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Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun June 8th – June 10th

Posted on by Angie

Happy Weekend! If you’re looking for something fun to do in the Magic City this weekend, we’ve got you covered! Here are our top picks!

  • Trussville’s 2nd Saturday Downtown

Trussville’s 2nd Saturday Downtown’s Celebrates the Arts on June 9th from 4:00-8:00pm located on Morrow Ave next to Slag Heap Brewery. There will be local artists and merchants set up along Morrow Ave (which will be shut down on June 9th for the event). There will also be some delicious food trucks located next to Slag Heap Brewery with some great entertainment such as Birmingham Martial Arts, ACTA Theater, DJ Rob Langford, and other performances from other local musicians, more details to come. Artist will be set up at 3:00 if you would like to come early and check out the beautiful art our community has to offer.

Saturday, 4pm – 8pm

  • Kidcon at Magic City Con – Hyatt Regency

KidCon at Magic City Con is an event held for Kids during Magic City Con. It’s a time when our focus turn to our wee geeks!

Saturday, 9am – 12pm

  • Family Fishing Rodeo at Eastlake Park

The 20th Annual City of Birmingham Park & Rec Family Fishing Rodeo will feature tons of catfish in the lake, activities & more!

Anglers must bring their own gear and bait. No fishing license is required on this day. Contests and prize giveaways will be available.

This event is free and open to all ages.

Saturday, 1pm – 5pm

  • Magic City Caribbean Food and Music Festival at Linn Park

The festival is free, family friendly and open to all. Visitors can expect a 15 piece steel band,
Revolution Reggae Band, there is also dancing and hula hoop demonstrations with guests of all ages invited to participate. There is also lots of great food and other vendors and the exceptional MC for the day Ulato Sam from UCLA who gets the crowd moving.

Saturday, 11am – 8pm

  • Symphony in the Summer at Railroad Park

Join the ASO for an evening of Beethoven Under the Stars at Railroad Park! The evening begins with a trio of delightful Overtures from Rossini, Beethoven, and Humperdink and concludes with Beethoven’s First Symphony!

FREE ADMISSION thanks to our generous sponsors: Regions, Dale’s Seasoning, Landscape Workshop, Joe Piper, Medical Properties Trust, Protective Life Foundation, Stewart Perry Co., Inc., O’Neal Industries, Inc., Motion Industries, Raymond James, Coca-Cola, Shipt.
Special thanks to Media Partner WBHM.

Sunday, 8pm

Thank You to our Sponsor:

Red Diamond is the 3rd oldest family owned and operated coffee and tea company in the U.S., with over 110 years of coffee and tea excellence.

Red Diamond’s tea line features an exquisite collection of exceptional hand-picked estate-grown teas from the finest tea plantations around the world.

Red Diamond’s coffee line offers the finest blends of gourmet beans available. Combined with state-of-the-art Scolari roasting, our unique blends from Central and South America allow us to produce the perfect cup of coffee every time.

 

Family Camp Out Night

Posted on by Angie

Family Camp-Out Night presented by Publix returns! Join us Saturday, June 23 to June 24. More details TBA. Stay tuned!

One night a year, we convert a special section of Railroad Park into an interactive campground for families. A host of experts will give lessons on everything from astronomy to camp cooking to orienteering‐with some bird watching thrown in for good measure. Bring your tent and your family, and we’ll take care of the rest.

It’s a rare opportunity to camp in a way that you haven’t before‐and to make memories and gain camping insight that you’ll take with you through the years.

Registration fees include complimentary dinner, breakfast, and snacks galore for each attendee, catered by Publix.

Click to purchase tickets

Saturday, June 23, 2018

3:30 pm ‐ 4:25 pm: Check‐in
4:30 pm: Birmingham Zoo’s Animal Show ‘n Tell
5:00 pm ‐ 5:15 pm: Small group activities
5:20 pm: Birmingham Canoe Club “Paddling 101” lesson
5:40 pm ‐ 6:00 pm: Small group activities
6:05 pm: Camp Fire Alabama’s “Creek Ecology” Lesson
6:20 pm ‐ 6:35 pm: Small group activities
6:45 pm: Dinner catered by Publix Super Markets, Inc.
7:45 pm: Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark “Is that Just a Rock?” lesson on raw materials found in nature
8:00 pm ‐ 8:15 pm: Small group activities
8:20 pm: Tony Diliberto’s “Camp Safety 101” lesson
8:40 pm: Christenberry Planetarium at Samford University’s “Alabama Summer Skies” lesson
9:10 pm: Start Preparing for bed
9:30 pm: Lights out

Sunday, June 24, 2018

6:30 am: Breakfast catered by Publix Super Markets, Inc.
7:00 am: Morning Yoga lead by Villager Yoga
7:15 am ‐ 8:00 am: Check-out

Summer Fun at Desoto Caverns

Posted on by Angie

So much fun happening this summer at Desoto Caverns! Check these special events and add them to your summer fun list!

