie

This school year has started in much the way the last one ended, with many districts opting for virtual learning, which means children sit at home in front of computer screens rather than in a classroom in front of teachers.

But that extra screen time – mixed with the screen time many children and teenagers spend on their own – brings with it the potential for serious eye strain, says Dr. Jeff Kegarise, an optometrist, clinical management expert.

“Spending too much time in front of screens on computers, phones and tablets can lead to headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes and more,” Kegarise says. “Gritty, scratchy, watery, or irritated eyes can be common because of all the digital devices people use these days.”

And if things aren’t bad enough, even without this added time staring at computers, about one-fourth of children in the U.S. have a vision problem significant enough to affect their performance in school, Kegarise says.

It’s not unusual for some children to spend hours staring at a video game screen, perhaps so caught up in the game’s action that they fail to notice or care about any eye discomfort that results.

Add several hours of online school, though, and eye strain becomes more difficult to ignore.

Kegarise says parents can help their children alleviate some of the eye strain by making sure they do the following:

Take breaks.

To a certain extent, students won’t have control over this because teachers will decide when breaks happen during the school day. But ideally, they should follow a 20/20 rule; take a break every 20 minutes and look away from the screen at a distant object for 20 seconds, Kegarise says.

Choose the right lighting.

The type of lighting used in the student’s work space can make a difference. Incandescent lights work better than fluorescent lights because they give off less glare, Kegarise says. “It’s also better if the light is placed over your shoulder than if it’s shining straight down on the screen because that will cause fewer reflections,” he says.

Adjust the position of the computer.

The computer monitor and the keyboard should be positioned to conform with the child’s size. Make sure the screen isn’t too high in the child’s field of view. A report by the National Institutes of Health suggests an adjustable chair is the best option to get height just right.

Remind them to blink.

Parents should remind children to blink when they spend a lot of time in front of a screen. That helps spread tears across the eyes, keeping the eyes lubricated and aiding in the prevention of dry eyes, Kegarise says.

Even without all this added screen time, children often develop vision issues that hurt their performance in school and sports, Kegarise says. Forty percent of children develop nearsightedness, he says, and it’s an even higher percentage for those who have a parent who is nearsighted. Studies also show that less time outdoors contributes to more nearsightedness progression.

“In addition, reading difficulties and attention problems are often the result of eye muscle, visual processing, and function problems.” Kegarise says. “Parents who feel that their child has a tougher time reading and comprehending than others should consider an eye health and vision exam for them. It’s possible through vision therapy to make life-changing and long-lasting improvements to their learning and confidence.”

About Dr. Jeff Kegarise

Dr. Jeff Kegarise, a board-certified optometrist and clinical management expert, is co-author with his wife, Dr. Susan Kegarise, of One Patient at a Time: The K2 Way Playbook for Healthcare & Business Success (www.theK2Way.com). He has lectured for many years on clinical disease, and his management methods were recognized by The Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Kegarise is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

Pumpkin Patches in Birmingham, Fall 2020

Posted on by Angie

Nothing says Fall like visiting one of our local Pumpkin Patches.

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!

Pumpkin Patches in Birmingham

Old Baker Farm– Harpersville – September 26th – 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.

  • Festival Weekend–  Open Saturday and Sunday, October 24th-25th, 9am-5pm (*Entrance Gate Closes Each Day at 5pm)
  • Western Cowboy Day – Saturday October 10th, 9am until Dark and Sunday, October 11th, 1pm until Dark. Shootouts, Western Music, Hay Wagon Rides, Hay Mountain, Pumpkin Patch, & More!
    Kids, come dressed in your western attire! Cost: $10 per person; kids under 2 free (Payment types accepted: Cash or Check only) Admission Fee includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, horseback rides.
  • Cotton Pickin’ Celebration – Saturday October 24th 9am – 5pm and Sunday October 25th 9am – 5pm. Cost: $10 per person; kids under 2 free (Payment types accepted: Cash or Check only) Admission Fee includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, horseback rides.

Great Pumpkin Patch – Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit. September 26th – 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 1pm – 5pm | Friday 1pm – 5pm | Saturday 9am – 5pm | Sunday 1pm – 5pm.

