Happy Plates Restaurant Review: Tostadas

Posted on Sunday, May 26, 2019 by Kristen Berthiaume

OPEN: Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
KIDS? Yes! They even have games!
GIRLS’ NIGHT? Have you seen the patio? YES!
DATE NIGHT? Yes!
GROUPS? Good for small groups inside and larger groups outside.
PRICES: $8 – $10 for tostadas; $10 – $15 plates
PARKING: Underground parking deck
ADDRESS: 1831 28th Ave South 175N, Homewood (205) 568-2087 www.theflattaco.com

If you’ve been mourning the closing of Jackson’s in Homewood, fear not – that awesome patio is open for business once again!

Tostadas is ready to bring you a variety of “flat tacos” and other Tex-Mex food favorites. We recently got to visit Tostadas and I’m still thinking about that skillet queso flight!

In case you don’t know, tostadas are basically flat tacos and Tostadas has a variety of them. I opted for the Nashville Hot Chicken, which was just the right amount of heat and paired with grilled peppers. I swiped a bite of Angie’s Honey Jalapeño and the sweet and spicy combo was delicious.

The menu also boasts several entrees I want to try including the Street Grits (shrimp and grits is never the wrong answer) and Fiesta Salad of fresh greens served in a fried bowl (but it’s salad so it’s still healthy!) and topped with guacamole, roasted corn, peppers and queso. I somehow forgot to try the Cayenne Chocolate Cake but it looks delicious so will have to go back for that! Well, that and the margaritas. But Tostadas isn’t just for adults – kids will love it, too!

The kids’ menu includes several favorites including nachos, burritos, and chicken fingers, and cheese dip, rice or beans, and ice cream come with the meal! The kids’ menu has a few games to keep kids busy until the food comes (which was pretty quickly when we were there!) but one they’re finished with it, find steps on the restaurant’s website for turning it into a paper football so they can play on the patio’s paper football table. If Corn Hole or giant Connect Four is more their style, Tostadas has those, too! Any place that keeps kids busy so adults can actually finish their meals is a win in my book!

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun May 24th – 27th

Posted on Thursday, May 23, 2019 by Angie

Top picks for Weekend fun this Memorial Day Weekend!

After Hours on the Plaza at Hoover Public Library

We have a great selection of board games available but you are welcome to bring your favorite to share. Our friends at East 59 Vintage Cafe will be there for all of your hunger needs

Friday, 7pm

SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met Stadium

Catch some of the nation’s best baseball as the top teams battle it out for the 2019 SEC Baseball Tournament title May 21-26 at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Find family-friendly fun for all ages at the FanFest, free to the public and open every day of the tournament. Learn more at http://www.secsports.com/championship/baseball

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Salsa Showdown at Cahaba Brewing

Eat all the chips, salsa, queso, guac, and specialty dips you can from local restaurants and vendors! Vote for your favorites to crown this year’s champion! Watch your most daring friends embarrass themselves in our hot pepper eating contest!

Saturday, 2pm – 6pm

Memorial Day Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo

Spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Birmingham Zoo! Splash in the fountains, take a ride on the Red Diamond Express train* and Protective Life carousel*, enjoy Wildlife Shows and experience all the Zoo has to offer. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, the Zoo is giving FREE admission to veterans as well as all active and retired military and their dependents. Bring your proof of military service (military ID card, dependent ID card, driver’s license, etc.) to take part in all the fun the Zoo has to offer.
*Additional cost

Saturday, May 25 – 9am-6pm
Sunday, May 26 – 9am-6pm
Monday, May 27 – 9am-5pm

Memorial Day at American Village

Visit American Village for Alabama’s Bicentennial Year Memorial Day. It will be a day of veteran salutes and family-friendly fun from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Monday, 10:30am

Teen Summer Challenge at Planet Fitness

Posted on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 by Angie

Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone®, is inviting high school teenagers ages 15 – 18* to work out for free at any of its more than 1,700 Planet Fitness locations throughout the United States from May 15 through September 1 as part of the nationwide Teen Summer Challenge initiative. Free fitness classes specifically for teenagers will also be available Monday through Friday via certified fitness trainers.

Additionally, Teens will also have the chance to win exciting prizes on Planet Fitness’ Twitter and Instagram channels throughout the summer, such as club swag, movie tickets and wireless headphones.***

The nationwide launch of the Teen Summer Challenge builds on a successful local program first launched last summer in New Hampshire, Planet Fitness’ home state. To sign-up, visit a Planet Fitness near you beginning May 15. Teens under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at sign-up.

