#bct Things to do in Birmingham with children @bjCC @bct123org

I don't know about you, but I am forever looking for something fun, cheap, easy, and especially local- to do with my kids. Usually when you think BJCC, that is; the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center you think mostly adult themed activities, such as concerts or more recently, Paw Patrol visited there. But it would have been a little costly for the 5 of us to attend . At the tune of about 30 on average or more per ticket; it would've cost us over 150 to all go. I just don't usually have that kind of expendable funds. Like most, I live hand to mouth.
Although it would've been great to take them to that, you might not realize there are more things to do with kids at the BJCC. Today we attended a wee theatre showing that was around ten dollars per person.

This Saturday the 15th kicks off the public showing of the youth play of the Birmingham Children's Theater : Rumpelstilskin.
Showings : September 15th, 22nd & 29th @ 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM

My family got to attend a more private showing this morning, and we were blown away. Very ironically, my child's father and I had a discussion about this Brothers Grimm tale some years ago when I was pregnant  with our first child.
I remarked, "Rumplestilskin will take our first born!" To my amazement he replied "who?" He had never ever heard this fable before. Today I got to watch it with said baby our first born son, who is now 3 almost 4. So strange.

Coupon code in post, ends in 5 days. Hurry!~

Click any of the pictures in this post to go to the site to make your own photo book today!
Deal Info: New Customer Exclusive: 40% OFF with code AMPERSAND4T at Blurb

Affiliate Disclosure of Material Connection  Some of the links one this website are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Family Signs~

@rafflecopter: #giveaway Lysol's Allergy Air Filters #spon #enterTOwin a YEARS supply of Lysol Air filters. #blogGiveaway

Anywhere modern that you live, will need air filters! But which ones are best? If you suffer from, or someone in your household suffers from allergies to dust, pet dander and more then you should check out these very efficient Lysol Air Filters which are recommended for allergies.  

•  U.S. allergy capitals from AAFA. 

The one thing I found ,most helpful about this brand and could appreciate the fact that they are widely found throughout the country, I found mine at Lowes last year on the last blog review I wrote for them!

I have a coupon code though, if you prefer to purchase online, it can be even more time-saving, and the The 20% off code is CASEY20.   My readers can purchase the filters through the following link:
http://www.filtration.com/brands/lysol

:)

• I wanted to also share with you that they currently have a Rafflecopter contest for a year’s supply of Lysol Air Filters that will run from November 18th- December 6th.  You will need to ‘like and share’ the Lysol Air Filters Facebook page to be entered into the contest.  The link for the Rafflecopter contest is: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2261920/. You can just click that link to open in a new tab/window if the widget is not showing up on my blog (below.).

You wouldn't want to use anything less than a quality air conditioner filter, especially since you have to breathe to live. What circulates air daily around your house should also serve a purpose of putting out clean air, and cleaning the air that is circulating, agree?

 That's why just any old air conditioner filter is no good!

#chickensoupforthesoul Blurb Chicken Soup for the Soul #chickensoup4thesoul

Blurb Chicken Soup for the Soul

Blurb's Chicken Soup for the Soul Book**

It can be really hard buying books for people as gifts. After all, you never know just which books they already have. And then when you do find the right book and give it to them, how do you make it really personal? Put in a book plate? Write an inscription? How do you make the whole thing totally them?

These personalized “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books are one really great way to do it. Not only do you get to choose from five different story themes (from “Christmas Stories” to “Giving thanks”), you can personalize it in ways you just can’t with a conventional book. As the title suggests, these are stories meant to comfort and heal. 

Your custom “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book will truly be a book for them because the book is printed with their name on the cover, as the recipient. And it’s truly from you because your name is printed on the cover as the giver. You can even include an inscription inside the book and on the back cover. Even add a photo to the back. 

There are other nice options to choose from, like the type of cover you’d like and the type of paper. It takes just about five minutes to make it a truly custom book. And chances are, it’s something they’ll love forever. And a 60-page book starts at just $24.95.

There’s a quick video here: Chicken Soup for the Soul that shows you how to fill in all the info using a simple online tool. The books are all done by Blurb, so you know the quality is going to be great. 