$10 admission per child. 1 year and under free!
Pumpkins are not included with price of admission. Admission includes all activities: hayride, petting farm, corn crib, hay maze, pipe slide, tire crawl, pipe swing, wagon train. $5 admission per adult. Admission includes all activities. Pumpkins are not included with adult admission

4D Farm
Visit 4D Farm this fall and experience a day of family fun and yummy food!  We have new activities that  you’ll love, just wait until you see our “Goats on the Barn at 4D Farm!”

Located in Cullman…just a short county drive from Birmingham and Huntsville!

September 26th – November 7th
Visit their site for specific days and times

Farm Location | 7182 County Road 703 |  Cullman, AL 35055

Helena Hollow
Saturdays and Sundays in October
10am – 6pm
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, 3rd
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!

Bennett Farms Pumpkin Patch

Posted on by Angie

Join Bennett Farms for an entertaining agricultural experience! The pumpkin patch is only open the month of October so make your plans soon!

 

PUMPKIN PICKIN’

From our pick your own patch with $3 pie pumpkins to Atlantic Giants around $24, we hope to meet all your pumpkin needs!

Carving size pumpkins range in price from $8-$14 depending on size. We have a variety of decorative pumpkins and gourds too!

Prices are marked on the pumpkins.

KITCHEN

Have a seat and relax at one of our many picnic areas with some delicious treats! We have hamburgers, hotdogs, corndogs, pork rinds, teacakes, apple pies, chips, Coke products, tea, coffee and more! And new to our menu only on the weekends – ribs, pulled pork and brisket!!

COUNTRY STORE

Our store is full of handmade items by local vendors including soaps, pottery, tasty treats, iron works, signs and succulents just to name a few. We also have t-shirts, cups, ornaments and helpful staff when you are ready to check out with a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins!​​

Credit cards are accepted for Admission, Kitchen & Country Store!

GENERAL ADMISSION

Admission $10
One & Under Free!

General Admission includes tax and all farm activities:

Corn cribs, hayride, petting farm, duck race , pipe slides, wagon train, decorate a scare crow, tire crawl, pipe swing, hay bale maze, rat run, cornhole, Fall photography displays, teepee, loblolly nature trail, samples from cookhouse, orchard, ring toss.

General Admission Hours: 

Wednesday 1-5 CST
Friday 1-5 CST
Saturday 9-5 CST
Sunday 1-5 CST

5 Healthy Home-Learning Snack/Lunch Ideas to Boost Brain Power

Posted on by Angie

By now, many parents and kids have accepted our role in distance or hybrid learning at least for the short-term. Having nutritious ready-made foods in the fridge will increase the amount of time (and focus/energy) students have to learn from home– not to mention, alleviate some of the stress parents have to deal with by planning ahead.

Patrick Quinn, parenting expert at Brainly– the world’s largest online learning and homework help community– has shared with us some recommendations and tips for healthy/quick school lunches and snacks parents can make for their kids to enhance their cognitive abilities and keep them focused. “This is a time of uncertainty and planning out lunches and sticking to a consistent lunchtime every day can help establish a sense of normalcy for kids,” he says.

Most schools want parents to keep kids on schedule, breaking for lunchtime at the same time each day in between online classes and schoolwork. If you haven’t prepared the lunches ahead, your child may not have enough time to eat before their next virtual class. It’s also important to remember: when your child is learning from home, lunch is not the end of their homeschool day. Lunch is the midpoint. “If I fill them up with empty carbs and sugar they aren’t able to learn from 1-3 p.m. It also makes things like ‘quiet reading time’ a bit of a struggle,” explains Brainly’s parenting expert, Patrick Quinn, who is the father of three school-age children of his own.

So what are some go-to staples and creative ideas for healthy, ready-made ‘school lunches’ this unprecedented school year? Here are just a few…

1. Sandwich Kabobs
This fun lunch idea is easy to prep and has almost endless variations so something is sure to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. Try making a ‘pepperoni pizza’ with mozzarella, pepperoni, tomatoes, and bread, or a ‘turkey club’ with turkey, bacon, avocado, cheese, tomatoes, and your choice of toasted bread slices.

Brainly parenting expert pro tip? “For kids who eat lunch while chatting with friends on Zoom or while they’re on their computer, sandwich kabobs are an excellent go-to for keeping fingers (and keyboards) clean and non-sticky. They’re also great for eating on the go if your kid wants to take a stroll outdoors and enjoy some nature while having lunch.”