A FOCUS ON TEEN HEALTH

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recently released new physical activity guidelines****, which revealed that 80 percent of Americans do not currently meet the recommended amount of physical activity. The guidelines also challenge youth (ages 6 – 17) to pursue a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Planet Fitness’ Teen Summer Challenge offers a solution for teenagers eager for an opportunity to stay active during the summer when school sports programs, gym classes or after school activities wind down.

“Teens today are under ever-increasing pressure to succeed academically and socially, battle a growing list of responsibilities both inside and outside of the classroom and become well-rounded members of their community,” said Chris Rondeau, Chief Executive Officer at Planet Fitness. “At Planet Fitness, a healthy and active lifestyle should never be a challenge – which is why we’re flipping that notion on its head with the launch of the nationwide Teen Summer Challenge. We want to give teens across the United States the chance to stay active when school is out – a time when they may not otherwise have access to organized fitness or athletic programs, which is why we’re offering a safe space to exercise for free and spend time with their friends all summer long.”

BY THE NUMBERS

To uncover how teens ages 15 – 18 view health and fitness today, Planet Fitness commissioned a national study***** that sheds light on how teens and parents feel about health and wellness, and how best to motivate youth toward pursuing an active lifestyle and setting them up for success through adulthood. Key findings include:

Wellness is On the Brain. Today’s teens are more health-conscious than ever before, seeing exercise as not only a way to be in shape, but believing that – among those who work out already – it positively impacts their mental health (72 percent) and focus on schoolwork (47 percent).Sadly, nearly half of all teens (42 percent) lack a positive body image, noting they’re self-conscious and have trouble finding the confidence to try something physically challenging.

In addition, with two-in-five (42 percent) of today’s teens also battling anxiety and body image issues, many teenagers are recognizing that exercise may be the answer. Those who work out note they feel more confident (47 percent) and happier (43 percent) in addition to feeling less stressed (37 percent) and anxious (24 percent).

Schedule’s Booked. Nearly three-in-five (57 percent) teens surveyed say that between school and extracurricular activities, they do not have enough time to make exercise a part of their daily routine – a sentiment also shared by more than one-third (36 percent) of teens’ parents, who feel today’s youth have fewer opportunities to exercise on a daily basis than they did a generation ago.Not surprisingly, over two-in-five (41 percent) report that their fitness levels decrease over the summer when school is out.
That said, nearly all (91 percent) agree that they want to stay healthy and active over the summer.
Having Access Doesn’t Infer Action. Parents and teens (50 and 54 percent, respectively) agree teens have greater access and options to exercise than previous generations. But almost two in five (39 percent) of teens say they don’t have enough guidance on how to exercise or where to event start (36 percent), which may be why 39 percent feel negatively towards fitness.

Exercise Your Body, Not Just Your Fingers. When asked how they’d prefer to spend their free time, more than one-third (36 percent) wished to exercise or work out more (regardless of school schedules), which is greater than the number of teens who want to spend more time playing video games (27 percent), browsing social media (16 percent) or watching TV (16 percent).
All-Star Student. Working out works to many teens’ advantage, too, as fitness can be a secret recipe for straight As. In fact, among surveyed teens who see improvements based on exercise (91%), two in five (40%) have reported that exercise helps them to find more focus, with 23 percent directly attributing it to making them a better student.

Friends who Sweat Together Stay Together. Having friends at the gym is a big motivator, with almost two-thirds (65 percent) saying they would go to the gym more often with a buddy.

In addition to opening its doors to all teens ages 15 – 18 all summer long, Planet Fitness also offers extremely low prices and a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free environment, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more.

For more information on the Teen Summer Challenge, including how to sign up for the free membership at any of the more than 1,700 Planet Fitness locations nationwide, visit PlanetFitness.com/TeenSummerChallenge.

###

*Teenagers ages 15 – 18 can visit any Planet Fitness location in the United States. Teens must work out at the location they sign up at and are not permitted to use other locations. Online signups are not available. Teens under 18 must bring a parent or guardian to sign up. Once the parent or guardian waiver is signed for teens under 18, teens can workout alone. Students who are already 18 do not need a parent or guardian to be present during the sign-up process.