Streetmosphere Saturdays

On Select Saturdays from 11am-1pm, there will free street entertainment in the park! From face painting to balloon animals, you and your family won’t want to miss Streetmosphere Saturdays!

Saturday, June 9 for Pinky Fancy Faces! They’ll be offering amazing facepainting, all free in park from 11 AM – 1 PM!

Saturday, June 23 for GIANT bubbles, face painting, and balloon animals with Bubble and Squeak Balloons. All free in the park from 11 AM – 1 PM!

Fun Day Monday

Every Monday in June from 9AM-11AM you can purchase The Unlimited Day Pass for only $24.99! This offer is only available in park at the Gift Shop on Mondays in June from 9AM – 11 AM and the wristband is good for the day of purchase. This is our best deal of the summer, so don’t miss out!

Home Sweet Home Music and Food Festival

Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with DeSoto Caverns this June 30th & July 1st at our event, Home Sweet Home, a Food & Music Festival. This family fun event is for all ages and features talented local musicians, exciting Streetmosphere entertainers, and delicious food from local food trucks.

We invite you to come make memories with your family and friends, in honor of the unity and freedom our Nation stands for. It’s time to share the stories of our country’s past, present, and future through music, taste, and celebration.??????

Use the code HSHEarlyBird to receive $2 off tickets. Hurry! This offer ends June 16. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/2JlAHY9.

 

Five Ways Summer Sparkles At World Of Coca-Cola

Posted on by Angie

As Atlanta brings the heat this summer, World of Coca-Cola brings the cool with refreshing moments of fun. From a new exhibit about a classic Coca-Cola character to a global tasting experience, you will discover summertime entertainment for families and friends of all ages.

Beat the Heat – The moment you step in from the sun, World of Coca-Cola welcomes you with an ice-cold beverage to sip as you explore. Coca-Cola’s rich, 132-year history pops in each exhibit – from the Vault of the Secret Formula, where you can discover the myths and legends surrounding the famous Coca-Cola recipe, to Milestones of Refreshment, a trip down memory lane.

Blast from the Past – Ever heard of Sprite Boy? You may be surprised to learn he has nothing to do with the popular lemon-lime flavored soft drink. Die-hard Coca-Cola fans might remember the elfin cartoon from the 40s and 50s – and now you can meet him for yourself in a fun photo op experience. The Story of Sprite Boy is a new exhibit on display through spring 2019 in the Pop Culture Gallery. The pixie-like Coca-Cola character comes to life through original oil paintings, print ads, artifacts and photos from around the world.

Savor the Summer – After exploring the exhibits, pop over to the Taste It! Beverage Lounge, where over 100 familiar and exotic beverages will spice up your summer. You can sample fountain beverages from around the globe as well as recently released, limited-time offerings at the Sampling Bar. Find a new favorite flavor or simply savor the classics!

Drink in the Deals – If you are in search of hot summer deals, look no further than the Atlanta CityPASS, which gets you into five top Atlanta attractions – including World of Coca-Cola – over a nine-day period. Adult tickets cost $76, helping you save a sweet 40 percent on admission. You can purchase CityPASS tickets at World of Coca-Cola ticket windows or online at www.worldofcoca-cola.com.

Coca-Cola Red, White and Blue – Just in time for our nation’s birthday, the Coca-Cola Store at World of Coca-Cola is releasing a new Americana-themed assortment. Fans can rep both Coca-Cola and America the Beautiful with patriotic T-shirts, salt and pepper shakers, wooden signs, kitchen towels and aprons. Items in the collection feature the classic combination of Coca-Cola, stars and stripes.

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun June 1st – June 3rd

Posted on by Angie

Helloooooo, June! Holy Cow! We made it through May! Now it’s time for some summer fun… Check out these top picks for fun happening around the Magic City this weekend!

  • Summer Reading Kickoff Birmingham Public Library

The Birmingham Public Library will host its second annual Summer Learning Kickoff Celebration on June 1 at the Central Library. This will be a fun event with refreshments, games, music, and activities for the whole family. Free tickets are available at all Birmingham Public Library locations. http://www.bplonline.org/calendar/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D127944108

Friday, 6:30pm

  • Birmingham Barons at Regions Field

V. Chattanooga Lookouts
General Admission seats remain the same price as in recent years with adult tickets available for $7.00. Children (12-years and younger), seniors (60 years and older) and members of the military receive $1.00 discounts on the listed prices for all reserved and general admission seats. General Admission seating is located in the right field bleachers and the berm seating areas.

