One Year Later – What You Need to Know

This Friday marks the anniversary of the devastating tornadoes that left their mark in Alabama. As tornado season comes rolling in this year, many people are taking severe weather more seriously. After many more tornado outbreaks have occurred all over the South and Midwest, scientists and meteorologists have developed technology that can save lives in the case of severe weather.

Photo Credit: The Birmingham News

A few items stand out as necessities for the threat of severe weather. From apps and radios to new radar systems being used by meteorologists, here are a few technologies to familiarize yourself with as tornado season quickly approaches.

MyWARN

This simple, but powerful app tracks the user’s location to monitor any threats wherever the user is. The app is easy to use and only gives a warning for the user’s location. It gives hours of advance notice when there is severe weather, complete with maps and links to local TV partners for live coverage. The app can run in the background of the phone to monitor the weather and will only alert once it receives a notification. MyWARN was created in the wake of the April 27^th tornadoes here in Alabama and is designed to prevent that from happening again. You can purchase this potentially life-saving tool on the iTunes store for $9.99. Click here for more information.

SAF-T-Net

This system is not an app, but a personalized weather siren that uses text messages, email or phone calls to warn you when you could be affected by severe weather. This program is designed specifically for Alabama residents, and there is not subscription cost, although data and text messaging rates apply. Click here for more information and to sign up.

iMAP Weather Radio

This app offers location-specific alerts, for yourself as well as for your friends and family. You can set five fixed locations to alert you to dangerous weather in those areas. You receive alerts via push and voice notifications and you can view video streaming coverage of sever weather. The updated version conserves battery life to make sure you can receive alerts for as long as you need to.  This app is available on the iTunes store for $9.99. Click here for more information.

NOAA Weatheradio

This radio broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches and forecasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the nearest National Weather Service office. These radios can be purchased at any retail electronics store. For more information about a weather radio, click here.

This February, the Dual-Pol radar was installed. It is expected to provide a much more accurate reading of storm structures, particularly close to the ground. This new radar will be really helpful in predicting all sorts of weather: storms, tornadoes, rainfall and temperatures.

Thanks to digital and social media, new technologies spread like wildfire and make a bigger impact. People can share information, pictures and videos to hundreds of people in seconds. Taking advantage of social media in severe weather can literally save lives.

For more information about how this radar works, click here.

Click here to read “21^st Century Storm Watch” from the Birmingham News.

Click here to read more about weatherman James Spann’s take on what we’ve learned from last year.

Earth Day Roundup

Need some weekend plan ideas? This weekend is bursting at the seams with things to do. Whether it’s the Greater Birmingham Parade of Homes or any of the Earth Day activities around the city, there are plenty of options this weekend for getting out and having some fun. Click here for more information on the Parade of Homes on April 21-22 & 28-29.

Auntie Litter’s Annual Earth Day Parade and Celebration presented by Auntie Litter

When: April 19, 2012, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Kelly Ingram Park, 6^th Ave. N. at 16^th St.

More info: 205-879-3009

This Earth Day Parade and Festival is the country’s largest Earth Day parade. Kids from all around Birmingham come to the park to enjoy fun and educational activities such as environmental entertainment, a picnic lunch, more than 30 exhibitors and a parade throughout Birmingham. Tickets are $1 per person.

Earth Day Our Way presented by Anthropologie at the Summit

When: April 19, 2012, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Anthropologie at the Summit, 214 Summit Blvd.

More info: 205-298-9929

Bring the kids to enjoy ocean arts and crafts while you shop! See a manager to RSVP. Recommended for kids ages 5-10.

Earth Day Celebration presented by the McWane Science Center

When: April 21-22, 2012, Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19^th St. N

More info: 205-714-8300

This Earth Day Celebration will feature cool programs like “Newspaper Masterpieces” where you can use recycled materials to create works of art. Ticket information can be found at www.mcwane.org.

Picnic for the Planet presented by the Nature Conservancy in Alabama

When: April 22, 2012, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Railroad Park, 1600 1^st Ave S.

