☰

The BIG McWane Discount 2018

Posted on by Angie

The BIG McWane Discount is back! 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 $10 off any membership level to our readers, and it’s good for 1 week only!! November 11th – November 17th.

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 BHAMMOMMY18 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!)

Tuesday:

DIYC Crafts in Homewood,
No rep on location but forms available during regular business hours. 10am-6pm

Instant Sign Center in Trussville
No rep on location but forms available – 12pm-4pm

Wednesday:

Starbucks in Hoover off of Hwy 31
9am – 11am

DIYC Crafts in Homewood,
No rep on location but forms available during regular business hours. 10am-6pm

Instant Sign Center in Trussville
No rep on location but forms available during regular business hours. 10am-4pm

Thursday:

DIYC Crafts in Homewood,
No rep on location but forms available during regular business hours. 10am-6pm

Instant Sign Center in Trussville
No rep on location but forms available during regular business hours. 10am-4pm

Friday:

Lights Up at the Summit
Between the Movie theater and the former Pier One

5pm – 8pm
We’ll have forms available at our table, stop by and see us!

DIYC Crafts in Homewood,
No rep on location but forms available during regular business hours. 10am-6pm

Saturday:

The Heavenly Donut Co.
4911 Cahaba River Rd, Ste 105
Birmingham, Alabama 35243

8am – 10am
*Free doughnut and BhamMommy t-shirt with purchase of a membership

DIYC Crafts in Homewood,
No rep on location but forms available during regular business hours. 10am-6pm

 

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun Nov. 9th – Nov. 12th

Posted on by Angie

Top Picks for fun in the ‘Ham this Veterans Day Weekend!

  • Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival

Homestead Hollow festivals feature fine arts, unique – one of a kind – hand made crafts, pioneer demonstrations of the old time days- see wood carving, blacksmithing, wood stove cooking, quilting, whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to Live local entertainment all day. Enjoy our great food that makes your mouth scream for more.

Children’s activities: circle in our wagon ride or jump in the moon walk.

Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates.

Friday 9am – 4pm
Saturday 9am – 4pm
Sunday 9am – 4pm

  • Mt Laurel Crafty Saturday – Mt Laurel Library

Drop in to make a craft at the library. All ages with parent help. Registration is not required but supplies are limited.

Saturday 10am – 2pm

  • Juno Valentine anf the Magical Shoes Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit

Juno embarks on an epic journey through time and space, stepping into the shoes of female icons like Frida Kahlo and Serena Williams. Join us for a Storytime that’s both a fashion fairy tale and guide to girl power and get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!

Saturday 11am

  • Veterans Weekend a the Birmingham Zoo

In honor of Veterans Day, all veterans, active and retired military and their dependents will receive free admission to the Birmingham Zoo on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12.

  • Veterans Day Parade

Railroad Park area

Monday, 1:30pm

2001: A Space Odyssey at McWane IMAX Dome

Posted on by Angie

In continuing celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick’s Science Fiction masterpiece, “2001: A Space Odyssey” is coming the McWane IMAX Dome for one exclusive week!

This IMAX engagement comes on the heels of the widely successful “unrestored” 70mm film release of “2001: A Space Odyssey,” which was overseen by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Noal, a lifelong admirer of Kubrick.

Widely considered among the greatest films of the 20th century, “2001” a Space Odyssey” was orginally released o April 4, 1968, igniting the imaginations of both critics and audiences. With the film, Kubrick redefined the limits of moviemaking and cemented his legacy as one of the most revolutionary and influential motion picture Directors of all time.

Showtimes everyday at 4pm and 7pm,  November 9th – 15th

Tickets on sale now on the McWane Website.

 

 

Veterans Day Parade Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Did you know that Birmingham is home of America’s First Veterans Day Parade?

Although World War I officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles, fighting ceased seven months earlier after an armistice between the allied nations and Germany commenced on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

Armistice Day was set aside to honor veterans of World War I. But after World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen in the nation’s history, a World War II veteran from Birmingham named Raymond Weeks had an idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans. In 1947 he led a delegation to Washington, D.C. to urge then-Army Chief of Staff General Dwight Eisenhower to create a national holiday that honored all veterans. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation establishing November 11th as Veterans Day.