Friday, 7:05pm
Saturday, 6:30m
Sunday, 6:00pm

  • Super Slimy Saturday at McWane

It’s the slimiest day of the year at McWane Science Center! Join us for lots of ooey gooey fun as educators conduct slimy experiments. Dare to take the plunge on the Slip n’ Slime!

Saturday, 10am – 6pm

  • Alabaster City Fest at Thompson Highschool

Alabaster CityFest will be celebrating its 16th anniversary in style with a world-class lineup of musical entertainment, kid-friendly and family activities, and more. Best of all, Alabaster CityFest is still FREE admission!

Beginning this year, the festival will MOVE the festival to the grounds of the NEW Thompson High School, at 1921 Warrior Parkway in Alabaster. More parking, more vendors, more room for everything from the stage to KidsFest to a new and improved VIP experience!

Saturday, 9am-9pm

  • Vulcan’s 114th Birthday Bash at Vulcan Park and Museum

Come help Vulcan blow out the candles on his cake at his big Birthday Bash!

Sunday, 12pm – 4pm

Thank you to our Sponsor:

Red Diamond is the 3rd oldest family owned and operated coffee and tea company in the U.S., with over 110 years of coffee and tea excellence.

Red Diamond’s tea line features an exquisite collection of exceptional hand-picked estate-grown teas from the finest tea plantations around the world.

Red Diamond’s coffee line offers the finest blends of gourmet beans available. Combined with state-of-the-art Scolari roasting, our unique blends from Central and South America allow us to produce the perfect cup of coffee every time.

Vulcan’s 114th Birthday Bash

Posted on by Angie

Vulcan Birthday BashThe Big man has a Big Birthday coming up!!

Make plans to attend the BIGGEST birthday bash in Birmingham! Vulcan may be the world’s largest cast iron statue, but he still needs help blowing out his birthday candles! There are activities for the whole family in celebration of the Big Guy’s 114th Birthday.

  • Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children
  • FREE for Vulcan Park and Museum members and children 4 and under. (*A few activities are extra)
  • Popcorn machine provided by America’s First Federal Credit Union

Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children.  Vulcan Park and Museummembers and children 4 and under enter for free. Admission includes all activities mentioned above (with exception of the few additional items that will be for purchase and the concessions), entrance into the Vulcan Center Museum, Vulcan’s Observation tower, and entrance into the new Linn-Henley Gallery exhibit: Southern Thunder – The Legacy of Alabama Auto Racing.

Beauty and the Beast Sensory Friendly Performance

Posted on by Angie


A significant portion of Red Mountain Theatre Company’s mission is inclusion and accessibility to the performing arts for all people, including those with disabilities.

RMTC is pleased to partner with the Autism Society of Alabama to offer a Sensory-Friendly Performance of Beauty and the Beast for patrons affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities.

While the integrity of the performance is maintained, certain elements of the production are modified in an effort to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for patrons on the autism spectrum and their families.

  • Among the modifications are:
  • Reduction of loud sounds
  • House lights stay on creating a dim light in the audience for the entire show
  • Audience members are free to talk, make noise, and/or be active
  • Extra staff and volunteer support
  • “Quiet Room” available during the show
  • Opportunity to “Meet Your Seat” a few day(s) prior to the show by arranging an appointment (call 205-324-2424 or email slikis@redmountaintheatre.org)

Tuesday , June 12, 2018
2 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets

 

 

Quick Cleaning Tips for the Summer Season

Posted on by Angie

With the fun of summer, comes the “fun” of keeping the house and yard tidy when the tiny humans are home more, and tracking in all sorts of outside and making more messes than you have time to clean. Here are some tips for keeping things clean during these summer months!

  • Your laundry room is sure to see more action during the summer with swimsuits and beach towels, not to mention all the tshirts stained with popsicle drippings! Keep this space organized by clearing out any empty boxes or bottles that may have accumulated and since summer presents an entirely different set of stains (condiments, ice cream, grass, dirt) before you sort by whites and colors, make a habit of sorting clothes by those you need to pre-treat and those you don’t.
  • Stop dirt at the door! If you don’t already and can, implement a “no shoes” policy in the house. If that’s not a practical solution for your family (we’ve tried and it’s not for us) get your tiny humans and guests to wipe shoes on entryway rugs or front door mats to protect floors and carpets, and to catch dirt, dust, pollen brought in from outside. Inside, place washable rugs in high-tragic areas to prevent sand and dirt from being tracked from room to room. Confine eating to the kitchen or dining room so you won’t be chasing crumbs throughout the house.
  • Outsmart smelly trashcans which are even worse in the summer heat, by storing extra liners on the bottom of your trash can to protect against spills and leaks. Summer’s also a great time to spray down trash cans outdoors with a hose and a little dish soap—multitask and do it when you wash your car.
  • Skip the dishes. My kids eat A LOT during the summer. The sheer number of cups and bowls from 12 different snack times can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to washing all of those bowls and cups… Skip traditional dishware and have your kiddos use paper dishware.
  • When the sun is out, the kids and pets are out … which means stinky kids AND pets! Sprinkle baking soda on the couch or pet’s bed, let it sit for a few minutes and vacuum it up to neutralize odors.

