Girlology and Guyology at Children’s of Alabama

Posted on Sunday, August 25, 2019 by Angie

Children’s of Alabama Hosting Workshops for Parents and Pre-teens on Understanding Puberty.

If it’s time to have “the talk” with your children, make plans to attend the Girlology and Guyology workshops for pre-teens and parents on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Children’s of Alabama Bradley Lecture Center (1600 5th Avenue South).

Girlology and Guyology is a growing national program started by two physicians and moms in Charleston, S.C., to help parents and their children have age-appropriate, medically accurate and cringe-free conversations about puberty and emerging sexuality through a series of programs that targets adolescents and teens.

Each workshop is $50 per child-parent/trusted adult pair. Registration is online at www.girlology.com/pages/events . Free parking for the Girlology and Guyology workshops will be available in the Children’s 5th Avenue parking deck.

For girls and their parents, there will be two workshops:
1:30-3:30pm, Something New About YOU – helping girls face puberty with greater confidence, this session is geared towards girls ages 8–11
4-6 p.m., Reproduction – providing kids with accurate, age-appropriate information about sex, this session is geared towards girls ages 10-12

For boys and their parents, there will be two workshops:
1:30-3:30 p.m., Just the Facts – equipping boys with the knowledge to navigate puberty, this session is geared towards boys ages 9–11
4-6 p.m., Reproduction – providing kids with accurate, age-appropriate information about sex, this session is geared towards boys ages 10-12

Labor Day at the Zoo : First Responder Discount Days

Posted on Friday, August 23, 2019 by Angie

Spend your Labor Day at the Birmingham Zoo! Splash in the fountains, take a ride on the train*, zip down the wild slide*, enjoy a Wildlife Show and experience all the Zoo has to offer.

In honor of Labor Day, the Zoo is offering a discounted admission of $8 to First Responders and up to four (4) guests at $8 each. First Responders must show valid ID or badge to receive discounted admission.

*Additional cost

When:
Saturday, August 24 until Sunday, September 8

Offer:
$8 admission for one (1) First Responder and up to four (4) guests at $8 each.

Please Note: First Responders are employees of an emergency service responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance, such as: EMT/Paramedics, Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers.

Labor Day at the Zoo Activities Schedule:
August 24 – September 8
*Activities are Weather Dependent

All Adventure Wristband
*Can be purchased only on weekends, Saturday & Sunday with special holiday purchase on Labor Day – Monday, September 2
Cost: $12.50 plus tax

Includes unlimited rides on train, carousel & slide (when open), PLUS one giraffe feeding and one lorikeet feeding
*All rides are weather dependent.

Children’s Zoo Splash Pads
9am – 4:45pm — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
9am – 5:45pm — Saturday, Sunday
Weather Dependent

Full Moon BBQ Wild Slide
9am – 4:45pm — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
9am – 5:45pm — Saturday, Sunday
Cost: $3.50 plus tax
Riders must be 4 years of age and 40 inches tall to ride

Protective Life Carousel Rides
9am – 4:45pm — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
9am – 5:45pm — Saturday, Sunday
Cost: $3.50 plus tax
Children under two, receive a free ride on the carousel with a paid accompanying adult.
Children two and older must have a ride ticket.

Red Diamond Express Train Ride
9am – 4:45pm — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
9am – 5:45pm — Saturday, Sunday
Cost: $3.50 plus tax

Goat Walk
Daily – 9:30am
This exciting experience is an enrichment activity/exercise for our goats and is not interactive for guests, but is viewable from the walking paths around Alabama Wilds. Please note, the route of the goat walk varies and goats may be walked through certain areas restricted to guests.

MyEyeDr. Lorikeet Aviary
10am – 2pm — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
10am – 5pm — Saturday, Sunday
$2 plus tax
Weather dependent

Sea Lion Training
10am — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
2pm — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Red Diamond Sea Lion Show
10am — Saturday, Sunday
2pm — Saturday, Sunday

Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
10am – 3pm — Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Cost, $3.50 plus tax
Weather dependent

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Show
11:00am — Saturday, Sunday

Coca-Cola UNITED Predator Zone Lion Training
11:30am — Saturday, Sunday
3pm — Saturday, Sunday
This exciting experience puts you face-to-face with African lions. Watch how the keepers care for the lions during this narrated presentation. Predator Zone features a training area where zookeepers and visitors are on the same level as the animals. See behind-the-scenes training that the keepers conduct on a daily basis to care for the Zoo’s lions.