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void outside 50 U.S./DC and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., who are 15-18 years of age (with parent approval if under age of majority). Begins 12:00 a.m. ET on 5/15/19; ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 9/2/19. Odds of winning depend on total number of entries received. For complete Official Rules, eligibility, and free entry details, visit https://www.planetfitness.com/sweepstakes-rules. Sponsor: Planet Fitness Franchising LLC, 4 Liberty Lane West, Hampton, NH 03842 USA

*** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void outside 50 U.S./DC and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., who are 15-18 years of age (with parent approval if under age of majority). Begins once the first post is live (approximately 7:00am ET) on 5/23/19; ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 8/28/19. Odds of winning depend on total number of entries received. For complete Official Rules, visit https://www.planetfitness.com/sweepstakes-rules. Sponsor: Planet Fitness Franchising LLC, 4 Liberty Lane West, Hampton, NH 03842 USA.

Campout at Railroad Park

Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 by Angie

Publix presents Family Camp-Out Night at Railroad Park on Saturday, June 22-23. At this ticketed event, a limited number of families will pitch tents inside the park and enjoy a scavenger hunt, camping demos, a show & tell with nocturnal zoo animals, arts & crafts and a read-a-long just before lights out. On Birmingham’s front lawn, family members will bond while enjoying giant lawn games and other activities at the fourth annual campout. Publix Super Markets Inc. will cater the campers’ dinner, snacks and breakfast. Back by popular demand is the make-your-own-trail-mix bar, sponsored by Birmingham-based babysitter app Wyndy.

As the sun rises Sunday morning, families will enjoy a yoga class before breaking down tents and heading home. Railroad Park has invited local experts to enrich the campout with interactive sessions focused on the great outdoors. The Birmingham Zoo will bring nocturnal animals from their menagerie to the park that evening. Zoo keepers will explain the unique abilities and behaviors of animals that are active in the nighttime. Experts from McWane Science Center will lead a class on creek ecology, making Railroad Park’s water features come alive in a new way for attendees. Alabama Outdoors will lead a plant identification session. And just before lights out, Birmingham Public Library will lead a campground read-along.

A sensory tent will be available for children with autism or other special needs, should they need a calming, therapeutic space within the campout. Families need to register and purchase tickets in advance. Families must bring their own tents. Visit RailroadPark.org for complete information including the registration form and a recommended packing list.

Pricing:
Early Bird Registration: May 13 – June 2: $29 per camper.
Regular Registration: June 3 – June 17: $39 per camper.

Publix presents Family Camp-Out Night, hosted by Railroad Park Foundation. Additional support comes from Cadence Bank, Wyndy and Alabama Outdoors. Alabama Outdoors, Birmingham Fire and Rescue, Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham Zoo, Boy Scouts of America, and McWane Science Center will lead the evening’s interactive sessions. Because of the activities and nature of this event, Family Camp-out Night is only open to families. The event’s rain-out date is July 13-14.

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun May 17th – 19th

Posted on Friday, May 17, 2019 by Angie

Birmingham Barons at Regions Field

V. Mississippi Braves.

Friday, 7:05pm Friday Night Fireworks
Saturday, 6:30pm Birdzerk Entertainer Series
Sunday, 4pm Family Sunday

Barber Historics at Barber Motor Sports

This two day event will feature fast-paced, wheel-to-wheel racing with cars from the early days through the mid 80’s competing on track. Off track, this event will feature one-of-a-kind sports cars and family activities.

Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Sunday, 8am – 2:15pm

Pelham Palooza’s Palooza in the Park at Pelham Parks and Recreation

Palooza in the Park is a FREE community event perfect for the whole family!

Palooza in the Park features fun family-friendly events outside at the park and pavilion at the NEW Pelham Recreation Center.

Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Weatherfest at McWane Science Center

Join the WBRC First Alert Weather Team on the Plaza along with other special guests to learn about all things weather. See special tools used to detect and predict weather, and meet your favorite WBRC Fox 6 personalities.

Saturday, 10am – 6pm

Do Dah Day at Rhodes Park

Do Dah Day is a annual event held along Birmingham’s Highland Avenue with all monies raised donated to charities that benefit animals in the Birmingham & Jefferson County area.

Parade starts at 11:01 AM along Highland Avenue and Festivities begin at 12:01 PM in Rhodes Park!

No admission charge for spectators and attendees. Fee to enter parade.