President Reagan honored Weeks as the driving force for the national holiday with the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982 at the White House. Weeks led the first National Veterans Day Parade in 1947 in Alabama, and he continued the tradition until his passing in 1985.

NEW ROUTE THIS YEAR!!

New route this year due to downtown construction. This year the parade will be around Railroad Park.

Parade Start: Richard Arrington Blvd. & 1st Ave S.
Turn Right on 3rd Ave S.
Turn Right on 14th St. S.
Turn Right on 1st Ave S.
Parade End: 1st Ave S. & 20th St. S.

1:30pm

Veteran’s Day at the Birmingham Zoo

Posted on by Angie

In honor of Veterans Day, all veterans, active and retired military and their dependents will receive free admission to the Birmingham Zoo on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12.

* To be eligible for free admission, guests must show proof of military service by presenting a valid military identification card, dependent identification card or driver’s license with veteran’s designation.

Veterans Day activities include exploring animals native to the state in Alabama Wilds, see a sea lion training demonstration, ride the *Red Diamond Express Train and *Protective Life Corporation Carousel, plus so much more!

*Additional cost.

November 11th and 12th

Sensory Pathway at Children’s of Alabama

Posted on by Angie

A patient awaits treatment in Children’s of Alabama’s emergency department, anxiously rocking back and forth. Such behavior could be written off as fear of the doctor, but to Child Life Specialist Chelsea Brashier and other emergency staff, it’s often a clue to pinpoint the best method of care.

Brashier aided in the November 2016 launch of a pilot project to reduce stress for children with autism and
other sensory sensitivities when they visit the emergency department. Children’s Sensory Pathway removes the barriers to diagnosis and trains staff on how best to care for patients with sensory sensitivities like Down syndrome and autism.

Upon observing the patient, Brashier asked the patient’s parent to complete a brief questionnaire that determines sensory sensitivity. Once the patient is identified as sensory sensitive, a sensory friendly pathway for care is established. Patients on the pathway have access to kits that contain fidget toys, weighted lap pads and noise canceling headphones – items that sooth and comfort the patient.

“After going through the pathway, the patient who was rocking back and forth is now calm, laying down with his blanket and watching a movie,” Brashier said. “And the parent said, “This is the calmest he’s been this whole time. This is amazing.’”

Brashier added, “Every patient is different, but we have a starting point and we can individualize a plan. It’s been great to see the difference in our patients and patient families, and help a population that views the world differently.”

Michele Kong, M.D., who also helped launch the Sensory Pathway, said the emergency department can be
overwhelming to patients with sensory sensitivities, citing loud noises and bright lights. Now that a pathway to care has been tested and proven successful, what was once a highly stressful experience for patient and parent is considerably less so.

“The idea with the Sensory Pathway is for us as providers to be more preventive rather than reactive to some of the additional challenges that these children may face in the emergency department,” Kong said. “This is a huge opportunity for us to be pioneers in this space.”

The next step is expanding the Sensory Pathway to Benjamin Russell One Day Surgery, which specializes in
preparing patients and their families for common surgical services. Children’s staff who will treat those on the pathway began training in June.

“The core goals of this rollout will be the same along with a few anticipated differences,” Kong said. “For instance, unlike the emergency department where patients are unexpected, One Day surgery allows for more preparation time. We will be able to know who is coming, when they are coming and the individual’s unique challenges, therefore allowing us to prepare for the visit.

“We aim to roll out the Sensory Pathway to Benjamin Russell One Day surgery at the end of summer into the beginning of fall,” Kong said. “Our goal is to ultimately expand the initiative system-wide to the rest of Children’s of Alabama.”

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.

