Christmas Tree Lots and Farms in Birmingham

Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 by Angie

When it comes to getting a fresh tree for the Holidays, there is no shortage of places around Birmingham. Where is your favorite spot to pick out your tree?

Christmas Tree Lots In Birmingham

Poppy’s

With 30 years of experience in the Christmas Tree business in the Birmingham area, Poppy’s provide beautiful trees to individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods.

4476 Montevallo Road | Birmingham | Website

Howell’s Christmas Trees

For over 30 years, the Howell family has been bringing premium, fraser firs to Birmingham. Care, service and experience are paramount at Howell Christmas Trees. Opens for the season the day after Thanksgiving.

3927-3931 Crosshaven Dr | Vestavia | Website

Warren Family Garden Center

Fraser Firs, Grand Firs, Noble Firs & Nordmans from the west coast & the east coast. Take your tree stand or purchase one from there if you want your tree flocked or delivered.

1009 Old Cedar Grove Rd | Leeds | Website

Mountain Scout Tree Sale Lots

The Mountain Scout Tree Sale has been in operation since 1959 raising funds for Boy Scout Troops in the over the mountain area. There are 11 troops involved in the sale with lot locations in Vestavia, Hoover and Homewood. The sale is run by volunteers, the Scouts and their parents.

741 Montgomery Highway | Vestavia | November 23rd – December 22nd

Monday – Friday 12:30- 9pm
Saturday 8am – 9pm
Sunday 12:30pm – 9pm

5561 Grove Blvd | Hoover | November 23rd – December 22nd

Open Everyday 12:30 – 9pm

3001 Independence Drive | Homewood | November 29th – December 22nd

Open Everyday 12:30 – 9pm

Christmas Tree Farms Near Birmingham

Pine Hill Farms

Enjoy the feel of an old-fashioned Christmas with a visit to Pine Hill Farms. It’s not just the place to find the perfect Christmas Tree, it’s an adventure for the whole family!

538 Pine Hill Circle | Tarrant | Website

Old Baker Farm

Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm is open the day after Thanksgiving through December 24, 7 Days a Week 9am-Dark. Enjoy Complimentary Hot Apple Cider, Candy Canes, and a hayride through the Christmas trees!

184 Furrow Lane | Harpersville | Website

Clear Creek Farm Christmas Tree Farm

The farm offers complimentary hot chocolate and hayrides. Bring cash (preferred) or check; no credit/debit cards. Opens for the season the day after Thanksgiving.

1201 Lamon Chapel Road | Jasper | Website

Beavers Christmas Tree Farm

Beavers Christmas Tree Farm is NOW OPEN for the 2019 season, with limited days of operation (Fridays-Mondays ONLY 9 AM – dark). Last day open will be 12/15. Head to Beavers Christmas Tree Farm for a wonderful family experience.

10093 Bradford Trafford Rd | Trafford | Website

Why Cleaning Your Air Ducts Is Worth It

Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 by Angie

Air ducts are the lungs of your home – whatever they breathe in, you breathe in too. An air duct system not only circulates air but also particles like dust mites, dirt, and mold. Being out of sight, it may not be top of mind to have them professionally cleaned, but we’re here to tell you why regular air duct cleaning should be top of mind and top of your priority list. If you’re not convinced air duct cleaning is necessary, check out these reasons why the investment is worth it.

Air Duct Cleaning can get rid of dust mites and allergies

Each year, the average house collects 40 lbs of dust, dirt, and allergens! This pile-up adds weight to your ducts and pollutes the air you breathe with irritants like dust mites. According to the EPA indoor levels of dust mites are higher than outdoor levels. And our friends at AAFA say that dust mites may be the most common trigger of year-round allergies and asthma. This means your home traps allergy and asthma aggravators until you get them out.

Cleaning your air ducts is a great way to get rid of dust mites and get back to fresher breathing. However, be sure to research what air duct cleaning methods a company uses. Some air duct cleaning methods use chemical sealants to clean air ducts. This can lead to more irritation once the sealants break down over time and start circulating back into our air ducts. At Stanley Steemer, we use a powerful HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean furnaces, evaporator coils, blowers, and vent covers for a safe clean.