Saturday, 11am – 5pm

Free and Discounted Summer Movies in Birmingham 2019

Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 by Angie

Free and Discounted Summer Movies in Birmingham

The Deal:

AMC Classics Summer Movie Camp Lorna Ridge 10

Every Wednesday at 10am. Kids Tickets are $4 + Tax and include a kidpack of AMC Snacks. (Kids popcorn, fountain drink, and fruit snacks)

Amstar Cinemas – Alabaster

Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. Admission is $4.00+tax per person, price includes Movie, Kids Drink and Popcorn. All movies will start at 10am, with a special sensory friendly showing starting at 10:15AM. Seating is limited, first come first served. All movies are G or PG.

Black Creek Park, Fultondale

Movies in the park, select Fridays. Concessions available for purchase. Movie begins on Fridays

Flicks Among the Flowers, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Gates open at 6 p.m. for the free event. Bring a blanket or low-profile lawn chair, and find a spot on the lawn to enjoy the film.

Free Friday Flicks – Veterans Park in Hoover

Movies begin at 6:30. FREE but arrive early to visit local vendors and a Kid Zone! Families are welcome to bring a picnic or purchase food a the park.

Phoenix Theaters, The Edge 12

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10am, Free. Doors open at 9am. Special Kiddie meal available.

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City

Summer Kids Fest. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am. Admission is FREE. Large groups who are purchasing concession items are welcomed to call ahead their order for faster service.

Regal Cinemas Trussville

Summer Movie Express. Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am. Admission is $1 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. Both Movies listed play both days.

The Movies:

Tuesday, May 28th

Amstar Alabaster – Hotel Transylvania 3
Phoenix Theater Edge 12 – Small Foot and Trolls

Wednesday, May 29th

Amstar Alabaster – Hotel Transylvania 3
Phoenix Theater Edge 12 – Small Foot and Trolls

Thursday, May 30th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12 – Small Foot and Trolls

Tuesday, June 4th

Amstar Alabaster: Lego Movie
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: The Lego Movie and The Lorax
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Secret Life of Pets
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Croods and Puss in Boots

Wednesday, June 5th

Amstar Alabaster: Lego Movie
Flicks Among the Flowers, Botanical Gardens: Sandlot
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: The Lego Movie and The Lorax
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Secret Life of Pets
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Croods and Puss in Boots

Thursday, June 6th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: The Lego Movie and The Lorax

Friday, June 7th

Black Creek Park, Fultondal: Ralph Breaks the Internet
Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park Hoover: Mary Poppins Returns

Tuesday, June 11th

Amstar Alabaster: Small Foot
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and Despicable Me
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: The Grinch (2018)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Despicable Me and Turbo

Wednesday, June 12th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Wonder Park
Amstar Alabaster: Small Foot
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: The Grinch (2018)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Despicable Me and Turbo
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and Despicable Me

Thursday, June 13th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and Despicable Me

Friday, June 14th

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park Hoover: The Little Mermaid

Tuesday, June 18th

Amstar Alabaster: Despicable Me
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Trolls
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Lego Batman Movie and House with a Clock on it’s Walls
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Curious George and Despicable Me 2

Wednesday, June 19th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Hotel Transylvania 3
Amstar Alabaster: Despicable Me
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Trolls
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Lego Batman Movie and House with a Clock on it’s Walls
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Curious George and Despicable Me 2

Thursday, June 20th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Curious George and Despicable Me 2

Friday, June 1st

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park Hoover: A Dog’s Way Home

Tuesday, June 25th

Amstar Alabaster: Trolls
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Paddington
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Shrek and Despicable Me 3
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: House with a Clock on it’s Walls and Paddington 2

Wednesday, June 26th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Peter Rabbit
Amstar Alabaster: Trolls
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Paddington
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: House with a Clock on it’s Walls and Paddington 2
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Shrek and Despicable Me 3

Thursday, June 27th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Shrek and Despicable Me 3

Friday, June 28th

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park Hoover: Ralph Breaks the Internet

Tuesday, July 2nd

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Puss in Boots and Minions
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Despicable Me 3 and Dr Seuss the Grinch
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: SGT. Stubby: An American Hero

Wednesday, July 3rd

AMC Lorna Road: Small Foot
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: SGT. Stubby: An American Hero
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Despicable Me 3 and Dr Seuss the Grinch
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Puss in Boots and Minions

Thursday, July 4th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Puss in Boots and Minions

Friday, July 5th

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park Hoover:

Tuesday, July 9th

Amstar Alabaster: The Grinch
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Wonder Park
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Smurfs, the Lost Village and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Lego Movie 2 and How to Train your Dragon: Hidden World