More info: www.nature.org

The Nature Conservancy in Alabama is attempting to break the world record for the world’s largest picnic celebration! This free event will feature live music, more than 50 picnic tables as art projects and kids’ activities. Anyone who is unable to join the picnic at Railroad Park can sign up to host their own picnic with family and friends, and anyone who gathers 25 people or more can download materials that will allow their picnic to be included in the record breaking attempt. There will also be wooden picnic tables that have been sponsored by companies, non-profits and individuals and decorated on display for sale as a fundraiser for the Nature Conservancy.

Earthbound’s Eartfest presented by Friends of George Ward Park

When: April 22, 2012, 2-6 p.m.

Where: Bessie Estell Park, 803 9^th Court South

More info: 205-586-1804

The band Earthbound will play a free concert and there will be events for people of all ages. This free concert is a perfect time to bring a picnic and relax in the park. Any proceeds will be donated to the Friends of George Ward Park.

Celebrate the Outdoors on Earth Day! Presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company and Vulcan Park and Museum

When: April 22, 2012, 2 p.m. (park opens at 1 pm)

Where: Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr.

More info: 205-324-2424

The Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Youth Programs and “Singin’ in the Rain” cast members will be having free live performances at the park.

Earth Day on Cahaba presented by Living River

When: April 22, 2012, 2 – 6 p.m.

Where: Living River: A Retreat on the Cahaba, 3603 Lorna Ridge Dr.

More info: www.livingriver.org

Living River will host an Earth Day Celebration as its official groundbreaking on Earth Day. Activities include canoeing, hiking, a cookout and other Earth Day activities.

Earth Day at The Gardens presented by Birmingham Botanical Gardens

When: May 5, 2012

Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Road

More info: bbgardens.org/earthday

The Botanical Gardens will host more than 40 earth friendly exhibitors at booths displaying family friendly activities and information.

OTMJ Features Liberty Park and Parade of Homes

If you haven’t read the current issue of Over the Mountain Journal, you’re missing out on a fantastic write-up about the Parade of Homes. One of the article features Liberty Park’s Heritage Hills and Hampden Place, describing the LP homes featured on the tour as “luxury homes on both large and smaller scales.” In other words, there’s something for you!

You can read the story online at www.otmj.com or you can flip through the online version of the bi-weekly paper below. Either way, we hope you’ll join us for the 2012 Parade of Homes!

Liberty Park and the 2012 Parade of Homes

Liberty Park is getting some lovin’!

April is the pinnacle of springtime in Alabama. Weather is warming, flowers are blooming and homebuilders are boasting. That’s right! April means it’s time for the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders’ 56th annual Parade of Homes! On April 21-22 and 28-29, this nationally recognized, award-winning event will bring thousands of people to see the latest building and decorating trends right here in Birmingham.

The Parade of Homes features houses ranging from 1,000 to more than 3,000 square feet, showcasing homes for every family size. More than 100 homes in 18 villages in the greater Birmingham area will be featured in this year’s Parade, including the “Ideal Home,” in the Chase Lake community in Hoover.

This year, two Liberty Park communities are being featured in the Parade of Homes — Hampden Place and Heritage Hills. These communities get a chance to display their beautiful homes and show thousands of people all of the benefits of living in Liberty Park.

This year’s Parade of Homes comes at a unique time for the greater Birmingham area. Liberty Park residents get to take part in an opportunity to show a community of builders, developers, general and specialty contractors, suppliers and associates how far Birmingham has come through its difficult times. Liberty Parkers get to show thousands of people the beauty of their homes and the greater Birmingham area.

Bring your family and your friends. Support your neighbors and your neighborhood by taking part in the Parade of Homes. Show the world what Liberty Park and Magic City have to offer.

Click here for more information on the 2012 Parade of Homes, and here to go to the Greater Birmingham Parade of Homes Facebook page.

Easter Brunch Ideas

With Easter just around the corner  — April 8, actually — we thought it would be great to offer a few suggestions to make your it more enjoyable. It is, after all, a day best spent with family and friends (as well as the unofficial start of patio season here in the South). If you aren’t one to cook a big meal, we checked out local restaurants for special Easter menus. But, if you’re anything like most of us, you may want to put together a brunch/lunch (or a potluck version of either). We’ve provided links to the very best Easter brunch menus and dishes we could find.