What summer cleaning habits do you have to keep the house clean during the warm summer months?

Our sponsor, Stanley Steemer removes an average of 94% of common household allergens like pet dander from carpet, upholstery, tile and hardwood floors. They’re also certified “asthma and allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services.

Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line.
Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available!

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

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun Memorial Day Edition

Posted on by Angie

If you’re planning on hanging around the ‘Ham this Memorial Day Weekend, here are some things to keep you busy!

  • 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 train* and 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 – Regular Hours
Sunday – Regular Hours
Monday – Regular Hours

  • 8th Annual Salsa Showdown at Cahaba Brewing

All the chips and dip you can eat with the purchase of one ticket! Restaurants and vendors from across Alabama will convene to compete for best salsa, queso, guacamole, and specialty dip – both audience choice and jury choice. Live music, piñata smashes, kids’ activities, and the famous hot pepper eating contest.

Saturday, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
Kids 5 and under are free

  • National Paper Airplane Day at McWane Science Center

Put the Engineer Design Process to the test and build the best paper airplane. Will your airplane fly the farthest or get the most “air time?” Explore the science behind flight in this high-flying day!

Saturday – Regular Museum Hours

Pepper Place Farmers Market

If you’re planning and epic cook out this Memorial Day, then head on down to Pepper Place to pick up some fresh veggies and other various goodies for your guests. Pepper Place also features live music and will often host chef demonstrations throughout the summer months as well.

Saturday 7am – Noon

  • Hans Solo Party at 2nd and Charles

Their SUPER SUMMER Reading Program gets kicked off with an out of this galaxy Han Solo party! To celebrate our favorite space scoundrel, we will be playing some classic Star Wars films, coloring and crafting and cosplay for those who look scruffy enough!

When you attend you’ll receive your Light-Speed stamp in your Super Summer Reading brochure!

Saturday, 2pm – 4pm

Thank You to Our Sponsor:

Red Diamond is the 3rd oldest family owned and operated coffee and tea company in the U.S., with over 110 years of coffee and tea excellence.

Red Diamond’s tea line features an exquisite collection of exceptional hand-picked estate-grown teas from the finest tea plantations around the world.

Red Diamond’s coffee line offers the finest blends of gourmet beans available. Combined with state-of-the-art Scolari roasting, our unique blends from Central and South America allow us to produce the perfect cup of coffee every time.

 

Safe Alternatives For Benzocaine Teething Products

Posted on by Angie

A recent article  warned that benzocaine teething products aren’t safe for children. According to Dr. Harold Katz, the FDA was wise in issuing their warning.  However, the FDA advised manufacturers about this potential problem many years ago.  It finally took a strong threat from the FDA for manufacturers to take benzocaine containing “baby” oral care products off the market.  Benzocaine is a drug and does not belong in oral products used by babies.

Pediatricians as well as experienced moms have urged the use of the following more natural and safer methods:

  • Pressure:  simply massaging the gum area of erupting teeth can minimize discomfort and massaging gently is a great bonding method.  There currently exists soft rubber teething toys which pediatricians recommend
  • Chamomile:  Chamomile has natural soothing qualities:  make a concentrated tea solution with chamomile tea bags and then soak a clean cotton cloth into the mixture.  Then gently rub the chamomile soaked cloth on the erupting gum area.
  • Clove oil:  dilute natural clove oil with warm water and after dipping a clean cotton cloth into the solution, gently massage the affected area.

In addition, a natural soothing solution already exists. Therabreath soothing oral rinse already combines chamomile, aloe Vera, oatmeal extract, and xylitol. Dip a clean cotton cloth into this solution and apply pressure to your baby’s affected gum area. Therabreath Soothing Oral Rinse is available amazon.com.
One important note:  Many websites tout the use of ice or very cold on the affected area.  This is not very wise, since extreme cold (as in ice cubes) can damage oral tissue permanently.

 

About Dr. Harold Katz
Dr. Harold Katz is widely recognized in the media as the “final authority” on breath. He’s been featured on Fox and Friends, FOX Network’s Mike & Juliet Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, and The View with Barbara Walters and countless other radio and TV interviews.  Dr. Katz is a graduate of the UCLA School of Dentistry and holds a separate degree in Bacteriology, also from UCLA.  He is the founder of The California Breath Clinics, is the author of “The Bad Breath Bible,” and bearer of the now famous Halimeter which tests the sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

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