Browsing all posts in October, 2009.
Find: Snoozy’s Kids for Kid Gifts and…Mom Gifts
Every few months you’re probably caught wondering what gift to buy for a birthday party, wondering how you’ll get it wrapped, or just wondering where you parked your car after a trip to a big toy store.
Wonder no more. In Birmingham, we have our own version of a Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, only our [...]
Best Halloween Date: Phantom of the Opera at the Alabama Theatre
Maybe Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical score has helped make Phantom of the Opera a long-running hit on Broadway, but I’ll tell you a performance that’s just as thrilling with no plane ticket required. Alabama Theatre’s showing of the classic silent film is a unique Halloween date or evening out that lets [...]
In Praise of Original Pumpkins, Costumes
It’s only appropriate that after stern warnings against wearing rollers out in public (Nikki’s West sign) a Halloween pumpkin would make the classic pink foam look adorable. Check out her hair net. All she needs now is a tub of Dippity-Do.
Since white pumpkins have come into vogue, there’s no reason to be [...]
Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign
This sign is displayed at one of the most venerable restaurants in Birmingham, and it has to be one of my favorite greetings at any place of business. If you’ve been there, I hope you noticed it and are nodding your head in recognition: Nikki’s West.
Locals know that Nikki’s [...]
Find: Authentic Olive Jars, Rugs, at Tsitalia Imports
It’s a sad fact that I won’t be traveling to the Mediterranean anytime soon. Even if I were, I doubt I would care to spend time hauling around or even shipping the great things I would find on my trip – especially knowing so many of them are already in town [...]
Delegating to Dad: Halloween Costumes
Some of you BirminghamMoms wouldn’t dream of leaving the Halloween costume to anyone else, and I’m certain many of you had your little dumplings’ attire selected before the first leaf fell. For next year, though, I’m going to recommend that you let dad handle costume selection for [...]
Job Search Skills Camp Oct. 28, 2009
With unemployment past 10% in our area, many folks are looking for jobs. Even moms who aren’t currently in the job market are considering returning to work becuase of a spouse’s layoff or general unease about future job security.
The Birmingham Society of Human Resources, UAB Career Services, [...]
Window Hardware Pronto
After the agony of finding the perfect fabric or style for a window treatment, the next most difficult part is finding good-looking window hardware that conveys a presence without requiring a dip into a home equity line of credit.
Substantial curtains almost always require an investment. My mom [...]
Teacher Conference Time: Preparation Tips from Teachers, Plus a Bonus Idea
It’s time for teacher conferences and I took the opportunity to ask a few captive teachers on the bus en route to a field trip for some ideas. I got some excellent suggestions and am passing along these insider tips. My favorites are in italics:
*Remember that [...]
Get Every Last Dime out of a Roasted Chicken
You know I’m a big fan or roasted chickens from the market and consider them to be cheaper to buy than to prepare at home, especiallly the larger ones that come from a Sam’s or Costco. However, there are ways to eke even more value out [...]