Eating Easter Out

Many places offer a special Easter brunch — here are some menus that will make your mouth water just from reading:

Veranda on Highland — $40/person

1st course options include deviled yard eggs, country pate, French toast, southern drop biscuits and smoked ham hock gravy, crawfish bisque and cornmeal beignet and more.

2nd course options include a southern biscuit sandwich, buttermilk waffle with fried chicken, shrimp and stone ground grits, grilled ribeye and fried potatoes, sugar cane braised pork and a poached egg, Mississippi redfish and braised celery, tarragon fumet and more.

3rd course options include strawberry rhubarb and a lemon biscuit, chocolate and local goat cheese flourless cake, carrot cake and roasted pineapple, and a seasonal sorbet. Check out the full Easter Brunch menu here.

Silvertron Café — priced per item, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This restaurant has many options ranging from a brunch fajita or a shrimp and crab cake benedict to quiche of the day and grillades & grits. They also serve mimosas and pitchers of Bloody Marys. You can check out the menu here.

Chez Lulu — starting at 10 a.m.

Chez Lulu offers a Brunch Specialty du jour, served with roasted garlic cheddar grits and house made applesauce. They also serve an array of crepes, biscuits, eggs, and other baked goods. View the menu here.

Oscars at the Museum — $32/adult or $18/children, 11 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Oscars, the restaurant inside the Birmingham Museum of Art, has mastered “the art of eating local.” Overlooking the Ireland Sculpture Garden, Oscars at the Museum sources fresh local ingredients in the middle of the Southeast’s largest metropolitan museum. Menus change seasonally, of course, and Easter is no different. Take a peek at the menu here.

Eating Easter In

Foodnetwork.com offers a variety of Easter Brunch menus with full recipes. Here is our favorite – “Southern Style Wake-Up Call.”

Perfect Hash Browns

Spicy Citrus Bloody Mary

Crawfish Quiche

Maple-Peach Glazed Ham Steak

Pecan Waffles with Roasted Pecan and Banana Syrup

Better Homes and Gardens’ website has an array of incredible recipes you will love (our stomachs are growling!):

Bacon-Asparagus Strata

Peach Pancakes and Chai Syrup

Two-Potato Frittata

Pineapple Upside-Down Coffee Cake     

Coconut Waffles

Loaded Hash Browns

Turkey and Apple Breakfast Sausage

Berries Romanoff

Spring is in the Air: Time to Clean!

It’s time to make way for the sunshine and warm air to breathe life into our homes. It’s time for the closed windows and shadowed rooms to stop hiding from the chirping birds and the green trees. It’s spring-cleaning time! All of the dusty crevices and neglected corners of our houses don’t stand a chance against these spring-cleaning tips.

Let’s start with the windows, blinds, curtains and lights–the parts of the house that will fully embrace and gladly share spring’s sunshine.

Martha Stewart’s Tips

• Use rubber-edged squeegees with extendable handles for high reaches.
• Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
• Wipe off the dirt, and then dampen the squeegee, wiping down the pane.
• Wipe the squeegee after each stroke and dry the windowsills with a cloth.
• Wipe wooden blinds with a gentle wood cleaner on a barely damp sponge.
• Clean aluminum blinds outside by laying them on a sheet on a slanted surface and scrubbing them with water and a noncorrosive cleaner. Rinse them with the hose and dry them with a towel to prevent rust.
• Vacuum, steam, or dry-clean the curtains.
• Consider replacing heavy winter curtains with light spring curtains.
• Unscrew the light bulbs and polish them with a microfiber cloth dampened with water.
• Use a lamb’s wool duster with a long handle for ceiling fixtures.
• Switch the direction of your ceiling fan: counterclockwise for warm weather creates a cool breeze, while clockwise in the winter circulates warm air.

Deep-cleaning bedrooms, living rooms and the kitchen can be overwhelming, but a few simple tricks will brighten your house for spring.

