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

Recipe: Bacon, Egg and Cheese Casserole

Posted on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 by Angie

If you have slow movers in the morning, it can make eating a good breakfast everyday difficult when you’re already struggling to get out of the house on time. Here’s a casserole to try that tastes great re-heated, so you can make ahead and have leftovers for a couple of mornings!

If you have adventurous eaters you can try adding vegetable fillings.. steamed spinach and mushrooms are very good! Enjoy!

Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

6 slices turkey bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen hash brown potatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
3 large eggs
3 egg whites
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray three 2-cup oval baking dishes, casseroles, or ramekins with cooking spray.
2) Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 4 minutes. Add the potatoes and onion and cook until potatoes are tender and golden, about 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let cool slightly.
3) Beat the eggs and egg whites in a large bowl. Add the ricotta, 1/3 cup of the Swiss cheese, the Parmesan, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne, stirring until blended. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/3 cup of Swiss cheese.
4) Bake until the casseroles are slightly puffed and golden and the cheese is melted, approximately 20-25 minutes.

(*If you bake the casserole in a single dish, the cooking time should be increased.)

Yields 6 servings.

Children’s of Alabama hosting Adoption Bootcamp

Posted on Monday, August 12, 2019 by Angie

The UAB International Adoption Clinic (IAC) at Children’s of Alabama will be hosting an adoption bootcamp seminar on Saturday, Sept.14.

This event seeks to educate potential adoptive parents and adult family members, as well as social workers, teachers, occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals, about the multifaceted needs of adoptive parents and their children.

The cost per family to attend is $150, which includes snacks for up to four attendees. All professionals wishing to attend should contact the IAC for cost. The seminar will run from 8:30 a.m. till 5 p.m. and be held at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church (5080 Cahaba Valley Trace). To register, contact the IAC by phone at 205-638-6964 or by email at adoption@peds.uab.edu.

The mission of the IAC is to serve the initial and ongoing medical, developmental and emotional needs of adoptive parents and their children from around the world. Since its inception in 2002, the IAC has served the needs of children from over 55 countries, including China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, Guatemala, Peru, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Ethiopia, Uganda and many more.

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama. Ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s provided care for youngsters from every county in Alabama, 46 other states and seven foreign countries last year, representing more than 676,000 outpatient visits and more than 15,000 inpatient admissions. With more than 2 million square feet, Children’s is the third largest pediatric medical facility in the U.S.

More information is available at childrensal.org.

Mother of All Consignment Sale Lists – Fall 2019

Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2019 by Angie

Consignment sales in Birmingham are kicking off soon and we have your run down on all the sales happening around town.

Consignment Sales in Birmingham

Alabaster:

Renewed Threads
Alabaster First United Methodist Church

Thursday, September 12th
Friday, September 13th
Saturday, September 14th
Times TBA
Sale Info

Gardendale:

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mt.Vernon United Methodist

Wednesday, September 18th – 8am – 6pm
Thursday, September 19th – 8am – 7pm
Friday, September 20th – 8am – 5pm
Saturday, September 21st – 7am – 12pm (most items 1/2 off)
Sale Info

Helena:

Chic Repeats
Helena United Methodist Church

Open to the Public:

Friday, August 23rd
Saturday, August 24th
Private Pre-Sale August 22nd
TIMES TBA
Sale Info

Homewood:

Lil Lambs Consignment
Trinity United Methodist

Open to the Public:

Friday, September 13th– 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday, September 14th– 9:00 AM – 12 Noon (many half of items)

Preview Sale:

September 12th
Volunteers shop at 4pm, with $5 entrance fee
Consignors shop at 5pm, $5 entrance fee paid at registration
Open to the public from 6-8pm, with $5 entrance fee.
Sale Info

Hoover:

Bargains on the Bluff
Bluff Park United Methodist

Open to the Public:

Friday, September 14th, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, September 15th, 9am – 2pm Discount Day
Sale Info

Riverchase TNT Children’s Consignment
Sale Info

Twice as Nice Sale
BAMOM – Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples –
Metropolitan Church of God

Open to the Public:

Friday, August 23rd 4:00 pm to 8:30pm

Half Price Sale:

Saturday, August 24th, 8:30 – 12:30
Sale Info

Irondale:

Kids Market and Mom
Located in the old KMart in the Eastwood Shopping Plaza.
7845 Crestwood Blvd (Hwy 78),
Irondale, AL

Receiving (by Appt)
Tuesday – Thursday, September 3rd -5th 9a-7p
Monday & Tuesday September 9th & 10th – 9am – 7p

Regular Receiving:

Saturday, September 7th 7a-6p

Public Sale:

Monday, September 30th 9am – 8pm
Tuesday, October 1st 9am – 8pm
Wednesday, October 2nd 9am – 6pm
Thursday, October 3rd 9am– 6pm
Friday, October 4th 9am– 6pm
Saturday, October 5th 9am – 6pm

Closed Sunday October 6th

Monday, October 7th 10am – 6pm
Tuesday, October 8th 10am – 6pm
Wednesday, October 9th 10am – 6pm

Half Price October 10th & 11th 9am – 8pm
Half Price October 12th 9am – 4pm
Sale Info

Mountain Brook:

Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment
Mountain Brook Community Church

Friday, September 13th 9am – 6pm
Saturday, September 14th 9am – 12pm
*Saturday select items will be reduced to 1/2 price!!
Sale Info

Oak Mountain:

Giggles and Grace
Asbury United Methodist

Open to the public:
Friday, September 6th 8am – 6pm
Saturday, September 7th 8am – 12pm
Sale Info

Trussville:

Trussville Methodist Consignment Sale
Trussville Methodist Church

Friday, September 20th, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 21st, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sale Info

Vestavia:

Whale of a Sale
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church
Sale Info

Market on the Mountain
Student Center, Mountaintop Community Church

Public Sale:

Friday, September 13th – 9am – 6pm
Saturday, September 14th – 9am – 2pm
Sale Info

Consignment Sales Near Birmingham:

Cullman Wee Swap
*NEW LOCATION*
Saint Bernard Abbey Byer

Open to the Public:

Friday, September 20th 8am – 7pm
Saturday, September 21st 8am – noon (25% Discount Day)
Sale Info

** Please remember that all dates and times are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy. Please make sure to double check the sales website and/or Facebook pages for the most current and up to date information. If you have a sale you would like to see on our list, email us at contact@birminghammommy.com

Want to know how to make the most from the items you plan to sale, check out these tips and tricks!

Birmingham Area National Night Out Celebrations 2019

Posted on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 by Angie

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.

Want to check it out? Here’s a list of local cities participating in and around Birmingham:

Bessemer:
Bessemer Recreation Center | 100 14th Street South | 5pm – 8pm
Free food, drinks and popcorn. School supplies will also be given away.

Helena:
Walmart Neighborhood Market | 335 Helena Market Pl | 6pm – 8pm
Chick-fil-A The Grove and Kona Ice will be at National Night Out! So come out and meet your first responders, see some cool displays from local and federal law enforcement and military, and get something good to eat.

Homewood:
West Homewood Farmers Market | 160 Oxmoor Rd | 5pm – 8pm
Farmer’s Market along with our city’s first responders and their cool vehicles. Bring the kids. Plenty of activities for everyone.

Hoover:
Riverchase Galleria | Belk Parking Lot | 6pm – 8pm
Hoover Police Department Displays, Hoover Fire Department Displays, Local Business Exhibits, Food Truck Options, Car Show, Inflatables

Midfield:
Midfield Recreation Center | 410 Grant St | 6pm – 8pm
Fun and Games for the entire family