Wednesday, July 10th

Amstar Alabaster: The Grinch
AMC Lorna Ridge: The Lego Movie
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Wonder Park
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Lego Movie 2 and How to Train your Dragon: Hidden World
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Smurfs, the Lost Village and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Thursday, July 11th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Smurfs, the Lost Village and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Friday, July 12th

Black Creek Park, Fultondale: Incredibles 2
Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park Hoover: How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World

Tuesday, July 16th

Amstar Alabaster: How To Train Your Dragon 3
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Lego Movie 2
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: The Emoji Movie and Sing
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Small Foot and Secret Life of Pets

Wednesday, July 17th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
Amstar Alabaster: How to Train Your Dragon 3
Flicks Among the Flowers: Field of Dreams
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Lego Movie 2
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Small Foot and Secret Life of Pets
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: The Emoji Movie and Sing

Thursday, July 18th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: The Emoji Movie and Sing

Friday, July 19th

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park Hoover: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Tuesday, July 23rd

Amstar Alabaster: Minions
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Small Foot
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Peter Rabbit and Secret Life of Pets
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Lego Movie and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Wednesday, July 24th

AMC Lorna Ridge: The House with a Clock it it’s Walls
Amstar Alabaster: Minions
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Small Foot
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Lego Movie and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Peter Rabbit and Secret Life of Pets

Thursday, July 25th

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Peter Rabbit and Secret Life of Pets

Friday, July 26th

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park Hoover: The Incredibles 2

Tuesday, July 30th

Amstar Alabaster: Secret Life of Pets
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: The Lorax
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation and How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Sing and How to Train your Dragon 2

Wednesday, July 31st

AMC Lorna Ridge: Trolls
Amstar Alabaster: Secret life of Pets
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: The Lorax
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Sing and How to Train your Dragon 2
Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation and How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World

Thursday, August 1st

Phoenix Theater Edge 12: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation and How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World

Tuesday, August 6th

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Penguins of Madagascar and Boss Baby

Wednesday, August 7th

AMC Lorna Ridge: How to Train your Dragon Hidden World
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Penguins of Madagascar and Boss Baby

Tuesday, August 12th

Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Kung Foo Panda 3 and Lego Ninjago Movie

Wednesday, August 13th

Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Kung Foo Panda 3 and Lego Ninjago Movie

Tuesday, August 20th

Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Trolls and Minions

Wednesday, August 21st

Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Trolls and Minions

Tuesday, August 27th

Regal Cinemas, Trussvile: Madagascar and Shrek 2

Wednesday, August 28th

Regal Cinemas, Trussvile: Madagascar and Shrek 2

Tuesday, September 3rd

Regal Cinemas, Trussville: How to Train your Dragon and Storks

Wednesday, September 4th

Regal Cinemas, Trussville: How to Train your Dragon and Storks

Partners In Kids Health: Safe Sleep

Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 by Angie

SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the number one cause of death in babies under 12 months. SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby and often occurs during sleep.

SIDS is very frightening for new parents, but there are things you can do to keep your baby safe and help prevent SIDS. Dr. Candice Dye is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s of Alabama and UAB. She says parents and caregivers of babies should remember the ABCs of Sleep. “Alone, on their back, in a crib. It’s that simple,” she says.

ABCs of Sleep

Alone
On their Back
In a Crib

Dr. Dye explains each point:

ALONE- “Items in the crib pose a huge suffocation risk,” she says. “No bumper pads, no stuffed animals, no loose blankets. Nothing else in the crib. A boring crib equals a healthy baby.”

On their BACK- “This is different from when our grandparents or parents were doing this, but babies should be laid down on their back,” Dr. Dye says. “This ensures that the baby can breathe and they are not getting trapped face down unable to breathe.”

In their CRIB- “It’s really easy for parents to be tired and want to keep the baby in their bed with them, but an adult mattress is not the same as an infant crib mattress and there is the risk of the adult rolling onto the baby while sleeping,” she says.

Who is at risk?

All babies are at risk for SIDS. There is no single cause. However, SIDS is more common in black and Native American infants than in Caucasian infants. More boys than girls fall victim to SIDS.