Animal Greetings at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Stage
2:30pm — Saturday, Sunday

Museum Day at Southern Museum of Flight

Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2019 by Angie

Head over to the Southern Museum of Flight this Saturday for a day of fun and flying at Membership Day!

Membership day is an open house in which families can experience fun and engaging activities at the museum, such as building airplanes and helicopters, free food, face painting, video games and health screening. Families can also enjoy airplane exploration and vintage jeeps!

Saturday August 14th, 10am – 2pm

Panda Express: Meals the Whole Family Will Love

Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 by Angie

When school and sports are in full swing we don’t have a lot of time for grocery shopping and sit down dinners at home. We’re always looking for places we can hit up when we’re bustling to and fro. Quick and tasty is always a plus… Enter, Panda Express.

Panda Express serves American Chinese cuisine and checks both boxes of quick AND tasty. Bonus checks for making all 3 of my kids happy! That rarely ever happens. With an offering of premium proteins, handcraft sauces, and freshly chopped vegetables prepared by skilled chefs using powerful wok, they truly offer something delicious for everyone’s taste.

So, what’s good? We opted for the new Sichuan Hot Chicken Strips. Since they’re only offered for a limited time, we were struck with a bit of FOMO at the thought of ordering something else. 2 of my kiddos decided to kick it up a notch and go for the extra spicy, I stuck with the regular and was perfectly happy with the level of spice.

My oldest who doesn’t like spice in any form or fashion tried the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken from their Wok Smart menu which offers several dishes that are lower in calories but maintain that excellent Chinese inspired flavor, pair that with some steamed brown rice or super greens and you can walk away feeling good about your healthy dining options and calling it a miracle that you managed to get a healthy meal in while running crazy all across town.

We did a bowl that includes 1 entree and 1 side and the portions were more than any of us could finish on our own – yay for leftovers! For the small set in the family, they offer kids meals that include any 1 Jr Side, 1 Jr Entree, 12 oz Drink & Cookie.

If it’s been a long day and you just want to get home, Panda Express offers online ordering so you can skip the line or pick up and be on your way (back to nagging the kids about homework and having things packed and ready for the next school day.)

Panda Express has several locations across Birmingham and surrounding areas, including:

101 Resource Parkway (Birmingham, AL)
245 South Colonial Drive (Alabaster, AL)
500 East Melghan Blvd (Gadsden, AL)
5505 AL Hwy NW (Cullman, AL)
20 Common Way (Oxford, AL)

Have you taken advantage of the convenience of Panda Express? What’s your favorite menu item we need to try on our next visit?

Thank you Panda Express for sponsoring this post

Sidewalk Film Festival: Guide to Family Screenings

Posted on Monday, August 19, 2019 by Angie

Sidewalk Film Festival kicks off this week in Birmingham. It will no doubt be another great year of films, food, panels and parties. Mixed in with all of those films and parties… Family Films! Sidewalk is actually for kids too! You will be able to see some brand new family-friendly shorts and features along with some all age classics we enjoyed as kids.

All Family films will will be screened at the McWane Science Center, Rushton Theater on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th.

Sidewalk Family Film Festival Lineup

Saturday:

Saturday Kids Shorts – This block is great for older kids (elementary school and up). – Saturday, 10am

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back – Saturday, 11am

Wonders of the World – Produced by students of the 2019 Afilm Camp – Saturday, 11:40am

Ocean Quest- Saturday, 1:10pm

By Kids For Kids – Check out these local short films made by kids, for kids. – Saturday, 2:45pm

Shedding – Saturday 4:35pm

Sunday:

Kids Shorts: Little Ones – These films are great for the whole family! – Sunday, 10:00am

Sunday Kids Shorts – This block is great for older kids (elementary school and up) – Sunday, 11:45am

The Karate Kid (1984) – Sunday, 3:30pm

To purchase tickets to these family friendly screenings, visit the Sidewalk Film Festival Website

Social Media Apps Every Parent Should Know

Posted on Thursday, August 15, 2019 by Angie

Statistics show that one out of every five teens has been contacted by a child predator online.

As parents it’s our job to protect our kids, but in this digital age it can sometimes feel like a daunting task. And while the apps themselves do not pose an actual threat to our kids safety, they can provide an opportunity to expose, persuade, and, potentially lead kids to make bad decisions. Thankfully, the same technology that makes us fearful for our children and their safety, provides plenty of resources and information for parents, too.