Reduces air pollution in your home

It’s important to understand that indoor air pollution comes from a mix of contamination sources and affects your indoor air quality. IAQ is the nature of air as it affects our health and well-being in our homes. It is impacted by your indoor environment with factors such as inadequate temperature, poor air circulation, and ventilation system issues. Air contaminants like chemicals, dust, molds, bacteria and others also play a role. If your home has poor IAQ, you may experience symptoms including: dry or irritated eyes, nose, throat, and skin; headaches, sinus congestion, coughing, sneezing, and other related symptoms.

Any handling of chemicals, smoke or gas can create polluted air. Specifically, the EPA estimates that during and hours after certain activities, such as paint stripping, indoor levels may be 1,000 times higher than outdoor levels. With people spending 90% of their time indoors, it’s key that we prioritize air duct cleaning to reduce the air pollution that is dispersed throughout our home. For extra protection, our air duct technicians can install an in-duct air purifier that uses UV light to sterilize the air being circulated to prevent the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria.

Increases the efficiency of your HVAC System

Years of buildup can hinder the flow of your HVAC system, making the system less efficient and much more costly. Air duct cleaning helps to maximize the efficiency and flow of air in your home by unclogging heaps of dirt and debris. When you get your air ducts cleaned, you allow the fans in the system to work with ease, circulating clean air. If you’re unsure about the condition of your air ducts, we offer free inspection of all the air ducts in your home to assess if you’re due for a service.

Refreshes your home for buying or selling

Air duct cleaning is essential if you’re buying or selling your home. If you recently bought a home, you are moving into a space where the previous owner’s buildup and debris are circulating your vents. It could possibly be the first time the home has had the air ducts properly cleaned. Additionally, if you’re selling your home, air duct cleaning ensures that you are leaving the place in the best possible condition and helping the HVAC system work efficiently. Lastly, with buying and selling typically comes renovations and construction is a big source of dust and irritants entering into our home’s airways.

Saves you money

Wondering how often to clean air ducts? NADCA recommends having your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years. Furnace cleaning is invaluable to the way your home breathes and performs. Making sure your HVAC system is well-maintained makes it more likely to last longer, which reduces the need for costly repairs. Air duct cleaning may seem like a big expense, but it’s a smart investment compared to the cost of replacing an HVAC system which can average between $4,800 to $9,300 in installation. With 40 lbs of dirt and allergens accumulating every year, you should be sure to flush out your air ducts regularly to save money in the long run.

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services. Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line. Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available!

Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

November is National Adoption Awareness Month

Posted on Monday, November 25, 2019 by Angie

National Adoption Awareness Month is a time to celebrate families growing through adoption, and SAFY of Alabama is working to raise awareness for the more than 123,000 children and youth nationwide who are waiting to be adopted from Foster Care.

While all aspects of the adoption related issues are important, the focus of this month is on adoption of children who are currently in foster care and hoping to be placed in their forever homes.

Each year, more children enter the system than are adopted. The typical child who has been freed for adoption is at least 8 years old, moves three or more times in foster care, may have been separated from siblings, and will wait five years or more to be adopted. Tragically, tens of thousands will never be adopted and will leave the system at age 18 without families.

One in five of the children in foster care are teens, and at risk of aging out with no permanent family (according to ChildWelfare.gov). Older youth – kids ages 15-18 years old – represent only 5 percent of all
adoptions that take place each year.

Why does this matter? Not only because of the grim statistics facing teens who age out of foster care – which include increased risk for homelessness, human trafficking and incarceration, but also because every youth deserves to have a forever family who will be there as a support in navigating all life’s milestones – high school, college, finding a job and learning the life skills needed for an independent, successful adulthood.

All children deserve loving, permanent homes and there is a critical need for people to become involved. For families thinking about adoption there is no doubt a lot to consider, and that’s were programs like SAFY can help. SAFY provides specialized supports for families adopting youth from foster care. When a child is unable to return to their biological family, SAFY walks with them on their journey to a forever family by supporting families looking to adopt through foster care.

To learn more, visit www.SAFY.org

Recipe: Bourbon Buttermilk Pie

Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2019 by Angie

As I was searching the interwebs looking for something new and different to add to my Thanksgiving menu, I came across this recipe for Bourbon Buttermilk Pie… I’m a sucker for anything that calls for bourbon, if you are too, let’s both try this for our dessert table!