Other risk factors include:

Smoking, drinking or drug use during pregnancy and after birth
Poor prenatal care
Prematurity or low birth weight
Family history of SIDS
Mothers younger than 20
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Overheating

Dr. Dye strongly recommends that parents make grandparents and caregivers aware about the risk of SIDS and that they follow the ABCs of sleep when caring for the baby. She also cautions parents not to rely on store-bought devices or gadgets that may claim to help prevent SIDS.

Once babies consistently roll over from back to front on their own, they are less at risk of developing SIDS and can sleep in the position they choose. Until then, a parent can greatly reduce the risk of their child dying by SIDS by following the ABCs of sleep.

ABOUT CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA

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, 45 other states and six foreign countries last year, representing more than 677,000 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.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo

Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 by Angie

WHEN
Saturday, May 25 – 9am-6pm
Sunday, May 26 – 9am-6pm
Monday, May 27 – 9am-5pm**

OFFER
FREE admission to veterans as well as all active and retired military and their dependents.
Guests must show proof of military service (military ID card, dependent ID card, driver’s license, etc.)

Important To Know
**Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the Birmingham Zoo will be open daily from 9am to 5pm on Mondays through Fridays and from 9am to 6pm for extended summer hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Extended summer hours for Saturdays and Sundays – the last day will be September 1.

Summer Reading in Birmingham

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2019 by Angie

Summer Reading is a great way to help prevent that dreaded Summer Slide. On average, students’ achievement scores decline over summer vacation by one month’s worth of school-year learning, keeping them reading can help keep them on track and luckily, our local libraries have a lot of great programs designed to keep your kiddos excited about reading!

This summer, the theme is A Universe of Stories, here’s where to find the kick off parties and get your kiddos registered! Make sure to follow our full events calendar for a complete list of weekly events and story times!

Summer Reading in Birmingham

Emmet O’Neil Library Summer Reading Kick Off Carnival

Over 45 games, train rides, and free popcorn available. Individual tickets are 50 cents, and most booths require 1-4 tickets. Purchase of a Combo Band includes the Fun Run, a t-shirt for the first 300 to register, all booth games, 1 ice cream, 1 pucker powder, 1 drink, and 1 try at the “claw” machine.

Combo Bands available for purchase starting May 1 at 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, May 19th at 3:30pm (fun Run at 3pm)

Gardendale Public Library Summer Reading Kick Off Field Day

Summer Kick-Off is on May 31st! Come down to the Gardendale Civic Center to join us! For more information on events and timing, check the library website.

Homewood Public Library Kick Off Summer Reading with Gutsy the Flying Fox

Starting May 20th sign up for the summer reading program at homewood.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack app and pick up a special tote bag.

(Birth-6 Grade) Join us for a night of family fun to see the amazing tricks of Gutsy the Flying Fox, sign up for summer reading and celebrate the start of summer!

Thursday May, 30th at 6:30pm

Mt Laurel Library Summer Reading Kick Off

Inflatables, Refreshments, Face Painting, and MORE! All Ages Welcome. No Registration Required.

Saturday, June 1st from 6pm – 7:30pm

North Shelby Library Summer Reading Kick Off

Come have some fun and register for our summer reading program! We will have bouncy houses (one for older kids and one for little ones), a library dollar Money Grabber machine, plus refreshments, games, face painting, and more!

Saturday, June 1st from 10am – 1pm

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Summer Reading Kick Off with Roger Day

Jump start our Summer Reading Program with a concert by Roger Day! Free Kona Ice after the morning show. Sign up for Summer Reading also! All ages welcome!

Thursday, May 30th 10:30am and 6:30pm

Mom Makeover by Pure Fitness

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2019 by Angie

Goodbye mom bod, hello fit mom. It’s time for a well-deserved Mommy Makeover!

We know how crazy life gets as a busy mom – we’ve been there too. Pure Fitness and our friends are giving moms a chance to commit to be fit this summer. It’s time to be “YOU” again! We are looking for a few motivated moms who desire to make a lifestyle change. For a HUGE discounted weekly price you will be able to challenge yourself and receive the following… One Lucky Mom will Win the entire package deal for FREE! Apply Today!

Weekly group fitness classes & personal training
InBody Body Composition Analysis every 4 weeks to track your progress
Discount on healthy meal options from FitFive meals
Discount on spa and beauty services at Aveda Salon
2 tickets to our private event at the end to celebrate at Mia Moda

Once chosen, you will begin your journey on June 1st and be given the opportunity to workout, eat healthy, and finish your journey with a complete makeover. Visit purefitnessllc.com/mommakeoverchallenge to sign up!