Keep in mind that no amount of research or knowledge is as beneficial as maintaining an open line of communication with your child. Set boundaries, ground rules and consequences, but most of all let them know that you’re a safe space and that they can come to you no matter what they encounter online.

With that said, there are constantly new apps popping up, some you might be aware of, some you might not. Here’s a quick guide for reference.

MocoSpace
The features of the site are similar to other social networking sites. Features include mobile games, chat, instant messaging, eCards, and photos. Considered by law enforcement to be one of the most popular apps for use by child predators.

WhatsApp
Popular messaging app that allows users to send texts, photos, voicemails and make calls and video chats worldwide. WhatsApp uses internet connection on smart phones and computers.

Monkey
The Monkey app allows kids to chat with new people from all over the world. Users are randomly matched with other users for a brief, introductory video call. When matched with a new person, you can add more time or add the person on Snapchat to continue the connection. No age verification in place in order to provide a safer environment for young users

Omegle
With a tagline of “Talk To Strangers” it’s easy to guess why this app is dangerous for kids. The Omegle app picks individuals at random for you to chat or video message with one on one.

LiveMe
Live streaming video app that uses geolocation to share videos so users can find out a broadcasters exact location. Users can earn “coins” as a way to “pay” minors for their photos.

Snapchat
One of the most popular apps by far, it’s popularity came by promising that users can take photos, and videos that will disappear. Snapchat now offers the ability for stories where content is available for up to 24 hours. Allows users to see you location

Kik
Kik allows anyone to contact and direct message your child. Kids can bypass traditional text messaging features. Kik gives unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Whisper
An anonymous social network that promotes sharing secrets with strangers. Reveals users locations so people can meet up.

Calculator
Secret app designed to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.

AskFM
Known for cyber bullying, this app encourages users to allow anonymous people to ask them questions.

Mappen
Mappen App (AKA: Make Something Happen) is a social media app that focuses on location sharing. Users share their location on the Mappen app and what they’re doing with their friends so that they can get together in real life.

Hot or Not
Encourages users to rate your profile, check out people in their area and chat with strangers. In short, a hook up app.

TikTok
Formerly known as Musical.y, TikTok is used for creating and sharing short videos. Limited privacy settings available, users can be exposed to cyber bullying and explicit content.

Holla
Self proclaimed addicting video chat app that allows users to meet people from all over the world in just seconds. Reviewers say they have been confronted with racial slurs, explicit content, and more.

Popular Dating Apps:

While social dating apps are meant for adults, the threshold for setting up an account is fairly low, should an underage child want to create an account, giving a little mis-information is about all it takes.

MeetMe
Allows users to connect with people based on geographic proximity. Users are encouraged to meet each other in person.

Grindr
Dating app geared towards, gays, bi and transgender people. This app gives users options to chat, share photos, and meet up based on smart phone GPS location.

Bumble
Similar to Tinder, only Bumble requires women to make the first contact. Kids are easily able to set up fakes accounts by falsifying their age and information.

Skout
Location based dating app and website, kids under the age of 17 are not allowed to share private photos but this rule can easily be bypassed by using a false age.

Badoo
Dating and social networking app where users can chat, share videos and photos and connect with others based on location. Meant for adults, it is common for underage kids to create profiles for catfishing.

For even more information on the dangers of excessive screen time, follow these tips on preventing digital damage and managing your child’s screen time.

For more in depth reviews on apps and games, check out Common Sense Media

2019 Holiday Film Series, Alabama Theatre

Posted on Thursday, August 15, 2019 by Angie

It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year.. and the Alabama Theatre has released their Holiday Film Series. Go ahead and make your plans, tickets are on sale now!

Friday, Dec. 6: White Christmas, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7: The Polar Express ($12), 10 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7: The Polar Express ($12), 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7: Christmas Vacation, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8: Miracle on 34th Street (1947), 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8: Elf, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 9: It’s A Wonderful LIfe, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 10: Home Alone, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 12: Elf, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13: A Christmas Story, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14: Cartoon Matinee Triple Feature*, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14: It’s A Wonderful Life, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 15: White Christmas Sing-Along, 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15: Home Alone, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 16: It’s A Wonderful Life, 2 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 16: Christmas Vacation, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17: White Christmas, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: Elf, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 18: A Christmas Story, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: Christmas Vacation, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19: Cartoon Matinee Triple Feature*, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20: Home Alone, 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20: Die Hard, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21: Miracle on 34th Street (1994), 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21: Christmas Vacation, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22: Elf, 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22: White Christmas, 7 p.m.