2. Trail Mix
This snack idea is great because it can easily be prepared days in advance, which gives kids the opportunity to get in on the action. This is a great opportunity to give kids the freedom to choose their own snack while also teaching them how to balance sweet ingredients with healthy options. Parents can check out this great list of 21 healthy trail mix recipes for inspiration.

3. Homemade Chips
For a healthy spin on everyone’s favorite snack, try baking apples or zucchini in the oven. You can add your own spices/flavoring to make it the perfect snack for your kids that they don’t even realize is actually good for them. You can also find tons of creative recipes online like these decadent Cool Ranch Zucchini Chips or savory Parmesan Squash Chips.

“During the pandemic, what goes into our kids’ bodies is even more important. Whether at home or face to face, you still want to promote that philosophy of healthy eating because it’s not only important for maintaining our kids’ immune systems and physical health but also for maintaining their moods, energy levels, and mental health,” says Brainly’s parenting expert, Patrick.

4. Bite-Sized Cucumber Sandwiches
This fun snack replaces bread with cucumbers to create healthy mini sandwiches. You can fill them with pretty much anything, including cheese, deli meat, tomatoes, and even spreads such as chicken salad or guacamole. You can also use cucumbers as one of the fixings inside or atop bread (instead of as a substitution for it) then slice them up into mini bite-sized sandwiches. For more ideas on how to spruce up these bite-sized sandwiches, check out this recipe round-up blog post.

5. Energy Bites
Energy bites are a great way to keep kids full between meals due to their combo of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You can think of them as bite-sized, less messy versions of a granola bar that don’t require any baking and can be easily customized. Check out this simple yet delicious recipe to learn the basic gist of how to make energy bites before concocting your own special recipes.

“These have almost everything your kids need from a nutritional standpoint, all rolled into one tasty and fun snack. Energy bites pack in loads of healthy carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein for growth and focus during the day, and healthy fats for brain development,” adds Patrick.

There are countless other easy, healthy lunch and snack ideas online for parents with kids who are starting out this unprecedented school with distance or hybrid learning. The most important thing for parents to remember is to plan ahead, keep it simple and fun, and stick to a routine that works for your family.

For more information, visit www.brainly.com.

Stone Mountain Park Annual Pumpkin Festival Returns Sept. 19

Posted on by Angie

Stone Mountain Park’s all-new Pumpkin Festival – Play by Day, Glow by Night, an outdoor extravaganza returns bigger, better and brighter this year. Visitors are welcome to celebrate the splendor of autumn during the park’s Pumpkin Festival, a family tradition featuring dozens of new scenes, thousands of jack-o-lanterns, a giant glowing pumpkin tree, costumed characters, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, new storytelling adventures, new glow-along party parade, new glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs, new magic show, and more nighttime family-friendly experiences. Discover a patch of fall fun on acres of natural beauty beginning Sept. 19 – Nov. 1 (select dates).

Guests can play by day and experience all of their favorite park attractions and special fall entertainment, then glow by night in a whole new light.

Glow by night is an all-new, immersive experience with more glow and nighttime outdoor fun. Guests can explore 20 life-size Jurassic giants after dark at the all-new Dino Glow Experience and watch magical entertainer Aaron Radatz for a fast-paced, interactive outdoor show before he disappears.

Take an outdoor journey through classic storybook tales that come to life in 10 new themed areas with over 40 newly imagined scenes, thousands of glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, bubbles, fog and plenty of not-so-spooky, glow-in-the-dark adventures after sunset.

From fairytales to nursery rhymes, be part of the adventure as you encounter your favorite storybook characters! Discover an underwater marvel 20,000 leagues under the sea, catch a fairytale remix with Mother Goose, watch an all-new story book dance-along party parade on the laser lawn, and join the 3 little pigs for an adventure on the scenic railroad. Come immerse yourself in outdoor picture-book settings with fun fall decor and much, much more!

For tickets and activity schedule, visit www.stonemountainpark.com

In order to provide safe outdoor entertainment, Stone Mountain Park is reducing and managing its daily attractions capacity. The park is implementing a number of new safety measures based on the guidance of health officials including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. Reservations are required and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Guests are also encouraged to review important health and safety procedures at the following link before visiting park attractions: https://www.stonemountainpark.com/PlaySafe.