Ingredients:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, defrosted
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups Imperial Sugar Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons bourbon or whiskey
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

Place one rack in lowest position of oven and one in center, then preheat oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, beat eggs on low speed just until mixed, then add sugar, flour and salt, mixing until incorporated. Add melted butter and mix well.
Gently stir in buttermilk, bourbon, lemon zest, vanilla and nutmeg. Pour into prepared pie shell. Bake pie at the bottom of oven for 20 minutes, then carefully transfer to center of oven bake an additional 40 minutes, until the center is set and a thin crust forms on top. Check the pie 30 minutes into baking—if crust is browning too quickly, shield it with foil and continue cooking until finished. Serve warm, cool, or at room temperature.
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Recipe and Photo from Imperial Sugar Website

Find the Perfect Tree at Pine Hill Farms

Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2019 by Angie

Enjoy the feel of an old-fashioned Christmas with a visit to Pine Hill Farms. It’s not just the place to find the perfect Christmas Tree, it’s an adventure for the whole family!

In addition to offering multiple varieties of trees you can cut yourself and pre-cut trees, they offer a lot of fun attractions! Hop onto their tractor-pulled cart and enjoy a grand tour of the farm. Tractor rides available from 9 am to sundown. Enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and the best apple cider you’ve ever had served in the gift shoppe.

The Gift Shoppe offers an amazing selection of ornaments, decorations, gifts, jewelry and knick-knacks. Whether your taste is rustic, whimsical or sophisticated, you will find an amazing selection of goods for every budget and every decor.

Rich Miller, will be demonstrating live forging sessions on the weekends during the 2019 season starting Thanksgiving Day. Click here for his schedule.

In addition to trees, you can order wreaths and garland. Pine Hill Farms also offers delivery and set up. If you’re too busy to get to the farm, they can deliver a tree to your specifications, with or without flocking and lights.

Pine Tree Farms is located at:

538 Pine Hill Cir
Tarrant City, Alabama 35217

Open Daily now 9am – 6pm (Including Thanksgiving Day)

If you’re looking for more options for Lots and/or Farms in and around Birmingham, we’ve got you covered with this list!

Zoolight Safari 2019 at the Birmingham Zoo

Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 by Angie

Zoolight Safari kicks off for another magical season on December 6th!

Watch as the Birmingham Zoo comes alive for a jubilant holiday celebration at our 26th annual ZooLight Safari presented by Wells Fargo! Be amazed by enchanting illuminations and a million sparkling lights. Enjoy the sounds of seasonal songs and holiday classics as you delight in delicious treats and decadent desserts at the S’mores & More station! Get creative making crafts, decorating ornaments, and writing letters to Santa. Take a merry ride on the Candy Cane Train, go for a spin on the Jingle Bell Carousel, dash down the Polar Plunge Slide, and enjoy fun holiday themed games!

Guests will be captivated by the festive décor and a nearly 30 ft. tall tree of lights on our dazzling new Welcome Plaza. Dance and sing the night away under the stars with spectacular live entertainment. Capture the joy of your loved ones in a photo with Santa at the Holiday Card Photo Op. In addition to the incredible holiday magic, ZooLight Safari will feature special nights with surprise guests and joyous performances, including Singing Santa! Start a new holiday tradition with the Birmingham Zoo during the 2019 ZooLight Safari presented by Wells Fargo!

December 6th – 8th
December 13th – 23rd
December 26th – 30th

5pm – 9pm

Zoolight Safari is free for Zoo Members. Non Members $10 for admission only.

Rides Pricing:

Ride Ticket $3.50 — not included with admission
Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10 — not included with admission
Non-Member Ticket + Unlimited Attraction Wristband $20

To purchase tickets online, visit the Birmingham Zoo Website

Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Dip

Posted on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 by Angie

If you’re looking for a way to mix things up this Thanksgiving, but want to keep with the tradition of Pumpkin Pie… Try it in a dip!