*Cartoon Matinee Triple Feature includes “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Doors and box office open 90 minutes before showtime. There will be a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer organ before each film.

Tickets are $9 each, with the exception of “The Polar Express,” which is a fundraiser for Kid One Transport.

Tickets are available in advance now through Ticketmaster.

Fairytales and Frogs Day at the Birmingham Zoo

Posted on Thursday, August 15, 2019 by Angie

Princes, princesses and all other fairytale characters are invited to the Birmingham Zoo to join the celebration of the 4th annual Fairytales & Frogs Day on Saturday, August 17, from 10am-2pm. Festivities are free for Members or with paid admission to the Zoo.

Children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume for the magical day where fairytales come alive. All royal subjects attending will receive a crown (while supplies last). Photo opportunities will be plentiful as several costumed characters will be present to entertain the attendees.

Fairytales and Frogs Day will also feature special keeper chats and animal demonstrations, arts and crafts.

COST
Event festivities are included with paid admission to the Zoo and are free for Members.

Location
Children’s Zoo

WHAT TO KNOW
*Guests will enjoy lawn games, art & crafts, and splash pads.
*Special appearances and photo op with The Enchanted Princesses and Miss Alabama, Tiara Pennington.
**Enchanted Princesses 10am-2pm
**Miss Alabama 10am-12pm
*Guests will also enjoy Face Painting from 10am until 2pm

After School Snacks Made Easy

Posted on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 by Angie

Do your kids barge through the door in the afternoons starving like ravenous wolves looking for their first meal in a week? Mine sure do. If they aren’t looking for a pre homework snack, they’re rummaging for something quick before heading out again for training or practice. Here are a few easy after school snack ideas that are quick and healthy!

No Bake Monster Cookies

This is a treat I usually make at night. This kids love to help make these and they taste delicious. We do not always have m&ms on hand so we substitute raisins or anything in the pantry that sounds good. We are flexible like that.

Ingredients:

1.5 cups of old fashioned oats

½ cup creamy peanut butter

¼ cup honey

1/3 cup mini m&ms

1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (or raisins)

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until everything is combined. Roll into bite sized balls and place on a cookie sheet in the fridge until solid. You can store them in Ziploc bags or Tupperware containers. Ours usually do not last long enough for lengthy storage! This is one of my favorites because it is a snack the kids can get themselves without mom’s help.

Banana Roll Ups

Ingredients:

Tortillas or bread slices

½ cup of peanut butter/Nutella/or spread

1 banana

Originally we tried these with tortillas but my kids prefer them with bread. It is not as pretty but just as tasty. Like the other recipes these are simple to adapt while keeping a great taste. With the tortilla you smear the whole piece with your spread and then roll your banana in it like a sushi roll. Then slice it. With the bread we have to roll the slices to thin them out enough to get the spread and banana all the way in the wrap.

Apple Cookies

Ingredients:

Apples

½ cup of peanut butter/Nutella/any sort of apple spread

raisins/chocolate chips/granola/whatever floats your boat

This one is super easy and versatile. We slice our apples in circles and cut out the core. Then we just add the toppings we are in the mood for and voila! Our favorite is granny smith with peanut butter and chocolate chips but we have also used other apples, Nutella, raisins, granola, cranberry’s, etc. I am not sure you can really do apple cookies wrong. Easy and delicious!

What is your go-to afternoon snack for your hungry

Vulcan Aftertunes Returns for a 15th Season

Posted on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 by Angie

One of the best events for music lovers in Birmingham returns to Vulcan for it’s 15th Season. The annual event series invites residents across the Birmingham region to connect and enjoy cool tunes, craft brews and sweet views along with everyone’s favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan.

The first installment of the series will take place on Sept. 22 and feature Logan Ledger, a country music artist that’s considered one of “country music’s best up-and-coming traditionalist” by The Boot.

The second installment of the series will take place on Sept. 29 and feature Griffin House, an alternative/rock singer and songwriter who is known for captivating listeners with vulnerable and authentic lyrics reflecting on his life experiences

The final installment of the series will take place on Oct. 06 and feature Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, a popular blues artist from the Mississippi Delta with blistering guitar skills and soulful vocals.

Gates open at 2pm on each day with opening act beginning at 3pm. Seating is first-come, first-served and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. No pets or outside alcohol is allowed. Onsite parking is limited.

For more program information or to purchase tickets visit the Vulcan Website

For even more great events happening in and around Birmingham, make sure to check our full events calendar