 

5 Things to Know: Moundville Archaeological Park

Posted on by Kristen Berthiaume

The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park is located 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa and is home to 29 massive flat-topped earthen mounds constructed by the Mississippian people and carefully arranged around a vast central plaza. Called “The Big Apple of the 14 th Century” by National Geographic Magazine, Moundville was once America’s largest city north of Mexico. In addition to the museum, village, and the mounds themselves, the park also features a half-mild nature trail, picnic areas, and a campground.

1) There is an admission fee to enter – $8 for adults and $6 for kids. Also, be sure everyone has a face mask – you’ll need them to enter any of the buildings. If your party is larger than 10 people, you’ll need to split into smaller groups.

2) After you leave the welcome center, you have the opportunity to climb 80-something steps to reach the top of one mound, which provides a great view of the entire area (and should help you rack up steps on your Fitbit)

3) You can get a look at lots of the artifacts found on site in the museum building. Here, you’ll also find dioramas of the Mississipian people wearing traditional clothing and holding tools and household items. My kids were convinced the figures were “real” people – they’re pretty lifelike! Before you leave this area, be sure to check out the gift and coffee shops.

4) Just a short walk from the museum and through the woods is a replica of the village in which the Mississippian people lived. You can walk in each hut to see tableaus of crafting, food storage and preparation, and even a burial arrangement.

5) Behind the village, you can catch a beautiful view of the Black Warrior River.

Moundville Archaeology Park is located at:

634 Mound State Parkway
Moundville, AL

 

Pure Training Online Program

Posted on by Angie

Did the pandemic do a number on your waist line? If it crept up, and now you’re feeling lethargic and not like yourself, this new program from local Mom, fitness coach and owner of Pure Fitness, Erin Holtz, can help you! There is no better time to get fit and healthy all while being on the go, stuck at home, or home schooling your kids!

If you aren’t in the Birmingham area, or your schedule doesn’t work for traditional group training or gym time now with all of the changes to our work and school schedules, this program will make getting back on track easy, all from your own home, when it works for you.

This 12 Week program with Personalized Workouts is designed to ease you into reaching your goals. Full body workouts designed for Weight loss/gain, toning, increase muscle mass, boosting metabolism, and increasing energy. Some of what you can expect:

  • Weekly Workouts
  • Virtual calls
  • Online accountability group
  • Access to certified personal trainers
  • Nutrition coaching

The Personal Trainers of Pure Fitness work as a team to meet your needs and accommodate your schedule. Each Trainer is certified and has a 4 year college degree in a health related field and work with all ages, fitness levels, injuries, and pre-existing condition.

For more information about this 12 week program visit the Pure Fitness Website!

 

Birmingham Zoo to Open for Labor Day

Posted on by Angie

In celebration of the Labor Day holiday, the Birmingham Zoo will be open on Monday, September 7 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Zoo will be offering a discounted admission of $8 to First Responders and Healthcare Workers (with valid ID/badge) and up to four (4) guests at $8 each from Saturday, September 5 until Monday, September 7. Discounted admission tickets will only be sold onsite at the Zoo’s front entrance ticket booths.

The Birmingham Zoo is incredibly grateful for all our first responders and healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly through the Covid-19 pandemic. The Zoo is a fun and relaxing place where frontline workers can enjoy time with their friends and family, while connecting to wildlife and the natural world. “We want First Responders and Healthcare workers to know their Birmingham Zoo supports them. We are thankful for the sacrifices they make, every day and especially during this pandemic,” said Birmingham Zoo President & CEO, Chris Pfefferkorn. “They are true heroes whose dedication, commitment and courage deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration.“

Labor Day at the Zoo offers something for everyone to enjoy! Visitors can take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train* and spin on the Protective Life Carousel* at Children’s Zoo (*Additional cost). Daily activities, rides, and animal encounters at the Zoo are weather dependent.

The Red Diamond Express train and Protective Life carousel are operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase onsite and online at birminghamzoo.com. The Zoo’s main Gift Shop is open for guests to purchase their favorite specialty items. The Predator and South America/Primate buildings are open for visitors to see indoor animal habitats in these areas as they travel the one-way path through the Zoo.

All guests and Members of the Zoo are required to follow our health and safety guidelines, including face coverings for individuals over the age of six (6), in accordance with State of Alabama ordinance mandating the wearing of face coverings in public places. For the health and safety of our staff, guests, and animals, the Birmingham Zoo will continue to monitor and evaluate our operations and modify our procedures as needed.

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