Bowl of pumpkin Pie dip with ginger snaps — Photo: Delish

Ingredients:

1 package cream cheese, softened
2 c powdered sugar
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin pie filling
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger

Instructions:

Beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth, then add the remaining ingredients and beat well.
Cover and chill overnight.

Serve with apple slices and ginger snaps.

Winter Break Camps in Birmingham

Posted on Monday, November 18, 2019 by Angie

Looking for some great Winter Break Camps for the kiddos? If you have to work or just need some extra time to finish up all of the Holiday prepping, check out these camps happening that will keep the kids happy while you maintain your sanity!

Winter Break Camps in Birmingham

Birmingham Zoo
December 23rd, 27th, 30th and January 2nd-3rd | 8:30 – 3:30
Register Here

Zoo Camps are educational and encourage active learning through games, crafts, age-appropriate explorations, and special encounters with a variety of our resident animals. Rich in STEM-based explorations, these camps engage the natural curiosity of a child and allow ample opportunity to practice critical emerging science skills. Learning has never been so much FUN!

Blockout Volleyball Academy
December 21st and 22nd, 27th, 28th and 29th
Register Here

Middle school and Highschool camps, for various skills and levels. See registration link for full details

Homewood Rec Center
December 23rd, 26th & 27th, 30th & 31st | January 2nd and 3rd
Register Here

Mason Music
December 30 and 31st | January 1-3
Register Here

Winter Break for Beginners. For students 6-9 years old who have little or no experience with music and may be wondering which instrument is right for them, Mason Music offers a half-day music camp during winter break. This camp allows each student to learn how to sing and play instruments like the guitar, piano, drums and violin.

McWane Science Center
December 30th – January 3rd | Morning Camps for 4K – Kindergarten | Full Day Camps for 1st – 6th
Register Here

McWane Science Center camps provide child-directed, inquiry-based learning through hands-on activities, designed to boost curiosity, STEM skills, and critical thinking. Campers participate in engaging educational activities, explore the museum’s exhibits, and experience how much fun active learning can be. Each camp is designed for the skill level of the age group and we ask that grade levels be observed. Enrollment is limited to ensure a quality experience. Registrants may attend only those camps for which they are registered. Registrations are not transferable.

UAB
December 20th, and 23rd. January 2nd and 3rd
Register Here

UAB day camps are designed for parents who have to work while their children are out of school. Children have the opportunity to explore adventure sports, create exciting crafts, dive into aquatic activities, or participate in anything else UAB Campus Recreation has to offer — all under one roof. The camp schedule is from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and is available to children 5-12 years of age. Snacks are provided, but campers need to provide their own lunch. The cost per day for UAB affiliates is $40 per child, and $50 for non-UAB affiliates.

YMCA
Multiple Dates and Various YMCA Locations in Birmingham
Click Here to Register

The BIG McWane Discount 2019

Posted on Saturday, November 16, 2019 by Angie

We’re partnering up with the McWane Science Center for their Annual Membership Drive, and we’re offering Birmingham Moms some BIG Savings!

We’re offering this AMAZING discount of $20 off any membership level to our readers, and it’s good for 1 week only!! November 17th – November 23rd.

It’s THE biggest discount you will see this year for the McWane Science Center and it’s only available through BirminghamMommy.com

Here’s how to take advantage of this deal:

Use Code BHAMMOMMY19 to purchase online at McWane.org
Purchase in person from a BirminghamMommy representative (Schedule of locations below)
In person at the McWane Center

If you’re currently a McWane member, you can renew for next year at this rate!

You can purchase as many of these memberships as you want as gifts! Tip: Call the grandparents, aunts and uncles and let them know this is what your kids want for Christmas. They can mark you off of their shopping list and it takes up no space in your house! A win/win for everyone.

We’re moms, we know you’ll be out and running errands. To make purchasing easier, we will be set up at some offsite locations that we hope will be convenient for you.

Here is a tentative schedule of where we will be and when. We will be updating any changes to these locations and times on Social Media. Please make sure to check before heading out. Look for a BirminghamMommy Rep in the following locations. (We’ll be wearing our BhamMommy t-shirts!)

Sunday:

Sweet Frog at Lee Branch 2pm – 4pm
$1.00 off a Sweet Frog Purchase with the purchase or renewal of a McWane Membership

Monday: