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

Posted on Friday, June 1, 2018 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 Wednesday, May 30, 2018 by Angie

The 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 Wednesday, May 30, 2018 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 Tuesday, May 29, 2018 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 Thursday, May 24, 2018 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.

Safe Alternatives For Benzocaine Teething Products

Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2018 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.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo

Posted on Monday, May 21, 2018 by Angie

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

May 26th – 28th

Summer Activities for Families in Birmingham

Posted on Monday, May 21, 2018 by Angie

Looking for summer activities around Birmingham to keep your kids busy during the break? This list is every Parent’s answer to the inevitable “I’m Booooooored!” you’ll be hearing about 2.1 hours into summer break!

Summer Activities for Families in Birmingham

– Cool them off with our list of Birmingham Area Splash Pads and Waterparks

– Prevent Summer Slide with Summer Reading Events at your local library

– Free and Discounted Summer Movies in Birmingham? We’ve got that covered

– Beat the summer heat with these Indoor Activities, perfect for families

– Want to pick some fruits or vegetables? We’ve got a list for that!

– Need something a little more involved? It’s not too late for some of these Summer Camps!

– How about a BIG Ole List of things to do with kids in Birmingham

– Pick up some goods at the local farmers markets

– Summer Festivals and Concerts? Find that HERE

We’ll be updating this list throughout the summer so make sure to check back for even more Summer Fun for you and your Family!

Summer Festivals and Concerts in Birmingham 2018

Posted on Monday, May 21, 2018 by Angie

Check out some of these fun Festivals and Concerts happening this Summer around Birmingham, great for the family or a date night out!

Summer Festivals and Concerts in Birmingham

Music on Main Street and Sunset Market
May 25th 8:30pm
June 1st, 8:30pm
June 8th, 8:30pm
June 15th, 8:30pm
June 22nd, 8:30pm
June 29th, 8:30pm
Downtown Columbiana

Free open air concerts on Friday nights in May and June. May 25th and June 22nd there will also be a sunset market of fresh produce and items from local craftspeople.

Bring a chair and relax to the music or stroll downtown and visit the shops and restaurants.

Salsa Showdown
May 26th, 2pm – 6pm
Cahaba Brewing Company

Eat all the chips and dip you can eat with the purchase of one ticket! Help us choose the winners in the best salsa, best queso, best guac, and best specialty dip categories! Also, watch your most daring friends embarrass themselves in our hot pepper eating contest! Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Educational and Outreach programs for the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concert
June 9th, 8pm
Railroad Park

Enjoy music under the stars with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The musical compositions to be played on this Saturday evening program will be announced at a later date.

Please join us for this special concert which promises to yield a great evening of fun. Relax on the lawn with your blanket or lawn chair. If you’d like to eat with us, please bring your picnic (no glass or alcohol allowed) to enjoy at 7:30 p.m.

To find the group, please look for the Southeastern Outings group near the walkway on the railroad side (far side of park away from 1st Avenue South) of the park. You are welcome to bring as many friends and family members as you wish.

Magic City Caribbean Food and Music Festival
June 9th, 11am
Linn Park

Since 2011, Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO) has contributed greatly to the cultural fabric of the City of Birmingham in a variety of ways to include the annual festival in Linn Park that showcases the music, food and culture of the region.

Last year the festival also featured a parade of costumes which that wound it’s way down 20th street into the park and which will take place again this year.

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.

SliceFest
June 9th, 1pm – Midnight
Slice Pizza Brew

The biggest music and food block party in Birmingham.

ADVANCE EARLY BIRD PRICE: $25
PRE-SALE PRICE: $30
AT THE GATE: $35

A general admission ticket grants you access to the SliceFest site for duration of the event.
General admission guests will be given a wristband which will allow you to come and go as needed.
Children 12 and under are admitted for free.

Funky Food Truck Festival
June 16th, 1pm – 6pm
Cahaba Brewing Company

Join us for a funky good time at Cahaba Brewing Company Saturday, June 16th, from 1pm-6pm! We’ll have tasty food from these top Birmingham food trucks: Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Lazy Boy BBQ, Taco Morro Loco, and NOLA Ice. We’ll even have treats from Fetch – A Treat Truck for Dogs for your four-legged friend(s) and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society will be there with adoptable dogs. Enjoy the fun while sipping on refreshing Cahaba brews. Donations benefit AIDS Alabama’s programs and the suggested donation is just $5. Don’t miss this funky event!

Local 2018
June 16th, 5pm
Alys Robinson Stephens Arts Center at UAB

Once again, the Center is proud to present the fifth-annual LOCAL – a celebration of everything Alabama. Kick off your summer at our outdoor and family-friendly event. Shop your favorite Alabama farmers, artists and vendors while enjoying live performances by local musicians. All your favorite food trucks will be on site when it’s time for a bite to eat. LOCAL is the perfect event for everyone who loves to call this great state home!

Taco Fest 2018
June 30th
Avondale Brewing Company

SPIRE presents TACO FEST. TACO FEST will offer a sampling of Birmingham’s Best Tacos, while each vendor competes for the title of Birmingham’s Best Taco. Tacos will be judged by a panel of guest judges and the coveted People’s Choice Award will go to the taco with the most votes by attendees of the event. Not only will there be plenty of tacos for purchase, but there will be live music by J. Grubbs and The Midnight Howlers along with DJ Ulises on the HORNITOS STAGE, a kids’ area, margaritas, beer and lots of fun for the whole family.

Tickets are only $5 in advance and $10 at the door. TACO FEST is a fundraiser for Bare Hands Inc. and benefits our Bare Hands Art Club held at the downtown YWCA of Central Alabama and the annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival to be held November 2 at Pepper Place.

Float Your Boat Summer Festival
July 21st, 10am – 4pm
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

The Friends of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve are pleased to announce that the ninth annual Float Your Boat Festival will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Float Your Boat offers a fun-filled day at the Preserve that features balsa wood boat races with prizes, the City of Pinson’s “Beat the Heat” ice cream give-away, food, swimming and a fun zone for kids. Last year more than 2,000 people attended the event, and this year promises to be even more successful and fun for the entire family. The festivities will kick off with the family fun zone opening at 10:00 am and boat races starting at noon.

Recipe: French Toast with Homemade Whipped Cream

Posted on Monday, May 21, 2018 by Angie

We love pancakes and waffles, but sometimes it gets a little old and we like to mix it up with some tasty french toast! Here’s our Easy Peasy recipe you can make for your family!

What You’ll Need:

6-8 Slices of thick white bread
2 Eggs
2/3 Cup of Milk
1/4 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp of vanilla extract

What You’ll Do:

Beat together egg, milk, cinnamon and vanilla
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
Dunk each slice of bread in egg mixture, soaking both sides. Place in pan, and cook on both sides until golden.

Serve hot.

Top with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, syrup and powdered sugar, as desired.

Now.. In our house, no serving of french toast is complete without the whipped cream, if you want to get a little fancy, whip some up on your own, here’s my recipe:

What You’ll Need:

1 Cup of Heavy Cream
1 Tbsp of granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

What You’ll Do:

Chill the clean bowl of a stand mixer and the whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Add all of the ingredients to the bowl and whisk on high speed until medium peaks form, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, you can use a hand whisk and a large chilled bowl. Whisk all of the ingredients until medium peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes.) Serve immediately.