Martha Stewart’s Tips, with help from Ladue-Frontenac Patch

• Give your walls a fresh face with a new coat of paint in warm colors.
• Update your bed linens: for a quick, easy duvet, sew two flat sheets around the edges and leave an opening at the bottom secured by twill-tape or Velcro inside the edges.
• Flip your mattress and wash your sheets.
• Clean carpets and rugs with a shampooer.
• Consider replacing heavy wool rugs with natural or woven ones such as sisal, coir or natural cotton.
• Move big furniture away from the walls one corner at a time to vacuum out the neglected corners and crevices
• Add a large mirror or an arrangement of mirrors on the wall to bring light into a dark room.
• Clean out the refrigerator starting with wiping up spills on the shelves. Wash the inside with a baking soda/water solution. Remove shelves and let them warm to room temperature before washing. Use a toothbrush to scrub hardened spills and crannies. Make a habit to throw out old food.
• Re-stock your cleaning supplies: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, tile/grout/wood cleaner, baking soda and vinegar as well as sponges, rags, brushes and rubber gloves.

For busy families, or if cleaning just isn’t your thing, consider a cleaning service.  For instance, Two Maids & A Mop offers a thorough cleaning package (Top to Bottom Deep Cleaning Package) that would be perfect for getting your house ready for spring. A quick Google search reveals the top services in the metro area. If you don’t have the time for a deep cleaning, give one of them a call!

Two LPMS Teachers Honored

Earlier this week, two teachers from Liberty Park Middle School were honored on al.com for their achievements in the classroom. Courtney Simmons teaches eighth grade social studies, and has been teaching in the Vestavia Hills school system for five years. Courtney is the school’s nominee for the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club Teacher of the Year.

Travis Bender has been at the school for four years and along with being the band director, he teaches Beginning Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band. Travis is the school’s nominee for Alabama State Teacher of the Year.

Both teachers push their students in the classroom, creating a learning environment that is both fun and challenging. What an honor to be recognized as making a difference in kids’ lives! Congratulations to Courtney and Travis!

Click here to read the full article from al.com.

12 Energy-Saving Tips for Spring

Photo Credit: homesolarinfo.com

With warmer weather rolling in and spring just around the corner, it’s time to think of ways to start keeping our houses cooler instead of warmer. Being greener here and there not only helps the environment, but also helps your pocketbook. We gathered 12 tips from around the Internet (with links so you can read more) to serve as a guide for saving energy and money this spring.

What advice would you give our readers?

1. Install a ceiling fan to circulate air and cool down the room. This simple step will reduce the work your air conditioner has to do, and it’ll create a nice breeze throughout the house. (Read More)

2. As the weather warms up, use the grill to cook instead of the stove and oven, which heat up the kitchen. Using smaller kitchen appliances is also a good idea because it uses less energy and creates less heat for your air conditioner to cool down. (Read More)

3. If you do use the stove, be sure to turn on the fan above to get rid of all the extra heat. (Read More)

4. Clean your air conditioner filters monthly! This may seem insignificant, but clogged up, dirty filters don’t allow your air conditioner to work efficiently. Cleaner filters means better working air conditioner – and all of that means saving money! (Read More)

5. Switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. This small change can save you $30-$40 per bulb over their lifetime, and they create less heat. (Read More)

6. Close your blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day. This keeps the sun from heating up your house and the air conditioner from having to do extra work. (Read More)

7. Use a dehumidifier, but make sure it’s not too big for your home. The right size depends on the square footage of the house, and too big of a dehumidifier can actually end up costing more money. When you find the right size, it’s a great way to cool down and keep your energy costs low. (Read More)

8. Wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible and don’t use too much soap. Heating up water uses energy and over-soaping can make your washer work harder than its needs to. Washing full loads each time instead of single items saves money and time (double whammy!). (Read More)

9. Clean up your drying: clean out the lint after each load, don’t use more heat on a load than necessary, dry loads back-to-back while the dryer is still warm and hang your clothes to dry if the weather is nice enough. (Read More)

10. Keep your refrigerator running smoothly by setting the temperatures between 37-40 degrees and the freezer at 0 degrees. Also make sure the refrigerator is level so that the door seals properly, not letting any unnecessary heat in the refrigerator. (Read More)

11. The dishwasher can use up to 15 gallons of hot water per load and electricity to operate it. Washing dishes by hand or only using the dishwasher when it is fully loaded are great ways to save money and energy. (Read More)

12. Be sure to turn off the lights! This simple step can save a lot of money, since lighting can make up nearly 11% of your monthly energy bill. (Read More)