Get started here: Blurb's Chicken Soup for the Soul Book 

I hope you enjoyed my sponsored post for Blurb! **There are affiliate links in this post (Disclosure)
@ChickenSoupSoul
Chickensoup.com loves Blurb.com

#werthersCaramel NEW: Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn #movieNight #werthersPopcornParty! #spon

I love the new Werther's Popcorn and so do all of my friends who attended this party I had the last week of October for MommyParties.

NEW: Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn

Perfectly popped corn wrapped with rich and creamy Werther’s Original Caramel. The Caramel Popcorn for Caramel Lovers!


They sent us a TON (note: 12 LRG bags) that I handed out with coupons to my friends and their kids who attended the party!


They also sent us the movie Soul Surfer to watch while we munch. Though this review is not of the movie, the movie was good, but the popcorn was even better.

The kit they shipped us came complete with invites, and recipe cards with recipe suggestions.

Although, I thought it would be MUCH better to come up with our own Werther's Caramel Popcorn recipe and this is what we came up with!!

WERTHER'S POPCORN TRAIL MIX!

Oh so easy to make, it can consist of any ingredients your little heart can dream up, although here are the delights we added into ours.

First I got colored ziplock sandwich baggies, but you can use Paper Bags (and decorate them, which is what we almost did!) and lay out your assortment of treats in different bowls with spoons.

We used:

NEW Werther's Caramel Popcorn

Marshmallows

M & M's (we used Pretzel, Peanut, Peanut Butter and Plain)

Gummies

Honey Roasted Peanuts

After the kids and we few moms got our perfect Werther's popcorn trail mix made (some sans Marshmallows, which surprisingly, wait- some kids don't like mini marshmallows... ??? What they hey!?) we all settled in to watch the movie. 

 After the first movie, we decided to ALSO watch another, a review sent to me called  Monsters University. Which we also loved. When all was said and done, all the bowls were cleaned out, all the sample bags of popcorn given out, and some very big (and satisfied) munched out tummies.

All in all, I learned of a new DELICIOUS snack: duh.. the WERTHER'S CARAMEL POPCORN, and I even made a new friend that day: Linette.

It was a perfect snack for a perfect Mommy Party on a perfect afternoon. Really!!  It was a good day!

And do yourself a favor: if you happen to see this in stores, grab a bag, it's not your typical caramel popcorn treat, since it has the oh-so-delicious WERTHER'S caramel on it, it tastes so much better than you are probably used to caramel popcorn tasting. Simply addictive, so BE careful; consume with caution!  Good night y'all! Thanks for reading Locomotion of Expressions.



Facebook.com/WerthersOriginalUS
Facebook.com/MommyParties
Facebook.com/LocomotionOFexpressions
 www.CaramelShoppe.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my rules/disclosure policy.

Raise a Giant: Stand Up Against Bullying with Green Giant #MyBlogSpark

Bullying is a big thing. I guess I have been naive to it, until it started this year in 3rd grade. Bullying doesn't always mean hands on pushing or shoving, biting, kicking and physical things. Bullying can be words too. A cut from a scratch will heal, and be forgotten about. But bullying leaves a mark on the heart of a young child forever. Words can carry with you, and sting harder than the child, or you; the parent, might think.

I guess there have been little instances peppered here and there. You know: I had one little girl in the same class as my daughter last year fight and bicker with her all the time. I chalked it up to a clash in personalities, because it seemed like a love-hate relationship. Until one day the little girl was telling the other girls she wouldn't be her friend if they talked to her. It made me really angry. I went to school to eat lunch with my daughter the next day because they sat together I asked her why she would say such a thing.. and told her if it didn't stop I would tell her grand mother. Because it was really bothering Gigi.  It got better, it got worse. I never looked at it as bullying, probably because I assumed Gigi wasn't 100% innocent.

Giana (left) ugly... ??? WHERE? Yeah right!!!  That little boy needs his eyes checked.

But this year, the boys are getting older and more brazen and picking on the girls. She came home from school the other day tearful because a little boy in her class has been kicking her, and pinching her, and telling her she's ugly. He even told her she looked like a boy!!  *Gasp!*  SERIOUSLY? How mean!!!  First of all, let me say, there is no way -- no how Gigi looks like a boy. She is gorgeous, she wears dresses, bows and has very long hair. She is VERY girly.  I think I was more offended than she was. I never knew how insulting that could feel, and if it hurt me;I know it REALLY hurt her.

It starts with name calling like that! I called the teacher right away & I let her know about the situation.

@PowerMyLearning is one of the best sites I have seen for free educational game compilations

I absolutely LOVED that this site PowerMyLearning is free!!

Not only do a lot of sites have high membership dues, or "free trials" which you soon forget you even subscribed for.... That is, until you get the non-refundable 19.99 charge on your debit card bill.. Yeaaahh- y'all know what I am talking about, don't you? 

As I was saying, not only is it 100% free, and free is a GOOD thing--  but in addition: lot of sites worry me, because of the Ads on sidebars which could have viruses and/or tracking cookies, not to mention things inappropriate for children, at times. Even the best of sites like Disney and Nick have these. 

Bottom line: You don't know a sites safety without sitting hours researching  Even if you do, you'd have to sit on top of an eight year old the entire time they were on the computer to make sure they don't stray that mouse clicker to questionable sites. Now, this may sound bad- but let us have a moment of honesty here: a lot of the times I let my daughter on the computer to get her out of my hair and get stuff done.. and neither of those feats can be accomplished if I have to monitor her every click on the computer.

Bring Home More Episodes of Disney Junior’s Popular TV Show “Sofia the First” on Disney DVD NOW

~SOFIA the First: Ready To Be A Princess!~

   

This Fairytale DVD Includes 5 Fun-Filled Episodes from the TV Series, including a special appearance by Princess Jasmine, Plus a Complimentary Exclusive Sofia Doll Dress Up Kit!

                                My little girls (yes, even my 8 year old!) LOVE Sofia the First! This cute Disney cartoon is appropriate for young ones and the characteprs are friendly and oh so sweet! You can't help but fall in love with Sofia and instantly like her helpful friends Clover & Mia. I know that your little Princess will like these fun loving friends and DVD too! This DVD was especially cute, since it came with a small cardboard dress up set. It wasn't what I was expecting, but my kids had a lot of fun playing with it. They played with it for hours and had a lot of fun changing the "dolls" clothes. My 3 year old was especially entranced by the dress up set and begged to watch the DVD over and over the first week it was here! Disney Junior always puts out great television shows for Toddler and small kids, and this is no exception.   Linda Larkin's role as Jasmine was impressive and the voice talent on this show is on point! I have to admit, I don't mind sitting down to watch this one with the girls, and most of the shows they like: I cannot say that for!!  :))   Your favorite little princess-in-training returns for more music, majesty and magical fun, so get ready to have a ball with Sofia the First! Becoming royalty overnight is every girl’s dream, and Sofia is eager to prove she can be a true princess. Visit an enchanted circus, meet a pet dragon and soar through desert skies with Sofia and Amber on a magic carpet ride!  But when their high-flying adventure veers off course, it’s special guest Princess Jasmine to the rescue with inspiring advice about trying new things, staying strong and trusting yourself. Sparkling with extraordinary song unforgettable characters and thrilling surprises, Ready to Be A Princess opens the door to a whole new world of kindness, helping others and being the best you can be!

Clip: A Brand New Friend

#SmilingItForward - Why are you SMILING IT FORWARD™? #ad

I’m SMILING IT FORWARD™ because… smiles are healthy and integral part of a persons life. Whether it be a child, a parent, or a grandparent, these moments are moment that we will cherish and have in our memories forever. Don't forget to capture these moments on film whenever possible!!!

What does it mean to you as a mom to see your child smile after they have been sick? (You know, that “feel better” smile that means they’re ready to run around again!) For me, it means no more worries of germs, doctor's visits or fevers. We all sleep a little better, and a well rested child and mother can contribute an all-over better feeling to any household!!

OVERVIEW :  The makers of TYLENOL® were so inspired by the “feel better” smiles shared
organically by moms across the country online that they’ve teamed up with How
I Met Your Mother star and mom of two, Alyson Hannigan, to launch the
SMILING IT FORWARD™ campaign. Together, they hope to set the power of
giving in motion, inviting everyone to share smiles of good health to help
children in need.

SMILING IT FORWARD™ 

SMILING IT FORWARD™ makes it easy for people to join the movement. By sharing a photo that makes you smile at SmilingItForward.com, TYLENOL® will
make a $1 donation to Children’s Health Fund, helping to ensure a doctor’s visit
is always within reach for children in need.