Georgia Aquarium Becomes first Certified as Autism Center

Posted on by Angie

Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find choosing vacation locales and attractions to visit a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns. The Georgia Aquarium is the latest destination – and the first aquarium – to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory disorders can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. While many destinations tout “autism-friendly” options, this phrase is a generic term that does not necessarily indicate a true understanding of these families’ requirements. More parents are seeking out destinations that have completed research-based training and professional review as they review search for options.

“Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum. We look forward to applying this training and working to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests with the ultimate goal of inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide,” said Anthony Rivera, Vice President of Guest Experience and Hospitality.

While research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for individuals on the autism spectrum, there are still few trained and certified travel options for parents looking for destinations able to accommodate their needs. Organizations like IBCCES and industry leaders such as Georgia Aquarium are working to change that.

“Our goal is to partner with the leading travel destinations in the world to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe who have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.

About IBCCES

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) was established in 2001 to meet the training and credentialing needs of professionals who work with individuals with special needs. IBCCES has since expanded into over 42 different countries with training centers in the United States and Singapore and members across the globe. Our Certified Autism Specialist, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, Certified Autism Travel Professional and Certified Autism Center credentials were established with the highest standards in the industry. As a result, our programs have become the benchmark for those who work with cognitive disorders around the globe. In addition, IBCCES created and hosts the annual International Symposium on Cognitive Research & Disorders. This global event brings together top neurologists, education leaders and healthcare experts with a focus on research, innovation, and collaboration. For information about training and certification, visit ibcces.org.

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun Nov 2nd – Nov 4th

Posted on by Angie

HELLO, November!! Here are our top picks for weekend fun this first weekend of November

  • Disney on Ice Presents Frozen at the BJCC

Be a part of Anna’s adventure to find her sister, Queen Elsa, whose icy powers trapped the kingdom in an eternal winter. Join Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven as they encounter wintry conditions and mystical trolls in a race to bring back summer. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, your whole family will sing along to unforgettable music and be delighted with special appearances by the Disney Princesses, Woody, Buzz, Dory and more. Experience magic at every turn and create memories to last a lifetime at Disney On Ice presents Frozen – the show worth melting for!

Friday, 10:30am and 7pm
Saturday, 10:30am, 2:30pm and 6:30pm
Sunday, 1pm and 5pm

Dia de los Muertos at Pepper Place

This event has become one of the largest and most popular events in the city because of its attention to tradition and the cultural significance it celebrates. The festival is made possible by countless volunteer hours, given to create an experience that respects the tradition and heart of Mexico’s sacred Day of the Dead remembrance, which combines flowers, music, food, stories, friends, family and memorials in honor of those who have gone before. Many say the gathering has brought them a stronger, broader sense of community. Personal remembrances (ofrendas), family crafts, puppet shows, music, procession, memorial roll call, local artists’ market (mercado), food and beverage vendors, face painters and more are all part of this unique cross-cultural celebration.

Friday, 5pm – 11pm

  • Loomis Bros Circus Shelby County Exhibition Center

For over 20 years Loomis Bros. Circus has been presenting world-class entertainment to audiences throughout the country. In 2018, we invite you to see that Circus Is Alive! as you witness a cast of the world’s best performers, exciting new acts, majestic animals and a LIVE circus band!

See our mixed herd of BOTH Asian and African Elephants, Amazing Acrobats, White Siberian and Royal Bengal Tigers, Thrilling Daredevils, Hilarious Clowns and A WHOLE LOT MORE!

Friday, 7pm
Saturday, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm

  • Birmingham Bulls Hockey at The Pelham Civic Complex

V Evansville Thunderbolts

As You Walk Through the Door, Your Hearts Starts Pumping! The irresistible lure of HOCKEY and the buzz of a packed house causes your ADRENALIN to surge. The music is PUMPING, the lights fade and the smoke swirls – and that’s just the beginning. Monster hits, UNBELIEVABLE GOALS and in-your-face hockey keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action is NON-STOP! With heart pounding music, and contests, what are you waiting for? It’s an EXPERIENCE to remember.

Friday, 7:30pm

Moss Rock Festival at the Moss Rock Preserve

Grab friends and family and get outside to the Moss Rock Festival at The Preserve in Hoover. Explore Nature, SmartLIVING, Art + Design at Alabama’s premier eco-creative festival. Innovation, imagination, and fun await 10,000 visitors under a blanket of fall colors at this idyllic neighborhood setting adjacent to Hoover’s own 350 acre Moss Rock Preserve.

Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm

Recipes for Leftover Halloween Candy

Posted on by Angie

Halloween 2018 is in the books and I don’t know about you, but we’ve got a serious amount of candy. While we love us some mini snickers, sometimes we like to mix things up a bit. Here are a few recipes for you when you’re tired of eating all that candy in it’s original form!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake:
32 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
5 eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream
8 peanut butter cup candies

Crust:
1 1/2 package graham crackers, crushed
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar

To Prepare:

Crust: Mix all ingredients and pat into a 10″ spring form pan.

Cake: Chop peanut butter cups. Cream the cheese until light. Add sugar and beat some more. Add eggs, one at a time and beat after each. Mix in cream, vanilla and cornstarch. Stir in candy. Pour into crust and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or so until outside edge is firm and middle is still soft. When the cake comes out of the oven run a knife around the edge. Cool for several hours then top with melted chocolate.

Butterfinger Cake:
1 angel food cake, crumbled
1/2 cup butter
4 egg yolks
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 ounces Cool Whip, thawed slightly
8 large Butterfinger candy bars

To Prepare:

Freeze candy bars in wrappers for at least two hours. Crush bars (while in wrappers) using a rolling pin. Cream butter, egg yolks, sugar and vanilla and add Cool Whip.

In a 9 x 13 inch pan layer half of the angel food cake; a layer of half of the Cool Whip mixture; then a layer of half of the crushed candy bars; repeat.

Candy Cupcakes:
Use 3 Musketeers and Milky Way bars in chocolate cupcakes. Freeze mini candy bars and make cupcakes as usual, any recipe. Place a frozen bar in the middle of each cupcake just before baking. That way, the candy melts but doesn’t really blend into the rest of the cupcake batter

Other quick and easy tips:

Add chopped-up candy bars to brownies in place of chocolate chips.
Make a trail mix with chocolate-coated candies, raisins, peanuts and any soft chewy candy.
Layer prepared instant pudding with candy to make a pudding and candy parfait.
Send it to the Troops
Participate in a Candy Buy Back and get it out of the house completely!

Do you have a recipe that includes leftover Halloween Candy? How do you keep that candy from hanging around until Easter?

Halloween Candy Buy Back in Birmingham 2018

Posted on by Angie

Halloween Candy for Buy BackIf your kiddos hit the candy jackpot this Halloween and you’re cringing at the thought of them eating it all, here are some local buy back programs that will take it off your hands and send it to our troops!

Halloween Candy Buy Back In Birmingham

Dr. Thomas Dudney
122 7th Avenue NE
Alabaster, AL, 35007
Phone: (205) 663-6545

Thursday 11/1
Until 3pm

David C. Hufham, DMD
120 Euclid Ave.
Birmingham, AL, 35213
Phone: (205) 871-8881

Thursday 11/1
2pm – 4:15pm

Dr. Lisa G. Wilson DMD
5470 Caldwell Mill Road
Birmingham, AL, 35242
Phone: (205) 995-8084

Thursday 11/1
2:30pm – 5:30pm

Family Care Dental
3325 Lorna Road Suite 5
Hoover, AL, 35226
Phone: 205-874-9605

Ends November 2nd in the Hoover and Fultondale Offices.

Vann Pediatric Dental
1808 Gadsden Highway
Trussville, AL 35235
(205) 508-3399

Thursday and Friday 11/1 -11/2

Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry
2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 21
Birmingham, Al, 35209
Phone: (205) 870-0892

Tuesday 11/6-Friday 11/10
8am – 5pm

*promotion and payout will vary by office, if you have questions about what’s being offered, call ahead!

 

Advertisements